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* * * This message has been distributed by the City Manager's Office. All content contained in this message is an expression of the elected official. * * *
From: Ward 3
Contact: 791-4711 or ward3@tucsonaz.gov
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Chipping In For Food Security |
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Brother John’s Beer, Bourbon & BBQ, a locally owned and popular BBQ joint on Stone Avenue, has closed its doors. It will be missed. It will live in my memory as a wonderful place where I enjoyed many boisterous political gatherings and great meals. It was also a great place to watch the Wildcat basketball games. I wonder how many other local restaurants might close in the face of higher food prices and fewer diners, and Tucson’s notoriously slow summers.
Sticker-shock at the gas station and grocery store, mounting health care costs, a shrinking job market, and a host of other challenges also mean that more of our neighbors can’t always afford enough food at home for their family.
If you are able, please patronize one of our locally owned restaurants, coffee shops, and specialty stores this summer.
With snowbirds flying north, families away on vacation, and the university cleared out, summers are tough. Maybe now is a good time to organize a dinner party with friends. And if you notice, as I have, some coffee shops and restaurants quietly giving a meal or drink to someone who can’t pay, be sure to thank them!
In addition please consider joining my wife Bam and me supporting some great groups and projects that work to make sure no one in our community goes hungry. Our favorite is the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona. You might prefer to support the food pantry at your child’s school district or your church. There are also mutual aid groups, like Tucson Food Share on Stone Avenue, and religious-based charities like St. Francis Community Services with a food pantry on First Avenue (St. Francis also runs the summer cooling center we host at Ward 3), and Community Gardens of Tucson helps provide access to fresh local produce on a neighborhood level. Please click the buttons below to join any of these groups.
While money is always the best donation, most organizations also accept food donations. I challenge you to check your pantry for those cans of soup, etc., you thought you might use but probably never will. I’ve also discovered items left by house guests that I am more than happy to donate. After a good donation, we also appreciate the extra space in our pantry. These groups also need volunteers.
Governments must also be involved in tackling the underlying issues that result in food insecurity. Both Tucson and Pima County have “Prosperity Initiatives” that I hope will have some impact. In these troubled times, we must all do more.
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Captain Pettey & Helo
 The Pima County Animal Care Center (PACC) is in Ward 3. Every week, in our newsletter, we feature one dog and one cat from the shelter in an attempt to find them a loving home. We usually pick the oldest dogs or the ones that have been at the shelter the longest. A few weeks ago, we received a notification about a dog that was given a home after being seen in our newsletter. “Alabaster,” as this cuddly canine was known, was featured in the March 6 edition.
This lovable pooch was taken in by none other than our very own Tucson Police Captain, Lauren Pettey. She emailed us and let us know that she took this good boy home after seeing him in our “Pets of the Week” section.
 Police Captain Lauren Pettey with her dog Helo outside of the Westside Police Service Center.
I took the opportunity to ask Captain Pettey a few questions about “Alabaster,” whose name has now been changed to “Helo” due to his whirling tail when he is happy. The following are the questions I posed to Capt. Pettey:
What compelled you to take in Helo?
I saw him featured in the Ward 3 newsletter for a medical foster for PACC. He sounded like he was a great dog with an excellent temperment; he just needed to be in a home where he could recover comfortably while undergoing mast cell tumor treatment and heartworm infection, which I am fortunate to be able to provide. I am grateful that PACC has a great medical foster program because these animals deserve a chance to be healthy and placed in a loving home.
What has been the most difficult thing about taking in a rescue dog?
What has been the most difficult thing about taking in a rescue dog? It has been difficult not knowing his background, previous medical treatment, or diagnosis prior to going to PACC. Before taking him in, I knew he would have to undergo ongoing medical treatment, which involved giving him additional medication(s) and taking him to appointments. It is hard to see animals go through painful medical treatment, but remembering that once they overcome that; they can go on to live longer, healthier lives that they are deserving of.
 Left: Helo as he appeared in our newsletter in March. Right: Helo, with what appears to be a smile on his fase, now that he has a stable home.
What would you tell someone who is on the fence about adopting a shelter dog?
If someone is on the fence about adopting a shelter dog, I would tell them that it can be one of the most rewarding experiences of their life. This is my second shelter dog, adopted from PACC, and both of my dogs were older dogs who had been waiting months for a home. They were also medical fosters, which can sometimes make them harder to place.
I specifically looked for senior dogs because I believe every animal deserves to spend their golden years in a loving home. Not every adoption comes with years and years together, but the time you do have is incredibly meaningful. Even if it's only a few months before they cross the Rainbow Bridge, those months can be filled with comfort, love, security, and happiness.
Shelter dogs have so much love to give, and adopting one not only changes their life—it changes yours as well. Every animal deserves the chance to know what it feels like to be cherished and cared for, no matter their age or medical needs.
 Helo being greeted by a police officer at the Westside Service Center.
If you should happen to adopt a dog that we showcased in our newsletter, send us some photos by clicking on the button below, and we would be happy to feature them.
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 ID# A879096
Age: 10 years
Qualities:
Little Lady came from a hoarding situation with nearly 100 dogs and was part of the first group to be helped by PACC’s Animal Restoration Kennel facility (ARK). ARK was created for the explicit purpose of addressing hoarding conditions at sites scattered throughout the county, allowing the animals in these situations to get the physical care and socialization that they need.
