Lane’s Ward 1 Newsletter updates:

Ward I will we hosting a Street Smarts workshop  on Thursday, October 2, 2008 from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. at the El Rio Neighborhood Center, 1390 W. Speedway.

Staying safe in our homes and neighborhoods is a top priority for many Tucsonans.  With narcotics playing an integral role in many burglaries, domestic violence cases, auto thefts, homicides and larcenies, an unfortunate result for residents is the fear of becoming a victim of crime. In response to this factor, the Meth Free Alliance has created "Street Smarts", a 90-minute interactive workshop designed for the public to increase awareness of personal safety strategies for individuals and neighborhoods, promote a community-wide message of security and awareness, and share practical steps that residents can take to promote public safety and prevent crime! Boomer Bear from Bear Essential News for Kids will be on hand to meet and greet children and their parents.  All ages are welcome. Call 388-4711 to R.S.V.P. for the workshop; seating is limited, so don't delay – call today.

Youth Funders:

While young people all over the country were spending their summer at part-time jobs or by the pool, youth in Tucson were telling the government how to spend its money. In partnership with Every Voice in Action Foundation and inspired by City Ward 3 Youth Funders Project in the Fall of 2007, our Ward 1 office ran a Youth Funders Project this summer. Youth, ages 14 – 21, from the Ward had the opportunity to decide how to spend $25,000 in City of Tucson Youth Services funding. “The Youth Funders really saw themselves as a collective entrusted with city money and they took this responsibility very seriously,” says Julie Kasper, one of the facilitators for the group. Twelve youth met for several weeks to learn about each other and the issues facing the youth of our community, including the Ward Office’s focus on facilitating implementation of the Pima Cultural Plan. The youth chose the theme of Empowering Youth & Exploring Culture through the Arts and funded the following organizations: NEED TO FILL IN HERE

Special thanks to all the youth who participated, the two facilitators: Miriam Gomez and Julie Kasper, and to all of those who made this project possible.

Neighborhood updates:

Sunnyside Neighborhood Association sees safety improvements this fall!

Concerned parents from the neighborhood brought to our attention the need for a hawklight at 12^th Ave & Alvord to help pedestrians’ crossing to and from Mission Manor Park and School. Funding became available through the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) and this location became a priority and now has a working hawklight. The neighborhood has also succeeded in securing funding to close-up access points to Airport Wash where illegal dumping has been an issue for the past 15 years. The residents living near the wash are thrilled to finally have a safer and healthier community for their families.

Sunset Villa Pedestrian Enhancement Project is Underway!

Many residents have participated and volunteered long hours to get to this phase. The project proposes to add new sidewalks, speed humps, traffic circles, and monument walls at key locations throughout the Sunset Villa Neighborhood. These improvements, will enhance pedestrian access and mobility, and provide better neighborhood connectivity. Funding for the improvements is from Pima County Neighborhood Reinvestment and the Arizona Department of Transportation