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Karin's Note
Friday, August 20, 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,
Happy “Birthday!”
While the City Charter notes the official birthdate of Tucson as August 20, 1775, in true Tucson style the celebration at the Presidio Museum downtown takes the long and broad view of our history, honoring the diverse cultures that have contributed to our community’s unique and rich heritage:
https://tucson.com/entertainment/learn-about-tucsons-roots-at-its-birthday-party-this-friday/article_6c0edd08-fbb6-11eb-94c6-d305a67309ee.html
It’s worth finding, especially now, occasions to reflect, unite and celebrate together.
In this week’s newsletter, we bring you information on the City’s new requirement for City employees to get vaccinated and an update on the start of classes at the UA. We also invite residents to attend the Thrive in the ‘05 Transformation Plan celebration tomorrow at Esquer Park in Barrio Blue Moon.
Thank you as always for contributing to the betterment of Tucson as we move forward.
Karin
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Vaccinations For City Employees
The recent decision by the Mayor and Council to mandate COVID-19 vaccinations for City employees was made in the interest of protecting the health of City employees, their families and for all Tucson residents. It was received strongly by a wide swath of City employees and residents.
The City’s new condition of employment is aimed at improving the local vaccination rate and to slow down the spread of the virus, now fueled by the Delta variant. It is also aimed at ensuring that the City of Tucson can maintain its ability to deliver services to our constituents. According to the Pima County Health Department, the local infection rate is climbing, once again putting undue pressure on families and the local health-care system.
The adopted directive includes both incentives and penalties in order to increase the employee rate of vaccinations. The new regulation allows City employees, with legitimate medical and religious reasons, to forego vaccination.
The City has an estimated 1,000 unvaccinated employees. Under the approved policy, no vaccine mandate goes into effect if 750 additional employees choose to get their first vaccination dose by August 20. If that goal is not met, the policy requires that employees must:
- Submit proof of vaccination (either the first dose of the 2-dose vaccines; or the single dose of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine) by 4 p.m. on August 24; or
- Submit the necessary form for exemption or accommodation by 4 p.m. on August 24
Employees who fail to do either of the above are subject to a five-day, unpaid suspension.
Exemptions and Accommodations will be made for Employees:
- Who have a qualifying disability
- Who have a qualified medical condition that contraindicates the vaccination
- Who object to being vaccinated on the basis of sincerely held religious beliefs or practices
To receive an accommodation, employees must turn in the necessary form no later than August 24. The City Manager will allow employees who need some additional time to secure a medical certification from their doctor to submit that certification after August 24, so long as they have at least started the exemption request process by that date.
Pima County Health Director Theresa Cullen said in a news conference Thursday that cases are significantly increasing throughout the county. As a response the health department will roll out a plan for third doses of the vaccine, according to the Arizona Daily Star.
As of Thursday, Pima County recorded 401 COVID-19 cases, a high number, Cullen said. The increasing rate has pushed Pima County into a high-transmission area. With about 168 cases per 100,000 people, Pima County has experienced a significant increase from about four weeks ago, Cullen said. More than 100 cases per 100,000 people indicates a significant high transmission rate.
The positivity rate, of people being tested for the virus, is between 8% and 11%. A troubling result is that as of Wednesday, there were only 11 ICU beds available in the county. At times this week the number was as low as five or six available beds, Dr. Cullen said.
The City’s decisions to require masks inside City buildings and to require vaccinations for City employees were not easy to make. But they were necessary, driven by strong science and common sense, to protect our public health.
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Welcome Back, Cats!
On Monday, August 23, the fall semester at the University of Arizona begins. The University is planning a return to in-person classes this semester. Due to COVID-19 the University is requiring masks on campus. Their policies require face masks must be worn:
- In all indoor spaces where it is not possible to adequately and continuously maintain social distance.
- Any building/facility that is operated by or affiliated with the University where patients or human research subjects participating in clinical research are seen in person.
- In locations where personal protective equipment (including masks) has always been required to maintain safety protocols for situations with high hazards, such as areas where regulated chemicals are used or stored and other laboratory settings.
- Inside a Cat Tran shuttle or any other public transportation provided by the University.
Neighbors and area residents with concerns related to students and the University are encouraged to call the Neighborhood Hotline at 520-282-3649. Visit this webpage for University COVID-19 updates.
Best wishes to everyone for a successful academic year!
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Thrive in the ‘05 Transformation Plan
Tuesday night, residents of the ‘05 and City staff met in person! What a wonderful feeling to see familiar smiling faces behind pandemic masks. The group came together for the first of three sessions to hear about the Thrive in the ‘05 Transformation Plan.
A second in-person session will be held tomorrow at Esquer Park, 1415 N. 14th Ave., in Barrio Blue Moon and a virtual meeting is set for Wednesday, Aug. 25. More information on these two events a bit lower.
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Tuesday’s session was held at Pima Community College Downtown Campus. Representatives from the three main partners in the Thrive project – Housing and Community Development, PCC and ASU School of Social Work – along with other collaborators, presented the four principal components of the Transformation Plan: housing, neighborhoods, workforce development, and people and education. For more than two years, residents, business owners, private planners and architects, and City personnel, have all been exchanging ideas and concepts to create an overall plan that will elevate the seven neighborhoods in the ‘05.
