Cover Story
Revivals, Betrayal and Secrets
The fateful morning—no exaggeration, fateful—that my long- lost friend, Esme Cole, showed up on our front steps, I was sitting at the desk in the room that I used for a home office. My chair, I remember, made an uneasy perch, all slippery and lopsided because I hadn’t bothered to remove the items that I’d…
See Salvador Duran’s New Mosaic Works at Hotel Congress
Although Salvador Duran’s art has been shown around town for years, including that large mural painted in the Rialto Theatre alleyway, the artist and musician is exploring a new frontier with his new show “What We Will Get.” Featuring Duran’s series of paintings under the same title, his work displays his life experiences including social…
Catch the Season Finale of Romo Tonight Live at the Flycatcher on Sunday
Tucson’s very own live late night talk show is wrapping up its first year on the stage of The Flycatcher and you won’t want to miss the show. Romo Tonight Live, hosted by Steven Romo, is celebrating its “season finale” with local comedians, musicians, a bartending competition and more on Sunday, May 31. If you…
Diane Douglas at Pima West This Evening for ‘We Are Listening’ Tour
Make some time this evening to tell Superintendent of Public Instruction Diane Douglas what concerns you about the state’s K-12 education system (I’m sure you won’t have to dig to find complaints). Douglas is in Tucson as part of her “We Are Listening” tour, which made its debut in Kingman and will wrap up in…
Congressman Grijalva Sends Another Letter to DHS: Stop Detaining Immigrant Mothers, Children
More than 100 Democratic congressmen and women, including U.S. Rep. Raúl Grijalva, told Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson they are deeply concerned with the department’s trend to detain undocumented mothers and children. The group sent Johnson a letter, saying these jail-like facilities are “troublesome,” with “conditions of confinement, issues of due process and serious developmental and medical…
Fourth Avenue Deli’s Hot Dog Eating Contest Offers $500 for the Victor
Although Tucson has an unwavering love of hot dogs year round, it is officially hot dog season with baseball in full swing and summer barbecues heating up. That means it’s the perfect time to test your love of the dog and see just how many you can competitively cram into your craw in the span…
TED brings “Momentum” to Tucson Women
Ideas make the world go round. One idea can give birth to another, which could possibly impact entire communities. So what makes an idea worth sharing? Nonprofit think collaborative, TED, has been sharing ideas and voices from individuals of all walks of life globally since 1984. Originally created to speak on topics of technology, entertainment…
Watershed Management Group Takes the Prize for Bike Commutes
This April, the Living Streets Alliance partnered with the City of Tucson to host their annual bike-centric event, The Bike Fest. This year marked the largest Fest yet, with 75 events taking place all April and 20 plus businesses showing support in the form of discounts and special deals for cyclists. A new challenge debuted…
Like I Said About School Grades and Family Income . . .
I pointed out in a recent post that there’s a very strong correlation between state school grades—which are based on student AIMS scores—and family income. (One of the two maps I used is at the top of this post.) Ed Supe Diane Douglas, who, as you know, I don’t always agree with, was right on the…
Undocumented Mom Hits 9th Month in Sanctuary: The ‘Eeny, Meeny, Miny, Mo’ Nature of ICE
Having her boys around while they’re on summer break has made Rosa Robles Loreto’s days in sanctuary seem like she’s back into the old routine. Her life as a working mother and wife has been on hold for nine months, while she and her supporters continue to negotiate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement to hopefully…
5th Circuit Court of Appeals: Obama’s 2014 Immigration Actions to Remain Blocked
The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals has denied the Obama administration’s emergency appeal, asking to unblock the president’s 2014 immigration executive actions—deferred action for parents, or DAPA, and the extension to his 2012 relief for young immigrants brought here as kids, DACA. A federal judge in Texas issued the temporary injunction in February, saying both…
The Dish Returns for a Special Dinner Event at RumRunner
When The Dish closed for dinner service in March of this year, owner Tom Smith assured that the restaurant would still host occasional dinner events for their loyal fans and customers. A little over two months later, The Dish announced its first in a series of one-time-only dinners, resurrecting the Tucson favorite on Saturday, May…
U.S. Rep. Kirkpatrick Announces Plans to Run for McCain’s Senate Seat
Congresswoman Ann Kirkpatrick announced today that she wants a promotion to the U.S. Senate. Kirkpatrick, a Democrat serving her third term in Congress representing Northern Arizona, is seeking the seat now held by Sen. John McCain. “I respect John McCain’s service to our nation,” Kirkpatrick said in a video announcing her plans to run for…
Donavon Frankenreiter Brings a Party Wave to the Rialto
Not a purveyor of reproduction “surf” music, Donavon Frankenreiter all but takes you to the beach for the beer, the horsing around and the righteous endorphin afterglow, grateful for the cozy fireside singalong with a family-tight surfing circle. A beach is anywhere you feel good. Frankenreiter went pro as a surfer at 16 and took…
