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Friends,
In May, I failed to hit a lot of my goals, including getting our newsletters and social media content out on the dates we originally planned against. We accomplished a lot in the Ward 4 office in May but didn’t achieve every objective because I was a big impediment to my team around communications that month.
None of us are immune from feeling the stress, overwhelm, and burnout from doing too much. I’m not immune from it. This year has been challenging for me on many fronts, both personally and professionally, and in May I embraced Mental Health Awareness Month to the fullest.
I tested out one of the City of Tucson employee benefits, and it’s been such an incredible program that I decided to share my experience in hopes that other City of Tucson employees might check it out.
As a City of Tucson employee with Cigna health insurance, we have access to the Meru Health program. Meru Health’s “holistic mind-body approach combines dedicated therapist support, behavioral science, and breakthrough technology to deliver industry-leading outcomes.”
As a nerd, I really appreciate the biofeedback training and device that’s included as part of the benefit. I’ve practiced meditation and breathwork for years, but having a biofeedback device has taught me how to breathe in a way that calms my nervous system and puts me (and my overworked brain) in a state of coherence. That is just one of the many lessons and benefits that I’ve experienced in the past 4 weeks of the program. 😊
I want to encourage City employees to look at this benefit, and if it resonates with you, please take advantage of it. It has helped me tremendously and I’m only 4 weeks in (out of 12).
To get started, download the Meru Health app and use the code CIGNA. From there, you’ll be prompted for your plan information, and you can begin the journey.
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Click here for link for the image above.
More information about City of Tucson employee mental health resources can be found here.
I’m looking forward to a fun and productive June, in that order. I hope that your June is full of great times with the special people in your life, and that you’re able to take some time to invest in yourself and enjoy these warm days.
Take Care,
Memorial Day
As an Air Force veteran, Memorial Day holds a deeply personal significance for me. We paused to remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. It was a day of reflection, where we contemplated the tremendous courage, selflessness, and unwavering commitment displayed by those who gave their lives in defense of our freedoms.
On this solemn occasion, we not only remembered their sacrifice but also expressed our gratitude to their families, who bear the immense weight of their loss. Their loved ones made the noble choice to stand in harm's way, protecting the values we hold dear. Their sacrifice has forever shaped our nation and reminds us of the true cost of freedom.
As we gathered with family and friends, we took a moment to pay tribute to our fallen heroes. Their memory lives on in the fabric of our nation, and their legacy inspires us to cherish the liberties we enjoy every day. May we never forget the sacrifices made and strive to honor their memory through our actions and deeds.
This Memorial Day, we came together as a grateful nation to remember, to reflect, and to express our heartfelt appreciation to those who gave everything for us. We owe them an immeasurable debt of gratitude, and their sacrifice will forever be etched in our hearts.
Ward 4 Freedom Park Splash Bash
I am thrilled to share the incredible success of the Ward 4 Freedom Park Splash Bash, where we celebrated the grand opening of Freedom Pool's new water slide! It was a joyous occasion, and I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended and made it such a memorable event.
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A huge shout out to Teresa, Martha, Cindy, and Ellison at the Ward 4 office. Each of my teammates played a key role in making this event happen and capturing these moments so we can share them. Thank you, ladies!
Check out the video from the Splash Bash here!
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The day was filled with laughter, excitement, and pure fun as families and friends gathered at Freedom Park to enjoy the pool, savor delicious pizza, bounce on the jumping castles, groove to the music, and engage in the fantastic "Ready, Set, Rec!" activities. Witnessing the community come together in such a vibrant and energetic way reaffirms the strength of our Ward 4 community.
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Thank you to Mayor Romero for joining this special event and demonstrating her continued support for Ward 4 residents and investments in our corner of the city. I am truly grateful to the voters of Tucson for their support of Proposition 407, which allowed us to bring this project to fruition. This new water slide represents more than just a thrilling addition to Freedom Park; it symbolizes our commitment to the well-being and happiness of our families and children. It is a space where our community can make cherished memories, connect with one another, and lead active lives.
Stay tuned for more updates on the transformative projects planned using Tucson Delivers bond funds at TucsonDelivers.Tucsonaz.gov.
