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 Are you and a few friends or family members interested in having coffee with the Ward 3 Councilmember and Vice Mayor of Tucson? Although I won’t be able to accommodate everyone, my staff will choose one winner randomly from the responses we receive. I plan on doing this monthly and by the way, I’m buying.
Here’s how you enter. Send an email to ward3@tucsonaz.gov with the subject line Coffee With Kevin. In the email let me know what issues concern you and what you might want to talk about. Each month on the 15th, we will randomly select a lucky winner. We’ll contact you and you get to select your favorite coffee shop in Ward 3.Together we’ll work out a convenient day and time.
Friends of Ward 3
We’ve had a great response from people interested in helping to organize and possibly serve on the board of a new non-profit, Friends of Ward 3. The group will work to support neighborhood associations and other good projects. If you are interested in joining the effort, please let us know. An initial meeting will be held soon.
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 Salvation Army Captain Kristy Church and St. Francis Shelter Director of Operations Shawn Milligan.
With the colder temperatures here, St. Francis Shelter Community is hosting “Soup Patrol” every Monday through Friday starting at 5pm and ending at 7pm or whenever they run out of soup.
They serve hot soup and hot chocolate free of charge for anyone who would like it. Many of the people who attend are unhoused, but the soup and hot chocolate are available for anyone who would benefit from it, including many housed families and individuals experiencing food insecurity.
 Shawn Milligan helping serving some hot drinks to an unhoused resident.
This is the first winter that Soup Patrol is located at the Salvation Army at 218 E Prince Rd and administered by St. Francis. The soup and hot chocolate is prepared by Caridad Kitchen, who have provided Soup Patrol for years alongside Most Holy Trinity Church. St. Francis Shelter Community is pleased to be able to continue the tradition with Caridad Kitchen.
 Shawn Milligan helping to serve hot chocolate to some unhoused residents early in the morning.
In addition to the soup and hot chocolate, Saint Francis also hands out blankets, hats, scarves, coats, gloves, hand warmers, and anything connected to staying warm for folks living outside during the winter. They are always looking for donations. If you’d like to donate, you can stop by Soup Patrol during the week between 5-7pm, or you can drop them by the Ward 3 office during the day between 9am-1pm.
Check out our video interview with Shawn over at our Ward 3 YouTube Channel.
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 A javelina walking through a lawn.
This week, I was able to introduce some new Tucson residents to some long time residents of our Sonoran Desert. Towards the end of a pleasant conversation that ranged from neighborhood associations, our local dark sky ordinance and city resources, almost as an afterthought, I mentioned…”Sometimes the troublemakers tipping over trash bins are Javelina, they won’t go out of their way to harm you unless there’s a baby of course.’
The look of confusion and disbelief was immediately apparent when they asked to see a photo of a javelina. I wrongly told them they are related to pigs, when they are actually in the Peccary family. Javelina live in small herds, usually under 10 although some herds have been known to grow to around 50. Herds mark and defend their territory, which includes their sleeping and feeding areas.
 A javelina crossing the street in the Campbell Grant Northeast neighborhood.
Javelina can be dangerous if surprised, they have long, sharp canine teeth and strong front legs and hooves meant for digging up roots and tubers. From time to time the Ward 3 office gets calls from constituents who have been chased by a Javelina while out walking their dog. Javelina are also smart and they remember where a food source is located. So if they found a pumpkin on your front porch, say around October, they will most likely revisit at a later date in hopes of more snacks.
From Council Member Steve Kozachik’s newsletter last week:
“Arizona Game and Fish are not going to come and try to remove wildlife from your neighborhood unless there’s a clear indication that there’s aggressive behavior being exhibited towards people. In previous newsletters, I’ve shared ways you can make your property, and the neighborhood generally less attractive to urban wildlife setting up shop. Rake the date palm droppings, don’t have real pumpkins out around Halloween, don’t have exposed compost piles, avoid decorative blooming flowers in your garden – those sorts of things. If you go to this site, you can see the full array of suggestions G&F makes: https://www.azgfd.com/wildlife-conservation/living-with-wildlife/”
If you find that a herd has claimed your neighborhood and has taken note of your garbage collection date, one easy way to avoid tipped garbage can is to not roll your barrel out to the curb until morning. If this is not possible, or they have found where you store your bins, you can reach out to our Environmental Services team and exchange your bin for one with a locking device that deters critters from tampering. Get ahold of environmental services at https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Environmental-and-General-Services
A herd of javelina caught on a trail cam at night.
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 BLAZE /ID# A804929
Age:1 year 10 months
Qualities:
Bouncy big boy Blaze is always smiling and always ready for an adventure. Blaze is PACC's current longest resident, and after more than 300 days in the shelter, he'd love a foster break, or even better, an adopter! Blaze enjoys playtime, zoomies, and giving as many sloppy kisses as he can! He enjoys playing with other pups and would like to meet any potential doggy roommates before heading home.
Fee:
Blaze 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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Mountain First Neighborhood Association
Saturday 2/10, 9 - 10 am
Mitchell Park
1100 E Mitchell St.
Limberlost Neighborhood Association
Saturday 2/10, 10 - 11 am
For link to virtual meeting, please email 4LNABoard@gmail.com
La Madera In-Person Community Engagement Meeting
Saturday 2/10, 10 - 11:30 am
La Madera Park
2700 E La Madera Dr.
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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$5000 Scholarship Opportunity for High School Seniors
District 5 Youth Art Contest
Christopher Columbus Park Phase 2 Public Engagement Meeting and Survey
Tucson Parks and Recreation is in the planning and design for phase 2 of park improvements and would like your input on the proposed concept plan. We are hosting a meeting at the park on Saturday, Feb. 3, from 10-11:30 a.m., at Christopher Columbus Park at the extra-large ramada #5 under the solar panels. The community will be able to talk with staff about the future projects planned for this park. Take the survey to give us your feedback. The survey will be open online through Sunday, Feb. 11.
