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💔 Arizona National Guard members injured 😁 Free dental screenings ✈️ new nonstop flight between Phoenix and Paris and more...

Gilbert Local Pulse | Issue #075

Author

Lloyd Heath
January 30, 2024

In this issue of Gilbert Local Pulse

🌤️ Gilbert, AZ Local Weather

📅 Gilbert, AZ and Surrounding Area Events

💔 Arizona National Guard members injured in deadly drone attack in Jordan

🚧 Town pushes to expanded NW Growth Area

😁 Free dental screenings this coming Friday, Feb 2

💡 Hobbs details plan to raise money for schools using Arizona trust lands

📝 Write-in Maricopa County candidates must file by June 22

✈️ Sky Harbor lands new nonstop flight between Phoenix and Paris

🎵 Callie Bennett concert Feb. 2 at Superstition Mountain Museum amphitheater

🎸 Train, REO Speedwagon team up to tour, will hit Phoenix

Upcoming and Ongoing

Arizona National Guard members injured in deadly drone attack in Jordan

In a tragic incident, members of the Arizona National Guard were injured in a drone attack at a base near the Syrian border in Jordan. The attack, occurring on January 28, 2024, also resulted in the death of three American troops. Major General Kerry Muehlenbeck confirmed no fatalities among Arizona National Guard members, but the exact number of injuries remains undisclosed. The Arizona National Guard was involved in Operation Spartan Shield, focusing on security and law enforcement. This incident is significant as the first U.S. troop fatalities from such attacks in the region, often linked to Iran-backed militia groups. The White House and Jordanian officials have condemned this terrorist act, emphasizing the ongoing threat in the area. U.S. troops, typically numbering around 3,000, use Jordan as a key strategic base for regional operations.

Town pushes to expanded NW Growth Area

Gilbert, Arizona, is poised to expand its revitalization efforts beyond the Northwest Growth Area, a key employment hub. Despite housing only 2.3% of the town's population, this area contributes over 20% of local jobs, with major companies like GoDaddy and Northrop Grumman based there. Amanda Elliott, the town's Redevelopment Program manager, highlighted in a council study session that signs of aging and deterioration aren't confined to the Growth Area alone. The expanded boundary aims to address growing concerns like increased code violation cases.

The town council is deliberating over the new boundaries, with input from local stakeholders including the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce. Council members have suggested various boundary options, like following main arterials or natural landmarks like the Consolidated Canal, to avoid splitting communities. The goal is a focused, 10-year redevelopment plan to improve visual appeal, traffic conditions, maintenance, safety, and business attraction in these aging areas. The final decision on the boundary is expected in the coming months, marking a significant step in Gilbert's commitment to community rejuvenation and growth.

Free dental screenings this coming Friday, Feb 2

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.

Hobbs details plan to raise money for schools using Arizona trust lands

Governor Katie Hobbs of Arizona is advocating for a substantial increase in education funding, proposing to withdraw 8.9% annually from the state land trust, a move she asserts will not jeopardize the trust’s financial health. According to a study from her office, this plan could generate an additional $1.3 billion over ten years, primarily allocated for educator pay raises and discretionary school funding.

However, concerns arise regarding the sustainability of this approach. Hobbs projects that the trust, valued at $7.9 billion in 2025, would grow to $8.9 billion by 2035 under her plan. Yet, this estimate includes anticipated revenues of about $200 million per year from land sales and leases, suggesting the trust could naturally expand to $10.3 billion without her intervention. Critics, including State Treasurer Kimberly Yee, argue that the governor's proposal, which assumes a 7.24% annual return, is overly optimistic and could lead to a diminished trust value over time.

Despite these concerns, Hobbs defends her strategy, highlighting its success under the existing Prop. 123, which has been withdrawing 6.9% annually since 2016. She emphasizes the importance of investing in education without raising taxes.

