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  • 🍕🌃 Bottled Blonde Plans Move Forward 🎓 BBB Scholarship Rewards Students and more...

🍕🌃 Bottled Blonde Plans Move Forward 🎓 BBB Scholarship Rewards Students and more...

Gilbert Local Pulse | Issue #096

Author

Lloyd Heath
February 28, 2024

In this issue of Gilbert Local Pulse

🌤️ Gilbert, AZ Local Weather

📅 Gilbert, AZ and Surrounding Area Events

🤝 Arizona Rep. Jevin Hodge Revives High School Proposal for Volunteerism, Wins Bipartisan Support

⚠️ Gilbert Park Slide Sparks Safety Concerns After Series of Injuries

🌲 SRP and National Forest Foundation Forge $2.5M Partnership for Arizona's Forests

🍕🌃 Bottled Blonde Plans Move Forward in Gilbert, Balancing Nightlife with Heritage Preservation

🎓 BBB Scholarship Rewards Students for Ethical Decision-Making

❤️ Babbo Italian Eatery Dedicates Profits to Pancreatic Cancer Fight in Tribute to Late Founder

🎭 Actors Youth Theatre begins two-week run of Singing in the Rain Jr.

Upcoming and Ongoing

Arizona Rep. Jevin Hodge Revives High School Proposal for Volunteerism, Wins Bipartisan Support

In a heartening turn of events at the Arizona House of Representatives, a newly appointed lawmaker, Democratic Rep. Jevin Hodge, has successfully garnered bipartisan support for a legislative proposal he first introduced as a high school senior over a decade ago. Hodge's bill, aimed at promoting a culture of volunteerism among Arizona's youth, mandates the Arizona Department of Education to award a special commendation to high school students who achieve 200 hours of community service.

This legislative victory comes just three weeks after Hodge filled a legislative vacancy, showcasing his dedication and swift action to revive and push through a proposal deeply significant to him. The bill's journey from conception to the House floor encapsulates a full-circle moment for Hodge, who initially proposed similar legislation in 2012 during his senior year at McClintock High School in Tempe, with assistance from then-Senate Minority Leader David Schapira.

Despite its near-unanimous passage through both chambers in 2012, the bill faced a setback when vetoed by then-Gov. Jan Brewer, who cited concerns over the separation of powers. However, Hodge's perseverance and his eventual role as the sponsoring lawmaker underscore his long-standing commitment to fostering community service among Arizona's youth.

As House Bill 2824 advances to the Arizona Senate, its prospects appear optimistic, especially with the current governor, Democrat Katie Hobbs, in office. Although Hobbs did not vote on Hodge’s bill during its initial run in 2012, the change in gubernatorial leadership could play a pivotal role in the bill's fate this time around.

Gilbert Park Slide Sparks Safety Concerns After Series of Injuries

A concrete slide at Gilbert Regional Park has become a focal point of concern, not for the enjoyment it offers but for the injuries it has caused. This playground feature has seen visitors sustaining serious injuries, including a broken back, a cracked tailbone, and multiple broken ankles. Among the injured, there's a growing call for the Town of Gilbert to either address the safety issues comprehensively or remove the slide entirely.

Cory Clever, a visitor who experienced a severe injury at the park, described the slide as dangerous. He recounted his own harrowing experience, which resulted in a broken ankle in three places after going down the slide, an accident that significantly impacted his life and ability to work. Despite the enjoyment it may bring to many, the slide's safety has been questioned due to the velocity users can reach.

Since the park's opening in 2019, there have been seven reported injuries associated with the slide. The Town of Gilbert has faced three claims related to these injuries, though efforts to seek compensation or acknowledgment from the town have been met with challenges. In response to the incidents, the town has implemented safety measures, including the installation of a plastic barrier and additional woodchips at the landing area, as well as posting a warning sign indicating the slide's recommended age range.

Despite these adjustments, concerns remain about the slide's inherent risks, particularly its speed, which has been a significant factor in the injuries. The situation has sparked a debate about the balance between recreational enjoyment and public safety, highlighting the need for stringent safety protocols in playground design and maintenance.

