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Community News and Information
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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.
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posted February 19, 2010
Free Spay/Neuter for
Pets of Catalina ResidentsPima 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 County funds
are coming in increments, so if the slots are filled when you call for an appointment, keep checking back here at the
website for the announcement of more funding and more slots...or just keep checking with each of the listed clinics.
As
of today, the Human Society has used all its current funding, but the other 4 clinics listed on the webpage linked below
might still have slots. As I said, the funding is coming in phases so keep trying at all the clinics.
Here's
the webpage with the participating clinics:
http://www.found-pets.org/pr-pf2010.pdf
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posted February 19, 2010
Bashas Catalina Outdoor
Festival
Bashas in Catalina will be having a series of monthly outdoor festivals/farmers'
markets in front of their store and would love to include local growers, artists, and craftspeople in this event. The
next market is scheduled for Saturday, March 20, 10AM-4PM, with plans
for April pending.
Last Saturday's event proved successful for the vendors who participated. Local gourd
artist, Judy Strong, had a profitable and fun day, but said she was "a little surprised and disappointed" that more
local artists didn't participate in this free venue. A Catalina woman with an over-abundance of arugala from her
organic garden sold out within hours and left with some welcome cash in her pocket and a renewed sense of community.
Bashas provided activities for the kids (including a jump-castle), a great mix of music for the young and not-so-young,
and was selling lunch from the barbecue that also included a side-salad, chips and a drink for only $5. So it turned
out to be a real community gathering with folks getting a chance to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones.
For potential vendors: There is no fee to sell at these events. All that is required is that your produce be grown locally, crafts and art be handmade locally,
and all foods be prepared in a certified commercial kitchen. So it's a perfect
opportunity for local gardeners to sell their produce, and for local artists and crafters to share their talent and skills.
Store manager, Juan Hidalgo, would be more than happy to answer any questions about the event and provide specific
information to potential vendors. He can be reached by calling 575-7300.
posted January 23,2010
Weather Related Incidents in
Catalina
Here's what I know about Thursday night's fire near Lago del Oro and Golder Ranch:
The property was the home of Robert Schwartz and also served as the base for his wildlife rescue endeavor,
Raptor Rehabilitation. The home and aviary are a total loss: luckily, Mr. Schwartz was not home at the time.
The elevation of the site provided a "perfect storm" for firefighters battling the blaze as winds whipped in all
directions. Firewood stacked around the dwelling created a wall of fire. A large propane tank on the property
became the greatest concern.
I've been told that just before the fire, a neighbor saw a flash of light in the
vicinity of a grouping of utility boxes on the property. A friend also saw what appeared to be large sparks coming
from a transformer box near her home during the high winds. So although I've heard nothing definitive, I'd advise
anyone to notify their electricity provider immediately if they see what appears to be sparking near an electric box
.... and keep the area clear of brush and combustibles at all times.
We also had a swift-water rescue on the CDO
at the base of Cloud 9 yesterday morning. Golder Ranch and Northwest fire assisted a driver who ventured into the flowing
wash. The driver was rescued from the hood of her SUV.
Driving around Catalina one sees metal carports and
awnings either collapsed or rolled back like sardine can lids. Roofing materials flew for hundreds of yards, tree limbs
snapped, fence sections came down. Handymen and insurance adjusters will be very busy for a while!
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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 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.
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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.
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
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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.
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: **************************************************************
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