Have a Safe and Happy New Year!

Vice Mayor Richard Fimbres (Ward 5), his staff - Melinda Jacobs, Mark Kerr and Eileen Contreras want to wish everyone a safe and Happy New Year !

Fireworks Update - TPD

Microsoft Word - Fireworks Prohibited

What's Closed For New Year's Holiday

The following governmental offices and agencies will be closed or operating on a reduced schedule during the New Year's Holiday.  (From Arizona Daily Star)

Traffic Update

Jamaica Way closed between Irvington Rd & Irvington Pl. Jamaica Way is closed between Irvington Rd & Irvington Pl due to a traffic accident and power pole down. It is anticipated that the Jamaica Way will be closed for several hours.

TIGER Grant Update - Funding Secured

TIGER Grant Modern Streetcar 122810

'TIS THE SEASON TO TREECYCLE

Beginning December 26, 2010, you can drop off your Christmas tree at any one of 9 sites in the community.

7-ELEVEN STORES TO SELL SUN TRAN PASSES

As of Friday, Dec. 17, 7-Eleven® stores are selling select Sun Tran bus passes at all 17 store locations throughout the Tucson metropolitan area. 

HOLIDAY GARBAGE, RECYCLING, & BUS SCHEDULE

The Christmas Holiday will not affect residential and commercial trash and recycling services. Check here for Bus schedule changes. 

Surviving family members of Tucson murder victim need your help!

http://www.azhomicidesurvivors.org/WelcomeHome.asp

The first holiday season after the loss of a loved one is always difficult, especially when your loved one was taken away violently by homicide. One Tucson family that is going through this first holiday without their loved one was just delivered another blow when their house burned down this weekend and took all of their belongings with it.

This local family is in great need of community support. If your office or any of your office’s resources in your ward or anywhere in town can assist this family financially or with household items when the family is able to find somewhere to live, please contact the Homicide Survivors, Inc. office at 740-5729 or homicidesurvivors@pcao.pima.gov.

40th Anniversary

Today was the 40th Anniversary of the Pioneer Hotel Fire in Tucson. Twenty-nine people perished in this blaze that was set by an arsonist.

Remember those 29 who lost their lives on this day.

Ward 5 December Newsletter

December Newsletter

Save the Date! Manny Alvarado PCC Scholarship Benefit Dinner and Dance, Feb. 20

The Manny Alvarado Pima Community College Scholarship Benefit Dinner and Dance Sunday, February 20, at the El Casino Ballroom, 437 E. 26th Street, 3 to 8 PM.

All proceeds to benefit the Pima Community College Alvarado Scholarship Fund.

Tickets are $15 single, $25 for couples.

For more information, contact Angela Alvarado Botello, 520-404-0294.

Christmas Holiday Garbage & Recycling Schedule for City Residents

The Christmas Holiday will not affect residential and commercial trash and recycling services. Holiday collection schedules are available online.

The Los Reales Landfill and the Household Hazardous Waste Facility will be open on Friday, December 24, 2010, but will be closed on Christmas Day.

City offices will be closed on Friday, December 24, 2010; however, ES Customer Service will be available at 791-3171.

DHS Faithful Readiness and Preparedness Conference, Jan. 19-21

Region IX Invite[1]

Mayor and Council Staff

20101213132426214

Operation Holiday Open House Party for Military Children this Saturday

Hello everyone,

I just want to make sure we get the word out about the party coming up this weekend Saturday Dec, 18th from noon until 5 p.m. It is "FREE" for all branches of Active Duty, National Guard, Reserve and their families.  (Military ID needed for entrance)

1500 E. Valencia Rd., Tucson, AZ (Air National Guard 162nd Fighter Wing)

MLK Breakfast - Mark Your Calendars for January 15

MLK Bkfst

Access Tucson Fund Raiser

Call In To The Live Telethon!

Wednesday, December 15th, 6-10pm
520-629-0683 or 520-624-2792

Watch Access Tucson's telethon Where Tucson's On TV!-Celebrating Community Media on Access Tucson channel 99 (Cox) / 74 (Comcast).

Call in on the phone numbers above and donate. Or visit the Access Tucson website to participate in our online auction.

