An Intern's Perspective - Local Elections

July 20th 2018

 In recent years there has been a large push and multiple campaigns with a mission to get voters to acknowledge the importance of local government elections during election seasons. Although there are many arguments about how this level of government can directly address your community, there are two important considerations of a local election that are often missed. One consideration is the significance of casting a vote during the primary election. The second is the importance of voting every two years since the Town of Marana has staggered elections for Town Council.

Historically, the primary election determines the winners of open council seats for the Town of Marana. This means candidates for Marana Town Council may be voted in during the primary election without the need of a run-off election at the general election. In the 2018 election there are four seats open for Marana Town Council and the four highest vote-getters will win the election. The exception would be if there was any sort of tie that would require a run-off vote. In the event of a run-off vote, only the individuals in that instance of a tie would then move to the general election ballot so that voters can determine their remaining victor(s).    

Arizona is a semi-closed primary in which registered voters can only vote for candidates in their own party. Being semi-closed still allows independent voters the ability to cast a ballot. However, there are more steps required for independent voters.

Independent voters are technically considered “party not designated” so when partisan ballots arrive for individuals registered for a party then the independent voters will also get a notification that they can vote. Independent voters will then need to reach out to Pima County Recorder’s Office, (520)724-4330, to request either a municipal-only ballot or a partisan ballot. Choosing a partisan ballot in this instance would not change the overall status as an independent. Independent voters constitute 31% of the overall registered voters in Pima County.

Each election, Marana residents are able to vote in three or four of the seven council seats. One common question pertains to the purpose or motivation behind staggered elections. Marana Town Council is a body of seven non-partisan members elected by voters with staggered terms. Staggering terms means that every two years there is an election and only a certain number of seats are open. This is compared to non-staggering terms that have all positions open at once every four years.

In the 2018 primary election there are 4 seats open for Marana Town Council, while in 2020 there will be two council seats along with the Mayor’s seat for election. The implication of having staggering terms every two years is that there is more consistency in policy setting.

The Town of Marana has a Council-Manager form of government, which is different from the Strong Mayor form of government. In a Strong Mayor form the Mayor is in charge of both the creation of policy along with Town Council members in addition to the management of day-to-day operations. Within the Council-Manager form of government the Town Council creates policy while the Town Manager implements policy per Council instruction and manages the day-to-day operations. The Town Manager in a Council-Manager form of government is an appointed position by the Town Council and is an at-will employee.

Policies may be difficult to implement if all the elected officials are constantly changing every four years in the event of non-staggering terms. By having staggering elections it provides more policy consistency by having a certain number of council members remain in office. 

If residents in the Town of Marana are looking to make a large impact, then they may consider voting every two years in the primary election regardless if it is a presidential-election or not. Currently, there are four seats open on Marana Town Council in the 2018 primary election. The Town of Marana’s official candidate filings, in alphabetical order, include: Mace Bravin, Patti Comerford, Jeff Gray, Herb Kai, Jack Neubeck, John Officer, and Jon Post.

 If you would like to participate in the primary election (August 28th, 2018) and have a voice in your local government, please register by July 30th, 2018. The link below contains information for residents who want to register to vote, find their polling stations, request an early ballot, see Town Council candidate filings, and see more information regarding independent voters:

http://www.maranaaz.gov/voter-information

            If you have additional questions about this year’s local election please reach out to the Town of Marana Town Clerk’s Office at 520-382-1962

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Andrea Sirois is a post-graduate intern at the Town of Marana during summer 2018. 

Arizona Daily Star: Arts thrive in Marana

The Arizona Daily Star had a terrific article on the Marana Community Music Theater and their performance this Friday of The Wizard of Oz, as well as how the arts are thriving in Marana. 

Nearly 70 cast members, when you include the full orchestra, have spent weeks this summer getting ready for a one-night-only performance on Friday, July 27.

 For the past six weeks, they have filled one of the conference rooms of the Marana Senior Center next to Ora Mae Harn Park two nights a week. For several hours on those nights, they follow the direction of MCMT founders Sarah Ross and Heidi Barker to prepare for that performance.

But this is about more than a night at the theater…

“If this is something that brings pleasure and gets people involved because you’re going to have young and old and every ethnic group and every neighborhood involved, we invest in our people,” said Mayor Ed Honea.

