Local Politics · Pima County
Leonard Hernandez, one of three finalists for Pima County Administrator, resigned from his prior role in San Bernardino County, California, amid reported controversies including allegations of workplace misconduct and mishandled federal grant funding. The other finalists are Carmine DeBonis, a current Pima deputy county administrator, and Leah Rhineheimer, an assistant town manager for Gilbert, Arizona; Hernandez currently leads Thurston County, Washington. A public meet-and-greet is set for 5–7 p.m. at the Pima County Historic Courthouse, 115 N. Church Ave., with closed-door supervisor interviews scheduled for Tuesday. The position pays $299,000–$416,000 plus benefits and oversees 34 departments and over 7,000 employees.
Education · Tucson, AZ
Tucson Unified School District Superintendent Gabriel Trujillo has recommended closing Hudlow Elementary School near Kolb Road and Broadway Boulevard and consolidating its approximately 160 K-5 students into Sewell Elementary near 5th Street and Craycroft Road. Hudlow received a D state grade for 2024-25, while Sewell earned a B. A public hearing and press conference are scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 27, and the governing board will vote on the recommendation Dec. 8. Communications director Karla Escamilla said additional closure recommendations will be announced this week.
Housing & Development · South Tucson, AZ
South Tucson residents and several city councilmembers are seeking to reverse approval of a 70-foot Verizon Wireless cell tower planned at 2425 S. 10th Ave., arguing it violates the city's 50-foot height limit for commercial wireless antennas. At an Oct. 6 regular council meeting, attendees said they were never notified of the February Board of Adjustment public hearing that approved the project, and city-contracted attorney Michelle Stinson acknowledged the approval resulted from "a mistake of law." City manager Veronica Moreno issued a building permit in September despite a prior council vote directing her not to, at the recommendation of outside counsel Jon Paladini. Councilmembers are now weighing options to reverse the process while reviewing zoning code procedures to prevent similar issues.
Local Business · Tucson, AZ
Rio Nuevo has partnered with Groundswell Capital to offer grants of $5,000 to $25,000 for small and micro-businesses in Tucson's Rio Nuevo District. Eligible applicants must operate within the district (or generate at least 75% of revenue there if mobile) and have annual gross revenue under $300,000. The application window runs Oct. 5–30, 2026, with virtual information sessions available in English and Spanish to assist applicants.
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Community News · Pima County
At its Oct. 13 meeting, the Pima County Board of Supervisors proclaimed the week of Oct. 17-25, 2026, as Children and Nature Week in Pima County, sponsored by Supervisor Jen Allen. The proclamation affirms children's rights to connect with nature, observe wildlife, and experience the Sonoran Desert, supported by multiple county departments including Conservation Lands & Resources, Parks and Recreation, and the Public Library. The initiative aligns with the Prosperity Initiative and marks the 25th anniversary of the Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan. The Pima Connecting Children to Nature Coalition is promoting activities throughout the week to help families access outdoor spaces.
Local Business · Tucson, AZ
Local First Arizona is hosting "Rooted in Local: Connect. Grow. Thrive," a business resource showcase and networking mixer, on Oct. 28, 2026, at the MSA Annex in Tucson. The event connects local business owners with organizations offering help on funding, hiring, marketing, regulations, and other operational needs. Vendor participation is limited to active members of the Local First Arizona Business Coalition, and space is described as limited. The event is sponsored by Pima County Economic Development.
Social Events · Tucson, AZ
The University of Arizona School of Theatre, Film and Television will stage "The Rocky Horror Show" from Friday, Oct. 16 through Sunday, Oct. 25 at the Marroney venue in Tucson. The production features a student cast led by Harrison Dodge as Dr. Frank-N-Furter, directed and choreographed by TFTV artistic director Christie Kerr. A postshow discussion is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 23, and an ASL-interpreted performance will be offered Saturday, Oct. 24. Audience members are encouraged to participate in the "Time Warp" dance and attend in costume, though outside props are not permitted.
Local Business · Pima County
Pima County Economic Development is encouraging Southern Arizona small business owners and entrepreneurs to submit nominations for the 2027 National Small Business Week Awards, including the Small Business Person of the Year honor. Nominations must be submitted electronically by Dec. 7, 2026, at 3 p.m. ET. Winners will be recognized during National Small Business Week, May 2-8, 2027, at a national ceremony in Washington, D.C. The article highlights recent Arizona honorees from Tucson, Yuma, Goodyear, Scottsdale, and Prescott to illustrate the region's track record.
