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  • 🚫 Bill Would Outlaw Brass Knuckles in Arizona 😳 Flight Turnaround: Unusual Disruption on American Airlines Flight 😁 MCC dental hygiene students to offer free dental screenings and more...

🚫 Bill Would Outlaw Brass Knuckles in Arizona 😳 Flight Turnaround: Unusual Disruption on American Airlines Flight 😁 MCC dental hygiene students to offer free dental screenings and more...

Gilbert Local Pulse | Issue #074

Author

Lloyd Heath
January 29, 2024

In this issue of Gilbert Local Pulse

🌤️ Gilbert, AZ Local Weather

📅 Gilbert, AZ and Surrounding Area Events

🚫 Bill Would Outlaw Brass Knuckles in Arizona

💡 Arizona bill would waive the $12 driver's license fees for unhoused people

😳 Flight Turnaround: Excessive Flatulence Causes Unusual Disruption on American Airlines Flight

📜 New laws impact homeowner associations

🍕 Pizza Paradise: Dolce Vita's All-You-Can-Eat Italian Pizza Night

💙 Gilbert-based nonprofit teaches first responders about autism

😁 MCC dental hygiene students to offer free dental screenings Feb. 3

🔄 ALA-Gilbert North parts ways with Head Football Coach and Athletic Director Randy Ricedorff

Upcoming and Ongoing

Bill Would Outlaw Brass Knuckles in Arizona

Arizona is poised to consider a new bill introduced by State Senator John Kavanagh, aimed at banning brass knuckles. This legislative move comes after Kavanagh learned about a severe injury caused by brass knuckles in an assault case. Under this proposed bill, possession and use of brass knuckles would be classified as a high-level misdemeanor. Kavanagh expressed his astonishment that such weapons were not already illegal in Arizona. The bill is expected to be reviewed shortly.

Arizona bill would waive the $12 driver's license fees for unhoused people

The Arizona House Transportation Committee recently gave its nod to a bill designed to ease the burden on individuals experiencing homelessness by waiving their driver's license fees. House Bill 2143, if passed, would allow those without a permanent address or those whose closest address is a homeless shelter to obtain a driver's license without the standard $12 fee. The bill, championed by House Transportation Committee Chair David Cook, aims to facilitate the process of obtaining valid identification, thereby aiding in societal reintegration.

However, the bill has faced some scrutiny from other Republican members regarding an amendment that extends the validity of non-operating IDs to eight years. Cook argues that this change aligns with the renewal period of travel IDs, but concerns have been raised about potential implications for voter fraud. Following its approval by the committee, House Bill 2143 is now headed to the House Rules Committee for further consideration.

Flight Turnaround: Excessive Flatulence Causes Unusual Disruption on American Airlines Flight

In a bizarre turn of events, an American Airlines flight from Phoenix to Austin was forced to turn back before takeoff due to a passenger's excessive flatulence. The incident, which quickly spread on an Austin-based subreddit, involved a disruptive passenger who, according to fellow travelers, began farting deliberately. One Reddit user recounted overhearing the man provocatively saying, “You thought that was rude? Well, how about this smell,” before releasing a loud fart.

The situation escalated as the passenger's behavior continued, leading to discomfort among those nearby. It was speculated that his actions were in response to another odor on the plane. Eventually, the flight crew decided to deplane the man for the well-being of everyone on board. The plane returned to the gate in Phoenix, where a flight attendant informed the man he would not be continuing the journey with them. He left the aircraft quietly, and the flight resumed shortly after, delayed by only 15-30 minutes. American Airlines has chosen not to comment on this peculiar incident.

New laws impact homeowner associations

Beth Mulcahy, a Phoenix attorney specializing in homeowner association (HOA) law, recently addressed the City of Chandler's roundtable on HOAs, emphasizing the need for boards to adopt a reasonable approach. During the event at the Arizona State University Innovation Center, led by Mayor Kevin Hartke on January 17, Mulcahy highlighted five new laws from the last legislative session that are crucial for HOA boards to understand.

One notable law she discussed allows homeowners to fly the Betsy Ross flag, expanding the list of protected flags to eight. Mulcahy stressed the importance of HOAs being reasonable in their enforcement, citing examples of trivial disputes over flags that have led to negative publicity and legal costs.

In addition to the flag law, Mulcahy reviewed changes concerning condominium insurance coverage, regulations of public roadways in planned communities, political activity within HOAs, and procedures for removing board members. She underscored the potential consequences of overregulation and the financial burden it can impose on associations.

Furthermore, Mulcahy brought attention to the upcoming Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), a federal mandate effective January 1, 2025. Initially aimed at preventing money laundering by criminals or terrorists, the CTA inadvertently impacts HOAs. It requires HOAs to report personal details of board members and others with substantial control, including names, birthdates, addresses, and ID numbers. Non-compliance could lead to severe civil and criminal penalties.

