Government-Subsidized Housing for the Wealthy

The National Association of Realtors says that they will fight any threat to eliminate mortgage interest as an income tax deduction. They claim that it makes home ownership more affordable, and the housing industry and consumers will be harmed by the loss of the mortgage interest deduction (MID).

They needn't worry. The MID is wildly popular, and few politicians dare to suggest its demise.

The New York Times has an interesting article about the MID, its beneficiaries, and its cost to the U.S. economy.

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. He has the children raising vegetables and hens, which has had a profound affect on the children's interest in school, as well as their appreciation of healthy eating. The farm at Manzo has changed Barrio Hollywood for the better.

Close to University of Arizona, Pima Community College, golf, community center, library, shopping and I-10. This solid masonry home has three bedrooms, two baths, a carport, and no weird additions. Two sheds in the back yard. One is a substantial masonry shed with a covered porch. Projects! Play! Dining al fresco!

A car-sized rolling gate provides access from the alley to the shady back yard. Air conditioning. Washer and dryer provided in the indoor laundry room.

Fireplace in the living room is decorative and can not be used.

Large eat-in kitchen.

Refrigerator, dishwasher and gas stove.

Tile floors throughout. The floor plan is here.

No smoking, no pets. Tenant must have good credit and landlord references. Offered at $925 per month. If rent is paid before the first of the month, you can pay $910. Deposit is $925.  I am the owner/agent/property manager. Equal Opportunity Housing.

This property is rented through June 30, 2022.

Three of the 15 Best High Schools in the U.S. are in Tucson!

So saith the perpetual list maker, U.S. News & World Report. Charter schools Basis Tucson North and Basis Oro Valley were ranked second and third respectively, while Tucson Unified School District’s University High School was number 15 on the U.S. News & World Report’s 2017 Best High Schools ranking list. 

Hippie Family Values

I can not wait for Bev Seckinger to finish her feature-length film, "Hippie Family Values" about the counterculture movement started in the 1970s in the Southwest. She needs $20,000 to finish production, so please go to her Indiegogo page to see a 10 minute preview, donate some money, and get some cool perks. 

The BBC Eats Tucson

Tucson was featured in the April issue of BBC Good Food. The writer's first impression of Tucson, upon seeing the mountains, the desert, the magnificent saguaro cactus with their "hands up!" was the same as mine: I'm in a Roadrunner cartoon! I have never gotten over the delight of that whimsical revelation. The roadrunners who dash and pause, dash and pause across my back yard are my spirit animals.

Tucson, and All That Jazz

I love this video, filmed in downtown Tucson. Look for the Snake Bridge, the old Chicago Store (RIP), the Ronstadt Center, Cafe Magritte (RIP), the stone ramada on A Mountain, the Fourth Avenue underpass, the Rialto, the old Fourth Avenue trolley (RIP), the old clock on a pedestal next to Veinte de Agosta Park (west side of Church Avenue, south of Congress--site of the Occupy Tucson encampment) and the bus stop in front of the Aloft looking toward the Palm Shadows Apartments. 

The Tuesday Night Bike Riders were surprised to roll into the live filming on the Snake Bridge, but the Sylvan Street sax player and film maker were cool with it.

Anyone know the location of the beautiful mural? 

Bees in the Trees

I noticed a swarm of bees in my mesquite tree yesterday. Their old hive became too crowded, so they crowned a new queen and escorted the old queen to my tree. They are guarding the old queen inside this swarm while they look for a new home. I am honored to host royalty in my yard. I hope they find a great location that isn't my attic.