Get your punch cards at these locations:

Apache Junction: Superstition Harley Davidson

Globe: The Huddle Sports Bar, 2 Lanes Bar, The Drift Inn

Roosevelt: Butcher Hook

Tonto Basin: Jakes Corner Bar

Get your Clues, Weekly Updates on the Tour

GLOBE MIAMI TIMES Website has an Events Page for the Tour & Links to

FIVE AND DIVE FACEBOOK PAGE

Sign up for the Email: We have put an Email Opt-In sign up on the Front Page of GMT econnect.com. Put in your email on the left-hand side and hit Submit.  You’ll get an email every week with the Clues and Weekly Info for the Tour. EMails come out Thursday Night.

It’s a fact that Arizona Summers are sizzling hot and, as a rule, most sane people will spend the next six months in a mall or on their couch in air-conditioned comfort in front of their Big Screen.

Not Bikers. Bikers are always breaking the rules.

Few things in life will keep one from riding. They’re like those mail carriers who brag:

Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stay us from the swift completion of our appointed rounds”

Bikers? They have a different motto.

“Whatever it is, it’s better in the wind.”

So, this summer, long after the last of the winter visitors have left for cooler climes, and even lizards have disappeared under their rocks to get away from the heat, we’ve designed a Summer Road Tour for The Children of the Wind.

Five and Dive Summer Tour 2010

We call it the Five and Dive and we hope to heat things up (economically) this summer while offering you some cool reasons to ride our roads, meet our people, drink our beer and have a good time. We’re offering up specials to help you save money – while spending money; good causes to help you add to your lifetime-karma points; and clues, riddles and scavenger hunts to introduce you to things you never knew you wanted to know about us – but now you do.

We initially called the tour the Five and Dime which was a nod to our incredible array of cheap thrills and lo-cost fun throughout this region. It also tied in with our feature on Woolworths. (One of those things you’ll want to pay attention to because it is the answer to a clue)

The Open Road at Roosevelt

But then one of our friends suggested the Five and Dive, over beers at The Huddle. And aren’t all ideas better with beer?  It’s seemed tailor-made for what we were putting together. Of course, I now have to pay Gerry royalties for coming up with the idea. (You can help me out by stopping by Pinal Lumber this summer and picking up a few nails, screws, wood, paint,… whatever you can fit on the bike.)

So, back to the meaning of the Five and Dive.

Did you know the spiritual meaning of number Five deals with travel, adventure, and motion?

According to this woman who runs a site, whats-your-sign.com, she goes on to say that Five “draws our attention to the wonder of life, and beckons us to appreciate the perception of chaos all around us. Five has wild vibrations: primitive and erratic.”

There has got to be a FIVE hidden inside every biker.

Really. Just log on and take a look at what the number two means for instance. You’ll see clearly why TWO does not work here. We could not have a Two and Dive Tour. Wouldn’t work.

And Dive? Well, I don’t have to explain that right?

So, now that I have your attention… let me explain how the Tour works.

It includes a punch card with over 30 merchants and local events throughout this region who invite you to stop in this summer. They have each come up with a special promo just for Tour Riders with punch cards and in exchange for dropping some cash along the way – remember this is an economic stimulus plan – you’ll get your card stamped, a big welcome from these merchants and a good reason to ride!  OK, maybe more – but you’ll have to do the Tour to discover what it is.

The Road Map at Superstition Harley Davidson

As for the clues and the scavenger hunts, we’re going to give you FIVE chances each week to solve a clue, riddle or scavenger hunt which will require some collective brain power. Solving these will result in earning our cool wooden nickels (don’t believe what your father said about not taking wooden nickels.*) worth points towards raffle tickets. Plus, as an added bonus, you’ll discover the inside jokes, arcane facts and local lore which will put you one step closer to being
“one of us.”

(*Even if you don’t “tweet”, check out the hottest Twitter account about Father’s advice. The account is Sh** My Dad Says. The author is a 29 year old, living with his 74 year old dad, who just started tweeting the things he said. He has now published a book & been on Larry King. Here is one from last week: “No. Humans will die out. We’re weak. Dinosaurs survived on rotten flesh. You got diarrhea last week from a Wendy’s.”)