Yee, however, contends that a more prudent withdrawal rate would be 5.45%, based on the fund's performance and projections. The governor's plan faces further scrutiny for its broader definition of "educators," extending pay raises to a wider array of school staff, unlike the more teacher-focused Republican proposal.

The governor’s proposal also includes additional funding for support services staff and school safety measures, elements not present in the GOP plan. The debate sets the stage for potential legislative negotiations or confrontations, with the expiration of Prop. 123 in 2025 adding urgency to the decision-making process. The outcome of these plans could significantly impact the state’s education system and its financial stability.

Write-in Maricopa County candidates must file by June 22

In Maricopa County, a group of candidates is pursuing an alternative path to ballot eligibility, aiming to qualify as write-in candidates for various local and statewide seats. These candidates must submit specific paperwork by June 22 to be eligible for the primary election on August 6. Strict eligibility criteria apply, and votes are counted only for those who qualify. The process differs for statewide candidates, and a bipartisan board reviews write-in votes. Write-in candidates, once qualified, are included in the official canvass and published on the Maricopa County website.

Sky Harbor lands new nonstop flight between Phoenix and Paris

Air France has excitingly announced the launch of a new nonstop flight service connecting Paris and Phoenix, set to commence on May 23. This eagerly awaited flight will operate thrice weekly, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. This development is particularly significant as it introduces the first-ever direct connection between Phoenix and Paris, further expanding Phoenix's global reach. Previously, the city was directly linked to London through American Airlines and British Airways, and to Frankfurt, Germany, via Condor's seasonal flights.

The service will be operated using a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, known for its passenger comfort and efficiency. The aircraft configuration includes 30 business class seats, 21 in premium economy, and 228 in economy class. This new route is bolstered by Air France's existing code share agreements with KLM and Delta Air Lines, offering seamless connections for passengers traveling to other U.S. cities or European destinations.

The announcement was made by Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego during a press conference at Sky Harbor Airport. The new flight is the result of proactive efforts by Phoenix city officials, who engaged in several months of discussions with Air France to make this connection a reality.

Mayor Gallego emphasized the significant role of business travel in making such international flights viable. She highlighted the presence of 80 French companies in the Phoenix area, employing around 3,500 people across various sectors including transportation and semiconductor industries. The flight is expected to generate an impressive $30 million for the local Arizona economy.

Callie Bennett concert Feb. 2 at Superstition Mountain Museum amphitheater

The scenic Superstition Mountain Museum amphitheater is gearing up for an enchanting evening with the award-winning singer-songwriter Callie Bennett. Scheduled for 4:30 p.m. on Friday, February 2, the concert promises a mesmerizing experience during the "golden hour" when the setting sun casts a magical glow over the mountains.

Callie Bennett, a multi-talented artist renowned not only for her musical prowess but also for her exquisite Native American jewelry and fashion designs, is set to captivate the audience with her performance. This outdoor concert offers a unique blend of cultural and natural beauty, making it an event not to be missed.

Attendees are encouraged to embrace the outdoor setting by bringing lawn chairs. To add to the enjoyment, a selection of snacks, beer, and wine will be available, ensuring a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.

Tickets for this much-anticipated event are priced at $25 for general admission. Those interested in attending can easily purchase tickets online. Alternatively, tickets can also be acquired by phone at 480-983-4888 (Option 3) or in person at the museum's gift shop, located at 4087 E. Apache Trail in Apache Junction.

Train, REO Speedwagon team up to tour, will hit Phoenix

Iconic bands Train and REO Speedwagon are teaming up for a co-headlining summer tour, "Summer Road Trip Tour," which will conclude in Phoenix on September 11 at the Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre. They'll be joined by Yacht Rock Revue as special guests. The tour celebrates the bands' extensive catalogs, with Train known for hits like "Drops of Jupiter" and REO Speedwagon for classics like "Can't Fight This Feeling." Tickets go on sale soon, with artist presales starting at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 31. General sales start at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 2 at SaveMeSanFrancisco.com and REOSpeedwagon.com.

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