Tuesday, January 31, 2012

TUCSON MODERN STREETCAR SOUTHWEST GAS UTILITY WORK DOWNTOWN

Contractors for Southwest Gas have begun work in the downtown area to move/upgrade underground utility lines in preparation of the upcoming rail placement for the Tucson Modern Streetcar.  

This phase of Southwest Gas work will occur in areas along Broadway and Congress between Fourth Avenue and Granada Avenue.  In order to lessen the impact to the traveling public, some work will be completed overnight between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. the following morning.  Regular daytime work hours will be from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Scott Avenue Travel Restrictions 
February 2, 2012 through February 10, 2012, travel on Scott Avenue between Broadway and Jackson Street will be reduced to one lane from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day.  Flagging personnel will be on site to assist motorists traveling through the work zone. Jackson Street will not be affected by the closure.  Scott Avenue will be re-opened to two-way travel each evening.


IMPROVE YOUR HOME’S ENERGY EFFICIENCY: PLANT LOW-COST SHADE TREES THIS SPRING!

Tucson Clean & Beautiful distributes low-cost desert-adapted trees for
Tucson area residents to plant at their home and in community public
spaces through the Trees for Tucson program. Trees for Tucson is now
accepting applications for Spring 2012 for home shade trees as well as
community project requests on a first-come, first-served basis. While
trees can be planted throughout the year, cool temperatures make the
late winter and springtime seasons ideal times to plant trees.

To qualify for the Home Shade Tree Program, residents must be customers
of Tucson Electric Power Co, and agree to plant the trees within 15 feet
of their home on the west, south or east side of the home. Residences
built in 1979 or earlier with single-pane windows qualify for a maximum
of four trees, and newer homes built in the 1980s or later, or older
homes remodeled with double-pane windows, qualify for up to two trees.

Residents who received trees in the past and still have additional
space for tree planting may now reapply one time per calendar year, per
residence.

A printable application form is available at www.treesfortucson.org or
call (520) 791-3109 to receive a copy by mail or fax. The application
lists a variety of native and desert adapted trees from which applicants
select their preferred type and quantity. Cost: $8.00 each including
delivery, and instructions for tree planting and care.

Low-cost trees are also available through the Community Shade Tree
Program for schools, nonprofit organizations, neighborhood and homeowner
associations, and other community volunteers to shade buildings, common
spaces, neighborhood streets, parks, washes, and other public areas. To
qualify and determine cost and availability for trees, please call (520)
791-3109 to coordinate your project.

The Trees for Tucson program was established in 1989 to educate our
community members on the benefits of planting and properly maintaining
trees at homes and in public spaces. This unique partnership provides
several direct benefits: beautifying and shading our homes, reducing
energy usage and costs, reducing our use of nonrenewable fossil fuels,
minimizing Urban Heat Islands created by man-made surfaces, increasing
wildlife habitat, reducing air and water pollution, reducing stormwater
runoff and erosion, and greatly reducing Carbon Dioxide in our
atmosphere.

Tucson Clean & Beautiful is a nonprofit organization incorporated in
1985 as the flagship for community based environmental volunteer efforts
in the Tucson metro area. Programs include recycling and waste
reduction, urban forestry, land stewardship, at-risk youth landscape
training, and beautification. Visit www.tucsoncleanandbeautiful.org or
call (520) 791-3109 for more information.

Beat Cancer Bootcamp - Mar. 17

As you know I am a community builder, and I recently became involved with
an amazing organization that is a Tucson born non-profit, Beat Cancer Boot
Camp, www.BeatCancerBootCamp.com. They are an empowered and upbeat group of
survivors and allies that hold challenging military-based fitness classes
several times a week – rain or shine. The founder, Anita Kellman, provides
the training as a heartfelt support to those that attend and without any
compensation. They host luncheons, speakers and other assistance to those
navigating cancer and the healthcare challenges it presents. There is no
way to express my gratitude to them for offering a place for me and my
friends among their ranks. I am sending this to you because they hold one
event each year to fundraise and it is a 5k Obstacle Course on March 17,
2012 called the Boot Camp Challenge. It is open and affordable for the
whole community! I am hoping that people will sign up individually or build
a squad, and I am reaching out to you to humbly ask if you will help me
recruit by telling others, sending the press release (below) out to your
networks and joining us with your family at the Challenge. You can run it,
walk it, or climb through it so please come be a part of this positive
Tucson group focused on making warriors of us all! Thank you all you do,
and thank you for being a part of my community! Fondly, Mary Specio-Boyer***
*

WATER FESTIVAL Early-Bird Sign-Up: Exhibitors, Artists, Volunteers...


