Tucson Science in the City

On February 16, 2013 downtown Tucson will be the place to be for the 2nd Annual Tucson Science In The City festival, a Signature event of the statewide Arizona SCITECH festival.

Experience Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) events and activities for everyone.

10:00 am – 2:00 pm – Get engaged in the Science In The City Family SCIFest with hands-on activities for children of all ages.

1:00 pm – 4:00 pm – Checkout the Tech in Tucson Showcase and and the Technology and Innovation Forum for adults, high school, and college students. You will learn about Tucson’s technology industries and their contribution to the Tucson economy, technology development at the University of Arizona, STEM careers and education opportunities, and lots more.

Mark your calendar today. You won’t want to miss these engaging and educational events!

The 2nd Annual
Science In The City Family SCIFest

10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Children’s Museum Tucson in downtownTucson (200 S. 6th Ave.)
Free Admission

Pre-K12 children will see fascinating demonstrations and experience exciting hands-on STEM activities that will stimulate interest in science and math. Families will discover some of Tucson’s many innovative K-12 STEM student projects and school and community programs. The Pima County Joint Technical Education District and many Tucson Schools will be there along with the University of Arizona, the Children’s Museum Tucson, the Mathematics Road Show, the Southern Arizona Rocketry Association, and many more.

Arizona Technology Council
Tech In Tucson
Showcase and Innovation Forum

Tucson scientists and innovators in industry and the University Of Arizona are at the cutting edge of global Science and Technology. They are growing the Tucson economy and creating exciting and high paying jobs.

These amazing industry professionals, engineers, educators, scientists, and even college students are engaged in the development of some of the greatest advancements in science and technology such as new space exploration missions; creating new energy sources; developing new food supplies to feed the hungry; inventing new fuel efficient cars; engineering tiny nano technologies used in electronics, medical devices, and even stain resistant clothing; designing video games or the next generation Internet; developing new technologies to protect the environment; working to prevent and treat disease and more.

Careers in these industries require significant skills in math and science. Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM) education provides students with critical thinking and problem-solving skills to prepare them for science and technology careers.

Tech in Tucson Showcase

1:00 – 4:00 pm
Tucson Electric Power Headquarters in downtown Tucson (88 E. Broadway)

The Showcase will feature exhibitors representing industry, education and community organizations. They will showcase their research, technology innovations, or education programs and resources. Adults, high school and college students will meet amazing Tucson scientists, educators, engineers, and other professionals from industry and the University of Arizona working at the at the cutting edge of science, technology and industry. You will see some of the latest and greatest innovations in Optics, Information Technology, Biosciences, Aerospace and Defense, Electronics and Semiconductors, Environmental Technology/Alternative Energy, and more being developed in Tucson.

You will also learn about science and technology careers and meet representatives from education and community organizations showcasing STEM education programs and resources and talking with you about what STEM education is and why it is important for our children and the Tucson economy.

As they say on TV, wait, there is more. You will also get connected to technology industry organizations such as the Arizona Optics Industry Association, the Arizona Technology Council, the Bio Industry Organization of Southern Arizona, the Arizona Nanotechnology Cluster, and the Arizona SCITECH Festival.

Forum – Technology Innovation and
Economic Development In Southern Arizona

2:00 – 3:00 pm
At the Tech in Tucson Showcase

Tucson Mayor Jonathan Rothschild and Congressman Ron Barber will headline this Forum on technology innovation and economic development in Southern Arizona. They will be joined by CEO’s from innovative Tucson companies and a representative from the University of Arizona to share with you how science, technology and innovation creates high paying jobs and drives economic development in southern Arizona.

More Info: http://azscitechfest.org/events/tucson-science-city. My previous post announcing this state-wide SCITECH festival and events in Pima County through March 16 at various locations, click here.

Downtown Parade of Lights on December 15

From Downtown Tucson’s website: http://www.downtowntucson.org/

Event:
18th Annual Downtown Parade of Lights
Start:
December 15, 2012 6:30 pm
End:
December 15, 2012 8:00 pm
Where:
Parade starts at Franklin St. (south of E. 6th Street) and proceeds south on Granada (click here for map route), east on Alameda, north on Stone Ave.

The Downtown Tucson Partnership invites you to participate in the 18th Annual Downtown Parade of Lights. Floats, live music and brightly decorated vehicles will fill Downtown Tucson with holiday cheer. Thousands will once again pack the streets to watch the Parade make its way through the vibrant streets of Downtown Tucson.

