Volume 12 • Number 21
The Voice of the Catalina Foothills
December 14, 2022
INSIDE Measles resurgence isn’t needed | Page 4
Ballet Tucson, TSO collaborate on ‘The Nutcracker’ | Page 7
Giving Guide: Putting an endof-the-year spotlight on local nonprofits | Inside
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Holiday festivities begin at La Encantada Mayor shares BY TALLULAH ANNE Gillian Allard. vision for Tucson This year, La amid re-election Encantada is a Encantada is cele- also offering announcement brating the holiday something new Tucson Local Media Contributor
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season this year with extra evenings of Enchanted Snowfall and a variety of holiday-themed happenings. The beloved Tucson holiday tradition is back throughout December, this year with extra evenings of faux snow flurries falling in the courtyard Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 6 to 6:15 p.m. and 6:45 to 7 p.m. through Dec. 23. There will be complimentary hot chocolate as the flakes fall, as well as live entertainment from an array of Tucson talent in between snowfalls. From 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 23, Santa will make an appearance. The Santa photos are available to pets, too, from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 13, in the courtyard. For budding artists, La Encantada has partnered with Southern Arizona Arts Guild to create ornaments for the center tree. The Community Art Fest Project is 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, led by
with a Ballet Tucson storytime for kids 8 and younger at 10 a.m. Saturdays Dec. 10 and Dec. 17. “The Story of the Nutcracker” will be narrated by a ballerina from Ballet Tucson in the La Encantada fountain courtyard. For budding artists, La Encantada has partnered with For a chance Southern Arizona Arts Guild to create ornaments for to give back, the center tree. The Community Art Fest Project is 11 the Salvation a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, led by Gillian Allard. Army Giving (La Encantada/Submitted) Tree will return to La Encantada this year. roundabout in front of FireShoppers can donate new birds Wood Fired Grill and toys for families in need from North Italia, run from 4 p.m. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays, Sat- to close from Thursdays to urdays and Sundays through Saturdays. Dec. 24. New stores are opening The mall has extended its in the shopping center. hours for holiday shopping; Levi’s is slated to open for complete information, visit Wednesday, Dec. 14; meanlaencantadashoppingcenter. while, Tucson Geodes & com. Valet services, at the Gems is now open.
BY KATYA MENDOZA
Tucson Local Media Staff
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ucson Mayor Regina Romero delivered her vision for Tucson as an equitable, sustainable and thriving desert city during her 2022 State of the City on Dec. 1. Ahead of her third address, she announced her candidacy for re-election in the city’s 2023 election. The mayor recalled her first 100 days in office in 2019, during the early stages of the pandemic, and addressed global supply chain issues, shortages and inflation, stating that federal funding made available through the American Rescue Plan has been transformative to Tucson, citing $136 million in aid. Romero — whose tenure in public service includes experience in administering neighborhood reinvestment programs with Pima County, 12 years on the city council working on economic development initiatives and her past three years as mayor — said her top initiative has been supporting public safety while striving to redefine what community safety, health and wellness means to constituents. See STATE OF THE CITY Page 6