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  • 🏘️ Gilbert Resident Battles Town Over Land 💖 Galentine's Day Ladies Night Out Event 🎭 Hale Theatre Adds New Performances and more...

🏘️ Gilbert Resident Battles Town Over Land 💖 Galentine's Day Ladies Night Out Event 🎭 Hale Theatre Adds New Performances and more...

Gilbert Local Pulse | Issue #081

Author

Lloyd Heath
February 07, 2024

In this issue of Gilbert Local Pulse

🌤️ Gilbert, AZ Local Weather

📅 Gilbert, AZ and Surrounding Area Events

🚗 Convertible goes over cliff near Lost Dutchman State Park with driver inside

🏘️ Gilbert Resident Battles Town Over Land Dedication for Road Expansion

⏳ Arizona lawmakers race to fix election timeline, but parties remain at odds

🌟 Three Finalists Emerge in Search for Maricopa County's Next Interim Sheriff

📚 Horne extends deadline for Arizona schools to prove they teach about Holocaust

🎉 Taco H Expands Its Unique Mexican and Sushi Fusion to Gilbert

💖 Galentine's Day Ladies Night Out Event

🎭 Hale Theatre Adds New Performances: Hank, George & Kitty Tribute!

Upcoming and Ongoing

Convertible goes over cliff near Lost Dutchman State Park with driver inside

In a harrowing incident just north of Lost Dutchman State Park on State Route 88, a black convertible met a terrifying fate as it plunged over a cliff, necessitating an urgent rescue operation. The driver, found approximately 250 feet below the cliff's edge, was promptly attended to by a coordinated effort from Rural Metro and Superstition Fire crews. The individual was subsequently transported to the hospital, having sustained injuries to the hip and back, as confirmed by the Arizona Department of Public Safety. While the severity of these injuries remains uncertain, the driver's survival marks a fortunate turn in what could have been a far graver situation.

This event eerily echoes a previous tragedy in the same vicinity, where, on January 16, a man was discovered deceased in his vehicle after a similar plunge. The circumstances leading to this latest accident remain shrouded in mystery, with no clear cause yet identified for the driver's perilous descent. Initial reports suggesting the presence of a passenger were later corrected by DPS, confirming that the driver faced this ordeal alone.

Gilbert Resident Battles Town Over Land Dedication for Road Expansion

In Gilbert, Arizona, Gina Schuh has been embroiled in a contentious dispute with the town over the acquisition of her property for road expansion projects. Initially, in 2019, Schuh sold 7 acres of her land to the town for $200,000 to facilitate the widening of Lindsay Road and improvements to Lexington Road. However, the situation escalated when the town later requested an additional portion of her land for free, under the guise of a right-of-way dedication for further road development, which Schuh claims would significantly devalue her remaining property. Despite her frustrations, the town insists that such dedications are standard for rezoning applications, aiming to improve infrastructure while offering property owners the chance to connect to essential services and pursue commercial development. Schuh, a quadriplegic and disability activist, has taken her case to social media and an online petition, garnering substantial public support. Her ordeal highlights the complex negotiations and personal impacts behind urban development projects.

Arizona lawmakers race to fix election timeline, but parties remain at odds

Arizona's election timeline is under scrutiny as lawmakers from both political parties recognize the need for adjustments to accommodate a 2022 law that raises the bar for automatic recounts. This law, enacted under former Governor Doug Ducey, poses a risk of delaying the mailing of general election ballots to military members and the certification of the state's presidential electors due to the increased likelihood of recounts. The urgency to resolve this issue was highlighted by county election officials in September 2023, prompting calls for legislative action.

Democratic and Republican legislators are proposing different solutions as the deadline to amend the election timeline approaches rapidly. Democrats, led by state Rep. Laura Terech, are working on legislation to tweak the election timeline incrementally, aiming for a bipartisan agreement. Republicans, controlling both legislative chambers, have put forward bills HB 2785 and SB 1733, proposing to move the 2024 primary date up by a week among other changes, while also incorporating additional election policy reforms.

The push for a bipartisan solution is complicated by disagreements over these added provisions, with Governor Katie Hobbs expressing willingness to compromise but resisting any bill that includes unrelated legislation or undermines voters' rights. The situation underscores the challenge of achieving consensus on election law reforms in a politically divided environment.