The online auction starts the night of the telethon at 6pm and ends Friday, December 31st at 11:59pm.

If you support it, community media will survive and flourish in Tucson.

ADOT Update

The Arizona Department of Transportation is pleased to announce that there will be no construction activity on Interstate 10 between Tucson and Phoenix from Thursday, Dec. 23, at 6 a.m., to Monday, Jan. 3, at 7 p.m., to accommodate the holiday travel season.

Starting Monday, Jan. 3, at 7 p.m., roadwork will continue as scheduled. Interstate 10 will be narrowed to one lane in both directions between the junction of Interstate 8 and State Route 87, east of Casa Grande, from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m., Sunday nights through Friday mornings, until March. Drivers should allow extra travel time for travel between Phoenix and Tucson during this time.

40-year Commemorations of the Pioneer Hotel Fire

December 20, 1970 was a day that continues to live in infamy in the Tucson Community. The Pioneer Hotel Fire occurred the night of December 20. The community is invited to attend a free and open to the public screening of “HOT PION” at the FOX Theater at 17 W Congress on December 19, 2010. Doors open at 6.00 p.m., and screening begins at 6.30 p.m.

Stuff the Bus Toy Drive, December 17

Stuff the Bus Toy Drive 12.17.10

Let's Celebrate the Holiday's Update

http://badger73.blogspot.com/2010/12/lets-celebrate-holidays-by-sharing.html

If you have an unwrapped toy you want to donate to this effort, which will be assembling all other toys for distribution to the about 37 local community organizations, including faith-based, non-profit and recognized neighborhood groups.  Drop the toy off at South Tucson City Hall, 1601 S. 6th Ave before December 16.  South Tucson City Hall is open 8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday.

Valencia Crossing Planned Area Development Meeting, December 14

The Planning Center, is working with property owners to create a mixed-use development, referred to as Valencia Crossing.  To find out more about Valencia Crossing, please join the Planning Center for a public meeting, Tuesday, December 14, 6 p.m., at the Pima Air and Space Museum, Stitt Auditorium, 6000 E. Valencia Road.

For more information call Kelly Lee of the Planning Center (520) 623-6146 or klee@azplanningcenter.com.

PERMITS ISSUED FOR NOVEMBER 2010 TOTAL MORE THAN $24 MILLION

The City of Tucson Planning and Development Services Department (PDSD) has completed the reviews and issued more than 64 commercial permits for Tenant Improvements and New construction projects from November 1-30, 2010. The total projected dollar valuation is more than $24 million that will benefit the Tucson economy.

Holiday Season Transit Schedule

Due to budget constraints this year, there are changes to the services Sun Tran and Sun Van are able to provide passengers this holiday season.

El Pueblo Senior Center - December Newsletter

December 2010 Newsletter

Bike In A Box - Volunteers, December 19

Because of generous donations, Lugo Charities Inc. is pleased to announce that we will be hosting the 2nd Annual Bike In A Box event on Sunday, December 19. This year the event will be held at St. Augustine Cathedral Church located at 192 South Stone Avenue.

Tamale Contest Tomorrow!

2010 Tamale Contest Flyer

DREAM Act Update

By a 6 to 1 vote of the Consent Agenda at their regular meeting, December 7, Tucson's Mayor and Council came out in support of the DREAM Act that is in Congress presently.

http://www.tucsonaz.gov/sirepub/agdocs.aspx?doctype=agenda&itemid=21446

“Let’s Celebrate the Holidays by Sharing”

You are cordially invited to a very special Holiday event.  Not only will you see your friends, enjoy food from Rigo’s and have fun with a raffle and silent auction, but you will also help share with those less fortunate in the community.  Feel free to bring someone with you.

Bike In A Box Update

Dear Family, Friends, and Business Associates:

Christmas is just a few weeks away, and with today's continued economy struggles and increase in family needs for the less privileged, your financial help is needed.

The 2nd Annual Bike In A Box event to benefit under-privileged children with a new bicycle, safety helmet, and Christmas stocking will occur on Sunday, December 19, 2010. However, in order to purchase the 500 bicycles, we need your financial support today.

