City News

NewsNet 10-02-14

Posted October 2, 2014

TCC KITCHEN TO BE INCLUDED IN ARENA RENOVATION - The Rio Nuevo Board voted yesterday to add an additional $300,000 to its Tucson Convention Center (TCC) renovation contract to fix plumbing, ceilings, walls, the floor, and equipment in the kitchen and concession areas of the TCC. The money is in addition to the $7.8 million in arena upgrades already underway at the facility. Although the kitchen renovation will become part of Rio Nuevo’s overall makeover of the TCC, the City is paying for the kitchen work to improve the health and safety of the area. “They asked if they could piggyback on the contract and they would pay for everything,” said Rio Nuevo Chairman Fletcher McCusker. Working with the existing TCC contractor will expedite the repairs and provide a cost savings to the City. Pending Mayor and Council approval, the money for the repairs would come out of the City's contingency fund and savings on medical contracts. The kitchen fixes are expected to be finished in December, after the other repairs are finished. Read more from the Arizona Daily Star.
 
MEXICAN BASEBALL RETURNS TO TUCSON TONIGHT - The Mexican Baseball League is back at Kino Stadium, tonight through Sunday, for its fourth annual Vamos a Tucson Mexican Baseball Fiesta. The tournament, sponsored Visit Tucson and Cox Communications, features eight games between some of the best and most popular professional baseball teams in Mexico. Visit Tucson reports last year's Mexican Baseball Fiesta generated about $$350,000 for Tucson and Pima County. Read more from Tucson News Now.
Watch 2011 video from Tucson 12 archives
 
PHOENIX TO START SAVING WATER IN TUCSON - The City of Phoenix will soon begin diverting its share of Colorado River to Tucson. Phoenix will purchase space to store the water in Tucson aquifers, as part of an agreement announced yesterday. Phoenix only uses about two-thirds of its allotted water and has been diverting its excess back to the Central Arizona Project - which manages Colorado River water - because the city doesn't have the infrastructure to pump it all. Now, Phoenix will begin diverting its excess share of water to Tucson, which has a more extensive pumping system. Tucson can then direct the equivalent amount to Phoenix if supplies run low. In turn, Tucson will spend less money pumping water because water levels will stand higher, officials said. Read more from azcentral.
 
HISTORIC MIRACLE MILE EVENT PART OF TUCSON MODERNISM WEEK - The Historic Miracle Mile Event will be held this Saturday, beginning at 10 a.m. Free program guides, self-guided driving brochures, and kids’ coloring sheets and crayons will be available at an information booth at the Pima Community College Downtown Campus, in the parking lot off Stone Avenue and Oracle Road. The annual event is part of Tucson Modernism Week, which runs from Oct. 3 - 11. Read the news release.
 
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

NewsNet 10-01-14

Posted October 1, 2014

COMMUNITY FORUMS BEGIN TOMORROW TO DISCUSS HUD FUNDING - The City of Tucson and Pima County are hosting meetings to discuss community needs that can be addressed with annual entitlement funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The City of Tucson receives approximately $8 million per year under various federal programs, including Community Development Block Grants. Public input received at these forums will be used to prepare the Fiscal Year 2016 City of Tucson/Pima County Five-Year Consolidated Plan, which will incorporate community needs, available resources, strategies, and priorities for the five-year period beginning on July 1, 2015. The first meeting is scheduled for tomorrow, Oct. 2, from 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. at the Community Resource Campus, 320 N. Commerce Park Loop. Read the news release.
 
TUCSON POLICE DEPARTMENT RECEIVES GRANT FOR VEHICLE OCCUPANT SAFETY - The Tucson Police Department (TPD) is the recipient of a $50,736 Occupant Protection Grant from the Governor's Office of Highway Safety (GOHS). The money will be used to stress the importance of using seatbelts and child restraints. This will be accomplished through hands-on classroom education, public car seat check events, and a comprehensive enforcement effort. Two public events will be held this Saturday to answer questions about car seats and booster seats. Nationally-certified car seat technicians will be in attendance at the events at Kmart (7055 E. Broadway, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.) and Home Depot (1155 W. Irvington, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.). Booster seats will be provided for eligible children at the Home Depot event. Read the news release.
 
TUCSON POLICE NAB SUSPECT IN PICKPOCKET OF ELDERLY MAN - After the pickpocketing of an 83-year-old man was caught on a security camera outside of a Tucson drugstore, Tucson Police sprung into action in search of the suspect, who took $200 from the victim, along with a credit card and his Social Security Card. The incident happened near Grant and Oracle. Police from Operations Division West were able to identify the suspect through their monthly anti-theft meetings with area merchants. Officers say Anthony Russell confessed after questioning, saying it was a "stupid act," and he apologized to the victim.
 