The Interesting Story of Holsteiner Agricultural Charter School
There’s really no reason for anyone to know that Holsteiner Agricultural School, a charter school in Maricopa, exists, except for the families it serves. It’s a tiny school, 50 to 60 students max, and it appeared from the outside to be completely unexceptional until Diane Douglas added it to her erase-and-replace AIMS cheating list—possible cheating list,…
Kayla Needs a Home
Kayla—3.5-years-old —Pit Bull Mix—F—#803050 Kayla is too sweet for her own good! Easily stealing the hearts of many since being at HSSA for two months, Kayla is one darling pup! Kayla is gentle, playful, easy to walk, and has a beautiful temperament. Although this adorable girl can be quite shy in some situations, she is…
Structured Recess and Brain Breaks
Tucson’s incorrigible Steve Gall won’t give up. State bills he’s worked on to mandate structured recess in Arizona schools, or recommend structured recess, or recommend a certain amount of weekly physical activity for kids during school hours, have gotten close but never made it into law in recent legislative sessions. He’s volunteered for years in…
Commoner & Co. to Open June 11 in Old Abbey Location
Prep & Pastry owner Nathan Ares excitedly shows off touches to his new restaurant called Commoner & Co. There’s large, raised plush seating, high top tables, a lovely marble-topped bar and lots of bright colors at the restaurant located at 6960 E. Sunrise Dr. You might remember the location as the former Brian Metzger restaurant The…
Agustin Kitchen Explores Summery Infusions on New Cocktail Menu
Although summer signifies a time for many Tucsonans when it’s time to start looking for ways to get out of town, summer cocktail menus have begun popping up around popular local bars meaning that now is the perfect opportunity to explore the lighter, brighter flavors bartenders can play with. No place is this more evident…
A Different Perspective on the Diane Douglas/Board of Education Battles
The battles between Diane Douglas and the Ducey-supported state Board of Education have been all over the papers and The Range recently. What’s going on is a power struggle. The outcome will help determine the kind of policy that comes out of the state education administration, but right now, the two sides are jostling for…
Jonathan Rothschild Is One of the Luckiest Politicians Alive
Whatever you might think of Democrat Jonathan Rothschild’s accomplishments in his first term in office, you have to appreciate the astonishing luck he has in drawing some of the weakest challengers of any politician I’ve seen. Candidates have to turn in their nominating petitions by 5 p.m. next Wednesday, May 27, and so far, the…
We’ve Got Tickets to the Diamondbacks Game Tonight
Feel like driving up to Chase Field tonight? We’ve got two pairs of tickets to the Diamondbacks v. Cubs game in Phoenix today. The game starts at 6:40 p.m., and we’ll draw winners at noon. Winners, you’ll have to come pick the tickets up at our office before 5 p.m, when we lock the doors. …
There’s a March Against Monsanto Saturday
Tucson and other Southern Arizona towns will be part of the worldwide marches against Monsanto happening Saturday. Aside from the usual demands for a global ban of the company’s seed monopoly and toxic herbicides, some of the protests happening on U.S. soil hope to influence “no” votes for a bill in Congress— which has been…
See Alexis Gideon’s Animated Opera The Crumbling at MOCA
Combining jolted stop motion animation with a musical narrative, multi-media artist Alexis Gideon has become known internationally for his unique video art and now you have the opportunity to catch one of his works at the Tucson Museum of Contemporary Art. Gideon’s 21-minute animated musical The Crumbling will be on view for a special one-time…
U.S. Senate Committee OKs Measure That Would Allow VA Physicians to Recommend Medical Marijuana
The U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee has approved an amendment that would allow Veterans Affairs physicians to recommend medical marijuana use for debilitating conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder and chronic pain. The measure, sponsored by Democratic Senators Steve Daines of Montana and Jeff Merkley of Oregon is attached to the Senate version of the Military…
Remembering Chuck Bowden: “I Had Never Met Anyone Whose Senses Were So Alive and Hungry”
Richard Grant, author of God’s Middle Finger, remembers legendary local author Chuck Bowden, who died last August: I had never met anyone whose senses were so hungry and alive. Even when interviewing a cartel enforcer about the unbelievable atrocities he had committed, Chuck’s fingertips would be registering the texture of the tabletop that lay between…
Coyote Goes to Tucson
“Danger Ranger” presents an exploration of the historical roots of tricksters, pranksters and surrealistic art at Burning Man on May 24.
Who Are They?
“I didn’t want to be in a band until I was 61.” Pete Townshend makes this humorous observation in the compelling documentary “Lambert & Stamp” and it is, perhaps, one of the more believable things The Who guitarist has ever said. Fans of The Who know that Townshend has often been a reluctant member of…
Curtains for Certain?
Access Tucson’s future looks bleak.
