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  • 📸 Lights, camera, career? Gilbert Public Schools develop digital photography skills 🍦 Salt & Straw to Open at Epicenter at Agritopia in Gilbert and more...

📸 Lights, camera, career? Gilbert Public Schools develop digital photography skills 🍦 Salt & Straw to Open at Epicenter at Agritopia in Gilbert and more...

Gilbert Local Pulse | Issue #095

Author

Lloyd Heath
February 27, 2024

In this issue of Gilbert Local Pulse

🌤️ Gilbert, AZ Local Weather

📅 Gilbert, AZ and Surrounding Area Events

🌿 Exploring Nature with Ease: Top Stroller-Friendly Hikes in Arizona

🚫 Legislation to Prohibit Lab-Grown Meat Sales Passes Arizona House

✝️ AZ Senate passes bill giving teachers the option to post Ten Commandments

🌱 Northwest Gilbert Revitalization

📸 Lights, camera, career? Gilbert Public Schools develop digital photography skills

🍦 Salt & Straw to Open at Epicenter at Agritopia in Gilbert

🎵 Jazzing Up High School: Aiden Oh's Melodic Path to National Recognition

🌟 Kadence Sayles and Kaitlyn Yazzie Lead as Indigenous Ambassadors at MCC

Upcoming and Ongoing

Exploring Nature with Ease: Top Stroller-Friendly Hikes in Arizona

Exploring nature with children by hiking is an enriching experience that introduces them to the beauty of the outdoors, from diverse landscapes to the variety of flora and fauna they can encounter. However, embarking on such adventures with kids, especially infants and preschoolers, adds a layer of complexity. Young children often enjoy the journey more when they're comfortably seated in a stroller, observing their surroundings. But as many parents might discover, not all trails are conducive to strollers, especially those with rugged terrain or significant elevation changes.

Thankfully, Arizona offers several stroller-friendly hiking trails that don't compromise on scenic views. These trails are characterized by their paved paths, gentle slopes, and an assortment of scenic vistas, making them ideal for families seeking outdoor adventures. Whether it's a leisurely stroll through diverse ecosystems or a more structured hike, these paths ensure that everyone, regardless of age, can enjoy the beauty of Arizona's natural landscapes. Read Full Story

Legislation to Prohibit Lab-Grown Meat Sales Passes Arizona House

The Arizona House recently passed legislation aimed at banning the sale of lab-grown meat within the state. This move, spearheaded by Republican Representative David Marshall from Snowflake, is intended to safeguard Arizona's cattle industry from the competition posed by lab-grown meat products.

Under the proposed law, while the direct sale of lab-grown meats in Arizona would be prohibited, residents could still purchase such products from other states. This legislation comes in the wake of another bill passed earlier in the session, which, while not imposing a ban, mandates clear labeling for meat products not derived from traditional livestock, indicating they did not originate from an animal.

This legislative action follows the USDA's 2023 approval for the commercial sale of cultivated meat, marking a significant milestone in the food industry's evolution. Both bills are now pending further review and decision in the Senate.

AZ Senate passes bill giving teachers the option to post Ten Commandments

The Arizona Senate recently approved a bill, divided along party lines, that would permit teachers and administrators in both public and charter schools the choice to display and read the Ten Commandments. Democratic Senator Mitzi Epstein criticized the bill, labeling it as indoctrination. She argued that while the Ten Commandments might hold significant spiritual value, mandating their presence in a diverse educational setting could alienate families of different or no religious affiliations.

This legislative move comes years after the U.S. Supreme Court prohibited any enforced display of the Ten Commandments in educational institutions. However, the bill's proponent, Republican Senator Anthony Kern, contends that the provision for optional posting aligns with constitutional standards.

Notably, Arizona already hosts a six-foot monument dedicated to the Ten Commandments near the state Capitol. The bill is now slated for review by the House.

Northwest Gilbert Revitalization

Over the last decade, the Gilbert town staff has been closely monitoring the northwest sector, recognizing it as one of the community's most established regions. By keeping a keen eye on demographic shifts, employment patterns, and developmental trends, they aim to maintain the vibrancy and appeal of the area for both residents and businesses alike.

