Friday, February 25, 2011

Invitation to Tucson Homeless Connect - March 4

Tucson Homeless Connect will provide direct services to over 300 homeless people in a convenient one-stop setting. The event will be held on Friday, March 4, from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm at the Dunbar Cultural Center, 325 W. 2nd St. This event is based on a national model used in over 200 communities around the U.S. and is regarded as a best practice in ending homelessness.


Voters Trust Cities and Towns Most with Taxpayer Dollars Statewide Poll: Strong Support for Protecting Vital City Services

PHOENIX (Feb. 16, 2011) - A recent statewide poll shows Arizonans overwhelmingly trust local elected officials to use taxpayer money in the most effective manner, and they consider their mayors and council members the most fiscally responsible among all layers of government.

Department of Labor Announces $40 Million Green Jobs Innovation Fund Competition for Career Training Programs Nationwide

Washington, D.C. - The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has announced a new Green Jobs Innovation Fund competition to support opportunities for workers to receive job training in green industry sectors and occupations. The Department will award approximately $40 million to between five and eight grantees, with awards ranging from $5 million to $8 million each.

"A" Mountain Climb for Cancer

A Mountain Climb 2-2011

Connecting Communities Foundation - Neighborhood Association RFP Announcement REMINDER

This is a reminder that the deadline for submitting an application is Monday, February 28, 5pm. Thank you.
Connecting Communities Foundation



Thursday, February 24, 2011

Department of Agriculture Grants $63,000 to International Sonoran Desert Alliance in Ajo to Combat Local Hunger and Poor Nutrition

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that the International Sonoran Desert Alliance in Ajo will receive a $63,000 grant as part of a new $4.98 million effort to help 14 communities in eight states reduce hunger and improve nutritional awareness.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Become a Mentor

If you have spent time as a child in foster or group homes, we would like to talk to you about becoming a mentor.

jpeg


Call (520) 747-1533 today!

Join our partners in this effort:
Arizona's Children Association | Cox Communications |AdVision Outdoor |Pima County Juvenile Court |Arizona Association for Foster and Adoptive Parents

Learn more or sign-up 

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Ward 5 February Newsletter

Feb2011Newsletter

Waterline Break - 6th/Campbell

Tucson Water crews are working in the intersection of 6th Street and Campbell Avenue to repair a waterline break.

The westbound curb lane on 6th Street and the northbound median lane of Campbell Avenue at 6th Street will be closed to through traffic. Additionally, there will be no left turns allowed from southbound Campbell Avenue to eastbound 6th Street and or eastbound 6th Street to northbound Campbell Avenue.

The closures will remain in place until crews can determine the extent of the damage and the amount of repair work that will need to be done. Additional restrictions may be needed once the extent of work to be done is determined.

Those attending tonight’s University of Arizona basketball game at McKale Center should prepare for extensive delays.

The traveling public can expect delays when driving, bicycling or walking in this work area. Pease observe all traffic control signage and watch for construction personnel and equipment in the work zone.

Ward 5 - Furlough Day

The Ward 5 Council Office will be closed on Friday, February 18, observing the City-wide furlough day as a cost-savings, budgetary measure for the City of Tucson. Monday, February 21 the office will also be closed in observance of President's day.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Modern Street Car Update

OPEN HOUSE_ MODERN STREETCAR

Tucson Water Rebate Program Update

Tucson Water Adds Two New Conservation Rebate Programs Rebates of up to $200 are available to residents who install gray water irrigation systems in their homes and to businesses that replace old
urinals with high-efficiency models.

Defending Ethnic Studies - February 19

Presentation and Discussion with Leilani Clark, Tucson Activist and Ethnic Studies Alumnus Saturday, February 19, 2:00 p. m.

Arizona's ultra-right wing legislature, goaded by Attorney General Tom Horne, has outlawed the teaching of Ethnic Studies in public education. Sister Clark will discuss this outrage and the movement by students, teachers, parents, and community to resist this racist law.

