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 Current City Manager Mike Ortega during a visit to the Ward 3 Office.
The public gets just a small glimpse of how important a good City Manager is to running our city. The Mayor and Council make decisions, set policy and adopt ordinances, approve the budget, and work to represent and serve our residents. In contrast, the Manager oversees the implementation of these policy decisions, which is enormous: streets and transit, water supply, building permits, fire protection, public safety, waste collection, are just some of our major responsibilities – a $2 billion annual operation that employees 4,500 people! To make things more difficult, the Manager has seven bosses – Mayor and City Council (can you imagine working for two bosses, let alone seven?). Any good City Manager must have the wisdom and leadership qualities of a CEO of a large corporation, combined with a deep commitment to public service.
I am grateful to have been in office while Mike Ortega was our City Manager. For the past two years, I worked with Mike on a weekly basis. Some of our time was spent helping me understand how he proposed to implement council direction on topics especially important to me: climate, water, parks, transit, public safety, housing, and homelessness.
A superb communicator, Mike kept me updated on these items, and more, and the occasional crisis. He would figure out how to accomplish what was needed despite the challenges of a large bureaucracy, to get, as he would put it, “to the promised land.” When he made a mistake, he would admit it, explain how it happened, and tell how he was going to fix it. We had a good leader whose mission was to improve the quality of life of Tucson residents, while keeping a balanced budget and preparing us for potential problems in the future.
 New Tucson City Manager Tim Thomure.
Mike developed a highly effective leadership team of his deputies, assistants, and department heads. Cross-training and succession planning were part of the plan. Which was good, because now that we must fill the position, we had a natural choice available. This week Mayor and Council chose Tim Thomure to be the next City Manager (starting in July). Tim has been part of Mike’s team for years. Tim became Director of Tucson Water in 2016, and after five years served in the Manager’s office as Assistant and then Deputy Director. I’ve also worked with Tim for two years and appreciate his leadership ability as well – he will do great as our Tucson City Manager.
What’s next for Mike Ortega? He tells me he and his wife plan some long-postponed travel, and I know he will relish spending time with his beloved grandchildren. He is an avid woodworker and will have more time for that hobby. And who knows, maybe we will see Mike in another public position after a suitable time for rejuvenation, relaxation, and refreshment. I wouldn’t be surprised, or happier, if that happened. All the best to you and thanks for the years you helped make Tucson great, Mike!
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This Saturday, March 23rd the City of Tucson Parks and Recreation Department will host the 25th Annual EGGstravaganza event at Mansfield Park! The event celebrating Spring will include four separate egg hunts for different ages, an adaptive egg hunt area, prizes and food trucks. Every recreation center has its own game set up and there is plenty to walk around and take in.
 EGGstravaganza crowd in 2011!
This year we will also have a couple of hyper-local non-profits joining the celebration. They will be hosting a table to share with the community the work they focus on. Tucson Mesh is based in Sugar Hill and offers donation based high-speed internet. The Amphi Panteras Tenant Empowerment offer tenants-rights education and support with tenant organizing.
 Plenty of eggs to go around!
Although this is the City’s 25th year hosting, EGGstravaganza at Mansfield Park has a much longer history. Armando Vargas has been a Sugar Hill resident since 2002 and volunteers yearly on the planning committee. He shared that the name EGGstravaganza was first tied to the Mansfield Park egg hunt by Rising Star Baptist Church in 1999.
 Beau Brummel Social Club members during a formal dance at the Blue Moon Ballroom in 1936.
Rose Taulton has been a volunteer at the Donna Liggins Center since 1992 and although she didn’t grow up in Sugar Hill she spent plenty of time there with family and friends throughout her youth. Rose shared that the original egg hunt was hosted by the Beau Brummel Social Club and the VFW Ladies Auxiliary. This became a yearly event and local producer Hickman’s Eggs donated the eggs (up to 2,500 at one point!) that were hard boiled and hand dyed by Rose and other volunteers. It wasn’t until 2012 that health codes shifted and real eggs were no longer allowed.
Rose shared, “My most fondest memory was a time when some of the kids, this the beginning of when we used real eggs, came over to me and gave me hugs. They said that they enjoyed the hunt and were so glad to be able to have some eggs to take home to have for Easter. At that time the EGGstravaganza was held the day before. That brought tears to my eyes, so it was worth every dyed finger I had from coloring the eggs!”