SUNDAY • MARCH 18 • 10AM - 4PM
Armory Park Center
220 South 5th Avenue • Tucson AZ


YOU'RE INVITED to participate in Tucson Arts Brigade's 3rd Annual
celebration of The Water Festival, an integration of art, science, and
culture to raise awareness, promote stewardship, and foster creative
expression about our water future.

F-35 Hearings to be Held

The U.S. Air Force basing alternatives for an F-35A Pilot Training Center include Boise Air Terminal Air Guard Station, Idaho; Holloman Air Force Base (AFB), New Mexico; Luke AFB, Arizona; and Tucson International Airport Air Guard Station, Arizona.

Friday, January 27, 2012

Overnight construction work continues on eastbound I-10 in Tucson on Sunday

The Arizona Department of Transportation is continuing construction work on the I-10 Ruthrauff Road to Prince Road project.
The left lane on eastbound I-10 between Prince Road and Miracle Mile will be closed nightly from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. the following morning from Sunday (Jan. 29) to Tuesday (Jan. 31) for ongoing construction work. 
Other traffic impacts in the project area:

Sabino Canyon/Tanque Verde Traffic Control Changes

On Monday, January 30, 2012, the complete closure of the eastbound curb
lane on Tanque Verde Road and the right most left turn lane on
southbound Sabino Canyon Road will be removed.  

Beginning Monday, January 30, 2012 the right most curb lane on
southbound Sabino Canyon Road will be closed for approximately 8 weeks
to allow crews to remove existing drainage basins and construct new
basins in the extended right-of-way.   Crews will be working 6 a.m. to
4:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Closures will remain in place 24/7.
There will be some driveway closures, however, business access to the
northwest quadrant of Sabino Canyon Road and Tanque Verde Road will be
maintained at all times.

Please use caution when driving, bicycling or walking in the work area.
 Please obey all traffic control devices and watch for construction
personnel and equipment in the work zone.

This project consists of removing the existing asphalt roadway within
and near the intersection of Sabino Canyon Road and Tanque Verde Road.
A new asphalt roadway will be constructed from north of the intersection
south to Crestline Drive, along with new curbs, sidewalks, curb access
ramps, driveways, streetlights and traffic signals.

The existing SunTran restroom south of the intersection will be
relocated and a new storm drain system with curb inlets will be
constructed within the project limits.  Additionally, new median
islands, landscaping and irrigation, sanitary sewer lines and water
lines will be constructed.

The voter-approved, $2.1 billion RTA plan will be implemented through
2026. Details about the full plan are available at www.RTAmobility.com.
The RTA has a nine-member board with representatives from local, state
and tribal governments. While funded through the RTA, the above projects
will be managed by TDOT.



The Tucson Department of Transportation (TDOT) keeps Tucson moving
smoothly and safely. The Department’s nearly 250 employees oversee the
maintenance and reconstruction of nearly 1,900 miles of streets and are
responsible for hundreds of drainage structures, public art pieces,
street lights and signs, and traffic signals in Tucson. TDOT also
operates the City’s transit services, Sun Tran and Sun Van.

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Gem Show Update

http://m.tucsonaz.gov/gemshow

Gem Show Update

For the next two weeks, nearly 60,000 visitors, vendors, and dealers will
descend upon Tucson to participate in the 2012 Tucson Gem, Mineral and
Fossil Showcase.

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Cherrybell Update - Online Petition Launched

http://www.change.org/petitions/usps-postmaster-general-and-board-of-governors-dont-close-cherrybell-processing-and-distribution-center

Higher Education Conference

American Association of Hispanics in Higher Education (AAHHE)

2012 Pre-Conference Workshop

Higher Education Leadership Development

Thursday, March 8, 2012

12 – 4 pm

 

Enjoy professional development, networking, and opportunities for dialogue about critical issues in higher education administration. Benefit from insider information and dialogue with past and present university presidents in an intimate setting. This workshop will provide rising higher education leaders with insights, skills and tools for professional development, along with networking and personal strategic planning.
National conference to be held March 8-10, 2012, register at http://www.aahhe.org/conference.aspx

State of the Union

President Obama delivered the 2012 State of the Union Address.
 He laid out his vision for an America where hard work and
responsibility are rewarded, where everyone does their fair share, and
where everyone is held accountable for what they do.