OK, back to the Tour.

To begin, you can pick up the Tour Punch Cards at these FIVE locations beginning June 15th. Cards are $5….
(OMG – there is that number 5 again. Must be a sign!). Superstition Harley is waiving the fee for any riders who come into the Dealership to pick up the card!

Ohter locations include:

The Huddle Sports Bar, The Drift Inn, or 2 Lanes Saloon in Globe,

The Butcher Hook, or Jakes Corner up in Tonto Basin.

You can get your weekly CLUES/RIDDLES by going to globemiamitimes.com

Here you’ll find our EVENTS PAGE  and a link to our FACEBOOK PAGE.
Your first tip of the Tour…..  Bookmark these pages.

Since Globe Miami Times is sponsoring this Tour, we have designed it so you will read the paper, check out the website and – get to know us better during the Five and Dive.  You’ll discover answers to clues by looking at the ads in this summer’s edition, reading the stories and following the links on our website. Interesting Mr. Watson. Is this a plot to corrupt the mind? You decide.

Overlook of the Valley between Globe and Miami

Now for the pay off.  Yes, there will be prizes and good things given away to the deserving. But remember what Robert Pirsig said, in his cult classic, “Zen and the Art of Motorcycling”

“The only Zen you find on tops of mountains is the Zen you bring there.”
See you this Summer!

By: Jim Moss

Musician and Mexican American, Little Joe, apparently evaded an Arizona law enforcement round-up of suspected illegal aliens after Globe’s big Cinco de Mayo celebration last Sunday night.  While on stage with his band, Little Joe y la Familia, Joe publicly acknowledged that he was born in Texas to parents who were illegal immigrants.  After admitting this, Little Joe peered out into the darkness, above the audience, perhaps expecting legal repercussions — in this latest era of Arizona disgraceful politics.
Remember Arizona’s recent past disgraces?  Martin Luther King Holiday rejection, Governors Evan Mecham & Fife Symington?  Well, the recently hatched immigration law takes the cake!  This law represents a new low for right-wing ideology in Arizona politics.  What an embarrassment for our great state!   This law actually requires law enforcement officers to confront any person who is suspected of being an illegal alien — and demand proof of citizenship.  What is the criteria used to determine if a ‘suspected illegal alien’ should be confronted?  Rest assured, this blonde-haired, blue-eyed white boy(me) is not a suspect.

How about we call sin by its right name — racial profiling IS the criteria. Brown skin, Latin language, Hispanic appearance…  Why can’t Republicans and racists (I am not asserting that ALL Repubs are racist) just state plainly and publicly that racial profiling is a legitimate law enforcement tool.  They believe it.  So-called ‘conservatives’ like to scoff at the notion of ‘political correctness’ — so, why are they cowardly about their belief in racial profiling?  Shame on our Arizona Republican Legislators and Governor!  What hypocrites and cowards!  How dare they try to mask racial profiling as a benign, legitimate tool to stop illegal immigration!

Little Joe interjected a bit of American History during Saturday night’s musical fiesta when he playfully suggested that the wall being erected on the Mexico/U.S. border should have been built 400 years ago by Native Americans…to keep out the illegal European immigrants who brought violence, disease, & devastation to a continent.

This new Arizona law is an overreaction to a problem that has been festering for decades, but has come to a boil during extremely tough economic times in the USA.  Inevitably there are scapegoats.

The solution is NOT racial profiling.  The solution is NOT to violate our constitutionally protected civil liberties.

As one listens to the music and life story of Little Joe, it reminds of the contribution of immigrants to American life — and, it deepens the  realization that each of us descended from folks that were once-upon-a-time called ‘immigrants’ — perhaps illegal to boot.  If Governor Brewer could trace her family tree back to the Mayflower immigrants,  she would be a descendant of boat people willing to risk everything in search for a better life.  Colonists during the 17th Century — some of America’s earliest illegal immigrants — are also our history book heroes!

Instead of resorting to the unconstitutional act of racial profiling to fix illegal immigration, we, as a society who claim superiority in upholding human/civil rights, should be looking for solutions that respect individual dignity and protects civil liberties.

