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  • 🚑 Young Child's Brave Recovery Journey 🎗️ Community Remembers Slain Teen 🏛️ Town Hall to Address Rising Teen Violence and more...

🚑 Young Child's Brave Recovery Journey 🎗️ Community Remembers Slain Teen 🏛️ Town Hall to Address Rising Teen Violence and more...

Gilbert Local Pulse | Issue #067

Author

Lloyd Heath
January 20, 2024

In this issue of Gilbert Local Pulse

🌤️ Gilbert, AZ Local Weather

📅 Gilbert, AZ and Surrounding Area Events

🚑 7-Year-Old Fights for Recovery Following Tragic Biking Incident in Gilbert

😢 Tragic Head-On Collision in South Chandler Claims Two Lives, Leaves One Injured

💔 Gilbert Horse Rescue Faces Major Loss in Theft of Stalls and Pens

🎗️ Gilbert HOA Replaces Ribbons in Remembrance of Slain Teen

🤝 Gilbert Town Council Tackles Teen Violence: New Strategies and Community Involvement

🤲 Make a Difference in Gilbert: Participate in the Homelessness Count and Donate Essentials

🏛️ 12 News: Teen Violence Town Hall This Monday At CGCC

Upcoming

7-Year-Old Fights for Recovery Following Tragic Biking Incident in Gilbert

In a heart-wrenching incident in Gilbert, Arizona, Alexandria Strazza, a vibrant 7-year-old, is currently hospitalized after being struck by a car while riding her bike. The accident occurred while Alex and her family were returning from a biking trip to downtown Gilbert. A driver, ignoring a red light, collided with Alex at a crosswalk on Lindsay Road. Her parents, Daniel and Sarah Strazza, who were close behind, witnessed the terrifying moment.

Alex's injuries were severe, including a broken femur and deep facial lacerations. Her mother, a registered nurse, swiftly applied a tourniquet to her injured leg. At the hospital, it was noted that her helmet and winter jacket played a crucial role in reducing the impact of the collision. The family credits these safety measures, along with a stroke of miraculous fortune, for her survival.

The Gilbert Police Department is investigating the incident, but no immediate arrest or citation was issued to the driver. The Strazza family, deeply shaken, is now advocating for heightened awareness and responsibility among drivers.

Despite her critical condition, there is hope for Alex’s full recovery. Known for her lively spirit and love for the outdoors and performing arts, this tragedy has been a profound setback. The family is facing financial challenges as the driver involved was uninsured. To aid in covering medical expenses, a GoFundMe account has been set up for Alex’s recovery.

Tragic Head-On Collision in South Chandler Claims Two Lives, Leaves One Injured

In a tragic turn of events in south Chandler, a severe head-on collision claimed the lives of two individuals on Thursday night. The accident occurred near Hunt Highway and McQueen Road around 10:15 p.m., prompting a rapid response from Maricopa County Sheriff’s deputies. Upon arrival, they found two people who had succumbed to their injuries at the scene. A third victim was rushed to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.

The circumstances leading up to this fatal collision are still unclear. Sgt. Joaquin Enriquez of the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office stated that it is yet to be determined whether factors like speed or impairment played a role in the incident. The Sheriff’s Office’s Vehicular Crimes Unit has taken over the investigation, delving into the details to uncover the cause of this devastating event.

Gilbert Horse Rescue Faces Major Loss in Theft of Stalls and Pens

In Gilbert, Arizona, the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office is currently investigating a significant theft at a horse rescue organization. Wildhorse Ranch Rescue, located in Gilbert and operating a 100-acre property in Ash Fork, has fallen victim to the theft of horse stalls and pens valued at $11,000. The incident was reported on January 3, but the exact time of the theft remains unknown due to a lack of witnesses.

The rescue's founder expressed concern, noting the requirement of considerable resources, such as a large truck and substantial manpower, to carry out such a theft. The stolen panels were securely chained and locked, adding to the complexity of the crime. Previously, Wildhorse Ranch had showcased the effort involved in transporting and installing this equipment in a video posted a year ago.

