A Note from Karin
In the wake of the horrific assassination attempt on former President Trump on July 13, I, like so many Tucsonans, thought of our own Gabby Giffords. I hope all of us will heed the words of survivor and former Congress Member Giffords, and continue to support her leadership against gun violence in all of its forms:
“Political violence is terrifying. I know. I’m holding former President Trump, and all of those affected by today’s indefensible act of violence, in my heart. Political violence is un-American and is never acceptable— never" --Gabby Giffords, July 13, 2024 for transit
TEP Midtown Reliability Project
I spent most of last week listening to the deliberations of the ACC Line Siting Committee, including the public comment session last Monday evening and the Committee Hearings on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.
Just before the process began, the Arizona Superior Court issued a Summary Judgement affirming the City’s authority to regulate how utility transmission lines are installed, including requirements for undergrounding: the Court finds that, as a matter of law, the City has the authority to require undergrounding of transmission lines. I’m listening in to be able to offer informed advocacy, taking into account the applicable city ordinances, rules, regulations and existing franchise agreement with TEP (2000-2025). The ACC Line Siting Committee deliberations continue this week.
Sun Tran Bus Stop Enhancements
Thanks to Mayor Romero and Congress Member Raul Grijalva, Tucson has just been awarded over $11M for enhancements to our transit infrastructure:
Improvements will include installing dozens of shelters at bus stops, adding trees for shade, replacing aging equipment, and increasing accessibility with larger print, Braille and audible information. The funding adds to the unprecedented investments in our bus fleet and system made possible through federal allocations over recent years.
Uplifting Fourth Avenue
I attended meetings last week with owners and stakeholders in the area of Fourth Avenue seeking to protect and uplift the entire area through enhanced community safety, cleanliness/beautification, and ongoing partnerships to link unhoused people with services and resources. Next steps include the establishment of a Steering Committee to outline parameters for a potential Business Improvement District.
Like so many Tucsonans, I’ve always treasured the uniqueness of the offerings along Fourth Avenue...from the newly expanded Food Conspiracy Co-op to Antigone’s books and so many locally owned, beloved bars and restaurants. The Ward 6 team will continue to engage with interested parties in the area to pursue the best strategies possible to preserve and enhance the avenue environment and surroundings. We recognize the value of Fourth Avenue to the entire region.
Thanks Neighborhood Volunteers
I appreciated sitting in with the Peter Howell Neighborhood Board last week to hear about their ongoing work to preserve and improve the area. Thanks to their partnership with Tucson Parks and Rec, Alvernon Park now has a walking path and other amenities invaluable to residents and our community. Like so many neighborhood volunteers across Ward 6, volunteers continue to devote themselves to improving the quality of life across Tucson. Thanks to all who step up, share time and expertise, and guide the city’s efforts and investments toward the best impacts possible.
Remembering Champions, Council Member Steve Leal
I served with Steve from 2005-2009, and remember the many ways that he leveraged his knowledge and passion to promote justice and a better Tucson. Way ahead of the times, he advocated for a decade for a solar array to power Tucson Water’s Clearwater blended water facility in Avra Valley. That vision came to fruition in 2009-2010 and is now named in Steve’s honor. Steve also championed Tucson’s Big Box ordinance which ensures developments incorporating retail chain mega-stores (over 100,000 square feet) undergo added scrutiny to evaluate impacts to the wider area. Steve successfully highlighted the documented, concerning impacts of Big Boxes on decent jobs, smaller retailers, roads and traffic, and adjoining neighborhoods. Steve’s legacy of progressive leadership will forever benefit Tucson.
Disability Pride Month
If you come by the Ward 6 Council Office you will see the Disability Pride Flag waving under our State flag. Disability Pride Month occurs worldwide, in July. Disability Pride originated in the United States to commemorate the passing of the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in July 1990., it has evolved from being a day of celebration to a month-long event. The concept of Disability Pride is based on the intent to rework the negative narratives and biases that frequently surround the concept of having a disability.
People with disabilities make up 15% of the world's population representing all ages, races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, religions, and socio-economic backgrounds.
Disability Pride Month celebrates people with disabilities, their identities, their culture, and their contributions to society. It also seeks to change the way people think about and define disability, to end the stigma of disability, and to promote the belief that disability is a natural part of human diversity in which people living with disabilities can celebrate and take pride. It is a chance for people with disabilities to come together and celebrate being themselves, no matter their differences. It is also a chance to raise awareness of the challenges they still face every day to be treated equally.
The meaning of the colors on the flag are: Red - physical disabilities. Gold - neurodiversity. White - invisible disabilities and disabilities that haven't yet been diagnosed. Blue - emotional and psychiatric disabilities, including mental illness, anxiety, and depression.
We want to thank Ted at Ward 2 for asking us to join them in showing our support for Disability Pride Month.
