Saturday, January 29, 2011

Ward 5 Graffiti Abatement Event A Success

More than 80 students, as well as dozens of people were out today for the Ward 5 Graffiti Abatement event held at Apollo Middle School.

Also present was Lupe and the staff of Graffiti Protective Coatings who helped coordinate the effort to deal with graffiti in an 1 mile square area around Apollo Middle School.

Tucson Police Chief Roberto Villasenor, as well as other officers from the police department were there to help out with this project.

In addition to Graffiti Protective Coatings, Ray Chavez, Principal of Apollo Middle School and Mark Doe with Apollo helped to get the kids out, involved and enthused.  Quik Trip, Los Jarritos and La Estrella Bakery provided the food and drinks for the participants in this clean up.  Hot 98.3 FM was there with music and Arizona Pride, Good Times Car Club and the Over Hill Gang Car Club held a car show after the cleanup and lunch.  Vice Mayor Fimbres wants to thank everyone who came out and took part in the cleanup.

An Open Invitation to the Tucson Community: Stand Up in Support of Our Children’s Educational Rights

(From the Office of Pima County Supervisor Richard Elias).


The members of the Tucson Unified School District Mexican American Studies Advisory Board ask you to join us to voice our support for TUSD’s Mexican American Studies Program.
Community Forum in Support of TUSD Ethnic Studies Program
Saturday, February 5, 2011 at 2:00 pm
El Pueblo Center Senior Building

Friday, January 28, 2011

GEM SHOW BUS PASS

Gem Show Sun Tan Pass








Sun Tran is offering a 7-day Gem Show bus pass to make travel throughout Tucson easier for attendees of the 2011 Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase.

New Opportunity - Home Purchasing

Don’t Miss this Rare Home Purchase Opportunity!

only  $1000  Down Payment

Completely Remodeled and Energy Efficient Homes!

Program Details:                    The Pima County Community Land Trust is an affordable home ownership program designed to assist low to moderate income home buyers.

Program Guidelines:            

Number of Persons in Family
Equal to or Less Than 65% of Median Income
Equal to or Less Than 50% of Median Income
1
$ 26,800
$20,650
2
$ 30,650
$ 23,600
3
$ 34,500
$ 26,550
4
$ 38,350
$ 29,500
5
$ 41,450
$31,900
6
$ 44,500
$ 34,250
7
$ 47,550
$36,600
8
$50,600
$ 38,950

Buyer Guidelines:                  Must not own any other property and have a minimum 620 credit score

 Application Process: 1.  Income qualification and Loan Pre-approval
2.  View PCCLT homes and submit an offer on a home
3.  Make an appointment and meet with PCCLT representative
4.  Attend 8 hours of home purchase education
                                                                           

For More Information Contact

Roman Sainz:  520.270.3312  or  Susan Soto:  520.603.2476

Tierra Antigua Realty


88 Crime Dinner Update

Grijalva Congratulates Mariposa Port of Entry on 2010 Federal Project Design Award Following Recovery Act Funding He Championed

Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva has congratulated the Mariposa Land Port of Entry federal modernization and expansion project on its recent recognition by the General Service Administration (GSA) as one of government’s best designed facilities. The site, honored at the 2010 GSA Design Awards in Washington, D.C., was one of this year’s 11 winners out of 115 entrants based on architectural design and focus on sustainability.

Graffiti Abatement Event Tomorrow

Microsoft Word - Final 012111 Flyer b

Thursday, January 27, 2011

MODERN STREET CAR A GO

Attached is a news release distributed today from the City of Tucson announcing the FTA's approval of the environmental documents and issuing a finding of no significant impact.

PRModernStreetcarFonsi012711


Grijalva Congratulates Tucson on Finalization of $63 Million Federal Streetcar Grant

Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva congratulated the City of Tucson on the finalization of its $63 million federal grant toward the construction of the Modern Streetcar Project, which included final signing of the award by Department of Transportation (DOT) authorities. The step means the city can now spend the money, which DOT will fully reimburse, at any time.


Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Together We Thrive


Creative Commons credit - http://www.flickr.com/photos/searchnetmedia/
With the eyes of the nation on Tucson, city leaders express hope for the future. 

GEM, MINERAL & FOSSIL SHOWCASE


World's Largest Treasure Hunt in Tucson January 29 - February 13

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Upcoming Ward 5 Events

Ward 5 Town Hall - 1/27, 6-8 PM, El Pueblo Senior Center, 101 W. Irvington. Agenda - Ward 5 Update and Tucson FY 2012 Budget.

Ward 5 Graffiti Abatement Cleanup - 8 AM, Apollo Middle School, 265 W. Nebraska.

