Have You Signed?

At a recent event in Armory Park, there were dozens of activists working the crowd, collecting petition signatures for several different ballot initiatives. This is the last month to get signatures for the November 2022 election because the deadline is July 7.

The citizen initiative process is only available in Arizona and 13 other states. It is embedded in our State constitution because Arizona entered the union during a progressive time. Any citizen or group can file an initiative, but it’s not easy getting on the ballot. Over the last few decades the Arizona State legislature has consistently made it harder for citizens initiatives to qualify - with more restrictions and technical requirements. As the legislature seems to get farther and farther away from reality of the people they represent, the initiative process is one of the few avenues to address the myriad of important issues such as our public education system, healthcare and the environment.

Below is a list of the petitions currently circulating.

Justice for All (www.pimacountyjusticeforall.org/). This is a Pima County measure (the rest are statewide) that provides legal representation for anyone facing an immigration offense and who cannot afford an attorney. They need to collect 78,000 valid signatures. 

Right to Reproductive Freedom (azreproductivefreedom.com). This amendment would provide a state constitutional right to reproductive freedom in Arizona, which includes but is not limited to the right to make and effectuate decisions regarding "prenatal care, childbirth, postpartum care, contraception, sterilization, abortion care, miscarriage management, and infertility care." The measure would also provide a right to a surgical or medical abortion until the point of viability in the pregnancy. Under this measure, viability is defined as "the point in a pregnancy at which ... there is a reasonable likelihood of sustained fetal survival outside the uterus with or without artificial support."

Because it changes the state constitution, the above initiative needs 356,467 signatures. All the rest, below, just create or change state law, and only need 237,645 signatures to qualify.

Arizonans for Free and Fair Elections (www.azfairelections.com). This measure restores the permanent early voter list, provide same-day registration, and other measures to make it easier to vote. 

Predatory Debt Collection Protection Act (https://www.healthcarerisingaz.org/arizonans-for-medical-debt-relief/). This caps interest rates on medical debt and increases the value of personal assets (home, vehicle, etc.) protected from certain legal processes to collect debt. 

Stop Dark Money (www.stopdarkmoney.com). Also called the Voters’ Right to Know Act, it establishes reporting requirements for the corporations and businesses that are now permitted to sponsor political advertising without revealing who they are. Does this happen often? Yes, all the time. There was a dark money mailer aimed at me during the city council primary election.

Students for Affordable Tuition (https://www.azstudents.org/as_nearly_free_as_possible_act). To return to our state’s constitutional requirement that state universities be as nearly free as possible, it mandates that unless the state pays at least 50% of the actual cost of tuition for undergraduate resident students, a 2% surcharge is added to Arizona’s corporate income tax.  

Philippe Waterinckx

We are sad to report on the passing of Philippe Waterinckx, husband of former Ward 3 City Council Member Paul Durham. He was a genuinely kind, generous, and wonderful person. Here’s a short note and photo from Tucson Community Supported Agriculture, an organization he founded.

In February 2004, when Philippe founded Tucson Community Supported Agriculture, there were 15 members, and pickup was on his front porch. Philippe opened his home because he believed so strongly in the CSA model. He not only was advocating for local food systems, but he was building what he knew would become strong, meaningful connections between the farmers and his neighbors. As the CSA expanded, so did Philippe’s Tucson community. It grew from him and his wonderful husband, Paul, to include the volunteers you see every week, the small children who learn to count by choosing produce from the bins, and our members, who thank him, with all of their hearts, for bringing the CSA to their tables. If you would like to know more of Philippe’s journey with cancer, in his own words, you can find that here https://ringsofwater.wordpress.com/

Juneteenth

The 157th anniversary of our country's Juneteenth celebration happens in 2022. Celebrations in Tucson and around the country increase knowledge and appreciation of the roles, achievements and contributions of African Americans to our society and pay tribute to this important milestone in our nation's history -- the annual commemoration of the end of slavery on June 19, 1865.

Enjoy historical presentations and exhibits, music and dance, arts, crafts and food vendors, at Kennedy Park Stage Arena, 3700 S Mission Rd Tucson, AZ 85713, on Saturday, 11 am to 9 pm.

There will also be a Gospel Jubilee and Father's Day luncheon at Dunbar Pavilion, 325 W 2nd Street, 3 to 6 pm.

JUNETEENTH ACTIVITIES THIS WEEKEND

Several events are happening in Tucson this weekend as part of Juneteenth celebrations. Juneteenth is the oldest, nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Tomorrow and Saturday, June 17 and 18, from 5-8 p.m., shop from Black-owned businesses at the Juneteenth Market at The Downtown Clifton, 485 S. Stone Ave. The event is hosted by Blax Friday. On Saturday, June 18, enjoy the daylong Juneteenth celebration, featuring music, a basketball tournament, crafts for kids, info booths, shopping opportunities, food and more. The festival is celebrating 52 years in Southern Arizona this year. The free festivities will be held at Kennedy Park, 3357 S. La Cholla Blvd., from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. While admission is free, be sure to bring money for food and shopping. You can find other events this weekend by following the This is Tucson link at the end of this story. Black Joy: Juneteenth Market Facebook event page Juneteenth Celebration Facebook event page This is Tucson Juneteenth.com

Congratulations to Tucson’s Don Guerra!

