|
|
Kathy Roberson
I attended the dedication of a beautiful new mural that graces a front wall at Randolph Recreation Center, 200 S. Alvernon Way. The six panels of tile celebrate the life and work of Kathy Roberson, who worked as a City of Tucson Leisure Class Pottery Coordinator for more than 25 years (and was a Ward 3 resident). It is the loving work of more than 100 clay students, instructors, artists, colleagues, and friends of Kathy.
The project began in December 2022 with tile making workshops taught by Julie Szerina Stein and Paloma Jacqueline. The tiles have a Sonoran Desert theme, some grouped as the four seasons.
 The mural that was dedicated to Kathy.
The short (it was hot outside) dedication included heartfelt words from Lisa Jones (Kathy’s spouse), Reverend Dr. Delle McCormick from Grace Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church, and staff and artists associated with the Parks & Recreation leisure classes, followed by an indoor reception featuring lemon Eegees and cake – Kathy’s favorites.
Next time you pass by the Rec Center, please stop by to admire this wonderful memorial to a person who as a teacher of clay arts gave our community so much.
|
|
 Supervisor Adelita Grijalva speaking at her Strategic Planning event.
If you live in the City of Tucson, you are represented by a City Council Member and by a Pima County Board Supervisor. The City of Tucson is split into six Wards across the City with the Mayor elected City wide for a 7 member body. The Pima County Board of Supervisors represents five districts across Pima County and the Board Chair is chosen by the Board members for a 5 member body.
The Ward 3 City Council boundaries overlap with parts of three different Pima County Supervisorial Districts. Supervisors Adelita Grijalva (District 5) Sharon Bronson (District 3) and Rex Scott (District 1) all have parts of Ward 3 in their districts. It is in our best interests to build relationships with all of the Board of Supervisors but particularly important when it comes to representing our constituents.
 Map of Ward 3 with County District 5, District 3, and District 1 defined.
I recently attended an event to unveil the updated D5 Strategic Plan. District 5 Supervisor, Adelita Grijalva set about creating a strategic plan when first elected in 2021 as a guide map for what she would like to work on while in office. She invited a wide range of community members, union leaders, and non profit partners to engage in meaningful conversations about what makes a community successful.
When I first began attending the meetings I was not yet employed in the Ward 3 Council office. I was interested in and participated as a resident of District 5. At the time, the meetings were hosted virtually to allow both greater accessibility and pandemic precautions. That was two years ago and it was a real pleasure to walk into the Turquoise Room at the Historic Courthouse, and be reminded of the vision, engage with other community members and see all the updates in person.
 Two participants exchanging ideas and adding their thoughts.
Now, as a neighborhood liaison to neighborhoods in Ward 3, I work with Supervisor Grijalva’s great staff on issues that affect our shared neighborhoods, including Barrio Blue Moon, Sugar Hill, El Cortez and Bronx Park.
The Strategic Plan has four priorities: education, environment & climate resilience, health & safety, and affordable housing. The room was set up with big posters printed up for each of the four priorities and their respective bullet points. Post it notes and color coded circles were provided so the invited guests could provide feedback. It was a dynamic event with many conversions happening between different people. To learn more about Supervisor Grijalva’s Strategic Plan 2.0 click here: https://www.adelitasgrijalva.com/strategicplan2023
|
|
 Aerial view of surplus shipping containers surrounding the Arizona State Prison Complex.
The shipping containers that former Arizona Governor Ducey illegally placed on the Arizona/Mexico border are now being used to surround a state prison here in Tucson. In December of 2022, Ducey agreed to take the containers down after the Biden Administration filed a lawsuit against the state. The cost to Arizona taxpayers to place the shipping containers was over a $100 million dollars and the cost to have them removed was $an additional $130 million dollars.
As a result, the Arizona Department of Administration now has a surplus of 2000 containers that are "heavily used and would likely have very noticeable dents and cracks" according to their website. The containers are not for sale to the public until October. Currently, they are only available to government and non-profit entities, enter Beau Philips and Boxes of Hope.
Beau has a background in media marketing and management and worked to help bring down the container wall. The 4-mile wall was placed right in the middle of the Coronado National Forest disrupting the flora and fauna and blocking natural migratory paths for wildlife and protected species. Mr. Phillips worried about what the environmental damage of these containers along the 44-mile valley would be. He referred to this wall as "a dark stain in Arizona's history."
