Kevin's Ward 3 News and Updates

Friday, September 30, 2022

News and Updates
Next Mayor and Council Meeting
Ward 3 Neighborhood Association and Coalition Meetings
Ward 3 Events
City Wide Events
Did You Know?

Something Shady Coming to Mansfield Pool!

We received word last week that a grant from the Tohono O’odham Nation for $80,000 will enable Tucson Parks and Recreation to build a new shade structure at Mansfield Pool, giving children (who swim free) and families a cool place to relax.

Mansfield Pool, located at 2275 N. Fourth Ave., is a popular public three-pool complex, with diving boards, a wading pool, and a recently replaced 141-foot water slide.

The grant comes from proceeds from Tohono O’odham gaming operations. The state compact which allows gaming requires 12% of profits be distributed to municipalities and non-profit organizations for projects that benefit the community. Ward 3, with help from Parks and Recreation, wrote the grant proposal.

Many thanks to the Tohono O’odham Nation for this funding!

- Kevin

Bobcats in Tucson by Katie Bolger

Over the summer, our office had a chance to sit down with some folks who volunteer their time, energy, expertise, and passion tracking wild bobcats here in Tucson. Bobcats in Tucson is a group made up mostly of retired wildlife biologists, who in association with the Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center have received a small grant from Arizona Game and Fish (along with private donations) to study how bobcats in and around Tucson have adapted to an urban/ wild land setting.

The team captures bobcats with the help of wildlife veterinarians at the urban/ wild land interface in west Tucson and fits them with satellite radio collars. With the data collected, they are learning where the cats hunt, rest, birth and raise their kittens. At the same time, they are surveying Tucsonans about their interactions with and perceptions of bobcats. The goal of the project is to develop strategies and materials to reduce conflict between people (and their pets) and bobcats while increasing our knowledge, appreciation and understanding of them.

The project maintains a website which has generated over 30,000 contacts since its launch in 2020, recorded over 900 public bobcat sightings, and received over 1200 completed attitude surveys from Tucsonans about living with bobcats.

According to the group, public perception of the bobcats is mostly positive and provides a foundation for support for their continued presence as urban wildlife with management actions and viewing opportunities.
Bobcats are an iconic wildlife species in the Southwest, and according to retired biologist Kerry Baldwin, Tucson most likely has the largest and densest population of urban bobcats in the country - a point of pride for us desert dwellers

who love our Sonoran Desert and the creatures who live here. If you would like to learn more and/or provide financial support to the project, please visit https://bobcatsintucson.net/

Plastic Recycling by CJ Boyd

Did you know that out of the 7 main kinds of consumer plastics, only 2 are recyclable? Only plastics #1 and #2 belong in your blue bin, and the rest end up in the landfill. These items simply can't be conventionally recycled: plastic grocery bags, trash bags, candy wrappers, can holders, snack packaging, utensils, straws, cups, coffee lids, plastic bottle tops, bubble wrap, plastic mailers, food trays, pill bottles, disposable Tupperware, plastic films, and more.
Locally, Tucson residents are putting thousands of tons of non-recyclable plastic in our landfills. Globally, our oceans have become dumping grounds for plastics from all over the world. 

Last month, Council Member Steve Kozachik launched a pilot program with the intent of recycling these non-recyclable items into functional products. His office installed a 30 cubic yard (22 foot long) dumpster for the public to drop off their non-recyclable plastics. The first 7 weeks of collection yielded 7.5 tons of plastic, which have been turned into over 500 construction grade building blocks.

Types of non-recyclable plastics being collected at the Ward 6 office.

The plastics are super-heated in a machine called a blocker and molded into a block a little larger than a traditional cinder block. They are essentially industrial grade legos, with nubs on the top and bottom to help them fit together snugly. Notably, there is practically zero waste in the construction of these blocks, so 22 pounds of plastic yields a 22 pound block.

So far in Tucson, the plastic blocks have been used to build benches - four benches outside the Himmel Park Library and one at a pocket park in the San Gabriel Neighborhood, and there are already plans for other kinds of structures - a trash enclosure at the El Pueblo Community Center, a ramada in McCormick Park, and more.

A bench made from recycled plastics in Himmel Park. The top of the bench also has flecks of recycled glass in it.

The City of Flagstaff plans to build a house out of the plastic blocks later this year, which will be the first house of its kind in Arizona, although California and Idaho already use the blocks in home construction. This comes at a time when construction materials are increasingly expensive, and supply chain issues are slowing construction projects here in Tucson and around the country.

