|
Pima County Voters Approve RTAnext
Ward 3 Projects Included
|
|
|
Voters approved the two propositions that will re-authorize a 20-year one-half cent sales tax for regional transportation projects.
Here’s what it means for Ward 3;
Two projects under the existing RTA will be completed: 1) the final segments of Grant Road to be widened and 2) safety-oriented modernizing of First Avenue from Grant to Ina. New projects will include Prince Road safety modernization from Romero to County Club and, if federal matching funding is secured, a five-mile Bus Rapid Transit corridor along Stone Avenue between Tucson Mall and downtown.
 In addition to specific projects, RTAnext will provide funding for transit safety ($2 million a year – doubling our current budget), continuation of bus and paratransit service hours, frequency, and routes, and rehabilitation of arterial and collector roads. I am especially pleased that, though not in Ward 3, a wildlife connection over I-10 at the northern end of the Tucson mountains will help prevent deadly collisions while allowing significant wildlife travel between mountain ranges.
With roughly 40 percent of the voters opposing RTAnext, I think it is important to listen to what they are asking, and their concerns are reasonable. I hear a call for transparency, accountability, and meaningful inclusion. I believe that the current RTA leadership, unlike a previous administration, has a chance to work with everyone interested in roads and transit to use this funding to provide safe and reliable transportation.
|
|
 On Tuesday, March 10, a crowd of more than 80 protesters gathered in Marana to speak out against a proposed ICE detention center there. The protest was initiated and organized by Pima Resists ICE (PRICE) an organization that opposes ICE and its proposed detention centers in our county.
This idea has been around since 2009, stemming from the proposal of SB1070, a law that was in part crafted by the private prison industry. So, it is no surprise that with the current surge of ICE raids, this type of proposal is back on the table, especially in Arizona. The state has many private prisons and makes a lot of money from incarceration. There are three main operators in the state: CoreCivic, Geo Group, and Management and Training Corporation (MTC).
The proposed center in Marana contract is being awarded to MTC. The facility would be using the now-closed state prison complex in the area. During the protest, both County Supervisor Jen Allen and Representative Adelita Grijalva spoke out against the detention center. Let's remember that ICE is detaining men, women AND children (i.e., Liam Conejo Ramos). Not to mention the elderly like Julia Benitez. Using a former state penitentiary designed to house hardened criminals would not be an optimal choice for housing families, children, or the elderly. It's already been proven that they do not have the resources to take care of a simple tooth infection, as evidenced by the tragic death of Emmanuel Damas.
 The contract for the proposed center in Marana has been awarded to MTC. The facility would use the now-closed state prison complex in the area. During the protest, both County Supervisor Jen Allen and Representative Adelita Grijalva spoke out against the detention center. Grijalva stated that "They don’t have the capacity to deal with the kinds of needs that are coming up, especially for those people with families, children, and our elderly." Let's not forget that ICE is detaining men, women AND children (i.e., Liam Conejo Ramos). Not to mention the elderly like Julia Benitez. Using a former state penitentiary designed to house hardened criminals would not be an optimal choice for housing families, children, or the elderly. It's already been proven that they do not have the resources to take care of a simple tooth infection, as evidenced by the tragic death of Emmanuel Damas last week.
|
|
Ward 3 Business Highlight: Guided Flame Spa & Wellness
Located in the Campbell–Grant area, Guided Flame Spa & Wellness offers a space for relaxation, healing, and self-care in the heart of Ward 3.
Owned and operated by Tucson native Adina Diaz, the spa focuses on holistic wellness, supporting clients’ mental, physical, and spiritual well-being through services such as holistic facials, yoni steams, cupping, and energy work designed to restore balance and connection.
 Adina Diaz working with a client.
Born and raised in Tucson, Diaz proudly embraces her Mexican and Apache heritage, as well as her Seri and Opata Native American roots, reflecting the cultural traditions of the Sonoran region. With more than 22 years of experience in the wellness industry, she has worked across the country and presented at wellness conventions nationwide. Her expertise has also been featured by platforms including PopSugar and Shopify and in publications such as Entertainment Weekly and Vogue.
Guided Flame Spa & Wellness opened its current Campbell Avenue location in October 2025. Renovating the space was a family effort, with Diaz working alongside her parents and sister. Diaz sees her spa as a reflection of her cultural background and the healing traditions she grew up with. “As a person of color, my spa represents a dream rooted in my background, practices, culture, and healing abilities,” she says.
 Adina Diaz, sitting, at Guided Flame Spa & Wellness.
For Diaz, small businesses are essential to the character of a community. She believes locally owned businesses create unique, personal experiences that help neighborhood districts like Campbell Avenue feel vibrant and welcoming.
Looking ahead, Diaz hopes to expand Guided Flame’s role in the community by offering workshops and wellness events focused on wellness, health, mental well-being, and spirituality. Her goal is to create a “mini oasis” in Tucson where healing, culture, and community come together.
