City News

Sixth Street - Campbell Avenue to Country Club Road Resurfacing Project

Posted July 25, 2014

On Monday, July 28, 2014, crews from Southern Arizona Paving and Construction Co., under contract with the City of Tucson Department of Transportation (TDOT), will begin work to improve the roadway conditions on Sixth Street from Campbell Avenue to Country Club Road. The pavement improvement project is part of the $100 million, five-year street bond program - Road Recovery. The Road Recovery program is funded by voter-approved bonds.

SIXTH STREET - CAMPBELL AVENUE TO COUNTRY CLUB ROAD RESURFACING PROJECT

Posted July 25, 2014

ROAD RECOVERY

SIXTH STREET - CAMPBELL AVENUE TO COUNTRY CLUB ROAD

RESURFACING PROJECT

On Monday, July 28, 2014, crews from Southern Arizona Paving and Construction Co., under contract with the City of Tucson Department of Transportation (TDOT), will begin work to improve the roadway conditions on Sixth Street from Campbell Avenue to Country Club Road. The pavement improvement project is part of the $100 million, five-year street bond program - Road Recovery. The Road Recovery program is funded by voter-approved bonds.

NewsNet 07-24-14

Posted July 24, 2014

TUCSON STREETCAR SERVICE BEGINS TOMORROW, FREE RIDES FOR ALL THROUGH SUNDAY - The much-anticipated launch of passenger service on the Sun Link Tucson Streetcar begins at approximately 10 a.m. tomorrow. Opening celebrations will take place along many of the stops on the 3.9 mile route from west of I-10, through 4th Avenue, to the University of Arizona. Rides will be free Friday through Sunday. Starting Monday, payment for rides will be required. Riding a streetcar is different than riding a bus. Cash is not accepted on the car (but you can use it at machines at the stops to buy a $4 one-day pass), and you can bring your bike on the streetcar. The City of Tucson has a video that tells you everything you need to know about how to ride the streetcar. Please take a look at it before your first ride.
Cómo viajar video
Opening morning riding tips and more
Opening weekend events
 
TRAFFIC ALERT: STREETCAR CELEBRATIONS TO CLOSE SOME ROADS BRIEFLY - Beginning tonight at approximately 6:30, the right lane of Congress Street, between Fourth Avenue and Fifth Avenue, will be closed, leaving one travel lane open on Congress. Also, at approximately 6:30 tonight, Fifth Avenue will be closed between Toole Avenue and Broadway. In order to facilitate downtown business traffic, the left lane of Congress will remain open until approximately 5 a.m. tomorrow. At 5 a.m., Congress Street will be closed completely, from Toole Avenue to Sixth Avenue. Toole will be converted to one-way westbound travel between Fourth Avenue and Pennington Street (similar to the traffic pattern that was utilized for the streetcar construction). All streets should reopen to traffic by noon on Friday. Read the news release.
 
TUCSON SEES BIG BOOST IN PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION USE - While the Sun Link Tucson Streetcar will no doubt increase public transportation use in Tucson, the pattern already has emerged. A study of statewide transportation trends found Tucson and Phoenix residents are driving less and seeking alternative modes of transportation. In the Tucson area, the number of public transit trips increased by nearly 25 percent between 2005 and 2010, according to the report by the Arizona Public Interest Research Group (ArizonaPIRG), with funding from the St. Luke's Health Initiative. In addition, annual driving miles per capita in Arizona decreased by 10.5 percent between 2005 and 2012, according to federal highway usage statistics and census data cited by researchers. Much of the shift is being led by people between the ages of 18 to 34. Read more from azcentral.com.
 
DESIGN CONCEPTS BEING SOUGHT FOR TUCSON’S JANUARY 8TH MEMORIAL - The January 8th Memorial Foundation and the Tucson Pima Arts Council invite designers to submit their qualifications and design interests to create a Master Plan Concept for El Presidio Park downtown and a schematic design for a January 8th Memorial. The memorial will commemorate both the tragic events of January 8, 2011 and the ways in which the Tucson community proved that "Together We Thrive." The application deadline to submit a design is Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2014 at 11 p.m. The budget for the scope of work is $90,000, and each finalists will receive a $5,000 stipend. Read more from the Tucson Pima Arts Council.
 
