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🚧 A Perilous Playground 💧 Arizona's Water Supply Strategy and more...

Gilbert Local Pulse | Issue #063

Author

Lloyd Heath
January 16, 2024

In this issue of Gilbert Local Pulse

🌤️ Gilbert, AZ Local Weather

📅 Gilbert, AZ and Surrounding Area Events

🚧 A Perilous Playground: The Controversial Concrete Slide of Gilbert Regional Park

💧 Arizona's Water Supply Strategy Under Revision Amid Budget Constraints

😒 No Joke: Feds are banning humorous electronic messages on highways

🔌 Mesa gets $12M federal funds to expand electric vehicle charging network

🚔 Serial bank robber arrested by FBI in Mesa after multiple robberies

⚠️ Copper crunch! Concerns over proposed Arizona copper mine remain as global demand for metal spikes

🍻 Slam Dunk Spots: Gilbert's 4 Premier Sports Bars for Fans!

Upcoming

A Perilous Playground: The Controversial Concrete Slide of Gilbert Regional Park

In Gilbert Regional Park, a seemingly innocuous playground fixture has become a source of controversy and pain. Cory Clever, a 38-year-old resident of Queen Creek, experienced this firsthand during a visit to the park with his daughter, Lucia. What was meant to be a delightful playdate turned into a nightmare, resulting in Clever suffering a severe ankle injury.

The culprit? A concrete slide in the playground. Clever, who is a disabled veteran and federal law enforcement officer, now calls for the removal of this slide, citing its danger. This demand echoes similar calls in other communities, where legal battles over injuries caused by concrete slides have occurred.

Despite regular maintenance and safety inspections, as claimed by Ben Kalkman, the chairman of the Parks and Recreation Board, the slide has been the site of multiple injuries. Clever's injury is not an isolated incident. He joins a growing list of individuals who have filed claims against the town for injuries sustained on this slide, seeking compensation for lost personal and sick leave.

The incident that led to Clever's injury unfolded on a December Saturday. His attempt to rescue his daughter, who had been launched into the air by the slide, resulted in his own serious injury. The consequences for Clever have been profound, affecting not only his physical health but also his personal and professional life, including his involvement with Operation Pay it Forward, a nonprofit aiding returning combat veterans.

Reports and complaints about the slide's safety have been noted previously, with suggestions for modifications and records of various accidents involving both children and adults. Yet, the town's official position remains that the playground equipment meets all safety standards.

This issue of concrete slides and their safety is not unique to Gilbert. In Pismo Beach, California, numerous injuries and lawsuits led to the eventual closure of a similar slide. These cases highlight a growing concern over the safety of playground equipment and the responsibility of communities to ensure public safety.

Arizona's Water Supply Strategy Under Revision Amid Budget Constraints

Arizona's ambitious plan to bolster its dwindling water supply, initially propelled by former Governor Doug Ducey, continues under the administration of Governor Katie Hobbs, albeit with financial adjustments. The original vision, involving a massive desalination project, faces budgetary scaling down.

Governor Hobbs' recent budget proposal significantly reduces the allocated funds for the project. The initial promise of $333 million for this year has been slashed to $33 million. This follows a prior cut, halving the agency's budget compared to what was pledged two years ago.

Despite the cuts, Hobbs maintains that the state's commitment to water augmentation projects remains strong. The Water Infrastructure Finance Authority (WIFA), reshaped in 2022, is at the forefront of this initiative, working on identifying new water sources and partnering with private entities.

WIFA, under the leadership of a former Ducey aide and water expert, is reviewing various proposals, including the Israeli firm-backed desalination plant. The agency aims to finalize a project by year's end, with a call for formal plans expected soon.

Ducey had championed a desalination plan in Mexico's Sea of Cortez, intended to pipe water to Arizona. However, transparency concerns and negotiations with the Israeli firm, IDE Technologies, have opened the field to other potential projects.

The desalination plant could cost up to $10 billion, funded privately. Arizona's financial contribution, initially planned as a $1 billion fund, would support these private investments. However, budget revisions have redirected some of these funds to more immediate water infrastructure needs in various Arizona localities.

No Joke: Feds are banning humorous electronic messages on highways

The U.S. Federal Highway Administration is set to change the landscape of highway communication by phasing out humorous and quirky messages from electronic signs across the nation's highways and freeways. This decision comes as part of a new 1,100-page manual which states have been given two years to implement. The manual details regulations for signs and traffic control devices, aiming to streamline and standardize their use.

