Kevin's Ward 3 News and Updates

Happy birthday, Kevin!
Ward 3 Staff does a happy dance for Kevin's birthday on Friday, February 17th!

Love of Reading is Every Week

But officially it was last week, and to take part I read books to two second grade classes at Laguna Elementary School. It was satisfying to read some good stories to a group of bright young, very responsive students (and give their teachers a chance to catch up on something else).

Two of the books I read were by local author Cheryl Cage with illustrations by local artist Dennis Caldwell: Norman the (Interested in Everything) Cat and Norman the Interested Cat: Sweet Dreams. A few years ago, I bought these, and a couple of others in the series, from the author when she had a booth at the Tucson Book Fair.

Which reminds me – Tucson Book Fair is coming up. It is an incredible event, especially with a lot of fun hands-on activities for kids of all ages. There are interesting author talks and panels, nonprofit booths, and a varied food court – I can spend all day there. March 3rd and 4th. More details at https://tucsonfestivalofbooks.org/

Last year I set a goal of reading a certain number of books, as I sometimes do, this time 50 – and I made it (barely). This year I purposefully set no goal so I could feel comfortable reading some big fat books. Recently I finished journalist Sam Quinones’s The Least of Us: True Tales of America and Hope in the Time of Fentanyl and Meth, and I have started to enjoy the climate change themed novel Deluge by best-selling author Stephen Markley. Both help me think in new ways about issues facing Tucson.

-Kevin

What is Community Choice Energy?  
 …and why are so many people talking about it?

Mayor and Council have repeatedly heard support from climate change advocates for implementing Community Choice Energy as part of our Climate Change Action Plan. For instance, we heard this support from Garrett Weaver (in the photo) and others at our December 6th meeting.

The latest draft of our Climate Change Action Plan lists this is one possible way Tucson might meet Strategy E-3, “Procure zero-emission electricity and decarbonize City and community power supply.”

I asked Garrett (a volunteer with Tucson Climate Coalition) and Russell Lowes (Sierra Club and Physicians for Social Responsibility) to provide our newsletter with a short description of Community Choice Energy and its benefits:

Community Choice Energy works by the city forming a partnership with the utility to deliver renewable energy. The city would contract with grid-scale renewable energy generators and purchase power at the wholesale rate for residents. The utility would continue to own and maintain the distribution infrastructure and meters. This structure would lead to significant reductions in fossil fuels powering our grid and lead to as much as 80% renewables on our grid within five years, increasing to 100% in the next few years after that.

It provides power to over ten percent of the nation's population. Many cities use the policy to achieve high rates of carbon-free power on their grid. For example, Marin County in California has achieved 91% carbon-free energy on their grid today with the policy.

Including Community Choice Energy in Tucson's Climate Action and Adaptation plan would give the City the opportunity to assess the policy on its merits and consider it as a tool to reduce the contributions the City makes to climate change.

We support Community Choice Energy because the policy would empower the community to provide choice to consumers, help with affordability, expand economic opportunity, and accelerate the adoption of renewable energy.

To reach the authors: [email protected] or page 520-446-2784.

Tucson Water Zanjero Program by Katie Bolger

On a cold January morning I had the opportunity to accompany Tucson Water employee Brian Morales on a residential water audit. Brian is one of four “Zanjeros.” A Zanjero is an old title for the important job of an irrigation supervisor. The title refers to someone who “controls the water” – a role that is rich in tradition. In the early days of the Southwestern United States, the Zanjero was entrusted with overseeing the distribution of water, an occupation more important than being the Mayor.

In Tucson’s case, the Zanjero program helps Tucson Water customers manage their home water use. Customers can request a free individualized survey that gives them tips and information on how to lower water use and water bills.

Most customers who request a Zanjero audit do so after receiving a large and unexpected water bill, usually from an irrigation break or a leaky toilet.

Tucson Water Zanjeros have extensive training in indoor and outdoor water conservation and efficiency. A Zanjero audit includes checking for excessive water consumption, measuring flow rates of showerheads and faucets, looking for special water uses such as spas, pools, or misting systems, and analyzing the efficiency of an irrigation system. During an audit, new low-flow fixtures, faucet aerators, or other water-saving devices may be provided.

In addition to delivering water audits, Zanjeros are citation officers who perform water waste enforcement. They also help with rainwater harvesting inspections (for those receiving rebates), public outreach, educational presentations, and neighborhood events.

