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🏘️ Arizona Legislature Eyes Zoning Reform 🍽️ Find elk steaks, ostrich meat and snake sausages and more...

Gilbert Local Pulse | Issue #085

Author

Lloyd Heath
February 13, 2024

In this issue of Gilbert Local Pulse

🌤️ Gilbert, AZ Local Weather

📅 Gilbert, AZ and Surrounding Area Events

🏘️ Arizona Legislature Eyes Zoning Reform to Tackle Housing Crisis

📜 Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs Signs Bill Extending Vote Counting Time Before Elections

🦸‍♂️ Family of man who drove car into Chandler lake grateful for teen who jumped in to save him

🔄 State lawmaker wants to change Arizona law related to drug use and homelessness

🕊️ A kinder, gentler Gilbert Town Council?

🍽️ Find elk steaks, ostrich meat and snake sausages at these Phoenix butcher shops

🎉 Gilbert's Farming Matriarch Celebrates Centennial: A Century of Growth and Resilience

🚶‍♂️ We Can. I Can. San Tan Cancer Walk 2024 rescheduled for Feb. 17 in Queen Creek

⚾ Valley fans, businesses rejoice as spring baseball beckons

Upcoming and Ongoing

Arizona Legislature Eyes Zoning Reform to Tackle Housing Crisis

Arizona is currently navigating a critical juncture in its quest to mitigate a severe housing shortage, with legislative proposals aimed at reforming city zoning regulations to facilitate the construction of new housing units. As the state grapples with a deficit of over 270,000 homes, a situation exacerbating the surge in home prices and rents, lawmakers across the political spectrum acknowledge the urgency of fostering homebuilding, particularly affordable housing options.

The housing crunch has evolved over recent years, fueled by a population boom and a significant downturn in new home construction that traces back to the aftermath of the Great Recession. This period of hesitancy among developers, compounded by a scarcity of available land, investment trends favoring rental conversions, and challenges in labor and material availability, has significantly strained Arizona's housing market.

Efforts to address these challenges saw a notable attempt last year through a legislative overhaul aimed at diminishing the regulatory powers of cities and towns over zoning and planning, advocating for increased housing supply. However, this initiative faced substantial opposition from municipal representatives and community members, leading to its eventual stalling. A late compromise failed to gain traction, postponing the resolution of this pressing issue to the current legislative session.

This year, the proposals seeking to ease zoning restrictions carry bipartisan support, suggesting a potential shift towards a more collaborative approach in tackling the housing crisis. Such measures, if passed, could significantly alter the landscape of housing development in Arizona, promoting denser, more affordable housing solutions in response to the state's growing needs.

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs Signs Bill Extending Vote Counting Time Before Elections

On Friday, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs enacted a significant law aimed at providing additional time for election officials to count votes, especially in tight races that may lead to recounts. This legislative update is in response to county officials' concerns that the former statute did not offer ample time for vote counting, risking the state's ability to meet federal deadlines.

As Arizona anticipates closely contested primaries and general elections, the need for more comprehensive vote tabulation time has become increasingly apparent. Governor Hobbs, in a declaration shared on social media, emphasized that the new law, with its focus on signature verification standards, ensures that the voices of Arizonans are effectively heard during elections.

The bill's swift passage was the result of a rare bipartisan collaboration, initially facing skepticism from some lawmakers over its details. However, recognizing the importance of the bill for maintaining electoral integrity, Democrats and Republicans came together in unanimous support.

Additionally, the legislation modifies the primary election calendar, moving the date from August 6 to July 30. It addresses concerns regarding the timeline for rectifying ballots missing signatures, a point of contention highlighted by Democratic Representative Cesar Aguilar. Despite his reservations about potential impacts on voters' ability to correct their ballots, Aguilar supported the bill, underscoring the critical importance of Arizona's participation in the Electoral College. The changes introduced by this law will be in effect for the upcoming summer's primary and the autumn general election, excluding the March 19 presidential primary.

