City News

NewsNet 09-24-14

Posted September 24, 2014

ANNEXATION BENEFICIAL TO NEIGHBORHOODS - Becoming part of the City of Tucson has its benefits for those currently on the periphery of city limits, while Tucson also benefits by getting a larger portion of state-shared revenue. With more than 300,000 people living outside Tucson city limits, that amounts to tens of millions of dollars every year in tax money already paid to the State of Arizona that could be used in our community to help fund police, fire, roads, and parks. Learn how the Empire Vista Neighborhood is benefiting from its recent annexation, in this Tucson 12 video.

MAYOR AND COUNCIL CONDITIONALLY AGREE ON WESTSIDE VISITOR CENTER - As City of Tucson leaders plan to develop nearly 28 acres of vacant land west of downtown, Mayor and Council agreed yesterday to give five acres of that land to Pima County for a future regional visitor's center. However, the projected $15 million visitor center would have to be included in a successful 2015 bond package and satisfy other Council concerns before the City formally turns over any property. The City hopes a bond-funded visitor center will help attract commercial, retail, or residential development to the western edge of the streetcar route, south of Cushing Street, said Nicole Ewing-Gavin, program director for Tucson's Office of Integrated Planning. Even though the Council approved giving up the land, it refused a County request for the City to build a parking garage. Read more from the Arizona Daily Star.

TUCSON POLICE DEPARTMENT TO USE NEW TOOL TO COMMUNICATE WITH NEIGHBORHOODS - The Tucson Police Department (TPD) is partnering with Nextdoor.com, a private social network for neighborhoods to build stronger, safer communities. TPD's integration with Nextdoor will allow police to get messages to individual neighborhoods, which could be helpful in cases where a suspicious person may be targeting a particular neighborhood. TPD says it feels confident this additional form of communication can increase neighborhood safety. More than 114 Tucson neighborhoods already have started a Nextdoor site, representing 50 percent of Tucson's neighborhoods. Police say Nextdoor will not replace neighborhood meetings. Read the TPD news release.
 
AED SCAVENGER HUNT THROUGH THE END OF THE MONTH - There's only one week left in this month's scavenger hunt for automated external defibrillators (AEDs). The Tucson Fire Department (TFD) and the University of Arizona Department of Emergency Medicine are hosting the HeartMap Tucson Challenge, an AED scavenger hunt that aims to raise awareness about AEDs and to a build a comprehensive database of where the devices are located. At last report, TFD said 900 devices had been located in Tucson. Registration for the challenge is open to individuals or teams. Prizes range from $50 to $5,000. AEDs are electronic, briefcase size devices designed to allow bystanders to help someone who collapses during a cardiac arrest prior to the arrival of emergency medical help.
 
ADOPT A PARK TO HELP KEEP PUBLIC AREAS CLEAN - Tucson Clean and Beautiful is seeking community volunteers to adopt parks, streets, washes, and other public areas on an ongoing basis. There are more than 700 sites available for "adoption." Volunteers (at least five in a group) agree to remove litter and debris once a month, while making notes about conditions of the site that require attention by maintenance employees. To become a part of Tucson Clean and Beautiful’s environmental stewardship efforts, or for more information, visit its website. You can also email adoptapark@tucsonaz.gov, or call 791-3109.

Project Updates

Posted September 23, 2014

AJO WAY - COUNTRY CLUB ROAD TO 14TH AVENUE 
SIXTH STREET - COUNTRY CLUB ROAD TO CAMPBELL AVENUE

Southern Arizona Paving and Construction Co, under contract with the City of Tucson Department of Transportation, has issued a revised milling and paving schedule for two projects - Ajo Way from Country Club Road to 14th Avenue and Sixth Street from Country Club Road to Campbell Avenue.

The revised schedule is as follows:

NewsNet 09-23-14

Posted September 23, 2014

TUCSON POLICE WARNING OF MULTIPLE PHONE SCAMS - The Tucson Police Department (TPD) Financial Crimes Unit is urging people to be skeptical about unsolicited phone calls regarding alleged past due payments. There are various scams in which the caller claims to be from the IRS, Tucson Electric Power, the courts, and other public and private entities. The consistent link is that the scammers will claim to need payment quickly or consequences will occur, such as tax liens, shutting off power, or an arrest warrant. The callers will usually request payment through prepaid cash cards which can be obtained at various local merchants. They request the numbers on the front and back, at which point the money becomes extremely difficult to recover. If you get a call demanding payment, TPD asks you to confirm your account status by calling the business or agency directly at any of the publicly available numbers. Do not use a number provided by the caller. Read the warning on TPD Facebook page.

