RTA CONSTRUCTION ON GRANT - Bob Roggenthen 520-349-3963 Bob.Roggenthen@tucsonaz.gov

grantroad.info

GDNA RECENT POLICE INCIDENT REPORTS- also reports for other neighborhoods

CALL 311 Help Line for non-emergency assistance - TPD, City services, report violations, etc.

www.tucsonaz.gov/311

FRONT DESK AT HARDESTY POLICE STATION 791-4253 8 to 5 pm M - Th

FILE ONLINE POLICE REPORT

LEAD POLICE OFFICERS:

Scott Wakefield (520)589-8822

scott.wakefield@tucsonaz.gov 

Tues.-Fri. 5:30am until 3:30pm

Tyler Ashton(520)306-0202 

tyler.ashton@tucsonaz.gov 

Mon.-Thurs. 5:00pm until 3:00am.

Lt. Kimberly Frie 

Kimberly.frie@tucsonaz.gov

TPD CSO RAMON SILVAS Neighborhood Watch, share video/photos of criminals, report suspicious activity or on-going crime concerns

HOMELESS CONCERNS:

Homeless Outreach Team (HOT)

• HOMELESS PROTOCOL
• ONLINE FORM TO REPORT HOMELESS CAMP



Services & Resources for Homeless:

Call: 520-791-2540

Tucson Pima Collaboration to End Homelessness

TRAFFIC WATCH - report dangerous driving.

AGI COMMUNITY SAFETY RESOURCES PAGE

CONTACT GARDEN DISTRICT NA

CODE ENFORCEMENT, REPORT CODE VIOLATIONS 520-792-CITY (2489)

GARDEN DISTRICT WEBSITE

CODE VIOLATION REPORT STATUS

REPORT GRAFFITI

POTHOLES, STREET SWEEPER, SIGNS, etc. 520-792-CITY (2489)

SHOPPING CARTS - . Call 520-791-3171 or email to ESHelp@tucsonaz.gov.

IF THE WRIGHT SCHOOL PARK IS LOCKED, CALL TUSD SECURITY 520-584-7676

AND PARKS & REC 520-791-4144

TRASH ONLY THIS WEEK

BAG TRASH,

BUT DO NOT BAG RECYCLING!

NO PLASTIC BAGS IN

BLUE RECYCLING BIN.

RECYCLING OR TRASH CAN BROKEN?

GET A FREE REPLACEMENT

520-791-3171 or contact ES.

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

The application window closed April 15. and there are 12 candidates (named below). The candidate forum is April 23 and the next Mayor and Council Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 25. We are not exactly sure when Mayor and council will meet to select our councilperson to replace Steve K, but you can find out more by CLICKING HERE to read the memorandum prepared by the City Manager's office explaining the selection process Mayor and Council will use.

As a constituent of Ward VI speak up and let Mayor and Council know your opinion about which candidate is best suited to serve our neighborhood's diverse needs for the next YEAR AND A HALF.

The Mayor and Council alone will decide. There will not be an election, but they do want to hear your opinion as a resident of Ward VI about which candidate would be the best addition to the council and the most qualified to serve and represent the 145 Ward VI neighborhoods.

Your email does not need to be long.

• You can support a specific candidate.
• You can oppose a candidate.
• You can express your opinion about what experience, background, beliefs, characteristics you hope the Council will look for in the next Ward VI councilperson.

If you would like to register your opinion with Mayor and Council, submit emails to:

Kevin Dahl kevin.dahl@tucsonaz.gov

Cunningham, Paul Paul.Cunningham@tucsonaz.gov

Nikki Lee nikki.lee@tucsonaz.gov

Richard Fimbres richard.fimbres@tucsonaz.gov

Lane Santa Cruz ward1@tucsonaz.gov

Mayor Regina Romero Regina.Romero@tucsonaz.gov

City Clerk: cityclerk@tucsonaz.gov

April 15 article from Arizona Daily Star with brief info about each candidate.

