By Nohemi Ramirez

It is 6:30 a.m. and 10 men standshivering outside the SouthsidePresbyterian Church in the darkon a cold Tucson morning.

For many of them, this is adaily routine. Their only way toearn a little money is to join theDay Laborers Program at thechurch in hopes that someonewill need to hire a few men forlandscaping, construction ormoving for the day.

But Rigoberto Polanco, a daylaborer for five years, says that ithas recently become a more diffi-cult way for him and the others toearn a few dollars.

Polanco, originally fromSinaloa, Mexico, said that he hasbeen a day laborer for so longbecause it’s hard to find a full-time job.

“The economy is really hard,”says Rigoberto Polanco inSpanish. “That is why we have tocome here.”

But as the economy tanked,new housing started to dry up andfewer homeowners started remod-eling jobs, there became lessdemand for day laborers.

This was the case for RamonManuel, who lives in Tucson dur-ing the winter and in Californiathe rest of the year. He said thatevery winter he comes back toTucson with his family and triesto find a temporary job in theconstruction industry, but thisyear he has had no luck and hashad to go to the church.

The Southside Church has beenhelping day laborers since themid 1980s, but in September2006, the church, at 317 W. 23rdSt., formally began offering a daylaborers program that allows theworkers to stand on church prop-erty instead of in the streets.Also, on Mondays and Fridaysthe church offers free breakfast,

hot showers and clothes for thosewho need it.

Coordinator Aaron Banas saysthat the program has evolvedover the years. The workers entera raffle each morning to deter-mine the order in which they willbe hired for the day – assuminganyone is looking for workers.

It’s 7 a.m. and there are now 30men waiting for the church doorsto open so they can line up singlefile and place their numbers in abowl. Then all they can do is waitfor their number to be called.

But these days, most of theworkers go home empty-handed.

Employers have not beenshowing up like before, Banassays. It used to be that every dayabout 10 laborers would be hired.Recently, the average number hasgone down to two.

“The economy has definitelyplayed a huge role in the daylaborer field,” he says. “It hasbeen pretty difficult for a lot ofthe day laborers.”

It is 8:30 a.m. and there is nosign of an employer.

The men, mostly from Mexicoand Central America, can hang outon church property until 11 a.m.,Monday through Friday, lookingfor work. Many are skilled and areready to do just about anything.

Carlos Macias, 53, said that hehas worked in landscaping,plumbing and carpet installation.

Originally from Aguas-calientes, in central Mexico, helives alone “with his mother, LaVirgen de Guadalupe.” The rest ofhis family is in Mexico.

There is a large number of menlike Macias, just trying to get byfar from home.

“We come to see if we get somework, but we don’t find it,” saysOscar Vega, 34, who has beengoing to the church since 2000.

Vega, originally from Sinaloa,said that if things do not get bet-

ter he will have to go back toMexico, where he worked in agri-culture.

“I’ll go back to my land assoon as I save up for the ticket,”he says. “There is more workthere than here.”

It is 11 a.m. and only twoemployers came by.

The situation for the day labor-

ers is not good, but Banas hopesthat now that the weather is nicerthere will be more work.

“A lot of these guys are justfamily guys as well and are hav-ing a hard time in the economytoo,” Banas said. “It is good tosupport them while they supportthe community.”

INDEPENDIENTEFebruary 11 / 11 de febrero 2010Free/gratis www.elindenews.com

1976 ~ 34 Years of Service ~ 2010EL

Day Laborers Face Chilly Economy

Photo by otto Ross

A day laborer volunteer directs people interested in hiring day laborers at the

Southside Presbyterian Church.

The Diamondbacks

and the Rockies start

their last spring training

season in Tucson.

The gem show visits

Tucson for the 56th

year until Feb. 14.

