MARCH 2026

Tucson's 31st Historic District * Homesteaded February 8, 1898

SEND LINK TO A FRIEND SO THEY CAN GET NEWS   Click Here

JEFFERSON PARK NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

MARCH 25 Meeting

Ward III Community Room - 1510 E Grant Rd

6:00 PM- Regular meeting

See agenda at: http://www.jeffersonpark.info/jpna-agenda.html

Greening Jefferson Park Workshop

March 7th - 8:00am to 11:00am

On Vine from Grant to Lester

Meet at Ward III

To see the entire scope of the committee's work, the upcoming clean up events and some special city requirements about your yard, see:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1uSR67wIw0MZBndWq4wynx78KAviw-ff-gsInYLwWcN0/edit?tab=t.0

Come meet and visit with fellow residents 

When: Saturday, March 28^th 11:30am-2:00pm

Where: International School Playground

     (enter through the south gate on Seneca)

Mexican food and beverages will be served. You will have a chance to purchase a balloon to win a gift card or prize from a local business.  

For the last few months, we have been collecting gift cards and some great items from local businesses. You'll have the chance to buy a balloon and then pop that balloon to see what you have won.

If you would like to come, please click on this link https://evite.me/GNaxxnSP5F to RSVP. Please RSVP buy 3/15. This will help us to know how much food to order (Please disregard the ads in the invite).

Thank you,Tucson businesses!

Purchase a balloon to win a Prize or Gift Certificate from one of generous many Tucson businesses.

AND MORE comimg in - 2 El Presidio Passes, book and tortilla warmer; 2 Miniature Golf Passes; GC's from The , Carly Quinn, First Watch, Crumbl Cookies, Ft. Lowell Museum,

,Prep and Pastry, Baggin's

and ...!

The Jefferson Park Linear Trail Committee is working with Parks and Rec, the City, and the Police

Neighbors adjacent to the border of the Linear Park were notified of a special February 25 meeting with TPD to discuss the issues in the Linear Park and brainstorm possible solutions.

Neighbors reported concerns:

*fires, encampments

*fear of emptying garbage when opening their back gate

*human waste against their walls

*Due to safety issues, cannot walk children on the trail any longer

Police indicated:

*Park closure earlier than 10:30PM would help

Note: People can be removed by police if park is officially closed

*More lighting would help Note: lighting would not shine in neighborhood but be oriented into the Linear Park-possibly motion activated

*Police will try to get more coverage

Attendees commented:

• Folks sleeping on benches-possibly move benches to Grant Road edge or create a divider so sleeping could not occur
• Possibly create a walking club to keep the park full of people
• Schedule a neighborhood clean up
• Partner with Parks and Recreation to find solutions
• Cut back overgrowth so park is visible from Grant and the alley
• Street lights along Grant are out. Very dark at night. Need to be fixed ASAP

PLEASE report any folks camping after park hours

Report two places

1) Homeless Encampment Reporting Tool, To report an encampment by phone, please call the City of Tucson Resource Line: (520) 791-2540

2) Then to: Officer Nicholas Franco Nicholas.Franco@tucsonaz.gov

or CS Officer Karla Rubio-Corral, 520-330-9877

Karla.Rubiocorral@tucsonaz.gov

HOWEVER If you believe a crime is being committed, such as drug sales, or it's a safety issue, such as fires being set, please call 911.

Another interesting link is the 100 police incident reports for Jefferson Park https://neighborhood.w6iwi.org

On February 19, the Zoning Examiner approved TEP's application to build the Vine substation with conditions. He stated that he has no legal right to rule on overhead lines and pylons in the right-of-way (ROW). An appeal to Mayor and Council will follow.

The Mayor and Council cannot vote solely on undergrounding, but they can vote on approving the Zoning Examiner's decision only with the condition that all lines in located within the University Area Plan are undergrounded.

Stay tuned for updates and how you can lobby Mayor and Council for undergrounding.

