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Last week I attended graduation ceremonies for the Basic Recruit Class 24-1 who had completed the rigorous 24-week course at the Southern Arizona Law Enforcement Training Center.
The Training Center provides classroom lectures, hands-on training, and uses technology so that graduates can become state certified law enforcement officers. This is how Tucson hires most of our police officers. Like many law enforcement departments, we must work hard to fill open positions. If you, or anyone you know, might be interested, the next hiring process begins July 29. Info at https://tpdrecruiting.tucsonaz.gov.
 SALETC Graduation:Basic Recruit Class 24-1
The Leo Rich Theater was packed with proud and enthusiastic family members and friends for the event. The atmosphere was like a high school graduation, except for the number of law enforcement officers in the audience and a program that highlighted the hard work the recruits did to become well-trained for a career that is full of danger but also great opportunity to help people in crisis.
Tucson Police Chief Chad Kasmar gave opening remarks, Pima County Deputy Attorney John Strader (a former Tucson Police officer) gave a keynote, and recruit Perris Murillo spoke as the Class President. The agenda included individual recruit awards and the oath of office presented by Arizona Superior Court Judge Danelle Liwski.
 Vice Mayor Kevin Dahl and Chairman of the Tohono O’odham Nation Verlon Jose.
The grand finale was the presentation of credentials (badges) by leaders of the agencies where they will now work. Tucson Police had the greatest number of graduating recruits (14). Other agencies who are part of the Center, and the number of graduates this time: Arizona Game & Fish (6), Nogales PD (4), Tohono O’odham Nation PD (4), University of Arizona PD (2), Casa Grande PD (1), Oro Valley PD (1), and Sahuarita PD (1).
Sitting up front with other elected officials it was my good fortune to sit near Tohono O’odham Chairman Vernon Jose. After the ceremony we talked about a few issues. He gave me a pin from the Nation, and I reciprocated, remembering I had a City of Tucson pin on my jacket.
 the pin gifted to Vice Mayor Dahl from Chairman Jose.
Congratulations to all the recruits!
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Taqueria Juanitos is transitioning to a food truck in their parking lot as the building undergoes renovations for the next two to three months. The iconic purple building, 708 W Grant Rd, Tucson, AZ 85705 has housed the taqueria since 1997. It will be receiving some long desired upgrades in the kitchen and dining room, and will feature new patio seating when it’s finished. Lots will be changing, but the food will stay the same, as will the well-loved purple-painted building.
 The famous purple exterior of Taqueria Juanitos, under construction for the next few months.
The business was started by Antonia and Juanito Suazo, who moved from Michoacán, Mexico to Northern California, where they first had a taco truck in the 1980s. This truck eventually led to a brick and mortar in Southern California, which they sold when they moved to Tucson in 1996 with their kids Juanito Jr. and Monica. Juanito senior eventually moved back to Mexico, but the Tucson favorite for Michoacán style food is still run by Antonia and her kids Juanito Jr. and Monica to this day.
 Murals of luchadores in the Juanitos dining room
Besides the famous purple exterior, the other remarkable thing about Juanitos’ aesthetic is, of course, the many outstanding murals on the interior walls. Frida Kahlo, Cesar Chavez, and several other important Mexican historical figures grace the walls of the taqueria, along with paintings of luchadores in action. These murals will, sadly, not survive the renovations in their original state. However, the plan is for the same muralists to paint new murals in the interior when the restaurant is re-opened.
 Monica and Juanito Suazo, along with several Juanitos employees with the temporary food truck in the parking lot
In the meantime, a limited menu is still available at the truck parked in the Juanitos parking lot. A make-shift patio features shaded seating next to the truck.
The inaugural meeting for the 1st Avenue Citizens’ Corridor Planning Task Force was hosted last Thursday evening at Woods Memorial Library. The air was electric and dramatic monsoon clouds hovered over the library, lending the superhero vibes necessary for this first convening. The purpose of the 1st Avenue Improvement Project is to modernize and enhance the four lanes of 1st Avenue from Grant Road to River Road. The purpose of the Task Force is to work closely with the design team, provide guidance on project goals, advise on corridor design, and help identify areas of concern and opportunity.
