City News

The Tucson Department of Transportation says it can deliver better lighting that saves energy and money without adding light pollution.

An energy audit conducted for the City by the vendor selling the lighting system says Tucson could save $180,000 a month on electrical costs and reduce overall lumens by 62 percent.

Unlike the current lighting system, the new lighting would be able to be dimmed or turned up as needed.

Any change would need to be approved by the Tucson City Council.

City of Tucson Procurement Director Marcheta Gillespie recently was the subject of two national procurement articles.

Spend Matters profiles Gillespie's career and her rise to the top of the award-winning department..

Starting Jan. 15, Sun Tran Fare Enforcement Officers will ride select bus routes to help discourage fare evasion and unwanted behavior on the buses. Officers can issue citations that could result in fines ranging from $100-$2,500, depending on the severity and number of offenses.

Adding the officers is meant to increase the safety of passengers and drivers, make sure all passengers pay their fares, and help keep buses on time when issues arise.

The Tucson Pima Collaboration to End Homelessness (TPCH) is required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to conduct an annual count of people experiencing homelessness in our community. TPCH is a coalition of community and faith-based organizations, government entities, businesses, and individuals committed to the mission of ending homelessness and addressing the issues related to homelessness in our community.

City of Tucson Parks and Recreation offers discounts that allow low-income residents to pay a 50 percent discounted fee for KIDCO, Jr. Leadership, In-Betweener's, Learn-to-Swim, and therapeutic programs. There also is a 25 percent discount for annual/quarterly passes at recreation centers and for a Senior Activity Card.

Tucson Parks and Recreation presents the 32nd annual Senior Olympic Festival, Jan. 9-31, at several venues throughout Tucson. The festival is a celebration to promote fitness, health, and an active lifestyle among adults 50 years of age and older.

Some of the events include volleyball, bowling, bridge, racquetball, basketball shoot, pickleball, archery, golf, tennis, horseshoes, badminton, and more.

As you get rid of your cut Christmas tree, it's a good time to think about planting a tree in your yard. If you order this month or next, you will get free delivery to your home, and the cost for three trees is $15 (limit three trees).

Trees for Tucson is an urban forestry program of Tucson Clean & Beautiful, Inc., and the Home Shade Tree program is sponsored by Tucson Electric Power.