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

JEFFERSON PARK IS 125 YEARS OLD! May 18, 2023 

JPNA May Meeting - May 24, 2023 6:00 pm

at Ward III,1501 E Grant Road or

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83120592380?pwd=UVJndlhCMUVYL25LVURoR2pUU090QT09

Meeting ID: 831 2059 2380 Passcode: 383696

How does a neighborhood earn $10k? It is possible if everyone works together and works hard. Jefferson Park did just that! A very special thanks goes to Laurel-Heather, who organized the project, grew and tended plants for months, and then hosted the sale! Thank you as well to the all people who donated plants, tables, garden art, hauled and filled the tables, volunteered at the sale, and helped with set-up and take-down. It was definitely a group effort.

If you missed the sale see info on the right.

Sale still going on! Self serve

Corner of Warren and Waverly

50% off listed prices, boxes available , and put money on the porch

May 8, Speed Hump going in.

The speed bumps being installed on the streets around our neighborhood school are intended to slow traffic and protect the children and families. One of the three speed bumps was funded by Jefferson Park Neighborhood from the allotment of Park Tucson monies, approved by the JPNA board.

Did you know that the International School of Tucson has dedicated a board member position to the Jefferson Park Neighborhood Association? Did you also know that the neighborhood is responsible, in part, for a school occupying the former Jefferson Park School? Years ago, TUSD proposed selling the property, possibly to developers for apartments. We are so pleased to have the school as part of our neighborhood.

2016

April 2023

Today

Our Little Free Library at Lester and Vine has undergone some changes. The wonderful Palo Verde tree had to be removed—what a difference that shade made! The bench has been safely moved to the owner's yard, and we await reconstruction of the library door. The Little Free Library will be coming back.

Street and Landscape Work

Left: Streets effected

Right: Area of work

On Thursday, May 18, 2023, DTM Streets Maintenance crews will begin the roadway improvement project with crack filling throughout the project limits. Prop 411

Following this work, tree trimming operations will begin on Tuesday, May 30. Per Tucson City Code, Chapter 25, any tree, bush, or plant extending over the curb into the roadway that may block clear access to the roadway must be trimmed. For this project, any tree, bush, or plant that cannot allow for 14-foot-tall machinery to clearly access the roadway must be trimmed. If trimming is not complete by May 30, Santa Rita Landscaping will conduct trimming operations overseen by a certified arborist at no charge to the homeowner. If you have any questions on tree trimming, please contact DTM Landscape Architect David Marhefka at david.marhefka@tucsonaz.gov.

In early June, VSS International, under contract with DTM, is scheduled to apply a chip seal to the surface, which seals and preserves the asphalt. Crews will work Monday through Friday, from about 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. The chip seal is scheduled to be complete by mid-June. The schedule is subject to change due to inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances.

If you have any questions on the project, please call Public Information Coordinator Amanda Valenzuela at (520) 600-8229.

The May 17 meeting brought together the Dept of Transportatioin, PSOMAS, Planning and Development Services, Ward III, and a dozen neighbors representing the "Central Segments" neighborhoods. The minutes of that meeting will shortly be posted to the Grant Road Coalition Website http://www.grantroadcoalition.com. Some high spots were the revised engineering maps that showed the structural accounting for neighborhood monument signs and a continuing support for landscapping from Sant Rita to Campbell. The vision for the Central Segments is put forth in the Phase 5/6 white paper also available at that site. Thank you to the city employees who met with us after work!

Beginning in June, Jefferson Park will be selling the popular Jim Click Raffle tickets. Tickets will be sold at all JPNA meetings and by members of the JPNA and Friends Boards. Why fundraise? The neighborhood must pay for all traffic mitigation, website costs, newsletters, and amenities, such as, neighborhood signs, Grant Road monument signs, little free libraries, message boards, etc. Please consider purchasing a ticket. The drawing is in December--a new 2023 Ford Raptor for the holidays might be nice!

If you wish to purchase tickets between meetings you may contact:

Joanne Osuna, President of Friends of JP, Inc

520-798-3602 (leave a message and she will return your call)

Or e-mail cricket16@cox.net

 Franchise Fee - Proposition 412 Failed!

