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August 16, 2024

Welcome Captain Pettey

My staff and I met with newly promoted Tucson Police Captain Lauren Pettey this week. It was part of our regularly scheduled meeting with Police Chief Chad Kasmar. Captain Pettey was chosen in July to lead Operations Divisions West (ODW), the Tucson Police district that serves the western half of Ward 3.

Our discussions with the Chief and Captain included how the force is working to recruit and retain law enforcement officers and the important role of community service officers; the “hot spots” of crime especially recent reports of drug sales and use in close proximity to an Amphi school; how bike patrols have been particularly successful and our desire to support more of these; and upcoming efforts to increase budget support for Tucson Police Department and other Public Safety efforts.

Captain Lauren Pettey With Vice Mayor Kevin Dahl.

Our thanks go to Captain Corey Doggett who previous led ODW and was a great partner to Ward 3, especially with implementing the successful bike patrol pilot unit my office supported in the troubled area north of Wetmore between Stone and First Avenues. Captain Doggett’s new assignment is commander over the Southern Arizona Law Enforcement Training Center.

Captain Pettey has a solid background in law enforcement. Her education includes a degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Arizona and a Master of Public Safety from the University of Viriginia. She joined Tucson Police in 2009 rising through the ranks in roles that included regular patrol, undercover work, serving on the child sexual assault unit, hostage negotiations, domestic violence, air support, counter narcotics, and impaired driving enforcement unit.

Please join us in welcoming Captain Pettey!

Mental Health Crisis Line

By C.J. Boyd

Pima County has a Mental Health Crisis Line that people can call to get help when experiencing mental health issues themselves, or on behalf of someone who is struggling. The caller first speaks over the phone to a trained clinician, and in most cases, they are able to de-escalate and help the caller explore their options for behavioral healthcare. 

However, when an in-person response is needed to conduct a psychological evaluation and potentially take them to Detox or the Crisis Response Center for further assistance, a Crisis Mobile Team of mental health professionals will arrive to the caller's location in-person, generally within an hour or two, to address the issue. This is part of a national trend of more progressive cities making changes in protocol to be sure we send the appropriate response to each kind of emergency. Whereas, historically, the default has been to send the police to nearly every kind of emergency call, there is an evidence-based movement toward reserving a police response for criminal events, and rather sending health care professionals to calls that don’t involve a criminal element, but just need mental health support. 

This is a positive change both in terms of getting the person experiencing a mental health crisis the most appropriate provider for the help they need, as well as reserving the Tucson Police Department for work they are more appropriate to address, especially given the staffing shortages that TPD has experienced like most metropolitan police departments nationwide in recent years. Having an option of calling a Crisis Line and requesting a Crisis Mobile Team instead of police officers allows the city to use the police department more efficiently and effectively where they are needed most. 

The Mental Health Crisis Line is administered by the nonprofit Solari, in collaboration with other subcontracting nonprofits like Community Bridges Inc and Community Health Associates. This work is funded by Arizona's Medicaid system, Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS). While this crisis line has been available for years, it has come to the attention of the Ward 3 office staff that most of the community is not aware of this option. It’s worth noting that the City of Tucson and Pima County are not responsible for managing the crisis line. However, both are partners in the effort because 911 operators do direct calls to the crisis line when appropriate. While 520-622-6000 is the most direct number, residents experiencing or witnessing a mental crisis can still call 911 or 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) if they don’t have the longer phone number on hand.

Flowers for Hassan Clement

By Marlene Avelino

This week our office had the pleasure of attending Southern Arizona Community Activists (SACA)'s Annual Grijalva Award Luncheon. This recognition is for individuals who have demonstrated a high level of commitment to improving our communities. While a handful of impressive and well deserving people were honored, our table was there for Hassan Clement. 

Hassan is more than deserving of this honor for his work dreaming up the Panteras Tenant Empowerment Program. After experiencing frustration getting issues addressed in his unit, he canvassed his whole complex asking neighbors if they were also having the same challenges. Hassan then set about learning about City Code and how to submit violations, state minimum housing standards, what legal supports exist, etc. He then approached the Ward 3 office for support in creating a program to bring that information to those who need it most: tenants.

Hassan Clement receiving well earned recognition for his work advocating for tenants rights.

For me, what pushes Hassan beyond being an activist and into being an organizer, is the element of “Each one, teach one.” Hassan is invested not just in improving people’s lives, but in empowering people with the knowledge they need to improve their own lives. He believes in agency and autonomy; no saviorism here. Please don’t confuse these efforts with ‘boot strap’ mentality - no one is winning on their own. Hassan’s emphasis on community building is intentional.

Ward 3 Council Aide Marlene Avelino, Award winner Hassan Clement, and Ward 3 Chief of Staff Katie Bolger.

The community building doesn’t just happen on the tenants side - Hassan has been coalescing disparate groups working on different angles of the same problem as he diligently works through his mission. Building relationships as he seeks out information and support, he is now working with Old Pueblo Community Services for administrative support, Southern Arizona Legal Aid for legal support, Step Up 2 Justice for educational support, Casa Maria and Tucson Tenants Union for organizing and advocacy support. The Panteras are also participating in the Innovation for Justice program to become Housing Stability Legal Advocates. 

