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 Santa (Sgt. Jack Julsing), Vice Mayor Kevin Dahl, and Cori Julsing.
You can see the smile on my face as I pose with Santa, his wife, and little helper (actually Tucson Police Sergeant Jack Julsing, his wife and daughter). But more than just being with Santa, it was the surrounding event that brought me overwhelming joy last Saturday morning.
Every year, the Tucson Police Officers Association holds a “Kids & Cops Christmas,” this time at Target on North Oracle. More than 150 kids, accompanied by family members and a member of the Tucson Police Department with a few allied public safety agency volunteers, were able to pick out $150 worth of new clothes, shoes, toys, and books.
 TPD Kids and Cops banner in front of Target on N. Oracle Rd.
The kids (and me) also had a great time with the Star Wars Stormtroopers and a remote controlled R2D2 that could hold a conversation. The festivities also include a visit by Batman, Superman, Supergirl, and other members of the Justice League of America. Outside, a police vehicle tricked out with lowrider equipment bounced up and down.
There are many great ways to help children and families who need help to achieve the Happy Holidays that everyone deserves. If you are able, I hope you are finding some joy in helping others this season.
Vice Mayor,
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Vice Mayor Dahl and Ward 3 staff met with residents of the La Madera Neighborhood last weekend to discuss reactivating the La Madera Neighborhood Association. The meeting was held at La Madera Park, the crown jewel of the neighborhood. It was a beautiful December morning where we conversed with residents eager to play a part in organizing with their neighbors.
Around 50 people turned out to the event Saturday, where we shared empanadas from La Palma Mexican Bakery and Tortilla Factory and coffee from Cartel Coffee. We discussed the advantages of restarting the association, along with some information on how to go about it. Vice Mayor Dahl and staff were there to answer questions, along with Neighborhood Engagement Specialist Rebecca Ruopp, who presented on the hows and whys of neighborhood reactivation.
 Rebecca Ruopp Principal Planner with Planning and Development Services giving a presentation on the benefits of forming a Neighborhood Association.
Ward 3 has 30 registered neighborhood associations from Flowing Wells to Vista Del Monte. Neighborhood Associations typically organize around projects like traffic calming, beautification, and providing input on certain types of development in their area (such as rezonings).
Neighborhood Associations have bylaws that establish the internal operating rules. This is very different from the more well-known Homeowners Association (HOA), which is a private organization of homeowners only, and which charges fees and includes rules that apply to all homeowners..
 Vice Mayor Dahl talking at La Madera Park.
Although a large part of Ward 3 is made up of registered neighborhood associations, there are a few areas that have either never had an association, or that used to have one that became inactive at some point. La Madera is one of the latter. The La Madera Neighborhood Association was originally founded in 1982, making it the second oldest neighborhood association in Ward 3 (behind RillitoBend, formerly known as Prince Tucson). The association board disbanded several years ago, and since then the association has been inactive
A recent issue surrounding the reinstallation of a basketball hoop at La Madera Park was a good impetus for Ward 3 staff to canvass the neighborhood and begin to gauge interest in getting the neighborhood association back up and running.
 La Madera neighbors.
The Parks and Rec department had the Ready Set Rec Van with plenty of engaging activities for the kids.
If you are a renter, homeowner, or run a business in La Madera and would like to see the Neighborhood Association reactivated, keep an eye out in our newsletter for a meeting in January where neighbors meet to discuss the next steps for the reactivation.
 The “Things We Like In Our Neighborhood” board with Post-it responses from La Madera residents.
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Web Analyst Kim Beth.
This article is both an employee spotlight and a massive “thank you.”
When I began at Ward 3 in June, my first responsibility was to take over the newsletter (what you are reading right now). I received access and a brief rundown, from my coworker Shannon, but the platform we use to publish it, Govdelivery, is not very user-friendly. I grew frustrated and the tutorials weren’t much help.
Luckily, I met Kim Beth, Informational Technology superhero and all-around good person.
Kim gave me the skinny on Govdelivery, turning what to me was a clunky system into a great way to produce our newsletters. I don’t want to get too nerdy here, but she speaks my tech language, and we can talk about other platforms, designing in Drupal, and many other topics that would bore the regular person. Most important of all, Kim helps me out whenever I have a problem.
 Mission Creeps with Kim Beth on bass.
So just who is this digital do-gooder? “Kim” is her first name and yes, “Beth” is her last name. She’s from the deep, deep South – Arkansas. The City of Tucson’s new and improved website is the result of her handywork. Kim has designed websites and content for a long time and helped Tucson win the prestigious Digital Cities award for 13 years! She believes public websites should serve citizens. To date, her biggest achievement has been finishing Tucson’s service-based website.
