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In the Spring a Council Member’s fancy lightly turns to thoughts of*:
City Budgeting
Mayor, Council, and Tucson’s executive leadership are doing a deep dive into the City’s financial health and developing a budget for our next fiscal year, which starts July 1. At every meeting we review the latest figures and review the Manager’s efforts to reduce expenses. Shrinking revenues due to circumstances beyond our control, largely due to state and federal policies, has tightened this year’s budget and will make next year even harder.
You can follow along, and if interested provide your thoughts about what we should do. The budget item on every agenda has links to supporting information. As we move forward, milestones include the City Manager’s Recommended FY27 Budget presented at our April 21 Study Session, a public hearing on May 5, and we will adopt a tentative budget on May 19. There will be public forums for your input (not yet scheduled). More details at the City’s budget website (https://tinyurl.com/2yevujv3)
Tucson Book Festival
The Tucson Book Festival is the country’s third largest, and it is a fabulous free-to-attend and family-friendly takeover of the University of Arizona (most students are away for Spring Break). If you haven’t been before, I encourage you to come experience this literary and community extravaganza. There are many opportunities to interact with authors, listen to interesting panels, be amazed by demonstrations in the Science section, and much more. A local food section offers great options, but if the lines are too long, I seek out one of the many restaurants in the Student Union. There’s music, multiple stages, and a large section where children can be found having a great time. I'll be there both days, look for me and say hi.
 A Smorgasbord Summer Dream
Part of the fun of summer vacation is planning it and thinking about it beforehand. That’s what I’ve been doing, dreaming about a future trip to California to relive a cherished childhood memory – eating at a traditional smorgasbord. This is a Swedish buffet, once a very popular type of restaurant in some parts of the country, and of interest to me because I have Swedish ancestry. Despite Tucson being a UN City of Gastronomy, with a great diversity of restaurants, we do not have a single Swedish restaurant. The closest is a furniture store bistro in Tempe, and that’s not a smorgasbord. Thanks to the power of the internet, I’ve discovered there are still a few smorgasbord restaurants in southern California, I hope something like the ones I remember from family vacations decades ago. With pictures of Vikings and sailing ships on the wall, and dishes like Gravlax (cured salmon with dill), pickled herring, and lingonberry jam. I can’t wait! Oh, and time spent at the beach will be good, too. What are your plans for this summer?
*A tip of the hat to Alfred, Lord Tennyson.
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Recently, Border Patrol has started detaining people, both immigrants and citizens alike, for not having proof of legal status on their person. Meaning if someone is not carrying a passport or visa, or any other document stating that they are in the country legally, they are likely to get a fine or even jail time. All they need is “reasonable suspicion.” Does that sound familiar? It should, because it is a leftover from the SB1070 days. That proposed bill was aptly named the “show me your papers law.” It eventually became state law under Governor Jan Brewer. Anyone with an ounce of melanin in their skin and an “ez” in their last name knew what “reasonable suspicion” meant: if you look, Mexican, you’re going to get stopped. Check out this article by the Tucson Sentinel for a deeper dive.
Emmanuel Damas. Photo courtesy of Presly Nelson.
To make matters worse, detentions by ICE and Border Patrol have tripled since Trump took office and are proving to be not only dangerous but deadly. Just being in detention can cost someone their life due to outright negligence. I have already written about Julia Benitez, the elderly woman whose dementia was left untreated while being detained, and ended up progressing from occasional memory lapses to the full-blown condition. More recently, the Arizona Daily Star reported that a Haitian man died from a tooth infection. A. Tooth. Infection. In the United States in 2026, someone died because they were denied access to a dentist. His name was Emmanuel Damas.
 Emmanuel intubated in the hospital. Photo courtesy of Presly Nelson.
Remember it. ICE killed him by denying him medical care. Emmanuel developed sepsis and eventually pneumonia from his tooth infection. His condition deteriorated and he was hospitalized. His family was notified by a hospital worker that Emmanuel was unconscious and intubated at a hospital. ICE did not alert his relatives of this. Had the medical staff not reached out, Emmanuel would have died unreported and forgotten in a hospital bed. So, remember his name.
On another note, Department of Homeland Security and canine killer, Kristi Noem, has been removed from her post. Trump announced that the former Governor of South Dakota will be replaced by Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin, who has been nominated for the position. Mullin is a former MMA fighter who introduced the Protect Women's Sports Act to “protect” biological female athletes from transgender competitors, but then voted against reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act. The latter protected all women, not just athletes, from an actual threat.
 Former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem (left) and new DHS nominee Markwayne Mullin (right).
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The New Keeling Pollinator Garden
On Saturday, volunteers cleared weeds, shaped berms and basins, trimmed cactus, and removed rocks from the soil. On Sunday, I joined the group of volunteers planting and watering the newly installed native flowers.
 Native annuals and perennials await transplant while volunteers dig holes
The Keeling Community Garden beds lie to the west, where individuals or group can rent space to grow their own fruits, vegetables, and herbs. The garden beds were dense with winter greens, blooming hollyhocks, and more.
 The western half of the Keeling Community Garden.
Community gardens bring people together, strengthen neighborhoods, support native wildlife, and foster environmental stewardship efforts. I love my garden at home, but sometimes, it’s nice to be part of a group working towards a bigger goal.
