Friends and Neighbors,
I want to begin by extending my heartfelt gratitude to all those who joined us at our recent Ward 4 Town Hall. Your presence and your voices truly matter, and I'm deeply appreciative of the strong community spirit that fills the room during these vital gatherings.
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As a city, we must stand up against the disturbing rise in illegal street racing, which has disrupted the peace of our neighborhoods and the livelihood of our local businesses. By working closely with the Tucson Police Department Operations Division East and the City Attorney's Office, we are exploring innovative solutions to complement the tireless efforts of our law enforcement officers using cutting-edge technology.
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Inspired by the successful implementation of speed enforcement cameras in Seattle, we are now looking to create our own No-Racing Photo Enforcement Zones right here in Tucson. This forward-thinking approach aims to enhance safety on our streets by deterring illegal racing and promoting responsible driving behavior.
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To delve deeper into the intricacies of this initiative, we have scheduled a 20-minute Study Session item on October 17, 2023. During this session, we will have the opportunity to hear directly from our Tucson Police Chief, Chad Kasmar, and the City of Tucson Attorney's Office. This will also be a forum for Mayor and Council to provide invaluable feedback and guidance. Our ultimate goal is to draft the necessary standards and specifications required by ARS Sec. 28-1204 and, subsequently, present an ordinance to declare specific road segments as No-Racing Photo Enforcement Zones.
I'm optimistic that by working together as a community, we can find effective solutions to address this pressing issue, making our neighborhoods safer and more secure. Please mark your calendars for this crucial session, and let's continue to stand united for the well-being of our beloved Tucson.
Warm regards,
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Exploring Tucson's Cultural Gem: The Fox Tucson Theatre
Stepping into the theater during a recent tour, I embarked on a captivating journey through time. The Fox Tucson Theatre, a testament to Tucson's rich history and artistic legacy, left me in awe. From its grand opening on April 11, 1930, to its recent revitalization, this iconic downtown treasure has played a pivotal role in our city's cultural scene. Originally a dual vaudeville and movie house, the Fox was more than a theater; it was a vibrant community hub, where Tucsonians gathered for four remarkable decades to enjoy classic films, live performances, and even Saturday morning screenings for the Mickey Mouse Club.
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After closing its doors in 1974, the Fox faced years of neglect and deterioration. However, thanks to the unwavering dedication of the Fox Tucson Theatre Foundation and countless volunteers, the theater underwent a six-year, $14+ million rehabilitation project. It reopened its doors on New Year's Eve in 2006, fully restored to its former glory.
Today, the Fox Tucson Theatre continues to enrich our community with approximately 150-160 events each year, attracting national and international talent while maintaining an intimate atmosphere. Its significance extends far beyond its elegant stage; it represents a commitment to the arts and to preserving our city's unique history. As we explore opportunities for the Fox's expansion, we're reminded that supporting the arts not only preserves our past but also paves the way for future generations to experience the magic of live performance and cultural enrichment.
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A Path to Progress:
29th Street Thrive
In our ongoing commitment to building a safer and more vibrant community, Ward 4 continues to engage in vital discussions with the 29th Street Thrive Coalition. These monthly meetings provide a crucial platform for community members, residents, business owners, and local stakeholders to come together. Hosted by Sgt. Sean Travers and his dedicated team from the Tucson Police Department, these gatherings aim to address pressing issues such as crime, homelessness, and more in the 29th Street Thrive zone. The 29th Street Thrive zone is from Alvernon to Craycroft & 22nd to Golf Links.
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The importance of these community-led meetings cannot be overstated. By directly listening to those affected, we gain invaluable insights into the challenges the area faces and work collaboratively to find solutions. At our most recent meeting, Sgt. Travers and his team provided reports on area issues, shared updates on Thrive projects, and discussed the rising concerns related to motor-related incidents. Together, we also brainstormed ideas for future community events.
We're committed to fostering a safer, thriving neighborhood, and your involvement is key. Be part of the planning and engagement process! Join us for the upcoming meetings, share your thoughts, and Sign up for the Thrive Newsletter to stay informed.
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Important Dates:
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Tuesday, October 17th: 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. )
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Saturday, October 21st 4-7pm: Join Ward 4, Tucson Parks and Recreation for the annual Boo Bash at Lincoln Park, a free, fun-filled night of tricks and treats. Bring your carved pumpkins to the Ward 4 table for a chance to win 4 tickets to Reid Park Zoo! Don't forget your candy bag for all the treats!
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Friday, October 27th 5-7pm: Join Ward 4 & Tucson Police Department's 29th Street Coalition for this year’s Trunk or Treat! This is a free family event at Pima Community College 29th St Campus. There will be music, games, candy and more!
October 3rd Mayor and Council Highlights
Microgrid Solar Program
Mayor and Council gave authorization to City Staff to move forward on the recommendation to use microgrid sites as a resilience strategy for capturing, storing, and utilizing clean energy. Additionally, they will consider the creation of shade canopy for pedestrians along the planned High-Capacity Transit (HCT) line connecting neighborhoods from Tohono Tadai Transit Center to the Tucson International Airport.
