Call for Entries

Since 2004, the Arizona Department of Housing has celebrated the
achievements and service of communities, individuals and private sector
groups with the Housing Hero Awards.

ADOH is now accepting nominations for the 2012 Housing Hero Awards, to be
presented at a luncheon on October 4 at the J.W. Marriott Starr Pass Resort
as part of the 2012 Arizona Housing Forum. Seven awards are available this
year.



The deadline for nominations is August 3, 2012. You may download the
nomination form and view guidelines and criteria on the ADOH
website<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001YlXAjcR5eREniegRB_zUbJOxNEfQN6s6u2M_vG3SY8wjFerbvqtnY2E6lVR-3gclVU_mjNpof8Sv1CzRAQ9Hx-YEfT8RzpkehPX4Ze3yCv0JswdlXTcGbjqVTmQW9VtRWzqxuPh3A8PIJpZ0_davyywlokP_oUQE>

PUBLIC COMMENT IS ENCOURAGED FOR REVIEW OF CITY MAGISTRATE AND LIMITED SPECIAL CITY MAGISTRATE

The City of Tucson Magistrate Merit Selection Commission is currently

reviewing applications for reappointment from the following City

Magistrate and Limited Special City Magistrate:

Nikki A. Chayet

Karen Maish-Leavitt

Public participation is welcome and encouraged from those who have had

direct experience with the magistrates’ courtroom. All comments should

be submitted in writing by 5 p.m., Friday, May 11, 2012 to:

City Magistrate Merit Selection Commission

City Clerk's Office

P.O. Box 27210

Tucson, AZ 85726-7210

All comments are confidential and disclosed to Commission members only.

 Public comments should include the basis for expressed opinions.

Study Puts TIA's Economic Impact at $3.2 Billion

Tucson, Ariz. (April 27, 2012)―A new study shows Tucson International Airport (TIA) brings an annual economic impact of more than $3.2 billion to the region.
     The study was commissioned by the Tucson Airport Authority (TAA) and conducted by MBA students from the Eller College of Management at the University of Arizona. It has been more than 10 years since TAA conducted such an analysis.
     "These updated findings provide an accurate and current picture of the job creation and economic activity brought about by TAA's ongoing operations, significant infrastructure investments and partnerships with more than 100 tenants. We take great pride in helping to improve the economic vitality and quality of life in southern Arizona," said TAA President/CEO Bonnie Allin.

     The airport's direct, indirect and induced economic effects are included in the total. Direct impact is generated as a result of employment and operation of the airport and tenant businesses. The Eller MBA consulting team calculated a total annual direct impact of $1.7 billion stemming from payroll, goods and services purchased by the airport and airport businesses, expenditures on capital improvement projects and payment of local taxes from airport activity.
     The remainder of the $3.2 billion total is attributed to indirect and induced impact.

     Indirect impact includes money spent at the airport and in the community by airport patrons, plus revenue generated by businesses that chose to locate in the region because the airport is integral to their operations.

     Induced impact, also known as the multiplier effect, is based on an economic principle that quantifies how revenue generated by airport activities grows as it cycles through the community. For example, when TAA hires a local construction company for a project, the company hires additional employees, who increase demand for goods and services in the region through spending their salaries. The businesses they patronize hire additional workers, and the process repeats.

     Similarly, 13,000 workers are directly employed at TIA. Indirect and induced effects of airport employment bring the total to 35,000 local jobs supported as a result of the airport's presence in the community.

     The UA graduate students are part of the Eller MBA's experiential learning program, which allows the students to participate in a strategic consulting project. TAA is one of the College's 12 clients this year, including Raytheon, Microsoft and Intuit, said Eller College of Management Director for Experiential Learning Nannon Roosa.

     "This program is the cornerstone of our MBA's first year," Roosa said. "Projects like these challenge students to apply core business skills to address a real-world business issue.

     "Eller's innovative curriculum, combined with pioneering research, distinguished faculty, excellence in entrepreneurship and social responsibility, has brought international recognition to the program," she added.

