Let's Talk Sierra Vista Podcast

Podcast Update and Spotlight Breakfast Video Preview

In this mini-episode, we preview a video we’re currently producing in lieu of the City’s annual Spotlight Breakfast. An announcement of the premiere date will be coming within a week or so. We also share that the podcast will take a break in September, before returning with the next full episode in October. To keep up with the latest City announcements, be sure to sign up for our email newsletter that we send out each week. Here’s the sign up link: https://www.sierravistaaz.gov/city-sierra-vista-enewsletter-sign/.

Caring for Sierra Vista‘s Animals

Animal Control Supervisor Arleen Garcia joins host City Public Information Officer Adam Curtis for this episode of Let’s Talk Sierra Vista. Inspired by her mother’s generosity to care for stray animals in the streets of Puerto Rico, Arleen has put her passion for animal care to work here in Sierra Vista since 2008. We discuss how folks can view or adopt/foster animals at the Nancy J. Brua Animal Care Center, recent improvements being made at the shelter, how important community support is to its mission, and ways to keep your pets safe this summer. Much like Arleen’s profession, this conversation hits emotional highs and lows as we discuss the importance of rabies vaccines, reflect on saving animals from the Monument Fire, share stories of how loss is part of the job, and talk about pets and the joy they bring to our lives.  

Timestamps: 

• COVID-19's impact on adoptions, turn-ins, and other trends (1:10) 
• How to view and adopt animals at the shelter by appointment (4:28) 
• Moving forward with spay and neuter clinics in September (9:23) 
• The “One Paw at a Time Mobile Unit” and support of the shelter’s friends (12:29) 
• What you get when adopting a pet from the shelter (20:20) 
• Why getting a rabies vaccine is vital (21:35) 
• Don’t leave your pet in a hot car (26:33) 
• How does the Summer heat affect pets when the ground is hot? (29:08) 
• Our own pets at home (34:49) 
• How Arleen fell in love with caring for animals (38:04) 
• Overcoming capacity issues by getting and giving help (43:12) 

Compassion Lies at the Heart of SV Fire & Medical Services Culture

Sierra Vista Fire & Medical Services Chief Brian Jones joins us in this episode. A long-time veteran of the department who is passionate about serving his hometown community, Jones shares what makes SVF&MS such a special place to work and what approach he takes to hiring new recruits. Jones himself embodies a persistent passion for service and kindness that is central to his agency’s philosophy and its response on calls. We will also cover exciting new dispatch software that will improve our area’s medical response, how the department has adapted operations due to COVID-19, and how Jones approaches his role as chief. 

 

Timestamps:  

1. Chief Brian Jones's experience working in fire and medical services for the last 25 years (1:26)
2. What the fire department looks for in recruits and what new recruits can expect working here in Sierra Vista (3:40)
3. What to do if interested in applying for a job with the department (6:44)
4. Transitioning to Emergency Medical Dispatch Software (8:04)
5. How COVID-19 affects the fire department (12:50)
6. Chief Brian Jones's philosophy behind serving the community (16:47)
7. Maintaining a positive attitude during hard times and evolving the department during and beyond his tenure as Chief (22:20) 

Putting Sierra Vista on the Map

In the fourth episode of “Let’s Talk Sierra Vista,” we speak with Marketing and Communications Manager Judy Hector. Join us as we dive into what makes a Sierra Vista a great place to live and visit.  Judy shares what goes on behind the scenes to put Sierra Vista’s name on the map, what makes our community attractive to outside visitors, and how the city works as a team to foster tourism and economic development. We’ll also learn how COVID-19 impacts these efforts by presenting new challenges and opportunities. Small businesses also face many challenges in these uncertain times, and this episode wraps up with a reminder to support these businesses that give Sierra Vista its charm and character.  

 

Timestamps:  

• Putting Sierra Vista on the map (2:56) 
• Why is Sierra Vista a special destination for birders? (6:46) 
• What makes Sierra Vista a desirable tourism destination? (9:05) 
• How the city works as a team across departments to foster economic development and tourism. (11:18) 
• Challenges and opportunities posed by COVID-19. (16:24) 
• How do you measure success from the city’s tourism marketing efforts? (24:13) 
• Buy Sierra Vista to support our small business (30:08) 

Local citizens are encouraged to join the conversation by asking questions, offering comments, and suggesting future topics. To share your thoughts, email Pod@SierraVistaAZ.gov. 

Reimagining Library Services Amid COVID-19

We go behind-the-scenes with youth services librarian Erica Merritt to see how the library has adapted to serve the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. We talk about virtual classes, favorite books, how the library has evolved over recent years, and much more.

History, Redevelopment, and Beer in the West End

This week, we dig into the economic development and historic preservation efforts at play in welcoming the Tombstone Brew Pub to the former site of Daisy Mae’s Steak House, while also honoring that building’s important place in local history. And that’s just the start of what City of Sierra Vista Economic Development Manager Tony Boone and Henry F. Hauser Museum Curator Elizabeth Wrozek cover in this two-part episode!

“We Must Be Better,” a Conversation with SVPD Chief Adam Thrasher

The pilot episode of "Let's Talk Sierra Vista" features Sierra Vista Police Department Chief Adam Thrasher. Speaking with podcast host Adam Curtis, public information officer for the City, Chief Thrasher shares his thoughts on a variety of issues pertaining to his department and the profession of policing, including how the death of George Floyd has sparked nationwide protests urging police reform.