You can find more information at http://www.downtowntucson.org/visit/parade-of-lights/ including the entry form, staging information, day-of entertainment, parade route and the best place to watch the parade.

The parade route has changed its location from Armory Park to the El Presidio neighborhood. Please download the new route and enjoy all the businesses along the route that evening.

The Tucson Museum of Art and Lohse Family YMCA will be providing pre-parade entertainment that evening. Visit El Charro Cafe and Old Town Artisans before the parade and end the evening with dancing at La Cocina.

Staging will take place along the north and south side of Franklin Street, the east and west side of Meyer Avenue, 9th Avenue and the Franklin Lot. Staging begins at 4:30pm.

Mayor Jonathan Rothschild will light the tree in front of the Joel Valdez Main Library at 5:45 p.m.

Enjoy this 18th year of the Parade of Lights in downtown.

Public invited to “Walk to the West Side” for opening of Gutierrez Bridge at Cushing Street

Press release from City of Tucson:

City of Tucson Ward 1 Councilor Regina Romero is inviting the public to
celebrate the bicycle and pedestrian opening of the Luis G. Gutierrez
Bridge for a “Walk to the West Side” on Thursday, October 11, 2012.
The event starts at 4 p.m. and will include guest speakers, a tour of
the bridge with artist Brenda Semanick, and Mariachi performances. The
event will take place on the west side of the new bridge. Mayor Jonathan
Rothschild, former Mayor Bob Walkup, and former Tucson City Manager Luis
G. Gutierrez, for whom the bridge is named after, will attend the
event.

In addition, University Pedicabs will be available to tour Mission
Gardens and the Mercado San Agustìn will be hosting the Community Food
Bank’s Santa Cruz River Farmer’s Market. Free parking will be
available west of Intersate 10 at Avenida Del Convento and on the
eastside of the bridge at the Riverpark Inn, 350 S. Freeway.

“This beautiful bridge is linking east and west side neighborhoods, and
doubling the size of our Downtown. We need to celebrate it every step of
the way,” said Council Member Romero. “Today we celebrate
pedestrian and bicycle connections, and early next year we will be
multi-modal with the Sun Link Streetcar.”

The 320-foot long “signature” bridge will be a vital connection in
the Sun Link Tucson Streetcar project and will provide an east-west
passage way for pedestrians, bicycles, motorists, as well as buses and
the streetcar.

The bridge is named after Mr. Gutierrez, who had a profound impact on
the City’s west side where he spearheaded downtown revitalization
while maintaining the historic integrity of the area that is often
referred to as Tucson’s birthplace. A gifted administrator, Mr.
Gutierrez was often the “bridge builder” between constituents and
special interest groups.

Tucson artists Brenda Semanick and David Johnson Vandenberg have
created an elaborate public art project for the bridge which highlights
historical and natural aspects of the area. Various artistic elements
of the project include steel cutout canopies, handmade bat sculptures,
and replicas of Hohokam pottery shards.

For more information on the “Walk to the West Side” event, contact
Ward 1 at 791-4040 or visit
http://cms3.tucsonaz.gov/announcement/celebrate-luis-g-gutierrez-bridge

Luis Guiterrez is a former City Manager of the City of Tucson (1996 to 2000):

On November 9, 2011, the Tucson Mayor and Council voted unanimously to adopt resolution 21817 authorizing and approving the renaming of the Cushing Street Bridge to the Luis G. Gutierrez Bridge.

As Tucson’s former City Manager, Luis G. Gutierrez worked to make a significant and positive impact with respect to future development on the City’s west side, also known as Tucson’s Birthplace. Mr. Gutierrez’s skills as a superb city administrator and ‘bridge builder’ brought together many constituent and special interest groups. Most notable was his effort to place Proposition 400 on the ballot in 1999, a measure designed to strengthen the City’s investment in the west side and spearhead downtown revitalization in ways that both reflect and honor Tucson’s history. When complete, the Luis G. Gutierrez Bridge will be a vital link that connects the historic west side with downtown and is destined to spur economic development throughout the area.

Mayor Rothschild issued this statement on October 9:
“This beautiful bridge is another key element in linking the westside to downtown. It provides opportunities for walking and bicycling, as well as forming part of the streetcar line. I want to congratulatethose who worked on this project – both city staff and private contractors – for achieving a great result.”

