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The City of Tucson and Pima County passed proclamations this week declaring March 4 as HPV Awareness Day. As a human-papillomavirus (HPV) throat cancer survivor I want everyone to gain this awareness. Like most cancers, early-detection can reduce cancer deaths, but unlike any other cancer, this one can be prevented by vaccination.
 Vice Mayor Kevin Dahl, throat cancer survivor Vince Pawlowski, District 3 Supervisor Sylvia Lee, and Pima County's vaccine program manager Crystal Rambaud at this week's Board of Supervisors meeting
Let me repeat that for emphasis. Like polio, HPV can be eliminated from the planet with widespread use of a safe, effective vaccination.
 Mayor Regina Romero and Vice Mayor Kevin Dahl present the City Proclamation to American Cancer Society volunteer Maria Martinez and throat cancer survivor Vince Pawlowski declaring March 4th HPV Awareness Day.
Cervical cancer is the most common HPV cancer among women, and throat cancer the most common among men.
My fellow throat cancer survivor Vince Pawlowski initiated the local effort for awareness. He and I can both testify that you do not want to get this cancer. Vince had it harder than me, with an intense treatment that included surgery, chemo, and radiation (he was on a feeding tube for three months). Years later the impacts are still visible as he struggles to speak clearly.
 The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the highly effective HPV vaccination for all people ages 9 to 26 years of age and for some people ages 27 to 45 who were not vaccinated as children. So please get vaccinated if you are eligible. And please pass the word to parents and young people.
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In July of 2023, the City of Tucson’s Housing First Program rolled out its very own five-stall shower trailer, including one ADA-accessible stall! For the first few months of the year, they rented the Salvation Army’s shower trailer and saw participation between 150 and 200 people a month.
 Shower Trailer set up and ready with accessible ramp!
Through the generous support of Governor Hobbs and the State Department of Housing (ADOH), the City was able to purchase its own mobile shower, towing vehicle, and cover operational funding for the program’s first year. Additional grant funds have been received to continue the mobile shower operations for the next two years at no cost to City taxpayers.
 All done for the day, the shower trailer is tucked in at Wildcat Inn.
“As the rates of unsheltered homelessness increased, the City of Tucson recognized the need for basic hygiene services to support our unsheltered neighbors. Through these newly created funding sources, we have been able to meet this immediate and important need,” shared Jason Thorpe, Interim Deputy Director of Housing and Community Development.
“Basic services like our mobile shower trailer and street outreach programs play a critical role in ending homelessness. These are often the first points of contact for people experiencing homelessness. Housing First program staff provide for basic needs while building the trusting relationships that are necessary to promote entry to shelter and longer-term housing and service programs,” added Ann Chaneka, newly appointed Director of Housing and Community Development.
For those making use of this new program, the process is simple: you just have to sign in and wait your turn. People get a towel and 15 minutes in the hot shower. Shampoo, soap, and other hygiene items are provided and gently used clothing is provided when available.
I asked Shane Wilson, Outreach Specialist with Housing First, why he took on managing the shower program and his response was simple: “That could be me.”
The trailer hits the streets five days a week! The current schedule is as follows:
- Monday: 12 -4pm at Caridad Kitchens
- Tuesday: Working on finalizing this day due to changes at Zion City
- 1st Wednesday of the month at Stand Up for Kids 11:30am -3pm
- Other Wednesdays: 11a-2p St. Francis Men’s Shelter
- Thursday: 8a-12p Primavera Drop-in Center
- Friday: alternating weeks at Casa Maria 7a-11a and Goodwill Rec 12p-4p
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Blue Baldwin is the manager of the Storm to Shade program, which installs Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI). What the heck is Green Stormwater Infrastructure, you ask? Broadly speaking, GSI refers to catchment basins that serve the function of directing stormwater to beneficial use by growing plants and trees. We may not get a ton of rain in Tucson, but as we all know, during Monsoon season, when it rains, it pours. GSI can help add vegetation to our city landscape, while also reduce the effects of flooding.
 Blue putting some nature back into the landscape
The Storm to Shade program is housed within Tucson Water, and is funded by City residents who are Tucson Water customers. Everyone in the city who uses the public water utility pays 13 cents per ccf (which stands for centum cubic feet, or 100 cubic feet) to help make our city more beautiful, more natural, less flooded, and cooler.
When the program began, three years ago, it was simply called GSI before the name changed to Storm to Shade because few people knew what Green Storm Water meant. Blue was hired to implement the program, and was hired her team that consists of her and three other people. Before working at the city, Blue ran the Garden and Ecology program at TUSD for years, based out of Ricardo Manzo Elementary School. When Covid hit, and students weren’t able to learn in person, some programs didn’t really translate to zoom. This gave Blue a moment to reflect on what else she’d love to do, and she dedicated herself to seeking other ways to increase the greenery of the city. She initially applied for another program that was new to the city at the time—that of Urban Forestry Program Manager. She didn’t get that job, but through the process found this position that was an even better fit.
