LCMNA

5-gal trees available

This is Dan The Plant Man.

As a thank you for all who have supported my plant sales, I want to pass on a special deal to all of you.

I have access to beautiful 5 gallon Thornless Chilean Mesquite and Pink Desert Willow trees. They are almost 6 ft tall! All are locally grown and very healthy.

They are just $13 each! There are approx 100 available.

I can be reached at 869-1864 or email me at http://dansdman@comcast.net .

I am taking orders. Limited delivery and planting services available for association members.

Hurry, these trees will go fast!

Thanks again,

Dan Singer on Zarragoza Dr

06/27/08 letter from County Administrator to Residents

COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR'S OFFICE
PIMA COUNTY GOVERNMENTAL CENTER
130 W. CONGRESS, TUCSON, AZ 85701-1317
(520) 740-8661 FAX (520) 740-8171

C.H. HUCKELBERRY
County Administrator

June 27, 2008

Dear Pima County Residents and Community Partners:

As part of our commitment to creating a more livable and sustainable community, Pima County has developed a Draft Sustainable Action Plan for County Operations. This plan identifies more than 100 action items that Pima County can undertake to enhance the sustainability of its day-to-day government operations in the areas of alternative fuel vehicles; renewable energy and energy efficiency; green building; waste reduction; water conservation and management; green purchasing; and land conservation and management.

Equally important, it establishes a series of "success indicators" so the County can measure its progress toward operational sustain ability, and provide report cards to the Board of Supervisors and the public on how we are doing. This will enable us to continually review, refine, and enhance our performance.
We are very interested in getting your feedback and suggestions so that we can create the most effective plan possible, and present a final version to the Board of Supervisors in August 2008. Copies of the draft plan may be reviewed on-line at www.pima.gov, or at your local Pima County Public Library. For your convenience, you can provide your ideas and feedback to us using the on-line public comment forum that is attached to the document link.

Please note that this plan is just the first step in our sustainability planning efforts. As you may be aware, the Board of Supervisors adopted Resolution No. 2007-84, "Resolution in Support of New County Sustainability Initiatives," on May 1, 2007. Many of the initiatives establish specific sustainability targets for County operations, which the plan above addresses, while others address the Board's goals and aspirations for enhancing sustainable living community-wide. Therefore, in the second phase of our planning efforts, we hope to engage widespread public participation in the development of a community-wide sustainability plan. We want to capture your vision of a sustainable Pima County and then identify the steps that we can take, working together, to achieve that vision. We anticipate that the community-wide plan will address such topics as education, healthcare, job assistance, public safety, housing, neighborhood life, and economic development.

We look forward to your comments on the Draft Sustainable Action Plan for County Operations. Similarly, we encourage you to share with us any thoughts or ideas you have about the best way to achieve full community engagement and success during the next phase of our sustainability planning efforts.

Should you have any questions, or require additional information, please don't hesitate to contact Tedra Fox, Sustainability Manager, at 740-8766 or tedra.fox@pima.gov, or Nicole Fyffe, Executive Assistant to the County Administrator, at 740-8450 or nicole.fyffe@pima.gov.

Thank you, in advance, for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

C. H. Huckelberry

County Administrator

An open house on the Arroyo Grande preliminary development plan.

www.azstarnet.com ®
Northwest
Development plan could be halted
By Lourdes Medrano
Arizona Daily Star
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 05.15.2008

What: The Nature Conservancy is pushing a November ballot initiative that would conserve state trust land throughout Arizona, and a public meeting will include details of the initiative.

When: 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday. May 17, 2008

Where: DesertView Performing Arts Center, 39900 S. Clubhouse Drive, in SaddleBrooke.

More information: call the Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection at 388-9925.

Open house (below) is Monday

What: An open house on the Arroyo Grande preliminary development plan. Town of Oro Valley officials and representatives from the Arizona State Land Department will be on hand to answer questions.

When: 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, May 19, 2008

Where: Oro Valley Town Hall, 11000 N. La Cañada Drive.

