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  • 🚨 Help Locate 15-Year-Old Mesa, Arizona Teen 💥 Gilbert's Efforts to Classify 'Gilbert Goons' 🍵 Gilbert Student Balances Books and Boba and more...

🚨 Help Locate 15-Year-Old Mesa, Arizona Teen 💥 Gilbert's Efforts to Classify 'Gilbert Goons' 🍵 Gilbert Student Balances Books and Boba and more...

Gilbert Local Pulse | Issue #060

Author

Lloyd Heath
January 12, 2024

In this issue of Gilbert Local Pulse

🌤️ Gilbert, AZ Local Weather

📅 Gilbert, AZ and Surrounding Area Events

🚨 Help Locate 15-Year-Old Mesa, Arizona Teen Missing Since December 2023

🕵️ Gilbert police ask for tips in 4 of 9 active teen assault investigations

💥 Gilbert's Efforts to Classify 'Gilbert Goons' as Criminal Gang Intensify

👍 Metro Phoenix inflation rate among nation’s lowest in 2023

📜 Grantham Revives 'Tamale Bill' with New Provisions to Satisfy Health and Safety Concerns

🏆 Uggetti voted Gilbert Public School board president

🍵 Gilbert Student Balances Books and Boba with New Business Venture

🏡 3-day Home & Garden show in Phoenix this weekend

♻️ Gilbert Introduces New Glass Recycling Drop-off Points to Boost Sustainability

Upcoming

Help Locate 15-Year-Old Mesa, Arizona Teen Missing Since December 2023

The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children is seeking assistance in finding Chase Christopher Gravatt, a 16-year-old white male who has been missing since December 19, 2023, from Mesa, Arizona.

Chase is believed to be in danger, and with each passing day, concern for his safety grows. The Mesa Police Department has been actively involved in the search for Chase, and they can be contacted at 1-480-644-2211 with any information.

It is crucial to spread awareness about Chase's disappearance to maximize the chances of his safe return. Sharing his photos and information will help reach a wider audience, increasing the probability of someone recognizing him.

If you have any information on Chase's whereabouts or any possible leads, please reach out to the Mesa Police Department or the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. Remember, any piece of information, no matter how small, could be vital in bringing Chase back home to his loved ones.

Let's work together to bring Chase Christopher Gravatt back safely.

Please share this article and let's see if we can get any leads to bring Chase home.

Gilbert police ask for tips in 4 of 9 active teen assault investigations

The assault reportedly occurred at a home located near Higley and Elliot Roads on December 17, 2022(Gilbert Police Department)

Police are investigating an assault near Guadalupe Road and Freestone Parkway. This is a new case previously unreported to Gilbert PD.(Gilbert Police Department)

Police are investigating an assault near Guadalupe Road and Freestone Parkway. This is a new case previously unreported to Gilbert PD.(Gilbert Police Department)

The Gilbert Police Department is actively seeking public assistance in their ongoing investigations into nine separate teen assault cases. Four of these cases, which span several months, are of particular interest and are being highlighted for public assistance. One prominent case involves an attack at a Gilbert In-N-Out restaurant last August, which led to the arrests of Christopher Fantastic, Aris Arredondo, and two unnamed 16-year-olds.

Despite these arrests, Gilbert police affirm that their investigation is still active as they seek to identify more individuals involved. Continuous updates on these investigations are being provided on the Gilbert Police Department's website.

The other three cases involve similar assaults within Gilbert but have not been conclusively linked to the group known as the “Gilbert Goons.” These incidents, which were previously unreported, occurred in various locations: a parking lot near Williams Field Road and Market Street, a sidewalk along Guadalupe Road and Freestone Parkway, and a parking garage at Ash Street and Vaughn Avenue.

Police spokesperson Brenda Carrasco clarified that these investigations are separate from Queen Creek's investigation into the death of Preston Lord, with no arrests made in Lord’s case.

In a related development, 20-year-old Jacob Pennington of Gilbert was arrested in Pinal County for the beating of a teen boy. Pennington claimed association with the “Gilbert Goons,” a term he stated originated from a Snapchat group chat.

