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  • 🚨 Residents demand Gilbert police chief resign 🏆 Nominate Exceptional Latino Teachers ⚾️ Arizona's MLB Future Uncertain and more...

🚨 Residents demand Gilbert police chief resign 🏆 Nominate Exceptional Latino Teachers ⚾️ Arizona's MLB Future Uncertain and more...

Gilbert Local Pulse | Issue #091

Author

Lloyd Heath
February 21, 2024

In this issue of Gilbert Local Pulse

🌤️ Gilbert, AZ Local Weather

📅 Gilbert, AZ and Surrounding Area Events

🚨 Residents demand Gilbert police chief resign amid 'Goons' controversy

🏆 Nominate Exceptional Latino Teachers for Arizona's Esteemed Esperanza Awards

🌟 Gilbert's Digital Pioneer Dana Berchman to Step Down, Eyes Future Ventures

👨‍👧‍👦 Dads, dogs, difference-making: Gilbert's Playa del Rey launches Watch D.O.G.S. program

🚧 Gilbert's The Ranch to Begin Construction with Enhanced Community Features

🎉 Advance Wristband Sales Open for Queen Creek’s Spring Into QC Celebration

🎶 Sonoran Desert Chorale presents 'Twice the Spirit: Two Choirs as One' Feb. 24-25

⚾️ Arizona's MLB Future Uncertain: Diamondbacks Eye Potential Move

Upcoming and Ongoing

Residents demand Gilbert police chief resign amid 'Goons' controversy

Residents of Gilbert, Arizona, are rallying for the resignation of Police Chief Michael Soelberg and Mayor Brigette Peterson, criticizing their handling of investigations into the activities of a local gang known as the "Gilbert Goons." The demand, articulated in a letter from concerned parents Kristine Brennan and Angela Rogers, accuses the leadership of failing to protect the community's teenagers from the gang's violent actions. The outcry stems from a series of attacks linked to the Goons, including the fatal assault of a 16-year-old at a Halloween party. Despite the arrest of fifteen individuals in connection to these events, the community expresses deep dissatisfaction with the response from authorities, accusing them of neglecting the ongoing threat and targeting the victims' families instead.

Nominate Exceptional Latino Teachers for Arizona's Esteemed Esperanza Awards

IChicanos Por La Causa (CPLC) is currently inviting nominations statewide to honor exceptional Latino teachers through the Esperanza Latino Teacher Awards program. This unique initiative, established in 1998, stands out as the sole accolade in Arizona dedicated to recognizing Latino educators who have made significant contributions to their students' lives and communities. These teachers are celebrated for their unwavering commitment and ability to inspire their students to achieve their full potential.

Alicia Nuñez, CPLC's interim president and CEO, emphasized the critical role teachers play in nurturing the successes of their students. The program seeks to highlight those educators who exceed their professional responsibilities to make a profound impact both within and beyond the classroom walls.

The awards offer substantial recognition, with each selected teacher receiving a $5,000 cash prize alongside a $2,500 stipend provided to their schools. To qualify, nominees must be full-time teachers of Latino heritage, actively teaching in state-approved or accredited institutions across Arizona.

Interested parties are encouraged to submit their nominations before the deadline at 5 p.m. on Friday, March 29. Applications are accessible online at CPLC's official website and can be submitted either via email to Cathy Keppel at [email protected] or by mail to Chicanos Por La Causa, Inc., attention Cathy Keppel, at their Phoenix address.

For over two decades, the Esperanza Latino Teacher Awards have celebrated the achievements of hundreds of distinguished Latino educators. The program is supported by notable partners such as Cox Communications, SRP, Arizona Bank & Trust, and Southwest Airlines, demonstrating a collective commitment to acknowledging the invaluable contributions of Latino teachers in shaping the future.

For more information on the Esperanza Latino Teacher Awards and to view past recipients, visit CPLC's website dedicated to the awards.

Gilbert's Digital Pioneer Dana Berchman to Step Down, Eyes Future Ventures

Dana Berchman, Gilbert's Chief Digital Officer, has announced her resignation from the role, set to take effect on March 7. Berchman, who has been instrumental in shaping the town's digital communication landscape, expressed her desire to explore new challenges and opportunities. Her departure comes after over a decade of service, during which she spearheaded the creation of Gilbert’s Office of Digital Government. This department, initially established to enhance the town's marketing and communications, has played a crucial role in engaging with the community through various digital platforms, including social media and the town's website.

Berchman's tenure was marked by significant achievements, such as the development of the town's digital strategy, which included the introduction of innovative services like the 311 non-emergency reporting system and the "Alex" open-data portal. Under her leadership, Gilbert embraced digital initiatives that facilitated improved communication and engagement with residents, earning the office numerous accolades for its work.

However, Berchman's office faced scrutiny following allegations of inappropriate surveillance activities, which were later debunked by an independent investigation affirming the department's ethical conduct. Despite these challenges, Berchman remained committed to her team's mission, highlighting their contributions to the community's growth and engagement.

Looking ahead, Berchman plans to leverage her experience by launching a consulting firm aimed at expanding digital communication and engagement strategies to other organizations. Her decision reflects a broader ambition to apply her expertise in new and impactful ways, building on the solid foundation she established in Gilbert.

