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  • 😢 Family Dispute Ends in Tragedy ⚖️ Arizona Election Rules Face Legal Challenge and more...

😢 Family Dispute Ends in Tragedy ⚖️ Arizona Election Rules Face Legal Challenge and more...

Gilbert Local Pulse | Issue #084

Author

Lloyd Heath
February 12, 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

😢 Family Dispute Ends in Tragedy with Fatal Shooting in Chandler Home

😲 The Largest Landowner in Arizona Owns an Ridiculous 750,000 Acres

🚀 Arizona Prepares for the Future with Legislation for Flying Cars

🎉 Breaking Barriers: The Legacy of Chandler's First Black-Owned Business

⚖️ Arizona Election Rules Face Legal Challenge from Free Enterprise Club

🍕 Jet's Pizza adds Gilbert location

🔁 Same name, different focus for cupcake brand

🎶 A symphony of giving: Gilbert student, classmates raise spirits at local hospital

❤️ Unserved food from WM Phoenix Open set to be distributed to Arizonans experiencing hunger

🏀 Stephen Curry hits 3-pointer with 0.7 seconds left, Warriors beat Suns 113-112

Upcoming and Ongoing

Family Dispute Ends in Tragedy with Fatal Shooting in Chandler Home"

A tragic family dispute escalated into a fatal shooting last Friday in Chandler, as reported by local police authorities. The incident unfolded around 7 p.m. within a residence situated on East Cindy Street, a location notably southeast of the juncture where Chandler Boulevard meets Cooper Road.

Upon arrival, law enforcement discovered two individuals suffering from gunshot wounds. Further investigation revealed that the violence erupted following a heated altercation among family members inside the home, culminating in the shooting at the argument's conclusion.

One victim was pronounced dead at the scene by responding officers, while the other is presently recuperating from their injuries. The identities of the victims have not been disclosed at this time.

The Largest Landowner in Arizona Owns an Ridiculous 750,000 Acres

In the United States, Arizona emerges as the most affordable state for purchasing land, with the median price per acre at approximately $4,100, standing out against its closest competitor, New Mexico, where land goes for around $6,000 per acre. Arizona's landscape is largely held by the federal and state governments, encompassing over 41 million acres. This expanse includes national parks, educational institutions, and sites of historical importance.

The largest parcel of land outside governmental possession belongs to a private entity deeply rooted in family ownership. Babbitt Ranches, established by five siblings from Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1886, has become an emblem of Flagstaff, Arizona. This enterprise, which is a beacon of land stewardship, dedicates itself to livestock farming, sustainable management of natural resources, and the advancement of scientific research. With a herd of approximately 8,000 Hereford cattle, Babbitt Ranches operates over 700,000 acres spread across private, federal, and state territories, incorporating the CO Bar, Espee, and Cataract ranches into its operations.

The ranch's commitment to ecological integrity, economic sustainability, organizational excellence, and community engagement underscores its operations. Babbitt Ranches not only exemplifies the enduring spirit of the cowboy culture but also invests in various initiatives aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of land management, business innovation, industry opportunities, and infrastructural development. These efforts are guided by the principles outlined in The Constitution of Babbitt Ranches, which mirror the organization's foundational values and the essence of cowboy integrity.

Arizona Prepares for the Future with Legislation for Flying Cars

In Arizona, anticipation for the future of transportation mirrors the imaginative visions once limited to "The Jetsons." Sen. David Farnsworth of Mesa is advancing a legislative proposal aimed at preparing the state for the advent of flying cars. This legislation, introduced by the Mesa Republican, seeks to simplify the registration process for these futuristic vehicles, enabling owners to navigate both highways and the skies up to 12,000 feet. The proposed law would categorize such vehicles as motorcycles due to their three-wheel design, despite requiring no motorcycle license or helmet due to their enclosed cabins.

Samson Sky, a company at the forefront of this innovative technology, has set the base price for their two-seater model at around $170,000, placing it within the luxury vehicle market. Although the cars have undergone test flights, further validations are pending, with public availability projected around 2025. These vehicles, defined as "experimental aircraft," would allow enthusiasts to construct their own planes and, with proper licensing, take to the skies. Unique to this concept is the vehicle's dual functionality, capable of driving on roads and parking at home, with the requirement to extend wings at airports for flight.

Despite the high cost, including a $195,000 version equipped for night and adverse weather flying, the appeal lies in bypassing traditional air travel inconveniences. These vehicles can reach cruising speeds of 160 miles per hour and offer a flight range exceeding 450 miles. However, ownership involves a hands-on commitment, with a legal stipulation that buyers must assemble at least 51% of the kit themselves, supported by "builder assist centers."