INSIDE

...see page 4

...see page 3

Programa para la involucración hispana en el censo

By Victoria Blute

“The city of South Tucson couldprobably throw a rock and hitsomeone that Sol knows,” saysAaron Valdivia, branch managerof the El Pueblo Library. “He’s aman of the people. It soundscliché and corny, but that’s Sol.”

Sol Gómez, 32, is the branchmanager of the Sam Lena Libraryand the winner of the 2009 “ILove My Librarian” award. Theaward recognizes the accomplish-ments of outstanding librariansnationwide.

Though Gómez was surprisedto win, Valdivia explains thatthere are several factors that led toGómez being honored by theAmerican Library Association.

“He’s easily approachable.You can talk to him about any-thing,” he says. “If you knowanything about the way thelibrary field works, it’s that it’sreally important to connect withthe youth.” Valdivia notes thatwhile Gómez is laid back, he alsotakes his job very seriously.

“When the time comes and[kids] are having trouble inschool, he’s all about helpingthem. He uses his own personali-

South Side

Librarian

Wins Award

‘Librarian’/see page 6

Por Zach SimonTraducido por Dina Tyrrell

Los programas para la involu-cración en el censo alrededor delpaís, incluyendo los de Tucsón,están tratando de encontrar lamejor manera de persuadir a lagente que se quiere alejar del radardel gobierno a participar en elvenidero Censo de los EE.UU. del2010.

La población hispana en losEE.UU. ha sido históricamentedifícil de contar a causa de losconceptos comunes falsos acercade cómo el gobierno usa los datoscoleccionados, dijo MagdalenaBarajas, una asociada especialistapara la Oficina del Censo de losEE.UU. que trabaja en Tucsón. Losprogramas asociados trabajan anivel local para informar a lagente que el censo es rápido yseguro.

Barajas dijo que hay lugarescon poblaciones minoritariasmuy grandes, incluyendo a las

comunidades hispanas que sonmuy difíciles de contar.

A vísperas del censo 2010, laOficina del Censo está tomandovarias iniciativas para promover

la educación acerca del censo en lacomunidad hispana, como losanuncios en la radio bilingüe, enla televisión, y en el internet. Lameta es fomentar la participación

completa en Tucsón y alrededordel país.

“La cuenta exacta de lapoblación hispana del país y decualquier otro grupo ayudará a ase-gurar el reparto justo y equitativode la representación política ytambién ayudará que las comu-nidades reciban una distribuciónjusta de fondos”, dijo MelanieDeal de la Oficina de InformaciónPública de la Oficina del Censo.

La información es usada paraasignar a los estados escaños enel congreso, distribuir fondos fed-erales anuales a los gobiernosestatales, locales y tribales, ypara decidir qué servicios comuni-tarios se van a proveer en lasáreas que el censo indica que sonlas más necesitadas. Eso signifi-ca, que mientras menos residentesdel Sur de Tucsón participen en elcenso, el gobierno local recibemenos fondos para construir car-reteras, parques y escuelas.

Photo by Kaite Flynn

Darlene Burkett, especialista de la sociedad de Arizona para el Centro Regional

del Censo Denver, trabaja en una casilla del Censo 2010 con miembros de la

comunidad que asistieron al evento Tucson Urban League MLK.

‘El censo’/vea página 6

Spring Training

Tucson Gem Show

By Jessica Befort

Construction began Jan. 4 on aninterim U.S. Border Patrol check-point on Interstate 19 and shouldbe completed in early April,according to the U.S. BorderPatrol. But as of yet, there is notimeline for the construction of apermanent facility.

The $1.5 million interimfacility will include a third lanefor semitrailers, a secondaryarea for vehicles requiring fur-ther inspection and a canopy tocover the entire facility, saidOmar Candelaria, a BorderPatrol spokesman.

The interim checkpoint –located between the Agua Lindaand Chavez Siding exits – willbe less than one mile south ofthe current temporary check-point, north of Tubac, he said.