Below are the President’s remarks as prepared for delivery.  To watch
the online-only enhanced version with special charts, graphics, and
stats that highlight the issues the President discussed, please visit:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/state-of-the-union-2012.

If you would like to share your thoughts on this speech, please send
your feedback, tweets and other social media statements to
localgovernment@who.eop.gov.

As always, thank you for your leadership and support.

Sincerely yours,

Office of Intergovernmental Affairs
The White House

Diabetes Study to be Conducted

The University of Arizona College of Nursing is conducting a family diabetes study on the southside. For more information, call Maria Figueroa at 626-6175.

http://www.mediafire.com/?kj8d038984t26

Friday, January 20, 2012

TPAC Update

Lumies: Arts & Business Awards 2012 nominations now open! Please take a moment to nominate a significant artist, arts organization, or business in Pima County for a 2012 Lumie Award. Nominations are accepted in 10 categories.  For complete guidelines or to submit a nomination, please visit http://www.tucsonpimaartscouncil.org/programs/lumies/.  Nominations are due by midnight on April 12, 2012. The Lumies: Arts & Business Awards 2012 ceremony will be held Friday, June 15, 2012, at the historic El Casino Ballroom in South Tucson.

Thursday, January 19, 2012

ABA Seminar

Tucson- FREE Safety Seminars
One Day- Two Classes
1/26/2012 - 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
ABA  is proud to offer our Members Two Safety Classes in one day! You may attend one or both of these classes, but try not to miss this rare opportunity.
Class #1  (Morning)  9AM - 11AM
"ADOSH Workplace Safety Requirements" - This seminar covers what should be in your Safety Plan
Class #2  (Afternoon) 1PM - 3PM
"Slips, Trips & Falls/Your E-mod" - These types of accidents cost you (ABA Members) over 1 million dollars in 2010. Plus, learn what happens when you fail to manage your losses.
These courses will be held at:
 PPEP (Training Room)
802 E. 46th. St.
                                                              Tucson, AZ  85713


http://www.abasafety.com/pdf/Class%20Brochure/Tucson%20Seminar%201-26-2012%20Flyer.pdf

FREE BUS TRAINING FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES AND SENIORS Sun Tran’s Accessible Rider Training Program

Sun Tran is offering free ridership training, designed
to help people gain greater independence by learning how to ride the
bus. The Sun Tran Accessible Rider Training (START) program helps
seniors and individuals with disabilities learn how to utilize Sun Tran
services. The next session will be held Monday, January 23, 2012, at
Fellowship Square, 8111 E. Broadway, from 1:30 to 4 p.m.

Grijalva Invites Business Leaders, Economic Experts to Join New Small Business Advisory Councils - Each of Six Counties Represented

Washington, D.C.РRep. Ra̼l M. Grijalva today announced the upcoming creation of six Small Business Advisory Councils to help advise him on small business and economic issues in Southern Arizona. Each council will include 10 members and will represent one of the six counties included in the Seventh Congressional District РPima, Pinal, Santa Cruz, Maricopa, Yuma, and La Paz.

Each council will focus on increasing regional economic competitiveness and keeping Rep. Grijalva up to date on local business needs. Every council will host at least one public event each year promoting small business in the community, and will meet with Rep. Grijalva at least twice a year and with Southern Arizona district director Ruben Reyes at least four times a year.

Applications and an introductory letter are available at http://1.usa.gov/z6kYF3. Small business owners, professors of economics and related fields, and others with economic expertise are encouraged to apply no later than Feb. 6. Each council will include at least one member representing a veteran-owned small business, a woman-owned small business and a minority-owned small business.

Membership on each council will last for one congressional term. Because of the 2012 election, the original council in each county will serve for one year and future councils will serve for two years.

MODERN STREETCAR BIDS OPENED APPARENT LOW BID CONTRACTOR NAMED

On Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at 4 p.m., the City of Tucson opened bids
for the construction of the Tucson Modern Streetcar project. The
apparent low bidder is Old Pueblo Track Works with a bid of $55,875,115.
The Engineers’ Estimate for this project is $62,455,529.

In accordance with City of Tucson Procurement Code, bids received for
this solicitation were opened in no particular order, publicly read
aloud and recorded. At the conclusion of the last bid read, the
Engineers' Estimate was publicly opened and read. The Engineers'
Estimate is the City’s estimation of total construction costs, taking
into account prevailing market conditions for labor and materials. A
draft bid tabulation is posted on the City's Procurement website at
www.tucsonprocurement.com/ContractImages/TabulationImg_120367.pdf.

