|
Time to Enjoy Native Wildflowers |
|
|
Spring is coming up, and for me, that means seeking out good patches of desert wildflowers, especially out in Saguaro National Park. Usually, Picacho Peak, Sabino Canyon, and Catalina State Park offer spectacular blooms. I’m crossing my fingers that our winter showers will bring grand flowers. Already, some flowers are blooming early, as they have been lately, thanks to climate change.
Every spring, I also catalog and identify all the flowers in bloom in my neighborhood during one weekend. I usually find more than 100 species! For this exercise, I list native flowers, weeds, unnoticed tiny “belly” flowers, invasives (the three plants I hate: buffelgrass, goatheads, and stinknet), and all the beautiful domestic flowers, even including what my neighbors have planted in their patio pots or planted as a hedge.
Pictured above is the Eschscholzia californica, or Desert poppy.
While all these flowers are beautiful and interesting, I am biased towards native flowers. I support the selection of native plants whenever landscaping decisions are to be made.
Why? Because I also love having plenty of birds, butterflies, and lizards in my yard and neighborhood. Native plants are the foundation for other native life, providing better (and often essential) habitat. They provide better hiding and perching spots; local fauna is adapted to eating their seeds and flower nectar; and natives support lots of native insects that are also a major food source. I do smile and love to see a neighbor’s gravel yard transformed by a covering of bright orange and yellow African daisies. But next door, the yard filled with a diversity of native trees, shrubs, and annuals contributes so much more.
In any case, please take some time this spring to enjoy the live flowers in your neighborhood and the glories of desert wildflowers on our next-door public lands.
|
|
|
Minnesota:
Border czar Tom Homan, has indicated that "Operation Metro Surge" in Minnesota is now coming to an end.
“As a result of our efforts here, Minnesota is now less of a sanctuary state for criminals. I have proposed and President Trump has concurred, that this surge operation conclude" Homan recently said at a news conference.
He stated that 700 federal agents would be leaving the state, however, that still leaves over 2000 agents behind. The operation has resulted in over 4000 arrests and the deaths of 2 American citizens and the hands of federal authorities.
 United States border czar Tom Homan. Photo by Gage Skidmore.
Arizona:
The State Senate has approved a measure that would require hospitals to inquire about a patient's immigration status. The new measure was put forth by State Senator Wendy Rogers, a Republican of Flagstaff. The proposal would not deny care to anyone, and answering the question would be optional. Furthermore, according to Rogers, the replies will not be reported to immigration authorities. Which begs the question: then why is this necessary? When looking for an answer to that query, let's not forget that Wendy Rogers was censured by her colleagues in 2022 for supporting white nationalism and calling for the hanging of her political opponents, which she proudly defended.
 Arizona State Senator Wendy Rogers. Photo by Gage Skidmore.
State Senator Sally Ann Gonzales a Democrat from Tucson, voiced concerns that this measure would put the public in danger by causing people to avoid treatment and report potentially contagious diseases. She also expressed a concern about racial persecution by saying “It’s only going to profile people who look like me.”
|
|
Commercial Water Harvesting Discussion
We recently met with local water harvesting and sustainability expert Brad Lancaster, along with Planning and Development and Tucson Water staff. The reason for the meeting was to discuss needed tweaks and refinements to the City’s “first in the Nation” Commercial Water Harvesting ordinance. The ordinance was adopted in 2008 and requires newly constructed businesses to harvest rain/storm water to offset potable water for landscaping needs.
 Commercial water harvesting discussion with (from left to right): Tucson Water Administrator James MacAdam, Brad Lancaster, Ward 3 Chief of Staff Katie Bolger, Council Member Kevin Dahl, Director of Planning And Development Services Koren Manning, Ward 3 Office Administrator Shannon Jenkins, Planning Administrator Daniel Bursuck.
Brad Lancaster, who travels extensively to speak on water harvesting, was a key individual in getting the ordinance passed. He came prepared with recommendations, including updating the plant palettes to further reduce non-native and high water use plants, using ROW (Right-of -Way) to harvest water, and having city staff trained not just on compliance but being able to recommend different pathways to compliance. Council Member Dahl had requested a study session this spring to discuss and address updating this valuable ordinance.
|
|
|
Kasper
ID# A886651
Age: 13 years
 Qualities:
This cute guy with his big, handsome face and friendly demeanor is irresistible. He recently came to PACC when his family lost their home, and we’ve found him to be very charming and lovable. His former family informed us that he’s been with them all of his life, and he gets along with everyone (including children) and has had positive experiences with all dogs and livestock. (He hasn’t lived with cats.) He’s also house trained, affectionate and playful, likes to go for walks, gets a little nervous around loud noises, and has a great attitude about everything.
Fee:
Kasper 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.
Nook
ID# A881852
Age: 10 years
 Qualities:
From a volunteer: "This sweet old girl Nook, settled in for head, chin and back pets after multiple visits and some serenading. She fired up her little engine and softly purred.”
Fee:
Nook 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.
|
|
Next Mayor & Council Meeting |
|
Ward 3 Neighborhood Association /Coalition Meetings |
|
|
Fort Lowell Corridor Crime and Safety Meeting
Every Third Tuesday, 5:30 – 6:30 pm
AGM, 3544 E. Fort Lowell Rd.
Meeting info and North Dodge Website
Samos Neighborhood Association Meeting
Tuesday, 2/17 from 6:30-7:30 pm
1609 E Spring St.
Amphi Neighborhood Association Meeting
Thursday, 2/19 from 5:30-7 pm
Woods Memorial Library
3455 N 1st Ave.
Flowing Wells Neighborhood Association & Community Coalition
Thursday, 2/19 from 6 – 7 pm
Ellie Towne Community Center,
1660 Ruthrauff Rd.
Sugar Hill Neighborhood Association
Thursday, 2/19 from 6 – 7:30 pm
Donna R. Liggins Recreation Center,
2160 N. 6th Ave.
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.
The Ward 3 office will be closed on Monday, February 16 in observance of President's Day.
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.
|
|
Ward 3 & City-wide Events |
|
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.
A Day In The Park Event At the Marty Birdman Center From 11 AM To 2 PM
Free Food Distribution At 8 AM At 3367 N. Geronimo Ave. At New Life Community Church
February 27
Friday
Lego Build At The Donna Liggins Center From 6-8 PM
February 28
Saturday
Peace Fair And Music Festival At Reid Park From 11 AM- 4 PM
Water In The Desert Benefit Concert At 3 PM At St. Francis In The Foot Hills
|
|
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:
City Meetings On Data Center Regulations
The City of Tucson invites community members to participate in public meetings to provide input on proposed new regulations for large-scale data centers. These meetings are intended to present considerations for a potential amendment to the Unified Development Code (UDC) to establish standards and regulations for this land use.
Four public meetings will be offered for the community to learn more about the proposed regulatory framework and share feedback.
Click on the button below to see the schedule of meetings and to register to attend.
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 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
|
|
|
|
|
