|
Hello Tucson,
The Mayor and Council meeting last week included a number of items that we have heard extensive interest in:
Fentanyl Crisis
Dr Cullen from the Pima County Health Department joined us for an update on local efforts to date to address the epidemic of fentanyl use so apparent throughout the county (occurring as well across the state and nation). Overdose deaths have decreased notably, and the department plans further research to build on that success. Unfortunately, use has not decreased as far as we can tell, and 30-50% of folks visibly addicted and suffering on our streets have homes but still tend to congregate and use outside. I highlight that so we don’t conflate the approach to fentanyl entirely with homelessness. Dr Cullen as well as the Regional Behavioral Health Authority (Arizona Complete Health) will be working with us to further target the Opioid Settlement Funds coming to more effectively connect people with treatment.
I’m encouraged by the County’s plan to fund a mobile treatment unit that can directly offer help to people wherever they are, a proven strategy. I am looking forward to tackling other barriers to efficacy; foremost in my mind is the lack of availability of long-acting Medication Assisted Treatment administered through monthly shots versus daily dosing. While not best for everyone, it makes sense that some people would fare better in treatment that does not involve daily trips to a clinic to stay clean. Arizona Complete Health will provide further information on the rapid drop-offs/intakes available to TPD through the Crisis Response center and Community Bridges, and we also need to consult with the County Attorney and Sheriff on the thresholds in place for carrying through on charges and jail booking. We will continue the planning with the County and offer updates to you as we agree on next steps.
Camping Prohibition in Washes
Staff has delayed action on a proposed ordinance to prohibit camping in washes. The primary goals of the ordinance (first discussed in January/February) include reducing environmental impacts, preserving water flow through washes, and protecting the safety of people—those without homes camped in washes and our first responders--during flood season. There may be further revisions to the draft ordinance that center on the first two goals, for example by prohibiting structures, furniture and large objects (e.g. shopping carts) which quickly block water flow and cause flooding beyond wash boundaries. Staff recognizes that the current draft could have unintended consequences that we need to think through, such as forcing even more homeless people into neighborhoods, parks and business areas if washes become more strictly off limits. I anticipate more data (example on swift water rescues required for people camping versus drivers, etc.) and dialogue so we can best manage washes throughout our city in partnership with the Regional Flood Control District team.
Hookah Lounge Ordinance
Mayor and Council unanimously supported action to address the disturbing patterns of violence and crime TPD has documented in proximity to Hookah Lounges compared to 24/7 smoke shops and bars. In 30 days we will review a draft ordinance to immediately limit the hours of these establishments (2am vs as late as 4am) and to issue a special business/operating license that the City could suspend or revoke under certain conditions (related to crime, violence, and other egregious threats to public safety). The latter element would enable action on specific locations. I’ll be continuing to work with the City Attorney and TPD Chief Kasmar leading up to the ordinance review date and update you on the details ahead of Mayor and Council action.
911 / 311 Call Takers
The Public Safety Communications Department (PSCD), which handles 911 and 311 calls, in the recent past was struggling with employee retention due to the emotionally demanding nature of the job. Call takers face deeply distressing situations, often handling 130 calls per shift, requiring them to make critical decisions quickly, even after traumatic calls. To address this, department leadership introduced new support systems. These include access to an in-house clinician, breaks after difficult calls, and stress-relief activities like using an on-site gym. These changes have significantly improved employee retention. We are thankful for their hard work and dedication.
Plan Tucson Work Sessions Delayed
Please accept our apologies as our last newsletter provided the information about the meetings unknown to us that had been canceled. See their message below.
After careful consideration, the Plan Tucson Team has decided to delay the release of the preliminary draft of Plan Tucson 2025. This decision ensures we deliver the highest-quality document to guide Tucson's growth over the next 10-20 years.
Key updates:
- Staff is postponing the release of the preliminary draft and will provide a new timeline as soon as possible.
- Staff will reschedule upcoming work sessions and community forums related to the plan.
- The Phase 3 outreach program will be revised to accommodate these changes.