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TPD Air Support Unit Fly Along
I’m an experiential learner. I like to get out where the work is happening in order to better understand what our employees are experiencing and how the decisions I make impact them and their objectives.
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I had the incredible opportunity to join the highly skilled and dedicated pilots of the Tucson Police Department’s Air Support Unit during an evening flight. This experience allowed me to gain a better understanding of the unit’s objectives, needs, and the critical role they play in ensuring the safety of our community from the skies above.
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The pilots of the Air Support Unit are an extraordinary group of professionals who undergo rigorous training to do their jobs. The aerial coverage they can provide enables a unique capability for the department, and for officers on the ground.
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During our time together, we responded to multiple calls for air support, and it was awesome to see how TPD coordinates, from the ground to the air, to keep our community safe as they respond to calls for service.
The needs of our community and the department outweigh the city budget, and we need to consider additional ways to provide funding that meets the needs of a city of our size.
I want to express my deepest appreciation to the Air Support Unit for their unwavering commitment to public safety. Their professionalism, skills, and capabilities are truly indispensable assets in our ongoing efforts to maintain a safe and thriving Tucson.
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Tucson Police Department Memorial
In May I attended the Tucson Police Department Fallen Officer Memorial, it’s a touching ceremony that honors the lives of officers who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our community. As I stood among the families, friends, and fellow officers of the fallen, I was moved by the depth of their loss and the enormity of their sacrifice.
We must never forget the brave officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. They are true heroes who put themselves in harm's way to protect and serve our community. We owe them a debt of gratitude that we can never fully repay.
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During the ceremony, we honored fallen Officer Erik Hite, Officer Patrick K. Hardesty, Officer Jeffrey Ross, Officer James Smith, Officer Barry Headricks, Officer Robert Cummins, Officer William Katzenstein, and Officer William Elliott. These officers will always be remembered for their courage, selflessness, and dedication to serving and protecting our community.
As I stood at the Tucson Police Department Fallen Officer Memorial, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of gratitude and respect for the brave men and women who put their lives on the line to keep our community safe. The officers we honored made the ultimate sacrifice in service to others, and their sacrifice will never be forgotten.
I hope that we can all take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices made by these officers and their families, and to appreciate the work of our law enforcement community. Let us continue to support and uplift those who have dedicated their lives to protecting us.
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Butterfly Gala & InTouch Community Healing Center Grand Opening
Earlier this month, we had the privilege of attending the Butterfly Gala, a special fundraising event to support the grand opening of the InTouch Community Healing Center. This exciting event brought together individuals from across Tucson to celebrate the power of integrative care and holistic wellness.
The gala featured an auction with a variety of items generously donated by local businesses and community members. We were thrilled to see so many people come together to support the mission of the InTouch community healing center and help make their grand opening a success.
Thanks to the generosity of our community, the auction was a great success, raising funds to support the center's programs and services. It was an inspiring evening that left us feeling grateful for all the amazing people who make up the Tucson community.
We're excited to see the impact that the InTouch Community Healing Center will have on our community and look forward to supporting their mission in the future. To learn more about the center and their services, visit their website.
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Important Dates:
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Tuesday, June 6th:City Council Meeting. Click here and go to "Mayor & Council Meeting Live" to watch! (To watch past meetings, visit the City of Tucson YouTube page. ) The Final public hearing on the 2023/2024 fiscal year budget will be held during the regular session if you would like to speak before Mayor and Council.
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Monday, June 19th: The City of Tucson will be closed to honor Juneteenth.
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Thursday, July 13th 5:30-7:30 pm: Tucson Parks and Recreation will once again host Summer Poolooza! This is a FREE pool party! All are welcome. Events will include Ready, Set, Rec! vans with games and activities, food, music, inflatables, pool fun, and more. Red, White, Blue Splash Bash(Clements Pool, 8155 E. Poinciana Drive) For more information click here.
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Thursday, July 20th 5:30-7:30 pm: Tucson Parks and Recreation will once again host Summer Poolooza! This is a FREE pool party! All are welcome. Events will include Ready, Set, Rec! vans with games and activities, food, music, inflatables, pool fun, and more. (Freedom Pool, 5000 E. 29th St.) For more information click here.
