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July 19, 2024

Slow Down, Pay Attention

Slow down. Pay attention. Good advice for most aspects of our lives. Great advice – really a heartfelt plea for safety – for anyone driving in Tucson.

Last month the group Smart Growth America ranked Tucson as the third deadliest metro area in the United States for pedestrians (https://tinyurl.com/m2p64znv). This is an alarming increase from when we ranked 13^th in their last report just two years ago.

The City is working to make our streets safer. We have reduced posted speed limit on some roads. We have created dedicated bike boulevards and lanes and built more traffic calming devices on neighborhood and feeder streets. Tucson police have recently put more resources into traffic enforcement. We are making strides, guided by our “complete streets” transportation policy and a comprehensive plan to achieve pedestrian safety.

Tucson’s complete streets policy is an approach to transportation planning and design that guides the development of a safe, connected, and equitable transportation network for everyone - regardless of who they are, where they live, or how they get around (https://tinyurl.com/4ha7eyn3).

Ward 3 Office Administrator Shannon Jenkins holding up "slow down" signs available to pick up at the Ward 3 office.

The plan to make Tucson’s streets safer is based on crash analysis. 80% of pedestrian deaths and serious injuries occur on streets with speed limits of 35 mph or more. 90% of them occur on 11% of Tucson streets. 70% of pedestrian crashes occur within 300 feet of a bus stop. This guides the action steps in the Pedestrian Safety Action Plan (https://tinyurl.com/4ux397pp)

We are making strides, but as the statistics show we need to do more.

You can do your part, too. When you need to be someplace at a certain time, leave earlier so you don’t feel rushed. Drive at the speed limit. (Full disclosure: my wife will tell you I don’t always do this. In the past I have caused a fender-bender or two as a result. Not recently.) Pay attention when you drive; driving while distracted is a factor in many vehicle accidents.

The local nonprofit Living Streets Alliance is an important ally and advocate for making our roads safer. You might know them as the sponsor of Cyclovia or seen where they have used colorful artwork and planters to make intersections safer. Their mission is to transform our streets into vibrant public places that bring people together and provide safe, accessible, and attractive transportation options. Check them out at www.livingstreetsalliance.com.

Please slow down and pay attention. You will get there. And Tucson will be a safer place.

Monsoon Storm Damage Across Ward 3

A powerful monsoon storm swept through Tucson last Sunday with 60-70 mile per hour winds. The system tore through the City and a large swath of Ward 3 damaging buildings, homes and toppling a large amount of trees.

Tucson Electric Power (TEP) crews worked steadily to restore power after severe weather damaged or toppled nearly 70 poles leaving nearly 31,000 customers without power.

Broken Tree at Mansfield Park

Flooding at Mansfield Park.

The Arizona Daily Star quoted National Weather Service meteorologist Glenn Lader as saying, “This is the strongest (monsoon) event for Tucson I’ve seen in my almost 20 years.” The storm in just one night more than doubled the number TEP typically replaces during an average July storm season.

Downed tree at Christopher Columbus Park.

The Donna Liggins Center lost power and many trees at Mansfield park were broken and toppled over and there was flooding in some of the fields. The Tucson House lost part of its roof. Christopher Columbus Park also lost many trees and had the only light in the dog park blown over. 

A downed mesquite tree next to a full10,000 gallon cistern at Mansfield Park.

The City is still working to clear much of the debris and to restore buildings and structures that were damaged.

A silver lining was the much needed rain that filled up cisterns and deep watered newly planted trees with passive rain water harvesting.

Newly installed green infrastructure (passive rain water capture with vegetation) in Ward 3 at 11th ave and Flores.

Inactive Voters to be Removed From Active Early Voting List This Year

By CJ Boyd

In case you haven’t thought about it in a while, here’s a reminder that in 2021, the state senate got rid of the Permanent Early Voting List (PEVL) and replaced it with the Active Early Voting List (AEVL). Being on the PEVL meant that you would get a ballot mailed to your home every election. With the AEVL, you will continue to get a ballot mailed to you every election as long as you actively vote in nearly every election. Anyone who skips two consecutive elections will have their name purged from the list and stop getting ballots automatically sent to their home. Hence the move from “permanent” to “active”.