When I asked Kim about the long-enduring debate “Windows or Mac,” her answer did not disappoint. She simply stated: “You know, I'm bilingual, digitally, cause it doesn't matter to me.”
 The Mission Creeps featuring Kim and her husband James Roebuck.
Kim is much more than a public servant. Her free time includes such regular things like knitting, cooking, and rocking out on tour with her husband, a research scientist. That’s right – she is a rock star because she’s in a rock band! Kim plays bass and several other instruments with the Mission Creeps. The band has six releases that are inspired by film noir and horror movies. As a review in the Santa Fe New Mexican describes them, "Imagine a blend of The Cramps, Joy Division, Tom Waits, and Lightnin’ Hopkins.”
I’m sad to report that our digital superhero and public servant is retiring next year after 24 years of service. From the bottom of my heart, I am sincerely grateful to Kim. You will be missed.
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 ALFIE /ID# A824386
Age: 10 months
Qualities:
A shelter is no place for a puppy! Young Mr. Alfie is an active, happy pup who is looking for a home where he can learn all about being a beloved pet! This silly guy is a total lovebug who LOVES treats and is eager to please; we know he'll make a wonderful companion once he gets his chance!
Fee:
Alfie 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, 12 - 7 p.m.
Wednesday 1:30-7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m - 5 p.m.
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Fort Lowell Corridor Crime and Safety
Tuesday 12/19, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
3544 E Fort Lowell Rd
Samos Neighborhood Association
Tuesday 12/19, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
1609 E Spring St
Flowing Wells Neighborhood Association
Tuesday 12/19, 6 - 7 p.m.
Ellie Towne Flowing Wells Community Center
1660 W Ruthrauff Road
The Ward 3 office is open open at 1510 E. Grant Rd. from
9 a.m. -1 p.m., 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.
Please note that our office will be closed on Monday December 25 and Tuesday December 26 and Monday January 1, 2024.
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Winter Wonderland Saturday, December 16, 2023 4-6:30 p.m.
Tucson Parks and Recreation is hosting a "Winter Wonderland" event to get you in the holiday spirit at Quincie Douglas, 1575 E. 36th Street, Tucson, 85715
Enjoy free family fun that includes hot chocolate, carnival games, arts and crafts and a visit from Santa!
Live entertainment will be provided by Barbea Dance Studio, Quincie Douglas Center Tap Dance class and headliner band, In the Zone.
Free After School Ornament Art event Wednesday December 20 from 1-4 p.m.
Winterhaven Festival of Lights December 9 -25
 The 74th annual Winterhaven Festival of Lights begins on Saturday, Dec. 9, and runs through Monday, Dec. 25, from 6 - 10 p.m. nightly. This holiday celebration is also a major fundraiser for the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona. For more information such as where to park please visit the Winterhaven guidance page.
Cookies with Santa at the Marty Birdman Center December 22
at 5 p.m.
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/
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.
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 a.m. the First Friday of Every Month
Yoga in the Garden Every Wednesday at 8 a.m.
Grocery Sharing at Tucson Food Share - 2500 N. Stone Ave.
 Groceries are shared Mondays 4:30- 6 p.m.,
Thursdays 6 - 7:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 8-9:30 a.m.
https://tucsonfoodshare.org/ has more information about volunteering, donating, or requesting delivery.
Ready, Set, REC! in November
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Senior Olympic Festival Saturday, January 6 through January 28
 To be eligible you must be 50 years or older. At 50 you’re still barely post-hatched, but that’s what the organizers are allowing. There will once again be a wide variety of events you can register for – archery, golf, horseshoes, badminton, running events, bowling and a bunch more. There will be nearly 100 events scattered around at more than 20 different venues. To get the full rundown on events and how to register visit the Senior Olympic Festival website. The various entry fees vary depending on which event(s) you’re signing up for. And if you have questions about the event please reach out to either Joe Stubbins or Debra Henley at seniorolympics@tucsonaz.gov.
Registration deadline is December 29th. The events will take place between January 6th and 28th, 2024.
Turbeville Talk Upcoming Event on January 26 from 1-2:15 p.m.
The Frances McClelland Institute is excited to invite you to our next engaging Turbeville Talk scheduled for Friday, January 26, 2024, from 1-2:15 p.m. The upcoming talk is titled "Development and Effectiveness of the Parent Support Program, an Online Intervention for Parents and Caregivers of Trans and Gender Expansive Youth." Presented by Dr. Em Matsuno from Arizona State University.
Cradle to Career Math Survey for Parents
El Autobus de Transporte Rapido de Tucson.
Lead Hazard Reduction Program From Older Homes
Home Repair Program for Low income Homeowners
Sustainable Tucson Too Good To Waste Challenge
Plastic Recycling in the Orange Bins
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
Connect Arizona Affordable Connectivity Program
 Programa de conectividad asequible Connect Arizona
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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