Foothills News April 20, 2022 by Times Media Group

Old Tucson Studios finds new operator | Page 6 • Supporting first-generation college students | Page 13

FOOTHILLS NEWS April 20, 2022 • Volume 12 • Number 8 • www.TucsonLocalMedia.com

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Foothills News, April 20, 2022

Desert To-Dos

Conversation: Rick Joy and Claudia Kappl Joy. Award-winning architect Rick Joy and lighting designer Claudia Kappl Joy will be honored at MOCA Tucson’s 2022 gala later this month. But before the big celebration, they’ll be hosting this intimate conversation about their decades-long practice and major achievements. Tucson-based Rick Joy has been around since 1993 and done projects all over the world, and Rick and Claudia are known for their approach to architecture which connects sites with their surroundings and the culture of the landscape. 6 p.m. Thursday, April 24. MOCA Tucson, 265 S. Church Ave. $10, or free for MOCA members. High Fidelity. When I get dumped, my life does start getting pretty musical, because I really up my scream-singing-inthe-car and ballads-inthe-shower sessions. But it would be way better if things after a breakup were an actual musical. Enter this show. Based on the popular novel by Nick Hornby, with lyrics by Amanda Green, music by Tom Kitt and book by David Lindsay-Abaire, this show tells the story of a man named Rob trying to figure out where his relationship went wrong and learn how to win back his

ex, Laura. It’s a tribute to geek culture with a rock ’n’ roll score that will carry you through whatever you’ve got going on. 7:30 p.m. showings Thursdays through Sundays through April 24. Tornabene Theatre, 1025 N. Olive Road. $24 adults, $15 students. Secrets of a Soccer Mom. Soccer moms always have the best secrets, don’t they? The Invisible Theatre is closing out is 50th anniversary season with this show by Kathleen Clark, directed by Nancy Davis Booth. When three women reluctantly participate in a mothers vs. sons soccer game, their initial plan is to let the kids win. But then things get competitive, and they decide they want to score, to recapture their youthful good humor, and to gain a better understanding of themselves and their families along the way. Wednesday, April 20 through Sunday, May 1. Shows are at 7:30 p.m. except for 2 p.m. shows on Sunday, April 24, Saturday, April 30 and Sunday, May 1. Invisible Theatre, 1400 N. First Avenue. $40, with discounts for groups, seniors, active military and students. Good Trouble. The Gaslight Music Hall in Oro Valley remains one of the best local venues for live music, especially the kind that honors leg-

acy acts. Throwback with some classics from the ‘60s through the ‘90s when the rock band Good Trouble performs at the Gaslight Music Hall in Oro Valley. Their music ranges from classic rock to Motown to pop and country. The Music Hall will also open up the dance floor for the performance, so you can really get into the spirit. 7 p.m. At the Gaslight Music Hall, 13005 N. Oracle Road. #165. $20. gaslightmusichall.com Celtic Woman. No matter how technically impressive instrumental performances can be, it’s always the human voice that ends up affecting me the most. Experience powerful voices and regional music when the world-famous vocal group Celtic Woman performs at the Tucson Music Hall. This show, titled “Postcards from Ireland,” celebrates the Emerald Isle’s rich music and culture. Since its 2005 debut, global musical sensation Celtic Woman has emerged as a genuine artistic phenomenon representing Irish music and culture all over the world. 7 p.m. At the Tucson Music Hall at the Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Ave. For additional information about TCC please call (520) 791-4101. $40 - $60. tucsonconventioncenter. com.

Cover image from the film “Canyon del Muerto,” courtesy of the Arizona International Film Festival / Coerte Voorhees

FOOTHILLS NEWS

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Foothills News, April 20, 2022

Arizona International Film Festival celebrates 30 years with a larger focus on border collaboration Jeff Gardner

30th Annual Arizona International Film Festival

Tucson Local Media

he Soviet filmmaker Andrei Tarkovsky once said, “The artist exists because the world is not perfect.” In turn, the Arizona International Film Festival returns this year with a renewed effort on connection and collaboration, perhaps making the world a bit better through art. Over its three decades, the Arizona International Film Festival has balanced its focus on films both local and throughout the world. This effort has never been stronger, as it features movies filmed right here in Tucson, as well as from more than a dozen countries. Over the next week and a half, the film festival brings comedy, drama and documentary films to the Old Pueblo, as well as special highlights on cross-border creation. Participating venues include downtown’s Screening Room and Fox Theatre, the festival grounds at the MSA Annex, The Loft Cinema, Etherton Gallery, the Cactus Carpool Drive-in Cinema, and Main Gate Plaza at University Blvd. New to the festival this year is “Cine Sonora,” a special showcase of independent films from the Mexican state of Sonora. In addition to film screenings, Cine Sonora will also examine similarities between filmmakers on both sides of the border with a special panel discussion

Wednesday, April 20 through Saturday, April 30 Multiple screenings and panel discussions across town and online filmfestivalarizona.com

Photo courtesy of Santiago Manriquez

Behind the scenes of the Sonoran film “El Pozo” (The Well), which will screen at the festival’s Cine Sonora event. with writers, directors and producers. “It’s pointing us to a new direction that we’re going to take next year as well, which has more work with Mexico. This is just the start to get people aware,” said festival director Giulio Scalinger. One film featured in Cine Sonora is “El Pozo” (The Well). The short film, which takes place in 1920s Mexico during a Civil War, follows a young girl who must recover a bucket from a well. It balances fantasy, drama, and suspense, while maintaining inspiration from classic Tucson films. “It’s a melting pot of ideas. A lot of the background comes from the stories of my family and my wife’s family, and some of the historical research from the area,” said filmmaker Santiago Manriquez. “Tucson has been a

hub for filmmaking, especially during the Western period, and that continues to have inspiration. For example, ‘El Pozo’ was made with the intention of evoking a Western feel and look. It’s not a pure Western, but it does borrow from the look and the nature of those conflicts.” Although the film is set nearly 100 years ago, Manriquez says many of its themes reflect the modern day, such as power dynamics — one of the reasons it is set during a Civil War. “It’s a very interesting period, but also a very violent period. But it’s not often touched in many modern films,” Manriquez said. “I think there’s a lot of correlation to the modern time when it comes to violence, especially violence directed toward unprotected people. Violence tends to