In an initiative to ensure the continuous prosperity of the northwest area, Gilbert is exploring forward-thinking strategies. These initiatives are crucial in preemptively addressing any signs of deterioration, thereby mitigating potential adverse effects on the local community and its economy.

Gilbert is reaching out to its citizens for their insights on the future of Northwest Gilbert.

Event Details:

Date: February 28, 2024
Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: Freestone Recreation Center, Assembly Room, 1141 E. Guadalupe Road, Gilbert, AZ 85234

At the upcoming public gathering on February 28th, town staff will present a comprehensive update on the revitalization endeavors undertaken in Northwest Gilbert. They will unveil the latest findings and trends, setting the stage for an engaging discussion. This session aims to harness community feedback to steer the revitalization efforts in the right direction, underlining the town's commitment to unlocking new opportunities for Northwest Gilbert.

Participants are encouraged to engage with the process by clicking the "Get Involved" button, which offers avenues to connect with town staff or to opt-in for email updates regarding the initiative.

Lights, camera, career? Gilbert Public Schools develop digital photography skills

Mastering the art of capturing striking images is not only crucial for budding photographers but also beneficial for anyone seeking a creative outlet. Gilbert Public School high schools offer a digital photography career and technical education (CTE) program across five campuses, designed to nurture artistic talent and provide essential real-world experience.

This extensive program delves into the nuances of professional photography, arming students with both the technical prowess and practical experience necessary to embark on a photography career.

Within the CTE program, students explore the realm of digital photography. They learn to master manual settings, experiment with different lenses, and manipulate lighting using professional-grade DSLR cameras. Further enhancing their skill set, students become proficient in Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, enabling them to elevate their photographs into works of art while cultivating their unique editing styles.

The journey doesn't stop at photography and editing skills. Students are encouraged to develop their personal brand, creating compelling business cards, dynamic websites to display their portfolios, and utilizing social media to amplify their reach. This process instills valuable marketing and branding knowledge, paving the way for future professional opportunities.

Specifically, at Campo Verde High School, the digital photography CTE program requires students to engage directly with clients outside their family circle, providing photography services for various events such as weddings and product shoots twice yearly. This hands-on approach teaches students the fundamentals of running a photography business, enriching their portfolios with high-quality work and sharpening their business skills.

The program's aim is clear: to equip students with a lifelong skill set. Lindsey Wallace, the digital photography instructor at Campo Verde, emphasizes the program's intent to open doors to myriad opportunities, whether students pursue photography as a career or a lucrative hobby.

Students of Mrs. Wallace have shared their positive experiences and growth within the program. Sophomore Delyla Aker appreciates the depth and opportunities the program has unveiled, while junior Jonah Morgan credits the class for enhancing his photography skills, especially in lighting and composition. Sophomore Arabela Curtis values the push to explore diverse photography styles, a skill she intends to keep forever. Madison Chacon, another sophomore, encourages all students to explore photography, highlighting the program's comprehensive learning environment.

Available at five GPS high schools — Campo Verde, Desert Ridge, Gilbert High, Highland, and Mesquite — the digital photography CTE program stands as a testament to Gilbert Public Schools' commitment to fostering practical, creative skills among its students. For more information on this and other CTE programs, interested parties can visit GilbertSchools.net/CTE or explore Campo Verde High's course offerings online.

Salt & Straw to Open at Epicenter at Agritopia in Gilbert

Epicenter at Agritopia in Gilbert has quickly become a go-to spot for a diverse range of dining experiences, from early morning coffee to evening cocktails and oysters. This trend is set to continue into Summer 2024, with the anticipated addition of Salt & Straw, elevating Epicenter to full occupancy. This new tenant marks a significant milestone, achieving a 100% lease rate and bringing to fruition a vision of blending community engagement with commerce.

William Johnston, CEO of Johnston & Co., expressed his enthusiasm in a recent press statement, highlighting Salt & Straw's reputation for crafting exceptional ice cream and its commitment to community and creativity. This ethos is in perfect harmony with Epicenter’s goals of fostering a space for communal enjoyment and culinary excellence.

