Websites: jeffersonpark.info and grantroadcoalition.com February 9 , 2021
For previous editions of Jefferson Park newsletters CLICK HERE.
Jefferson Park Neighborhood Association Meeting
Wednesday, Feb 24, 6 p.m.
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 869 9816 8476
Passcode: 693954

Links, current agendas and past minutes are posted on
Safety Meeting - Virtual
Tuesday Feb 23, 6pm
These meetings with Officer Erin Peters will be chaired by Rosemary Bolza, Executive VP of JPNA.
Meet 2021 Board Members
Jefferson Park Assn:
Friends of Jefferson Park, Inc:
Welcome aboard Louie, Tom, and Ricardo!
Read about our two neighborhood boards at the links above
Thank you generous neighbors....
...and thank you Area Reps, Jon, Louie, Judy, Erin, Laurel Heather and Marjorie, who distributed the door hangers!

Many neighbors joined the Association with their $15 membership. Many also donated to the neighborhood non-profit for neighborhood projects.

The door hanger campaign allows all neighbors to join in the work to keep Jefferson Park the lovely neighborhood it is.
Plant Sale Update. We need your old pots!
Well it is starting to feel like spring...or is it our exaggerated optimism? We thank Ricardo, our second pots donor. Thanks to Louie who is donating potting soil.

If you have old pots, we will come pick them up. Call Joan D. at 300-1980. For plant or potting soil donations, call Laurel Heather at 343-0073 or E-mail trdswmn@cox.net.
Need pots for cacti, for flowers, for herbs...big and small.
We need your old pots! They will get a facelift and be given plants.
Preserving Jefferson Park
If you see something that needs fixing-report it!
These large banners are illegal in an R-1 neighborhood. The city has put a temporary moratorium on ticketing "open for business" Covid banners.

However, in residential zones these oversized signs continue to be illegal.

If you see one, report it!


The one above plus 1727 Edison and 1615 Hampton have been reported and have been removed.
Please keep an eye on the vegetation. No one noticed or reported these lovely Aleppos dying until it was too late--irrigation problems.

Thank you TDOT! The dead trees have been removed after being reported. A request has been submitted for new trees.

Various entities are responsible for the public landscaping in JP. Check with your Area Rep below.
If you do not know how to report, let your area representative know. Find your area rep map and contact information (scroll down a bit) at http://www.jeffersonpark.info/jp-neighborhood-assn.html
Entrance Sign on West Side of Neighborhood Your memberships, donations, and volunteerism making things happen!
TDOT gives approval for entrance sign
at the Hampton/Edison Traffic Circle
Jesse Soto,Tucson Department of
Transportation, met with neighbors to give his preliminary approval to the proposed signage.
The JPNA board has already approved the project. JPNA and your donations to the Friends of Jefferson Park will cover the costs of the project. Also discussed was the possibility for a sign at Grant and Euclid. Watch this newsletter for updates on installation. Many thanks to neighbor Zach MacDonald.
Joan H, Louie W, Zach M and Jesse Soto look over the proposed site.
Jesse Soto (TDOT) and Zach consider the possibility of a sign at the corner.
Glass Recycling
Feb 1- no more glass in the Blue Bins
https://tucson.com/news/local/a-guide-to-what-you-can-and-cant-recycle-in-tucson/collection_a25e4546-c6a4-11e8-944a-4fb717460d01.html#1No more glass in the blue recycling bins as of February 1. Take your glass to these purple bins located throughout Tucson.
The nearest purple bins for Jefferson Park are located at:
Mansfield Park - 2000 N 4th Avenue
Ward VI Office - 3202 E 1st Street
ALERT! Brush 'n Bulky coming soon!
February 22 in the alley
Health and Heritage Trail - From drawings to reality.....
Green stake means a new tree is coming!
View looking west
Folks are already walking and jogging on the Health and Heritage Trail, our Linear Park! A few more updates:
More Trees: Jefferson Park recently met with Parks and Recreation to request that we be able to plant additional trees. Last Sunday a team of neighbors marked places for additional trees. Trees for Tucson has offered to supply the trees. We have selected sites for 24 more trees and submitted our request. Parks and Rec will dig the holes and install the needed irrigation. Neighbors need to plant. Updates to follow.
Monument Sign: The placement of the "Health and Heritage Trail - Jefferson Park" sign has been confirmed. Bids for building it are being sought.
The six history signs: Six bases are nearly completed. The final edit is in progress. Soon the images will be sent to TDOT sign shop.
IF YOU WALK THE TRAIL - Near the emitters the weeds have encroached. Pull 'em if you see them. Thanks.
Your tree trimmings will feed animals at Zoo
Doing some New Year yard work? Got tree trimmings? The zoo needs those trimmings to feed the animals. What kind of trimmings? Go to https://reidparkzoo.org/blog/we-need-browse/
If you have what the animals need, contact Marsha Schlanger at mschlan@gmail.com and she will arrange for pick up.
Red Tags, Complaints, etc.
HELP END DANGEROUS ILLEGAL GATHERINGS
1) Loud party/Loud music calls should go to 911.
2) Additionally, if student-related, contact the UA Neighborhood Hotline to report concerns at 520-282-3649.
 CLICK HERE to see Flow Chart 
REPORT anytime of day, any number of people if unruly, any grouping over 10 (in Covid times).
LAST MONTH STATS January- 3 red tags, 1 loud party call

