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Tucson Water recently mailed to a flyer, “Notice of Unknown Service Line Material” to about 110,000 service customers. The wording required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is a little confusing. Here’s the scoop.
The updated Federal rule has required water utilities across the country to review records to search for lead and galvanized steel pipes in the service lines to homes and businesses, a process that has taken Tucson Water a few years to complete. The flyer is the result of the next requirement – to inform customers if their service line (from meter to their building) might be made of these materials or is currently unknown.
Tucson Water has just finished scouring historic records, old permits, etc., and has informed anyone whose service line may still be a mystery or has no clear record. Thus, the notice you might have received that lets you know your service line is made of “unknown material.”
 Historically, Tucson builders used copper pipes because copper was a common material in Arizona. Other places have a bigger problem with lead pipes because lead was more readily available to them based on their location. The point is that it is unlikely that any given home or business has a problem. BUT WE STILL HAVE TO CHECK.
Tucson Water will either look in the water meter box or dig a hole near it to check service lines – a process that will take years to get to all 110,000 plus accounts. When lead, or galvanized steel that may at one time been connected to a lead line, is found, Tucson Water will offer to replace the service line at our cost (Tucson Water was farsighted and obtained a forgivable loan of federal funds to pay for this).
If after reading the notice, you still have questions, you can find more information at www.tucsonaz.gov/water/lead-free. You can also call or email our office.
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Last Saturday, the community came together to put the finishing touches on a stunning mural by artist Ndubisi Okoye. The mural was made possible through the City of Tucson’s HUD Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grant, the Arts Foundation for Tucson and Southern Arizona, and the dedicated residents (current and previous) of Sugar Hill. The mural is a beautiful tribute to the neighborhood’s rich history and vibrant future. You can view it on the wall of Max’s Center Attractions, located at 2032 N. Stone Ave, just south of Grant Rd.
 Sugar Hill mural just as residents began painting.
The mural honors the legacy of Sugar Hill, recognizing the individuals and places who helped shape the community. The energy of the mural’s creation was reflected in the event itself, where neighbors from Sugar Hill and beyond gathered to contribute, connect, and celebrate. In addition to painting the mural, attendees enjoyed delicious BBQ from David’s Outdoor Kitchen and live music by Sugar Hill leader Jack Anderson. The City’s Thrive in the ‘05 team and neighborhood leader Sadie Shaw, representing the Arts Foundation for Tucson and Southern Arizona, were also present at the event, sharing insights into the work they are doing in the community.
 From left to right: Vice Mayor Kevin Dahl, Arts Foundation of Tucson Community Design Manager Sadie Shaw, Pima County Board of Supervisors Chair Adelita Grijalva, and Sugar Hill Neighborhoood Association President Jack Anderson.
I tried to get in on the action and paint a flower, though the kids were far better at staying inside the lines than I was! While painting, I heard people express how grateful they were to contribute to the mural. They shared how much fun it was for all ages, and how powerful public art can be in bringing families together and participating in the beautification of the community. It was a day that exemplified the positive, lasting impact of public art and the importance of continuing to invest in and honor the neighborhoods that shape us all.
 Mural artist Ndubisi Okoye (middle) with his team Allison (left) and Jessica (right).
I recently attended a three day Natural Earth Building workshop at the Canelo Project. Led by Dani Felgenhauer and Nico Avalos de Viron, the three days focused on learning the basics of sand, clay, fiber and water. With these basic ingredients we made adobe bricks, mortar, free form walls, and plaster.
 Making adobe bricks and leaving them out to dry
The Canelo Project is a non-profit, 40 acre, family-based homestead located about an hour southeast of Tucson dedicated to learning, demonstration, and exploration. This applied educational center allows people a hands-on experience of a lifestyle that aims to be sustainable. Their mission is to connect people, culture and nature - This was evident in our communal meals, casual instruction, and familial settings.
 Using adobe bricks to make a raised garden bed
There were seven participants in the workshop; artists from Belgium, a grandmother from New Zealand, a fresh high school graduate from Alabama, a family doctor from Texas, a nomad from Montana, a teacher from Phoenix, and me. It felt heartening to know that people from far flung places, different life experiences, and ages are interested in a low impact way of building and living.
While not everyone wants to live in a rural setting, these skills and methods can be implemented anywhere, including Ward 3. Learning about thermal mass, a material's ability to absorb, store and release heat, and insulation has given me plenty of ideas on how to bolster my home’s climate resilience.
 Daubing our wattle/bamboo wall
It was restorative to connect to the dirt and the sky and our physical ability to create living/functional spaces out of mud. The big systems we live within feel challenging to steer in the direction of serving the people and the planet, but in this little pocket of land, little systems are working in the way they’ve worked for hundreds and thousands of years. Straw, clay, water, love, care and connection.