Lugo Charities Inc. dba Bike-In-A-Box is a 501(C) (3) non-profit organization, so your contribution is tax deductible. Please sponsor one or two bicycles or consider one of the optional levels of sponsoring bicycles for this worth cause. Attached is the contribution form to download, fill out, and mail in.

For information on this years event, please visit our web site at www.LugoCharities.com.

It will be a challenge to secure the funds this year, but with your help, I am confident that we will again meet our goal of raising the $25,000.00 to purchase the bicycles.

Thank you for your consideration.

Merry Christmas,

Jesse Lugo
Lugo Charities Inc.
Bike In A Box
P.O. Box 26363
Tucson, AZ 85726
Web: www.LugoCharities.com

2010 Bike in a Box Donation

Tucson Police Department Granted CALEA Reaccreditation - Tucson City News

Chief of Police Roberto Villaseñor and members of the Department’s Accreditation staff recently traveled to Garden Grove, California to complete the final phase of the Tucson Police Department’s reaccreditation process.

Tucson Police Department Granted CALEA Reaccreditation - Tucson City News

Downtown Success

To the DTP Board and stakeholders:

There is an amazing story happening in our City center. Downtown Tucson is experiencing an unprecedented surge of private sector investment.

$120 million dollars of private sector investment in projects started or completed in the past 30 months.

Small individual entrepreneurs. Major businesses. Each one of them passionately committed to revitalizing Tucson's urban core.

While our story is centered on the small entrepreneur, it is a celebration of all the investment, public and private, that has propelled us to this cusp.

And this is just the tip of the iceberg. The next couple of years are going to see changes that will truly transform downtown.

Many thanks to all the downtown businesses for making this article possible.

Best Regards,
Michael Keith

Mission Garden Kickoff, Saturday - December 4

This Saturday, you are invited to come down at 11am to the Mission Garden and be part of the Kick-Off. (The invitation information is attached.) Everyone will be allowed inside the walls and will be able to see the "blank slate" we'll be working with. You will learn more about the Kino Heritage Trees that we'll be planting, which are direct genetic descendants of the first trees Father Eusebio Kino introduced to our area. You will even have an opportunity to support the project through sponsoring the stewardship of a tree.

If you can't come on Saturday, no problem! The Friends of Tucson's Birthplace web site will continue to provide information at www.tucsonsbirthplace.org - or look for them on Facebook. The Tucson Historic Preservation Office web site will have information in the coming months, as well, at www.tucsonaz.gov/preservation.

Smartscape Series

Smarts Cape Series Flier Jan Feb 2011

PACC Waiving Late Fees

PACC Waiving Late Fees 12-10

Tucson Water Recommends Protection of Exposed Plumbing from Freezing Temperatures

The National Weather Service is predicting temperatures in the mid to high 20s tonight, and Tucson Water would like to remind area residents that efforts should be made to protect any plumbing that is exposed to the elements. “Over the years, we have noticed that one of the busiest times in our Customer Service section is the morning after a hard freeze. Customers call in concerned about low pressure, and when we go out to investigate, we discover that a water line has burst due to the freezing temperatures,” commented Jeff Biggs, Director of Tucson Water.

From the M/C Meeting - 11/23

By a vote of 6 to 0, the below was approved by the Mayor and Council after the passage of Proposition 203, the medical marijuana ballot measure, on Tuesday, Nov. 23, with one change. The hours a dispensary can be open are until 7 pm. The Ward 5 office has asked for a review to deal with concerns of nearby neighbors (homes) and businesses in the zoning area. This is in progress.

330277311242010034530339

Happy Thanksgiving

Councilmember Richard Fimbres, his staff, his family and friends want to wish you all a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving.

Downtown Projects Update

http://dot.tucsonaz.gov/projects/projects.cfm

Thanksgiving Day Holiday Garbage & Recycling Schedule

The Thanksgiving Day Holiday will be observed on Thursday, November 25, 2010. Residential garbage, recycling, and brush and bulky will not be collected that day.

City of Tucson residential and commercial customers with Thursday service will receive service on Friday; customers with Friday service will receive service on Saturday.

