City News

NewsNet 11-06-14

Posted November 6, 2014

ALL SOULS PROCESSION THIS WEEKEND - One of Tucson's signature events happens Sunday, as the 25th annual All Souls Procession makes its way through Downtown Tucson. Thousands of people are expected in costumes and skeleton face paint to honor the dead. The procession will follow a two-mile route from Sixth Street and Sixth Avenue to the finale at Mercado San Agustin. Even though the big event starts at approximately 6:30 p.m. Sunday (gathering begins at 4 p.m.), activities begin Saturday with the Procession of Little Angels, 3 p.m. - dusk, at Armory Park, 221 S. 6th Ave. Organized by Many Mouths One Stomach, a nonprofit arts collective, the free event draws participants from across the country and the world. Parking is available at four garages downtown, or you can take the Sun Link Tucson Streetcar to the downtown area from the University of Arizona, 4th Avenue, or Mercado San Agustin, just west of downtown. For this Sunday only, the streetcar will run until 11 p.m. Read more from the Arizona Daily Star, and note traffic restrictions.

MAYOR AND COUNCIL REVISE GENERAL OBLIGATION DEBT POLICY - The Mayor and Tucson City Council yesterday voted to raise the self-imposed limit on General Obligation Bonds the City can issue. Current policy limits the combined primary and secondary property tax rate to a maximum of $1.50 per $100 of assessed value. The Council voted to increase the limit to the $1.75 per $100 maximum listed in the City Charter. The $1.75 figure is still well below the State of Arizona's imposed limit. While this change gives the City the capacity to issue approximately $70 million in additional bonds, those bonds cannot be issued without first being approved by voters. Read the Mayor and Council agenda materials.

AED CHALLENGE WINNER ANNOUNCED - University EMS received $5,000 yesterday for winning the HeartMap Challenge AED Scavenger Hunt. The team found the highest number of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in Pima County. The goal of the AED scavenger hunt, which ran Sept. 3- 30, was to raise awareness about AEDs and to build a comprehensive database of the devices’ locations. More than 1,300 AEDs were found in the Pima County by 170 participants. AEDs are electronic, briefcase size devices designed to allow bystanders to help someone who has collapsed during a cardiac arrest prior to the arrival of emergency medical services. Read the news release, and see photos of check presentation on TFD Facebook page.

HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE (HHW) COLLECTION SATURDAY - The City of Tucson is holding a Household Hazardous Waste collection Saturday at the El Rio Neighborhood Center, 1390 W. Speedway Blvd., from 8 a.m. until noon. Accepted materials include chemicals, oils, pesticides, automotive fluids and batteries, rechargeable batteries, toxic cleaning products, fluorescent lamps, paints, solvents, lawn and garden products, and computer equipment ($2 for monitors without computer). Drop off at HHW is free for City of Tucson residents. 
Download the 'My-Waste'™ app
Watch archived video about HHW, produced by Tucson 12

PARKS AND RECREATION OFFERS DISCOUNTS TO LOW-INCOME RESIDENTS - 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. To qualify for the discounts, you must be a City of Tucson resident, provide ID and address verification, and be able to prove your income falls within the discount guidelines. You can apply at any Parks and Recreation office. For more details on the requirements for the discounts, call Registration Services at (520) 791-4877.

Veterans Day Trash Pickup Update

Posted November 6, 2014

The Veterans’ Day holiday will be observed on Tuesday, November 11,
2014.  Residential and commercial trash and recycling will not be
collected. All City of Tucson residential and commercial customers with
Tuesday through Friday collection will have their trash and recycling
service delayed by one day. The Los Reales Landfill will be open.
Holiday collection schedules are available online at
https://www.tucsonaz.gov/environmental-services or if you have a smartphone, download the free

All Souls Procession - Travel Information

Posted November 6, 2014

Downtown will be the host of the annual All Souls Procession on Sunday, November 9, 2014.  The Procession will stage in the historic Warehouse District at Sixth Avenue and Seventh Street beginning Sunday at 4 p.m. The procession will begin moving through downtown at approximately 6:30 p.m. on Sunday. The Procession begins at Sixth Avenue and Alameda Street, proceeds west on Alameda Street to Granada Avenue and turns south to Congress Street.