April 8 Tucson Sentinel article with a little information on each candidate at the time the article was written.

Also, Pam Powers made a Youtube video explaining why she would like to be and is qualified to be our Ward VI councilperson.

Below is the list of 12 candidates who have applied to fill the Ward VI vacancy.

• Erbst, Avi (Rep)
• Leighton, Christopher (Dem)
• Powers, Pamela Lampman (Dem)
• Prezelski, Ted (Dem)
• Rabago, Vince (Dem)
• Riel, Theresa (Dem)
• Schubert, Miranda (Dem)
• Shah, Ravi (Dem)
• Terrazas, Alex (Dem)
• Trasoff, Nina (Dem)
• Uhlich, Karin (Dem)
• Verdin, Charlie (Dem)

The City of Tucson Mayor Regina Romero, the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA), the Ward 6 Council Office, and the Tucson Department of Transportation and Mobility (DTM), invite you to a groundbreaking event to commemorate the start of the upcoming improvement project on Grant Road from Alvernon Way to Swan Road (Sparkman Boulevard to Venice Place).

The event will include remarks by Mayor Romero, RTA/PAG Director of Transportation Services Rick Ellis, and DTM Director Samuel Credio and will be followed by a groundbreaking celebration including food and refreshments from local businesses. 



The Grant Road Phase 3&4 improvement project is scheduled to begin in early May and at completion, will include six travel lanes, landscaped medians, buffered bike lanes, sidewalks, transit stop upgrades, indirect left turns and protected intersection improvements at Alvernon Way and Grant Road. A 96-inch diameter underground storm drain system will also be constructed throughout the project limits. This project is expected to be complete by the end of 2026.

Are you fed up with

Grant and Alvernon jokes?

Tired of friends shaking their heads in sympathy when you tell them you live

near Grant and Alvernon?

THIS IS YOUR CHANCE!

This is your chance to voice to RTA and the City of Tucson how you would like to see the Grant Rd Corridor redeveloped.

Let them know what "Good Things" we want to Grow

at Grant + Alvernon.

There are four questions on the survey. Three of them are open-ended so a real opportunity to express your dreams and hopes for our Grant Rd Corridor:

• What do you see as the major opportunities along the Grant Road Corridor?
• What do you see as the major challenges along the Grant Road Corridor?
• What types of community assets would you like to see more of along the Grant Road Corridor?
• Is there anything else you would like to add to or change about the Grant Road Corridor?

TRAFFIC ALERT

CRACK SEAL PROJECT

SPEEDWAY BOULEVARD – COUNTRY CLUB ROAD TO TUCSON BOULEVARD

On Sunday, April 21, 2024, crews from the City of Tucson Department of Transportation Streets and Traffic Maintenance Division are scheduled to begin a crack seal project on Speedway Boulevard from Country Club Road to Tucson Boulevard, including the intersections.

Crews will work at night from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., Sunday night through Friday morning. This maintenance project is scheduled to be completed by Friday, May 3.

Crews are scheduled to begin the work in the westbound travel lanes on Speedway Boulevard from Country Club Road west to Tucson Boulevard. Once the westbound travel lanes have been crack sealed, crews will work in the eastbound travel lanes.

During the work only one travel lane will be open to motorists. While crews are working in the intersections, turn lane restrictions will also be in place. Law enforcement officers will be on site to assist with directing travel around the work zone. Message boards will be in place for advance notification of this work to the traveling public.

The Pima County Industrial Development Authority (Pima IDA) announced the extension of the highly successful PimaTucson LIGHTHOUSE program, an initiative designed to empower first-time homebuyers in today's higher interest rate mortgage market. With another commitment of $25 million of bonds, LIGHTHOUSE 4.0 is able to offer a below-market fixed-rate mortgage that also comes with substantial down payment assistance equal to 4% of the loan amount.