Art Chapa

A memorial service for lobbyist Art Chapa will be held at 10 a.m. Dec. 7 at St. Augustine Cathedral, 192 S. Stone Avenue, in Tucson. Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas will officiate.

The family has established a fund in Chapa's name to increase awareness of H. pylori-induced cancer. Contributions may be sent to the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, 1295 N. Martin Ave., Tucson, 85724.

Chapa, a longtime Pima County lobbyist and former member of the state Board of Regents, died Friday of cancer just days after he was diagnosed.Lobbyist, ex-regent Art Chapa dies at 69:

Operation Deep Freeze

Beginning at 4:30 p.m. today, crews from the City of Tucson Department of Transportation (TDOT) Streets and Traffic Maintenance Division will initiate Operation Freeze in preparation of freezing temperatures this week. Operation Freeze is put into place to make sure City bridge decks are free of ice and safe for motorists to drive over.

Ward 5 November Newsletter

November 2010 Newsletter

CITY SERVICES INFORMATION: HOLIDAY / FURLOUGH DAY CLOSURES – THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY AND FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 26

City Hall and City business offices, including all Council offices, will be closed on Thursday, November 25, for the Thanksgiving holiday, with the exception of the Tucson Convention Center and Tucson City Golf courses.

Tucson Water Closed: Thanksgiving Holiday, Furlough Day-Nov. 25, 26

Tucson Water is reminding customers that all Tucson Water offices, including the Billing Office, will be closed on Thursday, November 25, for the Thanksgiving Day holiday. In addition, Tucson Water will be closed on Friday, November 26, for the fourth of nine unpaid furlough days prior to June 30, 2011.

Phone representatives will not be available on either of these two days. Account information and payment options are available 24 hours by calling 791-3242 and selecting Option 1. Account information or payment options are also available through the internet at tucsonaz.gov/water. During furlough days, emergencies that are not related to billing issues may be reported by calling 791-4133.

It is important to note that, due to the Thanksgiving Day holiday on Thursday, November 25, 2010, and the scheduled Furlough Day on Friday, November 26, 2010, services will not be available again until Monday, November 29, 2010.

Traffic cameras go live Nov. 11 at Speedway and Kolb - Hot Off The Press (release)

Traffic cameras go live Nov. 11 at Speedway and Kolb - Hot Off The Press (release)

Election 2010

The voters on November 2 have spoken on the two ballot propositions and the City will be facing a $51.1 million dollar budget deficit for Fiscal Year 2012, which starts July 1.

Stuff the Bus to Benefit PCOA

Stuff the Bus - PCOA 11.10

Family Event at Reid Park

City News

Tucson Parks and Recreation Department Recognized for Excellence.

The City’s Parks and Recreation Department has been recognized for excellence in the field of parks and recreation management by becoming one of only ninety-seven agencies in the country currently holding national accreditation from the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA).

Sun Tran Transit Center Booths Close December 1.

Due to budget shortfalls, information booths at Sun Tran’s three transit centers will close and fifteen non-union positions have been eliminated.

Roger Sedlmayr

Former Ward 4 Councilmember Roger Sedlmayr has passed away. Our thoughts and prayers goes to his family.

Story

Come and join Greg Byrne the University of Arizona’s new Athletic Director, and learn more about the Wildcats!

Join with your many friends and neighbors at a good old fashion grassroots sports rally.  Come hear our new U of A Athletic Director and learn more about all your favorite Wildcats!

PDSD October Report - Another $47 Million In Construction Projects

Thanks to the changes made to the C of O process, more than $47 million dollars in permits have been issued for construction projects in the City of Tucson for the month of October alone. Since Ward 5 had brought the issue to the table and the process has been streamlined, more than $110 million of the $168 million total has been issued in permits. One of which is for the Costco at the Bridges Project.





PDSD October 2010

El Pueblo Senior Center Honors Our Veterans

Today, I had the opportunity to participate in the El Pueblo Senior Center event honoring senior members of the Center who had served their country.  On Veteran's Day tomorrow, remember those who have served this county in its armed services.

Bless our Troops and Thank Our Veterans

Dear Brothers, Sisters and Friends;

This is a very special week for us because we are celebrating Veteran's Day this Thursday, and I am proud to say I am a 28 year veteran of the active Army, Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserves.

