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  • 📈 Gilbert Renews Workforce Development ❄️ February storms bring above-average snowpack and more...

📈 Gilbert Renews Workforce Development ❄️ February storms bring above-average snowpack and more...

Gilbert Local Pulse | Issue #087

Author

Lloyd Heath
February 15, 2024

In this issue of Gilbert Local Pulse

🌤️ Gilbert, AZ Local Weather

📅 Gilbert, AZ and Surrounding Area Events

🚨 Safety Concerns Heighten After Guardrail Causes Teen Fatality on I-17

📈 Gilbert Renews Workforce Development Programs; Enrollment Underway for Spring 2024

🌳 Forest Service Implements New Permit System for Fossil Creek to Prevent No-Shows

❄️ February storms bring above-average snowpack to Salt River watershed

🎨 Art contest can earn Arizona students $529 toward college savings

🏬 The Shade Store coming to SanTan Village in Gilbert

⚠️ 'The People's Open' went too far this year — what's next for the tournament

Upcoming and Ongoing

Safety Concerns Heighten After Guardrail Causes Teen Fatality on I-17

In a tragic incident on I-17 south of Cordes Junction, two teenagers from the Valley faced a horrific accident upon their return from a snowboarding trip in Flagstaff on February 4. Sixteen-year-old Jaxson Elliot and seventeen-year-old Jett Weinstein encountered a fatal collision when their vehicle struck a guardrail. The impact was so severe that the guardrail penetrated the car, resulting in Elliot's instant death and Weinstein sustaining critical injuries, including the amputation of part of his leg and numerous broken bones. The guardrail end terminal involved in the accident has been the subject of controversy for years, with some advocating for its removal from roads nationwide. Despite the debates, thousands of similar guardrail terminals remain installed across Arizona, raising concerns about their safety.

Gilbert Renews Workforce Development Programs Enrollment Underway for Spring 2024

This spring, the town of Gilbert, in collaboration with the Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD), is set to enhance the professional growth of its residents and local workforce through the Professional Skills program. This initiative offers self-paced online training exclusively to Gilbert residents and employees of Gilbert-based businesses, focusing on advancing their soft skills. The program, free of charge for the eligible participants, consists of ten modules covering various professional skills, all completed online over a month, with instructor support available. It represents an invaluable resource for local business owners to bolster their training programs and for job seekers aiming to increase their marketability. Find out more the training program.

Additionally, Gilbert is excited to continue its partnership with Elevate, a workforce accelerator, to offer the second Tech Sales Training Course. Aimed at propelling Gilbert residents into the tech sales sector, this six-week, mixed virtual and in-person program promises to equip participants with the necessary skills for success in the industry. The initiative underscores Gilbert's commitment to nurturing talent locally, highlighted by the successful employment outcomes from its inaugural cohort.

The town’s Office of Economic Development, which manages these programs, also offers a variety of other business assistance tools, such as the Local First Arizona Green Business Certification and the #GilbertTogether HUUB. These resources are designed to support the local business ecosystem, fostering growth and sustainability. For those interested in participating or learning more about these opportunities, Gilbert encourages exploring the available information online.

Forest Service Implements New Permit System for Fossil Creek to Prevent No-Shows

The U.S. Forest Service is taking measures to address the issue of no-shows for the coveted Fossil Creek permits within the Coconino National Forest in northern Arizona. Fossil Creek, distinguished as one of just two rivers in Arizona with the federal wild and scenic designation, is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts. In an effort to enhance accessibility while managing visitor impact, the Forest Service has introduced a new permit system. Under this system, the majority of permits must be utilized within 30 days of purchase, with an additional allocation of 20% being made available merely three days before the intended visit.

This initiative is part of a broader strategy to ensure that the beauty and ecological integrity of Fossil Creek are preserved for future generations, while also accommodating the high demand for access. Permits can be obtained via the federal recreation.gov website, with the requirement in effect from April 1 through October 1, aiming to strike a balance between conservation efforts and public enjoyment of this unique natural resource.

February storms bring above-average snowpack to Salt River watershed

Recent weeks of precipitation in Arizona have led to an above-average snowpack in the Salt River's watershed, marking a significant turn in the season's weather patterns. A snowpack survey conducted near Happy Jack by the Salt River Project (SRP) team revealed a snow depth of 30 inches, a measurement that SRP meteorologist Bo Svoma describes as "well above normal." This development is particularly striking given the dry conditions that persisted until mid-January, suggesting a rapid and robust accumulation of snowfall that has since surpassed typical annual peaks.

Svoma highlights the extensive and deep snow coverage in areas exceeding 6,000 feet in elevation as the most remarkable aspect of this season's snowpack. This widespread snow coverage promises a positive outlook for the Salt River's reservoir levels, offering a reprieve from the long-term drought conditions that have challenged the region. The past seven winters have seen a mix of average and wet conditions in the Salt River watershed four times, signaling a potentially encouraging trend after decades of drought.