The town places artwork by high school students and area artists in its parks. One of the most ambitious recently was steel statues of a deer family designed by Tucson artist Trevor O’Toole and crafted by welding students from Marana High School that was installed on Tangerine Road as a centerpiece of the upcoming Tangerine Sky Park. It also hosts school choirs for performances at town events, from Founders Day to the Fourth of July.

Read the FULL STORY

Eastbound I-10 off-ramp at Cortaro Road closed night of July 26

The Arizona Department of Transportation advises drivers to plan for an overnight closure of the Interstate 10 off-ramp at Cortaro Road on Thursday, July 26.

The off-ramp is set to close at 9 p.m. and reopen at 7 a.m. the following morning while crews install an overhead sign structure.

Motorists on eastbound I-10 should use the Twin Peaks Road interchange and follow the frontage road to West Pavilions Drive to reach Cortaro Road.

Drivers should proceed through the work zone with caution, slow down and watch for construction personnel and equipment.

Schedules are subject to change based on weather and other unforeseen factors. For more information, please call the ADOT Project Information Line at 855.712.8530 or email Projects@azdot.gov. For real-time highway conditions statewide, visit ADOT's Traveler Information Site at www.az511.gov, follow ADOT on Twitter (@ArizonaDOT) or call 511, except when driving.

Input wanted on the Marana Sign Code

Town of Marana is undergoing a review of its Sign Code in anticipation of the next update. They are interesting in what the public has to say regarding the Sign Code.

The Town would like to invite the public to participate by submitting review comment(s) to the Draft Sign Code Regulations. Please submit your comments using this ONLINE FORM. Forms will be accepted until August 24,2018.

For more information and public meeting dates, please visit http://www.maranaaz.gov/ldcinformation.

An Intern's Perspective - Police and technology

June 7th 2018

“Are you going to the Kentucky Derby?” A police officer asked Management Intern Andrea Sirois. The intern was wearing a long blue flowery shirt and large summer hat to observe a day-long training at the shooting range. In hindsight this might not have been the most practical outfit for her to don, but this was Andrea’s first time in a shooting range and just her second day at the Marana Police Department as part of her month-long shadowing of all the Town Departments.

“I am going for best dressed!” the Intern responded, matching the officer’s friendly banter.

Marana’s Police Department definitely has a positive attitude and healthy sense of humor, which tends to be important since they typically deal with emergencies and crisis management on a daily basis. It also plays well when interacting with the public in non-emergency situations.

“Community policing” is the approach Marana Police Department embodies when interacting with Town of Marana residents. This philosophy follows the ideals that these public safety officers are ambassadors for our cities and towns, and participate in direct involvement with citizens.

This philosophy manifests in organized events like Coffee with a Cop or Dispose-A-Med, or during casual situations like making a joke about the Kentucky Derby to put a nervous Intern at ease. These interactions create personalized relationships between public safety officers, residents, and local organizations.

Shadowing the police department this week has brought up great conversational pieces and perspectives. Within two days it provided hands-on experience from observing a police ride-along to weapons training in the shooting range. It was also an opportunity to speak with the police records department, crime scene investigations, and emergency dispatch divisions of the police department.

One of the more remarkable observations during the police ride-along was discovering the evolution of technology in the public sector. Officer Goering, who has 13 years of experience in public safety, explained methods used in the past before vehicle laptops were readily available. When dispatchers would give information, some officers would pull over on the side of the road to take notes on a notepad while others would take a dry erase marker to their window to jot down the critical information.

This happened just 13 years ago.

From a resident perspective, 2005 was a time of so much available technology. Most residents had access to the Apple IPod Classic, and the Xbox 360 was launched that same year.

The police records division was especially enthusiastic about the advancement of police laptop access because it meant they no longer had to decipher the police officers’ handwriting for written reports. Although one officer admitted that they still like to provide reports in handwriting, if only it were still an option.

Having in-vehicle laptops significantly helped improve communication between dispatchers and officers, created more efficiency in the records division, provided information to court systems, and provided more accurate and timely reports.   

Overall, the Marana Police Department is very interesting. The range and scope of what they do day in and day out is fascinating, and more far reaching than one would assume from the outside.  While keeping the community safe is the primary goal, there are far more methods of accomplishing that than what we may see on television procedurals.  