We celebrate Veterans Day so we can never forget the price that has been paid by our Women and Men in the Military for the Freedom we have today.

For more than two hundred years, men and women of faith and courage have laid down their lives to secure freedom for this country. Blood was shed -- and continues to be shed-- so that Americans no matter what color they are can enjoy liberty, democracy, and freedom without fear of reprisal. "Remember Freedom isn't Free, You have to Pay a Price and Sacrifice for our Liberty."

To our Women and Men serving in our Armed Forces lets us say a prayer for their safety:

"Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands, Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. We ask this in the name of our Lord and Savior, Amen"

Thank You and please let a Veteran or a Active Duty Military person know that you appreciate the sacrifices they have made for us so we can enjoy freedom.

God Bless.
Richard Fimbres
U.S. Army Vietnam Era Veteran

Organizational Changes in TPD (Tucson Police Department)

Tucson Police Chief Roberto Villaseñor has advised the City Manager and the Mayor and Council,  of some necessary changes within the Police Department. These changes are outlined below.   While Chief Villaseñor has been contemplating adjustments due to staffing shortages for some time, he has held off in hope that the initiative would provide some relief. Now that we know the outcome of the election, it is appropriate to make adjustments to deal with the current and projected staffing shortages the Department will endure. As staffing continues to decrease through attrition, additional modifications may be necessary.

Pueblo Garden's School Needs Your Vote!

Cindy Ayala, PTO Chair of the Pueblo Gardens School has launched an effort to help the school out at refresheverything.com.

Cindy's proposal is on the following page:

http://www.refresheverything.com/pueblogardensschoolcourtyardmarqueeturtles

Ayala wrote, “$25,000.00 to fix the school courtyard and we need all of your votes...spread the word to everyone you know. This will pay for new covers, equipment, tools, plants, everything. In order to win this grant, we need a lot of votes.  Thank you all in advance. I hope this comes true for all of us.”

So go online and go vote!

The Sack Lunches (From An Email)

I put my carry-on in the luggage compartment and sat down in my assigned seat. It was going to be a long flight. 'I'm glad I have a good book to read. Perhaps I will get a short nap,' I thought.

Just before take-off, a line of soldiers came down the aisle and filled all the vacant seats, totally surrounding me. I decided to start a conversation.

'Where are you headed?' I asked the soldier seated nearest to me. 'Petawawa. We'll be there for two weeks for special training, and then we're being deployed to Afghanistan

VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE (VITA) PROGRAM SEEKS VOLUNTEERS

The VITA program serves low-to moderate-income families by preparing their tax returns free of charge. We also connect taxpayers to other financial services.

We are looking for tax preparers and greeters to volunteer. No experience needed, free training provided. Taxes are prepared at 11 community locations from January 29 - April 18, 2011.

For more information, contact vitavolunteers@unitedwaytucson.org or (520) 903-3949 by December 20.

Operation Holiday Open House

Operation Homefront of Arizona is proud to announce we are hosting our annual "operation holiday open house party” for military families/children.

Park Avenue to Close Next Week

The Arizona Department of Transportation has issued the following traffic alert for next week that involves the closing of Park Avenue near Interstate 10.  The alert states the following:

Tucson Recycles Now Accepting Rigid Plastics In Blue Barrel

Mayor Robert Walkup and the City of Tucson Environmental Services Department (ES) are excited to announce new opportunities for Tucsonans to recycle.  Beginning in November, Tucsonans will be able to put rigid plastics in their blue barrel for recycling. Mayor Walkup will be introducing the program expansion and proclaiming the week of November 8th Tucson Recycles Week.

A Shopper's Guide to Better Banking

Of course you'll check out their rates, fees, location, and hours. But equally important, make sure their lending and banking practices work for YOU. Use this guide to identify bank practices that make it easier for you to hang on to your money. It will help you choose the best financial institution for your needs.

Volunteer at the VA Hospital - Tucson

Southern Arizona VA Healthcare System (SAVAHCS) benefits from the services of over 1,200 individual volunteers each year. Over 200 volunteers are on duty each day helping to make SAVAHCS a health care center of excellence.

