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December 5, 2025

Inauguration

This week we said thank you and farewell to Karin Uhlich and Rocque Perez at a special Mayor and Council meeting where newly elected Council Members Miranda Schubert and Selina Bajaras and I were sworn in. Council Member Lane Santa Cruz was re-elected for another year as Vice Mayor. The inauguration was welcomed with messages of friendship from Verlon M. Jose, Chairman, and Carla Johnson, Vice Chairwoman of the Tohono O’odham Nation and Julian Hernandez, Chairman of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe. Mayor Regina Romero gave her annual address to the City that highlighted Tucson’s diversity, transportation plans, and our work to build a safe and sustainable city. You can view her presentation at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzecBwFt3Q4

Council Member Kevin Dahl being sworn in by City Clerk Suzanne Mesich at the City of Tucson inauguration held December 2 at the Tucson Convention Center for a second term.

TC Tolbert, Tucson’s Poet Laureate and Ward 3 resident, gave the invocation for the meeting with inspiring, important words and the reading of a poem. We present both below with TC’s permission. In a time when our trans community and family members are under attack, it is critical that we listen to their voices and provide support and advocacy.

Tolbert identifies as a trans and genderqueer feminist, collaborator, maker, and poet.  TC is a Ward 3 resident, community activist (recently a neighborhood association president), and educator. The author of Gephyromania (Ahsahta Press 2014 and re-released in 2022 by Nightboat Books), five chapbooks, and co-editor of Troubling the Line: Trans and Genderqueer Poetry and Poetics (Nightboat Books 2013), TC was awarded an Academy of American Poets’ Laureate Fellowship in 2019 for work with trans, non-binary, and queer folks as Tucson’s Poet Laureate. TC also loves woodworking.

Council Member Kevin Dahl and Tucson Poet Laureate TC Tolbert.

TC Tolbert’s State of the City invocation

"Thank you for having me and inviting me to share a poem today. I’m queer and trans and when I first moved to Tucson from Tennessee (almost 25 years ago) I was immediately struck by how queer and trans this city is – and yes, on the one hand I mean there are a lot of queer and trans people here in Tucson. But I also mean queer as in existing outside of, in opposition to, or obliquely alongside cultural norms. And there are plenty of recent cultural norms our city doesn’t want to succumb to. Tucson is full of people with expansive hearts and minds, people and leaders who reach across perceived differences and build bridges where they didn’t exist before. A city that embraces queer and trans people – especially queer and trans youth and queer and trans elders.

"When I left Tennessee, it was because I couldn’t thrive there as a queer person and I didn’t think I would survive transitioning there. When white people do that, we say they 'moved' but the truth is, I migrated here and like every migration, I did that in search of safety, yes, but also connection, community, and love. The people and protections in Tucson have made a beautiful life possible for me and so many others. And we are seeing, in this last year especially, how precious and how precarious that can be.

"My poem today is also a prayer that we all be kept safe – that migrants of every nationality, race, and identity be afforded space not just to survive but to thrive in this community.

"And I thank this mayor and council for the work you have done and the hard work I know you will have to do to not only hold that line of protection but expand it – to make the circle wider and stronger and more celebratory and more trans and queer.

"This poem is titled 'At the base of the black hill' after the Tohono O’odham word, Chukson, from which the name Tucson is derived. It is a prayer of gratitude, respect, and awe for everyone who has co-created this incredible place we share and it is in honor and deference to the Tohono O'odham and Pascua Yaqui peoples, whose lands these are and who continue to allow outsiders, like me, the privilege of sharing their homelands. This poem is an acrostic which means the first letter of each line spells a word down the left margin – the first spells Chukson and the second Tucson – my attempt to honor all the ways our histories intertwine and shape who we are,and allow us great possibility for who we can become to each other. Thank you for allowing me to be here."

At the Base of the Black Hill: What We Share, What We Carry

by TC Tolbert City of Tucson Poet Laureate

Tucson Poet Laureate T.C. Tolbert reciting his poem At the Base of the Black Hill: What We Share, What We Carry to a packed room at the last Mayor and Council Meeting.