Such a comprehensive immigration plan was crafted a couple years back by U.S. Senators John McCain and Ted Kennedy.  Yes, this was back when McCain was sort of the ‘Maverick’ he claimed to be.  Today, McMaverick has flip-flopped in trying to prove that his ‘conservative’ credentials are superior to primary election opponent, J.D. Hayworth.  A show of true statesmanship by McCain might have moderated Arizona’s Republican Legislature and Governor.  Not to be.  McCain sold his soul to the Right.  Arizona legalized racial profiling.

In an attempt to find a silver lining, some citizens say that just maybe this radical immigration law will force Uncle Sam to finally address the ‘border problem’.  To that, I say — we must never sacrifice civil liberties for political expediency.  Rational solutions to deal with illegal immigration exist.  The question is — do we have the decency and political will to enact constitutional, comprehensive immigration reform?

Just like Little Joe y la Familia — hispanic citizens all across Arizona who continue to serve their country during war or peace — have been put on notice to be ready to show proof of American citizenship.  Racial profiling leads to second-class citizenship.  So, stand tall Arizonans — brown, black, red & white — be like Little Joe!  Fight discrimination by educating & inspiring fellow citizens to join you in VOTING OUT OF OFFICE every single politician who supported the legalization of racial profiling in Arizona.

Viva Little Joe y la Familia!

Javier Reynoso and his 'dancing horses' performed on Saturday

By Linda Gross

The Tex Mex Festival 2010 held at Globe’s Community Center did not have a shortage of great entertainment during the two day event. From Reynoso’s performance with his dancing horses, to the powerful performances by three Mariachi bands from Phoenix and Tucson, the colorful and well executed dancing of Ballet Folklorico tenochtitlan, the latin sound of New Frequency and, of course the two headlining bands: Tierra and Little Joe Y Familia, those in attendance were treated to teriffic performances!

As the City’s first Big Scale event in which they partnered with Los Vecinos De Companeros to put up the $32,000 for the headliner bands, and covered the costs of staging and managing a large scale event they showed it could be done. Matt Jankowski, Parks and Recreation Manager, and his team did a commendable job of setting up a large-scale facility at the Community Center. If thousands had shown up this weekend  they could easily have been accommodated at this facility. As it was, only hundreds attended the events both days with the majority of the crowds showing up for the bands – despite very low temperatures and high winds.

That is a risk of staging large outdoor events.

Mother Nature isn’t always on board with your plans. Last April/May at this time, we had 70deg weather and clear skies. Go Figure.

One of the event attendees for Saturday’s Little Joe Y Familia event was surprised at the small crowd, but wondered if the huge protests against Arizona’s immigration bill which were being held in Phoenix and Tucson, could have been a contributing cause for the low numbers. “I know several of my friends who were going to spend the weekend in Globe, decided it was more important to show their support for the protests.”

Mariach Sol Azteca from Tucson played both days. Representing the traditional music of Mexico which so many associate with Cinco de Mayo

And, then there is the aspect of change. The City and Los Vecinos de Companeros took the local celebration of Cinco de Mayo which had been held in downtown Globe for free and re-designed it into a large-scale event with the hopes it would actually bring in money to both the City and LVC. Billed as a Tex-Mex Festival the target audience appeared to shift from down-home to outta-town. There was some local push back to the Event which many felt was an over-reach for the community. Some felt the ticket prices were too high: $30 day/$50 for two days. Some felt Tex-Mex didn’t represent ‘their kind of music, or festival. Some just felt the show was for out of towners – not locals.

Yet, watching the performances during both days, visitors must have been struck by the variety of performances and the mix of traditional with contemporary expressions of Mexican culture. From the rhythym and blues sounds of Tierra on Friday night to the rich violins and voices of Mariachi Sol Azteca, the sounds of what it is to be Hispanic were showcased by some outstanding musical talent. From the Reynoso’s who showcased their horses and roping talent to the wonderful performances by Ballet Foklorico tenochititlan the rich history – which is Mexico- was well represented!

Ballet Folklorico tenochititlan performed several numbers to the crowds delight.