The Pima County Recorder's Office in Downtown Tucson.

This was the result of Senate Bill 1485, sponsored by Republican Senator Michelle Ugenti-Rita, and passed along strict party lines with a vote of 16-14. State Democrats called it an attempt to reduce voter turnout, while some state Republicans said it was meant to restore voters' confidence in the election process, which had been diminished in 2020 as many Republicans nationwide claimed election fraud across the board. 

With Tucson having odd-year elections, while state and federal elections are generally in even years, there has been some uncertainty as to what constitutes the “two consecutive election cycles” that a person must skip in order to be removed from the AEVL. As the Tucson City Clerk’s website clarifies, the state law specifies that this applies to statewide elections, not city elections held on other years. It also doesn’t apply to primaries or special elections.

Former Democratic State Senator Reginald Bolding who opposed Senate Bill 1485, saying it was a way of Republicans "gaming the system" to reduce voter turnout.

Since Senate Bill 1485 was passed and quickly signed into law by former Republican Governor Doug Ducey in 2021, this year could be the last year for people to stay on the AEVL. 

For anyone who didn’t vote in 2022—which was a midterm and certainly had lower turnout than 2020—not using your mail-in ballot in this year’s election will result in you being removed from the AEVL. This removal is not automatic, but is preceded by a letter from the County Recorder that includes a form asking if the person would like to remain on the AEVL. If they return the form and request to remain on the AEVL, they will continue to get a ballot for that year. If they do not respond to the letter, they will be removed. 

July 23rd is the last day to mail a ballot for this year’s election. If you don’t mail it by July 23rd, you may still deliver it in person by July 30th.

Sister José Women's Center

By Marlene Avelino

Last week, Vice Mayor Dahl and I toured Sister Jose Women’s Center, located at 1050 S Park Ave. Although not in Ward 3, the center plays a critical role supporting women and non-binary folks experiencing homelessness. The center provides daily survival services, safe overnight shelter, and navigation support for housing and healthcare. In 2023 they had 23,960 guest visits, 14,463 overnight stays, and served 46,727 nutritious. The average age of a guest at Sister Jose is 52 years old and 57% of guests have zero income. 

Director of Grants Penny Buckley, Vice Mayor Kevin Dahl, and Chief Executive Officer Nicola Hartmann in the welcome area at Sister Jose.

The center was founded in 2009 by Jean Fedigan and named after Sister Mary José Hobday, a Franciscan nun who dedicated her life to helping the poor. Sister José was a popular speaker on prayer and spirituality, and taught people to "live life with hands and hearts open, sharing, and serving others". Jean’s mission was and continues to be ‘dedicated to the care and nurture of women experiencing homelessness in a welcoming and safe environment.’ 

Two long term volunteers offering breakfast options.

The center has two programs, a drop-in day shelter and an overnight program. The drop-in shelter is open Monday through Saturday and starts with breakfast from 9 am to noon. On many days, a line of women are already waiting when the doors open; about 75 - 125 guests come through for a morning meal. The breakfast space transforms for nap time from noon to 4, tables give way to cots and lights get dimmed. Case Navigators are available to support guests in gaining their necessary documentation, seeking housing and employment, enrollment in healthcare and mental support, signing up for SNAP benefits and Social Security or Disability income.

A mural and raised beds help make the courtyard an enjoyable space for guests.

The overnight program currently has 42 beds, bumping up to 54 as soon as supply chain issues get worked out. Women are allowed to bring their pets with them and many of the beds had crates of varying sizes next to them during our tour. Stays start at one week but are extended on a case by case basis. Those that stay beyond the initial week participate in the Impact Project which sets them up with a case manager to determine their next steps.

The center is primarily donor and grant funded and relies heavily on volunteers. To learn more about supporting Sister Jose please visit: https://sisterjose.org/

Pet of the week

AZUL / ID# A841090
Age: 2 years

Qualities:
It's not hard to guess how this beautiful boy got his name! Azul came to PACC as a stray back in June, and he's eagerly waiting for a home! Azul is a bouncy, playful guy at just two years old. He walks well on the leash and is happy to "sit" and pose for photos; he'd be a great star on your Instagram feed!

