Pima Animal Care Center needs a poster dog for its dog licensing campaign materials and we need your help selecting from the five finalists.

Sure, licensing is the law, but what owners should know is that it also helps protect their pets. If they ever get loose, a license helps us know where they belong so we can reunite your family. Plus, the license fee – $15 a year for a dog that’s been spayed or neutered – helps us do our job protecting animals from cruelty, sheltering strays and responding to dog bite calls.

Now that the Sheriff’s Department has selected the five finalists – Laila, Checkers, Chaps, Neil and Oliver – it’s your chance to read a little about them and let us know whose whiskered face has the license to steal some hearts and encourage responsible pet ownership.

Please visit http://www.pima.gov/vote/

You can only vote once and the deadline will be midnight, May 5.

Road closures on Alvernon Road and Contractor’s Way, March 25-April 12.

On Monday, March 25 through Friday, April 12, 2013, Pima County Department of Transportation along with their contractor, Granite Construction Company, will be installing two (2) miles of bike lanes along Alvernon Way/Contractor’s Way from Ajo Way to 29th Street.

Alvernon Way/Contractor’s Way from Ajo Way to Aviation Parkway (see attached map) will be closed for ten working days. Due to the narrow width of the roadway, a road closure in necessary to allow for milling and paving equipment. Crews will be milling the existing pavement and installing additional asphalt. The roadway will re-open at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, April 5, 2013.

Motorists are asked to take an alternate route. Message boards will be in place to direct traffic around the detour. Please approach the area with caution and obey all traffic control devices.

Construction activities for a new communications tower on Tumamoc Hill will temporarily interfere with hiking access for four days this month.

The tower is an integral piece of a new communications system designed to reduce the chances of a fragmented response during emergencies by allowing 31 different first responder agencies to communicate directly with one another.

To protect public safety while construction vehicles are operating on the road, access to Tumamoc Hill will be restricted on the following dates and times:

• Wednesday, March 13, 2013, 7 a.m. – 5:30 pm
• Monday, March 18, 2013, 6 a.m. – 5:30 pm
• Tuesday, March 19, 2013, 8 a.m. – 5:30 pm
• Wednesday, March 20, 2013, 6 a.m. – 5:30 pm

A security guard will be posted at the bottom of Tumamoc Hill each day to remind the general public to comply with the restrictions.

Construction on Tumamoc is expected to be completed in June 2013, with the system operational by the end of the calendar year.

Construction dates are subject to change.  For daily activity, please check http://www.bonds.pima.gov/wireless/Index.html or call (520)724-7200.

Gems, rodeos and golf aren’t the only tourist draws this month.

More than 1,200 participants, nearly all of them from out of town, will participate in one of the country’s premier amateur trapshooting competitions this week through Feb. 24 at the Tucson Trap and Skeet Club.

The Spring Satellite Grand American, in which competitors shoot at clay pigeons released from a spring trap, is expected to entice participants from at least 42 of the 50 states, as well as international participants from Canada, Mexico and New Zealand.

Although the attraction has more than 700 members, tournaments are a mainstay at the nonprofit Club, which sits on 380 acres in westernPimaCounty, including 300 acres leased fromPimaCounty. The club has served shooting sportsmen since 1948.

Club President Lee Bachman said the economic impact is significant. Although hookups exist for approximately 200 recreational vehicles on site, that leaves another 1,000 participants in this event securing lodging elsewhere. Tournament attendees visit local restaurants and purchase products from local vendors, while spouses who aren’t competing often go shopping or visit popular tourist destinations, he said.

Pima County Supervisor Sharon Bronson, who sits on the board of Tucson Regional Economic Opportunities and who represents the Club area, noted that an economic analysis performed by the County in 2010 estimated the facility draws more than 4,800 visitors to the area annually, directly infusing $5.3 million into the economy. Using a conservative multiplier, the economic impact of the out-of-town visitors could be close to $10 million.

“We’re thrilled to be able to share this premier attraction – and our great weather – with visitors who come here for regional and national competitions,” Bronson said.

