A newsletter from the Office of Council Member Lane Santa Cruz

Honoring you today and always
Richard Elías
1958-2020

Attempting to share words about our querido amigo and leader, Richard Elías is met with many pauses, deep breaths, tears, and smiles. The ways that Richard showed up for us – for our community, always made you feel like we were family. This loss, this void gets amplified during COVID-19 times because we’re grieving so much loss. Our public mourning then moves to these digital mediums.

We met Richard when we were student activists at the University of Arizona and experienced how he showed up and supported youth voices and organizing. As young people we had never experienced such close contact and friendship from an elected official. 

Richard modeled what it meant to be a servant leader and a mentor. He mentored many of us Tucsoneses – his mentorship was solid and consistent. He helped direct our eyes to the different ways of considering a challenge or opportunity. He crafted careful conversations with us that unfolded through his storytelling and often were accompanied by a joke or two. What laughter we shared! Richard truly supported so many of us to grow in deeply meaningful ways. His kind of leadership inspires us to carry forward, serving our communities with a piece of his fire in our hearts. 

Richard, we thank you for your presence and voice. You were persistent in showing up and advocating for our communities that always included our most vulnerable populations. Gracias for the beautiful stories you’ve gifted us and for your playfulness. Because of you, we are reminded that it is okay to find joy within our struggles and that there is much beauty to be grateful for. Thank you for these gentle reminders. 

We send our love to Richard’s wife Emily, his daughter Luz, and the Elías family. We thank them for the sacrifices they made when Richard poured so much of himself to the work of being a public servant.   

To the devoted staff of the District 5 Office, Keith, Nahrin, Marjava, and Amanda, thank you for working so tirelessly to represent Richard and working with our council office to support and advocate for District 5 and Ward 1 neighbors. 

Our last conversation with Richard was about how much he missed his father and mother. We find solace in knowing he is reunited with them and with some of the fiercest Chicanas from Tucson, Lorraine Lee and Consuelo I Aguilar. Give them abrazos for us! 

We love you, Richard! 

#Presente! #Resist #Muchlove

For many Richard was literally an endless advocate for the people, as demonstrated by this quote from Anna Sanchez, Pima County Public Librarian. 

“Richard was a ceaseless champion of libraries. He knew the value of libraries as community gathering places and centers of knowledge. He knew that libraries break down barriers of age, ethnicity, culture, economic status, language, and geography. When the public library came under the umbrella of Pima County government, Richard said that he was going to ensure that our libraries would be better and stronger than ever before. He made sure we had the resources to do that.”

2020 Census

The census matters in Arizona and impacts us everyday. It's critical that every Arizonan is counted to ensure that our state, counties and cities can provide essential services like schools, hospitals, health care, school lunch programs, roads, public works, community services and more. 

The Constitution requires the government to attempt to count everyone throughout the states, and five territories and Washington, D.C., every 10 years. The data is used to allocate federal funding throughout the country and reappropriation of the 436 seats in the House of Representatives depending on state population. It's estimated that up to $3,000 per Arizonan is at stake. Just a one percent undercount would represent a loss to the state of $62 million per year for a decade which is about $620 million loss. 

It's important that we encourage our social groups to fill out the census in a variety of ways. It takes about 10 minutes to complete the census by phone, online, or by mail, if you received the paper form. You can self-respond to the Census online at https://my2020census.gov/ or over the phone in English by dialing 844-330-2020 or in Spanish at 844-468-2020.

Doug Ducey’s Stay-At-Home Order

Governor Doug Ducey issued a statewide stay-at-home order in response to the COVID-19 pandemic on Monday, March 30, 2020. The order restricts people from leaving their homes except to conduct or participate in Essential Activities. It comes after mounting pressure on the governor from citizens and local governments across the state, including the City of Tucson Mayor and Council.

Under the executive order, Essential Activities include obtaining necessary supplies and services; engaging in activities essential for health and safety; caring for others, including pets; engaging in outdoor activities; attending work or volunteering in Essential Functions; and engaging in constitutionally protected activities such as speech and religion, and any legal or court process provided. 

The order went into effect on Tuesday, March 31 at 5 p.m. and it will remain in effect through the end of April. 
 

The order is an important measure to slow the spread of COVID-19. However, the list of Essential Activities, still considers non-essentials like hair salons and golf courses as essential. Mayor Regina Romero and other mayors across the state feel that the list is too broad continue to pressure the Governor to narrow his listing. 

Failures to Observe Coronavirus Precautions

Activities other than those deemed “essential” in the Governor’s stay-at-home order are specifically prohibited. This applies to gathering of people attending parties where social distancing protocols cannot be followed.  Primarily, the police response to people who unknowingly violate emergency orders is to provide them with a warning and education on the importance of social distancing. However, should the pattern of behavior continue, attendees at such a party could be charged with violating A.R.S. §26-317, a class 1 misdemeanor.

If you are concerned about large gatherings of people at non-essential businesses or other locations, you may contact the Tucson Police Department using their non-emergency line.

Report non-emergencies on the police non-emergency line at (520) 791-4444 https://www.tucsonaz.gov/apps/crime-reporting/