Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Ward 5 - August 2011 Newsletter

http://cms3.tucsonaz.gov/sites/default/files/ward5/august_2011_newsletter.pdf

City of Tucson News Release Furlough Day/Holiday


Except as noted below, City Hall and City business offices, including all Council offices will be closed on Friday, September 2, 2011, for a furlough day, and all City departments will be closed on Monday, September 5, 2011 for the Labor Day holiday. 

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Border lecture series kicks off this week in Tucson


A speech from U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Alan Bersin about the changes and challenges in border security in the post-Sept. 11 era is the opening event of a program organized by the UA's College of Social and Behavioral Sciences.
Bersin is scheduled to give his address at 7 p.m., Thursday, September 1, in the North Ballroom in the Memorial Student Union at the University of Arizona. Bersin was appointed commissioner by President Obama on March 27, 2010. A question and answer session will follow the lecture.


Friday, August 26, 2011

Anti-obesity ads coming to Pima County

Pima County health officials on Thursday unveiled a $2 million anti-obesity advertising campaign that focuses on making little changes like cooking at home to become healthier.

The campaign, which is being funded with a portion of a nearly $16 million federal grant, includes a series of public-service announcements for radio, print and television.

"Every penny is staying in Pima County," said Donald Gates, who is part of the Pima County Health Department team administering the grant. "The intent is to open up the campaign with personal choices - small changes we can make to be healthier."

The advertisements feature local residents doing simple things that can make a big difference in one's long-term health - building a home garden, playing sports with family members and having family meals that make use of fresh produce. The public-service announcements will appear in both English and Spanish.



Read more: http://azstarnet.com/news/science/health-med-fit/article_d4d5741a-0da6-5057-81cc-f5928f3ad951.html#ixzz1W9pcf300

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Thursday, August 25, 2011

Vote By Mail Reminder

Reminder, the City Clerk must have physical possession of your voted ballot by 7 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, August 30, 2011

On Election Day there will be seven voting locations open. You can drop off your voted ballot, or bring your ballot in and vote it there or request a replacement ballot, if necessary. The seven voting locations are open 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

YOU CAN GO TO ANY OF THESE LOCATIONS ON ELECTION DAY!
Ward 1 Valencia Branch Library 202 W. Valencia
Ward 2 Udall Park Recreation Center 7200 E. Tanque Verde Rd.
Ward 3 St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church 1145 E. Ft. Lowell Rd.
Ward 4 Clements Center 8155 E. Poinciana Dr.
Ward 5 Quincie Douglas Library 1585 E. 36th St.
Ward 6 Randolph Golf Complex 600 S. Randolph Way
and
City Clerk Elections Office 800 E. 12th Street


Saturday, August 27th
The City Clerk Elections Office at 800 E. 12th Street will be open from
9 a.m. until 2 p.m. for voting services.

For all voters who have not mailed their ballot yet, you may drop off your ballot at any of the above locations on Election Day.

Call the City Clerk’s office at 884-VOTE (884-8683) or 791-3221 if you have any questions.

TREO Announces New Leadership

New Leadership Press Release.final.8!24!11

White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs Local Update


Welcome to the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs local update. In this week's issue we hear about new regulatory reforms to reduce red tape and FEMA reminds us of the importance of preparedness in case of natural disasters.

Keep an eye on your inbox and check out the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs Website for more information.

News Release - Downtown Utility Work

Beginning Aug. 24 through the end of September 2011, Northern Pipeline Company, under contract with Southwest Gas Corporation will be installing a new high pressure gas line on Granada Avenue from Congress Street to Alameda Street and on Alameda Street from Granada Avenue to Main Avenue. Crews will be working from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m., Monday through Friday. During the work at least one lane of travel in each direction will be maintained.

The traveling public can expect delays when driving or bicycling in this work area. For your safety, please observe all traffic control signage, and obey reduced speed limits. Watch for construction personnel and equipment in the work zone.

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Dan Felix Memorial Fund Golf Challenge, Sept. 9

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Monday, August 22, 2011

DHS Update

US DHS Update - Journal of Homeland Security and Emergency Management

Arizona Parks and Recreation Association Annual Conference and Trade Show

Press Release Conference 2011

DUi Task Force Update

With Labor Day just around the corner, Tucson police and the Southern Arizona DUI Task Force have launched a crackdown on impaired driving that will last through Sept. 5, said Sgt. Matt Ronstadt, a Tucson police spokesman.

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Landmark Casitas Project

An out-of-state developer is bringing a student housing concept to the south side of Tucson that aims to relieve tension between college kids and their neighbors.

