Kevin's Ward 3 News and Updates
Friday, February 10, 2023

Proactive Expungement for Low-level Marijuana Convictions Approved

“Low-level marijuana offenses are fundamentally unjust. They result from harmless behavior that is now legal, but the offenses still follow people for a lifetime, causing landlords to reject housing applications, limiting opportunities to receive state licenses, and leading many employers to deny jobs to otherwise qualified applicants.” -AZ NORML

In Tucson, there are more than 10,000 people who were convicted on marijuana charges prior to 2021. They have a black mark against them, while at the same time, legalized marijuana has turned into a serious cash crop for those lucky enough to secure a dispensary license. Arizona voters overwhelmingly legalized recreational marijuana in 2020 which has since grown into a thriving, billion-dollar industry.

The law (Proposition 207) also included a method for past marijuana records to be expunged -- it’s just not fair that so many people have this stigmatizing item on their record. We know that people of color are far more likely to be arrested and convicted of illegal marijuana use - and this is very much an equity issue.

To date, only 100 people in Tucson have had their records expunged. The current situation is one that requires resources and personal initiative from those looking to get an expungement to navigate the legal and bureaucratic process. In Arizona, only Maricopa County has made the process proactive. Knowing that so many more people could be helped, my office asked our City Attorney to look at whether Tucson could start a similar proactive program.

Concerned about the staff load of such a project, City Attorney Mike Rankin sought help from the UA Law School. Mayor and Council this week unanimously endorsed his proposal so that Tucson will soon be working with the school’s Civil Rights Restoration Clinic. Law students in the clinic will track down good addresses for eligible expungement candidates and fill out and file the necessary paperwork with the court. 

The expungement project will be some work, and will take time, but will ultimately improve the lives of many people.

-Kevin

Campus Community Relations with Ward 3 by Katie Bolger

Our office recently met with Julie Katsel, the Assistant Vice President for Community Relations at the University of Arizona. Julie has been with the U of A just over 5 years. She is responsible for maintaining positive working relationships with the Tucson and Pima County community, local elected and appointed officials, their staffs, and leaders from the business, education, and non-profit sectors.

Julie grew up on Tucson’s east side attending Utterback Junior High and Sahuaro High Schools. While at Utterback she served on a youth advisory board for Congressman Jim Kolbe, and eventually ended up working for him in his DC office. After leaving DC and prior to joining the U of A, Julie was the Southern Arizona Director for United States Senator Jeff Flake for five years. She also worked for 17 years on Senator Jon Kyl’s Tucson staff.

While the University is a major player and partner to the entire Tucson Community, the Ward 3 office represents a small slice of neighbors who directly border the campus. For this reason, Wards 3 and 6 attend monthly Campus Community Relations (CCR) meetings, where neighborhood representatives get the opportunity to connect and communicate with the University (through Julie) while sharing common concerns and interests with other university area neighborhoods.

When asked about her favorite part of her role, Julie responded that she loved being able to “represent the voice of the Tucson Community to the University of Arizona”.

The Ward 3 office appreciates our relationship with Julie. She is pro-active, accessible and cares about the Tucson Community. We look forward to continuing to work together!

The Road to Climate Collapse Will Be Well Paved and 6 Lanes Wide 
by Marlene Avelino

In 2006, Pima County voters approved the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) – a 20-year half-cent tax to fund regional road, transit, and safety projects. The original 2006 plan was created by a robust and diverse group of volunteers called the RTA Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC). In 2018, a new CAC was formed to begin work on RTA Next, which, if approved, will extend the sales tax for the next 20 years of regional transportation projects. RTA Next will include new projects and some projects from 2006 that weren't constructed due to less-than-anticipated revenues. The RTA Next CAC currently consists of 30 members, though bylaws state there can be up to 35 members. This important committee shapes the package of projects that will be presented to voters.

In 2021, the RTA Next CAC had experienced several resignations and lost active members through attrition. Mayor Romero, the City’s representative to the RTA Board (which oversees and manages the entire 20-year RTA program), negotiated an additional 11 members to the CAC with an emphasis on members who could bring greater diversity to the committee. Whereas previous CAC members were selected based entirely on geographic diversity and a loosely defined “interest in mobility” category, Mayor Romero ensured a candidate’s age, race, and gender would also be considered. These members are tasked with advising on behalf of every kind of transportation option - whether people may need to get from one place to another via car, bike, wheelchair, stroller, or by foot. Because of their own lived experiences, many of the new members are dedicated to advocating for public transportation and other, non-motorized (and climate friendly) modes of travel.

