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  • 🚨 Mesa Woman Loses $10,000 🛡️ Gilbert Chief Rebuts Critics 🍖 Arizona House to Vote on Bill Defining 'Meat' and more...

🚨 Mesa Woman Loses $10,000 🛡️ Gilbert Chief Rebuts Critics 🍖 Arizona House to Vote on Bill Defining 'Meat' and more...

Gilbert Local Pulse | Issue #070

Author

Lloyd Heath
January 24, 2024

In this issue of Gilbert Local Pulse

🌤️ Gilbert, AZ Local Weather

📅 Gilbert, AZ and Surrounding Area Events

🚨 Mesa Woman Loses $10,000 in Check Fraud, Bank Refuses to Investigate

💧 Mesa to Pull 5 Acres of Turf, Save 5 Million Gallons of Water Each Year

🛡️ Gilbert Chief Rebuts Critics of Teen Violence Response

🍖 Arizona House to Vote on Bill Defining 'Meat' as Animal-Derived Only

💼 Enrollment Loss Will Lead Higley USD to Revise Budget in May

🌱 Introspective Breath: A New Haven for Healing and Growth Opens Near Ray Road

🎵 Brother-Sister Duo DORSTEN Set To Release To The River EP MARCH 29

Upcoming

Mesa Woman Loses $10,000 in Check Fraud, Bank Refuses to Investigate

In Mesa, Arizona, Cate Dutler faced a financial nightmare when a $10,000 check intended for a family member in Chicago was stolen and fraudulently cashed. Dutler had mailed the check, but it never reached its destination. Upon checking her account, she discovered that a scammer had altered the check, replacing her relative's name with "Unprecedented Eats."

Dutler promptly reported the theft to Chase Bank, where the bank's policy allows up to a year to report altered checks. However, Chase Bank claimed that the check was counterfeit rather than altered, which only has a 65-day reporting window. This distinction meant Chase Bank considered Dutler to have missed the deadline for reporting, thus absolving themselves from investigating further. Dutler noticed differences in the 'pay to the order' line and security information on the check, but this did not change the bank's stance.

Adding to the frustration, Dutler received monthly letters from Chase, suggesting they were awaiting findings from TD Bank, where the check was cashed. Dutler believes these letters were auto-generated and that no real communication occurred between the banks. As a result, Dutler is left without her $10,000, and with no investigation in progress. She described the situation as both a crime and an act of fraud, expressing disappointment in Chase Bank's lack of action. The U.S. Sun has contacted Chase Bank for a statement regarding this incident.

Mesa to pull 5 acres of turf, save 5 million gallons of water each year

The city of Mesa, Arizona, is embarking on an eco-friendly initiative to conserve water by removing five acres of non-functional turf across 50 of its parks and basins. Scheduled to commence this summer, the project is expected to save over 5 million gallons of water each year. This environmentally conscious move is made possible by a $1.06 million Water Conservation Grant Fund Award from the Arizona Water Infrastructure Authority (WIFA).

The plan, as outlined by Andrea Moore, who directs Mesa’s Parks, Recreation, and Community Facilities department, involves replacing 6-foot strips of turf adjacent to infrastructure with rock and cement curbing. This change targets areas where water is often wasted, such as near walls and sidewalks, while maintaining grass in central areas where people are more active. The city aims to complete the work by early 2026, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable practices and water conservation.

Gilbert chief rebuts critics of teen violence response

Gilbert Police Chief Michael Soelberg recently addressed criticisms against his department regarding the handling of teen assault cases in a news conference. Chief Soelberg firmly denied allegations of neglect or cover-up in these cases, emphasizing the department's dedication to thorough investigative work. This statement comes in the wake of the tragic beating death of 16-year-old Preston Lord in Queen Creek last October, which has spotlighted teen violence in Gilbert.

Chief Soelberg outlined the department's efforts, highlighting 13 arrests made before Preston's death and an additional nine since January 3. He noted that not all attacks were random, with a total of 22 arrests related to teen violence over the past two years. The process of verifying evidence and establishing probable cause in such cases, especially in the age of social media, is complex and time-consuming.

