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Ward 3 Council Assistant Tiara Stephen, Planning and Development Services (PDSD) Deputy Director Koren Manning, PDSD Director Kristina Swallow, Council Member Dahl, and Ward 3 Chief of Staff Katie Bolger.
I often get asked what the work of a City Council Member is like. Every week is different. Some of what we do is focused on Mayor and Council meetings and preparing for them. For another part of the story, here’s some of what happened at Ward 3 on an off week, one without a council meeting. The last seven days included:
- Attended a grand opening and ribbon cutting of a new business: BioLife Plasma Services. I do love over-sized scissors! Welcoming a new business into the right location in our Ward is a pleasure.
Council Member Dahl and BioLife Team at their ribbon cutting ceremony.
- Joined the monthly meeting of the local chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby, which helps folks effectively communicate to elected officials the urgency of stopping the climate change that is heating up our planet with dire consequences.
- Spoke with news reporters from Arizona Daily Star (https://tinyurl.com/8ue8j25v), Arizona Republic (http://tiny.cc/tc1avz), and KGUN-9 (https://tinyurl.com/2j6duj2) about Mayor and Council support to make it easier to build tiny homes. I also spoke about a proposed ordinance to regulate predatory towing practices in Tucson.
- Met with board members from the Western Winds Homeowners Association on Limberlost near Oracle to hear their concerns about increasing crime affecting their neighborhood.
Western Winds Home Owners Association members Henry Ruiz, Dan Chandler and Nigel Brooks shaking hands with Council Member Dahl.
- Heard concerns about inadequate compensation and assignments above their paid level from Tucson Water Utility Technicians and their AFSCME union representative.
- We said goodbye to two of our University of Arizona student interns…Tiara Stephen a Planning Major and Kate McKeever a Communications Major (see Kate's article below).
Senior Program Manager Natalie Shepp, Director Scott DiBiase from PDEQ and Council Member Dahl.
- Had coffee with the new director of Pima County's Department of Environmental Quality, Scott DiBiase, and the department's Senior Program Manager, Natalie Shepp to discuss a climate action planning grant the county has just received.
City Attorney Mike Rankin, Elisa Hamblin Zoning Administrator, Ward 2 Communications Director Ted Prezelski and Council Member Dahl.
- Met with City Attorney Mike Rankin and Zoning Administrator Elisa Hamblin to learn more about the history of the Tucson Billboard settlement and what the steps are moving forward.
- Spoke with representatives of a new nonprofit group that will be repurposing eight homes from shipping containers to house in a graduates of the foster care system in a small community (which will also providing on-site support).
- Had breakfast at a University of Arizona panel discussion event, “Critical Issues for our Community: Water Security.”
Whew, I’m exhausted just writing this all up (and there was more, of course, including phone calls, reading, answering emails, etc.). Thank goodness for our Ward 3 team who make this level of activity possible.
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Council Member Dahl and Kate McKeever holding the key to Ward 3.
When my phone rang during class one day in late May, I was not expecting it to be Shannon from the Ward 3 Council Office offering me an interview for an internship. At the time, I have to admit that I had pretty much zero knowledge about municipal government and Tucson Mayor and City Council Members. However, when I applied for the position, I was intrigued by the job description and wanted to know more about the things the City was doing to improve the community. I was super excited but also nervous.
Now, after 10 weeks of working with the Ward 3 staff, I have a much better understanding of some of the inner workings of local government and all the moving pieces that make the City run. Council Member Dahl has built an awesome and caring team, and this summer I witnessed their hard work and dedication to improving the housing crisis, taking actions to protect the climate, supporting constituents, and drinking sparkling water (they really love bubbly water!).
Ward 3 Office Administrator Shannon Jenkins and Kate McKeever.
Tucson Mayor and Council are currently exploring policy and zoning modifications in order to make tiny home villages a reality and I was able to participate in the conversation about equitable housing during my time in the office. I also had the opportunity to learn about planning and funding projects through organizations like Tucson Clean & Beautiful, who are actively working to engage the community while improving our neighborhoods and parks. Sitting in on meetings helped me learn about the different parts of the budget, and all the great things they do with their funds, such as help fund the Community Safety, Health and Wellness program. I also was able to work on my administrative skills in a professional office setting by taking calls, emailing with constituents, learning about scheduling procedures, and assisting the Council Aides.
My internship with the Ward 3 Office was not only about gaining professional skills but also about personal growth. I will be leaving this internship with a changed perspective on how City government works. I’ve always had strong feelings about housing and sustainability, but now I feel like I have more tools and knowledge to make a difference. I feel more motivated to take part in local elections, pay attention to Council Meetings, and engage in other community events. There really are people out there fighting to make the world (or at least Tucson) a better place, and that is truly inspiring.
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Cooling Center sign welcoming all who need a break from the heat.