It’s free for visitors to watch the competitions, which take place daily, and practice fields are available for target shooting.

For more information, please visit http://www.tucsontrapandskeet.com/

A Pima County program was recognized Tuesday for its role in helping to fight prescription drug abuse and keeping the aquifer clean.

The Dispose-A-Med program received a Common Ground Award by the Metropolitan Pima Alliance for the best program or event benefitting the County. Organizers were recognized by the Pima County Board of Supervisors Jan. 8.

With support from the Pima County Regional Wastewater Reclamation and Health Departments, and oversight from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the program operated by the Pima County Sheriff’s Department collects and incinerates unwanted prescription drugs.

That way, the medication doesn’t fall into the wrong hands or get flushed into the sewer system, where the miniscule doses of chemicals can elude even sophisticated treatment systems.

The most recent event at the beginning of December collected 201 pounds of medication, bringing the total weight of collected medication for the year to more than 1,550 pounds.

Considering 800 pills weigh about a pound, “that’s a tremendous amount of drugs being taken off the street,” said Lt. Jim Berry of the Sheriff’s Department.

Pima County Public Health Director Francisco Garcia credited the program with tackling a significant public health issue, noting that in the past 20 years, prescription drug deaths have tripled in the country.

He lauded the multi-departmental approach taken. “We have to work across disciplines and across silos to accomplish important public health goals – and this program is an effective example of that.”

Dr. Garcia said recycling unused medication is not an option since drug policy prevents diverting to another person any medication that was prescribed to another individual. The Dispose-A-Med program remains the best option, he said.

The program, which began in 2009, has 40 member agencies. Along with federal grant funding, the program relies on support from community partners to sponsor events.

If you are interested in obtaining more information about sponsoring an event, please call the Pima County Sheriff’s Department Community Resource Office at 351-4615.

To obtain information about the 2013 schedule, please visit http://www.pimasheriff.org/department-services/other-services/dispos-a-med/

One thing has become increasingly clear as Southern Arizona mourns the senseless tragedies, from Aurora to Newtown, that followed our own Jan. 8, 2011 tragedy:

There must be a stronger safety net for those in need of behavioral health services.

In spite of deep state funding cuts to behavioral health services, it is more important than ever that Pima County residents have access to a strong, responsive and efficient care system that addresses their needs.

Pima County does not directly deliver behavioral health services, but through the support of voters in this community, the County has made substantial investments in improving the accessibility and availability of behavioral health care.

There remains more to do.

Stigma remains a problem, preventing people from seeking the help they need for themselves or others they know.

More education needs to be done to share information on how to access the care that is available.

The County is committed to being part of the ongoing community dialogue about how to address these challenges.

As a first step in a renewed focus on bringing awareness to behavioral health, Pima County today launched a website – www.pima.gov/behavioralhealth – that can serve as a resource for those seeking information on where to turn for help.

The County also will host a community panel in the spring to continue the conversation, with a focus on crisis services. We will continue to look for more opportunities throughout the year to further the discussion.

The County’s investments in behavioral health care include funding the construction of two crisis intervention and treatment facilities that work in tandem to assure there is “no wrong door” when individuals are experiencing a behavioral health crisis.

TheCrisisResponseCenterand the Behavioral Health Pavilion opened as a “one stop” triage, stabilization and treatment center in August 2011 afterPimaCountyvoters overwhelmingly approved $66 million in bond initiatives to build a more cohesive approach in the delivery of behavioral health care.

The new system relieves some of the burden from hospital emergency rooms. It also provides law enforcement officers with a resource that allows them to get back to their jobs quickly, while ensuring the safety of those in crisis.

For more information about upcoming announcements, stay posted to our website, www.pima.gov/behavioralhealth, which will reflect updated information when it becomes available.

Pima Animal Care Center can no longer remain silent about an ongoing problem that continues to affect Southern Arizona: Too many petless families and adults.

To celebrate the new year – and to help petless households realize the benefits of pet ownership – adoption fees on all of our animals will be $13 for the month of January.

