City News

NewsNet 08-11-14

Posted August 11, 2014

CITY SEEKING DEVELOPER FOR REDEVELOPMENT OF TRANSIT CENTER - The City of Tucson is looking for a developer for a 4.7-acre site in the heart of downtown (Congress Street and Sixth Avenue) to create a distinctive multi-modal, mixed-use development incorporating a modern transit center. Adjacent to the Sun Link Tucson Streetcar line, the area currently consists of the Ronstadt Transit Center and two surface parking lots. More than $930 million in recent private and public investment - including new restaurants, shops, businesses, and housing - surround the site. Upcoming investments near the area include a grocery store, a new hotel, additional housing, and roadway improvements. The City’s goal is to transform the development site from a single-use transit center into a mixed-use development that contributes to an active, economically-robust downtown. Requests for Proposals (RFP) are due Aug. 28, 2014. More information is available at the City of Tucson Office of Integrated Planning.
 
RENOVATION OF PORT OF ENTRY AT NOGALES EXPECTED TO BE FINISHED BY END OF THIS MONTH - The Mariposa Port of Entry, built in 1973, is undergoing a nearly $200 million renovation that will substantially increase the number of inspection booths and spaces. The changes are expected to speed up the flow of commerce and visitors through the port of entry.  A 2008 study from the University of Arizona found that 5.2 percent of total taxable sales in Pima County were due to Mexican visitors. Every day, Mexican visitors to Arizona spend more than $7 million in hotels, malls, restaurants and other businesses, the report found. “We really need to nurture that clientele,” said Juan Padrés, the City of Tucson's economic development specialist for international trade. The faster visitors get through customs checks at ports of entry, like Mariposa, the more time and money they can spend in Tucson and other parts of Arizona, he said. The City of Tucson relies on sales tax to help fund basic services such as public safety, transportation, parks and recreation, and more. Read more from the Arizona Daily Star.
City of Tucson Economic Initiatives Office
 
REID PARK ZOO JOINS IN "WORLD ELEPHANT DAY" TOMORROW - As the Reid Park Zoo awaits the birth of the African elephant Semba's calf, the Zoo is joining with individuals and organizations around the world to demonstrate support for programs that protect elephants in the wild. They say increasing demand for ivory has created a crisis in wild elephant populations, which could drive the species to extinction. The website for World Elephant Day says 96 elephants are killed each day in Africa for their ivory tusks. The social media hashtag for the campaign is #GoGrey.
 
TOMORROW IS DEADLINE TO SIGN UP FOR CITY PARKS AND RECREATION CLASSES - Whether you like gymnastics for your children, aerobics, arts and crafts, ceramics, photography, or have some other type of interest, Tucson Parks and Recreation probably has a class for you. If you haven't already registered for a spot, you have until tomorrow to do so. You can view the Program Guide & Class Catalog online, and even register for classes.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL SAFETY TIPS FROM TUCSON FIRE DEPARTMENT - Now that classes are back in session, it's a good time to brush up on some safety tips.  Tucson Fire Department Captain Barrett Baker visited an elementary school classroom to teach parents and children how to stay safe while walking to school.

Newsnet

Posted August 8, 2014

SUN TRAN AND TEAMSTERS ANNOUNCE NEW CONTRACT - Sun Tran and Teamsters Local 104 union members agreed on a new one-year contract last night, averting a possible work stoppage. The new contract, which stayed within the adopted 2015 budget, was ratified with a union vote of 292 to 93 in favor of the $1 million plan, which gives a one-time wage adjustment for all bargaining unit employees who have been employed longer than six months and are not in the top-rate wage level. Both parties acknowledged the importance of Sun Tran bus service to the community.

Karin's Note: Friday, August 8, 2014

Posted August 8, 2014

Karin's Note: Friday, August 8, 2014
 
-Ward 3 Events
-Upcoming Area Neighborhood and Coalition Meeting(s)
-Citywide Events
-Did You Know?
 
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Dear Tucsonans,
 
Here’s the latest from our Tuesday Mayor and Council meeting and other community highlights.
 
