Mayor's Corner

“A New Year is like a sunrise… of Hope, of Prosperity, of Happiness; It’s like a new beginning… of Thoughts, of Words, of Actions; It’s like a new day… of Energy,  of Strength,  of ideas;  It’s like a bunch of new things… of Prayers, of Friends, of Love!” – Anonymous

As the New Year begins, we reflect on the tremendous good will found throughout our community. The thoughtfulness and compassion of so many in and around Nogales has been wonderful. Great people make a great community and Nogales is a shining example.

2020 was a very challenging year, but despite our challenges we have sought to create the kind of city we desire to live in, play in, work in, and visit. Nogales is a strong city, we are a compassionate city and despite some setbacks with the ongoing pandemic, I feel positive that 2021 will be a better year for everyone.

Great communities are built and maintained on hometown pride and spirit that fosters volunteerism and community contributions. When people feel connected to something good that they believe in, they engage in it, invest in it, thrive in it, nurture it, contribute to it, protect it, and encourage its growth. That is what we have built here together in Nogales. With your continued support, and our clear 2021 vision, we will continue to build a safe and welcoming community for everyone.

I hope that this New Year brings more prosperity to the families and friends of Nogales and that it be full of more happiness, love, hope, healing, and peace. Please continue to do your part to help flatten the COVID curve. If we all continue to wear a face mask, practice social  distancing, and avoid large gatherings, we are ensuring our family and loved ones stay safe.

Dear Friends,

The season of giving is upon us, and as we prepare to celebrate this time of the year, I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. May you experience peace, joy, happiness and good health throughout the Christmas season and in the New Year.

I ask you all to please continue supporting local businesses, especially during challenging economic times like these. I encourage you all to try to keep purchases local and to support small businesses whenever possible. Our small businesses are a critical part of our community as they provide employment and are essential in helping our city grow and thrive.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Nogales City Council and staff for their unwavering dedication to providing the highest service to the community. Especially, the fire and police departments, who do everything possible to keep us safe.

We have a wonderful community in Nogales. I’m very proud to call this city home and every day I witness the support and kindness of our residents. Now more than ever it’s important to be safe and take care of each other. As COVID cases are rising again I want to remind everyone to please continue following CDC guidelines especially the following: wear a face covering while out in public or around other people; stay at least six (6) feet away from other people; stay home if you feel sick; and last but not least, please avoid large gatherings. I realize it seems very difficult to do this, especially during the holidays, but the only way we can ensure that our loved ones stay safe, especially the most vulnerable, is by avoiding large gatherings. I appreciate the effort everyone is making and by taking care of yourself, your family and your community.

On behalf of myself and city council, I extend my warmest wishes to everyone in our community. May God’s blessings and the spirit of this wonderful season be with you and your loved ones during this Christmas season and may you have a prosperous and happy New Year. Stay safe!

Dear Friends,

Events are a big deal in our community and this pandemic has already forced the cancellation of numerous occasions this year and since the holiday season is fast approaching the timing seems appropriate to provide you with information about upcoming events including the traditional Christmas Parade.

We all love the Christmas Parade and every year the number of participants and spectators grows, it is a huge event in the city. That said, it should come as no surprise that shutting down Morley Avenue and holding an event that draws hundreds of people is not a possibility under the current COVID-19 restrictions. For that reason, the Christmas Parade will be cancelled, and the Christmas Casitas will not be placed in Karam Park.

The Nogales City Council and I agreed that spreading Christmas cheer is very much needed during this time, however we value the safety and well-being of the members of our community more, and for that reason we have decided to forego holding large events for the remainder of the year. We will still put up Christmas lights throughout the city and encourage residents to decorate their homes and businesses as well.

Although we have encountered and will continue to face challenges, we have a great deal to be thankful for. As Thanksgiving approaches, I would like to wish you all a joyous and peaceful Thanksgiving. Let us care for, share and give in the spirit of kindness. Stay safe and God bless

COVID Update:

Dear Friends,

It makes me very happy to report that in the past month, the number of positive cases of COVID-19 in our community, and the state, have dropped drastically. I believe the drop is attributed to both the wearing of face coverings and social distancing. Hopefully, we stay on this path so that all local businesses affected by this can re-open soon. We need to continue taking care of ourselves, our families, and our community. Let’s all keep doing the best we can. Thank you!

