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Established in 1950, Salpointe Catholic High School has been part of the Samos neighborhood for 73 years. It began with a small group of 100 students and was one of only three high schools in Tucson. In the early morning hours of July 17 this year, a man under the influence of drugs broke into Salpointe’s southeastern building and started a fire that devastated six classrooms. Within a month, police arrested a suspected arsonist, a 26-year-old man identified from security cameras. He was also charged with aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer and one count each of resisting arrest, possession of drug paraphernalia, and disorderly conduct.
 Arson damage to Salpointe’s southeastern building.
Last month, Salpointe’s Chief Financial/Operations Officer Ernie Duarte showed me the damage and introduced me to the contractors who will soon start re-construction. Shannon Shields and Peter Robertson of Lloyd Construction described plans to add a second story to the wing so that they can build back better (their slogan is better: Salpointe Rise Above).
 A rendering of the Salpointe Rise Above building as it will look once completed.
The second story will allow 11 classrooms to replace the 6 that were lost. There will also be a wellness center added, that will include a meditation room, kitchen, and community room.
Neighbors should see demolition happening almost immediately. Construction should take 12 to 14 months, with classes starting in the new building in the Spring 2025 semester. Lloyd Construction is an experienced Tucson firm, and they plan to minimize impact to the neighborhood from noise and dust, etc. Should you experience any problems due to this project, contact Ernie Duarte 520-547-1953, Shannon Shield, 520-305-1929, or the Ward 3 office.
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 Catherine Broski
A senior honors student at the University of Arizona, Catherine Broski, is recruiting landlords and property owners to take part in her honors thesis about energy efficiency in rental units. She is exploring the barriers and motivations associated with energy efficiency and clean energy upgrades to inform the design of energy policy and incentives. The interview is expected to last 45 minutes and can take place over Zoom or in person during October and November.
Contact catherinebroski@catworks.arizona.edu if you are interested in participating.
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Recently, Literacy Connects hosted the Amphi Pantera Tenant Empowerment Program info session. Led by Amphi neighborhood resident Hassan Clement, the info-session curated a list of speakers who shared practical information ranging from tenant issues to eviction procedures.
 A full room at Literacy Connects for the Amphi Panteras Tenant Empowerment Program.
After a brief introduction from Hassan, the session started with the City’s Code Enforcement Inspector Colleen Bigman sharing what the city’s code covers for rentals and what it doesn’t. Following Bigman was Andrew Flagg with the Emergency Eviction Legal Services (EELS) from Pima County. The program was created in 2021 and connects people facing eviction with resources such as rental assistance, employment guidance, and free legal support.
Alan R. Solot, from Southern Arizona Legal Aid, works with the EELS program to provide free legal support. Bennett Bernal, Constable for Pima County was joined by Kristen Randall, former Constable for Pima County. They explained the process of eviction and the timeline it usually takes. Spoiler alert, It is less than two weeks. The evening was rounded out by Nick Bruno with the Tucson Tenants Union.
 Hassan Clement kicking off the info session with Alan R. Soto and Colleen Bigman waiting for their turn to present.
Hassan is building up the first cohort for an in-depth canvasser training that would include the information shared at the event so that these tools can be brought directly to people’s doors. He envisions a community-led program that goes door-to-door through apartment complexes to offer support to those who need it. Hassan already does this on his own, sometimes with other Amphi community members, but he hopes to increase capacity and the opportunity for people to share their skills once they’ve learned them.
If you live in Amphi and are interested in canvasser training, please email hassanc.nlp@gmail.com.
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If you live near the cross streets of Silverbell and Grant and have been looking for a place to learn or practice yoga, then you are in luck, because Yoga Loft just moved to the west side of Ward 3.
The studio was founded by Ashlee McDougal and Jackie Whately, who are not only business partners but also yoga teachers.
Ashlee who suffers from cystic fibrosis, was motivated to open an accessible and safe space after the COVID pandemic had shut the doors on many places to practice and learn yoga. This past year alone she has spent 5 months on antibiotics in order to help with her condition.
 The exterior of Yoga Loft as seen from the east side of Silverbell Road.
Since October 2nd, they have been operating in their new location, and they have had a good turnout with many walk-in customers.
Jackie and Ashlee say that Yoga Loft stands out from other studios due to its strong emphasis on anatomy. The instructors firmly believe that without this focus, the risk of injuries during practice increases. Their goal is to teach students to rely on muscular stability instead of momentum to achieve the poses. Jackie mentioned that they use kinesiology to accommodate the variety of human bodies that attend their classes. Ashlee describes herself as a "movement nerd" and utilizes movement science to relieve pain in the body. "If you can breathe, you can do yoga," affirmed Jackie. They welcome anyone to try their classes, regardless of experience, age, or body type.
 Yoga Loft owners Ashlee McDougal and Jackie Whately.
Their official grand opening is November 11 which includes a free yoga class at 10 am followed by some light snacks. at 11:30 they intend to host an open house of the studio with giveaways and a raffle with a chance to win some Lulu Lemon Products.
Classes start at $20 for drop-in sessions or $40 for a two-week intro.
For more info shoot them an email at contact@yogaloft or visit there website at https://www.yogalofttucson.com/.
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 CHANDLER /ID# A820682
Age: 1.5 years
Qualities:
One PACC volunteer described Chandler as "a little character," and we can't think of a better way to explain this smallish (43 lb), friendly boy with the biggest personality. Chandler enjoys playing with other dogs and showing off his serious case of the zoomies! He will be more than happy to show you how fast he can go!
Fee:
Chandler 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.
Come and Spay and Neuter your cat fore free at PACC October 20 through the 22
 Ven y Esteriliza y Castra a tu Gato(a) Gratis en PACC del 20 al 22 de Octubre
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Limberlost Neighborhood Association
Saturday 10/21, 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Limberlost Family Park, 4255 N 4th Ave.
Please bring a chair.
Country Glenn Neighborhood Association
Sunday 10/22, 5:00 - 6:00 pm
The Drawing Studio, 2760 N. Tucson Blvd.
Jefferson Park Neighborhood Association
Sunday 10/22, 6:00 - 7:00 pm
Ward 3 Community Room, 1510 E. Grant Rd.
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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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."
What does the Santa Cruz Mean to You?
Community Neighborhood Clean-Up October 21 at 9 am
Tucson Home Sharing Public Gathering October 21 at 1:00 pm
Keeling Neighborhood Tree Planting event on Saturday October 21 at 9:00 am
Woods Memorial Library HalloweenFun Bash on October 28 at
1:00 pm
El Cortez & Sugar Hill Neighborhoods Tree Planting event on Saturday October 28 at 9:00 am
Cyclovia Tucson October 29 at 9:00 am
Jefferson Park Neighborhood 125 Year Celebration on November 5 from 11am to 3 pm
We Are Accepting Much Needed Donations For the Wildcat House
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 October
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