 Planning Project Manager for DTM, Patrick Hartley addressing the Task Force.
This project was approved by voters as part of the 2006 Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) and was originally proposed as a 6-lane road widening project. In 2021, the City of Tucson conducted a Needs Assessment and Corridor Alternatives Analysis finding that a majority of residents, both adjacent to the corridor and throughout Tucson, preferred improving the four lanes over expanding to six lanes.
The 1st Avenue Improvement Project is primarily funded by the RTA, with some additional funding from the City. The project will be managed by the City and this is the first road project that will adhere to the Complete Streets framework. This framework was adopted by Mayor and Council in 2021 - “The City's Complete Streets Policy shall guide the development of a safe, connected, and equitable transportation network that promotes enhanced mobility for people of all ages and abilities including, but not limited to, people walking, biking, using transit, driving, using wheelchairs or other mobility devices.”
 View of 1st Ave from Grant Road looking North.
The Task Force is comprised of 15 members; seven representing neighborhoods along 1st Avenue, five members representing business interests, one member representing alternative modes of transportation, and two members representing regional users of 1st Ave. This group travels the corridor daily and can represent the interests of transit users, pedestrians, and bicyclists on 1st Avenue. To see the complete list of members or previous agendas and minutes, you can click the blue links. Meetings are open to the public, include a Call to the Audience, dinner is provided, and residents are encouraged to provide comments and feedback. The next meeting has not yet been scheduled but will be posted prominently on the 1st Avenue Improvement Project website as soon as it is.
This project is scheduled to be in the design phase for approximately two to three years with construction estimated to begin in 2027 or 2028. Build out is anticipated to take one to two years. As this project progresses a more detailed project schedule, including a construction phasing plan, will be provided. Included in this modernization project will be replacing the bridge over the Rillito River, continuous accessible sidewalks, street lighting, new pavement, enhanced bike lanes, landscaping, upgraded traffic signals and intersections, and drainage improvements.
 Tentative Project Schedule.
To follow along with the project please visit: tucson1stavenueproject.com
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 ARCHER / ID# A829516
Age: 2 years
Qualities:
Archer is a special boy who was initially terrified when he arrived at PACC back in January of this year. Thanks to the patience and love of staff and volunteers (and a lot of hot dogs), he's since come around to show us his true goofy, playful, affectionate personality. Archer is what PACC staff call a "playgroup rockstar" and plays well with other big dogs. In his future home, Archer would likely benefit from a doggy friend or two to show him the ropes and a family who can go at his pace. We promise he's worth it!
Fee:
Archer 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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Mountain First Neighborhood Association Meeting
Saturday 7/13, 9-10 am
Mitchell Park
1100 E Mitchell St.
Samos Neighborhood Association Meeting
Tuesday 7/16, 6:30 - 7:30 PM
1609 E Spring St.
Mountain View Neighborhood Association Meeting
Thursday 7/18, 5:30 - 6:30 PM
Habitat for Humanity
3501 N. Mountain Ave
Sugar Hill Neighborhood Association Meeting
Thursday 7/18, 6 - 7:30 PM
Donna Liggins Center
2160 N 6th Ave
Amphi Neighborhood Association Meeting
Thursday 7/18, 6 - 7 PM
Woods Memorial Library
3455 N 1st Ave
Miracle Mile Association Meeting
Saturday 7/20, 8:30 - 9:30 AM
Jacinto Park
2600 N 15th Ave
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.
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Community Resource Fair on July 23
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.
- 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. The survey is open through July 18.
Living Streets Alliance Is Offering A Bike Valet Program And Racks For Special Events
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 pm, Thursdays 6 - 7:30 pm, and Saturdays from 8 - 9:30am. https://tucsonfoodshare.org/ has more information about volunteering, donating, or requesting delivery.
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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