Dads, dogs, difference-making: Gilbert's Playa del Rey launches Watch D.O.G.S. program

Playa del Rey Elementary has introduced an innovative program titled Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students), inviting dads, grandfathers, uncles, and male guardians to volunteer at the school every Thursday throughout the school year. This initiative seeks to present students with exemplary male figures who demonstrate the value of education by actively participating in the school environment.

Volunteers will be easily identifiable by their official T-shirts as they engage in various supportive activities, including enhancing educational motivation, ensuring safety, and assisting with traffic during key times. The program has been acclaimed for its positive influence on student behavior, participation, and the overall learning atmosphere, benefiting teachers, students, and volunteers alike. It underscores the importance of father figures in educational partnerships, as noted by Kevin Gilbride, a teacher and parent at the school.

The possibility of extending the program to include Tuesdays is under consideration, allowing volunteers to spend significant time engaging with the school community. The program's launch was marked by a celebratory event supported by local businesses, indicating strong community support. Those interested in participating in the Watch D.O.G.S. program at Playa del Rey Elementary are encouraged to get involved by reaching out directly to the school via email at [email protected] or by calling 480-892-7810. Further information about the national Watch D.O.G.S. program is available on its official website.

Gilbert's The Ranch to Begin Construction with Enhanced Community Features

The Ranch conceptual rendering

The East Valley's industrial landscape is poised for significant expansion with two major projects, The Ranch and Skybridge Arizona, underway. The Ranch, in particular, has evolved from its initial conception as a purely industrial development into a more diversified and community-friendly project. Initially introduced in 2022, it faced substantial opposition due to its size and nature, with plans for over 3.5 million square feet of industrial space across 16 buildings on more than 300 acres in Gilbert.

Responding to community concerns, the developers revised the project to include multifamily housing, walkable amenities, restaurants, and retail spaces, finding a more favorable reception. These modifications led to the Gilbert Town Council's approval of the general plan amendment and zoning proposal in June 2023. IndiCap, the firm behind The Ranch, anticipates breaking ground on the project around May or June, with expectations of reaching a $1 billion valuation at full buildout.

This transformation reflects a growing trend in industrial development, emphasizing mixed-use components that integrate workspaces with residential and recreational facilities, thereby enhancing community engagement and support.

Advance Wristband Sales Open for Queen Creek’s Spring Into QC Celebration

Queen Creek is gearing up for its much-anticipated annual spring celebration, Spring Into QC, scheduled for Saturday, March 23, at Mansel Carter Oasis Park. This family-friendly event promises a day filled with lively entertainment, engaging activities, and the hallmark Easter egg hunt, all set against the picturesque backdrop of the park located at 19535 E. Appleby Road.

Attendees can look forward to a range of attractions, including thrilling animal races and a special area designed for toddlers, ensuring fun for the entire family. A highlight of the event is the play zone, which will feature an assortment of inflatable attractions for children to enjoy.

To access the play zone, guests are required to have wristbands. These can be conveniently purchased in advance for a discounted price of $12.50 until Monday, March 11. The sale is currently open online and at the Recreation Annex. For those deciding last minute, wristbands will also be available for purchase on the day of the event for $15.

For individuals interested in getting involved or learning more about the event, including wristband pre-sales and volunteer opportunities, the official event page offers all the necessary details at QueenCreekAZ.gov/SpringIntoQC. Additionally, businesses and organizations looking to support this community event can explore sponsorship opportunities by reaching out to McKinna Evans.

Sonoran Desert Chorale presents 'Twice the Spirit: Two Choirs as One' Feb. 24-25

This weekend, the Sonoran Desert Chorale and Canto Vivo Chorale will unite for a spectacular musical collaboration under the baton of Dr. Craig Peterson. The ensembles will present "Twice the Spirit: Two Choirs as One," a concert series that promises to be a highlight of the choral season, featuring some of the most admired pieces in choral literature alongside celebrated works for double choir.

Performances are scheduled for Saturday, February 24, at 7:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Mesa, located at 15 E. First Ave., and Sunday, February 25, at 3 p.m. at La Casa De Cristo Lutheran Church in Scottsdale, situated at 6300 E. Bell Road. These concerts provide an excellent opportunity for choral music enthusiasts to experience the combined talents and harmonies of two distinguished choirs.

Ticket pricing is set at $25 for adults and $20 for seniors, students, and groups of ten or more. Interested attendees have multiple options for purchasing tickets: online at the Sonoran Desert Chorale's website, by phone, directly from the chorale members, or at the door on the day of the concert. Additionally, Student Rush tickets will be available 10 minutes before the performance starts, offering discounted access for students with valid identification.

Arizona's MLB Future Uncertain: Diamondbacks Eye Potential Move

The Arizona Diamondbacks, riding high from their first World Series appearance in over two decades, face uncertain times ahead, not on the field, but regarding their home base in Phoenix. Diamondbacks owner Ken Kendrick hinted at the possibility of relocating the MLB franchise due to ongoing concerns with Chase Field's viability and lack of progress on securing a future in Phoenix. Despite efforts to improve the fan experience, significant issues like the retractable roof's operation and air conditioning remain unresolved. The team's lease at Chase Field is set to expire in 2027, with no extension talks reported. The franchise has been exploring options for a new stadium since a lawsuit against Maricopa County in 2016, seeking a more sustainable solution for their home games. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred's interest in expanding the league could open up opportunities for cities eager to host a franchise, possibly affecting the Diamondbacks' future location. The situation underscores the challenges and potential changes facing the team as they navigate their stadium dilemma and the broader landscape of MLB expansion and relocation.

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