If you are interested in getting involved with Marana’s Police Department and would like to learn more about the pressing issues of the department or interact more closely please look into the Citizens Academy Police Department: http://www.maranaaz.gov/citizens-police-academy/

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Andrea Sirois is a post-graduate intern at the Town of Marana during summer 2018. 

Traffic Alert: Storm Cleanup on Silverbell Road

START DATE:  07/16/2018                                          

END DATE: 07/20/2018

DAILY START TIME:  6:00:00                                  

DAILY STOP TIME:  19:00:00

SEVERITY: MODERATE

PROJECT CONTACT: For questions related to this specific project, please contact Town of Marana Public Works Office at (520) 382-2536.

Travel Impact:  Light delays

Granite Construction will be preforming storm clean up on Silverbell Road between Cantamar Street and Continental Reserve Loop. Traffic may be delayed for a short period of time due to lane closures. Work will continue through this week.

For your safety and that of the contractor’s personnel, please comply with traffic control devices, flagging personnel, and/or detour signs.

Travel time through the project area may increase during construction so please adjust your schedule accordingly. Construction may restrict traffic lanes and create congestion. Taking alternate routes is suggested.

If inclement weather or other events cause delays, the work may be rescheduled without further notice.

Town of Marana Pavement Preservation Program: Continental Reserve Loop

The Town of Marana pavement preservation will resume on Tuesday, July 17, 2018 through Friday, July 20, 2018 with crack fill on Continental Reserve Loop. This work will occur during daytime hours beginning at 7:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. Expect moving lane closures and lane shifts.

For your safety and that of the contractor’s personnel, please comply with traffic control devices, flagging personnel, and/or detour signs.

Travel time through the project area may increase during construction so please adjust your schedule accordingly. Construction may restrict traffic lanes and create congestion. Taking alternate routes is suggested.

If inclement weather or other events cause delays, the work may be rescheduled without further notice.

Storm clean-up may cause brief delays

The Town of Marana will be preforming storm clean up at multiple locations including Silverbell Road., Twin Peaks Road., Tangerine Road., Coachline Road., Camino de Manana, Linda Vista, Hartman, Thornydale Road., Moore Road., Sandario Road., and other Marana roads within our jurisdiction. Traffic may be delayed for a short period of time at each location.

For your safety and that of the contractor’s personnel, please comply with traffic control devices, flagging personnel, and/or detour signs.

Travel time through the project area may increase during construction so please adjust your schedule accordingly. Construction may restrict traffic lanes and create congestion. Taking alternate routes is suggested.

If inclement weather or other events cause delays, the work may be rescheduled without further notice.

Stay up-to-date on Town of Marana news, projects, and events. Visit MaranaAZ.gov, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.

START DATE:  07/11/2018                                           END DATE: 07/20/2018
DAILY START TIME: 08:00:00                                  DAILY STOP TIME:  2:30:00
SEVERITY: MODERATE

PROJECT CONTACT: For questions related to this specific project, please contact Town of Marana Public Works Office at (520) 382-2536.

Flash Flood Safety Tips

The National Weather Service has provided some great tips for Flash Flood Safety:

On average, more people are killed by flooding than by any other single severe weather hazard, including tornadoes, lightning, and hurricanes. Most of these deaths occur at night, when it is more difficult to recognize flood dangers, and when people are trapped in vehicles. Do you and your family know what to do in case of a flood?

Remember…

• DO NOT drive onto a flooded roadway.
• DO NOT drive through flowing water.
• If you approach a roadway that is flooded, TURN AROUND - DON’T DROWN.
• Drive with extreme caution if roads are even just wet or it is raining. You can lose control of your vehicle if hydroplaning occurs, which is when a layer of water builds up between your tires and the road, causing there to be no direct contact between your vehicle and the road.

If a Flash Flood Warning is issued for your area…

• If advised to evacuate, do so immediately! Act quickly to save yourself, you may not have much time.
• Get out of areas that are subject to flooding and move to a safe area before access is cut off by flood waters. Low spots such as dips, canyons, and washes are not the places you want to be during flooding!
• DO NOT camp or park your vehicle along streams and washes, particularly during threatening conditions.
• DO NOT drive if not necessary. If driving is necessary, do not attempt to drive over a flooded road, as the depth of the water is not always obvious, and the roadway may no longer be intact under the water. Never drive around a barricade, they are placed there for your protection! If your vehicle stalls, leave it immediately and move to higher ground before water sweeps you and your vehicle away.
• DO NOT try to walk, swim, or play in flood water. You may not be able to determine if there are holes or submerged debris, or how quickly the water is flowing, and you may be swept away. If water is moving swiftly, as little as 6 inches of water can knock you off of your feet! There is also a danger of hazardous materials polluting the water. Also remember that water is an electrical conductor, if there are power lines down, there is a possibility of electrocution.
• Always continue to monitor the situation through the National Weather Service website, your NOAA Weather Radio All-Hazards, or favorite local television or radio stations.