Fee:
Azul 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

Miracle Mile Association Meeting
Saturday 7/20, 8:30  - 9:30 AM
Jacinto Park
2600 N 15th Ave.

Keeling Neighborhood Association  
Monday 7/22, 7:00 – 8:00 pm  
Cornerstone Fellowship Church,
2902 N. Geronimo Ave.  

Jefferson Park Neighborhood Association  
Wednesday 7/24, 6:00 – 7:00 pm  
Ward 3 Community Room,
1510 E. Grant Rd.

El Cortez Heights Neighborhood Association  
Wednesday 7/25, 6:00 – 7:00 pm  
Donna Liggins Center
2160 N 6th 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.

Ward 3 & City-wide Events

CALL TO ARTISTS: Bicycle Art

For Use in the 27th Annual Art Auction: December 7th, 2024

From now until December 1st, BICAS is seeking bicycle-inspired artwork and art made from bike parts in all mediums. Artists are welcome to use scrap bike parts from BICAS, which are available for free in the shop.

Donating to the Art Auction is an excellent way to showcase one’s art while supporting the BICAS mission of bicycle accessibility. Since returning in 2022, the BICAS Art Auction has stayed true to its storied history of Art Auctions, warming all our spirits with spectacular showings of breathtaking bicycle art. Let’s pedal together towards our pre-pandemic attendance crowds with your donated art!

Please bring art:
Ready to install to BICAS by deadline December 1st (unless other arrangements are made)

Fill our art intake:
Form in person at BICAS, or online before drop-off

Drop off location:
BICAS
2001 N. 7th Ave
Tucson, AZ 85705
Tuesday through Sunday, 11 AM to 6 PM

Art Auction Details:

As a nonprofit, the BICAS Art Auction is our largest fundraising event of the year. An all-ages event accompanied by food, drinks, and live entertainment, this celebration has grown into a regular event of the Tucson art scene, over decades of auctions and thousands of works by local artists who support our mission of bicycle transportation accessibility for all! We are proud of the advocacy of many of Tucson’s most prolific working artists who donate their bicycle-themed art.

We look forward to celebrating with you 27 years of BICAS Art Auctions!

December 7th, 5 PM to 9 PM (One Night Only!)

Bids close at 8 PM

2001 N 7th Ave, Tucson, AZ 85705

BICAS

art@bicas.org

bicas.org/art/auction

BICAS ART Instagram: @bicasart

BICAS Art Facebook: BICAS Art

Virtual Hard to Recycle Plastics Town Hall on Tuesday, July 23 at 5:30 p.m.

 The City of Tucson, Hefty ReNew, and ByFusion will host a Virtual Hard to Recycle Plastics Town Hall on Tuesday, July 23 at 5:30 p.m. This will provide Tucson residents with valuable information on the City of Tucson’s current and new recycling programs.

ZOOM LINK >  https://bit.ly/OrangeBins 

Attendees can ask questions and learn how to better manage hard to recycle plastics in their community. The hard to recycle plastics recycling program in Tucson is expanding and will offer residents a convenient way to divert more waste from the landfill. Representatives from Hefty ReNew and ByFusion will be presenting background on the program, and their end markets with these film plastics.  

As of July 1, residents must use the orange Hefty ReNew bag to drop off materials Starter kits of Hefty Renew bags are available at Wards 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6 during office hours. Residents can also purchase the Hefty ReNew orange bags at their local Walmart or Fry’s. Residents in participating areas can request a free Hefty ReNew starter kit at https://bit.ly/HeftyStarterKit

Each orange bag features a list of hard to recycle items that can be collected in the bag for recycling. Fill the bag with those items and when it’s full, tie it up tightly and bring the bag to a participating orange roll-off location.

https://bit.ly/OrangeBinLocations 

https://bit.ly/AcceptedMaterials

Community Resource Fair on July 23

Free Summer Youth Nutrition Series

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

Plan Tucson Office hours at Ward 3 on July 29 From 10AM- 12PM

Horario de Plan Tucson en La Oficina del Distrito 3 el 29 de Julio de 10 AM a 12 PM

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.

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, 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. 

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. 

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We welcome your feedback !

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

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