This week, I joined Ward 1 Councilmember Lane Santa Cruz, Rio Nuevo CEO Fletcher McCusker and the Rio Nuevo Board, Marc Pinate from Borderlands Theatre and community members to introduce a first-of-its-kind project. Using augmented reality, we will be able to see what life was like for the residents of La Calle, the thriving barrio that was destroyed in the 1960s to make room for what is now the Tucson Convention Center.
When I became Mayor it was important to me that we address the harm that was done on the families who lived of La Calle. Yesterday’s gathering was an important step towards that healing.
Next week Tucsonans will take part in the 99th annual La Fiesta de los Vaqueros: the Tucson Rodeo. It will kickoff with the Rodeo Parade, a Tucson south side tradition! The parade starts at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday. I hope you get an opportunity to see it!
This year the parade has a new route, I have shared a map in one of the stories below.
If you’re from Tucson, odds are you grew up knowing that our gem show, the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show, is the largest and oldest gem show in the entire world—it’s a big deal and pretty much Tucson lore.
Which means that for those of us growing up in Tucson, this meant that you were at high risk of becoming a geologist or natural sciences nerd considering the many natural wonders and scientific activities in the Sonoran Desert.
My scientific awakening came during my third-grade field trip to the lower level of the Flandrau Planetarium, where the University of Arizona kept its collection of some of the most unique and beautiful minerals, meteorites, and fossils I had ever laid eyes on.
Fast-forward 19 years later, I got to see the same collection I fell in love with as a kid while representing Mayor Romero at a showcase of the new Alfie Norville Gem and Mineral Museum, located at the historic Pima County Courthouse, just a brisk 2-minute walk from my office! I was there alongside my colleague, Manisha Bewtra.
While at the Mineral Museum, Manisha and I represented the Mayor’s office, thanking both Tucson residents and visitors from across the globe who have traveled to Tucson to partake in this longstanding event.
As some of the sponsors mentioned during the showcase: “This museum could fit in wherever you put it; New York, Paris, D.C., London, but it’s located in our home—Tucson.”
How lucky are we to have access to this world-class museum year-round?
The University of Arizona Alfie Norville Gem & Mineral Museum enriches our city’s public education, the conservation of minerals and meteorites, all while meeting the research requirements of professionals, students, and collectors.
While the collection spans the globe, it places particular focus on minerals originating from Arizona and Mexico, further showcasing our great state’s natural beauty.
The Gem and Mineral show has graced our city for over six decades. It serves as a testament to the power of effective policies, robust financial investments, and collaborative community engagement.
Next Week is Rodeo Week, and with it comes a New Parade Route
Next week Tucsonans are celebrating Rodeo Week and the 99th annual La Fiesta de Los Vaqueros! The Tucson Rodeo celebrates our rich cultural heritage. The parade is the largest non-motorized parade of its kind.
One important change that is happening this year is that the Rodeo Parade will have a new route.
The parade will begin at South 12th Avenue and Drexel Road, proceeding east on Drexel to South Nogales Highway, then turning north, ending at Irvington Road.
The City of Tucson and the Rodeo Committee announced this new parade route to avoid stopping train traffic in Tucson, which could sometimes be held back by over three hours!
The new Rodeo Parade route runs east on Drexel Road and then travels North on South Nogales Highway to avoid railroad crossings.
Last year I met with Tucson Rodeo Chairman Jose Calderon and Vice-Chair Sam Merriman who shared their ideas for ways that we could work together to celebrate this event in our City. Next year, La Fiesta de los Vaqueros will celebrate its 100th anniversary! Can you believe it?!
The Tucson Rodeo attracts more than 150,000 spectators from around the world to connect with our beautiful desert City and its traditions. My father was a Vaquero who grew up in the mountains of Sonora and ingrained in me to be proud of who we are.
The parade starts at 9:00 a.m. and is FREE to spectators along most of its route. Ticketed grandstand seating is available attucsonrodeoparade.org. I hope you can attend!!!
Happy Year of the Dragon!
Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival, began on February 10 this year! The Mayor’s Office celebrated the start of the Year of the Dragon at the Tucson Chinese Cultural Center’s annual Lunar New Year Gala.
Tucson Chinese Cultural Center’s annual Lunar New Year gala included music and dance performances, including several Lion Dancers!
The evening included performances by the Tucson Chinese Lion Dance Program, which includes kids ages 7 and up! The Lions are often operated by two dancers, dancing in coordination to beating drums! The lions bring good luck and fortune, and audience members “feed” the lions red envelopes filled with cash.
Guests fed the lions red envelopes filled with case for good fortune! Tucson Chinese Cultural Center’s President Tina Liao played the guzheng, a string instrument with 2500 years of history. Fresh-caught grouper was served as the second course. Fish is symbolic of abundance and prosperity. The festive evening concluded with a dazzling dragon dance performance!