 The newly installed pollinator garden and crescent-like walking path.
I can’t wait to see how this garden grows and changes over time. If you’re interested in seeing the garden for yourself, there’s a celebration this Sunday afternoon featuring live poetry readings. Learn more here: https://tinyurl.com/45s29jam
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 ID# A891256
Age: 2 years
Qualities:
Alabaster is a squishy- faced pup who is currently undergoing treatment for a mast cell tumor. He’s getting great care from the PACC clinic, but really needs a foster home where he can rest and recover in a safe, comfortable environment. Alabaster is a friendly boy with tons of fans at the shelter- here’s what one friend said:
“Alabaster gets helicopter tail for treats. He is a fan! He also likes being pet. He leaned into my legs and weaved back and forth like a cat to soak up the attention and back scratches. He is pleasant company!”
Alabaster would love to bring his helicopter tail to your house and be spoiled with all the treats and pets he can get! He’s been tolerant and independent when meeting other dogs in playgroup. Please ask to meet Alabaster today!!
Fee:
Alabaster 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# A408389
Age: 13 years
Qualities:
Minnie is not just a cat—she is a planet, and we are all merely celestial bodies orbiting her. Literally. Figuratively. Inevitably. She is big, (21 Lbs.) she is powerful, and she has her own gravitational pull.
Minnie is hilarious, dramatic, and completely convinced the universe revolves around her. With patience, structure, and a sense of humor, she’s on a journey toward better health—one reluctant step and one magnificent flop at a time.
Fee:
Minnie 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
Wednesday 3/11, 6-7 pm
Ward 3 Community Room
1510 E. Grant Rd.
Feldman's Neighborhood Association
Thursday 1/08, 7-8 pm
Casa De Los Niños, 1120 N 5th Ave.
and over Zoom here
Mountain First Neighborhood Association
Saturday 3/14, 9-10 am
Mitchell Park
1100 E Mitchell St.
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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Ward 3 & City-wide Events |
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Now Through May 30
Saturdays
Free Poetry and Art Classes At Wings of Freedom Apartments Community Room From 3:30-5 PM.
Call (520)-276-9598 to register or sign up via email by clicking on the following link:
Beginning in March
Tugo bike stations in Ward 3 will be moving! Click on the button for more info.
March 8
Sunday
Woman's Day March At the Tucson Federal Building At 2 PM
March 10
Tuesday
Oasis Apartments Resource Fair At 2550 N. Dodge Blvd. From 9 AM - 11 AM
Tucson House Groundbreaking At 1375 N. 13th Ave At 2 PM
March 15
Sunday
Richland Heights East Neighborhood Association Chili Cook Off At 2026 Kleindale Road From 3-5 PM
March 16
Monday-Friday
BICAS Youth Earn A Bike Spring Camp 2001 N. 7th Ave. 9 AM-12 PM
March 21
Saturday
Garden District Yard Sale At The Intersection Of Pima And Columbus At 7 AM
Tucson Japanese Festival At 1288 W. RIver Rd. From 10 AM-4 PM
KXCI’s 2nd Annual Baila el Pueblo–A Desert Music Festival At Cathedral Square, 192 S Stone Ave From 4-11 PM
KXCI’s 2nd Annual Baila el Pueblo–A Desert Music Festival returns Saturday, March 21, 2026. Join us as we celebrate our regional cultural diversity during this all-day musical showcase at Cathedral Square in the heart of Downtown Tucson. In 2025, more than 1,000 guests experienced a vibrant array of southwestern musical traditions along with an eclectic marketplace of local food vendors and artisans. With your help, 2026 will be even better!
KXCI’s 2nd Annual Baila el Pueblo–A Desert Music Festival Music Lineup
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Headliner: Mexican Institute of Sound is the project of producer, DJ, and cultural agitator Camilo Lara, who has been redefining the sound of Mexico since the mid-2000s. Blending cumbia, mariachi, and Latin traditions with hip-hop, electronica, and global beats, Mexican Institute of Sound has become a cornerstone of Mexico’s modern music scene. From festival stages like Coachella, Lollapalooza, and Bonnaroo to contributions for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever & Pixar’s Coco, Lara’s work bridges the underground and the mainstream with playful, futuristic vision. As a producer, Lara has worked with Damon Albarn, David Byrne, Trent Reznor, Run The Jewels among many others.
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Regional Artists: Ruben “El Gato Negro” Ramos featuring Carrie Rodriguez & Sergio Mendoza & Friends, La Texana, Dámaris Bójor, Las Azaleas, Sage Lacapa, D Faktion Nyne, DJ Set by Afrizona.
About the Festival: KXCI presents Baila el Pueblo–A Desert Music Festival, celebrating our regional cultural diversity. The festival will showcase a vibrant array of musical traditions from around the southwest. Local food vendors will be on-site—poster artwork by Michael Mendoza.
Buy Tickets $40 KXCI Supporter Advance
$45 General Admission Advance
$50 Day of Show
$150 VIP Tickets include access to the 2nd floor terrace, private bathrooms, private bar, and high-top seating.
March 24
Tuesday
Coffee With A Cop At 3114 E. Ft. Lowell Rd. At 9 AM
March 28
Saturday
Sugarhill Community Block Party At The Doris J. Thompson Park From 1-5 PM
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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.
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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