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Sophie Koren, student body president at Empire High School, has been my “shadow” this week during her fall break. Her school requires seniors to have 25-hour shadow experience with someone in the profession the student hopes to pursue.
For me, it’s been a wonderful experience explaining the intricacies of Tucson government including at this week’s Council meeting where she was also able to meet Mayor Regina Romero.
 Sophie Koren, Vice Mayor Kevin Dahl, and Mayor Regina Romero.
Sophie sought me out after researching elected officials and deciding from the Ward 3 newsletter that she was most interested in our work in environmental protection and policy.
“I live a bicycle ride away from Saguaro National Park and appreciate Sabino Canyon and the many other protected areas around Tucson,” she said. “It has been fascinating to learn about the efforts to establish a Santa Cruz River Urban National Wildlife Refuge.”
Someday, when Sophie is a Senator (her plan) she will undoubtedly work to protect our environment. In the meantime, she has been accepted at the University of Arizona and has applied to a few other schools. Wherever she ends up, she will study Political Science and will go on to Law School. She admits to an unusual interest in Tax and Constitutional Law.
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Brush and Bulky is running about 10 days behind in parts of Ward 3 at the moment. The major storms we experienced in August created so much more debris than normal, both in terms of fallen trees and branches, as well as parts of fences and roofing, and other building materials, that the crews have been struggling to keep up with the normal Brush and Bulky schedule.
 Materials awaiting pick-up on the curb.
Not only is there more material to pick up, but far more households are participating in this Brush and Bulky than is usually the case. According to Environmental Services Director Carlos DeLaTorre, a typical Brush and Bulky route will have about 50-60% of the houses participating. But following the big monsoons we had last month, we are seeing many routes with 100% of households putting their brush and bulky items on the curb for pick up.
 More brush and bulky materials awaiting pick up by the side of the road.
Environmental Services is implementing plans to catch up on these routes, and hopes to be back on schedule within the next two to three weeks. In the mean time, please be patient with our crews as they work hard to provide us with this valuable service.
JTED is the Joint Technical Education District that overlays all school districts in Pima County plus districts in Nogales, Rio Rico, and San Manuel; 14 districts total. Established in 2007, Pima JTED was approved by voters in large part due to the efforts of many local educators who worked with business and community leaders, and local and state elected officials.
JTED provides Career and Technical Education (CTE) to approximately 22,000 high school students through their nine central campuses, stand alone, or their 39 satellite locations housed on high school campuses. Students have 31 programs to choose from and a handy career quiz as well as the Holland Code to help guide their decision. The focus isn’t to get kids into jobs but to support young people in finding careers that would be fulfilling. The Holland Code has six markers: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional; with each program garnering three markers. These tools help young people think through what would work best for them; social vs independent work, analytical vs creative, office vs outdoor settings.
 These programs are free to all public school students and earn high school credits. Some programs also garner college credits, licensing and/or certification, and even direct employment. Between 2015 and 2020 over 5,000 industry certifications and licenses were earned.
When I mentioned this to my best friend, her eyes lit up as she told me that she and a close friend in high school both participated in their JTED photography program. Although my friend is not currently a Photographer, she and her friend had a long-running, small photography business focusing on weddings and senior photos. She credits her JTED program with establishing a foundation for her passion for photography and the skill set and confidence to pursue it professionally.
 A JTED animal science student participant.
Research shows that students who complete CTE programs have a higher rate of high school graduation, completing post-secondary education, and greater financial stability later in life. Per the state legislature, JTED is not allowed to take out loans for capital or any other investments. All of their buildings have been built through private donations and business partnerships. To financially support these efforts, please visit: https://pimajted.org/give/
 September 25, 2024 Study Session and Regular Agenda
Study Session included an update on Strategic Initiatives Related to Unsheltered Homelessness and discussion regarding drafting a Santa Cruz River Wildlife Refuge Resolution.
Regular Agenda included a discussion authorizing and approving The Nirvana Marijuana Dispensary at 880 E. Benson Highway – located on the Southwest Corner of East Benson Highway and South Park Avenue
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 September 25, 2024, please click on the button below.
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 LUTHER/ #A835053
Age: 3 years
Qualities:
All-around VGB (that's Very Good Boy) Luther is a friendly, happy boy who loves his humans, other dogs, and taking dips in the doggy pool. He's described by volunteers as mellow and gentle (with the occasional spurt of the zoomies!) and a "complete sweet potato!"
Fee:
Luther 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.
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Cabrini Neighborhood Association Meeting
Thursday 10/3, 6 - 7 pm
Vineyard City Church, 3150 E Fort Lowell Rd,
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.
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SURVEY FOR 1ST AVE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
The City of Tucson, in partnership with Pima Association of Governments and the Regional Transportation Authority, is improving 1st Avenue from River Road to Grant Road. A survey is now available to gather community input on the priorities for this area. The public is invited to visit the project website to take the survey, leave a comment on the interactive map, or sign up for the email list.
The 1st Avenue Improvement Project will modernize the corridor using a Complete Streets framework to enhance safety for all users, improve roadway conditions, and provide greater comfort and accessibility for pedestrians, transit riders, and bicyclists. The project includes a new bridge over the Rillito River, pavement reconstruction, continuous and accessible sidewalks, enhanced bicycle facilities, safety improvements, drainage improvements, upgraded traffic signals, lighting, and landscaping.