The Pima IDA and Pima County Board of Supervisors have established a bond-funded down payment assistance program that also locks in a fixed rate low-interest mortgage of 6.13%. LIGHTHOUSE 4.0 also includes a distinctive feature where the 4% down payment assistance will become a grant if buyers live in their homes for at least five years. On average, this 4% assistance equates to approximately $15,000. Given that almost 40% of potential homebuyers say the lack of a down payment is preventing them from moving into a home, the LIGHTHOUSE 4.0 program is addressing the biggest obstacle facing first-time homebuyers. Importantly, the interest rate remains unaffected even if the Federal Reserve chooses to increase interest rates, offering homebuyers a sense of security in uncertain times.



"The initial launch of the LIGHTHOUSE program has provided Pima County homebuyers with a successful tool to boost homeownership,” remarked Pima IDA Board President Diane Quihuis. “Given the current market and interest rate environment, a program like LIGHTHOUSE 4.0 is an essential tool to support community members to realize their dreams of homeownership.”

Given the anticipated first-come, first served demand for LIGHTHOUSE 4.0, it is expected that the funds will be fully allocated before the summer of 2024. Lenders interested in offering the program can obtain detailed information at pimatucsonlighthouse.com.

A resident on Marion between Seneca and North St. found Stinknet in his backyard last week. A resident in the SW Quadrant found numerous stinknet plants, especially near the NW corner of Columbus and Speedway. You can see on the below map the other locations in GDNA where the invasive weed has been found.

Stinknet has distinctive globe-shaped blossoms, ranging in size from a pea to a marble. One plant produces thousands of seeds. Don't weedwhack as it just spreads the seeds widely. Pull Stinknet and dispose of the whole plant properly as seeds will continue to develop. Preferably use gloves or be very careful not to touch your eyes or mouth until you have washed your hands.

REPORT STINKNET IF YOU FIND IT: stinknet.org

An invasion of Stinkent recently forced the closure of the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument. Officials closed the park to try and control the aggressive spread of the plants by visitors inadvertently carrying seeds out of the park on their clothing, shoes, car tires, etc. Yes, it spreads that easily.

Stinknet is dangerous because it spreads more easily than even another destructive invader, Buffelgrass, and also out-competes our native plants and wildflowers. It quickly covers a vacant lot. is toxic to some wildlife if eaten, can cause skin rashes and asthma attacks in humans, and when it dries out, it burn quickly and easily, as if doused with gasoline, and emits a noxious smoke that irritates lungs.

Often described as "little yellow lollipops", Stinknet is easy to identify. It at first forms what looks like carrot tops and matures to produce dense carpets of the distinctive yellow, round blossoms. Each blossom produces hundreds and hundreds of powder-fine seeds that are transmitted easily by winds or contact with humans and animals. It was first reported in Tucson in 2015. Recently, the weed has been found in lots within city boundaries, including a 2 acre field of Stinknet at Stone and Pastime, that is spreading to the surrounding neighborhoods.

BE A WEED WARRIOR AND REMOVE AND REPORT STINKNET:

We need to be aggressive in controlling Stinknet and remove AND report it immediately. If you remove it yourself, you should dig it out or hand pull it, but if you hand pull, you would want to wear gloves and might even consider a mask and bag the plants so the seeds are contained.

Pima County Recommends:

If you come across the plant,

DO NOT: 

• Mow or Weedwhack the plant – This will not remove all of the roots and will leave seeds viable to germinate the following winter.
• Burn the plant – This will increase the risk of wildfire and its highly caustic smoke creates a public health hazard.
• Transplant or relocate the plant to other areas such as your home or different portions of the river.

DO:

• Use herbicides to kill the plant if it has not yet flowered.
• Pull and bag the plant, making sure to remove the root system from the ground.
• Wear gloves when handling the plant to avoid a possible rash.
• Map where you’ve seen it at www.stinknet.org

DISPOSE OF WEEDS CAREFULLY. 

On many weeds, such as Goathead, Foxtail, etc., the seed heads continue to mature even after the plant is pulled. 

It takes time and TONS of perseverance, but if you keep at it and remove plants as they grow before they seed, it is possible to eradicate most weeds from your yard.