See the latest crimes in Jeff Park: nsn.soaz.info/incidents/zjefferson.html
See code violations in Jeff Park:  neighsupport.net/codevio/cezjefferson.html
New Strategy.....Taking Legal Action?
Put the 138Kv Electric Poles UNDERGROUND
Learn about the Underground Coalition and the proposal for undergrounding the TEP poles. Is it affordable? Read the proposal at: http://www.jeffersonpark.info/tep-138-kv-poles.html

TEP continues to stand with the three overheading options, two of which bisect Jefferson Park. The Coalition believes it has a reasonable request for Undergrounding, and is considering legal action to pressure TEP.

Make your voice heard:
Jeff Park's CWG Representatives suggest you continue to flood the TEP website, tep.com/kino-to-demoss-petrie with our concerns and ask them to underground the lines.
Coming May 2021
Coming soon to the crosswalks on Mountain.
Jefferson Park Traffic Committee and Tucson Department of Transportation have been working together to calm traffic in the neighborhood and make it safer for pedestrians and bicyclists as well as vehicles.

TDOT tells us the pedestrian installation signs will take place in May we are 19th in line.
Ward III News - Paul Durham Resigning
Our Council member, Paul Durham, who has been out on family leave for the past few months, will resign his position as of March 1, 2021.

The Mayor and Council will select someone to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the existing term. The council is reported to be considering Karen Uhlich, our former Council person, to fill the position until the regular election.

We thank Paul for all of his work on behalf of Jefferson Park and Ward 3. We wish him the very best in both his personal and professional life as he moves forward.
5G Poles in Neighborhoods
Two neighborhoods have taken action
Sam Hughes Neighborhood Association has consulted an attorney. Their attorney found out that in Tucson, Verizon has submitted 186 small pole applications; AT&T has submitted 385 with 28 withdrawn; Mobilite has submitted 62 with 36 withdrawn, and Crown Castle, which provides fiber to AT&T sites, is preparing plans for City review.

Country/Glenn neighborhood produced the following brochure to disseminate 5G information to their residents. They asked us to spread their word to our residents and neighborhoods and share this brochure. Click HERE to download the brochure.

PLEASE CONTACT WARD III IMMEDIATELY
IF YOU BECOME AWARE OF A NEW 5G POLE
In most instances, thus far, residents and property owners are given little or ZERO warning of construction of a 35 ft pole and accessory equipment in front of their home. Please alert the Ward III office if you become aware of a new pole. If we do not notify Ward III immediately, oftentimes the Telecom Company has too much invested into a location to be willing to consider moving the pole and equipment. (Thank you, Garden District Newsletter)
Street Racing-a Tucson growing Problem
Click the arrow to open the You Tube link
Street racing has been an issue with JP neighbors for several months. Other neighborhoods have been facing the same problems.
Tax Preparation
-free under $66,000 annual earnings
With the financial impact COVID is having on many households, for many people the upcoming income tax season takes on greater importance than it might have in the past. Our partners at the United Way are geared up to help with tax preparation. You can do this with them online, in person, or by using the United Way online tax support system. All of the options are free for households earning up to $66,000 annually.

Starting on February 1st, United Way of Tucson's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program can help you file for free. Mindful of the COVID-19 pandemic, United Way is teaming up with GetYourRefund.org to provide free, online, one-on-one tax assistance from real, live IRS-certified tax preparers.

The in-person sites are scattered throughout the city. You can find the one closest to you by going to www.unitedwaytucson.org/vita. You can also call 333.5810 to set up an appointment. For the online help, visit www.getyourrefund.org/uwtsa. And if you just want to use their online software, access that through www.unitedwaytucson/freefile.  

With each of those options you’re going to need some documentation. It’s the usual information; picture I.D., social security numbers, income verification – that sort of stuff. The normal advice we hear is that the earlier you file, the sooner you’ll get your refund. And so far we have not heard the April 15th deadline is being extended again this year. Now’s not too early to connect with United Way. You can go to their website to get more information: www.unitedwaytucson.org.  
From Steve K's Ward 6 and North Dodge newsletters
"Phishing" Emails, Texts and Scams
There are quite a few "phishing" scams, phony emails, texts, and phone calls being made. For example, a call or text telling you that your Social Security number has been compromised, and is now frozen, or scammers posing as TEP saying that you have to make payment or your electricity will be disconnected.