The route once again becomes an issue for Jefferson Park. Will TEP choose Vine or Park as an exit route? Are they planning to overhead in our historic neighborhood?

Statement from TEP: "We will be restarting our review of potential routes for the project through central Tucson. Because the line is urgently needed to maintain reliable service, we will seek to complete it by the summer of 2027 – the same timeline we hoped to achieve if Prop 412 had passed. Additional details will be provided soon to area residents."

Is there a pothole you'd like to see filled? Is a street sign missing? Is a tree limb hanging over a roadway or sidewalk? You can report these issues to the City of Tucson's Department of Transportation and Mobility, (520) 791-3154, or email the exact location to TDOTConcerns@tucsonaz.gov.



Department of Transportation and Mobility

Report illegal driving behaviors you observe occurring daily on our streets, without having to use the 911 system. However, the option of calling 9-1-1 is still available when an immediate response is needed (i.e., impaired driver). The goal of the program is to make our roads safer by using this community-based approach. Follow the link below for more information.

"Traffic Watch"

Per Steve Kozachik's newsletter: "I’m in touch with some of our shelter operators and the description I get of the number of guests being delivered by CBP is that they’re already ‘very slammed.’ The numbers will escalate once the government ends the COVID-based restrictions on entry that Title 42 was to address. So, we will need your donations even more than we have during what has been a relative (very relative) lull in the number of arrivals. We’ve been seeing 300-500 people daily".

SEEKING DONATIONS OF PERSONAL HYGIENE PRODUCTS AND UNDERCLOTHING (SOCKS, UNDERWEAR, BRAS) ESPECIALLY IN SIZES SMALL AND MEDIUM

DROP OFF AT WARD VI OFFICE - 3202 E First St - between 9 and 1.

The folks running the Alitas Welcome Center come by the Ward VI weekly to gather the donations you bring into the office. The weekly trips are necessary because they continue to get 300-500 new arrivals daily at Alitas.

We can’t get families who helped in our own war effort united, and we leave it up to donors to help with people coming across our border escaping trauma in their home countries. At the Ward 6 office we continue to be grateful to all of you who see the needs and support the people we’re serving. (from Ward VI newsletter)

For all schedules and info go to; https://www.suntran.com/fares-passes/

Registration for Parks and Rec summer programs will begin on Saturday, May 6, at 6 a.m. for city-residents and noon for non-city residents. View the classes and camps online at EZEEreg.com. 

Walking the Wall of the Original Presidio

June 15, 8-10 am

July 20, 8-10 am

August 17, 8-10 am

September 21, 8-10 am

$20/Member, $25/Non-member



Take a walk through downtown Tucson and discover the extent of the original Presidio Wall. This tour shows attendees just how large the original Presidio San Agustín del Tucson actually was. Along the way, you’ll learn the interesting history of several buildings and hear stories of some of Tucson’s most prominent citizens. Highlights include Old Town Artisans, the Sam Hughes House, the historic Pima County Courthouse, and the location of the old Presidio San Agustin Cemetery.

This tour is less than a mile and takes approximately two hours. Pre-registration is required. Click on the date above to register.

Interested in Tucson History. Tucson's Presidio Museum has walking tours this summer. See their website for more information, Meanwhile you may want to sign up for one of these:

Turquoise Trail

June 10, 8-10:30 am

July 8, 8-10:30 am

August 12, 8-10:30 am

September 9, 8-10:30 am

$20/Member, $25/Non-Member



Presidio Museum Tour Guide Mauro Trejo leads this walking tour, which covers the Turquoise Trail through the heart of downtown. Learn about Tucson’s fascinating history and see some architectural gems. Pre-registration is required. Click on the date above to register.

Huckleberry Bike Loop around Tucson has iconic art pieces...or you can drive to see: CLICK HERE for a map and photos of the art.

Next time you’re on The Loop, look out for the javelina cruising near the Mountain Avenue pedestrian bridge!

What can you do to be prepared for Extreme Heat?

