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  • 🚔 Gilbert Man Faces Second Arrest 🌿 Epicenter at Agritopia: Gilbert's New Urban Oasis 😢 Gilbert Gym Owner Loses Franchise and more...

🚔 Gilbert Man Faces Second Arrest 🌿 Epicenter at Agritopia: Gilbert's New Urban Oasis 😢 Gilbert Gym Owner Loses Franchise and more...

Gilbert Local Pulse | Issue #069

Author

Lloyd Heath
January 23, 2024

In this issue of Gilbert Local Pulse

🌤️ Gilbert, AZ Local Weather

📅 Gilbert, AZ and Surrounding Area Events

🚔 Gilbert Man Faces Second Arrest in Mesa Teen’s Fatal Party Shooting

🌿 Epicenter at Agritopia: Gilbert's New Urban Oasis Transforms Family Farm into Thriving Community Hub

😢 Gilbert Gym Owner Loses Franchise Amidst Tragic Teen Death Allegations

🏠 Customer Open House on Proposed Utility Rate Increases is January 24

👩‍🏫 Higley USD board selects Anderson as president

🏋️‍♂️ Discover Strength aims at spring opening in Gilbert

🌲 Into the Wild: Responsibly enjoy Maricopa County’s regional parks

🏆 Meet Arizona's top Girl Scout cookie seller in 2023

Upcoming

Gilbert Man Faces Second Arrest in Mesa Teen’s Fatal Party Shooting

In a significant development in a 2022 Mesa homicide case, 21-year-old Joe Jetha Rim was re-arrested on Friday for his alleged role in the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Stephen Jacobo during a party in November 2022. Rim, initially apprehended and charged with second-degree murder shortly after the incident, was released as the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office sought further investigation into the case. The incident took place at an apartment near Longmore and Southern Avenue in Mesa, where Jacobo was shot following an altercation involving Rim's handgun.

Witnesses reported that the confrontation began when Jacobo approached Rim about his visible handgun, leading to a heated exchange. Rim, who was 20 at the time, reportedly became agitated and brandished his firearm, eventually discharging it and fatally wounding Jacobo. Following the initial investigation, the case was sent back to the Mesa police by the County Attorney's Office, which cited the need for more detailed investigation. Despite the submission of an updated report by the police, formal charges against Rim were once again declined by the office.

Rim's latest court appearance saw emotional pleas from Jacobo’s parents, Mark Jacobo and Alma Antolin, who urged the judge to keep Rim in custody. Emphasizing the irreparable harm and trauma inflicted on their family and witnesses of the shooting, they argued against Rim's release, citing the broader context of rampant gun violence.

Epicenter at Agritopia: Gilbert's New Urban Oasis Transforms Family Farm into Thriving Community Hub

Epicenter at Agritopia, a visionary mixed-use community and retail destination in Gilbert has celebrated the completion of its ambitious project. The initiative was spearheaded by the Johnston family, who transformed their family farm into a thriving urban downtown space. The development is a vertically integrated community spread across three buildings and features The Tyler luxury apartments, offering 320 units of varied living options.

This unique urban hub is more than just a residential area; it houses over 49,000 square feet of retail space in a health-focused, walkable environment. Epicenter at Agritopia has become a dynamic destination for shopping, dining, and wellness. It hosts a variety of stores such as Bunky Boutique, Manor apparel, urbAna celebrations store, Why I Love Where I Live, and Vintage Home. The culinary scene is equally diverse, with establishments like Buck and Rider, Beer Barn, Belly Kitchen & Bar, Gadzooks, Matt’s Big Breakfast, Peixoto coffee, Spinato’s Pizzeria and Family Kitchen, Source, Undertow, and more.

For those seeking wellness and self-care, the Epicenter offers options like The Beauty Boss Co, Barre3, The Collective, The Ivy, Rise Wellness, Wylde Hair Salon, and Hooligans Barbershop and Freed Beauty. This development is not just a commercial venture but a community space that celebrates healthy living and distinctive experiences, where people of all generations can gather.