Family of man who drove car into Chandler lake grateful for teen who jumped in to save him

Ethan Cakmak leaped into action following a distressing accident involving Todd Buckner, who had just left Phoenix's Sky Harbor Airport after dropping off his wife. During this critical moment, Ethan's swift response came as his father, Erkan Cakmak, dialed emergency services for help.

This incident occurred shortly after Todd had bid farewell to his wife, embarking on his journey back home, while their daughter, Ally, was attending a college class in Florida. Reflecting on the situation, Ally shared her emotional turmoil, emphasizing her deep longing for her father. The Buckner family is eager to extend their heartfelt gratitude towards Ethan for his courageous act of heroism.

Ally found solace and gratitude in a video showcasing Ethan's valiant effort to save her father. In an era where bystanders often resort to filming rather than intervening, Ethan's decision to take action stood out as a beacon of hope and bravery. Ally was profoundly moved by his willingness to help a stranger in dire need.

Meanwhile, Todd's wife, Rachelle, had just arrived at LAX airport in California when she was bombarded with messages about the accident. The urgency to return was paramount, and thanks to the compassionate assistance of a Southwest Airlines employee named Maria, Rachelle was able to navigate her way back amidst the chaos. Maria's kindness and support were a silver lining for Rachelle, highlighting the significance of empathy and human connection during life's most challenging moments.

State lawmaker wants to change Arizona law related to drug use and homelessness

In a significant legislative move, Arizona State Representative Matt Gress introduced HB 2782, titled the Arizona Homeless Protection and Drug Control Act, aiming to bolster measures against drug dealing around service providers and enhance support for the homeless. This comprehensive bill proposes to establish drug-free zones surrounding service providers, enforce stricter penalties for drug dealers operating within these zones, and hold facilities accountable if they permit on-campus drug use.

A notable feature of the bill is the creation of a $75 million permanent Homeless Shelter and Services Fund, designed to provide sustained financial support to combat homelessness. The act also introduces performance-based funding adjustments for homeless service providers, stressing the importance of collecting detailed health and demographic data on Arizona's homeless population to inform policy and service provision. Additionally, it seeks to prohibit the use of state funds for renting hotel rooms as a means of sheltering the unhoused, a practice that has faced criticism in cities like Scottsdale and Mesa.

The legislation calls for enhanced transparency and information sharing on municipal spending aimed at addressing homelessness, fostering a statewide approach to managing this issue through improved data collection and reporting. It does, however, permit the use of federal and private funds to rent rooms, and allows non-profits or cities to purchase hotels for conversion into shelters, exemplified by Project Haven in Phoenix.

Representative Gress emphasizes the bill's focus on accountability and efficiency in supporting those experiencing homelessness, aiming to prevent individuals from slipping through the cracks and ensuring rapid response to relapses. As the bill prepares for committee review, Gress expresses optimism about bipartisan support, highlighting the widespread recognition of the need for robust, effective solutions to homelessness and drug-related challenges in Arizona.

A kinder, gentler Gilbert Town Council?

The Gilbert Town Council recently concluded its last ethics complaint from 2023, marking a potentially new chapter of cooperation among its members. During the February 6th meeting, Councilmember Bobbi Buchli highlighted this milestone with a mixture of relief and humor, urging fellow Councilmember Jim Torgeson to maintain the council's newly minted complaint-free status. The dismissal of the complaint against Torgeson, filed by resident Maureen Hoppe for allegedly leaking information, was met with consensus from the council to take no further action, underscoring a desire to move past internal conflicts.

Councilmember Yung Koprowski called for the non-action on the complaint, criticizing the investigation's depth while also extending understanding towards Torgeson, recognizing the learning curve associated with their roles as public officials. The council's recent efforts to improve internal relations and public interactions, spurred by mediation training and a collective willingness to start afresh, were acknowledged as steps towards better governance. This spirit of professionalism and respect was tested as the council unanimously approved utility rate increases to navigate financial challenges, demonstrating a commitment to difficult but necessary decisions for the town's welfare.