SRP and National Forest Foundation Forge $2.5M Partnership for Arizona's Forests

The National Forest Foundation has entered into a pivotal five-year collaboration with Salt River Project (SRP) aimed at mitigating wildfire risks and ensuring the sustainability of water supplies to communities in northern Arizona. As part of this agreement, SRP will contribute $500,000 annually over the next five years to support forest restoration initiatives, along with an additional $25,000 each year dedicated to the NFF's Wood for Life program.

Rebecca Davidson, NFF's senior director of conservation programs, expressed enthusiasm about SRP's substantial commitment to enhancing the health of forests and watersheds, particularly in the Salt and Verde watersheds, under the Northern Arizona Forest Fund's umbrella. This investment targets critical restoration needs in these areas.

The funding will be channeled into two significant projects within the Tonto National Forest: the Pine Creek Canyon Project and the Deadman Mesa Mastication Project. These initiatives aim to thin over 3,000 acres of densely packed and invasive trees, which contribute to the intensity of wildfires. Thinning the forests not only boosts their overall health but also facilitates controlled burns, safeguarding the watersheds vital for Arizona's water distribution.

Due to the challenging terrain, the Pine Creek Canyon Project will employ helicopters to remove logs, illustrating the innovative approaches being taken to preserve the environment. These efforts are crucial for protecting the watershed basins of the Salt and Verde rivers, which serve essential water needs for the communities of Pine, Strawberry, and Randall Place.

Additionally, the Wood for Life program, supported by this partnership, will provide much-needed firewood to Navajo and Hopi tribes, for whom wood is a primary heating source.

SRP's commitment marks the beginning of a larger ambition to enhance forest health across northern Arizona, with a goal to thin 500,000 acres by 2035. This initiative is a response to the pressing challenge posed by wildfires, which have ravaged nearly 2,000,000 acres in Arizona since 2020, according to the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management.

 

Bottled Blonde Plans Move Forward in Gilbert, Balancing Nightlife with Heritage Preservation

The Gilbert Redevelopment Commission recently cast a unanimous vote in favor of recommending the Town Council to greenlight the final design for the upcoming Bottled Blonde establishment in the Heritage District. This new venture, brought forth by Evening Entertainment Group and Wags Capital, aims to transplant the allure of its swanky pizzeria, beer garden, and nightlife concept, already popular in several cities, into Gilbert's quaint and historic area. The proposed two-story building, spanning 11,131 square feet, is set to take root on a small plot previously occupied by Bergie’s Coffee Shop, a structure with over a century of history.

Despite the project's ambition to enhance the local nightlife, it has been met with skepticism from the Gilbert community. Residents have raised concerns over potential disturbances, including noise pollution and the establishment's compatibility with the district's character. These issues were highlighted during past meetings, where the community expressed apprehension about the development's impact on their serene neighborhood.

Addressing these concerns, developers and their team have made significant adjustments to their original plans, particularly focusing on minimizing street visibility and noise. Modifications include strategic placement of second-floor booths and a careful balance of transparency at ground level to comply with local guidelines while respecting community feedback. Additionally, the introduction of a noise-dampening retractable roof and the involvement of an acoustical engineer underscore the developers' commitment to being considerate neighbors within Gilbert.

While some residents remain opposed to Bottled Blonde's introduction to the Heritage District, the redevelopment commission's vote reflects confidence in the project's potential to harmonize with the area's ethos. The commission's discussion also brought to light the developers' efforts to preserve local heritage, notably their intention to save Clare's Sheet Metal House, another historic property adjacent to the proposed site.

In summary, while Bottled Blonde's journey to Gilbert has sparked debate, the project's evolution demonstrates a dialogue between developers and the community, aiming for a compromise that respects the district's heritage while introducing new vibrancy to its nightlife landscape.

BBB Scholarship Rewards Students for Ethical Decision-Making

Valley high school students are presented with a unique opportunity to reflect on the power of ethical decision-making through the BBB Ethical Torch Essay Scholarship. This initiative encourages students to delve into personal experiences where ethical dilemmas were faced and to articulate the lessons learned from choosing a path aligned with positive morals. By writing a 500-word essay, students not only get to introspect on significant life lessons but also stand a chance to secure a scholarship ranging from $500 to $1,500 for their college education.

Sponsored by the Better Business Bureau Serving the Pacific Southwest, the scholarship aims to instill a sense of ethical responsibility in students from an early age. This effort recognizes and rewards those who have demonstrated integrity in challenging situations, emphasizing the importance of ethical behavior as a cornerstone for future success in both personal and professional spheres.