The cooling center operated by St. Francis Shelter Community in the Ward 3 Community Room has been up and running Mondays through Fridays from 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm since June 26th. That's nearly 2 months, and in that time, they've had about 110 folks walk through the doors seeking support. They see between 5 and 8 people a day, and they've built relationships with individuals who drop by more than once.
This cooling center offers sandwiches, snacks, gatorade, clothing, backpacks, pet food, hygiene products (including menstrual health products), cots for sleeping, and more. They have playing cards, games, books, and art supplies on hand, and they offer company and empathy to everyone.They help folks replace important identification documents, and have a nurse available on Mondays to address open wounds, blisters and sunburns.
The cooling center also has staff from the Tucson Housing First Program on hand on Tuesdays and Thursdays to fill out housing assessments for folks; getting all their information entered into the system that can connect them to housing. The cooling center also has applications for the Tucson Homeless Work Program, which pays houseless folks for landscaping and trash pick up. In general, St. Francis Shelter Community is using the space to connect our unsheltered neighbors to the resources they need and to support people in navigating those resources.
Angela Murphy Volunteer with St. Francis Shelter at the Ward 3 cooling center.
Director of Operations Shawn Milligan shared this update with us at the end of July: "We've had 2 success stories that I'm very happy with. We assisted 1 person to secure a bed in rehab and another who was sexually assaulted and trafficked into a domestic abuse facility. We also provided professional clothing to a gentleman headed to a job interview." Shawn also shared that the cooling center at Ward 3 has allowed St. Francis Shelter Community to spread its wings and provide services beyond what they've historically offered at their shelter located on the grounds of Sacred Heart Church.
Working next door in the Ward 3 office, I see folks roll up with walkers and in wheel chairs. Just the other day, I got to brush a sweet dog named Patches while she wagged her tail and licked my hand on our back patio. And whenever I need to go next door, I'm careful to be very quiet, since there always seem to be a couple of people asleep on cots.
St. Francis Shelter Community will be operating the cooling center for about another month through September 15th. We are deeply appreciative of them and all their volunteers for their work supporting our unsheltered neighbors and relatives. If you'd like to find out more, volunteer, or donate, please visit https://www.stfrancisshelteraz.org/
From left to right: Ward 3 staffer Mike Edmonds, St. Francis Shelter Volunteer Director of Operations Shawn Milligan, Ward 3 staff member Shannon Jenkins, and volunteers Palumbo, Angela Murphy, and Bill Coan.
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Tucson Comic Con founder and Ward 3 resident Mike Olivares.
Since 2008 Tucson has been graced by one of the coolest pop culture events in all of Arizona… The Tucson Comic Con. This amazing occurrence and gathering of creators is the brainchild of Tucsonan and Ward 3 resident, Mike Olivares. Mike grew up playing with his brothers and cousins on the west side around the Cholla High School area. He says they were a "Star Wars family". Along the way he was introduced to Dungeons and Dragons and his affinity for the genre continued to grow.
One of his brothers took him to the first and oldest comic book shop in Tucson, Fantasy Comics - located in Ward 3 at 2595 N. 1st Ave. There he had his first interaction with an actual comic book creator, Jon Proudstar. Jon had just released his very own comic about Native American superheroes, Tribal Force. Mike was now fully immersed in the culture.
The marvelous mural on the south side of Fantasy Comics.
As an adult, Mike’s life was engrossed in comics, Star Wars, and D&D. In 2001 Mike attended the world-famous San Diego Comic Con and he had an idea: a Tucson comic event!
In 2008, Mike put together a small show in a conference hall at the now-defunct Four Points Sheraton on the southeast corner of Campbell and Speedway. The place was packed.
Teresita Olivares (owner of the Tucson Comic Con) and Mike Olivares (Founder) in front of the Millennium Falcon.
The show has continued to grow and moved to the more spacious Tucson Convention Center. Mike made it a point to focus on local creators and purposely placed "Artists’ Alley" in the center as opposed to the side, as is customary in many other conventions. Mike wants local creators of all walks of life and media to know there's a venue for them.
At the start of the pandemic, the show shut down for two years but returned in 2022 bigger than before! The TCC was close to capacity with attendance around 15,000 to 20,000 people. As the convention continues to grow it attracts more talent and brings in attendees from outside of Arizona. The 3 day event is a big one for for Tucson and likely the second biggest pop culture show in Arizona (after Phoenix Fan Fusion). At some point, he hopes the Con will grow to rival the Gem Show.
The con will take place September 1 through 3 at the Tucson Convention Center. Tickets are on sale now. Click on the image below to purchase yours today!
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Silco /ID #A768727
Age: 3 years
Qualities:Silco has been bounced around quite a bit in his short life so far at no fault of his own, and we're hoping to find the perfect match this time around! Silco is an affectionate, energetic dog who adores toys, people, water, and of course, treats. He is beloved by staff and volunteers at PACC, too!