Situated at 3150 E. Ray Road in Gilbert, next to Joe's Farm Grill, Epicenter at Agritopia stands as a testament to the Johnston family's vision and the support of the community. It represents a significant shift from a mere vision to a vibrant reality, offering a world-class lineup of retail and dining establishments in a historically rich setting.

Gilbert Gym Owner Loses Franchise Amidst Tragic Teen Death Allegations

Becky Renner, a franchise owner of OHM Fitness in Gilbert, has had her franchise rights revoked following allegations involving her family in the death of 16-year-old Preston Lord. CEO Doug Payne of OHM Fitness communicated the decision to gym members via email, citing the Renner family's alleged connection to the incident in October 2023. The email emphasized the company's solidarity with the Gilbert community and its commitment to justice for Preston Lord.

The community response to the incident was significant, with widespread calls for boycotting Renner's businesses, including the OHM Fitness center at Cooley Station. Social media campaigns and negative reviews on business sites further demonstrated the community's outcry for justice. The situation escalated when accusations were directed at one of Renner's sons, believed to be involved in Lord's fatal beating at a Halloween party. Police investigations are ongoing, and no formal charges have been made.

The OHM Fitness center, established by Renner in October 2023, is now under new management. The OHM corporate team has assumed control and is overseeing operations until a new franchisee is appointed. Renner, known for her fitness and nutrition businesses in the southeast Valley, had been involved with OHM since July 2022. The gym is known for its 25-minute workouts with advanced power suits.

In response to membership cancellations, Payne's email offered a "Special Loyalty Rate" under the new ownership, indicating an effort to retain and regain customers amidst the controversy.

Customer Open House on Proposed Utility Rate Increases is January 24

In Gilbert, Arizona, the community is invited to a Customer Open House to discuss the proposed increases in utility rates for water, solid waste, and recycling services. This event offers an opportunity for residents and business owners to gain insights into the reasons behind the rate adjustments. The open house is scheduled for Wednesday, January 24, at 6:00 PM in the Heritage Room at Gilbert Town Hall, located at 50 E Civic Center Dr. For those who cannot attend in person, a live stream will be available at gilbertaz.gov/GilbertLive, with no registration needed.

The Gilbert Town Council has already signaled its intention to raise these utility rates and fees, planning a vote on the new rates during the council meeting on February 6, 2024. The necessity for this increase stems from the ongoing inflation and rising costs affecting key infrastructure projects, such as the North Water Treatment Plant. The town is determined to maintain its capacity to provide clean, safe, and reliable drinking water.

The proposed changes include a significant rate increase for solid waste and recycling services, estimated to affect around 90% of residential customers with an additional $8.52 per month. Commercial, non-residential customers, and roll-off services are expected to face an average increase of 25%. Furthermore, a phased increase in water service rates is being considered. Initially, this would result in an average increase of $17 per month for residential water bills starting in April 2024, followed by further hikes of approximately $13 in 2025 and $16 in 2026. The actual impact on bills will depend on individual usage.

The Customer Open House serves as a platform for the Gilbert community to inquire and learn more about these rate changes, the town’s essential infrastructure projects, and what future steps the Council plans to take.

Higley USD board selects Anderson as president

Michelle Anderson has been elected as the new president of the Higley Unified School District Governing Board. The decision was made during a board meeting held on January 17, where Anderson secured her new role with a close 3-2 vote, succeeding the 2023 President Tiffany Shultz. Shultz, who was in contention for the role and nominated by Amanda Wade, was favored for her potential to provide stability during the ongoing superintendent search.

In another significant appointment, Anna Van Hoek was chosen as the board's vice president, winning the position with a more decisive 4-1 vote against Shultz.

Anderson, who is entering her third year on the board following her election in 2020 and commencement in January 2021, brings a wealth of experience from her extensive career in education. Currently, she is a chemistry and physical science teacher at the Queen Creek Unified School District. Her previous roles within the Higley district include positions in human resources and as the governing board secretary. Further cementing her connection to the district, both of her children are graduates of Higley schools.

