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I am grateful and elated that I won re-election this week with 67.5% of the vote. A big congratulations to Democrats Selina Barajas (Ward 5) and Miranda Schubert (Ward 6), who will join the council Dec. 2 when we three will be inaugurated to begin our four-year terms. Many thanks to Rocque Perez and Karin Uhlich who had been appointed to those positions and had agreed not to run for re-election.
 Council Member Kevin Dahl with newly elected Council Members Miranda Schubert, and Selina Barajas. Photo courtesy of Paul Ingram / Tucson Sentinel.
Tucson’s General Plan and three school district funding measures were also approved by voters.
I am very thankful to the many volunteers who knocked on doors, put up signs, made phone calls, and donated. All contributing to the success of my campaign. I must also acknowledge the support of my family, my hardworking campaign staff, and the amazing team in the Ward 3 office and their outstanding work helping the residents of Ward 3 and Tucson.
But most of all, thank you to Tucson’s voters.
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After two decades, the City of Tucson has a new City Attorney. Roi Lusk was officially appointed on October 8th this year. He replaced Mike Rankin who was with the City for 33 years with 21 of those as the City Attorney.
Roi grew up near Fresno California and moved to Phoenix when he was 19. From there he went to Chicago to attend North Western University and Loyola School of Law. He wanted to come back to Arizona, but not Phoenix. He landed here in Tucson in 2007 and has been with the City ever since. When asked to explain what his office does, Roi says that the role of the City Attorneys office is to “represent the City through litigation and trials, to advise Mayor and Council, the City Managers office and all City Departments. We review legal documents and contracts.” There are 94 positions although they are currently a little short with 86 of those filled.
 Councilmember Kevin Dahl, City Attorney Roi Lusk, and Council Aide Marlene Avelino.
There are 3 divisions in the attorneys office; The Civil division advises Mayor and Council, the City Managers office and city departments. The Internal division deals with tort litigation and State and Federal Court and the Prosecutors office deals with misdemeanors, code enforcement and State Statutes.
When asked what the best thing about his job is he quickly replied “The people…the people I work with are fantastic!”
When asked what he would like the public to better understand about the office he said “ I would want people to understand that we don’t represent them (the public) directly- and we don’t represent individual employees- we represent the City as an entity and the aspirations, goals and policies of the City of Tucson as directed by the Mayor and Council.
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Nestled in the Barrio Blue Moon Neighborhood and next door to Tucson House is Francisco Elias Esquer Park. Although this park often goes unnoticed by folks who don’t live near it, it is a park that serves a wide range of neighbors. Esquer Park is equipped with a playground, basketball court, rainwater harvesting garden, and ramada, but also has undeveloped land north of the park, which recently broke ground to begin transforming the space into a dog park.
From left to right: President of Barrio Blue Moon Neighborhood Association, Jace Mortensen; Director of Housing and Community Development Ann Chanecka; Secretary of Barrio Blue Moon Neighborhood Association Vicki Barth; Ward 3 Council Member Kevin Dahl; Mayor Regina Romero; Chairperson for the Parks and Connections Bond Oversight Commission, Dr. Ron Spark; Director of Parks and Recreation Lara Hamwey; Tucson House resident, Antonio Salcido and his dog, Chamaca.
These improvements could not come without layered investments from the voter approved Proposition 407, Community Development Block Grant, and City of Tucson Framework (previously American Rescue Plan) funds, which are collectively bringing more than $1.4 million for the park’s enhancements. The dog park will include small and large dog designated areas, a walking path, a pedestrian connecting bridge, green stormwater infrastructure, and lighting.
 Francisco Elias Esquer Dog Park Concept Plan
During the groundbreaking, not only were the instrumental staff from Parks and Recreation and Housing and Community Development present, but also neighbors from both the Blue Moon Neighborhood and Tucson House. Antonio Salcido, resident of Tucson House, expressed his excitement for a new safe space to be created within walking distance, where he, his dog Chamaca, and his neighbors can visit often. President of Barrio Blue Moon Neighborhood Association, Jace Mortensen, shared his anticipation as he has “spent about a decade going to the 6th Avenue Dog Park and [is] excited that we are bringing something to the neighborhood that will bring people out and create community right where they live.”
 Council Member Dahl, Jace Mortensen, and Vicki Barth with the future dog park behind them.
This dog park marks another exciting step in creating cool, vibrant, inclusive spaces where neighbors can connect and play. Ward 3 anxiously awaits the dog park’s completion, which is estimated for the summer of next year.
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Kirby
 ID#: A842710
Age: 5 years
Qualities:
Kirby is a squishy, velvety lovebug who fancies herself a bit of a lap dog despite her 70-pound frame. She’s a PACC favorite who is described as “the sweetest girl who just wants love and affection”.
Kirby has spent time in both foster and adoptive homes- here’s what we’ve learned:
- Kirby is very sweet and quiet and loves being with her humans
- She LOVES kids and is gentle with them
- Has great notes with cats
- She is house trained
- She is mostly a couch potato but gets the zoomies from time to time
- She loves fruit
- She loves tennis balls and is curious and smart
- She likes car rides
Fee:
Kirby 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.
Bandicoot
 ID#: A883565
Age: 8 Months
Qualities:
Bandicoot has had a bit of a difficult time. He arrived at PACC after being hit by a car. He needs an amputation, but he needs to do some recovering before he can actually get that surgery (covered by PACC). Bandicoot would love to hang out with you as a foster buddy!
