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Chief Kasmar Moving On But Still Serving |
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After a 26-year career with the Tucson Police Department (TPD), Chief Chad Kasmar announced yesterday his retirement to take a position with Pima County as a Deputy Administrator. City Manager Tim Thomure has appointed TPD Deputy Chief Monica Prieto to become our new Police Chief.
Tucson Police Chief Chad Kasmar.
Chad Kasmar has been a fantastic police chief. He has worked hard to keep our community safe, always keeping Mayor and Council well-informed, leading efforts to work with other agencies and community partners. As a home-grown officer and all-around good person, Chad was respected by the force, as voiced by union President Sgt. Darrell Husmman: “Chief Kasmar led the department through some of its most challenging periods with steady leadership, integrity, and compassion. He consistently advocated for officers, safeguarded the department during difficult economic times, and demonstrated a genuine commitment to officer wellness. Throughout his tenure, Chief Kasmar also prioritized preparing the next generation of leadership by thoughtfully developing a strong succession plan. Tucson Police Officers Association is grateful for his years of service.”
New Tucson Police Chief Monica Prieto.
When Chief Kasmar called me, I joked that after a short rest in retirement he should come back to the City to work as a lifeguard, which was his first job for Tucson (and we have plenty of openings right now for summer lifeguards). But instead, Pima County Administrator Jan Lesher has hired him to serve as one of her deputies where he will provide oversight to many of the County departments that have justice and law connections, including Public Defense Services, Justice Services, Detainee and Crisis Systems, and Pima Animal Care Center.
We are indeed fortunate that Deputy Chief Monica Prieto will become our new Chief. DC Prieto is a Tucson native and 26-year veteran of the department. She has served in a wide range of assignments, including Patrol Services, the Community Response Team, the Street Narcotics Unit, Internal Affairs, and the Central Investigations Division. DC Prieto has completed executive education with the Police Executive Research Forum’s Senior Management Institute for Police and is a graduate of Northwestern University’s Center for Public Safety, School of Police Staff and Command. Her leadership has been recognized through numerous awards, including the Arizona Women’s Initiative Network Women to Watch Legacy Award and the Medal of Distinguished Service.
We wish the best to Deputy Administrator Chad Kasmar and Police Chief Monica Prieto in their new roles!
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Update on Liam Conejo Ramos
Just two weeks ago, we highlighted the case of five-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos, the young boy detained by I.C.E. and used to bait his father into being apprehended by Federal Agents. They were then taken from their home in Minnesota to a detention facility in Texas. Last weekend, U.S. District Judge Fred Biery ordered the immediate release of Liam and his father. In a highly critical ruling, Judge Biery roasted the current government and its deportation quotas. The judge lambasted the actions taking place in Minnesota against our immigrant community and reminded officials of the basic protections of the American Constitution. Here are a few of the choice lines from that ruling.
“The case has its genesis in the ill-conceived and incompetently-implemented government pursuit of daily deportation quotas, apparently even if it requires traumatizing children.”
“Apparent also is the government's ignorance of an American historical document called the Declaration of Independence.”
Then he dropped this banger:
“And then there is that pesky inconvenience called the Fourth Amendment: The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and persons or things to be seized.”
Thanks to Judge Biery, Liam and his father are now home and reunited with their family. May we have more Fred Bierys in courts all over these United States.
Keep protesting and standing up for our rights; it works. It's working.
TPD Community Meeting Regarding I.C.E.
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Police departments in majority Democrat leaning cities have found themselves in a difficult position in recent weeks. Police Departments are often understood as hierarchical, coercive, and tasked primarily with maintaining order and the status quo. During widespread public opposition to government action, such as the recent demonstrations against kidnappings and violence committed by ICE, a tension arises between the perceived role of police and community concerns about government overreach. In moments like these, some people will naturally ask whether local police will act as a protective buffer for residents, or as an extension of broader state power.
This week at a community meeting with TPD and City leaders, members of the public gathered to ask exactly this question. At the downtown headquarters, TPD hosted a discussion and Q&A led by Chief Kasmar with a panel that included Deputy Chief Prieto, City Attorney Roi Lusk, other TPD and City leaders, and staff from the Mayor’s office and Ward offices.
