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Karin's Note
Friday, October 8, 2021
News and Updates Pet of the Week Ward 3 Neighborhood Association/Coalition Meetings Ward 3 Events City Wide Events Did You Know?
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Dear Tucsonans,
On Tuesday, I encouraged my colleagues on Mayor and Council to recommend the 4-lane alternative for the First Avenue upgrades as an alternative to the 6-lane road widening included in the 2006 RTA proposition. This recommendation will now go to the RTA for consideration. I supported this option for a number of reasons including that users both within the city and beyond support this option 2 to 1. Critical pedestrian and bicycle safety measures as well as light signalization improvements will be achieved regardless. Current traffic projections do not support the need for the six-lane option, and the four-lane alternative is more fiscally responsible just as the RTA is stretched to complete remaining projects. The four-lane alternative is a win-win for the city and our region.
Also on Tuesday, my colleagues and I took action to adopt the American Rescue Plan strategic plan which identified areas of investment and an initial process for community partners to propose projects in alignment with the equity framework adopted in June. Mayor and Council also approved the Move Tucson Implementation Plan, reviewed in this issue.
With recent rains and cooler temperatures, Tucsonans are finding more ways to celebrate this remarkable city and region. In this issue you can learn about the recent Sugar Hill and Grant/Alvernon resource fairs, make a plan to participate in the upcoming City election and to attend the Annual Balboa Heights Park National Night Out event on Oct. 26. Also read about a Ward 3-led initiative in which the City is aggressively dealing with vacant and abandoned properties as a way to reduce criminal activity.
Thanks everyone and I hope you enjoy the 2021 Tucson Meet Yourself Festival, now in its 48th year, this weekend in downtown. Go out, practice safe COVID protocols, and enjoy the grand diversity that makes Tucson unique. At the same time take a moment to reflect this Monday on Indigenous People’s Day and the people who first lived on this desert valley and on the sky islands. We are caretakers of the land which has sustained people for 4,000 years.
Karin
Community Safety Co-researchers
Last year, Mayor and Council began taking steps to create a Community Safety Program. An important part of developing this new program is to better understand the ways that safety concerns can be most effectively addressed, including responses beyond what is typically available when calling 911.
AFSC Tucson is working with the City of Tucson to engage residents about their perceptions and experiences of safety in our city. The Thrive in the 05 area will be one of the first areas where this research will be conducted. To support the effort, AFSC is seeking Community Co-researchers.
The Co-Researcher position is a great opportunity for Thrive area residents to earn some extra income while serving their community. You can learn more about it here and share with your friends, neighbors and family.
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Vacant and Neglected Properties
In an effort to reduce criminal activity and improve neighborhoods, Ward 3 has spearheaded an initiative that focuses on a magnet for such activity – vacant and neglected properties.
For two years Ward 3 has coordinated the Vacant and Neglected Structures (VANS) pilot program with appropriate City departments, to identity neglected and abandoned structures, residential and commercial. These derelict and unsecured buildings all too often attract trespassers, illegal drug users, garbage and arson, all which generate calls from neighbors and contribute to a reduction in quality of life. These calls in turn require City departments from police to code inspectors and fire fighters to address the problems, costing the City valuable dollars.
The end goal is to use existing City ordinances to require property owners to fix up their structures and restore them for use or face condemnation and/or demolition. The process can be lengthy in complex cases, including those where legal issues must be resolved before restoration or demolition of the property can occur.
The VANS program began in June 2019 when the Ward 3 office invited the City Manager and City Attorney, and staff from key City departments – Housing and Community Development, Fire, Police, Planning & Development Services, and Environmental and General Services -- to tour some areas of Ward 3 to look at six problem properties and discuss a way forward to resolve persistent issues.
The City Manager allocated $250,000 to cover increased administrative costs related to recording citations and liens as well as court documentation and staff attendance at court proceedings. However, the onset of the pandemic and subsequent lockdown in March 2020 brought the process to a near halt as the courts were closed, creating a backlog of cases.
Despite the long interruption, the VANS pilot program proceeds, logging some notable successes. In this video from Channel 9, KGUN-TV, Council Member Uhlich talks about the program in the context of reducing crime in the Ward. Eventually the City will consider taking this program across Tucson.
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2021 City Elections
This week the City Clerk mailed out ballots to all the registered voters in Tucson for the 2021 City Election. You also should have received in the mail “The Choice is Yours” informational pamphlet, which includes information on initiatives. You can view that online here.
The last day to mail back your ballot is October 27, with Election Day being Tuesday, November 2. Below is a chart with locations and hours of operation to drop off your ballot or get a replacement ballot. If you have questions you can contact the City Clerk’s Office at either (520) 791-4213 or cityclerk@tucsonaz.gov.
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Resource Fairs
The Ward 3 office and its partners recently hosted two successful resource fairs where dozens of individuals and families attended and left with valuable information and assistance.
