Tuesday, July 23, 2019
Monday, July 22, 2019
A local Catholic organization sees a detention facility as a “blank canvas” they can transform into a welcoming humanitarian shelter, but some community members believe it is impossible to repurpose a building that actively incarcerates people.
The Pima County Board of Supervisors held a special meeting Monday, July 22 where they voted to approve an agreement with Catholic Community Services to occupy three vacant wings of the county’s Juvenile Justice Complex for no charge.
Supervisors Richard Elías, Sharon Bronson and Ramón Valadez voted in favor, while Supervisors Steve Christy and Ally Miller opposed the move.
As CCS prepares to cease operations at the Benedictine Monastery, the staff and volunteers have been eager to secure a new space to serve the hundreds of asylum seekers released into the Tucson area by Customs and Border Patrol on a regular basis.
The organization has housed and cared for asylum seekers, who mostly come from Central American countries, in two small shelters since 2014. In January, they set up a larger shelter operation inside the monastery, located at 800 N. Country Club Road, to accommodate for the increase in asylum seekers released from CBP custody into the community while their asylum cases are processed, as well as create a central intake center that is available around the clock.
Every day, CCS and other faith organizations throughout the Tucson area receive information from federal officials about the number of asylum seekers being released from custody. They will determine the room availability within the shelters and then greet asylum seekers when they arrive and explain that they are not part of the immigration system.
The faith-based staff and volunteers provide their guests with food and information about their next steps, administer medical screenings and conduct intake interviews. Asylum seekers are assigned a place to stay and are given a tour of the facility, and then provided with clothes.
The guests receive help calling their sponsors to confirm their travel plans. Volunteers then coordinate transportation to a bus station or airport and arrange for food and travel supplies. They help the asylum seekers understand their travel plans.
Teresa Cavendish, director of operations at CCS, said they used to see around 20 to 50 guests daily, but in recent months have seen at least 200, if not more. The staff is often notified of new arrivals just hours before CBP drops them off.
In response to the sharp increase in asylum seekers, Benedictine Monastery owner Ross Rulney allowed CCS to operate a temporary shelter there before the historic building closes its doors for redevelopment. Rulney plans to build more than 200 market-rate apartment units around the monastery, with potential retail and office space inside.
The closure is coming up on Tuesday, Aug. 6. CCS representatives have determined the three empty wings within Pima County’s Juvenile Justice Complex would be their best option for relocation. The detention center is mostly closed down, with about 30 to 60 juveniles currently incarcerated there.
The monastery has experienced significant wear and tear in the seven months that it has served as a shelter, since it wasn’t built to accommodate heavy use from a large number of guests.
Cavendish said that after spending nearly $20,000 on repairs, they gave up on the weak plumbing about a month and a half ago. Instead, they have resorted to portable showers and restrooms that are located just outside the building. Inside, there are open holes in the ceilings of rooms where pipes gave out.
“That’s a huge challenge for us when you have large bodies of people,” Cavendish said. “And also it’s not the level of respect and caring and dignity that we really want to offer to our guests who are with us. There’s not much dignified about using a Porta-John in 109-degree heat here in Tucson.”
With these experiences in mind, CCS looked for a new shelter facility that could handle large amounts of daily use and comfortably house between 200 to 300 people. They said they need a place that is move-in ready and is centrally located to reduce commute times for volunteers, as well as close proximity to transportation hubs such as the Tucson International Airport and the Greyhound Bus Station on the edge of downtown.
After looking at more than 25 places, CCS decided the empty wings of the juvenile detention center, located at 2225 E. Ajo Way, was the best choice because it has industrial-level facilities for laundry, food and other necessities.
“We looked at abandoned hospitals, we looked at higher education facilities, we looked at a lot of commercial spaces, we did hire commercial real estate agents to assist us in this process,” Cavendish said.
The county plans to perform minor renovations in an effort to transform the facility into a comfortable space. They have already disabled all the locks and security cameras within that portion of the facility. Cavendish said the staff, volunteers and guests will never interact with the other parts of the detention center which currently incarcerates juveniles, and asylum seekers will be allowed to move freely throughout the shelter area.