The apparent low bid contractor will not be recognized as the official
low bidder until all required documents, such as bonds, insurance and
subcontractor lists, have been received and determined to be in
compliance with solicitation requirements.

The Tucson Modern Streetcar project team is committed to keeping the
public, business community and visitors informed about the project.
Signing up for email blasts, visiting Facebook and Twitter and calling
the project info line are the best ways to learn access and parking
information during construction. Visit www.tucsonstreetcar.com for more
info.

This is a project of the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA). The
voter-approved, $2.1 billion RTA plan will be implemented through 2026.
Details about the full plan are available at www.RTAmobility.com. The
RTA has a nine-member board with representatives from local, state and
tribal governments. The modern streetcar project is co-managed by the
City of Tucson and the RTA.
http://www.tucsonprocurement.com/ContractImages/TabulationImg_120367.pdf

Task Force Accepting Applications

for Broadway Corridor Improvement Project - Task Force
The City of Tucson and Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) are accepting applications for a Citizen Task Force to help shape improvements to Broadway Boulevard. To form the Task Force, applications have been mailed to about 8,500 residents in and around the Broadway project corridor, which extends from Euclid Avenue to Country Club Road.
Citizens who are interested in joining the Citizen Task Force should fill out and mail in the application they receive by February 3, 2012, or visit the project online at http://dot.tucson.gov/projects/broadway to download an application. Those who need assistance applying to the Citizen Task Force can call the project info line at (520) 622-0815.

The Citizen Task Force, whose formation was approved by the Mayor and Council, will be made up of 13 members. Five members will be appointed to represent special needs groups, bicycle and pedestrian groups, regional users and municipal committees and commissions. The remaining eight task force slots will be filled by interested members of the public who represent neighborhoods and the business community. The Task Force will work with the project team to analyze the alignment, evaluate roadway design, and provide input, review and approval of land use and urban design concepts. Citizen participation is crucial to develop a design that meets the needs of the community for years to come. 

Improvements to Broadway Boulevard improvements were outlined in the late 1980’s, when the Broadway Corridor Transportation Study identified potential improvements between Euclid Avenue and Country Club Road. Since then, the City of Tucson has prepared for widening of the roadway. The 2006 establishment of the RTA provided an opportunity to move forward, with a voter-approved sales tax providing the necessary funds to rework this highly traveled urban corridor. With support from the RTA and Pima County, the City of Tucson will widen this section of Broadway, adding travel, transit and bikes lanes, as well as new sidewalks and landscaping.

The Citizen Task Force is part of the effort to involve the public in the future roadway design. If you cannot be part of the Task Force and want to help shape the design of the Broadway corridor, a series of open house meetings will be promoted and held to give the public the chance to provide input.

Interstate 10 Ruthrauff Road to Prince Road work

The Arizona Department of Transportation is continuing construction work on the I-10 Widening Project between Ruthrauff Road and Prince Road this week. Please note the following construction updates: 

The left lane closure on westbound I-10 between Ruthrauff Road and Prince Road previously scheduled for tonight (Jan.18) and Thursday (Jan. 19) has been cancelled.

The left lane of the westbound I-10 frontage road south of Prince Road and south of Ruthrauff Road will be closed for approximately one month starting today to clear the roadway and continue preparations for construction.

Other traffic impacts in the project area:

The eastbound I-10 frontage road between the Ruthrauff Road entrance ramp and the Prince Road exit ramp is closed.
Access to all businesses on the eastbound I-10 frontage road between Ruthrauff Road and Prince Road is available by entering eastbound I-10 from Ruthrauff Road and immediately exiting at the Prince Road exit ramp.

Prince Road is closed west of the eastbound I-10 frontage road to vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists. Access is available from Prince Road on the east side of I-10 to Prince Road on the west side of I-10, where Prince Road connects to the frontage road. 

Riverpark Drive, La Cholla Boulevard and Business Center Drive, west of I-10 at Prince Road, are closed through spring 2012.


As part of the project, the Prince Road underpass and ramps are scheduled to close in early 2012 and will remain closed until the project is completed by late 2013. I-10 will remain open with three lanes in each direction during construction, including emergency access lanes, with only minimal short-term lane closures along I-10 in the project area when necessary. Construction is anticipated to last approximately 26 months. Access to all businesses in the construction area will remain throughout the project.

