Mayor's Corner

 The inaugural City of Nogales Easter Egg Hunt was a resounding success, thanks to our sponsors and dedicated volunteers. The event, filled with fun activities, delicious food, and exciting prizes, was made possible by the contributions of the Sheriff's Office, Frances Glad and the Democratic Committee, South 32, Knights of Columbus, and Geovanna Nuno with Tucson's TLC Realty.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to Fred Milner and the Challenger Choir for their captivating entertainment. In addition, we thank Walmart for their generous prize donation. The hardworking team at the Parks & Recreation Department played a crucial role in ensuring the smooth execution of all activities. Club Nogalitos' unwavering commitment to volunteering made the event a reality.

We are grateful to all who participated in and supported the 1st Annual City of Nogales Easter Egg Hunt. We look forward to many more successful events in the future. We are truly blessed to have such a supportive community that comes together to make events like the Easter Egg Hunt possible. The dedication and hard work of everyone involved did not go unnoticed, and we are excited about what the future holds for our city. Thank you to all who helped make this event a memorable success!

This holiday season has been a busy one for the Office of Mayor Jorge Maldonado. The City of Nogales, in collaboration with the Office of Mayor Jorge Maldonado, has successfully organized a highly anticipated Christmas parade. Veronica Weatherbie and Chonito from the Maxima were the first-ever bilingual MCs at this event, resulting in a huge success.

A crucial meeting with Governor Hobbs was held by City Manager Roy Bermudez and Mayor Jorge Maldonado, who discussed various pressing issues, including the migration issue and port closure. There was a clear demonstration of the Mayor's Office and City of Nogales' commitment to addressing and resolving important community issues at this meeting. The Mayor and City Manager also met with community members and stakeholders to discuss potential solutions. In addition, they promised to continue to work together to address the issues faced by the community.

In addition to these significant endeavors, the Mayor's Office actively participated in the Delivering Smiles 2023 initiative at the Bowman Center. This remarkable initiative distributed 125 care boxes to seniors within the community. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the sponsors and volunteers who generously contributed their time and resources to bring joy and happiness to our beloved seniors during this holiday season.

We would like to express our sincere appreciation to Croppers, CSL Plasma, Safeway, Borderlands Food Bank, Nogales Housing Authority, City of Nogales, Margarita Elias, Making Connections 4U, Villa’s Market & Southern Arizona Community Food Bank for their invaluable support. Without their unwavering dedication, this initiative would not have been possible.

Mayor Jorge Maldonado and his team remain committed to serving the community of Nogales with utmost professionalism and dedication. We look forward to continuing our efforts in making a positive impact on the lives of our residents.

On November 4th, the Mayor's Office actively participated in the Nogales Hall of Fame event, which aimed to honor the heroes who emerged during the pandemic. The Mayor's Office took the initiative to send personnel from the Nogales Fire Department (NFD), Nogales Police Department (NPD), and Parks and Recreation, recognizing them as a crucial group of heroes who were at the forefront of the battle.

Not only were these individuals acknowledged during the Mayor and Council meeting on November 1, but the mayor also deemed it essential to highlight their significant role in safeguarding our community during those challenging times. The Mayor's Office expressed their gratitude towards the Nogales Fire Department, Nogales Police Department, and Parks and Recreation for their unwavering dedication and bravery in the face of adversity. Their tireless efforts and selflessness played a vital role in ensuring the safety and well-being of the community during the challenging times of the pandemic. The Mayor's recognition not only serves as a token of appreciation but also serves as a reminder of the importance of unity and resilience in overcoming any crisis.

On November 11, the Mayor's Office actively participated in the Veterans Day parade and organized a solemn Veterans Day program at City Hall, paying tribute to all the brave veterans in Nogales. Additionally, the Mayor's Office demonstrated their deep respect by conducting a wreath-laying ceremony at City Hall, honoring the sacrifices made by our esteemed veterans. Furthermore, the Nogales Police Department took the initiative to host a distinguished ceremony, dedicated to recognizing and appreciating the invaluable service rendered by our veterans. The community of Nogales came together to show their unwavering support for the veterans. Local schools organized special assemblies where students expressed their gratitude through heartfelt speeches and performances. The businesses in town also played their part by offering exclusive discounts and promotions to veterans as a token of appreciation for their service. It was truly a day filled with unity and reverence, reminding us all of the sacrifices made by our brave veterans.

On December 2nd, the Mayor's Office will be hosting their highly anticipated annual Christmas Day Parade at 6:00pm. This year, we are thrilled to announce the addition of food trucks on South Morley, marking the first time ever for this exciting feature. Furthermore, Santa Claus himself will be making a special appearance at Karam Park, adding to the festive atmosphere. Our aim is to create an unforgettable experience for the entire family to enjoy.

In addition to the parade, on December 8th, we are honored to welcome Welty and Challenger Elementary Schools for a captivating choir concert right here at City Hall. This event promises to be a delightful showcase of talent and holiday spirit.