Salt of the Earth labor College is located at 1902 East Irene Vista in Tucson. (It's on the SE corner of Campbell Ave. and Irene Vista just east of Kino Parkway and about a half mile south of 36th Street). For more information or better directions: SELC@webtv.net or (520)235-0694 For a full Spring 2011 schedule check out our web site @ saltearthlaborcollege.org

April is Water Awareness Month

In April, Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) will celebrate the Water Awareness Month (WAM) by actively promoting statewide water conservation activities, events, and resources. ADWR’s “call to action” is for Arizona residents to use water more efficiently, become aware of water conservation activities in their region, and know where to turn for information and resources.

Furlough Day Update - Holiday Closure

CityFurloughDay021511

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Mayor and Council Update

During their meeting today, the Mayor and Council, by a vote of 7-0 approved a conceptual measure for the FY 2012 budget that did not include a rental tax, advertising tax, land speculation tax or increases in business license fees.

Upcoming Events

Ward 5 is hosting another graffiti abatement event this Saturday, February 19, at Reid Park, Ramada's 18 and 19, 8:15 am.

Also on Saturday, the Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, 2403 S. Martin, a Black History Month Celebration will be taking place from 9 am to 5 pm, with booths, food, exhibits and a wonderful program.

On Sunday, February 20, the Manny Alvarado Pima Community College Scholarship Benefit Dinner will take place at the El Casino Ballroom, 437 E. 26th St., 3 to 8 pm, for more information and tickets ($15 single, $25 couples), call Angela Alvarado Botello, 404-0294.

Ward 4 Budget Town Hall

Council Member Shirley Scott is holding a Ward 4 Budget Town Hall at the William Clements Center, 8155 E Poinciana Drive, on Thursday, February 17 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Those attending will have an opportunity to engage in conversations with City staff about the 2011-2012 budget year.
 
Information about the 2012 budget and updates presented to Mayor and Council can be found on the City's web page at http://cms3.tucsonaz.gov/fy2012budget.

Monday, February 14, 2011

Modern Streetcar Project Update

PRModernStreetcarWaterlineWork021411

Estrellitas de Manana, March 6

Here is some information about a great event that will take place on Sunday March 6 from 2-6 at the El Casino Ballroom. Besides great entertainment by Nydia Rojas with Sonido de Mexico, there will be 2 youth groups and the vocal finalist from elementary and middle school.

On This Day


Sunday, February 13, 2011

Update from Cong. Giffords' Office

The following is a message from Pia Carusone, Chief of Staff to Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords


LULAC Educators Banquet, March 31

Dear Friends:

The League of United Latin American Citizens is proud to announce that the below named individuals will be honored at this years LULAC's Educator's Awards Banquet.  The educator's Banquet will take place on Thursday, March 31, 2011, at the Tucson Convention Center, Copper Room, 260 S. Church Avenue, at 5:30 PM.

Friday, February 11, 2011

Remarks from DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano on Border Security

Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano delivered remarks at the University of Texas at El Paso highlighting the Department’s unprecedented efforts over the past two years to secure the Southwest border by deploying historic levels of manpower, resources and technology and increasing collaboration with federal, state, local and tribal, and Mexican partners while facilitating legal trade and travel.  What follows is the transcript of her address.



Pima County Health Department Earns Public Health Emergency Preparedness Recognition

The National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) recognized the Pima County Health Department for its ability to respond to public health emergencies. Pima County was one of six counties statewide to receive this recognition. Local health departments nationwide strive to protect the public from new and infectious diseases, bioterrorism, natural disasters and other public health threats.

The full press release follows.

Police Office Recruit Process

POR Hire

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Grijalva Hails Passage of Bill to Name Yuma Federal Courthouse After Judge John Roll

Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva hailed the passage of a bill to name the U.S. Federal Courthouse in Yuma, Ariz., after Judge John Roll, who was killed in the recent Tucson shooting that injured Rep. Gabrielle Giffords. Roll was "a champion of justice and a leader in getting Arizona the legal resources it needs to administer cases fairly," Grijalva said after voting for the bill, which passed 429-0. The House vote formally approved a Senate bill (S.188) that had already passed, meaning it now goes directly to President Obama.

Roll, who served as a judge on the U. S. District Court for the District of Arizona since 1991 and as chief judge since 2006, had pushed for years to find Yuma the funding necessary to construct a new federal courthouse, which finally came through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. According to multiple witnesses, Roll died protecting Giffords' district office director, Ron Barber, who continues his recovery.