FY 2011 Budget Online

The City of Tucson Adopted Fiscal Year 2011 Budget is now posted.

Imagine Greater Tucson Survey

Imagine Greater Tucson is interested in learning what you value about our region.

GOTV

Activities will be ongoing for the upcoming election. Here are some get out the vote activities that will be going on.

Diabetes Classes and Screenings

AzDA - Free Diabetes Screenings & Education

Voting Information Update

The Pima County Recorder's Office will have 10 walk-in early-voting sites open on Saturday scattered throughout all areas of the county. 

Benefit for Veterans Day

(From the AP)


Anyone visiting the Grand Canyon on Veterans Day will save some money.

Tucson Water Receives Recognition for Water Conservation Program

Western Resources Advocates has recognized Tucson Water for its efforts in water conservation programming. The recognition from the Boulder, Colorado, non-profit environmental law and policy organization was based on results of its recently completed study “Arizona Water Meter.”

“Certificate of Occupancy Night” Thursday, October 28

Doing business with the City of Tucson’s Planning & Development Services Department (PDSD) continues to get easier with the next Certificate of Occupancy Night planned for Thursday, October 28, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The Arizona Daily Star has endorsed Terry Goddard for Governor

Terry Goddard possesses the experience, wisdom and mettle required to lead Arizona through its ongoing economic crisis. He is an effective, decisive leader who has protected Arizonans and successfully promoted economic growth.

October Newsletter

Here is the latest edition of the Ward 5 newsletter.

Public Hearing - Convention Center Hotel Project

At the Regular Meeting of the Tucson Mayor and Council, which starts at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, October 26, a public hearing will take place during the Regular Meeting on the proposed Convention Center - Hotel.

Here is the link to the information.

http://www.tucsonaz.gov/sirepub/agdocs.aspx?doctype=agenda&itemid=21173

http://www.tucsonaz.gov/sirepub/view.aspx?cabinet=published_meetings&fileid=3248925

People, who wish to speak will have to fill out a request to speak card.  Public hearings are scheduled for one hour but may go longer under the prerogative of the Mayor.

For more information, go to the Clerk's Webpage http://cms3.tucsonaz.gov/clerks/ or call 791-4213.

Goddard an easy choice for governor

Goddard an easy choice for governor

Arizona Republic Recommendation of Cong. Raul Grijalva

Tough choice, but Grijalva gets nod

Free Retail Workshop on City Business License Requirements, Privilege/Use Taxes

Local businesses are invited to learn more on license requirements and reporting privilege (sales) and other taxes at a free open house sponsored by the City’s Finance Department.

Arizona Daily Star Editorial - October 21 - CD 7 Race - Grijalva's work merits a fifth term

The Arizona Daily Star has endorsed Cong. Raul Grijalva in his campaign for another term in Congress

How States Can Stop Foreclosures Now

As all 50 state Attorneys General investigate widespread allegations that loan companies use fraudulent documents to push through foreclosures, CRL’s (Center for Responsible Lending) new report, “Foreclosure as a Last Resort,” highlights other strategies that states are using to stabilize their housing markets and prevent unnecessary foreclosures.

Some states are already finding creative ways to incorporate mandatory loss mitigation in their foreclosure prevention efforts.  To find out which states are using this tool and how it can be implemented, download the report now

Veteran's Parade Needs Help Raising Funds

There are just three and a half weeks until Veterans Day and Tucson's annual Veterans Day parade. Still, the American Legion Post that sponsors the parade is scrambling to raise the money to put it on. 

Core Tax Town Hall Update

I want to thank Richard Miranda, Deputy Manager - City of Tucson, TFD Chief Patrick Kelly, TPD Chief Roberto Villasenor, Budget Administrator Joyce Garland, Fred Gray, Director of Tucson Parks and Recreation, Jim Glock, Director of the City of Tucson Department of Transportation, Donna Trujillo with the Freedom Park Center for their attendance and participation in last night's town hall held at the Freedom Center, 5000 E. 29th St.