To review the Zoning Examiner's decision: https://www.tucsonaz.gov/files/sharedassets/public/v/1/pdsd/documents/boards-committees-commissions/ze/021226/zoning-examiner-decision-vine-avenue.pdf

(Thank you to the Undergrounding Coalition and Underground Arizona for their advocacy on this issue)

1177 E Lester, one of the large houses built in 1918 by homesteader, Annie Stattelman Lester, is demolished.

JPNA continues to work with PDSD to improve notifications.

Response from Koren Manning, Planning Development Services:



"We will have an inspector visit the site this week to see if construction is occurring before sunrise, when construction noise can legally begin.

We have reached out to the property owner/contractor to make him aware of the neighborhood concerns regarding construction noise and dust.

On the notification, the requirement would not have applied to x's address, which does not share a property line with the subject parcel where the demolition is occurring. 

In terms of future development, this site is within a Neighborhood Preservation Zone, so any proposed development would go through a design review process to ensure compatibility with the neighborhood design standards. That process will include notification to the neighborhood land use committee. No development has been proposed at this time.

We are working on a revised policy for demolition notices."

(Koren Manning, PDSD supervisor)

If you observe any construction in JPNA that seems questionable, or if you have concerns, please reach out to:

jpnalanduse@gmail.com or JPNAtucson@jeffersonpark.info

If you are considering remodeling or building in the neighborhood, please see the Jefferson Park website: http://www.jeffersonpark.info/buildinghistoric-status.html

Did you receive the letter? If you need to renew your tax information to continue to get your tax break--don't forget to do it!

Every fifteen years, it is necessary to re-apply. You should be receiving this letter in the near future, depending upon when you first applied.

QUESTIONS? SPT@azstateparks.gov

UA For Food: March 2-March 30th

Community participation during The Festival of Books or donations can be made to the Campus Pantry and Community Food Bank.

 Neighbor Curt Ench was selected by the Tucson Festival of Books as one of this year’s Indie Authors. Drop by Booth 154 to say hi!

News from U of A

Check out our calendar for community events being held on campus: https://news.arizona.edu/calendar

**********************************

U of A Spring Break: March 9-13

2026 Tucson Festival of Books: March 14-15, 2026

Tucson Festival of Books mobile apps are available for iPhone and Android.

************************************

America250: Celebrating 250 Years of American Independence

March 25 @ 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm Join us on March 25th for a celebration of America’s 250th in Tucson at the Pathway to the Presidency Exhibit in the University of Arizona Campus Store, lower level, for an evening of reflection and celebration. The program will feature voices from across the political spectrum and is an official America250 Arizona event.

***************************************

April 2 from 5-8: Wildcats Roar Against Sexual Violence 5K Run/Walk/Roll and Resource Fair

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

Join the Office of Public Safety and Survivor Support Services, along with community partners Take Back the Night Tucson and Southern Arizona Center Against Sexual Assault on Wednesday, April 2, from 5 - 8 p.m. for an evening of community, empowerment, education and action on the U of A Mall. The event features a 5K benefiting Survivor Support Services, and a free resource fair, community speakers, survivor speak-out and candlelight vigil. Learn more about the event and register for the 5K.

*************************************

April 4, 2026 U of A Museum Day:

Museums across the campus are proud to offer free or reduced admission in celebration of U of A Museum Day 2026 on Saturday, April 4 from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm.

Explore campus wonders and immerse yourself in a day filled with discovery, where you can visit twelve unique museums and collections, bridging the arts and science. Plan your day using the U of A Museum Day map.

**************************************

U of A Neighborhood Hot line to report concerns regarding U of A: (520) 282-3649 U of A Hotline.

U of A Emergency Alerts: Register for UAlert messages at UAlert Services. You can add your contact information to receive text and email messages. For information regarding Office of Public Safety, including the Campus Incidents Page.

Himmel Park Library Remodeling -- Expansion includes a new children's reading room, new reading porch, an expanded meeting facility, and improved technology.

Construction is currently scheduled for completion in Summer 2027; the contractor remains on track to meet this timeline. Following construction, a minimum of three months will be required to prepare the facility for public opening, resulting in an anticipated opening in late 2027. 

