Wednesday, June 9, 2021
WASHINGTON – Tucson officials said they will indefinitely suspend operations at one of the city’s water treatment plants to keep it from being overwhelmed by an underground toxic chemical plume.
City officials assured residents in a news conference Tuesday that water from the Tucson Airport Remediation Project treatment plant is safe, and that the decision to stop operations there on June 21 is merely a precaution against high levels of the chemical PFAS that could be moving toward the plant.
“Our action to suspend treatment at TARP is a proactive step to ensuring our community’s drinking water supply remains safe,” said Tucson Assistant City Manager Tim Thomure.
PFAS, which is used in firefighting foam and other applications, was detected in the groundwater near several military bases and airports in the state, including the Arizona Air National Guard facility at the Tucson International Airport.
The chemical was first detected in TARP groundwater years ago, but levels were low enough then that they could be removed with available treatment, city officials said.
“Unfortunately, we have hit a critical moment where we can no longer confidently deliver safe drinking water from TARP due to elevated PFAS levels in the water entering the facility prior to treatment,” Tucson Mayor Regina Romero said.
The Environmental Protection Agency does not regulate the chemical, but has set a safe “health advisory level” of 70 parts per trillion. Tucson officials said they have maintained their own standard of less than 18 parts per trillion, which they said is among the strictest in the nation.
Thursday, June 3, 2021
Pima County residents in danger of being evicted can get help and resources at a Tuesday event.
The Amphi Coalition and Pima County’s One-Stop will hold an Eviction Prevention Resource Fair from 8 a.m. to noon at Literacy Connects, 200 E. Yavapai Road.
In addition to rent and utility assistance, more than 25 organizations will be offering various other services at the fair, according to a news release.
The Pima County Health Department will offer COVID vaccinations. The Pima Animal Care Center will offer dog and cat food for those with pets. People can also be connected to resources on finding work and mental-health support, signing up for the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) and enrolling children in school.
“This fair is a wonderful opportunity to blend all the resources available to the community — be it health or financial resources,” said Daniel Sullivan, Pima County’s Community Services director. “It will also be the first time that we’ll be able to tell the community about the legal resources that we’re bringing to bear to prevent evictions.”
He said the county and city have about $23 million left to be distributed to families in need, having already jointly disbursed or obligated $11.6 million in rental and utility assistance.
Monday, May 24, 2021
On Tuesday, eegee's will open a new prototype location in South Tucson that will feature an “eegee-only” drive-thru window. The new location is at the Landing shopping area, 4765 S. Landing Center Dr., near Interstate 19 and Irvington Road.
The new 2,200 square-foot space will feature a full drive-thru with a walk-up order window and garage doors to allow for an indoor/outdoor experience.
For Tuesday's grand opening from 4 to 6 p.m., eegee’s is inviting the public to enjoy food and drinks (including new items) and stock up on the greatly coveted eegee's swag.
“We’re so excited to bring our menu to the residents of South Tucson,” says CEO Ron Petty. “This area has seen tremendous growth and we felt it was the perfect place to debut our new prototype. And while our look and feel has evolved over time, our classic menu items and the service we provide remains the same.”
For more information, visit eegees.com
Friday, May 14, 2021
The Casino Del Sol Charity Golf Tournament is back for its sixth year to raise money for the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona and the Pascua Yaqui Tribe Charitable Organization.
The event will be held Oct. 27-28, 2021, at Sewailo Golf Club.
Casino Del Sol has hosted the Charity Golf Tournament since 2015, with the exception of 2020 when the event was canceled due to the pandemic. This year’s tournament will have comprehensive safety measures in place to protect the health and well-being of all employees and golfers.
For more information or if you are interested in participating in the tournament, visit www.casinodelsol.com.
In Arizona, more than 973,000 people experience food insecurity, including one in five children. The Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona provides food to people in need as well as advocacy and nutrition education throughout southern Arizona. The Pascua Yaqui Tribe Charitable Organization has partnered with the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona to establish a food pantry on the Pascua Yaqui Tribe’s reservation.
“The level of food insecurity in Arizona and throughout the country has spiked dramatically since the beginning of the pandemic. We want to help those who are struggling in our community, and the proceeds from this golf tournament will do just that,” said CEO of Casino Del Sol, Kimberly Van Amburg. “We are honored to resume this annual tradition and support these remarkable organizations that are stepping up to combat hunger in Tucson.”
“This past year has brought us so many challenges,” said Michael McDonald, CEO of the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona. “We distributed more food than ever before, and as we work to make our way out of this crisis we know there is still a high number of children, families and seniors who need food. We’re grateful for this support from the Casino Del Sol Charity Golf Tournament to help us meet that need.”
