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A Joyous Easter To Those Who Celebrate |
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 The Easter Bunny hanging out with Council Member Kevin Dahl.
Pascua Yaqui Easter Ceremonies
Easter is here, and we’re sending our best wishes to everyone celebrating! For the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, this week is extra special as they observe Holy Week. If you're curious about their beautiful religious ceremonies, we've included a little description below for those who might like to join in. There are several locations you can visit, including Old Pascua in Ward 3. Enjoy the festivities!
From the tribal website:
The Pascua Yaqui Tribe welcomes all visitors who come in a spirit of reverence appropriate for any religious ceremony. All communities are protected by tribal, town or city ordinances. Please note that audio recording devices, cameras, cellular phones, sketching and drinking of alcoholic beverages are not allowed at any ceremonial site.
Old Pascua Location: South of Grant, East of Fairview. You will need to park somewhere at least a few blocks away and walk.
 Image courtesy of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe.
The morning of Holy Saturday, both groups prepare for the final confrontation. In Tucson, this part of the drama draws crowds of visitors. The Chapayekas parade the figure of their straw Judas and ready themselves in front of their barracks. The church Groups, the Matachin, the Deer Dancer and the Pascolas, as well as the Caballeros arrive decorated with real and crepe paper flowers, greens and ribbons to help defend the church.
Around noon, the Fariseos and Chapayekas march towards the church, advancing towards the ash line which marks off the holy ground. Three times they charge and three times they are repulsed by the Maestros singing the Gloria, the ringing of the bells, waving of flags, the dancing of the Matachinis, the Pascolas and the Deer Dancer and the throwing of flowers by all the allies of the church.
At the end of the third charge, the Fariseos give in to their fate; they have been defeated, killed by the flowers and faith of the church people. They throw their masks into the huge bonfire which also consumes their straw Judas. They are now ritually cleansed of evil.
As part of the celebration be aware that fireworks and pyrotechnics are employed.
For information about other locations go to: https://www.pascuayaqui-nsn.gov/culture/ceremony-locations/
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ICE Breaker
 Republican state lawmaker Quang Nguyen is asking Attorney Gerneral Kris Mayes to investigate Tucson and other cities in Arizona that have enacted ordinances that ban ICE from operating on city property. He states that this action is illegal and that any municipality participating in such activities should be held legally accountable, i.e., sued. Both the Phoenix and Tucson City Councils have approved such ordinances. This move by Nguyen is more than him throwing a hissy fit over municipalities standing up to Federal overreach and ICE’s abhorrent practices. It is an attempt to establish a precedent for using the Attorney General to investigate city governments in order to keep them in line.
 State Rep. Quang Nguyen. Photo courtesy of Gage Skidmore.
Good thing we have City Attorney and all-around smart guy, Roi Lusk, who just so happened to have crafted one such ordinance. Roi crafted the policy in accordance with state and federal law in order to help Tucson avoid being sued. However, if Attorney General Mayes investigates and deems the policy to be in violation of state and federal law, all municipalities will be forced to take back their policies or risk being sued or denied funding from the state and or the Federal Government.
And speaking of Attorney Generals, guess who got fired this week? None other than the U.S. Attorney General herself: Pam Bondi. Her dismissal came right after Trump had praised her, saying, “Attorney General Pam Bondi is a wonderful person, and she is doing a good job.” Her position is being filled by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, the same guy who defended the agents who shot Alex Pretti.
 Recently ousted former Attorney General Pam Bondi, new acting Attorney General Todd Blanche.
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The 27th Annual
EGGstravaganza
 A child excited to put on their bunny ears they decorated.
Happy Spring everyone! Each season one of the most coveted events in Ward 3 takes place, EGGstravaganza. The 27-year-old tradition was held last Saturday at Doris J. Thompson Park and brought families from all over the City and beyond to Ward 3. Thankfully, the weather was on our side this year and even provided a breeze throughout the entirety of the event.
 Tucson House resident, Sonia, getting in on the fun and playing the Pokémon Angry Bird game.
This year’s event encompassed long-standing activities like taking pictures with the Easter Bunny and egg hunts, but also new activities that the attendees were able to enjoy. There was a Pokémon-themed Angry Birds carnival game, spring themed disc golf where participants threw frisbees through a series of obstacles, an egg relay course, the colored corners field game, and a large inflatable obstacle course.
 Millie (brown rabbit) and Squishy (black and white rabbit) enjoying a snack while tenderly being pet by two kids.
My personal favorite activity this year was the area with two bunnies, Millie and Squishy. Their owner, Erin, educated families on how she cares for these Holland Lop bunnies and their close bond since Squishy is Millie’s sole offspring. This activity was a nice way for kids to slow down the pace from all the thrilling, high-energy activities and take some time to learn about the bunnies and carefully pet them.
 Kids running to collect eggs during the egg hunt.