     The report helps to demonstrate the importance of TIA to a strong local economy, which is useful in regional business recruitment and retention efforts, as well as air service development initiatives. TAA will share the findings from this study for inclusion in an Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) study that will quantify the statewide impact of aviation, as well as other economic development groups such as TREO, the Arizona Commerce Authority, local chambers and the Metropolitan Tucson Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Tucson Metro Chamber Update

One-to-One
A Message from President & CEO Michael Varney


Small Business Survey

United States Chamber of Commerce (USCC)
The United States Chamber of Commerce (USCC) has just released its fifth consecutive small business survey. The survey is a quarterly review of small business' outlook on the economy, local operations and policies from Washington.

Councilmember Fimbres on Television

Councilmember Richard Fimbres will be on the television show, Local Matters.  Here are the dates and channels:

Channel Replay Time
74/99 Saturday, 4-28-2012, 8:30 PM
74/99 Monday, 4-30-2012, 8:30 PM

Ward 5 Graffiti Clean Up

http://youtu.be/gdhS0x_mWcM

Ward 5 Median Update

Medians/landscaped roadsides within Ward 5 that will be scheduled for cleanup by The Groundskeeper within the next 90 days are listed below:


Ajo Way, Country Club to Kino Parkway
Benson Highway, Country Club to Irvington
Campbell, Irvington to Valencia
Euclid, Broadway to 18th Street
Irvington, Palo Verde to Tucson Boulevard
Kino Parkway, 22nd Street to Benson Highway
22nd Street, Craycroft to Country Club
Valencia Road, Alvernon to 12th Avenue

Other areas within Ward 5 that will be scheduled by in-house crews are identified in BLUE on the attached map.

http://www.scribd.com/doc/91559497

Tucson Water Rate Public Comment

FOUR PUBLIC OUTREACH MEETINGS SET
FOR PROPOSED WATER RATE SCHEDULES

Tucson Water is proposing to increase certain water rate components and
fees. On Tuesday, April 17, 2012, the Mayor and Council authorized a
Public Hearing be held on May 22, 2012. In addition to the May 22 Public
Hearing, interested persons are encouraged to attend one of four
community meetings being held to learn about the budget and rate
proposals and provide comments. The public meetings are scheduled as
follows:

Wednesday, May 2, 5:30 -7:30 p.m. - Woods Memorial Library, 3455 N. 1st
Ave.
Tuesday, May 8, 5:30 -7:30 p.m - Quincie Douglas Library, 1585 E. 36th
St.
Tuesday, May 15, 5:30 -7:30 p.m - Mission Library, 3770 S. Mission Rd.
Thursday, May 17, 5:30 -7:30 p.m - Miller-Golf Links Library, 9640 E.
Golf Links Rd.

The Citizens Water Advisory Committee (CWAC) is appointed by the Mayor
and Council and the City Manager’s Office to annually review the
revenue requirements of the water system. The sixteen CWAC members spend
approximately eight months of the year reviewing Tucson Water budget
proposals and developing rate and fee recommendations. This year’s
proposal includes recommendations to modify the monthly service charge,
and proposes changes to the residential water rate structure.

Interim Water Director Sandy Elder supports the effort that the CWAC
members make to ensure that Tucson Water is able to continue providing
reliable water service to customers. “The CWAC membership represents
our customer base well, and they work hard to ensure that rate
recommendations are equitable to all customers. I encourage our
customers to attend one of the informational meetings to learn how the
recommendations were developed and to provide comments to Tucson Water
staff.”

A public hearing is scheduled during the May 22 Mayor and Council
meeting. Following the hearing, Mayor and Council are expected to vote
on whether or not to adopt a new water rate schedule.

More information is available on Tucson Water’s website at
tucsonaz.gov/water or at (520) 791-4331.

U.S. Postal Service Update

Senate Begins Considering Amendments to Postal Service Bill



The Senate yesterday considered the first 15 amendments in a package of
nearly 40 amendments to the postal service reform bill (S 1789).  Under
a unanimous consent agreement, amendments considered during debate
needed to obtain the 60-vote threshold for passage.

Eight of the amendments were approved by voice vote. Of note, Senator
Wyden (D-OR) amendment would require the Postal Service to consider the
effect of closing or consolidating a postal facility on the ability of
the affected community to vote by mail and to provide post offices and
postal facilities to protect the ability to vote by mail. Senator
Dubin's (D-IL) amendment would bar Postmaster Donahoe from closing
mail-processing centers if doing so would not benefit the service
financially.  The amendment introduced by Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK) lets
communities streamline aspects of local postal offices, like how many
hours they are open.  Below are the amendments approved.