CCS plans to include murals, carpets, couches, curtains, comfortable beds, recreational items and many more things they believe will make the space a welcoming and calm environment.
Community members have expressed alarm at the news of moving asylum seekers into this facility, since they are coming directly from Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody which has a documented history of abusing migrants in detention.
An online petition that encourages county officials and CCS find a different shelter location had nearly 1,000 signatures as of Monday morning. The signers believe no amount of renovations can change the fact that the facility is an active detention center.
That movement has been met with pushback from CCS staff, who say they have run out of time to find a better option than the county facility.
“This binary of people will be on the streets or they move into the jail is false, and we need to call that out,” said Tiera Rainey, a community advocate who started the petition.
There was even a strong push last weekend to abandon the ongoing preparations for the Juvenile Justice Complex and instead utilize portions of two vacant Tucson Unified School District schools. CCS looked into that option and independently decided it was not a suitable place for their guests.
Rainey and other community members believe county officials and CCS owe it to the public to be more transparent in regards to why the other facilities were insufficient.
Since the move to the county facility was announced just earlier this month, Rainey believes there hasn’t been enough time or information provided for community members to identify a better alternative.
“The onus is being put on critics of this to say, ‘What’s your solution?’” Rainey said. “We were given a week to come up with a solution, given none of the data or information about all of the other sites that they had, these have all been closed-door conversations. They haven’t actually given us a chance to engage in a substantive way.”
Cavendish told Tucson Local Media that CCS has served over 19,000 asylum seekers since the monastery doors opened in January. She did not respond to multiple requests for the organization’s monthly intake numbers.
CCS CEO Peg Harmon told the county supervisors that the organization will never force a person to remain in a place where they felt uncomfortable and they are committed to finding a new housing space for any asylum seeker who doesn’t want to stay in the county facility. Opponents of the move expect many to decline the detention center.
“They’re saying people can go free, but they’re in the middle of nowhere,” Rainey said. “Where are they going to go to if they wanted to leave? And there’s law enforcement all over that complex because it’s an active detention center and a courthouse.”
At the supervisors meeting, several representatives from other faith congregations told the board that CCS is not the only religious organization that cares for migrants, and if they vote against the detention center, there are other options available to asylum seekers that would prevent them from ending up on the streets as a result.
Many residents present at the meeting were also concerned with the high costs of using the juvenile detention facility.
The county is seeking reimbursement from the Operation Stonegarden federal grant program to cover costs for providing humanitarian aid. Minor renovations, utilities, medical supplies, transportation, and upholding existing contracts within the complex for food, janitorial services and more will cost the county around $530,000 for five months.
“All of this is a hypothetical reimbursement that they may or may not get,” Rainey said.
Rainey argues that if the county is willing to invest the annual $1.5 million into the detention facility, that money could be used to enhance one of the other numerous facilities that CCS deemed insufficient.
“I think the county did a poor job of rolling it out to the community,” Elías told Tucson Local Media. “And had they had more facets of the community involved in the whole thing, then perhaps people wouldn’t have been so unsure about what we were doing and so negative about it, or worried so much about the ugly optics that surround it.”
At the meeting, Elías, who briefly opposed using the county facility, apologized for the lack of community involvement in this decision. While acknowledging that this option does not look great for the long term, he joined the other two Democrats on the board in voting to approve it.
“It’s going to be difficult for us to find that next place that works,” Elías said. “We will find a place, or maybe multiple places that will work for us, together.”
Miller questioned why CCS was the only the faith organization involved in the decision to use the county facility, as well as the timing of the move.
“The fact this has come forth as an emergency, when it appears people have known for months that the monastery is going to be remodeled and discussions have been going on for months, why are we rushing into this to make this decision?” Miller said.
Christy said he refused to support the decision because taxpayers should not be responsible for providing food, shelter and medical care to asylum seekers.
“Non-governmental organizations should be taking the lead and shouldering the responsibility of this humanitarian crisis,” Christy said.