As the rescue embarks on an expansion project, this loss is particularly disheartening. The organization is appealing to the public for any information that could lead to the recovery of the stolen property and the identification of the culprits. Those with information are encouraged to contact the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office at 928-771-3260.

Gilbert HOA replaces ribbons in remembrance of slain teen

In Gilbert, Arizona, the HOA board of Whitewing at Higley neighborhood has faced community scrutiny after removing orange ribbons meant to honor the memory of 16-year-old Preston Lord. The ribbons were initially put up following Lord's tragic death, which occurred two days after he was assaulted outside a large house party in Queen Creek last October.

The HOA board clarified their actions in a recent message to residents, stating that the removal of the ribbons was in accordance with the existing community rules and regulations. They emphasized that their decision was not intended to overlook or diminish the community's feelings about the incident.

Responding to the community's sentiments, the orange ribbons were reinstated on the neighborhood's front gates on Wednesday night. Additionally, the HOA informed residents that they are welcome to display orange ribbons, candles, and lights on their properties to show support. The board members expressed their solidarity with the victims of recent violent attacks.

Gilbert Town Council Tackles Teen Violence: New Strategies and Community Involvement

In Gilbert, Arizona, the town council is actively tackling the issue of teen violence. The first public meeting of a newly formed subcommittee, dedicated to this cause, took place recently in the Gilbert Town Council chambers. This subcommittee, comprising Councilmembers Chuck Bongiovanni, Jim Torgeson, and Vice Mayor Scott Anderson, was created two weeks prior to address the escalating problem.

During the meeting, various strategies were discussed. Bongiovanni suggested several ideas, including encouraging local businesses to provide safe spaces for teens, as an alternative to congregating in parking lots or garages where some assaults have occurred. He also proposed conducting a survey for teens to voice their concerns and experiences regarding violence.

A significant point raised by Bongiovanni was the potential involvement of state legislators to address the issue. He proposed drafting a bill to ban the sale of brass knuckles to minors, citing recent incidents where brass knuckles were used in assaults against teens, not only in Gilbert but also in nearby areas like Desert Ridge.

The committee also emphasized the importance of involving schools in finding solutions and creating a broader community response to the issue. Despite the productive discussion, Bongiovanni acknowledged that there is still much work to be done. He expressed confidence in the Gilbert community's ability to come together and address this challenge.

Make a Difference in Gilbert: Participate in the Homelessness Count and Donate Essentials

In Gilbert, Arizona, the community is gearing up for an important event on January 23rd – the annual "Point-in-Time Homelessness Count." This event is a crucial part of a nationwide initiative to gauge the scale of homelessness and to understand the needs of those without shelter. Last year's count revealed a startling figure of 9,642 individuals experiencing homelessness in Maricopa County, both in shelters and on the streets.

To make this year's count a success, Gilbert is calling on its residents to participate in two significant ways. Firstly, volunteers are needed from 5:30 AM to 11:30 AM on January 23rd to conduct interviews with the unsheltered population. It's a critical role that requires prior training, for which residents can register online.

Secondly, the community is encouraged to contribute through donations to support those facing homelessness. Gilbert Town Hall is serving as the drop-off point for donations, open from Monday to Thursday, 7 AM to 6 PM. Essential items like socks, chapstick, band-aids, hand warmers, waterless shampoo, combs, and tissues are particularly needed.

12 News: Teen Violence Town Hall This Monday At CGCC

In a bid to address the growing concern of teen violence, the community is being invited to play a critical role in finding solutions. A special event is being organized where community members will have the opportunity to engage with leaders and a panel of experts. The focus of this event is to delve deep into the root causes of teen violence and to collaboratively explore effective solutions to combat this issue in local neighborhoods.

This initiative reflects a commitment to open dialogue and community involvement, recognizing that the challenge of teen violence requires a collective effort. By bringing together a diverse range of voices and perspectives, the event aims to foster a comprehensive understanding of the factors driving teen violence and to identify practical, impactful strategies to address it. Click here for more information and to register.

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