* Tester amendment modifies spending for closing postal service
facilities. It also caps spending for conferences by all federal
agencies, including the USPS.( #2056) - Voice Vote
* Coburn amendment to provide transparency, accountability, and
limitations of Government sponsored conferences. (#2060) - Voice Vote
* Wyden amendment to require the Postal Service to consider the
effect of closing or consolidating a postal facility on the ability of
the affected community to vote by mail and to provide post offices and
postal facilities to protect the ability to vote by mail. (#2020) -
Voice Vote
* Coburn amendment to improve access to postal services in
communities potentially affected by a postal closing or consolidation.
(#2058) - Voice Vote
* McCaskill amendment to prohibit the closing of a rural post
office unless certain conditions are met and to establish a moratorium
on the closing of rural post offices. (#2031) - Voice Vote
* Snowe amendment to require the Postal Rate Commission to
evaluate area mail processing studies. (#2080) - Voice Vote
* Durbin amendment to prohibit the Postal Service from closing,
consolidating, or reducing the workforce of certain postal facilities.
(#2082) - Voice Vote
* Bennet amendment to establish citizen's service protection
advocates. (#2047) - Voice Vote

All amendments considered in roll calls Tuesday were defeated. Of note,
the chamber rejected 30-69 a Senator McCain, R-AZ, amendment to insert
part of a competing postal overhaul measure (HR 2309) currently
advancing through the House that would speed up postal facility
closures. McCain's amendment would have established a new postal
commission to shutter $3 billion worth of post offices and
mail-processing centers in the next several years. It is likely to
resurface since House leaders favor similar measures. The House
overhaul, for example, would also create an oversight body that would
seize power over the Postal Service if it defaulted and operated with
more than a $2 billion deficit for an extended period of time.

* McCain amendment to establish the Commission on Postal
Reorganization. (#2033) - Rejected
* Coburn amendment to require retirement-eligible employees of the
Postal Service to retire. (#2061) - Rejected
* Udall (NM) amendment to strike the limitations on changes to
mail delivery schedule, with an offset. (#2043) - Rejected
* Akaka amendment to provide appropriate workers compensation for
Federal employees. (#2034) - Rejected
* Corker amendment to improve the bill. (#2083) - Rejected
* Akaka amendment to allow supervisory and other managerial
organizations to participate in the planning and development of changes
in, or termination of, pay policies and schedules and fringe benefit
programs. (#2049) - Rejected
* Paul amendment to end the mailbox use monopoly. (#2025) -
Rejected

The Senate is expected to resume work on the bill this afternoon.  Below
are the remaining amendments that will be debated.

Remaining Bills to be considered:

*         Mikulski amendment to prohibit the United States Postal
Service from closing any postal facility without a certification from
the Governor of the State in which the postal facility is located.
(#2003)

*         Manchin amendment to extend the moratorium on the closing and
consolidation of postal facilities or post offices, stations, or
branches. (#2079)

*         Paul amendment to provide for performance-based pay for the
Postmaster General and appropriately limit the authority of the Postal
Service to award bonuses. (#2026)

*         Bingaman amendment to require that State liaisons for States
without a district office are located within their respective States.
(#2076)

*         Paul amendment to require the closing of post offices in the
Capitol Complex. (#2027)

*         Cardin amendment to prohibit the closing of a postal facility
if the nearest postal facility is more than 50 miles away. (#2040)

*         Paul amendment to establish a pilot program to test
alternative methods for the delivery of postal services. (#2028)

*         Carper amendment to provide for temporary authority to adjust
the first-class mail stamp rate. (#2065)

*         Paul amendment to require the Postal Service to take into
consideration the impact of regulations when developing a profitability
plan. (#2029)

*         Carper amendment to appropriately limit the compensation of
executives of the Postal Service. (#2066)

*         Paul amendment to prohibit employees of the United States
Postal Service from engaging in collective bargaining. (#2039)

*         Casey amendment to maintain current delivery time for
market-dominant products. (#2042)

