Our Catalina Arizona

Home | Community Calendar | Community News and Information | Community Resource Listings | The Who and Why of This Site | A Catalina Journal | Contact/Guestboook

Community News and Information

ocotilloforestbyjanet.jpg

For archived articles on the following specific topics, click the subject below to go to its dedicated page.
Catalina Community Meeting Minutes
Catalina Regional Park News and Info

The articles below are posted with the latest first.  I leave many of them up for first time readers and new residents.

This site  The Web 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________
posted May 20, 2010

Something a little lighter for the News page

A beautiful new photography website by Catalina resident, Dave Clutter.
http://davephoto.zenfolio.com/
Enjoy!

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
posted March 28, 2010

Catalina Critter Clinic Huge Success

 Over 60 dogs and cats were neutered at no cost to their owners through the Pet-Fix Program administered by the Animal Welfare Alliance of Southern Arizona (AWASA).  The overflow were directed to the Arizona Spay/Neuter Clinic where they could obtain free services by appointment at a later date.  The Pet-Fix program is made possible through funds earmarked by the Pima County Board of Supervisors, a portion of dog license fees, and the Arizona "Pet-Plate" license plate program.  Coordinating this event locally was done strictly by volunteer effort, and having been involved since the first rumblings of its possibility I can honestly say it was a huge undertaking. 

We should all thank volunteers Angie Dyson and Julie Golder, both Catalina residents, for their many hours spent putting the event together at such short notice.  And it should also be told that both Angie and Julie have been rescuing and advocating for animals for many years, without financial support from any organization, just because it needed to be done.  As a matter of fact, it was Angie who rescued my Kaia after she had been abandoned by her owners.  She then brought her to me to "foster" temporarily until she could find another home for her.  That was 8 years ago!

Gratitude should also be expressed to the Catalina Lutheran Church for providing a place for the event...at no cost.  After days of researching more visible locations on Oracle Road that either didn't meet our needs or if they did wanted to be financially compensated, Catalina Lutheran came through for the community.  To them, our gratitude.

A number of residents also stepped up to the plate during the event to help out.  Thanks to Nicholas for help with intake and coffee runs, to Barbara for the emergency run for copies, and to Bruce for your calming presence with all the critters. And thank you Kelly, of Kelly's Grooming, for the loan of the many animal crates we used.

Veteranarian Pam Brambert and her staff, ARK Mobile Veteranarian Services, were so patient and compassionate.  It was a true wonder to watch them in action. 

Because there was such an overwhelming response, and there is such a need, we're advocating for another mobile spay/neuter clinic for Catalina as soon as possible.  Please check back here at the site for developments in that effort.

I was able to get away from the phones on Friday morning to take a few photos at the site and have posted them below. 

critterclinic/petplate.jpg critterclinic/PICT0311.JPG critterclinic/PICT0310.JPG critterclinic/PICT0308.JPG
critterclinic/PICT0306.JPG critterclinic/PICT0301.JPG critterclinic/PICT0299.JPG critterclinic/PICT0298.JPG

______________________________________________________________
posted March 8, 2010
Graffiti Abatement and Removal in Catalina

Over the last few months there has been a marked increase in graffiti around Catalina.  Many road signs have been defaced with "tagging", so I've had a few inquiries to the site about resources to get it removed.

Contact the Pima County Graffiti Abatement Program with the location of any graffiti on Pima County signage and they will come out and either clean it up or replace the signs.  Their phone number is:  (520) 792-8224.  

____________________________________________________________
posted February 19, 2010
Free Spay/Neuter for Pets of Catalina Residents

Pima County has awarded over $200,000 to The Animal Welfare Alliance of Southern Arizona (AWASA) to provide FREE pet spay/neuter services to residents of targetted areas of Pima County.  Catalina is one of these areas, therefore there are no financial guidelines to qualify.  The funds under this "Pet Fix" program are being distributed to a number of clinics in increments, so if the slots are filled when you call for an appointment, keep checking with each of the listed clinics.

