TCFC Newsletter: September 2025

The last few weeks have been incredibly busy for the Tucson Crime Free Coalition (TCFC).

Stop STAR Village Press Conference

On September 15th, TCFC hosted a STOP STAR VILLAGE press conference alongside the Sugar Hill Neighborhood Association and other community groups. It was a tremendous success and over 120 people came to support us!  A heartfelt thank-you to all of our speakers, guests, and supporters who joined us. We also appreciate the strong media coverage from KVOA, KGUN, and KOLD.

This proposed city-sanctioned homeless encampment will be a detriment to the community, and our coalition will continue to oppose it.

READ THE TCFC OP-ED Published in AZ Daily Star HERE:

https://tucson.com/opinion/column/article_24b0a9d2-28b6-47bd-a4f4-25bb7a3b77e8.html

That same evening also marked a milestone—our third anniversary as an advocacy group. We are profoundly grateful to all our members, especially those who have been with us since day one. Your commitment fuels our mission.

Ward 3 Meeting on STAR Village

On September 17th, TCFC and supporters attended Councilmember Kevin Dahl’s Ward 3 meeting regarding STAR Village. Unfortunately, it was not a true community discussion—it was a “this is how it will go” presentation.

City officials admitted they had already decided to move forward without consulting nearby neighborhoods or businesses. Even more concerning, they claimed they are not obligated to notify residents when encampments are placed in their communities.

The camp, designed for 25 women and nonbinary individuals, comes with a $450,000 price tag to start.

Residents were denied the opportunity to speak publicly, allowed only to submit written comment cards. When TCFC Steering Leader Kevin Daily questioned Ward 3 Chief of Staff Katie Bolger on why the process excluded public input, she responded:

“Because I don’t want to listen to people f****** bitch.”

This is a verbatim, unacceptable remark from a City employee.

At the meeting, the city stated that if this works ("works" is not defined), they will be putting up other encampments around the city.  City has no criteria for "works" or success.

On a substantive note, TCFC filed numerous public records requests:

·         The City of Tucson confirmed that as of the September 17^th meeting, no formal agreements had been executed between the City of Tucson and its “partners” on this site, Old Pueblo Community Services and The Primavera Foundation. It is ironic that the organizers distributed a “Good Neighbor Agreement” to meeting participants when they in fact don’t have any agreements in place.

·         In response to a public records request, TPD confirmed that as of September 24^th, 10 days post the community meeting, no meeting notes or correspondence regarding security at Star Village had occurred.

·         The community activist responsible for conceptualizing Star Village, Victoria Devasto of Community on Wheels, failed to appear at the community meeting despite presentation being on the meeting’s agenda.

The meeting drew a large audience—about half from the neighborhood, who raised grave concerns. Meanwhile, the Democratic Socialists of Tucson voiced support for yet another failed experiment that will only bring more decay and disorder. Yet another example of an ill-conceived, poorly executed plan put into motion by the City of Tucson.

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City Council Study Session – September 23rd

At the City Council meeting on September 23rd, there was extensive discussion about substance use and chronic homelessness.

·         Councilmember Nikki Lee proposed a new ordinance making public drug use a misdemeanor offense. This is a clear response to the failure of Pima County Attorney Laura Conover, who routinely ignores enforcement of existing felony drug laws. Even Police Chief Chad Kasmar has publicly voiced frustration with her inaction.

·         The Council also addressed escalating crime on the Chuck Huckleberry Loop, once touted as a nationally renowned cycling path. Pima County’s Loop Patrol ended in July, citing wasted resources and lack of enforcement. TCFC has long documented rampant drug use and danger in the washes and tunnels along the Loop.

·         Mayor Romero, in her typical style, launched into another self-congratulatory speech about how “hard she is working.” The more she insists she is “working hard,” the clearer it becomes that results are lacking.

One notable highlight: Councilmember Karin Uhlich openly acknowledged the need for accountability to get people into treatment and specifically gave TCFC credit for our advocacy around the Pima County Transition Center. As she nears retirement, she seems more willing to state the truth, that what has been done so far has not worked.

Tragedy on the Loop

Just hours after the meeting, tragedy struck.  Enrique “Kix” Mercado, 44, a well-known cyclist and member of the Tuesday Night Rides cycling group was murdered during a confrontation with pedestrians on the Loop during a group bicycle ride. This senseless act of violence shocked Tucson and underscores the dangers we have been warning about. When crime and disorder and drug use are allowed to openly propagate in our public spaces and parks unchecked, violence will ensue and the entire community will suffer. The condition on the Loop and elsewhere are a threat to public safety and the peaceful enjoyment of our shared spaces.

The aftermath has sparked widespread discussion covered by media outlets, community members are calling for change. Yet Mayor Romero continues to deflect responsibility, blaming the County. While the Loop is technically a County asset, criminal enforcement within City limits falls under TPD jurisdiction. Once again, the City refuses to be held accountable.

How to Get Involved

The next Mayor and Council meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, October 8th.

Supporters are urged to attend wearing black shirts in solidarity.

Looking Ahead – City Elections

Tucson’s upcoming elections provide a critical opportunity for change. If you are dissatisfied with the current direction, TCFC urges two actions:

1.      Vote for Candidates of Change
We are nonpartisan and endorse based on leadership, not party. Given the state of Tucson, we are not endorsing any current office holders. Our recommendations are thus:

o    Janet Wittenbraker

o    Jay Tolkoff

2.      Vote NO on Proposition 417 (“Plan Tucson”)
This so-called “10-Year Plan” has been quietly advanced with little public awareness—by design. It fails to prioritize urgent city issues. Send a clear message to the Mayor and Council: reprioritize community safety and accountability.

We will share more on this critical issue in the coming weeks.