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  • ⚠️ Arizona GOP Chairman Resigns 🚔 3 Arrests Made in Teen Violence Cases 🕰️ Step Back in Time with 'Sh-Boom!' and more...

⚠️ Arizona GOP Chairman Resigns 🚔 3 Arrests Made in Teen Violence Cases 🕰️ Step Back in Time with 'Sh-Boom!' and more...

Gilbert Local Pulse | Issue #071

Author

Lloyd Heath
January 25, 2024

In this issue of Gilbert Local Pulse

🌤️ Gilbert, AZ Local Weather

📅 Gilbert, AZ and Surrounding Area Events

🚨 Gilbert Police Arrest 22-Year-Old on Assault, Drug, and Money Laundering Charges

⚠️ Arizona GOP Chairman Resigns After Controversial Audio Recording Involving Kari Lake

🚔 3 Arrests Made in Teen Violence Cases in Gilbert; 2 Adults Arrested on Drug Charges

✊ Protestors Call for Dismantling Gilbert Communications Team

👍 Anderson Launches Mayoral Run with His Peers’ Support

❌ State Board Upholds ADE Rejection of Inappropriate ESA Expense Requests

🕰️ Step Back in Time with 'Sh-Boom!' at Hale Centre Theatre, Gilbert

Upcoming

Gilbert Police Arrest 22-Year-Old on Assault, Drug, and Money Laundering Charges

In Gilbert, Arizona, a 22-year-old man named Tyler Strocchia was apprehended by local authorities on serious charges, including the sexual assault of a minor. The arrest, made on Tuesday, came as a part of a broader investigation by the Gilbert Police Department. Strocchia faces two counts of sexual assault involving a minor. In addition to these charges, he is also implicated in another active case where he is alleged to have threatened a juvenile. Beyond these allegations, Strocchia is also facing charges related to drug offenses and money laundering. Following his arrest, he was transferred to the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office for custody.

Arizona GOP chairman resigns after controversial audio recording involving Kari Lake

Jeff DeWit, Chairman of the Arizona Republican Party, has resigned following a scandal involving a leaked audio recording where he appears to suggest that Kari Lake, a former gubernatorial candidate, could be persuaded not to run for Senate. Lake's response and subsequent actions, along with DeWit's claim that the recording was manipulated, have intensified the situation. This incident underscores the tension within the party and Lake's tactic of recording and using confrontational encounters for strategic purposes.

3 arrests made in teen violence cases in Gilbert; 2 adults arrested on drug charges

In Gilbert, Arizona, a significant development in ongoing investigations into teen violence has led to the arrest of three individuals. Kyler Renner, 18, Gage Garrison, 19, and a 17-year-old minor were apprehended on Wednesday. These arrests are part of a broader effort by the Gilbert Police Department to address a spate of violent incidents involving teens in the East Valley region.

Renner faces charges in two separate cases: one for an assault that occurred outside a residence in November 2022, and another for his involvement in a group assault in December 2022. Garrison and the minor are both implicated in the latter incident.

The November assault, which took place near Higley and Riggs roads, was only recently reported to authorities on January 4. The group assault case from December initially hit a dead end due to a lack of investigative leads. However, in December 2023, a breakthrough came when investigators received a video of the assault, leading to the reopening of the case and the subsequent arrests.

The Gilbert Police Department released photos related to the December assault on January 11, as part of their ongoing efforts to tackle teen violence in the area. This issue has been a pressing concern in the East Valley, prompting extensive coverage and community discussions.

These latest arrests highlight the Gilbert Police Department's commitment to addressing and curbing teen violence, a problem that has been plaguing the East Valley.

Protestors call for dismantling Gilbert communications team

A wave of discontent swept through Gilbert Town Hall as residents, fueled by a report from a conservative news outlet, gathered to challenge the existence of the town's Office of Digital Government (ODG). On January 23rd, during the town council meeting, the residents' demands echoed through the hall: abolish the ODG and redirect its budget to other town needs.

The ODG, primarily serving as the marketing and communications wing of the town, became the center of controversy following allegations of monitoring town employees' social media and emails to enforce a progressive agenda. These claims, propelled by a report from AZ Free News, stirred significant public uproar despite the town's clarification that monitoring social media was not within the ODG's remit.

The speakers at the meeting, many of whom were linked to the Arizona Legislative District 14 Republican Party, voiced concerns that the ODG's activities infringed upon the First Amendment rights of employees and officials. Among the notable speakers were former Gilbert mayor Steve Berman, mayoral candidate Shane Krauser, and council candidate Monte Lyons, who criticized the ODG's lack of contribution to essential town services like police and fire protection. Berman suggested reallocating ODG's budget towards hiring new police officers.