WEED-U-CATE YOURSELF: WATCH FOR THESE INVASIVE SPECIES!

In addition, to Fountaingrass mentioned below, Foxtail grass gis a major issue around the neighborhood this season. Remove the plant AND the seedheads before the seeds dry. Do NOT weedwhack and leave the heads behind. Foxtail is vicious on a dog's pads, mouth, nose and ears and can easily become infected and cause serious damage. The shape of the seed is designed to burrow in and will not back out on its own.

THANK YOU TO MONIQUE IN THE SW QUADRANT FOR THE INFORMATIVE POSTERS ON INVASIVE WEEDS.

The Arizona Native Plants Society has a wonderful page for researching which drought-tolerant plant you want to put next in your yard. You can sort and search by type of plant, sun exposure, water requirements, and what kind of pollinators you want to attract. 

Arizona Municipal Water Users Association also has a great page with chock full of information about native plants.

HARVESTING

POPPY SEEDS

The Mexican, California, and Arizona poppies that brightened many yards in the neighborhood are starting to fade with age and heat. If left alone, the poppies will spread their seed far and wide to bloom again next year. You can also easily harvest seeds and save some to plant in the Fall/Spring.

Pinch off the seed capsule, ideally just as it starts to turn tan, and store in a paper bag in a dry place. Seeds will continue to mature and the seed capsules will pop open, spilling out the tiny, tiny seeds. Store is a cool dry place until next year. Many folks will then mix the small seeds with a little sand so that seeds are disbursed more evenly, rather than in a clump, when you spread them.

Tucson Parks and Recreation is offering a full array of indoor leisure classes and camps this summer. Classes range from arts and crafts, music, and jewelry making, to Little Movers and Shakers, dance, gymnastics, sports, and more for youth and adults. Get active in a health and fitness class, learn digital photography skills, or create beautiful pottery and ceramics pieces. There truly is something for everyone.  

Summer KIDCO 

KIDCO provides a safe, fun place to enjoy sports, games, activities, and social interaction throughout the summer.  

Who: Ages 5-11 (must have completed kindergarten)

When: Session 1 – June 3-28 (closed June 19)

      *Session 2 – July 1-26 (closed July 4)

Day/Time: Monday-Friday - 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m.

Cost: $125/city-resident or $157/non-city resident for a 4-week session

Locations: Vary, see registration link for locations

*For TUSD site locations, session 2 will run July 1-July 19

Summer KIDCO Inclusion 

KIDCO inclusion camps are offered for children with disability-related support needs. 

Who: Ages 5-11 (must have completed kindergarten)

When: June 3-July 26 (closed June 19 and July 4)

Day/Time: Monday-Friday -8 a.m.-2 p.m.

Cost: $125/city-resident or $157/non-city resident for a 7-week session

Locations: Archer, El Pueblo, Donna Liggins, Randolph, Udall, and Clements centers  

In-Betweeners Club  

Supervised summer teen program offering games, sports, social interaction, dance, art projects, and nutrition-based learning activities. 

Who: Ages 12-14 (must have completed 5th grade)

When: Session 1 – June 3-28 (closed June 19)

      Session 2 – July 1-26 (closed July 4)

Day/Time: Monday-Friday - 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m.

Cost: $70/city-resident or $88/non-city resident for a 4-week session

Locations vary, see registration link for site info. 

Junior Staff in Training 

The focus of Junior Staff in Training is to provide teens with an experience aimed at improving leadership skills, building self-esteem, and preparing for future employment specifically in the field of recreation. Teens will learn planning, group management, critical thinking skills, how to communicate, teamwork, and basic job application and interviewing skills. 

Who: Ages 14-18 

When: Session 1 – June 3-28 (closed June 19)

      Session 2 – July 1-26 (closed July 4)

Day/Time: Monday-Friday – 8 a.m.-6 p.m. (typical shifts are 8 a.m.-2 p.m. or noon-6 p.m. with a max of 30 hours per week)

Cost: $25/city-resident or $30/non-city resident for a 4-week session

Locations vary, see registration link for site info. 