Valadez said the reason Pima County is dealing with this issue is because of a lack of decision from the federal government. While briefly acknowledging the lack of public involvement, he said the move to approve the use of the detention facility was necessary.
“That’s in the rear-view mirror,” Valadez told the audience. “Going forward this doesn’t have to be the only option, but right now we need this option.”
Tags: asylum seekers , Pima County Board of Supervisors , Catholic Community Services , migrants , Pima , Juvenile Justice Complex , Image
Check out Taco Sauce tonight at Club Congress.
1. How's the tour going?
Isabella: So, a few weekends ago we went on the first leg of our mini tour in Las Cruces and El Paso and it was dope! We brought our friend Jenn and she pretty much acted as our photographer and tour manager and the four of us had a ton of fun.
Gabi: Yeah those first few tour dates gave us an idea of how people would react to us outside of Tucson and it was all very positive.
Maya: Loved the food and scenery. Had my first margarita at La Posts in Las Cruces.
2. Where have you been so far on the tour and where are you guys headed?
Gabi: We went to Las Cruces New Mexico (my hometown) and El Paso then we have a few Tucson dates, Phoenix on July 19 and Albuquerque on July 20.
3. What's been your favorite place to perform so far during the tour?
Gabi: We only did two so far since it's a mini tour but Little Toad in Las Cruces and Monarch in El Paso were both very hospitable with a pretty solid crowd who were happy to see us.
4. What's it's been like to go on tour with Seanloui and Maya from YUM?
Isabella: Seanloui is only on the Owls Club date but we play shows with him all the time because he's my best friend and we're very supportive of each other. Maya is a great travel companion. She's very levelheaded and brings a lot of calm to the group.
Gabi: Maya is pretty much our rock already. She's so in tune with us on stage and in day to day life. And she's hilarious and badass so it's an honor.
5. How do you want audience members to feel after attending one of the shows?
Isabella: Energized, like they can fuck shit up and take on the world and catcallers and say fuck you to anyone you want to say fuck you to.
Maya: I want them to be in awe and to have had a good time but I don't want them to walk away feeling nothing. As long as it evokes a reaction I'm happy.
Gabi: Yeah I just want to get a reaction. I'd be just as thrilled to see people wanna fight me after hearing my lyrics, especially because a lot of our music targets misogynists and racists, but mainly I'm so excited to see how our music just gets people pumped and makes women feel empowered and validated.
6. What are some upcoming projects you're working on?
Gabi: We're in the studio with Ty Engle working on some new singles currently and also writing new songs, a few of which we're playing at tges6e upcoming shows. I'm also trying to finish scoring the short movie La Motochorra for one of my best friends so I'm very excited/exhausted right now.
Tags: Taco Sauce , bands , tours , music , women , artists , culture , Image
The work will consist of installing survey monuments and loop detectors, utility adjustments, thermo striping and raised pavement markers. Work is expected to be completed early August 2019.
Motorists can expect lane restrictions and reduced speed. Please approach the area with caution and obey all traffic control devices. Minor delays may occur during this work.
In the event of mechanical failure or inclement weather, the construction schedule is subject to change.
Tags: roadwork , paving , Sabino Canyon , construction , Image
- Cupcake
To learn more about feline leukemia visit http://bit.ly/WhatIsFelineLeukemia.” Meet Cupcake at HSSA Main Campus at 635 W. Roger Rd. Have questions? Give an adoptions counselor a call at 520-327-6088, ext. 173.
Tags: Pets , cats , meow , animals , adoptable animals , adoption , Cupcake , black cat , Humane Society , Image
Tags: Claytoon , Claytoonz , comics , politics , women , Ivanka , Trump , empowerment , Image
Friday, July 19, 2019
“We have had to add kennels to our cat adoptions area, place multiple cats in each kennel, turn our spacious catios into additional kennel rooms, move cats into our meet and greet rooms and add additional kennels into our Welcome Center. We are running out of places to put them! If you’re interested in adding a cat to your home now is the time! We have every personality, color, and age. They are just waiting for you,” said Morgan Treiber, HSSA’s Adoption Supervisor.
