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It’s election season! Pima County Elections Department has sent ballots to those who vote by mail. They have also opened 3 locations for early walk-in voting by anyone else. At study session this week, Mayor and Council heard from Pima County officials – Recorder Gabriella Cázares-Kelly and Elections Director Constance Hargrove – about their efforts to make sure our elections are safe, transparent, and free from interference or fraud.
I am confident that each vote will count, and it will count the way it was cast.
For instance, the Arizona Secretary of State’s office recently tested every voting machine in the state, monitored by observers from both political parties, and all were certified as working correctly. If you want to learn about the many election security measures in place, view a video of the meeting item here at timestamp 10:57. It is important to note that if you experience or view any activity to intimidate voters to call 911, document the incident, and report it to poll workers.
Here’s information to help you make your plan to vote.
Important dates:
Oct. 25. Last day to request a vote-by-mail ballot. It is also the last day to change your address (only available to voters already registered - the deadline for registering for this election has passed).
Oct. 29. Last day to safely mail in your vote-by-mail ballot. You can also drop it off at early voting locations or on election day.
Nov. 5. Election Day! You can vote (bring ID) or drop off your mail ballot at any Election Day Voting Center (there will be four in Ward 3).
 Some other points:
Pima.Votes is the county website that has comprehensive information about the election. All the early voting and election day voting sites are listed. Especially helpful to making a plan is that you can type in your address to view and print a sample ballot.
The 2024 ballot will be two pages, double-sided because of all the races (and each one is important) and 13 ballot propositions. Take the time to understand what you are voting on, and please vote the full ballot. Individual campaign and political party websites might be informative. Two non-partisan sources of information I think are helpful:
The election is underway! Time to make your plan, and please try to vote early.
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Tucson residents rely heavily on Brush and Bulky. As a service that makes its way through every neighborhood twice a year, neighbors know it’s coming when piles of trash start lining the curbs in preparation.
That preparation is only supposed to be for the two weeks before the scheduled Brush and Bulky pickup, but of course there are neighbors who get started earlier. Did you know this is a crime punishable by death?
 Environmental Services in action
Worse yet, there is sometimes one neighbor who puts their broken furniture or cactus trimmings out the day AFTER the Brush and Bulky crews come through. Maybe they thought they had one more day. But what to do now that they missed the window? Fortunately, a lesser known fact about brush and bulky is that you can order one any time of year. Whether you’re one day late or just have a project that requires a special pick up nowhere near your regularly scheduled B&B pick ups, you can call Environmental Services at this number—520-791-3171—and schedule a pick up whenever you like. It costs $55 for up to 10 cubic yards, and an additional $5 for each cubic yard beyond that. Additional charges may apply if the load takes longer to pick up.
 Brush and Bulky collection in a Tucson alley
All of that information and more is available on the Environmental Services webpage here: https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Environmental-and-General-Services/Residential-Services/Brush-and-Bulky
The Undisputed Gym at 1240 N. Stone Ave. in Ward 3 is one of many fitness clubs in Tucson but the only one in the historic Sugar Hill neighborhood. It also has the distinction of being located in a registered historic building. Built in 1941,the site was the location of one of Tucson's first bowling alleys. It closed in 1988. John Moore, one of the current owners of the building which houses The Undisputed Gym, shared that bit of history with me. John and a crew of fighting professionals own the place and keep it running.
 The exterior of the Undisputed Gym and owner John Moore.
Born in Michigan, John moved to Tucson at age 2 because his father was in the military. His family ended up making this their permanent home and as a result, John was raised here. He began working at Undisputed in 2008. John began as a personal trainer and worked his way up to owner with colleagues Brandon Lacy and David Reilly. He immediately fell in love with mixed martial arts (MMA) and became a professional fighter competing in and out of state with organizations such as Bellator and King of the Cage. He also worked in every position in the gym from the front desk to managing the place. Eventually, he was offered an ownership stake in the business.
 The interior of the Undisputed Gym and some of the available equipment.