trickle down from positions of power and tends to affect unequally.” The film is screened in Spanish with English subtitles, and the filmmaker will be in attendance. “Culture doesn’t really have a border. Any kind of cultural connection that gets established acts as a bridge,” Manriquez said. “Because Arizona and Sonora are so closely intertwined, our cultures reflect and impact each other. And I’m not just talking about the economic connection, but also the culture and the people.” The film festival opens with a special screening of “Canyon Del Muerto” at downtown’s Fox Theatre. The film tells the story of one of America’s first female archaeologists, Ann Axtell Morris, who worked with the Navajo

in the 1920s to uncover information about one of North America’s earliest civilizations, the Anasazi. Scalinger says this film was selected as the opener due to its focus on culture, and its involvement with Indigenous filmmakers. In fact, the film was produced in the Navajo Nation and even features never-before-filmed locations. “We have an umbrella that we program under called ‘bridging cultures’ and we feel that cinema can play a role in making people feel and understand each other in a unique way,” Scalinger said. “There’s a lot of education that can come out of it.” Coerte Voorhees, who directed “Canyon del Muerto,” says he was captivated by an old photograph of Morris’ Model T Ford filled with archaeological equipment making its way through Arizona. From then on, he wanted to tell the story of Morris and her work with the Navajo Nation. In total, more than 70 filmmakers are expected to attend the festival. While there are multiple Native American and Mexican filmmakers, other submissions come from Ireland, South Korea, Israel, Germany, Argentina and more. The Arizona Inter-

national Film Festival accepts submissions from October through January before selecting finalists. More than 120 films will be shown this year, marking the largest festival since the pandemic. “We receive submissions from all over the world, but of course we always try to have a focus on Arizona films. Usually we have at least 10% of the films shown to be from Arizona,” Scalinger said. “For styles, this year is especially a mixed bag. Everyone is doing everything: documentary, narratives, experimental, animation. So I wouldn’t say that Arizona filmmakers only do border films, even though we do have one of those this year.” The festival includes multiple panel discussions from members of the industry. Topics include “The Trials and Tribulations of Filming in Arizona,” Indigenous voices in filmmaking, insights gained in the production of documentaries, and the process of shooting a film entirely on Mount Lemmon. This year also includes multiple blocks of short films, from animated shorts to dramatic shorts to Indigenous shorts. “This year, there’s really a strong contingency of

Foothills News, April 20, 2022

international shorts,” Scalinger said. “And what’s interesting is that in the United States, when a filmmaker makes a short, it’s usually a stepping stone for a feature. But in Europe and other countries, the short film is an artform all its own.” Other film highlights include: “One Road to Quartzsite.” This feature-length documentary film follows the diverse groups who participate in the great Quartzsite, Arizona, RV gathering: snowbirds, retirees, punks, loners, campers and more. According to director Ryan Maxey, “They set up camps, intermingle, and an unlikely community is formed. Some of them bought into the dream and lost everything in the Great Recession. Others dropped out long ago. Now they’re all neighbors on the

same piece of dirt.” “Heirloom” is a short film about a mother and daughter who set out to discover “why Italian Americans still love to garden.” It’s a story about personal roots, the role of a mother and motherland, and crosses paths with notable Italians. “A Bird Flew In.” A production from the United Kingdom, this film examines “what happens when we are freed from external distractions and forced to find a meaning in our loves and lives.” It follows the cast and crew of a fictional film who are sent home at the onset of the pandemic. With no script, audience or actors, they must find a way to restructure the meaning in their lives. “American Wall.” Although this is an Austria-produced film, it takes viewers on a journey across Amer-

ica’s Southern border. The documentary captures the lives of people who live and work in the borderlands, as well as those looking to cross by any means necessary. At the same time, multiple groups, including gangs and government agencies, cross through the fray. “Musher.” This U.S. production follows four women as they prepare for the Copperdog annual race. It examines the bond that racers have with their sled-dogs. According to directors Anuradha Rana and Laurie Little, “As each musher prepares for the race, we reveal their community, devotion to the lifestyle, and how women influence the sport.” “Inhabitants.” This documentary examines five Native American tribes throughout the deserts, coastlines, forests, mountains and prairies. Not only

Photo courtesy of Arizona International Film Festival / Alan Williams

A still from the film “8000 Ft. Up,” a thriller filmed on Mount Lemmon. does it examine their daily lives, but also their traditional land management practices that may become increasingly critical in the face of climate change. “I think there’s a really good diversity of filmmakers and teams, and I hope peo-

ple appreciate that diversity. I think it’s going to be interesting to see the diversity of Sonoran filmmakers compared to the greater diversity of filmmakers throughout the festival,” Manriquez said. “Because one of the beautiful things about film and film-

making is that there’s a place in it for everybody, and for different ways of expressing viewpoints and storytelling.” For more information, visit filmfestivalarizona.com

Foothills News, April 20, 2022

Old Tucson Studios finds new operator Alexandra Pere Tucson Local Media

ld Tucson Studios, Tucson’s iconic movie filming location in Tucson Mountain Park, will be managed by a new operator. The Pima County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously on April 5 to approve American Heritage Railways as the new park operator. Old Tucson Studios was the backdrop for multiple feature films and television shows after Columbia Pictures chose to build an 1860s replica of Tucson in 1939. Old Tucson Studios was built just before the West-

ern movie era in the 1950s, making it the perfect location for new productions. Iconic films like Winchester 73, The Lone Ranger and the Lost City of Gold, Arizona, Tombstone, and Three Amigos were filmed at Old Tucson Studios. Pima County Attractions and Tourism Director Diane Frisch wrote in an email that Old Tucson Studios has hosted concerts and recreational events in the past, and “these tourism dollars are important to the region as hotels, restaurants and local attractions welcome our visitors.” The County began looking for a new operator after the previous operator, Old Tucson Company, notified the county it would be ter-

SERVICE AFTER THE SALE

minating its lease due to the impact of COVID-19 restrictions. One of the companies to show interest in the site was American Heritage Railways (AHR). Established in 1998, AHR has experience in the entertainment, filming, and hospitality industries. Frisch said AHR has ties with film studios that are shooting at other properties. The County wants AHR to bring those relationships to Old Tucson Studios. “With our beautiful and unique landscape, we hope to increase filming opportunities at Old Tucson and in and around Southern Arizona,” Frisch wrote. AHR’s subsidiary corporation, Old Tucson Entertainment LLC (OTE), will

