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.

News Briefs — What To Know This Week

4.30.12

ISA SEARCH EXPANDS: POLICE LOOK IN MEXICO, QUESTION POSSIBLE WITNESS

Unfortunately, the most important local story this week surrounds 6-year-old Isabel Celis.

Isa, as her family — and now her entire community — know her, is believed to have been kidnapped from her bedroom sometime early last Saturday morning, April 21. She is still missing.

Police have expanded the search for Isa into Mexico this week, one report quoting a former FBI agent as calling the possibility that Isa was taken south of the border “actually realistic.”

Here in town, police are attempting to track down some people seen walking toward the Celis home in the early hours of Saturday morning. It is reported that one of the group, a potential key witness in the case, is now communicating with detectives. The authorities have not yet released information regarding what, if anything, the person can tell them about Isa’s disappearance.

FAMILY PLANNING AT RISK: PENDING LEGISLATION COULD HELP AXE COVERAGE, FUNDING

House Bill 2625, which passed the AZ House of Representatives on April 19 and is currently before the State Senate, would extend the rights of employers to refuse their workers health-care coverage for contraceptives.

Beyond allowing employers to fire women for using birth control regardless of how they obtained it, the bill also exempts employers from disclosing to new hires the company’s practices concerning family-planning coverage and how contraceptive use might affect their employment eligibility.

Meanwhile, House Bill 2800 — already through the Arizona House and Senate and awaiting Governor Brewer’s signature — would ban the use of federal funds like Medicaid for use by organizations that provide abortion services.

And on April 17, Brewer signed House Bill 2627 into law, stripping Planned Parenthood of its “eligible nonprofit” status. Doing so ensured that AZ taxpayers will not receive formerly available credits for donating to the organization.

NEW REPRESENTATIVE: FONTANA FILLS PATTERSON SEAT

Nicholas Fontana, a local attorney and Tohono O’odham tribal court judge pro tem, will fill the seat vacated by former District 29 legislator Daniel Patterson, who recently resigned amid a hailstorm of ethical allegations.

Fontana, a Tucson native, was appointed by the Pima County Board of Supervisors to represent the southside district on Monday, April 23.

MEDICAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARIES: APPLICATIONS BEING TAKEN

The Arizona Department of Health reported that it is accepting applications for medical marijuana dispensaries through May 25. Officials expect to award operational certificates as soon as August 7.

So, to keep things pefrectly organizized, I’ve created a loose posting schedule.

(I say loose because I think calling it a slutty posting schedule is cruel.)

One of the best things about being a blogger is being able to post whatever, whenever. Free reign? You can bet your best skivvies I’ll be popping in unexpectedly more often than your stupid landlord.

And because I love fresh content almost as much as I love The Cup’s blueberry pie, you can also expect:

Mondays — What Up, Tucson?

Which local news stories are actually worth paying attention to and why. You know, so you can sound all informed and current without really trying. Like Cliffs Notes for life. Don’t be ashamed, everybody’s doing it.

Tuesdays — Double Feature

A local-interest piece featuring something that makes Tucson the unique little desert blossom it is. I’ll preview community events, profile local businesses and shine some well-deserved spotlight on local charities. ALSO, I’ll chronicle the tale of my  Local of the Week.

Wednesdays — Cultural Phenom

Tucson has such a fantastic arts scene. Somebody is always doing something seriously cool. I’ll keep you in the loop.

Thursdays — Forever My Tucson

My personal opinion column. This is where I get real.

Fridays — You Gotta Laugh A Little, Cry A Little

A roundup of the week’s most amusing and infuriating news stories. Direct from my ivory tower.

Saturdays/Sundays — The Seen

A photo blog featuring images of life in Tucson. Anything & anyone might be captured. Maybe I’ll even snap you!!

So keep on keepin’ on, Tucson. I’ll do the rest. Just promise me you’ll stay your funky selves after I catapult us all to fame ;->