Details: The town seeks public input on the state's plan and general-plan amendment request to accommodate Arroyo Grande. Oro Valley is working to annex the area north of town, just south of the Pinal County line.

More information about the open house: call Mary Davis at 229-4712.

LCMNA 11-29-08 Minutes for Approval

(please notify LCMNA2@aol.com with any additions or corrections to the minutes - if no comments are received, the minutes are approved as posted herein)

La Canada/Magee Neighborhood Association
Fall General Meeting

November 29, 2007
6:30-8:00 p.m.
Lutheran Church of the Ascension Grace Hall

I. Opening

A. Feedback –
President Steve Sisson reported that a resident had complained that there wasn’t enough time at the end of the meetings to ask questions. Steve emphasized that the purpose of the semiannual General Meeting is to bring the association members up-to-date on activities in which the association has recently been involved and respond to general queries in that regard. Specific issues are customarily handled with pertinent neighbors/groups, and that is where the bulk of discussion/questions occur, unless the association has purposely brought in a speaker to the General Meeting specifically as a resource. Residents are encouraged to contact LCMNA with any questions or issues so that the Board may respond. Steve asked that people call or e-mail LCMNA if they have concerns that weren’t addressed at the meeting.

      B. Expressions of Gratitude – Steve thanked the following:
            1. Lutheran Church of the Ascension
           2. Autopresort – Mike Wilson for the flyers that are mailed to all residents
            3. A.G. Edwards and Jason Turetsky for the website
            4. Vantage West for their yearly contribution
            5. Minkus Advertising for the pens that we distribute
            6. Commerce Bank for our free checking account
            7. University Medical Center for previous door prizes
            8. Jerry Mitchell for maintaining and setting up the A frame signs
            9. Scotty Campbell and Betsy Sandlin for their work in Section 27
          10. Donna Pratt for the press releases
          11. Max Canez and Tom Unger for their membership on the Manufactured Housing Committee
          12. Robyn Pratt - 8 year old Robyn asked that we donate blankets and coats to the homeless in Tucson. Her dad Craig will pick up contributions.

       C. Steve introduced Supervisor Ann Day. She began her presentation by praising Steve for his service to the community and the county. She said that our NA is one of the most effective neighborhood associations in Pima County. She wished Steve success and good health. She discussed the following issues:
           1. Ducati rezoning on Magee – She reported that the road improvement on Magee was worked out before the Hearing proceedings began, mainly due to LCMNA negotiations. Ducati will pay for the center turn lane and will be credited on his impact fees for the cost of that interim roadway improvement.
            2. Bowers-Anderson Development at Dawn and McCarty – The builders will get credit toward their impact fees for immediate road   improvements before construction starts, thereby insuring that the impact fees will be applied to this area. Five homes have been approved now (Anderson) and 25 homes will be addressed at a later date (Bowers).
            3. Magee from La Cholla to Mona Lisa – interim improvements can be completed in 3 days (months?).
            4. Magee east and west of La Canada – waiting for studies to be done.   There is a possibility that the frontage road will be left in tact. She urged LCMNA to get petitions to the CAC well ahead of time.
            5. La Canada from River Road to Hardy will be a future RTA project.
            6. Graffiti program is approaching its first anniversary. There is no reason for anyone to see graffiti in their neighborhood. Call the county number (792-8224) immediately and it will be removed. If someone is observed in the process of tagging, call 911.
            7. Manufactured Housing – The County has asked the Board of Supervisors to consider expanding the zoning code. Currently manufactured homes can only be constructed in certain areas of the County. In 1995 the court of public opinion gave a resounding “no” to building manufactured homes in site-built residential zones. She encouraged everyone to follow this issue. She supports affordable housing but not at the expense of our quality of life in our established neighborhoods.
            8. A resident asked Ann about road widening on Magee. She suggested he call her office now before construction starts.
            9. She mentioned her concern for water in the county and that we must be sustainable. She said we must have managed quality growth.
           10. Another resident mentioned how loud the rumble strips are at Paseo del Norte and Ina and asked if they could be removed. Ann referred her to her executive aide Patrick.

