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July 3, 2024

Independence Day Weekend

As we head into the July 4^th holiday, a handful of recent incredibly bad Supreme Court rulings should make us all worry about Democracy. Remember that our country was formed in defiance of a sole tyrannical ruler. Our founders created the Constitution of The United States to ensure that our government and president was beholden to a set of built-in checks and balances – thus protecting citizens from  oppressive authoritarian rule. The Supreme Court of the United States plays an extremely important role in upholding this powerful, but fragile system. These rulings threaten those checks and balances in dangerous ways. Ward 3 Communications Manager Arnie Bermudez provides summaries and links to key articles at the end of this story, below. 

Whether you barbecue or picnic, gather with family and friends, travel, use the day off to hike in the mountains, or just rest and relax, I hope your Independence Day is great. Please also take some time to remember the reason we celebrate: the founding of our country based on some revolutionary principles of freedom and democracy.

Photo credit: KOLD News 13

One thing I ask you to consider NOT doing for this holiday is setting off loud fireworks in your neighborhood. I ask on behalf of the many dogs, veterans, and others who are triggered by the noise. The day after July 4 is the busiest time for our animal shelters as they are flooded with confused dogs who have run away because of their terror.

Image courtesy of Pima Animal Care Center.

Dog owners please keep your dogs inside that evening. As an added measure, you can make sure they have ID on their collar or are microchipped. At my home we will have the TV or radio up loud and will sit with our dog who wears a thunder jacket (it really does calm her down). She struggles to make sense of all the nearby explosions, thinking they are a threat to our family, so we provide as much assurance as we can.

So please be kind as you celebrate Fourth of July!

Summary of Recent SCOTUS Rulings

Article Summary: Justices Rule Trump Has Some Immunity From Prosecution

A split Supreme Court ruled on July 1st that former President Donald Trump could not be prosecuted for actions he took while in office, if they were deemed "official" presidential actions. Chief Justice Roberts wrote for the majority that the President must follow the law and that no Presidetn is "above the law". Justice Sonia Sotomayor disagreed, expressing that the president might abuse power. The court decided that Trump cannot be charged for trying to change the result of the 2020 election and for asking Vice President Pence to overturn it. Justice Coney Barrett agreed with, highlighting legal limits on prosecuting presidential actions. Sotomayor mentioned parts of the Constitution that suggest a president could face criminal charges even after impeachment. The Majority stated that any sitting President has immunity and can not be prosecuted for official actions performed while in the position. Sotomayor stated that that the actions that fall under "unofficial" are extremely few, essentially allowing most everything the President does to be considered official. She wrote that this “will effectively insulate all sorts of noncore conduct from criminal prosecution.” “In every use of official power,” she concluded, “the President is now a king above the law.” Justice Brown Jackson seperately stated her dissent expressing that this could open the floodgates to make it easy for future Presidents to abuse thier power.

Article Summary: Justices Rule for Jan. 6 Defendant

The Supreme Court dismissed charges against a former Pennsylvania police officer for his part in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attacks. The court ruled that the law he was charged with violating only pertains to evidence tampering in regards to official proceedings. This decision could also affect the cases of over 300 other Jan. 6 defendants. That same law is also central to two of the four charges against former President Trump by Special Counsel Jack Smith.

Article Summary: Supreme Court strikes down Chevron, curtailing power of federal agencies

The Supreme Court made a big ruling that limits federal agencies' power to interpret laws, saying courts should rely on their own understanding of unclear laws. It's going to have a big impact on things like environmental rules and healthcare costs. The justices voted 6-3 to throw out the 1984 Chevron decision, the one that said courts had to go with the agency's interpretation of laws as long as it was reasonable. Chief Justice Roberts said the Chevron deference didn't line up with the Administrative Procedure Act and that courts should make their own decisions about legal questions. This ruling is part of an effort by conservatives to rein in the power of federal agencies, also known as the "war on the administrative state."