Lovers of good local Tucson bread are celebrating that Don Guerra won the James Beard Award for Outstanding Baker this week. He traveled to Chicago to accept the prestigious award. Tucson has only two other James Beard Award winners: Janos Wilder and El Guero Canelo (Daniel Contreras).

I remember when Don was still transitioning from being a teacher, selling loaves at farmer’s market, loaves he had baked in his home garage. Later, Don and I served on the board of Mission Garden (Friends of Tucson’s Birthplace) together, a post he still holds. Now his bakery has people standing outside in line hoping their favorite bread hasn’t run out. Don also partnered with Carlotta Flowers of the Si Charro to open two popular restaurants: The Monica, located downtown, and Barrio Charro, located in Ward 3 at 3699 N. Campbell Ave.

Don has been a driving force behind the effort to revive the use of Sonoran White Wheat, a variety introduced to the Southwest by the Spanish decades ago that has been discovered to be healthier than modern wheats and naturally well-adapted to Arizona’s harsh growing conditions. His passion for using heritage grains in bread baking has expanded to sales of the grains and specialty flours made from them. Don plans this year to expand both his brick-and-mortar bakery on Broadway and his online, nationwide sales of flours. More at www.barriobread.com.

Don is an all-around great guy, a well-loved and admired member of Tucson’s culinary family. Tucson is truly a City of Gastronomy (officially recognized by the UN), with many talented people. I expect we have more James Beard Award winters in our future. This year, Boca Tacos y Tequila chef-owner Maria Mazon and Tito & Pep chef-owner John Martinez were both nominated for James Beard’s Best Chef in the Southwest category.

Unsheltered Forum

Last Wednesday was standing room only for the Ward 3 Unsheltered Forum. Thank you to those who attended. The growing population of those who lack shelter will continue to be an ongoing issue here in the community as well as the country. Here is the link to the forum for those unable to attend. 

Our office will continue to engage the residents of Ward 3 and our partners in the City as well as the community on the impacts to those who lack safe and affordable shelter.

Balboa Heights

Balboa Heights is situated between Glenn St South to Grant, and East/West between Stone and Oracle Road. El Guero Canelo, Kings Donuts, and La Parilla Suiza are all local restaurants inside the neighborhood boundaries and are highly recommended! Most of the homes were built in the 40s and 50s; with a mix of single family homes, multi-housing, and mobile home parks in the neighborhood. According to niche.com, Balboa Heights has about 2,500 residents and about 20% own their homes. 

Balboa Heights Park is nestled on 1.7 acres on Castro. Amenities include a playground, a half basketball court, picnic tables, and a splash pad. The splash pad is named in honor of Naida Jane Baker, an unwavering advocate for the health and safety of Balboa residents. She started the Balboa Heights Neighborhood Association in 1992 and served as president of the association for 25 years. She focused her energy on bringing funding, volunteers and other resources to the area.

The park itself is the result of Marty Birdman’s passion for his community. In 1996 after a child was struck while riding a bike, Marty was moved to take action to create a place in the neighborhood for children to play safely.

He went on to raise $100,000 with the help of 50 people, TEP donated an abandoned lot, Southwest Gas employees donated their labor and a park was born.

Marty Birdman Center at 2536 N Castro

Three years later in 1999, Marty once again saw a need in the neighborhood, this time a neighborhood center. He engaged the University of Arizona’s architecture college for help in the design process. The college then created an independent study course in which students designed the center with input from the neighbors. The students didn’t just design the center, they helped build it with Marty teaching them how to tint mortar and tie rebar. Originally named the Balboa Heights Center it was later changed to the Marty Birdman Center.

Lee Oler, a resident of Balboa Heights since 1978, has fond memories of the Marty Birdman Center. She recalled a particularly  talented Recreation Coordinator named Ron Gardin who was great with the kids, coordinating events and activities. Ron played football for the U of A Wildcats and went on to play in Superbowl V for the Baltimore Colts! Today, the Kidco program is still available at the Marty Birdman center and spots are still available. You can learn more here: https://www.tucsonaz.gov/parks/YouthPrograms#KIDCOPrograms

The Balboa Heights Neighborhood Association had been dormant for some time but has just recently started up again. Elections for officers were held on Tuesday and a new board was elected.