*         Paul amendment to end the Postal Service monopoly on
first-class mail and mailbox use. (#2038)

*         Landrieu amendment to determine the impact of certain postal
facility closures or consolidations on small businesses. (#2072)

*         DeMint amendment to provide protections for postal workers
with respect to their right not to subsidize union nonrepresentational
activities. (#2046)

*         McCaskill amendment to improve the workers compensation
provisions. (#2030)

*         Coburn amendment to allow the Postal Service to close
unprofitable post office facilities. (#2059)

*         Pryor amendment to express the sense of the Senate with
respect to the closing and consolidation of postal facilities and post
offices. (#2036)

*         Rockefeller amendment to clarify the authority of the Postal
Service relating to Medicare coordination. (#2073)

*         Rockefeller amendment to improve the Postal Service Health
Benefits Program. (#2074)

*         Schumer amendment to maintain all current door delivery point
services. (#2050)

*         Tester amendment to appropriately limit the pay of Postal
Service executives. (#2032)

*         Warner amendment to require reporting regarding retirement
processing and modernization. (#2071, as modified)

CITY OF TUCSON DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION MEDIAN ISLAND AND ROADSIDE MAINTENANCE PROJECT UPDATE

The City of Tucson Department of Transportation (TDOT) and The
Groundskeeper are nearly 30 days into a four-month citywide clean-up of
median islands and roadsides in an intense effort to remove weeds,
debris and dead plants along arterial roadways with higher traffic
volumes.

Media are invited to a project status briefing at 10:15 a.m., on
Thursday, April 26, 2012 on the east side of Campbell Avenue, between
Sixth Street and Fifth Street, across from the University of Arizona.
Crews will be working in the median islands and City staff will be
available for interviews.

To date, crews have cleared weeds, debris and dead plant material from
nearly 20 centerline miles of arterial roadways.

Completed cleanup areas are:

Broadway – Camino Seco to Country Club Road
Miracle Mile – Oracle Road to Interstate 10
Golf Links Road – Wilmot Road to Swan Road
Speedway Boulevard – Campbell Avenue to Interstate 10
Silverbell Road – Grant Road to St. Mary’s Road

In the next 30 days, crews will concentrate their cleanup efforts of
median islands and roadsides on:

Speedway Boulevard – Wilmot to Camino Seco
Mission Road – 22nd Street to Ajo Way
Campbell Avenue – Grant Road to 22nd Street
Golf Links Road – Wilmot Road to Houghton Road.
Golf Links Road – Swan Road to Ajo Way
Oracle Road – Drachman Street to Genematas Drive
Kino Parkway – 22nd Street to Benson Highway
22nd Street – Camino Seco to Kino Parkway

Upon completion of this four-month project, TDOT will continue to use
contracted services and in-house staff to maintain median islands and
roadsides on a monthly basis with weed removal and pre-emergent spraying
throughout Fiscal Year 2013.

CITY OF TUCSON EXPANDS SOLAR POWER SYSTEMS

Seven new solar photovoltaic (PV) power systems installed at City of

Tucson facilities are coming online. The new 2.3 megawatt (MW) DC

rooftop and carport systems – developed by SPG Solar and

interconnected by Tucson Electric Power (TEP) – span downtown Tucson,

including the Tucson Convention Center (TCC), providing combined $6.2

million net revenues over 25 years. 

This project shows the City of Tucson’s commitment to sustainability

by providing the community with up to 60 green jobs during time of

construction, two student internships, and clean renewable energy. These

latest projects build on Tucson’s first phase of solar, which was 1 MW

of solar – including both rooftop and single axis tracking systems -

developed by SPG Solar in 2009. 

“This largest City solar project was made possible with low-interest

Clean Renewable Energy Bonds, Tucson Electric Power’s renewable energy

credits and made easy by SPG Solar’s experience and range of solar

services,” said Doug Crockett, City of Tucson Energy Manager.

“We’ve basically initiated a municipal-owned solar utility

which will generate net revenues to fund future energy efficiency and

deferred maintenance projects on city facilities.” 

SPG Solar capitalized on its design and engineering experience,

providing the City with optimized rooftop and carport solar power

systems at the TCC, Miller-Golf Links Library, Patrick K. Hardesty

Multi-Service Center, Randolph Center, Tucson Police Crime Lab, and two

locations at the Thomas O. Price Service Center. The power generated at

each site will offset, on average, 55 percent of the electricity used at

each location.

