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Requiem for 1177 E Lester |
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I’ve never been inside the house. But for decades, I have admired it from the street and have sadly watched it deteriorate during the past few years. It was on my radar as something the City should work to preserve. Unfortunately, we never found a way to do that, and this week the current owner had it torn down to the ground. In the end, this house was privately owned, and in our system, whoever owns a property has a lot of autonomy. Sadly, the owner chose this, and we couldn’t find a way to stop it.
 The house at 1177 E. Lester boarded up and empty.
The story I’ve been told is that it was built for a Vice President for the Southern Pacific Railway, back when the new-fangled railroad was a boon to the small dusty town of Tucson. At one time, the large building, with a full basement and dozens of rooms, hosted a University of Arizona fraternity.
 The house being demolished. Photo Courtesy of Joan Daniels.
I can imagine what it was like because I am well-acquainted with its “sister” house, located on the next block, that was built for another railroad Vice President. When I moved to town in the mid-1970s, the sister house was home to the Bear Family, which I can accurately describe as the last surviving hippie commune of the Sixties. I have great memories of wild parties with live music, dinners, helping with gardens and planting trees, playing games with the kids who grew up there, and more. No longer a commune, friends from that era still own this house, which still proudly stands.
 The house completely demolished on February 19, 2026.
I wish that 1177 E Lester could have lived on with similar owners, ones who appreciated its once grandeur and fine history.
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 Casino del Sol Vahi Taa’am’s copper dome lit red with fireworks in the background.
Council Member Dahl recently joined the Pascua Yaqui Tribe at the Community Dome Lighting of the Casino Del Sol Vahi Taa'am located near the southeast corner of Grant and I-10. The evening was memorable in more ways than one as we not only witnessed the casino’s signature dome lit for the first time but also reflected on the resilience of both past and current tribal members and councils.
 Council Member Gloria Alvarez Gomez addressing attendees. Photo courtesy of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe.
Pascua Yaqui Council Member Gloria Alvarez Gomez, who was raised in Old Pascua and remembers playing and watching movies on the land, shared how this casino is built upon the efforts of many generations before. “We are more than turning on a light,” stated Council Member Alvarez Gomez, “It is also a reminder that even in the times of darkness our people have always carried knowledge, faith, and resilience forward. It reflects the strength of our community, the prayers that were spoken for future generations, and the responsibility we hold to honor our ways.”
 Mayor Romero and Council Member Dahl at the Casino sign lighting, with the view from the top of the 4-story parking garage during sunset.
This gathering allowed for community members to view Old Pascua and the city at large from a new point of view and hear insight on the cultural significance of light to the Pascua Yaqui people and its representation of guidance, protection, and growth. The new casino’s name Vahi Taa’am (pronounced vah-hee tah-ahm) translates to “Three Suns,” in Yoeme, which honors the fruition of the Tribe’s third casino and bright opportunities ahead for the Yaqui people and surrounding community. Pascua Yaqui Chairman Julian Hernandez also shared the power of threes in Pascua Yaqui culture and how this symbolizes blessings for health and wealth.
 The casino’s illuminated sign that faces I-10.
The gratitude and respect for past and present Pascua Yaqui elders and the excitement for the opportunities the casino will bring to future generations was profound throughout the evening. The opening of the casino is not just a milestone for the Pascua Yaqui Tribe’s economic growth, but also an opportunity to further support their members through expanded healthcare, education, and job creation. This casino, which will include a restaurant, will include the creation of an estimated 500 new jobs and is anticipated to open towards the end of this year.
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According to the Alzheimer’s Society, social isolation can increase a person’s chances of developing dementia by around 60%, and nothing isolates more than being put in a detention facility in Eloy, Arizona. What began as memory lapses for Julia Benitez has now developed into full-blown dementia after being taken into custody by I.C.E. After 9 months, 79 year old grandmother no longer knows where she is. She is cared for by other detainees, and the only contact from her family is video visitations from her daughter. Recently, Congresswoman Adelita Grijalva went to meet with Julia. The congresswoman described the encounter as “heartbreaking.”
Julia Benitez and her daughter Dayana. Photo courtesy of Dayana Cosme Benitez.
I.C.E. has the power to release detainees based on medical needs according to its own discretion. However, during the second Trump administration, that practice has diminished, and the detention of people aged 65 or older has surged. These are the threats they claim to be protecting us from: Abuelitas (grandmas).
Julia is not a threat; she is a woman literally the same age as our President, yet I.C.E. is spending taxpayer dollars to keep her locked up in a secure facility that they claim is made to detain the “worst of the worst.” Talk about cruel and unusual punishment.
 On another, more local, but related note, the City of South Tucson has passed a resolution to oppose a proposed I.C.E. detention facility in the area near Marana. The South Tucson Council also voted 5-2 to cancel the contracts that allow the use of Flock Cameras and license plate readers. This is a big deal considering that these cameras supply data to the Department of Homeland Security, which in turn gives the information to I.C.E. and Border Patrol so they can hunt immigrants down and detain them. This makes South Tucson the third city in Arizona to terminate the use of such surveillance tech.
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 ID# A876756
Age: 5 years
Qualities:
Gatsby has been at the shelter for 200+ DAYS without a real break. He’d love a foster home to get out of his kennel for even just two weeks. He is friendly, affectionate, curious, and downright SILLY. He loves walks, sniffing ALL the smells, and giving surprise kisses. Gatsby would like to meet any potential furry roommates before heading to a new home to ensure a good fit.
Fee:
Gatsby 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.
 ID# A870827
Age: 13 years
Qualities:
Jujubee is a sweet, gorgeous gal who has had good experience with kids. She’s in foster care, where we are learning more about her, but she has been described as “Affectionate, couch potato, independent.”
Fee:
Jujubee 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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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
Desert Mallow Neighborhood Association
Tuesday, 2/24 from 12:15 – 1:15 pm
Ward 3 Community Room,
1510 N. Grant Rd.
Jefferson Park Neighborhood Association
Wednesday, 2/25 from 5:30 – 7 pm
Ward 3 Community Room,
1510 N. 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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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
Last Saturdays At Catalyst Creative Collective From 11 AM- 4 PM
Water In The Desert Benefit Concert At 3 PM At St. Francis In The Foot Hills
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Ward 3 & City-wide Events |
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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:
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
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