Currently two lanes run northand south along I-19. One lanein the northbound direction wasclosed for a week when con-struction first began. Asidefrom this early closure, there areno plans to close parts of theinterstate, except perhaps whenthe canopy is constructed,Candelaria said.

The contractors are trying tofigure out the best way to buildthe canopy while minimizingthe impact on traffic, Candelariasaid. If the highway is closed, itwill be for an hour or less andwill be at times when the high-way is least busy.

But this is the worst-casescenario, he said. The contrac-tors have not yet come up with acomplete plan for the canopy’sconstruction, and traffic mightbe deferred to a detour.

Those heading south ofTucson for the Tubac Festival of

the Arts from Feb. 10-14 will notencounter construction as it willhalt from Feb. 7-17 to accommo-date the influx of traffic.

But has construction affectedtraffic for those who frequentlypass through the checkpoint?

Chelsea Robling, a Tucson

resident who grew up in Tubacand returns to visit her family,said that since construction hasstarted she hasn’t experiencedany extra delays.

The current temporarycheckpoint gets backed updepending on what time of theday it is, Robling said, an issuethat could be alleviated by theinterim and then permanentcheckpoint.

While Rob -ling said she is infavor of the per-manent check-point, someTubac residentsdon’t support theidea.

“I think it’s awaste ofmoney,” said Jane Lowder,owner of Jane’s Attic in Tubac.

Lowder said that she thinksthe interstate is not an appro-priate place for the checkpoint.

“They should be securing theborder at the border,” she said.

The I-19 checkpoint is partof the U.S. Border Patrol’sTucson Sector, which runs fromthe New Mexico state line to theYuma County line. It’s thebusiest sector in the nation,according to Candelaria.Between 46 to 48 percent ofmarijuana seizures occur in theTucson sector.

Though this sector is thebusiest, it is the only one alongthe Southwest border without

permanent checkpoints. The I-19 checkpoint is the first beingupgraded to a permanent facili-ty, with this interim checkpointbeing a step toward that goal.

A permanent facility is need-ed to accommodate the antici-pated increased traffic as theMariposa port of entry inNogales, Ariz., upgrades, Cand -elaria said.

“If we have more commercialtraffic comingnorth from Mex-ico and we don’thave the app ro -priate facilitiesto accommodatethe traffic, therewill be back up.”

The primaryreason for

upgrading the temporary I-19checkpoint is to increase safetyfor Border Patrol agents and thepublic, he said.

“We believe that it’s verylikely that if you’re a smugglerand you’re looking for a place tobring in your stuff and all theother places have permanentcheckpoints and the TucsonSector does not, that’s whereyou’re going to enter,”Candelaria said. “It’s an obvi-ous choice.”

Page / Página 2 February 11 / 11 de febrero 2010El INDEPENDIENTE

El Independiente encourages letters from all its readers, but reserves the

right to edit correspondence for grammar, style, clarity and length.

www.elindenews.comUA Journalism

P.O. Box 210158BTucson, AZ 85721Phone: 621-3618

elindy.ua@gmail.com

AdviserMaggy Zang er

Graphics and Layout AdvisersJohn deDios

Gawain Douglas

South Tucson’s Bilingual Newspaper

Managing EditorVictoria (Tory) Blute

News EditorShelby Hill

Spanish EditorNohemi Ramariz

Design Chief Amy Kissinger

Photo EditorKaite Flynn

Community Events EditorErica Nannini

News Room ManagerAshley Ralston-Alverez

Copy ChiefJessica Befort

Web ManagerJosh Saunders

Copy EditorsAnthony Hasan

Brett Booen

Heather Riss

Zach Simon

Jeff Feld

PhotographersOtto Ross

Tammara Crawford

DesignersMarissa Hopkins

Natalie Boras

ReportersNathan Mitchell

TranslatorsAngélica Pozo-DesPortes

Dina Tyrrell

Lizette M. Pérez

Translation and Interpretation

Department

of Spanish and Portuguese

and Mexican American Studies

EL

INDEPENDIENTE

I-19 Checkpoint Construction Begins

Photo by Kaite Flynn

A U.S. Border Patrol officer inspects underneath a vehicle at the current I-19

checkpoint near Tubac.