The comment of one visitor said they thought the ticket prices were reasonable…especially since all the food booths and beer were “cheap.” Unlike some events where the food and drink prices are jacked up because of a captive audience, the food vendors of Globe-Miami offered up good fare at good prices!

The presentation of the La Reina de Las Flores Queens and Contestants occurred under clear skies and each of the ladies are to be commended for their achievements and performance at Saturday’s event.

Ballet Folklorico tenochtitlan showcased a variety of dances and dresses!

Queens & Contestants

Talking to Globe’s Mayor, Fernando Shipley, about what he might do differently next year, he said he would begin the Festival on Saturday, since people are working on Friday and most can’t even think of showing up until they get off work.

There are other considerations which will surely be a part of the wrap up discussion regarding better signage, more advertising outside the area and coordination with local merchants, but this should not take away from the fact that many things went right with this event.

Globe proved that we do have an excellent “staging area” for a truly large-scale event and we have the people who can pull it off. Had the crowds been larger, an event of this type can bring in money and become a well-recognized asset for this community. It can be an event which smoozes locals and outta-towners alike and celebrates the Mexican culture which is not just one thing – but a huge melting pot of many expressions. It can be an event for all. And that would be something worth celebrating.

(PS: For more photographs on the Festival please visit Globe Miami Times Facebook.)

The women of Mariachi Sonido de Mexico deliver an elegant performance

By Linda Gross

The afternoon winds and storm clouds kept many away from yesterdays full venue which included performances by three exceptional mariachi bands from both Phoenix and Tucson. But for those who braved the weather, the line up of mariachi bands delivered an full day of exceptional performances by three of the region’s best mariachi bands.

Mariachi music which stems from the 18th Century, typically includes violins, trumpets, an acoustic guitar and a vihuela (a high-pitched, five string guitar), a guitarron (large acoustic bass).

Libby stands in front of MariachiMexico Nuevo as they serenade her with a birthday song!

The Band Mariachi Mexico Nuevo from Phoenix took the stage first and warmed up the weather by at least 10degrees as their music floated  across the field and filled the air. And they entertained the crowd by dedicating several songs to those in attendance including Libby Bracomonte, who was there with daughter Marissa and grandson celebrating her birthday…and, of course serving up great food (Libby’s El Rey).

The group calling themselves, Mariachi Sonido de Mexico from Tucson, then took the stage around 4, just as the sun broke through the clouds. The nine-piece band included an incredible string line up and tight vocals.

The addition of women to the stage is relatively new occurring sometime in the 50′s, and wasn’t always well-received according to an article done Laura Sobrino on the history of Women in Mariachi music. But by the ’90s women were showing up on stage in increasing numbers and today many mariachi bands are evenly balanced between men and women, with some all-women mariachi bands.

Listen to Mariachi Sonido de Mexico…and you’ll know why.

The interplay between male and female voices, strings and trumpets, acoustic and bass is part of the joy of what we hear in mariachi

Globe Vice Mayor, Carmen Casillas talks to a member of Mariachi Sol Azteca before they take the stage

The last Mariachi band to take the stage on Friday was Mariach Sol Azteca, also from Tucson. The group delivered an outstanding performance led by the trumpet sounds of band member Jesse Rojas and Monique Grijalva and the full sound of  9 professional musicians.

Note: You will get to see them play today if you missed them yesterday.

Mariach Sol Azteca will take the stage at 2:30 pm. Don’t miss it!

The band Tierra took the stage briefly for a sound check before beginning their performance for the evening. By then, a crowd had begun to gather, enjoy the setting sun, the sounds of LATINO floating across the open skies.

To see more photographs of the individual performances, check out GMT FB

Rosemary Castenada, Ray Pini, Marlene Tiede, Darryl Dalley,and Wes Sukosky enjoy the view and the fanfare of the morning

This morning passengers flooded the Old Depot in downtown Globe, Az to board the Copper Spike for a special VIP trip to Miami and back. Over 150 people, made up of mostly local media,  area merchants, and political and community leaders found seats throughout the train’s five passenger cars.

The ride was free this morning. It’s intent to drum up enthusiasm and local support for extending the excursion rail line to Miami.