Rights Restoration Workshop

Rights Restoration Workshop - 11-9-2010

City Manager: Gadsden a good deal for city, taxpayers - TC Guest Blog

City Manager: Gadsden a good deal for city, taxpayers - TC Guest Blog

Halloween Activities

Halloween Activities 10-10

Services for Senator Jorge Luis Garcia

Services for Senator Jorge Luis Garcia will be as follows:

Visitation will be at Carillo's Tucson Mortuary, 204 S. Stone Avenue, just south of downtown, on Thursday, October 21st, from 5-10:00 p.m. The rosary will begin at 7:00 p.m.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Saints Peter and Paul Parish, 1946 E. Lee Street, located across from UMC on the Northeast corner of Lee and Campbell Avenue, on Friday, October 22nd at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, Jorge would want donations to go to organizations that help others. The designated charities are the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Tucson (www.svdptucson.org) and Catholic Tuition Support Organization (www.ctso-tucson.com).

Ward 5 Town Hall - October 20

Ward 5 Town Hall

Senator Jorge Luis Garcia

State Senator Jorge Luis Garcia served Tucson and Pima County with distinction in the Arizona Legislature. He was running for the Arizona Corporation Commission. Senator Garcia passed away today. He was 57. He leaves behind Maria, his wife of 38 years, and three grown children, daughters Yvette, Dominique and son, Rolando, and four grandchildren. Our thoughts and prayers go to his family.

Free Contracting Workshop on City Business License Requirements, Privilege/Use Taxes - Tucson City News

Local businesses are invited to learn more on license requirements and reporting privilege (sales) and other taxes at a free open house sponsored by the City’s Finance Department.

Free Contracting Workshop on City Business License Requirements, Privilege/Use Taxes - Tucson City News

My Vote on Proposition 401

On Tuesday, July 7, the Tucson Mayor and Council considered two proposals to place on the general election ballot, Proposition 400, the proposed core tax and another measure dealing with the City’s charter, which has been in existence since 1929.

2010 AIDS Walk - Sunday October 17

The Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation 2010 AIDS Walk will begin at 7 AM on Sunday October 17th.  Pets are welcome to walk as long as they are leashed, owners clean up after them, they are family friendly and ok around large crowds.

For more information, go online to aidswalktucson.org.

Tucson, Phoenix, Payson, Prescott Receive Awards for Their Water Conservation Success - Tucson City News

Tucson, Phoenix, Payson, Prescott Receive Awards for Their Water Conservation Success - Tucson City News

AMERICAN RECOVERY AND REINVESTMENT ACT OF 2009 PAVEMENT PRESERVATION

Work crews are continuing with milling (removing) asphalt and repaving operations on 10 city roadways as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The work consists of milling and overlaying existing roadways with new rubberized asphalt concrete surface course or overlaying with rubberized chip seal along approximately 12 miles of curbed and strip-paved roadways

See You At Rigo's October 13

October 13 - Rigos

What Proposition 400 would do?

The following is information provided by the City of Tucson on what Proposition 400, if approved by the voters would do.  Also, these documents show what the City of Tucson has done during these same times.

Help Raul who has helped us!

A message from Mona Grijalva about the CD 7 election.

Mayor Walkup Supports Prop 400

Questions: In these tough times, Tucsonans must get by with less. Why shouldn't government do the same? Won't a tax increase prompt shoppers to patronize stores in the county and suburbs where sales taxes are lower? If you support the police and fire departments, I urge you to vote "yes" on Proposition 400. This temporary sales tax increase would prevent layoffs for all currently funded police officers, firefighters and paramedics during this recession. However, if Prop. 400 fails many police officers and firefighters would be laid off. Public safety would be compromised.

Read the rest of Mayor Walkup's response here.

Arizona Daily Star supports Prop. 400

When voters decide whether to increase the city of Tucson sales tax by a half-cent per dollar they'll actually be determining what kind of city they want. That's what proponents say, and they're largely correct. The bigger question, though, is whether taxpayers can afford the city they want. Detractors' allegations that there's plenty of waste and nice-to-have but unnecessary spending in the city budget do not stand up to the facts.

Read the rest of the editorial here.

Proposition 107 is Bad for Arizona

Prop 107 Bad for Arizona-Flyer

Parenting Workshops To Be Offered

CODAC's, Community Based Services department, run by Jamal Givens, was awarded a 2010 Safe and Drug Free Schools grant to provide parenting workshops at Pueblo Gardens School.

