A newsletter from the Office of Council Member Lane Santa Cruz

Feeling inspired

Meet the Staff

As we take this position, it is important that the Ward 1 staff reflect the rich cultural backgrounds and work experiences of our community. Our team is passionate and ready to get to work to bring about transformative, co-governing practices.

Learn more about our team

#TUCSONHISTORIAN

Lydia Otero, Tucson’s recently appointed City Historian, has been instrumental in collecting the stories of Tucson, especially the stories from the barrios, and of those displaced by development. Their appointment to the Tucson-Pima County Historical Commission is an important step toward honoring and protecting all of Tucson’s history.

Feeling grateful

Ward 1 Open House

There were over 500 people who attended the Ward 1 Open House on Sunday, February 16th! We had a lot of fun meeting neighbors, reconnecting with one another, talking about ideas and neighborhood needs as well as re-introducing everyone to the Ward 1 Office. Many thanks to all of our partners and volunteers! We had delicious food from Anita’s Market, entertainment from local schools, a complete streets demonstration, kid-friendly activities, as well as tours of the spaces available for use by the community in the rehabilitated office.

Thanks to all who contributed plants and books for the new mini library we have available for visitors, the community room and the office as a whole are far more welcoming, If you didn’t get a chance to join us, please stop by the office, we look forward to seeing you!

Restoration of the Ward 1 Office

In the weeks leading up to the Ward 1 Open House, the city’s facilities crew restored the building’s original flooring, brought us up to code, upgraded our electrical system, painted the interior walls, and so much more! Originally, the Ward 1 Office was an old fire station, and these restorations helped bring back that rich history. As a small token of appreciation, below are photos of some of the people involved.

In addition to the work of the city’s Facilities and Communications Maintenance staff, members of the community contributed their time and resources to make the space more welcoming and accessible. Some of the highlights include three beautiful murals inspired by the Sonoran Desert and painted by the talented local artist Alex Jimenez! We also have a bike repair station in the office available for use by community and custom made furniture thanks to Jose Jimenez, owner of Petroglyphs, Robin Breault of Lead Local, and Colin Holmes of Rusty Petal Metal Works.

We’re excited to reside in a space that fosters community, creativity, and co-governance, and we look forward to continue adding to the character of the building.

If you are interested in reserving the space, click the link below.

New Tugo station outside of the Ward 1 Office!

Tugo is a bike share program with over 300 bikes and 41 docking stations in Tucson. It’s a great way to save money, save time, have fun, get exercise and go green. We’re proud to announce that there is a new station right outside of the Ward 1 Office. For more information on Tugo, check them out online.

Feeling optimistic

Speaking up against the Confederate flag

The Confederate flag is a symbol of slavery, oppression, and white supremacy, and it should have no official place in Tucson, including the Tucson Rodeo Parade. Following the publication of my op-ed on the Tucson Sentinel, this issue has gained attention at the local, state, and even national level with coverage from the New York Times and the Washington Post.

With added pressure from the City of Tucson, I believe we can change course and better reflect the true values of our city and community.

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New Ward 1 Office Hours

Monday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Tuesday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Wednesday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Thursday 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

On Thursdays, I will be holding office hours from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. at the Ward 1 Office for walk-ins to engage with the community and increase my accessibility for working families.

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Mayor and Council

Coronavirus

On Monday, March 9, Mayor Regina Romero, Supervisor Richard Elias, representatives from the City of Tucson and Pima County, and additional stakeholders held a press conference to brief the community on the status of emergency preparedness in the wake of COVID-19. The City of Tucson has been working with Pima County Health Department since the beginning of the outbreak, and has developed some ways to prevent the spread of the virus.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds 

• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available 

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth 

• Stay home when you are sick. 

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. 

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or your elbow. 

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces 

PFAS

Tucson Water is continuing to monitor the city’s water supplies for PFAS compounds and it will take action to protect public health when necessary. The Mayor and Council received a quarterly update at the last study session on March 3. During the past quarter, Tucson Water updated its operating targets for PFAS compounds to provide greater clarity on the safe operation of the Tucson Airport Remediation Project (TARP) / Advanced Oxidation Process (AOP) for PFAS control. Tucson Fire also tested an alternative, non-PFAS containing, fire suppression product that could be used in lieu of Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF). For more information, visit Tucson Water webpage on PFAS at https://www.tucsonaz.gov/water/pfas.

Transportation & Mobility Name Change

In early February, I made a motion which passed unanimously to change the name of the Tucson Department of Transportation (TDOT) to the Tucson Department of Transportation and Mobility. The name change reflects a shift in the vision of the council and the city from a singular focus on transportation to a multimodal focus on transportation. This is an early step forward to create streets that are safer for pedestrians, cyclists, transit riders, and motorists.

I’m also pleased to announce that with help of the Rob Dollar Foundation, the Tucson Department of Transportation and Mobility and the Tucson Parks and Recreation Department implemented signs on Sentinel Peak to remind drivers that it’s the law to give bikers a minimum three feet clearance on the roads.

E-Scooter Pilot Program

At the last Mayor & Council meeting, I introduced a motion to extend the E-Scooter pilot program for another 6 months. This is about having more mobility options. In Tucson, over 37,000 people used e-scooters during the first five months of the program. Since the beginning of February there were over 167,000 trips with an average distance of .86 miles. 

City staff is working to address all issues brought up during the initial program.

Budget

The City of Tucson FY2020/21 General Fund Budget is about to take shape. From now until April, budget discussions and recommendations are taking place. The tentative budget will be discussed in May, and the final budget for FY2020/21 is expected to be approved in June.

Reach the Loop
Saturday, March 14
MSA Annex
8:30 - 11 a.m.

Petroglyphs Grand Opening Celebration
Saturday, March 14
MSA Annex
12 - 5 p.m.

Move Tucson - Canceled
Wednesday, March 18
El Pueblo Senior Center
101 W Irvington Rd
6 - 8 p.m.

Cyclovia Tucson Community Open House and Free Mobile Bike Repair
Thursday, March 19
Ward 1 Office
940 W Alameda St
4-7 p.m.

Families United Gaining Accessibility (FUGA)
Bicicleteada del Sur
Friday, March 27
El Pueblo Center
101 W Irvington Rd
6 – 8:30 pm

Cyclovia Tucson
Sunday, March 29
Downtown <-> South Tucson
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Families United Gaining Accessibility (FUGA)
Bicis & Brunch
Sunday, April 11
Ward 1
940 W. Alameda
10 a.m.

Upcoming Community Events