At the meeting, community members raised concerns about how TPD interacts with ICE, particularly in light of the recent killings in Minnesota. Attendees asked TPD to clarify when they would or would not support federal operations, and what they would do to protect residents. Chief Kasmar and other leaders emphasized that TPD officers are part of the Tucson community, have no ongoing role in immigration enforcement, and have only conducted a handful of SB1070 checks in recent years.
 Tucson Police Chief Chad Kasmar answering questions during the community meeting regarding ICE interactions.
Kasmar emphasized that immigrants are not driving crime in Tucson. Of the 54 homicides and 90 traffic fatalities in the city last year, only one in each category involved a person without legal status. He stressed that TPD’s focus is on protecting all community members, and that broader safety concerns should not be conflated with immigration status.
He noted that TPD declined to participate in a recent criminal warrant at Taco Giro and stressed that officers are not surveilling protesters or engaging in plainclothes monitoring. TPD’s policy at this time is to decline to participate in ICE operations, although Kasmar noted that under the Biden administration, they would have.
Kasmar framed TPD’s role as making situations as safe as possible (for example, managing large protests without escalating conflict) while acknowledging that officers are not positioned to make in-the-field assessments of excessive federal force. Residents pushed on this point, asking where TPD would draw the line if federal agents engaged in egregious violence. While no definitive answer was offered, the discussion reflected a shared concern for balancing pragmatism with accountability.
The meeting highlighted the difficulty of drawing attention to “non-events” (conflicts avoided through careful management) but also showed the department’s willingness to engage openly with the public. The conversation reinforced the importance of continued dialogue and vigilance, while affirming that TPD officers are committed to supporting Tucson residents and the broader community.
The Ward 3 office extends their gratitude to Chief Kasmar for his honesty and his commitment to community engagement.
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2026 Point In Time Count
Last week, I helped conduct interviews for the 2026 Pima County Street Count, also known as the Point in Time (PIT) Count. Locally, this count is conducted annually by the Tucson Pima Collaboration to End Homelessness (https://tpch.net/), and the results provide a snapshot of the homeless population on a single day.
Communities across the country complete similar counts on the same day to help inform a national understanding of homelessness, and this was my 4th consecutive year participating in our local count. I was assigned to interview folks in Sector 13 in Ward 3, which stretched from Grant Rd. north to Prince Rd. and from Oracle Rd. east to Campbell Ave. This year, over 400 folks turned out to help collect this data.
 Sunrise on the morning of the annual Point In Time Count.
Between 6 am and about 11 am our team conducted a total of 147 interviews. That’s 147 distinct people who slept (or in some cases, didn’t sleep) out in the elements around that part of town the night of January 27th. We located people in alleys, in vacant lots, at gas stations, and along the sidewalks and streets. Some were hunkered down behind utility boxes or otherwise tucked away; others were already up and about, on the move from one location to another.
 A vacant lot where we found someone to interview.
If you're interested in another perspective on the count, I'd recommend this one: https://azluminaria.org/2026/01/28/point-in-time-count-2026-tracking-homelessness-across-tucson-and-pima-county/. Other Tucson Mayor and Council offices also participated in the Count, too, and have already written about their experiences. Final results from the Count should be available around June.
Relatedly, Tucson Mayor and Council voted to declare a housing and homelessness emergency in our community for one year (Watch the item) earlier this week. The ordinance allows for temporary zoning flexibility, a code amendment to address shelter care uses, temporary safe parking and safe sleeping areas, and more. I am hopeful that these changes will help our community transition folks out of homelessness more rapidly than we've been able to over the last 4 years.
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Arby
ID#A852363
Age: 10 years
 Qualities:
Arby lived in one home for eight years and was reportedly housebroken, loved tennis balls and treats, and was described as a big love bug. In another home Arby was reportedly crate trained, loved to play in the water, and loved stuffed toys. He’s a cuddly, affectionate couch potato looking for a new couch to occupy!!
Arby spent a bit of time in a foster home where he made himself comfortable on his foster person’s bed, slept his days away, and played with his toys when he was feeling frisky. His foster said that he very friendly, enjoyed meeting new people, was well- behaved, and liked to run zoomies around the backyard.
Arby has done well with older kids but will likely do best in a home without very young kiddos. He would like to meet any resident dogs before heading home to ensure a good fit.
Fee:
Arby 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.
Austin
ID# A890263
Age: 1 year
 Qualities:
Austin is a stunningly beautiful boy that has been at PACC for several weeks getting over a URI and a case of calici. He is the friendliest kitty that loves a good scritch and a snuggle. It is way past time for this handsome young fellow to find his forever home. He can leave today with you.