Here's the webpage with the participating clinics:
http://www.found-pets.org/pr-pf2010.pdf

______________________________________________________
posted January 13, 2010

Catalina and Oracle State Parks-Current Status

The State Park Board will be meeting in Phoenix on January 15 to decide the fate of the parks under their jurisdiction, including Catalina and Oracle State Parks.

Currently, Catalina State Park is open and as one of the more popular parks in the system the recommendation to be considered Friday is that it remain open. But officials say they may have to close more parks if they can't raise $3 million from entry fees statewide by June 30.  An increase in the yearly pass fee for Catalina is already being considered.

Oracle State Park is currently closed to the public and is open only for school programs and limited special events.  Park trails remain open, with vehicle access limited to the American Avenue parking lot and trailhead.  On Friday the State Parks Board will consider an offer of financial support by the Friends of Oracle State Park that would allow the park and the Kannally Ranch House to re-open to the public on weekends from 8AM-5PM.

_____________________________________________________
posted January 7, 2010
Attention Hikers and Equestrians

There has been a recent increase of vehicle break-ins at the cattle pens to the east of Catalina and also in Catalina State Park.  At the cattle pens thieves gained entry to at least 2 vehicles by breaking out a window.

So lock up before you head out for a hike or a ride, don't leave anything valuable in your vehicle, and report any suspicious activity to the Pima County Sheriff or the State Park staff.
 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
posted December 9, 2009
Recycling Collection Facility Coming to Catalina

After a number of years operating in Tucson on N. 11th Avenue, the family owned and operated recycling business, Can-It, is preparing to build a recycling collection facility on leased land at 16201 N. Oracle Rd. 

I spoke with one of the owners, Dawn Cook, who told me that many of their customers are from areas north of Tucson and have been asking the company to have a collection facility north of the city.

The owners still have a few hoops to jump through with Pima County Design Review Committee and possibly the Board of Adjustments, but Ms. Cook seemed confident that they'd be ready to go some time in January.  They currently collect cans, clear plastic, copper, brass, and aluminum.  All materials will be stored in small containers within the building and transported daily by standard-size truck to their facility in the city. The installation of an exterior bin for steel collection is also a possibility.

Can-It is a "cash-for-trash" (my words there) business, and given the state of our landfills what better way to handle items that can be readily recycled.  Everybody wins.
Company representatives will be present to talk about their business and respond to questions and concerns at a Village Council public meeting on December 15 at 7PM at Summer Institute of Linguistics, 16131 N. Vernon Drive, Catalina. 


posted October 25, 2009
Pima County Home Repair and Weatherization Assistance Programs for Low-Income Residents
For applications for, and assistance with, either of these programs, contact Elizabeth Andersen at (520) 825-0009

I've been doing my best to get the word out about a couple of wonderful programs offered through Pima County to low-income residents.  One is for home repairs such as roofs, the second is for weatherization to reduce utility bills.  These are "grants", not loans, and are funded through federal, state, and private sources. 

If you, or someone you know, falls within the income limits posted below please check out the County's webpage at:
http://www.pima.gov/CED/CDNC/CRD/HomeRepair.html for more information and downloadable applications. 
ANNUAL INCOME LIMITS
Roof Repair Programs, Heating & Cooling Program,
Major Systems Repair Program, and Septic Program
HOUSEHOLD SIZE ANNUAL INCOME
1 Person $20,150
2 Persons 23,000
3 Persons 25,900
4 Persons 28,750
5 Persons 31,050
6 Persons 33,350
7 Persons 35,650
8 Persons 37,950
*************************************************************************
ANNUAL INCOME LIMITS
Weatherization Program
HOUSEHOLD SIZE ANNUAL INCOME
1 Person $21,660
2 Persons 29,140
3 Persons 36,620
4 Persons 44,100
5 Persons 51,580
6 Persons 59,060
7 Persons 66,540
8 Persons 74,020


Construction has begun on the new
Catalina Community Services Building on Hawser Road in Catalina.
CatalinaCommunityBuilding.JPG

posted September 12, 2009
The new building will replace the existing 2000 square foot Catalina Community Services (CCS) building. This new facility will house a food and clothing bank, senior programs, multi-purpose rooms for the use of other non-profit agencies and community groups, and offices for the Pima County Health Department. Health Department services will include immunizations, family planning and public health education.