II. Old Business

          A. Association Business
           1. Minutes of April 26, 2007 General Meeting - There were no additions or corrections, so the minutes stand approved as written.
          2. Financial Report – Mike McCarty gave the status of our finances. We have $332.47 in the bank. Our latest meeting mailing cost us $582, so we spend about $1100 yearly on mailing. We really appreciate any donations.
          3. Update on new strategy for fund raising. Steve mentioned the window stickers that he introduced at the last meeting. He asked residents who have businesses to make a donation and put a sticker in their window. He reported on his contacts with Walmart, Albertson’s, and UPS. All are willing to contribute to      LCMNA. He also asked for residents to take stickers to businesses to ask for their support. Steve would train people on how to approach businesses.
          4. New Board members – Steve is stepping down as President of LCMNA, due to his health and other considerations. Gary Bram and Marj Sisson are also resigning. This creates some challenges for LCMNA. Steve introduced Scotty Campbell, Karen Sonnek-Canez, Kathy Gatto, and Sharon Paul as new volunteers for the Board. If we don’t get volunteers for officers, the organization will falter. Steve distributed 3 x 5 cards for parties interested in serving on the Board to sign. He also discussed the time commitment for being on the Board. Gary discussed how active we have been in the neighborhood and all the good things we have been able to do. He briefly discussed the Ducati development that Ann Day had spoken about earlier.
          5. Presentation of Certificates – Donna presented Steve, Gary and Marj with certificates of appreciation for the years that they have give to LCMNA.
          6. Needs – listed on the back of the agenda.

B. Resident Concerns
1. Ducati success story – Gary previously spoke to this issue.

2. La Canada Fire District annexation results – Mike Treece reported that the annexation has been successful. There are now 4246 homes in the fire District and there is now $125,000,000 in assessed value. The target switch over date with Rural Metro is July 1, 2008. If residents have paid beyond July 1, they will get a rebate. The merger with two other fire districts (North Ranch/Linda Vista and Heritage Hills) should be completed by fall of 2009. That will give the district a net assessed value of approximately $275,000,000. Site selection is underway for a station located at Shannon and Overton. and the district has bought land at Hardy and La Canada for another station and they hope to start construction by Sept. 2008. The district-updated financial projections still support service rates at $1.25/$100 secondary assessed valuation with six minutes or less response time.

III. New Business

       A. Traffic signal or roundabout at Hardy and Northern – Mike Greenlees reported that there will be an open house Dec. 3 at OV Council Chambers for public input on this issue.

       B. A resident from Highgate expressed appreciation to Ann Day for her responsiveness to the resident concerns. He asked for a round of applause for her.
       C. Area Development/County Code Revisions
           1. Anderson Rezoning – Ann addressed this.
           2. Bowers Rezoning – Betsy Sandlin spoke about topological (water runoff) and equestrian problems in the area. The next Planning and Zoning meeting date to consider this rezoning is January 30, 2008.
         3. Wick rezoning – Rita Hall spoke about one lot in the area of SR lots. Mr. Wick owns a 2.2 acre lot which he wants to divide and build a second home. He claims that he won’t rent the house or try to develop other lots. Rita will call a meeting of neighbors to clarify the issue at a later date.
          4. Magee Road RTA Improvement/Realignment –Kathy Gatto reported that she had spoken to an engineer for the RTA about the frontage road in front of her house. He said the frontage road may not be removed. Safe access to Magee is the most important issue. Noise abatement will be discussed in six months to a year. Neighbors should attend the CAC organizational meeting and apply for membership on one of them. She said that the Magee neighbors should support their neighbors on La Canada about noise abatement. Donna presented petitions, stating what proximate residents want in the realignment, for residents to sign. Petitions were circulated at the meeting and others were given to residents to get signed in their neighborhoods.
          5. Manufactured Housing Concerns – Max Canez reported on his attendance at this County meeting. The county wants to change the zoning so that manufactured homes (affordable housing) could be constructed in any CR 1, 2, 3, or 4 zones. Max is our voice on this committee and he urged all residents to stay involved and informed. Updated information is available on our website.
          6. La Canada Roadway Improvement – this has been postponed until 2009.