Discover Strength aims at spring opening in Gilbert

Discover Strength, a renowned fitness brand, is set to expand its presence with the opening of a new studio in Gilbert, Arizona. Located at 875 S. Gilbert Road, the studio is scheduled for a grand opening towards the end of March or early April. This new facility is not just another gym; it offers a unique approach to fitness that centers around a concise and efficient 30-minute strength training workout, conducted twice a week.

What sets Discover Strength apart is its commitment to scientific rigor and expertise in fitness. The workouts are supervised by highly qualified exercise physiologists, each holding a four-year degree in exercise science. These professionals are not just academically equipped but also hold multiple certifications in their field. They remain actively engaged in staying current with the latest exercise research, dedicating time each week to read and incorporate new scientific findings into their training methods.

This approach ensures that clients at Discover Strength receive the most effective and scientifically grounded workout experience. The focus on strength training in short, intense sessions is designed to maximize results without demanding excessive time commitments, catering to the busy lifestyles of today's fitness enthusiasts. More information about Discover Strength and its innovative fitness approach can be found at their website: www.discoverstrength.com/chandler-gilbert.

Into the Wild: Responsibly enjoy Maricopa County’s regional parks

Maricopa County in Arizona offers a variety of regional parks, conservation centers, and a popular lake, attracting numerous visitors, particularly during the cooler months and wildflower season in early spring. These parks, managed by Maricopa County Parks & Recreation, emphasize the importance of maintaining the ecosystem and minimizing human impact. Bill Klewer, the volunteer coordinator, notes the common issue of littering, especially with water bottles and food wrappers. This is more prevalent on accessible trails like the waterfall trail at White Tank Mountain Regional Park.

The nonprofit organization Leave No Trace, established in 1994, promotes the philosophy of minimal environmental impact, a concept long taught by Native Americans. With headquarters in Boulder, Colorado, it collaborates with various federal, national, and state parks to educate millions annually through initiatives, training, and outreach. JD Tanner, the organization's director of education and training, emphasizes their strong partnership with Arizona, including recent efforts with tourism officials. Leave No Trace advocates seven principles for wilderness etiquette, focusing on preparation, responsible travel, waste disposal, respecting wildlife, and consideration for others.

Visitor influx during cooler months leads to increased litter, ranging from dirty diapers to accidental trash loss. To address this, Klewer organizes cleanup efforts across county parks, with Lake Pleasant requiring significant attention during warmer months due to its popularity. Volunteers, sometimes numbering up to 400, collect various trash, including hazardous items like syringes and broken glass.

The presence of litter and human activity can significantly impact local ecosystems. For instance, Tanner points out the harmful effects of leaving dog waste in parks, which can disrupt local wildlife and contribute to the growth of invasive species. Nikki Bunnell, an interpretive ranger, advises that wildlife, ranging from mammals and reptiles to insects, should be observed from a distance to maintain safety and prevent disturbances to their natural habitats.

Meet Arizona's top Girl Scout cookie seller in 2023

In 2023, Arizona witnessed an exceptional achievement in the realm of Girl Scout cookie selling, thanks to the efforts of Maliah Winey. An eighth-grader from Gilbert, Winey's passion for competitive dance is matched by her dedication to the Girl Scouts, a journey she began in kindergarten. Her sales prowess was on full display as she managed to sell a staggering 7,877 boxes of cookies. This feat was part of a larger collective effort where over 7,000 Girl Scouts in Arizona sold more than 3 million cookies.

Winey's approach to selling cookies was a blend of traditional and modern methods. She embraced online sales while also maintaining the classic door-to-door approach, effectively engaging her local community. Her pitch was straightforward yet effective, offering a QR code for those not immediately interested in buying. This innovative strategy was complemented by her creative use of social media, where she shared a music video promoting the cookies, further amplifying her sales reach.

Beyond the impressive sales numbers, Winey's story is one of learning and personal growth. Through her cookie-selling experience, she gained valuable skills in marketing, goal setting, and financial management. These skills, she believes, will aid her in her future aspirations to become a lawyer or a doctor. Despite her remarkable success last year, Winey has decided to focus on other personal goals within the Girl Scouts for the current year, aiming for high honors and exploring different facets of the organization.

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