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Karin’s Ward 3 News and Updates
Friday, April 2, 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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Dear Tucsonans,
Mayor and Council will be addressing a number of priority items at next Tuesday’s Study and Regular sessions. Included will be a review of the framework for the Community Safety Program, a presentation on the City employee compensation market study, and budget presentations from the City Clerk’s office and the Information Technology and Police departments.
You can view all materials at this link.
I continue to think often of former Councilmember Paul Durham and his husband, Philippe Waterinckx. I’m contributing my first couple of months of City Council take-home pay in their honor to the LGBTQ+ Alliance Fund of the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona (AllianceFund.org) I hope you’ll consider joining me in growing this $3000 pledge to raise at least $5000 by contributing to the Alliance Fund as well (AllianceFund.org). If you note that your gift—however big or small—is in honor of Paul and Philippe, our gifts will be combined to issue a broader match/challenge in the Alliance Fund’s upcoming Spring appeal. Since 1999, the Alliance Fund has invested in key organizations and programs addressing the needs and inequities experiences by LBGTQ+ people of all ages, origins and backgrounds across southern Arizona. To date, nearly $1 million in grants have been awarded to 70+ local organizations by the Alliance Fund, and your support is one way to thank Paul and Phillipe for their many contributions to Tucson and southern Arizona. Thanks for considering my request! Donate at AllianceFund.org.
The Ward 3 staff have much, much more to share in this newsletter including updates on emergency rental assistance, COVID-19 vaccinations and reopening of City recreation centers. And we also have a feature on a valuable member of the team at the Donna R. Liggins Center. Thanks to the Ward 3 team, and to you for continuing to make Tucson the very best our community can be, and have a happy Easter.
Sincerely,
Karin
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Kimiro “KD” DeBose
When Kimiro DeBose arrived at the Donna R. Liggins Center as the program coordinator, he was especially excited about creating new activities for the senior residents from nearby neighborhoods of Sugar Hill and El Cortez Heights. He knew first-hand the value and joy that residents gain from participating in rec center programs.
“I grew up with parks and recreation,” said Kimiro who grew up in the A Mountain neighborhood.
Then the pandemic struck. His ideas went dark when the lights turned off. His plans were shut down when the Liggins Center closed its doors. Kimiro, who goes by KD, had only been at the center for three weeks when the lockdown arrived.
More than a year later the lights will soon be turned on and the doors unlocked as the City’s Parks and Recreation Department reopens several regional rec centers to allow seniors to re-engage in social activities.
KD is stoked.
“I’m excited for our seniors,” he said Thursday morning. The center was quiet. KD was at his desk mapping out his renewed plans for senior activities which begin Tuesday, April 6. “The seniors are excited to come back.”
The Liggins Center will be open Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, from 9:30 am to 1 pm. KD is planning to offer board games, bingo, arts and crafts and more on various days. But each morning, to start the day, KD will have the visitors engage in exercises, soft movements for everyone.
While vaccinations will not be a requirement to enter the building and to participate in the activities, KD said social distancing and masks will be. In addition, seniors will be permitted to bring bottled water and a sack lunch. No food or drinks will be distributed to the seniors during the sessions. KD said it is critical to continue practicing safety protocols.
Kimiro DeBose holds a bag of milk, fruit and fruit juice, while delivering food to Patrick Sandler.
While the center was closed, KD kept busy. A big part of his job was and continues to be delivering meals to senior residents two days a week. At the beginning of this year, he estimated that he delivered some 1,200 meals. “It’s over 1,500 by now,” KD said.
The past year has been difficult, overwhelming at times. It was made more difficult, KD said, when one of the seniors who regularly visited the center died of COVID-19 during the pandemic.
He intends to welcome returning regular seniors and any newcomers to a renewed season of activities. For KD he’s derives a special exuberance of “giving them the attention they don’t get.” The seniors at the Donna Liggins Center are special, he added.
“I just love their attitudes.”