While this idea has floated around for decades, it seems the combination of Globes’ success in restoring their old Depot and drawing ridership from all over the State, plus the support of Mr. Ellis who owns Arizona Eastern and operates both the freight line and excursion train in this region, and the political will of those in charge at both the City and County levels may just move this idea from pipe dream to possible.

Ken Bitten, Director of Operations and Steve Torrico, Engineer with Arizona Eastern both have strong backgrounds in operating passenger and excursion rail lines.

According to Arizona Eastern engineer Steve Torrico, who is working his 3rd season with the Copper Spike and makes his home in Miami during the Nov-May season, this latest incarnation of bringing rail service to Miami began with the Genesis Group out of Miami, now headed by Susan Hansen, the Miami City Council, Kip Culver of Globe’s Main Street program and the Arizona Eastern Railroad.

“We all wanted to make an effort at building local interest at restoring the track between Globe and Miami and bringing back passenger service between the two communities,” he said.

To do so will cost approximately 1.5 million which includes rebuilding ten miles of railroad to enable the train to go 25 miles per hour. This would reduce the time between towns over what passengers experienced today on older track. (Avg speed was closer to 15 mph). The railroad would need to build a 50 car siding to replace the storage area currently used by the freight trains (which are the bread and butter of any rail operation.) Just HOW it all gets paid for has not been determined yet, but Torrico indicated that funding could come from a combination of City, County, Az DOT, Arizona Eastern, the Federal Railroad Association and grant monies.

Susan Hansen, Councilperson and local merchant, Co-Chairs the Genesis Group with fellow Councilman Darrel Dalley and has worked steadily with Az Eastern and others to bring back rail service to Miami

If the local group can get this idea off the drawing board and into production, Ellis, with the Arizona Eastern has indicated he would restore a steam engine similar to the one which sits in Globes’ City Park, and would add this to the line.

Torrico adds that “…once we have these tracks rehabilitated, it’s possible to run regular transit service.”

While this is still just one of those ideas floating around, it has merit when you look at the gain to both communities and the railroad itself to provide easy (and entertaining) access to both communities via a rail line.With a train depot and departure located in Miami, the Copper Spike rail line is 20 minutes closer

Phoenix and offers more opportunities for the two communities to share tourist traffic during events hosted by either community.

Bob Zache owns the Old Depot in Miami and supports the idea of extending the excursion train to Miami.

As Ken Bitten, with Arizona Eastern noted, tourist dollars brought in by an operation of this nature offer low impact and high return to communities looking for ways to generate income without adding a great deal of infrastructure. In today’s economy that adds up to a winning combination.

Delvan Hayward, stands with her mother's old train book in hand.

Today’s event showed the local community just how far this idea of rail service to Miami has come. Thanks to the vision and volunteer efforts of a handful of people….

A passenger train pulled into the station in Miami for the first time in 77 years.

It probably won’t be the last time.

You can catch the piece done on today’s event by Channel 15 news tonight at 10 and see more photos of the day’s festivities by checking out GMT’s Facebook Page.

By: Linda Gross

The streetscaping project taking place on the north end of Broad Street had a “Paver Party” this weekend. Over thirty volunteers showed up in the early, frosty hours of the morning to lay thousands of concrete pavers which will create a broad expanse of pedestrian-friendly space which the City will beable to use for community events and will help pull walking traffic from one end of Broad to the other. Volunteers included Globe’s Mayor, the City Manager, the Fire chief, Building Inspector, Public Works department and many local business people and residents showed up in jeans and knee pads to lay pavers over a 1/4 mile stretch of North Broad. Those who couldn’t ‘schelp’ pavers or help out, stopped by to bring tangerines, donuts, water and offer a “thumbs up” to those who were working.

Darin Lowery, who is a MOB member, and community volunteer, with pavers in-hand.

A recent article in the CopperCountryNews by writer Ed Kuhneman last week, lead off with the headline, “Nice, but can we afford it.”  This shows clearly that neither the writer or some local residents are aware of the fact that this project has been paid for by a $98,000 grant which was awarded to the City and Main Street specifically for Street scaping. Although this fact has been reported several times since it’s award last June, there appears to be some mis-information about the costs.  At a time when the economy is putting big strains on both local and state governments, and the City has announced cost cutting measures such as a hiring freeze, and going to a 4-day work week it is understandable to question City expenses.

