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Summer has arrived – a month earlier than ever before. Weather records are being smashed, with up to 30 degrees over “normal” temperatures (will we ever see normal again?)!
With impacts of global warming happening faster than predicted, poor people will suffer the most. Electric bills skyrocket to cover cooling costs, and those who can’t pay (the elderly and other vulnerable neighbors) will be in trouble.
We’ve known for years that Tucson’s southside communities can experience temperatures as much as 12 degrees more than wealthier neighborhoods, which have more shade (https://tinyurl.com/3xss8ua5). With rising temperatures, that difference can be deadly.
That’s why I so strongly support efforts by Tucson and others to get more trees into vulnerable neighborhoods. Tucson Water’s Storm to Shade has learned how to create native vegetation green spaces supported by urban stormwater capture – an effective, life-saving counter to extreme heat.
 Each stripe represents the average temperature for a single year, relative to the average temperature over the period from 1961 to 2010. Shades of blue indicate cooler-than-average years, while red shows years that were hotter than average. The stark band of deep red stripes on the right-hand side of the graphic shows the rapid heating of our planet in recent decades. -From the University of Reading
This is just one response of many we must make to fight climate change and protect ourselves from rising temperatures. Participants at the third annual Heat Summit at the University of Arizona on February 7 presented various efforts taking place to enact solutions. You can read a summary of the proceedings at https://tinyurl.com/9796jppt and a full report will be available soon.
Another type of summit, a town hall on extreme heat and climate accountability (promoting the idea that the oil and gas companies must pay for the damage their industry has done to our climate), takes place the evening of March 31 at Donna Liggins Recreation Center. Organized by Public Citizen, Veterans Power America, speakers will include Rep. Adelita Grijalva, Mayor Regina Romero, and Vice-Mayor Lane Santa-Cruz on a panel moderated by former Tucson Climate Commission Chair Vanessa Gallego. Details and registration at https://tinyurl.com/n3r5c9tk.
 This weekend will be deadly hot. Check out Pima County’s Health Department’s Beat the Heat website (https://tinyurl.com/mvtct5ka), especially if you are new to living in our desert heat. Be cautious and be safe!
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TUSD Welcomes Its Electric Bus Fleet
 Electric buses parked alongside their chargers ready to transport students.
Council Member Dahl joined the Tucson Unified School District to celebrate the introduction of their new electric bus fleet. This more than $6 million dollar investment came to fruition through layered funding from the TUSD Bond Project, federal funding from the US Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean School Bus Program, and TEP rebates.
 Carmen De Backer addressing the event’s attendees.
During the event, attendees were able to explore the 10 electric buses, each with their own charging stations, and hear from the various partners that made this possible. University High School sophomore and Outreach Director of AZ Youth Climate Coalition, Carmen De Backer, shared how pollution is not an abstract issue for her and her loved ones, but a daily reality that affects their lives. Further stating, “as a young person from a low-income family it means a lot to see our District take action that directly improves our daily lives. It gives me hope... in the face of all too familiar EPA rollbacks and institutionalized oppression.”
 A close up look at the bus's battery underneath the hood.
Brandon Woodward of Schneider Electric emphasized this impact goes beyond solely transporting students. He highlighted the possibility for the buses’ batteries to support cooling centers during power outages. Additionally, with the charging stations’ bidirectional technology it is able to send power back to the grid to provide relief during times of high energy demand.
 Council Member Dahl with Ken Bolle at a charging station.
TUSD’s Fleet Manager, Ken Bolle, shared that the School District plans to begin transporting students in the new buses by the end of this month. As a pilot program, TUSD will use this initial rollout to evaluate how the electric buses perform in Tucson’s climate and assess their overall capacity. If successful, the District plans to convert to an entirely electric bus fleet by 2040.
 Council Member Dahl sitting at the wheel of a TUSD electric bus.
While you are traveling throughout Tucson, keep on the lookout for these new buses. Although at first glance they look like the traditional diesel fueled bus, you’ll be able to distinguish them by their blue accents and bumpers, less noise, and lack of diesel exhaust.
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 ID# A887188
Age: 8 years
Qualities:
Sweet senior alert, sweet senior alert! If you’ve got a soft spot in your heart and your home for a deserving senior pup, look no further than frosty-faced Gizmo! He’s a pup with SO MANY great qualities! He’s a darling old man who loves people, walks, toys and affection!