Gilbert's Efforts to Classify 'Gilbert Goons' as Criminal Gang Intensify

In Gilbert, Arizona, concerns about a group known as the "Gilbert Goons" have been escalating, particularly among parents following recent acts of teen violence. The Gilbert Police Department is investigating whether this group can be classified as a criminal street gang. Although no one has been publicly named as a member of this group, the police's Street Crime Unit is working with the Arizona Department of Public Safety's Gang Enforcement Task Force on these cases.

The Gilbert Police Department has committed to thoroughly investigating anyone identified with the "Gilbert Goons" and is keeping the public informed through updates on their website. This comes after the Gilbert Town Council unanimously approved the formation of a subcommittee to address the increase in teen violence linked to this group.

Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell expressed the seriousness of these criminal acts and discussed the challenges of classifying the group as a criminal street gang. Retired FBI agent Micheal Tabman emphasized the need for patience and thorough investigation in such cases, noting the complexity of investigating young people involved in gangs.

Arizona law defines a "criminal street gang" and outlines criteria for identifying gang members and the legal implications of participating in or assisting a criminal street gang. These include self-proclamation, witness testimony, electronic correspondence, paraphernalia, tattoos, clothing or colors, and other indicia of gang membership.

The Gilbert Police Department's efforts are part of a broader initiative to address teen violence in the area, which includes investigations into incidents like the August 2023 violent attack in a parking lot and the involvement of Jacob Pennington, a self-proclaimed member of the "Gilbert Goons," in a separate assault in San Tan Valley.

Metro Phoenix inflation rate among nation’s lowest in 2023

The latest data reveals that the inflation rate in the Valley (Phoenix metropolitan area) for the past year was notably lower than the national average, standing at 2.7% compared to the national rate of 3.4%. This information, released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, came just before a webinar hosted by the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC) discussing the economic outlook for 2024.

Looking ahead to 2024, the Valley's economic growth is expected to slow down but remain healthy. This moderation in growth is attributed to a more stabilized inflow of people into the area. The Arizona labor market is returning to a pre-pandemic pace of job addition, with notable growth in the healthcare and government sectors. Doug Walls, from the state’s Office of Economic Opportunity, observed that government sector hiring has picked up as private sector hiring cooled off.

The Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity's data comparing 2022 to 2023 shows an overall increase in nonfarm employment by 60,000 jobs (1.9%), with the private sector growing by 47,000 jobs (1.7%) and government employment by 13,000 jobs (3.0%). Significant job gains were in private education, health services, and government sectors, while losses occurred in other services, information, and manufacturing.

With the Federal Reserve indicating a potential reduction in rates, Walls anticipates a shift in the housing market, as homeowners locked into low mortgage rates may become more inclined to sell.

Grantham Revives 'Tamale Bill' with New Provisions to Satisfy Health and Safety Concerns

Rep. Travis Grantham has introduced a new version of his proposal to expand the types of home-cooked foods that can be sold publicly, known as the "tamale bill." This comes after a veto last year by Governor Katie Hobbs, who had concerns about health and safety standards.

Grantham's revisions aim to address the governor's objections, particularly around home inspections, which he firmly opposes. The bill, HB 2042, still prohibits health inspectors from entering home kitchens, both announced or unannounced, a stance Grantham insists on maintaining.

The updated bill includes a definition of 'home kitchen,' a point omitted in the previous version, and introduces provisions for kitchens with developmentally disabled workers, requiring the presence of someone with a state-issued food handler card. It also empowers the health department with greater authority to revoke licenses or impose fines for rule violations.

However, the bill still faces challenges regarding oversight and inspections. Governor Hobbs has indicated she does not seek unannounced inspections but has not commented on pre-cooking inspections. Grantham argues that such inspections are impractical, as home kitchens cannot meet commercial standards and would hinder home-based food businesses.

HB 2042 sets specific guidelines for home-cooked products, such as in-person sales for items containing dairy or meat, and strict temperature controls for potentially hazardous foods. It also excludes marijuana from permissible items and allows the health department to investigate food-borne illnesses.

No hearing date has been set for the bill, leaving its future and the extent of its revisions under discussion.

Uggetti voted Gilbert Public School board president

Sheila Rogers Uggetti, a seasoned board member and retired educator, has been elected as the new president of the Gilbert Public Schools Governing Board. Her appointment was a unanimous decision made during a special organizational meeting, with the nomination put forward by the outgoing President Lori Wood.

