A newsletter from the Office of Council Member Lane Santa Cruz

COVID-19 Updates

Hotlines

2-1-1 COVID-19 Hotline
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On March 22, Governor Doug Ducey announced the launch of a new statewide COVID-19 Hotline through $2 million in funding provided by the Arizona Department of Economic Security. The hotline is administered by 2-1-1 Arizona and the Crisis Response Network and will offer an entry point to field questions and concerns from Arizona residents about COVID-19.

Pima County Unemployment Hotline
520-724-5735

City Service Impacts Hotline
(520) 791-2540

City of Tucson Small Business Hotline
(520) 837-4100

Mayor and Council

On March 24, Tucson Mayor and Council held a special meeting with primary focus on the COVID-19 crisis. Highlights from the meeting below:

• A motion passed unanimously ratifying Mayor Regina Romero’s local emergency declaration, supporting Mayor Romero’s future use of emergency powers, urging Gov Doug Ducey to issue a statewide shelter-in-place order, and asserting that the city will take steps to provide assistance to local businesses and city employees.

• An update from City Manager Michael Ortega, including transitioning a majority of city employees to virtual services, instituting small business navigators, ceasing displacement of individuals experiencing homelessness, using navigators to educate those experiencing homelessness, and ceasing evictions for non-payment.

• An update from Chris Anderson, Tucson Fire Department Deputy Chief, on the City of Tucson’s Incident Command System (ICS). Anderson is serving as incident commander. Tucson’s ICS is collaborating daily with the Pima County’s ICS, which is taking the lead in the county.

• Discussion of federal Coronavirus paid sick leave and granting City Manager Ortega administrative authority to implement necessary changes swiftly.

• Shared concerns about Gov Ducey’s executive order prohibiting the closure of essential services, which includes payday loan locations, golf courses, hair and nail salons. Mayor Romero and other mayors across the state addressing similar concerns stating that the executive order is “too broad in its definition of ‘essential.’”

Mayor Romero’s Second Proclamation

Last night, Mayor Romero issues a second proclamation in response to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic. In short, the mayor orders all non-essential businesses and establishments to close, strongly advises people to stay at home except to address essential needs, strongly advises that all everyone adhere to social distancing requirement, strongly advises the closing of "personal hygiene services," such as hair and nail salons, spas, and barber shops, which are considered “essential” in Gov Ducey’s executive order.

Daily Updates from Mayor Romero

César Chávez Day

The City of Tucson will observe César Chávez Day next Monday, March 30. All city offices, except for emergency services, will be closed. César Chávez stood up for human dignity and defended the rights of working families. For this day, and really for every day, our office encourages you to find ways to go out and help others.

A Resilient Community

In times of the Coronavirus pandemic, what does this mean for us?

As we are all adjusting our lives, implementing social distancing, self-isolation, and other safety protocols, how can we come together as a community?

Fortunately, in the face of this extraordinary challenge, many are already stepping up and answering this question on their own terms. Neighborhood associations like Panorama Estates and Barrio Kroeger Lane are picking up groceries and supplies for neighbors. In downtown Tucson, the Z Mansion is providing services to individuals experiencing homelessness and working with the city to maintain a port-a-potty while most restrooms in the area are closed. Bus drivers, cops, fire fighters, medical staff, and countless other employees who are needed to provide essential services are still showing up to work.

Let’s not also forget those who are sick and self-isolating, and those who are healthy and self-quarantining. We need self-constraint as well as courage. We need patience, sacrifice, creativity and even joy.

This is what a resilient community looks like.

If you have stories to share about your current efforts to support your family, neighbors, or community, please share them with us at: ward1@tucsonaz.gov.

Ways to Help

Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona

If you are healthy and able, please help by volunteering to pack emergency food boxes. The Community Food Bank URGENTLY needs volunteers to keep operations running. Email volunteer@communityfoodbank.org to get started.