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be in charge of the site. With the approval of the county supervisors, OTE will begin preparing to host the immersive horror experience Nightfall during Halloween. John Harper, OTE’s chief operating officer, told the supervisors at the April 5 meeting that the company also plans to transition the entire park into a Christmas-themed event after Nightfall. Harper said local Tucsonans will be hired to develop the park. “Our goal is to bring the historical presence of the property to a new environment and really create a sustainable environment for the property, for the community, and for the future of this location,” Harper told the supervisors. “And that’s going to be a mixture of filming productions, commercials and even some possible

music videos.” The park has been difficult for past operators to keep relevant when filming isn’t being hosted on the site. Harper said the company will be creating many entertainment events for the community to attend. Along with Nightfall and the Christmas event, OTE wants to continue the 5K and 10K mud runs that were hosted in the past. Frisch said the company needs to have multiple streams of revenue from the site to keep the park financially viable. Filming is only one facet of the Old Tucson Studios’ potential and OTE needs to host community events to keep people coming back. “For our students, we used to have Ted Walker days out there and that is one of the concerns, is that we engage the students to

do this one-time thing, but what are the events that will keep families coming back?” Supervisor Adelita Grijalva told Harper during the April 5 meeting. “So I think your expertise in working across the country will be beneficial to Old Tucson.” Frisch said AHR’s international and national entertainment experience will be key to reviving Old Tucson Studios after its pandemic closure. According to Frisch, AHR is in charge of more than 50 special events in over 35 states throughout four different countries. “They also have a clear understanding of the need to make sure Old Tucson has a unique and local feel that highlights our local history, food, and culture,” Frisch said.

Foothills News, April 20, 2022

Literacy Connects celebrates 10 years of reading and storytelling Jillian Bartsch

Special to Tucson Local Media

he National Center for Education Statistics estimates that nearly 5% of American adults are “functionally illiterate,” which can make it hard to maintain a job, understand critical paperwork, and even navigate the world. For a decade, one local nonprofit has worked to improve reading comprehension and passion throughout Southern Arizona. Literacy Connects is a nonprofit organization that aims to provide people with opportunities through literacy and creative expression. Literacy Connects Executive Director Matt Tarver-Wahlquist explained that the organi-

zation has grown a lot over the past 10 years. Literacy Connects was born in the wake of a Tucson Regional Town Hall. The group was looking at factors that affected the well-being and the economic health of the Tucson community. They identified literacy as the most important factor in someone’s economic well-being, so they looked to improve the literacy landscape in Tucson. They identified a number of small organizations doing literacy work in Tucson, including Literacy Volunteers of Tucson, Reading Seed, Stories that Soar!, Reach out and Read Southern Arizona and Literacy for Life Coalition. They thought that if those organizations came together to form a large literacy

organization, it would better serve the community. On July 1, 2011, those five organizations had merged into one organization: Literacy Connects. The nonprofit still operates many of the programs from its founding organizations, including the Reading Seed for children and various adult literacy programs. The Reading Seed program started out focused on kindergartners through fifth graders. Teachers would refer individual students who would be provided with reading coaches. While they still do that, they now focus more on kindergarten through second grade since they found that starting earlier produced better results. Literacy Connects also offers adult basic literacy and General Education Development test preparation in English and Spanish. When the pandemic started, they moved services online and they were able to aid people they otherwise wouldn’t have been able to reach. They realized that providing classes online worked better for some people who had transportation issues or other challenges. Literacy Connects provides services across the entire age spectrum and provides services for more than 40,000 people in a typical year. They also partner with the International Rescue Committee to provide

English language instruction for refugees and have a garden on their property where refugees can grow their own food, according to Tarver-Wahlquist. While they only have 30 employees, they tap the skills of more than 1,000 volunteers. Hope Beck Goldsmith has been a Reading Seed volunteer for five years and currently works with two kindergartners and a first grader. “It is so special to connect one-on-one with the kids,” Goldsmith said. “I see the same children every week, all school year, so we have formed a relationship.” Tarver-Wahlquist said the volunteers fill an important role. “They don’t ‘teach kids to read,’ teachers teach kids to read,” Tarver-Wahlquist said. “What we do is we try to get kids to identify as readers.” In the Reading Seed program, they pair a volunteer with a student and they get to meet one-onone. The volunteer brings them a book every time they meet and the student gets to take the book home. This allows the volunteers to get to know the kids’ interest and find books that would be interesting to the student. “In doing so we’re creating a positive association between the child and between reading, so that this

book in front of them is not something that someone is forcing them to do, it’s not boring, it’s not a task,” Tarver-Wahlquist said. “It’s actually something they want to be a part of and they want to be involved in.” Another program is Stories that Soar, where they partner with a school and bring a box called “the magic box.” The idea of the magic box is that it eats stories, so the kids have the opportunity to write down stories and feed it to the magic box. Since there isn’t a teacher grading the stories or anyone checking the grammar, the Stories that Soar program gives students the opportunity to focus on being creative. Literacy Connects then collects the box and has a group of artists read through the stories and select a few of the stories to be performed by professional actors in front of the school. “It really gets kids excited about reading and it honors their stories by trying to do something high quality with them,” Tarver-Wahlquist said. When the pandemic hit, they could no longer do live stage performances, so they changed Stories that Soar to Stories that Stream. They used professional artists, clay animation specialists, animators, actors, and green screens to put those stories together through film.

The Reach Out and Read program partners with pediatric clinics to give pediatricians training on how to incorporate literacy into the well-child visits for parents. When pediatricians provide information on care for the baby, they are also able to provide parents with a book to take home and encourage parents to read to their children. They encourage parents to let the kids hold the book, turn the pages and not feel like they have to follow the story so their kids can engage more with the book and reading. Literacy Connects’ programs rely on volunteers, which has been a challenge since the COVID outbreak. “The volunteers are what make us go, and it’s volunteers that we need, especially for this next school year coming up,” Tarver-Wahlquist said. Literacy Connects is celebrating their 10th anniversary at the Tucson Museum of Art courtyard on May 6 at 6 p.m. Tickets for the 10th anniversary dinner can be purchased on their website. The event will feature dinner and a series of speakers sharing the inspirational stories from Literacy Connects’ past 10 years. Anyone interested in volunteering can apply at literacyconnects.org.