I drove by this area on Sunday and got a peak of the new bridge over the Santa Cruz Wash. Check it out tomorrow at this West Side celebration. View the City’s map below to see the extent of the bridge and where to park for this event. Better yet walk, bicycle, or catch the Sun Tran bus to the celebration.

“A Kiss Before Dying” – original filmed in Tucson

“A Kiss Before Dying” movie reviews (two versions: 1956 original, 1991 remake)

Just viewed this 1956 movie filmed partly in Tucson and Arizona, which is a griping drama with old time favorite film stars such as Robert Wagner and Joanne Woodward. The movie’s theme focuses on Greed, one of the 7 deadly sins.

Short synopsis of plot: Poor and ambitious college student Bud Corliss plots to kill his rich (& pregnant) girlfriend Dorothy, as he is afraid she will be disinherited once her father finds out she is pregnant, despite her promise to marry him. He accomplishes this heinous deed off the top of the now-Chase Bank building downtown on Stone Avenue (SE corner of Congress St., formerly the Valley National Bank). It was probably the tallest building in downtown Tucson back in 1955. And he makes it look like a suicide. And true to the title, Bud kisses her before she dies.

Then the plot thickens as Ellen, sister of Dorothy begins to investigate her alleged suicide with the assistance of her sister’s former college professor, nephew of the Tucson Chief of Police.

Another murder ensues but I won’t disclose that part of the exciting plot. And there’s a twist at the ending filmed at a nearby mine in Arizona. Someone has suggested to me that it may have been the Morenci Mine. Update: I just found out it was the Duval mine near Sahuarita.

Note: There’s a scene of star Wagner sitting calmly on a bench reading a newspaper (hopefully the former Tucson Citizen) in a park west of the Pima County Consolidated Justice Court on Church Avenue. And long time Tucsonans may be able to recognize other scenes of Tucson (such as the Pago Pago tiki bar which used to be on Oracle Road, and a horse back riding scene out west of the city). Anybody recognize other Tucson locales?

The 1991 remake was filmed on the East Coast, starring Matt Dillon, Sean Young and Max Von Sydow. The newer version is much more grisly than the first, with Corliss becoming a serial killer, all in the name of overwhelming Greed. The alleged suicide of Dorothy occurs early in the sequel, with Sean Young playing both sisters (now twins). Both father & sister Ellen become aware of Dorothy’s pregnancy in the remake, which has other plot changes. The 1991 version which takes place in NYC and Philadelphia, is a lot darker & more menacing as a suspense thriller. It also has a twist at the end, with an explanation of why Corliss did what he did to get ahead in life.

The 1956 original movie is available at the Pima County Public Library, and I rented the newer version from Casa Video on Speedway.

City High School’s 3rd annual Block Party on 2nd Saturdays Downtown

Celebrate youth. Celebrate community.
Join in the fun at the 3rd annual Pennington Street Block Party on Saturday, April 9 from 3:00-7:00 p.m.

The Block Party is a family-friendly event in the heart of Downtown Tucson that celebrates what young people are doing to make our community a better place. Fun for all ages: musical performances and teaching demos, interactive booths, one-act plays, art installations and ‘moveable’ galleries, carnival games, and more!

The event showcases youth creativity, learning, and service, and will launch Southern Arizona’s celebration of Global Youth Service Days. This year’s Block Party coincides with the vibrant 2nd Saturdays Downtown event, so all of downtown Tucson will be alive throughout the evening and into the night.

For more information, visit http://cityhighschool.org/community/blockparty/ or

Julie Richelson
Executive Assistant, Community Event Organizer
City High School, 48 E. Pennington (between Stone & Scott Avenues)
623-7223 x221
http://www.cityhighschool.org

Also happening on 2nd Saturdays Downtown on April 9:

“Best of Broadway”, TSO Pops free concerts at 7 p.m. at the Fox Tucson Theatre (17 W. Congress). More events/happenings on and around Congress Street is on their schedule as usual online at www.2ndsaturdaysdowntown.com, an urban street fest which started almost a year ago (May 8, 2010).

Free concert at The Fox: Portland Cello Project

2nd Saturdays Downtown presents …The Portland Cello Project from Oregon

Saturday, May 8, at 7 – 10pm

This free concert will be at the lovely Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W. Congress Street. Info from their website:

“From The Rialto Theatre and Hotel Congress on the east end to The Fox Theatre on the west, downtown Tucson will come alive in a series of free-to-the-public, arts, entertainment, shopping and dining happenings called 2nd Saturdays Downtown, set to kick off Saturday, May 8, 2010 and every second Saturday of the month thereafter.