Why is “Turn Around - Don’t Drown” so important?

Each year, more deaths occur due to flooding than from any other severe weather related hazard. The main reason is people underestimate the force and power of water. More than half of all flood related deaths result from vehicles being swept downstream. Of these, many are preventable.

More flood safety tips can be found on the National Weather Service website. 

Additional sandbag distribution date set for Friday, July 13

MARANA — Town staff has added Friday, July 13 as an additional day for sandbag distributions. Residents can collect their sandbags from 8 AM - 2:30 PM.

Sandbag distributions will be located at El Rio Open Space (10050 N. Coachline Blvd) and Marana Heritage River Park (12280 N. Heritage Park Drive). Public Works staff will load pre-filled sandbags into the vehicle.

Limit of 10 sandbags per vehicle. In the event of increased weather, additional distribution dates will be added to the schedule. For more information, please contact Public Works at (520)382-2536, or follow the Town of Marana on Facebook and Twitter.

During monsoon, Town of Marana will be regularly handing out sandbags to Marana residents every Tuesday through the end of the rainy season beginning June 19 from 8 AM – 2:30 PM.

"The Public Works Department provides services that are vital to our community’s health, safety, and comfort," said Public Works Director Mo El-Ali. "We provide this service to our community to help keep Marana residents safe."

Marana based animal shelter in dire need after flooding

Hope Animal Shelter opened its doors in Marana in August 2015. Yesterday’s flooding destruction is by far the worst they have seen. Tuesday’s monsoons flooded much of the outdoor facilities and all the rooms in the shelter. The roof is also leaking in many locations.

Town of Marana Animal Services will be collecting donations for the next week. The shelter is in need of cleaning supplies, trash bags, dog and cat food, and general animal supplies.

Donation can be dropped off at the 1st floor reception area of the Marana Municipal Complex at 11555 W Civic Center Drive, or at the Water Department portion of the Marana Operation Center at 5100 W. Ina Road.

Monetary donations can be made through HOPE Animal Shelter. They are also in need of assistance repairing the shelter, outside fencing, sheds, and water lines. If you would like to help repair the shelter, please contact Justin Gallick or Susan Scherl at 520-792-9200 or 520-820-9448.

Marana Storm Guard: Traffic and Flooding Alerts

THe latest:

Updated July 11, 7:20 AM

Heavy congestion on Cortaro at I-10 due to slow moving trains caused by yesterday’s derailment. Please consider using alternate routes.

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JULY 10, 2018

Updated July 10, 5:27 PM

Coachline Blvd from Yellow Moon Drive to Twin Peaks Road remains closed.

East side I-10 frontage road between Twin Peaks Road and Avra Valley remains closed due to flooding and train derailment. 24-hour security is on site.

All other Town of Marana roads are open.

Updated July 10, 5:07 PM

Casa Grande Highway at Barnett Road to Tangerine Farms Road is now open. 

Updated July 10, 4:57 PM

Sandario Road north and south to Avra Valley is now open. 

Updated July 10, 4:47 PM

Silverbell Road is now open. Proceed with caution. 

Updated July 10, 4:41 PM

Grier Road and Wentz Road intersection is flooded. Use alternate routes. 

Updated July 10, 4:35 PM

Silverbell Road southbound near Li'l Abner's Steakhouse is down to one lane due to debris. 

Updated July 10, 4:11 PM

Tangerine Road between I-10 and Thornydale is back open, but there is debris in the roadway. Proceed with caution. 

Silverbell Road and the Twin Peaks Interchange is experiencing more than usual traffic flow. Proceed with caution, seek alternate routes. 

Updated: July 10, 4:08 PM

Arizona Department of Transportation to close the frontage road from Twin Peaks to Avra Valley Road. 24-48 hours needed for cleanup. 