This Saturday’s event will draw families from all over Tucson. Remember to bring your own baskets, stop by all the booths, and thank a Sugar Hill resident!
 The front of The Nature Conservancy Building as seen from Fort Lowell Rd.
In the heart of Ward 3 sits one of the most environmentally friendly buildings in Tucson. The building belongs to The Nature Conservancy (TNC) a global organization dedicated to environmental protection and advocacy, which has an office in Tucson off of Fort Lowell. I was fortunate enough to get a tour of the building and grounds from Dorothy Boone and Damian Rawoot. Damian is the Land and Water Protection Manager at TNC while Dorothy is Arizona Volunteer Programs Director.
The building itself is stunning, while the history of the property has quite the tale to tell itself. Beginning in the 1950's it was the home of world-renowned dancer and founder of Mettler Studios, Barbara Mettler. In 1963, Mettler built a custom dance studio next to her residence with an adjacent "dance lawn" surrounded by natural desert plants and scenery. The studio was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright's apprentice and member of Taliesin West, John H. Howe. Upon Mettler's passing in 2002, the land her house and studio sat on was willed to TNC. Shortly thereafter, TNC had an environmentally sound office building designed and built next door.
 Barbara Mettler (left). Damian Rawoot and Dorothy Boone (right).
The whole site was created with conservation in mind. With loads of natural lighting indoors and recycled materials integrated into the architecture of the building itself, the structure is a testament to what can be achieved with mindful design. The exterior is no different. The roof the the entire complex is made to collect water and drain it into one of four onsite cisterns. Their largest cistern is actually underground and that tank holds an astounding 30000 gallons! That's basically the amount of water the average inground swimming pool holds. The landscaping is irrigated with rainwater and has numerous basins and curb cutouts to maximize water harvesting. All of the plants are native to the Sonoran Desert with the exception of a few olive trees that predate TNC, however, they are well established and require very little water. The ground has a permeable gravel system installed that lets the water penetrate and minimizes runoff. And to top it all off (pun intended), they have installed solar panels that run the entire facility during the day and even power the EV charger on site.
 A native grassland garden at TNC.
Dorothy informed me that they are about to update the charger and add a few more since many employees drive electric vehicles. The grounds are open to the public and have a few benches in their gardens so the people can come and rest. The natural flora and fauna have mostly been able to be preserved as it was when Barbara Mettler lived there thanks to the efforts of The Nature Conservancy. To this day there are bobcats, javelinas, coyotes, quail, and many more types of wildlife that visit the property on a daily basis. So if you are in the neighborhood of 1510 E Fort Lowell Rd. stop by and take a breather in one of their picturesque gardens.
 March 19, 2024 Study Session and Regular Agenda.
Study Session included an executive session for appointing Tim Thomure as the new City Manager, replacing Mike Ortega upon retirement. Discussion included appointing a replacement for Council Member Steve Kozachik and approval of the process to fill the seat. Update on Southwest Border Region's Provision of Humanitarian Aid, discussion regarding Participatory Budgeting Pilot Program. Fiscal year 2024 Financial Update and 2025 budget discussion. Update on Development Impact Fees.
Regular Agenda included Proclamation of March 30, 2024 to be Cesar Chavez Day.
For the complete Study Session and Regular Agenda please click on the buttons below.
For the full coverage of the Mayor and Council meeting on March 19, 2024, please click on the button below.
The March 21 Zoning Examiner Public Hearing was cancelled and rescheduled for Wednesday, April 17 at 6:00pm, to allow for the required window for notice to the public. This rescheduled public hearing includes the Walmart Expansion project on Wetmore.
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 CAROL /ID# A826921
Age: 4 years
Qualities:
Sweet gal Carol has been hanging out in foster for a while, and she's shown us what a wonderful family dog she can be! While she can be a little shy at first, Carol has done well with people, including children, and other dogs at home and out in public. Carol's perfect day is spent cuddling with her people, getting hugs and treats, taking a couple naps, playing fetch, and getting in a long walk or two. This girl is such a sweetheart!
Fee:
Carol 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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The next Mayor and Council Meeting will be on
Tuesday, April 9, 2024.