Amidst the overwhelming criticism, one speaker, Natalie DiBernardo, highlighted the irony of the protestors' claims, accusing some of the same members of bullying her during her political campaign. The council, restricted by state law from responding directly to public comments, directed Town Manager Patrick Banger to investigate the matter.

In response to the criticisms, the town defended the ODG's role in fostering community engagement and noted its shift to digital communications since 2012, highlighting the department's modest operational budget and significant role in managing the town's digital initiatives.

The background of the controversy traces back to a 2021 complaint by Judicial Watch, a conservative group, accusing the ODG of promoting a political agenda. However, an independent investigation by the firm Pierce Coleman in January 2022 found the town's communications balanced and non-partisan.

The town's statement post-meeting emphasized its commitment to inclusive communication while maintaining that it would not tolerate divisive or offensive posts by employees. It also addressed the allegations of former firefighter Steve Lavalle and Josh Reynolds, clarifying the nature of their dismissals and disciplinary actions.

The statement concluded by reiterating the town's confidence in the 2021 investigation's findings, dismissing the allegations as baseless.

Anderson launches mayoral run with his peers’ support

Scott Anderson, Gilbert's Vice Mayor, recently launched his mayoral campaign, backed by a significant portion of the town council. His kickoff event, hosted by council member Chuck Bongiovanni, was attended by over 40 people, including council members Kathy Tilque, Yung Koprowski, Jim Torgeson, and Bobbi Buchli. Anderson, known for his skilled leadership style, is set to compete against current Mayor Brigette Peterson and newcomer Shane Krauser in the upcoming August Primary.

Anderson, who has been a council member since 2016, is admired for his ability to unite and lead effectively. His campaign, themed "All Mayor, No Drama," focuses on steering Gilbert away from recent controversies and towards a prosperous future. Peterson, who took office in 2021, has faced criticism for her handling of teen violence issues in Gilbert and her strained relationship with the council, including near-ethics violation complaints and lawsuits against the town.

The council has initiated a subcommittee to address the surge in teen violence, following the tragic death of a Queen Creek teenager last October. This incident, and others, have led to numerous active police investigations and public outcry over the perceived inaction of local authorities.

Anderson emphasizes the importance of a strong economy, community safety, and quality infrastructure in his vision for Gilbert. He aims to ensure the town's prosperity through strategic decisions and investments, particularly in the areas of parks, recreation, police, and fire. The council is set to discuss funding options for these crucial projects at its spring retreat.

State board upholds ADE rejection of inappropriate ESA expense requests

Arizona's commitment to ensuring the proper use of Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) funds has been reinforced by a recent decision of the State Board of Education. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne commended the board's unanimous agreement to support the Arizona Department of Education's rejection of certain ESA expense requests.

During a board meeting this week, two appeals from parents were considered and subsequently denied. These appeals were against the department's earlier rejection of their requests for a $2,300 commercial freeze dryer and car seats, both deemed unrelated to educational purposes as outlined in state law.

Horne emphasized the rigorous approach his administration is taking towards reviewing ESA expense requests, a stance that contrasts with the previous administration's handling of such matters. Under Horne's oversight, every expense request is scrutinized, irrespective of the amount involved. This rigorous review process recently led to the rejection of 12,200 out of 252,000 orders, demonstrating the department's commitment to ensuring ESA funds are used strictly for educational purposes and in compliance with state law.

The department is also preparing for an upcoming appeal involving a request for a $500 dune buggy, another item clearly outside the boundaries of legitimate educational expenses.

Step Back in Time with 'Sh-Boom!' at Hale Centre Theatre, Gilbert

Hale Centre Theatre in Gilbert, Arizona, has launched a vibrant seven-week run of the musical "Sh-Boom! Life Could Be a Dream," taking audiences on a nostalgic journey to Springfield High School. The story revolves around Denny and the Dreamers, an aspiring doo-wop group who dream of stardom and plan to compete in the Big Whopper Radio contest. This musical extravaganza, running through Mondays, Tuesdays, and some Wednesdays until March 5, promises a delightful mix of beloved classics like “Fools Fall in Love,” “Tears on My Pillow,” “Runaround Sue,” and “Earth Angel.”

Theatre enthusiasts should note the absence of performances from February 12 to 14. Showtimes are scheduled for 4 and 7:30 p.m., offering flexibility for audiences. Ticket prices range from $32 to $48, making it an accessible cultural outing.

Located at 50 W. Page Ave. in Gilbert, Hale Centre Theatre is known for its engaging productions. For more information or to purchase tickets, interested patrons can call 480-497-1181 or visit www.haletheatrearizona.com.

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