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Parks and Rec Reopening
The City of Tucson Parks and Recreation began a phased reopening plan at recreation centers for senior activities on Tuesday, March 30. Seniors will not need to be vaccinated, however, masks, wellness checks, and physical distancing are still required.
Senior centers and program locations will open for activities 3 days per week, at 50% capacity, to participants over the age of 50. The flagship center in Ward 3, Donna Liggins, will open next week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Coming up in the week of April 19th, extended season pools and splash pads will be open. Extended season pools will open with limited capacity for adult lap swimming only, one lap swimmer per lane. Masks are required at the facility when not in the water. Splash pads are open daily from 8 a.m. - sunset. Ward 3’s current splash pad is the Naida Jane Baker Splash Pad at Balboa Park 2536 N. Castro Ave.
The City has begun accepting reservations for sports fields and small and medium sized ramadas, however amusement equipment (e.g. jumping castles) will not be allowed with ramada reservations and all ramada reservations are restricted to a maximum of 10 attendees per ramada. Large ramadas will continue to remain closed. Sports field reservations must follow all Pima County Guidelines. Park restrooms, horseshoe pits, and outdoor sports courts, including tennis, racquetball, handball, bocce, badminton, and sand volleyball are open.
For more information on the Pima County Guidelines for using facilities go to the Back to Business webpage under “Operating Guidance for Businesses and Events During the Pandemic.”
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Reid Park Zoo survey
On March 9, the Mayor and Council voted to pause the Reid Park Zoo expansion plan for 45 days so the community could provide additional input. A detailed description of the engagement process and timeline is viewable on the website in both English and Spanish.
A survey is now open for the community to see and learn about eight concepts regarding the Zoo expansion and possible changes to Gene C. Reid Park, weigh in on each concept, and offer any other ideas not covered by those presented. The concepts are based on input from the Core Stakeholder Group, the Reid Park Zoo Master Plan for expansion, and City of Tucson staff.
The survey can be taken online in both English and Spanish. The survey will close at 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, April 13.
“In the short term there will be additional construction related work. As more dealers move their businesses here they will need staff to watch the store. The service industries will see additional business as people start to come multiple times a year to shop. Other businesses that provide support related services (printers, shipping supplies, website design and maintenance) will now have year round sales.”
The Mineral City show will be staged from April 8-18. Many dealers will be open early. Check with individual dealers for their schedule. Throughout the official show dates all dealers will be open from 10 am to 6 pm.
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Emergency Rental Assistance Update
The City of Tucson and Pima County's fiscal agent for emergency rental assistance, Community Investment Corporation (CIC), and other partner service agencies are ramping up the Tucson-Pima County Emergency Rental Assistance Program. Commonly referred to as ERAP, the City and County program is already serving many families. Assigning cases to case workers was the big priority this week, with 400+ cases out in the first week. The goal is to have each caseworker managing 15 cases at any given time and the plan is to have 50 case workers trained resulting with an average of 750 cases being processed.
In addition, the benchmark is to have 200-400 applications processed for payment each week once all staff and agencies are fully staffed and trained. CIC has reached out to all applicants and have asked to complete the Tenant Eligibility form. Without this the application cannot be referred to a caseworker. Other important notes to share is that landlords can apply on behalf of the tenants.
For more information about eligibility requirements and to apply, visit Tucson/Pima County Eviction Prevention Program. We will continue to provide updates and information in this newsletter.
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Help Plan Amenities at Columbus Park
The Ward 3 office is partnering with Parks and Recreation to engage neighbors and users of the Columbus Regional Park to learn what the community priorities are for the park. The City of Tucson is set to make significant investments in the park as part of the 407 voter-backed bond. We want to know what facilities and amenities are important to you so we can further improve the park.
 In addition to surveys being conducted at the park, an on-line survey is available as well as two virtual community town halls in both Spanish and English.
Please do save the date for Thursday, April 8, 5:30 PM (English) and Thursday, April 8, 6:30 PM (Spanish).
Find information on how to complete the survey and access links to the town halls here. Please join us.