IV. Call to Audience

         Steve verified that time has run out for this meeting. He urged residents to e-mail LCMNA or call us if we have concern to be addressed at the next meeting. He asked again that residents check the website often.
          1. One resident had suggestions about a bike path along Magee.
         2. Steve mentioned that a new business wanting to locate in the Albertson’s Plaza, Papa Murphy’s Pizza, prepares pizza but does not cook them, so there won’t be any cooking smells from this business.

V. Adjournment – The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Judy Moll, Recording Secretary
December 3, 2007

* There were 131 residents in attendance by headcount (not including the Board) and 123 signed the attendance sheets including the Board. $346.00 was donated at the meeting.

March 17-21 Thornydale Construction TRAFFIC ADVISORY

DATE: March 14, 2008, for the week of March 17 – 21, 2008

Contact: Angie Brown, (520) 327-6077

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thornydale Road Improvement Project

Westbound Orange Grove Road
Traffic on westbound Orange Grove Road has been moved to the south side of Orange Grove Road from the South Forty RV Park to the intersection with Thornydale Road to allow crews to begin building the new westbound lanes on Orange Grove Road.

There is one through/right-turn lane and one left-turn lane.

At the intersection, westbound traffic is directed back to the north side of Orange Grove Road with no lane restrictions.

Eastbound Orange Grove Road
Eastbound Orange Grove Road at Thornydale Road has one left-turn lane, one through-lane and one through/right-turn lane.

East of Thornydale Road, traffic is restricted to two lanes up to the South Forty RV Park, at which point, all three lanes are open.

Northbound River Road/Thornydale Road
Starting at Joiner Road, northbound River Road/Thornydale Road traffic is directed to the west side of the roadway to allow crews to begin building the new northbound lanes of River Road/Thornydale Road.

There is one through/right turn lane and one left-turn lane at each intersection up to Horizon Hills Drive.

After the CDO Wash, traffic is directed back to the east side of the roadway with no lane restrictions.

Southbound Thornydale Road/River Road Open with Lane Restrictions
Starting at Regency Plaza, southbound Thornydale Road traffic is restricted to one lane.

At the intersection with Horizon Hills Drive, there is one through/right-turn lane.

At the intersections with Costco Drive and Orange Grove Road, there is one through lane, one right-turn lane and one left-turn lane.

At Joiner Road, the lane restrictions are lifted.

Marana Mercado Plaza (Sam Levitz Plaza) Driveway Access
From Orange Grove Road, two driveways for Marana Mercado Plaza will continue to be closed: the driveway closest to Wendy’s and the driveway to the west of Circle K.

From Orange Grove Road, both driveways to the east of Circle K remain open.

Traffic exiting the plaza will not be permitted to make left turns onto eastbound Orange Grove Road.

Access from Thornydale Road to the driveway behind Sam Levitz will be restricted during the week of March 17 – 21 to allow crews to install underground utilities.

Access from Thornydale Road to the driveway in front of Sam Levitz remains open.

Color-coded business-access signs are located at the open driveways.

Horizon Hills Drive Access Closed on the East Side of Thornydale Road
Access to Horizon Hills Drive on the east side of Thornydale Road remains closed through mid-June.

Traffic may access the residential area to the east of the project via Camino de la Tierra from either Ina Road or Orange Grove Road.

Speed Limit Reduction
Due to safety concerns, the speed limit has been reduced from 35 mph to 25 mph throughout the construction area.

*In the event of mechanical failure or inclement weather, the above schedule is subject to change.