Updated: July 10, 4:03 PM

Flood waters near Saguaro Bloom community have receded. One lane of traffic now open due to debris in the road. 

Updated: July 10, 3:31 PM

Water is in the roadways at the following locations. Please avoid these areas: 

• Casa Grande Highway at Barnett Road to Tangerine Farms Road
• Coachline Blvd at Windmill park and north of Twin Peaks
• Avra Valley at Casa Grande Highway west of freeway flooding
• Twin Peaks Road west and east of Saguaro Bloom community.
• Linda Vista at Hartman Lane west to Tucson Premium Outlet Mall
• Sandario Road north and south to Avra Valley.
• Flooding in the area of Sandario Road and Grier Road. 
• I-10 Frontage (east side of I-10) between Twin Peaks and Marana Rd will be closed due to a train derailment and flooding. Please use alt routes.

Follow the Town of Marana and Marana Police Department for live updates:

https://www.facebook.com/townofmaranaaz/

https://twitter.com/townofmarana

https://twitter.com/MaranaPD

Marana "Night Moves" challenges police explorers from around the state

Beginning July 12, over 150 people will gather in Marana to participate in Marana Police Department's "Night Moves", a three-day training event for Police Explorers that takes public safety education beyond a typical classroom setting. 

Aimed towards kids ages 16-20 interested in a career in law enforcement, The Police Explorers program is offered by many police agencies throughout the nation to teach kids all the ins and outs of public safety. Marana's "Night Moves", however, takes the learning experience to a practical level where the Explorers will be challenged with role-playing scenarios.

"'This event allows Police Explorers to go out and put into practice scenario-based situations they've been learning about in the classroom, including domestic violence, drunken disorderly conduct, robberies, runaways, and more," said Marana Police Chief Terry Rozema.

The scenario challenges will last three days and involve many volunteers and locations. Officers on scene will evaluate the Police Explorer's performance, and even offer some guidance.

"People have opened up their homes and businesses to support these scenarios," said Chief Rozema. "Volunteers are playing the roles of victims."

Police Explorers from throughout Arizona will be participating in the event including US Border Patrol, Tucson Police, South Tucson Police, Chandler Police, Glendale Police, and El Mirage Police.

"This is a collaborative effort," said Marana Police Officer Jimmy Rizzi, coordinator for "Night Moves". "This gives the kids an opportunity to work not just together within their own agency, but with kids from other agencies. Just like in the real world, we work with other agencies all the time."

"You get to think on your feet," Police Explorer RJ York, age 18, spoke of his experience from previous years. "I remember an officer down scenario where we had the area surrounded and the suspect wasn't complying. We had to go through it and figure it out."

This will be York's fourth year participating in "Night Moves". He recently graduated from Marana High School and enlisted in the United State Air Force. In addition to learning about law enforcement, he attributes the Police Explorers program for helping him develop the confidence to talk to people. 

"It's important to learn as much as you can at these events so you can experience what an actual police officer will experience," said Police Explorer Zayda Olivas, age 15. "Ask a lot of questions, it really helps."

Olivas is a Marana High School sophomore. She learned about the Police Explorers program through her School Resource Officer. This will be her second "Night Moves."

"I look forward to doing this again," Olivas said. "Kids really enjoy the experience. We can also learn different techniques from other agencies."

Police Explorers will complete 21 different scenarios this year. 

6 months, 30 miles later, dog reunited with family

Panda the dog had been missing from her south side home for over seven months. Her family had lost hope of ever finding her again, but this week Panda and family were reunited thanks to Marana Animal Services and a microchip.

When Marana Animal Services picked up Panda at the convenience store on Cortaro Road, they assumed she had wandered off after getting scared on the Fourth of July. While fireworks were indeed the culprit, it was actually the New Year’s Eve fireworks that led to her becoming separated from her family seven months ago.

Luckily, Panda had a microchip and Marana Animal Services was able to get in contact with the family and reunite her with her people.

“It made my week,” said Marana Animal Control Officer Shane Elliott who had picked up Panda from the convenience store.

Elliott was told by the family that they had given up hope of finding Panda and were surprised she turned up over 30 miles away from home.

Marana Animal Services has been in place since July 2017 and has had great success reuniting families with their pets. During the first six months of operations, the division returned 47 percent of pets they picked up back to their families before reaching the shelter. Those numbers have remained consistent in the months following.

“This is why we do what we do,” Elliott said.