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COVID update
COVID-19 vaccinations continue their steady upward climb. The UA, a state Point of Distribution site, was expected to exceed 100,000 vaccinations this week. The UA, citing state results, said that nearly 30% of Pima County residents have received at least one dose, which includes nearly 77% of residents over the age of 65. And within the 55-64 age group, the vaccination rate is approaching 50%.
In addition to the UA’s vaccination efforts, the Pima County Health Department reports that more than 447,658 doses have been administered. Pima County Health Department announced today that they are opening appointments to everyone over 16 years old.
To get your COVID-19 vaccination at a Pima County site, check the eligibility list and register. Help is also available in English and Spanish by calling (520) 222-0119 for those who are unable to make an online appointment. The state-run University of Arizona site serves those 16 years old and up. To register for that site, follow the state/UA link or call (844) 542-8201.
The UA POD needs additional volunteers. Non-medical volunteers may sign up online at UA Vaccination POD Volunteer Registration Form. In keeping with the State POD practice, volunteers are vaccinated after one shift. Medical volunteers are in great need as well and can register here at AZ-ESAR-VHP (azdhs.gov).
The number of vaccinated residents is expected to pick up after FEMA, the federal emergency agency, opens two vaccination sites with help from Pima County. Initially Gov. Doug Ducey opposed allowing FEMA to establish the sites, which would target marginalized, underserved neighborhoods. But he reversed himself after intense criticism. The two sites are expected to be at the Kino Event Center and El Pueblo Neighborhood Center.
The governor also has been criticized for his executive order barring local governments from making masks mandatory and continuing other COVID-safe regulations. Despite his order, both the City of Tucson and Pima County will continue to require people over the age of 5 to wear masks. The City and the County said their authority to preserve public health cannot be overridden by the governor. Local health officials continue to emphasize that wearing masks, maintaining social distancing and washing hands have proven to be effective countermeasures to the further spread of the virus and strains, including one variant detected last week on the UA campus.
Stay safe. Stay healthy.
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President Snow
Just in time for Easter! President Snow is an albino rabbit who will make a great addition to your family this Spring. He is full grown and as soft as silk. When you go searching for eggs on Easter morning it may just be President Snow who hid them!
You can find President Snow and many other animals up for adoption at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona. If you would like to meet President Snow you will find him at the shelter at 635 W Roger Rd.
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Ward 3 Neighborhood Association/Coalition Meetings |
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Sugar Hill
Wednesday
April 7
6-7:30
Zoom
Limberlost
Saturday
April 10
10-11:30 am
Limberlost Family Park
(Limberlost and N. 4th Ave.).
Please wear a mask and bring a chair. Social distancing will be adhered to.
Alvernon Grant Initiative
Tuesday
April 13
6 pm
ZOOM Meeting
If you would like to attend the AGI meeting, send an email to paloverdena@gmail.com by Tuesday, April 13 at 12 pm.
You will be sent the link to the meeting and the agenda.
For more information and for links to upcoming meetings please contact the Ward 3 office at ward3@tucsonaz.gov.
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Drive-Thru Easter Giveaway
Saturday
April 3
11 am-1 pm
Salvation Army Amphi Corp Community Center
218 E Prince Rd
 Come out to the Salvation Army Community Center with the kiddos aged 1-10 years old for a goody bag giveaway. First come first served.
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Resilient Recovery Town Hall
Thursday
April 8
5:30 pm
Register here
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 is organized into four unique town halls. The town hall this weekend is about Community Safety
This new and innovative approach to receiving community input for the City's annual budget includes moderated discussions on each of the four topics to enable community members to provide direct feedback to City leadership. Stay tuned and visit the website link below for more information.
Budget town halls information and schedule
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City Council Meeting
Tuesday, April 6, 2021
Click here and go to "Mayor & Council Meeting Live" to watch
(To watch past meetings, visit the City of Tucson YouTube page. This is also where future meetings will be live streamed).
