Local Politics · Pima County
Pima County Recorder Gabriella Cázares-Kelly urges voters to mail early ballots by Tuesday, Oct. 27, noting that ballots not received by 7 p.m. on Election Day cannot be legally counted. After that date, voters are directed to drop off completed ballots at early voting sites, seven ballot drop boxes, or one of 126 vote centers opening Nov. 3 from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. The election includes races for governor, attorney general, secretary of state, Congress, the Legislature, and local offices, plus eight statewide propositions and local measures in Pima County, Tucson, and school districts. Early voting sites operate Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Fridays 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., with emergency voting available Saturday, Oct. 31 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. A mobile Votemobile will serve Marana, Sells, and Ajo on select dates through Nov. 2.
Community News · Tucson, AZ
The Salvation Army's Angel Tree program is accepting applications to provide toys and clothes for low-income families in the Tucson area. Interfaith Community Services (ICS) is concluding its October food drive, collecting specific holiday items like stuffing mix and cranberry sauce at various collection points. Multiple organizations, including ICS, the Community Food Bank, and local churches, are offering scheduled food box distributions throughout October and November. Specific distribution times and locations include sites in South Tucson, Picture Rocks Park, and the Gabrielle Giffords Center.
Pet Related · Pima County
Pima Animal Care Center is launching a "Fall Break from the Shelter" campaign starting Nov. 1 to recruit fosters for medium-to-large dogs, with a goal of providing 1,000 nights out of the shelter. The shelter will host a Halloween-themed event Oct. 31 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at its Silverbell location, offering free adoptions on all pets. PACC also encourages pet owners to plan for Halloween safety and provides free adoption coupons for trick-or-treaters.
Local Politics · Pima County
The Pima County Board of Supervisors will vote this week to select a new county administrator from three finalists: Carmine DeBonis, Leah Rhineheimer, and Leonard Hernandez, replacing Jan Lesher who retires at the end of her contract. Tucson Unified School District administrators will present five proposed school consolidations expected to save more than $3 million to the Governing Board in a Tuesday study session, affecting Magee Middle, Collier Elementary, Dunham Elementary, Cragin Elementary, and Hudlow Elementary. The county board will also vote on development modifications including changes to the Star Valley Specific Plan and a 95-acre housing rezoning near Casino Del Sol. Flowing Wells Unified School District's board will review a marketing plan addressing declining enrollment.
Community brief · Pima County
Consumer Health & Food Safety (CHFS) is launching an online payment portal that will allow permit holders to review fees, submit payments, and view or download their operating permits in one location. Permits will be available for download within two business days after payment is processed, and fees may still be paid in person, by mail, or by phone. CHFS plans a community forum to demonstrate the portal, with date, time, and format to be…
