New Tucson crime stats released

TUCSON -- New crime stats for last 45 days just posted. Quik Mart at S 4th Av. & E 22nd St. is #3 site in city.

Park updates, 22nd St. process, trash, lights, etc.

TUCSON -- The 22nd St. widening issue remains hot. Two designs I saw in August had problems that would harm the neighborhood and park. 22nd Street should keep the current alignment and the 6 lane design as narrow and nice as possible. I am watching this as State Rep. for the area and neighborhood/park resident/family man who cares. Go to the meetings and get involved, keep an eye on 22ndstreet.info for official information.

The skatepark seems busy most of the time. Trash remains an issue in the park, especially related to skatepark, feedings and sometimes sports events.

Ball field lights seem often on late and sometimes when no one is playing, wasting money and energy and wrecking the night sky. Tucson Parks & Rec should deal with this and other park issues better.

BMXers take over skatepark; 22nd St. mtg. July 9

TUCSON -- Today at noon a large group of BMX bike riders took over the Santa Rita Park skatepark. I went over there and it seemed peaceful, so I left. They were riding and doing tricks in the bowls, etc.

I don't know all the details here, but it seems they have been asking for some bike time at the new facility and the city has been saying no. It would be nice for Tucson Parks & Recreation to try to work this out so BMXers can have some fair time.

In other news, the 22nd St. widening CoC/RTA will next meet on July 9, with a specific agenda item on Santa Rita Park Neighborhood plan. Follow RTA-run 22ndstreet.info for more info.

Watch 22ndstreet.info; skatepark open and busy

TUCSON -- Keep an eye on 22ndstreet.info for updates on the City/RTA proposal to widen 22nd St. through south downtown.

The skatepark is done, good size and getting a lot of use. Some minor problems with graffiti and trash some days. Could be a positive long-term for the park, but not sure on wisdom of plans to extend it to east. That spot could be a good one for a nice zocalo for neighbors to gather.

Bertha Gallego has been circulating the petition to name the skatepark after her late husband Albert, who was a long-time neighborhood leader. We all signed.

22nd St. widening and properties meeting Apr 16

TUCSON -- The upcoming COC meeting will be on Thursday, April 16, 2009, at 6:00 p.m., at the Santa Rosa Recreation Center.

This meeting's agenda is available at 22ndstreet.info.

This meeting will mostly address the City of Tucson's Real Estate Procedures as they pertain to acquisition and relocation during projects such as this. Please invite your neighbors who you feel would benefit from the real estate information project managers will present.

from Priscilla Fernandez
community outreach for project consultants
priscilla(at)kaneenpr.com
885.9009

Tucson south downtown skate park progressing

TUCSON -- The Santa Rita Park skate park is under construction and seems to be nearing completion.

I hope this project succeeds, and other good plans for the park move forward.

I've been told the skate park will be named after the late Albert Gallego, as we requested.

Rep. Patterson at Jan 7 SRPNA mtg.

SOUTH TUCSON -- I plan to stop by the neighborhood association meeting Wed. to touch base and provide a quick view of the upcoming legislative session at the State Capitol, and what it may mean for neighborhoods.

Contact me at my legislative offices: 398.6000 Tucson, 602.926.5342 Capitol

State Representative Daniel Patterson
Santa Rita Park neighbor, and former president