Gilbert changes code to address pot; 4 new businesses open in Chandler and more top local news

Brigette Peterson conducts her first full meeting as Gilbert mayor Jan. 19. (Screen shot from GilbertLive)

Now is the chance to help your local community succeed. Become a Patron by contributing to Community Impact Newspaper and gain daily insight into what's happening in your own backyard. Thank you for reading and supporting community journalism.

By CI Staff Compilation | 6:00 AM Jan 23, 2021 MST

Read the most popular business and community news stories from Gilbert and Chandler from the past week.

Gilbert

Gilbert Town Council amends codes to address marijuana at residences

Gilbert Town Council passed new building and fire code amendments Jan. 19 related to safety issues associated with residential marijuana growth and extraction facilities.

Panda Libre in Gilbert changes name to Kung Pow Restaurant

The restaurant formerly known as Panda Libre at 748 N. Gilbert Road, Gilbert, changed its name and concept Dec. 18 to Kung Pow Restaurant. A trademark infringement suit was brought against Panda Libre by a national Chinese restaurant chain.

Gilbert looks to fill openings on two more boards

The town of Gilbert has announced it is looking for applicants to fill openings on two more town boards and commissions.

Chandler

Here are four businesses that have recently opened in Chandler

See four businesses that have recently opened in Chandler.

Laser Components Detector Group moves into new Chandler space

Laser Components Detector Group has moved into its new, significantly larger space in Chandler, according to a news release from the city.

Tom Blodgett and Alexa D’Angelo contributed to this report.

By CI Staff Compilation

MOST RECENT

Alamo Drafthouse files for bankruptcy, closes theaters in downtown Austin and New Braunfels

Most theaters will remain open under an asset purchase agreement to the company's senior lending partners.

Gilbert Public Schools considers closing Houston Elementary, moving Neely Traditional Academy

The Gilbert Public Schools governing board studied the effects of school changes for the fall that would close one school and move another into its campus.

End-of-year celebrations getting face-lift in Gilbert Public Schools

Desert Ridge and Mesquite high schools, which have held their graduations at Arizona State University’s Wells Fargo Arena in previous years, will have to bring their ceremonies back to their campus stadiums, said Marcie Taylor, secondary education executive director.

Finances good for now, but Gilbert Public Schools could see $10.22M reduction for next year

Gilbert Public Schools officials presented the governing board March 2 with a healthier revised budget for this fiscal year, but a projection for next year shows a large cut could be looming.

Arizonans 55 and older will be eligible for vaccine appointments beginning March 2

People age 55 and up will be eligible for COVID-19 vaccine appointments beginning at noon March 2.

One restaurant now open, one coming in Gilbert

Here are two restaurants open or coming to Gilbert.

COVID-19: Gilbert cases up 62 in two days March 2

See a breakdown of COVID-19 cases, vaccinations and more local data.

Here are the coronavirus hospitalization data updates to know across Arizona. (Community Impact staff)

ADHS: Less than 1,000 people seen in emergency rooms with COVID-19 symptoms Feb. 28

Take a look at the hospitalization data across Arizona.

COVID-19 vaccine appointments are available at Chandler-Gilbert Community College. (Courtesy Adobe Stock)

COVID-19 vaccination appointments available beginning March 1 at Chandler-Gilbert Community College

COVID-19 vaccination appointments will be available beginning at 9 a.m. March 1 at Chandler-Gilbert Community College—the latest state-run vaccination site.

Denise Lopez appointed HD South chief

Denise Lopez replaces Kayla Kolar, who left in 2020 to become the executive director of House of Refuge, as HD South's president and CEO.

The new Cracker Barrel Old Country Store location in Gilbert had standing waits outside when it opened its doors Feb. 15. (Tom Blodgett/Community Impact Newspaper)

Cracker Barrel open in Gilbert; Harbor Freight to open March 6 in Chandler and more February news

Read the latest business and community news from February in Gilbert and Chandler.

Gilbert officials wanted to avoid land acquisitions along Western Canal, staff tells residents

When Gilbert staff first addressed the problem of a deteriorating sewer along the Western Canal, they hoped to avoid using eminent domain to acquire land to fix the problem, staff told residents Feb. 25.