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 Council Member Kevin Dahl meeting with representatives from local towing companies and Jennifer Bonham from the City Attorney's Office.
Following an article in the Arizona Daily Star https://tinyurl.com/utthnvrr last September about a few bad apples in the local towing industry, my office led the discussion and adoption of new regulations to reign in these predatory practices.
 Lalo Inclan of A& B towing and Jennifer bonham from City Attorney's Office meeting with Council Member Dahl.
A big thank you to Jennifer Bonham from the City Attorney’s office who spent the last year researching regulations in other Arizona municipalities, speaking with local towing companies, engaging with the Tucson Police Department and the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
 Council Member Dahl discussing towing regulations with representatives of local towing companies.
The best elements from these procedures and ordinances in other Arizona cities were compiled and the result was revised after robust engagement with local towing companies (most are ethical businesses who are tired of being branded by the actions of a few bad actors).
The new ordinance:
- Caps the maximum towing charge at $184.80 for towing fees and $25 per day of storage.
- Requires signs listing the penalty for violating parking rules to be “clearly visible and readable” in private parking areas.
- Requires that companies be available three hours after towing a vehicle to allow individuals to pick up their cars.
- Mandates photo evidence of the parking violation.
- Requires towing carriers to notify the Tucson Police Department within one hour of towing a vehicle.
- Establishes fines and misdemeanor charges for towing carriers that violate the ordinance.
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 Melissa Mundt, Jessica Novak, and Brie Chillious walk through Butler Metro Park.
This past summer I travelled to Austin, Texas, with a small cohort representing Pima County for the Nature Everywhere initiative hosted by the Children and Nature Network. This national organization works to “make sure that all children have equitable access to outdoor spaces where they can learn, play and grow.” The Children and Nature Network provides grants and technical support to communities to study where there is a greater need or opportunity to increase access to nature and to pursue and implement solutions.
Access to nature can improve health and wellbeing in very tangible ways. Access for expecting parents can result in better fetal growth and healthier birth weights. Children spending time outdoors can reduce nearsightedness and increase vitamin D levels. Access can also increase physical activity which reduces the risk of obesity and increases social-emotional wellbeing. Spending time in nature can also boost academic performance in reading, writing, math, science, and social studies. It can also enhance creativity, critical thinking and problem solving. Studies show an increase in enthusiasm and engagement for learning, more impulse control and less disruptive behavior.
 Panelists discuss Austin's progress on children in nature initiatives.
United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona submitted the application to the Children and Nature Network and were one of 19 cities selected to participate in this two-year program. Although there is a strong cross-sector Steering Committee that includes over 20 people, this small gathering was just five of us: Nicole Scott, the Program Manager for the Pima Early Education Program (PEEPS); Melissa Mundt, Environmental Education Program Coordinator for Pima County Natural Resources Parks and Recreation; Brie Chillious, Children Services Librarian at Quincie Douglas Library; Jessica Novak, Senior Director of Community Development Special Projects for United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona; and myself.
I was familiar with Nicole through all the amazing work she has done with the PEEPS program and Brie through her run for TUSD Board but it was a real pleasure to get to know them better and meet Melissa and Jessica. Knowing we are all interested and committed to improving the lives of children was great common ground.
 Nature based play area with the elementary school in the background.
As part of the multi-day event we got to tour three different sites modeling different approaches to nature access. We visited a public school that implemented a “Green Schoolyard” in two ways. First, garden beds took up a portion of the outside area with a butterfly garden beside it and a water tank for rainwater harvesting. A portion of the elementary school students’ curriculum is based outside and the garden area is utilized for learning. Additionally, an area of the school’s play area was nature based. Think fallen logs for balancing, meandering rows of stumps for hopping, and plenty of natural material for imaginative play.
The second site we visited was Austin’s Public Library. Brie, the librarian in our group, was in heaven! The library is six stories tall with an accessible rooftop natural garden, plenty of natural light in every corner, and a walking story hour that takes advantage of their proximity to their river walk path. The third site was a nature based preschool funded by the city of Austin with stipends allotted to city employees. Austin’s Mayor and Council passed a resolution that stipulated any new buildings constructed for city use will include pre-school/daycare facilities available to the public and subsidized for city employees.
The Children and Nature Network recognizes that no two communities face the same challenges or opportunities and therefore focused on different strategies to help identify these areas. The three day event was inspiring and mind expanding. I'm excited to continue to engage with the Pima County Nature Everywhere team and work to increase access to nature for all our residents.
 Nicole Scott giving into play at Butler Metro Park.
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 Did you know that reducing food waste is the number one personal action you can take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions?
The launch of the City of Tucson's FoodCycle at Home pilot program will offer residents the opportunity to drop off their food scraps at six designated collection drop-off sites. The Environmental and General Services Department will collect the food waste from the sites and use it at the composting facility at the Los Reales Sustainability Campus. Information sessions will be held Saturday, Dec. 2, and Saturday, Dec. 9. During the 30-minute sessions, residents will learn what materials are accepted for the program. Residents must complete a session to receive their kitchen compost pail to collect and drop off their food scraps. Organics collections and more information sessions for residents will start in January.
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City of Tucson Business Service Director Angele Ozoemelam.
Tucson's new Business Service Director Angele Ozoemelam met with Ward 3 staff recently. Angele Ozoemelam (whose first name was given to her by a French Priest) started her career at the University of The Virgin Islands, followed by a position as an auditor at a CPA firm. She then began government work on the mainland, which eventually led to her recent position as Finance Director for the City of Casa Grande.