(Andres Cano, Pima County Supervisor, District 5)

New student dorm to replace Palm Shadows Apartments.on the corner of Speedway and Campbell. Demolition to start soon!

At the Feb 25 neighborhood meeting, Julie Katsel (of the UofA) reported:

"The Arizona Board of Regents approved plans for a future residence hall. Scheduled to open in time for the fall 2028 semester, the residence hall will house more than 1,200 students. .

The new residence hall will support the U of A's expectation that first-year students live on campus beginning in fall 2028, an expectation that applies to first-time, full-time students, with exceptions for students living within 30 miles of campus or facing specific circumstances or hardships."

https://news.arizona.edu/news/new-housing-project-support-student-success-u

March 26 - 30 May 28 - June 1

July 30 - Aug 3 October 22-26

Located at 4 sites in Jefferson Park:

917 E. Seneca,  1822 E. Lester St., 850 N. Tyndall and 1740 E. Edison. Containers delivered on Thursdays / picked upon Mondays.

Ward 3 and Parks and Rec met to discuss the issues. We await the results. The neighborhood and the school look forward to meeting with the City and Parks and Rec. According to Ward III, Parks and Rec needs to wait until the end of the fiscal year (June) to make decisions about returning the playground to a city park. The issues are adequate funding, liability, and maintenance.

Spanish Heritage Sourdough Bread Workshop

Thursday, March 26 10 am- 12 pm

$60 member | $70 general

Learn the process of creating delicious and healthy sourdough bread from scratch from baker Marea Jenness. This hands-on event will teach attendees everything they need to know about using sourdough starter made with heritage White Sonora Wheat that the Spanish brought to this area around 1640. Participants will prepare the starter, learn how to make the dough and how to bake a perfect loaf. Attendees will go home with a jar of sourdough starter and a loaf of sourdough bread to bake in their own kitchen, as well as a recipe for maintaining the sourdough starter.

Register Here

Tohono O'odham Frybread Workshop

Saturday, April 4 10 am -12 pm

$45 member | $55 general

Join Sherrie Cruz of Sheri’s Traditional Foods to learn the art of making Tohono O’odham frybread. Growing up on the Tohono O’odham reservation in Santa Rosa Village, Sherrie learned how to make frybread from her mother and grandmother. Today, she continues the tradition for her children and grandchildren.

A beloved staple, frybread is both delicious and versatile. It can be enjoyed as a sweet treat topped with honey, powdered sugar, or cinnamon, or as the base for hearty dishes like red chili or savory tacos with heaps of beans, beef, lettuce, tomato, and cheese. Sherrie will walk participants through the process of making frybread from scratch and assist everyone in frying the dough. Participants will take away 3-4 pieces of frybread and a recipe card to make more at home.

Register Here

Customize your conservation!



Tucson Water customers can order a FREE kit by visiting

www.eeexchange.org/twconserve

#conservation #responsiblesonorandesertdweller #wateruseitwisely



If you live in Jefferson Park, there should be no helicopters bound for Banner Hospital over your house. Jefferson Park has an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) that all helicopters must enter and leave south of the hospital.

Place this number in your phone and just call that number-it is quick and easy and helps inform Banner.

Call BUMC Security: 520-694-6533, just give location of helicopter-no need to give your name

Report online: https://forms.office.com/r/ED7gg3Lszu

Join us on the third Saturday of the month to clean up the Edison Parklet (north end of Frontage Road at Edison, off Campbell).

All garbage bags and tools are supplied, and the company is great! We report the hours to Tucson Clean & Beautiful Adopt-A-Park Program. See more information at: http://www.jeffersonpark.info/clean-committee.html

Thank you to all who have helped with the clean-ups. Please continue to report any homeless encampments to:

https://reportencampments.tucsonaz.gov/

LOCAL RESOURCES

Tucson Water Landscape Resources – Watering guides, rebates, and drought-tolerant plant lists

Trees for Tucson – Low-cost trees 

The Seed Library - Free seeds available at Pima County libraries. Martha Cooper is our closest library.