Foothills News, April 20, 2022

Pima County RTA falling short on cash, but largely meeting its goals Gloria Gomez

Special to Tucson Local Media

n audit of Pima County’s Regional Transportation Authority Plan found it falls short by $149 million, putting 11 projects at risk. The plan was enacted in 2006, after voters passed a one-half-cent-per-dollar sales tax dedicated to a spate of projects to improve roads and public transit. Initially, costs were estimated to be around $2.4 billion, but those have grown to $2.9 billion and remain-

ing sales tax revenues — which end in 2026 — and other regional funds fail to completely cover the gap. The examination of the RTA’s progress by the Arizona Auditor General’s Office notes that costs were increased beyond initial estimates by inflation, project revisions and unexpected conflicts. One project in Marana added lanes, wildlife underpasses and protective fencing. Another in Tucson dealt with extra costs and time due to relocating utilities that were not previously accounted for. Construction costs have

also contributed to greater expenses. Construction estimation consultancy group Rider Levett Bucknall reported that the national construction cost index ballooned 26% from 2016 to 2021 alone. A letter of response from the RTA also pointed out that the Great Recession resulted in lower than anticipated sales tax revenues. Projects that exceed the original planned amounts are the responsibility of local jurisdictions to resolve. The RTA is currently in talks with these jurisdictions to determine what the

next steps should be. Options include a future sales tax extension, reducing the scope of future projects or delaying them for a later date — a strategy which the RTA has stated it’s averse to. Despite the looming complications, the RTA has successfully completed or started 45 of the 51 planned projects of June 2021, when the audit was performed. The majority of those remaining are scheduled to be started within the timeframe established by voters. Projects include everything from widening roads, building under-

and overpasses, expanding transit service routes, and adding a modern streetcar. Pandemic disruptions make it tough to determine successes The funding was largely approved by voters interested in mitigating growing congestion in Pima County as the region experienced a spike in population. The audit found performance on this front had mixed results. Miles traveled per capita in the county decreased from 22.5 in 2016 to 20.2 in 2019. Similarly, hours spent in traffic delays fell from 50 per commuter

in 2019 to just 21 in 2020, though it’s possible the latter may be the result of reduced driving during the pandemic. In contrast with positive effects on driving time, the total minutes of travel time to work increased from 24.4 minutes in 2016 to just over 25 minutes in 2019. This increase was greater than five counties in other states used for comparison, but the rate at which it increased was lower than most of them. Continued on Page 19

Foothills News, April 20, 2022

GUEST COMMENTARY

Lessons learned from Pima County Administrator Chuck Huckelberry’s retirement Supervisor Rex Scott Special to Tucson Local Media

here has been some recent discussion in the community about the former county administrator, Chuck Huckelberry, his resignation earlier this month and the revelation that he activated his Arizo-

na State Retirement System (ASRS) pension several months ago. My purpose for writing this column is to lay out the facts and to reassure the public that Mr. Huckelberry abided by both the terms of his contract and all ASRS regulations. It is also certainly fair to point out that my colleagues and I should learn some lessons

from this experience to inform our practices moving forward. The Board of Supervisors renewed Mr. Huckelberry’s contract for an additional four years in January. He has served as the county administrator since 1993. We inserted into his contract a provision that allowed him to retire and return to work

as a contractor without affecting any of the contract’s terms. However, we did not add language that required Mr. Huckelberry to notify the Board if and when he retired. Arizona State Retirement System records show that Mr. Huckelberry initiated his retirement on July 4, 2021. He continued to receive full pay up until the time that he was involved in a bicycling accident on October 23, 2021. Two days after that accident, he began to use accrued sick and/or vacation leave and continued to receive his full pay. This continued until November 14, 2021. Beginning on November 15, 2021, Mr. Huckelberry began to use 19 hours of accrued sick and/or vacation leave so that he could be in compliance with the ASRS 20/20 rule. This rule states that an ASRS retiree cannot work for any ASRS employer for more than 20 hours per week for 20 or more weeks in a fiscal year. After 12 months, the retiree can return to full-time work and not have their pension benefits affected. This is often referred to as “double-dipping” and is allowed under

ASRS regulations. According to our Human Resources Department, if Mr. Huckelberry had continued to use 19 hours of accrued leave through the week of May 2, 2022, he would have been in compliance with the ASRS 20/20 rule. Since he began using accrued leave in November of last year, he received parttime pay and all the terms of his contract. The Board accepted his resignation on April 5, 2022 and the contract was terminated as of that date. If Mr. Huckelberry had not been involved in a tragic accident in October of last year, I am certain that Board members, both individually and collectively, would be engaged in dialogue with him about why he did not let us know that he had retired in July. For both interpersonal and political reasons, it would have been ideal for him to notify us of his decision. Nevertheless, in taking the action he did, there was no violation of his contract, nor of ASRS regulations. What are the lessons learned? First, we should have inserted language into the contract requiring that Mr. Huckelberry notify us

if he initiated his retirement. The Board should have also anticipated the need for Mr. Huckelberry’s compliance with the 20/20 rule and inserted language into the contract as to how his duties and responsibilities would be addressed during that 20-week period. I certainly should have anticipated that need being an ASRS retiree myself. Mr. Huckelberry began his professional career with Pima County in 1974 and worked within the Transportation Department before being appointed as the county administrator 19 years later. He is a hometown boy who made Pima County a better place to live, work and raise a family. I am sorry, as a new supervisor, that I was only able to work alongside this extraordinary public servant for less than a year. Nothing associated with either his resignation or retirement detracts from the fact that our entire community owes him and his family a sincere debt of gratitude. Rex Scott represents District 1 on the Pima County Board of Supervisors

Foothills News, April 20, 2022

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lenging than others, but none are typically geared toward experts.“For example, you certainly don’t have to be an expert in art to understand and appreciate what the docents from the Tucson Museum of Art teach in their art appreciation course,” says Tom. Similarly, each semester typically includes a series of lectures on astronomy topics by graduate students from the University of Arizona Steward Observatory.

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Ongoing Interest The most popular SIPP course every spring is Getting to Know You, comprised of eight sessions featuring in-depth half-hour interviews with a Splendido staff member and a resident, moderated by Laila. “Residents really enjoy learning about people, and we have Tom Hestwood, a resident some fascinating stories here,” who serves on the SIPP Com- Some courses are more chal- she says.