Part of the plan calls for increasing affordable housing. Another is to improve educational and employment opportunities. There are ideas to beautify and make safer the major road corridors, and to help businesses along North Oracle and North Stone. Of course there is much more in the Transformation Plan as it nears completion.
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Residents and business owners in the ‘05 have another opportunity to view the draft plan and ask questions tomorrow at the Transformation Plan fiesta at Esquer Park behind the Tucson House from 10 am to 1 pm. And on Wednesday, Aug. 25, the Transformation Plan will be discussed in a Zoom meeting. Register for the virtual event at this link.
Everyone is encouraged to complete a survey which you can find at thriveinthe05.tucsonaz.gov or scan the QR code in the image below. It will take a few minutes and go a long way to helping shape the ‘05 Transformation Plan.
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Jacobs Park
Ward 3 residents, you still have time to complete the Jacobs Park survey. The final date is Aug. 22, at 11:45 pm. Fill out the survey to give the Parks and Recreation Department your thoughts about the park's priorities. You don't have to live near the park to participate. Take a few minutes. Give us your feedback. Find the survey at this link
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Iskashitaa
The Iskashitaa Refugee Network has started a silent auction to support its work in supporting United Nations’ refugees in Southern Arizona, while educating the public, strengthening the local food system, reducing local food waste, and increasing food security.
The virtual silent auction has an array of handcrafted items created by Refugee artisans: rag rugs, hand painted bottles, handmade jewelry and framed artwork. You can also find opportunities to bid on fun experiences. These items are not only beautiful gifts, they provide an opportunity to learn more about refugees in our communities, their culture, their crafts and how Iskashitaa Refugee Network works hard to provide opportunities for these global friends.
Monies raised will help Iskashitaa, celebrating 18 years, to continue its work of welcoming and assisting UN Refugees in the Tucson area, as they settle into their new home. And you will have a unique handcrafted item or unique multicultural experience.
The bidding ends Sept. 4 at 11: 45 pm. Go to the Iskashitaa site to bid on the items.
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Food4Life
There will be a food distribution event Saturday, August 22, at New Life Community Church of the Nazarene, 3367 N. Geronimo. Sign-up begins at 8 a.m. There will be vegetables, fruit, packaged food, desserts, dairy, and some meat. You get to select your own food. There are no income, residency, or other requirements.
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Pet of the Week
Kittens, Kittens, Kittens!
If you’ve been thinking about adding a new member to your household, there is no time like right now. It is kitten season and there are plenty to choose from. Black, calico, ginger and tabbies of all kinds are waiting for you to bring them home. All come spayed/neutered and current on their vaccinations.
Feel free to head down to the Humane Society at 635 W Roger Rd or go to their website here.
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Ward 3 Neighborhood Association/Coalition Meetings
Rillito Bend
August 21
1-3 pm
Zoom
Campbell Grant
Monday
April 27
6-7:30 pm
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Ward 3 Events
Bike-in Movie & Ice Cream Social
Saturday, August 21, 6-9 pm
Movie screening begins at 7:45 pm
Balboa Heights Park
2536 N Castro Ave
If you live in the neighborhood, swing by for a free movie screening and ice cream! Bring a picnic blanket to sit on and while you're at it, learn about traffic-calming opportunities coming to Castro and 9th Avenues soon. Representatives from the City of Tucson will be at the event to hear from you and share information.
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Sign and Dine at Literacy Connects
Saturday
August 21
4-7 pm
200 E Yavapai Rd
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Ready, Set, Rec! Find the vans!
This program was made possible by recommendation from Ward 5 Council Member Richard Fimbres to use federal CARES Act funds to acquire six vans and equipment to provide entertainment for children of all ages.
General Play is for all ages, includes corn hole, board games, hula hoops, giant chess, giant checkers, giant Connect 4, cards, music, Mexican train, dominoes, giant Jenga, giant ring toss, walking sticks, etc.
You can find the vans around Ward 3 at the following locations and keep an eye out for additional sites:
Saturday, August, 2 Esquer Park, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Wednesday, September 1, Conner Park, 3-5 p.m.
Friday, September 3, McCormick Park, 3-5 p.m.
Saturday, September 4, La Madera Park, 9-11 a.m.
Friday, September 10, Mansfield Park, 3-5 p.m.
Saturday, September 11, Limberlost Park, 9-11 a.m.
Wednesday, September 15, Mitchell Park, 3-5 p.m.
Friday, September 17, Amphi Park, 3-5 p.m.
Saturday, September 18, Rio Vista Park, 9-11 a.m.
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City Wide Events
MEET ME DOWNTOWN 5K RUN/WALK
Sunday
August 22
6-10 am
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Did You Know?
Mobile Vaccination Clinics
Get answers to your questions about the COVID-19 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. Here's a gentle nudge: As part of a larger national effort, Pima County and its partners already have offered various incentives -- and more are coming.
To register someone who qualifies as an In-Home Long-Term Care Recipient, use this link.
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How Do You Save Water?
Tucson Water is conducting an online poll to understand how its customers conserve water. The survey only takes about two minutes to share how you save water inside and outside your home. You can also share personal tips and stories about conserving water. The poll closes August 25.
Take the poll
Tucson Water
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