Culture is a word rooted in care – from the 15th century an honoring – Art goes further – another 10,000 years back to prepare –

Here has always been – only one small step from there – Beside each other – tomorrow calls to us today – Where

Under an oceanic sky we live in a desert wet with life – The Ha:san dancing in their personal pools all night – They especially

Know that borders are useless – The line impossible to know between coming and going – Even our bones are

Sculptures moving – Growing from – Growing into – Becoming always – something else – This morning I

Opened my door to a curve-billed thrasher in the chain fruit – a car taking the curve a little too quickly – a

Neighbor’s phone call with his mother – todo lo vivo es música – me encanta – each day a concert carried by wind –

To be a city is to be a confluence of cultures – A community – To be a community is to be made of people – beloved –

Ultimately each person in this community is water – held loosely behind a dam of skin – We share what we

Carry – When we quench the thirst of another – When we remember all water is borrowed – at best –

Ṣu:dagī ‘O Wuḍ Doakag – Same as land – same as body – same as breath – May we live

Our lives as poems of gratitude – that we may create the future – here in the present – in reverence to the past – May the

Names of every water – body – sky – we’ve ever loved – be the blessings that bind us to each other – the song that sings us back –

Pets of the Week

Titan

ID#: A872699

Age: 1 year 6 months

Qualities:
The definition of a “titan” is someone with great intellect, strength, or importance. Our sweet boy Titan doesn’t want to brag, but his volunteer friends sure think he’s a pretty big deal! He’s a sweet and mellow boy- the type of dog that volunteers absolutely LOVE to spend time with. Here’s what some of his friends have said:

“Titan is a tender, gentle guy- a sweet soul. He was a little shy when I met him in his kennel today, but easy to leash up and walk over to a play yard. He wasn't interested in playing with toys, so we went for a walk instead. He is a super easy walker; he doesn't pull at all. He enjoys sniffing all along the way, but he is very responsive to his handler and will move on when asked. A couple of barking dogs passed us, and he completely ignored them. We stopped for a couple of minutes for pets and snuggles, and he was just as calm and gentle as could be! Titan will make an excellent addition to a family with a peaceful, calm home looking for a mellow dog!”

He’s an easy dog who'll benefit from some patience and time when settling in with a new family.”

Titan has been independent when meeting other dogs in the playgroup and would like to meet any resident dogs before heading home to ensure a good fit.

Fee:
Titan 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. 

Roxas

ID#: A886728

Age: 7 years old

Qualities:
Roxas is one of those ruggedly handsome ginger boys that you immediately fall in love with. Always ready to meet you at the kennel door for some attention and scritches, this guy is quite the snuggle bug.

Fee:
Roxas 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. 

Next Mayor & Council Meeting

The next Mayor and Council Meeting will be on Tuesday, December 16.

Once available, the agenda will be posted here: Mayor and Council Meeting Agendas. 

Ward 3 Neighborhood Association /Coalition Meetings

Limberlost Neighborhood Association
Saturday 12/6, 10-11 am
Limberlost Family Park
4255 N 4th Ave.

Balboa Heights Neighborhood Association
Tuesday 12/9, 5:30-7 pm
Marty Birdman Center
2536 N Castro Ave.

Blue Moon Neighborhood Association
Wednesday 12/10, 5-6 pm
Esquer Park
1415 N 14th Ave.

Fort Lowell Corridor Crime and Safety Meeting  
Tuesday 12/15, 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.

Ward 3 & City-wide Events

Winter Warming Center in Ward 3 From 5 - 9 AM

Doolen-Fruitvale Neighborhood Clean-Up December 6 From 10 AM - 12 PM

Friends Of Ward 3 Is Asking For Donations to Help Unsheltered Kids

Senior Olympics Registration

Tucson Parks and Recreation and Pain Institute of Southern Arizona present the 41st annual Senior Olympic Festival. This festival is a celebration to promote fitness, health, and an active lifestyle among adults 50 years of age and older. Events include volleyball, bowling, bridge, racquetball, basketball shoot, pickleball, archery, golf, tennis, horseshoes, badminton, and so much more. The event is expected to attract 2,000+ participants and is Tucson’s largest organized annual senior activity. For complete Senior Olympic Festival information, visit the Senior Olympic Festival website. Special thanks to our title sponsor, Pain Institute of Southern Arizona. 

Ambassadors of Sustainability

Do you want to better understand the environmental issues in Tucson – and the progress being made? Join interested citizens to learn from experts in diverse realms with Sustainable Tucson’s Ambassadors of Sustainability program. The group meets online Saturday mornings, January 3 through March 28, 10 am - noon. There is a token fee, with scholarships available. Details at sustainabletucson.org/ambassadors.