"Judge Roll was a great example to everyone of what a legal career can mean to a nation and a community," Grijalva said. "His passing was a very sad day for our state, and I can think of no greater tribute than to pass on his name to future generations through the courthouse he fought so hard to bring to Yuma."

The courthouse is still under construction and will be referred to in all subsequent instances as "The John M. Roll United States Courthouse."

More Development and Construction Coming

Media Release Jan 2011

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

City’s New Volunteer Service Program - Tucson City News

Since 2007, the City of Tucson’s workforce has been reduced by nearly 1,000 positions. To assist City departments with their stated missions and to continue providing the high quality of service citizens expect and deserve, the City is establishing a Volunteer Service Program.

The City Volunteer Service Program will commence with the creation of a Volunteer Information Center in the lobby of City Hall. To introduce the program to the public, the City will hold a kickoff event on Monday, February 14, at 2 p.m. in the City Hall Lobby, 255 W. Alameda St.

Gabrielle Giffords Speaking More and More

PHOENIX — A spokesman for Rep. Gabrielle Giffords says the congresswoman is speaking "more and more," the first confirmation that she is able to talk a month after being shot in the forehead.
Giffords spokesman C.J. Karamargin says Giffords spoke for the first time within the past few days.
He does not know what her very first words were, but says at breakfast one morning she asked for toast.
He says "she's working very hard and it's paying off" and that everyone at the office is elated.
He says they always knew Giffords was a fighter and that "she's not going to let this thing win."
Six people were killed in the attack outside a supermarket where Giffords was holding a political event. Thirteen were injured.

Sun Tran’s New Spring Schedule Now Available

A new edition of the Sun Tran Ride Guide is now available, offering passengers detailed route and service changes effective February 13 through August 13, 2011.

Sunday, February 6, 2011

SBA Offering Low Interest Disaster Loans for Mohave and La Paz Counties

The federal Small Business Administration (SBA) today announced that it will offer loans of up to $2 million to businesses and non-profit organizations to replace or repair property and equipment damaged in recent winter storms. The agency will also offer loans of up to $200,000 to homeowners to repair damaged real estate and up to $40,000 to homeowners and renters to repair or replace personal property.

US Airways Adds Flights, TIA Declared Winner by SouthwestAirlines, 2010 Year In Review

US Airways is adding two flights from Tucson to Phoenix Thursday through Sunday beginning March 6, 2011. The flights will depart TIA at 8:50 p.m. and 9:55 p.m. on board CRJ-900 aircraft, and will connect to flights bound for both the east and west coast. This will bring the total of US Airways nonstop flights to Phoenix to 12.

Friday, February 4, 2011

ADOT Road Update

The Arizona Department of Transportation wants you to be aware of travel restrictions near the Phoenix area, beginning Saturday, Feb. 5th through Sunday, Feb. 6th on Interstate 10.  This courtesy alert is to let you know of the following travel restriction, just in case you are driving to Phoenix or know of any constituents who might be for this weekend.  The alert states the following:

*Westbound Interstate 10 narrowed to two lanes between Wild Horse Pass and Chandler Boulevard from 4 a.m. Saturday to 6 p.m. Sunday* (Feb. 6) for HOV lane bridge construction.  *DETOUR*: Please be prepared to merge safely in work zone.

GEM SHOW PEDESTRIAN SAFETY MEASURES AT STARR PASS BOULEVARD

In an effort to reduce the number of conflicts between pedestrians and motor vehicles on Starr Pass Boulevard just west of Interstate 10, the City of Tucson Department of Transportation is prohibiting northbound and southbound travel on Farmington Road across Starr Pass Boulevard.

Bike to the Farmer's Market - February 12

On February 12th we are encouraging folks to come out to the Farmers' Market on their bikes and receive free bike-tune ups from BICAS mechanics. We will also have a raffle drawing for a pink child's bike, free bike maps, an opportunity to create bike art and enjoy live music.

Benefits Enrollment Fair - February 22

Benefits Enrollment Fair English & Spainsh sw

Blood Drive - Feb. 16

The City of Tucson will be hosting a Blood Drive on February 16th at City Hall.  To schedule your appointment, call 230-7295.  We all know the importance of giving blood.  If you are able,  make your appointment today!!