However, the streetscaping project represents a real bonus to the City in these tough economic times. It came at a time when communities everywhere are struggling to make ends meet and do anymore than tread water. The grant made it possible to actually implement the many action items on a list developed by a small group of citizen-volunteers and City leaders who looked at what kinds of things could be done downtown to enhance both local and tourist experience. It included better signage to identify the historic district as people zoomed by on Hwy 60, and gateway enhancements to both the North end of Globe and the Hill street entrance. The opportunity to keep moving forward, as this Mayor and Council and our Main Street Director have done with grant monies and volunteer labor is a huge feather in their cap and one which will pay dividends to the community in the future. It says that our leadership cares about our community.  And about taking care of business. And about putting our best foot forward.

So,does any of that translate into $$$. You betcha!

When you talk about economic development, or the health of your tourism industry, or the business climate in your area, you come back to the issue of investment. Are there signs of investment to the area? Or does it look like people are treading water and facilities are decaying. One sends a message which encourages others to invest both time, energy and money into the area which supports our tax rolls, allows for future planning  and sustains our own small town ways and that of our neighbors. The other sends a different message; to move on and look for more fertile ground to buy a home, start a business or linger for a weekend. In this economy it is more important, not less, to address this

Ed Gardea, who owns Ortega Shoes downtown, and Fire Chief, Al Gameros work on one section of the North End streetscape

issue and do what we can to attract others to invest in this community.

Instead of questioning whether we have enough money to water a few more trees on Broad, we might be thankful that the community even got a $98K grant to invest in streetscaping (thanks to the foresight of those who applied for this grant 3 years ago). Or, that we have a growing cadre of dedicated city employees and local residents who are willing to volunteer their time and talents to make whatever monies are available stretch as far as possible. Or that we have the kind of  leadership which looks to the future and isn’t afraid to roll up their sleeves to make things happen.

The current crop of trees on Broad street were planted in the last ten years and have to be hand-watered. The new trees will be on a drip irrigation system which will conserve both water and man-power.

MOB, has invested approximately $70,000 of the grant in (1) signage identifying the historic district (a key point which was identified in a ’95′-96 study on tourism)  (2) Replacing street lighting which originally existed on North Broad, with APS historical light posts (using energy efficient lighting), (3) creating a paved, tree-line section of Broad which can be used for community events, as well as a public-space for pedestrian traffic; including electrical and water  (4) and a brick-like crosswalk between Yuma Street and El Ranchito which ties the East and West side of Broad Street together and makes crossing pedestrian-friendly.

Darin Lowery talks with reporter Ed Kuehneman who showed up Saturday to get more information on the project after being called by several local residents who felt he had not gotten all his facts straight in the last article.

Other improvements, including bollards, which are small scale street lighting to define curbs and public spaces, are being done through volunteers and sponsorships. The MOB committee found the cost on  commercial bollards to be prohibitively expensive with costs ranging from $1500 and up. Luckily, MOB member and local contractor, Jim Ohl, came up with a design which he could fabricate for the City for half the cost. These are now being offered to those who would like to “sponsor” a bollard in downtown Globe.

Scott Stennerson discusses the fit of curb-cuts with Fernando.

So, we’d like to hear from you.  Please let us know if you have questions or comments on the new street scape improvements.

Please post a comment here. We want to hear from YOU! Thanks, L

Arizona Highways will be doing a feature piece in their August issue on historic schools throughout the state . Photographer, Richard Mack was in town yesterday to photograph Bullion Plaza in Miami which now serves as a cultural center and museum.  The school was “…opened in 1923 as a segregated school for Mexican and Indian children in the area. It became a place of pride and through the efforts of many,evolved from a close-minded,segregated school system, to one of equality and opportunity.  (See our piece on the Mighty Vandals of 1951) .

The school was abandoned in 1994 and later purchased by the town of Miami for $75,685 in 1997. Then mayor, Joe Sanchez, appointed a committee to determine the future use of the building and in July of that year, it was decided to establish a Cultural center and Museum.