Key features in the concept plan:
- 12 pickleball courts
- Four tennis courts
- Expanded dog park facilities
- Two covered basketball courts
- Two new restrooms
- New Playgrounds (2-5 years and 5-12 years)
- New Splash Pad
- Expanded parking
- Walking paths and landscape nodes
- Flexible lawn areas
Free Diaper Distribution Fair Saturday January 27 from 9am-2pm
Call to Artists! Sugarhill is looking for submissions of historic photos to be placed on vinyl banners along Stone Ave.
 We’re thrilled to announce our Sugar Hill Call for Participation, and we want YOU to be a part of it.
Call for Photos: Do you have recent or historic photos of the Sugar Hill neighborhood or its wonderful community members? We invite you to share your snapshots with us as we celebrate the rich history and vibrant life of Sugar Hill !
Some examples of photos include, but are not limited to, a historical event, a landmark, a personal journey, a cultural presence, or a significant person.
Tucson Water is testing their new Home Water Works Calculator
https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Water/Conservation/DIY-Water-Audits to sign up for this test program. This opportunity is open to the first 2,000 customers who opt-in.
Lend a Hand Senior Assistance Volunteer Opportunity
St. Francis Soup Patrol Monday- Friday at 5pm
 St. Francis Shelter Community has partnered with Caridad Kitchens to provide Ward 3 unhoused with hot soup and Hot Cocoa. We serve Monday thru Friday starting at 5 pm until soup is gone. Caridad Kitchen has done a fantastic job with providing delicious, hearty and nutritious soup. We are pleased serve from Salvation Army at 218 E Prince Rd. This is their first go with soup patrol and so far things are going well. They also have blankets, cold weather items to hand out based on various donations St. Francis Shelter Community receives.
If you'd like to volunteer please reach out to Shawn Milligan, Director of Operations at 520-461-4943.
Tucson Parks and Recreation is getting ready to design Phase 2 projects at La Madera Park, 2700 E La Madera Dr. Saturday, Feb. 10, 10-11:30 am
Below are the projects outlined in the bond. Give us your feedback on the proposed projects.
Phase 2
- New walking path
- New splash pad
- Renovate irrigation system
Join us at the park to talk with staff about the future improvements at this park including a new splash pad, walking path, and irrigation.
Take the survey to provide your feedback on the planned improvements. The survey will close on Sunday, Feb. 18.
Prince Food Pantry 7-8:30 am the First Friday of Every Month
Yoga in the Garden Every Wednesday at 2 pm
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 February
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The Pima County Health Department (PCHD) is in the beginning stages of surveying for their 2024 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA)
By actively participating in the survey, you contribute to ensuring that the CHNA better reflects the health priorities of Pima County. Kindly take and share the survey before it closes on February 28th.
El Departamento de Salud del Condado de Pima (PCHD) se encuentra en las etapas iniciales de la encuesta para su Evaluación de Necesidades de Salud Comunitaria (CHNA) de 2024.
Al participar en la encuesta, usted contribuye a garantizar que la CHNA refleje mejor las prioridades de salud del condado de Pima. Por favor responda y comparta la encuesta antes del 28 de febrero.
TEP Midtown Reliability Project Public Open House February 8 at 6 p.m.
 Reunion Abierta Publica de Tucson Electric Power el 8 de Febrero a las 6pm.
ChangeMakers Grant Program For Small Businesses
Launch, Grow, or Invest With Up to $10,000 in Grant Funding
Even though it may seem like business-as-usual, we know our small business community continues to struggle post-pandemic. Groundswell Capital* a nonprofit financial institution dedicated to equity, sustainability, and innovation has partnered with the City of Tucson to invest one million dollars in our entrepreneurs and small businesses.
These funds can be used to start or grow a company in Tucson. We are investing in upskilling our workforce and greening our communities. We are celebrating and telling the stories of the small businesses that are the heart of our city.
Applications accepted until February 11, 2024.
*Groundswell Capital is a new support organization for the Tucson IDA who has been investing in small business and affordable housing Tucson since 1979.
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Join an Info Session or Office Hours
We are hosting bilingual events throughout the month of January to spread the word and assist small businesses with their applications. Review our calendar of events for more details and links for virtual sessions. Kickoff Info Session Jan 9th.
The Homing Project mystery Dinner Theater Tuesday February 13 from 6-9pm
Paul Cunningham's Afterschool Wednesday Hoops for Kids Starting January 24 from 3-5 pm at Jesse Owens Park
Almost 4 million middle schoolers in the US are left unsupervised between 3 pm and 6 pm.
TUSD kids have an extra hour of unsupervised time because Wednesday is early out day. Every Wednesday during the school year, Ward 2 hosts Wednesday afternoon hoops at the covered court at Jesse Owens park. Each week, members of the Tucson Buckets (Tucson's semi-pro ABA team) join TUSD middle schoolers for a mini clinic that focuses on technical basketball and having fun. Ward 2 provides drinks and snacks and we just bought a portable electronic scoreboard!
Prevent Lead Exposure in Your Home
Programa de Control de Peligros de Pintura a Base de Plomo
Merchant and Mission Focused Market Place at the Dunbar Pavilion February 7 at 5 pm
Home Repair Program for Low income Homeowners
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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