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August 30, 2024

Labor Day Weekend 2024

A three-day weekend is always a treat. Monday’s holiday originated in the late 19th century amid Organized Labor’s fight for fair and safe working conditions and rights. 

Unfortunately, these rights are always under attack

If you and your family are able to enjoy the long weekend with whatever plans you have (Trip to the mountains? Picnic? Catch up on some sleep or a few chores?), please remember that union organizers and members have fought hard over the years for better wages, benefits, and workplace protections. Historically, unions are responsible for:

• Weekends
• Pensions
• 8-hour workdays
• Sick leave
• Vacation
• Overtime

Today, unions are more relevant than ever as they fight for collective bargaining rights, better working conditions and compensation.

Among the Labor Day events this weekend, is one I’m pleased to announce. My friend and local folksinger Ted Warmbrand will lead “Songs of Labor Community Sing” on Sunday, September 1, 3:30 to 5 pm at the Little Chapel of All Nations, 1401 E. First St. Free admission, free parking, and free refreshments. More info: 520-628-9616

Insights from ADOH's Annual Housing Conference

By C.J. Boyd

Last week, I traveled to Fort McDowell to attend the Arizona Department of Housing’s annual housing forum. This is an industry conference that brings together many different people in the housing industry, especially non-profits and for-profit developers working on affordable housing projects. The conference also featured presentations from government officials such as Governor Katie Hobbs, State Representative Sarah Ligouri from legislative district 5 in central Phoenix, and Tucson’s own State Representative Betty Villegas representing LD 20.

Governor Katie Hobbs addressing the housing conference.

The conference was held at the We-Ko-Pa Resort in the eastern part of Maricopa County on August 21-23. I try to attend this forum every year, as it is always very educational. This year, two presentations stood out as particularly informative and interesting. 

Thursday’s highlight was a presentation called “Housing and Healthcare - Pulling the the Medicaid Lever”, in which staff from AHCCCS and the Department of Housing announced an exciting new program that allows housing to be billed to AHCCCS (Arizona’s medicaid system) for people with severe mental illness (SMI). Within housing advocate spaces, there is a common mantra that “Housing is Healthcare”, which acknowledges that the suffering of any health issue (whether mental or physical) is amplified for people without housing. In a landmark development, the state of Arizona will put that understanding into practice by allowing health professionals to “prescribe” housing as part of what their patients need to be healthier. The program just launched this week, and will serve as a pilot program. Many housing advocates hope it can be expanded to other medical conditions beyond severe mental illness. 

State Representative Sarah Ligouri discussed affordable housing myths alongside Tom Simplot and other housing advocates.

The other highlight session for me was called “School-Owned Land for Housing Opportunities”. Here the superintendent of Chino Valley School District, John Scholl, shared his district’s difficulties attracting teachers in the wake of the housing crisis. Chino Valley, like all school districts, has their budgets controlled by the state legislature. And like many rural communities during this nation-wide housing crisis, the rising cost of housing is so high that no new teachers could afford to live in their community with the stagnant wages. Through a partnership between the school district and a private developer, Superintendent Scholl was able to use some of the school’s underutilized land to build a row of tiny homes. Fascinatingly, according to Arizona law, land owned by school districts may be used to build housing and is not subject to zoning ordinances that cities might otherwise impose. According to superintendent Scholl and the developer who helped build the tiny homes, this community overwhelmingly opposed the building of tiny homes, even though they were on the outskirts of town, because they did not fit with the aesthetic of the rather wealthy community. But whereas such neighbors are often able to stifle cities from building necessary affordable housing, when the housing is being built by a school on school property, the community at large has no say in the matter.

Hollywood Barber College 30 Years In The Making

By Arnie Bermudez

Barbering is not just a skill but an art. Being a barber requires an eye for detail, a steady hand, and licensure from the state. The easiest way to learn the craft and achieve licensure is to go to a barber college. This is where Richard Campas and The Hollywood Barber College come in. Located at 1336 W Prince Rd. in Ward 3, the school has dedicated itself to teaching students how to become licensed barbers in Arizona for 30 years. The school was founded and managed by legendary Tucson barber, Ray Campas. After barbering for over 50 years Ray passed away in 2019 and the ownership and management of the college fell on the shoulders of his son Richard. 

Over 20 years ago, at the age of 16 and under the tutelage of his father, Richard became a licensed barber. He refers to his father as his best friend and mentor. As Richard took over his father's responsibilities at the college he also updated the look and feel of the school. Although, the fundamentals remain the same. The attention to detail, the practice of treating the customer well, and listening to their needs are still of the utmost importance.

School Administrators Sarina Scandaliato and Richard Campas.

Currently, the college has 42 students with an average of 60-100 customers walking through the door every day. To enroll potential students must fill out an application at the college website, attend an orientation, and submit a $2000 down payment that gets them a kit with books and equipment. The down payment goes towards the total tuition payment of $9800. To graduate, every student needs a minimum of 500 haircuts. A full-time student can finish in around 8 months. If the student chooses to attend part-time it usually takes closer to a year to graduate.

Students tend to be from all walks of life and the student age ranges from 17-55 with a good mix of males and females in attendance. Graduation rates are 88% with licensure rates at 97% and placement at 75%. All in all the school is cheaper than cosmetology and they also learn how to do perms, color, and facial waxing.