Fee:
Bandicoot has a $0 adoption fee. 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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Desert Mallow Neighborhood Association
Wednesday 11/12, 6-7 pm
Ward 3 Community Room
1510 E. Grant Rd.
Feldman Neighborhood Association
Thursday 11/13, 7-8 pm
1120 N. 5th Ave.
Rillito Bend Neighborhood Association
Saturday 11/15, 1-2:30 pm
Northminster Presbyterian Church
2450 E. Fort Lowell Rd.
Richland Heights West Neighborhood Association
Saturday 11/15, 4-5 pm
1425 E Greenlee Rd.
Fort Lowell Corridor Crime and Safety Meeting
Tuesday 11/18, 5:30 – 6:30 pm
AGM, 3544 E. Fort Lowell Rd.
Meeting info and North Dodge Website
The Ward 3 office is open at 1510 E. Grant Rd. from
9 am - 1 pm for walk-ins or later by appointment, Monday through Friday. Staff will answer phone messages, emails, and requests for meetings by the next business day. Leave your message at or email ward3@tucsonaz.gov.
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Lend A Hand Plant Sale November 7, 8, and 9
 Lend A Hand Senior Assistance which provides free services to seniors in 12 Ward 3 neighborhoods is holding a large benefit plant sale November 7, 8 and 9. We are hoping to see it in the newsletter tomorrow. I’m sorry for the late notice. I will add a plant sale flyer in a second email. If you have questions please call or text me, Junie Hostetler, at 520-360-7613.
Sugar Hill/El Cortez Neighborhood Tree Planting Saturday, November 8 From 9 AM - 11 AM
Battery Recycling Drive Saturday, November 8 From 9 AM-1 PM
 The Rotary Club of Tucson Verde is partnering with Redwood Materials to host a drive-through lithium-ion battery collection and recycling event in Tucson. The collection drive is part of a larger, national partnership between Redwood Materials and the Rotary Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group (ESRAG).
Event details:
What: Collection of lithium-ion batteries and rechargeable devices
When: Saturday, November 8, 2025, 9 am - 1 pm
Where: Pima Community College Downtown Campus, Northeast parking lot
Items that can be recycled include the following:
-Smartphones and tablets
-Laptops
-Electric toothbrushes
-Power tool batteries
-Rechargeable vacuum batteries
-Wireless headphones
-Other rechargeable devices
La Madera Porchfest Sunday, November 9 From 2- 5:30 PM
Trashy Divas Barrio Blue Moon Neighborhood Clean-Up Event Monday November 10 From 9-10:30 AM
Trashy Divas is working in the Ward 3 area this time, cleaning up a portion of Main Street between Speedway and Drachman. The weather is perfect right now, and we hope you can come out.
Parking is available at 345 W Drachman St, Tucson, AZ 85705. There is an empty lot and plenty of free street parking.
Article 9 Certification, Wednesday, November 12 From 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Campbell and Grant Picnic Sunday, November 16, Form 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM At Conner Park
CGNE will provide sandwich fixings, rotisserie chicken, and beverages. Please bring a dish to share! Spread the word.
Seating is limited so bring a chair or blanket if you want to.
Your Voice Matters-Join Us for The Housing Equation Forums! Ward 3 On November 19 From 6 - 8 PM At the Donna Liggins Center
Community Health and Wellness Holiday Food Drive
 Come drop off some much needed food donations at our office and help a good cause!
Adobe Repair Class
 Do you live in an old adobe home? Is it cracking and crumbling? The Vista del Monte Neighborhood Association wants to teach you how to repair it and care for it properly. We’ve recruited an experienced adobe-making teacher for a hands-on class at one of our local 1930s adobe bungalows. We’re still working on the timing and syllabus, but we’re aiming for early 2026.
Right now, we’re just trying to gauge interest. Please take a quick survey to let us know what you want out of adobe classes.
https://bit.ly/adobe-repair-class
Please share the survey link with anyone you know who lives in an old adobe house, too! Or anyone who just wants to learn about adobe for the fun of it.
Solar United Neighbors Tucson Co-op
FIND FOOD ACCESS RESOURCES IN TUCSON
As the federal government shutdown continues, Tucson food assistance providers are seeing a sharp rise in demand from families affected by delayed federal benefits, such as SNAP and WIC. At the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, there is an increase in first-time visitors, many of whom had never sought food assistance before. Volunteers are working overtime to assemble emergency food boxes for those suddenly without access to those benefits. The Community Food Bank offers help multiple times a week during varying hours continues to distribute food at its main location, 3003 S. Country Club Road, and through partner agencies across Southern Arizona. Officials urge residents in need to reach out early, as local inventories may fluctuate if the shutdown continues. You can also find a list of food resources by following the This is Tucson link below.
Tucson Water Suspends Water Shutoffs During Federal Government Shutdown
Tucson Mayor Regina Romero and Tucson Water recently announced that the water utility will not conduct any residential water shutoffs due to nonpayment during the ongoing federal government shutdown. The temporary moratorium ensures that no household will lose access to essential water service while federal employees and other community members face delays in pay or economic hardship tied to the shutdown. The City of Tucson | Tucson Water maintain that water security is foundational for community resilience. Tucson Water will continue to support customers through flexible payment plans, bill assistance programs, and water conservation tools.
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 - 9:30 am.
https://tucsonfoodshare.org has more information about volunteering, donating, or requesting delivery.
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