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  • 🔔 Gilbert police giving public new way to get safety alerts 🍽️ The Artichoke Grill offers unique experience for diners and more...

🔔 Gilbert police giving public new way to get safety alerts 🍽️ The Artichoke Grill offers unique experience for diners and more...

Gilbert Local Pulse | Issue #082

Author

Lloyd Heath
February 08, 2024

In this issue of Gilbert Local Pulse

🌤️ Gilbert, AZ Local Weather

📅 Gilbert, AZ and Surrounding Area Events

📈 Gilbert council votes to increase utility rates

🚨 Assault and Unspecified Crimes Lead Gilbert's Weekly Crime Report

🛑 Calls for Enhanced Road Safety in Gilbert Following Child Cyclist Injuries

🔔 Gilbert police giving public new way to get safety alerts

🍽️ The Artichoke Grill offers unique experience for diners and workers alike

🏠 EVIT event previews new housing for foster care students Feb. 9

❤️ ADOT: Support charitable efforts that move you with specialty license plates

Upcoming and Ongoing

Gilbert council votes to increase utility rates

In April, residents and businesses in Gilbert will see a significant increase in their water, solid waste, and recycling utility rates, following a unanimous vote by the town council on February 6th. This decision marks the end of a detailed review process by the council, which concluded that the rate hikes were unavoidable but took steps to lessen their burden.

The adjustments will result in a 50% increase in water rates, adding an average of $17 to the monthly bills of residential customers. Additionally, the cost for solid waste and recycling services for 90-gallon cans will rise by $8.52 for these customers. Commercial entities are set to experience a 25% increase in their solid waste and recycling rates.

The decision faced opposition from residents, with two speaking against the increases at a public hearing and a third vocalizing their dissatisfaction loudly after the vote. Despite the pushback, council members and town officials explained that the hikes were necessary due to mounting cost pressures across the services. These include challenges like ensuring water resource resilience amid Colorado River shortages, rising construction and maintenance costs, and the need for more infrastructure.

To mitigate the impact, the town plans to spread the water rate increases over three years, with further hikes anticipated in 2025 and 2026. This strategy involves selling $80 million in bonds, incurring about $43 million in interest costs, to sustain the utility's financial health.

In response to community concerns, the council also approved a $150,000 contingency to create and implement a utility bill discount program aimed at assisting those affected by the rate increases. Council members are actively gathering contact information from concerned residents to inform them about the available support..

Assault and Unspecified Crimes Lead Gilbert's Weekly Crime Report

Gilbert experienced a total of 175 crimes in the past week, with 'Other' crimes leading at 41 instances, followed by assault (36), and suspicious situations (28). Theft, vandalism, arrests, and trespassing were also notably reported, alongside lesser frequencies of disturbances, shootings, and arguments. Singular instances of violation, burglary, and robbery were recorded, highlighting a diverse crime scene in Gilbert that raises concerns over public safety and the need for detailed classification and preventive measures.

Incidents

Last Week

Other

41

Assault

36

Suspicious Situation

28

Theft

21

Vandalism

12

Arrest

10

Trespass

10

Disturbance

9

Shooting

3

Argument

2

Calls for Enhanced Road Safety in Gilbert Following Child Cyclist Injuries

Gilbert, Arizona, has been left reeling from two separate tragic incidents involving young cyclists and vehicles. In a distressing turn of events, a 13-year-old, currently unnamed, is now in critical condition after a truck collided with their e-bike. This incident occurred near Val Vista Drive and Elliot Road just before 8 p.m. on Tuesday, necessitating urgent care for life-threatening injuries at an East Valley hospital. Authorities have confirmed that impairment was not a factor, though the details surrounding the crash are still under review.

Earlier the same day, another child cyclist was seriously injured in a vehicular accident around 1:15 p.m. near Lindsay and Elliot roads. This accident caused considerable disruption to southbound traffic on Lindsay Road as investigations were underway. The child's injuries, though serious, are not believed to be life-threatening.

These consecutive accidents have plunged the Gilbert community into mourning, sparking concerns over the safety of its streets for young bikers. As families and the victims navigate these traumatic times, there's an ongoing effort by police to piece together how these incidents happened. There's an expected reassessment of roadway safety measures and traffic protocols by local authorities aimed at averting such future tragedies.

The community's response has been one of solidarity, with an outpouring of support for the affected families and calls for heightened road safety measures. The ongoing investigations seek to uncover the causes behind these accidents, emphasizing the community-wide priority of ensuring the safety of young cyclists. Each incident starkly underscores the critical need for vigilance and safety on the roads, highlighting the fragile balance between the joy of cycling and the dangers posed by vehicles.

Gilbert police giving public new way to get safety alerts

The Gilbert Police Department has recently launched a cutting-edge emergency alert system known as RAVE Alerts, a significant enhancement for public safety communication within the town. This system is part of a larger initiative that encompasses all 81 public safety answering points (PSAPs) in Arizona, which are crucial call centers for emergency services like the police, fire department, and emergency medical services.