Pima County and Tucson Medical Center are offering 800 free swim lessons to children at three Pima County pools.
The free lessons will be available at:
- Kino Pool, 2805 E. Ajo Way
- Los Niños Pool, 5432 S. Bryant Ave.
- Flowing Wells Pool, 4545 N. La Cholla Blvd.
The lessons are part of an overall water safety effort to teach children proper swimming techniques and how to be safe in and around water.
Register at pima.gov/swimlessons or (520) 724-5171.
“Drowning is 100 percent preventable. Offering free swimming lessons to the community is critically important to reducing the risk of a future drowning,” said Grant Bourguet, program manager at Pima County Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation.
Tuesday, May 11, 2021
Adoption fees for adult pets at Pima Animal Care Center have been waived for the month of May as PACC has taken in nearly 700 animals in the past week.
“As soon as we get one animal out, three more come in its place,” said Monica Dangler, Interim Director of Animal Services. “We just need to clear out some kennels in order to keep up with what’s happening right now.”
Adopted dogs have a $20 license fee. Kittens and puppies still cost $50 each. The shelter is also waiving reclaim fees for owners whose pets get lost and wind up in PACC’s care.
If you can’t adopt, PACC also needs foster help. You can house a pet for a couple of weeks, and the shelter will help provide what you need for that pet. To get started, just head to pima.gov/foster.
Monday, May 10, 2021
Arizona nonprofits that focus on education, diversity and environment/sustainability are eligible for grants worth up to $10,000 from Cox Charities.
Programs that focus on K-12 and STEAM; water conservation, waste or carbon reduction; or serve 80 percent or more of a target population or serve an inclusion, diversity and equity initiative are eligible.
Applications are being accepted at the Arizona Community Foundation website. More information on guidelines can be found at CoxCharitiesAz.org. The deadline is May 28.
“Cox has a history of supporting nonprofits in the communities where our 3,100 employees in Southern Arizona and Phoenix live and work. It is more important this year, than ever before, for us to support local nonprofits that provide vital services upon which so many Arizonans depend. We’re proud to extend a helping hand,” said Lisa Lovallo, market vice president, Cox Southern Arizona.
Wednesday, May 5, 2021
The owners of El Charro Cafe are collecting stories from patrons to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the restaurant's opening.
The Flores family is asking the community to submit "memories of special occasions, favorite dishes, and stories that are a part of the lore and love of this iconic restaurant," according to a news release. The best 100 stories will be featured in publications, social media posts, newsletters, etc. The writers of each of the selected 100 stories will receive a $100 Si Charro gift card. Entries will be accepted through December at sicharro100.com
“Over the years, our guests have generously shared their wonderful memories, as they have celebrated the special occasions of their lives with us. We would love to have a permanent record of these stories to commemorate the hard work and dedication that started with our dear Tia Monica in 1922 and has taken us through to today,” said Carlotta Flores, who along with her husband, Ray, and their children moved from California in the 1970s to take over the restaurant operations from her ailing aunt.
Monday, May 3, 2021
The Tucson Parks and Recreation Department reopened its park ramadas on Monday for rent for groups of fewer than 75 people. This move is in line with Pima County's department of Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation, which opened park facilities for rent in late March.
According to Tucson Parks and Rec, ramadas are reserved for the full day (8 a.m. to 7 p.m.) for $25 for city residents and $30 for non-city residents. Some ramadas are equipped with electricity, picnic tables, grills, nearby playground equipment, restrooms and other amenities. Alcohol and amusement equipment permits are purchased separately.
Ramadas are available for rent at Reid Park, Fort Lowell Park, El Pueblo Park, Rudy Garcia Park, Escalante Park, Himmel Park and more.
Power at the ramadas is not guaranteed. Picnic tables are available, but Parks and Rec cannot guarantee their placement at specific ramadas. Open-pit fires are prohibited. Reservations may be made up to one year in advance.
For more information, visit tucsonaz.gov/parks/reservations-and-rentals
Tuesday, April 6, 2021
The City of Tucson Parks and Recreation department will open three more extended-season pools and all splash pads on Monday, April 19.
For more information on pools, go to the City of Tucson website.
City splashpads are:
- Catalina Park Splash Pad, 925 N. Fourth Ave.
- Clements Splash Pad, 8155 E. Poinciana Drive
- Naida Jane Baker Splash Pad, 2536 N. Castro Ave.
- Palo Verde Park Splash Pad, 355 S. Mann Ave.
City officials recommend that groups are 10 or fewer people, visitors should stay 6 feet away from anyone they do not live with, stay home if feeling sick and follow all other CDC guidelines to keep safe. Masks are required when not in the water.