 Front desk and entryway at Guided Flame Spa & Wellness.
You can visit Guided Flame Spa & Wellness at 2563 N. Campbell Avenue to learn more about their services and support a locally owned Ward 3 small business.
|
|
|
The Governor of Arizona Katie Hobbs, Tucson Mayor Regina Romero, and Council Member Kevin Dahl, were among the dignitaries at the "groundbreaking" celebration at Tucson House. The historic building has 17-stories of affordable housing on North Oracle Road, and near West Drachman Street. The renovation is a part of the City of Tucson’s "Thrive in the 05" Transformation Plan.
 The exterior of the Tucson House while its under renovation.
In 2022, the Thrive in the 05 Transformation Plan, for investment in the 85705 zip code area, was adopted by Mayor and Council. In 2023, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awarded a $50 million Choice Neighborhoods Implementation (CNI) grant to the area.
 City of Tucson Ward 3 Council Member Dahl, Pascua Yaqui Vice Chair Yucupicio, Arizona Governor Hobbs and Tucson Mayor Romero.
When the renovation is complete, the Tucson house will have 358 apartments for adults aged 55 and older. Since 2019, I have been lucky to call Tucson House home.
 Click on the above image to see the KGUN 9 interview with Ward 3 Community Liaison and Tucson House Resident Mike Edmonds.
|
|
 ID# A831861
Age: 4 years
Qualities:
Sammie is a young sweetheart who came to the shelter after being found wandering Tucson on her own. She’s a friendly, bouncy lady who is loved by everyone she meets! She’s spent nine months thriving in a foster home- here’s what we learned:
- She did great with an energetic 12-year-old boy
- She is crate trained and prefers to sleep in her kennel
- She is house-trained
- She loves to run and frolic outdoors and to roll in the grass
- She loves toys that crinkle or squeak
- She knows commands for “quiet”, “this way,” and “wait”
- She is smart and sweet
Sammie is very treat- motivated, learns easily, loves car rides, pets, and being brushed. Don't let her big barks at the shelter scare you; she is a love. Sammie loves her people greatly, likes to cuddle on the couch, and give lots of respectful kisses, and she likes to get hugs and kisses too. She is a wonderful dog and is hoping to find her perfect forever family. If you take her home, please give her time to decompress and show you what an amazing dog she is.
Fee:
Sammie 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#A893404
Age: 13 years
Qualities:
Higgins is a senior gentleman with exactly one white whisker, a lifetime of opinions, and absolutely no time for nonsense. If he could talk, he’d tell you to stay off his lawn, remind you how he walked to school uphill both ways in the snow, and then grumble about how things just aren’t done properly anymore. He’s a bit grumpy—and he’s earned it. Higgins has seen some things.
Behind the crusty exterior, though, is a cat who simply wants a good nap, routine, and respect. Higgins has renal disease and does well on a prescription diet, which he takes very seriously. He also has dental disease and will need a dental once his kidney values improve—because even grumpy old men deserve to feel their best.
Higgins isn’t here to be a kitten or entertain you with antics. He’s here to judge you, nap like a professional, and remind you that boundaries matter. If you appreciate dry humor, senior cats with character, and a companion who tells it like it is (silently, but pointedly), Higgins may just be your perfect curmudgeon.
Fee:
Higgins 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
Mountain First Neighborhood Association
Saturday 3/14, 9-10 am
Mitchell Park
1100 E Mitchell St.
Samos Neighborhood Association Meeting
Tuesday, 3/17 from 6:30-7:30 pm
1609 E Spring St.
Blue Moon Neighborhood Association Meeting
Wednesday, 3/18 from 5:30-6:30 pm
Blue Moon Garden
1375 N 13th Ave.
Amphi Neighborhood Association Meeting
Thursday, 3/19 from 5:30-7 pm
Woods Memorial Library
3455 N 1st Ave.
Flowing Wells Neighborhood Association & Community Coalition
Thursday, 3/19 from 6-7 pm
Ellie Towne Community Center,
1660 Ruthrauff Rd.
Sugar Hill Neighborhood Association
Thursday, 3/19 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.
Brush & Bulky Alley Service In 2026
|
|
Ward 3 & City-wide Events |
|
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 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
César E. Chávez & Dolores Huerta March & Rally & 3rd Annual Car Show From 9 AM-1 PM
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
-
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.
-
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.
Country Glen Neighborhood Clean Up At 2531 N. Treat Ave. From 10 AM-12 PM
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
Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) Presents Challah for Gaza At The Unitarian Universalist Church 4831 E. 22nd St. From 11:30 AM To 1 PM
No Kings March III At Corner of Country Club and Speedway From 10 AM - 2 PM
|
|
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:
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
|
|
|
|
|