COMMUNITY-DESIGNED PARK REACHES ANOTHER MILESTONE - The all-ages redesign of La Madera Park, 2700 E La Madera Drive, completed another phase yesterday, as all of the old playground equipment was removed (watch Tucson 12 video). A successful community Design Day last month (see pictures) kicked off the first phase of the redesign of La Madera Park, 2700 E La Madera Drive. 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 design a one-of-a-kind, multi-generational playground. The customized playground, funded primarily by Humana, will be created with personal drawings and other input from local 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. A community volunteer build day will be held on Nov. 1. If you'd like to help, call 791-4711 or email lamaderaproject2014@gmail.com.

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Water Main Repairs to Restrict Traffic on Davis Ave., North of Ruthrauff

Posted September 30, 2014

(1630 hours) Work to repair a series of water main breaks on September 26 will continue to restrict traffic on Davis Avenue, north of Ruthrauff Road. The affected area is east of Interstate 10.

Work will continue this week to complete repairs at the intersection of Davis Avenue and Ruthrauff Road. Intermittent lane closures will take place while the contractor completes work. On Tuesday and Wednesday (September 30 and October 1), the westbound right turn lane from Ruthrauff onto Davis will be closed. Motorists should still be able to make a right turn from the center lane.

LULAC sends 4 students to participate in Annual Youth Leadership Seminar Featuring STEM Experts from the White House, NASA, NSF, and Non-Profit Leaders

Posted September 30, 2014

LULAC sends 4 students to participate in Annual Youth Leadership Seminar Featuring STEM Experts from the White House, NASA, NSF, and Non-Profit Leaders

 

NewsNet 09-30-14

Posted September 30, 2014

CITY TRANSPORTATION CREWS USING NEW POTHOLE PATCH - The Tucson Department of Transportation (TDOT) is using a new method to fix potholes around the city. The material is an aggregate of tiny rocks and a lesser amount of asphalt than the traditional materials, which makes the patch look lighter than the road. It's also faster to apply than the older method, allowing crews to cover more ground. “Rather than having to jackhammer out very large sections of poor pavement, this allows you to keep that existing pavement, seal it up and then put that lighter aggregate on top," said TDOT Director Daryl Cole. "Previously, you’d cut out all those large alligator cracks...put the adhering agent in there and then put the traditional asphalt in." Cole is directing road crews to use the lighter-colored pothole patches on roads that are going to be resurfaced in the next few years. Read more from Arizona Public Media.
 
STARTUP TUCSON GETS FEDERAL GRANT - Startup Tucson is the recipient of a $1.44 million, five-year grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration's ScaleUp America program. Startup Tucson was one of only seven successful applicants nationwide out of more than 60 proposals, and Tucson is the only community west of the Mississippi River to receive ScaleUp America funding. The money will be used for Startup Tucson's next project, Thryve Next. The program is an opportunity for small, growth-oriented businesses to receive entrepreneurship education from national, regional, and local executives. The businesses must be approximately two years old, in the early growth business cycle, with annual revenue between $150,000 and $500,000.

REID PARK ZOO RETURNS TO REGULAR HOURS TOMORROW - Starting tomorrow, Oct. 1, Reid Park Zoo returns to its regular hours, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. The Zoo had been opening and closing an hour earlier during the summer. African baby elephant Nandi will be in the main Expedition Tanzania exhibit from at least 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. each day. The Zoo also has several big events in the month of October, including the "ZOOcson" fundraiser and three days of "Howl-o-Ween."
 
TUCSON MEET YOURSELF NEEDS VOLUNTEERS - Tucson Meet Yourself is celebrating its 41st year in Tucson and it needs volunteers to help with the cultural, food, and entertainment event, Oct. 10 - 12, in Downtown Tucson. Volunteers receive a vintage Tucson Meet Yourself T-shirt, meet diverse and interesting people, learn leadership skills, and educate the community about a variety of topics. Read more from Tucson News Now.
 
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.

Hard landing on base following aircraft malfunction

Posted September 30, 2014

DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. – An A-10 based here at D-M experienced a technical malfunction shortly before 11 p.m. and experienced a hard landing.

 

The pilot performed all checklist requirements and was able to land the aircraft safely on the approved runway. There were no injuries to the pilot or ground personnel.

 

The aircraft is being transported off the runway for a safety investigation into the incident. As soon as additional details become available they will be provided.

NewsNet 09-29-14

Posted September 29, 2014

TUCSON FIRE DEPARTMENT EXPERIENCES FLASHOVER WHILE BATTLING FIRE - Tucson firefighters battled a building fire Saturday at the 600 block of West Alturas street, which thermal cameras estimate was more than 700 degrees in parts of the structure. The roof of the unoccupied building in a mobile home park collapsed during the fire after a flashover (when the contents of a room suddenly and simultaneously ignite), and it took 62 firefighters and more than 150,000 gallons of water to quell the flames at the 5,000-square-foot building. There were no injuries, and the cause of the fire is under investigation. See the flashover and other videos at Tucson Fire Department Facebook page, and read the news release.
 
