5.11.2012

Talk About Backdraft

Firefighters responded to a burning shed on Benson highway Wednesday morning. The cause of the blaze? Flaming manure.

The story goes that a small, contained manure fire was set by cleanup workers as part of a genius-level plan to drive away some bees, but was somehow accidentally left burning inside the shed.

Overnight winds stoked the fire and blew embers out of the pan, igniting the whole kit and kaboodle — and seriously ticking off the bees — just in time for the swarm to go after some unsuspecting firefighters.

All I can say is that the next time TFD calls me to push Fireman’s Ball tickets… I’m totally buying a pair.

“Respect My Authori-tay!”

Maricopa Co. Sheriff Joe Arpaio says he’ll fight to “the bitter end” to keep from having to surrender what he considers his right to dress-up grown men in pink undies.

Arpaio, long under investigation by the Feds, is now being sued by the Justice Department. Both the investigations and the lawsuit center around racial discrimination… and the fact that bologna sandwiches are just plain gross.

Paging Dr. Feelgood

A judge ruled on 5.1.12 that AZ medical marijuana dispensaries are required to employ a licensed doctor as “medical director.” A dispensary medical director will be responsible for training staff, developing informational guidelines, spotting abuse and knowing which icky is the most sticky.

You Can’t Run From Stupid

Jesse Kelly — still determined to make that image makeover stick — abruptly ended a press conference last week when reporter questioning got tough.

On the ropes about his flip-flop positions on Medicare and Social Security, Kelly claimed he was out of time and left, referring journalists to his website.

Which just flip flopped.

Which was the question.

The 60 Percent

TUSD is in agua caliente again. Already being investigated by the DOE over its treatment of public attendees at district board meetings and its policies regarding Latino community events on campus, the district has now added fuel to the fire by firing their Mexican-American Studies program director.

In an effort to prove that TUSD is being unreasonable by categorizing the MAS program as incendiary, supporters retaliated for the firing by setting off a smoke bomb at TUSD district headquarters.

Inside the Overpass Mural Unveiling:

When: Wednesday 5.9.2012  3:30-6:30 pm

Where: 29th St/Columbus Ave

Where others might see only blight, Tucson Arts Brigade saw potential.

The non-profit group, along with members of the Jim and Vicki Click Boys and Girls Club Clubhouse, have transformed the overpass formerly covered with graffiti into a vibrant testament to the power of art, kids, and community involvement.

A gigantic mural comprised of self-portraits by Clubhouse kids — not a tangle of spray paint — now greets motorists and pedestrians on the corner of 29th Street and Columbus Boulevard.

The Inside the Overpass unveiling is the culmination of a two-year project, and part of TAB’s countywide “Beautify and Unify” initiative.

TAB, a non-profit community arts and education organization, “employs arts-based solutions to civic and social issues.” The overpass project focused on the issue of bullying — more often associated with tagging culture than many adults realize.

The 22nd/Columbus location was chosen because of its heavy vandalization. Boys and Girls Club volunteers cleared more than 80 pounds of trash, and removed hundreds of graffiti “tags” before beginning their mural.

TAB hopes that beautifying the area will not only decrease graffiti, but also restore a sense of pride to the area and build confidence and unity where despair and discord once flourished.

Several other giant works of TAB art grace walls around town — part of their Tucson Mural Arts Program. The Barrio Centro Lucky Wishbone parking lot is sporting the first completed TMAP piece, a kaleidescope of local symbolism.

Another TMAP project, titled “Together We Thrive,” will restore an existing mural in Winsett Park on north 4th Avenue. New elements will also be added to the piece.

TAB is currently recruiting community members for dialogue-based design workshops to develop a community plan for transforming the Winsett Park mural.

For more information on TAB’s “Beautify and Unify” initiative, which includes Neighborhood Arts Workshops, Mural Workshops for Youth, Community Paint Days or to request a mural on your property, contact Tucson Art Brigade.

520.791.9359

info@TucsonArtsBrigade.org

www.TucsonArtsBrigade.org

*”Share The Bounty” detail photo (immediately above) courtesy of Tucson Arts Brigade website.

All other photos by Amy Glor 2012

Another Brick In The Wall

For the second time this year, Amphitheater district administrators are issuing a statement regarding alleged teacher-student misconduct.

