City of Tucson

Ward 5 Newsletter
August 2020
Richard Fimbres
Councilmember Dear Friends:
Ward 5
Ward 5 Council The challenge has come once again to respond to
Office Staff the Census ques onnaire.

Chief of Staff The Census is the decennial process mandated by

Mark Kerr the United States Cons tu on, that is designed to
count every person currently living in the United
Council Aide States. It is incumbent upon all of us to complete
Lupita Robles
this ques onnaire as promptly as possible. We now
Council Assistant have only un l September 30, 2020 to complete
Mary Kuchar the Census. Doing so will ensure that the $675 bil-
lion per year in federal funds are allocated appropri-
Staff Assistant ately to be(er serve us, and our communi es.
Gabriel Holguin
The federal funds that are allocated, go to our schools, hospitals, public works pro-
grams and our roads. These funds are vital for programs and services that ensure that
IN THIS ISSUE: our communi es thrive and prosper for our benefit.
Councilmember Fimbres Letter
JTED Opening
Being A Good Neighbor
We need your help, please complete the Census form before September 30, 2020.
City of Tucson Offering Rental
& Utility Assistance On the na onal scale, the results from the Census are used to adjust or redraw elec-
Kidz Expo A Success toral districts in order to reflect the increase or decrease of a popula on of an ar-
Receive & Return Your Ballot
By Mail On Time ea. Such adjustments, determines how many seats each State gets in Congress, thus
Tucson Water Low Income affec ng our representa on. In addi on to Congressional representa on, State and
Assistance Program local officials use the Census counts to draw boundaries for our state legislature and
Other Assistance Available
COVID-19 Update school districts.
Welcome Captain Prieto!
Ward 5 Updates It is up to all of us to make sure our voices are heard and accounted for. Rest assured,
TEP Prepares For Removal of by law, none of your iden fying informa on can be revealed.
Coal Facilities In September
PCOA Grocery Shopping
Program Announced Be Safe, Stay Healthy and Wear a Mask.

Richard G. Fimbres
Councilmember - Ward 5
 Page 2 City of Tucson Ward 5 Newsletter

JTED’s New Campus is Now Open

Pima JTED’s dream to build a high-tech cam-
pus to bring its signature Career and Technical
Educa on programs to a greater number of
students, par cularly those living on the
Southwest side, is now a reality.

The project went from concept to comple on

in a li(le over a year thanks to Councilmem-
ber Fimbres working on many fronts, includ-
ing quickly arranging neighborhood mee ngs
in the Spring of 2019. He helped fast track
ge>ng the project to the City Manager and
Council for approval, and was instrumental in
working with u li es such as Tucson Water.
Pima JTED received the keys to the 50,000 square-foot Pima JTED Innova ve Learning Center At The
Bridges campus at South Park Avenue and I-10.

JKaiser Workspaces has installed modern furnishings for classrooms and accompanying maker spaces.
These will house programs such as; Air Transporta on/FAA Drone Operator, Engineering Aerospace
and Mining Technology, and 3D Anima on/Virtual Reality and Game Design. In addi on to Registered
Medical Assistant, and the Licensed Nursing Assistant/Personal Assistant Caregiver/Home Health Aide
programs, JTED’s new Comprehensive Health Care Technician program enables students to earn cer -
fica ons to work immediately as a Phlebotomy Technician, EKG Technician, and Electronic Health Rec-
ords Technician. A spacious laboratory houses the Cybersecurity and Ar ficial Intelligence program,
which allows students to earn CompTIAA+ cer fica ons for direct employment. Students in the Culi-
nary and Nutri onal Arts program will work with a professional chef in an industrial kitchen with
ameni es including a ver cal herb garden. The campus is opera ng at a reduced capacity un l Pima
County Health Officials determine it is safe for students to return to in-person classes.