However, Svoma cautions that despite the healthy snowpack's immediate benefits to the Salt River's reservoirs, the long-term drought affecting the Southwest remains a critical concern. He notes that Valley cities rely on a diverse portfolio of water sources, including the Salt River, the Colorado River, and groundwater, underscoring the complexity of water resource management in the region.

Art contest can earn Arizona students $529 toward college savings

The Arizona State Treasurer's Office, in collaboration with AZ529, Arizona's official education savings plan, has announced the third annual AZ529 Future Career Art Contest. This creative competition is open to students from kindergarten to 6th grade across Arizona, inviting them to express their dream careers through art. The contest aims to inspire young minds to visualize their future professions using any artistic medium of their choice, whether it be drawing, painting, or any other creative form.

A total of 15 talented young artists will be chosen as winners from various educational backgrounds, including district schools, charter schools, private schools, tribal schools, and homeschools, ensuring diverse representation. Each winner will be awarded $529 to either open a new AZ529 Education Savings Plan account or enhance an existing one. This effort is part of a broader initiative to encourage families to start saving early for their children's post-secondary education expenses.

The selected winners will have the honor of being recognized by Treasurer Kimberly Yee at a special ceremony hosted at the State Capitol towards the end of March. This event marks a significant milestone in the lives of these young individuals, highlighting their creativity and aspirations for the future.

To participate, artwork submissions must be sent through the official contest website or via direct mail by the deadline of March 3, at 11:59 p.m. The AZ529 Education Savings Plan is designed to offer a tax-advantaged way for Arizona families to save for future educational costs, covering a wide range of options from college and community college to vocational and trade schools. Contributions to an AZ529 account are eligible for a state tax deduction, enhancing the benefits for Arizona residents.

This year, the plan introduces an added flexibility allowing beneficiaries to transfer unused funds into a Roth IRA, making the AZ529 plan an even more attractive option for educational savings. Moreover, the plan welcomes contributions from friends and family, extending tax advantages to anyone who invests in a child's future education through AZ529.

For more details on how to enter the contest and the benefits of the AZ529 Education Savings Plan, interested parties are encouraged to visit the official contest page.

The Shade Store coming to SanTan Village in Gilbert

The Shade Store is set to expand its presence in Arizona with a new showroom opening at 2212 E. Williams Field Road, situated within the SanTan Village mall. This new addition will bring the company's distinctive range of custom blinds, shades, and drapes closer to its customers. Marking its fifth location in the state, The Shade Store already operates three showrooms in Scottsdale and one in Chandler, showcasing its commitment to serving the Arizona market. Nationally, the company boasts around 140 showrooms, offering an extensive selection of window treatments. For more information, customers can contact The Shade Store at 800-754-1455 or visit their website at www.theshadestore.com.

Classic Country Legends Come Alive at Hale Centre Theatre

Hale Centre Theatre is set to celebrate the legends of classic country music with a special concert series titled "A Tribute to the Music of Hank Williams, George Jones, and Kitty Wells." This musical homage will unfold over nine days, from February 15th to 24th, at the esteemed Hale Concert Hall.

Audiences can look forward to an evening filled with timeless hits, including “Move it on Over,” “The Race is On,” “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” “She Thinks I Still Care,” “Long Black Veil,” and "It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels," among others. These performances aim to capture the spirit and legacy of country music's pioneers.

The concert series offers two showtimes: an evening performance at 7:30 p.m. and matinee shows at 4 p.m. on select days (February 15-17 and February 23-24). Note that there will be no performance on February 18.

Ticket prices range from $38 to $50, making this a must-attend event for country music aficionados and fans of the genre's foundational artists. The venue, Hale Centre Theatre, is located at 50 W. Page Ave., in Gilbert. For ticket purchases or more information, interested parties can call 480-497-1181 or visit www.haletheatrearizona.com.

'The People's Open' went too far this year — what's next for the tournament

Last weekend, the Waste Management Phoenix Open in Scottsdale was overshadowed by unexpected weather and disruptive fan behavior. Known as "The People’s Open," this tournament stands out on the PGA tour for its lively atmosphere, especially at the 16th hole, celebrated as the tour's most thrilling spot for spectators. However, this year's event saw the revelry surpass acceptable limits, with excessive drinking leading to unruly conduct that dominated social media discussions.

In response to the chaos, the Thunderbirds, the organization behind the Phoenix Open, have announced impending changes to the event's management. GOLF Magazine's assistant editor, Jack Hirsh, shared insights into the situation, noting the tournament's traditionally high attendance and the unique challenges posed by this year's inclement weather. The adverse conditions led to logistical problems and safety concerns, with the event's normally vibrant spirit tipping into disorder.

The tournament, which typically attracts top players due to its location in Scottsdale—a popular residence for many tour professionals—witnessed scenes of congestion and conflict among the crowds. The Thunderbirds are now considering measures such as increased security and reduced ticket sales to prevent future incidents, aiming to strike a balance between maintaining the event's spirited character and ensuring attendee safety.

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