Ironwood High School teacher, Melissa Anne Dalton, is charged with four counts of sexual misconduct with a minor. The charges involve two students, one 15 and the other 16.

In January, David Rogers, then a teacher at Amphitheater High School, was brought up on the same charges in connection with a 16-year-old student.

Flowing Wells District is dealing with similar allegations. Teacher Christina Marie Carbone was arrested last week on misconduct charges involving a student in the Tucson Unified School District.

All three teachers were placed on administrative leave and Amphitheater reports it has begun the process of firing Rogers. 

Search and Hope Continue

Week number two passed with no sign of Isabel Celis, the six-year-old who disappeared from her bedroom on the Morning of April 20.

Local police have thoroughly searched, investigated hundreds of potential leads, involved Mexican authorities and recreated the event. Isa’s parents have cooperated fully with the investigation from the beginning, and recently addressed the local media.

A surveillance videotape released by TPD last week that many hoped would lead to key witnesses was later found to be worthless in regard to Isa’s case.

TPD will no longer be holding daily press conferences, but officials say the investigation continues to make daily progress.

Community support continues to run high. This weekend, local volunteers took to the streets, posting flyers and supporters organized a concert and a softball game to raise money toward the search.

Anyone with information is urged to call 911, 88-CRIME, or leave an anonymous tip on the TPD website.

Good Scott!

Second Saturday will relocate this month to facilitate both event-goers and downtown construction. Scott Avenue will host the May event.

Ready To Continue

Despite the suicide death of its leader, JT Ready, this week, members of U.S. Border Guard say they will continue their armed patrols of the Arizona/Mexico border.

Ready, killed four people, including a toddler, before turning the gun on himself during what is being deemed a domestic dispute last week. According to FBI officials, Ready was under federal domestic terrorism investigation at the time of the shootings.

Lofty Aspirations

Tucson landmark theater, The Loft, has revealed plans to renovate. Upgrades will include a third screen, a bigger lobby, more wheelchair accessibility, an elevator and a rear patio.

The theater will purchase a property next door to facilitate the expansion.

Cop Killer = Crazy

Last week David “Nick” Delich, the man who led Tucson police on a 20-mile chase in 2008 after fatally shooting TPD officer Erik Hite, was sentenced to 91 years in the state mental hospital after entering a plea of “guilty but insane.” Delich is diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. Delich will be transferred to prison if and when doctors determine him no longer seriously mentally ill.

Delich used his opportunity to speak to inform the court that he would resurrect Hite if he knew the officer’s whereabouts. Hite’s widow said she agrees with the punishment, and hopes his treatment will help Delich find peace.

Justice Executed

Thomas Kemp was executed Wednesday, nearly 20 years after he robbed and killed a Pima Community College student. Kemp’s final words were, “I have no regrets.”

Catch The Moon

Tucsonans were treated to a spectacular sight Saturday night, when the moon was in close proximity to the sun because of its naturally elliptical orbit. Timing of the lunar event coincided with a full moon, making the celestial body appear 14 percent larger than usual.

“Best” Ballots Begin

The Tucson Weekly’s Best of Tucson 2012 ballot is now available online. The perennial favorite allows Tucsonans to vote for their favorite local businesses, events, media and more.

*This weekend I debut The Seen — the photo blog section of Locally, Vocally. It will post on Saturdays around noon & run until Mondays around 8 a.m.
It’s a look at life in the Old Pueblo, featuring images I’ve captured during the course of my various goings-on-about town.

So, if you see me pointing a camera, don’t freak out — say cheese! You could end up in The Seen.

HUD building (downtown)

Sculpture wall (midtown)

Isa poster (midtown)

Tucson cycles (midtown)

Cinco de Mayo (citywide)

Graffiti (midtown)

Cancer support poster (downtown)

Catalinas (northside)

Bus stop (midtown)

Brunch at Ghini’s (midtown)

Full moon in daylight (citywide)

Friday night at Casa (midtown)

Bumper stickers

Soup kitchen (southside)

Bird on century plant (midtown)

** All photos by Amy Glor 2012

Rebel Without A Leg To Stand On

Here’s what we know: John Frederick was riding a gasoline-powered bicycle when he encountered Shawn Patrick Cleary on a walking path along Golf Links Road.