Today, John no longer fights professionally but instead offers his knowledge to some of the clients in the gym. One of his oldest is a 73-year-old former Amphi PE teacher who has taken up boxing as a form of keeping herself in shape. Undisputed has also aimed to be more than a fighting gym as it includes classes for everyone at every level. They have functional fitness classes, yoga, weights, and much more. However, one of the more impressive clients is a vision-impaired Brazilian jiujitsu (BJJ) practitioner, Brandon Salinas. A graduate of the Arizona School for the Deaf and Blind, Brandon moved to the neighborhood and began training in BJJ at the gym. Currently, Brandon holds a blue belt which is the second adult rank of the martial art.
 The benefits of such a facility in the neighborhood are far from just physical. Much research has been done on the link between physical activity and mental health. Mood improves as endorphins are released and symptoms of depression and anxiety are reduced. There is a reduced risk of all-cause mortality in all adults and older adults who regularly partake in physical exercise. Resistance training helps increase bone density, which has protective effects on older adults, especially menopausal women. So if you are in need of a workout or are looking for a place to sign up for a fitness class, go check out Undisputed Gym in the Sugar Hill Neighborhood.
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 STELLA/ #A847813
Age: 3 years
Qualities:
Beautiful Miss Stella arrived at PACC in August with a litter of 11 puppies! This sweet mama did a great job raising her babies, and now it's her turn to find a home and be spoiled! In her foster home, Stella did well with both big and small dogs and was described as a very sweet and loving dog. Stella has been easygoing and cooperative with everyone, human and canine, that she's met at the shelter. She's ready to find her family!
Fee:
Stella 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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Samos Neighborhood Association Meeting
Tuesday 10/15, 6:30 - 7:30 PM
1609 E. Spring St.
Sugar Hill Neighborhood Association Meeting
Thursday 10/17, 6 - 7:30 PM
Donna Liggins Center, 2160 N. 6th Ave.
Amphi Neighborhood Association Meeting
Thursday 10/17, 6 - 7 PM
Woods Memorial Library, 3455 N. 1st Ave.
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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Team Up To Clean Up Your Neighborhood
What is Team Up To Clean Up?
The City of Tucson, along with community partners, is organizing a citywide clean-up effort. Residents, families, students, community groups, and businesses are invited to join forces to clean and enhance our neighborhood.
For more details on events dates and times, visit: Team Up To Clean Up.
No Tools Needed!
The city provides all necessary materials and will handle trash disposal.
Want to Clean at Your Own Pace?
You can get recycled 55-gallon bags from your local ward office, courtesy of our local breweries.
For questions, email Steven at steven.laturco@tucsonaz.gov
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.
PROPOSAL TO RENAME CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS PARK TO DANNY LOPEZ PARK
45-DAY PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD OPEN
The City of Tucson Parks and Recreation department has announced a 45-day public comment period for the proposal to rename Christopher Columbus Park, 4300 N. Silverbell Road, “Danny Lopez Park.”
The public is encouraged to participate in the comment period to voice its support or provide feedback on this proposal. Read the proposal submitted to the Parks and Recreation department on the Parks and Recreation website. A 45-day public comment period commenced today, Friday, Oct. 11, pursuant to the City of Tucson AD 1.02-19, and will remain open until Monday, Nov. 25, 2024.
Comments can be submitted by mail to:
Tucson Parks and Recreation Attn: Public Comment – Christopher Columbus Park Renaming 900 S. Randolph Way
Tucson, AZ 85716
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Schedule for Tucson Home Sharing Events
 
Pima County Community Land Trust Homebuyer Workshop Series
Free Halloween Party On October 25, 5:30-7:30 PM
Team Up To Clean Up Community Celebration Saturday October 26 From 8-10 AM
Volunteers Wanted
Se Buscan Voluntarios
Pima ABECC Looking For Volunteers
 Email Montserrat Caballero for for more info: mcaballero1@pima.edu
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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