Officials have expressed concerns that electronic signs displaying jokes, pop culture references, or obscure messages could be distracting or misinterpreted by drivers. Instead, the administration emphasizes that signs should be clear, concise, and solely used for conveying essential information such as crash warnings, weather conditions, traffic delays, and safety reminders regarding seatbelts, speeding, and impaired driving.

This policy shift means that many creative and humorous signs that have become popular in various states will be removed by 2026. For instance, messages like Massachusetts' “Use Yah Blinkah”, Ohio’s “Visiting in-laws? Slow down, get there late,” Pennsylvania’s “Don’t drive Star Spangled Hammered,” New Jersey’s “Hocus pocus, drive with focus,” and Arizona’s “Hands on the wheel, not your meal” will no longer be seen.

Arizona, which has over 300 electronic highway signs, has been particularly engaged in using humor in its traffic messages. The state's Department of Transportation has hosted a contest for the past seven years to find the funniest and most creative messages, drawing thousands of entries. Recent winners include “Seatbelts always pass a vibe check” and “I’m just a sign asking drivers to use turn signals.”

State Rep. David Cook from Arizona has voiced his displeasure with the federal directive, questioning the need for such a rule and arguing that it exemplifies unnecessary federal overreach into state matters.

Mesa gets $12M federal funds to expand electric vehicle charging network

Mesa, Arizona, is set to significantly expand its electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, having secured a substantial federal grant of $11.9 million. This funding will enable the addition of 48 new EV charging ports throughout the city, marking a 40% increase in its existing charging facilities. The grant is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation's Infrastructure Laws Charging and Fueling Discretionary Grant Program, a $2.5 billion initiative under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Currently, Mesa boasts nearly 50 EV charging stations with 118 ports. The new charging locations will be strategically chosen based on the city’s Community Electric Vehicle Action Plan, which has been active since June 2022. This plan aligns with Mesa's ambition to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

The expansion includes a variety of charging solutions, such as neighborhood charging in downtown Mesa, fast charging along U.S. 60, and public fleet charging stations in both west and east Mesa, catering to the public and small businesses alike. These stations will accommodate different vehicle sizes and will feature additional amenities like charging docks for e-bikes and e-scooters, as well as solar canopies.

This initiative is part of a larger national effort, with $623 million allocated to 47 projects across the U.S., aiming to establish a comprehensive EV charging network. The goal is to support the Biden administration’s vision of 500,000 publicly available chargers by 2030. Mesa's efforts also extend to transitioning its fleet to electric vehicles, highlighted by the introduction of Arizona’s first fully electric North American-style fire truck and 48 Ford Lightning trucks.

Mesa's proactive approach to expanding its EV infrastructure has been recognized at the national level, with Mayor John Giles participating in the Electric Vehicle Working Group, advising U.S. Energy and Transportation secretaries. This expansion reflects a broader commitment to a clean energy economy, promoting sustainable travel and job creation in the region.

Serial bank robber arrested by FBI in Mesa after multiple robberies

On January 6, a 28-year-old man, Justin Eric Lindsay, was apprehended by the FBI for his involvement in a series of bank robberies that occurred from August to January. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona announced Lindsay's arrest, noting he is accused of committing five robberies and attempting a sixth.

Lindsay's method reportedly involved entering Chase and U.S. Bank branches and presenting a note to the tellers, demanding money. In most of these incidents, he claimed to be armed with a gun, though he never displayed a weapon.

The authorities, including the FBI with assistance from the Mesa and Tempe police departments, now have until February 17, 30 days post-arrest, to pursue an indictment against Lindsay.

Under Arizona law, Lindsay faces substantial penalties if convicted. Should he be found guilty of at least three robberies, and if the sentencing is carried out in Arizona, he could receive a prison sentence ranging from six to 15 years and be liable for fines up to $150,000. Moreover, if the involvement of a firearm is established, qualifying the crimes as "armed robbery – dangerous offenses," the potential prison term increases significantly, ranging from 15-and-a-half to 35 years, along with fines up to $150,000.

Copper crunch! Concerns over proposed Arizona copper mine remain as global demand for metal spikes

The proposed area for the Resolution Copper project, known as Oak Flat, is characterized by its rugged terrain, scattered with large boulders and typical desert flora.

