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  • 🚨 Armed man arrested after violent crime spree 🗳️ Top Arizona GOP lawmakers challenge Election Procedures 🍤 Seafood happy hour is a big hit and more...

🚨 Armed man arrested after violent crime spree 🗳️ Top Arizona GOP lawmakers challenge Election Procedures 🍤 Seafood happy hour is a big hit and more...

Gilbert Local Pulse | Issue #078

Author

Lloyd Heath
February 02, 2024

In this issue of Gilbert Local Pulse

🌤️ Gilbert, AZ Local Weather

📅 Gilbert, AZ and Surrounding Area Events

🚨 Armed man arrested after violent crime spree near Mesa

🚶‍♂️ We Can. I Can. San Tan Cancer Walk 2024 set for Feb. 10 in Queen Creek

🎤 CAC hosts poetry, speaking contests for Black History Month

🗳️ Top Arizona GOP lawmakers challenge Election Procedures Manual in court

🏆 Gilbert Public Schools Passes Audit with Flying Colors for Fiscal Year 2022-23

🍤 Seafood happy hour is a big hit at Buck and Rider

🎉 Gilbert restaurateur marks anniversary

Upcoming and Ongoing

Armed man arrested after violent crime spree near Mesa

The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office successfully concluded a manhunt on Thursday afternoon, capturing an armed individual implicated in a spree of violent offenses in the Mesa vicinity. The events unfolded early in the morning, around 6 a.m., when a man and a woman, aboard a stolen golf cart, arrived at a local business situated near Crismon Road and Apache Trail. Armed with a rifle, the duo forced entry into the establishment, which was occupied at the time, and discharged several shots. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported.

Following the shooting, the pair abandoned the golf cart near Signal Butte Road and University Drive, evading capture prior to the deputies' arrival. Concurrently, as law enforcement investigated the two locations, the male suspect attempted a break-in at a residential property, unleashing a barrage of bullets at the dwelling located close to Crismon Road and University Drive. He subsequently fled into a nearby wash.

In a continued effort to evade capture, the man commandeered another vehicle. His escape attempt, however, was short-lived as he collided with another car and rendered the stolen vehicle inoperable near Hawes and McKellips roads around 11 a.m. He then fled on foot into a wash area. After an intensive search lasting approximately three and a half hours, authorities apprehended the suspect.

The incident prompted temporary lockdowns at Taft Elementary, Smith Junior High, and Zaharis Elementary schools, as stated by Mesa Public Schools. Fortunately, there were no injuries among law enforcement personnel.

The suspect has been hospitalized as a precaution and will face multiple felony charges upon discharge. MCSO Sgt. Joaquin Enriquez commended the collective efforts of law enforcement for resolving the dangerous situation without further escalation. The role of the woman accompanying the suspect remains under investigation as detectives determine her involvement in the crimes.

We Can. I Can. San Tan Cancer Walk 2024 set for Feb. 10 in Queen Creek

The "We Can. I Can. San Tan Cancer Walk 2024" is set to unite the Pinal County community in the fight against cancer, thanks to the American Cancer Society of Phoenix. The inaugural event will be held on Saturday, February 10, from 9 a.m. to noon, at San Tan Heights Elementary School in Queen Creek, located at 2500 W. San Tan Heights Blvd.

This significant event aims to gather individuals committed to the cause of eradicating cancer. A core group of passionate volunteers will spearhead the walk, creating a space for the community to come together in solidarity. The walk serves multiple purposes: to celebrate the resilience of cancer survivors, honor the memory of those lost to the disease, and mobilize resources to bolster the ongoing battle against cancer.

Those looking to contribute to this cause can find donation information for the American Cancer Society of Phoenix – San Tan Cancer Walk by visiting donate.cancer.org.

CAC hosts poetry, speaking contests for Black History Month

Central Arizona College is hosting a series of contests in poetry and public speaking as part of its Black History Month celebrations. The events, organized by the Communication Studies Department, Equity Council, and Student Engagement team, are grouped under the banner of the Cultural Expression competition. This year's theme, "The Unity of Community," aims to inspire CAC students to share their personal experiences, stories, and insights through creative expression.

Participants in the poetry contest are encouraged to submit works that resonate with the theme, continuing a cherished tradition at the college. The competition is open to students, faculty, staff, and the local community. Those interested in showcasing their talents in poetry can send their submissions to [email protected].

Additionally, the college is inviting entries for the Pecha Kucha speaking contest. This unique presentation style, named after the Japanese term for "chit-chat," focuses on conveying messages through images rather than text, offering a dynamic platform for storytelling. Contestants are required to submit their video presentations to Professor Michelle Young at [email protected].

The deadline for submission in both contests is set for 6 p.m., Monday, February 19, with cash prizes awaiting the top finalists. The winners will be unveiled during a special event scheduled for noon, Tuesday, February 27, at the college's Signal Peak Campus, specifically in Building I, Room 400, located at 8470 N. Overfield Road in Coolidge.