The rest of the evening included a multi-course Chinese dinner, where every course symbolized something different. It also featured beautiful dance, voice, and instrumental performances. The evening concluded with a surprise glow-in-the-dark dragon dance performance. Different from the lion dance – which included multiple lions, there was one dragon operated by several dancers!
Tucson Chinese Cultural Center is also hosting a Lunar New Year program for the public tomorrow, with $5 admission and free for kids 11 years-old and younger. Check it out! Tickets sold at the door.
Get to know the Commission on Climate, Energy and Sustainability!
The Commission on Climate, Energy and Sustainability (CCES) was created in 2017 to advise Mayor and Council on ways that the City can meet its Climate, Energy, and Sustainability goals in the General Plan and make suggestions to improve City operations to address the impacts of climate change.
Serving on one of the 56 Commissions, Committees and Boards is another way for Tucson residents to participate in local government!
The Commission played an important part during the creation of the City’s climate action plan, Tucson Resilient Together, approved by Mayor and Council in 2023. The plan is already in its implementation phase as the City is investing $80M.
“We see this as a building year now,” said Commission Chair, James Sell from Ward 6. “The Commission has been working on making the connections between Plan Tucson, Tucson Resilient Together, and the needs of the Tucson community in regards to climate and sustainability,” says Sell.
Vanessa Gallego is also a member of the Commission, appointed under then, Ward 1 Council Member, Regina Romero. Gallego is a small business owner working in the field of metal recycling.
When we asked her why she participates in this work Gallegos says, “I knew I wanted to help shape how the city could remain sustainable while advancing climate and environmental related issues that faced front line communities.”
Representation is also important to Gallego. “We are committed to representing our communities in the decision-making process for programs that directly impact them,” added Gallego.
Above: Vanessa Gallego (left) at a November 2022 Climate Action Workshop. “Being a part of the Climate Action Advisory Council for the Mayor and being part of the Climate Action Plan has allowed me to grow alongside knowledgeable leaders in the field to help identify gaps when it comes to community resiliency,” says Gallego.
CCES Chair Sell and Vice Chair Adriana Bachmann (Ward 2) shared that they see the Commission as a bridge between the Tucson community and City government, one that can provide a vehicle for community action in future.
In addition to their work on the Commission, members are working both on individual projects and have been a part of community activities like the Plan Tucson working groups, lobbying efforts at the Arizona State Legislature during Environmental Day, participating in this month’sHeat Planning Summit, and more.
To see the full list of City of Tucson Committees, Boards and Commissions and how you can get involved click on the link below!
Neighborhood Association Spotlight: Rincon Heights East
By: Eryck Garcia
Community Engagement Advisor
Above: Rincon Heights East Neighborhood Association at their annual neighborhood meeting. One of my first neighborhood association events was the RHENA annual meeting, which to my surprise, was a big party with dozens of neighbors, food, and live music!
Happy Friday!
Last month I had the chance to attend the Richland Heights East Neighborhood Association (RHENA) meeting hosted by its executive board. This was my first time attending a RHENA meeting and my second time visiting the neighborhood.
At the meeting, RHENA members discussed a wide range of neighborhood topics. One of those was members reporting concerns with graffiti in the washes.
If you follow the Mayor’s Newsletter, we’ve previously mentioned that you can report graffiti using theSeeClickFix App.
The City’s 311 non-emergency phone line is another helpful resource, and is available 24/7. It is active and connects you to various City of Tucson services, thanks to a navigator system. This initiative, a top priority for Mayor Romero, was funded in part by American Rescue Plan dollars allocated from her office, marking a significant step in putting the right work with the right hands.
311 connects residents to services ranging from the Department of Transportation and Mobility, Tucson Water, Environmental Services, Housing First, and Community Safety, Health & Wellness, and other non-emergency responders.
The SeeClickFix app is also available to help residents report potholes to the Department of Transportation & Mobility, and other departments like Parks and Recreation, and Environmental & General Services.
Another challenge Richland Heights East neighbors discussed was that of illegally parked cars.
This is something I also heard from other neighborhood associations. Cars that are parked illegally can make it difficult for City services like trash pick-up. If your neighborhood is having similar issues, you can report them to Code Enforcement or ParkTucson.
Another idea… Talk to your neighbors! You’d be surprised how much can be solved with just a friendly conversation.
To report other parking violations, contact ParkTucson at (520) 719-5071 or email parktucson@tucsonaz.gov or visit ParkTucson’s website.
There are lots of great things happening across Tucson, and I love hearing all about it! Please invite me to attend your next neighborhood association or community event.
