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September 6, 2024

Time To Plant Your Winter Veggies!

Unlike colder places where Spring is the time to start gardens, Tucsonans can enjoy vegetable gardens year-round. It’s just a matter of timing. And now is the right time to get your winter gardening going!

Healthy kale and other greens, delicious sugar snap peas, carrots, onions, and broccoli are among my winter favorites, and there are lots more you can grow. A little bit of soil preparation and planning, regular watering, and a little bit of loving attention will produce sustainable harvests.

Here’s some places to go for inspiration and help.

First off, you might want some compost to build up your soil. You are in luck – there’s a self-service pile in the Ward 3 parking lot courtesy of Tucson’s new food waste composting program. Bring your own bucket or other container.

The Community Garden at the foot of the Tucson House.

If you don’t have a suitable plot in your own yard (suitable mostly meaning enough space for what you want to plant in a sunny location), Community Gardeners of Tucson have plots across town you can rent. Check them out https://communitygardensoftucson.org/. You can visit their garden plots for ideas and to ask other gardeners questions.

Mission Garden has plots that show what foods were grown in Tucson over time and by different groups, from Hohokam to Chinese American. The African American Garden is their latest addition. Their website also offers virtual tours.

Tucson Village Farm, run by the University and Pima County Agricultural Extension, has classes, experts to answer your questions, special events, and more.

Tucson Botanical Gardens and Tohono Chul both have gardens that demonstrate winter crops the Spanish introduced to the area that were widely adopted by Native American farmers.

For seeds, I recommend Native Seeds/SEARCH, where you can buy online or sometimes at farmers’ markets or their special sales. Every Pima Public Library branch has a seed bank, which allows you to check out seeds (successful gardeners save seeds at the end of the season and donate them back to the library). They also have a lot of good gardening books to help you become a more successful producer of healthy, yummy veggies.

Happy gardening!

Ward 3 Business Spotlight Monsoon Chocolate

By Arnie Bermudez

Adam Krantz moved to Tucson when he was 11 years old. Throughout his life, he has come and gone to the Old Pueblo, but ultimately Tucson has always been home. In his early adulthood, Adam pursued music and art while making a living in the restaurant and specialty grocery industry. It was when he was working as the grocery manager at the famed Time Market that he was given some chocolate from San Francisco by the owners. This was his "aha!" moment- realizing that chocolate could be a fine food. He likens it to always drinking boxed wine and then getting a taste of aged fine wine. He says "The flavor is just more complex." This was the moment that Monsoon Chocolate was born. The idea would not become a reality until about a decade later, when in 2017 Adam founded Monsoon Chocolate as a business and opened its doors a year later.

The Exterior of Monsoon Chocolate off of Ft. Lowell Rd.

When Adam and his business partner Athena Kline, a former pastry chef first opened Monsoon, they were not the company they are today. Initially located on 22nd and 4th they were a full-service café. They also have the distinction of being the first and only chocolate factory in southern Arizona history. Today, Monsoon Chocolate is located at 3630 E Fort Lowell Rd. and is a chocolate-only café and market. All of the chocolate is made at their factory on 22nd St. and is ethically and organically sourced. The sources are right there on the labels of their product and you can go to their website and see where they are buying their cocoa beans from. Adam really wanted to create something that made others happy without any suffering which is why they source things the way they do; meaning there is no child labor involved in any part of their supply chain.

Adam Krantz, owner of Monsoon Chocolate.

By far the biggest challenge is the seasonality of the business and the climate. The product melts at 70 degrees and sales slow down in the summer. However, business really picks up in the winter at an almost breakneck speed as their product is in high demand. Just this year, Monsoon received 2 Good Food Awards, the "equivalent of winning a Grammy or an Oscar" according to Adam.

Monsoon Chocolate Logo.

Monsoon Chocolate also sells delicious coffee, partnering with local brewer Decibel Coffee. The perfect compliment to go with your chocolate. They are open 7 days a week from 7 am to 6 pm and have some of the best desserts in the desert.

A few desserts from Monsoon Chocolate.

Pet of the week

MAIZIE / ID# A840019
Age: 3 years

Qualities:
Adorable little Maizie is a bundle of fun! Maizie arrived at PACC when her owner could no longer care for her and is said to be housetrained, crate-trained, energetic, and extremely sweet. Her former family said she loves water so much that she will try to take a shower with you! Maizie has done well with small dogs in her previous home and big dogs while at PACC. This pint-sized princess is ready to find a family!

Fee:
Maizie 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. 

CITY OF TUCSON PARKS AND RECREATION LAUNCHES "LEASH UP. CLEAN UP." CAMPAIGN DURING RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNERSHIP MONTH

This initiative encourages all pet owners to keep their dogs on a leash in public spaces and to always clean up after their pets. The campaign aims to promote responsible pet ownership, emphasizing the importance of following local and state regulations, while highlighting the environmental, health, and public safety benefits. 

Campaign Goals 

1. Encourage responsible pet ownership: Remind the community to keep dogs on a leash and clean up after them. 

1. Raise awareness: Educate the public about the negative impacts of off-leash dogs and dog waste on the environment, public health, and safety. 

1. Promote compliance with laws: Increase awareness of Arizona Revised Statutes and Tucson City codes. 

The "Leash Up" portion of the campaign emphasizes the dangers associated with off-leash dogs in Tucson's desert landscape, which is home to wildlife, such as javelinas, coyotes, and snakes. Off-leash dogs risk attacks or altercations with these animals and other pets, posing dangers to both pets and wildlife. The campaign also highlights the need for dog owners to respect the comfort and safety of others, as many people are fearful of dogs. Additionally, some dogs are uncomfortable around other dogs, leading to altercations and tense times at the parks. It is important to note that sports fields are not a place for animals and off-leash dogs. 

The "Clean Up" aspect of the campaign addresses the importance of keeping public spaces free from dog waste, which poses a health risk to people and is unsightly. It emphasizes that cleaning up after pets is a basic courtesy, as dog poop is unpleasant and should not be left for others to step in. Moreover, dog waste can spread diseases and parasites, such as salmonella, E. coli, and roundworms, which are harmful to other animals and humans. Contrary to popular belief, dog waste is not a fertilizer; it is highly acidic and can damage grass, contaminate gardens, and affect water sources with harmful bacteria. 

Get Involved
Tucson Parks and Recreation invites all community members to participate in the "Leash Up. Clean Up." campaign. By keeping dogs leashed and cleaning up after them, we can protect our environment, safeguard the public, and promote a respectful and welcoming atmosphere for all.

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

Alvernon-Grant Initiative
Tuesday 9/10, 6 - 7 pm
Emmanuel Church, 1825 N. Alvernon Way

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

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.

Ready, Set, REC! in September

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 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.

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

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.

Esquer Park Clean Up On September 19 From 8-9:30 AM

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 September 28

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,

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.

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!

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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