Hop Along: Vulnerable Collaboration
The songs that Frances Quinlan writes for Hop Along unfold like stories, the characters often plagued by trouble, powerless in a world that seems built to pass them by. It’s a theme that runs throughout Hop Along’s debut for venerable indie label Saddle Creek (Bright Eyes, Cursive, Rilo Kiley). Released on May 5, Painted Shut…
John Coinman: Loss and Found
It’s not that Tucsonan John Coinman hasn’t been making music since his last release, 2005’s Songs Of The Modern West. But soon afterward, he got a call from an old friend, and almost 10 years of full-time songwriting, recording and touring ensued. The friend was actor Kevin Costner, for whom Coinman served as music director…
Za’atar: Desert to Desert
“I’ve never had Iraqi food before,” said the guest in line behind me, and, although the prospect of an entirely new cuisine might have seemed daunting to them at the time, you’ll find that at Za’atar you can order many of your favorite Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes like shawarma, kabob, and more. Although Za’atar…
B-Sides: Orkesta Mendoza
Orkesta Mendoza will be preforming at the Rialto Theatre the May 23.
Media Watch
Jim Parisi is no Jack Bauer, but this Sunday starting at 10 a.m., he’s embarking on his own version of 24. And to accomplish his goals, he needs a lot of help from you, you, yes you, and about 400 other yous. Parisi, the operations manager at KEVT AM 1210, will spend a full day…
B-Sides: Hair Narrative
Catch Hair Narrative at the 191 E. Toole Ave on May 27.
Pleasure Activist
Here we are, well into May—otherwise known as International Masturbation Month. How have you been observing this month-long event? Of course, most of you reading this article probably don’t need any coaxing to self pleasure! In any case, I’ll continue on last week’s article on myths, fears and other misinformation regarding masturbation along with my…
The Price of Secrets
Elizabeth Evans, a professor emeritus in the UA’s Creative Writing department, has recently released her fourth novel, “As Good As Dead,” a suspense thriller about the price that secrets can extract even decades later. Tell us a little bit about the book. When it begins, we are in Tucson. It’s 2008 and the main character,…
Insider Man
Once upon a time, print journalism was not the unsettled thing it is now. Hundred of newspapers thrived, often two dailies even in a relatively small market. And journalists were powerful men. (I say “men” consciously; in the mid-20th century women were not widely a part of the newspaper scene, except as secretaries and maybe…
Editor’s Note
Mari reflects on eighth grade promotions, motherhood an growth.
Natural Selection
Shortly after 10 a.m., the first Cragin Elementary School bus arrives with about 30 fourth graders, euphoric to be out of the classroom to roam the foothills of the Tucson mountains. For some it’s the first Cooper Center and Sonoran Desert experience. Adrienne Pallante is there to accompany her daughter’s group, but memories of her…
Police Dispatch
Green Valley March 8, 11:38 a.m. An oddly dressed, hippie-nicknamed transient—who apparently believed he was Jesus—was arrested after running amok through freeway traffic in possession of marijuana, according to a Pima County Sheriff’s Department report. Deputies were called to a Green Valley Interstate 10 frontage road, where they found a disheveled, dirty man wearing an…
From Cradle to Grave
The annual women’s exhibition at Raices Taller is always a celebratory affair, with brand-new artists sharing the crowded wall space with seasoned veterans. This year’s edition has more than 90 pieces by almost as many artists, many–but not all–of them zeroing in on some aspect of women’s lives.
New Works, New Artists
Exploded View gallery/microcinema, 197 E. Tootle Ave., hosts the Tucson Pima Arts Council’s New Works Artists Showcase on Thursday, May 21, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. TPAC’s New Works Artist Project awardees (2014-2015) will present their visual work, sculpture,s interdisciplinary arts, literature and playwriting. Milta Ortiz will perform a live excerpt from her docu-theater script…
The Skinny
Warthog Win A-10 gains protection in latest version of Pentagon budget The U.S. House of Representatives last week protected the A-10 combat jet along with the EC-130H Compass Call plane as part of the National Defense Authorization Act. The A-10 has been on the Pentagon’s hit list. The Obama administration has said that retiring the…
Outdoor Theater Love
Cinema La Placita, our downtown outdoor movie theater experience at 110 S. Church St., brings us a fun and sexy classic on Thursday, May 21, 7:30 p.m. with “Some Like It Hot,” directed by Billy Wilder, starring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon. The movie is about two musicians (Curtis and Lemmon) who witness…
Ask a Mexican!
Dear Mexican: Why do white people love Marco Rubio and cry at his speeches? Rubio was in my town selling his vision for America mierda to his gabacho constituency, and they drank it up like Tía’s fresh jamaica. They laughed, they cried, they wondered why we Mexicans can’t get behind the Great Brown Hope. Do…
Charity Burlesque
Yes, they can go together.
Danehy
Tom says let the columnist who has never entertained the thought “Wow, let’s see how much hate mail I can generate with this one” cast the first stone.
We Gotta Rock
Women who rock or run with the wolves or do both at the same time, well, why the hell not? It’s an evening of rock ‘n’ roll at La Cocina Restaurant and Cantina, 201 N. Court Ave., Friday, May 22. Women Who Rock proceeds benefit Downtown Radio-Tucson. Women-fronted bands and the men who play with…
Police Dispatch
Foothills Area March 12, 10:52 p.m. It took three deputies to apprehend a belligerent drunk man who kept throwing dirt and rocks at a random trailer in front of which he’d fallen off his bicycle, a PCSD report said. Two men living in the trailer called law enforcement about the subject, whom deputies found still…