A huge thank you to Make Way for Books, SERI (Sonora Environmental Research Institute), and Pima County Community & Workforce Development for also joining us and interacting with the families and letting them know about the resources they provide. This event is made possible every year by the hardworking Parks and Recreation staff from all over the City, community leaders Armando Vargas and Rose Taulton, who continue to serve on the planning committee and help create prize basket donations yearly, and sponsors from the business community.
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ID# A890056
Age: 9 years
Qualities:
Apollo is a shy, sensitive guy who would love to find a calm home with someone who will go slow and help build his confidence. He needs a human best friend to help him learn how to trust and love.
Fee:
Apollo 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.
 Mr. Buff ID# A896247
Mr. Orange ID# A895877
Age: 8 years old each
Qualities:
Mr. Buff and Mr. Orange are a bonded pair of delightfully chonky orange gentlemen with a story that’s equal parts heart, mystery, and a little bit of chimney soot.
After their beloved owner passed away, their world was turned upside down. When family came to bring them to safety, only one of the boys could be found. The other? Missing without a trace… until our PACC hero McFeely went back to investigate and discovered the truth: he had taken up residence in the chimney. Yes—the chimney.
What followed was a three-day stakeout, complete with carefully set traps and a whole lot of patience, until this elusive little soot sprite finally decided to come down. And just like that, the boys were reunited—safe, sound, and very ready to never be separated again.
These two are as close as can be, sharing everything from cozy naps to mealtime enthusiasm (and trust us, they are very enthusiastic). They’re affectionate, easygoing, and happiest when they’re side by side, living the good life together.
Mr. Buff and Mr. Orange have been through a lot, but their bond never wavered. Now they’re looking for a home where they can stay together forever—preferably one with no chimney.
Fee:
Mr. Orange & Mr. Buff have 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, 4/8 6-7 pm
Ward 3 Community Room,
1510 N. Grant Rd.
El Cortez Neighborhood Association
Thursday 4/9, 6-7:30 pm
Donna Liggins Center
2160 N 6th Ave.
Dodge Flower Neighborhood Association
Saturday 4/11, 9:30 - 11 am
Lighthouse Church,
2568 N. Palo Verde Blvd.
Balboa Heights Neighborhood Association Meeting
Tuesday, 4/14, 5:30-7 pm
Marty Birdman Center
2536 N Castro 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.
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Ward 3 & City-wide Events |
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Happening Now
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:
April 4
Sunday
9 AM-2 PM
Cyclovia Clean Up Day
April 5
Sunday
9 AM-2 PM
IBICAS Art Mart At 2001 N 7th Ave.
April 6-12
All week at the University of Arizona
 AZ Tech Week brings together tech luminaries, investors, founders, and startup leaders for a week of keynotes, panels, social networking engagements, pitch competitions, and Arizona experiences from April 6-12. The conference emphasizes Arizona's role in the global tech ecosystem and showcases the state’s most compelling innovation and tech leaders.
Join us at these AZ Tech Week events to see how convergence at the U of A is moving discovery from the lab to the marketplace and advancing research that shapes the future.
Check out the amazing list of events here: University of Arizona Tech Week Events. There is something for everyone to enjoy!
April 6-13
Various Locations
The City of Tucson invites residents to participate in Safe City Connect, a series of open forums designed to inform, connect, and foster two-way dialogue about the Safe City Action Plan to address homelessness, improve coordination for mental health and substance use disorders, and prevent violent crime.
April 12
Sunday
9 AM-3 PM
Cyclovia Tucson Downtown-Amphi Neighborhood
High School Battle of the Bands Reid Park
April 17
Friday
10:30 AM
Amazon Flats Groundbreaking At 1135 W. Miracle Mile
April 18
Saturday
9 AM-2 PM
Iskashitaa's Spring Fair At 3736 E 2nd St.
April 23-24
8 AM-5 PM Thursday
8 AM-1 PM Friday
Renew Tucson Summit Pima Community College Downtown Campus
April 25
Saturday
10 AM-3 PM
Black and Brown Health Fair Donna Liggins Center At 2160 N 6th Ave.
10 AM-1 PM
Dia De La Niñez Festival At Mission Manor 6100 S. 12th Ave.
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Free Gun Locks At Ward 3
Do you need a lock for your guns? Swing by our office at 1510 E. Grant Rd. from 9 AM-1 PM and come pick up a free lock while supplies last.
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:
Railroad Underpass Project Work Over Grant Road
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
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
The Homing Project Is Creating A Village
The Homing Project, a local nonprofit that is creating a village of transitional micro-shelters for unhoused people, welcomes visitors for a village tour before the village becomes home to residents (planned for June 2026).
Our next village open house is Tuesday, April 14th, 10 am - noon. No need to RSVP, just show up. Please come with your hats and water - it's Tucson! We look forward to showing you our project. 2934 N Estrella Ave, Tucson, AZ. For more info: fatherq@comcast.net and www.thehomingproject.org
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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