“The City of Tucson has become a committed, long-term solar

partner,” said SPG Solar CEO Chris Robine.  “They presented us

with a challenge to maximize the amount of solar electricity the City

could generate; so we capitalized on our years of experience to design,

engineer, build and maintain a set of solar power system that will

deliver the best return on investment.”

TEP will provide financial incentives to the City of Tucson through the

company’s customer-funded large commercial solar program, which will

reduce installation costs. The systems’ output will help TEP work

toward the renewable energy goals established by the Arizona Corporation

Commission (ACC).  The latest 2.3 MW system will produce nearly 4

million kilowatt hours the first year, which is equivalent to powering

350 average American homes annually.

“We’re very pleased to be working with the City of Tucson and SPG

Solar on these systems, which will produce clean, green energy for city

facilities using one of Arizona’s greatest natural resources –

sunshine,” said Carmine Tilghman, TEP’s Director of Renewable

Resources. “We expect to dramatically expand our solar generating

capacity to more than 200 MW by the end of 2014 through a combination of

company-owned resources, privately developed projects and distributed

generating systems like the ones installed by the City of Tucson.”

Health and Safety Fair, April 28

Health and safety fair

Council Member Richard Fimbres and the Ward 5 Staff in partnership with the Tohono O’odham Nation and Wards 1 and 2 would like to invite you to our health and safety fair on Saturday April 28^th from 9:30 am to 2 pm at El pueblo Neighborhood Center which is located at 101 W Irvington.

We will be giving out car seats, booster seats, and bike helmets to the community. There will be medical and dental screenings as well as free snack, drinks, games and lots of information from our community partners.

There will be a class required to receive a car seat. Classes will be available on this date at El pueblo Neighborhood Center. To register for a class please call the ward 5 office at 520-791-4231.

Ward 5 Health and Safety Fair, April 28

http://www.scribd.com/doc/90429511/Microsoft-Word-Health-and-Safety-Fair-Flyer#page=1

Solar Street Light Ribbon Cutting This Saturday

Join Your Friends and Neighbors for This Exciting Event!
BARRIO CENTRO
Solar Street Lights
Ribbon Cutting
Saturday, April 21, 2012 at 10:00 AM
Northeast Corner of 23rd Street
& Winmor Avenue (behind the Food City)

This dedication will commemorate Tucson’s FIRSTALL SOLAR residential street light project. The installation of 43 solar-powered street lights along four corridors heavily utilized by those in the neighborhood, as well as a water harvesting runoff and collection system for natural irrigation purposes, and community artwork were a part of this neighborhood-driven, collaborative eff ort.

Funding for this project was provided by the Pima County Neighborhood Reinvestment Program, and was constructed by the City of Tucson Transportation Department.

TIA Passenger Usage Up

Tucson, Ariz. (April 17, 2012)― Passenger volume at Tucson International Airport (TIA) for the first quarter of 2012 posted a 3 percent gain in comparison to last year.

After a January that declined 1 percent year-over-year, February saw a 3 percent jump, likely attributable to the extra day afforded by the leap year. However, March then continued the trend with a 5 percent increase in departing and arriving passengers. Looking at the quarter as a whole, TIA served 958,674 travelers in comparison to 934,409 in the first quarter of 2011.

Alaska Airlines was responsible for the largest increase, having served 32 percent more passengers at TIA in this time period. Starting in June, Alaska is scheduled to use airplanes with 18 percent more seats for its daily flights between Tucson and Seattle-Tacoma.

American Airlines flew 17 percent more passengers this quarter, and Delta Air Lines’ volume went up 6 percent.

In calendar year 2011, TIA served a total of 3,658,1999 passengers, which was a 3 percent decrease from the 2010 total.

Tucson International Airport (TIA) serves the community with commercial, military, cargo and general aviation operations that support 17,000 jobs, enhance the region’s business climate and improve quality of life for Southern Arizonans. TIA began as the nation’s first commercial airport and has continually evolved to meet its users’ needs for safety, efficiency and service. No local tax dollars are used in the airport’s operation and maintenance.