For more information:

U.S. Customs andBorder Protection

www.cbp.govTucson Sector: 748-3000

By Brett Booen

Between an ongoing concern to tighten the budgetand a $12,000 spending fiasco involving SunnysideHigh School’s superintendent, an unsuspectedsource of hope emerged at Sunnyside Unified SchoolDistrict’s Governing Board meeting Jan. 26.

While the primary concern for many in atten-dance was answers from the board regardingSuperintendent Manuel L. Isquierdo’s personaluse of a district credit card, a band of students andfaculty from STAR Academic Center gathered for adifferent cause.

The STAR supporters, which included about 40of the high school’s students and faculty, tookover the board room during the first hour of themeeting to voice concerns surrounding a pro-posed redesign plan for the alternative highschool. The plan was set to increase STAR’senrollment and force current faculty members toreapply for their jobs before the next school year.

With fellow district high schools Sunnysideand Desert View bursting at the seams, the boardwent forward with its recommendation to increaseSTAR’s enrollment to 500. But because of the out-cry from students, the board will not require thefaculty to reapply for their jobs next fall.

STAR is a smaller, second-chance school forstudents to learn in non-traditional ways andspend more time with teachers compared to a reg-ular high school. It is also for students who maynot be able to attend regularly.

With an enrollment of 260 students, the pro-posed redesign represents a 92 percent enroll-ment increase.

But for the students, it wasn’t so much aboutthe population expansion as it was about keepingtheir teachers on board.

“We wanted to keep the teachers (and) the staff,”said Tony Fierro, a senior at STAR. “We’ve built suchgood relationships with them over our time there.”

Fierro said the students’ goal at the board meet-ing was to make sure their teachers remained.

The teachers echoed their sentiments as well.“This is a place where (the students) feel com-

fortable,” said Michael Olguin, a governmentand history teacher at STAR. “We understand theproblems that the district is facing. We justwanted to come here and make sure this was a col-laborative effort between the students, the teach-ers and the district.”

That collaborative process, Olguin said, was toensure that the district wasn’t going to forceSTAR to become a large high school likeSunnyside or Desert View, which have studentenrollments of 2,264 and 2,002, respectively.

However, SUSD is under the constant stress tobecome more cost-effective. The board says addingstudents at STAR is a necessity at this point.

“If I could have and we could afford 10 STAR(high schools), then it would be on the table rightnow,” said SUSD Board President Louie Gonzales.“Small schools are great, but it’s all about cost.”

Gonzales said before the economic downturn,the district was in line to build a third high schoolto relieve some of the pressure on the district’sother two high schools.

With no funding for construction, the districtwants to relieve the number of students atSunnyside and Desert View by increasing theenrollment at STAR. The hope is that the second-chance school can be a success for at-risk studentson a larger scale.

“We need to expand for those at-risk studentsin this district (who) also need help,” said SUSDBoard Member Eva Dong. “We want them to expe-rience what all of the STAR students have beenable to experience.”

STAR teachers have an optimistic view of theboard’s decision.

“You know, great things are happening here,”Olguin said. “As long as it’s collaborativebetween us and the district, and not just themimposing rules and regulations on us, evengreater things can happen.”

Sunnyside Looking to DoubleEnrollment at Alt. High School

Photo by tammaRa CRawFoRd

Michael Olguin, a STAR Academic Center teacher, said

“This is a place where (the students) feel comfortable.”

Para leer este artículo enespañol visita:

www.elindenews.com

Page / Página 3February 11 / 11 de febrero 2010 El INDEPENDIENTE

By heather Rissi

The 85th annual Tucson Rodeo Parade willbegin at its usual time, 9 a.m. , onThursday, Feb. 25, but there is a newchange that visitors should be aware ofbefore they put on their boots and headdown to watch the country’s longest non-motorized parade.