 Beau Phillips standing in front of the shipping container wall built along the U.S. Mexico border.
The idea behind his non-profit is to use these containers and build affordable housing for Section 8 applicants to live in. In Beau’s vision, these homes would be used to build “container communities” on small lots throughout Tucson. The intent is to have anywhere from 15 to 20 containers per community along with a community unit or central hub of sorts with washers& dryers as well as a place to socialize. There is also plenty of open space planned in his concept for the residents. Phillips states that he wants to remove the stigma of public housing and wants to beautify the containers with a modern interior design and by hiring local muralists to decorate the outside of the homes. Phillips would love to provide future residents with a path to ownership even going as far as to provide a rent-to-own option.
These communities could provide shelter for the unhoused and help alleviate the encampment issue in the city. With rising housing costs that have priced out even people with a "livable wage," it could prove a more attainable path for people with very limited resources. Furthermore, reusing such containers could help with the environmental impact they would have if we simply discarded or scrapped them.
At this point, Boxes of Hope is still in the initial phase. They are currently, looking to obtain land parcels, as well as securing funds from affordable housing grants and socially conscious investors. For more information on Boxes of Hope check out the following link and watch their video https://vimeo.com/850358891.
 Concept image of a what a Boxes of Hope container home could look like.
|
|
 NAME /ID #A815433
Age: 7 years
Qualities:
Fetching Fletcher was found as a stray and brought to PACC last month. Since then, staff and volunteers have been spending time getting to know this handsome senior. Fletcher is a little shy at first, but he's pretty easy to win over with treats! Fletcher enjoys walks, being petted, and has done well with other dogs while at PACC. The person who found him said he was good with their kids, too!
Fee:
Harvest has a $0 adoption fee. A $20 license fee applies to adult dogs. Adoption includes spay or neuter, age-appropriate vaccinations, microchip, and a free vet visit.
Contact:
Pima Animal Care Center, 4000 N. Silverbell Rd.
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 12pm - 7pm.
Wednesday 1:30-7pm. Saturday and Sunday 10am - 5pm.
|
|
|
Fort Lowell Corridor Crime and Safety Meeting
Tuesday 8/15, 5:30 – 6:30 pm
AGM, 3544 E. Fort Lowell Rd.
Meeting info and North Dodge Website
Samos Neighborhood Association Meeting
Tuesday 8/15, 6:30 – 7:30 pm
1609 E. Spring St.
Miracle Manor Neighborhood Association
Wednesday 8/16, 6:00 – 7:00 pm
Good News Church, 701 W Glenn St.
Flowing Wells Neighborhood Association
Thursday 8/17, 6:00 – 7:00 pm
Ellie Towne Flowing Wells Community Center, 1660 W Ruthrauff Rd.
Amphi Neighborhood Association
Thursday 8/17, 6:30 – 7:30 pm
Woods Memorial Library, 3455 N 1st Ave.
The Ward 3 office is open open at 1510 E. Grant Rd. from 9 am - 1 pm, Monday through Friday. Staff will answer phone messages, emails and requests for meetings by the next business day. Leave your message at 520-791-4711 or email ward3@tucsonaz.gov.
|
|
|
Mansfield Pool is Open Extended Hours Until September 30!
Saturday and Sunday: 11a.m.- 5 p.m.
 Free After School Drop-In Program at the Mary Birdman Center!
Ward 3 Is Accepting Donations for the Iskashitaa Refugee Network!
The Ward 3 office is currently accepting donations of art supplies and canning supplies on behalf of the Iskashitaa Refugee Network. We are ONLY accepting jelly jars, Kerr, Mason, or Ball jars for preserving/ canning, with or without canning rings. Feel free to drop by 1510 E. Grant Rd. during our office hours (9 am to 1 pm Monday through Friday) if you'd like to support the work of this wonderful non-profit with a donation.
Grocery Sharing at Tucson Food Share - 2500 N. Stone Ave.
 Groceries are shared Mondays 4:30- 6:00 pm,
Thursdays 6:00 - 7:30 pm, and Saturdays from 8am-9:30am.
https://tucsonfoodshare.org/ has more information about volunteering, donating, or requesting delivery.