United Way Of Tucson And Southern Arizona Now Seeking Volunteers For Free Tax Return Preparation Program Sign Up Now Through December 31

United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona is now seeking volunteer tax return preparers for its annual Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, offering a free training program, available in-person and online, to equip volunteers with IRS-sponsored tax certification. In addition to volunteer tax return preparers, the VITA program is seeking volunteers to serve as site coordinators, intake specialists, and Spanish-speaking interpreters.  VITA services for the public will begin February 4 and continue through filing day, April 15.

For more information or to sign up as a volunteer, please visit www.unitedwaytucson.org/vita/volunteer or email vita@unitedwaytucson.org

Roger Road Improvements Starting December 5

CGNE Neighborhood Potluck Saturday, December 6 From 4 - 6PM

Disability Pride Day to Help Tucsonans with Food Insecurity

The office of Council Member Paul Cunningham, Ward 2 in partnership with the University of Arizona Adaptive Athletics Department encourages everyone planning to attend Disability Pride  Day this Saturday, December 6^th at the Donna Liggins Recreation Center to bring non-perishable food items and stuff  Coach  Peter T Hughes’ truck to benefit the Trinity Presbyterian food pantry's which hands out free food every Tuesday and Thursdays from 12-3 pm

“The truck will be parked in the parking lot on Disability Pride Day and we want to ensure it’s full by the end of the event “Council Member Paul Cunningham said.

The Donna Liggins Rec Center is located at:

2160 N. 6th Ave, Tucson, 85705

And the food pantry is located at:

400 E University Blvd, Tucson, 85705

Parks And Rec Is Looking For Volunteers

Tucson's Parks and Recreation has an opportunity to spread holiday cheer, and we would love to partner with you! We will be hosting our annual event, Santa's Calling, and are looking for volunteers to join.

What is Santa's Calling?: "Santa's Calling" is a program run by the Tucson Parks and Recreation department that allows children aged 4-8 to receive a phone call from Santa Claus. Parents can sign up their children through an online form, where they share information about their children/what they want for Christmas.

What do volunteers do? Santa and an elf will review the form and give a call to the child to wish them a Merry Christmas!

When: Tuesday, 12/9 - Thursday 12/11; 5:30pm - 8pm
Where: Admin Office 900 S Randolph Way

Dinner and snacks will be provided for volunteers!

To sign up please send an email to Parks and Rec Special Events Coordinator Dani Alkola by clicking on the button below.

S’morry, S’morry Night On Saturday, December 13, 2025, From 5–8 PM At The Drawing Studio

It’s a cozy winter evening with s’mores, hot chocolate, and live music, plus gifts and merch available on site. We’ll also be featuring our “Tiny Treasures” exhibit, with proceeds from the exhibition benefiting The Drawing Studio. We’re especially excited because The Drawing Studio is partnering with Sigfus Designs for the night; they’ll be hosting a charm bar workshop where guests can design their own charms and bracelets.

Balboa Heights Community Yard Sale Sunday December 14, From 7 AM- 12 PM (Noon)

Tucson Poverty Project's 9th Annual Community Forum on 12/15 at 9am

Direct Linkages Accessible Hiring Event On December 16 From 9 AM - 12 PM

Southern Arizona Home Share Thursday, December 18 2 - 3:30 PM At the Ward 3 Community Room

WeCare Winter Tech Camp For Kids December 22 & 23 From 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM Cost Is Only $5 Per Day

Pima County Attorney's Office Crisis Intervention and Victimology Training

Ornamental Turf Removal Rebate Program Ends March 1, 2026

ucson Water is encouraging commercial, multifamily, and homeowners association (HOA) customers to take advantage of its Ornamental Turf Removal Rebate Program before it ends on March 1, 2026.

The program, launched in 2024 with funding from the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority of Arizona (WIFA), offers rebates of $5 per square foot to replace ornamental turfgrass with low-water-use landscaping. The limited-time rebate helps reduce outdoor water use that cannot be recycled, supporting long-term water conservation and lower maintenance costs.

Since its launch, the program has replaced more than 105,000 square feet of turfgrass—about 2.4 acres—saving nearly 4 million gallons of water each year.

Eligible properties can also earn bonus rebates of $100 per new tree and $1 per gallon of rainwater harvesting basin capacity, encouraging shade coverage and sustainable irrigation for desert-adapted landscapes.

For more information about the Ornamental Turf Removal Rebate Program and other Tucson Water conservation incentives, visit tucsonaz.gov/water/rebate or contact conservation@tucsonaz.gov

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

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.

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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