CATCH UP ON CITY NEWS YOU MAY HAVE MISSED - Mayor Jonathan Rothschild works to strengthen ties with Mexico; it’s time to get streetcar street smart; and a dream comes true for Menlo Park residents. Those stories are featured in this month's edition of Tucson City News in Review, produced by Tucson 12.

NewsNet 07-23-14

Posted July 24, 2014

WEEKEND PACKED WITH FUN EVENTS ALONG STREETCAR ROUTE - As Tucson kicks off the historic launch of the Sun Link streetcar, the districts along the route are ensuring this upcoming weekend will be one to remember. Each of the five districts--Downtown, 4th Avenue, Mercado, Main Gate, and the University of Arizona--will be sponsoring free activities, music, and entertainment, while many shops and restaurants will offer discounts. Some of the many events include a pop up beach, outdoor movie screen, an instrument petting zoo, farmers' markets, and karaoke on the new Luis Gutierrez Bridge over the Santa Cruz River. Find a full listing of activities at the Friends of the Tucson Streetcar website. The streetcar will be free to ride July 25-27 starting at approximately 10 a.m. Friday. View Sun Link streetcar parking map and tips.

BILINGUAL LITERACY FAIR THIS SATURDAY - The 6th Annual Bilingual Literacy Fair will be held Saturday from 10 a.m. - noon at the El Pueblo Activity Center, 101 W. Irvington Road. The event, coordinated by The Consulate of Mexico in Tucson and Tucson City Council Member Regina Romero, will offer free Spanish language books and backpacks. Children also can enjoy educational activities, including crafts, music, and a play.

TUCSON EARNS IMPRESSIVE SUSTAINABILITY RATING FOR MAKING 'SMART INVESTMENTS' - The City of Tucson is just the fifth city in the United States to earn an impressive 4 out of 5 star rating for national leadership in sustainability from the STAR Communities Ratings System. The ratings system measures economic, environmental, and social performance for local governments and the broader community. "The data Tucson submitted made a compelling case that the City is making smart investment decisions to protect scarce resources, grow and retain businesses, and attract a rich diversity of new residents," said STAR Communities Executive Director Hilari Varnadore. Read the full STAR report.

GET STREETCAR STREET SMART - With the Sun Link Tucson Streetcar beginning passenger service Friday, it's important that bicyclists, pedestrians, motorists, and passengers practice streetcar safety to avoid problems. The City of Tucson produced a video that tells you everything you need to know to stay safe along the along the 3.9 mile route from west of I-10, through 4th Avenue, to the University of Arizona. Please review the video before the big day on Friday.

HOW TO MANAGE HARD WATER AND OTHER TIPS FROM TUCSON WATER - Get tips on how to manage hard water, increase dishwasher efficiency, flush your water heater, check faucet aerators, and more. Information is available in English and Spanish. You can download, print, or request a mailed copy of the tips. You can also learn how to pay your water bill online and stop and start service.

Sunrise on SunLink Streetcar Grand Opening Celebrations

Posted July 24, 2014

On Friday, July 25, 2014 the City of Tucson and the Regional Transportation Authority will host a series of ribbon cutting events to formally celebrate the Sun Link Tucson Streetcar launch. The morning festivities will begin with ribbon cuttings at four districts to acknowledge their participation and support in making the streetcar become a reality. 

Event   Approx. Time    Area

Find out about opportunities with automotive dealership at free July 29 veterans career seminar

Posted July 23, 2014

Find out about opportunities with automotive dealership
at free July 29 veterans career seminar

Veterans can find out about a local automotive dealership’s job opportunities and hiring processes at a free career seminar on Tuesday, July 29, at the Kino Veterans’ Workforce Center, 2801 E. Ajo Way.

Bradley Lancaster, recruiting manager for the Jim Click Automotive Team and the Holmes Tuttle Automotive Team, will talk and answer questions at the seminar, which begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 11:30 a.m.