Three Finalists Emerge in Search for Maricopa County's Next Interim Sheriff

The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors is preparing to conduct interviews for the position of interim sheriff following Paul Penzone's departure. Three candidates, Jeffrey Kirkham, Patrick Valenzuela, and Russ Skinner, have been shortlisted from an initial pool of eight applicants. This selection process aims to fill the role until the upcoming November election.

Russ Skinner, who has stepped in as acting sheriff in line with state law since Penzone's resignation on January 12, is among the interviewees. Skinner's background includes serving in a leadership capacity within the sheriff's department. Jeffrey Kirkham brings experience as an Apache Junction police commander and former Nogales police chief, while Patrick Valenzuela is currently a lieutenant with the Glendale Police Department. Notably, both Skinner and Kirkham have switched their party affiliations from Republican to Democrat, aligning with the requirement that the interim sheriff be of the same political party as Penzone, who is a Democrat.

The November election for Maricopa County sheriff is already attracting candidates, including three Republicans: Jerry Sheridan, the 2020 nominee, along with Mike Crawford and Joel Paul Franklin Ellis. On the Democratic side, Tyler Kamp, a veteran of over two decades with the Phoenix Police Department, has declared his intention to run, marking the beginning of the race to become the next metro Phoenix sheriff.

Horne extends deadline for Arizona schools to prove they teach about Holocaust

Arizona's Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tom Horne, announced on Monday a significant extension for schools to demonstrate compliance with the state's Holocaust and genocide education mandate. Originally set for January 24, the new deadline is now February 23, granting schools approximately an additional month to attest to their adherence to this critical state law. This extension comes amid Horne's efforts to ensure that middle and high school students receive education on the Holocaust and other genocides, a move driven by concerns over antisemitism in educational environments. The push for strict adherence to this mandate gained momentum following an event at Desert Mountain High School in Scottsdale, which Horne criticized for fostering antisemitism and anti-American sentiments. Schools failing to meet the mandate will face public notation in the education department's online report card, underscoring the state's commitment to Holocaust education and the fight against antisemitism.

Taco H Expands Its Unique Mexican and Sushi Fusion to Gilbert

Taco H, renowned for its unique blend of Hermosillo-style Mexican cuisine and sushi, has expanded its footprint in the culinary scene with the opening of its second location. This new establishment welcomed patrons on December 12, located at 835 S. Gilbert Road, Suite 104, in Gilbert. This expansion follows the success of its original location in Ahwatukee. The fusion of traditional Mexican flavors with the innovative twist of sushi offers a distinctive dining experience. Food enthusiasts can follow Taco H on Instagram at @tacoh_az for updates on their offerings, special events, and more. For inquiries or reservations, they can be reached at 602-754-5484.

Galentine's Day Ladies Night Out Event

In Verde at Cooley Station, Sip & Shop is gearing up to celebrate friendship and love with a unique twist this Valentine's season, hosting a special "Ladies Night Out" event. On February 9th, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., the venue transforms into a festive space where best friends can gather for an evening of shopping, sipping, and making memories. This event is a golden opportunity for girl squads to indulge in the spirit of love and camaraderie, offering an alternative to the traditional romantic celebrations. With limited space available, attendees are encouraged to secure their spot by registering online or in-store. For an added touch of exclusivity, groups can reserve a patio or inside table for a $40 deposit, which will be applied toward their drink tab. This ensures a cozy spot for you and your friends to enjoy the festivities to the fullest

Space is limited. Please register here or in store.

Reserve a patio table or inside table for you and your girls. [email protected]m $40 to hold it, goes towards your drink tab.

Hale Theatre Adds New Performances: Hank, George & Kitty Tribute!

The upcoming concert is a must-attend event for enthusiasts of classic country music, offering a deep dive into the legendary sounds of Hank Williams, George Jones, and Kitty Wells. This remarkable lineup promises an evening filled with timeless hits that have left an indelible mark on the country music landscape. Attendees will be treated to iconic tracks like Hank Williams' "Move it on Over," George Jones' "The Race is On" and "He Stopped Loving Her Today," along with "She Thinks I Still Care," the haunting "Long Black Veil," and Kitty Wells' groundbreaking "It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels." This concert is an opportunity to celebrate the enduring legacy of these country music giants, whose songs continue to resonate with fans across generations. Get Tickets.

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