WMG’s Neighborhood Leaders Program Provides Training, Funding for Projects in Tucson Neighborhoods

Tucson-based non-profit Watershed Management Group (WMG), with support from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality and the US Environmental Protection Agency, has selected six Tucson neighborhoods to participate in its Neighborhood Leaders program. The program trains neighborhood residents in the design and implementation of street-side stormwater harvesting strategies (also referred to as green infrastructure) tailored to Tucson’s arid environment. Each neighborhood will also be awarded funding for the installation of resident-designed green infrastructure projects.

Tucson Water Update / February 4, 2011: 4:30 p.m.

Tucson Water crews have made significant efforts in ensuring that distribution system features such as well pumps, booster stations, and reservoirs are brought back into service. As of 4:00 p.m. Friday afternoon, only one small area in the Sahuaro Ranch subdivision, located east of Dove Mountain, was still without service, but Tucson Water officials confirmed that service is expected to be restored within two hours. Many customers continue to experience loss of water service due to personal household plumbing that remains frozen.

Literacy for Life Update


 

An Easy Way to Contribute to Literacy

You receive this bulletin from Literacy for Life Coalition because you care about literacy and its positive effects on our community. Now you can help make a difference!

Participate in the third annual Tucson Festival of Books
March 12 and 13, by volunteering for the Festival


ONE COMMUNITY SHELTER TO REMAIN OPEN

The Udall Recreation Center, 7200 E. Tanque Verde Road, will remain open today and overnight tonight to assist people and their pets that are affected by the utility outages due to the cold weather. Pets MUST be crated while at the shelter. When taking pets outside, pets MUST be kept on leash. Please note that Service Animals are exempt from these provisions. Staff will be available to assist with pet issues at this shelter. Udall Center will remain open during regular operational hours for center activities.

City of Tucson Weather Update - February 4

The City is experiencing a weather related emergency.  Weather has affected the delivery of water and gas to large portions of the City.  Conditions may last for several days.  The City has mobilized its emergency response team to provide help to affected residences and businesses.  This web page will provide frequently updated information and links to City, County and Southwest Gas resources for the duration of this emergency.


Report water leaks or outages by email at waterleaks@tucsonaz.gov
Southwest Gas asks customers to conserve natural gas Thursday and Friday.
Please limit hot water usage, turn down thermostats, and avoid using natural gas fireplace logs or gaslights.
Map of the gas outage areas.
Map of the water outage areas.

7:30 AM Street intersections at Stone and Grant closed  and 6th St. and Highland Ave. 

6:00 AM Tucson Water Update

9:00 PM Tucson Fire Warns: Use Caution with Home Heating

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Tucson Water Update on Water Service February 3, 2011 / 9:15 p.m.

Tucson Water crews continue to respond to customer calls regarding water
service outages, and are also working to monitor Tucson Water facilities
for damage from extreme cold temperatures. Field crews are also
responding to reports of water main breaks throughout the Tucson Water
service area. 

Dedication Service - Memorial Plaque for the Memorial Chaplains

Despite the weather, a good crowd assembled at Tucson Veteran's Memorial Park, Thursday, February 3 for the Dedication Service of the Memorial Plaque for the Four Courageous Chaplains.  Vice Mayor Richard Fimbres had the honor of representing the City of Tucson at this event.

During WWII, these four courageous chaplains gave their lives on board the U.S.A.T. Dorchester shortly after midnight on February 3, 1943, having been hit by a torpedo, these four men gave out all the life jackets and helped the troops into life rafts.  They gave up their own life jackets to four who did not have one and then gathered themselves together and kneeled in prayer on the deck as the ship sank.  The four received the "Medal of Heroism," posthumously on January 18, 1961 by the U.S. Congress.

To learn more about these four chaplains, click here.