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Saturday, August 20, 2011

LULAC Albert Soto Latino Art Awards Honorees - Aug. 21

LULAC Albert Soto Latino Arts Awards - Sunday, August 21, 601 S. Tucson Blvd. A benefit for Borderlands Theatre Company. Tickets - $15.   Starts at 2 PM on Sunday with food, fun and honoring wonderful people for the work in the arts and for the community.


LULAC Latino Art Awards Honorees
Our 2011 Award Winners are:

Luis Mena, Muralist
Antonio Arroyo, Raices, Photographer
Everett Acosta, Pima County Graphics Dept.
Barclay Goldsmith and Borderlands Theatre
David Tineo, Painter
Norma Medina, Actress, Writer, Director
Roberto Bedoya, Director TPAC
Waila Music by Gertie Lopez and the TO Boyz
Darwin Hall, Actor




ADOT continues repaving project along I-10 from Kino Parkway to Valencia Road next week

The Arizona Department of Transportation will install pavement markers and temporary and permanent concrete barriers next week as it continues work on a project to make the drive along eastbound and westbound Interstate 10 from Kino Parkway to Valencia Road smoother. The permanent barriers will be constructed over a five-week period of time.


Friday, August 19, 2011

TFD Chief Jim Critchley's Letter to the Editor Re: 911 System

TFD 911 Letter to the Editor Accept Changes

The Tucson Mexico Initiative

The presentation given to M/C on August 9 about the Tucson-Mexico Initiative. This issue was agendized by Councilmember Richard Fimbres (Ward 5) and approved by a vote of 7 to 0.





Microsoft Power Point - Tucson-Mexico Trade Program- 080911

White House Hispanic Community Action Summits Take the Conversation on the Road | The White House

The Office of Public Engagement and the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics announce that the White House Hispanic Policy Conference is going on the road to share ideas with communities around the country.




White House Hispanic Community Action Summits Take the Conversation on the Road | The White House

LULAC Albert Soto Latino Arts Awards - Aug. 21


Thursday, August 18, 2011

Fitch Keeps U.S. Credit Rating at AAA

Fitch Keeps U.S. Credit Rating at AAA

The Fitch Ratings agency on Tuesday affirmed its AAA credit rating for the federal government, giving the U.S. a boost just two weeks after another ratings agency marked it down for the first time in history.

"The key pillars of U.S.'s exceptional creditworthiness remains intact," the agency said, crediting the U.S. economy's preeminence and the dollar's role as the world's chief reserve currency. The agency also said it gives the U.S. long-term outlook a "stable" rating.

http://www.hispanicbusiness.com/news/2011/8/16/fitch_keeps_us_credit_rating_at.htm



ARROYO CHICO MULTI-USE PROJECT MEETING - AUGUST 25


On Thursday, Aug. 25, 5:45 pm, at the Pima County Public Works Bldg., 201 N. Stone, Conference Room C, the next meeting of the Cmte will take place, dealing with a proposed BMX Course. For more information call Carol Brichta, 740-6410.

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Tucson Part of New US Mexico Border Mayor's Association

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Official: Next phase of Merida Initiative to focus on northern Mexico - El Paso Times

Official: Next phase of Merida Initiative to focus on northern Mexico - El Paso Times

U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk: Border trade on rise - El Paso Times

This country's trade with Mexico is stronger than ever despite the drug-cartel violence gripping that country, United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk told participants at the annual Border Security Conference at the University of Texas at El Paso.

'Invest in youth, halt use;' Speakers stress need for creative solutions on both sides of border - El Paso Times

'Invest in youth, halt use;' Speakers stress need for creative solutions on both sides of border - El Paso Times

Tucson Part of New US Mexico Border Mayor's Association

Border mayors meet to discuss challenges

By Daniel Borunda \ EL PASO TIMES

(Tucson Vice Mayor Richard Fimbres was at this meeting, representing the City of Tucson.  He cohosted the first meeting in January at the U of A Campus.)

A new group made up of mayors along the U.S.-Mexico border met Tuesday in El Paso and hope that one unified voice will grab attention from leaders in Washington, D.C., and Mexico City.

The gathering at the University of Texas at El Paso was the first official charter meeting of the U.S.-Mexico Border Mayors Association. The meeting coincided with the annual Border Security Conference at UTEP.

The co-chairmen of the association, made up of 17 mayors, are El Paso Mayor John Cook and Tijuana Mayor Carlos Bustamante.


Fire/EMS Management Transition


The day-to-day management responsibilities for the 911 Communications
Center operations are being transferred to the Tucson Fire Department
from the City’s General Services Department.  The Tucson Police
Department will continue to be responsible for Police dispatch.  