We apologize for any inconvenience this delay may cause, and we appreciate your patience and continued engagement in this crucial process. This postponement will allow us to refine and improve the plan, resulting in a more comprehensive and effective guide for our city's future. Details about the revised schedule and opportunities for community input will be released as soon as they are ready.
Please stay tuned for further updates
 |
|
Meet PCC's New Chancellor |
Pima Community College invites community members to meet the College's new Chancellor, Jeffrey P. Nasse, Ph.D. You’ll have the chance to meet Chancellor Nasse, hear from him about exciting goings-on at the College, and ask him that burning question that’s been on your mind. Please feel free to attend the campus location and date most convenient to you; all sessions will be at 5:30 pm until 6:30 pm.
October 7: West Campus, 2202 West Anklam Road, (Room C217 second floor of Santa Catalina Bldg) Park in the ANKLAM ROAD parking lot and follow event signage.
October 15: Desert Vista Campus, 5901 S. Calle Santa Cruz, (Room F123) Park in the SOUTH parking lot and follow event signage.
October 17: Downtown Campus, 1255 N. Stone Avenue, (Amethyst Room CC180) Park in the DRACHMAN (NORTH) parking lot and follow event signage.
October 29: Northwest Campus, 7600 N. Shannon Road, (Room G105) Park in the SOUTH parking lot then proceed to the center entrance with the grassy hill and follow event signage.
November 7: East Campus, 8181 E. Irvington Road (Room L101) Turn north from Irvington onto FRED ENKE DRIVE and follow event signage.
Sweetwater Wetlands Annual Burn
The Sweetwater Wetlands in Tucson will be closed on Wednesday, October 1st for its annual controlled burn, a collaboration between Tucson Water and the Tucson Fire Department. The burn will begin at 8 a.m. and continue until 5 p.m. Residents in nearby areas may notice smoke, light ash, or odor due to the burn. Those sensitive to smoke or ash are advised to take precautions or avoid the area. This annual event, in place since 1999, is part of Tucson Water’s Mosquito Abatement Program, aimed at eliminating dead vegetation that shelters mosquito larvae, and it also serves as an important training exercise for wildland firefighters. This year, the burn will cover just one basin, allowing for more effective application of low-grade larvicide. There is another one scheduled for November 13th. If this date changes, we will inform you. Please note: The date of burn is tentative. Weather conditions may postpone the burn for a later date.
29th Thrive (East) Tree Planting
Join Tucson Clean and Beautiful to plant trees in Roberts-Naylor Neighborhood on Saturday, October 5th from 9AM-11AM! Click the ‘RSVP’ button below!
https://tucsoncleanandbeautiful.org/event/29th-thrive-rsvp/
We will be meeting at Roberts-Naylor K-8: 1701 S Columbus Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85711
Please wear close-toed shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and bring along a refillable water bottle (to reduce plastic waste). We supply all necessary tools, gloves, and filtered drinking water.
In collaboration with Mayor Romero’s Tucson Million Trees Initiative and funded by the Inflation Reduction Act and the USDA Forest Service, Tucson Clean & Beautiful is dedicated to equitably increasing green space and tree canopy for Tucson’s frontline and low-income communities most impacted by climate change and extreme heat. For more information, visit Tucson Million Trees.
Help increase our city’s tree canopy, build strong communities, and support Mayor Romero’s Tucson Million Trees initiative by volunteering to plant trees! Tree planting is fun for all ages, and volunteers leave with a sense of fulfillment knowing they have truly made a lasting impact.
Volunteers please be present at the meeting location for check-in by 9AM sharp.
Thank you for helping us grow a greener and more resilient Tucson!
Tucson Parks and Recreation Annual Halloween Event
Tucson Parks and Recreation is gearing up for its spooky season. In preparation for its annual Boo Bash event, the department is holding a candy drive, through Friday, Oct. 11. The goal is to raise at least 800 pounds of snack-sized, individually wrapped candy to hand out to children at this free, family-friendly event. If you would like to donate, you can drop off candy at any Tucson Parks and Recreation center (locations linked below). Boo Bash will be held Saturday, Oct. 19, from 5-8 p.m., at the Lincoln Park soccer fields, 4325 S. Pantano Road. Festivities include trunk-or-treating, carnival games, a costume parade, and more. Tucson Parks and Recreation centers
Martha Cooper Library
Martha Cooper Library is now open. Lots to see. They have expanded the children's space with an enclosed outdoor area. The Teen area has also been upgraded. The square footage has doubled from 6,012 to 13,554.
