Tucson Festival of Books (from their website)

Saturday, March 10, 2012, from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 11, 2012, from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The University of Arizona Campus, Main Mall, between Campbell Avenue and Old Main, on E. 3rd Street/University Blvd.

www.tucsonfestivalofbooks.org for full schedule, and list of which authors will be present.

2012 Tickets & admission
General attendance is free!

We suggest arriving at least 10 minutes early to each venue to ensure seats are available. Seating in each venue is on a first-come, first-served basis.

2012 parking
Parking on the U of A campus is free on the dates of the Festival. All garages and surface lots are free except the Second Street Garage, which is reserved for authors and moderators.

‘Get your program!’
The Festival’s program will be a special section inserted into the Arizona Daily Star on Sunday, March 4. Additional copies will also be available at Information booths at the Festival.

Yes, I’ve been to this wildly popular book event for the 3 previous years, listening to various authors speak about their poetry, prose, etc. as well as helping out at our Tucsoncitizen.com booth last year. There’s also lots of music, food for sale, children’s activities.

And since the last 3 festivals have been packed, may I suggest people catch the Sun Tran bus (routes # 4 and # 3 run right by the UA) to this event, or bicycle, walk, carpool, etc. Parking will be tight.

“Where Words & Imagination come to life”.

OPEN HOUSE AT RANDOLPH CENTER ON FEBRUARY 29, 2012

The Tucson Parks and Recreation Department will host an Open House at the Randolph Regional
Recreation Center, 200 S. Alvernon Way on Wednesday, February 29 from 4-6 p.m.

Tucson Parks and Recreation Department is committed to promoting socialization, health, fitness and an active lifestyle for participants of all ages. We are excited to provide the opportunity to open the center doors to the community for free during the Open House hours.

Leap into leisure activities with a tour of the facility and learn more about all the leisure classes offered at Randolph. Demonstrations and exhibits in painting, glass bead making, jewelry, tap dance, ballet, piano, Tai Chi, Itty Bitty Sports, Pickleball, badminton, pottery making, gymnastics,weight room certification and more.

Staff will be available with information regarding center activities, programs as well as options for purchasing center passes and class registration.
Instructions and opportunities to participate in activities will take place throughout the evening for youth and adults. Refreshments will be served.

For information about the facility contact the Randolph Center at 791-4560 or visit the website at:
www.tucsonaz.gov/parksandrec/randolph

Lisa Sommer Date: 02/15/2012
Tucson Parks and Recreation/Recreation Supervisor
TDD: 520- 791-2639
520- 520-791-4560
lisa.sommer@tucsonaz.gov

Ever since the news broke by our activist blogger “3 Sonorans” (David Abie Morales) about the domestic violence allegations lodged by attorney Georgette Escobar, girlfriend/campaign manager of LD 29 Rep. Daniel Patterson, I have been reflecting upon the years we spent fighting domestic violence in the 1990′s.

Our slogan back then was “zero tolerance for domestic violence.” I was a staff attorney for an Americorps domestic violence victims project in Hawaii, where I set up a safe haven at a YWCA for parents in conflict to drop off their children safely for visitation with the other ex-partner/ex-spouse. Then I served as a DV Commissioner for a few years, and later as Interim Director of the Domestic Violence Commission here in Tucson, which is unfortunately no longer in operation. We spent a great deal of time trying to educate the public about the cycle of domestic violence, and how to seek help for victims in DV situations.

Domestic violence should not occur in our society, but it still does, and often leads to lethal consequences including homicide and suicide.

Our society has improved over the years with more women speaking out against verbal abuse & violence in their homes — but more needs to be done. Any violence in a domestic/family situation should not be tolerated, especially child abuse in any form.

2 term LD 29 Rep. Daniel Patterson had been accused before by his ex-wife of domestic abuse, and now he faces new allegations by his current girlfriend. The legal process will take its course with the Order of Protection, the police and any prosecutors, and with an ethics investigation in the AZ State House. Numerous calls for his resignation from public office have been made by Democratic officials, fellow legislators, community members, the Arizona Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ACADV).

From ACADV website:

Domestic violence is a pattern of behavior that includes the use or threat of violence and intimidation for the purpose of gaining power and control over another person. Violence is characterized by: Physical Abuse, Sexual Abuse, Economic Abuse, Isolation, Emotional Abuse, Control, or Verbal Abuse.

Whatever the outcome with Rep. Patterson, a lot more attention has been paid to a very important problem in our society — when people resort to violence to resolve their conflicts. Instead of peacefully discussing their differences and problems, some use physical, verbal, & psychological abuse against another human being. This is not acceptable in the 21st century.

More information on domestic violence: National Coalition against Domestic Violence, toll free 1.800.799.SAFE (7233) 24/7 hours/day.

In Tucson: Emerge! Center Against Domestic Abuse (click here for recent blog by It’s Never too Late to Care.)

Domestic violence in any form should not be tolerated.