WE ARE D5 MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
November 2022
The mission of this newsletter is to demystify the role of local government and keep you up to date with Pima County politics. As a life long resident of District 5 and now as Pima County Supervisor, it is my goal to keep you updated on all our office is doing. Please feel free to share widely and reach out to our team at district5@pima.gov with any questions or concerns. (Para español, haga click en el botón de arriba a la derecha y seleccione el idioma español.)
Stay safe,
THE PEOPLE OF DISTRICT 5
Taqueria "El Rapido" is a family-owned, locally-run business just on the edge of District 5. They started as a taco truck and opened a restaurant in 2019. Tucson Foodie featured them, and stated that "the birria and lengua have been our favorites at the food truck." You can also order tacos, burritos, and tortas and many other dishes at Taqueria "El Rapido." Check them out at:
301 W. 29th St., Tucson, AZ 85705
Photo courtesy of Alexis Bernal. Alexis Bernal, Irving F. Gamez, and their son Sebastian Gamez at the 29th St. location.
YOUTH SPOTLIGHT
Hailey-Mae Valenzuela
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Hailey-Mae Valenzuela is a member of the Tohono O'odham Nation, a sophomore at Pueblo High School, and has shown immense leadership as the Vice President of Tribal Images Youth Council and as a member of Tucson Native Youth Council and Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) chapter at her school. She is reliable, hardworking, and passionate about educating others about native culture as well as a great student. She plans to attend college and go into the field of health.
Bravo, Hailey-Mae!
Photo Courtesy of Jolene Jose, Student Success Specialist, Native American Student Services, Tucson Unified School District
Yoheved Begay has been an active Pascua Yaqui Boys & Girls Club member for over eight years. At a young age Yoheved already shows the characteristics of a leader as Vice President of the Club's summer Keystone Teen Excellence program. At school she is in great academic standing. She is a wonderful role model for younger Club members as a mature, driven young woman with a heart of gold. Yoheved plans to attend the U of A and study Child Development.
Great work, Yoheved!
Photo courtesy of Julie Trujillo, Director of Clubhouse Operations, Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson
If you know a young person in our community who you think should be highlighted, please fill out this form and nominate a youth!
WOMEN'S SPOTLIGHT: DR. OFELIA ZEPEDA
Dr. Ofelia Zepeda is a member of the Tohono O'odham Nation. She is a Regents' Professor of Tohono O'odham language and linguistics at the University of Arizona. In 2016, Dr. Zepeda received the Museum of Contemporary Art's (MOCA) Local Genius Award. She also received a MacArthur Fellowship from the John D. and Catherine MacArthur Foundation in 1999 as well as numerous awards from the University of Arizona. Her publications include "A Papago Grammar" and the poetry collections "Where Clouds Are Formed," "Jewed ‘I-Hoi/Earth Movements," and "Ocean Power: Poems from the Desert."
Photo courtesy of Magazine of the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian.
POLICY UPDATES
November 1, 2022 Board Meeting Recap
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Thank you Alfred Urbina, Attorney General for the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, for reading the land acknowledgement!
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Regional Prosperity Task Force Directed to Work with City to Address Poverty and Create Community Wealth - Item passed 3-2
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5% Increase in Salary Funds in 2023/2024 Budget to Account for Compensation Study Findings - Item failed 3-2
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$11 Million in 2023/2024 Budget Set Aside for Salary Increases - Item passed 4-1
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Appointment of Betty Villegas and Sharayah Jimenez to the Pima County Regional Affordable Housing Commission - Item passed unanimously
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Increase in Stipend Pay for Election Board Workers Stipend Pay for Election Board Workers - Item passed unanimously
November 15, 2022 Board Meeting Recap
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Thank you Erika Tenorio, University of Arizona Student and Artist, for reading the land acknowledgement!
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Proclamation: SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY - November 26, 2022
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Body Worn Cameras and TASERs for Pima County Constables - Item passed unanimously
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Pascua Yaqui Indian Tribe Intergovernmental Agreement on Criminal Prosecutions - Item passed unanimously
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Appointment of Constable, Justice Precinct 10 - Item passed 4-0, Supervisor Grijalva abstained
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Use of Mission Annex for Expansion of Pre-Trial and Probation Services - Item passed unanimously
November 22, 2022 Board Meeting - November 8, 2022 General Election Results Certified
NOVEMBER
Pima Community College El Rio Learning Center
Thank you to Pima Community College, Adult Basic Education for College & Career, and Student Senate representatives for spending time with us and talking with us about the most pressing needs of students, such as childcare and access to food.
It was wonderful to celebrate the 21st anniversary of Stories that Soar at Sam Hughes Elementary School!
Pueblo High School Fall Encuentro
I loved being back at my alma mater, Pueblo High School, to share resources with the talented students!
Thank you to representatives from the Pascua Yaqui Tribe of Arizona and the Pima County Attorney's Office for participating in our meeting on November 15th to present on the Pascua Yaqui Tribe Intergovernmental Agreement on Criminal Prosecutions!
It was lovely to tour SAAF's Thornhill-Lopez center. The center provides critical resources for LGBTQIA+ youth in our community. To learn more, visit www.saaf.org/
Ruby Bridges made history when she became the first African American student to integrate an elementary school in the South.
"We have to protect our babies. We owe them the opportunity to do better with this world than we have done." - Ruby Bridges
HAVE A RESTFUL HOLIDAY WEEKEND!
To those who celebrate Thanksgiving, hope you have a happy Thanksgiving with friends and family. We are thankful for our wonderful D5 community! If you do not partake in Thanksgiving celebrations and instead honor the National Day of Mourning, hope you have a reflective day in solidarity with community.
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: TAQUERIA "EL RAPIDO"
Yoheved Begay