September 11th Remembrance:

City Council, city directors and staff all accompanied my wife and myself as we held a moment of silence in remembrance and honor of all the victims of 9/11. Due to COVID we were unable to hold a larger ceremony, like we’ve done in the past, but it was still very important to me that we remember all the lives lost and everybody affected.

Dear Friends,

As you know I have continued to advocate that residents in our community follow the mask mandate that I signed into effect on June 18th in an effort to help slow down and stop the spread of COVID-19 in our community. It makes me very happy to report that since that date the number of positive cases in Nogales and Santa Cruz County have dropped drastically. I  believe the drop is attributed to both, the wearing of face coverings and social distancing.

I want to remind everybody to please continue to follow CDC guidelines especially the following: wear your face covering while out in public or around other people, stay at least six

(6) feet away from other people, stay home if you feel sick, and last but not least, please avoid large gatherings. Flu season is just around the corner so it’s extremely important that we continue to do our part in helping slow the spread so that we, hopefully, get to zero cases soon.

I appreciate the effort everyone is making. Thank you very much for taking care of yourself, your family,  and your community.  Let’s all keep doing  the best  we can for our community.   Be safe!

Mis amigos,

Como saben, he seguido abogando para que los residentes de nuestra comunidad sigan el mandato, que requiere que todos usen mascara, que firmé y entró en vigor el 18 de Junio. Esto se hizo como un esfuerzo por ayudar a frenar y detener la propagación de COVID-19 en nuestra comunidad. Me hace muy feliz informar que desde esa fecha el número de casos positivos en Nogales y el condado de Santa Cruz ha disminuido drásticamente. Creo que la baja de casos se atribuye al uso de cubre bocas y al distanciamiento social.

Quiero recordarles a todos que por favor continúen siguiendo las recomendaciones de la CDC, especialmente las siguientes: usar cubre bocas cuando estén en público o cerca de otras personas, permanezca al menos seis (6) pies de distancia de otras personas, quédese en casa si se siente enfermo y por último evite las reuniones grandes. La temporada de gripe está a la vuelta de la esquina, por lo que es extremadamente importante que sigamos haciendo nuestra parte para ayudar a reducir el contagio para que lleguemos a cero casos pronto.

Agradezco el esfuerzo que todos están haciendo. Muchas gracias por cuidar de usted, su familia y su comunidad. Sigamos haciendo lo mejor que podamos por nuestra comunidad. ¡Cuidense!

Dear Friends,

I have been tirelessly advocating that residents in our community follow the guidelines set forth by the CDC in an effort to help slow down and stop the spread of COVID-19 in our community. I am committed to taking any and all necessary steps needed to help prevent the continued spread of this virus and due to the increasing rates of confirmed cases of COVID-19, that impact the health and well-being of the residents in our community, I issued a Proclamation on June 18th that a public health emergency continues to exist and have therefore made it mandatory that all individuals must wear a face covering while in public.

All local businesses were provided signs in Spanish and English stating that face masks/coverings must be worn to enter. It makes me very happy to see that the majority of businesses and people in our community have responded well to the mask mandate and are doing their part in helping slow the spread.

I want to remind everybody to please follow CDC guidelines especially the following: wear your face covering while out in public or around other people, stay at least six (6) feet away from other people, stay home if you feel sick, and last but not least, please avoid large gatherings. I understand that we all miss being with family and friends but we need to avoid parties and anything that will place us at risk of contracting the virus.

I appreciate the effort everyone has made to slow the spread. If everyone does their part we will help flatten the curve sooner rather than later. Please take care of yourself and your family. Be safe!

Respectfully,

Arturo R. Garino

Mayor, Nogales Arizona

Greetings

Like all of you, my administration and I are deeply concerned about the mounting spread of Covid 19 cases in Ambos Nogales and Santa Cruz County. But we take heart that as a community

we will overcome this menace.

I know that you will join me in applauding our valiant healthcare workers and first responders who risk their own lives daily during the pandemic. 