Another popular series is Great Decisions, a video/discussion series on eight of the year’s most critical topics on world affairs, selected by the Foreign Policy Association. “That was excellent,” says Laila. “This spring, we hired a local presenter who added her own thoughts after each video. It was very well done.” The committee is currently planning the fall 2022 semester, enlisting some new presenters along with the popular hands-on Billiards for Ladies and Gentlemen, a course taught by a former oil geologist, and a course on human migration. “It’s fun to plan the semester,” says Laila. “It’s so interesting to see what people like. We try to offer a wide variety of topics so there’s something for every taste.” Splendido residents who attend—and plan—SIPP courses are reaping multiple benefits. In addition to boosting their brain health, they’re gaining cultural enrichment and engaging with others (also good for your brain!).

please stare 1221KC TLM

PAINT & LEARN AT SPLENDIDO Splendido is offering an opportunity to learn something new. Join us for a hands-on class in Georgia O’Keeffe-style painting and learn what research says about aging well and creativity. The class will be led by our own Caroline Edasis, ATR-BC and graduate from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. This event takes place on Wednesday, April 27 at 1:00 p.m. All are welcome, but reservations are required. RSVP before April 25.

To register, call Splendido at (520) 762.4084.

IT’S WORTH A CLOSER LOOK (520) 762.4084 | Oro Valley, AZ SplendidoTucson.com

Foothills News, April 20, 2022

HAPPENINGS Visit www.tucsonlocalmedia.com/livenup/calendar to submit your free calendar listing. For event advertising, contact Sheryl Koche at (520) 797-4384 or grace@tucsonlocalmedia.com

THEATER SUNDAY APRIL 25 THROUGH SUNDAY, MAY 1 • The Oro Valley Theatre Company returns to the Gaslight Music Hall with their latest production, “Barefoot in the Park.” This comedy, written by Neil Simon, follows newlyweds Paul and Corie Bratter after moving into their “small apartment, six flights up, with bad plumbing, and a hole in the ceiling.” It’s eccentric, relatable, humorous, and proof of the adage “opposites attract.” Directed by Oro Valley Theatre Company artistic director Judi Rodman. April 24, 2:00 p.m. & 6:00 p.m. shows; April 26, 6:00 p.m. show; April 27, 6:00 p.m. show; May 1, 2:00 p.m. show. At the Gaslight Music Hall, 13005 N. Oracle Road. $32. gaslightmusichall.com

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, APRIL 23 & 24 • Enjoy classic tales in dance form at the Tucson Regional Ballet’s Spring Spectacular. The ballet company presents “A Don Quixote Suite,” with excerpts selected by artistic director Brittany De Grofft. This Russian repertoire features iconic Spanish-flavored choreography by Marius Petipa to music by Ludwig Minkus. The spring performance also includes the beloved one-act children’s ballet The Princess and the Pea. To prevent the spread of COVID, Tucson Regional Ballet recommends audience members wear masks inside the theatre. 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. At the Leo Rich Theatre at the Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Ave. For additional information about TCC please call (520) 791-4101. $18. tucsonconventioncenter.com.

TUESDAYS THROUGH SUNDAYS UNTIL

Courtsey Photo

The Tohono Chul desert botanical gardens are hosting a Community Day on May 7 to get the public more engaged and educated about the Sonoran Desert.

SATURDAY, APRIL 30 • E xperience history again at Arizona Theatre Company’s new musical, centered around the lives of women on the Supreme Court. The musical Justice takes place in 1993, when Ruth Bader Ginsburg has just joined the United States Supreme Court; the first and only other woman there, Sandra Day O’Connor, is ready to welcome her and get to work. This three-person show combines “sweeping songs, urgent conversations about equality, and truly human heroines.” 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays, through the end of the month. At the Temple of Music and Art, 330 S. Scott Ave. $25 - $60. Atc.org

MUSIC FRIDAY, APRIL 22 • Throwback with some classics from the ‘60s through the ‘90s when the rock band Good Trouble performs at the Gaslight Music Hall in Oro Valley. Their music ranges from classic rock to Motown to pop and country. The Music Hall will also open up the dance floor

for the performance, so you can really get into the spirit. 7 p.m. At the Gaslight Music Hall, 13005 N. Oracle Road. #165. $20. gaslightmusichall.com

SATURDAY, APRIL 23 • Get down to brass tacks when the Tucson Jazz Institute’s Ellington Big Band performs at the DesertView Performing Arts Center. The band, directed by John Black with assistance by TJI owners Brice Winston and Scott Black, comprises high school musicians from the greater Tucson area and Nogales. The TJI Big Band is loved for its swinging diverse and energetic sounds. 7:30 p.m. At the DesertView Performing Arts Center, 39900 Clubhouse Drive. $30. dvpac.net • Listen to the folk, blues and gospel music of Martha Redbone at the Fox Theatre. The Native & African-American vocalist bridges “traditions from past to present, connecting cultures, and celebrating the human spirit.” This is part of the Fox Theatre’s Global Journeys series. 7:30 p.m. At the Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W. Congress St. $30 - $40. foxtucson.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 28

• Enjoy the music of Oaxaca fused with

Minnesota when Mixtec Indigenous singer Lila Downs performs at the University of Arizona’s Centennial Hall. Winner of multiple Grammy awards, Lila Downs is “one of the most powerful and unique voices that exist today. With a symbolic stage presence and emotional storytelling through song, her singing transcends all language barriers.” 8 p.m. At the Centennial Hall, 1020 E. University Blvd. $30. centhall. org.

TUESDAY, MAY 3 • Experience powerful voices and regional music when the world-famous vocal group Celtic Woman performs at the Tucson Music Hall. This show, titled “Postcards from Ireland,” celebrates the Emerald Isle’s rich music and culture. Since its 2005 debut, global musical sensation Celtic Woman has emerged as a genuine artistic phenomenon representing Irish music and culture all over the world. 7 p.m. At the Tucson Music Hall at the Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Ave. For additional information about TCC please call (520) 791-4101. $40 - $60. tucsonconventioncenter.com.