As part of HSSA’s 75th Anniversary Celebration all cat adoptions for cats over 6 months of age are 75% off through Thursday, August 1. If you’re interested in a kitten, don’t worry there are plenty! Kittens will be eligible for the 75% OFF adoption fee discount through Sunday, July 21.
For more information on cats that are waiting for their forever families visit HSSA Main Campus at 635 W. Roger Rd. or PAWSH Park Place at 5870 E. Broadway Blvd. You can also give an adoptions counselor a call at 520-327-6088, ext. 173.
Tags: Humane Society , cats , adoptions , sales , animals , pets , forever homes , Image
Friday, July 19
In July 2017, Chester Bennington, vocalist for Linkin Park and a father of six who had battled depression for years, was found dead in his Southern California home. His death was ruled a suicide by hanging. Lethal Injektion, Outsiders, Dirty Magic, Within A Dream and The Diversion Program front the Second Annual Chester Bennington Tribute at The Rock. Former Linkin Park bassist Scott Koziol is scheduled to perform and DJ Bea7s will fill in the spaces with sounds. All proceeds will benefit mental health and awareness programs. Details here.
Tipping a Kangol bucket hat in homage, Club ’90s presents the Stranger Things ’80s Dance Party. DJ Jeffrey spins all the monster jams from the decade that brought us the side ponytail and parachute pants at the Rialto Theatre tonight.
Hailing from “The Land of Enchantment,” death metal act Dysphotic travel “Away From the Light” deep into “The Formless Void" tonight at Ward6, bolstered by locals Death Church, Guardians, Single Finger Theory and Despair. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Details here.
Epic space rockers duo Silver Cloud Express perform an early show at Crave Coffee Bar with special guests Jillian & The Giants. The show starts at 7 p.m. Details here.
Like jazz? Head east. Comprised of pianist Keaton Wilson and double bassist Charlie Welty, featuring percussionist Gil Rodriguez, The Welty-Wilson Trio perform original modern jazz compositions and selections from the New American songbook at Three Canyon Beer and Wine Garden at 7 p.m. Details here.
Like a mirage, this guitarist/oud player's experimental folk compositions mirror his Joshua Tree, California desert surroundings where you can find beauty in a sun-ravaged environment. Derek Monypeny & Michael Henderson communicate a lot with few words at Solar Culture Gallery starting at 8 p.m. Details here.
Phoenix slackers Nanami Ozone demonstrate “The Art of Sleeping In” at Club Congress along with DIY callejeros Lenguas Largas, shoegazers Mute Swan and Texans Soft Sweater. The starts at 8 p.m. Details here.
Tracing back the roots of country music from the verdant trails of Appalachia to the gritty streets of Bakersfield, Freddy Parish hosts Dry ’n’ Dusty at Exo Roast Co. Doors open at 7 p.m. Details here.
In the spirit of plunging pastel V-necks, double-breasted suits with rolled sleeves and loafers (as worn by stylish detectives Crockett and Tubbs), DJ NoirTech presides over the Miami Vice ’80s Dance Party at the Surly Wench Pub. Details here.
Slackerdom as defined by Phoenix nerdcore outfit Snailmate is “All I look forward to is chilling out/All of my memories center around how much I enjoy becoming one with the couch.” The group sets the bar at Brodie’s tavern with Gila Byte and Los Diablos Gordos at 9 p.m.
Two members of Funky Bonz, local guitar legend Doug “Hurricane” Floyd and Thomas “TK” Kennedy, celebrate their 50th birthdays at Sky Bar with Latin fusionists Santa Pachita passing around the holy hip flask. Details here. The show starts at 9 p.m.
Performing a soulful union of acoustic Música desde el Corazón, FebboFuentes entertain at The Dusty Monk Pub at 9 p.m. Details here.
In the twilight, as part of the Friday Night Live Free Concert Series, whet your appetite with the aromas and sounds of The French Quarter. The Muffulettas dish up some tunes at Gentle Ben’s starting at 7:30 p.m. Details here.
Saturday, July 20
A cannonade of distorted guitars plays perfect foil to naiveté. “Attention Seeker” Lydia Night reminds you to “Feel Your Feelings Fool!” Night is unafraid to express hers.
“I don’t give a fuck if someone doesn’t like what I have to say. No matter what, if people can relate to the music then it’s worth it. That’s what is cool for me.”
Teen pop-punks The Regrettes “Stop and Go” at 191 Toole flanked by the surfer pop meets post-punk of Hot Flash Heat Wave and The Great Citizens. The doors open at 7 p.m. Details here.
With rippling waves of reverb-drenched guitar, the kind that bites with a certain seaside twang, Shrimp Chaperone are providing the musical background for Día De Las Luchas. Oh, yeah, and there’s a bunch of luchadores too (schedule to be announced) at The Rialto Theater. Doors open at 7 p.m. Details here.
Be sure to wear your Sunday best because Church Pants, Harvey on Broadway, Wrought Iron and Duo and the Why Nots are rocking a Veterans Benefit Show at Irene’s Holy Donuts.Details here.
It’s a summertime house party! BAHA Fest 2 mashes up out-of-towners and local talent alike. With sets by Asa Martin (New Mexico), Mary Wander (Maryland), Gutless (Florida) and Tucson’s Logan Green, Paloma Colacion, The Rifle and Dr. Soap y mas it will be a big party. The show starts at 5:30 p.m. at Baja Audio Heads Association. Details here.
“Hey, Look at Me" musicians from San Pedro, California, rock/folk/punks Jason Paul & the Know It Alls “Eat Humble Pie at Wooden Tooth Records. Feverfew add a dose of reverb-tinged anxiety. The show starts at 8 p.m. Details here.
Hard rockers Beyond the Firewall, Noise Field and Junk James are at Sky Bar at 9 p.m. Details here.
Featuring two-time Grammy nominee pianist/ composer Enrique “Hank” Feldman, Acerekó performs Afro-Cuban/jazz/pop at Crooked Tooth Brewing Co. Rumor has that a mysterious guest violinist will sit it. The show starts at 6 p.m. Details here.
Looking for something interactive? Harness the power of your voice and connect to a higher frequency. Sanskrit Chanting to Heal Yourself introduces group chanting. The event promises to uplift physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually at Solar Culture Gallery at 4 p.m. Details here.
“Aim For The Head" with The Gunrunners as they fire a six-string salvo at Saint Charles Tavern with special guest Silent Movie Actress.
Be prepared to dance with abandon. Connie Brannock’s Little House of Funk play “Sonoran Soul” music at Monterey Court at 7 p.m. Details here.
Originating in the Mexican state of Veracruz, this regional folk music fuses indigenous, Spanish and African elements dating back to colonial times. Comprised of intergenerational students, Son Jarocho Collective keep the tradition alive at Exo Roast Co starting at 8 p.m. Details here.
The Peter Ronstadt Duo chill poolside at Hotel McCoy at 8 p.m. Details here.
Club Sanctuary proclaims “It’s a Goth summer.” Resident DJs Plastic Disease and Black Flagg spin Industrial/EBM/ Electro at the Surly Wench Pub at 9 p.m. Details here.
Love. Respect. Rastafari. With music by Twelve Tribes, Young Generation, Naajee Fyah, Chosen Few, One Heartbeat and more. It’s Rasta Family Funday at Fort Lowell Park, Ramada No. 2 starting at noon. Details here.
Sunday, July 22
Sophisticated urban hillbillies, The Determined Luddites share the Brandy of the Damned at Public Brewhouse with guest singer-songwriter Dal Hodges, starting at 5 p.m. Details here.
Like a tropical storm, Just Najima makes landfall. Sheets of Southwestern Gothic soul come pouring down on the patio at Che’s Lounge. Dream popper Mattea invokes spirits. The show starts at 7 p.m. Details here.
Tags: music , show , shows , live music , live show , live shows , concert , concerts , Image
Thursday, July 18, 2019