All of us our worried and our apprehension is completely understandable. As your mayor, I am with you heart and soul and

commit to continuing to lead my administration’s efforts to defeat

this beast so that Nogales can get back to business, back to life.

Please, please do your part by following these easy steps that have been universally proven to help flatten the curve and take pressure off of our health workers and medical facilities.

Respectfully,

Arturo R. Garino

Mayor, Nogales Arizona

 Dear Class of 2020: 

We know this is not what you expected your Senior year to be like. When you walked on campus last fall –

FINALLY a Senior – you had no idea the challenges and disappointments that would come your way. 

We agree, it’s not fair. 

Success is not measured by the challenges you face, and every journey has its challenges. We see you, and your strength is truly inspiring. Just know that we are here – and we’ve always been here by your side.

You should be proud of all that you have accomplished. The celebrations may need to wait and it may look different this year, but the message is the same, YOU EARNED THIS! 

The Class of 2020 is a class to be remembered and we are extremely proud of you. 

Congratulations!! 

Mayor Arturo R. Garino and Nogales City Council

Dear Friends,

On March 21, 2020 Mayor Garino and City Council declared a state of emergency, due to COVID-19. A methodical plan was developed in conversation with City department directors and implemented across departments. Each Executive Order by Governor Ducey that impacted City operations has been seamlessly implemented across the City. City buildings have limited access to the public, while providing alternative means for residents to access City services and an alternate worksite policy that protects City employees was implemented, while continuing to serve the residents of Nogales.

In addition to protecting City employees, the City is informing residents on three critical issues. First, flattening the curve; second, supporting local businesses; and, finally, protecting against fraud. Recently, Mayor Garino put out an important message on flattening the curve. He advised residents to maintain at least 6 feet of distance, and to go to stores by themselves, if possible. The Mayor also recommended frequent hand washing. The video was made in both Spanish and English and posted on the City’s Facebook page and website, covid19.nogalesaz.gov.

Here are other steps the City has done:

• The City begins discussions on Response Plan
   
• The City sends COVID-19 info to elderly public housing residents
   
• The City suspends evictions for non-payment
   
• The City suspends utility shutoffs for non-payment
   
• The City Closes bars, movie theaters, gyms, and fitness centers and prohibits on premise dining, only permitting local food vendors to serve residents with delivery, pick-up, and drive-thru.
   
• The City declares a state of emergency and a financial state of emergency
   
• The City sets dropbox at City Hall for check/money order payments
   
• The City implements Library-to-Go Program
   
• The City launches covid19.nogalesaz.gov
   
• The City helps affected businesses with use-based trash pick-up
   
• The City limits public attendance of Council Meetings and livestreams on YouTube
   
• The City Limits public access to city buildings
   
• The City hand-delivered small business emergency loan flyers to 88 local businesses
   
• Mayor Garino frequently communicates with local and state officials, such as the Governor’s Office, regarding COVID-19
   
• The City is Encouraging Local Businesses to Publish Hours of Operations and Ways for Residents to Access their Goods and Services, While Practicing Social Distancing
   
• The City is Coordinating with Santa Cruz County on COVID-19 Impacts Across the County
   
• The City launched Banners for Businesses an initiative to help local essential businesses and businesses with an online presence
   
• The City acquired surgical masks and gloves for City employees as another tool to help flatten the curve and reduce the spread of COVID-19.
   
• The City, aided by the personal efforts of Mayor Garino, acquired PPE for its first responders. Nogales Police Department and Nogales Fire & Medical Department personnel are equipped with the proper PPE.
   
• City Library partnered with the School District to assist students who need help with computers.
   

Dear Friends,

Due to the COVID-19 Concerns (Corona Virus) I have decided to postpone the State of the City Address until

further notice. I was excited to speak about all the wonderful projects that were completed throughout 2019 and

future projects, but our focus now is ensuring the well-being of all Nogales residents and employees. Once a new

date is selected I will make sure to, once again, let the community know so you can all hopefully be there.

On March 4th I had the pleasure, along with Governor Doug Ducey and other state, local and federal officials,

to break ground on an exciting new project along State Route 189 in Nogales, Arizona. I was also part of a panel

where I was asked to speak about why the modernization of SR-189 is so important to the City of Nogales and

myself.

