OCTOBER 3, 2025

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

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October 16 - 9:30 am, Friends of Jefferson Park, Inc Meeting (in person). This meeting will be at a private home. We invite interested neighbors to come. Please e-mail jdchama@msn.com if you wish to attend. There are open board positions. The non-profit works hand-in-hand with the the neighborhood association to raise funds for projects directly benefitting our area.

October 22 - 6:00pm JPNA Meeting (in person)

Meet District 5 Supervisor Andres Cano

Purchase Jim Click Tickets at the meeting

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

October 31 - Trick or Treat Halloween Map

Homes to visit in Jffeson Park - Here is the link to sign up to be added to the map: https://forms.gle/3Zv52JeVMzf13y3D7

People just fill out the form and get them added to the map. Map is here.

"Because we have such windy days the Goathead seeds blow all over the neighborhood and then they just spread like a wildfire. Please if you could just take 10 minutes out of your days to pull these weeds out we might be able to prevent them from spreading. You might need to wear gloves the seeds have already developed on the bigger ones.

It is best to put them in a bag and throw them in the trash because if you leave them they will dry out, but the seeds will still blow around. These seeds can cause flat tires in bikes, get caught in pets fur and feet (if swallowed by your pet when they try to pull them out it can be fatal), they get stuck in your shoes and then you might bring them into your house and then they get into your rugs and furniture." (L-H Milden)

Most important - Report every concerning issue! Police will put their energy where there are the most issues.

HOMELESSNESS

Homeless Outreach Team - 520.837.7425 Website: HERE

SUBMIT A REPORT ABOUT ENCAMPMENTS: HERE or call (520) 791-2540

311 for almost anything and it will be forwarded to the correct entity. Report on-line:

https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Residents/311-Service-Request-Portal Or dial 311

For Emergency, of course: Dial 911

The meeting

Discussion was planned around 3 main areas 1-The Health and Heritage Park on Grant, 2-The parklet at Edison and Campbell, 3-The wandering from the ER into the neighborhood. But, attendees also reported incidences in the area, including the bizarre dissection of a family cat at the hands of a human.

Facts from Meeting:

• During Covid, there were 1200 police officers. Today there are 800 with 30% at retirement age
• Homeless protocol reports only 10% of homeless offered services accepted the help
• Fentanyl use is the most serious issue the police ever have encountered
• The Jefferson Park police incidents report shows that our neighborhood is not a high priority according to TPD (in spite of the large number of associated reports). See the report for Jefferson Park at https://neighborhood.w6iwi.org/zjefferson.html
• Two sources of research:  https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Housing-and-Community-Development/Homelessness/Understanding-the-Homelessness-Crisis

The author of the above report concludes: The answer I got was twofold, 1. We don’t have enough "low-barrier" shelter beds, and 2. we don’t hold people accountable when they are living outside, like enforcing trespass laws, public nuisance laws, public drug use ... Generally, when people talk about low-barrier shelter beds they mean beds for people who are still using drugs or other “barriers” like they have pets, don’t want to adhere to curfews, etc. We do have beds available, but they are “high-barrier” and people don’t generally choose to go there, rather people go there only when courts order them to do so, "Between 2019 and 2020, unsheltered homelessness increased 300%.”

• The cost of homelesness: https://www.tucsonaz.gov/files/sharedassets/public/v/1/hcd/homelessness/tpch-2023-system-modeling-and-gaps-analysis-report.pdf

STAR Program Manager (concerns/grievances):

(520) 603-7050 • STARVillageinfo@primavera.org

• 244 E. Grant Rd  

"Fentanyl plan delayed: A big push to deal with open drug use on

Tucson’s streets is being delayed for 60 days.

Some elected officials want to create a brand-new misdemeanor for fentanyl possession that could be prosecuted by the city attorney, instead of the Pima County Attorney’s Office. Sounds straightforward, but in reality, it’s messy.

Fentanyl possession is a class 4 felony under state law, and what happens in court depends on how much of the opioid someone has on them.

Councilwoman Nikki Lee says the current system isn’t working. She’s backing police complaints that fentanyl cases are being tossed too often, and her plan would let the city step in.

The Council kicked the tires for almost an hour before hitting pause. Their laundry list of questions included:

• Can city court handle a major influx of misdemeanor cases?
• Would people go to jail or treatment? And do we even have the beds?
• Is the county attorney on board?
• Would this effectively decriminalize fentanyl possession inside city limits?
• Who’s paying for treatment if people want help?

For now, staff will huddle with the county and community leaders and then report back. The delay also means the new Council — seated after November’s election — may be the ones to actually deal with this mess."

(Tucson Agenda 9/25)

Traffic Circle at Edison and Fremont was hit and the metal art upended the week of Aug 18. Reported to 311. We are in the process of scheduling the repair.

Damaged circle at Lester and Santa Rita City has removed the damaged sculpture. Next step is to design the new artwork and determine who funds it. It is hoped that this circle can reflect the historic area that surrounds it. It is located at the intersection of several Annie Lester built homes - Jefferson Park's original homesteader.

How are the repairs or replacement of artwork in traffic circles funded?

Looks like it may be Jefferson Park! The destroyed artwork in the third traffic circle at Lester and Santa Rita has been removed by the city, but it remains unclear how its replacement will be funded. At this point it looks like Jefferson Park will need to come up with the necessary funds.

The Jim Click Millions for Tucson 2025 edition has begun!  Mr. Click is raffling off three great prizes this year: the Grand Prize is a new 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid SX Prestige (MSRP $54,510).  The second prize is two round-trip, first-class airline tickets to anywhere in the world (some restrictions apply) and the third prize is $5,000 in cash.