Fee: Silco 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.
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Cabrini Neighborhood Association
Thu 9/7, 6:00 - 7:00 PM
Vineyard City Church, 3150 E Fort Lowell Rd
Mountain First Neighborhood Association
Saturday 9/9, 9:00 - 10:00 AM
Mitchell Park, 1100 E Mitchell St.
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.
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Happy Birthday/ Feliz Cumpleaños Marlene Avelino!
The birthday girl bundled up on a sub 100 degree day.
Slow Down... And Get Your Yard Sign!
The Ward 3 office has free yard signs available as part of the Tucson Department of Transportation and Mobility (DTM)'s SLOW DOWN Program, which is designed to inform drivers that they're traveling on a 25 mph neighborhood street and to remind them that slowing down saves lives.
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.
Prince Food Pantry 7-8:30 AM The first Friday of Every Month
Free After School Drop-In Program Beginning August 7
Townhall for Public Education on September 9
¡Agua es Vida! Celebration of Water in the Desert and Short Film Showcase on September 16
Sustainable Tucson, Watershed Management Group, and The Loft Cinema announce “¡Agua es Vida! Celebration of Water in the Desert” - a day of films and free activities intended to help residents of Southern Arizona learn more about our water challenges and solutions we can implement in our communities.
Schedule of events:
8-11 a.m.: Family Saturday at Watershed Management Group’s Living Lab and Learning Center (1137 N. Dodge Blvd.). Learn how to make your own rainwater harvesting basin and take home a free build-your-own-basin kit.
11:30 a.m.: Tour WMG’s Living Lab and Learning Center to see how you can make the most of your water at home.
2 p.m.: ¡Agua es Vida! Short Film Showcase at The Loft Cinema (3233 E. Speedway Blvd.). Enjoy documentaries that highlight innovative solutions to our water issues and celebrate those who are working for water security and the health of our rivers. Southwest Troubadour Ted Ramirez will kick off the event with a mini-concert.
Selected films (full list on Loft website)
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Andrew Brown’s “Free Water” features local water champion Brad Lancaster sharing how we can take advantage of a largely untapped source of water: the rain that falls on our streets and yards.
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Mike Foster’s “Reintroduction of Beavers in the San Pedro” demonstrates how beaver dams can help restore the watershed by slowing down and spreading the water so it sinks in.
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Dr. Laura M. Norman’s “Can Rock Dams Reverse Climate Change?” shares the story of how ranch owners Valer and Josiah Clark installed over a thousand rock dams and created a lush riparian habitat on their ranch using only the land’s natural rainfall. Valer Clark will be present at the screening.
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Leslie Ann Epperson’s “Prayer Run for the Santa Ritas” follows Marlinda Francisco on her protest run to protect the land and water on the Tohono O’odham reservation.
After the short film program, some of the filmmakers and water experts will be on hand to answer questions.
For more information and how to register for free WMG events, go to https://sustainabletucson.org/agua-es-vida/
Film tickets are available at regular admission prices from The Loft Cinema: https://loftcinema.org/film/agua-es-vida-short-film-showcase
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 June
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Teacher Appreciation Night at the Desert Museum August 26
Help Drive the Change! Provide comments on proposed transit service changes today!
The City of Tucson, in partnership with the Pima Association of Governments (PAG) and the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA), is proposing transit service changes throughout the greater Tucson region. Changes may be coming to your route. Provide your thoughts on the proposed improvements, which include:
- Realigning and extending routes
- Investing in high-frequency service
- Improving access and quality of service
- Extending service hours
- Adding weekend frequency
Get Involved!
Your feedback is important to us. You can provide your comments anytime through September 8, 2023, using any of the options below!
 
Free Public Defense Clinic!
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.
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Donna Liggins Center, 2160 N. 6th Ave, Tucson, AZ 85705
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El Pueblo Center, 101 W. Irvington Road, Tucson, AZ 85714
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El Rio Center, 1390 W. Speedway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85745
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Morris K. Udall Center, 7200 E. Tanque Verde Road, Tucson, AZ 85715
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Randolph Center, 200 S. Alvernon Way, Tucson, AZ 85711
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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:
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Salvation Army Hospitality House, 1002 N Main Ave.
Open seven days a week, noon to 5 p.m.
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Primavera Foundation, 702 S. 6th Ave., Tucson, AZ 85701.
Open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
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Sister Jose Women’s Center, 1050 S. Park Ave., Tucson, AZ 85719
Open Monday-Saturday, noon-4 p.m.
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Grace St Paul’s Episcopalian Church, 2331 E. Adams St.
Open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, from noon-4 p.m.
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La Frontera RAPP, 1082 E. Ajo Way
Open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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Kino Service Center, 2797 E. Ajo Way, Tucson, AZ 85713
Open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., closed holidays
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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
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