Sunday, August 14, 2011

2011 City of Tucson Primary Election

Tucson City Council Primary Election: Vote-by-mail ballots were mailed beginning August 10. Early Voting location: Tucson City Clerk Election Center, 800 E. 12th Street, open August 11-August 29, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (Mon.-Fri.) All voted mail-in ballots must be in the possession of the City Clerk by 7:00 p.m. on August 30. Primary Election Day is Tuesday, August 30. For a list of voting locations on Election Day see

http://cms3.tucsonaz.gov/sites/default/files/clerks/Ballot%20Replacement%20Sites.pdf .

LULAC Latino Art Awards Honorees

Our 2011 Award Winners are:

Luis Mena, Muralist
Antonio Arroyo, Raices, Photographer
Everett Acosta, Pima County Graphics Dept.
Barclay Goldsmith and Borderlands Theatre
David Tineo, Painter
Norma Medina, Actress, Writer, Director
Roberto Bedoya, Director TPAC
Waila Music by Gertie Lopez and the TO Boyz
Darwin Hall, Actor

2011 Latino Arts Awards


Friends


Please see the attached flyer regarding the LULAC, Albert Soto Latino Arts Award event to be held on August 21, 2011, from 2 to 6 pm at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 601 S. Tucson Blvd. Please spread the word, your help in this matter is appreciated.

Thanks

Richard

2011 Latino Arts Awards Flyer V3

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Monthly Project Status Reports

Attached please find the status reports for City projects tracked on the Web: http://cms3.tucsonaz.gov/downtownprojects

Changes to expect in the coming few months:
1. The site will be renamed as City Projects and will include:
- the current projects
- and at the request of Mayor & Council, all City projects with a budget over $2,000,000
2. The $2,000,000 and over projects will have links to all contracts and amendments. Working sample is:
http://dot.tucsonaz.gov/projects/project.cfm?cip=FAD7368B-F2B7-E6B9-63CE73284416E44C
3. In support of this web visibility of these large projects,
- the CMO is planning to conduct quarterly project review meetings.
- the attached reporting format is expected to provide the input to those meetings
- Project Managers will need to improve the information provided in their monthly status reporting for a more productive review of projects

Mark your calendars - Sept. 10

People of Color Festival Invitation

Pat Richter Honored for His Work with 29th St. Weed and Seed Coaliton at M/C meeting 8/9



Tucson Water - Customer Service Memo

Cust Service Memo

A thank you!


I just wanted to express my appreciation for your phone calls and e-mails wishing us congratulations in finally getting the subcontractors paid on the East Entrance TCC.  We could not have accomplish this without your continuing support.  Thank you and have a wonderful weekend to you and your staff.  Jim

James J. Kuliesh
President & CEO
Alliance of Construction Trades

(Sent to entire Tucson Mayor and Council).

Tucson Parks and Rec SW District Center Closures - Cleaning/Maintenance

Archer Center, 8/8 - 8/11, will re-open Monday, 8/15

Quincie Douglas, 8/8 - 8/11, will re-open Monday, 8/15 - Southwest District
Administration will be open for business transactions 8am - 5pm, but the
rest of the building will be closed to the public.

El Pueblo Center, 8/15 - 8/20, will re-open Monday 8/22(will open for KIDCO only)

Cherry Avenue(cleaning completed 8/2 - 8/3)

On the closure dates, facilities will not be available for use by the public. Passes will be honored at other Department facilities.

SUN SHUTTLE SCHEDULE CHANGES EFFECTIVE AUGUST 15

New Sun Shuttle schedules are now available online at www.suntran.com, offering passengers detailed route and schedule information effective August 15, 2011 through February 11, 2012.  Sun Shuttle schedule brochures will be available on the vehicles starting Tuesday, August 9, as well as at various locations around the region, such as public libraries and shopping malls starting Friday, August 12.

SUN TRAN’S NEW FALL SCHEDULE NOW AVAILABLE

A new edition of the Sun Tran Ride Guide is now available online, offering passengers detailed route and service changes effective August 14, 2011 through February 11, 2012. 

City of Tucson - Furlough Day - August 12


City Hall and City business offices, including all Council offices
except for Council Member Regina Romero’s Ward 1 office will be closed
on Friday, August 12, 2011, for a furlough day.

TPD Chief VillaseƱor: Star's editorial about TPD staffing was unfair, muddled

On Aug. 7, your paper published an editorial piece titled "Adding cops fine, but please, no more confusion." Within this editorial you proffer that other city leaders and I were misleading and dishonest in statements that without an increase in sales tax, city services, and particularly police services, would suffer dramatic setbacks.