While we are working diligently to confront the problem, the staff at PACC believes there are many reasons for concern.

The American Pet Products Association reported last year that only 39 percent of households across the nation own at least one dog, while 33 percent own cats.

Clearly, there remains work to do, given that pet ownership has proven effective in providing companionship, warming cold laps and encouraging physical activity. Hospitals and nursing homes, well aware of the ability of animals to counteract depression and isolation, regularly turn to animals as social therapy.

The Centers for Disease Control have identified other health benefits as well, noting pets can decrease blood pressure, triglyceride levels and cholesterol levels. For a more comprehensive list of potential benefits, please visit http://pets.webmd.com/ss/slideshow-pets-improve-your-health

Think about it. Is there a lack of fur in your life?

Come to our adoption center,4000 N. Silverbell Road, to see what you’ve been missing. We’re open noon to 7 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends.

If you’re looking for a fun way to work off some of that excess holiday cheer, lace up your tennis shoes and grab a friend for the annual New Year’s Day Dog Walk at Pima Animal Care Center.

With Jan. 1 a holiday for County employees, volunteers help our animals get fresh air and socialization. And with picturesqueSilverbellLakedirectly behind the center at4000 N. Silverbell Road, it’s a great way to leave behind the bustle of the season and set the tone for the coming year. On Christmas morning, 105 walkers participated, 72 of them brand new.

Folks new to the center are free to show up, fill out an application and get walking. More experienced volunteers will be on hand to ensure you have a rewarding experience, whether you’re comfortable with bigs, littles or in-betweens. If you want to jog with a high-energy pup, we’ve got some! If walking is more your speed, we’ve got you covered.

Cat lovers: We’ve got lots of cute kitties who could use a little snuggle time, too.

A staff member will follow up to schedule future training if you decide you’d like to visit us again.

“There’s no better way to start off a New Year than participating in a fun, family event that highlights this region’s sense of charity and community,” said Kim Janes, the Manager of the Pima Animal Care Center.

The party begins at 10 a.m. on Jan. 1, 2013. Refreshments will be provided. And if you’d like to bring a few cans of dog or cat food, or used blankets and towels, to share with our pets, that would be appreciated as well.

Please RSVP to jacneu@yahoo.com so we have a general idea of turnout.

Widows, widowers and individuals with disabilities who meet certain income thresholds may qualify for a property tax exemption on their primary residence within Pima County.

The application period runs from the first Monday in January until March 1.

“This exemption is really quite popular and provides some financial relief for folks out there who are dealing with challenges in their lives,” said Pima County AssessorBill Staples.

Jennifer Walker, a senior advocate with the nonprofit Pima Council on Aging, advertises the program to 16,000 newsletter subscribers, noting just this month a client said the assistance helps her to stay in her house.

The application for the exemption must be filed in person the first time. Once qualified, the applicant is not required to file an annual affidavit unless there is a change to the original qualification requirement.

For both exemptions, applicants must have property with a full cash value that does not exceed $244,690, or an assessed value of $24,469.

For other criteria, please visit http://www.asr.pima.gov/links/exemptions.aspx or call 724-7500.

Additionally, informational sessions for new and existing applicants will be held at library branches throughout the community. Please see the following schedule:

For the holiday season, Pima Animal Care Center encourages families who are looking for a four-legged companion to consider sharing the warmth of their home with a great pet from our adoption center.

“We remain grateful for the support we’ve had from the residents of Pima County and are hopeful that their generosity this season will help us find more homes for our adoptable dogs and cats, which come in all ages, sizes, colors and shapes,” said Kim Janes, Manager of the Pima Animal Care Center.

“Nothing would make us happier than seeing every single one of our affectionate pets enfolded in a tender, warm home this winter.”

For more information, please visit our website, www.pima.gov/animalcare. Better yet, come see our whiskers and paws at our adoption center,4000 N. Silverbell Road.

Although we will be closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, our adoption center will be open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

Our hours throughout the remainder of the holiday season will remain unchanged: noon to 7 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on weekends.