Discussion and Direction on City of Tucson’s Major Streets and Routes Plan
Sam Credio, Director, Department of Transportation and Mobility, presented an update on the Major Streets and Routes (MS&R) plan. He recommended updating the MS&R map only to reflect the City’s transportation and development priorities, to include community outreach. It is estimated that this process would take between twelve to eighteen months.
Update on Fraudulent Sober Living Homes Including Happy Times/Ocotillo Apartments
Information was provided by Amaris Vasquez, Multi-Agency Resource Coordinator. She presented an update on Fraudulent Sober Living Homes and recent activities at the Happy Times/Ocotillo Apartments, 1025 E Benson Highway. She stated that fraudulent, sober living homes are creating complex problems across our state that victimize people, foster criminal activities on a variety of levels, and create significant harm. A timeline of events was presented to show the accurate sequence of events that took place. She stated that the property owners at the Happy Times/Ocotillo Apartments went through with their evictions. A joint event with multiple agencies was provided to individuals impacted seeking services. She stated, that due to heavy vandalism to the power systems and fire suppression mechanisms, Code Enforcement determined the building had to be vacated and condemned.
Empowering the Unsheltered with 'Housing First'
Homelessness can have profound, far-reaching impacts on the lives of those experiencing it. Addressing homelessness goes beyond providing a roof; it means offering vital social services that alleviate strain on law enforcement, emergency health services, and other City resources, ultimately saving tax dollars. The City of Tucson is taking proactive steps by deploying a collaborative approach that involves various City departments, nonprofit organizations, and faith-based partners to combat homelessness head-on.
One remarkable tool in this strategy is the Wildcat Inn, a former hotel on North Oracle Road, now under the ownership of the City of Tucson. Here, residents have immediate access to housing, and the beauty of it is they can bring their pets along. Moreover, it's not just about shelter; it's about providing recovery programs for substance abuse and essential medical services. To gain deeper insights into this transformative initiative, I invite you to watch this short video.
Getting to Know the Faces Behind Encampment Cleanups
Homelessness is a complex issue, and addressing encampments involves a careful balance of compassion and action. It's important to put the right work in the right hands. That's where folks like Amaris (Mari) Vasquez and Elle Millyard step in. These incredible individuals play a crucial role in our community by helping with encampment cleanups, ensuring public safety, and addressing major concerns. They're more than just names; they're dedicated community members making a difference. Get to know Mari and Elle by watching their inspiring stories here.
Homeless Encampment Protocol & Reporting Tool
Tucson's Community Safety, Health & Wellness Program (CSHW)
I'm excited to share another program that's making a significant impact in our city, the Community Safety, Health & Wellness Program (CSHW). This initiative is all about ensuring Tucsonans have the right support when they need it most. It's about equipping our community with the tools to prevent crises tied to mental health, substance use, and extreme poverty.
CSHW, based within the City Manager's Office, steps in to provide a civilian response to non-emergency and low-acuity calls that come into our 911 center, addressing complex social service needs. These encompass mental health, substance use, and homelessness. What makes this program truly remarkable is the collaboration it fosters between City departments, nonprofits, and grassroots community initiatives, all working together to reduce violence and advance racial equity. I encourage you to learn more about CSHW by checking out this video.
Redtag
Let's talk about something that affects our community – the City of Tucson's Redtag program. It's important to be aware of what Redtag means and how it can help maintain the peace and harmony in our neighborhoods.
The Redtag program, as defined in Section 16-32 of city ordinances, was established to discourage the occurrence of repeated loud and unruly gatherings. An unruly gathering is when five or more people gather on any private property, including businesses, and create disturbances like excessive noise, traffic, public street obstruction, underage drinking, fighting, and littering. If you encounter such a gathering, here's what you need to know:
Notice of Unruly Gathering: The property where the unruly gathering occurs will receive a visible notice that lasts for 180 days.
Penalties: Violators face penalties, including a minimum mandatory fine of $500. Repeated occurrences result in higher fines, with $750 for the second and $1,000 for the third or subsequent violations.
Removing or Concealing Red Tags: Removing, defacing, or concealing a red tag notice is a civil infraction, carrying a $100 fine.
U of A Students: If U of A students are found in violation of an unruly gathering, the Dean of Students Office will be notified, possibly leading to warnings or additional sanctions.
To report an unruly gathering, call 911 and say, "I want to report an unruly gathering." Provide the exact address and describe what you observe and hear. If you need to contest a Red Tag, owners or occupants can file a written request for a hearing at Tucson City Court within ten calendar days. Knowing about the Redtag program and its regulations empowers us to keep our community safe and enjoyable for all.
Stay Informed with Climate Newsletter
Want to stay updated on our city's climate action initiatives? We've got just the thing for you! The City’s monthly climate newsletter offers progress reports and insights into our ongoing efforts. It's a valuable resource that's been somewhat of a hidden gem, with around 4,000 readers so far. We think it's high time we spread the word, so if you're passionate about climate action and want to be in the know, subscribe for free here.
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