“We are grateful that every step went so smoothly. The collabora on and coopera on among all par-
es, and Councilmember Fimbres’ determina on to make this happen, is a testament that local resi-
dents have long desired and deserve a campus like this for the community.” said Pima JTED Superin-
tendent Kathy Prather. “We’ve hired a talented group of teachers who have a wealth of teaching and
relevant industry experience who are going to make the JTED Innova ve Learning Center an excep-
onal place for students to achieve their career goals.”
 Page 3 City of Tucson Ward 5 Newsletter

Being a Good Neighbor

With the COVID-19 pandemic, another school semester has started. The school zone 15 miles per
hour signs are out in the morning and aLernoon, with crossing guards helping students cross our
streets to get to our schools. The University of Arizona and Pima College are star ng their spring se-
mesters and college students are moving into the dorms and houses in our neighborhoods. My office
has gathered informa on, to inform everyone who may not know about: Some of the rules about
parking; dates of mes for trash pick up; dates for upcoming Brush and Bulky pickup; noise levels and
what to do about loud par es.

Parking: Parking your vehicle is a permi(ed use on any por on of a property provided the vehicles do
not block City right-of-way (sidewalks, alleys). Also, when you park your car, please don’t block access
to your neighbor’s mailbox or driveway. If you are intending to have an event, be courteous and let
your neighbors know about the event and when parking will be available on the street. Please ensure
all vehicles have current registra on and are operable.

About your trash: To reduce flies and odor, please bag and securely e all your trash and do not
over fill containers. Never place hot ash or coals, or other burning materials in containers. Yard
waste may be disposed of, as long as it fits within the container with the lid closed. Don’t leave your
containers out past your pick up date. Please return it to the space you have it in your yard. For any
damaged trash containers, contact Environmental Services at (520) 791-3171. To find out your trash
pick up date, either call Environmental Services at (520) 791-3171 or go online to
maps2.tucsonaz.gov/zoomtucson/.

Please have your trash and recycle containers out to the street and on those days, please try not to
block mail boxes and driveways. Residen al recycling is collected every other week. To check your
schedule, go to www.tucsonaz.gov/es/residen al-recycling and type in your address or use the Recy-
cle Coach app to view your schedule, set up reminders, or submit a service request.

Brush and Bulky: Environmental Services offers Brush and Bulky twice a year. Environmental Ser-
vices will pick up 10 cubic yards of materials with the following guidelines: They will take brush, cac
(must be contained), lumber up to five feet, scrap metal, piping up to five feet, appliances, refrigera-
tor and freezers with doors removed, automobile res (limit five), and home furnishings.

Environmental Services will not collect: Dirt, stone, concrete, gravel, glass, household hazardous
waste (i.e. paint, oil, pes cides and liquids).

To find out your Brush and Bulky pick up date, either call Environmental Services at (520) 791-3171 or
go online to /maps2.tucsonaz.gov/zoomtucson/.
 Page 4 City of Tucson Ward 5 Newsletter

Cleaning up a,er your dog: It doesn't take much to remember that we

have pets in our community. In fact, if you don't watch your step, you are
liable to step in one such reminder! Besides being unsightly and smelly,
animal waste can be hazardous to the health of our children who play in
the community and other pets. One of the most common forms of disease
transmission between dogs is through fecal ma(er.

When walking your dog out in our community, remember that it should be
leashed. Also, it is important to remember to immediately clean up aLer
your pet. Take along a baggie with you to pick up waste with and then dis-
pose of it properly. Tucson Code Chapter 4-102 says that it shall be unlaw-
ful for the owner or person having custody of any dog to fail immediately
to move and dispose of in a sanitary manner any solid waste deposited by
such dog on public property or deposited on private property without the
consent of the person in control of the property. This sec on shall not apply to blind persons, persons
with mobility disabili es, or police officers or other law enforcement officers accompanied by police
dogs while on emergency.