Top Arizona GOP lawmakers challenge Election Procedures Manual in court

A recent lawsuit filed in Maricopa County Superior Court by Senate President Warren Petersen and House Speaker Ben Toma against Secretary of State Adrian Fontes is raising concerns over the election process in Arizona. The lawsuit challenges the discretion allowed to county supervisors in certifying election results and questions the strict deadline set by Fontes for counties to submit their official tallies. According to attorney Kory Langhofer, state law provides a more flexible timeline than the one Fontes enforces, suggesting that counties have until 30 days post-election to finalize their results. This legal dispute underscores the tension between ensuring timely election outcomes and accommodating thorough review processes in close races, especially with new federal mandates on presidential election result submissions to Congress.

The crux of the disagreement lies in the Elections Procedures Manual, which, according to Petersen and Toma, contains provisions not aligned with state law. They argue that statutory law should take precedence, criticizing Fontes' stipulation that he can proceed with the state canvass without the results from counties that miss the deadline, a move they deem illegal. Langhofer emphasizes that Arizona law requires the Secretary of State to delay the statewide canvass until all counties have reported, potentially allowing for up to 30 days after the election for results submission.

Fontes defends the guidelines in the manual, highlighting the importance of finality in elections and dismissing claims of voter disenfranchisement as baseless. The lawsuit brings to light the critical balance between the legal framework governing elections and the practical need for timely election certification, especially in the face of mandatory recounts and federal deadlines for presidential election results.

Gilbert Public Schools Passes Audit with Flying Colors for Fiscal Year 2022-23

Gilbert Public Schools (GPS) achieved a positive outcome from its audit for the fiscal year 2022-23, receiving a clean bill of health on the management of five federal funds, exceeding the usual two funds audited annually. These funds include the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Title I among others. The audit, conducted by Heinfeld, Meech & Co., found no significant deficiencies or material weaknesses, and the district's leadership was commended for their cooperation. Key financial highlights include a net position increase of $32.78 million and a fund balance of $208.14 million, despite a slight decrease from the previous year. The district spends a majority of its funds on instruction, indicating a healthy financial trend over the past decade, with a decreasing overall tax rate and stable staffing levels, despite slight adjustments in various positions.

Seafood happy hour is a big hit at Buck and Rider

Buck and Rider, celebrated for its superb seafood offerings, invites guests to its happy hour available daily from 3 to 7 p.m. across three locations in the Valley. The Gilbert spot, located at Ray and Higley Roads, stands out with its oysters priced at $2.25 each, emphasizing quality over mere affordability. Additionally, the Sea of Cortez shrimp are notable for their freshness and size, available at $3 each. The happy hour menu also features enticing small bites such as Voodoo Fried Rice, Baja shrimp ceviche, spicy fried chicken, along with a selection of $10 signature cocktails, rotating sushi rolls, smoked trout dip, and draft beers for $7, providing a diverse and high-quality dining experience.

Gilbert restaurateur marks anniversary

Navi Singh, a long-time aficionado of hot wings and beer, transformed his passion into a successful business venture by purchasing a franchise of his favorite restaurant chain. The 31-year-old resident of Gilbert is now celebrating a significant milestone: five years of ownership of the Native Grill and Wings located at 4341 E. Baseline Road in Gilbert.

Having been immersed in the restaurant industry from a young age through his family's involvement, Singh has a deep-rooted understanding of the business. His family's portfolio included franchises such as Arby’s and Subway, as well as a local Indian restaurant, the Indian Grill in Mesa, which has since closed. This extensive background provided Singh with invaluable insights into running a prosperous dining establishment.

Singh's journey in the food service industry began at the tender age of 17, starting in the kitchen to grasp the essential backend operations before advancing to front-of-house responsibilities. Reflecting on his journey, Singh credits his comprehensive experience across various roles for his current success.

After completing an associate degree at Chandler Gilbert Community College, Singh continued to expand his expertise and eventually acquired the Del Taco franchise located at 2645 N. Power Road in Mesa. His affection for Native Grill and its honey hot wings and cold beer led him to take the leap into franchising with the brand, significantly increasing his responsibilities and doubling his staff count to 45 employees across both locations.

Singh's hands-on approach to management and his commitment to excellence in customer service are the cornerstones of his success. He is not only involved in day-to-day operations but also actively participates in marketing and promotional efforts for both restaurants.

Despite the challenges posed by staffing and rising operational costs, Singh remains optimistic and committed to his ventures. His passion for the restaurant industry is driven by a love for people and interaction, a trait that has steered him away from the confines of a traditional office job. With the support of the franchise model and his entrepreneurial spirit, Singh is poised to continue his journey in the restaurant business for many years to come.

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