03/20/08 - Public forum on Wildlife Linkages in Oro Valley

Wildlife Linkages: Opportunities & Challenges

A public forum about wildlife connectivity and exploring the wildlife linkage between the Catalina and Tortolita Mountains in the Oro Valley area

Come join us for an exciting and informative evening!

Forum topics include:

Statewide wildlife linkages efforts and projects

Different types of linkage structures along roadways

The role of land-use planning, transportation corridors, and public and private landowners in creating a successful and viable linkage

Specific data and research completed in the Oro Valley area

Relevance to the Arroyo Grande Conceptual Plan

Presentations by:

Arizona Game and Fish,

Department, Arizona Department of Transportation,

the Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection, and

Sky Island Alliance

When & Where:

Oro Valley Public Library, 1305 W. Naranja Dr.

Thursday, March 20, 2008, 6-8pm

For additional information, contact Kathleen Kennedy at kathleen@sonorandesert.org or 388-9925

02-27-08: SuspiciousActivityReported/7400 N Camino De Maximillian

At about 7:00 PM on February 27, 2008, a pedestrian of the N 7300 block of Camino de Maximillian observed an unfamiliar car that was slowly heading south on N Camino De Maximillian and appeared to be stopping at mailboxes in the (maybe 7500 and) 7400 block.

The car then performed a u-turn, and stopped at the mailbox across the street. The pedestrian noted the plate number of the vehicle.

The pedestrian advised a neighbor of the activity and they both heard what sounded like breaking glass. The neighbor got in his car, pulled into the street along side the suspicious vehicle, and asked if they were lost or needed help. The passenger replied that she broke a pot and was just trying to clean out the car.

The vehicle slowly traveled north and turned east onto the cul-de-sac of Placita de Santos. Another neighbor got in his car and found the vehicle parked along the side of the road in the cul-de-sac. When he slowed and pulled up behind the vehicle, it began to move and continued around the cul-de-sac and turned north onto Camino de Max, eventually exited the subdivision at La Cholla and headed west on Magee Road.

The pedestrian called 911 and reported the incident. The Sheriff said that they appreciated the call because AZ is the #1 state for identity theft.

Affordable Housing Survey

The Pima County Manufactured and Affordable Housing Strategy Committee is interested in hearing from housing practitioners across the County about how the County can better address affordable housing needs. To do so, they have prepared a short online survey. Your input is critical and will be greatly appreciated!

This survey should take approximately 5-10 minutes to complete and consists of general questions, an overall affordable housing policy evaluation, and an affordable housing available strategies ranking. All responses are anonymous. This survey will be open until COB March 6, 2008.

To take survey, please click on http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=WLW2aKOO9umVuWPUl76gJQ_3d_3d.

To view results-to-date of the survey at any time, please click on http://www.surveymonkey.com/sr.aspx?sm=lIARTFfo742E2iZgK5q0GPyAwjneb4CUV3RbcXo57sQ_3d .

The Manufactured and Affordable Housing Committee (MAHSC) was formed in the fall of 2007 with two charges: 1) to review the zoning code and possibly propose amendments to code sections that govern non-site built housing, and 2) to explore and propose strategies that promote, expand and encourage the availability of affordable housing options. This anonymous survey will assist the Strategy Committee in identifying, prioritizing and forwarding affordable housing goals and strategies respectively to the Pima County Planning and Zoning Commission and the Pima County Housing Commission. Recommendations ultimately will go before the Board of Supervisors for possible policy and/or code changes.

For more information, please go to the committee website http://www.pimaxpress.com/Planning/MH.htm, or contact the committee Facilitator at the address below.

Thanks you!
MAHSC Coordination Team

Tahnee Robertson
Southwest Decision Resources
tahnee@swdresources.com
www.swdresources.com

Working together to achieve innovative solutions

HEADS UP 02-13-08

(Donna was out-of-town for a week and regrets that some of these items were not able to be distributed sooner)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Hi Donna, I’m not sure how to disseminate this information but wanted to let you know of some criminal activity in our neighborhood.