By taking a few simple steps to clean up aLer your pet, you can contribute not only to the beau fica-
on of our community, but also towards the elimina on of one of the most irrita ng nuisances in our
community.
.
Loud Par es and Red Tags: With the start of a semester come loud par es. Although I understand
student excitement about the school
year, there are codes that are in place
and must be followed.

A loud party or unruly gathering can re-

sult in a red tag, which has several conse-
quences. If red tagged, a visible “red tag”
will be placed in street view, no fying the
neighborhood of the issuance. The red
tag comes with a fine and if a college stu-
dent is involved, a report to the Dean of
Students of the respec ve school.

The "red tag" states that if another unruly gathering occurs within 180 days that fines will be given
in amounts of $500-$1500.

As a part of our Police Chief’s community policing approach more officers have been put into patrol
func ons. This means more visible TPD presence. TPD is also partnering with UAPD so that responses
to loud par es are consistent between both departments.

The collabora on will mean greater informa on sharing and consistency in handling these types of
calls. It is important to call in loud par es, don’t assume others are doing so. If it isn’t reported, we
can’t adequately address the situa on.
 Page 5 City of Tucson Ward 5 Newsletter

The Tucson Police Department will respond to any gathering of a loud and unruly nature. A loud and un-
ruly gathering is any gathering of five or more persons who disturb the peace of their neighbors through
excessive noise, li(ering, obstruc on of public streets, drinking in public, minors consuming or being
served alcohol, figh ng, excessive traffic, or similar conduct. The exis ng noise ordinance, Sec on 16-31,
remains in effect and the “Unruly Gatherings,” Sec on 16-32, provides addi onal viola ons for loud or
unruly conduct.

For Sec on 16-32 to apply, the following criteria must exist:

* complainant (the ordinance may be enforced even if the complainant is a refused complainant)

* there must be a gathering of five (5) or more persons,

* it must be on private property (this also applies to businesses such as bars)

* the gathering must cause a disturbance as a result of conduct described above

The prac ce of social distancing and wearing masks, as well as washing hands have been strongly ad-
vised during this COVID-19 pandemic by the Pima County Board of Supervisors, the Pima County Health
Department and Tucson Mayor. Be safe and be healthy, and also wash your hands.

The following numbers are meant to be tools for our University neighbors if there should be an issue
with loud par es (520 area code): TPD Red Tag: 837-7318, UAPD Non-Emergency: 621-8273, UA Neigh-
borhood Hotline: 282-3649, UA Dean of Students: 621-7057, Pima College Police – West Campus: 206-
6643, Pima College Police - Downtown Campus: 206-7087, Pima College Police - East Campus: 206-7652,
Pima College Police - Desert Vista Campus: 206-5052, Pima College Police - Northwest Campus: 206-
2286.

CITY OFFERING RENT/UTILITY ASSISTANCE

The Mayor and Tucson City Council have allocated
more than $4.5 million of Federal CARES Act dollars
to fund an emergency rent and u lity assistance pro-
gram for City of Tucson residents struggling to pay
rent or u li es due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The City’s Housing and Community Development

(HCD) Department has partnered with several agen-
cies to administer this program including Primavera,
Interfaith Community Services, Catholic Community
Services, and Interna onal Rescue Commi(ee.

Program details and requirements include:

Household applicants reques ng assistance must be City of Tucson residents and financially impacted by
the COVID-19 pandemic. A household may be assisted once for up to three months of late or upcoming
rent or u lity obliga ons incurred aLer March 1, 2020. One applica on will be accepted per household
for up to $2,500 of rental and u lity assistance. Applicants will need to provide a copy of iden fica on,
copies of bills, and income and household informa on.
 Page 6 City of Tucson Ward 5 Newsletter

Eligibility is limited to households making up to $68,400. An agency representa ve will contact appli-
cants within five days of applica on submi(al for a phone interview and may ask them for addi onal
informa on.