Master Gardeners - Free classes, information, plus free advice! You can email your questions or ask in-person.

Thanks to our neighbors at North Dodge, Sam Hughes, and Cabrini for this helpful information!

CODE VIOLATIONS IN JEFFERSON PARK - See the latest code violations reported in Jefferson park https://neighborhood.w6iwi.org/cezjefferson.html

100 LATEST POLICE REPORTS IN JEFFERSON PARK - See the 100 latest police activity in the neighborhood by location https://neighborhood.w6iwi.org

Lend A Hand really needs more volunteers, especially to provide rides for clients to medical appointments and assist with other necessities. Even if a volunteer can only provide one ride a month, that would help! If interested, please see the website for information: https://www.lahseniorhelp.org/ 

STARVillageinfo@primavera.org

STAR Program Manager (concerns/grievances):

520-603-7050

Donations Needed: STAR Village Safe Sleeping Site

The City of Tucson, in partnership with local nonprofits, launched the STAR Village pilot program; a safe outdoor sleeping space designed to support individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness. This community driven initiative, Serving Together and Rebuilding (STAR), will provide space for up to 25 participants at a time. The site will be continuously staffed to ensure safety and will also include access to on-site social services and medical assistance, helping participants move toward more stable housing.  Funding for STAR Village will come from a mix of Mayor and Council office budgets, local nonprofits, and private fundraising but community support is vital. Help support STAR Village at Primavera.org

Read the news release 

Jefferson Park MOU stipulates a "fly friendly" path. No flights over Jefferson Park. Report fly-overs. It is quick and easy. Call BUMC Security: 520-694-6533, or

Report online: https://forms.office.com/r/ED7gg3Lszu

MONTHLY REPORT

A medical flight is considered both an arrival and a departure of the same aircraft.

August - Total Flights = 176 (88 arrivals, 88 departures)' 19 non-compliant arrivals(21.59%), 12 non-compliant departures (14%) 5 neighbor

September - Total flights =101 (101 arrivals, 101departures), 28 non-compliant arrivals, 9 departures noncompliant - Eight neighbor reports.

Reports for 2024 and 2025 at http://www.jeffersonpark.info/helicopters---banner.html 

KNOW WHERE TO THROW - Go to the city webiste for all the details! https://www.knowwheretothrow.com

ONLY ORANGE BAGS/GLASS/ - NEW LOCATION

..Everything else, place in your blue bin

The Ward 6 Recycling Center has moved to 850 S. Randolph Way (just south of Hi Corbett Field).



Items that you WILL be able to drop off to be recycled:

• Plastic in Orange Hefty Bags only.
• Glass
• Food scraps for the FoodCycle compost program -- but you must go through Food/Cycle training program.

Use your own blue bin for for recycling cardboard, paper, aluminum, tin, and plastics #1, #2, and #5.

BUY NOTHING FACEBOOK PAGE - Post your items on the Buy Nothing Facebook page and share with others.

REALLY, REALLY FREE MARKET at Himmel Park near the tennis courts on the third Saturday of every month. Winter hours 9 -11, Summer 8 - 1.

BRINGING OUT THE BEST THRIFT SHOP on Speedway. Beyond what they can sell, they recycle everything: rags, unusable clothing, old shoes, appliances, etc.  They shred clothing that is no longer wearable and use it as stuffing in dog and cat beds for rescue groups.

TUCSON REPAIR CAFE - check with them first through their Facebook page, but they often accept electronics and appliances, small household items, etc, that can be repaired or be taken apart to use for parts.

SUBURBAN MINERS located one block west of Alvernon. They repurpose and recycle all kinds of electronic equipment. They also accept other household items and have a "Free Store" open to the public. Suburban Miners is located about a mile away on Blacklidge, just a block off Alvernon.

ELECTRONICS RECYCLING: SWS Computers on Speedway, just west of Alvernon quite near us, recycles nearly anything electronic for free.