Additional ways to volunteer

Thank you to the Arizona Daily Star’s This is Tucson staff for pulling together so many useful articles, including “Immediate, actionable ways you can help the Tucson community during the coronavirus outbreak.” Below is a quick summary of the organizations listed in the article that are in need of volunteers and donations.

Emerge! Center Against Domestic Violence is in urgent need of supplies, such as ear thermometer sleeves, rubbing alcohol baby wipes, size 6 diapers, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, boxes of tissue, paper towels, toilet paper, and Lysol spray. Donate supplies at Emerge's administrative offices, 2545 E. Adams St. 

Interfaith Community Service also needs volunteers and donations of non-perishable food items.

Mobile Meals of Southern Arizona is in urgent need of volunteers.

Sister José Women's Center is accepting volunteers and looking for donations of napkins, water bottles, towels, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, hand sanitizer, bleach and new underwear.

Pima Animal Care Center is in need of foster caregivers, adopters, financial donations, and donations of pet food, supplies, crates, toys, treats and bedding.

Salvation Army Emergency Food & Supplies Delivery Network

The Salvation Army of Tucson is partnering with The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services (EDS), the community and local stores to collect food and emergency relief supplies for families in need in Tucson.  In this drive, they are looking for non-perishable food and emergency relief supplies. All food and supplies collected will be delivered by Salvation Army officers and staff to anyone age 65 or over who also needs assistance in shopping. Please remember that this service will only be able to meet the needs of the community as long as supplies last. 

When: March 23 through May 8 

Where: Collection of food and supplies will take place at:

• (Downtown/West) 1002 N. Main, (520) 795-9671, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.

• (East/Midtown) 1001 N. Richey, (520) 795-4504, 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. (M-F)

• (North) 218 E. Prince, (520) 888-1299, 9:30AM-5PM (M-F)

• (Green Valley) 555 N. La Canada Drive, Suite 101A, Green Valley, (520) 625-3888, 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. (M-F) 

In order to receive food and supplies you must be 65 years old or over and unable to shop for yourself. For registration and delivery to your home, contact Genesis Carcamo at (520) 795-4504 who is taking registrations for the emergency food distribution at all locations.

Gospel Rescue Mission

During this time, Gospel Rescue Mission is looking for non-perishable food and emergency relief supplies, including cleaning supplies and personal hygiene products. They are also accepting donations of gently used or new sporting equipment or games for shelter residents who are following shelter in place protocols. The organization is funded through donations, and also welcomes financial contributions.

Gospel Rescue Mission will be providing emergency food boxes for seniors, available for curbside pick up.

Where: 4550 S. Palo Verde Rd., Tucson, AZ 85714

Criteria: Priority will be given for seniors

Contact Information: (520) 740-1501

Support Local

Santa Cruz River Farmer’s Market

On Thursday, in response to COVID-19, the Santa Cruz River Farmer’s Market organized a drive-up market across the Mercado San Agustin to continue supporting local farmers and the community!

The Santa Cruz River Farmer’s Market fully expects to be set up again next week on Thursday, April 2, from 3-5 p.m.

Bikers, walkers, and public transit riders are welcome as well. The market also accepts unlimited EBT/Food Stamps, and doubles the value so $1 is worth $2, $5 is worth $1

Delgado’s Shifting Business Strategy

Delgado’s Food Service is a family business that usually sells food to local restaurants and resorts. However, with everything going on they are setting up a mobile farmer’s market in South Tucson at the corner of 6th Avenue and 36th Street. Delgado’s is maintaining social distancing and proper hygiene, and providing fresh produce outside of grocery stores which can get crowded without alternative options.

Small Business Stabilization and Support

The City of Tucson Office of Economic Initiatives (Connect Tucson) team stands ready to assist and to connect you to partner agencies and organizations that offer programs and services to help navigate this challenging time. For questions, please call the following hotline where you will be set up with a Small Business Liaison:                

City of Tucson Small Business Hotline

(520) 837-4100

Connect Tucson is hosting free webinars for local business owners every week, Monday at 3 p.m. All recorded webinars will be posted to the City of Tucson YouTube page for those unable to attend. To be added to the webinar invitation list, please contact the Small Business Hotline listed above. 

