Kevin's Ward 3 News and Updates

Friday, June 24, 2022

News and Updates
Ward 3 Neighborhood Association/Coalition Meetings
Ward 3 Events
City Wide Events
Did You Know?

Climate Change Means We Must Conserve Our Limited Water

Almost all our city’s water supply comes from the Colorado River.  This mighty river and its watershed supplies more than 40 million people in places like Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Phoenix. It arrives in Tucson via the Central Arizona Project (CAP), an incredible public works project that stretches 336 miles across the desert from Parker, Arizona, through Phoenix, and terminates here.

The news is grim: 20 years of climate-change influenced drought has brought about the greatest risk to Southwester water supplies in the recorded history of the Colorado River Basin. Big cuts in CAP allocations are coming. Negotiations are taking place between cities, the seven basin states, tribes, and farmers – all have allocations based in law for river water but whose cumulative claims are much higher than the river can supply. If an agreement on who gets cut how much can’t be reached, the federal government will make the ultimate choice.

Tucson Water Director John Kmiec was quoted in the paper as saying “The situation on the river is not good. We may have to participate in severe cuts to our allocation as soon as 2023.” In a memo to mayor and council, he also wrote, “the speed at which drought is deepening necessitates a tangible and meaningful response.”

While Tucson has done a better job than most in terms of water conservation and awareness, we need to acknowledge we are part of a larger system that is collapsing. We can – and must – do more to conserve our precious and limited water supplies.

We also cannot keep approving large scale developments and annexations without addressing their water use. I have asked the city manager and staff to explore the concept of “Net-Zero” water on new development. This is a program that mandates developers use all low flow devices, storm water harvesting for vegetation, and the purchase of “water offset credits” to create funding to retrofit older housing stock with water saving devices. If implemented, new development would not put any strain our finite supply of drinking water. This policy and others suggested by the Water Department will be reviewed by mayor and council soon.

The Dodge Flower neighborhood is bordered North to South between Grant Road and Glenn Street and East to West from Alvernon Way to Palo Verde Avenue. In a strange anomaly, homes on the east side of Palo Verde Ave were actually left out of the official Neighborhood Association because one person who lived on that block insisted on not being included when the Association was formed in 2001. 

Normally when a neighborhood association is being formed, a vote is held among all of the constituents in the proposed area. As long as the majority of homes on a block are in favor of being included, they will all be included. But apparently this one neighbor made such a stink about it that the Dodge Flower Neighborhood Association decided to honor their wishes and exclude their whole side of the street on that block. That resident has since passed away, and so the current Association has been working on officially changing the boundary to include Palo Verde Avenue. 

Named after Dodge Boulevard and Flower Street, Dodge Flower is the one Ward 3 neighborhood that abuts the Grant/Alvernon intersection (the other three are in Ward 6). As most Tucsonans know, the Grant/Alvernon intersection has a less than flattering reputation when it comes to crime. This year Tucson Police Department launched a program called Place Network Investigations (PNI). . PNI attempts to reduce violent crime by looking at environmental factors in specific locations that contribute to a disproportionate amount of crimes involving gun violence in a particular area. The police have chosen  three areas of Tucson with especially high gun violence to start the PNI program. One PNI is located in Dodge Flower.

Because the Grant/Alvernon Area is widely recognized as an area where poverty and crime disproportionately affect residents, many organizations have designated it as a high needs area. There are service providers located nearby, including the recently opened El Rio Health Center on Grant Road and Dodge. El Rio brings affordable health care services to an underserved part of town. This Health Center has extensive resources aimed at low-income residents, including one of the largest numbers of behavioral health specialists operating out of any health center in Tucson. Just up the road on Dodge is Community Partners, an organization that specializes in behavioral health and partners with the city to bring resources to unhoused neighbors.

Tucson Lighthouse Church is the one church currently active in Dodge Flower. Catalina Heights Church of Christ in Christian Union was active until recently, but has closed its doors this year and is being sold. The neighborhood doesn't have any parks or much in the way of green space, so some neighbors are hoping to help turn the former church property into a park or something the community can enjoy with vegetation and open space.

Like most Tucson neighborhoods north of Grant, most of the homes in Dodge Flower began being built in the late 40s and early 1950s. Former Co-Facilitator of the Neighborhood Association Deirdre Brosnihan said, “What I like most about Dodge Flower is the sense of community. It's a neighborhood where you know most of the people on your block. The community is also diverse. I'm also a fan of mid-century architecture (even if not by a notable architect) and appreciate the 1950s/1960s solidly built homes that line our streets.”

Maggie and John McKiernan have lived on North Winstel Boulevard for 17 years, where they built a little free library outside their home. “Everyone said it would get wrecked in our neighborhood, but we've had it for over 3 years now and everyone has been very respectful,” said Maggie. “We have even had canned food and clothing items in there. Many people use it and take or bring books regularly. I am so happy to know that people like to read in our neighborhood and enjoy our little library.”