A few of the many, many wonderful charities where you can make donations: 

• Assistance League on Alvernon between Pima and Speedway. Will pick up large items. https://altucson.org/donate/
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Arizona
• Goodwill
• Humane Society of Southern Arizona Thrift Store
• Habitat for Humanity - will pick up large items in good condition.

https://www.habitattucson.org/habistore/donate-items

(Thank you Garden District E-news)

The Environmental and General Services Team wants to support residents following the summer storm damage. Residents can request for a Special Brush & Bulky collection at https://bit.ly/OneCallHaulsItAll. You'll place your materials where you normally set out for brush & bulky pickup and the team will pick up and dispose of your debris, and tree trimmings at the landfill. All for $55! Residents can share the cost with a neighbor as long as it's no more than 10 cubic yards. (from Ward III newsletter)

911 remains your contact for any police related concerns :

• Suspicious activity/persons
• Any thefts
• Any shots fired
• Car theft/damage
• Domestic violence
• Medical assistance
• Fire
• Loud Parties/underage alcohol/dangerous behavior

HOMELESS REPORTING

Jefferson Park: Report any homeless encampments immediately to:

Homeless Encampment Reporting Tool 

https://reportencampments.tucsonaz.gov/  

To report an encampment by phone, please call the City of Tucson Resource Line: (520) 791-2540

For Services & Resources for the Homeless:

Call: 520-791-2540

What do I report to 311? Use it to report any variety of housekeeping concerns. Any city function that is not an emergency.

i.e. messes in park, graffitti, water leaks in park...

311 will forward to appropriate entity.

There’s a 311 portal on the City of Tucson website. Use this link to find that: Tucson 311 Service Request Portal and download links 

ABOVE: Little Free Library located on Seneca between Warren and Vine.

RIGHT: Kiosk at Lester and Warren in Banner basin area. Cooperative project between Banner and Jefferson Park.

Entrance Signs at Campbell Ave created by our talented neighbor and well known artist, Carly Quinn.

ABOVE: Little Free Library - Vine and Lester

BELOW: Ramada and parklet honoring the UA Polo Team - north end of Warren

RIGHT: Seed Library - Vine and Waverly

BELOW: Park/ Grant Monument Sign declares JP is an Historic District

Emergency preparedness is the responsibility of every resident in the City of Tucson,

Make a Plan

Build a Kit

Sign up for Pima County "My Alerts" to receive emergency notifications

Information about preparedness from Ready.gov

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

TPD RESOURCES for JEFFERSON PARK

Westside Police Service Center, 1310 W Miracle Mile, 520-791-4467

TPD OFFICERS ASSIGNED TO JP​

CRO Karla Rubio-Corral #105100

Work: 520-330-9877

Email:Karla.Rubiocorral@tucsonaz.gov

SGT. Matthew Alexander #43116

Email: Matthew.Alexander@tucsonaz.gov

For sharing photos of concerns or to report suspicious activity that is ongoing, contact: Karla.RubioCorral@TucsonAZ.gov

NEED A PERMIT? PDSD launched a Permit Dashboard . The interactive dashboard provides insight into the permitting process. Since the launch, PDSD has consistently met target review times more than 90% of the time.

Ward III is accepting furniture, cooking supplies, etc.—anything that might help someone set up a house. Drop items off at the Ward III office, 1510 E Grant (corner of Grant and Vine). Is the item too big? Give Ward III a call for pickup at (520) 791-4711; they will come, pick it up, and take it to the Wildcat House, where it will help folks who are just getting into housing.

Ward III also has "Slow Down" signs - FOR FREE!

Roaches getting too friendly? Report them!

Roach Control Hotline

Automated line, please provide requested information and staff will return the call

(520) 724-3401

Reporting Roach Activity | Pima County, AZ

https://www.pima.gov/1941/Reporting-Roach-Activity

GRAFFITI

• Report by Phone: (520) 792-CITY (2489).
• Graffiti on bus stops report to Sun Tran customer service at (520) 792-9222.

