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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. 

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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.

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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. 

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.