 Walking tour of Canelo at sunset
To learn more about the Canelo Project and check out their current workshops visit: https://caneloproject.com/
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 TJ/ #A847261
Age: 9 years
Qualities:
Sweet senior TJ just returned from foster care with glowing reviews: They called him the "perfect foster dog!" TJ's foster family also said that he is housebroken, well-behaved when left alone, a "huge cuddler," and a belly rub aficionado! TJ is a smart old fella too- he knows, sit, shake, down, and roll over (if he feels like it), and we think it would be easy to teach this old dog a few new tricks too!
Fee:
TJ 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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Keeling Neighborhood Association Meeting
Monday 11/25, 7-8:30 pm
Cornerstone Fellowship Church,
2902 N. Geronimo 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.
Please note that the office will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday 11/28 and Friday 11/29. Staff will be working remotely on Friday 11/29.
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Wildcat Inn Holiday Toy Drive
Traffic Alert El Tour De Tucson
On Saturday, November 23, 2024, the 40th Annual El Tour de Tucson will take place throughout the community. The following travel restrictions and road closures will be in place for the event.
Downtown Road Closures – On Friday, November 22, 2024, beginning at 6 a.m., Cushing Street from Stone Avenue to El Paso Avenue will be closed to motorists.
On Saturday, beginning at 4 a.m., Sixth Avenue from 15th Avenue to 22nd Street will be closed to all motorists. Sixth Avenue from 15th Avenue to Stone Avenue will reopen at 11:30 a.m.
On Saturday, beginning at 4:00 a.m., Stone Avenue from 14th Avenue to 18th Street will be closed to all motorists. This area is scheduled to reopen at 12:30 p.m.
Expect additional street closures in the downtown area, including Main Avenue, 12th Street, Simpson Street, 15th Street and Fourth Avenue between 4:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. on Saturday.
Community Food Bank Food and Sneaker Drive
Rainwater on Tap, December 5 from 5:30-8:30 pm
 Experience what hydro-local living tastes like at WMG’s Rainwater on Tap Happy Hour, on Giving Tuesday, December 3, from 5:30 - 8:30pm. Sip on rainwater cocktails, rainwater mocktails, and rainwater teas while enjoying an evening outdoors at WMG’s Living Lab. Enjoy dinner from the Bashful Bandit barbeque food truck, serving up fast and incredibly delicious food for all, from meat eaters to vegans.
This happy hour is on Giving Tuesday, a day of global giving following Thanksgiving. Our goal is to raise $50,000 on Giving Tuesday, and all ticket sales and donations help us reach our goal and fund our community programs.
Not only do you get to drink rainwater, you can learn how to go hydro-local at home! Learn about various ways to harvest and filter rainwater and ways you can get more involved with water conservation and river restoration projects across Tucson.
Introducing Cyclovita! December 7 From 10 AM to 3 PM
 Next month Amphi neighborhood will host the first Cyclovita along four blocks of car-free streets with a winter market at one end and a resource fair at the other. Cyclovitas are meant to be hyperlocal, so if you're from the neighborhood or the general area (nearby neighborhoods) we invite you to check it out. Learn more by clicking below. Questions about Cyclovita? Contact LSA!
RTA Next Open Houses and Survey
Attend an upcoming open house and give the Regional Transportation Authority your input on its draft $2.46 billion regional transportation plan. The 20-year RTA Next draft plan includes roadway, transit, safety, bicycle, pedestrian and environmental improvements for the greater Tucson region.
The RTA Board will consider your feedback before it prepares a final draft plan for Pima County voter consideration as early as November 2025. Learn more.
https://rtanext.com/events/ [rtanext.com]
Help shape the future of 1st Avenue
You may have heard that the 1st Avenue Improvement Project is currently asking for YOUR feedback. Since launching our survey in September 2024, we have received more than 350 responses, but we want to make sure that your voices are HEARD. This is why we are extending the survey deadline to Sunday, December 8, 2024!
Your vision matters.
Visit our website [zcmg-get.maillist-manage.com] to take the survey, leave a comment on our interactive map, or sign up for our email list. While you’re there, be sure to check out the materials and presentations [zcmg-get.maillist-manage.com] from our October Open House and Virtual Open House.
Mother's Street Clean-up Sunday December 8 at 9:30 AM
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
Schedule for Tucson Home Sharing Events
Watershed Management Group Tucson On The Move Events
 
Free Hot Soup From November 12- March 14
Selfie With Santa Sundays Thru December
Free Workshop!
Ready, Set, REC! in November
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.
We welcome your feedback!
Please feel free to email us at Ward3@tucsonaz.gov
To subscribe to this newsletter go to https://www.tucsonaz.gov/ward-3
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