Mulcahy's message to HOA boards was clear: adopt a reasonable stance and stay informed about legislative changes to avoid unnecessary disputes and legal ramifications.

Pizza Paradise: Dolce Vita's All-You-Can-Eat Italian Pizza Night

East Mesa's beloved Italian restaurant, Dolce Vita, is rolling out the red carpet for pizza lovers with its upcoming "All-You-Can-Eat Pizza Night." This local culinary jewel, celebrated for its authentic Italian atmosphere and dishes, is offering an indulgent experience for just $25 per person. Patrons can enjoy an unlimited array of nine distinct pizza varieties, each a testament to the rich diversity of Italian culinary tradition. This event is a dream come true for anyone with a passion for pizza and a taste for authentic Italian flavors.

Gilbert-based nonprofit teaches first responders about autism

In Gilbert, Arizona, a new nonprofit named Preston's Pursuit for Acceptance is making strides in educating first responders on interacting with individuals on the autism spectrum. Founded by Chris and Autumn Timmins, this organization is inspired by their experiences with their adopted son Preston and an incident in the West Valley involving a police officer and an autistic teen.

The Timmins couple is organizing a fundraiser breakfast on February 6th at 3694 East Meadowview Drive in Gilbert to support their mission. The event details and reservations are available on their website.

Chris Timmins, leveraging his 25 years in law enforcement, aims to enhance the inclusivity and understanding within the first responder community towards those with autism. The need for such education was highlighted by the 2017 incident where 14-year-old Connor Leibel was mistakenly detained by a Buckeye police officer while exhibiting autism-related behavior.

The nonprofit's training program is designed to equip first responders with essential skills and knowledge for interacting positively with autistic individuals. This training is extended to various professionals, including firefighters, police, EMS/paramedics, and educators.

Preston's Pursuit for Acceptance was established with the help of Board Developer, a Gilbert-based company specializing in organizational development. The board of directors, formed from scratch, comprises individuals passionate about autism advocacy, including town managers, nonprofit leaders, medical professionals, and law enforcement veterans

MCC dental hygiene students to offer free dental screenings Feb. 3

Mesa Community College's dental hygiene students are set to offer complimentary oral health screenings on Saturday, February 3rd. This valuable community service event will take place at the Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health (ASDOH) located at 5855 E. Still Circle in Mesa. Interested individuals can book appointments for 9 AM, 11 AM, or 1 PM by calling 480-248-8195, with availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The screenings are specifically targeted towards individuals who haven't received dental healthcare in over three years or who have known dental health issues. It's important to note that these screenings are not comprehensive exams and no treatment will be provided at the event.

Kimberlee Zitek, the director of the MCC Dental Hygiene Program, explained that patients qualifying for more advanced treatments for periodontal disease will receive customized oral healthcare services, though these are chargeable. She highlighted the cost-effectiveness of these services compared to private dental practices, especially for MCC students who receive a discount.

Participants must consent to a full set of X-rays, available for a $20 fee if requested. These screenings go beyond just oral health; they include thorough health history exams and screenings for blood pressure and glucose levels. The event is also an educational opportunity for second-year dental hygiene students, helping them develop advanced skills and interpersonal communication.

Furthermore, the event serves as a gateway for some community members to receive continued, personalized dental care through the MCC Dental Hygiene program. The Mesa Community College Dental Hygiene Clinic offers a full range of services during convenient evening hours at the ASDOH Dental Clinic. For appointments outside this event or more information about the program, visit mesacc.edu/dental.

ALA-Gilbert North parts ways with Head Football Coach and Athletic Director Randy Ricedorff

In a significant development within Arizona's high school sports scene, ALA-Gilbert North has announced the departure of its head coach and athletic director, Randy Ricedorff. The change, confirmed by Ricedorff to 12News journalist Cameron Cox, comes as a notable shift for one of the state's top high school football programs. While the reasons for the departure remain undisclosed, the news first emerged through Ben Stapley of AZPreps365.com.

Ricedorff, who began the ALA-Gilbert North football program in 2016, leaves behind a commendable record of 49-21 since the team's entry into the Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) in 2018. His tenure at ALA-Gilbert North has been influential, highlighted by a stellar 2022 season where he led the Eagles to an 8-2 regular season, a 4A East Sky region championship, and a 4A state championship.

Prior to his role at ALA-Gilbert North, Ricedorff had a successful coaching career at several schools, including Show Low High School, where he notably coached his sons and secured 100 wins and two 3A state championships. His coaching journey also included stints at Saguaro High School, Westwood High School, Trevor Browne High School, and Mesa Community College.

Ricedorff, an alum of Westwood High School, had a personal history of success, having won the 1988 3A Division 1 state championship with the Warriors. His departure from ALA-Gilbert North, though not linked, follows recent community scrutiny faced by the school in light of a tragic incident involving a 16-year-old at a Halloween party.

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