Gizmo came to the shelter when his owners could no longer care for him. He received treatment from our medical team to take care of some old man lumps and bumps and is on the mend and feeling much better now. He’s looking forward to finding himself a comfy retirement home where he can be the apple of his new family’s eye!
Fee:
Gizmo 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#A830417
Age: 1.5 years
Qualities:
Peakaboo is a lovely tabby and white girl with a gentle spirit and a story of resilience. She previously lived as a community cat, and while she’s still a bit shy, she’s shown that she’s friendly enough to enjoy the comfort and safety of indoor life. Peakaboo recently had all of her teeth removed to prevent painful inflammation, and she’s feeling much better now. These days, she’s affectionately known as a “gummy bear”—still perfectly able to eat and enjoy life, just with a softer smile. She may take a little time to feel confident in a new home, but with patience and kindness, Peakaboo has the potential to blossom into a sweet companion.
Fee:
Peakaboo 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
Keeling Neighborhood Association
Monday, 3/23 from 7-8:30 pm
Cornerstone Fellowship,
2902 N. Geronimo Ave.
Vista Del Monte Neighborhood Association
Wednesday, 3/25 from 6-8 pm
San Pedro Chapel,
5230 E. Fort Lowell Rd.
Jefferson Park Neighborhood Association
Wednesday, 3/25 from 5:30-7 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.
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Ward 3 & City-wide Events |
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Happening Now
Surface treatments in Ward 3
 
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 21
Saturday
Country Glenn Neighborhood Clean Up At 2531 N. Treat Ave. From 8-10 AM
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
Eggstravaganza At Doris J. Thompson Park From 10 AM-1 PM
Spring Garden Fair At 1200 W. Speedway From 8:30 AM-1:30 PM
Sugarhill Community Block Party At The Doris J. Thompson Park From 1-5 PM
No Kings March III At Corner of Country Club and Speedway From 10 AM-2 PM
Zero Waste Event At 2700 E. Speedway From 9 AM-1 PM
March 29
Sunday
High School Battle of the Bands Reid Park At 12 PM
March 31
Tuesday
Greenspaces and Health Photovoice Exhibition At The Lionel Rombach Gallery From 4-6 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 Of Tucson Issues Notice Of Intent For Proposed Rate And Fee Changes
Following a vote during the Mayor and Council meeting on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, the City of Tucson has issued a notice of intent (NOI) for proposed rate and fee changes for the following departments, as required by Arizona Revised Statutes § 9-499.15:
Environmental Services
Planning and Development Services
Transportation and Mobility
Tucson Water
There will be six in-person and two virtual meetings for community members to learn more about the proposed rate and fee changes from each department.
Upcoming Public Meetings
Wednesday, March 25, 5:30-7 p.m.
Virtual Meeting
Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85430784722
Wednesday, April 1, 5:30-7 p.m.
Randolph Center, 200 S. Alvernon Way
Thursday, April 9, 5:30-7 p.m.
Donna R. Liggins Center, 2160 N. 6th Ave.
Saturday, April 11, 10-11:30 a.m.
Fred Archer Center, 1665 S. La Cholla Blvd.
Tuesday, April 14, 5:30-7 p.m.
El Pueblo Center, 101 W. Irvington Road
Thursday, April 16, 5:30-7 p.m.
Morris K. Udall Recreation Center, 7200 E. Tanque Verde Road
Saturday, April 18, 10-11:30 a.m.
Clements Center, 8155 E. Poinciana Dr.
Monday, April 20, 5:30-7 p.m.
Virtual Meeting
Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89925574155
Tucson IDA First Time Homebuyer Loans
Tucson IDA will be launching a new program on April 1st which will provide $15,000 to first-time homebuyers. Funding will last through August 2026.
Volunteers Needed for THP at Cyclovia!
We have a space to have our demo micro-home displayed at Cyclovia on Sunday, April 12, from 9 am-3 pm.
Volunteers give tours of the micro-home and share information about The Homing Project. This event is a great opportunity to get the word out about The Homing Project, sign up more volunteers, and encourage much-needed donations.
There are 2 shifts available: 8-12 and 12-4. The first shift helps to set up the micro-home, and the last shift helps to close up the micro-home.
To sign-up for a shift, click here https://thehomingproject.org/contribute/ then click on the Volunteer button. It will take you to our volunteer database, where there are many opportunities to choose from. Per shift, we need:
- Driver to take the demo micro-home to/from Cyclovia
- Shift manager
- Banker
- Demo Volunteers
- Table Volunteers
For more information about Cyclovia, go to https://www.cycloviatucson.org/
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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