One hundred percent of the ticket revenue we collect stays in our neighborhood! You gamble and we all win!

E-mail: Fran at fdonnellan@msn.com or Joan at jdchama@msn.com

DEADLINE TO TURN IN SOLD TICKET STUBS - Nov 16

Use the button below to see the street projects in Jefferson Park and the City of Tucson

Bottom line - overhead lines are NOT a done deal! They are not good for Jefferson Park!

The neighborhood and Underground Arizona disagree with overheading lines in Jefferson Park. The city still has the ability to prevent overheading as per the U of A Area Plan. The city has not yet approved the substation, nor the overhead lines.

Join the Planning Commission in person, virtually or over the phone.

In Person: Mayor and Council Chamber, City Hall, 1st floor ,255 W Alameda

Virtual Participation

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88124024492?pwd=Nis4WI3Ozz6SxzvZOGXaPwY7Iv51JQ.1

Phone:

United States: +1 253-215-8782

Meeting ID: 881 2402 4492

Passcode: 040308

KEEPING YOUR ELECTIONS STRAIGHT?

Proposition 414 - TUSD Override - November 4

My name is Emily Verdugo and as a proud TUSD parent, I am writing to you to help me get information to your neighborhood about the TUSD Bond Override that will be on the November ballot. 

If passed, the override will:

✳️  raise teachers' salaries to attract and retain quality educators,

✳️ support career focused programs, expand early childhood education like pre-K, as well as before-/after- school programs, 

✳️expand access to Reading and Math Interventionists at all schools without these positions, 

✳️maintain and expand Fine Arts to fourteen additional schools, 

✳️ensure schools have counselors and social workers to help students with behavioral problems, and 

✳️provide at risk students with alternative education programs. 

The override will make so many things possible in all TUSD schools. 

I invite you to visit the TUSD Bond Override website at the link below to learn more. You can see how your child's school, or neighborhood school, will benefit from the override. https://www.tusd1.org/2025Override

For more information you can also visit Yesfortusd.com 

Emily Verdugo Tucsonans for Tucson Public Schools, emilyverdugo1@gmail.com

Ward 3, 5 and 6 election of Council Members - November 4

In our ward, Ward 3, you will have the opportunity to choose between current council person, Democrat Kevin Dahl or Republican Janet Wittenbraker "JL". You will also have the opportunity to vote on council seats in Wards 5 and 6.

Proposition 417- Plan Tucson 2025 - November 4

See: plantucson.tucsonaz.gov

Plan to go before Voters in March

"After seeking extensive public and technical input, the RTA Board of Directors approved a final draft of the RTA Next regional transportation plan for voter consideration.

The election for the plan and a half-cent sales tax to fund it will be held on March 10, 2026.

The proposed plan would fund arterial roadway reconstruction, roadway corridor improvements, existing and expanded transit services, environmental protection, small business assistance, and safety, ADA and active transportation improvements.

The ongoing self-taxing investment, if approved in March, would not increase the current tax rate.

.....

Included in the plan total is $257.6 million to complete seven roadway corridor projects from the original RTA plan, which Pima County voters approved in 2006. The projects either are re-scoped or require additional funding that require voter approval. That is the Grant Road section on JP's north boundary.

Additional funding is needed partially due to a funding shortfall following the 2008 Great Recession and project cost increases due to recent inflationary spikes ...

Complete details of the draft plan can be viewed here.

The election will be conducted by mail with all registered voters receiving ballots in the mail starting Feb. 11, 2026. The last day to register to vote in the RTA election is Feb. 9. The last day to request an early ballot in time for the election is Feb. 27, and voters should return their ballots in the mail by March 3 to ensure they arrive by 7 p.m. March 10, when the election will end. The County Recorder will have ballot drop-off sites for voters who would rather submit their ballot in person. The Recorder also will have ballot replacement locations for voters who need that service." (PAG Sept 18 newsletter)

Original Grant Road Widening Plan:

https://www.tucsonaz.gov/files/sharedassets/public/v/1/city-services/planning-development-services/documents/grant_road_ccv.pdf

Submit questions for the current plan at https://rtanext.com/publiccomment/

Visit the RTA Next website to schedule a presentation.

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

https://reportencampments.tucsonaz.gov/

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

REGISTER FOR TUCSON PARKS AND RECREATION CLASSES

Tucson Parks and Recreation is hosting an array of leisure classes viewable online at the link below. Leisure classes range from beginning ballet, pottery, jewelry making, photography, and more. There are various options for both youth and adult participants. The deadline to register for session two classes is Tuesday, Oct. 21. If you have any questions, call Registration Services at (520) 791-4877.

EZEEreg.com

CODE VIOLATIONS IN JEFFERSON PARK - See the 300 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

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

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

U of A Neighborhood Hotline to report concerns regarding U of A:

(520) 282-3649  U of A Hotline. It works!

U of A Emergency Alerts

If you are not a university student, employee, or designated campus colleague, you can sign up to receive UAlert notifications by creating a profile or updating your existing profile in Smart911, by selecting the "Create or update your profile" button below. This allows you to receive emergency messages by text or email for U of A locations.

Smart911 is a free service that allows non-university users to receive UAlert emergency notifications by text or email. Users who already have a Smart911 profile should log in through the University of Arizona’s Smart911 link to opt-in to receive UAlert notifications from the U of A.

You can also opt in to receive emergency notifications from other participating local agencies. Create or Update Your Profile

(Karen L Sanson, Office of Government & Community Relations)

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. 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 fabricated by neighbor and funded by neighbor donations.

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

or

Captain Lauren Petty

Work:(520) 589-8624, 520-837-7200 Operations Division West

Email: lauren.petty@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!

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: Jazlin Ladriere,



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