If approved, the financial assistance will be sent directly to the applicants' landlord or u lity company.
Submi>n.g an applica on does not guarantee assistance. Applica ons are open online and households
are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as funds are limited. To apply online, visit
www.tucsonaz.gov/hcd/rent-help If you need assistance with the applica on process or are unable to
complete the applica on online, contact (520) 837-5364 or email covidemergencyassis-
[email protected].

“Keeping Tucsonans safe and healthy in their homes is the most important thing as many of our resi-
dents have been greatly impacted financially by this pandemic,” said HCD Director Liz Morales. “We’re
grateful to Mayor and Council and our partners for this addi onal tool to help residents facing housing
instability.”

Kidz Expo A Success

The 9th Annual Arizona Bilingual Kidz Expo took place, Saturday,
August 15, in the parking lot of the El Pueblo Center. This year’s
event was a drive through event, due the COVID-19 pandemic.

I want to thank Tucson Parks and Recrea on, Transporta on, Tuc-
son Police and the City Manager’s Office for working with Arizona
Bilingual for this event, with the planning and logis cs, so the event
was safe for families and event volunteers and organizers. I want to
thank Alma R. Gallardo and the staff at Arizona Bilingual for pu>ng on the Expo and adjus ng to have it
as a drive through event, similar to the MaskUp Tucson event held on July 18.

I also want to thank TEP, Walgreens, U.S. Census,

Food City. Vantage West Credit Union and all the
sponsors for their support. I want to thank Mayor
Regina Romero and City Manager Michael Ortega,
who worked with me to get and distribute 3,000
kid's masks for the event. Lastly, I want to thank
everyone who came out for the Expo. Educa on is
key to success.
 Page 7 City of Tucson Ward 5 Newsletter

Receive and Return Your Ballot By Mail on Time

In prepara on for mailing ballots for the November 4,
2020, General Elec on

Pima County Recorder F. Ann Rodriguez and her staff

had a produc ve mee ng with the Tucson Postmaster
and staff from the Cherrybell U.S. Postal Service pro-
cessing center. “We spoke with the Postmaster regard-
ing ballot delivery to voters and voters mailing ballots
back to the Recorder’s Office,” said Ms. Rodriguez.

The Recorder and the U.S. Postal Service confirmed that

both offices are ready to mail ballots for the General
Elec on on October 7, 2020. Ms. Rodriguez con nued,
“Regardless of what happens in other states, the local
post office assured us that they will con nue to provide the excellent delivery service as they have al-
ways done. We will con nue to pick up ballots daily at the Cherrybell plant beginning October 13, 2020.”

Usually, Recorder staff would begin daily pick-ups on Monday, October 12; however, the post office will
be closed on that day for the Columbus Day Holiday.

“Because Pima County has been using ballot by mail for over two and a half decades, Pima County post
offices know how to quickly process ballots by mail,” said Ms. Rodriguez. Over 75% of Pima County Vot-
ers are on the Permanent Early Voter List, and receive their ballots in the mail. Tuesday, October 27,
2020, is the recommended date for voters to mail back their ballots.

Voters may also drop off completed ballots at Early Vo ng Sites, which are open Wednesday,
October 7 – Tuesday, November 2. Voters may drive up, bike up, or walk up for curbside ballot drop off
at most sites Monday, October 26 – Tuesday, November 2, 2020. The complete list of sites with hours of
opera on is here: h(ps://www.recorder.pima.gov/EarlyVo ngSites. In addi on, voters may drop off
completed ballots at any polling place on Elec on Day.

Some voters may be out of town when the Recorder mails ballots. “By federal law, the U.S.
Postal Service will not forward Official Elec on Mail, including ballots,” said Ms. Rodriguez. “Even if you
have a forwarding request at your local post office, ballots will not be forwarded.” If voters will be out of
town when ballots are mailed in October, they should go online to request that their ballot be mailed to
a temporary address: h(ps://www.recorder.pima.gov/BallotByMail. Select “I would like my ballot sent
to a different address.” Voters may also call the Recorder’s Office at 520-724-4330, and request that
their ballot be sent to their temporary address.