We cordially invite you to join us for these remarkable festivities, as we strive to bring joy and merriment to our community during this special time of year.

Congratulations, 

Class of 2023!

As we celebrate your past academic accomplishments and activities, we want to challenge you to continue your quest for knowledge and discover your unique ways to contribute to society. We are extremely proud of you and excited to see the positive impact you will make in the future.

Sincerely,

Mayor Jorge Maldonado & the Nogales City Council

Throughout the month, the Mayor's Office's events included World Down Syndrome Day, Nogales library's 100th anniversary, and Mayor Youth Ambassador.

World Down Syndrome Day is celebrated on March 21st each year. It is a day to raise awareness about Down syndrome and to celebrate people with Down syndrome's achievements. A celebration was held by the city of Nogales, Arizona, on World Down Syndrome Day. Santa Cruz Parent Love Connection and City Council members hosted a celebration at City Hall. Mayor Jorge Maldonado signed a proclamation commemorating the event. 

An important part of this event is educating people about Down syndrome and celebrating their achievements. Nogales is committed to celebrating World Down Syndrome Day and supporting people with Down syndrome. The city's events and activities are a great way to raise awareness about Down syndrome and to celebrate the achievements of people with Down syndrome.

The city is also celebrating the 100th anniversary of its library. A variety of events will be held throughout the year to encourage community members to read, including story time. It is a great way to celebrate the library's history and enjoy its many services.

In addition, the city is launching a program for Mayor Youth Ambassadors. As part of the program, young people will be chosen to represent the city and promote its many assets. Ambassadors will develop and implement community service projects, as well as represent the city at events and festivals. It is an excellent program for young people to become involved in their community and make a difference.

Nogales is committed to celebrating its many assets and providing opportunities for its residents. Our participation in events and programs will help us achieve this goal.

The office of Mayor Jorge Maldonado

On Saturday, January 28, 2023 we collaborated with the Nogales Buffalo Soldiers Legacy Association to bring the first Anniversary and Historic Salute to the Nogales Buffalo Soldiers.   Events held were: A tribute at the Nogales Cemetery with the Veterans' Salute presented by The Fort Color Guard and Calvary, a historical presentation at City Hall and an exhibit at Pimeria Alta Historical Society Museum.  Mayor Maldonado addressed the audience commenting about the time he grew up around this area.   There was also a reenactment by the Buffalo Soldiers and the Nogales High School performances.  We want to thank Donna Jackons -Houston, President and Founder of Nogales Buffalo Soldiers Legacy Association.  

We are proud to announce the formation of a Youth Commission for the City of Nogales.  This program is designed to give students the opportunity to interact regularly with the Mayor, Council Members, and City Staff in order to gain an understanding of the inner workings of city government and to participate in community service opportunities.   A number of activities and issues will also be explored and developed by the Youth Commission in order to promote positive youth relations within the City of Nogales.  This endeavor entails a substantial amount of research into current city issues as well as improving the quality of life in Nogales.

Many projects are in progress, from paving streets to working with ADOT to correct necessary issues. Please do not hesitate to contact me at any time as we continue to do our best to make Nogales a better place to live. Santa Cruz County Schools were honored with a proclamation certificate in recognition of Early Childhood Awareness Month. We are always concerned about the well-being of the children in our community.

Border Eco extends its warm congratulations to Mayor Jorge Maldonado on his recent election victory. We are honored to work with such a distinguished leader and look forward to the positive impact he will have on the community. Mayor Maldonado brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table, and we are confident that he will be a great asset to the community. We are excited to collaborate with him and his office to help keep the community informed. 

Mayor Jorge Maldonado is known for his active roles in the produce industry and the Nogales National Little League. He works closely with the county, state, federal and Mexican communities governments to build a strong alliance between the city and county. He has plans for a collaborative and transparent municipal government, and he supports small businesses and all city residents. He wants a cleaner Nogales, including clean streets, and he will work to turn on city lights throughout the city. He proposes CPR classes for everyone, and will publicize his schedule. He will strive to promote a close relationship between city leaders and constituents, and he thinks it's important to show the community what he does for them and where their money goes.

The role of the mayor in a city can be both challenging and rewarding. As the leader of the city, the mayor sets the vision and direction for the community. This can be a daunting task, as there are often many voices and opinions that need to be considered. However, it is also an incredibly rewarding experience to see a city come together and thrive under strong leadership. One of the most significant aspects of being a successful mayor is having a clear vision for the future of the city. This means understanding the challenges that the city faces and developing creative solutions to address them. It also requires working closely with other city leaders and stakeholders to ensure that everyone is on board with the plan. 

Having a strong vision can be the difference between a city that stagnates and one that thrives. Being a mayor is not an easy job, but it can be extremely rewarding. It provides an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of those who live in the community. It also comes with its share of challenges, but these can be overcome with strong leadership and a clear vision for the future.

Electing a mayor is an important responsibility for the future of your community. By establishing coalitions, securing political support, and championing public policy initiatives, the mayor is able to provide a new vision for the city. In other words, mayors are responsible for ensuring that cities are safer, more prosperous, and environmentally responsible.