Faustine Chan, the director of Business and Community Programs for BBB, highlighted the program's goal to foster ethical conduct among students, preparing them to be principled leaders and decision-makers in their future careers.

Interested students are encouraged to visit Torch Essay scholarship for submission details and further information. The submission window is open until September 24, with the scholarship winners to be celebrated at the BBB’s Torch Awards for Ethics in November. This year's scholarship is supported by Swiss America and the Valley of the Sun-Camelback Kiwanis Club, who are contributing to the development of ethical leaders for tomorrow.

 

Babbo Italian Eatery Dedicates Profits to Pancreatic Cancer Fight in Tribute to Late Founder

Babbo Italian Eatery is gearing up for its third annual Baseball for Babbo Day of Giving, set to make a significant impact in the fight against pancreatic cancer. On this special day, all eight locations of the Valley-based Italian eatery will be donating 100% of their profits to the Seena Magowitz Foundation, which collaborates with the HonorHealth Research Institute to fund vital pancreatic cancer research. Adding to the generosity, both Babbo and Roger E. Magowitz, the Seena Magowitz Foundation's founder, have pledged to match the funds raised, up to a cap of $50,000 each.

This philanthropic event serves as a heartfelt homage to Babbo Italian Eatery's founder, Ken Pollack, a fervent baseball enthusiast who succumbed to pancreatic cancer in 2022. The term "Babbo," which translates to "daddy" in Italian, reflects Pollack's role as a father figure to his staff and family, underscoring the deep personal ties behind the initiative.

Taylor Schultz, Pollack's daughter and the marketing director for Babbo Italian Eatery, shared her father's guiding principle: "If you give you will get, and if you get you should give." This annual Day of Giving stands as a testament to Pollack's legacy, embodying the values he lived by and inspiring the community to contribute to a cause that's close to their hearts.

Pancreatic cancer remains a formidable challenge, being the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths, yet recent strides have seen its five-year survival rate climb to 13%. The Seena Magowitz Foundation is at the forefront of efforts to eradicate the disease, raise awareness, and improve the lives of those affected by pancreatic cancer.

The community is invited to partake in this meaningful initiative by dining in or ordering takeout from any Babbo Italian Eatery on February 29. In addition to enjoying a meal, patrons will have the chance to support further through a raffle featuring memorabilia from baseball legends like Joe DiMaggio, Hank Aaron, Mickey Mantle, and Willie Mays. Direct contributions to the cause can also be made via Babbo's dedicated donation page.

Moreover, Babbo and the Seena Magowitz Foundation are organizing a special event on February 29 for pancreatic cancer patients, their caregivers, and the dedicated medical staff at the HonorHealth Research Institute, reinforcing their commitment to the community and those battling the disease.

Actors Youth Theatre begins two-week run of Singing in the Rain Jr.

Actors Youth Theatre is set to dazzle audiences with its upcoming production of "Singin' in the Rain Jr.," a captivating adaptation of the classic film that takes a whimsical look at the transition from silent movies to "talkies." This much-loved musical tells the tale of Don Lockwood and Lina Lamont, a celebrated on-screen duo whose off-screen relationship is far from the picture-perfect romance portrayed in the silent era of cinema. As the industry shifts towards sound, Lina's less-than-stellar vocal abilities threaten to derail her career, unless a talented young actress can step in to provide the voice and talent Lina lacks.

The two-week run begins on February 28, offering audiences a chance to step back in time and experience the charm, humor, and romance of this beloved story. Performances are scheduled from Wednesday to Saturday at 7 p.m., with an additional matinee at 3 p.m. on Saturdays, providing ample opportunity for theater enthusiasts of all ages to catch the show. Held at the Tuscany Theatre in Gilbert, this production promises to be a highlight of Actors Youth Theatre's season, showcasing the talents of its young performers in a professionally staged setting.

Tickets are priced at $20, making it an accessible option for families, students, and anyone looking to enjoy a night of quality entertainment. The Tuscany Theatre, located at 861 N. Higley Road, suite 105, in Gilbert, is known for hosting a range of theatrical productions that engage and inspire the community. For more information or to purchase tickets, interested parties can contact the theater at 480-907-7050 or visit the Actors Youth Theatre website at www.aytaz.org.

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