Therapeutic Recreation Camps 

The Therapeutic Recreation division offers camps for those with disabilities who need more specialized and structured camp offerings. Call Therapeutic Recreation at 520-791-4504 for an assessment to determine eligibility. 

Discovery Camp

Who: Ages 6-15 

When: June 3-July 19 (closed June 19 and July 4)

Day/Time: Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

Cost: $25/city-resident or $30/non-city resident

Location: Quincie Douglas, 1575 E. 36th St. 

Kid Zone

Who: Ages 3-5 

When: June 3-July 19 (closed June 19 and July 4) *

Day/Time: Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Cost: $25/city-resident or $30/non-city resident

Location: Therapeutic Recreation Center, 1000 S. Randolph Way 

STARS

Who: Ages 16-22

When: June 3-July 19 (closed June 19 and July 4)

Day/Time: Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Cost: $25/city-resident or $30/non-city resident 

Location: Therapeutic Recreation Center, 1000 S. Randolph Way 

STEP Teen Program

Who: Ages 12-18

When: June 3-July 19 (closed June 19 and July 4)

Day/Time: Monday-Friday 2-7 p.m.

Cost: $25/city-resident or $30/non-city resident 

Location: Therapeutic Recreation Center, 1000 S. Randolph Way  

REGISTRATION DATES AND TIMES 

Timely registration is recommended since offerings fill up quickly. View the registration information below.

KIDCO, In-Betweener's Club, and Jr. Staff in Training 

• City Residents Online Registration: Saturday, May 4, at 6 a.m. 
• Non-City Residents Online Registration: Saturday, May 4 at noon   

Leisure and Aquatics Classes, and Therapeutic Recreation 

• City Residents Online Registration: Saturday, May 4, at 9 a.m. 
• Non-city Residents Online Registration: Saturday, May 4, at noon   

All Classes and Programs (including Gymnastics II, III, and Therapeutic Recreation/Adaptive Classes) 

• Call in registration, (520) 791-4877: Tuesday, May 7, at 8 a.m.  
• Walk in registration, Registration Services 920 S. Randolph Way: Thursday, May 9, at 8 a.m.  

The registration deadline for classes is Tuesday, May 28, at 5 p.m. A Discount Program is available to those who qualify. Make an appointment at Registration Services before registering. For questions or more information on registration and programs, or to set up an account, contact Registration Services at (520) 791-4877.

If it is plastic, WARD VI will take it!

Upcycle your plastic into plastic

Byfusion building blocks

Take your plastic waste to 

the Ward 6 Council Office at 3202 E First St

Behind the Walgreens across from The Loft Theater

Sorting is not required and you CAN bag your items!

 You do NOT need to remove paper labels on plastic

MARK YOUR CALENDARS:

Alvernon/Grant Initiative (AGI) - meet with police and neighborhoods in our area. 2nd Tuesday of EVERY month. 6 - 7pm at Emmanuel Church.

Bookmobile at Wright Elementary - 2nd Wednesday of every month, 3 - 4 pm until Martha Cooper Library reopens in late Spring.

DUMPSTERS IN EACH QUADRANT

• May 16 to May 19, 2024
• Oct. 3 to Oct 6, 2024

BRUSH AND BULKY CURB-SIDE PICK UP

• August 19, 2024

REOPENING OF MARTHA COOPER LIBRARY CELEBRATION -July 2024?

WIDENING OF GRANT RD CONSTRUCTION - Starts Late April, 2024

REVISED AND UPDATED GRANT/ALVERNON AREA PLAN will hopefully be approved by Mayor and Council this year.

GRANT RD INVESTMENT DISTRICT OVERLAY GRID - will be developed this year working with neighborhoods bordering Grant Rd and City of Tucson Planning & Development Services. It will be critical that our neighborhood have a strong voice from many GDNA residents in creating it.