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Remember last summer? The record-breaking hot, hot summer? Chances are it will be even hotter this summer. In addition to hotter temperatures and less rainfall, Climate change also impacts Tucson’s water supply. Water flow in the Colorado River – our major water source – is radically down. We share water from the river with other Arizona cities and six other states in a scheme negotiated decades ago when the river ran unusually high, snow pack on the Rockies was plentiful, the population in the Western states was much smaller and extreme high temperatures were uncommon. As reservoir levels behind Boulder and Glen Canyon Dam drop lower, mandatory re-allocation is in our future.
I thought about this last week when Mayor and Council voted to give up a small portion of our Colorado River allocation in exchange for $20 million and funding from the Bureau of Reclamation to build a treatment plant to produce potable water from treated effluent. I took this item off the consent agenda to make the point that Tucson must continue to expand our commitment to water conservation and reduce our consumption.
 Photo: Chris 73 / Wikimedia Commons. Water saving device on the Japanese toilet: The tank with the water for flushing is refilled not directly but through a tap at the top of the tank, so the users can wash their hands and recycle the water for flushing.
Tucson Water is a city owned utility, where the Mayor and Council serve as the Board of Directors and we answer to the residents. The City supplies water to the city and some surrounding areas, and has been a very good steward of our water supply, as described in our recent water plan (https://www.tucsonwaterrunsdeep.org/master-plan). Due to our community’s commitment to conservation, we annually use less water that we receive from the Colorado River and bank the excess underground in Avra Valley. This allowed us to make previous agreements to temporarily reduce our water allotment in exchange for generous payments.
When City staff brought this deal to the Mayor and Council, I thought our otherwise good plan needed more: a more in-depth consideration of climate change and more emphasis on water conservation. Conserving water – things like WaterSmart appliances, fixing leaky pipes in aging houses, waterless toilets and harvesting rainwater – takes less money and energy than any new water source. A lot less than the “Toilet to Tap” treatment plan will take.
There certainly is a certain yuck factor in calling this Toilet to Tap. Engineers use the terms Advanced Water Purification and Direct Potable Reuse. Statewide (there are several cities doing this or starting to do this) the proposed branding is Arizona Pure Water [insert city name here]. In our case it's Arizona Pure Water Tucson.
But one reporter recently told me he knows the media will always call it Toilet to Tap because that phrase will produce the most “clicks.”
Toilet to Tap confused one of my dyslexic friends who thought it referred to that interesting toilet top that allows you to wash your hands with water that then goes into your toilet tank for reuse. It also caused one of my staff to comment that what we have now is “Tap to Toilet” -we use our clean tap water for waste disposal. One Ward 3 goal is to get Tucson to permit waterless toilets, another way we can conserve water.
 Ward 3 Chief of Staff, Katie Bolger holding a water saving device that can go on top of the water tank for a toilet in order to help recylce water.
I will always strongly advocate for water conservation and putting storm water to beneficial use and I will also pay close attention to the safety of the water that Tucson delivers to its residents. The advance filtering will produce the purest water you can imagine I am told by experts, and I know Tucson Water strives to provide water that exceeds any federal regulation. When we have found our aquifer contaminated by TCE and PFAs, the City of Tucson had an incredibly robust response. But our water future is one of the most important issues here in the Sonoran Desert and there is no room for mistakes.
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 Groundbreaking ceremony with the construction of the parking garage underway in the background.
This week, Council Member Dahl joined the celebration of the groundbreaking of the Casino del Sol Grant Road development. This is the third casino for the Pascua Yaqui Tribe but first within city limits, which will be located near Grant Road and Interstate 10 in Old Pascua. The groundbreaking celebrated the people, relationships, and resilience that made the construction of this casino a reality.
 Council Member Kevin Dahl with Pascua Yaqui Vice Chairman Peter Yucupicio.
Many of the speakers reflected on the journey to return this land to Old Pascua. Pascua Yaqui Attorney General OJ Flores shed light the 515-day process to pass The Old Pascua Community Land Acquisition Act which made “this tribal community protected and preserved. Not only for gaming, but most importantly for our cultural ceremonial grounds just a couple blocks away.” Additionally, many of the tribal council members took time to recognize their elders and community leaders who have been advocates and stewards for the Tribe’s people, history, and culture along with highlighting their partnerships with neighboring indigenous tribes and local and federal leaders.