BABY ELEPHANT PUTS ON MUD SHOW FOR ZOO VISITORS - She's only been on the main exhibit since Friday, but Reid Park Zoo's baby elephant calf is already a crowd pleaser. Yesterday, the month-old baby decided to have some fun playing in the mud, and Tucson 12 caught it on video. It's already a big week for the baby, as the public voting on a name for her ended at noon today. The winning name - "Imvula (Immie)" or "Nandi" - will be announced Thursday in the Arizona Daily Star.
Zoo Cams
Baby Elephant FAQ
Reid Park Zoo Flickr page
Reid Park Zoo Twitter
Reid Park Zoo Facebook

COX EXTENDS PARTERNSHIP TO HELP LOW-INCOME RESIDENTS - Cox Communications says it will continue its partnership with Connect2Compete to provide discount high-speed Internet service to low-income families who meet eligibility requirements. Some of those requirements include having a child eligible for free lunches through the National School Lunch Program, and not having been a Cox customer for 90 days (with no outstanding bills or equipment). The national discount program was launched in Tucson earlier this year. Cox is promoting the program to certain agencies and school districts in Southern Arizona. A public information session will be available Oct. 25 at Hope Fest, at Kino Stadium.

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. Visit Tucson Water website for more information.

YMCA FIESTA DE LOS NINOS CELEBRATION SEPTEMBER 27

Posted September 22, 2014

 

Dear Friends:
         

The Mulcahy YMCA is excited to announce our upcoming FIESTA De Los Niños celebration & fundraiser on Saturday, September 27th from 9am to 1pm at the Mulcahy/City YMCA Program Center, 5085 S. Nogales Highway, Tucson.  Activities include Mexican food, ballet folklorico dancers, mariachi music, performances by Mulcahy YMCA youth, a car & bike show, a salsa contest, children’s art auction, raffle prizes, and other fun activities for children.

 

A Thank You

Posted September 22, 2014

I just was coming back from shopping just want to say how proud of the area in ward five.  Many of my friends bring this up also.
 

NewsNet 09-22-14

Posted September 22, 2014

CITY SEEKING COMMENTS ON POSSIBLE CHARTER CHANGES - Tucson's Charter Review Committee is asking for public comments as it reviews and make recommendations regarding possible amendments to sections of the Tucson City Charter. Comments will be accepted through 2015, and potential amendments to the City Charter may be on the Nov. 3, 2015 City ballot. All comments should be made via email to the City Clerk’s Office, cityclerk@tucsonaz.gov.

PARKS AND REC BEGINS NEW SESSION OF CLASSES SOON - Did you miss the first session of Arts and Craft classes this fall? Session two begins later next month, and registration is open now. Choose from Art Safari, Parent/Tot, Yummy for the Tummy, Painting for Tots, or try more than one. Many other types of classes also begin in October, including pottery and dancing. The registration deadline for the next session of classes is Oct. 14.

SINGER LINDA RONSTADT TO HEADLINE SUNDAY EVENING FORUM - Native Tucsonan Linda Ronstadt returns to Tucson next month to reflect on her long singing career at the Sunday Evening Forum. During a recording career spanning four decades, Ronstadt performed rock 'n' roll, folk music, older pop standards, and traditional Mexican songs. Ronstadt will be interviewed by Jeff Haskell, her longtime friend. Haskell is the musical director of the Tucson Jazz Orchestra and past conductor of the "Linda Ronstadt Sings the Great American Songbook" show, with arrangements by Nelson Riddle. The Sunday Evening Forum, which will be held Oct. 5 at the Fox Theatre in Downtown Tucson, is free and open to the public. The box office opens at 4:30 p.m., and the interview and audience question and answer session starts at 7 p.m.

PREDATOR-PREY RELATIONSHIPS - Reid Park Zoo is home to more than 200 animals. Some are predators, and some are prey. That determines how they act and how they're cared for at the Zoo. Predators have adaptations that make them excellent hunters, while prey animals are always ready to flee. Learn more about the differences between predator and prey animals in the latest edition of "Zoo News," produced by Tucson 12.

REDUCE CLUTTER AND GO PAPERLESS WITH CITY E-BILLING - Go paperless with your Utility Services Statement. Set up an eBill account to pay your bill, get notification of your billing statement, view water usage, and read Tucson Water's newsletter.

CITY OF TUCSON OPENS SANDBAG DROP-OFF LOCATION

Posted September 19, 2014

Residents who no longer want to keep sandbags distributed earlier this week in preparation of severe weather can return the bags to the parking lot of the Ward 5 Council Office at 4300 S. Park Avenue. The drop-off location opened today at 10 a.m. and will remain open until Friday, September 26, 2014 at 5 p.m. Staff from the City of Tucson Department of Transportation Streets and Traffic Maintenance Division will collect the sandbags at the end of each work day. Staff will not be on hand to collect sandbags from residents.