For more information, please call the Ward 5 Council Office, 791-4231.

Friday, January 14, 2011

Message From Mark Kelly, Husband of Cogresswoman Giffords (Tucson Weekly)

"The prayers and good wishes from the people of Southern Arizona and the country are deeply appreciated by our family. Your continued outpouring of support is powerful. As Gabby continues her recovery, I know she will be inspired and motivated by the heartfelt messages you have sent. Keep sending them.
"Many of you have asked how you can help and how you can honor the memory of those who were wounded or lost their lives. What united the victims of the tragedy on Saturday was service — they volunteered in church or at soup kitchens, worked in government, and tended to their communities. On behalf of Gabby and our family, I ask that you consider honoring their commitment to service by dedicating a few hours on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, this Monday, January 17th, to volunteer in your community.
"There is no way to make sense of this tragedy. But as President Obama said on Wednesday night, "We may not be able to stop all evil in the world, but I know that how we treat one another is entirely up to us. I believe that for all our imperfections, we are full of decency and goodness, and that the forces that divide us are not as strong as those that unite us."
McNulty adds:
You can find opportunities for service in Tucson here.
You can find opportunities for service in Cochise County here .
You can find opportunities for service across the nation here.
We have also updated our website, www.giffordsforcongress.com, with information about coping with grief as well as news about Gabrielle and all of the victims of this tragedy. Please visit it for more information.
This tragedy has affected all of us, and many families are suffering the loss or hurt of a loved one. Please keep them in your thoughts.

Monthly Downtown Projects Status Update

Click on each link to read the report on the respective project.


type:Miscellaneous City Public Parking Garage at Plaza Centro
type:Miscellaneous Depot Plaza Parking Garage
type:Miscellaneous Depot Plaza: Public Improvements
type:Miscellaneous Downtown Links - Barraza-Aviation

Sun Tran and Sun Van Schedule - MLK Day

Sun Tran and Sun Shuttle transit services will operate on a regular weekday schedule during Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, January 17, 2011. Other services will be in operation as regularly scheduled:

• Sun Tran’s Customer Service Center will continue to operate from 6 a.m. until 9 p.m. to assist passengers with their trip planning needs by phone.

• Sun Tran’s Administrative Offices, located at 4220 S. Park Avenue, will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Sun Tran’s Lost and Found, also located at 4220 S. Park Avenue, will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Sun Shuttle’s Customer Service Center will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. to make reservations for dial-a-ride service and assist passengers with their trip planning needs.

27th Annual Senior Olympic Festival

Senior Olympics Tourch Lighting
January 21-30, 2011 - The Annual Senior Olympic Festival featuring nearly 100 events and activities at more than 30 venues throughout the City of Tucson.


Thursday, January 13, 2011

Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Holiday Trash & Recycling Schedule

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday holiday will be observed on Monday, January 17, 2011.  Residential trash and recycling will not be collected. City of Tucson residential customers will have their trash and recycling service delayed by one day. Holiday collection schedules are available online at www.tucsonaz.gov/esd  Commercial customers with metal containers will also have their collection delayed by one day.  The Los Reales Landfill will be open from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and the Household Hazardous Wastes Facility will be open its regularly scheduled hours.  City offices will be closed on Monday, January 17, 2011, however, customers may leave a message for City of Tucson Environmental Services at 791-3171 or submit a service request at www.tucsonaz.gov/esd and they will be contacted no later than the next business day.


Remarks by the President at a Memorial Service for the Victims of the Shooting in Tucson, Arizona

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you. (Applause.) Thank you very much. Please, please be seated. (Applause.)

To the families of those we’ve lost; to all who called them friends; to the students of this university, the public servants who are gathered here, the people of Tucson and the people of Arizona: I have come here tonight as an American who, like all Americans, kneels to pray with you today and will stand by you tomorrow. (Applause.)

There is nothing I can say that will fill the sudden hole torn in your hearts. But know this: The hopes of a nation are here tonight. We mourn with you for the fallen. We join you in your grief. And we add our faith to yours that Representative Gabrielle Giffords and the other living victims of this tragedy will pull through. (Applause.)

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

President Obama Memorial in Arizona

A Message from NLC President James E. Mitchell, Jr. on the Tragedy in Tucson

To The NLC Family,

The tragic event that took place in Tucson has left us all shaken. Our hearts go out to the victims and their families at this difficult time. And, our thoughts turn quickly to Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords who was sought out by the gunman in the line of her duty as a public official. I had the pleasure of spending time with her just last month at a Renaissance Weekend for innovative leaders.

