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We Care is a non-profit organization that takes donated, old, or no longer working electronics and medical equipment, refurbishes what they can, and recycles the rest. They then take refurbished equipment and sell it to the public in their store. They are located at 3029 N. Stone. This Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm they will also be hosting a free Tech Fest at their store for the public to come and learn about the benefits of technology and bridging the "digital divide". The digital divide refers to the gap between those who have access to computers and the internet, and those who do not.
 From left to right: Executive Director MeMe Aguila, Director of Tech and E-recycle Coleman Hammer-Tomizuka, and Board Chair Marla Smith-Bernard.
I have always been a big believer in technology as a tool to educate and lift people, a sort of social equalizer. However, aside from the learning curve, there is also a huge barrier to entry, and that's cost. Not only do people have to afford the hardware (the physical components of a computer) but then they have to be able to afford the software (the programs that are loaded on the computer). Let's also remember that in today's age, people need internet access to use a computer. Without WiFi, the machine is basically useless. The cost immediately adds up, especially if you are on an extremely limited income.
I was lucky enough to sit down with Executive Director MeMe Aguila and get some info on what the organization and Tech Fest are all about. She informed me that the organization started in 1998 as "World Care", in 2020 they changed their name to "We Care". Around the same time the also relocated to their current location. We Care Tucson is dedicated to removing the barriers to information, education, and wellness.
It's no secret that Ward 3 has some of the poorest neighborhoods in the City. Some of our residents do not have permanent housing let alone access to a computer. Those who can afford some piece of technology are usually limited to just a smartphone.
 Coleman Hammer-Tomizuka the Director of Tech and E-recycle Standing next to some donated computer towers waiting to be sorted and refurbished.
Sometimes technological equipment needs to be upgraded. As a result, perfectly good machines get discarded contributing to environmental pollution by ending up in our landfills. Coleman Hammer-Tomizuka, the Director of Tech and E-recycle, gave me a tour of the facility. It is filled with monitors, laptops, desktops, tablets, and all sorts of unused tech that was donated and is being sorted and refurbished. Along with the computer equipment they have medical equipment, that is not just limited to electronics, but they also have walkers, wheelchairs, and even oxygen tanks. Coleman told me "If you have medical tech or computers that you don't need, bring it here. The data will be wiped securely, and if the item can't be used it will be recycled and kept out of the landfill". He and MeMe also informed me that they offer a free youth tech camp from June 12-16 for middle school-aged children.
The Tech Fest was envisioned as a way to bring the excitement of technology to the community, and to be all-inclusive. Anyone is welcome to drop by and bring in devices they need help with and any questions they may have for tech support. The event (Located at 3029 N. Stone Ave. 10 am to 3 pm) will include activities such as workshops on computer repair, computer basics for beginners, online safety, and digital art. Among other things, they will have a raffle and will be giving away several laptops, 3 drones, t-shirts, and several other prizes. So stop by We Care on Saturday, bring the family, learn something new, and join in on the fun.
Last week we hosted a Listening Session at the Ward 3 Community Room to hear neighbors' concerns regarding Phase 2 improvements for Columbus Park. We have received letters and voicemails from City and County residents sharing how they personally use the park and the role they would like the park to play in their communities.
For context, the Columbus Park master plan was adopted in 2004 and is a combination of more active park amenities (sports fields and courts) and some more passive amenities (natural areas and trails). Long term, it was intended to be more of an urban park than a natural resource park. This really makes sense when you consider that Saguaro National Park West and Tucson Mountain Park are 3-4 miles to the west and are 100% natural resource parks.
 Director of Parks and Recreation, Lara Hamwey, Vice Mayor Kevin Dahl, and Deputy Director Greg Jackson all set up for the listening session!
Also under consideration are the Prop 407 items that were communicated to the public. Because Prop 407 was a bond, the specific improvements were listed out so that voters knew how exactly their money would be spent. Changes can still be made but they must approved by the Bond Oversight Committee. Columbus Park was budgeted to receive $7,155,966 in bond dollars for renovations and improvements over two phases.
Phase 1 is currently underway and it includes new LED lighting on two existing Little League fields, a new baseball field with LED lights, two new soccer fields with lighting, new restroom facilities, and expansion of the existing parking lot.
The plan for Phase 2 included pickleball, tennis, and basketball courts, upgraded ramadas and restrooms, a splash pad with shade, a new playground with shade, walking paths and picnic tables, a new fishing pier, improved dog park amenities, and a few other items.
 Vice Mayor Dahl addressing the group.
Since so much time has passed since the master plan adoption (2004!) and since Prop 407 was voted on (2018!) and since the last survey (2020!), Parks and Recreation decided to put out a second survey to the community to check in on current priorities.
This second survey received 639 responses and the top 4 answers for "#1 Amenity" were walking paths (502), restroom (447), playgrounds (176), and pickleball (164).
 Deputy Director Greg Jackson with all his poster boards!
At last week’s meeting, every attendee had three minutes to share their priorities for the park. Most attendees felt strongly about preserving the natural aspect of the park. We heard from people who fish the lake regularly, and they shared that quiet is very important to fishing. We also heard from birders who highlighted that the natural areas at Columbus Park (in conjunction with nearby natural preserves) support migratory patterns by providing large areas close to each other where the wildlife can find respite. Comments about court sports, particularly pickleball, being too loud for the area were also common. Several people reassured the group that the park is large enough (231 acres!) to accommodate different activities, people, and animals. And at that size, I should hope so!
To keep up to date with Prop 407 improvements to Columbus Park, check out: https://tucsondelivers.tucsonaz.gov/pages/columbuspark
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