Ward 3 dads riding bikes to Tahoe Park with their two little ones

Of those new members, several have voiced concerns regarding how meetings are managed, and some members have expressed doubt in the effectiveness of their own participation. Several Letters to the Editor have been printed in the Arizona Daily Star stating their frustration. Our office has received many complaints directly as well. One of the most repeated concerns form CAC members is a feeling of dismissiveness from RTA staff regarding any project or feature that doesn’t fall into a road category.

While it was Pima voters that approved the adoption of the RTA, it was created and clearly defined by the state legislature: Arizona Revised Statute Title 48, section 5309:

48-5309. Regional transportation plan; definitions

A. The authority shall develop a twenty year regional transportation plan that is subject to approval by the qualified electors of the county and financed by a transportation excise tax approved pursuant to section 42-6106 and bonds issued pursuant to article 2 of this chapter. The regional transportation plan:

1. May give priority to multimodal transportation operations and improvements along corridors where seventy-five percent or more of the adjacent census tracts had a population density of at least three thousand persons per square mile according to the most recent United States decennial census.

2. Shall include a public transportation component.

3. May, among other things:

The enabling legislation goes on to list all the elements that MAY be considered secondary to a public transportation component. Statutory interpretation has some clear rules. Generally, the more important things are listed first. Always, the word ‘shall’ is a mandate, and ‘may’ is an option. Many people believe that both multimodal and public transportation should be a priority to the RTA, and while some of the official documents say that’s the case, in practice, it appears that’s not the case.

The new CAC appointees who have reached out are frustrated and have shared that their requests for meetings at accessible times for working people have been ignored. Meetings are currently held on Mondays at 11, and while they are hybrid, internet access is still a barrier for many, and the luxury of taking a several hour ‘break’ from work is not common. In addition, there is no avenue for the volunteers to shape the agenda. They are denied the opportunity during the meeting to add an agenda topic to the next meeting, and they are told they cannot add an agenda item in between meetings. They are prohibited from sharing useful information like research papers or relevant articles. They may not request presentations from experts in the field of transportation science, including from our own University of Arizona, and instead only receive information from RTA and PAG (Pima Association of Governments) staff. The committee's own unanimously adopted guiding principles are ignored. You can view the guiding principles here: Guiding Principles.

The focus of the group has been on roadway projects first, despite repeated requests by multiple members to address the plan holistically or begin with public transportation. Climate change and equity are rarely discussed and don't seem to be at all incorporated into any of the suggested roadway projects. Facts like induced demand and speed as a factor in road safety have been dismissed and treated as opinions. Requests for materials to be shared about these and other issues have been ignored.

According to the CAC bylaws, “Membership of the Committee shall be appointed to ensure geographical balance and knowledge in transportation mobility and accessibility needs," and yet the wealth of knowledge and experience the committee members bring to the table is wholly ignored. From what we hear, the sentiment is that the road to climate collapse will be well paved and 6 lanes wide.  

La Madera Neighborhood by CJ Boyd 

The La Madera Neighborhood runs from Fort Lowell Road to Glenn Street and from Tucson Boulevard to Country Club Road. La Madera Park is at the center of the neighborhood, both in the geographical and cultural sense. The park is a hub for family gatherings, games, and all sorts of other recreation. 

About 1,500 people live in La Madera. The population is mostly families and most own their home. Thought there are some apartment buildings, the majority of the neighborhood is made of single-family homes. Many of the homes were built in the 1940s and 1950, though there are also quite a few newer homes. According to the website Niche, which allows users to rate neighborhoods all over the country, La Madera is the #7 best neighborhood in which to live in Tucson. 

Treat Avenue, which runs down the middle of the neighborhood except where the park interrupts it, is a Bike Boulevard and is used widely by bicyclists in the area. 

While there are no schools located within the bounds of La Madera, there are two located just across Tucson Blvd in neighboring Shaheen Estates. Gertrude Cragin Elementary School sits at Tucson Blvd. and Blacklidge Drive, and Northminster Christian School, which is housed inside Northminster Presbyterian Church, is located at the corner of Fort Lowell Rd. and Tucson Blvd.

