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.
______________________________________________________ Posted November 8, 2011 Catalina Rezoning Proposed and Withdrawn in 2009
(Arber Ridge) Is Being Pursued Again as "The Village at Vistoso Catalina"
http://www.pimaxpress.com/Documents/Planning/PZ_Agenda/2011/supplement/Co9-07-24final.pdf There will be a public meeting at which the developers will present the information about this proposed rezoning and
development on Tuesday, November 22, at 7PM at the Golder Ranch Fire Station Middle
Classroom 3885 E. Golder Ranch Community responses to this rezoning may be emailed to Supervisor Day's office
up until November 29: Valerie.samoy@pima.gov
___________________________________________ posted April 9, 2011 Twice Monthly Community
Yard Sale/Swap Meet
In February of this year, 77north Marketplace at
16733 N. Oracle Road began hosting the first of it's monthly "Yard Sale, Got Stuff" events.
Due to increasing interest and participation, the event is going to twice a month....on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays. Hours
are 8AM-12PM. The cost to "pull up and set up" is $15 per day. Vendor participation is on a first
come/first served basis, and limited to slots available. Contact: (520)825-4427.
______________________________________________________ posted March 11, 2011
Survey Crews on Oracle Road from Tangerine
Road to Pinal County Line through June
Arizona Department of Transportation survey crews will be working on the
shoulders of State Route 77 (Oracle Road) from Tangerine Road to the Pinal County Line (Eagle Crest Road) from now until the
end of June 2011.
The crews are reviewing and updating data on existing culverts, utilities and other facilities along
Oracle Road . The survey will aid the planning effort for future highway improvements. No traffic impacts are anticipated
at this time.
In 2005, the Arizona Department of Transportation began a planning process to study SR 77 between
Tangerine Road and the Pinal County line. The purpose of the project is to improve the flow of traffic and safety on this
section of the highway.
Two public meetings were held as part of the study in June 28, 2005 and January 27, 2009. The project
has now entered the design phase. Public meetings and small group meetings will be scheduled in the future to gather public
input, answer questions and address concerns. These meetings will be announced in local publications and invitations will
be mailed to residents and businesses in the immediate area of the project, as well as local government officials and stakeholders.
ADOT advises drivers to proceed through the survey zone with caution, slow down, and
be alert for survey equipment and personnel.
ADOT works to inform the public about planned highway restrictions, but there
is a possibility that unscheduled closures or restrictions may occur. Weather can also affect a project schedule.
For more information about this project, please visit www.azdot.gov/statewide or contact Linda Ritter, Tucson District Public Information Officer, at 520.388.4266 or lritter@azdot.gov.Local media should contact the ADOT Public Information Office at news@azdot.govor 1.800.949.8057. Visit www.facebook.com/azdot or www.azdot.gov for more information about ADOT.
posted March 2, 2011 Repaving
project on State Route 77 north of Catalina begins March 7
The
Arizona Department of Transportation will repave more than three miles of State Route 77 just north of Catalina beginning
Monday (March 7). A layer of the existing pavement will be removed and replaced with a new layer of smooth, quiet rubberized
asphalt between Eagle Crest Ranch Drive and just east of the Oracle Junction/State Route 79 turnoff. What to expect
during construction: · * Crews will work daytime hours from dawn until dusk, Monday through Friday each week.
· * There will be at least one lane open in each direction of traffic through the project area at all times until
the project is completed. · * Signage will direct motorists through the work zone. · * The project
is scheduled to be completed early this summer. While the lane restrictions are in effect, drivers from the communities
of Saddlebrook, Saddlebrook Ranch, Florence, Oracle, Mammoth, San Manuel, Winkelman, Hayden, Kearny and Globe should allow
extra time for travel to and from Tucson. As always, drivers are reminded to proceed through the work zone with caution,
slow down, and be alert for construction equipment and personnel. ADOT works to inform the public about planned highway
restrictions, but there is a possibility that unscheduled closures or restrictions may occur. Weather can also affect a project
schedule. To stay up-to-date with the latest highway conditions around the state, visit the ADOT Traveler Information Center
at www.az511.gov or call 5-1-1 For more information about this project, please visit www.azdot.gov/oraclejunction or
contact Teresa Guillen, ADOT Public Information Officer, at 602.828.8075 or tguillen@azdot.gov. Media should contact news@azdot.gov
or 1.800.949.8057. Visit www.facebook.com/azdot or www.azdot.gov for more information about ADOT.
________________________________________________________________ posted January 21, 2011 New Interactive Community Website Hosted by KOLD-TV
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________ posted October 17, 2010 New Community Market in Catalina www.77northmarketplace.com
Beginning Friday, October 22, the new owners at 16733 N. Oracle Road (previously
Sanchez Nursery) will be hosting a weekly marketplace on that property each Friday from 10AM-3PM. 77North
Market Place is welcoming vendors of fresh produce, hand-crafted foods, arts, and crafts.
The
pricing for vendors is as follows: Inside the building or on the covered Patio-$20, Outside-$15
Interested
vendors should contact the owners, Dawn Doubek and Bill Rowe, by phoning (520)825-4427, or by email at: rowbek77north@gmail.com. On the day of the market, the owners will be on-site for vendors at 8AM. Click here to view videos of the market.
_____________________________________________________________________ posted September 11, 2010 Catalina History
I've
just put up the first few pages of a little history website I've been working on. I plan on enlarging it as time
permits. Take a peek at: www.ourcatalina.com/catalinaarizonahistory.
posted September 11, 2010 New Development South of Golder Ranch Road
Many of you have seen
the new road being created across from the fire station on Golder Ranch Road. Here's the story: The property,
16 lots on 17.47 acres, is being developed at its current zoning, GR-1, so notification to abutters was not required. The grading and paving plans were signed on 11-04-09 and are still valid. Some of the properties will ingress/egress
through Black Horse Ranch. The tentative plat, signed 10-1-09, shows the subdivision named, "Yolanda Acres".
With the final plat, not yet unapproved, the name will most likely be changed to "Yolanda Oasis". One
of the principals listed as a "Title Benificiary" is Chris Sheafe of Black Horse Advisors. The link below will
download the tentative plat.
posted September 11,
2010 Pima County's Budget-Our Property Taxes
I know many
of you were shocked to find that your evaluation and/or property taxes had taken a shocking hike last year.
All this when property values across the board were plummeting, county services were diminishing, and individuals' incomes
were taking a nosedive.
In response to what to many of us was a huge increase in property taxes, we had to cut
back in other areas, sell a few of our belongings, take a second job...anything to decrease our personal financial deficit.
Yet the County.....
I suggest you read the comprehensive and easily-understood Budget Statement released by Pima County Supervisors Day and Carroll. It's full of the information
that we taxpayers need to truly understand the the mess that is Pima County's fiscal operation.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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, ..."
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:
