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  • 🌟 Natalie DiBernardo Steps Up for Gilbert Mayor 🏆 ASU patent count among the world's top 10 and more...

🌟 Natalie DiBernardo Steps Up for Gilbert Mayor 🏆 ASU patent count among the world's top 10 and more...

Gilbert Local Pulse | Issue #098

Author

Lloyd Heath
March 01, 2024

In this issue of Gilbert Local Pulse

🌤️ Gilbert, AZ Local Weather

đź“… Gilbert, AZ and Surrounding Area Events

🌟 Natalie DiBernardo Steps Up for Gilbert Mayor: A Campaign Fueled by Personal Loss and Community Vision

❄️ Here’s the scoop: ADOT reveals results of name-a-snowplow contest

📣 Public Comment Now Open: Gilbert’s 2024-2025 Draft Annual Action Plan for CDBG and HOME Funds

🎉 Higley High School to Host Annual Best Buddies Carnival, Celebrating Inclusion

🏆 ASU patent count among the world's top 10 in 2023, inventors group says

🍴 Raices Restaurant: Benjamin Diaz's Culinary Homage to Puerto Rico in the Valley

🎭 HD South set for 12th annual Night at the Museum Gala

🌷 Spring Sounds: Free Concerts in the Park Return to Downtown Gilbert

Upcoming and Ongoing

Natalie DiBernardo Steps Up for Gilbert Mayor: A Campaign Fueled by Personal Loss and Community Vision

Natalie DiBernardo, a Gilbert resident with deep ties to the community as a business owner and Realtor, has announced her candidacy for the mayoral race in Gilbert. This decision places her alongside Vice Mayor Scott Anderson and newcomer Shane Krauser in a bid for the city's leadership, contingent upon the successful collection of nominating petition signatures by the April 1 deadline. DiBernardo, who once vied for a seat in the Arizona House of Representatives in 2022, was initially reluctant to enter the race but felt compelled to step forward due to perceived gaps in leadership, especially in addressing the town's challenges with teen violence.

DiBernardo's personal connection to such violence, highlighted by the tragic loss of her stepdaughter in 2017, underscores her commitment to combating this issue. However, her campaign platform extends beyond addressing violence; it includes tackling the rising cost of living, traffic congestion, and the quality of education—issues she believes are fundamental to improving Gilbert's quality of life. Amidst recent surges in teen violence, DiBernardo emphasizes the need for community unity and proactive involvement in local governance, urging residents to participate in police and school board meetings to foster long-term change.

In advocating for a holistic approach to leadership, DiBernardo calls for respect and responsibility within the community, stressing the importance of embodying the change one wishes to see. Her campaign resonates with a message of sustained engagement and a commitment to preserving the lifestyle that defines Gilbert. DiBernardo's passion for her hometown and her vision for its future make her a distinct candidate in the upcoming mayoral race, as she seeks to guide Gilbert through its current challenges with a blend of empathy, experience, and dedicated leadership.

Here’s the scoop: ADOT reveals results of name-a-snowplow contest

In a delightful twist to winter operations, the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has once again turned the task of naming snowplows into a public affair, culminating in the selection of three whimsical names: “Scoopacabra,” “Snowbi-Wan Kenobi,” and “Fast and Flurryous.” This initiative follows the success of ADOT’s first name-a-snowplow contest in 2022, which brought us memorable names like “Alice Scooper,” “Snowguaro,” and “Frost Responder.”

After sifting through approximately 3,400 submissions, officials narrowed the field to 10 finalists, with the winning trio emerging from an online voting process that engaged over 9,500 participants. The chosen names, each with its own playful nod to pop culture and folklore, edged out other creative entries such as “Blizzard Buster” and “Mogollon Monster.”

The winning snowplows, now bearing their new names alongside the victors of the first contest, are stationed in Mesa. They have been active this winter, clearing the path on State Route 87 between Mesa and Payson, ensuring safe passage for travelers. The initiative not only adds a touch of humor to the serious task of snow removal but also fosters community engagement, allowing Arizona’s residents to contribute in a unique and fun way.

Public Comment Now Open: Gilbert’s 2024-2025 Draft Annual Action Plan for CDBG and HOME Funds

Gilbert, Arizona, is seeking public input on its upcoming Annual Action Plan concerning the allocation of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnership (HOME) funds. These funds, sourced from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, are crucial for the town's efforts in enhancing housing, infrastructure, and public facility improvements for its residents. The community is encouraged to share their feedback on the proposed plan by April 3rd.

The draft plan for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 highlights three primary objectives: providing home rehabilitation assistance to low-income residents, supporting necessary public services such as administrative operations at the Gilbert Heritage Center and homeless services, and investing in infrastructure improvements, particularly making the Heritage Center exterior ADA compliant.

Residents wishing to voice their opinions or seek more information can reach out to Linda Ayres, Gilbert's Community Resources Supervisor, through email at [email protected] or by phone at (480) 503-6956. Additionally, two public hearings are scheduled to further discuss the plan: the first on March 13 at Gilbert Town Hall, and the second on March 20 at the Southeast Regional Library.

For those preferring to review the plan in person, copies are available at the Town of Gilbert Offices, the Southeast Regional Library, and the Heritage Center. Following the public comment period, the town staff will review all feedback for potential incorporation into the final draft of the plan, which will then be presented to the Gilbert Town Council for approval. This process underscores Gilbert's commitment to community engagement and the improvement of local resources and services. For more details on the town's community resources and programs, residents are directed to visit gilbertaz.gov/CommunityResources.

Higley High School to Host Annual Best Buddies Carnival, Celebrating Inclusion

The Higley Unified School District (HUSD) is set to celebrate its annual Best Buddies carnival on March 1 at Higley High School, marking a day of joy and inclusivity. The Best Buddies program, a cornerstone of HUSD, fosters meaningful connections between students with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities. This initiative is pivotal in promoting friendship, leadership, and personal growth among students throughout the district.

