Karin's Note: November 23, 2011
 

-Shop Local with Vice Mayor Uhlich

- After Thanksgiving Grease Collection

-Community Conversation on Grant Road Improvement Plan

-Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair

-Did you know...

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 Dear Tucsonans,

We addressed several items of community interest this week that I want to update you on, in addition to sharing news of upcoming events.

Occupy Tucson

Last week the Council considered a motion to begin the public process for creating a designated 24-hour space for public assembly/protests. The motion would not have undone TPD’s ongoing enforcement of City ordinances in relation to Occupy Tucson. Chief Villasenor and our officers have issued citations for violations associated with the Occupy Tucson protest downtown; those citations as well as the Occupy Tucson lawsuit contending that existing City laws violate state constitutional protections now fall under the jurisdiction of the courts.

Mayor/Council cannot direct enforcement perimeters nor can we waive the consequences of past violations. What we can do is consider changes to City laws which could affect not only Occupy Tucson but any and all other assemblies/protests in the future. I voted to move the concept forward for further public process and consideration, however the motion failed on a 3-3 vote.

I remain concerned about the constitutional questions being raised and want to be sure the City does not undermine constitutional protections. I also want to be fair and emphasize that changes to any City laws would be applied evenly to all residents and groups moving forward…whether that be through the designation of a 24-hour zone or any other proposal that Mayor/Council considers in the future. I am committed to examining any options offered in order to be wise about how we devote our public safety personnel and resources, as well as to be responsive to these extraordinary and challenging economic and political times.

Transit

Last week the Council also received an update on our transit/bus system, including the push by the Regional Transportation Authority for us to retain our current management company rather than putting that contract out to bid, as called for in the City procurement code. I am in favor of putting the contract out to bid to ensure that we get the best service for the least cost to Tucsonans. We affirmed that direction to staff so the Request for Proposals can be finalized.

I also reaffirmed that any change to our fare structure must be formally approved by Mayor/Council because TDOT staff was contemplating charging cash-paying riders for transfers (there is no charge for transfers at this time). Such a charge could easily double the cost of riding the bus for many of our customers; if we intend to do so we need to allow for public input and evaluate the overall impact on riders and our projections. While moving to a Smart Card payment system will clearly improve our transit system, the transition from cash to cards must be handled responsibly.

Zoo Elephants

This week we discussed the elephants in the Reid Park Zoo, Connie (an Asian elephant) and Shaba (an African elephant) that have lived together at the zoo for the past thirty years. With the welcomed expansion of the zoo space for elephants, administrators plan to integrate a new herd of African elephants and propose sending Connie to San Diego. While I am against the move, based on my admittedly limited understanding of how elephants bond and attach to one another, this is a decision that falls under the purview of management staff who presented compelling scientific rationale for their decision . During the meeting I requested additional written information from the staff to back up their decision and their reasons for denial of all other options. I will be sure and share that as soon as I have it.

Economic Measures

This week I joined with colleagues in voting to extend three key Land Use Code provisions aimed at encouraging investment within the City limits.  From our conversation and the feedback received at the public hearing, there are still some issues to be worked out, and Mayor/Council remains committed to insuring these critical adjustments to our land use code are balanced with preserving the character and history of our neighborhoods.

Lastly, I want to invite you all to join me THIS Friday in doing our part for our economy!  I will be kicking off Buy Local Month with my traditional Black Friday morning of shopping local.  Starting at 9:00 a.m. Friday, November 25^th at Raging Sage coffee house, we meander through five (5) different local spots, and end up back at Campbell Plaza for lunch.  The events section below has the full itinerary for the morning.  I hope you will join me for all, or part of the day!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Karin

Reminder: The Ward 3 Council Office will be closed on Thursday, November 24 in observance of Thanksgiving and on Friday, November 25 for a mandated unpaid furlough day.
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Ward 3 Events
  

-Kick Off "Buy Local Month" with Vice Mayor Uhlich – Join Vice Mayor Uhlich on Black Friday (November 25^th) for a morning shopping spree at local establishments. Since 2008 Karin has been spending her day after Thanksgiving supporting local stores, while encouraging others to do the same.  As in past years, the public is invited to join her as she makes her way through an eclectic mix of local stores, some resale in fact, that reflect Tucson’s character, while also providing options for those on tight budgets. Join in for some or all of the stops along the route.  Meet at Raging Sage at 9:00 a.m. to begin the day. 

