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Hello Tucson,
We want to reinforce TPD’s approach to public safety as the federal focus on immigration status and deportations has created fear and confusion across our community. TPD has and will continue to collaborate with county, state and federal law enforcement agencies in fulfilling its safety mission. Solving and preventing threats such as violence, drug or human trafficking, gun smuggling and other serious crimes require all residents who are victims and witnesses to come forward and help; all persons engaged in such crimes—citizens and noncitizens--are pursued to protect the community.
The following statement has been released to the public to outline TPD’s policies and protocols with regard to immigration status and enforcement:
Related to addressing the crisis of fentanyl use/dealing here, I want to thank our colleagues on the Pima County Board of Supervisors and Sheriff Nanos for recently funding and implementing both detox and medication assisted therapies (MAT) at the local jail. TPD will be better able to confront offenses with the real prospect of booking/arrest on the flip side of the coin offering treatment/recovery programs. I’ve met recently with a number of community leaders who personally attest to their own decisions to enter treatment/recovery only because they faced jail time. Tucson will continue to combat addiction with compassion, without succumbing to practices that can enable personal self-destruction and community harm. Our partnership with the County will continue as we work with the County Attorney, County Health Department (The City-County Opioid Settlement Funds Committee specifically) and others to intensify strategies that reduce fentanyl dealing/use and associated crimes.
Thank you,
Karin Uhlich
Sun Tran Celebrates 50 years of service to Tucson
In honor of its 50th anniversary, Sun Tran has launched a special page on its website to celebrate this significant milestone. The page features a timeline of Tucson’s transit history, historical photos from the 1880s to the present, engaging transit-related stories, and a curated 1975 Spotify playlist for riders to enjoy during their travels. Please take some time to see how they got here. Sun Tran's 50th anniversary
Sun Tran's Spotify playlist You will find some beautiful photos.
Save Our Saguaros Month
February marks the start of a monthlong series of volunteer events aimed at tackling invasive plants in our community, including buffelgrass, stinknet, and arundo. Buffelgrass competes with saguaros for space, nutrients, and water, and it also increases fire risk in both the desert and our city. Join us Saturday morning, Feb. 1, at "A" Mountain for the kickoff event and sign up to volunteer. There will be animals from the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, pastries, and more. If you can’t attend the kickoff, there will be other opportunities to get involved. Sign up for a different date or find a location near you using these links. Sign up for kickoff event & Sign up for other Save our Saguaros Month events
City Of Tucson & Pima County Receive $7 Million HUD Grant For affordable Housing
Community Corridors Tool Office Hours
The next Planning Commission study session will occur on Wednesday, January 29, 2025. During this session, the Commission will review the current draft of the proposal and learn how community feedback has been integrated. All materials related to this session will be posted to the Planning Commission website.
City of Tucson Parks and Recreation Seeks Community Input on Two Improvement Projects
Tucson Parks and Recreation invites community members to come to a public open house to view the concept plan for the 22nd Street Path at Randolph Park and Dell Urich Golf Course improvements, as well as concept plans for the Reid Park Outdoor Performance Center. Attendees will be able to ask questions of staff and provide input on proposed improvements.
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Date: Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025
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Time: Noon–2 p.m.
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Location: Gene C. Reid Park, 800 S. Concert Place (near the central playground)
A recording of the concept walkthrough and surveys for both projects are available on the project websites linked below.
Gene C. Reid Park Outdoor Performance Center Improvements
Improvements to the Outdoor Performance Center are funded by Tucson Delivers Proposition 407 voter-approved bond funds. In November 2018, City of Tucson voters approved Proposition 407, a $225 million bond package for capital improvements. The bond funds are dedicated to improving City park amenities (playgrounds, sports fields, pools, splash pads, and recreation centers) as well as connections (pedestrian pathways, bicycle pathways, and pedestrian and bicycle safety).
In 2023, Tucson Parks and Recreation engaged event hosts to better understand the need for improvements to the Outdoor Performance Center. Based on their feedback, and with a focus on ADA accessibility, a concept plan has been developed. At this stage, the broader community is asked to share its input to shape the next steps for this beloved performance space. The plan, as well as a video walkthrough, can be viewed at tucsonparks.info/reidpark.
Randolph Park 22nd Street Path and Dell Urich Golf Course Concept Plan
In 2023, Sasaki completed a feasibility study exploring opportunities to enhance green spaces around the golf course as part of the "Randolph Reimagined" initiative.
In September 2024, Parks and Recreation took a more detailed look at improving the walking experience along 22nd Street, adjustments to Del Urich Golf Course, as well exploring green space opportunities around the golf course. Consultants discussed potential ideas based on the feasibility study and sought community input for future development.
Currently, Parks and Recreation and design consultants have developed a concept plan to present to the community. The plan, as well as a video walkthrough, can be viewed at tucsonparks.info/randolph.
The community’s input is vital in shaping the future of these spaces to ensure they meet the community’s needs and aspirations. Surveys for both projects will close on Monday, Feb. 17, at 11:45 p.m. For accommodations, materials in accessible formats, and/or materials in Spanish, please contact Sierra Boyer at 520-837-8032 or sierra.boyer@tucsonaz.gov by Jan. 28, to make appropriate arrangements. For more information, visit tucsonparks.info/randolph.
Camino Miramonte - Palo Verde Bicycle Boulevard
In November 2018, City of Tucson voters approved Proposition 407 Tucson Delivers Parks and Connections, a bond package to fund improvements to parks and construction of new bicycle and pedestrian routes. Over 50 connectivity projects will be built as part of a planned citywide network to improve connections to schools, parks, libraries, stores, and other destinations.