SPECIAL EVENTS & CLASSES

Tzeltal. The film examines the need to preserve the land used by countless indigenous Mexican communities and farmers to grow their cornfields. 7:00 p.m. At the Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W. Congress St. Free. foxtucson.com

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20

SATURDAY, MAY 7

• L earn about North America’s first female archaeologist at the 30th Arizona International Film Festival. For the opening night, the Fox Theatre is screening the film “Canyon Del Muerto,” which tells the true story of Ann Axtell Morris. In the 1920s, she worked side by side with the Navajo in Canyon De Chelly, Arizona to uncover North America’s earliest civilization, the Anasazi Basketmakers. 7:30 p.m. At the Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W. Congress St. $15. foxtucson.com

• C elebrate public gardens with Community Day at Tohono Chul botanical gardens. This special event allows free admission to the park with family-friendly activities and entertainment. There are also free events throughout the day, including Build a Native Bee Habitat, Paint With a Yucca Paintbrush, Plant a Seed, and Make Insect Antenna. There will also be a performance by the Desert Players, a live pantomime group made up of Tohono Chul volunteers and docents. By allowing free admission to a family environment, the Gardens “hope to encourage guests to learn more about the Sonoran Desert.” 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. At the Tohono Chul botanical gardens, 7366 Paseo del Norte. Free. tohonochul.org

THURSDAY, APRIL 21 • L earn the process of “Nixtamalización” in this hands-on tortilla-making class, hosted by the Tucson Botanical Gardens. The class follows the process of cooking, cleaning and grinding the grain to prepare masa para tortillas de maíz, or corn tortilla dough. Each student will have the opportunity to prepare tortillas with the masa, as well as take grain home to prepare their own small batch of fresh masa. 1 to 4 p.m. $75. At the Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon Way. tucsonbotanical.org

THURSDAY, MAY 5 • P art of the new Pueblos del Maiz cultural festival, the Fox Theatre is screening the film “Maize in Times of War.” Directed by Alberto Cortés, the documentary features multiple families in Mexico discussing the importance of their crops, and the practical knowhow that enables the “everyday epic tale of corn.” Featured cultures are Wixárika, Ayuuk and

KIDS SUNDAY, MAY 8 • L earn the meaning of “Kodomo no Hi” at the Yume Japanese Gardens’ Children’s Day event. This national holiday of Japan celebrates the healthy growth and happiness of children. The event, which coincides with Mother’s Day, will feature Taiko Drumming performance by Odaiko Sonora, Kamishibai (“paper play”) storytelling, origami, ikebana for children, Japanese crafts, and more. A Japanese food truck will also be on-site. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. At the Yume Japanese Gardens, 2130 N. Alvernon Way. (520) 303-3945. Adults: $18. Members: $10. Children: $6. Children under 5: Free. yumegardens.org

Foothills News, April 20, 2022

Upward Bound program supports first generation college students Jeff Gardner Tucson Local Media

n estimated half of all university students in the nation are first-generation college students, meaning neither of their parents have a four-year degree. While these students can be ambitious, they often face unique struggles that other university students might not even have to consider. A federal program called Upward Bound is available at eight local high schools to support this specific group of students. But according to Upward Bound staff, one of the program’s biggest challenges is that people simply might not be aware of the free benefits it offers — especially in the wake of the pandemic. Pima Community College offers Upward Bound support through four of its campuses around Tucson. Upward Bound is a federally funded college prep program designed to serve low-income, first-generation college students. It offers assistance with college applications, career counseling, financial aid advising, and even hosts trips to campuses across the nation, all free of charge. “Our metrics are all about college. We’re focusing on students who have the initiative, but lack the resources or knowledge to get there,” said John Kramkowski, program manager for Upward Bound at Pima Community College’s Northwest Campus. “We’re

trying to give them the opportunities that students with more affluence or privilege might have… Marana is doing a good job with college and career readiness, but we’re especially trying to help out that unique population based on these two characteristics.” Upward Bound focuses on students who classify as low-income, or are close to qualifying for free- and reduced-lunch programs at their schools. According to Kramkowski, Upward Bound has multiple goals for their students, including increasing GPA and standardized test scores, taking more advanced and college level classes while still in high school, and of course higher college enrollment. Pima Community College has four Upward Bound grants, and its four campuses serve in-need high schools in their respective areas. PCC’s Downtown Campus services Amphitheater High School, Flowing Wells High School and Rincon High School. PCC’s Desert Vista Campus services Desert View High School and Sunnyside High School. PCC’s East Campus services Palo Verde High School and Santa Rita High School. And PCC’s Northwest Campus services Marana High School. “We service the grant, we’re not here to plug Pima Community College. We take these students to all sorts of different colleges,” Kramkowski said. “For instance in Marana, we have a lot of students interested in agriculture,

so we wanted to visit Texas Tech to reflect their interests.” Upward Bound has taken Tucson students on trips to universities in Seattle, Denver, San Diego, Los Angeles, and throughout the East Coast. Kramkowski says the trips are often based around large metros, and they will visit multiple colleges and universities in the area. Although college selection is more of a focus for juniors and seniors, Kramkowski says the program is available for all high school students. “We try to recruit as early on as possible so we can give them as many possibilities as possible,” Kramkowski said. Upward Bound is part of the federally funded TRiO programs, which also include Student Support Services and Talent Search. “We just want the communities and families to know about our existence. It’s really hard to recruit in COVID and post-COVID times. It’s about trying to find the students who are hardest to find and get them re-engaged,” Kramkowski said. “Students were asked to go into a virtual environment and be more self-sufficient, and they became more detached from education in general. So the biggest challenge in the last year is that students are trying to acclimate back to campus, let alone looking at the bigger picture and planning for future education.”

Courtesy photo

Foothills News, April 20, 2022

Tech Talk: Infant planets and cybersecurity funding Jeff Gardner Tucson Local Media

ith a major research university right in our backyard, a strong military presence and innovative companies throughout the metro region, there’s often a plethora of interesting science, medical and technology news to be found in Southern Arizona. Here’s a breakdown of the most interesting recent developments.’ Infant Planets. A new study published in the journal Nature Astronomy provides evidence for the first-ever look at a gas giant planet in its earliest stages of formation. The new study, conducted by a

team of astronomers that includes Tucson researchers, provides evidence for “a long-debated alternative theory for how Jupiter-like planets form.” The team used the Hawaii-based Subaru Telescope and the Hubble Space Telescope to detect evidence of the “protoplanet” orbiting the star AB Aurigae some 500 light years away. The researchers argue that their study provides evidence for a long-debated theory for how gas giants form. According to UA, the dominant theory on the formation of gas giants is called “core accretion”—a bottom-up process in which planets embedded in a disk of gas and solids grow from smaller objects sticking together as they

