Dog Parks

Speaking of dogs scaring and endangering the wildlife (see Bighorn Sheep post below), did you know dogs are not allowed in Tucson Mountain Park, not even on a leash? I will need to tell the woman I see with her two dogs every single time I hike in TMP. Her dogs love to get into the water trough that is provided for the wildlife. I imagine the scent of the dogs may deter the intended users from enjoying the amazing flow of water on top of a hill.

There are several dog parks in Pima County and the City of Tucson where dogs can socialize and play off leash. Please use them.

The Bighorns are Coming!

The Catalina Mountains north of Tucson still had a bighorn sheep population when I moved here in 1990, but by the end of the decade, all the sheep were gone, victims of housing development and dogs illegally brought on the trails by their human companions.

Now plans are afoot to bring back the sheep. This article states the sheep might survive this time because the Bullock and Aspen Fires in 2002 and 2003 (can it really be ten years ago already?) cleared the underbrush that restricted the sheep's movement, and provided cover for the mountain lions that ate them.

We will still have the problem of hikers thinking the "no dog" signs don't really apply to their dogs. We will also have the problem of people building houses where the sheep live.

It's interesting that one of the supporters of the reintroduction is the Arizona Desert Bighorn Sheep Society, which seems to exist to provide opportunities for hunters to kill bighorn sheep. What's wrong with taking only pictures, leaving only footprints? It works for most of us.

I sure would love to see a bighorn in the Catalinas. I wish them Godspeed.

"Put Other REALTORS in Tucson Out of Business"

An unnamed Tucson real estate agent was given foreclosure listings by Armando Granillo, a Fannie Mae foreclosure specialist in Irvine, California. In February, Granillo met in Tempe with the Tucson agent, identified as A.M., expecting to receive a cash kick back from A. M. in exchange for more foreclosure listings. This is illegal, but not uncommon at Fannie Mae, according to a fired whistle-blower.

A.M. had reported the kick back scheme to the FBI, and was wired when he met with Granillo, who told A. M. he would give A. M. so many foreclosure listings, that together they would "put other Realtors in Tucson out of business". Granillo acknowledged that the kick backs were illegal, but "a natural part of business". Check it out here.

Tucson's Where the Biking is Great

Bikescore proclaims Tucson the seventh most bikeable U. S. city with over 500,000 people. We're tied with Seattle. Portlandia is first. How can a city be bikeable if you have to be chugging up and down hills in the rain most of the time? For a pleasant bike experience, Tucsonia has to be at the top of the list.

Here's a map of the Tucson Metro area showing the bike routes with limited or no traffic by infernal combustion engines.

1620 W Delaware Street

Barrio Hollywood is Tucson's intercultural gem of a neighborhood. Generations of families are now being joined by young professionals who appreciate the river terrace soil for its garden qualities.

Manzo Elementary School is in Barrio Hollywood. My fabulous client Moses Thompson is a counselor there. Check out this video (third from the top) to see how the new farm at Manzo has changed Barrio Hollywood for the better. Moses is the tall guy with the big straw hat, working with the children in the garden.

Close to UofA, Pima CC, golf, community center, shopping and I-10. This solid masonry home has three bedrooms, two baths, a carport, two sheds and no weird additions.

A rolling gate provides access from the alley to the shady back yard. Air conditioning. Indoor laundry room. Solar dryer.

Fireplace in the living room.

Large eat-in kitchen.

Refrigerator and gas stove. Tile floors through out. The floor plan is here. No smoking, no pets. Tenant must be mature, self supporting, and have good credit and landlord references. Offered at $900 per month. If rent is paid before the 1st of the month, you pay $885. Lease through June 30, 2014. Steve and I own the property; I am the property manager. Equal Opportunity Housing.

Tucson is Hip

Thus saith the San Francisco Chronicle. Of course, this is not news to us, but it's gratifying when a visitor recognizes our fabulosity and reports it without a trace of snark. The writer really did track down some of our unique culture: Dunbar Spring, Hotel Congress, the thrift stores, BICAS, Antigone Books, Barrio Anita, the Ansel Adams collection. Makes me smile to think of all the other special places, people and events that are found no where else but here in the Baked Apple.

1840 W Calle Tranquila

Wonderful neighborhood of well-maintained masonry homes. Fantastic location less than two miles from downtown, a bit further to UofA, a few blocks to Pima CC, and three miles to Gates Pass Road into Saguaro National Monument.

Sliders from living room and hall open to huge porch with Catalina Mountain view. Ceramic tile throughout.

Remodeled eat-in kitchen with cool mosaic backsplash.

Master bedroom features walk-in closet, corner window and a door to the porch. Abundant storage in the carport. Two bedrooms, one bath. Air conditioning. Offered at $120,000.