After that, the real story seems to be anyone’s guess — Cleary calls himself a concerned citizen and says he was simply using his walking staff to enforce path policy regarding motorized vehicles. Frederick says he was just riding to work when some dude jumped him with a big ol’ stick.

Cleary admits to having several other altercations on the same path, for the same reason… but doesn’t consider himself a vigilante or believe he deserves the assault citation.

They Say The RTA Lanes Are Wide On Broadway

The Regional Transit Authority — working from what are reported to be 25-year-old projections — plan to widen Broadway Avenue from Euclid to Country Club. To six lanes. For two miles. And take out 100 buildings. All for the low, low price of $71 million dollars.

Although it might be worth 8 digits to finally be rid of that old Wienerschnitzel.

He’s Down With GOP

Republican candidate for the special CD 8 election to fill the Giffords seat, Jesse Kelly, is so very unpopular that even members of his own party are jumping ship. Many prominent GOP members from the Southern Arizona region have given Kelly’s opponent — and Giffords’ choice — Ron Barber their official endorsements.

At least Kelly can apparently count on the seniors-sitting-around-in-soft-focus-while-pleading-to-keep-their-Social-Security-checks vote, according to his latest non-evil TV ad.

No Hablo Drama

A student-led group called UNIDOS was ousted from the UA department of Mexican-American Studies. Que pasa is the $64,000 pregunta.

UNIDOS made national headlines last year, when protesting MAS students took over a TUSD board meeting. With UNIDOS was kicked off UA campus, some — including Social Justice Education Project manager, Kim Dominguez —  are speaking out against what they see as the university’s attempt to railroad student activism.

The details are a little difficult to follow in any language, but essentially, a UA MAS email leaked to the press by SJEP sternly warns UNIDOS against Save Ethnic Studies fundraising in MAS department facilities.

Como se dice SNAFU?

* The “You Gotta Laugh A Little, Cry A Little” feature is strictly opinion-based, humorous commentary. Nothing here should be considered statement of fact nor be interpreted as news. For quality news reporting, please visit the links provided and/or the news sites on my blogroll. Don’t sue me, I’M JOKING.

** Direct/indirect quotes and other re-posted content remain the property of the original author. Attribution on Locally,Vocally is provided in the form of a hot-link to the original work and/or written acknowledgment of the material’s original source.

April 27, 2012

Jesse Kelly: Seriously?

So, there’s a Republican contender for the Congressional seat recently vacated by our beloved Gabrielle Giffords. Jesse Kelly, who gave Gabby a run for her money in the last election, has a pretty strong contingency. Unfortunately, he also has no clue.

Two Kelly statements jump off the page: “We have an unlimited supply of wealth in this nation,” he said. “Get the EPA out of the way. … It solves everything we need.” (Quote from AZCentral.com article here.)

Which is enough for me to write him off as a candidate. To write him off as a person it took a little more. According to the above article, Kelly has been encouraging voters to help him “finish the job” of taking back Gabby’s seat for the GOP.

Um… not cool, dude. NOT cool.

I adore Gabby, and have full faith in her recommended successor, Ron Barber — both of whom know firsthand exactly why gun violence is no laughing matter.

Canary’s Dead: What You’ll Never Know About the Mine Next Door

Lotta mines around Tucson. Lotta mines. Now, thanks to Governor Jan Brewer’s signing of the Polluter Protection Act, both you and I could be living next to a toxic sinkhole. A death trap that is actively — and legally — hiding its poisonous shenanigans. Oh, and if all of your hair and teeth fall out because of it? You can’t sue. This legislation is so very environmentally destructive that even the envoy of Satan, former Governor Fife Symington, once vetoed it. But Brewer seems to think its a famous idea. Wow.

All the Wrong People Are Unemployed: Lazy Bureaucrats Could Cost Workers Their Bennies

Apparently, the AZ legislature thinks filling out a little bit of paperwork just ain’t where the party’s at. Tell that to the thousands of Arizona workers who are poised to lose their unemployment benefits if our representatives refuse to lift their pencils. The unemployed know all too well how much fun it is to wade through the red-tape-and-snotty-attitude maze that is filing for government money. (While also looking for jobs in the worst economy since the Great Depression, btw.) But you’re right, lawmakers — those slackers obviously don’t deserve a break.