May Mayor & Council Highlights
City Vacant and Neglected Structures (VANS) Program: Existing vacant/neglected buildings are a magnet for crime, creating significant safety and nuisance issues for neighbors, requiring additional calls from law enforcement (police, fire, and code enforcement). Currently there are thirty (30) active cases that fall into this category and over the past year, four (4) properties have been demolished. The City incurs the abatement costs and bills the property owner. This is becoming a recurring and increasing problem. Within the current code there is an opportunity to develop policy changes. The Mayor and Council directed staff to develop a new comprehensive and streamlined VANS program, including an abatement lien foreclosure program.
Update to the City of Tucson’s Major Streets and Routes Plan: The Mayor and Council directed the City Manager to come back with an approach and process that would achieve the policy goals stated in Move Tucson, Tucson Resilient Together, and align with the Housing Affordability Strategy for Tucson, as well as the Complete Streets goals, and which could include stakeholders in evaluating the options.
Fare Free Transit: The Mayor and Council voted to extend fare-free transit until December of this year and to create a stakeholder group that includes transit users, transit drivers and operators, and community members, to come up with long term solutions to funding and service improvements. Additionally, the City should continue to seek investment from partners like Pima Community College, the University of Arizona and Tucson school districts. With this motion they declared the City’s intention to continue fare-free transit until an affirmative vote to reinstitute the fares following a Title VI analysis, and to bring the task force to the table with funding proposals from each partner.
Adjust Definitions of Summer and Winter for the Purpose of Commercial and Industrial Water Rate Calculations: The Tucson Water Department Director proposed to adjust the average winter consumption months from the current months of November through April to a winter quarter average, consisting of the months December through February. The adjustment would allow for summer surcharge rates to be in effect for nine months of the year as opposed to the only six months they are now. The Mayor and Council voted to move Option 1A and 1B and direct staff to proceed with the rate adoption process, that commences with an official notice of intent and 60-day public outreach and communication period prior to a public hearing and rate adoption. To learn more about the 2 options click here.
Fiscal Year 2023/2024 Tentative Budget: After a public hearing the Mayor and Council approved the Tentative adoption of the Fiscal Year 2023/24 budget. The public hearing for additional public comments on the Budget as Tentatively Adopted will be held during Regular session on June 6, 2023. Details of the Tentative Budget click here.
Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples
It is a privilege to be able to vote on issues that truly matter to our community, and I am grateful to have leaders like Mayor Romero and Councilmember Lane Santa Cruz who continue to bring important causes like MMIW to our attention. As we recognized May 5th as the Day of Awareness of the Epidemic of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People, we also recognized the urgency of taking action to address this crisis.
 Our region's high ranking in cases of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women is a painful reality that demands our attention. The statistics are staggering, and we must not ignore the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People. More than 4 in 5 American Indian and Alaskan Native women have experienced violence in their lifetime, including sexual assault and/or physical violence. We have a collective responsibility to support our Indigenous communities, ensure they feel seen, heard, and valued, and take steps towards justice and healing for the families and communities who have suffered loss and trauma.
 I urge everyone to take action by supporting local Indigenous-led organizations and learning about resources available to those impacted by this epidemic. Together, we can create a future where the safety and well-being of Indigenous people is a top priority in Tucson and beyond. Thank you, Mayor Romero and Councilmember Lane Santa Cruz, for bringing attention to this important cause. And thank you to those that have been fighting for justice from day one. We can and will do better.
Reporting Potholes
Help the City identify street, lighting, drainage, signage, and other transportation related issues such as:
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Maintenance: filling potholes and cracks, sweeping, trimming vegetation
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Traffic Control: signing, lane striping, crossing signal repair
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Reconstruction: asphalt paving, utilities, curbs, ramps and sidewalks
You can report these issues to the (Tucson Department of Transportation TDOT), (520) 791-3154, or email the exact location to TDOTConcerns@tucsonaz.gov. You also can use the SeeClickFix website and app.
Get the SeeClickFix app for Android.
Get the SeeClickFix app for iOS.
Tucson’s Complete Streets Policy Ranked in Top 3 in National Survey
Great news for Tucson! Our city's Complete Streets Policy has been ranked in the top three in the United States, according to a new report from the National Complete Streets Coalition. This recognition is a testament to our community's commitment to creating a safe and accessible transportation network that prioritizes underinvested communities.