This year the parade will be a half mileshorter than usual. Instead of starting atAjo Way and Park Avenue, the parade willbegin at Park Avenue and Fair Street, eightblocks south of Ajo Way. From there, theparade will travel south on Park Avenue,turn west on Irvington Road and then turnnorth to Sixth Avenue, ending at the rodeogrounds, 4823 S. Sixth Ave.

The parade route was shortened thisyear because of Tucson Police budget cuts,said Herb Wagner, Tucson Rodeo ParadeCommittee spokesman.

Wagner said city police are in chargeof traffic and crowd control and reassignedto help with the parade during the event.

But this year the city police could onlyafford to spare 120 officers to aid the ParadeCommittee, about 80 fewer than last year.

Wagner said the decision to begin atFair Street instead of Ajo Way was made to

maximize the availability of the officersto cover the parade.

“It takes a lot of officers to close AjoWay,” he said. “By keeping Ajo open, itfrees up a lot of officers.”

They also chose that area because inpast years, it has been the least populatedby parade-goers since it is harder to reach,Wagner said.

Wagner doesn’t believe the change willaffect the outcome of the parade, whichshowcases America’s western history byusing old-fashioned wagons and buggies.

“The parade reflects different heritages,”Wagner said. “It is a mixture of NativeAmerican, Mexican American and Anglocultures all coming together. So I believe itwill be as colorful and exciting as ever.”

The last time the parade route experi-enced any changes was in 1991, when itwas moved from downtown to its currentlocation.

About 200,000 people are estimated toattend the parade every year, the singlelargest spectator event in Arizona,Wagner said.

Golf tournaments and other eventsdraw large crowds over days, he said, butthe parade draws the largest during a singletwo-and-a-half hour event.

If you goTransportation: Sun Tran pick up at Tucson Mall andPark Place Mall; drop off walking distance to parade.

Grandstand seating: Irvington Road. Tickets boughtbefore event are $6 for adults and $4 for childrenunder 12. $1 increase on parade day.

Por heather RissiTraducido por Dina Tyrrell

El 85º Desfile Anual del Rodeo deTucsón empezará a la hora usual delas 9 a.m. el jueves, 25 de feb.pero hay un nuevo cambio que losvisitantes tienen que saber antesde ponerse las botas e ir a ver eldesfile no-motorizado más largodel país.

Este año el desfile será unamilla más corta que de costumbre.En lugar de comenzar en Ajo Wayy Park Avenue, comenzará en ParkAvenue y Fair Street, ocho cuadrasal sur de Ajo Way. De allí, el des-file se dirigirá hacia el sur porPark Avenue, virará al oeste enIrvington Road y luego al norteen Sixth Street, para terminar enla arena del rodeo, 4823 S. SixthAve.

La ruta del desfile fue acortadaeste año a causa de los recortes enel presupuesto de la Policía deTucsón, dijo Herb Wagner, vocerodel Comité del Desfile del Rodeode Tucsón.

Wagner dijo que la policía estáa cargo de controlar el tráfico y lamuchedumbre y son reasignadospara ayudar con el desfile duranteel evento.

Pero este año la policía de laciudad solo podía aportar 120 ofi-ciales para apoyar al Comité delDesfile, unos 80 menos que el añopasado.

Wagner dijo que la decisión decomenzar en Fair Street en lugarde Ajo Way fue tomada para maxi-mizar la disponibilidad de agentespara cubrir el desfile.

“Se requiere muchos agentespara cerrar Ajo Way”, dijo él. “Sino se cierra Ajo, se desocupanmuchos agentes”.

También se escogió esa áreaporque en años pasados ha sido lamenos poblada con visitantes yaque es más difícil llegar allí, dijoWagner.

Wagner no considera que elcambio afectará el resultado deldesfile, el cual muestra la historiadel oeste de América usando car-retas y calesas antiguas.