For the latest updates and resource lists: 

US Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Assistance

Tucson Metro Chamber of Commerce 

Connect Tucson The City’s One-Stop Economic Development Webpage 

Free online resources available for small businesses:

Facebook for Business Manage your Business Digitally

Local First AZ Free Online Business Webinars 

SCORE Southern AZ Free Business Mentorship/Coaching 

Free COVID-19 Workplace Safety Guide E-Book is available from the Women’s Business Enterprise Council and MYCA Learning

Take the COVID-19 Business & Local Impacts Survey

The City of Tucson Office of Economic Initiatives (ConnectTucson) is conducting an online survey for business owners to see how the COVID-19 coronavirus epidemic is affecting their businesses and the community as a whole. The aggregate results of the 10-minute survey will be used to inform local and state elected officials, government agencies, and others of the economic and human impact of COVID-19 in Tucson. This survey is part of a national effort by local economic development organizations and chambers of commerce. 

Spanish translation assistance is available to help people complete this survey. For assistance please contact Teresa Noon at tmnoon@pima.edu. Spanish translation is provided by Pima Community College Translation and Interpretation Studies Program.

Your participation in this survey is greatly appreciated! Survey results will be used by the Department of Economic Initiatives to develop fiscal responses to the COVID-19 crisis. 

https://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/5515265/COVID-19-Business-Impact-Survey-v1

County Updates

Pima County Sets Up Hotline for Unemployed Workers

The Pima County One-Stop Career Center is operating a special hotline to help people who are now unemployed because of COVID-19. The hotline, (520) 724-5735, is staffed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. Spanish-speaking staff is available to help. You can leave a message if the call goes to voicemail, and your call will be returned as soon as possible.

The program's workforce development specialists will be able to refer job-seekers to open job listings coming in from One-Stop's business services team and can provide guidance on how to navigate the online application for Arizona unemployment insurance benefits.

Pima County Extends Restrictions to April 10

The Pima County Board of Supervisors voted on March 26 to extend the term of restrictions for some businesses in unincorporated Pima County to April 10, 2020, as part of the Board’s effort to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 in the community.

The Board, using its emergency powers on March 19, ordered all restaurants in the unincorporated county to cease on-premises dining but allowing take-out service, and closed numerous types of businesses, including bars, bowling alleys, yoga studios, and gyms (go here for a full list). Tuesday’s action extends that order to coincide with the term for school closures set by Gov. Doug Ducey. The order would have expired March 31.

Federal Updates

On Wednesday, the U.S. Senate approved an estimated $2 trillion stimulus package to battle the harmful effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. A few highlights of what's included in the package:

• Provides a $1,200 direct payment to many Americans and $500 for each dependent child.

• Creates a $150 billion Coronavirus Relief Fund for state, local and tribal governments. See estimated state allocations courtesy of Federal Funds Information for States.

• $30 billion for an Education Stabilization Fund for states, school districts and institutions of higher education for costs related to the coronavirus.

• $45 billion for the Disaster Relief Fund for the immediate needs of state, local, tribal and territorial governments to protect citizens and help them respond and recover from the overwhelming effects of COVID-19.

• Expands unemployment insurance from three to four months, and provides temporary unemployment compensation of $600 per week, which is in addition to and the same time as regular state and federal UI benefits.

• $400 million in election security grants to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus in the 2020 federal election cycle. States must provide an accounting to the Election Assistance Commission of how the funds were spent within 20 days of any 2020 election.

• An additional $4.3 billion, thorough the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to support federal, state and local public health agencies to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus.

The state receives and oversees the distribution of funds to the local level. There are a lot of details to figure out in this bill. As we uncover gaps of services and individuals who are not being served, we as a city will have to work with our community partners to serve and support our most vulnerable. As of today, the U.S. House passed the stimulus package and it was signed shortly after by the president.