The department faced particular scrutiny over an August attack where a teenager was assaulted by a group in a fast-food parking lot. Despite initial challenges in identifying assailants, recent arrests have been made, and the investigation remains active.

Soelberg also addressed the notion of the "Gilbert Goons," a term unknown to the department until recently. While social media attributed many assaults and Preston's death to this group, the department had not encountered this name in previous investigations. However, an active investigation is now underway to determine if the Gilbert Goons can be classified as a criminal street gang under Arizona law.

The chief reassured that Gilbert remains one of the safest communities in the country, with overall crime rates down, though acknowledging a rise in violent crime. He emphasized the importance of parental involvement in guiding youth towards making smart choices. As a father himself, Soelberg expressed his commitment to maintaining the community's safety and well-being.

Arizona House to Vote on Bill Defining 'Meat' as Animal-Derived Only

In Arizona, a new legislative proposal is making its way through the state House. This bill, if passed, would establish strict guidelines on what can be labeled as "meat" in the marketplace. Specifically, the bill aims to ensure that only products derived directly from animals are labeled as meat. This move comes in response to the recent USDA authorization for the sale of lab-grown meat.

The bill's sponsor, Representative Quang Nguyen, has expressed concerns about the current labeling practices. He believes that consumers should have clear information to differentiate between traditional animal meat and lab-grown meat products. The proposed legislation received approval from the state House Committee on Land, Agriculture and Rural Affairs with a vote of 6-3 and is now set to be presented on the House floor for further consideration.

Enrollment loss will lead Higley USD to revise budget in May

Higley Unified School District expects a reduction in its 2023-24 M&O budget due to a drop in enrollment, adjusting the budget from $124.79 million to $122.29 million. Despite anticipating a further decrease in student numbers, the 2024-25 M&O budget is projected to increase to $125.85 million. This situation results from various factors, including state funding adjustments, changes in enrollment patterns, and internal budgeting strategies. The district is also preparing for potential legislative challenges related to school spending limits.

Introspective Breath: A New Haven for Healing and Growth Opens Near Ray Road

The new wellness studio, Introspective Breath, has recently opened its doors in the tranquil neighborhood near Ray Road and Val Vista Drive. Founded by Amy Wilson, this home-based studio began welcoming clients on August 1st. Introspective Breath is dedicated to offering a variety of services aimed at facilitating personal healing and growth. The studio has an exciting schedule of upcoming events, including a rejuvenating sound bath session scheduled for February 4th, and an immersive retreat planned for February 23rd to 25th. For more information or to book a session, interested individuals can contact the studio at 480-334-8349.

Brother-Sister Duo DORSTEN Set To Release To The River EP MARCH 29

The talented brother-sister duo from Phoenix, AZ, Sophie and Alex Dorsten, collectively known as Dorsten, are eagerly preparing for the release of their new EP "To The River" on March 29, 2024. This five-track EP is a melodious blend of Sophie's captivating vocals, reminiscent of Florence Welch, and Alex's skillful guitar work. The duo describes the EP as a reflection of their journey from childhood to adulthood, encapsulating various life experiences.

Produced and recorded by Alex in his home studio, the EP's title track "To The River" has already garnered attention. The track, praised for its emotional depth and harmony, premiered on Americana Highways. Sophie's vocals and guitar meld seamlessly with Alex's guitar, drums, and cymbals in this standout piece.

Another single, “Vernazza,” set to release on January 19, is inspired by the duo's visit to Vernazza, Italy. The song delves into the complexities and emotions of transitioning into adulthood, capturing the bittersweet realization of how swiftly time passes.

Dorsten's music has resonated globally, receiving airplay on various international and local radio stations. Their musical journey has taken them to iconic locations like RAK Studios and Abbey Road Studios in London, and they have also shared the stage with Haley Johnsen. Their song "To The River" has been featured on Amazon Music's The Holler playlist.

In support of their EP, Dorsten has an exciting lineup of tour dates for 2024, including performances at the SXSW festival and venues across the United States and Canada. Their tour is set to bring their unique sound to a wide audience, promising an immersive musical experience.

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