There are many attempts to get people to hand over their personal identifying information. Do not open suspicious, unsolicited texts or emails. This is a scam and you should never click on unsolicited or suspicious links in texts or emails.
PLEASE ALERT ELDERLY NEIGHBORS ABOUT THESE SCAMS.

Caller ID: The Tucson Police Department wants to remind the public to be cautious of relying on Caller ID to identify the person calling, as Caller ID is easily spoofed. These types of calls are, unfortunately, all too common across the county. The scammer is attempting to gather as much personal information to commit identity theft or convince the victim to make payments that are unnecessary.

If you receive one of these calls, HANG UP. No legitimate business or government agency will make an unsolicited call and attempt to gather your personal identifying information and/or request you to make payments via untraceable means (cash), or cash equivalent when being sent somewhere (gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, person to person pay (P2P) i.e. Venmo, Zelle, etc.). If you are unsure, you can contact the business directly with a number you look up, talk to a trusted family member or friend, and/or contact your local law enforcement.

Reporting / Resources
  • If you sent money to a scammer, immediately contact the company you used to send the money (i.e. your bank, Western Union, iTunes, Google Play, etc.) and alert them about the fraudulent transaction. They may not be able to get your money back, but it is important to alert them of fraud.
  • A person who has information about a phone scam should report that information to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC website provides a lot of information on current scams.
  • Federal Trade Commission - Report a scam - >>>CLICK HERE<<<
  • If you lost money, or have information to believe these criminals are in the local area, a local police report may also be appropriate
Tucson Police Department - Online reporting - >>>CLICK HERE<<<

(Thank you, Garden District News, for this important info.)
GREENING AND CLEANING
EDISON Parklet (Edison and Campbell)
Back to in-person with social distancing
3rd Saturday of the month, 8:00 am, in the parklet at the end of Edison at Campbell Avenue.
We have once again started our monthly cleaning and picking up trash at the parklet. We meet on the third Saturday of the month at 8:00 A.M. We can easily socially distance, and it really is an enjoyable way to spend an early morning. Garbage bags and tools supplied. Hoping for a big turn-out "Many hands make light work". If you do pick up trash during the week, or just prefer to pick it up at your time of choice, please contact Joanne Osuna at cricket16@cox.net and your time will count. We report our hours to Tucson Clean and Beautiful as part of the Adopt-a-Park Program.
Important Trash and Recycling Information
THE 2021 ROLL-OFFS
2 locations:
917 E. Seneca, and 1822 E. Lester
4/8 - 4/12, 5/20- 5/24
9/30-10/4, 12/16-12/20
THE BLUE BIN:
Starting in February, no more glass in the Blue Bins. Tucson will begin to recycle and reuse glass within the community.

Brush and Bulky Pick up in Your Alley:
Pickup Date #1: 2/22/2021
Pickup Date #2: 8/30/2021

NOTE: Roll-offs are scheduled by our JPNA for our neighbors. In 2021, City of Tucson is limiting neighborhoods to 2 (instead of 4) for each date.
Household Hazardous Waste Disposal
To see the 2021 schedule for drop off places go to https://www.tucsonaz.gov/files/gov/HHW_2021_Schedule_1.pdf
LINKS AND CONTACTS
Helicopter Noise/ Banner Hospital contact
BUMC Security: 520-694-6533
The med evac flight path is south of Jefferson Park. There should be no choppers over Jeff Park residences. Report non-compliant flights to Banner - 520-694-6533
Sorry to report
An uptick in mail theft in JP. Collect your mail immediately.
Sign up for informed delivery.
POLICE/FIRE - 911
​NON-EMERGENCY - 791-4444
​REPORT A CRIME ​88-CRIME - (882-7463)
Anonymously report suspicious activity/persons.

JP Lead Officer: Ofc. Joclyn Avilez.
Phone: 520-307-1252.

JP Community Resource Officer: Erin Peters
Email: erin.peters@tucsonaz.gov
Phone: 520-965-7670
LEND A HAND
Need help or want to volunteer?
CONTACT US
(520) 248-6882
Lend A Hand Senior Assistance
 PO Box 41323, T/A 85717-1323
COVID-19 Reliable sources of information
VACCINATIONS - The website http://www.pima.gov/covid19vaccine is your best source of current info. Today, the site has a detailed breakdown of which subgroups within Group 1-B will be eligible, and in what order.
Hotlines
COVID-19 STATE HOTLINE
1-844-542-8201
A COVID-19 hotline has been set up to answer any questions from the public and healthcare providers about testing, symptoms, and any other questions you have about the virus. Call 1-844-542-8201 to reach a health care professional.

