Blogger Pam Powers (“Tucson Progressive”) announced this event (with an online poll): http://tucsoncitizen.com/tucson-progressive/2012/04/30/public-forum-today-should-rta-knock-down-100-buildings-to-make-broadway-look-like-a-freeway-poll/

The $71 M plan would call for widening of Broadway from Euclid to Country Club, affecting about 115 businesses on the north side, and historic buildings, neighborhoods such as Rincon Heights and Sam Hughes (on the National Historic Registry). Both Presidents of those neighborhoods spoke against the plan.

Speakers last evening at the press conference:

1) Ward 6 Councilmember Steve Kozachik
2) Mark Kerr, aide to Ward 5 Councilmember Richard Fimbres
3) Colby Henley, President of Rincon Hts. Neighborhood
4) Jessica Shuman, business owner of Kismet, 2627 E Broadway
5) John O’Dowd, President of Sam Hughes Neighborhood Assn.
6) Sid Hirsch, business owner of Hirsch’s Shoes, 2934 E. Broadway
7) Rev. Stuart Taylor, Tucson Bus Riders’ Union,
Eight) Demion Clinco, Pres. of Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation
9) District 5 Pima County Supervisor Richard Elias

Video below of the press conference courtesy of John Brakey, Co-founder of AUDIT-AZ:

Also present were: Ward 2 Councilmember Paul Cunningham, former State House Rep. Ted Downing, former Sahuarita Councilmember Rosanna Gabaldon, former Mayoral candidate Rick Grinnell, District 3 Supervisor candidate Tanner Bell, former State Senator John Kromko, attorney Bill Risner, former TUSD Superintendent Roger Pfeuffer, Brian Flagg from Casa Maria Kitchen, Donovan Durband Administrator from Parkwise, former Green Party candidates Dave Croteau (Mayor), Beryl Baker (Ward 1 Council), Kent Solberg (LD 27 House). I estimated the crowd at about 200 people, many of whom arrived by bicycle.

Steve K said that 15-20 neighborhoods were represented at the press conference, and I recognized neighborhood leaders from: Rincon Hts, Sam Hughes, Colonia Solana, El Encanto Estates, Arroyo Chico, Broadway-Broadmoor, Campbell-Grant, Catalina Vista, even Udall Park Neighborhood out east. Aides from the Council offices of Ward 1, 2, 5 and 6 were present as well.

If you feel strongly about this issue, contact the Mayor/City Councilmembers or your Supervisor at Pima County. Supervisor Richard Elias said yesterday that the citizens had to “force change to happen”, if they felt this 25 year old plan to widen Broadway was not necessary. Many of the speakers requested that the historic buildings be preserved, that small businesses on Broadway not be affected by any widening.

Steve K also noted during this one hour (6 to 7 p.m. on a Monday) that there was no traffic congestion on Broadway next to the church. My husband also told me that he was down there on Broadway (between Highland & Park) that same afternoon between 3:30 and 4 p.m. and there was no traffic jam.

Photo of crowd yesterday at press conference, courtesy of Pam Powers Hannley.

The Castle at Womankraft

THE HOLIDAY BAZAAR Reception: Saturday, Dec. 4th, 7-10 P.M. (with refreshments).

“It’s a Tucson tradition, filled with great artwork that reflects the diversity of this Holiday Season. You will find an array of fine arts and crafts that retail at $100 and under.” WomanKraft’s phone # is 520-629-9976.

WomanKraft is a Non-Profit Arts Organization in the art district of Tucson Arizona. It was founded in 1974 to claim, validate, and empower women artists and other under represented groups.

And here’s the schedule of their upcoming DECEMBER CLASSES:

LANTERNS AND LUMINARIAS
You’ll learn several simple and fun ways, using everyday and recycled materials to make glowing beauties.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2ND, 10:00-12:30P.M.
FACILITATOR: JESSICA SHUMAN
FEE: $20 SUPPLIES INCLUDED.

IT’S KNOT EMBROIDERY
You’ll learn a variety of knots, wraps, and stitches, while creating a small wall hanging. These easy techniques are applicable to many other craft projects.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3RD, 1:30-3:30P.M.
FACILITATOR: ANA YANEZ
FEE: $20 SUPPLIES INCLUDED.

LEARN PERSPECTIVE
In this workshop we’ll explore the techniques that’ll help you to create perfect one and two point perspective in your art work.
MONDAY. DECEMBER 6TH, 6:00-9:00P.M.
FACILITATOR: GAYLE SWANBECK
FEE: $20 SUPPLIES INCLUDED.