 Council Member Kevin Dahl with Pascua Yaqui Council Member Andrea Gonzales.
Construction has already begun on the four-story parking garage, with casino construction shortly following. This first phase of construction is scheduled to be completed in 2026 and the new 65,000 square foot gaming facility will bring over 650 jobs to Ward 3.
 Pictured left to right: City Manager Tim Thomure, Mayor Regina Romero, Council Member Kevin Dahl, Council Member Paul Cunningham, and Council Member Nikki.Lee
A blockage in an artery within the brain is known as a stroke. According to the CDC, in 2022, strokes in the United States made up 17.5% of all cardiovascular disease-related deaths. Put another way, every 40 seconds someone in the U.S. has a stroke. In 2016 my father suffered a basilar artery stroke. In an attempt to save his life, the doctors performed a complicated procedure going in through the femoral artery in his leg all the way up to his brain to remove the blockage. The procedure was minimally invasive but long and arduous. When the doctor came to tell me that he was done, he was visibly exhausted. Thanking him for his efforts, I never forgot the word "endovascular," which I learned means "inside a blood vessel".
 Ward 3 Council Member Kevin Dahl Presenting Dr. Muhammad Waqas Khan with a certificate of appreciation from the City of Tucson.
Almost 10 years later, I heard the term again (this time in much better circumstances) during a City Council meeting. At this meeting,Muhammad Waqas Khan a talented vascular neurologist in Tucson was being honored. Dr. Kahn has broken barriers as the first Pakistani Muslim to graduate in the highly specialized field of endovascular neuroradiology in Arizona, serving as an inspiration for future generations. The good doctor was presented with a certificate of appreciation from the City for his achievements in medicine. His friends were present during the presentation of the certificate and one of them gave the audience a brief description of exactly what it is that Dr. Khan does. For the procedure, he has to wear a lead radiation suit, which can weigh anywhere from 5-15pounds. The procedure can last 1-10 hours depending on the severity and location of the blockage in the brain. All this while controlling a tiny robotic tube that goes in through a blood vessel either in the wrist or leg to insert a stent to improve blood flow to the brain to save his patients' lives. I understand now why my father's doctor was so exhausted.
 Imam Syed Hassan Ali, and friends along with Council Member Kevin Dahl next to Dr. Kahn during the presentation of the certificate of appreciation.
Dr. Kahn works out of St. Joseph's Hospital. He has trained at several prestigious institutions across the nation, including the University of Rochester, Harvard Medical School, and Louisiana State University, just to name a few. As a proud member of the Massachusetts Neurological Association, the American Academy of Neurology, the American Heart Association, the International Stroke Society, and the American Medical Association, he continuously strives to make a positive impact in the field of medicine.
Tucson is very fortunate to have such a dedicated and hard-working medical professional. Click on the following link to watch Council member Kevin Dahl present the certificate to Dr. Kahn. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-2NHhLF9ck The presentation begins at 3:53:36 mark.
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 TREY #A830467
Age: 2 years
Qualities:
When Trey first came to PACC in July, he was a bit on the shy side. But thanks to his volunteer friends, he has come out of his shell. Now he’s hoping to come out of the shelter and into your heart. Trey loves playing with other pups, and when humans are around, he’s even been known to roll around and solicit belly rubs. Trey is hoping to find a home with the patience and love he needs to keep building his confidence.
Fee:
Trey is free to adopt. He is neutered, up-to-date on vaccines, and microchipped.
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 1/21, 6:30-7:30pm
1609 E. Spring St.
Jefferson Park Neighborhood Association Meeting
Wednesday 1/22, 6-7:30 pm
Ward 3 Community Room, 1510 E. Grant 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.
Reminder: our office will be closed on Monday January 20 for the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday.