Mayor Walkup addresses "unprecedented weather event" | KVOA.com | Tucson, Arizona

Mayor Walkup addresses "unprecedented weather event" | KVOA.com | Tucson, Arizona

COT - Weather Update (2)

Report water leaks or outages by email at waterleaks@tucsonaz.gov

4:50 PM TOEMHS Winter Freeze Alert

4:23 PM Community Shelters Available

4:18 PM Tucson's second emergency briefing on freeze

2:45 PM Summary of Tucson's Weather-Related Emergency Situation

COT - Weather Update

The City is experiencing a weather related emergency.  Weather has affected the delivery of water and gas to large portions of the City.  Conditions may last for several days.  The City has mobilized its emergency response team to provide help to affected residences and businesses.  There will be frequently updated information and links to City, County and Southwest Gas resources for the duration of this emergency.


Ward 5 Office Closed Today Due To Weather Situation

Due to the situation with the weather, resulting in the entire building, the City Record's Center and Ward 5 Council Office, located at 4300 S. Park, having no water. Both the Record's Center and the Ward 5 Council Office are closed today 2/3/11. We apologize for the inconvenience.


The Ward 6 Council Office, located at 3202 E. 1st St is closed too due to water problems from the change in the weather.

Cold Weather Affecting Tucson Water Customers

Cold overnight temperatures are affecting water service throughout the Tucson Water service area. According to Fernando Molina, Public Information Officer for Tucson Water, the extreme cold has caused electronic control instrumentation at various reservoir and booster sites to malfunction, automatically shutting down pumps.

Over 1000 businesses and residences have been impacted throughout the early morning hours, as work crews are being sent out to reset electronic control systems to re-establish water service to affected areas.

Molina stated that the outages have kept crews busy all night, but so far none of the incidents have been the result of frozen water pipes at any Tucson Water facilities. While freezing temperatures have not frozen any Tucson Water pipes, it is possible that home plumbing may be affected by frozen or burst water lines. Customers can call 791-4133 to report water outages. However, this emergency phone number will not be fully staffed until 6:00 a.m. when regular shift employees arrive at work.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

TUCSON DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION INITIATES OPERATION FREEZE

Beginning at 4:30 p.m. February 1, 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.

Household Hazardous Waste (Hhw) Collection Event On Saturday

Do you have cans of paint or unused chemicals sitting in your shed or garage? The City of Tucson and Pima County have an option for you to clean out your space while keeping these hazardous materials out of
the environment. On Saturday, February 5, 2011, the Household Hazardous Waste Program will be sponsoring the first outreach collection event of 2011. There is no charge for dropping off materials. The outreach schedule is 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at the following locations:


●           Eastside City Hall, 7575 E. Speedway Blvd.

●           Tucson Water Plant #2, 1102 W.  Irvington Rd.

●           Pusch Ridge Christian Church, 440 W. Calle Concordia

Accepted materials include: Automotive fluids, auto and rechargeable batteries from electronics equipment, toxic cleaning products, fluorescent lamps, paints, solvents, lawn and garden products, and computer equipment. The program only accepts materials generated in homes-no commercially generated materials are accepted. More information is available on-line at www.tucsonaz.gov/hhw or by calling ES Customer
Service at 791-3171.

U.S. Census 2010 Update

During February and March, the Census Bureau will release local-level 2010 Census population counts for all 50 states, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. We have adapted our data release process to meet the needs of reporters and the public.
Per procedure, each state's geographic products and redistricting data are first delivered to the state's leadership, such as the governor and majority and minority leaders in the state legislative body. The Census Bureau will issue an advisory about a week in advance regarding the next week's planned data shipments. As a service to the public, we will now also issue an advisory notifying media when we ship the data to each state. In addition, after we have confirmation of receipt of the data by state leadership, usually within 24 hours of shipment, we will release the full data set to our FTP download site at the same time that we issue the news release with top line data for that state. Within 24 hours of that release, the data will also be available on American FactFinder, the Census Bureau's online data search tool.
For each state, the Census Bureau will provide summaries of population totals, as well as data on race, Hispanic origin and voting age. These data will be presented for multiple geographies within the state, such as census blocks, tracts, voting districts, cities, counties and school districts.
According to Public Law 94-171, the Census Bureau must provide redistricting data to the 50 states no later than April 1 of the year following the census. As a result, the Census Bureau is delivering the data state-by-state on a flow basis. All states will receive their data by April 1, 2011.

Study puts spotlight on red-light cameras