As Council Member Kozachik points out, “It's important for people to understand that these are construction-grade, UBC approved with a B fire rating and can be cladded with any material that you use to cover cinder block.” So, while the blocks have a distinctive, colorful aesthetic, not every project needs display the blocks prominently, and a house of plastic blocks covered in stucco could look identical to nearby homes.

The pilot program was intended to run about 5 months from August 1st through the end of the calendar year. As things stand, the demand has been so extraordinary that Council Member Kozachik is hoping to end the pilot program early and bring a proposal to Mayor and Council before the end of 2022 to expand this program citywide.

The 30 cubic foot container for collecting plastics at the Ward 6 office.

A key component of expanding the program would be purchasing a blocker machine for the city. At present, the Ward 6 office empties the dumpster twice a week at Tank’s Recycling, and then Tank’s ships the plastic to a California company called ByFusion, who makes the blocks and ships them back to us. Shipping plastics to and from California is only being done temporarily; the long-term plan is to produce the blocks locally.

According to Council Member Kozachik, people have been driving from all over Pima County to drop off their plastics at the Ward 6 office. While it is exciting that people are so eager to recycle more of their plastics, it indicates that we need many more drop off sites for this program to be effective.

Our office looks forward to supporting the expansion of the program. For the time being, the Ward 3 office is accepting clean plastic grocery bags for re-use at Casa Maria Soup Kitchen. Neighbors can stop by between 9am and 1pm Monday through Friday to drop off their clean plastic grocery bags in a receptacle in our lobby.

The plastic bag recycling bin at Ward 3.

Old Pascua by Marlene Avelino

The area in Ward 3 bordered by Grant Rd. to the north, 15th Ave, to the east, Fairview Ave. to the south, and the I-10 freeway to the west is known as Old Pascua. This area has been used as a sacred ceremonial site since 1921 by the Pascua Yaqui and is home to the oldest formally established Yaqui community in Tucson. The Yaqui’s term for themselves is Yoeme, or “The People.”

Old Pascua in 1938. Photograph provided by Dr. Joseph Wilder, Director of the University of Arizona's Southwest Studies Center.

In 1959 the land was annexed into the City of Tucson, and with the encroachment came challenges related to regulation, taxation, and ownership of their sacred, cultural, traditional, and religious grounds. In 1964, the Pascua Yaquis received 202 acres of desert land southwest of Tucson, and in 1978, the Pascua Yaqui Tribe of Arizona was federally recognized. In July of 2021, Congressman Grijalva introduced a bill that would place Old Pascua lands into a trust on behalf of the tribe. This would enable the Tribe to conduct gaming activities, expand economic development opportunities, and increase housing and social and community services. The bill has been passed by the House and has been placed on the calendar for Senate approval.

Mission Santa Rosa was founded in 1930 when, in memory of her deceased daughter, community member Allie Simmonds donated a valuable diamond ring to be used to purchase land to build a church in Pascua.

According to tribal records, 500 registered tribal members lived in Old Pascua in 2010. There are about 8,400 in Pima County today and about 20,000 throughout the United States. Pascua means "Easter" in Spanish and the Yaqui celebrate every year with traditional ceremonies that date back hundreds of years. In the 40-day Yaqui Lenten-Easter ceremonies, the Easter drama—the persecution, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ—is acted out silently by a disciplined corps of dancers dressed in colorful costumes and wearing elaborate masks. Visitors are welcome but recording of any kind is prohibited - no cameras, phones, or even sketching are allowed during ceremonies.

Mural on the west side of the Sonoran Stitch Factory on 15th Ave., directly across the street from the Richey Resource Center, by Anitra Webster and Ignacio Garcia, along with local Pascua youth artists.

Old Pascua’s streets all have Spanish names and the houses are a mix of classic 1900s adobes, ‘40 and ‘50s standards, and ‘80s and ‘90s block and stucco. Richey Elementary School on 15th Ave. was built in 1954 and replaced the former Pascua School that served the Yaqui families. TUSD leased it to the tribe in 2012, 2 years after closing it as a cost-saving measure. It is now a community resource center for health, wellness, adult education, and recreational activities.

Manuel Valenzuela Alvarez Park at the corner of N. Calle Central and W. Calle Sierra.