Brian, who has been with Tucson Water more than a decade, is knowledgeable and passionate on the issue of water. He says the most rewarding part of his job is the close personal contact he has with the customers he audits. “I go into people’s houses and into their bathrooms. I talk to them about their lives and their water use. Most people are super appreciative and have a greater respect for water when we are through.”

To request a Zanjero water audit, call (520) 791-3242. Or email [email protected] . Include your name, service address or account number, and a telephone number where you can be reached. An adult must be present at the time of the audit.

Campus Farm Neighborhood by CJ Boyd
Campus Farm neighborhood leaves little mystery about its namesake. The University of Arizona purchased the 80-acre farm in 1909 from Jesus Garcia. This purchase was aided by the 1862 Morrill Act, in which Congress made tens of thousands of acres of federal lands available to public colleges that focused on agriculture and mechanical arts. While much of the area that now makes up the northern part of the city was ranch land in the early 1900s, Campus Farm stands out as the part of Ward 3 that has probably changed the least in the last century.

It is worth noting that the Campus Agricultural Center is not synonymous with Campus Farm Neighborhood, though people sometimes erroneously use them interchangeably. The Campus Agriculture Center is in fact much more than a farm, and houses educational programs related to agriculture. Campus Farm, on the other hand, is the correct name for the neighborhood in which the Center is situated.

Horses grazing at the Campus Agricultural Center in front of the Catalina Mountains

That neighborhood runs from Prince Road to the Rillito River, and from First Avenue to Campbell Avenue, as well as a small piece of land east of Campbell, between Roger and the Rillito River.

Most of the homes in Campus Farm are from right after World War II. Throughout the 1950s, horse properties and agricultural farms began to be surrounded by single-story brick homes. Campus Farm Neighborhood Association board members Bonnie Poulos and Jim Brooker recall that, “There was a drive-in movie theater on Prince Road and a community pool at Wetmore, both of which are gone now.”

The southern half of the neighborhood between Prince and Roger Road was annexed in 1959, and the northern portion between Roger and the Rillito River were made part of the City later in 1988 as part of the Vista del Norte annexation district. By that time, most of the farms and horse properties had gradually given way to houses.

These days there are a handful of farms still in operation along Prospect Lane as well as a couple of horse properties along the Rillito River. But nothing in the neighborhood compares to the agricultural land use still seen today by the Campus Agricultural Center (aka “the Campus Farm”), which sits on both sides of Campbell Avenue.

According to Poulos and Brooker, “When the neighborhood was polled in the mid-1980s as part of the Northside Area Plan planning process, the vast majority of residents stated that the Campus Farm was the single most important feature in the area. Even as recently as the early 2000s, many residents rank the Farm as our most important feature. We enjoy going to watch the horses, the sheep and the cows when they are brought to feed in the pastures. The unimpeded views of the Catalina Mountains when you look north across the farm from Roger Road are magnificent. We also benefit from the wildlife and birds that enjoy living in the Rillito and on the Farm and that come to visit our residential areas.”

One very special form of wildlife that visits the area are the Mexican free-tail bats that migrate from Mexico to Tucson every April and head south again in October. These bats are known to congregate under the Campbell Street Bridge, on the edge of the Rillito River. They have a wingspan of about 10 inches and only weigh about 13 grams, with a body the size of a human thumb. June to August has the highest concentration of the creatures, when Tucsonans and tourists can see them take flight at dusk in a massive, magical display.

Besides the fact that the neighborhood’s central feature is an educational institution, there is also Rio Vista Elementary School on Limberlost Drive. Satori School is just across First Avenue in the Limberlost Neighborhood, as well as Holaway School, which is just south of Prince in the Richland Heights West Neighborhood. As far as churches, Monte Vista Christian Church is located at the corner of Roger Road and Fremont Ave, and Desert View Church of God is just south of Prince Road on Vine Ave.

Asked what she loves about living in the neighborhood, Bonnie Poulos said, “Living in the Campus Farm neighborhood means being near the bike path to the university, the linear park path along the Rillito, and access to 2 bus routes (#6 and #15). We are fortunate to have grocery stores at almost every major node in the neighborhood, and one of the best French bakeries in Tucson. There is access to health care, elementary schools, diverse housing opportunities, walking paths, shopping and alternative modes of travel. Yet we mostly feel like we are still in a semi-rural part of the city, blessed with incredible views of the Catalina Mountains and a historical landmark (the Farm) that provides us with cultural and educational assets that benefit the entire community of Tucson.”