If you are not registered to vote, please do so, you can register online at h(ps://servicearizona.com/
VoterRegistra on/selectLanguage. If you haven’t signed up to have your ballot mailed to your house,
please do so. For more informa on, please call the Pima County Recorder’s Office, (520) 724-4330.

Be Heard, Be Seen and Be Counted in 2020!

 Page 8 City of Tucson Ward 5 Newsletter

Tucson Water’s Low Income Assistance Program

The City of Tucson offers a discount to qualified customers for water charges on their monthly u lity
statement through Tucson Water’s Low-Income Assistance program. Eligibility is primarily determined
by household size and income; other guidelines do apply. Eligible customers can receive the discount for
up to three years from the approval date. Call (520) 791-5443 for more informa on, or visit tuc-
sonaz.gov/cares to learn more about this and other assistance programs offered by the City of Tucson.

Other Assistance Available

U lity Companies
Southwest Gas, (877) 860-6020, Water Department Emergency (520) 791-3242 and Pima County Sewer
Emergency (520) 724-3400.

Rent & U lity Assistance

Pima County Community Ac on Agency (520) 724-2667, Monday – Friday 8:30am – 10:30am.

Interfaith Community Services (520) 297-6049, Address: 2820 W. Ina Road Tucson, AZ 85714, Monday –
Friday: 9:00am – 4:00pm.

The Project PPEP rental assistance phone number is (520) 741-4397 and the u lity assistance phone
number is (520) 806-2506.

Tucson Electric Power (520) 623-7711 , Lifeline Program ($15/month discount) - h(ps://www.tep.com/
customer-assistance; Lifeline Online Form - h(ps://account.tep.com/MyAccount/
UserValida onLifeLinePlan; Emergency Short-term Assistance - h(ps://www.tep.com/short-term-
assistance.

COVID-19 Update
I want to thank everyone during this COVID-19
health crisis who have been following the
health guidelines of washing their hands, prac-
cing social distancing, using masks and gloves
and leaving their homes only for essen al
trips.

With the COVID-19 virus, it is important to

wash your hands frequently and wash your
hands immediately aLer blowing your nose,
coughing, sneezing, using the bathroom or
touching surfaces in a public space.

Wash your hands before ea ng or preparing food and before touching your face. The Centers for Dis-
ease Control (CDC) recommend you wash your hands for 20 seconds.

If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sani zer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover
all surfaces of your hands and rub them together un l they feel dry. Avoid touching your eyes, nose,
and mouth with unwashed hands.
 Page 9 City of Tucson Ward 5 Newsletter

Social distancing, also called “physical distancing,” means keeping space between yourself and other
people outside of your home. Stay at least 6 feet from other people. Do not gather in groups or go to
gatherings. Keeping space between you and others is one of the best tools we have to avoid being ex-
posed to this virus.

I hope you will thank our locally owned restaurants and businesses who are trying to survive through
this health crisis as well. Remember, support our locally owned restaurants by ordering food from
them, either through a drive through, by delivery or by take out and remember to buy local. Let’s do
our part!

My Ward 5 staff and I are here to help you. Please call us at (520) 791-4231 or Email:
[email protected]. With the COVID-19 pandemic, City offices are closed to public access but we are
working. The City of Tucson also has a COVID Hotline, (520) 791-2540, to answer your ques ons about
city services opera ng during this health crisis.

Welcome Captain Monica Prieto

Lt. Monica Prieto was promoted to Captain and became Commander for Oper-
a ons Division South, which includes Ward 5.

Captain Monica Prieto joined the Tucson Police Department in 1999 aLer re-
ceiving her Bachelor of Science in Public Administra on from the University of
Arizona.

She was an officer in the Field Services Division (patrol) un l her promo on to
detec ve in 2005. She remained a detec ve for 7 years working in both the
Child Sexual Abuse Unit and the Adult Sexual Assault Unit.

