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Karin’s Ward 3 News and Updates
Friday, March 12, 2021
News and Updates
Pet of the Week
Ward 3 Neighborhood Association/Coalition Meetings
Ward 3 Events
City Wide Events
Did You Know?
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Hello Ward 3 and Tucson,
The Mayor and Council meeting on Tuesday included a step toward resolving the conflict between the envisioned zoo expansion and residents concerned about the loss of Barnum Hill in Reid Park. The City Manager and our Parks Department will work with the zoo staff, area residents, and other stakeholders to identify options for expanding the Zoo while continuing to provide for the general public's full use and enjoyment of the park. In 45 days we will learn more about the options and hope to chart the path forward.
I am working with City Manager Ortega, Mayor Romero and Chief Magnus to ensure that as we expand our community safety pilot program that every call receives the right response by the right division. I look forward to sharing more with you as we expand the pilot.
Additionally, at our upcoming meetings we will learn more about the resources that will come to our community through the federal American Rescue Plan. I'll share more on that and our budget deliberations in future newsletters, but you can find a broad overview below.
The Ward 3 staff have once again filled this newsletter. We have continuing positive news about COVID-19 vaccinations provided by the County Health Department, and its partners the City of Tucson and the University of Arizona. There is information about the City’s low-cost WiFi expansion and welcome news about the return of Eggstravaganza to Mansfield Park.
Thank you for your ongoing efforts to help your neighbors and build an even better Tucson.
Karin
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Connecting Tucson House
This past week we reached an unwelcomed 1-year anniversary. A year ago Tucson and the rest of the country began to shut down as COVID-19 had become a full-blown public health threat and exposed multiple fault lines. The shutdown exposed and widened economic and health discrepancies. One of the biggest discrepancies was the digital divide, the lack of internet service and devices for low-income families and individuals. As we turned to our computers to function and survive, many Tucsonans were left blank.
Today some of that divide is closing for some city residents. Hundreds of school children have received computer tablets for their online classes. The City is providing low-cost internet services in some of the City’s underserved neighborhoods and at the Tucson House, the city’s largest public housing facility, some residents have received tablets and/or routers to allow them to connect.
“The goal is to get at as many people who need them, to get them,” said Alison Miller, a planner with the City’s Department of Housing and Community Development. She works closely with Tucson House residents. The internet project at the Tucson House is a pilot program, part of the national Connect Home USA initiative to narrow the computer gap for residents of Tucson’s public housing program.
At the Tucson House, this is just the beginning, Alison said.
Some residents, who already have computers or tablets, received a router to improve their WiFi reception. Others received a router and a tablet so they can navigate the internet. Some residents are comfortable using a computers, while for others this is their first time on the web, Alison said.
“Most people need help to get up and running,” she said.
The Tucson House is not completely set up for internet service. The library has WiFi but it’s signal is limited. Other common areas and individual apartments do not have good internet service. To improve internet reception, the City’s IT Department is working on improving connectivity.
Alison said the waitlist is growing for routers and tablets and that HCD’s public housing division is doing as much as possible to get more people connected.
At the city-wide level, the City’s Housing Department is looking to connect with partners, residents, and private and nonprofit organizations to increase the availability and access to affordable home internet, devices and digital training for the city’s HUD-assisted residents.
A community conversation is scheduled for March 25 from 9-11 am. Register here for the Zoom session.
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Eggstravaganza 2021
A year ago the pandemic lock down forced the cancellation of Eggstravaganza, the annual city-wide egg hunt and spring celebration at Ward 3’s Mansfield Park. But it’s back! Thanks to the City’s Parks and Recreation Department the family-oriented festivity will return—with a twist, of course, since the pandemic remains with us and safe protocols remain in place.