Some of the improvements that are planned for this project include:

Widening the I-10 freeway to four lanes in each direction to accommodate increasing traffic. 

Reconstructing the Prince Road traffic interchange so that Prince Road will pass over the Union Pacific Railroad tracks and I-10 and minimize delays for motorists.
Updating the entrance and exit ramps to provide better connections and improved access for motorists.
New landscaping along the project area.


The construction schedule is subject to change due to a variety of reasons, including weather, material availability and mechanical difficulties. ADOT advises drivers to proceed through or near work zones with caution, slow down, and be alert for construction equipment and personnel.
By a 5 to 0 vote, my colleagues on the Council approve the concept of advertising and sponsorships to move to open Tucson City pools closed due to budgetary constraints. Thanks to Doug Martin, Rick Stertz and Crissy Perham for their remarks, support and commitment to this effort. Thanks to Ron Burton for his support too.

Tucson Mayor Says SB 1070 is "Bad for Business"

http://www.tucsonsentinel.com/local/report/011912_az_mayors_immigration/rothschild-tells-mayors-sb-1070-bad-business/

Rothschild tells mayors SB 1070 'bad for business'

Dustin Volz
Cronkite News Service
WASHINGTON — Federal inaction on comprehensive immigration reform has forced the issue on state and local leaders, but Arizona-style approaches are not the solution, a group of mayors was told Wednesday.

Thursday, January 12, 2012

MLK Birthday Holiday - Trash & Recycling collection service changes

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday holiday will be observed on Monday, January 16, 2012.  Residential and commercial trash and recycling will not be collected on Monday. All City of Tucson residential and commercial customers will have their trash and recycling service delayed by one day during the holiday week. Holiday collection schedules are available online at www.tucsonaz.gov/esd

The Los Reales Landfill will be open its regularly scheduled hours, 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

City offices will be closed on Monday, January 16, 2012, however, customers may leave a message for Environmental Services Customer Service 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. Customer Service will be available on Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. of the holiday week.


Pima County Recorder F. Ann Rodriguez on Buckmaster Show Re: Cherrybell

http://www.buckmastershow.com/2012/01/12/buckmaster-show-1122012-can-the-us-postal-service-plan-to-close-the-tucson-processing-center-be-stopped/

Eighth Street Update

This is one in a continuing series of traffic alerts that will be issued throughout the construction of the Downtown Links - Eighth Street Drainage Improvement project. These alerts will announce construction, detour and street closure information as it affects traffic. The Eighth Street Drainage Improvement limits extend from Sixth Avenue on the west to Third Avenue on the east and Sixth Street on the north to Stevens Avenue on the south. Work throughout the improvement area will necessitate multiple street closures and restrictions that will impact motorists and bicyclists.

The contractor will begin working Saturdays from 7 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. in addition to the regular weekday work schedule. Saturday work will take place for the next several weeks.

Thursday, January 12, through Friday, January 20, Fourth Avenue will be reduced to one travel lane between Sixth and Eighth Streets while the contractor installs underground utilities in the area. From 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. flaggers will direct alternate one-way travel through the work area. The contractor will open the road to two travel lanes each night. Most parking between Sixth and Eighth Streets will be restricted during this phase of work.

The intersection of Fifth Avenue/Eighth Street is closed. The closure will be in place until late February while the contractor builds the 20 foot by 12 foot underground drainage system.

The intersection of Fifth Avenue/Seventh Street will be closed through the end of January.

Seventh Street, between Sixth Avenue and Arizona Avenue, is closed through late February.

The intersection of Eighth Street/Herbert Avenue is closed through the end of March.

Traffic control on Herbert and Hoff Avenues, between Sixth and Ninth Streets only, has been changed to allow for two-way travel.

Business and pedestrian access will be maintained throughout the work area. The traveling public can expect delays when driving, bicycling or walking in this work area.

The Downtown Links improvement project is part of the long-range Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) plan that was approved by Tucson-area voters in 2006. The voter-approved, $2.1 billion RTA plan will be implemented through 2026. Details about the full plan are available at www.RTAmobility.com. The RTA has a nine-member board with representatives from local, state and tribal governments. While funded through the RTA, the above project is managed by the Tucson Department of Transportation (TDOT).

