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Karin’s Ward 3 News and Updates
Friday, April 16, 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,
The Arizona Supreme Court this week affirmed Tucson’s charter authority over local elections. That means the City can continue holding Mayor and Council elections in odd-number years including 2021. Because of the City’s legal victory, my service in the Ward 3 office will end with your election of a new Ward 3 Council Member this year. The primary election will be held on August 3 and the general election on November 2.
You can learn more about the candidates who have qualified for the ballot in Wards 3 (as well as Ward 6) at this link to the City Clerk’s office which lists individual candidates’ websites. Councilmember Richard Fimbres, who represents Ward 5, is unopposed in seeking re-election.
The agendas and materials to our upcoming April 20 study session and meeting can be viewed here.
In this week’s newsletter we bring you information about tree equity and a profile on the City’s new Urban Forestry Program Manager who will guide us on the Mayor’s Million Trees initiative. We provide you with a link to a survey on your ideas and suggestions for improvements to Columbus Park. And we invite you to come to Amphi Park on April 26 where I will host a Ward 3 “meet and greet” session for constituents. We’ll have activities for the kids, Sonoran dogs and representatives from some City departments will also be there to answer your questions.
Thanks as always for weighing in as we address so many key economic, environmental, equity and fiscal decisions facing our community.
Sincerely,
Karin
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Tree Equity
This week the team at Tucson Water unveiled their Tree Equity Map. What’s a tree equity map you ask? It is an amazing new tool the City of Tucson and our partners can use to ensure that we are planting trees in areas that are most vulnerable to heat island effect. These areas are also, almost always, low-income neighborhoods where many residents may rent have little ability to plant trees at their homes.
You can see how your neighborhood and Ward 3 as a whole stacks up here and dig into the index. Here’s a quick snapshot.
The tree equity score methodology comes from American Forests. It combines existing tree canopy, climate as well as demographic and socioeconomic data to help us identify more climate-vulnerable parts of the city. The areas in darker orange, where climate-vulnerability is the highest, will be areas where the City of Tucson will seek to invest much of its Green Stormwater Infrastructure monies.
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One Million Trees
When Mayor Romero took office and announced her Million Tree initiative, more than a few residents asked: “How many trees?”
Sure the number sounds high but step back, take a breath and look at the one million trees in another way, suggested Nicole Gillett.
“That’s just two trees per person,” said Nicole. It’s a good goal, one that is reachable and a goal worth achieving, she added.
Meet Nicole Gillett, the City’s Urban Forestry Program Manager/Million Trees Tucson. She became the first person to hold the position when she joined the City last year—the day after the election of President Biden.
While the task is daunting, Nicole isn’t fazed about the work she signed up for. She welcomes the challenge. She believes in the Million Trees project and is passionate about the benefits that will come.
More trees means cleaner air. More trees means more shade and less urban heat, a huge environmental issue for parts of Ward 3. More trees means a more livable city. Climate change is not a lie.
“We’re planting trees to meet the needs of the City and enhance the environment,” said Nicole who is a Ward 3 resident. “It’s an essential service for the City.”
In the effort to get more residents to plant trees, Nicole said it will not be forced on residents and it will not be done willy-nilly. Trees need to be planted where they are wanted and needed, and where they will be cared for properly so that they can flourish, she added.
“It will be community centered. We’ll work with everyone,” she said.
Nicole’s job, in addition to encouraging residents to plant trees, is to coordinate tree planting and sustainable water practices among City Departments, primarily Parks and Recreation, Tucson Water, Environmental Services and the Ward offices.
To promote the Million Trees project, and to encourage Ward 3 residents and all Tucsonans to plant trees, the City will host an Earth Day celebration at the Donna Liggins Center in Mansfield Park, 9 am-1 pm, Saturday, April 24. Residents from surrounding neighborhoods can join crews from the City of Tucson's Team Up to Clean Up and Trees for Tucson starting at 9 am. You can buy a compost bin, trees, rain barrels and other items.
To get a compost bin order it here. Here is the link to pre-order your rain barrel and trees from Tucson Clean & Beautiful. The deadline to order is April 18 and pick up is on Earth Day at Mansfield.
Nicole joined the City Manager’s office after working for four years at the Nature Conservancy where she worked on conservation advocacy. The Washington state native lived in a couple of states before coming to Arizona, as she said, “chasing the sun.”
“I was always out and about,” she said about her youth in Washington, “and I had a great appreciation for the outdoors.” And she practices what she preaches. When she moved into her home, there were only two trees. Since then she has planted 10.
If it seems odd to some that a desert city would have an urban forestry manager, Nicole said it shouldn’t be a question of why but why not? Tucson already has an estimated million trees in the ground, she said. Moreover, other southwestern cities have municipal employees dedicated to managing their green infrastructure and developing creative ways to add more trees. And as climate change creates more challenges for us in Tucson, it’s our collective responsibility to be more creative in designing ways to reduce the threats and damage to protect our environment.