Read more: http://azstarnet.com/news/opinion/mailbag/article_1b955208-7005-552e-87be-ae2819eb0fac.html#ixzz1UkWJnZWf

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

What has happened in Tucson


The following was said by the curent Vice Mayor, Richard Fimbres, during the M/C Meeting under current events.

Several events happened, which didn’t get mentioned by the local media, in which tourists came to Tucson, enjoyed our city, spent their money in the Old Pueblo, for which the Tucson Mayor and Council wants to say thank you.

More than 100 teams and close to 1200 enthusiastic young people, their coaches and parents, came for the recent USA Volleyball Hi Performance championship tournament at the Tucson Convention Center. This international tournament featured future Olympians from across the Country and globe.

Recently, many Kateri Circle organizations of native Americans gathered at the Tucson Convention Center for the 72nd Tekakwitha Conference, for which I had the opportunity to welcome them to Tucson.

This past Friday, the Southwest District of the Kiwanis Clubs held their convention, with members across many states converging on the Tucson Area.

Also, the Southern Western District of the NACWC, held their 78th biennial convention in the Old Pueblo as well.

I had the opportunity, as Tucson’s Vice Mayor, to address these conventions and welcome them to our fair city, and thanking them for choosing Tucson for their meetings.

Lastly, the Humane Society will be hosing a late night adoption event, this Friday, August 12, from 11 am to 9 pm.  The Humane Society is located at 3450 N. Kelvin and for more information, call 321-3704.

Bridges Project Update

It comes with great excitement to hear the submittal by the U of A for The Bridges to the Metropolitan Pima Alliance has passed the first hurdle and will now be processed to the Second Round. We appreciate the hard work and dedication by so many individuals that were involved to make this project so exciting and the center of commerce in the region. Thanks

Campbell Avenue Closure - Traffic Alert


NORTHBOUND CAMPBELL AVENUE CLOSURE AT 6TH STREET

Northbound Campbell Avenue just north of Sixth Street will be closed
for the next three nights to allow crews to perform underground sewer
line work. The nightly closures will begin tonight at 9 p.m. and reopen
the following morning at 6 a.m. During the day, steel plates will placed
on the roadway to allow motorists to use the roadway for daytime travel.
The night work is scheduled to be complete by 6 a.m. on Saturday, August
13, 2011.

Primary Election Ballots Mailed Out Today


VOTE BY MAIL
Voting Changes
The City of Tucson will conduct the 2011 Primary and General Elections by MAIL!!
The City of Tucson conducts partisan Primary Elections. The ballot, which will be mailed on August 10, 2011, will consist only of candidates for the Mayor, and Council Members for Wards 1, 2 and 4.  The names of the candidates who are nominated in the Primary Election will be on the General Election ballot on November 8, 2011.

Monday, August 8, 2011

Kiwanis Convention

I want to thank the eight Tucson area Kiwanis Clubs organizations for giving me the opportunity, as Tucson Vice Mayor, to address the Southwest District Convention held at the Hilton El Conquistador. To Ed Verberg and the rest of the convention Kiwanis convention organizing committee, my thanks.

Thursday, August 4, 2011

More than $18 million in commercial development and construction permits have been taken out from PDSD

Media PDSD Jul 2011

Another $18 million in commercial construction and development permits were taken out in the month of July, according to Planning and Development Services. Since the changes to the Certificate of Occupancy process brought forward to the Mayor and Council by office and approved, more than $363 million in permits have been taken out since last August, when these changes went into effect.

Happy Anniversary

Today is our 33rd Wedding Anniversary. I want to thank my wife Mary for these great wonderful years. I have truly been blessed to have such a great wife and two wonderful sons. Happy Anniversary Mary!!

Adopt a Street Dedication

Adopt a Street Dedication

Councilmember Shirley Scott and myself had the honor to speak at the 251st Adopt a Street Program. DMAFB - 55 ECG First 6, adopted Golf Links Road (Swan to Craycroft). I want to thank Michael Carter, President of DMAFB - 55 ECG First 6, and the fine young men and women of the unit for serving their country and their community in this endeavor. This shows when the community comes together to work, everyone wins.

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Monday, August 1, 2011

Voter Registration Deadline Tonight

The deadline to register to vote for the City of Tucson, August 30 primary is midnight tonight. With DMV's website down, Pima County Recorder F. Ann Rodriguez said voters who want to register can download a paper registration form from her website, and as long as the mail is postmarked with today’s date, it will count.

http://recorder.pima.gov/image​s/voter_form.pdf

Giffords in House for first time since shooting

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