Walk For Peace, January 16

A "Walk for Peace," for all that perished, the victims, and Gabrielle Giffords will take place on Sunday, Jan. 16th at 10 a.m. The walk will start at McCormick Park off Ft. Lowell and end at Gabrielle Giffords' office on Pima on Swan.

If you have any questions please contact Yasmin Saggau-Harris through email or by phone 520 445 2220. Thank you for you support and interest in this event.

Shuttles to Presidential Address

Sun Tran Bus - Creative Commons License Credit to http://www.flickr.com/photos/36423017@N07/















Sun Tran is offering free shuttle service to the memorial event to honor the victims of the recent mass shooting in Tucson, which will be held at the University of Arizona’s McKale Center on Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2011. Shuttle service will begin at 2 p.m., with the last shuttle departing for McKale Center at 5:30 p.m. Return service to the original boarding locations will be provided at the conclusion of the memorial service.

Angels in Action (To help call Oscar Jimenez 624-1779)


Threatened protests at the funerals of several victims of Saturday's deadly shooting rampage could get little notice thanks to multiple efforts to support their families.
In Phoenix, the Legislature moved with unprecedented speed to pass a bill making it a crime to picket within 300 feet of any home, cemetery, funeral home or house of worship before, during or immediately after a ceremony or burial.
And a Tucson group is planning to have "Angel Action" present at the funerals of 9-year-old Christina-Taylor Green on Thursday and U.S. Judge John M. Roll on Friday.

Information About a Fund for the Shooting Victims

The shooting incident that occurred on January 8th has had far-reaching consequences, affecting not only those who were directly victimized, but witnesses and family members who will be actively involved as cases progress through the criminal justice system. This type of involvement is not only emotionally demanding, but can also take a financial toll on victims and their families.


A local nonprofit victim services organization, Homicide Survivors, Inc., has set up a fund to help the victims, witnesses, and their families. The Tucson Tragedy Victim Fund will be earmarked specifically to help victims, witnesses, and families of the January 8, 2011 mass shooting. 

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Photo: Mark Kelly Sits By Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords' Hospital Bed

"Together We Thrive: Tucson and America"


President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama will visit Tucson to pay tribute to the victims of Saturday's mass shooting.
The president will speak at a memorial event at the University of Arizona on Wednesday night.
The event, titled "Together We Thrive: Tucson and America," starts at 6 p.m. at McKale Center and is free and open to the public. Doors will open at 4 p.m.
The university said attendees should arrive early because a capacity crowd is expected, and there will be increased security.
The start of a new semester of UA classes has been postponed from Wednesday to Thursday, the university said in a news release.
UA President Robert Shelton and state and federal officials also will speak at the event.
The event will include an American Indian blessing, a moment of silence, a poetry reading and a presentation of a chain featuring messages from the public.

CPSA Sets Up Support Line In Response to Saturday's Tragedy

Community Partnership of Southern Arizona (CPSA), which oversees publicly funded mental health and substance use treatment services in Pima County, is organizing a community-wide response related to mental health and trauma issues resulting from Saturday's mass shooting.

Vice Mayor Fimbres' Statement

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PERMITS ISSUED FOR DECEMBER 2010 TOTAL MORE THAN $12 MILLION

More than $148 million in permits alone have been taken out since Vice Mayor Fimbres' proposal to streamline the Certificate of Occupancy Process went in effect in August.

Media PDSD December 2010

FREE RETAIL WORKSHOP OUTLINESCITY BUSINESS LICENSE REQUIREMENTS, PRIVILEGE/USE TAXES

Retail Workshop 011111

Christina Taylor Green Memorial Fund Announced


The family of Christina Taylor Green, killed in the Saturday shootings, has announced a charitable memorial fund to honor her life and memory, reported the Arizona Daily Star.
The fund will be held by the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona.
"Our family has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love for our sweet Christina. This memorial fund will ensure her legacy for the children in our community," said John Green, Christina's father, in a press statement.
Here are the ways to make a donation in memory of Christina:
  • Online at www.cfsoaz.org - click on the link to the Christina Taylor Green Memorial Fund.
  • E-mail christinataylorgreenmemorial@cfsoaz.org
  • Call (520) 545-0313.
  • Send a check to: The Community Foundation for Southern Arizona, In Memory of Christina Taylor Green, 2250 E. Broadway Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85719

President to Attend Memorial at UA for Shooting Victims

Article

USHCC National Convention News Update

Miami National Convention_FINAL

Monday, January 10, 2011

A Statement from Mark Kelly

A Statement From Mark Kelly

Mark Kelly, husband of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, last night released the following statement via Giffords' spokesman:

On behalf of Gabby and our entire family, I want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the people of Arizona and this great nation for their unbelievable outpouring of support. Gabby was doing what she loved most — hearing from her constituents — when this tragedy occurred. Serving Southern Arizonans is her passion, and nothing makes her more proud than representing them in Congress.