“El desfile refleja varias heren-cias”, dijo Wagner. “Es una mez-cla de culturas nativo-americanas,mexicano-americanas y anglo -sajonas que se unen entre sí. Asíque yo pienso que será tan colori-do y tan emocionante como siem-pre”.

La última vez que la ruta deldesfile experimentó cambios fueen 1991, cuando se movió delcentro de la ciudad a donde estáahora.

Se estima que cerca de 200,000personas asistirán al desfile esteaño, el único evento con másespectadores en Arizona, dijoWagner.

El desfile atrae a la mayoríamultitudes durante un evento desólo dos horas y media.

Si va

Transporte: Sun Tran recoge enTucson Mall y Park Place Mall;bajada a corta distacia del des-file.

Asiento en gradas: aI lado deIrvington Road. Boletos el díaantes del desfile cuestan $6 paraadultos y $4 para niños menoresde 12. $1 más el día del evento.

Para más información: llame al294-1280 o visite la Oficina delDesfile del Rodeo en Tucsón,4823 S. Sixth Ave.

By Anthony hasan

This spring, Tucson Electric Park and theKino Sports Complex will be the host to aMajor League Baseball team’s trainingheadquarters for the last time.

March 4 will be the first game of thelast year of the Arizona Diamondbacks’spring training in Tucson when they hostthe Colorado Rockies at Tucson ElectricPark, 2500 E. Ajo Way.

The Diamondbacks will play 16 gamesat the park during March. All games start at1:05 p.m.

Next season, the Diamondbacks andRockies will move to a new spring train-ing complex east of Scottsdale. The movecomes two years after the Chicago WhiteSox ended their 11-year stint sharing theKino Sports complex with theDiamondbacks. The White Sox moved to anew complex with the Los AngelesDodgers in Glendale, Ariz.

Jack Camper, president of the TucsonMetropolitan Chamber of Commerce, saidhe can see why some Tucsonans are dis-heartened by the prospect of no morespring training. For more than 60 years,baseball teams and their fans enjoyed

Tucson’s weather. The departure of theDiamondbacks and Rockies will have aneconomic effect on Tucson as well.

Each team brings about $10 million ayear to Tucson’s economy, Camper said.When Tucson was hosting all three teams,the city could rely on about $30 million intourism and other sources of revenue.

The revenue loss from the departure ofspring training hurts local businesses, saidFrancisco Valdez, manager of LasCazuelitas de Tucson, 2615 S. Sixth Ave.

Valdez said events like spring trainingare great for restaurants.

“Anything that brings people to Tucsonand creates an atmosphere that brings peo-ple out with their families, their kids, real-ly helps business,” he said.

Camper said there is still hope for pro-fessional baseball in Tucson, as negotia-

tions are taking place between MajorLeague Baseball and professional teams inJapan to bring their stars to train inTucson.

“It works out because their spring train-ing starts right around the same time asours,” Camper said.

Ideally, he said, there will be two orthree professional Japanese teams movingtheir spring training operations to Tucsonas early as next season, and Tucson wouldsee benefits almost immediately.

Seeing the top players from Japan takeon American baseball stars would be excit-ing for many fans, Camper said, especiallythose from Japan, making spring trainingin Tucson a must-see for Japanese touristsand baseball fans alike.

While those negotiations are far fromcomplete, Camper said he is still opti-mistic about the future of professionalbaseball in Tucson.

“The Japanese are rabid baseball fans,”he said.

“I can see Japanese (tourists) landing inVegas, driving to the Grand Canyon ontheir way to Tucson to watch their ownteams play, then heading off to LosAngeles.”