Give information: Address/cross streets of the graffiti. Graffiti removed only within City limits.

For graffiti, potholes,etc:

SeeClickFix Online

View SeeClickFix Tutorial Video

HELP END DANGEROUS ILLEGAL GATHERINGS

REPORT any time of day, any number of people, if unruly.

1) Loud party calls should go to 911.

2) Additionally, if student-related, contact the UA. Neighborhood Hotline to report concerns at 520-282-3649.

3) Loud music/noise calls may be reported online: https://www.tucsonaz.gov/apps/crime-reporting/



SY 2024-25 STATS

July '24 - June '25: Loud parties: 22; Red Tags: 5 (no data for August and September 2024)

SY 2025-26 STATS

July:

Aug: Loud parties: 3; Red Tags: 1

When to call? Access the red tag info sheet - CLICK HERE

STUDENTS DISTURBING THE PEACE

If at any point your peace is disturbed, report neighborhood loud party/unruly gathering complaints to 911. You may also call the UA Neighborhood Hotline at 520-282-3649. A team from the University’s community relations office and TPD’s Red Tag Unit are available to visit problematic properties to educate students about the City’s Unruly Gathering Ordinance and the UA’s consequences for violation of the Student Code of Conduct.

Friends of Jefferson Park, Inc our non-profit. To donate go the the link above

Jefferson Park Assn - Become a paid member:

Pay by check. You will find a form at the link (above) in order to pay by check

or

Pay by Zelle: Instructions for using Zelle.

1.      You will need to have Zelle set up with your bank.

2.      You will need to have your bank app on your phone.

3.      You will need to put Jefferson Park’s Email address in your contacts on your phone: jeffersonparkna31@gmail.com

4.      Once the address is in your contacts on your phone and you have the app on your phone, you can send in your dues or a donation.

5.      Your bank advisor can help you if you are uncertain how it works as each bank app maybe a bit different.

Jefferson Park is proud to feature local businesses that support our neighborhood. To place an ad in our E-news, contact jdchama@msn.com. We have 12-15 editions annually, reaching over 350 local residents. Cost of one business card sized image = $120/year

Many thanks to The Prime Leaf for the Grant/Euclid Monument sign

Thanks to North America Powder Coating for the sign stands and DTM traffic for the sign manufacture.

Many thanks to the family of Minette Burges for the Park/Grant monument sign

THANK YOU STARBUCKS at Campbell/Grant for donating to our events! Yummm!

Thanks to our neighbor Carly Quinn, creator of the current two entrance signs.

Thank you Carly. You have made the neighborhood's east side entrance quite lovely. Like her designs? Email: info@carlyquinndesigns.com Phone: (520) 624-4117

See a new neighbor? Alert the representative in your area to let them know to take by a welcome packet!

Every Area Rep would appreciate help distributing doorhangers or taking Welcome Packets to new residents. Contact them via email.

Another newsletter chock full of information!

Miranda Schubert, WARD VI, 520-791-4601

Ward 6 newsletter:

 www.tucsonaz.gov/ward-6/news

District Five Contact Info: Andres Cano

Email: district5@pima.gov, Phone:724-8126

Website: http://www.pima.gov/district5

Community Liaison: Julie Elvick Julie.Elvick@pima.gov

Chief of Staff: Montserrat Caballero,

Special Staff Assistant: Arianna Martinez Reyna



Board of Supervisors Meetings:

www.facebook.com/pimacountyarizona/ Live meeting broadcast: http://pima.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=3

Participate in the call to the public: Contact the Clerk of the Board’s Office at (520) 724-8449 Send in a written comment: email COBmail@pima.gov

If you have something that you feel neighbors need to know, please let us know. We want the newsletter to be an information hub for Jefferson Park. Please send your information to Joan Daniels at jdchama@msn.com or to Colleen Nichols at cnichols17@cox.net. Also, if you see an error do not hesitate to contact one of us!!

jdchama@msn.com

cnichols17@cox.net