RAVE Alerts is designed to promptly inform the public about various emergencies, such as severe weather conditions, safety threats, traffic disruptions, missing person cases, evacuation orders, and more. It stands out as a versatile and inclusive tool, enabling 9-1-1 centers to send critical notifications to those in need of immediate information.

The service is notably user-friendly and accessible, offering free sign-ups online for anyone interested in receiving updates. Subscribers can customize their alert preferences to include text messages, emails, and voice messages, ensuring that they stay informed in the manner most convenient to them. This feature is especially beneficial for residents, workers, travelers, and visitors in Gilbert, as it allows for the specification of multiple locations, such as home, work, or other significant places, for which alerts are desired.

While the RAVE Alerts service is provided free of charge by the Gilbert Police Department, it's important to note that standard message and data rates may apply according to individual mobile plan rates. This initiative underscores Gilbert PD's commitment to leveraging technology for enhancing community safety and responsiveness during critical situations.

The Artichoke Grill offers unique experience for diners and workers alike

Nestled in a quieter corner of Scottsdale Community College, Artie’s Café shares the spotlight with a less conspicuous dining venue, The Artichoke Grill. This establishment stands out not merely as a place to dine but as a vibrant educational platform. Serving as a live classroom, The Artichoke Grill immerses culinary students in real-world kitchen operations under the guidance of the college's culinary arts program, which has enriched student experiences for approximately 35 years.

Under the leadership of Ashley Holian, the culinary arts director, the grill is celebrated as "one of Scottsdale’s best kept secrets." Its limited hours of operation—open just a few weeks each year, for about two hours daily—are a testament to its educational purpose, focusing on providing students with a taste of restaurant life minus the commercial pressures. According to Holian, the goal is not profit but education, allowing students like Zach Rash to learn and grow in a simulated environment that mitigates the usual stress found in restaurant settings.

The Artichoke Grill boasts a diverse, rotating menu catering to various dietary needs, including vegetarian and gluten-free options, alongside a convenient "grab-n-go" selection for those pressed for time. Despite its hidden gem status, reservations are a must for those wishing to experience the culinary delights prepared by the students.

To partake in this unique dining experience, prospective guests are encouraged to check the Artichoke Grill's website for available dining dates, menu specifics, and reservation details. The program's uniqueness is further highlighted by its distinction within the Maricopa County Community College District, setting Scottsdale Community College apart with its innovative approach to culinary education.

EVIT event previews new housing for foster care students Feb. 9

In 2022, the East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT) received a $10 million allocation from state lawmakers to construct residential housing for students aging out of the foster care system. This initiative, named HopeTech, is currently under construction on EVIT's main campus in Mesa, aiming to provide these students with a secure living environment. HopeTech will support up to 64 students aged 18 to 21, offering them an opportunity to complete their high school education, learn a trade through one of EVIT's 50 career programs, and access additional support services. Scheduled to open in July with an initial group of 16 students, HopeTech will require residents to pay up to $500 in rent, maintain a part-time job, and dedicate 35 hours weekly to academic and volunteer activities. EVIT's programs boast a 98% high school graduation rate, with many students advancing to college or entering related careers shortly after completion.

ADOT: Support charitable efforts that move you with specialty license plates

As Arizona celebrates its 112th birthday this February, residents have a unique opportunity to honor the occasion while showing support for one of the state's most iconic figures, Alice Cooper. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Motor Vehicle Division is offering specialty license plates, including one dedicated to Alice Cooper's Solid Rock, alongside a variety of designs that celebrate the rich heritage of Arizona.

Alice Cooper, known for anthems like “School’s Out” and “No More Mr. Nice Guy,” lends his name to the Solid Rock Teen Centers in Phoenix and Mesa. These centers aim to empower youth through free programs in arts, music, and dance, fostering a nurturing environment for personal growth and creativity. The Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock plate is more than a unique vehicle accessory; it's a contribution to sustaining these valuable community resources.

Arizona's pride is further showcased through a selection of specialty plates celebrating landmarks and symbols of the state, including the Arizona Centennial, Arizona Highways Magazine, and the historic Route 66, among others. Each plate design supports specific nonprofit groups and causes, turning a simple purchase into a gesture of community support.

The specialty plates, priced at $25 annually, are not just decorative. They serve as a direct channel of support, with $17 from each sale going to designated charities and nonprofit organizations. Last year alone, the program raised over $12 million, illustrating the community's strong engagement and generosity.

Since their introduction in 1989, specialty plates have undergone careful review by ADOT and law enforcement to ensure they meet all standards. For those looking to add a personal touch, customization options are available for an additional fee.

Residents interested in these specialty plates can explore and place orders through the official website, azmvdnow.gov, embracing a unique way to celebrate Arizona's heritage and support local initiatives.

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