City of Tucson Newsletter
Bighorn Fire Size Surpasses Aspen Fire
The Bighorn Fire in the Coronado National Forest has grown to 88,046 acres as of this morning, June 26, and is 33% contained. The acreage burned now surpasses that of the 84,000-acre Aspen Fire that burned on Mt. Lemmon in 2003 that destroyed more than 300 homes and businesses in the town of Summerhaven. Nearly 1,200 people are assigned to fight the Bighorn Fire, and evacuation notices have not changed.
Gov. Ducey Says it’s Safer to Stay Home During the Pandemic
Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey is urging residents to stay home whenever they can and to use masks if they have to go out in public during the COVID-19 pandemic.
He made those statements at a news briefing June 26, but didn’t issue an official stay-at-home order or a mask mandate for the entire state, although Tucson, Pima County, and many Arizona municipalities recently passed their own mandatory mask laws.
As cases spike, the governor brushed aside complaints about political rallies in the state, with thousands of people not wearing masks, saying people have the right to assemble. At the same time, however, Ducey decried the situation at some bars and restaurants where employees and patrons have been crowded together, with most people not wearing masks.
Mayor and official support Chief Magnus
After Wednesday’s news conference surrounding the in-custody death of Carlos Adrian Ingram-Lopez and Tucson Police Department (TPD) Chief Chris Magnus’ offer of resignation, City Manager Michael Ortega said yesterday that he will not accept the resignation.
The City Manager received support for Magnus from Mayor Regina Romero and a majority of the Tucson City Council.
Under the Tucson Charter, the removal of the police chief falls to the city manager. “Chief Magnus has brought forward-thinking changes to TPD policies, practices and training, and has built strong relationships with our community since he joined the Department in 2016,” Mayor Romero said. “Now is the time to work together and rebuild public trust in our police department by increasing transparency, ensuring accountability, and re-imagining how we provide safety to our community. I look forward to working with Chief Magnus to accomplish these reforms.”
Chill Out Indoor Heat Relief Project
The Salvation Army of Tucson and the City of Tucson recently launched the new Operation Chill Out Indoor Heat Relief Project, which provides relief for the community in safe, indoor environments and reduces the risk of exposure, dehydration, heatstroke, and other health risks associated with the desert summer.
This project serves those experiencing unsheltered homelessness in the Tucson area.
The Salvation Army will provide indoor heat relief stations at three Salvation Army sites that include a preliminary health screening, indoor respite, hygiene and sun safety items, shower facilities, meals (The Salvation Army Hospitality House), snack items (The Salvation Army Amphi Corps Community Center and The Salvation Army Tucson South Corps Community Center), and housing referral service coordination. Operation Chill Out Indoor Heat Relief Stations are open now and will run through Aug. 31, noon-5 p.m., seven days per week.
To read more click here: https://www.tucsonaz.gov/newsnet
Photo credit: Pinterest Tucson