Article Summary: Justices uphold laws targeting homelessness with criminal penalties

In another 6-3 split decision the Supreme Court also ruled that cities and municipalities can ban people from sleeping or camping in public areas. The ruling overturned the lower courts' findings that found it to be cruel and unusual punishment to punish people for sleeping outside if they had no other place to go. Essentially, making homelessness illegal. Dissenting Justice Sotomayor stated "sleep is a biological necessity, but this decision leaves a homeless person with “an impossible choice — either stay awake or be arrested.”

A Message From TPD Regarding Fireworks in Tucson

The Tucson Police Department takes the following into consideration during the holidays.  The sale of consumer fireworks is permissible by state law and is permitted under Tucson City Code Sec. 11-22 if a permit is obtained. Below is a list of fireworks permitted under "consumer fireworks." Police and Fire personnel can issue a civil citation to someone for selling unauthorized fireworks or selling fireworks without a permit. It is a civil infraction. However, TPD does not have the resources to check permits unless a complaint is generated. Our officers will be out working call for services and available if any of issues would arise.

Pet of the week

ROSCOE / ID# A625474
Age: 7 years

Qualities:
Tri-pawd Roscoe just got back from a break in a foster home with glowing reviews! Roscoe's foster mom said that he loves walks, is well-behaved when left alone, sleeps through the night, and loves plush toys! They also said that he is not a picky eater; some of his favorite treats include green beans, broccoli, and bananas. Roscoe has also lived with children! Roscoe does have valley fever, which is easily controlled with medications. This sweet senior would love to find a home soon!

Fee:
Roscoe 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. 

Next Mayor & Council Meeting

There are no Mayor and Council Meetings scheduled for the month of July.
The agenda, when available, will be posted here:
Mayor and Council Meeting Agendas.

Ward 3 Neighborhood Association /Coalition Meetings

Alvernon-Grant Initiative
Tuesday 7/9, 6-7 pm
Emmanuel Church
1825 N. Alvernon

The Ward 3 office is 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.

In observance of the 4th of July Holiday the Ward 3 office and Cooling Center will be closed all day on Thursday July 4, 2024. On Friday July 5, staff will be working remotely.

Ward 3 & City-wide Events

Palo Verde Neighborhood Association 4th of July Parade Thursday, July 4, 7 - 10 AM

Free Summer Youth Nutrition Series

Salvation Army kids Summer Day Camp 9am-5pm June 24-July26

Free In-Person Homeownership Workshop Series Beginning July 16 from 5-6 pm

EASY Food Equity-Accessibility Request to Tucson Community

EASY Food Equity-Accessibility Request to Tucson Community Members: Tucson Food Share is asking for help to collect and upcycle plastic t-shirt-style bags (aka grocery bags) for our customers during our shopping hours at our Food Share. Because we are distributing food three times weekly, we have had trouble justifying the cost and sustainability risks of buying these bags new. Any consideration Tucsonans can provide to this food equity request is greatly appreciated. Please bring bags to the Ward 3 office. The office located at 1510 E Grant Rd Tucson, AZ 85719 is open 9 am-1 pm M-F.

City of Tucson Aquatics Survey

Tucson Parks and Recreation seeks pool user input to better serve the public. The department is committed to providing high-quality amenities that meet the needs of the Tucson community. A survey is underway to better understand how residents use the City's pools and splash pads and what they value most about having access to those facilities. Feedback received will help improve services and ensure that City pools remain a valuable resource for everyone. If you use City pools, take the survey linked below. The survey will close Thursday, July 18, at 11:45 p.m. 

Equity Priority Survey For The City Of Tucson

The Office of Equity has identified 12 demographic indicators of vulnerability, which together form the Tucson Equity Priority Index (TEPI). While all these indicators contribute to social vulnerability, they may not do so equally. This survey asks the community to determine which variables most significantly impact vulnerability in Tucson.

Steve Kozachik In Concert

Former Ward 6 City Councilman Steve Kozachik is a talented musician in his own right. You can catch him in concert on the following dates at the corresponding venues in bold.

