2010 Census and what it means to every Community!

Today, I had an opportunity to work on the 2010 Census here in Tucson, specifically with the Asian Community. According to the last census of 2000, our city had 11,959 Asians residing in our community.

Historically the Asian population has been a "hard to count" population, particularly due to language isolation. We know that here in Tucson the Asian population is very different today than it was in 2000, in terms of ethnicity, religion, language and generations.

My role and others was to make contact with business owners and to pass on a few basic messages about the Census. These messages included how easy it is to participate, how it is safe, how information gathered is confidential, and how important decisions that may affect the community are made based on 2010 Census results. Prior to leaving each business, a 2010 Census poster was pasted next to the register and then documented with a photogragph.

The difference between a flower and a weed is a judgment!

Today, I completed a short hike through Saquaro National Park East, not too far from my home. During my walk, I came across many different wildflowers along the roadside, as well as many saguaros, including some that had seen better days. While some would say these wildflowers are weeds, I really didn't care, because they were beautiful and are really a precursor to our cacti which will begin to bloom later this month.

The Beauty of a Sunset!

Very near my home is National Saguaro Park East. Almost every day, I either run or bike in the park, thoroughly enjoying the beauty of Sonoran Desert, which abounds. Well today, I was running quite late, literally, and by the time my jogging was about complete, the sun was setting on the Tucson mountains in the western sky.

It was at that moment, that I was struck by the beauty of our sunsets here in the Southwest and the thought that no two sunsets are the same, no matter where we might be. How special it is that nature provides us these moments, and that we can see the joining of darkness with light.

In my posted pictures, I have also included a photo showing snow here in the Tucson Valley. Just didn't want our snowbirds to be homesick!

Titan Missle Museum, a National Historical Landmark!

During the two decades of the Cold War (1962-1982) the Titan missles were a central part of the US nuclear deterrent policy and were located in Tucson, Little Rock and Wichita, Kansas. Now only one of these missle sites still exists, and is presented to us as ‘history’ as a National Historical Landmark just 20 miles South of Tucson.

The Titan Missile Museum is the only place in the world where you can see an intercontinental missile system on public display. It stands as both a museum and an archive of cold war technology, presenting an all too rare chance to walk through the infrastructure of the nuclear ‘balance of terror’ that we lived through during the second half of the 20th century.

The Titan Missile was part of a global system for nuclear war, linking the US and the USSR in a shared technological apocalypticism. The Titan Missile bases were located as close to the US - Mexican border as possible to maximise the time for radar to pick up Soviet missiles coming over the north pole, giving the missile crews time to launch their retaliatory strikes. The Titans were located in Tucson, Little Rock and Wichita.

Rattlesnakes are coming out of Hiberation!

Sunday was such a beautiful day for a hike through Sabino Canyon. On my way back, I came across a black tip rattlesnake that was crossing the road. Seeing this snake, was a good reminider that with the warmer weather, our reptile friends are now present and one has to hike with caution.

When I returned to the Sabino Recreation kiosk, there were some beautiful mosaics that protrayed the wide variety of birdlife in the canyon and the many different species. Initially, I was only going to post two or three photos, but then couldn't choose, so please enjoy them all.

Snow melt overtakes bridges at Sabino Canyon!

Yesterday, when I walked the main road at Sabino Canyon, which is part of the Coronado National Forest, I encountered ankle deep water at each of the nine stone bridges that cross Sabino Creek. This road ascends from 2,800 to 3,300 feet and is fairly easy, being all paved, plus there are no vehicles, except for the occasional tram that travels by every 30 minutes. It is a favorite hike for visitors of all ages, even mothers and fathers with strollers.

Sabino Canyon attracts over one million visitors a year, however the canyon has been a favorite of Tucsonians for years dating all the way back to the late 19th century when visitors would arrive on horseback. Much of the development in the canyon occurred during the 1930's under the WPA and Civilian Conservation Corps. This is when the road was laid out, the nine stone bridges built, and the many picnic areas and retaining walls.

A beautiful day to be outside hiking!

Today,I spent time on an extended hike up Sabino Canyon. On my way, I captured some photos that I believe capture the magnificence of this special place. Perhaps that is said best by the photo of a local artist, who I found painting with easel in hand out in the middle of the park, just admiring the beauty of this natural wonder.

Dry River Beds of Tucson!

Tucson was the capital of the Arizona Territory at one time and was located on the Santa Cruz River. This river was once free flowing, but now is a dry river bed. One of the remarkable things about Tucson when one travels around is that one passes over so many bridges that span dry rive beds. These dry river beds are called "washes" by the locals and remain dry most of the year until the monsoon season starts in middle to late summer. Then the beds fill with water and can become quite dangerous to both hikers and motorists.

There are also some interesting weather facts that I learned about Tucson.

* On January 7th, 1913, Tucson had its lowest recorded temperature of 6 degrees

* On December 8th, 1971, Tucson had 6.8 inches of snow on the valley floor

* On June 26th, 1990, Tucson had its highest recorded temperature of 117 degrees

Music in the Canyon, Saturday, May 13th!

Sabino Canyon is truly a jewel and is a special place to visit here in Tucson. As someone said, "there is something about the beauty Sabino Canyon to set your heart to singing. Well, this is what happened today with the 15th annual "Music in the Canyon. There were performances held from noon into the evening from a wide array of talented musicians performing Native American Dance and Music, Calypso, Mariachi, Jazz, Western, Blues and everything in between. For the children there were also many activities planned including face painting, panning for garnets, creature encounters, and even a puppet show. What a wonderful day it was, and the weather was picture perfect.