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

YWCA Update

The 22nd annual YWCA Women's Leadership Program begins on March 6th, 2012, and runs for eight consecutive Tuesday evenings, ending on April 24th, 2012.

The Women's Leadership Program is designed to help women discover and develop the qualities and skills that they need to be effective leaders in the workplace and in the community.  The eight-week program, open to fifty women each year, challenges women to examine not  only their skills, but their attitudes about themselves and their willingness to accept the challenges and risks that come with leadership.

Landmark Development Approved

At the Mayor and Council meeting last night, by a 7 to 0 vote, they approved the final agreement with Landmark Development, for the project at 22nd and Highland. This Ward 5 project will bring jobs, construction sales tax and in addition, $585,000 in HURF funds which will go to road repair, city wide. I want to thank the Mayor and my fellow Councilmembers for their vote on this which will benefit Ward 5, the City of Tucson and the U of A.

ES Receives Solar Energy Grant

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) are working together to provide technical
assistance to assess the feasibility of developing solar energy projects
on closed landfills. The City of Tucson applied to be part of the
program and is one of 26 entities selected. The City submitted an
application for technical assistance which will evaluate at least five
of the City’s closed landfills.

The development of renewable energy has been a goal of the Tucson Mayor
and City Council and the Environmental Services Department (ES). The
City owns sixteen old landfills that comprise more than 1500 acres of
land that cannot be easily redeveloped. Development on closed landfills
poses some unique challenges such as land subsidence and landfill gas
production as waste decomposes. Developing solar energy projects using
these former landfills that would otherwise sit vacant can benefit the
community and enable the City to work toward expansion of its
sustainable energy portfolio.

The DOE and the EPA will provide technical assistance to the City to
determine how to best build solar systems on the old landfills and
obtain financing for future projects. No City monies will be spent on
the project. It is anticipated that the study will be a year long
process.

Bruce Plenk, City of Tucson Solar Energy Coordinator, stated “We are
excited about this opportunity. This study will help our City prepare
for solar development on some wonderful solar sites. These large,
shade-free closed landfills are close to distribution lines and are a
great resource we would like to develop if technically feasible. This
study will help us zoom in on any additional preparation we need to do
to move ahead.”

Presentation - Tracy Gearhart




I had the honor of presenting a Certificate of Appreciation to Tracy Gearhart for her 24 years of hard work with the Victim Assistance Unit in the City of Tucson, Prosecutor’s Office.

This was also presented to Tracy on her birthday.

She was surprised today with the Certificate of Recognition by Councilmember Fimbres at the City Prosecutor's Office.  Also present was Captain Greg Gearhart, Ron Beran, Baird Greene, Tracy and Councilmember Richard Fimbres.

I want to thank Mayor Rothschild for the work on this Certificate and to Tracy, for her efforts to help Victims of crimes, through the City Prosecutor’s Office.

Special Offer from THCC

Special Offer from the Tucson Hispanic Chamber!


The Casino Del Sol All-Star Game will feature more than 90 of the
nation's best college football players. Former Ole Miss Head Coach
Houston Nutt and former Fresno State Head Coach Pat Hill will lead the
respective teams. The rosters will feature players from nationally
known schools like Arizona, Arizona State, Oklahoma, Penn State,
Pittsburgh and Syracuse. Other coaches from the Tucson area will be
assisting on the sidelines.

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Community Update

The twenty second annual Pueblo Gardens Neighborhood Association breakfast to honor Doctor Martin Luther King Jr. will take place, Saturday, January 14, 7:30 am, at the Holmes Tuttle Boys and Girls Club, 2585 E. 36th St.

On Monday, January 16, the annual Martin Luther King march will take place from the U of A Mall at 8:30 am.


On Saturday, January 14, at 9 am, the St. John’s Community Garden, located at 602 W. Ajo Way, will hold their Phase Two Groundbreaking. For more information, call Luis Perales, 440-9392.

Congratulations to two wonderful restaurants, who just celebrated their first anniversary:

Rigo’s Restaurant, located at 5851 North Oracle and Mr. K’s, 4911 N. Stone.

Less than two days!

There are less than 3 days left to get your written comments in regard to the proposed closure of the Cherrybell Post Office processing and distribution center.

The public may send their comments on this to the USPS. Comments will be accepted and postmarked by January 12, 2012. Written comments may be sent to: Management, Consumer and Industry Contact, Arizona District, P.O. Box, 21628, Phoenix, Arizona 85036-1628.

http://azstarnet.com/news/opinion/speak-up-to-keep-mail-processing-center/article_fe3f0bf8-9913-58b4-b1eb-91ed4016dac6.html?mode=story

Monday, January 9, 2012

USPS - Less than three days!