The Camino Miramonte-Palo Verde Bicycle Boulevard project uses low volume neighborhood streets to expand the citywide low-stress biking network by creating a north/south route to jobs, neighborhood destinations, schools, and parks. The planned and funded project extends along a 5.5-mile corridor along neighborhood streets from Kleindale Road to the Aviation Bikeway. See the map below for the project area:
 For more detailed information on this project, please visit the project website: https://tucsondelivers.tucsonaz.gov/pages/miramonte-paloverde
Prop 414
Coming to your March Ballot. Please take the time to read what 414 will cover and what it means for our community. We have some fact sheet flyer (see below) and pocket guide at the Ward Office, you can also get more detail information here:
https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Government/Office-of-the-City-Manager/Proposition-414
If you'd like to learn more or have any questions, please contact us via email at ward6@tucsonaz.gov or call at 520-791-4601. We can arrange someone to give a brief presentation or simply provide answers at your next Neighborhood Association meeting.
Donations
We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has been bringing donations to the Ward 6 Council Office, those donations have greatly benefited those in need. As we announced in the last week's newsletter, the group of volunteers that have been collecting all donations are now working under Kaleidoscope, a new non-profit organization. Due to this transition, they have decided to put the collection on hold and focus on organizing the items already collected. As a result, the Ward 6 Council Office will not be accepting any donations until further notice. Stay tuned for updates, thank you again for your incredible support!
Pet of the Week
AIDEN
ID# A825784
Age: 1 year 5 months
Qualities: Aiden is the BEST BOY! This handsome, smiley dude lived most of his life in one home before finding himself at PACC. He was said to be housebroken, crate-trained, friendly with kids, and a huge fan of car rides! Here at the shelter, he's been laid-back and friendly with people and dogs alike. If you're ready to give this wonderful pup a chance, we guarantee you'll fall for his sweet personality - and he'll even give a very demure "shake" to seal the deal!
Fee: Aiden is free to adopt. He is neutered, up-to-date on vaccines, and microchipped.
Also, we’re excited to let you know that PACC is offering free tags for your pets—absolutely free! No appointment required.
Contact: Pima Animal Care Center, 4000 N. Silverbell Rd., 520-724-5900. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 12pm - 7pm. Wednesday 1:30pm - 7pm. Saturday and Sunday 10am - 5pm.
Community Events and Resources
Palo Verde Art in the Garden Kick Off
Art in the Gardens, now in its third year, is a fundraising event that benefits PVNA, where Palo Verde residents can showcase their unique, beautiful, and creative gardens and artwork. This event is a walking tour of participating gardens, with artists displaying and selling their work at each location. Along the way, enjoy surprises like live music performances. Show Off Your Unique Garden! Each garden host will welcome multiple artists to display their works, opening their spaces for attendees to enjoy. Want to help bring this event to life? Volunteer by reaching out to us at the email below. If you have any questions or would like to sign up, send a message to info@paloverdeneighborhood.org.
Iskashitaa Reduces Food Waste In Tucson While Integrating Refugees Into The Community
 Iskashitaa Refugee Network creates opportunities to integrate UN refugees into the Southern Arizona community while educating the public, strengthening the local food system, reducing local food waste, and increasing food security.
- Together, we reduce local food waste & preserve water
- Together, we feed families, not landfills.
- Together, we harvest & glean over 100,000 pounds annually.
Iskashitaa redistributes excess produce to families through our food-based partners such as church pantries, soup kitchens, GAP Ministries, Market on the Move. They will send a crew of volunteers & UN Refugees to harvest your trees. OR call 520-440-0100 to arrange a drop off your fruit at our office:
3736 E 2nd Street, southeast corner of the St Mark's Presbyterian Church north parking lot on 2nd Street, 1 block south of Speedway off of Alvernon. 10-4pm
Click HERE for more information about Iskashitaa.
Tucson Great Decisions
 Great Decisions is a program of small-group discussions about foreign affairs, sponsored nationwide by the Foreign Policy Association, and here in Tucson by the nonprofit Tucson Great Decisions Association. There are more than 20 groups in this area, and one of the groups will be meeting on Monday mornings here at Ward 6 Council Office starting on January 27th. We’ll be meeting in person and by Zoom, working with information provided by a Briefing Book and a video. Members share their opinions on each of 8 topics in an easy, nonpartisan manner. To join, contact Shirley Muney at smuney2k@yahoo.com. (To explore the nature of Great Decisions, and see locations of other groups, visit www.tgda.org [tgda.org].)
Ready, Set, Rec Ward 6 Van
Upcoming Meetings
Mayor and Council Meeting
Wednesday, February 4, 2025
Alvernon Grant Initiative Meeting (AGI)
Tuesday, February 11, 2025, 6-7pm (every 2nd Tuesday of the month)
Emmanuel Church, 1825 N Alvernon Way
5th/Alvernon Crime Coalition
Wednesday, February 26, 6-7pm (every 4th Wednesday of the month)
Ward 6 Council Office, 3202 E 1st Street
Palo Verde Neighborhood Meeting
Thursday, February 20, 6:30-8:00pm (every third Thursday of the month)
Ward 6 Council Office, 3202 E 1st Street
29th Street Coalition Meeting
Thursday, February 27, 6-8pm (every 4th Thursday of the month)
Midtown Police Station Public Meeting Room, 1100 S. Alvernon
City of Tucson Resources
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