Fee:
Austin 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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Next Mayor & Council Meeting |
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Ward 3 Neighborhood Association /Coalition Meetings |
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La Madera Neighborhood Association Meeting
Saturday, 2/07 from 10-11 am
La Madera Park, 2700 E. La Madera Dr.
Balboa Heights Neighborhood Association Meeting
Tuesday, 2/10 from 5:30-7 pm
Marty Birdman Center
2536 N. Castro Ave.
Desert Mallow Neighborhood Association Meeting
Wednesday, 2/11 from 6-7 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 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.
Brush & Bulky Alley Service In 2026
 Feel free to type your address into the top left corner of this website to confirm your Brush and Bulky pickup dates and location.
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Preparedness Resources For Immigrant Families
Community Rapid Response Team https://rapidresponsetucson.com, 520-221-4077
 A handy bilingual Know Your Rights card for your wallet (pictured below) is available free, in quantities, from Ward 3 or at the Gloo Factory.
Family Preparedness Plan for Immigrant Families, in English and Spanish. Click the buttons below to download a PDF file of the plans.
Other resources:
Centenarians Wanted:
Submit a centenarian's name to SeniorServices@tmcaz.com or call 520-324-1960 by February 27, 2026.
Dodge Flower Neighborhood Yard Sale
Saturday, February 28th 9am-1pm
Parking lot of the Tucson Lighthouse Church.
Sell items
Clean out your closet while making extra money.
Booths are free of charge for Dodge-Flower neighborhood residents. Others are $10 for a 10' x 10' . Be sure to reserve today because space is first come, first serve. To reserve your booth, please either email : Dodgeflower85716@gmail.com or text or call (520) 261-2715
Donate items
Not planning to host your own booth? You can still help out by donating your gently used items to the neighborhood association! Proceeds from donations will fund neighborhood improvement projects. Please email Dodgeflower85716@gmail.com for pickup or drop off.
Attend the Event
Winter Warming Center in Ward 3 From 5 - 9 AM
Where: Inside the Ward 3 Community Room at 1510 E. Grant Road.
When: Monday through Friday, 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., through March 13.
What: Guests are provided a simple breakfast, coffee, a warm indoor space, and on-site resource navigation.
Pets are welcome.
St. Francis Community Services Food Pantry Has Moved
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.
Friends of Ward 3 Is Helping Rio Vista Elementary
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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Ward 3 & City-wide Events |
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February 7:
Saturday
Mountain Avenue Protected Bike Lane Project 10-11:30 AM At Mitchell Park, 1100 E Mitchell Street
Learn more about traffic safety improvements coming to Mountain Avenue (Speedway to Fort Lowell) and review the design concept layout. This project is part of Prop 411 – Tucson Delivers: Safe Streets, protected bike lanes will be installed along Mountain Avenue to improve safety.
https://bit.ly/mountain-avenue
 Febrero 7:
Sabado
Proyecto de Ciclovia Protegida en Mountain Avenue De 10-11:30 AM En Mitchell Park, 1100 E Mitchell Street
Ven a conocer las mejoras de seguridad vial que vienen para Mountain Avenue (de Speedway a Fort Lowell) y a revisar el diseño propuesto. Este proyecto es parte de la Propuesta 411 – Tucson Cumple: se instalarán carriles protegidos para bicicletas a lo largo de Mountain Avenue para mejorar la seguridad.
https://bit.ly/mountain-avenue
February 7:
Saturday
Save Our Saguaros Kick-off Event at A Mountain 9 AM - Noon
February is Save Our Saguaros Month!
Every year we celebrate our special saguaros and raise awareness about the impact of invasive species like buffelgrass and stinknet on our biodiverse ecosystem. We and our partners host numerous volunteer pulling events throughout the month - including our big Kickoff Pull held on “A” Mountain.
February 19:
Thursday
Southern Arizona Home Share Meeting
February 21:
Saturday
River Run Network Creek Walk: Danny Lopez Park 10-11:30 AM
 Join the River Run Network and Friends of Danny Lopez Park for a stroll through the Santa Cruz River floodplain. Framed by effluent flow from the Agua Nueva outfalls and Silverbell Lake, this vibrant area supports lush vegetation, abundant wildlife, and serves as a vital cooling corridor for our city.
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