Fee:
Little Lady 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# A897753
Age: 14 years
Qualities:
Iris is a classic orange tabby with a quiet confidence and a heart that knows exactly what it likes. Described by her previous owner as independent and calm, Iris is the kind of companion who doesn’t need to be the center of attention to be deeply loved. She’s perfectly content doing her own thing—especially if that thing involves stretching out in a warm sun puddle and watching the world go by.
Food, however, is a different story. Bring out the treats or a dish of wet food, and you’ll see a spark of enthusiasm that reminds you she’s still got plenty of pep in her step. It’s the quickest way to win her over—and she won’t forget it. Iris would do best in a peaceful home where she can settle in at her own pace and enjoy the simple pleasures: sunshine, good meals, and a cozy place to rest. She may be independent, but she has a steady, comforting presence—the kind that makes a house feel like home.
Fee:
Iris 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.
Fee:
Pets 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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 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 520-791-4711.
We welcome your feedback!
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Next Mayor & Council Meeting |
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The next Mayor and Council Meeting will be on Tuesday, June 9.
Once available, the agenda will be posted here:
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Ward 3 Neighborhood Meetings |
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Fort Lowell Corridor Crime and Safety Meeting
Every third Tuesday of the month, 5:30-6:30 PM
AGM, 3544 E. Fort Lowell Rd.
Alvernon Grant Initiative Meeting
Every second Tuesday of the month, 6-7 PM
Emmanuel Church,
1825 N. Alvernon Way.
Barrio Blue Moon Neighborhood Association
Monday 6/15, 6-7 pm
Blue Moon Community Garden
1375 N 13th Ave.
Samos Neighborhood Association
Tuesday 6/16, 6:30-7:30 pm
Salpointe Catholic High School
1545 E Copper St
Sugar Hill Neighborhood Association
Thursday 6/18, 6-7:30 pm
Donna Liggins Recreation Center
2160 N 6th Ave.
Flowing Wells Neighborhood Association
Thursday 6/18, 6-7 pm
Ellie Towne Flowing Wells Community Center
1660 W Ruthrauff Rd.
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Monday, June 8 - 12
9 AM-12 PM
BICAS,
2001 N 7th Ave
Saturday, June 13
6 - 8 PM
The Drawing Studio
2760 N Tucson Blvd.
Tuesday, June 16
5:30 - 7 PM
Pima Community College Downtown Campus
1255 N. Stone Ave.
Friday, June 19
10 AM - 8 PM
The Drawing Studio
2760 N Tucson Blvd.
Saturday, June 20
6 - 10 PM
Kino Sports Complex
2500 E Ajo Way
Saturday, June 20
9 - 11 AM
The Ward 3 Community Room
1510 E. Grant Rd.
Monday, June 22
5:30 - 6:30 PM
The Ward 3 Community Room
1510 E. Grant Rd.
Saturday, July 18
9:30 AM- 1 PM
WeCare Tucson
3029 N Stone Ave.
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Pools In Ward 3 Are Now Open For The Summer!
Make Music Tucson Is Coming To Our Neighborhood On June 21st!
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Get ready for a citywide celebration of music! On June 21, Tucson will join communities around the world for Make Music Day, a free annual event that transforms public spaces into stages and brings live music directly into our neighborhoods. From mariachi and jazz to rock, folk, classical, and everything in between, musicians of all ages and skill levels will be performing throughout the city. Whether you're a performer, music lover, or simply looking for a fun way to spend the day with family and friends, Make Music Tucson offers something for everyone. This year, Make Music Tucson is partnering with the Center for Cultural Affairs and Tucson Parks & Recreation to provide free performance spaces in eight parks across the city.
All performances are free and open to the public. Residents are encouraged to explore different venues, support local musicians, and experience the incredible diversity of Tucson's music scene.
Musicians interested in performing can still sign up for free, and community organizations and businesses are welcome to participate as hosts.
Roadway Improvements In Old Pascua and Barrio Blue Moon
 DTM will be in the Old Pascua and Barrio Blue Moon neighborhoods, starting in late June, to begin prep work for a mill & fill project. This project is part of the Prop 411: Tucson Delivers Better Streets Program.
Railroad Underpass Project Work Over Grant Road And Closure
May 22 - August 5, 2026 - Construction activities will begin on the Grant Road underpass at the Union Pacific Railroad, closing eastbound and westbound travel on Grant Road in the project area. Grant Road will reopen to traffic on August 5, 2026.
VITA Extended Tax Prep Help Through October
City Of Tucson Announces Cooling Centers For
Extreme Summer Heat Relief
From Monday, June 1, to Sunday, Sept. 30, the City of Tucson will operate six cooling centers to provide temporary designated areas for the public to utilize and escape the heat during peak hours. The cooling centers will operate on a seven day a week schedule and will be extended an additional month this year to incorporate the month of September. All City operated cooling centers are located along Sun Tran bus routes, ensuring they remain accessible to keep vulnerable community members safe from extreme heat.
The six City-operated cooling centers will be open daily from noon – 4 p.m., including the City observed holidays on Friday, June 19 (Juneteenth), Friday, July 3 (Independence Day observed), and Monday, Sept. 7 (Labor Day). The centers will also be open on July 4th.
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Donna Liggins Center, 2160 N. 6th Ave.
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El Pueblo Center, 101 W. Irvington Road., Building #9
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Fred Archer Center, 1665 S La Cholla Boulevard
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Freedom Center, 5000 E. 29th St.
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Morris K. Udall Center, 7200 E. Tanque Verde Road.
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Randolph Center, 200 S. Alvernon Way
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:
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
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.
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