The heat is coming.  Don’t let it catch you off guard – prepare your household!  Here’s a guide:  HOUSEHOLD CHECKLIST.  

(Thank you Sam Hughes newsletter)

Found a baby bird, someone shooting at birds etc? Wildlife questions answered: CLICK HERE for information on what to do with wildlife in your yard.

SEE A SWARM OF BEES? CLICK HERE for the YouTube safety information from the Tucson Fire department.

For full instructions. CLICK HERE.

And beware of the message about little kids around buckets of water.

It is mosquito season and this message from another neighborhood as to how to keep mosquitoes away may work!

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, 94% of the food thrown away is combusted or sent to landfills, both of which release methane and harm the environment.

So if you want to compost CLICK HERE to see 10 pro composting tips.

Get your neighbors together and increase safety in your area.

With an uptick of petty crime in the midtown area, your block may want to participate in Neighborhood Watch. For more, see https://www.tucsonaz.gov/police/neighborhood-watch

Also, check out this handy guide to securing your home. Some things you may not have thought of

https://www.tucsonaz.gov/files/police/nhw_home_security_booklet.pdf

When you see a non-emergency problem - a new pothole, a burnt out streetlight or bulky trash in the right of way - try SeeClickFix. You can submit a report any time and you will be notified when it is resolved. You will be asked for a street address and to choose from a list of potential problems.

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It's helpful to have a photo to upload, but not mandatory. Your request will be routed to the appropriate City department. SeeClickFix publicly documents the issue and notifies local governments and others who resolve the problem. 

A great tool to have in your arsenal to quickly and easily report assorted problems throughout Tucson. Available at the iPhone App Store or the Google Play Store for Android users. FREE! 

You don't have to use the "SeeClickFix" app on your phone! You can also report issues online thru it! You don't have to have a photo and you can remain anonymous:

SeeClickFix Online

View SeeClickFix Tutorial Video

(Thank you to newsletters in Palo Verde and North Dodge Neighborhoods)

Every 3rd Saturday of the month at 8:00 am, at the end of Edison at Campbell Avenue, neighbors do a quick cleanup in the parklet. It's fast with neighbors helping. Just show up, all garbage bags and tools are supplied. You are always welcome to go when it suits your schedule. If you do pick up trash during another time, please contact Joanne Osuna at cricket16@cox.net and your time will count. We report our hours to Tucson Clean & Beautiful as part of the Adopt-a-Park Program.

(JP Contact- Joanne Osuna cricket16@cox.net )

"Rates of homelessness decreased in 2023 among many vulnerable populations. Youth households saw the greatest decrease in homelessness with 163 youth under the age of 25 experiencing homelessness on the morning of January 24, 2023, down 39 percent from 2022 and down six percent from 2018. Veteran homelessness decreased by 14 percent from 2022 and is down four percent from 2018. Although overall veteran homelessness has decreased, the number of veterans who were unsheltered on the night of the count remains 47 percent higher than in 2018.

Although positive trends have been seen among many populations, rates of homelessness among single adults increased for the fifth consecutive year with a total of 1,413 unsheltered single adults identified in the 2023 count. The number of chronically homeless persons has more than doubled since 2018 and 77 percent of chronically homeless persons were unsheltered on the night of the 2023 count."

The Tucson Water Conservation Program offers rebates for installing rainwater harvesting (up to $2,000) and permanent gray water irrigation systems (up to $1,000). A free, three-hour workshop and submission of a project plan are required to qualify. Follow the links below for upcoming workshop dates and Tucson Water's new video "Rainwater and Gray Water Pressurized System - Backflow Prevention Requirement." Click here for more information.