Mayor and Council Meeting
 

NewsNet 08-08-14

Posted August 8, 2014

SUN TRAN AND TEAMSTERS ANNOUNCE NEW CONTRACT - Sun Tran and Teamsters Local 104 union members agreed on a new one-year contract last night, averting a possible work stoppage. The new contract, which stayed within the adopted 2015 budget, was ratified with a union vote of 292 to 93 in favor of the $1 million plan, which gives a one-time wage adjustment for all bargaining unit employees who have been employed longer than six months and are not in the top-rate wage level. Both parties acknowledged the importance of Sun Tran bus service to the community. On an average weekday, Sun Tran provides about 60,000 passenger trips. Read more from the Arizona Daily Star.
 
TUCSON POLICE FOUNDATION SEEKING 'UNSUNG HERO' NOMINEES - Do you know a Tucson Police officer, civilian, or volunteer with the department who has taken that extra step to help you or others? If so, please consider nominating that person for an "Unsung Hero" award. Past recipients of the awards traditionally have been nominated by Tucson Police Department members. This year, the Foundation decided to open the nominations to the public. The deadline to submit a nomination is Sept. 30, and the award ceremonies will be held Jan. 24, 2015.
Tucson Police Department Facebook page
Tucson Police Department website
 
TWO BIG BICYCLING EVENTS GEAR UP FOR FALL - Living Streets Alliance is getting ready for its big Cyclovia event Nov. 2. The route will connect the North 6th Avenue area with the North 4th Avenue- North Fontana Bike Boulevard. Volunteer opportunities are still available to help make the twice-a-year event a success. Meanwhile, organizers are nearing the end of their campaign to raise $15,000 by Aug. 15 to help pay for costs associated with the family-friendly event. Another big bicycling event in the planning stages is the Special Olympics El Tour de Tucson on Nov. 22. Registration already is underway for the annual racing event, which organizers say attracts 9,000 cyclists of all ages and abilities from throughout the United States and worldwide.
 
HOW TO BICYCLE IN THE STREETCAR ZONE - With the Sun Link Tucson Streetcar in operation, bicyclists need to be extra attentive when riding near the streetcar tracks. New markings - including green bike boxes, bike dots, and shared-lane markings - help guide cyclists where they need to be to stay safe and more visible. The City of Tucson produced a video that describes the safest ways to ride.

NEW FEMALE CAPYBARA INTRODUCED TO EXHIBIT MATE AT REID PARK ZOO - Rosie the capybara was introduced to her new exhibit last month, and after quarantine ended last week, she was able to meet Wesley, her male exhibit companion. Rosie arrived at the Reid Park Zoo in late May from the Alameda Park Zoo in Alamogordo, New Mexico. Zookeepers say the two seem to be getting along just fine. Rosie is a couple months shy of her second birthday and Wesley is 4-years-old. Capybaras are the world's largest rodents.
Photos of the two capybaras from Reid Park Zoo Facebook page
Tucson 12 / Zoo News video of Wesley

Pima County Recorder Speaks Out About Cherrybell Post Office

Posted August 8, 2014

The following is a letter Pima County Recorder F. Ann Rodriguez sent to the Pima County Board of Supervisors about the Cherrybell Post Office situation:

Dear Supervisors,

 

You recently received communication that we mailed out over 227,000 vote-by-mail ballots on Thursday July 31st.  That was the first day we can legally begin mailing ballots by law.

 

PCC Men’s Soccer Selected 19th in Preseason Poll

Posted August 7, 2014

 

 

Tucson, AZ – The Pima Community College men’s soccer team will begin the 2014 season ranked 19th in the NJCAA Division I top 20 preseason poll.

The Aztecs are coming off their 18th straight appearance in the Region I, Division I tournament and their 10th straight appearance in the Region I, Division I semifinals game under coach David Cosgrove. They finished last with a 14-7-1 overall record.

Pima will open the season on Friday, Aug. 22 at Arizona Western College in Yuma.

Early Ballot Update

Posted August 7, 2014

 

F. Ann Rodriguez, the Pima County Recorder, is issuing a Stranger Danger advisory to all voters in Pima County.   DO NOT give your voted early ballots to a stranger.  This warning includes a stranger who is at your front door.