Similarly, there are no churches located in the La Madera Neighborhood, but there are four just outside its official boundaries. Besides Northminster Presbyterian, there's Tucson Chinese Baptist Church at the corner of Tucson Blvd and Fort Lowell. Across Country Club in the Cabrini neighborhood is Vineyard City Church, located in Winterhaven Square, the strip mall that includes The Egg Connection and D’s Island Grill. Finally, across Glenn in the Country Glenn neighborhood, is the Tucson Church of God of Prophecy.

Along the northern border of La Madera, there are a number of neighborhood gems for food and beverages. Seven Cups Fine Chinese Teas recently relocated from Sam Hughes to a lovely new spot on the corner of Fort Lowell and Tucson Blvd. That location also has a wonderful new mural on display. And just east of there on Fort Lowell, diners and drinkers can find Gallery of Food, Maria Bonita Mexican Kitchen, and Danny's Baboquivari Lounge. Caravan Grill is nearby, too, at the corner of Country Club and Glenn.

La Madera is also home to a few small, locally owned markets such as Aqua Vita Market and Caravan Mideastern Foods, both located at the corner of Glenn and Country Club, and Carniceria Aguajito on Fort Lowell and Treat.

Next Mayor and Council Meeting 

The next Mayor and Council Meeting is on Wednesday, February 22nd.
Once available, the agenda will be posted here: Mayor and Council Meeting Agendas

Ward 3 Neighborhood Association and Coalition Meetings

Alvernon-Grant Initiative 
Tuesday, February 14th, 6:00- 7:00 pm 
Emmanuel Baptist Church, 1825 N. Alvernon Way. 

Miracle Manor Neighborhood Association 
Wednesday, February 15th, 6:00- 7:00 pm 
Good News Community Church, 701 W. Glenn St.  

Flowing Wells Neighborhood Association 
Thursday, February 16th, 6:00- 7:00 pm 
Ellie Towne Flowing Wells Community Center, 1660 W. Ruthrauff Rd.

Amphi Neighborhood Association 
Thursday, February 16th, 6:30- 7:30 pm 
Woods Memorial Library, 3455 N. 1st Ave.

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. 

Family Game Night at the Donna Liggins Center on Friday, February 17th !

Tucson Parks and Recreation’s Donna Liggins Center (2160 N 6th Ave.) is hosting a free Family Fun Night on Friday, February 17th from 6-8 p.m. The event will include a game night with board games, card games, and video games for the whole family to enjoy. There will also be food, drinks, and a prize raffle. Call (520) 791-3247 to reserve a spot. 

Literacy Connects Clean Up on Saturday, February 18th!   

Literacy Connects adopted Prince Rd. from First Ave. to Oracle Road in 2017 through Tucson Clean & Beautiful's Adopt a Street program. In 2020, they adopted Yavapai Rd. from Stone Ave. to First Ave. as well.

Weather permitting, their next scheduled trash pickup will be Saturday, February 18th, from 9:30-11:00 am. Family and friends are welcome. Please email Rebecca Werner ([email protected]) if you're interested in joining. They'll meet at Literacy Connects (200 E. Yavapai Rd.) at 9:30 to get vests, gloves, grabbers, and trash bags. 

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]

Get Paid to Get Lifeguard Certified!

Are you or someone you know looking for a part-time job? Tucson Parks and Recreation is hiring lifeguards to operate and maintain the safety at City pools year-round. The minimum age to be a lifeguard is 15 years old. Pay starts at $16.75/hour.

The City will pay applicants to get their Lifeguard Certification through the City’s certification path. The lifeguard class is an intense, fast-paced course, and strong swim skills are required. All applicants must pass a swim test to qualify. For more information on becoming a lifeguard or to register for the swim test, visit the website. 

Read Tucson's Draft Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP) !

Throughout 2022, the City worked to develop a climate action and adaptation plan that will provide a strategic pathway to reduce the City’s emissions to net zero by 2030, explain the anticipated impacts of climate change across the City, identify the communities that will be most vulnerable to those impacts, and provide strategies that will assure that Tucson can adapt and be resilient to the impacts of climate change – now and in the future. The City has posted the draft climate action and adaptation plan, "Tucson Resilient Together," on the Climate Action Hub website here. The plan is open for public review and comments until Tuesday, February 21st. Use the link on that site to add your comments on the plan.

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