 The itinerary for Karin’s Shopping day is as follows: 

     9:00 a.m. at Raging Sage Coffee Roasters: a small micro-roastery, committed to providing customers with the finest coffee experience, delivered in the most sustainable way. – 2458 N. Campbell Ave.  320-5203

     9:20 a.m. at Bookmans Entertainment Exchange: an Arizona institution for over 30 years, Bookmans relies on customers for what they sell - books, music, movies, video games and systems, magazines, comics, electronics, tchotchkes, musical instruments, and more.   - 1920 E. Grant Rd.  325-5767

     9:50 a.m. at Sarnoff Art and Writing: locally owned, one-stop store for fine & graphic artist supplies, architectural equipment, furniture, art books, stationary & specialty pens. - 2504 N. Campbell Ave.  795-1229

     10:15 a.m. at ReActivate New and Used Activewear: a new store specializing in new and gently used active wear and gear. According to the owner, ReActivate's is active living plus active giving. – 2782 N. Campbell Ave. 325 -4295

     10:45 a.m. at Bohemia: noted to be “a funky, colorful and eclectic emporium that offers gifts, goods, furniture and art created by artists right here in Tucson, AZ.” – 2920 E. Broadway. 882-0800

    11:15 a.m. at Habistore:  - changing the world one couch at a time by selling surplus new and used building, home improvement materials, appliances and furniture to the public with proceeds going to Habitat Tucson mission of eliminating poverty housing within our community. - 935 W. Grant Rd.  889-7200

    11:45 a.m. lunch at Loving Spoonfuls:  Reviewed as “a really tasty all-vegan food, comfortable atmosphere, reasonable prices, close to University of Arizona, a Tucson "original." – 2990 N. Campbell Ave.  325-7766

     *Give us a call at the Ward 3 Office (791-4711) if you plan to join Karin so we can look for you.

-Day-After-Thanksgiving Grease Collection & Recycling Event – Friday, November 25 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Ward 3 Council Office, 1510 E. Grant Road. Pima County Regional Wastewater Reclamation Department is hosting this event. Don’t pour cooking grease down the drain! Bring cans of cooled cooking grease and oil to the Ward 3 parking lot. More info: 740-6500 or www.pima.gov/wwm/programs/sos/docs/grease.pdf

-Community Conversation on Grant Road Improvement Plan – Monday, November 28 from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Ward 3 Council Office, 1510 E. Grant Road. Vice Mayor Uhlich and the Grant Road Improvement Plan team invite you to learn more about the next phase of planning and provide your input. More info: 791-4711.

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Events City Wide

 -Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair – Saturday and Sunday, November 26 and 27 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day. Reid Park, just west of the DeMeester Outdoor Performance Center. Free annual event, 125 artisans and a variety of food and refreshments available.

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Did You Know…

that MADD Victim Services supports victims of drunk driving crashes? This service includes court accompaniment, monthly support groups, resources, referrals and assistance with victim compensation. MADD’s Victim Advocates are available at 520-322-5253 or email: Jason.Frazier@madd.org or Cyra.Trujillo@madd.org In addition, there is a 24 hour hotline: 1-877-MADD.HELP or 1-877-623-3435.

that the City of Tucson offers American Heart Association CPR certification courses?  Save A Life Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing basic first aid and CPR instructions.  Taught by off-duty members of the Tucson Fire Department, open sessions are available two to three times per week.  Private sessions are available to groups and organizations with a five student minimum requirement, and are scheduled two to three weeks in advance.  For more information, log onto savealifetfd.com or call 623-8484.  Sessions are available in Spanish as well.

Reminder – The Ward 3 Council Office collects for the Community Food Bank and Tucson Diaper Bank throughout the year. We especially need donations during the holiday season.