Someone broke into Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church (SW corner Northern/Hardy) Thursday night (1/31). Some damage occurred. Then last night (2/1) someone broke into the same Church again and stole everything they could carry out of there. My son, who was walking our dog this morning, saw the Police cars over there and spoke with the caretaker.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Please see the note below, sent by a Santa Fe Park resident.....

------ Forwarded Message
Date: Sun, 3 Feb 2008 15:16:25 -0700
Subject: Solicitors in Santa Fe Park

Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008
3 p.m.

....I just asked two young girls to leave the neighborhood. They were walking door-to-door with clipboards saying they would be painting houses in the neighborhood. I didn't let them finish their spiel, and told them they were not allowed to solicit here. They started with "We're not soliciting......." and I explained that going door-to-door IS soliciting, and they needed to please leave. They looked at me blankly and went to their car, where they sat making phone calls. I stood there until they left, and then I got the license plate number of their dark gray Volkswagen sedan: 354 VPJ.

They did drive away and I heard their car exit the subdivision.

I don't have everyone's e-mail address, so would one of you please forward to the list? These were attractive young women, but all I could think of were those "travelers" who go around offering to do home repairs and then bilking people, especially seniors.....

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

February 4, 2008, 800 block of West Camino Desierto

I am writing to let you know that for the past couple of days I have found dumped garbage on the NW corner of my property, near the street's edge. It has consisted mostly of food and some debris. I can't recall if there was an email you sent out that touched on trash in the neighborhood or not ( I thought their was). It was not garbage day but it has shown up frequently for the past couple of days. I usually notice it in the evening. Anyone else having this issue?

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

This is Dan the Plant Man.... I just tried to post a notice to the group regarding a need for plastic plant containers 6 in, 1 gal etc. I'm willing to buy, sell or trade. My number is 544-0356 and the address is 1954 W Zarragoza Dr. I'm willing to pick up if needed.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

DOG NEEDS HOME

Taylor is a spayed female yellow lab mix, short-haired, 8 years old, weighs 68 lbs, is healthy and current on all her vaccinations. She lives with 2 other younger dogs (recent additions) who have attacked her twice, causing a great deal of damage to her neck. She is a good dog, apparently an alpha dog, and perhaps she needs to be an only dog. She is currently recovering from her most recent injuries, and needs a good home ASAP. Please call Steve at 742-2016 if you can help place, or take, Taylor.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

TEP Poles

ONLY for residents between Ina and Magee, adjacent to the Romero Road Alignment TEP utility pole easement: TEP has announced its plans to replace all these existing poles with new ones.

If you are a property owner adjacent to the TEP easement containing these poles, LCMNA will be contacting you shortly to advise you of a local meeting at which TEP representatives will identify and discuss desired access to these poles from your property. (Currently, TEP has been able to contact only a few residents.) LCMNA board members will be contacting you by phone (or by mail if your phone is unlisted) to advise you of the meeting date, time and place. Affected properties are listed below:

homes on the WEST side of

N San Anna Drive 7201-7215

N Camino de Maximillian, 7301 to 7711 (excluding 7611)

including 1780 W Chapala Drive

N Avenida de Carlotta 7721-7835

including 1761 W Magee Road

homes on the EAST side of

N Magic Place 7206-7216

N Paseo Montalban 7316-7356

W Ronceval Place 1817-1824

N Paseo Ronceval 7482-7491

including 1801 W Chapala Drive

N Chapala Place 7606-7630

N Paseo Monserrat 7772-7830

N Zarragoza Drive 7900-7978

Please pass this information on to your neighbors as many are not on our distribution list.

Thank you.