Chad Thompson, who is in his second year on the board, was chosen to be the board clerk. Uggetti, who was first elected to the board in 2016 and retained her position in 2020, brings a wealth of experience to her new role as president.

Her career in public education spans an impressive 52 years, including her volunteer service on the governing board. Uggetti dedicated 40 years to Gilbert Public Schools (GPS), serving in various capacities such as a teacher, interim human resources director, and notably as the principal of Gilbert Elementary School for 21 years.

Her educational journey also led her to the Douglas Unified School District in Douglas, Arizona, her hometown, where she eventually became superintendent. She retired from this role in 2015. Uggetti's extensive experience in education positions her as a knowledgeable and seasoned leader for the Gilbert Public Schools Governing Board.

Gilbert Student Balances Books and Boba with New Business Venture

Hailey Brown, a 17-year-old senior at Mesquite High School in Gilbert, has combined her academic pursuits with entrepreneurial spirit by opening her own business, Chandler’s Pink Panda Boba shop. With the assistance of her parents, Hailey has dedicated time to perfect her drink recipes, bringing a unique touch to her venture.

Located inside the Chevron near Cooper and Ray roads, Pink Panda Boba offers a delightful variety of treats. The menu includes milk teas, coffees, slushes, and an array of snacks like bubble waffles and pretzels, catering to a diverse range of tastes.

This young entrepreneur's journey represents a remarkable blend of education and business acumen, showing that dedication and passion can lead to impressive achievements even at a young age.

3-day Home & Garden show in Phoenix this weekend

Phoenix is gearing up for the 31st Annual Home & Garden Show this weekend, promising a grand showcase for home improvement enthusiasts. The event, featuring over 1,000 vendors, will offer the latest in home remodeling, landscaping, gardening, patio furniture, flooring, awnings, windows, solar solutions, and much more.

The Home & Garden Show is scheduled to be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, starting Friday, January 12, through Sunday, January 14, at the Arizona State Fairgrounds, located at 1826 W. McDowell Road.

This year's event marks a significant milestone, as it is set to welcome its 4 millionth attendee in the show's three-decade history. To celebrate this achievement, the 4 millionth guest will receive a free hot tub.

General admission for the event is priced at $5. However, there are special admission offers: senior morning admission from 10 a.m. to noon on Friday is $2 for those aged 60 and above, and customer appreciation admission from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Sunday is also $2. Military members can enjoy a discounted admission of $3 upon presenting a valid ID.

For more information about the event, potential visitors can go to the official website: https://maricopacountyhomeshows.com/.

Gilbert Introduces New Glass Recycling Drop-off Points to Boost Sustainability

Gilbert, Arizona, has introduced a new glass recycling initiative, providing residents with two designated drop-off locations for glass bottles, jugs, and jars. This program is part of the town's effort to enhance sustainability and waste reduction. Residents are encouraged to use the purple glass recycling bins located at Freestone Park (1045 E. Juniper Road, near the tennis courts) and Discovery Park (2214 E. Pecos Road, near the east entrance).

Key aspects of Gilbert's glass recycling program include:

  1. Acceptance of glass bottles, jugs, and jars of any color.

  2. Requirement to remove lids or caps before disposal.

  3. Prohibition of bagging items for recycling.

  4. Necessity for the glass items to be empty and clean.

  5. Exclusion of other glass types like windows or glassware.

  6. Reminder not to leave other recyclables or trash near the bins.

It's important to note that glass is not accepted in Gilbert's curbside recycling (blue bins) but only at these new community drop-off locations.

The initiative comes after Gilbert removed glass from its curbside recycling in 2021, as it was contaminating other materials like paper and plastic, reducing the overall value of the recycled materials. The new drop-off system aims to efficiently recycle glass, thus reducing landfill waste.

The effectiveness and return on investment of this program will be evaluated over the coming months to decide if these bins should become a permanent fixture. Residents are encouraged to contribute to the program's success by adhering to the guidelines and reducing contamination rates.

For more information on Gilbert's recycling efforts, residents can visit gilbertaz.gov/recycle.

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