orbit a star. In contrast, the researchers’ “disk instability” evidence is a top-down process in which a massive, gaseous protoplanetary disk cools, and gravity causes the disk to rapidly break up into one or more planet-mass fragments. “Subaru Telescope’s extreme adaptive optics pulled AB Aur b’s image from the bright structured disk surrounding the star, allowing our infrared and visible instruments to then confirm its nature,” said Olivier Guyon, an astronomer at the Photo courtesy of ALMA Observatory (ESO/NAOJ/NRAO) / CC BY 4.0 UA’s Steward Observatory and professor in the College A research team including Tucson astronomers has detected evidence for the formation of a gas giant in the spirals around star AB Aurigae. of Optical Sciences. The research team argues this understanding offers a glimpse into the formation “The spiral arm features gineers and cybersecurity ated this program from the of our own solar system. we observed in this disk are professionals in the coming ground up to be the most just what we should expect years. From 2019 to 2020, the technical set of knowledge, if we have a planet with the number of unfilled cyberse- skills and abilities for our mass of Jupiter or more in the curity jobs increased from students.” For instance, the program presence of these dust struc- more than 300,000 to more has partnered with the city tures,” said Kevin Wagner, a than 500,000. This new funding will of Sierra Vista. In the proNASA Hubble/Sagan Fellow at Steward Observatory. “A support workforce devel- gram, students can behave massive planet should per- opment, training and cyber like nefarious hackers and turb them into exactly like operations. In particular, the “attack” the city’s networks funding will allow the UA to determine vulnerabilities. what we are seeing here.” Funding Cybersecurity. cyber operations program to The students then compile The State of Arizona’s Tech- hire more faculty and staff, a report to show where the nology and Research Ini- with the goal of boosting its city can improve its cyber tiative Fund has committed enrollment to 2,000 students defenses. “Our students’ hands-on $6 million to the University by the end of 2025, and to of Arizona’s cyber opera- 5,000 students by the end of experience is embedded in our AI-driven virtual entions program to strength- 2030. “We’re trying to make a vironment, from their first en and increase the nation’s cybersecurity workforce. In fundamental impact on the class through their required a world that is increasingly security posture of the U.S. capstone project,” said Gary online whether we like it or – that’s what our graduates Packard, dean of the Colnot, more and more person- are going to do,” said Jason lege of Applied Science and al information and bank- Denno, director of cyber, Technology. “This ensures ing is susceptible to online intelligence and informa- we meet the NSA’s highest attacks. Indeed, even our tion operations at the UA technical standards to develvery infrastructure is chan- College of Applied Science op graduates with real-world neled through digital path- and Technology. “We re- cyber security capability on ways. However, the Bureau verse-engineered the cyber day one for the government of Labor Statistics predicts degree from the NSA’s most and corporate cybersecurity a shortage of software en- technical standards. We cre- workforce.”

Foothills News, April 20, 2022

9 Laceless shoes

43 44

Prepare to proof, in baking

It’s mined, all mined!

“It’s ___!” (“We’re on!”)

24 Butterfly also called a

common tiger or wanderer

26 Perpetual 46

51 58

52 59

50 53

Street ___ (rep)

28 What to call a man in

Mannheim

29 Like cheese

puffs and rice cakes

Tampa Bay pro

34 List ender: 65

Abbr.

35 Transmit

ACROSS

Duck 6 Imaginary ordinal 9 Duck 14 Word of leave-taking 15 Swing ___ (1933-47) 16 Tablecloths and napkins 17 Duck 19 It could be a problem 20 Strategically evasive 21 Handout for a walking tour 23 Cosy “spot” 24 Mike of “Shrek” 25 ___ Duck 27 Total disarray 30 Heavenly: Prefix 32 Attachment for a bit 33 Big snarl 37 Print “oopses” 40 Examine 41 Be in a mood and brood 42 Wet wood woe 43 Largest lake in Ethiopia 44 Average mark 45 Has in hand 1

46 Duck, e.g.

36 Opening on Christmas Eve?

50 Lightning strike

38 In direct confrontation

Cotton gin inventor Whitney 52 A chance of a lifetime, say 55 Raphael’s weapon in “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” 58 “The Duck Variations” playwright 60 Duck 62 Mexican pal 63 Conger, for one 64 Swiss author of “Elements of Algebra” 65 Duck 66 Pigpen 67 “Duck, duck …” follower 51

DOWN High-rise units: Abbr. 2 ___ parmigiana 3 Like many a barrel-aged wine 4 “Rocks” in a tumbler 5 Molds, e.g. 1

39 Used as a

dining surface

45 Coatroom

fixture

46 “Fine, stay

angry then!”

Mission to remember in San Antonio

48 Skittish

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). The role of whimsy, playfulness and mystery cannot be underestimated. Without such things, the scene has the potential to tip into deadly boring territory, and nothing good can come of that, whereas something wonderful could come of all your clowning around. CANCER (June 22-July 22). While others exaggerate the problem at hand, you minimize it, thus making it much easier to fix. The mechanics of a solution will be the easy part. Emotions are what have the potential to make things hard, but you will navigate feelings like a pro and be all the more attractive and successful as you do. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). The dawn is a prize for those who wake up early enough to be awake for it. The sunset is a treat for outsiders and those with a window seat or a room with the right view. As you take advantage of the free pleasures of the week, expensive ones will also fall to you. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You have a few tricks up your sleeve. You may seem like you’re minding your own business, but you’re well-aware of what’s going on. Because you know the importance of paying attention, and the value of reading the room, getting what you want will be smooth and easy.

49 Sís and das

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). People want what you offer, but it’s in limited supply. Therefore, the price should be raised. This probably has nothing to do with money. The commodity in question is something intangible. The exchange is more subtle and complex than a financial deal. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Loving someone doesn’t mean they won’t occasionally drive you bonkers. When the little annoying behaviors test your nerves this week, you can safely assume it’s not personal or deliberate and take it as a sign of intimacy. The prize for overlooking the less than optimal is mature, healthy relationships. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Much is going well, though it doesn’t look how you thought it would. Sometimes it’s still challenging to open your mind to the way things are. As for the parts you disapprove of, they can be changed, though you can’t change them and resist them at the same time. Embrace what’s going on now. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Relationships help you fulfill your purpose, but they are not a stand-in for it. You want to contribute to a team. You prioritize being available to your loved ones and adapting to their needs. You can still do these things without neglecting your own plan. Make sure your own purposes are also being served.