The main event will be held Saturday, March 27, from 10 am to 2 pm at Mansfield Park where there will be activities and bags of goodies to be given away. But the change this year is what happens before the main event at Mansfield. Beginning next Friday, March 19, until Thursday, March 25, children can hunt for “eggs” at various parks throughout the city. Staff from the Parks and Recreation Department will scatter eggs which will have a QR bar code printed on them. When the eggs are found, the code can be easily scanned with a smart phone and you will be registered for give-away prizes at the March 27 event at Mansfield Park. The event will be a drive-through and everyone is encouraged to wear masks.
City staff will hide the eggs in the following parks:
Ward 3 – Jacobs, La Madera, Francisco Elias Esquer, Conner and Mitchell
Ward 1 – Mission Manor, Joaquin Murrieta, Ormsby, David G. Herrera and Ramon Quiroz (Oury), Menlo and Sarah Ann Miller
Ward 2 – Morris K. Udall, Jesse Owens, Palo Verde, Fort Lowell, Harold Bell Wright and Clair Weeks Terra Del Sol
Ward 4 – Purple Heart, Freedom, Vista Del Prado, Chuck Ford Lakeside, Lincoln (upper Lincoln) and Rolling Hills
Ward 5 – Rudy Garcia, Bravo, Santa Rosa, Bristol, La Mariposa, and Silverlake
Ward 6 – Catalina, Gene Reid, Iron Horse, Hoffman, Himmel, Tahoe, Alvernon, Harriet Johnson, Loma Verde, Wilshire Heights and Pinecrest
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Closing the Digital Divide
The City of Tucson is providing wireless access to members of the community to support remote learning, telework, and access to virtual services. This Community Wireless Program is paid for through funds received from the Federal CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Fund.
Amphi Governing Board Member and Ward 3 Council Aide Matt Kopec helps distribute routers at Keeling Elementary School
Internet services will be available until December 31, 2021 to those who qualify and are selected through an application process.
The City of Tucson has deployed almost 680 routers to recipients who live in the community coverage areas. Deployment of routers started the week of February 15th and is ongoing through the month of March. The City has partnered with area school districts to manage the distribution.
The program continues to accept applications and work is being done to prepare for the next round of distribution. If you or someone you know could benefit please submit your application on this website.
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Green Stormwater Infrastructure
On May 1, 2020, a new Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) fee was included on utility services statements for residents and businesses within the City of Tucson. Including within that program is the GSI Mini-Grant Program.
The GSI Mini-Grant Program, developed by the City of Tucson Water Department and administered by Tucson Clean and Beautiful, provides neighbors and community groups in the City of Tucson the ability to install stormwater harvesting features in their neighborhoods. GSI Mini-Grants are available within each Tucson Council Ward. The maximum grant award for each Ward is $45,000. Multiple smaller grants may be awarded up to $45,000.
The overall objective of the program is to build climate-resilient communities using neighborhood-based, participatory green infrastructure projects to increase public open space, improve public and environmental health and quality of life.
Ward 3 is hosting an information session on the program on Thursday, March 18th at 5:30pm. You can register for that Zoom meeting here.
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Meet Me in the Park
Tucson Parks and Recreation is piloting free outdoor classes at parks throughout Tucson. This new program, called Meet Me at the Park, is available to the first 10 participants to show up at the class and is designed to help the community get active and explore our parks. Check out what's happening in our area.
Adult Arts n' Crafts Sampler 17+
Sampler class including an array of short one-time projects.
Mansfield Park, 2000 N. 4th Ave (near Donna Liggins Center)
March 17-April 21
Wednesdays 2:30-3:30 pm
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COVID Updates
COVID Relief and Recovery
As shared earlier, this week we observed a BIG step forward to get the pandemic under control and support economic recovery.
Specifically, communities across the country will see additional federal support for COVID testing ($46 billion) and vaccinations ($8.5 billion). This support will be critical to maintain free, accessible testing and vaccinations for all Tucsonans.