Salt & Straw's decision to open at Epicenter is a result of a five-year search for an ideal location in Phoenix, drawn to Agritopia's pioneering role in the farm-to-table movement and its focus on creating spaces that encourage social connections. Kim Malek, co-founder of Salt & Straw, looks forward to integrating into this community-focused environment.

For more information, visit www.epicenteratagritopia.com.

3150 E. Ray Rd.
Gilbert, AZ 85296

Jazzing Up High School: Aiden Oh's Melodic Path to National Recognition

TAiden Oh, a junior at Hamilton High School, always had music in his life, though he didn't take it very seriously in his early years. That changed in middle school, thanks to an unexpected encounter with the voice of Billie Holiday on the radio, singing "I Hear Music." Initially, this 1944 classic merely piqued his interest without altering his musical path. However, a serendipitous moment occurred days later in a vintage sweet shop, where the same song was playing, sparking Aiden's fascination with jazz.

Aiden is among the five talented youths from Chandler honored as National Young Arts Award recipients this year, a distinction that comes with cash prizes ranging from $250 to $10,000. His award was in recognition of his jazz piano skills, but he's also adept with the bass guitar, playing for his school's jazz band and orchestra.

He believes a proficient jazz pianist must excel in solo performances and enjoy the collaborative aspect of making music with others, describing it as a "democratization of music." Aiden's musical journey began with group piano lessons and the viola before transitioning to the double bass in high school, a self-taught endeavor facilitated by his experience with other string instruments.

Aiden's prowess on the piano has led to him being recognized as Arizona's top high school jazz pianist, securing a spot in the All-State Jazz Band during his sophomore and junior years—a streak he hopes to continue.

Grateful for the opportunity to pursue his passion without significant financial strain, Aiden acknowledges the costs associated with jazz. He is keen on continuing his musical studies in college, aspiring to attend a prestigious music school.

His taste in jazz spans from hard bop to other influential genres, drawing inspiration from legends like Charlie Parker, Fats Waller, and the Sonny Clark Trio. Art Tatum, in particular, holds a special place as Aiden's favorite for his unparalleled contributions to jazz piano.

As Aiden evolved musically, he ventured into more contemporary sounds while maintaining a deep appreciation for the early pioneers of jazz, who have left a lasting impact on his musical sensibilities.

Kadence Sayles and Kaitlyn Yazzie Lead as Indigenous Ambassadors at MCC

Kadence Sayles, representing the Ft. McDowell Yavapai/Lakota communities, was honored with the title of Miss Native MCC, while Kaitlyn Yazzie, from the Navajo Nation, was named First Attendant at the winter pageant held at Mesa Community College (MCC). This event saw participants undergo a series of evaluations, including interviews, impromptu questions, traditional and modern talent displays, and presentations of their advocacy platforms.

Sayles, a creative writing student at MCC, aims to amplify the voices of two-spirit and queer individuals within the MCC community and beyond. Her ambition is to graduate from MCC and further her education in screenwriting at Northern Arizona University, aspiring to create narratives that accurately represent her indigenous heritage.

Yazzie, who serves as a student senate officer for the Inter-Tribal Student Organization and is an aspiring designer, finds inspiration in her mother, a designer of traditional Navajo attire. She seeks to elevate Indigenous representation in the fashion industry by merging traditional motifs with modern design.

Margaret Talia White, a senior student services specialist, expressed joy in reviving the ceremony after a hiatus due to the pandemic. The event, which has been a tradition at MCC since 2014, showcases Miss Native MCC and the First Attendant as ambassadors for their communities, highlighting the educational opportunities at MCC. Those interested in scheduling an appearance with Miss Native MCC and the First Attendant can reach out via [email protected] or call 480-461-7931.

Throughout their tenure, Sayles and Yazzie will attend and host events to promote their platforms and raise awareness about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples. They have already participated in several significant events and will be special guests at the 2024 Thunderbird Pow Wow on March 9 at the MCC Southern and Dobson campus, located at 1833 W. Southern Ave., Mesa.

 

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