Panda was not the only successful reunification. Roxy the terrier-mix was lost in the Continental Ranch area. Marana Police Officers found the missing dog and were able to return her to her family in a tearful reunion at a local veterinary office.

Inside Tucson Business: Marana brands itself a ‘Town of Gastronomy’

When Marana Mayor Ed Honea was a boy, he’d spend time wandering around his desert town, frequently discovering pottery sherds and arrowheads along the Santa Cruz riverbed and nearby slot canyons.

Unknowingly, he was retracing the footsteps that had originally left those items ever since humans started coming to the region back in 11,000 B.C. It was a cooler environment then, with the Ice Age coming to a close and clear streams bordered by grass-covered prairies bringing nomadic hunters in search of mammoth and bison.

Lots of changes have taken place during the intervening years with today’s bustling Marana moving forward with new ideas, while still celebrating its historic past....

Photo Gallery: Star Spangled Spectacular

On Wednesday, July 4, the Town of Marana held their annual Star Spangled Spectacular. Nearly 17,000 people attended the free event that included a kids' area with inflatables, five bands, food trucks, and of course, fireworks. 

Relive the evening with this photo gallery by J.D. Fitzgerald Photography. 

Grants help fund airport repairs

On Tuesday, July 19 the Marana Town Council approved the Town Manager to execute a grant agreement with the Federal Aviation Administration for funding to aid in the Marana Regional Airport’s Apron and Taxiway Rehabilitation project.

The Marana Regional Airport will undergo total reconstruction of the asphalt for several aprons and one of the taxiways. This $5.1 million project will pay a number of dividends for the airport and the Town of Marana. 

“First and foremost, replacing the surface will make it safer,” said Marana Regional Airport Director Steve Miller. “As the surface gets older, it begins to degrade and can become dangerous to both people and planes. With corporate jets costing as much as $85 million, it is very important to make sure debris does not damage aircraft.”

This project is a complete removal and reconstruction of approximately one million square feet of pavement. The project will not only restore the surface, but improve it. Marana Regional Airport was never designed for jets and, save for the runways, the pavement was not meant for the larger aircraft that now land at the facility on a daily basis. The strength of the existing pavement is currently not sufficient to support the weight of some of the private jets that park on the aprons. The new pavement will be designed to accommodate the weight of the aircraft that utilize this airport.

The new surface will also be cost-effective because it will require less maintenance. Currently, staff must sweep the pavement and remove debris that builds up over time.

“With less focus on the pavement, staff can turn their attention to other operational needs,” Miller said.

The FAA grant is for $4,497,369 while the Arizona Department of Transportation will contribute $220,769. The cost to the Town is $476,724 some of which will come from other FAA monies that were set aside by the airport in anticipation of this project. Additionally, the Town is working with Pima Aviation to enter into an agreement to be reimbursed approximately $132,717 for the ineligible construction costs that are a benefit to Pima Aviation's operations.

With this reimbursement the Town's costs would be reduced to approximately $327,142. 

Interstate 10 eastbound frontage road near Ina Road set to open June 29

The Eastbound Interstate 10 frontage road between Starcommerce Way and Ina Road in Marana is set to open Friday, June 29.

The opening will improve access to businesses along the eastbound I-10 frontage road and along Ina Road. In addition, the opening will allow vehicles to continue straight down the eastbound frontage road to Ina Road and continue toward Sunset Road.

The roadway is scheduled to open by the end of the day, June 29. A single lane will allow one-way traffic from Starcommerce Way to Ina Road. The intersection of Ina Road and the eastbound frontage road will be controlled by an all-way stop sign.

The on- and off-ramps connecting eastbound I-10 and Ina Road will remain closed.

The overall I-10/Ina Road traffic interchange is currently on schedule. Portions of the interchange are currently scheduled to begin opening in the spring of 2019.

Learn more on the project website

Schedules are subject to change based on weather and other unforeseen factors. For more information, please call the ADOT Project Information Line at 855.712.8530 or email Projects@azdot.gov. For real-time highway conditions statewide, visit ADOT's Traveler Information Site at www.az511.gov, follow ADOT on Twitter (@ArizonaDOT) or call 511, except when driving.