NewsNet 11-05-14

Posted November 5, 2014

TUCSON NAMED A TOP CITY FOR EXPORT ASSISTANCE - Global Trade magazine lists Tucson as one of the top 10 cities in its 2014 “America’s Best Cities for Global Trade" report. The report includes 10 needs-oriented and relevant categories, looking at 10 of the best globally-minded cities with a great business environment and well-educated workforce. Tucson finished in the list of the top 10 cities for export assistance. "Tucson is an up-and-coming trade and logistics hub, and this recognition will further promote the City's capabilities for international trade," said Camila Bekat, economic development specialist for the City of Tucson. "Tucson's binational historic ties with Mexico give Tucson a competitive edge when engaging Arizona's largest trading partner."  Under direction from the Mayor and City Council, the Office of Economic Initiatives has staff dedicated to increasing direct foreign investment and assisting Tucson businesses to expand internationally.

EL TOUR DE TUCSON APPROACHING - The annual Special Olympics El Tour de Tucson is Nov. 22, and registration is ongoing. Organizers say El Tour is the largest cycling event in Southern Arizona. The race attracts cyclists from around the world, bringing in between $13 million to $18 million into the local economy. Since 1983, El Tour has raised more than $40 million for various nonprofit organizations. The primary beneficiary and sponsor of the 2014 El Tour is Special Olympics. The start and finish line is located at Armory Park, across the street from Children’s Museum Tucson on South 6th Avenue at 13th Street. Crossing the finish line ushers the riders into the next event - the El Tour Downtown Fiesta. Celebrate with music, food vendors, children's activities, awards, and more. 

COMMEMORATIVE TREES AVAILABLE TO RECOGNIZE LOVED ONES - Commemorative trees are available for purchase to be dedicated next month at Pantano River Park. Trees are available for purchase through Tucson Clean & Beautiful (in cooperation with the City of Tucson and Pima County) for $225 each, including the tree, irrigation lines, number marker installation, name dedication at a commemorative plaza, and guaranteed replacement. Tree dedication requests are accepted year-round, but Monday is the deadline for guaranteed planting by next month's ceremony. Tree dedications are partially tax deductible and may be purchased to honor or remember any friend or family member. The official dedication of the trees will be Dec. 5, 11 a.m. - noon, at Pantano River - Garden of the Families, 2500 S. Pantano Pkwy. For more information, read the Parks and Recreation news release.
Watch Tucson 12 video from a previous dedication ceremony.

VETERANS DAY VOLLEYBALL DOWNTOWN - The official Veterans Day holiday isn't until next Tuesday, but the celebration of veterans begins Saturday in Downtown Tucson with a beach volleyball tournament on the sand west of Hotel Congress. The Downtown Tucson Partnership is sponsoring the tournament, where service members stationed in Southern Arizona will compete in teams of four. Mayor Jonathan Rothschild will present the winning team with the City of Tucson Veterans Day Cup. Military vehicles will arrive for a special display at 3 p.m. Following the day's festivities, relax with your family for a showing of the film "Big Fish" at 6:30 p.m. Read more from the Downtown Tucson Partnership.

DOWNLOAD APP TO REPORT GRAFFITI IN TUCSON - Graffiti Protective Coatings and the City of Tucson have a smartphone application for reporting graffiti. MyTucson is a free download on the iOS App Store and Google Play for Android.
City of Tucson apps
Watch a University of Arizona Athletics PSA about the app

EXTENDED SUN LINK STREETCAR HOURS AVAILABLE FOR ALL SOULS PROCESSION Select Sun Tran routes on detour due to event

Posted November 5, 2014

 

 

TUCSON, Ariz. –This Sunday, November 9, the Sun Link streetcar has extended its hours of operation to 11 p.m. for the 25th annual All Souls Procession to allow event attendees to park, dine and ride Sun Link to the parade and grand finale. There are more than 11,000 parking spaces along the streetcar line and parking is free at more than 1,200 metered street spaces after 5 p.m. Friday through the weekend.

 

NewsNet 11-04-14

Posted November 4, 2014

AGENDA SPOTLIGHT: RAINWATER HARVESTING REBATES - The Mayor and Tucson City Council tomorrow will discuss expanding Tucson Water's Residential Rainwater Harvesting Incentives Rebate Program. The current program is in the final year of a three-year pilot phase, at which point a complete evaluation of the program will be conducted. While program participants cite a wide range of benefits from rainwater harvesting, Tucson Water is particularly interested in whether the program creates a reduction in water demand. Tucson Water will include small businesses in a revision of the current program, and will include rebates for rainwater harvesting projects for large businesses in a new program for commercial customers. Funding for all conservation programs, including those related to drought response needs, is from the Conservation Fee assessed to all customers. The Study Session begins tomorrow at 1:30 p.m. in Mayor and Council Chambers, 255 W. Alameda. Read more from the Arizona Daily Star, and view the agenda materials.