Other critical investments include:
- $30 billion for transit
- $22 billion for rental assistance
- $5 billion for utility assistance: $4.5 billion LIHEAP + $500 million water & wastewater
- $10 billion Emergency Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers + Services
- Unemployment Insurance: $300/week through Sept. 6
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Extension: 15% monthly benefit increase through Sept. 30
- $24 billion to child care providers; $15 billion for child care grants
- Child Tax Credit: $3000/year & $3600/year for children under 6 years-old
- $129 billion for K-12 + $40 billion for Colleges and Universities
- $110 million for FEMA Emergency Food & Shelter Program for border communities
- $7.6 billion for broadband emergency connectivity
- $7 billion additional for PPP business loans (total $814 billion authorized)
- $28.6 billion for Restaurant Revitalization Fund
- $15 billion Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL)
- $1.25 billion additional for Shuttered Venue Operators (SVO)
These dollars will be distributed across the country at a time when they are severely needed. Tucson is likely to receive approximately $139.6 million.
The additional dollars for rental and utility assistance is coming at a critical moment. The CDC moratorium is set to expire on March 31. The City of Tucson is investing $19.1 million toward eviction prevention this month and has over 3500 households already on the wait list for those dollars. The additional infusion of federal funds to combat evictions will keep vulnerable Tucsonans in their homes in the months ahead.
COVID Vaccination
Earlier this week, Pima County Health Department began scheduling vaccination appointments for high risk frontline workers and those age 55 and older. People are considered high risk front line essential workers if they work in-person, onsite AND in close proximity to the public - within 6 feet of other people such as the public or co-workers AND work in one of the following industries:
- Food and Agriculture
- Manufacturing
- Grocery/Convenience Stores (and Carnicerias)
- Restaurants/Bars
- S. Postal Service
- Public transit (buses, light rail, Uber, Lyft, taxis)
- State and local government workers
To register or to learn more visit Pima County Health Department.
COVID Testing
The City of Tucson in partnership with Pima County Health Department has provided over 76,000 free COVID tests at the Udall Recreation Center during the pandemic. Today (3/12) will be the final day that tests will be offered at this location. Residents who work or live on the eastside will instead be able to access testing at 6009 E Grant Rd.
Testing continues at the El Pueblo Center and numerous other locations sponsored by Pima County Health Department and ASU. For more information and to register for a test visit Pima County Health Department.
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Vaccinating the ‘05
On Thursday, the Pima County Health Department, along with Thrive in the 05 volunteers, administered 500 COVID-19 vaccines to Tucson House residents and neighbors.
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The pop-up event was a success and was part of the county’s efforts to establish vaccine pop-up events in neighborhoods with low vaccination and high infection rates. Last week the Health Department was at Flowing Wells High School to vaccinate residents in the ‘05 zip code neighborhoods. |
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Captain Peacock
Captain Peacock considers himself to be somewhat of a "ladies' man.” And IYKYK, this gentleman is a bit stuffy and considers his position to be above that of his assistants (Hint: That’s you). He enjoys being pampered and his antics will bring lots of joy and hilarity to your home.
For more information about Captain Peacock, visit the Pima Animal Care Center - Tucson website.
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Ward 3 Neighborhood Association/Coalition Meetings |
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Mountain/1st
Saturday
March 13
10 am-12 pm
Mitchell Park
1100 E Mitchell St
Vista del Monte
Tuesday
March 16
6:30 pm-7:30 pm
Join Zoom Meeting
Jefferson Park Safety Meeting
Tuesday
March 23
6 pm
Zoom
Jefferson Park Neighborhood Association Meeting
Wednesday
March 24
6 pm
Zoom
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"Meet Me at the Park” and Get Some Exercise
Tucson Parks and Recreation is piloting free, outdoor classes at parks throughout Tucson. This new program, called "Meet Me at the Park," is available to the first 10 participants to show up at the class and is designed to help the community get active and explore our parks. Classes will be offered one day a week over six weeks, beginning Monday, March 15. See a list of classes, locations, and times at the website linked below or on Tucson Parks and Recreation's Facebook page.