“I’m trying to bring trees to the forefront,” she said. “We’re going to do this project by project.”
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Rental and Utility Assistance
Tucson's Mayor and Council approved spending $27.1 million for the Tucson and Pima County Eviction Prevention/Emergency Rent and Utility Relief Program. Through the coordinated efforts, both tenants and landlords/property managers (acting on behalf of tenants) can now apply for funds. Dual enrollment of tenants and landlords is accepted. Funding requests for unpaid rent and utilities are available for up to 12 months in arrears, and three months in advance. Funding is available, but there currently is a waiting list.
For information, eligibility requirements, and to apply online, visit the Tucson and Pima County Eviction Prevention Program website. Those without internet access can call (831) 292-4308 to apply. Bilingual case managers are available.
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Columbus Park Wants You
If you haven’t completed the survey for Christopher Columbus Park, you have a couple more days to participate in a survey about its future. Columbus Park, on North Silverbell, is scheduled to undergo some key renovations in the next several years and we would like to hear from you, users of the park, neighbors of the park and anyone else interested in improving park amenities in Ward 3.
The survey deadline is Sunday, 11:30 pm. You can see it here, in Spanish and English.
Columbus Park is budgeted for $7,155,966 in bond dollars for renovations and improvements. Multiple renovations are planned including new sports fields and LED lighting, parking, playgrounds, ramadas, restrooms, and a new splash pad. Improvements are planned in phases 1 and 2. The park also has a small lake used by model boat enthusiasts and space for model plane users.
Click the map for expanded view.
When the master plan for the park was developed in 2004, it called for a variety of uses, including an equestrian trail. Some of those amenities have not been built since then because of the lack of money. However, in November 2018, Tucson voters approved Proposition 407, a $225 million bond package for capital improvements in City parks.
If you use the park or you don’t but maybe would use the park, take a few minutes, fill out the survey to let Tucson Parks and Recreation know what you would like to see.
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Mayor Romero’s Water Challenge
Watch Mayor Romero's Water Challenge Video Here
The people of Tucson understand the need to conserve water. We respect and appreciate our beautiful desert, and Tucson yards often feature native and drought-tolerant plants. Our water utility has long offered incentives to encourage conservation. As a result, our per-capita water use has gone down while our population has increased, making Tucson well-positioned for the future.
Mayor Regina Romero invites you to participate in the Wyland Foundation’s 2021 National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation. It takes less than a minute to complete the survey to commit to saving water and other natural resources. Take the online pledge by April 30 and be entered to win hundreds of eco-friendly prizes. Tucson is currently in the lead in the population category of 300,000 - 599,999. Make Tucson a winner AGAIN in 2021!
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VITA
Didn’t get your taxes done yesterday? That’s OK! This year Tax Day has been pushed back to May 17, 2021. And if you made $66,000 or less last year, you don’t have to pay to file your taxes!
Until May 17, 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 has teamed 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).
Carol Sharp is a longtime dedicated VITA volunteer who has been working with Ward 3 residents to get their taxes done through the VITA program. This year she said that the number of people seeking in person assistance is way down. This can probably be attributed to the easy-to-use online program that connects taxpayers to VITA volunteers.
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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Ward 3 Meet Up at Amphi Park
Monday April 26 5-6:30 Amphi Park 510 E Navajo Rd
Join Council Member Uhlich and the Ward 3 staff for a “meet and greet” on Monday, April 26 at Amphi Park. There will be activities for the kiddos with the Ward 3 Ready, Set, Rec! Van, City staff will be present to offer information and answer questions and there will be a food cart for refreshments. Come say “hi” to Council Member Uhlich.
We ask that you wear masks and practice safe COVID protocols. Masks will be provided if you do not have one.
Register through the the link on our Facebook page event or Eventbrite.
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Hot Rods and More
Come learn about Pima Community College’s Applied Technology program and admire some awesome street hot rods and custom cars. On April 24, from 9 am to 3 pm, the Tucson Street Rod Association will hold its annual Rodders Days Car Show at PCC’s Downtown campus on North Stone Avenue, marking an innovative four-year partnership between Pima and TSRA. There will be hand-built street rods, custom and classic cars, some worth up to $100,000; antique engines and mining equipment; vintage campers; food vendors, and more. There also will be tours of the College’s Applied Technology Center of Excellence. It includes Automated Industrial Technology, Automotive Technology, Aviation, Building and Construction, Machine Tool Technology and Welding. Pima College’s downtown campus newest addition is the Centers for Excellence.
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Trooper
Trooper is still looking for a home. This guy is so easygoing it’s hard to believe he keeps getting overlooked (although it’s probably because he sleeps in his kennel all day, instead of showing off for potential adopters.)
Trooper doesn’t need much. He just wants a person or people of his own to chill with and who will give him plenty of love.