 Business Services Director for the City of Tucson Angele Ozoemelam with Council Member Kevin Dahl at the Ward 3 office.
As the Director of Business Services for the City of Tucson, Angele oversees procurement, health and benefits, labor standards, and the implementation of the Fair Wages Act. She told us the high turnover rate within the Department of Housing is the biggest challenge facing her position. To address this issue, one of her first meetings was with Assistant City Manager Liz Morales to discuss ways to improve the Department's reputation. Another contributing factor to the high turnover rate was the problem-ridden implementation of the city’s new Workday software, which was so frustrating some City employees left their jobs as a result.
Angele praised the City of Tucson for its commitment to supporting employee growth and development. She highlighted incentives provided by the City, such as tuition reimbursement, benefits, and leadership skills development, as key factors in talent acquisition and retention. She wants to continue to make sure that qualified individuals are hired to minimize on-the-job learning and training. To achieve this goal, she is working with a talent acquisition specialist from Human Resources.
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 SANCHO /ID# A821127
Age: 6 months
Qualities:
Sweet little Sancho has had quite a couple of months and is looking for a home! He came to PACC with a broken leg back in October, but he's on the mend and improving every day. In a short stay in a home, he did well with children and large dogs; plus, how can you say no to those ears?!
Fee:
Sancho 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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Come join us for this very special Mayor and Council meeting, which will include the Mayor's Annual State of the City Report and Inauguration of recently re-elected Mayor and Council members.
Monday, December 4, 2023 at the Tucson Convention Center.
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Cabrini Neighborhood Association
Thursday 12/07, 6 pm - 7 pm
Vineyard City Church, 3150 E Fort Lowell Rd.
3922 N. Tucson Blvd.
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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La Madera Neighborhood Meeting Saturday December 9 at 10 am
Winterhaven Festival of Lights December 9 -25
Cookies with Santa at the Marty Birdman Center December 22
at 5 pm.
New Gallery Space For BICAS!
Come on by and check out our art gallery for a preview of our annual art auction! All art is bicycle-themed and either created with bike parts or inspired by bikes. From metal art to illustrative work, all art is either donated by local artists or created by BICAS staff. Gallery space is located in the back of BICAS, and will be open until January.
More about the BICAS Art: https://bicas.org/art
Email: art@bicas.org
BICAS on IG @bicastucson @bicasart @bicas_wtf @bicasyouth @teambicas
BICAS on FB @bicastucson @bicasart @bicaswtf
BICAS Art Auction: https://bicas.org/art/auction/
 BICAS Art Auction Dec. 8th-9th 5-9pm
Auction will be held at Splinter!
https://bicas.org/art/auction/
2001 n. 7th ave | tucson, az 85705 | 520-628-7950
art@bicas.org | www.bicas.org/art | facebook | instagram
Rain Crow Open House Saturday December 2 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm
  The artists, crafts people, and entrepreneurs of Rain Crow Artist Collective will host an open house on Saturday afternoon, December 2 from 1:00 to 4:00. The address of Rain Crow Artist Collective is 204 W Grant Road, Tucson, Tucson, 85705.
The event is free and open to the public. Rain Crow is an open, creative, inspired space in a supportive, artistic community.
Spaces that will be open to visitors include:
● Midnight's Meadow, featuring handmade renaissance, pirate, and fantasy style clothing and accessories by Rhonda Timpany. www.midnightsmeadow.etsy.com
● Tom Buchanan Arts, abstract expressionist-inspired paintings. Showing recent works. https://www.facebook.com/tombuchananarts/
● Prickled Pink Plants, featuring unusually beautiful plants and cactus.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/PrickledPinkPlants
● Differently Abled Entertainment, whose mission is to promote and encourage differently abled artists in the entertainment industry.
https://www.facebook.com/differentlyabledentertainment/
● Jason Ashkenazi Studio, hair salon with pop art for sale, open for anyone interested in taking a look. https://www.jasonashkenazi.com/about
● Wiggle Room Studios: a private tattoo studio and art space. Contemporary and folk art tattoo styles. On instagram: @wiggleroomstudios @wiggletats @sweatysoultats
Tucson's Community Safety, Health and Wellness Program Survey to Help develop a Climate Pollution Reduction Plan
The City of Tucson's Community Safety, Health and Wellness program is partnering with the Pima County's Department of Environmental Quality to seek resident input on priorities that can effectively reduce green houses gasses while also addressing environmental injustices in disadvantaged communities. Please take this survey to help the county develop its Climate Pollution Reduction Plan.
Encuesta Para El programa de Seguridad, Salud y Bienestar Comunitario de la Ciudad de Tucson Para Ayudar a Desarrollar un Plan de Reducción de la Contaminación Climática
El programa de Seguridad, Salud y Bienestar Comunitario de la Ciudad de Tucson se está asociando con el Departamento de Calidad Ambiental del Condado de Pima para buscar opiniones de los residentes sobre las prioridades que pueden reducir efectivamente los gases de efecto invernadero y al mismo tiempo abordar las injusticias ambientales en las comunidades desfavorecidas. Complete esta encuesta para ayudar al condado a desarrollar su Plan de Reducción de la Contaminación Climática.
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.
Prince Food Pantry 7-8:30 am the First Friday of Every Month
Yoga in the Garden Every Saturday at 8 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 November
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