February 2016
Relentlessly local coverage of Gilbert and our neighboring communities
Gilbert Education Expo
Riley Johnson and Teresa Meyers from Playa Del Rey Elementary perform. Photos, page 12.
Youth’s illicit drug use continues, professionals say BY SRIANTHI PERERA
Gilbert is deemed the second safest municipality in the nation. So, is its youth plagued by the drug problem that’s widespread in the nation, or is it somehow spared of it? If there was any doubt to the question above, the issue was addressed firmly in the affirmative during the third meeting and the first of two Gilbert Talks held at Mercy Gilbert Medical Office recently. Founded a few months ago, Gilbert Talks seeks to foster community dialogue on matters of importance to the town, to understand, motivate action and promote effective policymaking. “I’m going to throw you some statistics to show that we’re no different than any see DRUG USE page 8
Mayor’s presentation touts accomplishments, impresses residents BY SRIANTHI PERERA
With popcorn, gummy bears and a small drink in hand, folks heading into one of the Harkins SanTan Village 16 multiplex theaters in Gilbert recently could easily be mistaken for moviegoers. But rather than watch “Star Wars,” they were going in to watch a digital production of Mayor John Lewis’ state of the town presentation. And the movie theater goodies were on the house. For the fourth year in a row, the Town’s digital communications team preferred to create a video focusing see ACCOMPLISHMENTS page 10
2 Community 16 Neighbors 24 Business 28 Neighborhood Map
Mayor John Lewis. Submitted photo
36 Youth 44 Spirituality 45 Arts 52 Opinion
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