TRAFFIC ALERT SUNLINK STREETCAR GRAND OPENING - TRAVEL INFORMATION

Posted July 23, 2014

TRAFFIC ALERT

SUNLINK STREETCAR GRAND OPENING - TRAVEL INFORMATION

Downtown Tucson will host the grand opening ceremony for the Sun Link Modern Streetcar on Friday, July 25, 2014. The ceremony will begin at approximately 9 a.m. at the intersection of Congress Street and Fifth Avenue, and is the beginning of multiple, weekend-long celebrations all along the Streetcar route. The main grand opening ceremony will conclude around 10 a.m. and free streetcar service through the weekend will begin at that time. Below is the vehicular travel restrictions associated with this event.

TUCSON STREETCARS WINDOW DISPLAY AT DRACHMAN INSTITUTE UA-DOWNTOWN FOR MODERN STREETCAR OPENING

Posted July 23, 2014

In conjunction with the streetcar opening this weekend, Old Pueblo Trolley has worked in cooperation with Drachman Institute at the U. of A's. downtown location to produce a window display of Tucson's Streetcar History, and to present a program on the streetcar history 4 times during this weekend.  I was hoping you might help us get the word out by sending something out to your e-mail list.
 
Details of the presentation are on the attached poster and here is more on the window display:
 

Sunlink Streetcar Grand Opening - Travel Information

Posted July 23, 2014

Downtown Tucson will host the grand opening ceremony for the Sun Link Modern Streetcar on Friday, July 25, 2014. The ceremony will begin at approximately 9 a.m. at the intersection of Congress Street and Fifth Avenue, and is the beginning of multiple, weekend-long celebrations all along the Streetcar route. The main grand opening ceremony will conclude around 10 a.m. and free streetcar service through the weekend will begin at that time. Below is the vehicular travel restrictions associated with this event.

Newsnet - July 22

Posted July 22, 2014

 
THERE'S PLENTY OF PARKING ALONG THE NEARLY FOUR-MILE SUN LINK TUCSON STREETCAR CORRIDOR - Tucsonans are excited to ride the Sun Link Tucson Streetcar when passenger service begins Friday. Rides will be free for the first three days, and the City of Tucson expects many citizens to get on board. Even though you can expect some congestion along the route, there are plenty of places to park...about 11,000 spaces in all. Sun Link has a map of garages and surface lot parking along the route.

NewsNet 07-22-14

Posted July 22, 2014

THERE'S PLENTY OF PARKING ALONG THE NEARLY FOUR-MILE SUN LINK TUCSON STREETCAR CORRIDOR - Tucsonans are excited to ride the Sun Link Tucson Streetcar when passenger service begins Friday. Rides will be free for the first three days, and the City of Tucson expects many citizens to get on board.  Even though you can expect some congestion along the route, there are plenty of places to park...about 11,000 spaces in all. Sun Link has a map of garages and surface lot parking along the route.

STREETCAR SAFETY FOR MOTORISTS - With the Sun Link Tucson Streetcar beginning passenger service Friday, it's important that motorists practice streetcar safety to avoid problems along the 3.9 mile route from west of I-10, through 4th Avenue, to the University of Arizona. The City of Tucson produced a video that describes the safest ways to drive along the route.
 
A TIME LAPSE VIEW OF THE STREETCAR - You've no doubt seen media footage of the streetcar in motion (or have seen it in person), but you haven't seen it from the driver's perspective. Now you can, in time lapse, with a video made from 10-second photo increments. Watch the Tucson 12 video.
 
LEARN ABOUT TUCSON'S STREETCAR HISTORY - While the Sun Link Streetcar opening July 25 is the most modern of streetcars, the history of streetcars in Tucson dates back to 1897. The University of Arizona's Drachman Institute downtown is partnering with Old Pueblo Trolley to present a photo exhibit on the history Tucson's streetcars. The exhibit traces the history from horse-and mule-drawn streetcars of the 19th century, to electric streetcars of the early 20th century, to the revival of streetcars by the volunteers of Old Pueblo Trolley in 1993. It culminates with the start of service on Tucson’s 21st century Sun Link Tucson Streetcar. The exhibit is displayed in the windows of the University of Arizona–Downtown building, 44 North Stone Avenue (at Pennington Street). See some of the photos via Friends of the Tucson Streetcar Facebook page.
 
GET THE LATEST STREETCAR NEWS AND INFORMATION ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER - "Like" the City of Tucson on Facebook to get the latest news, community updates and fun facts about Tucson local government and our community. You can also "Follow" the City of Tucson on Twitter for timely, concise updates throughout the day.