Daniel Patterson: Good Riddance 

Just when I thought AZ politicians couldn’t be more of an embarrassment, along comes Daniel Patterson. Quitting his post moments before being ousted from the House of Representatives for being … well … a friggin’ train wreck, Patterson’s girlfriend still managed to out-class him by getting herself arrested on meth charges.

Listen, Danny boy, we’re used to taking “racist” flack from the entire nation over the parade of morons that is our state government, but you really pissed off some people by making Tucsonans look like trailer trash too. I’d stay out of the Golden Nugget for a while if I were you.

The NIMBY-hood Report: Overlay, Lady, Lay

You really don’t want to f*ck with West University folks. They voluntarily choose to buy homes in a demilitarized zone — ergo, they love a good fight. And the city council is their favorite frienemy. Which is why I, for one, am far from surprised that the Hatfields and McCoys are at it again.

The council is pushing redevelopment around the UA, while area homeowners are digging their heels in against the city’s plans. Advocates of the overlay say the redevelopment efforts will improve the area and often accuse its opponents of alarmism. Meanwhile, critics of the overlay say they’re just trying to save their historic neighborhood from a razing at the hands of profiteers.

Wherever the truth lies, the NIMBY-hooders have legitimate cause to be cheesed-off at the council this week. City council tossed out more than 12,000 petition signatures objecting to the overlay plans on a technicality — despite the fact that its own office had caused the error.

Dirty pool, man. Dirty pool.

Marco Rubio Hates Mexican People: And the Feeling Is Mutual

So the rich white guy might choose a hot-token minority running mate whose skin tone belies very little about his political views? Color me shocked. Despite Rubio’s abysmal reputation in regard to issues that Latino voters hold dear: immigration issues, health care, poverty, education … and on and on … presidential candidate Mitt Romney still seems to be wondering what brown can do for him. The main problem with this strategy is that Latino voters aren’t stupid. Unlike Romney, who apparently thinks Cuba and Mexico are the same thing.

* The “You Gotta Laugh A Little, Cry A Little” feature is strictly opinion-based, humorous commentary. Nothing here should be considered statement of fact nor be interpreted as news. For quality news reporting, please visit the links provided and/or the news sites on my blogroll. Don’t sue me, I’M JOKING.

** Direct/indirect quotes and other re-posted content remain the property of the original author. Attribution on Locally,Vocally is provided in the form of a hot-link to the original work and/or written acknowledgment of the material’s original source.

I’m totally addicted to Tucson.

Like Winehouse-level addicted. Brokeback addicted. Spend-the-baby’s-milk-money-on-Tucson addicted.

I’d check into Tucson rehab, but all the best ones are located in Tucson.

I’ve tried to quit Tucson cold turkey, but every time I leave I end up with a raging Mexican food jonze and a bad habit of making fun of people for calling 90 degrees “hot.” I get truly freaked out not seeing things written in both English and Spanish. I have to wear layers. Shudder. Do you know how much forethought and organization layers require? Let’s just say they’re not ideal for someone who frequently leaves the house with only one earring.

I’ve traveled around, I’ve lived here and there, but at heart I’m just a Birkenstock and prairie-skirt wearin’ guera bocona. And there ain’t no place better to be me than in Tucson.

Thus, the blog.

Locally, Vocally isn’t just about Tucson news and events. It’s about us — about a community that genuinely values itself exactly as it is, while also acknowledging how much more it could be. A society that speaks out against injustice, even when such objections seem futile. A place that, despite being constantly at odds with itself, somehow maintains an aura of optimism and harmony.

From the Fiesta de los Vaqueros to the 4th Ave. Street Fair; from zoning ordinances to Congressional elections, we Tucsonans live locally — and we live vocally. I want to celebrate that, because it’s really cool.

So… every week I’ll bring you news briefs, local interest stories, commentary and photos showcasing Tucson’s best and worst. I hope you’ll drop in from time to time. You don’t need to call. Just bring some salsa verde with you.