U.S. Reps. Gabrielle Giffords and Raul Grijalva today will unveil legislation to designate a scenic and culturally rich swath of the Sonoran Desert a National Heritage Area.
The heritage designation, which has strong grassroots support, will help preserve and promote the natural and cultural resources in the Santa Cruz Valley south of Tucson. The valley includes numerous Native American, Hispanic and military heritage sites, as well as vital habitat for indigenous wildlife.
This evening, Giffords will address health care and education issues to the Junior League of Tucson. Health care for veterans will be the theme of the congresswoman’s remarks on Thursday to the University of Arizona’s College of Public Health. At Tucson Medical Center, following those remarks, Giffords will host a roundtable discussion of nation health care issues.
Also on Thursday Giffords will meet with Tucson Police Chief Richard Miranda and Fire Chief Dan Newburn as part of the city’s Public Safety Day. At the Midtown Police Station the congresswoman will view public safety equipment purchased with federal funds.
Tuesday, April 10
What: Announcement of legislation to designate the Santa Cruz Valley a National Heritage Area; When: 2 p.m.; Where: Tumacacori National Historical Park (exit 29 off I-19)
What: Address to the Junior League of Tucson; When: 6:30 p.m.; Where: Junior League Building, 2099 E. River Road (northeast corner of River and Campbell)
Thursday, April 12
What: Public Safety Day; When: 10 a.m.; Where: Midtown Police Station, 1100 S. Alvernon
What: Partners in Public Health Luncheon, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona; When: Noon; Where: Tucson Room, Arizona Inn, 2200 E. Elm
What: Health Care Roundtable Discussion; When: 3-4p.m.; Where: Executive Conference Room, Tucson Medical Center
Friday, April 13
What: Interview on Arizona Illustrated; When: 6:30 p.m.; Where: KUAT, Channel 6