Kicking off the 2nd Saturdays series in grand style is a world-class free concert by the Portland Cello Project (www.portlandcelloproject.com) at the Fox Theatre. This indefinable ensemble transcends your typical conceptions of what a string group can do, playing everything from inspired original compositions, to obscure 19th -century folk songs to straight-ahead rock n’ roll. As a special treat, Tucson-based singer-songwriter Howe Gelb will join the ensemble as they combine symphonic stylings with one of Tucson’s most renowned musical collectives.

Portland Cello Project, photo by Tarina Westlund

Thanks to Tucson’s Providence Service Corporation (NASDAQ: PRSC) for helping to underwrite this show.”

And thanks to Ian Fritz (co-organizer of the Eat More Pie! Contest) who alerted me about this concert, as his sister Anna (pictured above) plays in this Portland Cello Project.

2nd Saturdays Downtown (www.2ndsaturdaysdowntown.com) monthly events will be from 5 to 10 p.m., with the next ones scheduled for June 12, July 10, and August 14. Check out their website for more activities, for this ongoing “Urban Street Fest”.

This inaugural Saturday event will also feature an outdoor stage on Scott Avenue between Congress St. and Broadway Blvd., to include music by The Modeens (6 to 7 p.m.), The Mission Creeps (7:15 to 8:30 p.m.), and Greyhound Soul (8:45 to 10 p.m.). Sounds like Downtown Saturday Night has finally returned, on a monthly basis.

Another reason to go on down to downtown!

Stroll scott free on Scott Avenue

It’s Springtime and the desert is blooming. For a fun free activity (after lunch at The Grill at 100 E. Congress Street, which is open 24/7), I would like to recommend a leisurely stroll south along Scott Avenue in downtown Tucson. Here are a few highlights and photos.

First walk south from E. Congress past the old federal courthouse (built in 1929) to E. Broadway Blvd., where the recent Scott Avenue street renovation and landscaping begins.

There at that intersection are two large gateway monuments on either side (see photo below) with lots of information & photos on “Tucson’s Historic Cultural District” and “Architectural Treasures of Scott Avenue” on plaques affixed to these monuments.

Gateway towers, courtesy of Dr. Albrecht Classen

A block south you will encounter a huge 12 foot tall orange metal griffin (half lion/half eagle) sculpture by artist Joe O’Connell, which lights up at night. This griffin sculpture was recently installed in May, 2009. Close by are two lovely orange blooming cactus plants. I’m not a plant expert, but I think it’s the claret cup cactus (from my “70 Common Cacti of the Southwest” book).

claret cup cactus plant

griffin sculpture, courtesy of Dr. Albrecht Classen

Then behind the Tucson Children’s Museum (200 S. 6th Avenue), you have to be vigilant or you might miss sighting a quaint, historic bed & breakfast behind a large white rose bush which grows over the metal entry gate. This is The Royal Elizabeth Bed and Breakfast Inn, 204 S.Scott Ave, phone 520-670-9022. Just a peak into their front foyer will make you think you are back in 1878 when this home was built. See their website: www.royalelizabeth.com for videos of this amazingly charming B & B. (Closed April 12 for the summer, will be re-opening in mid-September).

Lovely palo verde trees with yellow flowers, pink blossoming bushes, towering acacias greet you as you continue your stroll south on Scott Avenue till you get to the renovated, historic Temple of Music & Art, 330 S. Scott Ave (built in 1927, see photo below). Arizona Theater Company has numerous performances here at night, and there are often receptions in the Cabaret Art Gallery on the second floor.

Temple of Music and Art

This lovely part of South Scott Avenue is between E. Congress Street on the north, and E. 14th Street on the south end. It truly has become one of the loveliest landscaped streets to stroll along in downtown, especially when the desert is blooming.

Coming in the future, a new T.E.P. building on Scott Avenue between E. Broadway Blvd. and E. 12th Street (former Santa Rita Hotel & Ballroom site, now vacant).

Enjoy a Spring stroll on South Scott Avenue!

Where to shop downtown

Looking for a gift or clothes while working/visiting downtown Tucson?