Public forum on growth is March 14

Public forum on growth is March 14
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 01.20.2008
Arizona Daily Star

TAKE THE SURVEY - Click here: Arizona Daily Star Growth Survey

If you go
What: "Tucson Growth: Decision at the Crossroads," a forum on understanding growth in the Tucson region.
When: 7:15 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Friday, March 14
Where: Grand Ballroom in the University of Arizona's Student Union Memorial Center
Cost: Free
Registration: www.communications institute.org
Who's involved? The Arizona Daily Star is convening the forum with the University of Arizona and The Communications Institute, with funding from the Thomas R. Brown Foundations.

Remember Proposition 200, the attempt to limit growth in Tucson by restricting water connections. It failed.

And even though our community probably has been talking about water and who controls it since the Hohokam Indians inhabited the area, the initiative galvanized the belief that "something" has to be done about growth and the intertwined issue of water management.

Some creative ideas began bubbling to the surface. We hope those and other ideas are fully vetted and combined into a unified vision - one created not by an individual or group, but by the community.

With that purpose, the Star will sponsor an open forum on March 14 to better frame the growth debate around facts and careful analysis.

Since we announced our intention to convene such a gathering several weeks ago, our readers have had many questions. We think that level of engagement is encouraging. Moreover, hundreds of you have told us that you want to be in the audience and are eager to participate.

What's the format?

The morning will include three nationally recognized experts in economics, growth and public policy who will frame the principle issues and objectives. The topics and speakers include:
    � "Economics of Growth" by Joseph P. Kalt, professor of political economy at the John F. Kennedy School of Politics at Harvard University and an adjunct professor at the University of Arizona.
    � "Understanding Land Use and Planning" by William Fulton, president of Solimar Research, a land use policy analysis firm, and editor of the California Planning and Development Report.
    � "Growth: Creating a Positive Agenda" by John Landis, professor of city and regional planning at the University of Pennsylvania.

Isn't this a bunch of outsiders who know nothing about our community telling us what to do?

No. The speakers will not walk in cold and speak in hypotheticals. They will receive briefing books on the region's many growth issues and initiatives, including Star news stories and background materials, such as a summary of Arizona water laws.

Solimar Research has done in-depth land-use and growth research in Arizona for more than a decade. Kalt is a native Tucsonan and resides here. Importantly, the results of the "Growth: The Choices We Make" online survey, announced today on Page A1, will give the speakers insight into attitudes and concerns of area residents. The results of this survey will be published in the Star before the forum and will be available to participants.

Immediately after the presentations, the speakers will join a dozen or so panelists from the region for candid discussions with audience members.

The panel discussions will be interactive and involve questions, answers and, importantly, challenges to those answers.

Sounds like a let's-get-together-and chat session and nothing will be achieved.

With such a large group, it will be impossible to create a growth plan on the spot. We understand that and don't see the value in rushing to judgment. However, the forum will provide the insight, perspectives and community discussion appropriate to outline a growth plan. We anticipate that this forum will build on existing momentum.

Participants at the forum will have the opportunity to fill out a questionnaire to ensure that all perspectives are acknowledged. It is our desire that a series of recommendations from discussions could form the framework for good public policy. We'll watchdog the process along the way.

Why is an out-of-state organization coordinating this event?

Frankly, the Star doesn't have the internal structure to coordinate such an important community event. Since a successful program is a priority, we sought the help of The Communications Institute based in Los Angeles. The Star and the institute have been partners on previous public discussions and we know the institute can effectively attract and coordinate the speakers, registration and other event details. We also wanted a professional group that did not have a local agenda to coordinate the specifics.

Why is the newspaper convening the forum?

With a daily readership of about 223,000 and Sunday readership of 358,700, we have the audience and desire to play the important role as conveners. The forum is a way we can help build community involvement by providing information and a collegial way to assess the choices that face our region. The forum will not advocate for or favor a particular position.

The Star's publisher's office and editorial department are leading this effort at our newspaper. Our news coverage of growth, water and related issues will not be influenced by the forum or its outcomes. We expect our news department to report on the forum, leaving commentary to the Editorial Page.

Who can attend?

Anyone and everyone interested in our community's growth policy is encouraged to attend.

Copyright (c) 2008