Manuel Valenzuela Alvarez Park is .2 acres and is located at North Calle Central and West Calle Sierra. It has a shaded playground, benches, a water fountain, and a grassy area with a few large shade trees. The Old Pascua Museum and Yaqui Culture Center opened in 2013. The 400 square foot museum was originally a home built in 1920 and willed to the tribe when the owner died. It is one of the earliest residences of Old Pascua and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is located at 856 W. Calle Santa Ana and visitors are welcome.

Next Mayor and Council Meeting

The next Mayor and Council Meeting is on October 5, 2022.
The agenda is posted here: Mayor and Council Meeting Agendas

Ward 3 Neighborhood Association and Coalition Meetings

Richland Heights East Neighborhood Association
Wednesday
October 5th
6:00 - 6:30 pm
2000 E. Greenlee Rd.

Cabrini Neighborhood Association
Thursday
October 6th
6:00- 7:00 pm
Vineyard City Church
3150 E. Fort Lowell Rd.

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 [email protected].

City Wide Events

Sign Up for Tucson's Climate Action Report!

You can use this link to subscribe to the Climate Action Report through the City Manager's Office:https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/AZTUCSON/subscriber/new 

It's the Last Day to take the Zero Waste Survey!

The City of Tucson is taking the first step to Zero Waste by creating a Roadmap to Zero Waste. This means we are developing a guide on what Zero Waste means to Tucson before we develop a Zero Waste Plan. This is where you come in! We want your feedback on what Zero Waste means to you and Tucson. Take our survey now through September 30 and share it with your Tucson Community. Send us your thoughts today: bit.ly/tucsonzw #RoadmappingTucsonZeroWaste

It's the Last Day to Provide Feedback on the Reid Park Master Plan!

The Gene C. Reid Park planning team needs your help to reimagine the future of Reid Park. Survey Two for the Reid Park planning process is live at the link below. View the three park concept alternatives, and take a feedback survey to provide input into the final master plan. The survey will close on Friday, Sept. 30, at 11:59 p.m. The Master Plan will provide an aspirational roadmap for Gene C. Reid Park's long-term evolution. The plan will be used to help guide future investments in the park with the con?dence that they ?t into a larger strategic vision. Having a park Master Plan is important to ensure that available resources are allocated e?ciently and to the items of the highest priority. As future/ongoing reinvestments in the park are made, different funding sources will be used, as appropriate, to the project. State, federal, and local grants; private and nonpro?t partnerships; and bonds are all likely sources of funding for capital improvements.

English:  bit.ly/reidparkreimagined
Spanish: bit.ly/reidparkreimaginedSP

Sun Tran Fare Survey

Speak up, Tucson! There is still time to share your thoughts on the future of transit fares. Whether you ride transit or not, please fill out the online survey by clicking the link below. Transit fares have been free since March of 2020. We need your input to help decision-makers determine how to move forward.

surveymonkey.com/r/SunTranFares

There's still time to join the Unidos en Bici Challenge!

Join the City of Tucson Department of Transportation and Mobility (DTM) in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month by participating in the Unidos en Bici Challenge. Use the free PeopleForBikes Ride Spot app and challenge yourself to ride a bike 30 miles between September 15th and October 15th. Those who complete the challenge will receive a "Unidos en Bici" patch through PeopleForBikes! Commute into the office with a coworker or cruise to cafecito by bike to get closer to completing the challenge while reducing air pollution, combating climate change, and utilizing Tucson's growing network of bicycle infrastructure that promotes vibrant communities and safer streets for all.

St. Philip's in the Hills Animal Faire on Saturday, October 8th

Allyship in Ownership Online Course  

As part of the Tucson Alliance for Housing Justice's (TAHJ) multi-pronged approach to addressing evictions and homelessness, Justice Movement is offering a four-week course online for property owners, landlords, and folks who want to better understand how to engage in rent collecting in ethical and equitable ways.

Join Justice Movement founders Nat and Danya as they guide you through a deep dive into allyship and accountability: Register Here

Community Drive-Thru Toy Giveaway on Saturday, October 22nd

On Saturday, October 22nd, from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., the Tucson Police Department in conjunction with Toys for Tots will be hosting a community drive-thru toy distribution event in the Geico parking lot on MLK Way.  During this event, we will be giving away over 15,000 toys to families in our community.  The toys mostly range through the age of 14, but all are welcome and no prior registration is needed.

Did You Know?

Connect Arizona Affordable Connectivity Program

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

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