Someone asked me if there was anywhere to shop downtown and upon reflection, here’s a list of 20 plus businesses, based on some research from the Downtown Tucson Partnership website and my own personal knowledge (click on the blue links for further info):

Desert Bloom 27 N. Stone Ave., 792-9882. Monday-Friday 9:30 am–5:30pm, Saturday Noon–5pm. Fine jewelry, unique gifts, distinctive home and garden accessories.

Flanagan’s Celtic Corner 222 E. Congress St., 623-9922. Wednesday-Friday 11am-3pm, Saturday-Sunday 9am-6pm. Celtic jewelry, pottery, t-shirts, Guinness items, more.

Friends of the Library Bookstore at the Joel D. Valdez Main library, 101 N. Stone Ave., 594-5500. Monday to Friday 11 to 2 p.m. Low cost books,CDs, DVDs.

Hotel Arizona gift shop, 181 W. Broadway, 624-8711. Greeting cards, Southwest gifts, more.

Hydra Leather and More 145 E. Congress St, 791-3711. Monday-Saturday 11am–7pm, Sunday 12pm-6pm. An eclectic mix of fashions, lingerie, shoes, and accessories for men and women.

Indian Village Trading Post 110 S. Church Ave. #4199 (La Pilita Village), 623-1162. Monday-Friday 9am-4pm, Saturday 10 am-3 pm. Jewelry, clothes and shirts native to Tucson.

June’s Corner Store 10 E. Broadway, Suite 108, 622-8100. Monday-Friday 9am-4:30pm. A large selection of greeting cards and gifts.

Mahlia Collection 410 N. Toole Ave. Suite 1, 791-2185, Monday to Friday 9 to 5 p.m. Jewelry, furniture, couture, accessories.

Maynard’s Market 400 N. Toole St., 545-0577, Sunday through Thursday: 7am – 8pm,
Friday and Saturday: 7am – 10pm. Gourmet foods, specialty gift items (candles, tshirts, Vy & Elle bags, greeting cards), more.

Old Town Artisans Shops 201 N. Court Ave., 623-6024. September–May: Monday–Saturday 9:30am–5:30pm, Sunday 11am–5pm, June–August: Monday–Saturday 10am–4pm, Sunday 11am–4pm. Located in the El Presidio Historic District is the little city block of Old Town Artisans. Five shops: Dawn Stewart (jewerly/fine art), La Zia (native arts & crafts), Old Town Pot Shop (pottery, artwork, & more), The Outpost (fine art & handicrafts),Tolteca Tlacuilo (world imports).

Perri Jewelers 13 N. Stone Ave., 624-4311. Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm. Diamonds, watches, jewelry, guaranteed jewelry and watch repair.

Re-Threads 66 E. Pennington St., 884-5553. Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm, Saturday 10am-2pm. Recycled fashions.

Rockin’ Queen, Inc 45 S. 6th Ave, 461-1076. Monday to Friday, 10 am to 7 pm. Women’s high-quality clothing (100% bamboo, cotton & silk).

6th Ave. Stylez 41 S. 6th Ave., 409-7928, Monday to Friday, 11 am to 7 pm. Men’s and women’s casual clothing.

Studio 220/Got All Your Marbles 220 E. Congress, 628-1433. Thursday-Saturday 10:30am-2:30pm. Featuring our own interchangeable marble jewelry, as well as other fun, creative jewelry and art.

Tiendita Gift Shop at La Pilita Museum, 440 S. Main St., 882-7454. Tuesday to Saturday, 11 to 2 p.m. T-shirts, greeting cards, ceramic crafts by local artists, more.

drawing of La Pilita Museum by Nancy Lenches, 2004

Tucson Children’s Museum (Mrs. Tiggy Winkle’s Gift Shop) 200 S. 6th Ave., 792-9985. Tuesday to Friday 9 to 5 pm, Saturday & Sunday 10am-5pm. Plush novelties, coloring books, toys for children.

The Museum Shop at the Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block 140 N. Main, 624-2333. Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm. Sunday noon-5pm. A splendid selection of works by Arizona’s most talented artists and craftspeople. One-of-a-kind handcrafted glass, pottery, textiles, jewelry, and multimedia artworks available in this lobby-level shop.

We keep waiting for Downtown redevelopment to occur, for Downtown Tucson to have another “hey day” for more shopping and gifts. But check out what’s there now, and let me know if I missed any favorite shops which you frequent.