There are less than 3 days left to get your written comments in regard to the proposed closure of the Cherrybell Post Office processing and distribution center.

The public may send their comments on this to the USPS. Comments will be accepted and postmarked by January 12, 2012. Written comments may be sent to: Management, Consumer and Industry Contact, Arizona District, P.O. Box, 21628, Phoenix, Arizona 85036-1628.


http://azstarnet.com/news/opinion/speak-up-to-keep-mail-processing-center/article_fe3f0bf8-9913-58b4-b1eb-91ed4016dac6.html?mode=story

USCIS Proposes Change to Processing for Family Visas

Dear Friends,

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Department of Homeland Security, today posted a Notice of Intent in the Federal Register aimed at reducing the time Americans are separated from their family members who are going through the process of becoming legal immigrants to the United States.

Friday, January 6, 2012

Overnight closures on Interstate 10 between Ruthrauff Road and Prince Road

The Arizona Department of Transportation will be closing the left lane on eastbound I-10 between Ruthrauff Road and Prince Road tonight, Thursday (Jan. 5) from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. the following morning (instead of westbound I-10 as previously reported). The left lane on eastbound I-10 will also be closed Friday (Jan. 6) from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. the following morning.


A-MOUNTAIN TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS SCHEDULED FOR SATURDAY

Two different events on Saturday, January 7, 2012 will affect motor vehicle
travel on A-Mountain. City of Tucson Council Member Regina Romero will lead
a group of volunteers to help removed buffelgrass on and around A-Mountain.
The event will take place from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

And beginning at 10 a.m., the Catholic Committee on Scouting will host a
Scout hike on A-Mountain. The hike is scheduled to be complete at 3 p.m.

For more information contact the Parks and Recreation West District office
at 791-5909.

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Post Office Update

There are less than 7 days left to get your written comments in regard to the proposed closure of the Cherrybell Post Office processing and distribution center.

The public may send their comments on this to the USPS. Comments will be accepted and postmarked by January 12, 2012. Written comments may be sent to: Management, Consumer and Industry Contact, Arizona District, P.O. Box, 21628, Phoenix, Arizona 85036-1628.

Grant Writing Workshop

Grantwriting Basics
Free Mini-Workshop
with EEF Executive Director Lissa Gibbs


Wednesday, January 18, 2011

3:15pm - 4:45pm

EEF Office at St. Mark's Church

(3700 block of Second Street, between Dodge & Alvernon, one block south of Speedway)

RSVP by January 13 to ntaylor@eeftucson.org, 325-8688

Save the Date

Save the date, March 2, 2012, 8:00am -1:00pm

Tucson Homeless Connect affiliated with

Trinity Presbyterian Church
400 E. University Blvd

More information coming soon

This community outreach event is organized and sponsored by the Tucson Pima Collaboration To End Homelessness.

COMMERCIAL PERMITS ISSUED FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER 2011

The total projected dollar valuation is more than $9 Million - In construction that will benefit the Tucson economy

The City of Tucson Planning and Development Services Department (PDSD) has completed the reviews and issued more than 151 commercial permits for new construction, tenant improvements and all commercial upgrades and repair projects from December 1 - 30, 2011.

Some of the recently permitted projects include:

Tenant Improvement of a Medical Office at 630 N. Alvernon Way #150
New 28,800 sq ft Industrial Building at 2001 E. Ganley Rd
New 4 unit apartment building at 3101 E Fairmount St St: #01

January $22,268,967.00
February $18,336,565.95
March $ 4,745,018.77
April $22,594,562.47
May $24,642,775.17
June $55,794,873.02
July $18,971,571.93
August $81,155,682.13
September $14,644,065.85
October $ 8,937,479.75
November $ 6,727,993.41
December $ 9,140,461.76

Total for 2011 - $ 287,960,017.21

CITY OF TUCSON INITIATES PEDESTRIAN SAFETY PROGRAM

This past year, there has been an increase in collisions between
pedestrians and motor vehicles within the City of Tucson. In 2011,
there were 25 serious injury or fatal collisions involving pedestrians,
which is a significant jump over 2010, when there were 13 pedestrian
collisions, and 2009 when there were 10.