 The 1st Avenue Project is very early in the development process. The project started with a Needs Assessment to better understand the existing conditions in the corridor. Based on community input and the findings of the Needs Assessment, the City of Tucson and the RTA decided to move forward with the four-lane improvement. The Needs Assessment and results of the community survey are available on the project website.
Tucson Parks and Recreation Fall Pool Schedules Available
Pool admission remains free.
To find a pool near you, visit the Parks and Recreation website.
Sonoran Institute Hosts the Santa Cruz River Dragonfly Festival During September
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Are you looking for a fun way to learn about dragonflies and connect with the Santa Cruz River? Sonoran Institute and partners are hosting the Santa Cruz River Dragonfly Festival during the month of September. You can attend fun presentations in person or virtually, get crafty, and hunt for dragonflies on your own or as part of a guided tour. There are options for everyone!
Questions about this year's Dragonfly Festival? Email Claire Zugmeyer at czugmeyer@sonoraninstitute.org or call 520-290-0828 extension 2 to leave a voicemail.
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Plan Tucson upcoming Working Sessions and Community Forums
 Updated Working Sessions and Community Forums Details:
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Feedback Session 2: Values, Goals, and Policies
Wednesday, Oct. 2, 9-11 a.m.
VIRTUAL MEETING
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Feedback Session 3: Future Growth Scenario Map
Tuesday, Oct. 8, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Ward 2, 7820 E Broadway Blvd
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Feedback Session 4: Implementation
Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2-4 p.m.
VIRTUAL MEETING
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**NEW** Feedback Community Forum: Preliminary Draft Feedback
Thursday, Oct. 17, 5 - 7 p.m.
Donna Liggins Center, 2160 N 6th Ave 85705
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*NEW** Revisions Community Forum: Preliminary Draft Revisions
Saturday, Nov. 9, 9 - 11 a.m.
Ward 2, 7820 E Broadway Blvd
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**UPDATED** PRELIMINARY DRAFT REVISIONS
NEW DATE: Tuesday, Nov. 12, 5-7 p.m.
VIRTUAL MEETING
Community events play a vital role in spreading the word. The Plan Tucson Team will be attending several upcoming events to ensure the community has the latest information about the Plan Tucson update. Please review the schedule below and let us know if there are any additional events staff should consider attending.
Community Events
Thank you for your continued support in planning the future of Tucson. The ongoing community feedback and dialogue is appreciated!
If you are interested in participating in a Working Session or Community Forum, please register using the button below:
Dodge Flower & Doolen-Fruitvale Tree Planting on Saturday, September 28 From 9 AM-11 AM!
Join Tucson Clean and Beautiful to plant trees in Dodge Flower and Doolen-Fruitvale Neighborhoods
Click here for more information. [tucsoncleanandbeautiful.us7.list-manage.com]
We will be meeting at Lighthouse Church: 2568 N Palo Verde Ave, Tucson, AZ 85716.
Schedule for Tucson Home Sharing Events
Balboa Heights Neighborhood Association End of Summer Splash Bash September 28
Start a Business in Tucson Starting September 30 | Emprende en Tucson Empezando el 30 de Septiembre
 Come and learn how to start your business with the City!
¡Ven y aprende cómo comenzar tu negocio con la Ciudad!
By City of Tucson, Office of Economic Initiatives
195 W Irvington Rd Building 15 Tucson, AZ 85714
About this event:
Our Business Navigator Team will be hosting training sessions on steps to start a business in Tucson. These sessions will take place every other Monday and there will be two options to choose from, in:
Spanish from 12pm - 1pm or
English from 1pm - 2pm.
We Care Tucson Robotics Camp For Kids From 10 am-3 pm October 10
Free Halloween Party On October 25 From 5:30-7:30 PM
Volunteers, Donations, Services Needed For HOPE In The Park, A Resource Fair For Unsheltered Individuals And Families On October 11 From 9 AM- 2 PM
The City of Tucson and Tucson Homeless Connect will hold Hope in the Park, a day-long resource fair which will provide various resources for unsheltered individuals and families. Hope in the Park will be held at Rudy Garcia Park, 5001 S. Nogales Highway, southeast corner with Irvington Road, Friday Oct. 11 from 9 AM to 2 PM.
This event will help individuals obtain services in health screening, behavioral health, VA benefits, food, shelter/housing, legal assistance, clothing, haircuts, animal care, and more. Volunteers, donations and services are needed.
To ensure a successful resource fair, service providers, donations and volunteers are greatly needed.
Potential donations include bicycles, solar cell phone charging stations, gift cards, tents, sleeping bags, and money. Service providers are needed to offer their agencies’ services to the unsheltered community.
Homeless Connect and MDOT are seeking 300 volunteers for a range of tasks: setup from 7-8:30 AM, registration and guides from 8 AM to 1 PM, general work from 9 AM to 2 PM, and cleanup from 1-3 PM. Volunteers can sign up here: http://www.tucsonhomelessconnect.org/volunteer.html
For more information contact Britni Hall at Tucsonhomelessconnectcharity@gmail.com
Volunteers Wanted
Se Buscan Voluntarios
Pima ABECC Looking For Volunteers
 Email Montserrat Caballero for for more info: mcaballero1@pima.edu
Team Up To Clean Up Community Celebration Saturday October 26 From 8-10 AM
Cyclovia Tucson on 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 October
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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