 I was honored to receive the Antonio Villaraigosa Leadership Award from the Latino Leaders Network, a nonprofit organization dedicated to “Bringing Leaders Together” to share personal stories, grow relationships and build unity.
It was truly a fan-girl moment to join two of my She-roes Maria Elena Salinas, a longtime anchor for Univision who the New York Times has called “The Voice of Hispanic America,” as well as my dear friend, Janet Murguia who is the President and CEO of UnidosUS.
My sincere appreciation to the Latino Leaders Network for all of the amazing work they are doing throughout the country.
The United Nations General Assembly designated January 27—the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau—as International Holocaust Remembrance Day.
Today and everyday, let’s recommit ourselves to ridding the world of anti-Semitism and building a more inclusive society.
 The Loft Cinema has been selected as a satellite site for the renowned 2021 Sundance Film Festival. Congratulations to The Loft Cinema for this prestigious recognition!
I also had the opportunity to be part of a virtual panel to discuss how the legendary, EGOT-winning performer has inspired us in our own lives and careers, “The Impact and Legacy of Rita Moreno,”. I shared this virtual space with award-winning actress/writer/producer Yareli Arizmendi (one of the stars of Like Water for Chocolate); and Roxanne Denise Stevens Ibarra, student filmmaker in the University of Arizona's School of Theatre, Film and Television, moderated by Linda Mazon Gutierrez, Board Chair and past CEO of the Hispanic Women's Corporation.
Like many local venues in our community, The Loft had to quickly adapt to the unique challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. I encourage all Tucsonans to support our local venues, arts and culture organizations, and independent artists who are at the heart of our city's social fabric and cultural identity.
Watch the full discussion here.
Earlier this month, I joined community members and diverse stakeholders across Arizona and wrote a letter to the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) asking for the adoption of the Clean Energy Rules that will help mitigate climate change and promote healthy and economically vibrant communities.
Climate change is a threat to our public health, our economy, and our way of life. In 2020, we experienced the hottest summer on record with more than 100 days of over 100-degree weather. 2020 was also the driest year on record with only 4.17 inches of rain, compared to the normal 11.59 inches we get annually. A warming climate and low rainfall exacerbate drought conditions in our region, threatening our long-term water supply.
The ACC’s adoption of the Clean Energy Rules can help combat climate change by reducing carbon emission, cleaning up the air and conserving water. I strongly support the adoption of a Clean Energy Standard that requires 100% reduction in carbon emissions by 2050, increases energy efficiency requirements and distributed solar storage with preferential sitting in coal-impacted communities.
 On January 27th, I visited the Flowing Wells High School campus as part of the Arizona Mayor’s Blood Drive Alliance. During the month of January, the American Red Cross partnered with Mayors in Arizona to help maintain a stable blood supply after the holidays and throughout the winter.
The Red Cross is testing blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies. As part of this effort, plasma from whole blood donations that test positive for COVID-19 antibodies may now help current coronavirus patients in need of convalescent plasma transfusions. Donating blood is a small thing our community can do to ensure all patients have the resources they need.
Thank you to the American Red Cross and Flowing Wells High School for partnering on this important mission. There are several ways to make an appointment: visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or download the Blood Donor App. Additionally, I’d like to share another blood drive coming up in Tucson this weekend:
Sunday, January 31, 2021
7:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Saint Philips in the Hills Episcopal Church
4440 N Campbell Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85718
Room Name: East Gallery
To register, click here.
 Watch Live here.
Mayor Romero proposes passage of $14 million street repair investment
|