NewsNet 09-19-14

Posted September 19, 2014

TUCSON'S BABY ELEPHANT MADE HER PUBLIC DEBUT THIS MORNING - One day shy of her one-month birthday, the 342-pound baby African elephant at Reid Park Zoo made her first public appearance in the main exhibit this morning. Approximately 300 visitors were on hand to watch the historic moment. Tomorrow, the Zoo will host a debut celebration for the calf (normal admission applies). Education staff will offer crafts, activities, and information stations to celebrate the debut. For the rest of the month, the Zoo will allow the calf to have daily access to the public-facing side of the exhibit from 8 a.m. - 11 a.m., weather permitting. Beginning next month, the Zoo opens at 9 a.m. As the public got its first glimpse of the baby elephant, the naming contest continues. Online polling at the Arizona Daily Star offers two name choices for the calf: "Imvula (Immie)" and "Nandi." The winning name will be announced next Thursday.
Watch Tucson 12 video of the elephant's public debut
Zoo Cams
Baby Elephant FAQ
Reid Park Zoo Flickr page
Reid Park Zoo Twitter
Reid Park Zoo Facebook
 
HOW TO DISPOSE OF SANDBAGS - Residents who no longer want to keep sandbags distributed earlier this week, in preparation of severe weather, can return the bags to the parking lot of the Ward 5 Council Office, at 4300 S. Park Ave. The drop-off location opened today at 10 a.m., and will remain open until Friday, Sept. 26 at 5 p.m. Staff from the City of Tucson Department of Transportation Streets and Maintenance Division will collect the sandbags at the end of each work day. Staff will not be on hand to collect sandbags from residents. Signs are posted in the parking lot to indicate the location for people to drop off sandbags. Monitor tucsonaz.gov for info and road closures.
 
SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK BEGINS TONIGHT - The El Rio Theatre Project will present its 8th Annual Shakespeare in the Park, with William Shakespeare's King Lear at the Himmel Park Outdoor Amphitheater, 1000 N. Tucson Blvd. Performances are scheduled for tonight, through Sept. 21, Sept. 25-28, and  Oct. 2-5. Curtain time is 7 p.m. for all performances. The event is free, with a suggested donation of $5. You're invited to bring a blanket and a picnic basket.
 
RIDE THE STREETCAR TO UA FOOTBALL GAME TOMORROW - University of Arizona football fans can ride the Sun Link Tucson Streetcar to University of Arizona football games. Prior to tomorrow's  7 p.m. game against the California Golden Bears, fans can experience the dining, entertainment, and retail opportunities at Main Gate Square, Fourth Avenue, Downtown Tucson, and the Mercado District, and then board the streetcar to the UA from any one of the 23 stops along the 3.9-mile route. Once on campus, Arizona Stadium is a short walk from the Second Street and Cherry Avenue stop. Fans can also park in one of the many garages downtown and take the streetcar to the game to avoid UA congestion. The Pennington Street Garage is offering discounted parking fees when you buy a Sun Link Day Pass, park in the garage, and ask for the "Park, Dine, and Ride" bundle. 
UA Parking and Transportation football information
 
TV SAFETY SEGMENT FROM TUCSON FIRE DEPARTMENT CELEBRATES 100TH EPISODE - KGUN9's "No Bad Days with Barrett" just completed 100 episodes. Each week, Tucson Fire Captain Barrett Baker offers safety tips, typically mixed with plenty of humor to keep them interesting.

City of Tucson Opens Sandbag Drop-Off Location

Posted September 19, 2014

Residents who no longer want to keep sandbags distributed earlier this week in preparation of severe weather can return the bags to the parking lot of the Ward 5 Council Office at 4300 S. Park Avenue. The drop-off location opened today at 10 a.m. and will remain open until Friday, September 26, 2014 at 5 p.m. Staff from the City of Tucson Department of Transportation Streets and Traffic Maintenance Division will collect the sandbags at the end of each work day. Staff will not be on hand to collect sandbags from residents.

Ajo Way - Country Club Road to 14th Avenue Resurfacing Project Work Rescheduled Until Tomorrow

Posted September 19, 2014

The milling and paving work scheduled for today on Ajo Way from Country Club Road to Kino Boulevard has been canceled due to wet roadways. Crews will resume milling and paving operations on Saturday, September 20, 2014 beginning at 5:30 a.m. Crews will work until 6 p.m. tomorrow, weather permitting. During this work two lanes of travel will be maintained in each direction. 

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