MAGAZINE NAMES TUCSON A BIKE-FRIENDLY CITY - Bicycling magazine calls Tucson a favorite winter training destination for pro cyclists, while also highlighting the city's sunny, dry climate, and its proximity to mountains. The magazine, which ranks Tucson 18th overall in its 2014 Top 50 Bike-Friendly Cities report, also mentions a robust network of bike boulevards for pros and casual riders, shared-use bike paths, and plenty of bike shops that cater to riders.
 
SPEEDWAY PAVEMENT IMPROVEMENTS CONTINUE - Beginning tomorrow, crews from Southern Arizona Paving and Construction Co., under contract with the City of Tucson Department of Transportation (TDOT), will begin work to improve pavement conditions on Speedway Boulevard, from Greasewood Road to Silverbell Road. The pavement improvement is part of the voter-approved $100 million, five-year Road Recovery bond project. Crews will start the project by lowering manhole and water valve covers. Work hours will be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with scheduled completion by this Friday. Crews will return to the area on Monday, Nov. 10 to begin milling (removing asphalt) and paving operations, scheduled to be finished on Thursday, Nov. 13. Work hours for that portion of the project will be 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Read the news release and the Bond Oversight Commission Annual Report.
 
PULL TO THE RIGHT FOR SIRENS AND LIGHTS - As you drive through the city on a daily basis, you've no doubt heard the emergency sirens and instinctively slowed down and tried to get out of the way. Tucson Fire Captain Barrett Baker offers some tips on what to do - and what not to do - when you see a fire truck or other emergency vehicle with sirens and flashing lights.
 
DOWNTOWN LECTURE SERIES ON FOOD CONTINUES - The University of Arizona's College of Social and Behavioral Sciences' Downtown Lecture Series returns to the historic Fox Theatre tomorrow. The 2014 lecture series is exploring food and its relationships with health, culture, and the environment. This week's lecture by Emma Blake focuses on lessons we can we learn about food from the Roman Empire. Tickets for the free, public lecture will be available at the Fox Theatre box office beginning tomorrow at 4 p.m. Attendees can ride the Sun Link Tucson Streetcar to the event and enjoy the dining and retail opportunities along the route at Main Gate Square, Fourth Avenue, Downtown Tucson, or the Mercado District.
Park Tucson

ROAD RECOVERY SPEEDWAY BOULEVARD - GREASEWOOD ROAD TO SILVERBELL ROAD RESURFACING PROJECT

Posted November 4, 2014

On Wednesday, November 5, 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 pavement conditions on Speedway Boulevard from Greasewood Road to Silverbell Road. Crews will begin the project by lowering manhole covers and water valve covers. Work hours will be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This work is scheduled to be complete by Friday, November 7, 2014.

Speedway Boulevard: Greasewood Road to Silverbell Road

Posted November 3, 2014

RESURFACING PROJECT

On Wednesday, November 5, 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 pavement conditions on Speedway Boulevard from Greasewood Road to Silverbell Road. Crews will begin the project by lowering manhole covers and water valve covers. Work hours will be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This work is scheduled to be complete by Friday, November 7, 2014.  

NewsNet 11-03-14

Posted November 3, 2014

WATCH RESTORATION OF NEW 'POCKET PARK' NEAR TCC - An area between the Tucson Music Hall and the Leo Rich Theater has been renovated to its 1970s glory (watch Tucson 12 video of last week's dedication). The "pocket park" demonstration project is part of the Eckbo landscape, a nearly six-acre space that sits north of the Tucson Convention Center. Work on the park was funded by a private group called TCC Today, which hopes to restore the Eckbo area to what it was in its heyday, complete with running water and wooden benches. The full landscape restoration project, which includes now-empty fountains, is competing for a spot on a proposed 2015 Pima County bond election. Landscape architect Garrett Eckbo was considered one of the most influential landscape architects of the 20th century, and his work at the TCC was honored by the American Society of Landscape Architects shortly after its completion.
 
WALL STREET JOURNAL FEATURES AN ARTICLE ABOUT TUCSON WATER - The Wall Street Journal recently spotlighted the new Tucson-Phoenix water-sharing partnership, which could be a model for other cities. Through the program, both cities can continue reliable deliveries to customers even during times of shortage on the Colorado River. Read the article from the Wall Street Journal (HTML - requires login/subscription) or via a PDF of the complete story. Visit Tucson Water website.
 