The ethics complaint process itself came under scrutiny, with Mayor Brigette Peterson and others expressing dissatisfaction with its misuse and inefficacy, indicating a need for review and possibly, reform. Public comments during the meeting, including from Hoppe, criticized the investigation process's transparency and thoroughness, highlighting ongoing tensions between council members and segments of the community.

As Gilbert's council grapples with maintaining order and decorum in public meetings amidst vocal opposition on various issues, discussions on updating town codes and procedures reflect a broader challenge of balancing free speech with respectful discourse. The debate over how to manage public comments and criticisms, amid allegations of silencing detractors, underscores the delicate balance required in democratic governance.

Find elk steaks, ostrich meat and snake sausages at these Phoenix butcher shops

Phoenix, a city celebrated for its rich meat-centric cuisine, also harbors a secret gem for culinary adventurers. A handful of specialized butchers in the area offer an exotic assortment of meats, ranging from wild game native to the U.S. to rare delicacies from around the world. This selection caters to those looking to push the boundaries of traditional cooking, providing unique options for memorable dishes.

  • Porchetta di Testa

    Available at: Underbelly Meat Co.
    $20.00 per pound

    Porchetta Di Testa, offered by Underbelly Meat Co. in Phoenix, is a unique culinary delight that stands out in the city's meat scene. This specialty, described as "face bologna," is made from the seasoned and cured meat of a pig's face, specifically the cheeks and jowls. After being cooked sous vide, it's chilled to develop its flavors and texture, resulting in a delicacy that exemplifies sustainable butchery. Best enjoyed thinly sliced in sandwiches, it's a perfect introduction to unique meats and a testament to the creativity and sustainability in modern culinary practices.

  • Elk New York Strip

    Available at: Hobe Meats, Off The Hook Meat Shop, Lil’ Town Butcher
    $39.99 per pound

    Elk meat, revered for its lean, sweet profile, emerges as a culinary favorite in the Western U.S., bridging the gap between tradition and gourmet exploration. With options ranging from wild-caught to farm-raised, including hybrids from New Zealand, elk meat is a culturally and nutritionally significant choice. The New York strip cut, in particular, showcases elk's culinary potential when marinated and cooked with care, providing a unique and satisfying dining experience for those eager to explore beyond conventional meats.

  • Ostrich Steak

    Available at: Hobe Meats, Off The Hook Meat Shop, Lil’ Town Butcher
    $49.99 per pound

    In Phoenix, the ostrich not only captivates as a local attraction but also emerges as a star in the culinary scene for its lean, nutritious meat that rivals high-quality beef. As a farm-raised staple, ostrich meat is celebrated for its low fat and high mineral content, presenting a healthier alternative to traditional red meats. Culinary approaches vary, but the consensus leans towards treating the meat with care to preserve its distinctive savory or nutty taste, making ostrich steak a must-try for those eager to explore the breadth of gastronomic delights.

  • Jalapeno Rabbit Python Sausage

    Available at: Hobe Meats, Off The Hook Meat Shop
    $19.99 per pound

    The python and rabbit sausage is a culinary innovation that blends the chewy, subtly flavored python meat with the rich, gamy taste of rabbit, enhanced by the spicy kick of jalapeño peppers. This dish not only tantalizes the taste buds but also contributes to environmental efforts by utilizing python, an invasive species. With its lean profile and rich nutritional content, this sausage is a testament to the creativity and ethical considerations in modern cooking, offering a unique option for expanding culinary horizons at any meal.

  • Kangaroo Tenderloin

    Available at: Hobe Meats, Rusty Nail Meats, Lil’ Town Butcher
    $45.99 per pound

    Kangaroo tenderloin represents a pinnacle of sustainable meat options, combining the rich culinary heritage of Aboriginal Australia with modern wildlife management practices. As a wild-harvested, low-impact meat, kangaroo offers an environmentally friendly alternative that is lean, nutrient-rich, and uniquely flavorful. Its preparation, favoring quick searing and rare to medium-rare cooking, underscores its status as a special treat that brings both bold taste and environmental stewardship to the table.