FC Tucson Playoff Match July 26

Posted July 22, 2014

The Premier Development League Western Conference playoffs will be Friday, July 25, and Saturday, July 26, at Kino Sports Complex North Stadium.

FC Tucson clinched the PDL Mountain Division title and fourth place in regular PDL season play on July 12 with 34 overall points and 11 wins. It won its first-ever playoff match 2-1 on Saturday against the Los Angeles Misioneros, the Southwest Division’s second-place club.

The PDL consists of 64 teams across the country broken up into 10 divisions and four conferences (Eastern, Central, Southern and Western).

NewsNet 07-21-14

Posted July 21, 2014

FEDERAL PARTNERS RECOGNIZED FOR ROLES IN STREETCAR - Passenger service for the Sun Link Tucson Streetcar begins Friday, but some federal partners who made the streetcar a reality got to ride it this morning for their strong support. The City of Tucson, Mayor Jonathan Rothschild, and the Regional Transportation Authority held a news conference to recognize Arizona Congressmen Raúl Grijalva and Ron Barber, and Oregon Rep. Earl Blumenaur. After the news conference, the group rode the streetcar to the stop at Avenida del Convento/Congress Street for the formal dedication of a plaque honoring Rep. Grijalva. Read more from Tucson News Now.
 
HOW TO WALK IN THE STREETCAR ZONE - With Sun Link Tucson Streetcar service starting this Friday, pedestrians need to be alert when walking near the tracks. The electric-powered streetcar moves quietly and you may not be able to hear it in traffic. Pedestrians also need to take care when walking over the tracks with high heels, canes or bikes, as those items can get stuck in the tracks. When crossing the street to get to a designated streetcar stop, make sure you use the marked crosswalks, obey the walk signals, and keep your children close to you. The streetcars are nearly 12-feet tall and motorists and pedestrians may not be able to see around them. The City of Tucson produced a video that describes the safest ways to walk where streetcars travel.
 
CITY MANAGER MIRANDA REFLECTS ON HIS 39-YEAR CAREER WITH CITY - Tucson City Manager Richard Miranda is in his final two weeks on the job, following his announcement in May that he plans to retire at the end of this month. He says he met his goals of restoring trust and confidence in the management of the City and transparency in government. He also says he's proud of this week's launch of the Sun Link Tucson Streetcar....the largest construction project ever undertaken by the City of Tucson. Miranda first began working for the City of Tucson in 1975, starting with an entry-level job in the Tucson Police Department, where he eventually rose to Police Chief. He was appointed as an Assistant City Manager in 2008, Interim Manager in 2011, and City Manager in 2012. Assistant City Manager Martha Durkin will serve as Interim City Manager, beginning in August, until the Mayor and City Council hire a permanent Manager. Read more from Arizona Public Media.
 
INFÓRMESE DE LOS CAMBIOS PROPUESTOS A LOS REGLAMENTOS DE AGRICULTURA URBANA EN TUCSON (FORO EN ESPAÑOL) - El gobierno de la Ciudad de Tucson, en coordinación con el Banco Comunitario de Alimentos del Sur de Arizona, llevará a cabo una reunión pública en español para presentar información sobre las revisiones propuestas a los reglamentos de zonificación de la ciudad relacionados a la agricultura urbana, incluyendo: animales de granja pequeños, granjas urbanas, huertos comunitarios, y mercados de agricultores sobre ruedas. La reunión se llevará a cabo el Miércoles 23 de julio del 2014, de las 5:30 a las 7:00 PM, en el Centro Regional El Pueblo, Edificio para Personas de la Tercera Edad (El Pueblo Regional Center, Senior Center Building, en inglés), con dirección 101 West Irvington Rd., Tucson, Arizona 85706 (la entrada es de la calle Old Nogales Highway). Vea el folleto.
 
HOW TO AVOID A LIGHTNING STRIKE - If you can hear thunder, you're in the striking distance of lighting. When you see lightning, you should count the number of seconds until you hear thunder. Five seconds means lighting is about a mile away. Tucson Fire Captain Barrett Baker says you should start seeking cover indoors if the timeframe is 30 seconds or less. If you're stuck outdoors, please avoid standing near trees.

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