Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: Will Amphi’s board really shut down Copper Creek Elementary next month?
And on the Tucson Patch calendar - Eyes Set To Kill
What's up Tucson! Let's start this morning right by getting caught up on what's going on around town. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- Will Amphi’s board really shut down Copper Creek Elementary next month?
- Why Tucson’s beloved small businesses say this year felt so brutal
- How a $1.2 million plan could reshape South Tucson fire protection
Also on today's calendar: Holiday Card Making Workshop and 9 more events.
Find out what's happening in Tucsonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Today's riddle: Jimmy, did you crash on your bike again? You’ve lost a tooth! 🤔 (Answer below!)
Find out what's happening in Tucsonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Sunday: Very warm, with a high of 82 and low of 58 degrees.
- Monday: Sunny and pleasantly warm, temps: high: 78, low: 49.
- Tuesday: Plenty of sunshine, with a high of 76 and low of 51 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Copper Creek parents organize against possible school closure (kvoa.com) — Families in the Amphitheater district are mobilizing as Copper Creek Elementary in Oro Valley faces a possible closure that could be decided in January 2026. Parents have gathered over 1,000 petition signatures and are pressing district leaders, while News 4 Tucson tracks whether legal notice and timelines are being followed. 
2. Efforts to help small businesses in Tucson (kold.com) — Downtown Tucson and Fourth Avenue have seen several business closures this year, as tourism declines, construction, and economic pressures squeeze both owners and customers. Local leaders say resources like the Tucson Small Business Center and Visit Tucson promotions can help, but stress that long-term survival depends on residents continuing to support unique neighborhood spots like Barrio Viejo.
3. Pima County considers helping South Tucson amid budget shortfalls (kold.com) — Pima County supervisors are weighing a $1.2 million, four-year agreement to support South Tucson’s struggling fire and EMS services, which currently operate with just one full-time firefighter. City leaders are exploring restructuring options, including outside help, to preserve the department’s identity while ensuring reliable emergency response for residents and nearby Tucson neighborhoods.
4. Tucson's Winterhaven Festival of Lights returns for its 76th year (kvoa.com) — Winterhaven’s beloved Festival of Lights is lighting up Tucson nightly from Dec. 13–27, turning the central neighborhood into a walk-focused holiday destination. Residents can stroll past more than 200 decorated homes, enjoy specialty mobility options, and support the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona. The event is free, with expanded restrooms, security, and parking adjustments in place.
5. Man dies in crash on I-19, Tucson Police investigating possible mechanical failure (kvoa.com) — Tucson Police are investigating whether a mechanical failure caused a deadly crash Friday night at I-19 Frontage Road and West Irvington Road, where 58-year-old Heriberto Gonzalez died at the scene. Detectives say his 1953 Chevrolet Coupe ran a red light, sideswiped one vehicle and hit another, though no other injuries were reported.
📸 Around Tucson
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🗓 Upcoming Events in Tucson
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
- Eyes Set To Kill
The Rock, 136 N Park Ave, Tucson
7:00 pm
Sunday December 14
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- Holiday Card Making Workshop
Tucson Presidio Museum, 196 N Court Ave, Tucson, AZ 85701
10:00 am - Project Management Skills for Success Course
Project Management Training at Key Consulting Inc. , 310 S Williams Blvd , Tucson
8:00 am - Homework Help
Valencia Branch Library , 202 West Valencia Road , Tucson
4:00 pm - Toddler Storytime
Flowing Wells , 1730 W. Wetmore Rd. , Tucson
10:15 am - Preschool Storytime
Flowing Wells , 1730 W. Wetmore Rd. , Tucson
11:15 am - Job/Tech Help | Ayuda Laboral/Tecnología
Valencia Branch Library , 202 West Valencia Road , Tucson
1:00 pm - Holiday Paper Crafts
Flowing Wells , 1730 W. Wetmore Rd. , Tucson
1:30 pm - Read to a Dog
Flowing Wells , 1730 W. Wetmore Rd. , Tucson
2:30 pm - Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings
Grace St. Paul's Episcopal Church , 2331 E Adams St , Tucson
8:45 pm - Tucson Terror & Oddities Krampus Holiday Market
The Coalition Space , 311 E 7th St , Tucson
10:00 am - Arizona National Livestock Show
Arizona State Fair , 1826 W McDowell Rd , Phoenix
8:00 am
Sunday December 14
Monday December 15
Tuesday December 16
Friday December 19
Saturday December 20
Saturday December 27
📣 Tucson Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Tucson PatchAM possible:
- Sunrise Roofers LLC — (520) 668-6638
Roofing Contractor in Tucson, Arizona. - Junk King Tucson — (520) 549-5865
The Greenest, Cleanest Junk Removal in the Desert!
Click here to show your appreciation! 💚
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- 2 years ago today I adopted my grandson I can’t fathom life without him.
My heart has been filled with so much just watching him grow and work so hard at being so smart about everything he can. We are starting work on… (Nextdoor Miracle Manor) - This poor thing walked into my yard this morning.
He has multiple injuries. If anyone wants to claim him, you better come prepared to explain these injuries. I’m reporting this the authorities. … (Nextdoor Rancho Valencia)
- At Home Decor Superstore posted a job opening for Team Member in Tucson. Apply here.
- National Church Residences Senior Living Communities posted a job opening for Service Coordinator I in Tucson. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Tucson here.
Ok Tucson! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I didn’t lose a tooth, Mom. It’s right here in my pocket.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!
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