Like all Americans, we mourn the loss of Judge John M. Roll, Christina Taylor Green, Dorothy Morris, Phyllis Schneck, Dorwan Stoddard and Gabe Zimmerman, a fine man and beloved member of Gabby’s team. We must never forget them, and our prayers are with their families. Our hearts go out to everyone injured yesterday; we hope and pray for their quick recovery. We also extend our thanks and appreciation to all of the first responders, medical personnel, law enforcement, and Arizona citizens who acted swiftly on Saturday and continue to assist our community through this tragedy. Many stories of heroism are emerging, and they are a source of strength for us during this difficult time. We are forever grateful.

Many of you have offered help. There is little that we can do but pray for those who are struggling. If you are inspired to make a positive gesture, consider two organizations that Gabby has long valued and supported: Tucson’s Community Food Bank and the American Red Cross.

Community Food Bank
3003 S Country Club Rd # 221
Tucson, AZ 85713-4084
(520) 622-0525

American Red Cross, Southern Arizona Chapter
2916 East Broadway Boulevard
Tucson, AZ 85716
(520) 318-6740

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Moment of Silence - January 10

The President has issued a Proclamation that Federal Government flags will be flown at half-staff until sunset on January 14th, and has called for a moment of silence to be observed on Monday, January 10th at 11:00AM EST.]

Gifford's Office - January 9 (Adam Kurtz - Tucson Weekly)

Saturday, January 8, 2011

Downtown Tucson - Photo Courtesy of Alexander Monarrez-Maldonado (Tucson Weekly)

LULAC Shocked at Shooting of Congressman Gabrielle Giffords and 19 others in Tucson Arizona

LULAC National President Margaret Moran expressed shock and sorrow about the appalling shooting of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and 19 others in Tucson, Arizona. “Our hearts and prayers are with Congresswoman Giffords and the victims of today’s horrific shooting in Tucson, Arizona,” stated Ms. Moran. “Congresswoman Giffords has been a tremendous leader for her district and a strong supporter of LULAC programs in the Tucson area. We hope and pray for those who were injured by the gunman.” 



Thoughts and Prayers

Vice Mayor Richard Fimbres and the Ward 5 Council office staff urge everyone to focus their thoughts and prayers for Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, those on her staff who were injured, as well as the other good citizens hurt in the attack this morning at the Safeway Store at Ina and Oracle.

Thoughts and prayers also need to go to the family of Congresswoman Giffords, her staff, those good citizens hurt, the family of U.S. Federal Judge John Roll, who lost his life in this attack as well as a the parents and family of the nine year old girl - who died at UMC as a result from this attack.

Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords

At a Congress on your Corner event today in Tucson, Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and others were shot by a gunman, reportedly now in custody.

Everyone's thoughts and prayers need to be with the Congresswoman, her family, her staff and those who were injured due to this dastardly attack.

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Happy 45th Anniversary to Albert Elias and Old Pueblo Printers

Scan 0002

Job Opportunity With CODAC

Do you know of someone interested in working with young people from ages 0-5, 6-10, or 10-14, has experience in at least one of the following: facilitating childcare, youth and/or parent groups? If the answer is yes….then please share this email with them!


Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Outstanding Teen Citizen Awards

Dear Youth Advocate:

City of Tucson Parks and Recreation, Pima Community College Downtown Campus, and the Metropolitan Education Commission’s Youth Advisory Council/Tucson Teen Congress (YAC/TTC) are pleased to announce the 15th Annual “Outstanding Teen Citizen Awards”. This is your opportunity to nominate a deserving young person(s) who has contributed or made a difference to the community, as well as improving their own life.

Sun Tran Offers Seven Day Gem Show Pass

7-Day Gem Show Pass

Monday, January 3, 2011

Costco at the Bridges and the U of A Biopark A Big Step Closer to Reality!

Thanks to the initial work of  Vice Mayor Richard Fimbres, his staff at the Ward 5 City Council Office, both the Costco at the Bridges Project as well as the University of Arizona Biopark are another big step to becoming a reality for Ward 5, Tucson and Southern Arizona.  In the Sunday edition, business section, of the Arizona Daily Star, this construction projects were featured in an article.  It was the agreement reached for the Bridges, thanks to the negotiating skills and the IGA's approved, thanks to Vice Mayor Richard Fimbres.  What follows is the article.


Sunday, January 2, 2011

One Can A Week Program

A wonderful story about Peter Norback and his One Can A Week Program is in the Sunday paper at the following link below. Enjoy!

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