• July 6th from 6 til 9 at Tohono Chul. 
• Sunday, July 14th from 5pm until 8pm at Corbett's - 340 N. 6th Ave. 
• Sunday, August 4th from 5pm until 8pm at Corbett's - 340 N. 6th Ave. 
• Sunday, September 8th from 5pm until 8pm at Corbett's - 340 N. 6th Ave. 

Help The Homing Project By Line Dancing And Eating Some BBQ Sunday July 14 from Noon to 4 PM

The Homing Project is having a fundraiser for the village that’s planned for The Keeling Neighborhood. Come kick up your heels, enjoy BBQ, and line dance to Mama Cole for a good local cause.

Christopher Columbus Park Improvements Meeting Tuesday, July 16, From 5:30-7 p.m. At Ward 3 Council Office, 1510 E Grant Rd.

Vice Mayor and Ward 3 Council Member Kevin Dahl and Tucson Parks and Recreation invite you to a special community meeting at the Ward 3 Council Office. This gathering will serve as a chance for staff to provide an updated concept plan based on initial feedback. Round 1 concept included pickleball courts and a new dog park location that have been removed. The updated concept plan includes a splash pad, destination all-ages playground, ramada, and sidewalk/ADA connections.

This session will be an opportunity for you to share your thoughts and questions regarding this phase of Christopher Columbus Park improvements. Attendees will have the chance to speak and ask questions, ensuring that your voices are heard and considered as we move forward with park improvements.

Please join us on Tuesday, July 16,  from 5:30-7 p.m. at Ward 3 Council Office, 1510 E Grant Rd, Tucson, AZ 85719. Your input and participation are invaluable to us as we strive to make Christopher Columbus Park a better place for our community.

Reading Seed is Looking for Volunteers

City of Tucson Housing First - MDOT Care Packet Assembly

Join us in making a positive impact in our community by assembling care packets for the Housing First initiative.

To register for the upcoming care packet assembly event, please click on the link below:

https://forms.office.com/g/N7Qc8R98Ni

If you have any questions or need further information, reach out to thelma.magallanes@tucsonaz.gov or call at (520) 651-8017.

**Please note that the maximum capacity per event is 20 people, and the session will be closed once this limit is reached.

Pima Association of Governments (PAG) Survey

Pima Association of Governments (PAG), the greater Tucson region's metropolitan planning organization, has launched the “Shape Your Transportation Future” survey, which allows community members to share your transportation priorities and experiences, and where you believe PAG should apply its transportation funding resources for the next 30 years. Results will inform development of the 2055 Regional Mobility and Accessibility Plan, or RMAP. As the federally required metropolitan planning organization, PAG must update this long-range transportation plan every four years to annually secure millions of dollars in federal funding for essential transportation improvements in the region. Your input matters!

You can learn more and take the brief survey at www.PAGregion.com/2055. The survey, which is less than 10 minutes, is available in English and Spanish.

Living Streets Alliance Is Offering A Bike Valet Program And Racks For Special Events

Living Streets Alliance is seeking an Open Streets Manager

Living Streets Alliance is seeking a passionate, creative, and thoughtful individual to join our team of advocates working to bring Tucson’s streets to life.

If you love connecting with people from all walks of life and building relationships, leading projects and event production, and thrive in a collaborative environment with a small and mighty team of co-creators, you'll love this position!

This position will remain open until filled. We’ll be reviewing applications on a rolling basis and encourage you to apply as soon as possible. All applicants will be contacted regarding next steps. Feel free to contact LSA with any questions.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Is Looking For Volunteers

Community Garden Plots Available

Ready, Set, REC! in July

Go Electric AZ is Looking For Individuals Interested in Electrification of Their Homes and Their Transportation

Sustainable Tucson's Energy Transformation Working Group (ETWG) provides a volunteer-based service dedicated to helping homeowners transition to electrified and energy-efficient homes. The website is goelectricaz.org. That program has completed its first training for coaches and is accepting clients on a limited basis. If you would like to receive assistance on electrifying your home, sign up at goelectricaz.org/client.

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. 

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We welcome your feedback !

Please feel free to email us at Ward3@tucsonaz.gov

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