Valentine's Day Tea Party at Blue Moon Garden by Marlene Avelino

It was a cold and blustery Valentine’s Day, but the Blue Moon Garden was warm with love and friendship as neighbors gathered to drink tea and share in their love of poetry. The Valentine's Tea was a partnership between the Ward 3 office and Community Gardens of Tucson. The event was spear-headed by Sasha Timpson, site coordinator for the garden, and was the second event in a two part series. Last week, on February 7th, Tucson’s Poet Laureate TC Tolbert joined community members in the garden for a poetry writing workshop. The Valentine’s Day event was a chance for participants to share their favorite poems, whether written by themselves or others, and many took turns at the microphone. It was also an opportunity for residents of Tucson House and Barrio Blue Moon to enjoy the garden space and treat themselves to delicious locally baked sweets and listen to their neighbors' poems.

TC - short for Tiger Cakes - Tolbert was named Tucson’s Poet Laureate in 2017, is trans, and identifies as genderqueer. Much of his work touches on his transition and on the body itself. One of the poems he shared at the Blue Moon Garden referenced "Melissa," his birth name and who he was before his transition, and wondered if she would be proud of the person he has become. It was beautiful and has stayed with me over the last few days. Many of us can identify with the struggle to overcome childhood challenges and the desire to make our loved ones proud of us. On this holiday celebrating love, TC reminded us of the importance of loving ourselves first, of making ourselves proud, and how difficult that journey can be.

Council Member Kevin Dahl and his wife Bam Miller were there as well as many residents of Barrio Blue Moon, including Tucson House. Several pups and a few children also made the most of the sweet treats. It was a beautiful event highlighting the love of community and expression.

Next Mayor and Council Meeting 

The next Mayor and Council Meeting is on Wednesday, February 22nd.
The agenda is available here: Mayor and Council Meeting Agendas

Ward 3 Neighborhood Association and Coalition Meetings

Fort Lowell Corridor Crime and Safety Meeting
Tuesday, February 21st, 5:30- 6:30 pm 
AGM, 3544 E. Fort Lowell Rd.

Samos Neighborhood Association 
Tuesday, February 21st, 6:30- 7:30 pm
On Zoom

Jefferson Park Neighborhood Association 
Wednesday, February 22nd, 6:00- 7:00 pm 
Ward 3 Community Room, 1510 E. Grant Rd.

The Ward 3 office is open open at 1510 E. Grant Rd. from 9 am - 1 pm, Monday through Friday. 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].

Our office will be closed on Monday, February 20th for Presidents' Day. 

VITA at Ward 3 Saturdays through April 15th

Once again, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) will be available at Ward 3 on Saturdays beginning this Saturday, January 28th, from 9am to 1pm. Appointments are required and can be made online here: unitedwaytucson.org/vita. If you have questions about the program at Ward 3, please call 520-837-4231 and leave a message so one of the Ward 3 VITA volunteers can return your call. 

United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona’s VITA program trains hundreds of volunteers each year to provide FREE tax preparation to thousands of households throughout Arizona. Taxpayers who use our service have the opportunity to work with IRS-certified VITA volunteer tax preparers, and every return is quality reviewed for accuracy and to ensure you receive the largest refund possible! Let us ease the financial and mental burden of tax season. Visit us at a VITA tax site this tax season – we can’t wait to see you! Tax sites and online preparation begin the week of January 23rd - visit unitedwaytucson.org/vita to learn more about our program and the variety of ways you can access our services! VITA tax preparation services are available to households earning less than $73,000. AARP Foundation is a sponsor of The United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona’s 2023 VITA Program. 

BICAS Art Mart on Sunday, March 26th!

From metal work to graphic design, pottery, and everything in between, BICAS is hosting an artisan market! It's a great opportunity to show your support for local artists and the BICAS non-profit organization. This event is becoming a new BICAS tradition, and BICAS is excited to host local talent and emerging artists once more in the socially diverse and inclusive artistic space that is BICAS! Free upcycled bike art activities for kids and families will be available. Artists' applications are open until March 5th (https://bicas.org/art/artmart/). For more information about the BICAS Art Mart, please contact BICAS Art: [email protected] 

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