Gilbert's Farming Matriarch Celebrates Centennial: A Century of Growth and Resilience

June Neely Morrison, a centenarian and the esteemed matriarch of a pioneering agricultural family in Gilbert, recently celebrated her 100th birthday, marking a lifetime that spans the evolution of Gilbert from a modest farming community to a vibrant suburban sprawl. Born into the era of the Great Depression and witnessing the monumental shifts of the 20th and 21st centuries, Morrison's life story is a testament to resilience and adaptability. Having lived in Gilbert since her family's relocation in 1924, she married her schoolmate, Marvin Morrison, in 1944, and together they nurtured a vast farming operation, contributing significantly to the town's agricultural heritage.

Throughout her life, Morrison has embraced a philosophy of simplicity, health, and community engagement. Despite the profound changes surrounding her, including the transformation of Gilbert from "the Hay Capital of the World" to a modern suburban enclave, she has maintained a steadfast connection to her roots, while also adapting to the new realities of her surroundings. Her longevity, Morrison believes, is attributed to a combination of good genetics and a conscientious lifestyle, emphasizing the importance of physical activity, mindful eating, and community participation.

Morrison's narrative also underscores the pivotal role of family, with her recounting fond memories of her extensive kin, her marriage enriched by a shared passion for music, and the joy of international travel in later years. Her commitment to spiritual life and community service, alongside her involvement in various philanthropic endeavors, reflects a deep-seated belief in giving back to the community that has been her lifelong home.

Her home, imbued with memories and a testament to her family's history, remains a cherished sanctuary, embodying the essence of a life well-lived. Morrison's story is not just a personal milestone but a living bridge to Gilbert's past, offering insights into the community's evolution and the enduring spirit of its people.

We Can. I Can. San Tan Cancer Walk 2024 rescheduled for Feb. 17 in Queen Creek

The San Tan Cancer Walk 2024, organized to rally the community against cancer, has been rescheduled due to bad weather and will now take place on February 17, from 9 a.m. to noon at San Tan Heights Elementary School in Queen Creek. This event, supported by the American Cancer Society of Phoenix, aims to unite individuals with a common goal: the eradication of cancer. It's an opportunity to celebrate survivors, honor the memory of those lost to the disease, and raise vital funds for ongoing cancer research and support services. Participants are encouraged to join this cause and contribute by visiting the donation website provided by the American Cancer Society of Phoenix.

Valley fans, businesses rejoice as spring baseball beckons

Baseball's return to its pre-pandemic glory heralds a significant boon for Arizona's economy, especially for the businesses, employees, and charities linked to Spring Training. The Cactus League, hosting 15 Major League Baseball teams across 10 Valley facilities, enjoyed its first full season of games last year since the onset of the pandemic. This resurgence is marked by an influx of out-of-state fans, with six out of ten attendees coming from outside Arizona, contributing to the local economy's vitality.

The economic impact of this sporting tradition is substantial. A study by Arizona State University’s W.P. Carey School of Business highlights the remarkable financial benefits, with the 2023 season generating over $418.5 million towards Arizona's gross domestic product and $710.2 million in overall economic activity. This is a stark contrast to the pandemic's onset in 2020, which saw a significant downturn in economic contributions.

The pandemic years took a toll on local businesses and charities, with many facing reduced revenues due to shortened seasons and capacity limits. However, organizations like the Scottsdale Charros remained committed to their community support missions, adapting to the challenges posed by the pandemic's impact on Spring Training, their primary fundraising event.

With over 1.56 million fans attending games last year, the Cactus League is nearing its historic attendance figures, signaling a strong recovery and promising prospects for future seasons. The presence of the previous year's World Series teams, the Texas Rangers and Arizona Diamondbacks, in the Cactus League is expected to further boost attendance, underscoring the critical role of Spring Training in Arizona's economic and community success.

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