It is the mayor's responsibility to represent and protect the interests of the citizens of a city by managing the government, providing basic services, and improving the well-being of its citizens. The position of mayor can be both challenging and rewarding. It offers valuable experience in dealing with a wide range of people while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

Hello friends, 

There has been a lot of activity and productivity this month. The Sisterhood agreement that was enacted in 2011 between sister cities of Nogales Sonora and Nogales Arizona has been re-signed into effect December 12th of 2022 between the mayor of Nogales, the mayor of Nogales Sonora, the president of Nogales Sonora, the general consulate of Mexico Consul Marco Moreno Baez, and the consulate of the United States in Nogales Sonora Laura Biedebach. We will be sending this important document to Mexico City regarding our agreement to enhance the quality of life of our communities across the border through sports, education, and health workshops. 

The General Consulate of Mexico hosted the 200th anniversary celebration at La Linea Art Studio. In the aftermath of the sisterhood agreement being signed, this event took place. Participated in various community events and meetings with local and state government officials from  Nogales, Arizona and Nogales Sonora. The future of our sister cities depends on building strong, healthy relationships. We honored our Veterans with the placing of Christmas wreaths on their graves as part of the Wreaths Across America. Thank you to Gold star mother Barbara Sutton from Green Valley and American Legion Post 131 members for bringing Wreaths Across America to Nogales this year. It was great to see so many  Veterans and volunteers come out to help.--

Thank you Parks and Recreation Director Renee Travers for this amazing collaboration !

I would like to thank everyone who attended this year’s Christmas Light Parade 2022. There were over 70 entries! It was a safe, fun and enjoyable event. Thank you to everyone who made this possible. This year’s winners are:

1st place - AJ Mitchel  

2nd place - Fco. Vasquez de Coronado 

3rd - Lincoln  

Thanks for all your hard work, congratulations to the winners!

Last but not least, I would like to thank our parade judges, who are all county judges:  Judge Emilio Velasquez,  Judge Thomas Fink,  Judge Lilliana Ortega,  Judge Vannesssa Cartwright,  Judge Robert Gilliland, 

My sincere thanks go out to all of you for your friendship over these years. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. 

Dear Friends,

The mayor and some members of the council participated in a press conference highlighting one of our Nogales' youth. Juan Pablo Lopez, a junior, has been selected as one of 33 top Special Olympics players in the United States to compete at the Xperience Tournament in Virginia in January 2023. He is the first athlete from Arizona to participate in this event in its 14-year history!

This is a great opportunity for Juan Pablo, and congratulations to his parents for their advocacy efforts and how positive Nogales is being represented on a national level. Our hats are off to you, you are truly an inspiration for your dedication and passion for your sport. 

I would like to thank Miguel, Jessica, and Juan Pablo Lopez for being present. Jose Alonso Mezquita, Special Olympics Arizona representatives Lisa Ball and Nick Dinsmore, and Michelle Jacquez, president of the Southern Arizona Autism Association, have all supported Juan Pablo and his family. Nogales Parks and Recreation Director Renee Travers has worked with BYTE Charlie Cutler over the years to revitalize our tennis courts in order to provide healthier lifestyles for our youth. You're doing a great job!

Thanks to Vice Mayor Esther Melendez Lopez, Councilmen Saulo Bonilla and Joe Diaz for attending today's press conference. 

As a final note, I would like to thank Telemundo's Jesus Hiriam Gonzales and Nogales International's Angela Gervasi for covering this inspiring story. Please donate to help the family get Juan Pablo to the tournament in Virginia:

https://www.facebook.com/ustasouthwest

Thank you everyone for a great conference.

The SEAGO executive board held its monthly meeting in Nogales on Friday, November 18th. Santa Cruz County, Cochise County, Graham County, Greenlee County, and Pinal County are represented on the SEAGO executive board, which works for the elderly, youth, and families with disabilities.

Dear Friends,

At the grand opening ceremony of our local Dunkin Donuts, the Mayor, Council and City Administrators were present. Together with Nogales High School's varsity football and cheerleading teams. I would like to congratulate the store on their inauguration and welcome them to our community. All the participants in this event deserve a special thanks, especially the Nogales Police Department, City Manager Edward Dickie, Deputy City Manager John Kissinger, Councilmember Saulo Bonilla, Councilmember Joe Diaz, Councilmember Tavo Gradillas, and City of Nogales staff who provided support. 

Each year, Nogales Night Out brings our community together with law enforcement and first responders to prevent crime. The event is hosted  by Mayor Arturo Garino and First Lady Cathy Garino. In addition to bicycles, we raffle off other items to the children in attendance. During this event, the community has an opportunity to build healthy relationships with our officers. Thanks to everyone who participated and donated to make this event a success! 

With the support of the City of Nogales and Nogales Housing Authority, a building has been donated to the Los Nogales Community Center in collaboration with Chicanos por la Causa, the General Mexican Consulate Marco Moreno Baez and the General Consulate of the United States Laura Biedebach. In the beginning, this center was a vision, a dream that has now become a reality. They will begin by offering healthy living programs and citizenship workshops.

Robert Thompason, Nogales Housing Director, played a critical role in bringing this project to fruition. Our congratulations go out to everyone involved with this important program that will benefit our citizens in Ambos Nogales. 

Dear Friends,

At this year's League of Arizona Cities and Towns in Glendale, the Mayor, Council, City of Nogales Staff and Administration represented the City of Nogales. It is an annual event where city leaders and state governments connect and discuss critical issues. Two awards have been presented to the City of Nogales. Vice Mayor Esther Melendez Lopez is the first recipient of recognition for her service and dedication to the community, and was presented with a plaque for 16 years of service in government. In addition, Mayor Arturo Garino is being recognized for his 12 years of public service. During the last day, we are invited to showcase our great city along with over 200 towns and cities participating in the showcase. Among the top three this year is Nogales, Arizona! We are grateful to Renee Produce and Kaliroy Produce for their donations that helped make this a huge success.

On August 26th, the City of Nogales inaugurated its Dog Park to celebrate National Dog Day. Taking a dream and turning it into a reality was a rewarding experience. In addition to being a part of our families, pets are a part of our communities, and we need to take good care of them as well. I would like to express my gratitude to Wendy Gray and Ricardo Garayzar for their generous donation of dog park entrance signs and plaque stands. You did an amazing job!

A 911 Remembrance Ceremony was held on Sunday, September 11th to commemorate the 21st annual Patriot's Day. This is an important event that changed our history forever and should not be forgotten. Thank you to all council members for attending, to Robert Thompson for conducting the ceremony, to our local law enforcement agencies for participating, and to our Consul en General Marco Moreno Baez for joining us. I would like to thank Pastor Minerva Aldana for the invocation and the benediction. 

Proclamations:

In recognition of all prisoners of war missing in action, September 16th has been proclaimed POW*MIA Recognition Day

National Gear Up Week September 26th 

The City of Nogales has proclaimed September to be National Suicide Prevention Month 

Dear Friends,

The Sonora State Governor Alfonso Durazo visited the City of Nogales. As part of his visit, the governor met with Mayor Arturo Garino, City Administrators, and staff members. In his remarks, he thanked the mayor for his leadership, hard work, and dedication to promoting economic development in border communities. During the meeting, the governor from Sonora and the mayor discussed issues that are relevant to both to the State of Arizona and Sonora, Mexico. The state of Sonora and our neighboring city of Nogales Sonora recognize the importance of maintaining a good relationship.

“We need to plan for the future and build on it. As a result, the sisterhood agreement was signed into effect in 2011.  The visit was enjoyable because of the camaraderie. I haven't had a Sonora State Governor visit City Hall for quite some time. You're Among Friends,"said Mayor Arturo Garino. 

SEAGO's new facilities were inaugurated in Bisbee, Arizona. It is so nice to see this project completed after 11 years of shared vision and mission under SEAGO leadership. SEAGO and AAA are currently housed in two buildings.  It is my pleasure to congratulate and thank Executive Director Randy Heiss for his leadership and Project Manager role in making sure this is properly finalized. Now that your leadership skills have exceeded our expectations, we can celebrate. I would like to thank the SEAGO Executive Directors for their support, DES and Ann English District Supervisor and all the staff for their hard work and dedication to this project. “From my perspective as your Chairman, I know this was a much needed project that now has a home and you will be able to serve our communities more effectively,” said Mayor Arturo Garino.

We are pleased to announce the promotion of our NPD Officers. Congratulations to Lieutenant J. Bermudez, Sergeant A. Palafox, Sergeant  A. Vasquez, Corporal G. Ortega, Corporal J. Gomez, Corporal R. Lechuga and Corporal B. Villela. Thank you to the men and women who risk their lives for our community. “In this city, we support the blue. Thank you for your service, you guys are the future. The Nogales Police Department is something we are proud of. You make Nogales proud, Chief Bermudez and your team. You can count on my support as your Mayor.

Dear Friends,

Here are the plans for Teyechea Park that I would like to share with the community. In addition to being wheelchair accessible for children and adults with disabilities, this design is fully adaptive and inclusive.

Currently, what are we working on? 

The new facility includes a brand new all-purpose grass field, a play area, a walking track, new lighting, a basketball court, picnic areas, and restrooms. 

Please be patient with us as this project will take some time to complete. It is certainly worth the wait to see the end result.  We have posted concept drawings of our plans on the website of the City of Nogales.

In order to bring this dream to life, we have collected over $800,000 in grants, city funds, and personal donations. This is just the first phase. 

Phase 2 of the park complex will add an amphitheater, new parking, and a west entrance to the park complex. There is still a lot of exploration to be done with this concept, so it might change as time goes on. 

Nogales, “We are Ready!”  We are ready for this huge project and many more to come.

There was a visit by Mexican delegations to the City of Nogales to discuss border issues. The group met with representatives from the office of Congressman Raul Grijalva, American and Mexican consulates, City Representatives, and Council Member Saulo Bonilla Jr. The group took a tour of the international border, starting in the Kino Springs neighborhood and heading westward.

Joining tenants living at Casitas Santa Cruz for breakfast is always a pleasure. We have an interactive meeting where they can ask questions about the local government process, current projects, and community resources. The needs of seniors and the disabled community are far too often overlooked. I advocate for their rights. 

Thanks to everyone who attended the 4th of July festivities "Together Again". It doesn't matter what the weather is like, I am always available to the community and its needs. Come see me at City Hall if you need me! 

Dear Friends,

In June, we participated in a variety of community activities and worked on several projects. 

June 1st

The Nogales Community Development has been awarded the Raul Grijalva grant. In partnership with Congressman Raul Grijalva and Nogales Community Development. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to speak to the community about the importance of this and how it will build a strong foundation for future business leaders and entrepreneurs in our community. 

City of Nogales Parks and Recreation is in full swing this summer. Our community will be able to participate in several sports and recreational activities. Among the benefits are learning life lessons, developing social and cognitive skills, building confidence and fostering responsibility in an inclusive environment. Fun Summer Activities for Youth!

June 3rd

Marco Moreno has been appointed as the new Consul General of Mexico in Nogales. Meetings held this month focused on sisterhood agreements, infrastructures, economic stability, and immigration. In order to keep the community safe, Nogales Sonora is moving the railroads that run through the middle of town to a new location. On the Arizona side, we have begun conversations with the Mexican Consulate General in Nogales, Az and the US Consulate General in Tucson, Az, as part of President Manuel Lopes Obrador's office. The topic of our discussion is the importance of our geographic area, such as protecting national forests and the Santa Cruz River.

June 8th

Chicanos por la Causa held an immigration leadership certification program at City Hall. In the session on Local Government, I had the chance to discuss our local government, infrastructure, economics, health and safety with the group. 

June 9th

Beyond the Call of Duty representatives and our Nogales Police Department met at City Hall to honor Officer Jeremy Brinton. The group honors fallen police officers across the country.

June 17th

Barrio Stories and the community came together to celebrate Ambos Nogales Rich Culture. “As an artist, I am passionate about art as it is a means of communication, an expression,” said Mayor Arturo Garino.

Royal Road residents were invited to a public information meeting hosted by the City of Nogales. The Royal Road Water System Improvement Project aims to fix and improve the water distribution system in the neighborhood. Residents gathered at City Hall to learn about the project schedule, goals, and objectives as well as to ask questions and voice their concerns. The attendees were taught how to fix the water lines. Garino said, "It gives me great pleasure to work with such dedicated people who are always striving to improve the quality of life for our residents."

Interviews by:

During an interview with Bud Foster of KOLD 13, Mayor Arturo Garino congratulated the NCD and emphasized the importance of the grant.

Telemundo Arizona –  In an interview with Telemundo, Mayor Arturo Garino discussed the Sisterhood agreement and how it will enable the community and the families to have portable water in Nogales Sonora. 

In an interview with KOLD 13, Mayor Arturo Garino spoke about the importance of fixing raw sewage lines that run through the city. "Our residents' health and safety are paramount.". We continue to request federal assistance in this area. "This is an international issue that must be addressed," Garino said.        

Dear Friends,

It has been a busy month for us. A number of events have taken place. We were honored to be invited to be a part of the Binational Arts Conference. “For Ambos Nogales, the main goal of this collaboration was to use art as a motor for economic development and to enhance citizens' appreciation of art in general.” 

The following collaborative partners made this possible:

BYTE 

La Linea Art Studio 

SCC Schools Superintendent Office - Evan Kory 

Consulado General - Victor Manuel Jimenez Segovia

Presidente  Municipal Juan Francisco Gim

On Thursday, May 19th Mayor Arturo Garino attended the Mayor’s Summit at the Tucson Convention Center Music Hall. The purpose of this event was to provide a platform for Sonoran Desert Mayors to share and discuss perspectives on both the challenges and opportunities they face. The summit attendants were encouraged to share information on economic development in their communities.  

Some of the topics of discussion included: Sustainability / Economic Growth / Tourism / Infrastructure / Jobs / Public Safety / Education / Affordable Housing / Trade / Ports of Entry / Healthcare / The Future of Politics.

Dear Friends,

In 2011, the first Sisterhood agreement was signed between Nogales, AZ and Nogales Sonora. Together, these agreements have served to solidify the interests of both municipal governments and the people they serve. 

This agreement is primarily focused on carrying out joint activities in a variety of areas, including education, health, tourism, technology and other areas agreed upon by both parties. 

On March 3, both sister cities held a press conference at Nogales City Hall to discuss future plans on events to be hosted by the parks and recreation departments of both cities.   

“This is what Ambos Nogales is all about, the ability to work together as one regardless of the fence that may separate us.” _ Arturo Garino, Mayor of Nogales

Through the Sisterhood Agreement, the interests of the municipal governments of Ambos Nogales have been reinforced. The pledge of support has always existed, but events like today's serve to revitalize it. The focus this year will be on sports and sports activities. Visit the Nogales Parks & Recreation Facebook page to learn more about our collaboration with Nogales Sonora sporting events. It is rare to come across such international government relations, but in today's world, they have become increasingly important. The pledge I am making is to maintain unity between our sister city of Nogales, Sonora, and us. We are one community separated by a fence. A symbol of our commitment, "El Abrazo" concludes and solidifies the agreement. There will be a number of future events, the first being a “Phoenix Suns Basketball Clinic” on March 26.  Stay tuned for more information in the next issue of ECO, Mayor Garino said.

On Sunday, March 20th, Mayor Garino and his wife spent the day with the Down's Syndrome Community of Santa Cruz County and friends at the Oasis Theater. At the Oasis Theater, Mayor Garino enjoyed a very enjoyable morning with Jack and Maria Scholnick from The Santa Cruz Parent Love Connection.  In addition to watching Sing 2, they ate a lot of popcorn and enjoyed the movie. "It was great to see everyone.", they said. Thanks again to organizers Jack and Maria Scholnick for the invitation and the coffee cup," said Mayor Garino. 

Dear Friends, 

As we adjust to a new normal after living through a pandemic for 2 years, our office has participated in several community events this past month. I am looking forward to connecting with our community members and attending upcoming events this Spring. 

During Career Week, I spoke to the children at St Andrews Preschool about what I do as a mayor and what I do for our community. Several questions were asked by the children, and we had a great discussion about what they wanted to be when they grew up, their dreams and ambitions, favorite hobbies, colors, and school subjects. 

"I enjoyed talking to the children about what they wanted to be, their hopes and aspirations, and their favorite hobbies, colors, and subjects at school. It was a pleasure to have visited the future of our community and be able to spend some time with them.”  

After a long two years, I recently visited Casitas Santa Cruz. Covid had prevented visitors from entering the facility. Being able to visit all the residents and spend some time with them was a wonderful experience. Now that COVID cases have decreased and we can take better precautions, we will be able to hold our holiday activities and visit more often. 

On Saturday, January 29th, I read a proclamation in honor of Buffalo Soldier Days. A weekend each year will be designated for flying banners in recognition of the soldiers. Donna Jackson Houston, a descendant of Lucius Jackson, founded the Buffalo Soldier Event. After discovering that her grandfather had served as a Buffalo Soldier, she founded the Nogales Buffalo Soldiers Legacy Association last year. Donna Jackson Houston and Faith Posey of the historical society began working on the exhibit after connecting with Richard Jackson, a descendant of Lucius Jackson.  In addition to making history in our community, this event also brought our community together. We are continuously working on making Nogales a better place to live.  

Dear Friends, 

 The City of Nogales received a loan from the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority (WIFA) for approximately $15,000,000.00.  This loan historically is the first opportunity to prioritize comprehensive repairs and maintenance on water and sewer lines.   The funding will enable the city to work on approximately 24 water and 14 wastewater projects. The design work started in October 2021. We expect to start construction by late summer of 2022 with an estimated completion date by the end of 2023.

Streets that are currently being paved or repaired to receive a surface treatment in the Monte Carlo Subdivision are: Calle Angelina, Calle Culiacan, Call Piedras Negras, Calle Colimo, Calle Durango, Calle Chihuahua, Placita Socorro, Plaze Karina, Calle Empalme, Calle Nogales, Calle Carbo, Placita Melody, Calle Tampico, Cale Caborca, MonteCarlo Place, Madero Way, Calle Arizpe, Calle Trinidad, Placita Chihuahua, y Placita Carmen. In a similar manner, Kino Street and Manila Drive will also receive a surface treatment. Noon Street is currently under construction and scheduled to be paved in February 2022.

Many projects are underway, new sidewalks along Grand Avenue, Camino Del Sol Water/Sewer, and Paving, Old Tucson Road, Industrial Park Drive, Frank Reed Road, among other projects. We are continuously working on making Nogales a better place to live.  

Dear Friends, 

"In order to be successful in the new year, stay focused, develop a positive attitude and be passionate with your dreams," said Bamigboye Olurotimi
As the New Year begins, we reflect on the tremendous goodwill found throughout our community. The thoughtfulness and compassion of so many in and around Nogales have been wonderful. Great people make a great community and Nogales is a shining example.
Despite our challenges, we have worked hard to create the kind of city we want to live in, work in, and visit. Despite some setbacks from the ongoing pandemic, I remain optimistic that 2022 will be a better year for everyone in Nogales.
A great community is built and maintained on the spirit and pride of its residents, fostering community volunteering and contributing to the greater good. 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. This is what we have accomplished in Nogales. We will continue to build a safe and welcoming community with your continued support and our clear 2022 vision.
I hope that the New Year brings more prosperity, happiness, love, hope, healing, and peace to the families and friends of Nogales. Please continue to do your part to help flatten the COVID curve. If we continue to get vaccinated, wear face masks, practice social distancing, and avoid large gatherings, our family and loved ones will remain safe and healthy. 

 At six o'clock in the evening on Saturday, December 4, 2021, the City of Nogales held their 2021 Christmas Light Parade. The theme for the Christmas Light Parade was “Together this Christmas.” This year’s Grand Marshall was Eladio Pereira, M.D. from Mariposa Community Health Center. This year's Christmas Light Parade judges were occupied picking the winners as there were so many unique entries. Aissa Huerta, Mark Dittmar, Jaime Paz y Puente, and Even Kory served as the judges.

Several local businesses, schools, and community organizations participated in the parade. At this year's event, 46 organizations displayed unique floats and lighting for their cars. There were three winners of the parade competition for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. The winners will be announced at the Jan. 5 meeting of Nogales City Council. 

  Dear Friends,

The holidays are a festive time of year when we share special moments with our family, friends, and loved ones, and look ahead to a new year filled with promise and opportunity. We reflect upon our many blessings and everything we are grateful for.

During this season of hope and joy, I offer my sincere thanks to all residents for your continued collaboration, cooperation, and support. You are the foundation of Nogales, don’t forget that your participation and input contributes significantly to the progress and advancement of our city.

I ask you all to please continue supporting local businesses. I encourage you all 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 also want to express my appreciation to the members of the Nogales City Council and all City of Nogales employees for your dedication, commitment and service to our community. The outstanding work you perform each and every day meeting the needs of our residents enhances quality of life for us all.

As we look forward to new and exciting opportunities that lie ahead, we remain committed to helping all residents, and we remain passionate about working cooperatively with all of you to make Nogales the best place to live, work, play, visit, and raise a family.

My warmest wishes to you and your loved ones for a very Merry Christmas and happy, healthy, and successful New Year.

May God bless you and your families, and our great City of Nogales.

Hello my friends,

These past couple of months have been very busy and exciting for Nogales and its residents. We held many different types of events for the community.

We started the fun on Thursday, September 9th with the Nogales Night Out. This was a fun evening of crime prevention awareness, there was also an outdoor movie, many free giveaways, and free food. The many different local law enforcement agencies that participated enjoyed the fun activities and enjoyed providing educational materials to the children and parents alike.

I am looking forward to the many fun events planned for the rest of the year including Dia de Muertos event in late October, the Christmas Casitas in late November, and the Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 4th. If you are interested in decorating a Christmas Casita or are interested in participating in the Christmas parade please contact my office at 285.5602. Our theme for the Christmas Parade this year is “Together This Christmas.” We chose this theme because we weren’t able to be together with our friends and family last year, but thankfully it will be different this year. We hope everyone comes out to enjoy all the fun holiday events we are planning, so that we can all be together.

On another note, I would like to wish you all a joyous and peaceful Thanksgiving. We have a great deal to be thankful for. Let us care for, share, and give in the spirit of kindness. Stay safe and God bless.

Dear Friends,

 On Saturday, September 11th we held a remembrance ceremony in honor of the 20th anniversary of September 11, 2001. It is very important to me that every year we remember to hold in our hearts those who lost their lives that day, including the many first responders, the citizen heroes and the innocent victims.We honored our Mexican heritage on Saturday, September 18th with the Fiestas Patrias Celebration that took place in downtown Morley Avenue. We held live music with many different performers including mariachi, there was baile folklorico groups, food vendors, and along with the Mexican Consulate we held the traditional Grito de Independencia. I was very happy to see so many people there partaking in the celebration.We ended the month of September with the State of the City Address at the VFW on Tuesday, September 28th. I provided a complete report on the many projects completed by the hard-working City of Nogales employees. I was especially excited to speak about the future goals and projects we are currently working on, including the dog park, Teyechea park renovations, and annexation to name a few. We are continuously working hard to ensure we do all we can to provide growth and opportunities for our residents.
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!

 Hello my friends,

September will be a very busy and exciting month for the City of Nogales and its residents. We have been hard at work planning many fun and free events and activities for everybody. 

We start the fun on Thursday, September 9th with an evening of crime prevention awareness, an outdoor movie, free hot dogs, free giveaways, and more at the Nogales Night Out. Many different local law enforcement agencies gather that night to provide information and fun activities for people of all ages. 

On Saturday, September 11th we will be holding a remembrance ceremony in honor of the 20th anniversary of September 11, 2001. We will have guest speakers, a multi-agency honor guard, and a moment of silence. 

We honor our Mexican heritage on Saturday, September 18th with the Fiestas Patrias Celebration that will take place in downtown Morley Avenue. There will be live music, dancing, food vendors, and the traditional Grito de Independencia. 

We will end the month with the State of the City Address on Tuesday, September 28th at the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). I will be presenting information on all the work completed and pending completion for the City of Nogales. This will include all departments from Police and Fire, to Public Works. 

All these events are completely free and for people of all ages. Please go to the City of Nogales website, www.nogalesaz.gov or contact my office at 285.5602 for additional information. We look forward to seeing you there. 

  Hello my friends,

This past month has been a very busy one at City Hall. In early July, the City of Nogales hosted a meeting with Senator Mark Kelly and other local elected officials. We held a roundtable discussion on many topics including infrastructure, the economy, the IOI, and the border travel restrictions. The meeting went very well, it was nice to sit with the Senator and voice our concerns directly with him and his staff. I feel he will do his best to help our residents and community.

Even though we weren’t able to hold our traditional annual 4th of July festivities this year, we still held a fireworks spectacular on Fleischer Park. Many gathered in different areas of Nogales, including the field at the park, to watch the 30 minute show. With the amount of people in our community currently vaccinated, we’re planning on having our traditional large annual 4th of July celebration next year.

We’re currently planning other community events for this year, including our annual Christmas Light Parade. Stay tuned for additional information.

 Hello my friends,

I am happy to report that many paving projects have been completed and are close to completion thanks to the wonderful job done by the City of Nogales Public Works Street Department. So far this year, the following streets have been either paved or repaired: Mariposa Ranch Road, Via Coronado, Calle Sonora, Baffert Drive, Mi Casa Drive, Bitache Drive, Target Range, and Western Avenue. Streets that are currently being paved or repaired are: Valle Verde Drive, Larrimore Street, and Vista del Cielo. Many more projects are slated to begin soon, including brand new sidewalks along Grand Avenue. We’re continuously working on making Nogales a better place to live.

On another note, I am very pleased with the number of people in our community that have received their COVID vaccine. Over 70% of the population has been fully vaccinated, we’re the highest fully vaccinated county in the entire state. This would not have been possible without the combined efforts of all the organizations involved. Thank you for doing your part to keep our community safe.

In June I, along with other Nogales and Santa Cruz County stakeholders, held a roundtable discussion with Governor Doug Ducey. The economy, the pandemic, and border travel restrictions were some of the topics we discussed. It’s always a pleasure to sit down with local business leaders and the Governor to talk about continuing to work progressively together to resolve issues affecting our community.

Hello my friends,

  I’m happy to report that COVID cases in our area have been declining for the past month. I believe this is attributed, in part, to the high number of people that have already received their COVID vaccine(s). As of the third week of March more than 22,000 adult Santa Cruz County residents have received a vaccine. More than 13,500 have received their first vaccine, and over 8,700 have received both vaccines. This is wonderful news!

This would not be possible without the collaboration between the City of Nogales, the Santa Cruz County Health Department, the Mariposa Community Health Center and the State of Arizona. Thank you to these organizations, their employees, and a special thank you as well to the many volunteers who are donating their time every day. We truly appreciate everything you do for our city and county.

On this note, I want to remind you all to please continue supporting local businesses. 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 encourage you all to try and keep as many purchases as you can local and to support Nogales businesses as much as possible.

Together we will get through this. Thank you!

Hello my friends,

The City of Nogales was recently presented with a Gold Certificate of Appreciation by the United States Census Bureau for helping complete a successful census in Nogales and the county, with over 96% of households reported. This would not have been possible without the hard work of all Census employees and without the cooperation of everybody that participated.

Thank you to all the Census workers and the community. You all played an important role  in the 2020 Census and because of you, our community will benefit from much needed funding.

On another note, infrastructure and paving projects are well underway in the city, thanks to the wonderful work of our Street Department personnel. The foundation for the paving of Mariposa Ranch Road has been completed and paving will be completed by February 27th. Vista Del Cielo is undergoing road maintenance. Sunland Asphalt was contracted for the scope of work. The entire street will be crack sealed, chip sealed, fog sealed and finished off with new striping. Another paving project that has already begun is in the Via Coronado neighborhood. The streets there will be crack sealed, coated, and re-striped. Many more projects are slated to begin soon, including brand new sidewalks on some major streets. I cannot thank city employees enough for their hard work and dedication. We’re continuously working on making Nogales a better place to live.

  Hello my friends,

I am here to let you know of all the exciting things planned for 2021 in Nogales. Many infrastructure projects will be completed this year, beginning with Mariposa Ranch Road. 12 additional streets are included in the 2021 infrastructure projects for this year. Those streets are: Mastick Way, Coronado Subdivision, Camino Vista del Cielo, Gold Hill Road, Western Avenue, Baffert Drive, Target Range Road, Calle Sonora, Morley Avenue, Hohokam Drive and Walnut Street. These streets will be crack filled, fog sealed and will have striping work done.

Another exciting project in the works for 2021 is a new dog park on the former Palo Duro golf course on Country Club Drive. Soon you'll be able to have fun with your four legged friends in an enclosed, secure area. The dog park will include separate fenced in areas for large and small dogs. The dog park will also have drinking fountains for both pets and their owners, and benches. Walking trails with exercise stations will also be installed around the area, with further amenities being planned as well.

These are just a few of the projects that we’re currently working on. Stay tuned for additional project information.