Star Spangled Spectacular stage to feature region’s top DJs and terrific musical acts

Popular Tucson radio DJs Dino and Avery from Rock 102.1 KFMA, and Beth Simmons and Larry Mac from 96.1 KLPX will be emceeing the Star Spangled Spectacular event stage on July 4, marking the second year of Town of Marana's partnership with Arizona Lotus Corp.

"Arizona Lotus is looking forward to being part of this fantastic event once again," Operations Manager and event emcee Larry Mac said. "We all are looking forward to celebrating our nations birthday at one of the biggest Fourth of July parties in the Southwest. This is a great event to hang out with family and friends."

Learn more about the local (and national!) talents featured at this year's event: 

DREW COOPER

BEGINS AT 5:40 PM

Bio: Growing up in the Midwest gave Drew Cooper his down-home, backroads, country values that come across so clearly in his music. He may have grown up in Springfield, Illinois but Tucson, Arizona became his home away from home. Drew spent his college years at the University of Arizona, and while he has the strong presence of a linebacker, he was a cheerleader in college. 

Drew has always had a strong can-do attitude that doesn’t let anything stop him or get in his way. He's a self-taught guitar player who never let the blisters on virgin fingertips slow him down. His lyrics are inspired by the sounds of his past, his strong love of his family, and the country he holds dear. 'Son', 'brother' and most importantly, 'Daddy' are all names bestowed upon Drew. The music that he writes shows his strong family bond and commitment to the country values he was raised with. You can feel his heart when you see his smile, and you can hear his relentless love of music in every chord he plays. He has carried the love of music with him throughout his entire life.

He grew up on Garth Brooks, Chris Ledoux, and Bruce Springsteen. At the age of 23 he was drawn to the red dirt scene by the serenades of Radney Foster, Stoney LaRue, Cross Candian Ragweed, and Pat Green who have all inspired the music he plays today.

Whether on stage in front of 12 people or 15,000 people, you will always catch Drew smiling, laughing and entertaining the crowd with charisma. He always knows how to put on the best show possible, and tailored to the venue. Drew has played festivals and major venues, but still loves playing his local dive bars like the Cowpony where he played his first show. His passion for the art of music is inspiring just as much as the lyrics to his song, “Pictures on the wall.”

Cooper may be new to the red dirt scene, but he has already cut a path to where he wants to be. Opening for National acts and hanging with his fans are only the beginning for him. With the release of his EP “Hangovers and Heartaches”  and up coming release ‘White Horse” Drew is carving a path for many to follow.

FOLLOW DREW COOPER.

LITTLE HOUSE OF FUNK

BEGINS AT 6:20 PM

Bio: Little House of Funk is all about keeping the dance floor full. They play a unique blend of fun, funky music best described as Sonoran Soul.

Connie "Mama" Brannock is the mortgage holder of the house. She shares the place with Carl Cherry, Tyrone Williams, Gary Love, Marty Perry, Troy Martin, Josh Moore and Evan Arredondo. Their extended funky family includes: Rich Katz, Danny Brito, David Bynes, Johnny Walker, Manny Brito, Mitzi Cowell, Mike Polletta and a host of other funky characters! 

FOLLOW LITTLE HOUSE OF FUNK.

 

ALIEN ATMOSPHERE

BEGINS AT 7:00 PM

Bio: Alien Atmosphere is an alternative rock and pop band comprised of identical twin brothers, Nick and Matt Kwilosz, based in Tucson, Arizona. Alien Atmosphere is a premiere opening act band. Alien Atmosphere has played along side with Awolnation, The Offspring, Jimmy Eat World, Anberlin, Neon Trees, and Pop Evil. 

Nick Kwilosz, who is right-handed and one minute older, is the lead singer. Nick plays the guitar and bass. At the early age of 12, Nick started writing songs. Nick won his first songwriting competition at the age of 14, beating out teens and adults.

Matt Kwilosz, who is left handed, is the drummer. Matt is a self-taught drummer. In addition to playing drums, Matt is an accomplished body-builder who won his first body-building competition Arizona Men’s Physique at the age of 19 years old. Matt landed his first supplement sponsor and was also featured on the cover of Muscle and Body Magazine.  

Nick and Matt are Arizona natives and both are songwriters. They learned various aspects of the music industry from their grandfather, Lloyd Conger, who is an accomplished Blues and Country singer-songwriter. 

In their spare time, Nick and Matt buy, restore and sell classic cars.

