Tuesday, November 30, 2010

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

Monday, November 29, 2010

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

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

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:

Monday, November 22, 2010

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.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

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.

Monday, November 15, 2010

Roger Sedlmayr

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

Sunday, November 14, 2010

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!

Thursday, November 11, 2010

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

Wednesday, November 10, 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

Saturday, November 6, 2010

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.

Friday, November 5, 2010

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

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

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.

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

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.

Monday, November 1, 2010

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.