Recently-elected Neighborhood Co-Facilitator Gretchen Runnow has lived in Tucson since 1981, and moved to Dodge Flower just five years ago to live down the street from her son and grandchildren. When asked what she loves about living in the neighborhood, she said, “My favorite aspects of Dodge-Flower are all the people I’ve met walking our dogs (one lady used to walk her pet pig!). Whether it’s unhoused people, renters, or home-owners, all are friendly and want to stop to chat. The dogs—large and small, mutts and purebred—have names like Kodak, Bronson, Rocket, Daphne, Piddles, Zeus, Ruby Tuesday, Gravity, Sweet Potato, Sparkles, Holmes (as in Sherlock), Jada, Tyrone, Buddha, Oreo, Winston, Delilah, Money, Clive, Quasimodo. Who could resist hanging out with such fur friends and their humans!”

QT Summer Soccer Series by Marlene Avelino

The QT Summer Soccer program is designed for queer and trans youth, and their friends and allies, to play soccer without prejudice. The age range for players is from 8 to 15 years, all levels of experience are welcome, and all necessary items are provided, including cleats, shin guards, and soccer socks.  The coaches and assistant coaches are 17 to 20 years old and also part of the LGBTQ+ community.

QT Summer Soccer was the brainchild of Sasha Timpson, Claire Taylor, and Gab Schivone in response to the recent enactment of Arizona SB1165, which bans trans youth from participating in school sports. They approached the ward office in April with their proposal, and were given a small grant from American Recovery Program dollars to get the program off the ground. 

“Barring trans youth participation in team sports prevents these children from accessing spaces and activities that foster important learning and social experiences,” reads their grant proposal. “Studies show that team sports can provide a sense of belonging and increase an individual’s desire to contribute to the well-being of their community. The aim of our proposed program is to provide a safe and engaging space for LGBTQ+ youth to learn how to play soccer with their peers in the Ward 3 community.”

Their model of having LGBTQ+ young adults coach LGBTQ+ youth is intentional. Part of the program is to help youth create community and develop relationships, to see themselves in the people around them, and to see a wider spectrum of expression. During warm ups on the first day, as part of introductions, everyone was asked to share their names, pronouns, and what they were excited about within the program. Rowan, who is 10 years old, responded that they were excited to meet other queer kids because they didn’t know any. And every adult in the space shed a tear.

World Refugee Day by Kristin Woodall

The United Nations has designated June 20 as World Refugee Day, a day to commemorate the strength, courage, resilience, and contributions of refugees throughout the world. This year, the focus was on the right to seek safety

World Refugee Day shines a light on the rights, needs and dreams of refugees, helping to mobilize political will and resources so refugees can not only survive but also thrive. While it is important to protect and improve the lives of refugees everyday, international days like World Refugee Day help to focus global attention on the difficulties those fleeing conflict or persecution are experiencing. Many activities held on World Refugee Day create opportunities to support refugees.

Last weekend Ward 3 was invited to celebrate the occasion at Amphi High School by the We Are All America Arizona Coalition. Samara Ahmed, the Arizona Refugee Organizer at WAAA, is a Muslim-American passionate about telling stories that humanize and empower communities that the mainstream media doesn’t always cover. Her parents are immigrants from India, where she spent her summers as a child. To find out more about We Are All America go to https://www.weareallusa.org/

The crowd that took part in the event was impressive. This family friendly affair had all kinds of ethnic food, music, balloon animals and there were plenty of community partners who showed up. Some of the organizations included International Rescue Committee, Iskashitaa, Tucson Refugee Ministry, Literacy Connects, and Empowerment Through Learning & Friendship. City staff also showed up. There were Tucson firefighters and police officers who had tables and were connecting with the community as well as recruiting for vacant positions.

Iskashitaa by Kristin Woodall

Iskashitaa Refugee Network and the members of the Dick Family are proud to announce the first recipient of the Jim and Robbie Dick Memorial Social Justice Scholarship. The annual scholarship of $5,000 was awarded to a TUSD senior, Taranm Akbary She was originally a refugee from Afghanistan and a recent graduate of  Catalina Magnet High School.

Iskashitaa Refugee Network is a multicultural intergenerational organization dedicated to reducing food waste through harvesting local food in southern Arizona while integrating UN refugees into the community. www.iskashitaa.org

Amphi NA
Thursday
June 30
6:30-7:30 pm
Amphi High School
Library Classroom

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

The City of Tucson has opened six cooling centers, one in each city council ward, open from noon-6 p.m. The centers are 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 CREATES 24/7 RESOURCE TELEPHONE LINE FOR RESIDENTS SEEKING INFORMATION AND SERVICES FOR UNSHELTERED INDIVIDUALS 

In response to the needs of unsheltered persons, the Mayor and Council directed the Department of Housing and Community Development to create a resource telephone line which will provide City residents information on available services and shelter. 

The resource line is useful for those experiencing or at risk of homelessness to get connected to resources for medical, mental health, meals, outreach, and other resources offered in our community.  

The resource telephone number is (520) 791-2540.