The carnival, a highlight of the year for Best Buddies participants, extends an invitation to students involved in the program from across the East Valley. This year, the event anticipates the participation of nearly 1,000 students from 17 different schools, gathering at Higley High for a celebration of friendship and inclusion. Although the event is exclusive to program participants and not open to the public, it stands as a testament to the program's success and the strong community it has built within the district.

ASU patent count among the world's top 10 in 2023, inventors group says

Arizona State University (ASU) has solidified its position as a global leader in innovation, ranking among the top institutions worldwide for the number of U.S. utility patents granted in 2023. According to the National Academy of Inventors' 2023 list, ASU secured 170 utility patents last year, showcasing a significant increase from the 160 patents it received in 2022. This achievement places ASU at the ninth position globally and seventh in the United States, underscoring its continuous commitment to advancing research and development.

The university's presence in the top 10 of this prestigious list is not new; ASU has appeared in the top 10 three times, previously ranking eighth in 2021 and tenth in 2018. The list, which has been published annually since 2013, highlights the contributions of universities to the global patent landscape, and ASU's consistent performance reflects its role as a powerhouse of innovation and creativity. This recognition not only highlights ASU's dedication to fostering a culture of innovation but also its impact on technological advancement and economic growth.

Raices Restaurant: Benjamin Diaz's Culinary Homage to Puerto Rico in the Valley

Benjamin Diaz is a whirlwind of energy and passion, a vivid embodiment of dedication in the bustling environment of Raices Restaurant. With his bright blue shirt and a mustache as sleek as his movements, Diaz is more than just the owner; he's the heart and soul of the place. Amidst the sultry beats of salsa romantica, he moves with a rhythm that blurs the lines between dance and the demanding pace of restaurant life. His efficiency and agility are unmatched, whether he's swiftly delivering plates to eager customers or deftly managing phone calls in between.

Raices Restaurant, under Diaz's spirited guidance, has quickly become a beacon for those in the Valley craving authentic Puerto Rican cuisine. This establishment marks a new chapter in a location that once housed Millie’s Café, a beloved spot known for its exceptional mofongo and Puerto Rican delights. Diaz, who also runs the charming Sweet Land Cakes bakery in Arcadia, has not only revived the space left by Millie’s closure but has also expanded its culinary horizons, offering a menu that pays homage to Puerto Rican flavors while inviting diners into a refreshed and inviting ambiance.

The closure of Millie’s Café was a hard hit for enthusiasts of Puerto Rican cuisine in the area. The café, which started as a modest outpost for Puerto Rican fare, had blossomed into a full-fledged restaurant, becoming a hub for both expatriates and locals alike. Its closure left a void for those seeking the warmth and comfort of traditional Puerto Rican dishes. However, Diaz’s Raices Restaurant has filled that gap, preserving the essence of Puerto Rican cooking and serving dishes that resonate with authenticity and love.

Raices is more than just a restaurant; it's a testament to the resilience and creativity of the Puerto Rican community in the Valley. Diaz's relentless pace and commitment ensure that the legacy of Puerto Rican cuisine continues to thrive, offering a slice of Borinquen to everyone who walks through its doors. Through Raices, Diaz doesn't just serve food; he keeps a culture alive, welcoming all who share a love for Puerto Rican cuisine and its rich, vibrant flavors.

HD South set for 12th annual Night at the Museum Gala

HD South is gearing up to host its much-anticipated annual fundraiser, the Night at the Museum Gala, on March 2. This year's event, adorned with a 24K theme, promises an enchanting evening filled with entertainment, gourmet dining, and a celebration of history and art at the esteemed Gilbert Historical Museum. As the sole Gilbert landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the museum provides a unique backdrop for this gala event.

The Night at the Museum Gala not only offers attendees a splendid night out but also plays a crucial role in funding the preservation efforts for the HD South building and its precious artifacts. The event underscores the organization's commitment to blending Gilbert's rich heritage with contemporary arts and culture, ensuring these treasures are safeguarded for future generations.

With tickets priced at $100 per person, guests are treated to a comprehensive gala experience, including dinner, live entertainment, and the thrill of both live and silent auctions, featuring an array of gifts and experiences. Attendees will also enjoy exclusive access to the museum's exhibits, such as the quilt show and Gallery 4, adding an educational and inspirational dimension to the evening.

Those interested in joining this prestigious event and supporting a noble cause can secure their tickets through HD South's website. The gala is set to take place at HD South, located at 10 S. Gilbert Road in Gilbert, a venue renowned for its dedication to community engagement through the preservation of history and promotion of arts and culture.

Spring Sounds: Free Concerts in the Park Return to Downtown Gilbert

Downtown Gilbert invites you to enjoy the melodies of spring with its FREE Concerts in the Park series. Set against the backdrop of the vibrant Heritage Marketplace, these musical evenings promise a blend of family-friendly entertainment and community spirit. Scheduled every Thursday in March, from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM, the concerts offer a fresh lineup of local musicians to enchant attendees of all ages.

This season, the concerts have found a new, temporary home in the greenspace just south of the canal at Heritage Marketplace and north of Barrio Queen. It's a perfect opportunity to experience the charm of downtown Gilbert while soaking in the sounds of local talent. Whether you prefer to lounge on a blanket or relax in a lawn chair, these gatherings are designed to bring the community together through the power of music. Mark your calendars for a series of enchanting Thursday evenings in Gilbert, where music, community, and the beauty of spring converge.

March 7, 2024

Lost Frequency

March 14, 2024

Justin Hitson and Southbound

March 21, 2024

High 90’s

March 28, 2024

Dorsten

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