NewsNet 08-07-14

Posted August 7, 2014

TUCSON WATER DIRECTOR: SUFFICIENT WATER SUPPLY THROUGH 2050; PLANNING FOR FUTURE - While Tucson Water Director Alan Forrest says the city has enough water to meet demands for the next 36 years, he also says it's critical to start planning for the future beyond that point. In a guest opinion in the Arizona Daily Star, Forrest says "To ensure longer-term supply goals, and to address the threat of intermittent shortages on the Colorado River, we must continue to develop additional renewable water supplies." One of those resources is expanding the use of recycled purified water to integrate into the drinking water system, similar to the way Tucson Water currently blends Colorado River with potable water by recharging it into the ground. "Additional purification processes will be included to ensure the water being delivered to our customers meets all drinking-water standards," Forrest writes. "Throughout this process, we will continue to provide information and ask for input from you — our customers." Read the Recycled Water Master Plan Executive Summary.
 
TUCSON'S LINCOLN PARK TO HOST JENNIE FINCH SOFTBALL CAMP - The City of Tucson Parks and Recreation Department, Visit Tucson, and Pima Community College will host the Jennie Finch Softball Camp at the Lincoln Park Softball Complex, 8116 E. Escalante Road, Nov. 8-9. The camp is open to all girls in the third grade and up. Former UA Softball standout Jennie Finch and her Olympic and professional softball teammates will offer two full days of personal instruction covering all aspects of softball. Advanced registration is required and participation is limited for the fee-based camp, which follows a successful ASA 18U Girls’ Fastpitch Class A West National Championship tournament that was in Tucson last week. Of the 17 teams that participated, 12 teams traveled from outside of Tucson, and seven of them from out of state. On Championship Sunday, the Tucson Scramblers defeated the West Coast Predators twice to claim the title as the ASA/USA 18U A West National Champion. Read more details in the news release from Tucson Parks and Recreation.
 
RIDE THE STREETCAR TO 2nd SATURDAYS DOWNTOWN - The monthly, free, family-friendly event this Saturday begins with gallery shows at 9 a.m. and entertainment later in the day. At 6:30 p.m., the main stage at Scott Avenue and Congress Street features musical groups, and there are plenty of activities for children. Food from vendors and downtown eateries will be available. This will be the first 2nd Saturdays with the streetcar in operation, so you can park not only in the downtown area, but at the University of Arizona, and along 4th Avenue to catch a ride downtown (regular streetcar fares apply - see story below). There are 11,000 parking spaces along the 3.9-mile route. Street parking downtown is free on Saturdays, or you can pay to park in one of the garages.
 
FARE OPTIONS FOR STREETCAR - There are many fare options available to ride the streetcar. Cash is not accepted on the car, but you can use it at machines at the stops to buy a $4 one-day pass. In addition, you can buy SunGO passes online or at regular Sun Tran merchants. Discount fares are available for certain students, low-income residents, seniors and disabled passengers. University of Arizona faculty, staff, and students will be able to ride the streetcar for free for 30 days beginning August 15, if they sign up for a special U-pass.
Watch How to Ride video
Cómo viajar video
 
GET THE LATEST 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 Twittter for timely, concise updates throughout the day.

Message from Pima County Recorder F. Ann Rodriguez

Posted August 7, 2014

INDEPENDENT VOTERS CAN CHOOSE A PRIMARY BALLOT

 

 

Pima County Recorder F. Ann Rodriguez would like to remind Pima County voters who are not registered as one of the major political parties (otherwise known as Independent voters or Party Not Designated voters) that they have can choose ONE political party ballot to vote for the Primary election. They can choose to vote either a Democrat, Republican, Libertarian or Green party ballot.

Sun Tran and Teamsters Reach Tentative Agreement

Posted August 7, 2014

Sun Tran officials and representatives from Teamsters Local 104 have announced a tentative agreement on a new contract.  Both sides have agreed to extend the current contract until 11:59 p.m. Thursday, August 7, 2014, to allow the members the opportunity to vote on the final contract proposal. The public can expect business as usual through August 7. The current contract extension was to expire at midnight Wednesday night.

A series of meeting will be held for union members to vote on Thursday, August 7, 2014.

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