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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: 520-791-4711 or ward3@tucsonaz.gov
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Juneteenth National Independence Day
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Not everyone was granted freedom on July 4, 1776. Most of our founding fathers were slaveholders. Up until the civil war, the practice of owning another human being as property was still widely accepted in our nation. The war was fundamentally centered around the moral issue of slavery. The economics of slavery and the political control of that system were a matter of states' rights.
Top: The Juneteenth Flag created by Ben Haith Bottom: Mural on North 6th Avenue in the Sugar Hill neighborhood.
President Abraham Lincoln issued an executive order on January 1, 1863, changing the legal status of enslaved Americans to free. This official act is known as The Emancipation Proclamation. Still, not every enslaved American was free, it took another two years for this to happen. The last enslaved Americans were in Galveston, Texas; they were not notified of the official order until June 19, 1865. In the African American Community that date came to be known as Juneteenth and became a celebration of freedom.
On June 17, 2021, President Joe Biden signed a bill declaring Juneteenth a federal holiday. Under the leadership of Mayor Regina Romero, the City of Tucson followed suit soon after, declaring Juneteenth a paid City holiday on September 27 of 2022 with a unanimous vote by City Council. Earlier that month, Pima County Supervisors also declared Juneteenth a County holiday in a 4-1 vote, with Supervisor Steve Christy voting against the recognition of the holiday.
This month, several events will help celebrate the 56th annual Juneteenth festival in Tucson! The major event is at Kino Sports Complex, Saturday, June 20, 6 to 10 pm. Organizers describe it as “a vibrant summer block party where history meets celebration. From incredible live music and performances to local vendors, food, and community resources, we gather to remember our past and build our future.” In Ward 3, today (through 8 pm) is the last day of the Third Annual Juneteenth Art Expo at The Drawing Studio, 2760 N Tucson Blvd. For information on all the events, click on the button below.
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ID# A899958
Age: 4 years
Qualities:
Yucca is a very sweet and gentle lady. She also happens to be quite beautiful. Her coat is so striking! A volunteer has described her as a “sponge for affection,” and we happen to agree with the sentiment. She’s been easy to walk on a leash, but prefers to get as close to you as you will let her.
Fee:
Yucca 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:
Yo, I’m Hermes. Yeah, like the messenger—but I don’t walk, I zoom. Blink and I’m already on the other side of the room, parkouring off your furniture like it’s a skate park built just for me. I’m lean, fast, and always in motion—basically a string bean with rocket fuel.
If I were human? Total skater boy. I’d be grinding rails, missing curfew, and somehow still charming everyone I meet. Same energy here. I’ve got that chaotic, go-go-go vibe, but it comes with a big soft center. I’m not just here to shred—I’m here to love.
I’m the kind of guy who will sprint laps around the house and then immediately crash into your arms like, “hey…missed you.” Personal space? Never heard of it. If you’re sitting, I’m climbing you. If you’re standing, I’m weaving through your legs. If you’re existing at all, I’m involved. I don’t do chill. I do full send affection. Headbutts, purrs, dramatic flops—everything is 100%.
Fee:
Hermes 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!
The Ward 3 Office will be closed on Friday June 19, 2026 in Observance of the Juneteenth Holiday.
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Next Mayor & Council Meeting
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The next Mayor and Council Meeting will be on Tuesday, June 23.
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.
Jefferson Park Neighborhood Association
Wednesday 6/24, 6-7 pm
Ward 3 Community Room
1510 E Grant Rd.
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Friday, June 19
Saturday, June 20
Saturday, June 20
Monday, June 22
Thursday, June 25
Saturday, June 27
Saturday, July 18
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Code Enforcement Information Session
Garden Movie Nights
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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