The City of Tucson's Complete Streets Policy, which was adopted in 2019, has been ranked as one of the top three in the United States, according to a report by the National Complete Streets Coalition. The rankings were based on various elements, such as community commitment and vision for a complete transportation network that considers all users' needs, prioritizing underserved communities, adopting design guidance, and requiring proactive land use planning
This recognition demonstrates Tucson's commitment to creating safe, accessible streets for all users and prioritizing underinvested communities. You can read more about the Complete Streets policy here.
Things to do in Town
Summer Safari Nights 2023
“Each week will feature keeper chats about different animal rock stars — plus animal encounters, artifact stations, giraffe feedings, carousel rides, crafts and games. Face painting and glitter tattoos will be available for purchase. Refresh with dinner and a cold drink at the Flamingo Grill, listen to live music by some of Tucson’s best bands. Take a ride on the Cox Jungle Carousel, and play games with Tucson Parks and Recreation’s ‘Ready, Set, Rec! There will be a different featured “Rock Star Animal” each week, so every visit brings something new and plenty of photo opportunities to remember a great evening.”
Date: Every Saturday until August 12, 2023
When: 6:00pm-8:00pm
Where: Reid Park Zoo More info: Visit the website here.
Free Admission
Swim free at 20 City pools this summer!
Find a location near you here.
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Ride Through Sabino Canyon Under the Moonlight with New Shuttle Night Tours
“The night tours return 8 p.m. Saturday, June 3 and will run every Saturday through October, according to the Sabino Canyon Crawler website. The tour is 7.4 miles roundtrip and runs for about an hour. (Start times may differ in the fall, so make sure to check your ticket before arriving!)
Tickets for the tour cost $15 per adult and $8 per child, ages 3 to 12. Children under the age of 3 are free, according to their website. Shuttle rides sometimes sell out, so get your tickets online to guarantee your spot.”
100 Fun Events Happening in Tucson this June
“Tucson is welcoming summer with late-night happenings, indoor events and poolside movies. There's a vegan market, shuttle tours through Sabino Canyon after dark, an outdoor roller disco, a fairy festival amid blooming lavender, and events in celebration of Juneteenth, Pride and Father's Day.”
Summer Movie Theater Programs
Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse
“Summer Movie Clubhouse at Cinemark is back at Cinemark! Bring the kids and enjoy exciting big-screen entertainment for just $1.50* per ticket for each movie. Save even more on your visit with $1 OFF deals on kids’ snack packs and any size popcorn & drink combos during Summer Movie Clubhouse showtimes. Participating theatres will host Summer Movie Clubhouse on Wednesdays at 9:30am, starting the week of June 19 through August 10. Select theatres will offer additional showtimes throughout the week, so be sure to check your local theatre for more Summer Movie Clubhouse fun!”
Harkins Summer Movie Fun
“Summer Movie Fun is BACK on the BIG screen at your favorite Harkins locations! For nearly 50 years Harkins has brought the BEST family fun films back to the BIG screen keeping kids entertained and cool during the summer months. What time is it?! Summer Movie Fun time! Tickets can be purchased at participating theatres. 8 Movies. 8 Weeks. Only $8.”
Loft Kids Fest
“It’s back! LOFT KIDS FEST returns to The Loft Cinema this summer for 9 days of free in-person entertainment and excitement, starting with a Looney Tunes Outdoor Movie Party at Himmel Park on Friday, June 23, followed by indoor screenings at The Loft Cinema every Saturday and Sunday morning, Saturday, June 24 – Sunday, July 16!
Each day of LOFT KIDS FEST, we’re bringing the supersized fun with big screen presentations of some of the best family-friendly films of all-time, along with games, activities, giveaways, prize raffles, tons of popcorn and more! Each screening also includes a brand-new animated short film from around the world! Daily pre-show activities will be hosted by the staff of Mildred & Dildred Toy Store, and best of all, everything is FREE! Doors open and activities begin each day at 9:15am, and films begin at 10:00am.”
Galaxy Theaters Presents Summerfest
“Things are heating up! Spend this Summer with Galaxy for SUMMERFEST! Tickets are $2 for all ages. Purchase a value tray with your SUMMERFEST ticket for only $3.50.”
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