City Manager Richard Miranda has put together a task force of staff
from the Transportation, Police, Fire, and Parks and Recreation
departments to focus on pedestrian safety. The group is being led by
Assistant City Manager’s Liz Miller and Andy Quigley and is developing
a pedestrian safety strategy for immediate implementation and will
focus on three key elements – prioritized pedestrian transportation
improvements, education and enforcement of laws.

“At this time, I feel it is paramount that we evaluate our pedestrian
safety efforts to ensure that we are programming our available resources
as effectively as possible to provide for the safety of pedestrians
within the City.” Miranda said.

Over the years, Tucson has been a recognized leader with regards to
innovative pedestrian safety transportation improvements. The City
designed and installed the first HAWK (High Intensity Activated
Crosswalk) crossing in March 2000 at Valencia/San Fernando. Today there
are a total of 110 pedestrian-activated traffic signals throughout the
City, and the national Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices now
recognizes Tucson’s HAWK crossings as a transportation standard.

The cost of installing a pedestrian-activated traffic signal is
approximately $125,000. The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) is
the current funding source for these signals. In the past, the City
chose to use its HURF funds along with a match from a school or other
entity requesting the signal. HURF funding has been cut dramatically in
recent years and now stands at 1994 levels. In 2010, the RTA allocated
funding to install nine additional pedestrian-activated traffic signals.
Two have been installed (Campbell/Bantam and Speedway/Arcadia) with the
remaining programmed over the next two years. The planned locations are
as follows:

Swan/Third Street - 2012
22nd/Lakeshore Lane - 2012
Speedway/10th Ave - 2012
Broadway/Old Spanish Trail - 2012
Stone Avenue/King Street - 2013
Park Avenue/33rd Street - 2013
Golf Links/La Paloma Academy - 2013

The City has a list of over 50 additional locations where we would like
to install pedestrian-activated traffic signals if funding becomes
available. These locations are determined by a variety of factors
including adjacency to land uses that generate pedestrian traffic (e.g.
schools), requests from surrounding property owners, and prior accidents
at a particular location.

Education, awareness, and enforcement are also key aspects of
pedestrian safety.

“As far as immediate next steps, the task force will examine TPD
accident statistics to determine if there are hot spots or environmental
factors that contribute to accidents,” Miranda said.

For example, a first review of pedestrian collision statistics over the
past three years shows that the majority of incidents happen at night
and involve jaywalking. Stepped up enforcement at these locations may
also be needed. Going forward, the City will establish clear criteria
and protocols for identifying and prioritizing the locations for
pedestrian-activated traffic signals.

In addition, staff is updating current educational materials and will
take a more active approach to getting this information out through
existing City outreach programs. Presentations already scheduled by
departments (Fire during their school visits and recreation staff at
KIDCO and other programs for example) will emphasize pedestrian
awareness and safety during the next three months. The City will enlist
Channel 12 in producing an updated educational video on pedestrian
safety that can be distributed through City communication channels as
well as through a Public Service Announcement.

Some additional tips for pedestrians and motorists are below:

§ Pedestrian safety is everyone’s responsibility
§ Cross streets at corners, traffic signals, or in marked
crosswalks. Don’t jaywalk
§ Pedestrians should not assume motorists see you in a crosswalk
§ Use sidewalks when available
§ Drivers look both ways when pulling out of driveways and side
streets
§ Pedestrians look both ways before crossing a street
§ Pedestrians should wear light-colored clothing or reflective
clothing at night

Street Car Update

Beginning Thursday, January 5, 2012, at 9 a.m., the left curb lane of
Congress Street at Scott Avenue will be closed to traffic to allow work
crews from Diversified Construction, under contract to Tucson Electric
Power, to perform underground utility work in preparation for the Modern
Streetcar Project. The project is scheduled to be complete in two weeks.
Daily work hours will be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

At 4 p.m. each day, crews will place steel plates in the roadway and reopen
the travel lane to nighttime travel. Please use caution when walking,
bicycling or driving through the work area. Please obey all traffic control
devices and watch for construction personnel and equipment in the work zone.

Gem Show Update

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

January 12 and Cherrybell Post Office

There are less than 9 days left to get your written comments in regard to the proposed closure of the Cherrybell Post Office processing and distribution center.

The public may send their comments on this to the USPS. Comments will be accepted and postmarked by January 12, 2012. Written comments may be sent to: Management, Consumer and Industry Contact, Arizona District, P.O. Box, 21628, Phoenix, Arizona 85036-1628.