LANDSCAPES WITH PASTELS AND CONTE CRAYONS
Using pastels and conte crayons, you’ll learn about tools, techniques, and papers for creating lovely landscapes.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7TH, 1:30-4:30P.M.
FACILITATOR: GAYLE SWANBECK
FEE: $20 SUPPLIES INCLUDED.

BEAD STRINGING JEWELRY
You can make your own beautiful jewelry in this workshop. Learn how to use tools and techniques to create long lasting and unique pieces. Hey, it’s fun too!
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7TH, 6:00-9:00P.M.
FACILITATOR: TERRI McGUIRE
FEE: $20 PLUS A $10 SUPPLY FEE PAYABLE TO INSTRUCTOR.

HANDMADE PAPER
Learn to make 100% post consumer recycled paper. 100% fun…..100% successful!
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8TH ,1:30-3:30 P.M.
FACILITATOR: GAYLE SWANBECK
FEE: $20 SUPPLIES INCLUDED.

DIVINE EYES THE HOLIDAY VERSION
In this workshop you’re going to create small Dream catchers to help you decorate for the Holiday season however you celebrate it.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8TH, 6:30-8:30P.M.
FACILITATOR: PATRICIA BOWNE
FEE: $20 SUPPLIES INCLUDED.

END OF THE YEAR “SACRED ME” COLLAGE
Year’s end is a good time to reflect on where we have been, and where we want to go. Whether emotionally, spiritually, financially or physically, come gather collage images to which you are drawn. After gathering, words come, and sacred poetry and images come together to tell you something you need to know.
FACILITATOR: QUYNN ELIZABETH
FRIDAY DECEMBER 10th 1:30-4:30
FEE $25 SUPPLIES INCLUDED

CREATING HOME MOSAICS 2 PARTS
This is the final push to complete the classroom’s bathroom mosaic. Be a part of this great project while you learn the tools and techniques of interior mosaicing.
PART I: SATURDAY DECEMBER 11TH 9:30-12:30 P.M.
PART II: SATURDAY DECEMBER 18TH 10;;00-12:30P.M.
FACILITATOR: TRACI KELLY
FEE: $10 SUPPLIES INCLUDED.

DRESS FOR SUCCESS
How to prepare and what to do with your art once you take it out of the studio. This covers manners, dress, appointments, portfolio contents, images, curatorial labeling, pricing, and supplemental materials; photo reproduction options, preparing your work for exhibition, artist statement, bio, and resume template; research footwork, approaching a venue, how to find a match for your art, contracts, communication, and more! It’s all about taking your art to the next level. A CD is available from the instructor for $15 each. Bring a notebook and one piece of your art you’d like to exhibit.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11TH, 1:30-4:30P.M.
FACILITATOR: JAY KYLE PETERSEN
FEE: $20

DOORS,WINDOWS, AND GATES
Using a variety of drawing mediums, we’ll explore the art of drawing these structural portals. Learn perspective, shading, line, and texture.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 13TH, 6:00-9:00P.M.
FACILITATOR: GAYLE SWANBECK
FEE: $20 SUPPLIES INCLUDED.

OILSTICKS AND MONOPRINTS
You’ll design, using oil sticks on glass plate, a print and pull up to 3 prints. A final application of paint will “clean up” your image, and you’ll walk away with a reverse glass painting as well.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14TH, 6:30-8:30P.M.
FACILITATOR: MARY THERESA DIETZ
FEE: $20 SUPPLIES INCLUDED.

WISE WOMEN’S WRITING WORKSHOP
It’s still a hit and growing. Learn to tap your infinite wisdom and playfully connect with your inner writer. We’ll journal with some writing exercises, topics, and creative surprises.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17th, 1:30-3:30P.M.
FACILITATOR: INGRID ASPROMATIS
FEE: $20 SUPPLIES INCLUDED.

THE BUCKET LIST
What have you always dreamed of doing/being/seeing ? We’ll use guided imagery and collage to build a little accordion book ”bucket list” of all the things you want to do/be before you die.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18TH , 1:30-3:30P.M.
FACILITATOR: KAITLIN MEADOWS
FEE: $20 SUPPLIES INCLUDED.

ART WITH WATER SOLUABLE PENCILS
Choosing a few simple subject matters, we’ll explore techniques with watercolor, graphitints, inktense, and graphite pencils.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 20TH, 6:00-9:00P.M.
FACILITATOR: GAYLE SWANBECK
FEE: $20 SUPPLIES INCLUDED.

What great classes of art, writing, dreaming, etc. I think “The Bucket List” class on December 18 (likely modeled after that Morgan Freeman/Jack Nicholson movie) will be lots of fun in creating an actual accordion book of your goals before you pass on.

Support these local artisans. Shop local.