Community Events and Resources
Hard to Recycle Plastics Virtual Town Hall
Please join us on this virtual meeting hosted by Environmental and General Services Department (ESGD) on July 23rd at 5:30pm for brief presentations and some much-needed Q&A. This meeting is held only via Zoom, here is the link to the meeting:
Virtual Town Hall Meeting Zoom Link
Starting July 1, you will have to start using ONLY Hefty Orange bags to participate in Hard to Recycling Plastics Program. When you are sorting your recyclables, only put items labeled 1, 2, and 5 in the blue bin and as of right now those orange bags cannot go in the blue bin. Keep them separate to help us keep the recycling process smooth and efficient. Thanks for helping out!
Aquatics Survey
Attention City pool and splash pad users! Tucson Parks and Recreation seeks input about your use of City pools and splash pads and what you value most about them. Feedback will help improve services and ensure that City pools remain a valuable resource for everyone. The survey will close Thursday, July 18, at 11:45 p.m. Pools and splash pads
FoodCycle Waste Collection Upcoming Information Session
There are still some spots available for the information session on composting if you would like to get involved with FoodCycle At Home program. The informational session will be held here at Ward 6 Council Office on July 18th 5:30pm, registration is required, click this link to sign up July 18 - FoodCycle at Home Training. It is a 30-minute training session to learn the basics of composting through this program and you will get the compost pail after you complete the training. More information on the FoodCycle program:
https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Environmental-and-General-Services/Los-Reales-Sustainability-Campus/FoodCycle/FoodCycle-At-Home
SteveK Music Events
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Steve K will play his music at Corbett's (340 N 6th Ave, Tucson, AZ 85705) from 5pm until 8pm. Come and enjoy his music performance on these dates:
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News from PDSD - Changes Coming from New State Legislation on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
The Planning and Development Services Department (PDSD) invites the community to join virtual meetings to learn about upcoming changes to regulations for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in Tucson and provide input.
We invite the community to provide feedback on the proposed modifications to Tucson's ADU standards as required by the State Legislature.
Please join one of the two public meetings hosted by PDSD:
ADU Code Amendment Daytime Meeting
Date: Tuesday, July 23, 2024
Time: 12 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Location: Via Zoom
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0tdeGtrDMoHN1l3PyFO4IerOnNmj0wHMDG?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery#/registration
ADU Code Amendment Evening Meeting
Date: Wednesday, July 24, 2024
Time: 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Location: Via Zoom
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0tduyhqDwqH9W4Y4_Rusf_H4RqaNWkSJP0?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery#/registration
The feedback from these meetings will inform a formal ADU proposal that will then be reviewed by Planning Commission and Mayor and Council later this year.
Casa Alitas
Casa Alitas is still collecting donations for migrants, come and drop off your donations at Ward 6 Office (3202 E 1st Street) from 9am to 1pm. Thank you for your continued support on this, here are the items they need:
- Shoelaces
- Tennis shoes
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Women’s new underpants (any style) size S, M, and L
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New or gently used socks for men, women, and kids
- Toiletries and female hygiene
- New or gently used men’s t-shirt size S and M, men’s pants size 26 to 32
- New or gently used children’s tops and pants size 2 to 6
The Second Annual El Pueblo Business Expo
 On July 19, the City of Tucson Office of Economic Initiatives will hold the second annual El Pueblo Business Expo. The City of Tucson launched the expo last year with the primary goal of helping facilitate business connections and contracts between our local suppliers and large institutions.
The local businesses in attendance offer services from a variety of industries, from landscaping, cleaning, marketing, and event planning services to personalized uniforms, website development, contractors, office supply retailers, and more. The event is free. To participate, contact Narda Flores at narda.flores@tucsonaz.gov or 520.484.3093.
If you have questions on how to start business in Tucson, Business Navigators from Office of Economic Initiative will be able to provide you steps to start the business in City of Tucson on July 22. The sessions take place in Spanish from 12 to 1 p.m. and in English from 1 to 2 p.m. at 376 S. Stone Ave. The parking lot and entrance are located in the back of the building. Questions? Call 520. 837.4100 or email businesshelp@tucsonaz.gov.
Plan Tucson Announces Office Hours for Community Conversations
Plan Tucson is holding office hours to allow the community to engage directly with the Plan Tucson team. Office hours will be hosted from late July to early August across all six City of Tucson ward offices and the Mayor’s Office. The sessions will provide an opportunity for the community to discuss, review, and provide feedback on the key components of Plan Tucson, the City's general plan currently undergoing its decennial update. Check out the website to find more information:
https://www.plantucson.org/
Ready, Set, Rec Ward 6 Van
Fun Fact about Tucson
Tucson is home to one of the largest temporary tattoo manufacturers in the U.S.
City of Tucson Resources
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