The Senate Committee on Transportation, Technology, and Missing Children raised several inquiries regarding the vehicle's performance, particularly under Arizona's extreme temperatures, and the specifics of maintenance and repair. The debate extended to the broader implications of amending state laws for a single company's benefit versus preparing for a future with various types of flying vehicles.

Despite mixed opinions and a call for a more comprehensive approach to accommodate future flying car technologies, the committee approved the measure with a 4-2 vote, pushing it closer to Senate consideration. This discussion not only reflects on the technological aspirations set forth by "The Jetsons" but also on the legislative and practical challenges of integrating such advanced transportation solutions into everyday life.

Breaking Barriers: The Legacy of Chandler's First Black-Owned Business

During the challenging era of the 1930s, when Jim Crow laws severely limited opportunities for Black Americans, N.J. Harris defied the odds by founding one of Chandler's pioneering Black-owned businesses. This establishment wasn't just a business; it became a cultural cornerstone for the local Black community.

In 1932, Harris inaugurated Harris's Bar-B-Q on Saragosa Street, notable for its distinctive location around the city's first water tank. His granddaughter, Glen Lavon Woods, recalls how Harris acquired land from a Mexican family in Chandler and ingeniously converted a decommissioned city water tank into a barbecue pit, laying the foundation for his business.

Despite the era's obstacles, Harris's exceptional interpersonal and networking skills played a crucial role in his business's success, allowing him to navigate through potential controversies seamlessly. Woods highlights Harris's wide-ranging rapport, including friendships with local dignitaries such as the county sheriff at the time, illustrating his ability to maintain his business without significant issues.

Harris was admired for his multifaceted talents beyond his entrepreneurial ventures. Known as a Renaissance man, he possessed skills in silversmithing, photography, and furniture making, crafting unique pieces from materials like cacti and silver. Woods cherishes the memory of her grandfather's creations, which still adorn her home, attributing his knowledge to being a self-taught and self-made individual. Despite his reserved nature, Harris's legacy as a resourceful and skilled community pillar endures through his family and his contributions to Chandler's history.

Arizona Election Rules Face Legal Challenge from Free Enterprise Club

The Arizona Free Enterprise Club has launched a legal challenge against new election rules aimed at regulating activities around ballot drop boxes. The contested rules restrict individuals from photographing, questioning, or seeking documentation from voters at these boxes, which the Club argues infringes on their First Amendment rights. The lawsuit asserts that observing drop boxes, conversing with voters, and photographing election sites are legitimate forms of expression, particularly for an organization advocating for minimal government regulation and tax reduction.

The context for this legal action includes unsubstantiated claims of fraudulent activities at drop boxes in Arizona, leading to heightened surveillance by certain groups, sometimes armed, causing voter intimidation concerns. A U.S. District Court Judge, Michael Liburdi, previously intervened by setting boundaries for such surveillance activities, though his injunction applied only to one group and has since expired.

The controversy has escalated with the introduction of the latest Elections Procedures Manual, which serves as guidance for interpreting state election laws and now includes measures to prevent "obstruction or harassment" around drop boxes. Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, a Democrat, has detailed what constitutes illegal activities beyond the existing 75-foot perimeter rule at polling places, aiming to protect voters from intimidation.

The Free Enterprise Club's lawsuit challenges these provisions, arguing they exceed legal limits and infringe on constitutional rights. It also disputes Fontes' broader interpretations of what constitutes voter intimidation, including questioning voters or confronting them in a manner deemed harassing.

This legal battle is part of the Club's broader engagement in election-related advocacy and litigation, including efforts to challenge the legality of drop boxes and the enforcement of campaign finance transparency laws. Additionally, a separate lawsuit filed by the Republican Party contests the manner in which the new elections manual was enacted and its content, alleging violations of public comment procedures and inconsistencies with voter registration statutes.

These legal actions reflect ongoing debates over election integrity and the balance between preventing voter intimidation and protecting free speech and observation rights at polling places.

Jet's Pizza adds Gilbert location

Jet's Pizza, a popular chain known for its Detroit-style thick-crust pizza, has expanded its footprint in Arizona with a new location in Gilbert. Opening its doors on February 2, the new outlet is situated at 1458 N. Higley Road, Suite 101, marking the chain's fifth establishment in the state. Taking over the space that once housed Geno's Giant Slice Pizza, Jet's Pizza continues to grow its presence, now operating in 24 states across the country. Pizza enthusiasts in Gilbert can now enjoy the chain's signature offerings by visiting the new location or placing an order at 480-674-4400 or through their website at www.jetspizza.com.

Same name, different focus for cupcake brand

The Toasted Mallow Cupcakery, renowned for its unique bakery offerings, has unified the branding of its two locations in Gilbert and Chandler, Arizona, under a single name. Originally known as Sweet Daddy Cupcakes, the Chandler location has recently been rebranded to match its Gilbert counterpart, a move aimed at creating more symmetry between the two shops. Despite the shared name, each location maintains its distinct focus: the Gilbert shop is celebrated for its marshmallow treats, while the Chandler store continues to prioritize its wide array of cupcakes.