Some of the students of the college with Richard Campas on the bottom left. Photo Courtesy of Richard Campas.

The school also gives back to the community by helping the unhoused population by offering them free haircuts and shaves. It is also one of the few places where former felons can go to, get licensure, and almost immediately find work. Many formerly incarcerated individuals learn how to cut hair while serving their sentence, but they leave without the proper credentials to be able to earn a living so they need to go to school in order to attain this. Richard himself struggled with a substance misuse issue that he says "I could have would have been a felon too" had he not sought out help and gone through recovery.  Therefore, he understands the struggle and journey a person has to take to get back on their feet.

Prices of the services provided by Hollywood College.

If you, or someone you know are interested in attending the college and are hesitant due to the price, fear not, there are scholarships and financial assistance based on need. Pima County One Stop, Tucson Youth Development, and DES Voc Rehab all offer tuition assistance for potential students. If you are interested in getting a haircut Hollywood Barber College is located at 1336 W Prince Rd. and opens Tuesday - Friday 9 am- 6 pm and on Saturday from 8 am - 2 pm.

Proposal to Rename Mansfield Park to Doris J. Thompson Park

Summary of Mayor and Council Meeting, August 27, 2024

August 27, 2024 Study Session and Regular Agenda

Study Session included an update on the potential sale of City-owned vacant property located adjacent to the MLK Apartments Building located at 55 N. 5th Ave

Regular Agenda included a discussion authorizing and approving Financial Participation Agreements with Community Home Repair Projects of Southern Arizona (CHRPA). Discussion about ward redistricting and creating the2024 Redistricting Advisory Committee

For the complete Study Session and Regular Agenda please click on the buttons below.

For the full coverage of the Mayor and Council meeting on August 27, 2024, please click on the button below.

Pet of the week

SAMURAI JACK / ID# A832305
Age: 3 years

Qualities:
Meet Samurai Jack, a certified Very Good Boy! Despite spending six long months in the shelter, this handsome young guy is full of zest for life and loves everyone he meets, human and canine alike! Jack spent some time in a foster home, where he was housebroken and crate-trained. He loves stuffed toys and enjoys hoarding them in his crate for safekeeping! This lovable, goofy pup would love to find a foster or adoptive home that's just as fun as he is!

Fee:
Samurai Jack 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 Wednesday, September 11.

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

Ward 3 Neighborhood Association /Coalition Meetings

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.

Please note that the office will be closed on Monday 9/02 in observance of Labor Day and again on Friday 9/06. 

Ward 3 & City-wide Events

City of Tucson Parks Partners with Tucson Comic Con For the Labor Day Weekend! August 30 - September 1

This Labor Day weekend Ready, Set, Rec! will be at the Tucson Comic Con helping families and people of all ages have the best pop culture experience in Arizona. to get tickets to this fun event click on the button below.

Pima County Family Resource Guide Is Now Available

The Pima County Family Resource Guide is a tool for community members to get “plugged-in” to local programs that support the whole family; from food assistance and mental health services, to early intervention and access to child care.  Parents often feel overwhelmed by information when looking for help. The Pima County Family Resource Guide was intentionally designed by local First Things First staff to lessen that confusion and showcase a condensed collection of resources that serve as a starting point for families navigating systems of support.

Access the entire guide by clicking the button below.

La Guía De Recursos Familiares Del Condado De Pima Ya Está Disponible

La Guía de recursos familiares del condado de Pima es una herramienta para que los miembros de la comunidad se “conecten” con programas locales que apoyan a toda la familia; desde asistencia alimentaria y servicios de salud mental, hasta intervención temprana y acceso a cuidado infantil. Los padres suelen sentirse abrumados por la información cuando buscan ayuda. La Guía de recursos familiares del condado de Pima fue diseñada intencionalmente por el personal local de First Things First para disminuir esa confusión y mostrar una colección condensada de recursos que sirven como punto de partida para las familias que navegan por los sistemas de apoyo.

Accede a la guía completa haciendo clic en el botón de abajo.

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

Community Conversation on Racial Discrimination

Saturday, September 7, 2024
10:30AM – 12:00PM
Valencia Library
Registration Required
https://pima.bibliocommons.com/events/66956753c1fd1ef871e3cb91

Thursday, September 12, 2024
6:30PM – 8:00PM
Woods Memorial Library
Registration Required
https://pima.bibliocommons.com/events/669567e0897288371b289c26

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, September 8th from 5pm until 8pm at Corbett's - 340 N. 6th Ave. 

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.

September 13, 2024, Dodge Flower Neighborhood Clean Up 8-10am

Join residents, the City of Tucson, and Tucson Clean and Beautiful for a cleanup event. Find our staff setup at a check-in table ready with supplies. Cleanup activities include picking up litter. Meeting location at 2425 N. Haskell Dr. Wings of Freedom Apartments parking lot.

Dodge Flower Community Clean Up From 8 am-10am September 13

Sonoran Institute Hosts the Santa Cruz River Dragonfly Festival During September

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

Balboa Heights Neighborhood Association End of Summer Splash Bash

We Care Tucson Robotics Camp For Kids From 10 am-3 pm October 10

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,

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.

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.

Team Up To Clean Up Community Celebration Saturday October 26 From 8-10 AM

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!

Ready, Set, REC! in September

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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