The first event was held at the Donna Liggins Recreation Center at Mansfield Park on Oct 2. There residents received information on rental and eviction prevention assistance, books and pet food, free COVID vaccinations and began the process of expunging minor convictions for marijuana possession. Visitors also met with representatives from the Tucson Police Department, the NAACP, the Sugar Hill Coalition and Neighborhood Association, Pima County’s One-Stop workforce program, Pima County Animal Control, Pima Community College, Literacy Connects, Pima County Justice For All and others.
Sugar Hill Resource Fair on the Donna Liggins basketball court
The Sugar Hill fair was co-sponsored by the Pima County Attorney’s Office, City Council Ward 5, District 5 Pima County Supervisor and the Community Investment Corporation. More than 30 individuals received their COVID shots from the Pima County Health Department and more than seven individuals expunged their marijuana convictions with help from the County Attorney’s office, said Kevin Woodard, president of the Sugar Hill Neighborhood Association and head of the Sugar Hill Coalition.
Representatives from public and private groups at the Sugar Hill Resource Fair
“If it weren’t for the volunteers it wouldn’t haven’t happened at all,” said Kevin, one of the principal planners. “I give them the kudos.” He thanked everyone for their involvement and support. He added that a resource fair will be planned for April at Mansfield Park.
Grant-Alvernon Resource Fair
Wednesday, at Wings of Freedom, a City-owned and managed apartment building on North Haskell Drive in the Dodge Flower neighborhood, a second resource fair was held. This one was co-sponsored by Ward 6, the Pima County Constable’s office, NORML, PACC, Pima County and the Community Investment Corporation, the non-profit that is working on rental and utility assistance with the City and Pima County.
Early visitors to the Grant-Alvernon Resource Fair
Like the Sugar Hill gathering, the Grant-Alvernon fair was an enthusiastic and rewarding event, albeit smaller. The second fair also featured free COVID vaccinations, rental and utility assistance from the Community Investment Corporation, and marijuana conviction expungement from NORML, an organization that supports legalization of marijuana and reduction of harm caused by previous legislation. In addition, housing specialists from the City were on hand to provide assistance to residents in need of alternative housing. And representatives from the County’s Emergency Eviction Legal Services office offered information to individuals who are being evicted.
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Move Tucson/RTA Next Project List Update
This week the Mayor and Council advanced its larger scale named projects and overall framework recommendations to the RTA.
As a bit of background, through the Move Tucson process the City identified almost $11 billion in total transportation needs in the city’s network over the next 20 years. The breakdown is below:
The RTA Next process asked each jurisdiction to provide them with list of network improvements that are location specific, also known has “named projects,” that total $600 million.
The City’s Department of Transportation & Mobility in addition to formulating the list of named projects also articulated a breakdown of the City’s needs through the lens of the other Move Tucson categories. That breakdown is below:
At total $2.1 billion is estimated for RTA Next as that was the size of the first RTA package. An allocation of 66% is used because that is the percent of sales tax generated in the region that comes from the City.
Mayor and Council voted to send to the RTA this approximately $1.4 billion request to highlight the needs under other categories for urban environs. Included in the request is $600 million in named projects. You can view that list here. Highlights for Ward 3 include: modernizations for Ft. Lowell (Oracle to Alvernon), Prince (Romero to Country Club), and Roger (Oracle to Campbell), pedestrian and bicycle safety upgrades on Stone (Drachman to Prince), and a High Capacity Transit Corridor on Oracle (Ronstadt Transit Center to Tohono Tadai Transit Center).
National Night Out 2021
Save the date for Oct. 26! The Marty Birdman Center at Balboa Park will again host National Night Out, where residents from Balboa Heights neighborhood and surrounding communities will come together for an evening of activities and entertainment. The pandemic lockdown forced the cancellation of last year’s event.
Next week’s newsletter will bring you more information on the event which will happen from 5:30-7 pm. Make sure to mark your calendars!
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Pet of the Week
Jenni
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Shelter Staff made the following comments about Jenni:
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Jenni is a senior cutie who came to PACC with her larger, younger friend Duque. Jenni may be a bit long in the tooth, but she wants you to know that senior pets are pretty much where it’s at- no puppy shenanigans! Just calm, sweet dogs who are very appreciative of your love!! Jenni has some typical old lady problems and is getting a helping hand from the PACC clinic.
Now, she just needs a retirement home where she can relax and sip mocktails (8 years is still under the legal drinking age) on the lanai in her collection of glamorous caftans. When meeting other dogs in playgroup, Jenni was easygoing and appropriate. She kept to herself for the most part, but seems to have a playful side waiting to come out. She also enjoyed dipping her toes in the doggy pool. Ask about Jenni today!
If you are interested in adopting Jenni, please submit an adoption survey and visit us during regular business hours. Please email pacc.adopt@pima.gov with additional questions.