Congratulations to everyone that stepped up, with a special shout out to Hilary Madrid who was the Treasurer for the association previously and has graciously stepped in again. Big plans are being discussed for community social and beautification events for the Fall, when it is a bit cooler. If you are in Balboa Heights and would like to join, reach out to  President Susan Alexander at [email protected]

Ward 3 Neighborhood and Coalition Meetings

Flowing Wells Neighborhood Watch
Saturday
June 18
4 pm
Old Times Kafe
1485 W Prince Rd

Samos
Tuesday
June 21
6:30-7:30 pm

zoom

Jefferson Park
Wednesday
June 22
6-7 pm
Ward 3 Community Room
1510 E Grant Rd

Mountain View
Thursday
June 23
5:30-6:30
Habitat For Humanity
3501 N Mountain Ave

Amphi
Thursday
June 23
6:30-7:30 pm
Literacy Connects

The Ward 3 office is open. Staff will answer phone messages, emails and requests for meetings by the next business day. Leave your message at 520-791-4711 or email at [email protected].

Ward 3 Events

This summer, Tucson Parks and Recreation will host Summer Poolooza, free pool parties across the city. Events will include Ready, Set, Rec! vans with games and activities, food, music, inflatables, pool fun, and more. Join us for some fun in the sun. 

Dates 

June 8, 5-7 p.m.   Clements Pool, 8155 E. Poinciana Drive 

June 11, 4-7 p.m. (ARC Aqua Carnival)  Edith Ball Adaptive Recreation Center, 3455 E. Zoo Court 

June 15, 5-7 p.m.   Quincie Douglas Pool, 1563 E. 36th Street 

June 22, 5-7 p.m.   Fort Lowell Pool, 2900 N. Craycroft Road 

June 29, 5-7 p.m.   Sunnyside Pool, 1725 E. Bilby Road 

July 2, 4-7 p.m. (Red, White, Blue Splash Bash)  Edith Ball Adaptive Recreation Center, 3455 E. Zoo Court 

July 6, 5-7 p.m.  Purple Heart Pool, 10050 E. Rita Road 

July 13, 5-7 p.m.  Archer Pool, 1665 S. La Cholla Blvd. 

July 20, 5-7 p.m.  Udall Pool, 7200 E. Tanque Verde Road 

July 27, 5-7 p.m.  Mansfield Pool, 2275 N. 4th Ave. 

More info: www.tucsonaz.gov/parks/announcement/summer-poolooza

Jacobs Pool Open!

Build your art! Build your community! Woods Memorial Library, 3455 N. First Ave, is organizing a youth-led Health Action Team where teens use art, writing, and the media arts to change the conversation in Tucson about youth mental health.

Writing and art workshops, conversations and planning are Wednesdays 2-5pm and Open-Labs are Fridays 2-5 pm in June and July. Projects can include

-photo and video journalism

-podcasting and conversations

-book trailers and short films

-social media advocacy

-creative non-fiction

-zine making and low-tech media

-poetry and writing

-art and photography

-whatever your interests!

Have fun this summer and help create this unique team. The direct link to apply is https://forms.gle/RpAqbD3eAa2bf36n7 Contact [email protected] for more info.

City Wide Events

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.

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.

Did You Know?

Santa Cruz Sound Experience

Literacy Connects Volunteer Opportunities

Literacy Connects is actively seeking volunteers to be amazing Reading Coaches to our k-2 students!

Our program, Reading Seed, is in need of coaches for 22/23 school year.

1.5 hours/week with 3 students, k-2, in Title 1 schools growing their identity with books.

Our coaches get kids excited about reading!

Reading Seed * Literacy Connects (children, in-person)

Adult Basic Literacy * Literacy Connects (adult, Zoom & in person)

English Language Acquisition for Adults * Literacy Connects (adult, Zoom)

Heat Relief Centers

When temperatures reach 110 degrees, the City of Tucson will open six cooling centers, one in each city council ward. The centers will be open from noon-6 p.m., only on days when the temperature benchmark is met. The centers will be located at Donna Liggins Center, 2160 N. 6th Ave.; El Pueblo Center, 101 W. Irvington Road; El Rio Center, 1390 W. Speedway Blvd; Morris K. Udall Center, 7200 E. Tanque Verde Road; Randolph Center, 200 S. Alvernon Way; and William M. Clements Center, 8155 E. Poinciana Drive. Additionally, the Tucson Pima Collaboration to End Homelessness has compiled a list of additional cooling stations and locations for water and supplies. Follow the link below for more information and locations. Cooling centers

Free Citizenship Classes

Tucson Water Discounts

Call 520-791-5443 to make an appointment or visit this site for more information: https://www.tucsonaz.gov/water/low-income-assistance-program

COVID-19 Emergency Rental and Utility Assistance

Funding requests for unpaid rent and utilities are available for up to 12 months in arrears and three months in advance. Those without internet access can call (520) 447-4423 to apply, and bilingual case managers are available. Go to this site for more information.

We welcome your feedback !

Please feel free to email us at [email protected]

To subscribe to this newsletter please go to https://www.tucsonaz.gov/ward-3