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We know that autumn in Tucson has begun - not because of its official start date (the equinox, Sept. 23) or falling temperatures, especially in the morning, but because of all the events that are scheduled. Here are a few I attended recently.
 Councilmember Dahl with members of Extinction Rebellion and Third Act. Photo copyright by Rick Rappaport 2023.
It was still (really) hot out when I joined members of Extinction Rebellion and Third Act asking for more federal action on climate change.
 Photo copyright by Rick Rappaport 2023.
The same day, I joined the Climate Strike organized by Arizona Youth Climate Coalition and UAZDivest.
 Tohono O’odham Nation Chairman Verlon Jose and Councilmember Dahl.
It was a two-hour drive to Tohono O’odham Nation High School to attend the inauguration of Chair Verlon Jose. I found time before the official events to talk with him about efforts to obtain greater tribal involvement and better protection for Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. You can get a taste of the inauguration in a KGUN9 News report that includes an excerpt from Tucson Mayor Regina Romero’s speech: https://tinyurl.com/ywsmu5ty.
 Councilmember Dahl at Mission Garden.
My Rotary Club spent some early morning hours at Mission Garden harvesting pomegranates alongside Ishkashitaa Refuge Network, who will process the fruit to make products they can sell.
We don’t have room for all the photos, but here are other recent events that my staff and I attended; A Watershed Management Group’s “Build Your Own Basin” workshop was held at Ward 3, and participants helped plant our new rain garden. More than 100 stakeholders met (and had lunch) to discuss the implementation of Tucson Resilient Together, the City’s climate action plan. Ward 3 helped sponsor two neighborhood-led events. Literacy Connects hosted the well-attended Amphi Neighborhood Resource Fair. Kids and families had fun at the Balboa Park’s Splash Pad Bash put on by Balboa Heights Neighborhood Association.
Happy Fall! Now that cooler weather is coming, I hope you have a chance to enjoy upcoming outdoor events and volunteer opportunities. Check out the rest of our newsletter for more great activities!
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 The Ward 3 staff and the Mount Clavary Baptist Church staff outside the Church.
Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, located in Ward 3’s Sugar Hill Neighborhood is the oldest African American Missionary Baptist Church in Arizona. Sugar Hill was one of the few places that African Americans could purchase a house in Tucson between WWII and the 1960’s. The neighborhood has a rich history.
Ward 3 City Councilmember Kevin Dahl and his team recently had the opportunity to sit down with Senior Pastor Dr. Marvin Hugley, Assistant Pastor Joan WIggins and Administrative Assistant Donna LeCount.
Founded in 1900 by Reverend John B. Bell, services were originally conducted in a small shack near 7th Ave and 7th street close to the Southern Pacific Railroad station. It’s current location on the corner of 6th Ave and Lester street was completed in 1956. The facility included sanctuary seating for 500 people and an additional 135 in the balcony, a two story educational building and paved parking. In 1961 Mount Calvary was paid for and a mortgage burning ceremony was held.
Mount Calvary has a vibrant and growing membership. It continues to be anchored in the Sugar Hill neighborhood, while reaching out to all of Tucson. Mt. Calvary hosts a weekly afternoon meal every Thursday from 3:00-5:00 as part of their Harvest Fellowship and once a month they partner with the Community Food Bank and ICS to hand out food bags to those who need them.
 Councilmember Dahl and Senior Pastor Dr. Marvin Hugley sharing a laugh.
Pastor Hugley was ordained in 2006. Before accepting the call to Mt. Calvary Tucson, he was a Pastor in the Los Angeles area for 16 years. He has two daughters, two sons and one grandson. Associate Pastor Joan Wiggins has been at the church for over 35 years. The former TUSD middle school art teacher says that “Mount Calvary continues to be a loving and encouraging place to grow.”
We were grateful for the opportunity to learn a little more about the history of Mt. Calvary and look forward to working with them in the future.
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 Councilmember Dahl and Logan with Tucson Clean and Beautiful chatting with neighbors at the Balboa event.