Catherine Forlasto, who manages both locations, explained that the decision for the name change was driven by a desire to streamline brand recognition and inform patrons about the bakery's offerings. The owner, who has helmed both shops for the past six years, has gradually introduced marshmallow-based treats to the Chandler location, including homemade marshmallow fluff and milkshakes adorned with toasted marshmallow. However, cupcakes remain the star at Chandler, with a vast selection of flavors made from scratch, chocolate being the perennial favorite among customers.

The Chandler shop's diverse cupcake lineup includes flavors such as banana foster, red velvet, carrot cake, strawberry cream, cookie butter, and the standout triple chocolate. Additionally, the bakery features a "Happy Camper" cupcake, combining toasted marshmallow fluff with chocolate cake. Despite these offerings, the Gilbert location focuses more on marshmallow confections, like the Brookie, which sandwiches vanilla bean marshmallow fluff between fudge brownies.

Both locations strive to offer upscale cupcakes distinct from those found in grocery stores, with a commitment to craftsmanship and the ability to accommodate special requests. As the Toasted Mallow Cupcakery brand grows under its unified name, Forlasto expressed openness to further expansion, highlighting the importance of local support for the bakery's success.

A symphony of giving: Gilbert student, classmates raise spirts at local hospital

Gilbert Classical Academy's community embarked on a compassionate mission led by the initiative of junior student Elaine Tang, culminating in a substantial donation of care items to cancer patients at Banner Gateway Medical Center. Elaine's journey began with her volunteer work at the medical center, where she utilized music therapy to connect with patients. Inspired to extend her impact, she sought to establish a club focused on music therapy for the elderly, ultimately merging her vision with the "Bring Change to Mind" club after encountering initial challenges.

Identifying a gap in donations for cancer patients during her volunteer efforts, Elaine propelled the club into action, orchestrating the assembly of care packages filled with thoughtful items such as snack bags, sudoku books, handmade paper cranes and flowers, blankets, hats, and specially designed port pillows for chemotherapy patients. The initiative was supported by a school-wide "Dress Down" day, which not only raised over $1,000 but also fostered a stronger sense of community within the academy.

The collective efforts of fourteen clubs and the staff at Gilbert Classical Academy resulted in the donation of 200 sudoku books, 1,000 paper flowers, 321 snack bags, 101 blankets, 16 hats, 200 port pillows, and 1,800 paper cranes, each accompanied by a personal message. Elaine Tang's leadership and dedication to this cause were recognized by the town of Gilbert, earning her the Citizen Student of the Month award, a testament to the significant impact of her efforts on both the school community and the recipients at Banner Gateway Medical Center.

Unserved food from WM Phoenix Open set to be distributed to Arizonans experiencing hunger

For the tenth consecutive year, the Valley-based nonprofit, Waste Not, is set to play a crucial role in the WM Phoenix Open by salvaging surplus food from the event. This effort is part of the tournament's celebrated status as the world's foremost zero waste event, where Waste Management ensures that all waste is either recycled, composted, donated, or transformed into energy, preventing any of it from reaching landfills.

Hillary Bryant, the executive director of Waste Not, expressed enthusiasm about the nonprofit's participation in the Waste Management's Zero Waste campaign. She highlighted the significant impact of their food rescue operations, which not only feed thousands of people in need throughout the Valley but also contribute to the goal of zero food waste.

In the previous year, Waste Not achieved a milestone by recovering a record 32,752 pounds of food from the Phoenix Open. This year, they continue their collaboration with M Culinary Concepts, the event's catering company, to ensure that all excess food is repurposed.

Michael Stavros, M Culinary Concepts' vice president of business development, shared his pride in partnering with Waste Not. He emphasized the importance of their mission to address food insecurity in Arizona, praising the initiative to divert food from waste to feeding the community.

The rescued food will be distributed to various local organizations, including St. Vincent de Paul and Native American Connections, aiming to alleviate hunger among nearly one million Arizonans in need.

Stephen Curry hits 3-pointer with 0.7 seconds left, Warriors beat Suns 113-112

Stephen Curry's last-second three-pointer clinched a 113-112 win for the Golden State Warriors over the Phoenix Suns, marking their ascent back to a .500 record and improving their playoff standing. Curry finished with 30 points, including nine three-pointers. The Suns' Devin Booker and Kevin Durant scored 32 and 24 points, respectively, but couldn't secure a win in the final moments. The Warriors' victory not only avenged previous losses to the Suns but also highlighted key performances from Jonathan Kuminga and the return of Gary Payton from injury. The match was also noted for the ongoing rivalry between Draymond Green and Jusuf Nurkic.

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