Tucson Water Furlough Day

Tucson Water is reminding customers that all Tucson Water offices, including the Billing Office, will be closing for the third of nine unpaid furlough days prior to June 30, 2011. The next closure will be Monday, October 11, 2010.

Phone representatives will not be available on this Monday. However, account information and payment options are available 24 hours by calling 791-3242, and selecting Option 1. Account information or payment options are also available through the internet at tucsonaz.gov/water. During furlough days, emergencies that are not related to billing issues may be reported by calling 791-4133.

Costco Update

The site development work for the Costco at Tucson Marketplace at The Bridges is proceeding on schedule. Curb and Paving adjustments are almost complete for the new signalized intersection at Tucson Marketplace Blvd./Duvall Vista and Kino Parkway.

Smoke Detectors

On October 6, a fire erupted in a house in Ward 5, killing an elderly woman. Tucson Fire reported that the fire was contained to the victim’s bedroom, which suffered heavy smoke and heat damage. 

At the time of the fire the house was occupied by the victim and her son.  The son was sleeping in a room at the other end of the house and did not know there was a problem until he woke up for the day and smelled smoke.  The house did not have a working smoke detector.  Cause of the fire and death are under investigation. 

Farmer's Market Opening - October 23

On Saturday, October 23, 9 am to 1 pm at El Pueblo Park (Southwest corner of  Irvington Road and South Sixth Avenue), a Farmer’s Market will be having a grand opening!

This market, with fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables, honey, eggs and more is being overseen by the Community Food Bank.

Enjoy music, activities for kids and cooking demos.

For more information, call Monica at the Community Food Bank, 622-0525, Extension 2565.

NLAAD AIDS Awareness Day

Dear Friends, Advocates, and Community Leaders:

The 8th Annual National Latino AIDS Awareness Day event at Pima Community College's West Campus is right around the corner!  I ask that you please share the attached flier with your constituencies and hope that you can make it!

Sincerely,
Javier Herrera

Tucson Weekly Endorsements

http://www.tucsonweekly.com/tucson/the-2010-tucson-weekly-endorsements/Content?oid=2249924

Core Tax Fact Sheet

Core Tax Fact Sheet5

Are You At Risk For Diabetes

Are You at Risk for Diabetes Combined

City Receives Grant to Replace 15 Buses

(From News Reports) The City of Tucson received a $5 million dollar grant on Monday from the U.S. Department of Transportation for the replacement of 15 buses. 

Funding for the grant comes from the DOT's "State of Good Repair" program. Money must be spent on public transit providers to replace, rehabilitate, and purchases buses and related equipment.

Sun Tran and the city received $4.2 billion in requests for the $775 million made available. Officials with Sun Tran plan to replace buses in the fleet which are up to 16 years old.

Tucson and the Regional Transit Authority are required to match local funds of up to 20 percent of the total project. Delivery of the new buses is expected to occur in about 18 months.

PERMITS ISSUED FOR SEPTEMBER 2010 TOTAL MORE THAN $51 MILLION

The City of Tucson Planning and Development Services Department (PDSD) has completed the reviews and issued more than 54 commercial permits for Tenant Improvements and New construction projects from September 1-30, 2010. The total projected dollar valuation is more than $51 million that will benefit the Tucson economy.

Ward 5 Informational Core Tax Town Halls

Friday, October 8, 10 am to noon, El Pueblo Senior Center, 101 W. Irvington.

Wednesday, October 20, 6 to 8 pm, Freedom Center, 5000 E. 29th Street.

Proposition 400 will be the topic of both, with presentations from City Staff - Police, Fire, City Manager's Office, Budget and Parks.

TDOT Update

The following are updates on Tucson's roads from the City  Department of Transportation.

Hispanic Heritage Tribute - October 5

LULAC - US ARMY cordially invite you to the Hispanic Heritage Month Tribute.


Tuesday, October 5, 2010, 12:00 Noon - 1:30 P.M. 


Inn Suites, 575 Granada, Tucson. 


Please RSVP via email or you can contact Ana Valenzuela at 520-203-9535.