This last weekend was full of community engagement and fun in Ward 3! Two neighborhoods on the West side of the ward hosted events that offered family activities and assistance to their neighbors. The weather has cooled just a bit and it was great to see so many people of all ages out and about.
 Tina with Arizona Complete Health handing out fresh produce bags at the Amphi event.
On Saturday, the Amphi Neighborhood Association, in partnership with Living Streets Alliance (LSA) and Literacy Connects, hosted a well-attended Resource Fair. Some booths offered immediate support such as free haircuts from local barber Selena, bags of fresh produce from Arizona Complete Health, and several racks of free clothes in all sizes. The City’s Housing and Community Development was on hand and TEP had information about their low-income assistance program as well as energy-saving light bulbs and thermometers. Sonoran Environmental Research Institute (SERI), the Church of Safe Injection, and Primavera Foundation among many other non-profits and community organizations were present.
A member of the Amphi Neighborhood Association set up a space for kids to get creative with chalk, painting supplies, and plenty of crafts. The Ward 3 office teamed up with Tucson Refugee Ministries to provide the event with free Syrian, Iraqi, and Afghani traditional foods prepared by community members in the refugee program. It was great to see some people enjoy new foods while others relished in the familiar.
 Cecile with the Amphi Neighborhood Association and a couple of kiddos making magic.
On Sunday, the Balboa Heights Neighborhood Association hosted their End of Summer Splash Bash at Balboa Heights Park. In addition to the splash pad, there was a bouncy castle and the Tucson Parks Ready, Set, Rec crew with plenty of fun. The City’s Community Safety, Health and Wellness staff along with Primavera Foundation and Tucson Clean and Beautiful were all part of the Bash. Los Panchos Sonoran Dogs were handing out free hot dogs and quesadillas to those who worked up an appetite.
A big, heartfelt THANK YOU to all the organizers for both events. I had a great time chatting with residents of both neighborhoods and playing with all the babies.
 Juan and his cute kids enjoying the big building blocks from Ready, Set, Rec! at the Balboa event.
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The Ward 3 office recently collaborated with Community Safety Health and Wellness to host a resource fair at Georgetown Apartments. On September 7th, residents of Georgetown and other neighbors from the Dodge Flower neighborhood gathered to connect with community partners offering vital resources to low income families.
 Georgetown residents inquiring about services.
Pima County Health Department was there giving vaccines and other free medical services. Our Family Services, Boys and Girls Club, Goodwill, Sonoran Prevention Works, and several other non-profit organizations were also present to offer services.
 Kids playing in the Tucson Fire Department "wet-down".
As far as City of Tucson departments, Environmental Services had a booth there to share services and discounts they offer for those in need. The Parks Department had the Ready, Set, Rec van present to entertain kids and adults with games. Tucson Fire Department was certainly the biggest hit with the kids, providing a “wet-down”, which just consists of a heroic fire fighter standing on top of a fire engine, spraying a fire hose into the air, which rains down on the kids playing. These kids could not get enough of it, and the entire scene was equally joyous and adorable.
Food was provided by Los Ponchos Hot Dogs, serving Sonoran dogs to everyone present, care of the Ward 3 office.
 Neighbors learn about Just Communities Arizona while others enjoy Sonoran dogs from Los Ponchos Hot Dogs.
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 LUKE /ID# A775868
Age: 5 years
Qualities:
Lovebug Luke has spent over a year at PACC and is MORE than ready to make his big break! This handsome guy is a true volunteer favorite and does the cutest little bounces when he's excited; plus, he LOVES a good butt rub! Luke is housebroken, funny, playful, affectionate dog who is so deserving of a chance.
Fee:
Luke 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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Doolen/Fruitvale Neighborhood Association
Saturday 9/30, 8:30 – 9:30 am
Sparkman Butterfly Garden, 2645 N Sparkman
Bronx Park Neighborhood Association
Saturday 9/30, 5:00 pm– 6:00 pm
Bronx Park Pocket Park at SW corner of N. 10th Ave and W. Lee Street
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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Concert Benefitting Mobile Showers for the Unhoused Sunday October 1 at 2:00pm
A concert benefitting the unhoused will be held at Club Congress by local musicians this Sunday. Read more about it here https://tucson.com/life-entertainment/local/music/tucson-unhoused-live-music-hotel-congress/article_fec1f226-5d51-11ee-b7fc-e3bbfe3fd922.html
What does the Santa Cruz Mean to You?