"Meet Me at the Park" website
Tucson Parks and Recreation Facebook page
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Vita at Ward 3 Council Office
Did you know that if you made $66,000 or less last year, you do not have to pay to file your taxes? Starting on February 1st, United Way of Tucson's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program can help you file for free. Mindful of the COVID-19 pandemic, United Way is teaming up with www.GetYourRefund.org to provide free, online, one-on-one tax assistance from real, live IRS-certified tax preparers. VITA tax preparation saves taxpayers an average of $250 per return. The program helps taxpayers access all tax credits for which they are eligible – including the Child Tax Credit (CTC) and the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).
There are three ways you can get your taxes done for free:
-GetYourRefund.org – taxpayers can connect with VITA volunteers online
-In-Person Assistance – limited in-person assistance is available at select sites
-DIY Self-Prep Software – online services for those who feel confident in filing on their own Click here for more information.
If you do not have access to the internet you can call 520-837-4231 to talk to VITA volunteers by phone. Be sure to leave your name and a good contact number so that they can reach out to assist you.
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Join the trash cleanup and buffelgrass pulling event for Sunday, March 7th. Focus will be on the area around the Santa Cruz River Heritage Project's outfall, working to make space for native plants that will be seeded later in the month.
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Budget Town Halls Begin
Tucson Mayor Regina Romero and City Manager Michael Ortega invite the public to a series of town halls that the City of Tucson will be hosting to provide a platform for community members to voice their priorities for the next fiscal year budget, which begins on July 1. The series will be organized into four unique town halls that will have focused discussions on Infrastructure and Mobility, Climate Action and Adaptation, Community Safety, and a Resilient Recovery. This new and innovative approach to receiving community input for the City's annual budget will include moderated discussions on each of the four topics to enable community members to provide direct feedback to City leadership. Stay tuned to NewsNet for future town hall dates and visit the website link below for more information.
Budget town halls information and schedule
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Sustainable Housing in Tucson: Past, Present, and Future
Tuesday
March 9
6-8 pm
Join virtually. The Zoom link is at here.
At the March Sustainable Tucson monthly meeting, Tucson architect Bob Vint and local sustainable building advocate David Eisenberg will explore some of the local traditional designs, materials, and building systems, as well as current and future challenges and opportunities for our buildings here in the age of climate change. This will include a look at the form and performance of historic building approaches in the Southwest, problems with our existing housing stock, and some technical insights about building performance, material choices, climate impacts, and rehabilitation strategies.
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March 15 Deadline for Taking Action in Delinquent Utility Service Accounts Approaching
Efforts to reach out to impacted customers have focused on making sure they contact Tucson Water to make some sort of payment arrangements. Affected customers who have responded to our outreach efforts typically receive some financial assistance, and are required to enroll in a payment plan, allowing for the amount due to be paid over 12 months.
Customers who contact Tucson Water and make payment arrangements prior to March 15 will not have water service disconnected, and they also will not have additional fees and penalties assessed once they establish a payment plan and maintain their account in good standing.
Tucson Water is urging customers with delinquent accounts to take the following actions:
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Virtual Parenting Workshop Series
Pima Prevention Partnership will present a *Virtual* Parenting Workshop Series in collaboration with a Grant from the Governor’s Office. Guiding Good Choices is an amazing curriculum that helps parents communicate effectively and establish healthy boundaries with their children. The class is aimed at parents that have at least one child of middle school age (about 10-14 years old). Pima Prevention Partnership will facilitate the 5-part series virtually and registration is open to all in Pima County. Please reach out with questions to Heather Scott, hscott@thepartnership.us or to register at tinyurl.com/goodchoices21.
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Eviction Prevention and Utility Assistance
This program provides support for residents struggling to pay rent or utilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Visit tucsonpimaep.com or call (831) 292-4302 today.
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