DESERT DIAMOND CUP TEAMS ANNOUNCED - FC Tucson and Major League Soccer announced Friday that six teams will take part in the 2015 FC Tucson Desert Diamond Cup. The competition, Feb. 18-28, will see the Colorado Rapids, Montreal Impact, New England Revolution, Real Salt Lake, Seattle Sounders and Sporting Kansas City compete. All games will be played at the North Kino Sports Complex. Visit Tucson pegs the competition's economic impact at $1.17 million, with an estimated attendance of 20,000 people. Rear more from MLSSoccer.com.
 
CATCH UP ON CITY NEWS YOU MAY HAVE MISSED - New City of Tucson residents are reaping some great benefits; the Gem Show makes Tucson shine; and after nearly two years of anticipation, Reid Park Zoo is enjoying "Nandi," its baby elephant. Those stories are featured in this month's edition of Tucson City News in Review, produced by Tucson 12.
 
WASHINGTON D.C. PUTS MODERN STREETCAR ON ROAD TODAY - Reminiscent of how Tucson began its Sun Link Tucson Streetcar service, the District of Columbia today began simulated service of its D.C. Streetcar along 2.4 miles of the first segment of the planned 37-mile route. During the month-long testing phase, D.C. will do what Tucson did, running the cars without passengers. United Streetcar is the manufacturer of the cars for both communities. Tucson ran several months of tests before beginning passenger service in July. Streetcar ridership in Tucson is higher than first predicted, with an average daily ridership of nearly 4,100 passengers along the 3.9-mile route.
 
SCORE A DEAL ON CITY SURPLUS - Need a pickup? Maybe hundreds of used folding chairs would come in handy for an event you're having? How about a couple of older iPods, or car stereo equipment? You can find these items and more on the City of Tucson's surplus auction website.

Newsnet - Sept. 29

Posted September 29, 2014

STREETCAR RIDERSHIP HIGHER THAN PREDICTED - After two months in operation, the Sun Link Tucson Streetcar is averaging nearly 4,100 riders per day...higher than the original prediction of 3,600 passengers. The streetcar travels a 3.9-mile route through the University of Arizona, Fourth Avenue, Downtown Tucson, and the Mercado District, west of I-10. 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.

Dr. Pepe Barrón

Posted September 26, 2014

With deep sadness, the family and staff of Luz Social Services, Inc., Luz-Guerrero Early College High School and Adalberto M. Guerrero Middle School announce the death of its Founder and CEO/Superintendent Dr. Jose “Pepe” Barrón.

 

NewsNet 09-26-14

Posted September 26, 2014

STREETCAR RIDERSHIP HIGHER THAN PREDICTED - After two months in operation, the Sun Link Tucson Streetcar is averaging nearly 4,100 riders per day...higher than the original prediction of 3,600 passengers. The streetcar travels a 3.9-mile route through the University of Arizona, Fourth Avenue, Downtown Tucson, and the Mercado District, west of I-10. 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. Read more from Arizona Public Media.

OCTOBER MEANS BIG EVENTS AND BIG CHANGES AT TUCSON CONVENTION CENTER - Disney on Ice and comedian Bill Maher have shows next month at the Tucson Convention Center (TCC), as the $8 million upgrade to the arena proceeds. The renovations are on schedule to be completed by the end of the year. Next month also marks the beginning of private management of the TCC, as SMG - a global leader in convention center management - takes over day-to-day operations of the facility. The City's contract with SMG runs through June 30, 2015 and can be renewed one year at a time over the next 10 years.

TRAFFIC ALERT: FOURTH AVENUE ACCESS TO DOWNTOWN DETOURED ONLY AS-NEEDED TONIGHT AND SATURDAY NIGHT - The City of Tucson Department of Transportation (TDOT) will detour southbound vehicular traffic at the Fourth Avenue Underpass into downtown on an as-needed basis to keep traffic flowing in the area. The Sun Link Streetcar, bicyclists, and pedestrians will not be affected. From this point forward, underpass closures on Friday and Saturday nights will only occur when vehicular traffic into downtown begins to get heavy.

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Fourth Avenue Access to Downtown Detour: Traffic Congestion to Determine Detour Times

Posted September 25, 2014

Moving forward and until further notice, southbound motor vehicle travel through the Fourth Avenue Underpass will be detoured to Stevens Avenue on Friday nights and Saturday nights on an as-needed basis if Sun Link Streetcar operations are affected. Tucson police officers will continue to provide point control starting at 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays to assist with motor vehicle and pedestrian movements at the Congress Street, Fourth Avenue and Toole Avenue intersection.

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