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.
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.
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.