Hassan Clement with his two Award Certificates.

Hassan also has Constable Bennet Bernal’s personal phone number, and the constable has his. While the goal of the Panteras is to keep people in dignified housing, they realized pretty quickly that many people were already evicted, on the brink, or deceived into thinking they were. Having a constable to call up to verify an eviction, ask when it will be served, delay it by a day or two to allow an elder or family to pack up has been extremely helpful. 

Hassan Clement leading an information session. Photo by Kathleen Dreier Photography.

I am constantly impressed by Hassan’s ability to not only overcome a challenge, but to take each one as an opportunity to learn. I am continually impressed by his ability to ask for help when needed and lean into the support offered. 

Thank you, Southern Arizona Community Activists for recognizing and uplifting Hassan’s efforts.

The following are links to news stories that have featured the Pantera’s work.

https://www.azpm.org/p/video/2024/5/6/220123-housing-crisis-the-amphi-panetras/

https://www.kgun9.com/news/local-news/amphi-neighbors-advocate-for-tenants-rights-better-living-condition

Pet of the week

DOTTIE / ID# A846293
Age: 2 years

Qualities:
Dottie is a big happy puppy who loves nothing more than being loved! (Well, dog treats are pretty high up there, too.) Dottie has been friendly with all people and other dogs while at PACC and is easy enough to handle for volunteers of all levels. This gal would make a great family dog!

Fee:
Dottie 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

The next Mayor and Council Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 27.

The agenda, when available, will be posted here:
Mayor and Council Meeting Agendas.

Ward 3 Neighborhood Association /Coalition Meetings

Samos Neighborhood Association Meeting
Tuesday 8/20, 6:30 - 7:30 PM
1609 E Spring St.

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

The Arizona Women's Chorus is Recruiting Singers

The Arizona Women's Chorus is recruiting treble singers for its fall schedule. Weekly rehearsals start Sept 9, Monday, at St Philip's in the Hills Church on River and Campbell. If you can sing and would like to sing with a group of wonderful women, please contact Terrie Ashbaugh, our Conductor, at terrieL@azwomenschorus.org to schedule an audition. No need to be a professional singer and no need to be able to read music. Come join us! We create harmony on many levels! www.arizonawomenschorus.org

Tucson House News

Country Glenn Neighborhood Association Community Gathering on August 25 from 5-8 pm

Goat Head Removal

Every Friday at 7am - through the end of Sept.

Email Joy for for more info or meet up location: MudnJoy@aol.com

Currently clearing Blacklidge Bicycle Blvd.
Coffee and tea served after the pulls.

Full coverage clothes recommended: long pants, sleeves, shoes + socks, or insect spray.

Always: hat, gloves, and water - 62 oz is a good amount for summer. Little shovel, garden fork, padded kneeling surface are useful extra tools available if you don't have any we reuse 50# bird or animal feed bags.

Goat Head weed Photo Credit: Juan Carlos Fonseca Mata - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0,

Tucson Parks and Recreation Extended Summer and Fall Pool Schedules Released

Tucson Parks and Recreation has released its new pool hours for the extended summer and fall seasons. The extended summer season will run Aug. 1-31 and the fall schedule will run Sept. 1-Nov. 10. View the new schedules at the links below. To find a pool near you, visit the Parks and Recreation website. Pool admission remains free.

We Care Tucson Student Tech Connection

Storm Damage Removal

Have you heard of Special Brush and Bulky? The City of Tucson's Environmental and General Services team wants to support residents following the recent storm damage. Residents can request for a Special Brush & Bulky collection. https://bit.ly/OneCallHaulsItAll You'll place your materials where you normally set out for brush & bulky pickup and our team will pick up and dispose of your debris, and tree trimmings at the landfill. All for $55! Residents can share the cost with a neighbor as long as it's no more than 10 cubic yards

CALL TO ARTISTS: Bicycle Art For Use in the 27th Annual Art Auction on December 7, 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.

Please bring art:
Ready to install to BICAS by deadline December 1st

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.

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

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 Monday -Friday.

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.

Donna Liggins Family Fun Night Friday, September 27 from 6-8 pm

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.

Ready, Set, REC! in August

Cyclovia Tucson is back! October 27th, From 9 am - 3 pm

Living Streets Alliance is delighted to announce their 21st event which will take place on Sunday, October 27th, from 9 AM to 3 PM!

The Fall route will bridge Downtown and the City of South Tucson along 2.25 miles of car-free, carefree streets. Walk, bike, play, connect—during Cyclovia, the streets are yours!

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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. 

The St. Francis Cooling Center is Still Open 

The St. Francis Shelter Community’s cooling center in our community room is now open from 1-5 pm Monday-Friday until September 13. Thank you to St Francis Shelter for doing this for the second year in a row.

Cooling Center Info in Tucson

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We welcome your feedback!

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

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