 The Grand Opening will be held in November
Neighborhood Mailings
Does your Neighborhood need an additional mailing? City of Tucson offers 2 free mailings per Fical Year. Ward 6 will offer to cover the cost of one additional mailing to those registered Neighborhood Associations in our ward. You have a choice between a 4X6 postcard, or a one-page, two-sided trifold.
If you are interested, please reach out to the Ward 6 Office and connect with your neighborhood liaison for assistance.
Casa Alitas Donation Site
We continue to collect donations for Casa Alitas. They are still receiving 100-150 people per day and are in need supplies, with that being said, please continue to bring in donations to our office. We are open Monday - Friday from 9-1pm. Our Ward 6 Office address is 3202 E. 1st Street. Thank you!
All clothing sizes: small, medium and large. Nothing bigger please.
Women: Underwear and Bras all sizes (sport bras will work), Shoes all sizes and any style, Jackets/sweatshirts, Sweatpants
Men: Shoes all sizes, Jackets/sweatshirts, Sweatpants, Socks for men, women and children. Toiletries and female hygiene products.
Free Computer Use
Our Ward 6 office now offers free public computer access, providing a vital resource for those without a reliable computer or internet access at home. These computers can be reserved by emailing ward6@tucsonaz.gov or call us at (520) 791-4601. Let us know when you would like to use it and we will have it ready for you. Our regular business hours are from 9 am to 1 pm, Monday through Friday. If you need to use it after 1pm, we can accommodate. Let us know if you have additional questions.
PARKS AND RECREATION CONTINUES 'LEASH UP. CLEAN UP.' CAMPAIGN
The Tucson Parks and Recreation department is conducting its "Leash Up. Clean Up." campaign for September's Responsible Dog Ownership Month. The initiative aims to encourage pet owners to keep their dogs on a leash in public areas and clean up after them. The campaign seeks to promote responsible pet ownership, raise awareness about the negative impacts of off-leash dogs and dog waste, and ensure compliance with local and state regulations. Emphasizing the dangers off-leash dogs pose to wildlife and public safety, as well as the health risks associated with dog waste, the campaign also aims to foster a respectful community environment. Tucson Parks and Recreation invites the public to get involved by using a provided toolkit to support and spread the campaign’s messages. For more details, follow the links below. "Leash Up. Clean Up" toolkit Read the news release
|
Tucson Fire Department’s 2023 Annual Report
To be excellent public safety professionals, compassionately providing our community an all-hazards response with integrity and courage through innovative prevention, education, and active intervention. Here is their Annual Report is out. Click here to view.
Community Events and Resources
SteveK
Corbett's - Saturday, October 5th / noon til 3 (every first Saturday through January.)
Floras's - Thursday, October 17th / 5 til 7 (working on turning this into an every-other-week rotation in their Friday happy hour.)
The Javelina at Doubletree - Friday, October 18th / 5 til 7:30
Garden District Porchfest - Sunday, October 27th / 2:30 til 4
Mayor and Council Meeting
Tuesday, 10/8
Wednesday 10/22
5th/Alvernon Crime Coalition
Wednesday 10/23, 6-7pm
Ward 6 Council Office, 3202 E 1st Street
Alvernon-Grant Initiative
Tuesday 10/8, 6-7pm – 2nd Tuesday of the month
Emmanuel Church, 1825 N Alvernon Way
29th Street Crime Coalition
Thursday 10/24, 6pm – 8pm (Every fourth Thursday of the month)
Midtown Police Station
1100 S. Alvernon- Northwest corner of 22nd and Alvernon in the public meeting room
Ready, Set, Rec Ward 6 Van
City of Tucson Resources
|