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SILENT RIVAL

BEGINS AT 7:40 PM

Bio: Los Angeles based Silent Rival—Sara Coda [vocals], Joz Ramirez [guitar], Yutaka Sao [bass]—claim three different countries and exponentially more musical sensibilities. 

Born and raised in Orange County, Coda channels the soul of Gladys Knight through Steven Tyler- style swagger and bravado. Hailing from Mexico, Joz draws heavily on nineties British garage-rock punctuated by just the right amount of glam, while Yutaka crossed the Pacific from Japan in order to chase his musical dream. Each one brings something distinct, dynamic, and definitive to the fold.

The singular magic these musicians conjured on their independent debut "The Kindness of Strangers" [Listen Loud Records] reached far beyond LA. Their introductory single “Die A Little,” peaked at #42 on the Alternative Radio charts, while Alternative Press touted it among the “29 Songs You Need To Hear...”, and introduced them to fans internationally while they played over 125 shows in 2017. Further acclaim has come from New Noise Magazine, Tattoo.com, and many more.

A shared infinite sense of drive rallies them. “There’s a really great chemistry,” agrees Joz. “I write the music, Sara writes the melodies and lyrics and Yutaka adds his elements and sonics. As a leader, Sara has a lot of energy and this mystical side to her that you don’t see in other people. It’s very new school.”

Currently in the middle of recording their follow-up to "The Kindness of Strangers" with Alain Johanes (Queens Of The Stone Age, Arctic Monkeys, Jimmy Eat World) producing, the first single, "Just One Voice", mixed by Eddie Kramer (Jimi Hendrix, David Bowie, Kiss), is a searing and modern tale of revolution through strength in numbers.

“Just One Voice” sees Silent Rival taking cues from high-energy rock predecessors like the Strokes, New York Dolls, or Queens of the Stone Age with lead singer Sara Coda dancing in Karen O’s footsteps, delivering punch-packing vocals and anthem-worthy lyrics.

"As a band, we choose to reject the belief that we’re living in a messed up world. We love this world, despite its faults. We realize that we have to take responsibility for this world that we’ve created, and with that responsibility comes the power to change it. I see people working to change the world for the better every day. This song is for that army of people."

“We’re not trying to sell or push anything,” Sara leaves off. “We don’t want to tell you what to think, believe, or how to live your life. It’s music. Hopefully, you enjoy it. We know that we do, and we will continue to make it regardless of what others deem success.”

As Silent Rival continue to ready their second release for late 2018, their chemistry will undoubtedly solidify their place amongst modern rock’s vanguard.

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STEFF AND THE ARTICLES

BEGINS AT 8:20 PM

Bio: Steff and the Articles came together in 2009, after singer-songwriter Steff Koeppen assembled the group to bring her piano-based songs to life. The band produces music that touches on jazz, classical, and folk styles while maintaining an accessible, pop-oriented sound. They've opened up for national acts such as A Great Big World, Holychild, and Copeland (whose most recent record Ixora features Steff).

In 2012, Steff and the Articles released the album Stories You Can't TelI. In the fall of 2013, the band saw rotation of the single “Two Cities” on MTV Networks. That winter, the band released Why It Was So, an EP featuring single “Te Extraño." January of 2014, the band toured behind the EP, hitting cities across the West Coast, South West and Mexico. Singles "Call You Mine" and "I Want More" were released Summer of 2014, followed by another West Coast tour.

Steff and the Articles released full length Timekeeper in 2017, and look forward to touring behind the record throughout 2018.

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Marana Town Talk Episode 2: Marana Macro Machines, Public Safety, Water, and Elections

Town of Marana has released its second episode of "Marana Town Talk", a new government podcast that balances education and entertainment with thoughtful commentary on local current events. 

Communications Manager Vic Hathaway and Communications Specialist Brad Allis kick off the episode with a brief discussion on Town events in July (2:35), followed by a summary of May's "Marana Macro Machines" event held at Marana Heritage River Park (9:20). Listeners can then go on a police ridealong with Sergeant Chriswell Scott (14:17), before settling down to learn about Marana's water resources with Water Director John Kmiec (22:43). Finally, learn more about elections at the local level as you get ready to vote in the primary election in August (35:15). 

AUDIO ONLY

AUDIO AND VIDEO

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Star Spangled Spectacular event information

Parks and Recreation Aquathon series

Marana Macro Machines

Water conservation tips

Election information