UTILITIES
Southwest GasTucson Electric Power, and Tucson Water are all suspending service disconnections until further notice.

COMMUNITY FOOD BANK OF SOUTHERN ARIZONA
If you are healthy and able, please help by volunteering to pack emergency food boxes. The Community Food Bank URGENTLY needs volunteers to keep operations running. Email volunteer@communityfoodbank.org to get started.

GOVERNMENT RESOURCES
The City of Tucson has a homeless protocol which brings TPD out to offer people options. How to report is described at https://www.tucsonaz.gov/files/hcd/City_of_Tucson_Homeless_Protocol_9.20.18.pdf
If Emergency: 911
Non-emergency: 520-791-4467;
QUICK LINKS
City Services "Cheat Sheet"  has links, emails, and phone numbers
to make it easier to reach anyone in the City
based on your need.
Recycling list

to read what can/cannot be recycled
The No Transit Fares program has been extended into 2021!
Roach Control Hotline
Automated line, please provide requested information and staff will return the call
(520) 724-3401

Report Sewer Odors
(520) 724-3400

SOS (Low Income bill assistance)
(520) 791-5443
Dirty bus stop
Call (520) 792-9222 to report the location. You may also email SunTranInfo@tucsonaz.gov 
Include pictures if you wish. All requests will be documented by Sun Tran to ensure proper follow-up takes place.
Sun Tran:
Neighborhood Contacts & Resources
NEIGHBORHOOD CONTACTS
FOR YOUR AREA
Area Representatives

Area #1 - Mary Worthen,323-1777 

Area #2 - Jon Heine,321-4343

Area #3 - Erin Posthumus, 206-661-7765

judyjanson17@gmail.com

Area #5 - Louie Werthmuller, 390-9044
louieloui@q.com

Area #6 - Lisa Jones,622-1682
Choppers Overhead?
The flight path is south of Banner Hospital - not over residential area.

When you see it call it in.
Contact BUMC Security at
520-694-6533.
REPORT ISSUES WITH U of A
24/7 available (520) 282-3649

Neighborhood Resources:
Recommended service Providers

TPD Lead Officer for our area: Ofc. Joclyn Avilez. Her email is Joclyn.Avilez@tucsonaz.gov


CRIME ISSUES
emergency crime:   911
See the latest crimes in Jeff Park: nsn.soaz.info/incidents/zjefferson.html
See code violations in Jeff Park:  neighsupport.net/codevio/cezjefferson.html
Report an unruly gathering: Call 911  CLICK HERE to see Flow Chart 
COUNCIL OFFICES AND NEWSLETTERS
The Ward offices publish weekly updates. Jefferson Park is in Ward 3; however, Ward 6 also puts out an informative newsletter, so both are worth a read!

WARD III
1510 E Grant* paul.durham@tucsonaz.gov
Ward III, See Paul's e-news at: www.tucsonaz.gov/ward-3/news


Another newsletter chock full of information!
WARD VI
Ward VI, Steve Kozachik's newsletter:

Our Pima County Contact, District 5
Elvira Din, Staff Assistant to Supervisor Adelita Grijalva
Pima County Board of Supervisors, www.pima.gov/district5
760-234-8567, email:elvira.suarezdin@pima.gov
Paul Durham, Ward III
Get on the List Serve! To sign up for the neighborhood list serve, send a blank email to jeffersonparktucson+subscribe@googlegroups.com 
or send a request for an invitation to joanchall@yahoo.com

Facebook: Jefferson Park Pet Lost animals, found animals etc  https://www.facebook.com/Jefferson-Park-Neighborhood-Tucson-AZ-Pet-Page-695645730464933/ 

Facebook: Jefferson Park: Interactive communications and neighborhood friendly posts https://www.facebook.com/groups/1595530767355038/

Report Transportation Concerns: Is there a pothole you'd like to see fixed? Is a street sign missing? Is a tree limb hanging too close over a roadway or sidewalk?You can report these issues to the Tucson Department of Transportation (TDOT), (520) 791-3154, or email the exact location to tdotsr@tucsonaz.gov

What is a code violation?And whom do I call? Download an information sheet approved by the City Code Enforcement Division
Editors' Note: This Constant Contact is sent only upon request and with permission. The editors, Joan Daniels, Erin Posthumus, Joanne Osuna , Colleen Nichols invite your comments.
Ward6Thanks to the editors who check and recheck the information we send out to our neighbors. If you see an error or have an addition, let one of us know.