50 Scene of pandemonium 53 Editor’s “Forget I wrote that” 54 Sanctified 55 Musician’s chance to shine,

perhaps

56 Flabbergasts or gobsmacks 57

Memo subject header

59 Something a duck lays 61

Bugs and Daffy in “The Iceman Ducketh,” e.g.

Crossword Puzzle Answers

N E O V R E E R

The second “R” in J. R. R. Tolkien

O A K Y

Pic-sharing app, informally

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You will embark on a journey of empathy, going the extra mile to understand where loved ones are coming from. As your knowledge of another person grows, so does your capacity for love, wisdom and vitality. Seeing the world how another person sees it gives you new sensations, experience and know-how.

V E A L

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Your social acuity is on point and it benefits every part of your life. You’ve an excellent sense of how far to take a joke or how much work you can delegate to others. Knowing when to push and when to back off is not only kind but efficient. It’s how you get the best result for the longest stretch of time.

A P T S

What a flat “b” palm facing a nearby fellow stands for, in A.S.L.

H S A L R I M A P D O R A N A T S Y E

33 39

T R E A S U R E

Keep close to one’s heart

A I R Y

Romeo”

H E R R

6 “Henceforth I ___ will be

8 No ___, no foul

C R E D

H I R K I N E N S S U E T E A N A L D O N E S T S T E W T A N A O L D S P S A I D OW N U L E R O O S E

H Z A H O T O O P L E Y G

S T E T

A T E O Y N E S E S

I D C E E C A M Y O S N A T R O C E H T O E T G O G E

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Communication is to relationships as water is to plants. Some need a lot; some just a little. This is governed by what type you’re dealing with. Figuring out the rhythm of need is a key to health and success. Avoid making assumptions based on how you’d like it to be. Success comes from dealing in reality.

T I M I D

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You’re building a support system. Make your project, ideas and needs known so people can figure out how they might help. You won’t find all you’re looking for at first, but this is a blessing. It gives you a chance to hone your pitch to attract quality partners who can add strength, ease, options and magic to your team.

A L A M O

HOROSCOPE By Holiday Mathis

B E M A D

Foothills News, April 20, 2022

GUEST COMMENTARY

The role of solar power in increasing the sustainability and capacity of nonprofits Jenny Flynn

Special to Tucson Local Media

he first time I heard about climate change I was 12 years old, and I remember being absolutely stunned by what I learned. As I continued in my studies, I pursued a master’s degree in environmental studies and later had the opportunity to share my passion as a ranger naturalist with the National Park Service. I always felt privileged and delighted to be in those beautiful natural spaces, but I frequently wondered how we would preserve those spaces for the future. How could we sustain our incredible environment? When I moved to Tucson, the first thing I did was look around and wonder, “Where are all the solar panels?” This was more than two decades ago. Solar panels weren’t nearly as accessible as they are today, but the potential of sunshine as a clean and abundant natural resource to benefit our community was shining off every roof. Perhaps that’s why it has felt especially meaningful for me to watch as Technicians for Sustainability transformed our Community Foundation Campus into a solar powerhouse over the last several months. Our campus rooftops and parking structures are now home to 252 solar panels capable of producing 200,000 kilowatt-hours of energy each year. In addition to increasing the sustainability of our services and directly reducing operating costs for our nonprofit suite tenants, those panels are

Courtsey Photo

helping the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona minimize our environmental impact. By shifting to solar power, we will be preventing more than 410,000 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions and saving over 97,000 gallons of water – every year! This month, the Community Foundation is launching a new fund – our Environmental Sustainability Impact Fund – that offers people of any level of means the opportunity to combine their resources and support critical environmental work in Southern Arizona. The launch of this fund feels like the culmination of a lifelong hope for steps that we can concretely take as a community to ensure the sustainability of our future. In addition, I am excited to share that applications for our new Nonprofit Solar Project, a project of the Environmental Sustainability Impact Fund, open today, Friday, April 22. The Nonprofit Solar Project offers local nonprofits the opportunity to meet a significant portion of their energy needs through solar power. Through the switch to solar, nonprofits will be able to reduce their carbon footprint and energy

costs, freeing up resources for programming or other infrastructure needs. The project was developed by CFSA in partnership with local donors and Solar United Neighbors, and has received additional funding support from Tucson Electric Power. For most nonprofits, investing in a solar installation is too challenging and expensive of a commitment. By offering this opportunity to our nonprofit partners, CFSA looks to address environmental disparities in our local community and increase the capacity of the nonprofit sector in Southern Arizona. Together, we can shine a light (some sunshine, perhaps?) on the connections between human quality of life and the sustainable practices that are essential for us to have the vibrant and equitable community we care so much about. You can learn more about the Nonprofit Solar Project and CFSA’s Environmental Sustainability Impact Fund at www. cfsaz.org/solar. Jenny Flynn is the President and CEO of the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona.

RTA

Continued from Page 9 Funding allocated to local public transit was also intended to help relieve congestion and increase citizen mobility options. While it performed reliably, with SunTran buses arriving on time 92% of the time, public transit in Pima County was also impacted by COVID-19, negating its effect on overall congestion. Ridership plummeted by 34% from 2017 to 2021, and SunTran responded by implementing a fare-free policy, which contributed to increased operating costs. But those operating costs are still lower than those of six other public transit programs in the country SunTran was compared to, at $4.07 per

boarding compared to the average of $7.03. The plan seeks to improve roadways with the goal of increasing safety for all residents, both drivers and pedestrians. Data on the success of this goal also presented a mixed picture. Across Pima County, crashes decreased by 24% between 2016 and 2020, but the rate of roadway deaths increased by 53% per one million vehicle miles over the same period. Much of this has to do with driver impairment, speeding and insufficient visibility measures taken by bicyclists during night time hours. While these aren’t behaviors the RTA can control, the authority is working to increase roadway condition safety through education campaigns, shortened crosswalks, and separated bike lanes, among other things.

Sjoberg Evashenk Consulting, which was hired by the auditor general to compile the report, recommended that the RTA increase its data reporting practices to better analyze the gap in funding, and continue to work with local jurisdictions to close the gap. The RTA responded that it would follow all recommendations, and that it expected its current track record of successful project implementations to help in any future petitions to the voters for funding increases. “With the RTA’s record of keeping our promises, it is anticipated that the voters will once again embrace future investments in our regional mobility and accessibility to enhance the performance of the region’s transportation infrastructure,” RTA wrote in its response letter.

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Foothills News, April 20, 2022