DOWNTOWN GRAFFITI ARRESTS

At approximately 3:06 a.m. on April 17, 2012 a citizen in the area of North Church and West Alameda called 911 to report that a male and female were actively tagging in the area. Officers from Operations Division Downtown responded to the area, arriving within 3 minutes of their original dispatch. Shortly after their arrival to the area, the officers located two subjects who were similar in description to that given by the citizen who called 911. The subjects had evidence of tagging in their possession and on their person. They were detained without incident. Officers from the Graffiti Enforcement Unit, also known as the Tag Unit, also responded to assist with the investigation.

Barrio Centro Solar Street Lights - April 21

Join Your Friends and Neighbors for This Exciting Event! BARRIO CENTRO Solar Street Lights - Ribbon Cutting Saturday, April 21, 2012 at 10:00 AM Northeast Corner of 23rd Street & Winmor Avenue (behind the Food City)

Sun Tran - Oped

It had been stated and reported that there is no five year, plan right now, being developed for the Sun Tran bus system, when this is far from the case. Or that the Mayor and Council isn’t “thinking it through” about the bus service.

In 2011, the Mayor and Council had given direction to the Transportation Director and the Transit Task Force to begin work on compiling a five year plan for the bus system.

The bus system is just one part of the budgetary review process my colleagues and I are in the middle of completing. This process started on February 7, with the initial presentation to the Mayor and Council by city staff.

National Crime Victims Rights Week

National Crime Victims’ Rights Week will be observed April 22-28, 2012. This year’s theme is Extending the Vision/Reaching Every Victim.  Since 1965 when the first Crime Victim Compensation program was established in California and throughout the following decades, victim advocates have worked tirelessly for recognition of Victims’ Rights and for funding for Victim Assistance programs. 

Film and musical performance at El Pueblo Neigborhood Center, April 19

The Borderlands Community Film Series

Presenta la película:

Al Otro Lado

**Con un concierto de corridos tradicionales por Octavio Tovar **

A las 6pm jueves, 19 de abril

CITY OF TUCSON APPOINTS NEW TUCSON WATER DIRECTOR

The City of Tucson is pleased to announce the selection of Mr. Alan
Forrest as the new Director of Tucson Water.

Mr. Forrest is one of Arizona's recognized experts in water management.
Mr. Forrest was selected after an extensive national recruitment process
and input from Tucson’s Mayor and Council and City staff.

Mr. Forrest began his municipal water career at Tucson Water in the
1980's.  Since that time, he has gained valuable experience leading
municipal water utility operations in Southern Arizona, in both the
public and private sectors.

“Mr. Forrest’s diverse professional background coupled with his
strong knowledge of water issues locally and within the State, will be
of great benefit to the City, Tucson Water customers, and our partners
in the region,” said City Manager Richard Miranda.

Mr. Forrest will work closely with the City Manager's Office to ensure
that the important water policy goals that have been set by the Mayor
and Council are adhered to and furthered under his leadership. The
expectation is that Mr. Forrest will continue to build on the success
Tucson Water has had in establishing itself as a leader in delivering
water of the highest quality, in a sustainable, efficient, and effective
manner.

Mr. Forrest will begin his new position on June 4, 2012.

23rd ANNUAL LEAGUE OF UNITED LATIN AMERICAN CITIZENS (LULAC) EDUCATIONAL AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIP BANQUET, APRIL 19TH

TUCSON – The 23^rd Annual LULAC Council 1057 Educational Awards & Scholarship Banquet will take place Thursday, April 19^th at the Tucson Convention Center Copper Room, 260 S. Church.

White House Intergovernmental Affairs Update

White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs Local Update

Welcome to the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs local update. In this week's issue the Obama Administration hosts a National Forum on Youth Violence Prevention, Vice President Biden calls for more investment in education, and the White House releases a taxpayer receipt calculator.

Valencia Crossing

At the Mayor and Council meeting was the proposed annexation of more than 350 acres in the area of Valencia and I-10 into Ward 5 and the City of Tucson.  By a 7 to 0 vote, this annexation was completed, which will bring in more than $32 million in revenues for the City of Tucson over the next ten years.  I want to thank Chris Avery, Byron Howard, Planning and Development Services and city staff who worked on this project.  I want to thank 510 Associates for their support and intentions and welcome them into the City of Tucson.