REPORT flights over the neighborhood



by phone: 

BUMC Security: 520-694-6533

or on-line:

On-line reporting tool:

• https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=0tzqra86NUiycx6-incm8cqK9bZ04jtJowQZjB_IHAFUNzBTQ0RVWUpWUk5RV1I4V1VDWTVCWVRTSSQlQCN0PWcu

BANNER HELIPAD REPORTS

2022 NOV - 85 medical flights/14 reports from neighbors

2022 DEC - 91 medical flights/20 reports from neighbors

2023 JAN - 91 medical flights/16 reports from neighbors

2023 FEB - 90 medical flights/18 reports from neighbors

2023 MARCH - 102 medical flights/14 reports from neighbors

2023 APRIL -129 medical flights/14 reports from neighbors

BANNER HELIPAD number of flights for 2021/2022 1,034 total flights

to see report in its entirety:

http://www.jeffersonpark.info/helicopters---banner.html

All plastics labeled 1 or 2 can go in the Blue Barrel. All other plastics labeled 3-9+ etc. can be recycled for the By-Fusion blocks project.

Save your plastics-grocery bags, frozen fruit, vegetables bags, plastic covering on items you purchase, plastic covering paper towel pkgs., etc.

See the U-tube video above to get a better idea of the process.

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

When reporting graffiti for removal or reporting graffiti that you have removed, please provide the following information:

•  Address or cross streets of the graffiti: Example: 7575 E Speedway Blvd, graffiti is on the west wall, black paint. If no specific information is provided a work order will not be generated. Graffiti removed only within City limits.

HELPING OUR SENIORS LEND A HAND

Need help or want to volunteer?

CONTACT US (520) 248-6882  coordinator@lahseniorhelp.org

or Go to https://www.lahseniorhelp.org/volunteer to volunteer.

Lend A Hand Senior Assistance, PO Box 41323, T/A 85717-1323.

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/

For the red tag info sheet - CLICK HERE

MONTHLY STATS:   June - 2 loud party, 0 red tag; July - 0; August - 3 loud party, 3 red tag; Sept. - 3 loud party, 1 red tag; October - 6 loud party, 2 red tag; November - 0 loud party, 0 red tag; December - 0 loud party, 0 red tag;

January 2023 - 0 loud party, 0 red tag.

PROPERTY MANAGERS TO CONTACT:

•      GOODMAN properties have a hotline - 520-512-5308 (evenings) You can use this for unruly gatherings, trash , etc. Daytime number is 520-884-3410.
•     CASA BONITA properties office # is 520-398-5738. Residents can call regarding any Casa Bonita property and their staff will take care of the problem.

(JP contact, for information: Colleen Nichols cnichols17@cox.net)

Are there orphan shopping carts that need to be picked up? 

If there are shopping carts that need to be picked up, you can now call or email the City to remove them. Call 520-791-3171 or email to ESHelp@tucsonaz.gov.

To report an encampment online, please scan the QR code on left to access the Reporting Tool page:

Or go to the Reporting Tool website:

https://reportencampments.tucsonaz.gov/  

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

Cleanup is determined by City department ownership or oversight responsibility of property in question. Cleanup will take place 72 hours after notification and posting. The City is making efforts to assist unsheltered individuals with support services and housing when feasible.

For homeless who wish to access services go to: https://www.tucsonaz.gov/hcd/homelessness-resources

Need a recommendation for a handy-person or a business? Go to http://www.jeffersonpark.info/recommended-services.html

Would you like to recommend someone to your neighbors? Let Cricket know. cricket16@cox.net, 520-798-3602 - Help us keep the list accurate- report any retired/inactive numbers to the cricket.

Many thanks to The Prime Leaf

Thanks to North America Powder Coating

MARK'S ACE Hardware - Campbell Avenue.

Thanks for several donations!!

Carly Quinn - tile work at Campbell Entrances

Jefferson Park is proud to support local businesses that support our neighborhood. To place an ad in our E-news, contact jdchama@msn.com. Rates start at just $30 to publish/share your business card in a newsletter or lock in all newsletters for the year for just $150. We have 12-15 editions annually that reach over 350 local residents.

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!

WARD VI, 520-791-4601

Steve Kozachik's newsletter:

 www.tucsonaz.gov/ward-6/news

District Five Contact Info: Adelita Grijalva

• Email: district5@pima.gov, Phone:724-8126
• Website: www.pima.gov/district5 or https://www.adelitasgrijalva.com/

Special assistant to Supervisor Grijalva: Nicholas McCullough, (520) 724-8764, Nicholas.McCullough@pima.gov 

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 COB_mail@pima.gov