The $130+ million project is meant to improve mobility and safety and will help increase international trade

coming through Nogales by linking the Mariposa Port of Entry and Interstate 19. Some of the upgrades along SR-

189, that the Arizona Department of Transportation will work on, include flyover ramps that will connect directly

with the interstate and therefore, will eliminate the need for commercial trucks to have to stop at stoplights as they

travel to and from I-19 and the international border.

Another benefit to the project is that it will reduce vehicle congestion on Mariposa Road. The flyover ramps will

also increase safety for Nogales High School students. The project also includes a new roundabout at Target Range

Road and improved drainage and traffic signals, among other improvements.

I’m very excited about the project as it is very important for the City of Nogales, and for the entire state of Arizona,

economically. 

Dear Friends, 

On behalf of myself and the Nogales City Council I would like to extend an invitation for everyone to attend the upcoming State of the City Address. I am excited to speak about all the wonderful projects that were completed throughout 2019. We are getting things done! Street paving projects and infrastructure improvements are just a few of the topics that I hope to highlight. I am also looking forward to sharing the future goals and projects the city has planned with all Nogales residents. 

The State of the City Address will take place on Thursday, March 26th at 10:00am at the Nogales Recreation Center on Hohokam. This is event is completely free and open to the public. I hope to see you all there as we all work to make life in Nogales great! 

Events and Happenings: 

1. Valentine’s Ice Cream Social at the Casitas de Santa Cruz – Mayor Garino and Councilmembers Esther Melendez Lopez and Nubar Hanessian recently attended a Valentine’s Day ice cream social held at the Casitas de Santa Cruz retirement apartments. The resident’s had fun and ate cupcakes, made by the Mayor’s wife, and ice cream with a variety of toppings to indulge their sweet tooth. 

2. Colors of Spring Art Contest – 6th grade students throughout Nogales and Rio Rico were recently invited to participate in the Colors of Spring Art Contest. This contest encourages students to put their imaginations to work by creating butterflies using any desired medium such as: cardboard, plastic, wood, metal, etc. and that conveys this year’s theme: Colors of Spring. The contest runs from February 24th through March 9th. All submitted work will be hung on display at Nasib Karam Park on March 20th and the top three most creative classes will each be awarded a pizza party. This project is made possible thanks to the support of the Superintendents, Principals, Teachers, Councilwoman Esther Melendez-Lopez and the Cultural Arts Committee. We look forward to seeing all the wonderful entries submitted. 

Dear Friends,

On behalf of myself, Mayor Garino and Nogales City Council we would like to wish you and your families the very best this Year ~~ 2020!

The City is looking forward in completing many projects this year.  We are getting things done! Street projects, improvements in water and sewer infrastructure are certainly hi-lighted this year. 

The city is well on its way in updating the General Plan.  We are undoubtedly very excited and looking forward to economic growth in future annexation.  With the help of our council and staff, we are working to make life in Nogales great!  I encourage everyone to give us a call or send us an email, I look forward to hearing from you.

 Events and Happenings:    

1.  The City and volunteers from the 0S3 Movement Bicycle Group celebrated the completion of “phase one” (of 3) of the Monte Carlo biking & multi-use trail system.  Although, it was not an official inauguration it sure was great to see so many in supportive of these efforts!  

“The Fun Side of Nogales” as referenced by 0s3 group is the place to enjoy the natural desert scape while checking out the majestic 33ft metal art bicycle structure created by local artist Karla Osete and her father. 

Volunteers of the 0S3 Group worked diligently on the paths, greenery and rock mosaics of the (1) kilometer long trail.   We encourage everyone to visit the trails and to volunteer in ‘phase 2’ of this 2-year project.      

2.  Mayor and council members welcomed newly appointed City Manager, Edward B. Johnson.  Mr. Johnson was sworn to office on January 13.   He served our country in the U.S. Army, for 21 years, retired Army lieutenant colonel.  “Eddie” a former chief administrator with the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office has extensive executive level experience.  “Welcome Eddie!”  “You're Among Friends!”

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