Ready, Set, REC! in August
|
|
Job Opportunity: Landscape Architect for the City of Tucson
Public Meetings Scheduled For Food Truck Courts
UDC Code Amendment
Tucson Planning and Development Services needs your input as we begin the process of amending the City of Tucson's zoning ordinance for the development of Food Truck Courts, such as areas with multiple eateries or vendors along with associated seating areas.
This event will be online and registration is required.
Free Public Defense Clinic!
Job Opportunity: Lend A Hand is looking for a Coordinator
Evento en Español: Foro Communitario Sobre Fentanilo
Get Paid to Get Lifeguard Certified!
 Are you or someone you know looking for a part-time job? Tucson Parks and Recreation is hiring lifeguards to operate and maintain the safety at City pools year-round. The minimum age to be a lifeguard is 15 years old. Pay starts at $16.75/hour.
The City will pay applicants to get their Lifeguard Certification through the City’s certification path. The lifeguard class is an intense, fast-paced course, and strong swim skills are required. All applicants must pass a swim test to qualify. For more information on becoming a lifeguard or to register for the swim test, visit the website.
Sign Up for Tucson's Climate Action Report!
You can use this link to subscribe to the Climate Action Report through the City Manager's Office:https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/AZTUCSON/subscriber/new
Did You Know?
Cooling Centers Are Open Across Tucson!
In an effort to meet the need for respite from the record-high temperatures this summer, Tucson opened cooling centers on June 5, 2023.
The City cooling centers are open seven days a week, from noon-4 p.m. (closed for holidays on June 19 and July 4). The locations are listed below.
-
Donna Liggins Center, 2160 N. 6th Ave, Tucson, AZ 85705
-
El Pueblo Center, 101 W. Irvington Road, Tucson, AZ 85714
-
El Rio Center, 1390 W. Speedway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85745
-
Morris K. Udall Center, 7200 E. Tanque Verde Road, Tucson, AZ 85715
-
Randolph Center, 200 S. Alvernon Way, Tucson, AZ 85711
-
Clements Center, 8155 E. Poinciana Drive, Tucson, AZ 85730
The cooling centers will be operational and stay accessible based on usage. Resources will be allocated to locations that demonstrate serving the highest level of need.
In addition to these cooling stations, the Tucson Pima Collaboration to End Homelessness has a list of more cooling centers and locations for water and supplies.
These additional locations where people can get out of the heat and sun include:
-
Salvation Army Hospitality House, 1002 N Main Ave.
Open seven days a week, noon to 5 p.m.
-
Primavera Foundation, 702 S. 6th Ave., Tucson, AZ 85701.
Open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
-
Sister Jose Women’s Center, 1050 S. Park Ave., Tucson, AZ 85719
Open Monday-Saturday, noon-4 p.m.
-
Grace St Paul’s Episcopalian Church, 2331 E. Adams St.
Open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, from noon-4 p.m.
-
La Frontera RAPP, 1082 E. Ajo Way
Open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
-
Kino Service Center, 2797 E. Ajo Way, Tucson, AZ 85713
Open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., closed holidays
-
Rio Nuevo One Stop, 320 N. Commerce Center Loop, Tucson, AZ 85745
Open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., closed on holidays
 
Remove Your Pool!
 More than 20% of single-family households in Tucson have a swimming pool. A typical pool uses almost 30,000 gallons of water per year and represents significant costs to operate and maintain. As a pool owner, do you ever wonder about the benefits of not having a pool? If so, Tucson Water, Metro Water, Oro Valley Water, and Marana Water have collaborated to create a new hyper-local website (find it here) to answer common questions, such as how much you can save, who removes pools, the cost benefits, and how getting rid of a pool can conserve water and energy. If you want to keep your pool, the website also offers tips on how to check for leaks, use pool backwash for irrigation, and more.
Connect Arizona Affordable Connectivity Program
 
Tucson Water Discounts
Call 520-791-5443 to make an appointment or visit this site for more information: https://www.tucsonaz.gov/water/low-income-assistance-program
 We welcome your feedback !
Please feel free to email us at Ward3@tucsonaz.gov
To subscribe to this newsletter go to https://www.tucsonaz.gov/ward-3
|
|
|
|
|