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YWCA National Day of Racial Healing on Saturday, January 18 From 1-6 PM
This January 18th, 2025, 1pm - 6pm, the YWCA of Southern Arizona and the League of Women Voters will host our Annual National Day of Racial Healing (NDRH) program at the Main (525 N. Bonita, Tucson 85745) Campus. This year’s theme is How We Heal from The Effects of Racism. The day’s events will be moderated by Dr. Cheree Meeks (President of the NAACP, Tucson) and will include speakers, a youth panel, cultural performers, and food.
Ponderosa Dispensary Grand Opening Saturday January 18 at 3008 N. Stone Ave.
Tucson Parks And Rec Will Host Rec Center Open Houses Throughout The City
 Tucson Parks and Recreation invites the community to explore its recreation centers during a series of open houses throughout the year. These events offer an opportunity for residents to tour the facilities and learn about programs and events.
Attendees can enjoy special perks, including free limited-edition water bottles and stickers (collect them all by visiting multiple open houses). Additionally, those who attend can take advantage of a 50% discount on universal memberships, which must be purchased during the event to qualify for the promotion.
“Tucson Parks and Recreation is committed to providing spaces where everyone feels welcome,” said Director Lara Hamwey. “These open houses are a great way for the community to see all the opportunities we have to offer for connection, fitness, and fun.”
Explore the facilities, meet staff, and discover all the ways Tucson Parks and Recreation supports a healthy and active lifestyle. For more information, visit Tucsonaz.gov/parks.
Food 4 Life Free Food Distribution Saturday, January 18 At 8 AM
Palo Verde Bicycle Boulevard Updates And Upcoming Meetings January 23 And January 25
Family Bingo Night Friday, January 31 From 6-8 PM At The Donna Liggins Rec Center At 2160 N. 6th Ave.
Save Our Saguaros On February 1 At Sentinel Peak From 9 AM To Noon
 February 1st marks the beginning of a month-long series of volunteer events to combat invasive plants such as buffelgrass, stinknet and arundo. Buffelgrass outcompetes saguaros for space, nutrients and water. It also poses a serious fire risk both in the desert and in our city. Join others Saturday morning on A Mountain for the big kickoff event: Sign Up to Volunteer Feb 1st. There will be live Desert Museum animals, tasty pastries and more… If you can’t make it to our kickoff, then join us on another day. View Other Invasive Plant Removal Events throughout the Tucson Basin and sign up for a different date. You will find a location close to home and can spend a great morning out in the desert Saving our Saguaros!
Neighborhood Clean-up Friday February 14 From 8-10 AM
Regional Transportation Authority Survey
The Regional Transportation Authority needs your input on its draft, $2.46 billion regional transportation plan via a public survey. The 20-year RTA Next draft plan includes roadway, transit, safety, ADA, bicycle, pedestrian and environmental improvements for the greater Tucson region. The regional investment will generate thousands of transportation industry jobs and permanent jobs over the life of the plan and enhance the safety, reliability and connectivity of the transportation network for you, your family and the local business community.
The RTA Board will consider your feedback before it prepares a final draft plan for voter consideration as early as November 2025.
The RTA invites you to take a brief survey at RTAnext.com/survey [rtanext.com]. Invite family and friends to participate as well. Thanks for your time.
FAFSA Workshop
Point In Time Count Volunteer Opportunity For 2025
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
Tucson Home Sharing will be concluding its activities and programs after Feb. 20th
YOUTH: Art of Spring - Immersion Camp at the Drawing Studio March 10-14
For ages 8 - 12.
This day camp is designed to develop the technical skill and technique of young artists in drawing and painting, with the instruction by 2 distinct master teaching artists. There will also be opportunity to explore art practice in non traditional crafts, providing a safe studio space of play and discovery.
Free lunch and snacks are provided.
TEEN: Art of Spring - Immersion Camp at the Drawing Studio March 10-14
For ages 13 - 17.
This day camp is designed to develop the technical skill and technique of young artists in drawing and painting, with the instruction by 2 distinct master teaching artists. There will also be opportunity to explore art practice in non traditional crafts, providing a safe studio space of play and discovery.
Free lunch and snacks are provided.
Free Hot Soup From November 12- March 14
Free Citizenship Class Prep Classes!
Ready, Set, REC! in January
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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