In April 2009, the museum was awarded a $2000 grant, thanks to the efforts of Tom Foster and Cynthia Bach who submitted the grant application to the program known as “Wings Like Eagles.” This allowed the museum to enhance many of the mining, and ranching displays and begin to develop more areas within the facility for public displays etc.

The Fall of 2009 saw the “…completion of a five-year effort by the Museum to remove and replace the deteriorated roof of the main Bullion Plaza School

building. Thanks to Congressman Ed Pastor, the Museum received two Housing and Urban development grants in 2004 and 2005 totaling $146,716 which, combined with hundreds of hours of volunteer labor enabled the museum to replace/repair the roof.

The Museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and hosts First Fridays, a program of speakers who give talks on the people and culture of this region.

Spreading gravel to complete streetscaping on Broadstreet

The Historic Downtown District of Globe and the City will be completing the final stages of a major streetscaping project on the north end of Broad street this month. The monies came through a $98,000 grant tagged specifically for this type of improvement which took 2 years to move through the approval process. It was awarded last Fall. The project has involved enhancements to a pedestrian walkway and the entrance off Hwy 60 to the Historic Downtown District.  The City has enlarged the pedestrian walk-way on the north end of Broad to include trees, lighting and benches. This time, plans were made to run underground electrical and water lines to the area which, among other benefits,  will allow for automatic watering for the trees (something which was not done years ago when trees were planted in central downtown and which now requires hand watering).

Still to come is signage to enhance the trestle entry-way and installing a walkway which will tie the east and west side of Broad street together and make it pedestrian-friendly.  The walk-way project will be happening this month, on the 20th.

New Street lighting at the North end of Broad will help to pull traffic into the Downtown area and light the pedestrian walkway which now extends the entire length of Broad street.

…. On Saturday, March 20th, the MOB (My Own Backyard), a group of business and civic leaders- we will be hosting a “Paver

Party” to lay the concrete pavers on the north end which will tie in the walk way between El Ranchito and Yuma street. They are asking for volunteers and encouraging anyone who would like to help out, or simply lend support to the workers to show up at 8am. For more information you can contact Pat Dodd at the Center for the Arts.  928-425-0884.

This just in from Arizona Tourist News. Tony Venuti, editor of ATN suggests the State take the money from the department to keep the State Parks open. Here are his thoughts.  I’d love to hear your thoughts so be sure to weigh in on the comments and let us know what you think of so many State Park closures!

Imagine the horror of all, literally, to all who hold dear that which is our birthright. Arizona State Parks closing. No more the natural surroundings familiar to all those who treasure the myriad of experiences that our Parks provide. We identify with our Natural Theme park, that which IS Arizona…to deny parks is to essentially deny our birthright.

Who will assure the right of our citizens to what naturally belongs to them? Arizona State Parks has a 7 million dollar short fall. Why do we keep open the Office of Tourism? Their 15 million dollar budget surely could be sacrificed in order to save experiences in the wilderness coming to nothing but a foregone thought. You wish to talk about jobs saved…yes, I guess perhaps that is the underlying truth…the jobs of many bureaucrats, most as we know now paid over 30% better wages, on average, than the private sector. You want to talk smart, to talk common sense… consider this…

Build it and they will come? How about “take it away and they will not come.” Simple math. Hundreds of thousands of visitors to the State Parks contribute in countless ways, including many ways that we can, in fact, count. We can count on restaurants to the tune of 20% of those situated around closed state parks, 20% right now…zip, those businesses are gone…so how many total employees? How about the taxes lost to the state both from the employees and from the profitable businesses …that is in another column…but you get the idea.

Imagine travelers from California, who account for, with Arizonans, 66% of our total travel. I will tell you not only what I can SEE but what we all can COUNT on — that a well planned trip to Arizona is now diverted to another more enlightened universe that treasures its natural experiences.

So what does a Tourism media expert think about all of this? Simple…Let go of Arizona Office of Tourism…streamline it down to the home office, they already triangulate all of their major marketing responsibilities to advertising agencies…you can get this all done for 2.9 Million dollars…do the math…I did. Now let’s turn the lights on in the parks …and good night to all.

By, Tony Venuti, Publisher

AZ Tourist News

http://www.aztourist.com

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