"A" Mountain Easter Activities

Easter activities at Sentinel Peak Park ("A" Mountain) will impact
public use of the site from 1-6 p.m. on Friday, April 6 and again on
the morning of Easter Sunday, April 8.

Community Update

On Friday, March 30, I had the privilege of participating in the reading of names of those individuals who gave their lives, serving their country in Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. I want to thank the organizers for putting this together and Pima Community College Downtown Campus for hosting the event.

I want to publicly thank to the City of Tucson Veterans Affairs Committee for putting on the Veteran’s parade for those who served in Iraq and Afghanistan on Saturday, March 31.

Saturday, April 14, marks the first anniversary of the opening of the Costco store, located at the Bridges Project in my Ward.

On the first day, more than 700 people signed up for new memberships to Costco and the store took in $730,000 in sales, a record for Costco.

This Costco store has been setting sales records since and has been a benefit to Ward 5 and the City of Tucson.


On Thursday, April 19, the 23rd Annual LULAC Educator Awards and Scholarship Banquet at the TCC will take place.

For the past 23 years the League of United Latin American Citizens,
Council 1057 in partnership with the Southern Arizona Institute of
Leadership have been actively involved with our community in providing
educational assistance to our youth and motivating them to realize
that the key to success is through education and that their number one
goal is to graduate.

With proceeds raised by the annual Educator's Banquet, LULAC has been able to sponsor students to attend the National Washington Youth Leadership Seminar and provide scholarships with LULAC's National Scholarship Foundation to help needy youth.

This year, the LULAC Educational Awards and Scholarship Banquet will honor

F. Ann Rodriguez, Pima County Recorder

Dr. Albert Siqueiros, Superintendent, Tohono O’odham School District

Arnold Palacios, Dir. Tucson Youth Development, Inc.

Ernie Duarte, Dir. City of Tucson, Developmental Services

Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, Outstanding Community Organization

Soldado de Cuero, Special Recognition Award (Ten or more Years of
Community Service)

Hon. Robert and Beth Walkup, retired Mayor City of Tucson

Hon. Clarence W. Dupnik, Sheriff of Pima County

Retired Joe Valdez, Former City of Tucson Manager

Hon. Ramon Valadez, Chairman Pima County Board of Supervisors

A key ingredient to the success of LULAC programs have been the significant support of all communities. Please RSVP to 520-903-2838 or send an email to azhighway73@gmail.com.


On Thursday, April 5, to Tucson Padres will open their 2012 season at Kino Veteran’s Memorial Stadium, for tickets or more information, call 434-1367.


Mark your calendars for the following Ward 5 events.

Saturday, April 21, will be a graffiti abatement cleanup in the South Park Neighborhood Association, with help from GPC and the Fred Acosta Job Corps.

Saturday, April 28, the Ward 5 Council Office is holding a health and safety fair at the El Pueblo Senior Center, 101 W. Irvington.

Saturday, May 12, the Ward 5 Council Office will be holding a shred-a-thon.

And on Thursday, May 17, the Ward 5 Council Office will be a town-hall meeting.

For more information, call the Ward 5 Council Office, 791-4231, or go to my facebook page, blog or webpage on the City website.

Tucson Modern Streetcar Update

http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=sbvhokgab&v=001o1NWE3yaJ-q5O0s8N5O3HlijH6D-hpUs1HGnGuLfLDr61B1yz9H2_7Dk_O_7iijZo6enGXQ78gyHggtchSHLzoYMpaFZLcWBvX8fAMHQH_nDh8FNQvHCwlHd6nul4tfuSb3mezRtSTICpyMz7MZBbHw1YlIiW_-L9PWzwRPGHFUTcVIMmPknKhI55roTxYhN#fourthave

Bring Back the Splash Update!

The City’s “Bring Back the Splash” Program, has now received a $100,000 in sponsorshops and advertising to help reopen the pools.  Congratulations go out to Rick Stertz, Doug Martin, Crissy Perham, the City’s Parks and Rec Department and Parks Foundation and most importantly, to those individuals, organizations and businesses who are helping, bring back the splash, which this additional funding will now open six pools.