Trooper isn’t a dog that’s going to want to take daylong hikes and explore the mountains and he isn’t destined to be a running buddy. But he will be the most loyal companion you can ask for and would gladly snuggle up while you watch a movie or read a book. Trooper also loves his walks and doesn’t let other dogs or even ducks distract him from having a good time.
He’s housetrained, did well with other dogs in playgroup and is truly the sweetest boy. He knows a few basic skills (“sit,” “stay”) and we’re working on more. Trooper (A665767) is almost 5 years old and weighs about 75 lbs. He’s PACC’s longest resident and would do well in a loving home.
If you want to know more about Trooper, send a message. You can also read a message from his case manager here: www.tinyurl.com/gdpmessage, or ask his case manager about him: rachel.jones@pima.gov.
You can find Poppy and many other animals up for adoption at the Pima Animal Care Center. Cat adoptions are by appointment only. To get started, please fill out the Cat Adoption Survey and then you will receive a link to schedule an appointment in your email.
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Ward 3 Neighborhood Association/Coalition Meetings |
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JPNA Wednesday April 28 6- 8 pm Zoom |
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Rummage Sale
Saturday April 17 8 am-12 pm
Join Tucson Village Farm for ar Rummage Sale April 17th. All proceeds will go directly to outfitting their STEM classroom for summer programming. This means raising money for electricity and air conditioning! There will be TONS of treasure to pick through at great prices.
There will be furniture, sports equipment, housewares, home decorations and more.
BONUS: some of the best treasure will be available the night before (Friday April 16) on a Facebook LIVE auction. Keep an eye on their social media pages and this event for more details to come!
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Lend A Hand Yard Sale
Saturday April 17 7 am-1pm 4309 N Radin Ave (Wetmore and N First Ave)
Lend A Hand is a non-profit senior assistance organization, www.lahseniorhelp.org. Many seniors who would prefer to live independently are faced with the need to move to a care facility or to live with a family member far from their community. Trained volunteers from Lend A Hand help seniors stay comfortably and safely in their homes, and age in place as our neighbors. Thanks to our volunteers, Lend A Hand has been providing free services to seniors in central Tucson neighborhoods since 2006. We are proud to say no senior is ever charged for our services.
This sale will have something for everyone.
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Bushido Studio Spring Pop-Up Outdoor Market
Sunday April 18 11 am-5 pm 3264 N Country Club Masks and social distancing observed
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Grant Road Public Meeting Saturday April 24 9:00 – 11:00 am Tahoe Park in Catalina Vista Neighborhood 2051 E. Hampton Street East off Campbell Avenue onto Edison Street In-Person Meeting: Neighborhood-focused To attend this meeting, please reserve your spot
Tuesday April 27 4:00 – 6:00 pm La Madera Park 2700 E La Madera Drive North of Glenn Street and west of Country Club Road In-Person Meeting: Business-focused To attend this meeting, reserve your spot
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Market on the Move April 24 8:00 am-10:00 am New Life Community Church of The Nazarene 3367 N Geronimo Ave |
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Take Back the Night Online Vigil Thursday April 29 7 pm Zoom and Facebook live
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Buffalo Soldiers Memorial Celebration
Monday May 3 10 am Quincie Douglas Center 1575 E 36th St
Join City of Tucson Ward 5 Council Member Richard Fimbres, the Greater Southern Arizona Area Chapter (GSAAC) of the Buffalo Soldiers, and Tucson Parks and Recreation for the unveiling of the Buffalo Soldiers Memorial honoring the contributions of Black Americans in defense of the nation and settling Southern Arizona. The neighborhood surrounding the Quincie Douglas Center, where the memorial will be located, is one of the oldest historically Black neighborhoods in Tucson. We hope that the addition of this historic memorial will continue the conversation about contributions made by Black Americans in the settling of Southern Arizona and the Western United States.
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Pools and Splash Pads to Open April 19
Parks and Rec will open three extended-season pools and splash pads beginning Monday, April 19, in addition to four pools already open. Pools will continue to be limited capacity for adult lap swimming only, one lap swimmer per lane. Masks are required at the facility when not in the water. For more information on locations and times visit their website.
Please note that Edith Ball Adaptive Recreation Center, which opened the therapy pool on March 24, will need to close on April 26 to replace 10 pool filters requiring a four-to-six-week closure.
Fort Lowell Pool will also open once the parking lot paving is complete in early May.
In addition, City of Tucson splash pads will also open on Monday, April 19. Splash pads are open daily from 8 a.m.-sunset.
Locations:
- Catalina Park Splash Pad 925 N. 4th Ave.
- *NEW* Clements Splash Pad 8155 E. Poinciana Drive
- Naida Jane Baker Splash Pad 2536 N. Castro Ave.
- Palo Verde Park Splash Pad 355 S. Mann Ave.
For more details on facility hours, locations, and phone numbers, visit the Parks and Rec website.
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