When available the agenda and background materials will be posted here: Mayor and Council Meeting Agendas. |
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Keeling Neighborhood Association
Monday 3/25, 7 - 8:30 pm
Cornerstone Fellowship Social Hall
2902 N Geronimo Ave
Country Glenn Neighborhood Gathering
Sunday 3/24, 3 - 5:00 pm
La Madera Park
2700 E. La Madera Dr.
Jefferson Park Neighborhood Association
Wednesday 3/27, 6 - 7:00 pm
Ward 3 Community Room
1510 E. Grant Rd.
Vista del Monte Neighborhood Association
Thursday 3/28, 6:30 - 8:30 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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24th Annual Arizona César E.Chávez and Dolores Huerta Holiday Coaltion March and Rally Saturday, March 23, 2024 From 9 am-1 pm
March starts at Pueblo High School to Rudy Garcia Park
*Shuttles from Rudy Garcia to Pueblo High School 8 AM - 8:30 AM*
There will be a performance by Danza Xochipilli Centeotl, local organizations, vendors, and speakers from local union organizations, elected officials, and community leaders.
There will also be a car Show at 10 am at Rudy Garcia Park. Awards will be given for the best car in show at noon.
Pop-Up Café in the Park Saturday, March 23 at Reid Park Ramada #2 10 am - noon
 FREE coffee and breakfast burritos + FREE bike repair
Tucson Parks and Recreation representatives will be there to present material for the Reid Park interactive water feature coming soon. This plan has come together as a result of the community engagement efforts over the last few years.
Bicycle Boulevard projects include:
• 20mph speed limits to improve safety for everyone who uses the street.
• Curb extensions with landscaping for traffic calming, shade, and cooling.
• Islands with landscaping for traffic calming along segments and beautification.
• Pavement markings for wayfinding, and to alert people driving of the possible presence of bicyclists.
• Push-button crossings to help people walking and biking cross busy streets.
• Speed humps to reduce vehicle speeds and discourage cut-through traffic.
• Traffic circles for traffic calming at intersections and beautification.
• Traffic redirection for cars and trucks to reduce cut-through traffic along neighborhood streets.
• Wayfinding signage to guide cyclists.
Tucson Japanese Festival Saturday, March 23 from 11 am - 3 pm
BICAS Art Mart Sunday March 24 from 10 am - 3 pm
Community Planting Day March 24 from 8:30-11:30 am
Come meet your neighbors! Country Glenn Neighborhood Association Gathering and meet and greet on Sunday March 24 from 3-5 pm
It’s Stinknet Season!
Stinknet is an invasive weed that has taken over Maricopa County in just a few years, and it's threatening to do the same to Tucson. This innocent-looking plant has spherical yellow flowers and feathery leaves, but it spreads like wildfire, crowding out our native desert plants and fueling wildfires that produce an acrid, irritating smoke. This article describes the extent of the problem to our north, where stinknet has fueled wildfires like the Ocotillo Fire in Cave Creek in 2020.
 An aerial photo from April 2023 above Cave Creek, Arizona shows the proliferation of stinknet. Image from the linked article above by Zach Duncan and Samuel Shaw.
Local land managers have been watching with concern as stinknet has continued to move south from Phoenix, following the I-10 corridor. Ward 3, located where the interstate first crosses the city, has been the area most affected. A large patch of stinknet was found near Prince and I-10 in 2015, and last year another dense patch was reported near Stone Ave. and Pastime St., with more plants scattered throughout the surrounding Amphi neighborhood. Most of these plants were either sprayed with herbicide or removed by hand by volunteers, but millions of tiny seeds were left behind, and they are sprouting this spring. The race is now on to remove these plants before they mature and produce more seeds. We don’t want this problem to spread to the precious wildlands that surround our city, nor do we want to live in a sea of stinky stinknet.
 Want to help?
- Join a stinknet volunteer event where you can learn how to recognize and remove this invasive weed. Signup on the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum Invasive Plant Volunteer Event page;
- If you already know how to identify stinknet, help us find and report infestations on Stinknet.org;
- Tell your friends and neighbors about this new problem plant and encourage them to take a closer look at what’s growing in their yard and around their neighborhood;
Ready, Set, REC! in March
$5000 Scholarship Opportunity for High School Seniors
Tucson Home Sharing March 2024 Event Calender
Food Waste Prevention Week April 1-6
The City of Tucson will be designating the first week in April, Food Waste Prevention Week.
Tucson Norte Sur Survey
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.
Open House at Marty Birdman Center on April 6 from 10 am-Noon
TechFest April 13 from 10am-3pm
Let's go Solar Co-Op event April 30 at 6-7:30 pm at Barrio Brewing
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.
Prevent Lead Exposure in Your Home
Programa de Control de Peligros de Pintura a Base de Plomo
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