Captain Prieto was promoted to sergeant in 2012 and assigned to Opera ons
Division West. As a sergeant, she also worked in the Office of Professional
Standards ("IA") and the Audit and Best Prac ces Unit.

She was promoted to lieutenant in 2017 and returned to the Field Services Bureau un l becoming the
Violent Crimes Sec on Commander overseeing the department's criminal inves ga ve units, including
Homicide, Aggravated Assault, Robbery, and Traffic. Captain Prieto is a 2019 graduate of Northwestern
University’s Center for Public Safety, School of Police Staff and Command. Captain Prieto grew up in the
Opera ons South Division and is a proud Desert View graduate. She is excited to be returning home to
lead Opera ons Division South.

Welcome Captain Prieto to Ward 5, we look forward to working with you for our community!

Ward 5 Updates
Recently, the Mayor and Council considered a proposal about expanding the City’s wifi outreach, and
with discussions with my colleagues on the Council, to include areas on the South side, including Sunny-
side School District. This is a work in progress and will be completed by February 2020. More updates
to follow in future newsle(ers...
 Page 10 City of Tucson Ward 5 Newsletter

The City of Tucson is finishing up the 2020 Poverty and Urban Stress Report, a report that shows the sta-
s cs and demographics for the City of Tucson.

From 2012 to 2020, Ward 5 has lowered the rate of poverty from 31.2% to 26.8%.

In Ward 5, more people have obtained their GED or high school diploma. Those who have not obtained
either, has been reduced from 33.8% to 24.3% from 2010-2018. The biggest drop in all Wards. In 2000,
40.3% of Ward 5 residents lacked a high school diploma.

Ward 5 did not have highest property crime, violent crime and overall crime rates.

There have been improvements made but we have work s ll to do. For more informa on, go online to:
h(ps://poverty-and-urban-stress-cotgis.hub.arcgis.com/. …

With the COVID-19 pandemic con nuing, the Tucson Mayor and Council mee ngs are being conducted
virtually. To view the mee ng, go to the link: h(ps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yCSKOfCIMA. ...

Tucson Electric Power had worked with the Ward 5 Council Office, elected officials and the community
to begin the process to remove the coal-handling facili es at their genera on sta on on East Irvington
Road located in Ward 5. Below are the details of what will be happening at the TEP Irvington Campus.

For more informa on, go online to tep.com.

Page 11 City of Tucson Ward 5 Newsletter
 Important Numbers City of Tucson Ward 5 Newsletter
and
Contact Information Frequently Used Phone Numbers
Emergency Services
Ward 5 City Council Office Tucson Police Department or Tucson Fire Department
4300 S. Park Avenue DIAL 911
Tucson Arizona 85714
Permits
Planning and Development Services Department
Phone: 520-791-4231
791-5550
Fax: 520-791-3188
[email protected] Housing Assistance
City of Tucson Community Services Department
791-4739

Tucson Convention Center

Stay Informed! 791-4101
Visit our other
information outlets: City of Tucson Code Enforcement
791-5843

TPD Red Tag Unit

837-7318, Email: [email protected]

HTTP:// Graffiti Removal

WWW.TUCSONAZ.GOV/ 792-CITY (2489)
WARD –5
TPD Non Emergency
To unsubscribe to this 791-4444
newsletter please send an
email to:
Trash Pick Up & Environmental Services
[email protected]
and include the word un-
City of Tucson Environmental Services Department
subscribe in subject line. 791-3171

TDOT Street Maintenance

Help those who are in 791-3154, Email: [email protected]
need.
Give to the Tucson Water Department
Community Food Billing - 791-3242, Public Information - 791-4331
Bank.
For more Park Tucson
information call: 791-5071
520-622-0525
Pima Animal Care
724-5900

University of Arizona Police Department

621-8273

University of Arizona Dean of Students

621-7057