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Richland Heights East Annual Meeting
Monday October 11
7:00 pm
2240 E Greenlee
Alvernon Grant Initiative
Tuesday
October 12
6:00 pm
ZOOM
If you would like to attend the Monthly Zoom AGI meeting, send an email to paloverdena@gmail.com with your request by Tuesday, October 12 at noon.
Ft Lowell Country Club Safety Group
Monday
October 25
6-7 pm
St Francis Cabrini
3201 E Presidio Rd
Flowing Wells
Thursday
October 26
6 pm
Zoom tba
Amphi
Thursday
October 28
6 pm
Literacy Connects
200 E Yavapai Rd
Limberlost
Saturday
October 30
10-11:30 am
Limberlost Family Park
4255 N 4th Ave
Cabrini
Thursday
November 4
6-7 pm
zoom
Ward 3 Events
Resource Café
Check out Next week’s Thrive in 05 Resource Café. The Café streams live on Wednesdays at 12 noon or watch previous conversations on the Thrive’s Face page.
Find the Ward 3 Van!
National Night Out
Ward 3 and TPD’s Operations Division West are planning National Night Out at the Marty Birdman Center at Balboa Park on Oct. 26. It’s a family event with activities, treats and entertainment. Festivities will be from 5:30 to 7 pm.
There will be popcorn and hotdogs, and kids’ games and Tucson police will offer fingerprinting for children. There will be a folklorico dance exhibition and more.
The event returns after a hiatus last year because of the pandemic shutdown.
City Wide Events
Mobile Vaccination Clinics
Get answers to your questions about the COVID19 vaccine. Check our FAQ's to find up-to-date information on distribution, safety and much more.
Upcoming open mobile vaccination clinics -- no appointment needed
The variety of locations to get a COVID-19 vaccine makes it easier than ever to get a shot, but we know there are a lot of people still making up their minds.
To register someone who qualifies as an In-Home Long-Term Care Recipient, use this link.
Rollin' Haunt Drive-Thru Event at Tucson Rodeo Grounds
Join us at the drive-thru Rollin' Haunt event filled with Halloween treats, tons of fun costumes and characters for the kids to enjoy, and photo opportunities. We encourage families to come with their cars decorated to add to the Halloween spirit. All children present in the vehicles will receive a candy bag with contactless pick-up as they exit the event.
When: Saturday, Oct. 30, 4-7 p.m. (while supplies last)
Where: Tucson Rodeo Grounds, 4823 S. 6th Ave. (enter at 3rd Avenue and Irvington Road) To avoid traffic congestion, please do not line up early.
Reminder: All participants must remain in their vehicles at all times and be alert for the safety of all staff and other participants.
CHNA Community Forums
Watershed Management Group: 10th Annual Desert Living Home Tour
Saturday
October 23
10 am-3 pm
Watershed Management Group is excited to announce the return of the Desert Home Living Tour—formerly known as the Homescape Harvest Tour—on October 23rd to showcase creative, sustainable homes and community spaces to the public in the Tucson and Phoenix areas. Now in its 10th year, the Desert Living Home Tour provides the chance to visit homes with sustainable practices of all shapes and sizes, including rain tanks, pollinator-friendly landscapes, active and passive solar home design, composting toilets, vegetable gardening, and chickens.
Tour sites have been planned along bus and bike routes to increase access, and BICAS will lead a guided bike ride between host sites at 11a.m., at no additional cost.
There will also be a community conversation kickoff event for the tour on Thursday, October 21 from 6-7p.m., where community leaders in the field of sustainability will answer questions and share tips and strategies for accessing and implementing hydro-local, sustainable practices.
To register for the Desert Living Home Tour, visit watershedmg.org/HomeTour.
Did You Know?
CITY OF TUCSON AND PIMA COMMUNITY COLLEGE RECEIVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AWARD
The City of Tucson Office of Economic Initiatives (ConnectTucson) and Pima Community College received a Gold Award for Excellence in Economic Development from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). The award recognizes their partnership revitalization project, Thrive in the 05, as an outstanding project in the category of Partnerships with Educational Institutions. The award was presented this week during the IEDC Annual Conference in Nashville, Tennessee. IEDC's Excellence in Economic Development Awards recognize the world's best economic development programs and partnerships, marketing materials, and the year's most-influential leaders. IEDC received more than 500 submissions from four countries. ConnectTucson IEDC
OCTOBER IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH
The Emerge Center Against Domestic Abuse and its partners are offering several events and informational materials as part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. In the United States, more than 10 million adults each year experience domestic violence. One in four women and one in 10 men experience sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner during their lifetime. For a calendar of events, including "Wear Purple Day," "Stuff the Bus," and purple light sales to light up the night for survivors, follow the calendar link below. Calendar of events Emerge Center Against Domestic Abuse
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