I asked Blue her favorite thing about her job, and she had two answers. First, she loves her small but mighty team. Brooke Bushman, Xochitl Coronado-Vargas, and Jon Choi all work intimately with Blue to install GSI all over the city. Secondly, Blue loves the idea of putting nature back into an urban environment.
 Blue rock climbing for perspective
“We’re undoing decades of taking nature out of our lives,” she said. “All you have to do is create space for natural world, and it will show up. Humans have done an astounding job losing connection to the natural world, so whenever there's an opportunity to slip it back into people's lives, that's a good thing.”
When we talk about undoing the damage decades of bad urban planning, this also means undoing decades and more of inequity. When we look at neighborhoods comparatively, we find very quickly that there are less plants and generally less shade in the parts of town that have historically been disinvested in. That’s not just in Tucson, of course, but all over the US. And so Blue and her team think of equity as their north star. Alongside the Urban Forestry program, Storm to Shade began with the concept of a Tree Equity Score, originally developed by an organization called simply American Forests. They both took that concept and added other criteria (surface temperature, percent tree canopy, age, income, race, employment) to determine a Tree Equity Score for every neighborhood in Tucson, so that they can always be aware of prioritizing neighborhoods with the lowest scores.
 Blue with her daughter and husband on Halloween
A native Tucsonan, Blue loves to ride her bike on dirt trails, go camping, travel, and see live music. Her favorite local band is Hey Bucko, which features her husband Ryan. The two of them are raising their daughter Mosey. Music is big in their family. Blue used to sing in a band called Drama Club, and now loves helping Mosey learn violin and guitar.
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 PHILADELPHIA/ID# A827498
Age:6 years
Qualities:
Philadelphia is a soft-hearted gal who came from a home where she didn't get much human socialization. She can be shy around people at first as a result, but with some time and patience, you'll find her climbing into your lap for a bit of love! Philadelphia lived with dogs previously and has done well with other dogs in PACC; she would likely do best in a home with a confident doggy friend.
Fee:
Philadelphia 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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Campbell Grant North East NA
Monday 2/26, 6- 7:30 pm
Ward 3 Community Room
1510 E. Grant Rd.
Jefferson Park Neighborhood Association
Wednesday 2/28, 6- 7:00 pm
Ward 3 Community Room
1510 E. Grant Rd.
Samos Neighborhood Association
Tuesday 2/20, 6:30 - 7:30 pm
1609 E. Spring St.
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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Campus Farm Neighborhood Participatory Design Event February 24 at 10am
Peace Fair & Music Festival at Armory Park this Saturday, February 24
Ready, Set, REC! in February
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.
Open House for the Therapeutic Rec Center taking place on February 29 from 4-6 pm.
Dodge Flower Community Clean Up on Saturday, March 2
Barnyard Trot on Saturday, March 2
 Hoof it on over to Tucson Village Farm on Saturday, March 2 for the Barnyard Trot, a fundraiser to build and support the new Animal Education Center!
Work as a team to complete a 1-mile adventure course around the farm. Visit a dozen egg-tivity stations that promote healthy living.
Meet animals like chickens, goats, and sheep that we will house in our new center, and discover why they are an important part of the farm. Get silly, get active, and meet some cute farm animals!
We have incredible prizes and raffles, including (but not limited to):
· Annual Desert Museum Membership
· Family stay at a lavender goat farm in Sonoita
· Reid Park Zoo Membership
· Spa day for your dog
· 2 tickets to Ignite Sign Museum
· 2 $100 gift cards to Petsmart
· Dinner for two at True Food
· A week of CAMP!
· And much more!
Cascarón Crafting Party at the Blue Moon Community Garden on March 9 at 10 am
Tree Festival and Climbing Championship on March 15 & 16
 The Arizona Community Tree Council (ACTC) in conjunction with The City of Tucson and Tucson Clean & Beautiful host the annual Tree Festival & Climbing Championship, fun for the whole family at Reid Park in Tucson. The Tree Climbing event is Friday, March 15 and 16, 2024 from 8am-4pm. The Tree Festival is Saturday, March 16, 2024 from 10 AM – 4 PM. Arizona arborists will participate in a tree climbing competition throughout the days that are designed to simulate the challenges they face in their daily work. Festival-goers can watch the competition on both days while on Saturday perusing exhibit tables, food trucks and fun family activities.
Tucson Parks & Recreation Summer Job Fair on Friday, March 15
 $5000 Scholarship Opportunity for High School Seniors
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.
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.
1 Wednesday Left! Paul Cunningham's Afterschool Hoops
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
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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