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SheTech Explorer Day
The City of Tucson Office of Economic Initiatives announces open registration for Arizona’s second SheTech Explorer Day, to be held in a virtual format on April 22, from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The one-day event provides high school girls the opportunity to engage with science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) through hands-on activities alongside industry mentors and encourages them to consider STEM careers. SheTech Explorer Day is expected to draw approximately 150 girls from high schools throughout the region and will connect them with STEM professionals and higher education partners, including Pima JTED, UArizona, Paragon, FreeFall Aerospace, Microsoft TEALS, Edmund Optics, NP Photonics, Darling Geomatics, IBM, and others. The girls will attend workshops hosted by industry
professionals from these organizations and others who will help students gain the skills and confidence needed to pursue STEM careers. Students, parents, or schools interested in getting involved with SheTech Explorer Day Arizona should follow the SheTech AZ link below.
SheTech AZ Read the news release Office of Economic Initiatives (ConnectTucson)
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Downtown Haiku Hike
The second annual Haiku Hike, presented by the Downtown Tucson Partnership (DTP) and the University of Arizona Poetry Center, showcases the literary competition of 20 winning haiku poems printed on acrylic signage in planters located along Congress Street and Stone Avenue in Downtown Tucson. These signs provide visual and cultural interest throughout the spring season, now through June 1. The competition received 712 total haiku entries, representing 14 different states and eight countries. Tucson's poet laureate, TC Tolbert, selected the 20 winning haiku poems that best represent this year's Haiku Hike theme, Living in the Present Moment.
Follow the QR code for a map of the haikus, or follow the links below to find out more.
Learn more about the Haiku Hike Downtown Tucson Partnership University of Arizona Poetry Center
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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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Project Creosote: Rebuilding Grant for Those Organizing in the Arts
 The 2021 Project Creosote: Rebuilding Grant for those Organizing in the Arts is a relief effort to support arts organizations that demonstrate a commitment to enriching the community through Arts and Culture. The Arts Foundation (AFTSA) will distribute up to $10,000 to organizations operating within Southern Arizona and the Native Sovereign Nations of Ak-Chin Indian Community, Sovereign Nation of the Cocopahs, Quechan Tribe of the Fort Yuma Indian Reservation, Gila River Indian Community, Pascua Yaqui Tribe, Tohono O’Odham Nation, and San Carlos Apache Nation. Southern Arizona encompasses all communities between the Gila River and the US-Mexico International Border. Collectives and cooperatives are encouraged to apply with 501(c)3 Fiscal Sponsors.
Apply here
Schedule a consultation
  2021 Proyecto Gobernadora: Subvención de reconstrucción para organizaciones en las artes es un esfuerzo de ayuda para apoyar a las organizaciones artísticas y centro culturales que demuestran su compromiso de enriquecer la comunidad a través del arte y la cultura. Arts Foundation (AFTSA) distribuirá hasta $10,000 a organizaciones que operan en el sur de Arizona y las Naciones Soberanas Nativas de la Comunidad India Ak-Chin, la Nación Soberana de los Cocopahs, la Tribu Quechan de la Reserva India Fort Yuma, la Comunidad India del Río Gila, Pascua Yaqui Tribu, Nación Tohono O'Odham, Nación Apache San Carlos. El sur de Arizona abarca todas las comunidades entre el río Gila y la frontera internacional México-Estados Unidos. Los colectivos y cooperativas pueden solicitar si tienen un patrocinador fiscal con 501(c)3.
Aplique aquí!
Programe una consulta
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Public Safety Career Fair Next Week
Are you interested in a career in public safety? The Tucson Police, Tucson Fire, and Public Safety Communications departments are hosting a joint Public Safety Career Fair on Tuesday, April 6, from 4-7 p.m., at the Westside Police Service Center, 1310 W. Miracle Mile. This event will be held outdoors as a COVID-19 safety precaution. Representatives from all the public safety agencies will be on hand to answer questions related to careers, the application process, and the hiring timeline.
Tucson Police Department Tucson Fire Department Public Safety Communications Department
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