Funding for the new building has come from the following sources:
Neighborhood Reinvestment (CCS allocation) $500,000
Neighborhood Reinvestment (PCHD allocation) $250,000
Community Development Block Grant $ 75,000
Catalina Community Services $500,000
TOTAL $1,325,000

The total project estimate is $1,724,459. Staff is requesting to use $399,459 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (CDBG-R) funds in order to fully fund the Catalina project.

The Community of Catalina is 51% low to moderate income. This project will assist those most impacted by the recession by providing food, clothing and public health services to the low income residents of Catalina. The project will increase economic efficiency by consolidating social services in Catalina at one location.
The information above is quoted from a
Pima County document.


posted August 16,2009
A New On-line Catalina Business Guide

Congratulations and thanks go out to Catalina resident, Loree Dinsmore, for compiling a comprehensive on-line guide to Catalina businesses and other resources.  Check out her ever-evolving website at:
www.catalinavillageaz.com.


Catalina Transfer Station Financial Hardship
Fee Reduction Available

Although the fee has increased, there is a program which offers a discounted $2 entry fee for those residents who qualify by income.  The County letter which describes this program and includes income eligibility limits and how to apply can be downloaded through the link below.  Or you may call 243-6794 to leave your contact information and a staff person will return your call.

click here to download file



GRANT FUNDING AVAILABLE FOR COMMUNITY PROJECTS
PRO Neighborhoods - People, Resources, Organizations in Support of Neighborhoods
 
PRO Neighborhoods is an organization dedicated to supporting grassroots neighborhood groups in Tucson and Pima County. PRO Neighborhoods believes in local leadership, volunteerism, and the ability of communities to create change from within. PRO Neighborhoods helps residents develop skills to make valuable connections with local resources. We support neighborhood improvements through workshops, funding and consultations. Our ultimate goal is that everywhere you go in Pima County, neighbors are helping neighbors, diversity is celebrated, and people care about where they live. 

PRO Neighborhoods provides grants ranging from $500 to $5,000. Grants are available to neighborhood groups of five or more committed people who have developed an idea for an improvement project. Grants are awarded three times a year. For grant guidelines and the pre-application form visit our website at www.proneighborhoods.org or call us at 520-882-5885.


january 28, 2009
Oracle Road...what the future has in store

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) held a second public meeting to present information and solicit public comment on the
proposed improvements for Oracle Road (SR 77) from Tangerine Road to the Pinal County Line.
ADOT representatives were available to answer questions and address concerns.
The proposed improvements include:
Widening Oracle Road to six lanes by adding a new travel lane in each direction. The proposed roadway section
would include three 12-foot-wide travel lanes and a 10-foot-wide shoulder in each direction for the southern end of
the project.

The northern portion of this project through the community of Catalina, the roadway section would include
three 12-foot-wide travel lanes, and a 7-foot-wide shoulder in each direction.

Raised center median with left-turn lanes.

Rubberized asphalt for pavement.

This project would join into the widening improvement project that is under construction from Tangerine
Road to Calle Concordia (MP 77.5 to MP 82).

The roadway construction is tentatively scheduled to begin in 2011 and continue through 2013.
For additional information please visit:
http://oracleroad.info/pinal-to-tangerine.shtml


Canyon Community Bank in Catalina - official drop-off site for the "Packages From Home" program
"The mission of Packages From Home is to send care and comfort packages to deployed American military heroes who are stationed in active duty theaters around the world, ..."

Items that would be most appreciated by the troops are listed on the Packages From Home website at: 
http://www.packagesfromhome.org/troop-wish-list

Catalina resident, Margarete de Gaston, has been involved with this organization for a while now.  She wrote, "My sister and I went up to Phoenix a few days ago and participated in a "packing party". Wow, you should see the operation. The volunteers are amazing and the donations are wonderful to see. Not only individuals, but also businesses from all over Arizona, are donating items that will then be shipped in USPS Priority Mail boxes to individual soldiers who then in their locations share with others in their camps."

 Other articles about on-going local issues are at:
**************************************************************

This site was last updated: