ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ City Manager Michael Ortega apologized to city employees after he was caught on a “hot mic†disparaging concerns about paying for parking spots they’re not using while a large chunk of them are working from home.
On May 12, during an employee video town hall aimed at addressing concerns as the city deals with the fallout of the coronavirus pandemic, Ortega made his critiques after thinking the video call had completed.
“These people and the damn parking,†Ortega said, according to a recording sent to the Star. “We just got done talking about how I’m trying to keep you employed, and you want me to reimburse you for your parking. It’s like, God, you want a little cheese with that whine? C’mon, that’s terrible.â€
Jonathan Schlecht, president for the local chapter of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees union, said he’s “disappointed†and “very surprised at the callousness†of Ortega’s statement, adding that the reimbursement for parking has been one of a number of concerns for city employees.
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“These people need their hard-earned money returned to them,†Schlecht said. “This is an important time. We shouldn’t put up facades. We should be working with each other trying during these times. … We’re here to work things out. Hearing that from the top is really disappointing.â€
Ortega has apologized to the city staff at least twice, once during a call later that day and again during a town hall this week. He said that he did hear from employees, including one who sent him an email outlining why paying for parking is a concern.
“I responded and apologized and outlined my frustration when dealing with larger issues. It also sensitized me to the importance of some of these issues,†he told the Star.
He said he was venting frustration that the parking questions came just after he finished a talk about potential furloughs and layoffs of employees. He said that he’s been laser-focused on dealing with the budget as a whole as the city tries to absorb the effects of the coronavirus, including a drop in sales tax revenues.
“My frustration showed in a way that … I apologize,†he said. “No disrespect was intended.â€
Conflicting signals on malaria drug
President Trump stirred up health experts Tuesday when he announced that he has been taking hydroxychloroquine in hopes of staving off the coronavirus, despite warnings about potentially deadly side effects from the unproven treatment.
Both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration have cautioned people against taking the anti-malaria drug for COVID-19.
So has Dr. Janko Nikolich-Zugich, head of the Department of Immunobiology at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ School of Medicine.
“Until and unless there are clinical trials that are done with large numbers of people that can show effectiveness of any of these drugs, I would stay away from them by all means,†he said during a telephone town hall late last month.
But Sen. Martha McSally, who hosted the call for almost 16,000 participants, immediately muddied that message, noting that there has been “anecdotal evidence†from “other providers†who say the drug is beneficial to people with mild or moderate coronavirus symptoms.
At the end of the town hall, McSally asked if Nikolich-Zugich had any parting advice for listeners.
“Listen to what your public health officials are saying and what the administration is saying,†he said.
The doctor didn’t say what people should do when those two groups give conflicting advice.
Local governments stand to gain a billion
More than $1 billion in federal money could flow to Pima County and its cities in the next two years under the latest — and largest — coronavirus relief bill approved by the House of Representatives late last week.
But the HEROES Act faces stiff opposition in the Senate, where Republican leaders are dismissing it as a bloated, liberal-policy wish list. President Trump has already threatened to veto the House version of the more than $3 trillion bill.
If passed, however, the largest economic relief package in U.S. history could send more than $562 million to Pima County and almost $402 million to the city of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ by 2021, according to estimates released by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Other “estimated awards†on the list include $23.2 million for Marana, $22.4 million for Oro Valley, $15 million for Sahuarita and $2.8 million for South ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ over the next two years.
The House bill would send an estimated $10.1 billion to state government agencies in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ by 2021.
CD2 Republican gains club’s seal of approval
Brandon Martin, a Republican running in Congressional District 2, picked up an endorsement from the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Free Enterprise Club, a prominent conservative political group.
The group, which most recently made headlines for , endorsed a number of Republicans in races statewide, including Sen. Martha McSally, and state legislators from the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ area, including Rep. Mark Finchem and Sen. Vince Leach.
The list also included Martin, a defense contractor who is running for the opportunity to challenge incumbent U.S. Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick, a Democrat, for the Southern ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ seat.
Extra costs piling up, educators tell Congress
Education leaders across the state sent a letter to members of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥â€™s congressional delegation urging lawmakers to fight for additional financial relief for K-12 schools, which have extensive costs due to the coronavirus.
The CARES Act, passed by Congress in late March, allocated $286 million for ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥â€™s K-12 schools and another $69 million in flexible dollars for any education entity, at the governor’s discretion.
The letter — addressed to ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥â€™s two U.S. senators and nine representatives, and signed by ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ schools chief Kathy Hoffman and other education stakeholders — pointed to expenses schools are already shouldering in overcoming challenges to serve students who lack devices and broadband access for online learning; covering the cost of cleaning and disinfecting school sites; and feeding low-income children.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥â€™s largest school district has already calculated $8.5 million in increased costs due to higher spending and revenue losses brought on by the coronavirus closures. It is not clear yet what schools will look like when the next school year begins in August, but it is likely the extra costs will continue to mount.
Possible expenses include more investments in remote learning in case of future school closures because of the coronavirus, ongoing enhanced cleaning and disinfecting, providing personal protective equipment to staff and students, and implementing social distancing guidelines, the letter says.
Additionally, the need to address mental health issues and food insecurity among students is only enhanced by rising unemployment and financial instability caused by the pandemic, the letter says.
The ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Department of Education is still working out the model and timeline for the distribution of CARES Act funds, which the letter says “will only scrape the surface of the costs and challenges district and charter schools have and will continue to incur as a result of this virus.â€
“In the face of a global pandemic, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ schools and educators continue to be a beacon of hope for our communities,†Hoffman said in a prepared statement. “In addition to providing vital nutrition services, schools are working overtime to meet the academic, social and emotional needs of students. Schools will need ongoing resources in order to provide the critical supports families in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ rely on.â€
Photos for May 13: ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during Coronavirus Pandemic
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

The venerable T-Rex outside the McDonald's at Grant and Tanque Verde comes around late, but strong, to the mask game, May 13, 2020, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Greg Madril, director of Pascua Yaqui Workforce Development, loads a van up with boxes of food to be taken to homes of elders on the reservation who have isolated themselves during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, on May 8, 2020.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Abigail Pauley (center) and Carmen Solis (right) deliver food to the homes of elders on Pascua Yaqui Reservation who have isolated themselves during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, on May 8, 2020.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Catalina Foothills High School graduates throw their hats in the air as they are videoed on the stage on the football field at Catalina Foothills High School, 4300 E. Sunrise Dr., in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz., on May 11, 2020. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Catalina Foothills High School is videoing all 415 graduates individually over three days crossing the stage with their diploma cover. Small groups of graduates are escorted toward the stage and stand next to cones set apart for social distancing. After video and still pictures, graduates are given a t-shirt as they leave. "Its an amazing amount of work and planning, but our grads are worth it," said Julie Farbarik, director of Alumni and Community Relations at Catalina Foothills School District.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Graduates follow directions as they are filmed cross the stage at Catalina Foothills High School, 4300 E. Sunrise Dr., in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz., on May 11, 2020. Due to the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) and graduations being canceled, Catalina Foothills High School, set across three days, is filming all 415 graduates as they cross the stage with a their diploma cover. Small groups of graduates are escorted toward the stage and stand next to cones set apart for social distancing. After filming and taking pictures, graduates are given a t-shirt as they leave. "Its an amazing amount of work and planning, but our grads are worth it," said Julie Farbarik, director of Alumni and Community Relations at Catalina Foothills High School.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Catalina Foothills High School senior Maura Benesch grabs hand sanitizer before picking up her diploma cover at Catalina Foothills High School, 4300 E. Sunrise Dr., in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz., on May 11, 2020. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Catalina Foothills High School is videoing all 415 graduates individually over three days crossing the stage with their diploma cover. Small groups of graduates are escorted toward the stage and stand next to cones set apart for social distancing. After video and still pictures, graduates are given a t-shirt as they leave. "Its an amazing amount of work and planning, but our grads are worth it," said Julie Farbarik, director of Alumni and Community Relations at Catalina Foothills School District.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Senior students follow directions as they are videoed crossing the stage on the football field at Catalina Foothills High School, 4300 E. Sunrise Dr., in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz., on May 11, 2020. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Catalina Foothills High School is videoing all 415 graduates individually over three days crossing the stage with their diploma cover. Small groups of graduates are escorted toward the stage and stand next to cones set apart for social distancing. After video and still pictures, graduates are given a t-shirt as they leave. "Its an amazing amount of work and planning, but our grads are worth it," said Julie Farbarik, director of Alumni and Community Relations at Catalina Foothills School District.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

A fully suited worker, part of a crew from ServiceMaster, gestures out the door to a teammate while sanitizing the Little Cesars at 1201 W. St. Mary's, May 9, 2020, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Owner Michael Elefante cleans the pasta bar at Mama Louisa’s, 2041 S. Craycroft Road. Local restaurants and bars must limit their indoor occupancy to no more than 50%.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Lunchtime is normally standing room only at R&R Pizza Express, 13,905 N. Sandario Road, Marana. But it was sparsely attended on May 11, 2020, as the state allowed restaurants to re-open their dining rooms. Owner Linda Molitor carefully spaced tables to maintain social distancing for dining-in.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Owner Linda Molitor wipes down one of four tables available for dining-in at R&R Pizza Express, 13,905 N. Sandario Road, Marana, on May 11, 2020.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Suzanne Elefante, center, office manager, teaches Breanna Jirschele, employee, a discount at the register at Mama Louisa's, 2041 S. Craycroft Rd., in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz., on May 11, 2020.Â
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Debra Roff, left, employee, keeps her distance as she takes a families order at Coyote Pause Café, 2740 S. Kinney Rd., in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz., on May 11, 2020. Restaurants reopened on Monday after Gov. Doug Ducey allowed restaurants to open and the Pima County Health Department issued a list of protective measures in response to the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). Coyote Pause Café has decreased their seating to less than 50% to allow for social distancing along with signage about COVID-19 and social distancing. There are sneeze-guards, made by the employees, at the counter tops. There are also small trash bags placed at every table for customers to place their trash allowing employees to decrease the amount of items they touch.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Leo Kresch, left, and Drew Burk, employees from Downtown Kitchen and Cocktails prepare to-go meals at The Carriage House, 135 S. Sixth Ave., in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz., on May 12, 2020. Janos Wilder, owner of The Carriage House and Downtown Kitchen and Cocktails, received a donation to help prepare 1,400 meals for ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Medical Center employees. The meal includes two entrees and a desert.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Devon Sanner, executive chef at The Carriage House and Downtown Kitchen and Cocktails, places Thai Green Vegetable Curry on top of rice in to-go meals at The Carriage House, 135 S. Sixth Ave., in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz., on May 12, 2020. Janos Wilder, owner of The Carriage House and Downtown Kitchen and Cocktails, received a donation to help prepare 1,400 meals for ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Medical Center employees. The meal includes two entrees and a desert.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

A group of finished to-go meals remain on top of the counter while employees from Downtown Kitchen and Cocktails create more to-go meals at The Carriage House, 135 S. Sixth Ave., in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz., on May 12, 2020. Janos Wilder, owner of The Carriage House and Downtown Kitchen and Cocktails, received a donation to help prepare 1,400 meals for ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Medical Center employees. The meal includes two entrees and a desert.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Rachel Tineo, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Strength ambassador, wipes down equipment at ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Strength, 6130 E. Speedway Blvd., in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz., on May 13, 2020. ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Strength has modified aspects of their gym to fit the coronavirus pandemic. Equipment is spaced out to allow for social distancing and equipment is being cleaned after every use by members as well as employees.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Diana Sestiaga, a manager at DSW, talks with a customer at the store located at 7191 E. Broadway, on May 12, 2020.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

A customer orders a meal during Cucusa's Caribbean Cuisine grand opening at the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ International Business Center, on May 12, 2020.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Bartender Katelyn Williams confirms an order from Briante Brown after he checked the offerings from a photo on her phone while doing sidewalk service at John Henry's bar, May 6, 2020, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

A bench decorated with a thank you to healthcare workers and first responders in the front yard of a home off N Tortolita Road, on May 6, 2020.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Frank Marini flashes a heart symbol to the staff at ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Medical Center in May. The number of hospital beds available in Pima County hasn’t fluctuated much over the last month.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Recovered Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) patient Larry Delf, retired ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ paramedic and St. Mary's Hospital EMT, waves to family members, friends, nurses, doctors, hospital staff and ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Fire Department as they celebrate Delf's recovery at Carondelet St. Mary's Hospital 1601 W. Saint Mary's Rd., in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz., on May 7, 2020. After a month of hospitalization, Delf is being transferred to a long-term acute care facility.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

While waiting for recovered Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) patient Larry Delf, retired ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ paramedic and St. Mary's Hospital EMT, Chevelle Baker, center, granddaughter, holds up a sign with Family members, friends, nurses, doctors and hospital staff to celebrate Delf's recovery at Carondelet St. Mary's Hospital 1601 W. Saint Mary's Rd., in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz., on May 7, 2020. After a month of hospitalization, Delf is being transferred to a long-term acute care facility.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

David Sounart, vice-president of manufacturing, removes the molds from a batch of Twin Peaks mugs, mugs the company made for the TV series, as HF Coors begins to return to production, May 8, 2020, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Esmeralda Islava works with client Caroline Stelmach at Bellaza Beauty Bar located at 1951 W Grant Road #110 during their first day reopened since non-essential businesses began closing due to Coronavirus (COVID-19), on May 8, 2020. "Its weird that there are fewer people but it feels [safer]," Stelmach said about the precautionary changes.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Melanie has her temperature checked before her manicure appointment at Bellaza Beauty Bar located at 1951 W Grant Road #110 during their first day reopened since non-essential businesses began closing due to Coronavirus (COVID-19), on May 8, 2020. When asked what it is like coming back to the salon since the virus Melanie responded "It's different for sure. Having to sign a waiver and get your temperature checked."
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Stylist Rahnay Curtis with mask on while cutting hair at CDO Barbershop on May 8, 2020, in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Owner Jennifer Ball cuts Carl Arnal's hair at CDO Barbershop on May 8, 2020, in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥. Arnal said, "I cheated a little on March 7. My son is a barber." He added, "I started panicking when they talked about (reopening) in the middle of May." When he said down in the chair for a cut, he said, "I will definitely enjoy this one."
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Josh and Meghan Leunen share their helping of lava cake from the bed of their truck while cars still file into the lots at the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Dragway Drive-In Theater Powered by Griffith Automotive Repair & Restoration's showing of Pixar's Cars, May 8, 2020, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Isaiah Valdez peers out from the trunk of his car, with two stout table legs providing extra support of the hood, before the start of the night's showing of Cars at the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Dragway Drive-In Theater Powered by Griffith Automotive Repair & Restoration, May 8, 2020, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Family members practice social distancing while celebrating mothers day at Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Rd., in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz., on May 10, 2020.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Wright Elementary School teacher Sheree Garcia packs up leftover items in students' desks for them to pick up, on May 8, 2020.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Wright Elementary School teacher Sheree Garcia elbow bumps her student Francisco Cruz Silva, 8, as she drops off a computer for him at his family's home, on May 8, 2020.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Sarah Hemzawi, in Raleigh, N.C., gets to attend the evening meal of her parents Ziad Hemzawi and Raina Kanawati, part of their Ramadan ceremonies at their home, May 7, 2020, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Rania Kanawati prays in her living room, part of the adapting to the closing of the local mosques due to COVID19 restrictions, May 7, 2020, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Owner Jesus Bonillas measures the distance between tables at the American Eat Co. Small businesses can apply for no-interest loans through the city until Tuesday, May 26.
Justin Sayers
Henry Brean
Henry Brean
Justin Sayers
Danyelle Khmara
Contact reporter Justin Sayers at jsayers1@tucson.com or 573-4192. Twitter: @_JustinSayers. Facebook: JustinSSayers.