FREE VIN ETCHING THIS WEEK - The Tucson Police Department (TPD), Arizona Automobile Theft Authority, and Regional Auto Theft Law Enforcement Response will offer free window etching of Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN) for motorists this Friday. The event will be held from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. in front of the Pantano Branch of Sun West Federal Credit Union, 7725 E. Broadway Blvd. VIN etching is a permanent theft deterrent applied to all vehicle window glass. If a car is stolen with etching, thieves would have to replace every piece of glass before selling it. TPD says that costs the thieves extra time and money...enough to make them move on to easier targets. Some insurance companies also offer a discount for having the etching. Vehicle owners attending the event are asked to donate at least two non-perishable food items for the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona. Read more from TPD Facebook page.
 
LANDFILL AND RECYCLING FACILITY TOURS AVAILABLE - In celebration of America Recycles Day next week, the City of Tucson Environmental Services Department (ES) is offering a combined tour of the Los Reales Landfill and the ReCommunity, Inc. Materials Recovery Facility (MRF). Participants will get a behind the scenes view, learn how ES operates the landfill, and see how recyclables collected in the blue barrels are sorted and marketed at the MRF. To reserve a seat for the Nov. 14 tour, call ES at 791-3175 by next Monday, Nov. 10. Read the news release, and take a video tour of the MRF.
 
NEED HELP STARTING OR EXPANDING A BUSINESS IN TUCSON? CALL THE SMALL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE LINE - The City of Tucson's Small Business Assistance Line, (520) 837-4100, is available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Help is available in both English and Spanish. Staff from the City Manager's Office of Economic Initiatives answer the calls. The Small Business Assistance Line is one of a number of City initiatives, along with 21 new business incentives, streamlined permit processes and more, to make the City of Tucson more business-friendly.

NewsNet 10-31-14

Posted October 31, 2014

STREETCAR RIDERSHIP EXCEEDING PROJECTIONS - After a little more than three months in operation, the Sun Link Tucson Streetcar is carrying more passengers than predicted. Average daily ridership has been increasing steadily since the streetcar's debut July 25. As of this month, the average has been about 4,200 passengers. Projections before launch had been about 3,600. So far, Sun Link has generated $900 million in investments along the route and revitalized Downtown Tucson. Since 2008, 194 new businesses have opened downtown and 158 of those businesses remain open, according to reports from the Downtown Tucson Partnership. Sun Link travels a 3.9-mile route between the University of Arizona, Fourth Avenue, Downtown Tucson, and the Mercado District.

ONE-DAY PARK BUILD TOMORROW - The all-ages redesign of La Madera Park, 2700 E La Madera Drive, is scheduled to be completed tomorrow during a six-hour, one-day build. The City of Tucson, Lend a Hand Senior Assistance, and Humana Inc. are working with KaBOOM! (a national non-profit organization that has built more than 2,300 playgrounds) to build a one-of-a-kind, multi-generational playground. The customized playground, funded primarily by Humana, is being created using drawings and other input from community members, including children and seniors. The new design is senior-focused with adult elements, including fitness stations and walking paths to promote good posture, balance, and flexibility. There also will be traditional, kid-friendly equipment to create a multi-generational space. Read the news release, and watch Tucson 12 video of playground equipment removal.
 
JOB OPPORTUNITY: TUCSON POLICE OFFICER - The Tucson Police Department (TPD) is accepting applications for the position of Police Officer Recruit. Successful candidates from this testing period will be considered for any funded academy class(es) within the next six months. The earliest academy that will be filled from this list is January 2015. The application deadline is Nov. 9. Read more from TPD, and view the official job description from City of Tucson. You also can ride along with an officer who gives advice about joining TPD, from Tucson 12 archives.
 
CELEBRATE THE DAY AFTER HALLOWEEN AT THE ZOO - The Reid Park Zoo is hosting a Pumpkin Bash tomorrow. Keepers will offer pumpkins to many of the animals, including elephants, otters, and bears, as they go on exhibit at 9 a.m. You can watch how they react all morning. While you're there be sure to visit Nandi, the baby African elephant, and the Zoo's youngest resident, a two-week-old baby flamingo. See photos on Reid Park Zoo Facebook page.
 
HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE (HHW) COLLECTION TOMORROW - Do you have unused chemicals, oils or pesticides sitting in your shed or garage? The City of Tucson is hosting a Household Hazardous Waste collection tomorrow at the Eastside Service Center, 7575 E. Speedway Blvd. (turn north on Prudence from Speedway), from 8 a.m. until noon. Accepted materials include automotive fluids and batteries, rechargeable batteries, toxic cleaning products, fluorescent lamps, paints, solvents, lawn and garden products, and computer equipment ($2 for monitors without computer). Drop off at HHW is free for City of Tucson residents. Another collection event will be held Saturday, Nov. 8 at El Rio Neighborhood Center, 1390 W. Speedway Blvd. Download the 'My-Waste'™ App.

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