The ongoing dispute over the Resolution Copper mine near Superior, Arizona, has taken another twist with the full 9th Circuit Court of Appeals agreeing to rehear a case regarding the mine's impact on religious rights. Initially proposed in 2004, the project gained momentum in 2014 when Senator John McCain facilitated a land exchange, allowing Resolution Copper to acquire 2,422 acres in southeastern Arizona for mining in exchange for 5,344 acres of their land. This exchange was poised to proceed in early 2021, but the Biden administration retracted the final environmental impact statement for further review.

The mine, potentially the largest in North America, could satisfy a quarter of the U.S.'s annual copper demand and bring significant economic benefits, including up to $113 million in state and local taxes annually and the creation of 3,700 jobs. However, it faces staunch opposition from the San Carlos Apache tribe and environmental activists. They argue that the mine would irrevocably damage Oak Flat, a sacred Apache site, leaving behind a 1,000-foot deep, two-mile wide crater, thus infringing on the tribe's religious rights.

A previous ruling by a three-judge panel of the 9th Circuit had determined that while the mine might hinder Apache worship at Oak Flat, it wouldn't entirely prevent it. However, this decision has been contested as flawed and illogical, leading to the full court's decision to rehear the case. The San Carlos Apache, represented by Apache Stronghold, contend that the destruction of Oak Flat would be a severe violation of their religious freedom, comparing its significance to Mount Sinai for Jews and Christians.

Resolution Copper insists on their commitment to dialogue and mitigating concerns, emphasizing the project's potential benefits for clean energy and local economy. The Superior Mayor, Mila Besich, expresses frustration over the prolonged legal battles, highlighting the community's need for the jobs the mine would bring. Despite the potential economic gains, the case continues to garner attention from various legal and religious rights groups, emphasizing the need for a balance between economic development and the protection of sacred sites and environmental resources.

Slam Dunk Spots: Gilbert's 4 Premier Sports Bars for Fans!

  1. Blue 32 Sports Grill

    • Address: 1524 E Williams Field Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85295

    • Phone: (480) 963-0032

    • Description: American (New), Sports Bars, Burgers
      Blue 32 Sports Grill stands out as more than just a sports bar. It's a neighborhood favorite for its vibrant atmosphere, exceptional service, and diverse menu. Specializing in both classic and inventive bar food, such as tender ribs and a standout Carne Asada plate, it also boasts a great selection of beers. Known for its fast, friendly service, it's an ideal spot for watching a game, enjoying a casual drink, or indulging in a delicious meal.

  2. Mesquite Grill and Sports Bar

    • Address: 75 W Baseline Rd Ste 12, Gilbert, AZ 85233

    • Phone: (480) 892-0807

    • Description: Sports Bars, American (Traditional), Barbeque
      Mesquite Grill and Sports Bar is a culinary staple in Gilbert, combining the comfort of a sit-down restaurant with the excitement of a sports bar. Known for its extensive breakfast and lunch menu, all dishes are freshly prepared. The owner, Cindy, is celebrated for her warm hospitality and dedication to quality at affordable prices. From chicken fried steak to homemade biscuits and gravy, this place is a hidden gem for delicious food and exceptional service.

  3. Copper Still Moonshine Grill - Gilbert

    • Address: 2531 S Gilbert Rd #101, Gilbert, AZ 85296

    • Phone: (480) 656-1476

    • Description: Bar & Grill, Cocktail Bar, Indoor Lodging
      This conveniently located bar and grill offers a range of typical bar food, served with prompt efficiency. While the food might be standard, the garlic fries and cocktails, especially the sucker punch and orange moonshine margarita, stand out. It's known for its fun decor and lively atmosphere, especially during sports events and trivia nights. The service, particularly by waiter Oscar, adds to the appeal of this clean and bustling venue.

  4. Dierks Bentley's Whiskey Row Gilbert

    • Address: 323 N Gilbert Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85234

    • Phone: (480) 476-8595

    • Description: Bar, American restaurant, Restaurant, Dierks Bentley's Whiskey Row in Gilbert, Arizona, is renowned for its vibrant energy and excellent service. This popular venue serves a diverse array of delicious meals, from savory sandwiches and sliders to its famous mac n' cheese. The extensive beer selection complements the lively atmosphere. With live country music and a dance floor, it's an ideal destination for an entertaining night out. While there are minor drawbacks, like limited merchandise options and a photography restriction, Whiskey Row remains a highly recommended spot for both locals and visitors.

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