BICAS Art Mart at Dark September 29th at 6:00 pm
Tortilla Making Workshop September 30 at 5pm
Coffee With a Cop October 10th at 5:30 pm
Bronx Park Tree Planting event on Saturday October 14 at 9:00 am
Community Neighborhood Clean-Up October 21 at 9 am
Keeling Neighborhood Tree Planting event on Saturday October 21 at 9:00 am
Free Trees! For El Cortez and Sugar Hill Residents
Orders Close Friday, October 13
Arboles Gratis! Para Los Residentes de el Barrio El Cortez y
Sugar Hill el 28 de Octubre
El Cortez & Sugar Hill Neighborhoods Tree Planting event on Saturday October 28 at 9:00 am
Cyclovia Tucson October 29 at 9:00 am
We Are Accepting Much Needed Donations For the Wildcat House
Mansfield Pool Will Stay Open Weekends Through the End of September! Hours are Noon to 4 pm
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.
Come to the Ward 3 Office and Drop Off Supplies for Homeless Outreach in Our Donation Box!
Prince Food Pantry 7-8:30 AM the First Friday of Every Month
Free After School Drop-In Program Beginning August 7
Yoga in the Garden Every Saturday at 8:00 am
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 September
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Tucson Police Department Survey for Tucson Business Owners
Do you own or work for a business in Ward 3? If so, please consider completing the following questionnaire.
This survey in specifically intended for business owners and employees in Ward 3 who may have been impacted by the Tucson Police Department Bicycle deployment efforts. Your anonymous feedback is crucial in helping the Tucson Police Department understand the impact of additional bike deployments in your area. Our goal is to decrease crime and disorder and increase community satisfaction through additional police contacts and visibility in the area of your business."
Did you know the City of Tucson has a program to remove toxic lead paint from older homes? If you know of a family who rents or owns a home built before 1978 and meets the requirements above, they may be eligible to have lead paint removal.
Town Hall Series With District 1 Supervisor Rex Scott Beginning September 26.
Dragonfly Day on the Santa Cruz September 1-30
Tucson Meet Yourself October 13-15
Tucson Norte Sur Open Houses
 
Kingian Non-violence Zoom Workshop 6 Sessions in November
Sustainable Tucson Too Good To Waste Challenge
New Blue Lights Aimed at Reducing Red Light Running
The City of Tucson's Department of Transportation and Mobility (DTM) and the Tucson Police Department are partnering to install blue lights on top of traffic signals at certain intersections within the City of Tucson. These lights will illuminate when the red light is active, allowing officers to observe red light runners from a safe distance. The blue lights are not cameras and do not take pictures. In other communities, these lights have been shown to reduce the frequency of crashes when motorists understand the presence of the blue lights allow enforcement to take place from a distance, and the officer may not be seen. The first intersection scheduled to receive a blue light will be at Grant Road and Craycroft Road, which was selected based on the historically high frequency of left-turn collisions and the amount of heavy travel in the area.
Watch a video about the blue lights
Get Paid to Get Lifeguard Certified!
Tucson Parks and Recreation is on the lookout for lifeguards to keep our pools safe and exciting all year round! Whether you're a water enthusiast or looking for a cool part-time gig, this could be your perfect fit.
You don't need a boatload of experience to join the team - just a passion for aquatics and a minimum age of 15. Pay starts at $16.75 per hour. And here's the best part: the City has your back! They're offering to cover the cost of your Lifeguard Certification through their certification path. Dive into the lifeguard class, where you'll fine-tune your skills and make a splash in an intense, fast-paced course.
If you've got some serious swim skills and the urge to be a local hero, this is your time to shine. Get all the details and sign up for the swim test via the links below. Your aquatic adventure starts now!
Lifeguard information
Swim test registration
Watch a video about lifeguards
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
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
Keep in touch with us on social media!
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