May 26 PCFYI: Senators visit to discuss asylum-seekers; taking in The Loop's plethora of art; and reading to dogs

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Newsletter 2

May 26, 2023 – Vol. 8, No. 10

border story

U.S. senators meet with local officials
to discuss asylum-seekers after end of Title 42

Pima County officials hosted two U.S. senators — Kyrsten Sinema, I-Ariz., and James Lankford, R-Okla. — at the Historic Pima County Courthouse on May 23 for a meeting on border security following the end of Title 42. The pandemic-era policy, which ended May 11, allowed the Border Patrol and Customs and Border Protection to stop migrants seeking asylum at the nation’s borders.

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Javelina, bats, other creatures roam
The Loop, thanks to skilled artists

loop art

Thousands of cyclists zip through the Rillito River Park stretch of The Loop every day, but none more unusual than the one you’ll see near the northern tip of the Mountain Avenue Bridge. This cyclist is a javelina, perched on the front seat of a life-size tandem bicycle; the back seat is open to anyone who wants to pose for a photo. The sculpture, known as “Bicycle Built for Two,” is the newest addition to Pima County’s wide-ranging collection of artwork along The Loop.

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Yappy Hour: New volunteer reading program
helps reduce dogs' stress at PACC

pacc reading volunteers

Those who have been in an animal shelter know that it can be a chaotic, stressful environment for both people and animals. With the Pima Animal Care Center’s dog kennels at critical capacity, PACC staff members and volunteers are constantly working to come up with innovative ways to help the dogs in the shelter remain healthy and happy during their stays. The volunteer team recently introduced a new program they are calling “Yappy Hour” in which volunteers sit outside of a shy, nervous dog’s kennel and read a book to them.

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Do you need flood insurance? Explore
your options at County's online seminars

flood insurance seminars

The Pima County Regional Flood Control District is teaming up with the State of Arizona Insurance Office and other local jurisdictions to provide an overview of flood insurance and what it means to you. The virtual seminars can teach you about flood insurance pricing, how much coverage you need and how to protect yourself from flood hazards. Private flood insurance will also be discussed. Attend either the June 1 meeting from 8 to 9:30 a.m. or the June 7 meeting from 4 to 5:30 p.m.


'A place where you fit:' PVHS endows
students with job skills, career plans

pvhs success story

Anacesi Ontiveros always wanted to go to law school, but by the time she reached high school, her dream felt unattainable. Then came Pima Vocational High School. As soon as Ontiveros, 19, arrived at PVHS in January, teachers asked about her interests and career goals. They helped her come up with a five-year plan. After Ontiveros graduates from PVHS, she said her next stop is college, then law school. A legal career is still years away, but thanks to the support she’s received, the path has become a lot clearer.

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Preschool scholarships make a difference
in children's lives, teachers say

peeps video

See what preschool teachers have to say about the Pima Early Education Program scholarships, also known as PEEPS, which were established in 2021 by the Pima County Board of Supervisors. The scholarships help up to 1,200 children from income-eligible households attend high-quality preschool at more than 170 locations across Pima County. If a family is interested in scholarships, they should contact their local school district, their childcare provider, visit azccrr.com or call 1-800-308-9000. 

WATCH VIDEO


Library invites teens, young adults
to its digital storytelling bootcamp

digital storytelling bootcamp

Do you know a youth who is interested in learning new ways to tell a story? The Pima County Public Library is offering a four-day summer camp June 13-16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Woods Memorial Library, 3455 N. First Ave. The bootcamp is open to anyone ages 14 to 24. Digital storytelling involves using digital tools and media — like photos and audio — to create compelling narratives and communicate messages that engage and create a more immersive experience. The deadline to apply for the camp is next Wednesday, May 31.

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