For more information

For a complete schedule and ticketinformation visit the Arizona

Diamondback website at arizona.diamondbacks.mlb.com

Diamondbacks, RockiesBegin Last Season in Tucson

with american teams leaving tucson, Japanese baseball teams could take their place

Se acortael Desfiledel Rodeo

Rodeo Parade Route Cut by Half Mile

MAP COURTESY OF TUCSON RODEO PARADE COMMITTEE

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Page / Página 4 February 11 / 11 de febrero 2010El INDEPENDIENTE

By Nathan Mitchell

Oregon-based Sue Liebetrau hasbeen coming to the Tucson Gemand Mineral Show since 1982.She is a “well-aged” collector ofgems and minerals with a particu-lar interest in petrified woods,though her fascination began atan early age. Her collection hasgrown into a full-time hobby.

“You know that little kid goingaround picking up rocks andsticks? That was me,” she says.

The 56th annual show hasbrought together vendors, collec-tors and buyers from India toArgentina to create another yearof the reputed world’s largest gemshow.

Shoppers and spectators arewelcomed into hotels and tentcities to see the natural wondersof the world. Objects for sale canbe extravagant: a crystal chunk ofpurple and clear Kunzite for$34,000; a nest of 25 red and grayfossilized eggs set in a lit casewith a note that reads “DO NOTTOUCH DINOSAUR NEST,$37,500.” But for the more frugalshoppers, there are beads,singing bowls, moon rocks andeven a $25 stone tissue box.

Walking the halls of thehotels-turned-strip-malls is some-thing like spinning a globe. AtHotel Tucson signs posted on thedoors read: Austria, Russia,Tucson, Morocco, Peru, Tunisia,France, China and CzechRepublic. The doors are open, andthe beds are removed. Vendorsinvite shoppers in using sparseEnglish to take a look at the prod-ucts set up in cases and on foldingtables they cart around the world.Visitors in the ballroom can walkamong the towering skeletons ofan Albertosaurus and Giant GroundSloth casted from the bones of theancient creatures. Raw materialsused to make beads and jewelry sitbeside stone jewelry set in gold,silver and wire. Price tags markthe material, $25 for a kilo ofquartz and $2 for stromatolite.

“For you I make a special price.Only $5,” says Manik B.S. to acustomer holding up a bead from abulk bin at the Riverpark Inn.

Shayna Dimond, a vendor and

jeweler from the east coast, hasbeen working at the show for thelast six years selling roughquartz, topaz and dolomite fromBrazil. She sits beside the stonesin a room at the La Quinta Inn,reference books on crystal energyat an arm’s reach. Every crystalhas energy. Energy work is usingthose vibrations through medita-tion, she says.

Vendors and customers whohave been to similar shows inMunich or Bangkok agree: Thisis the biggest show in the world.

“It’s like going to Mecca,where everyone has to go at leastonce in their lives,” Liebetrausays, Oregon-based collector.“The variety and quality of miner-als here is better than you can findin a museum.”

The show attracted about50,000 people and $100 millionin 2007, according to the mostrecent survey conducted by theTucson Convention and VisitorBureau, says Kimberly Schmitz,their director of public relations.The event, which is 40 percentTucson-based businesses, con-sists of 44 shows in 42 different

locations.“Those are inaccurate repre-

sentations of the gem show,” shesays. “It’s the Tucson Gemshow!”

While the gem show attractsnew vendors and new shoppersevery year, it also has its loyal-ists. This is the second year forChen Hou-Xi and his wife from

Hunan, China. Pedro Jimenez andAna de Los Santos are South-American vendors who have beentrekking to Tucson, stones intow, for many years. Though theyboth now work from the UnitedStates, their products carry aninherent sense of their cultures.

Jimenez is a Peruvian-bornstone worker who specializes inhandcrafted Kachinas, figures thatrepresent supernatural beings. TheKachinas take on the shapes ofanimals and deities, like sundancers and corn maidens. Theeagle dancer Kachinas have thebodies of men with pitch-blackwings attached to the arms and afeather in each hand. The turquoiseheads are topped with featheredheaddresses. He also crafts differ-ent figurines like “AncientPeruvian Natives,” warriorsdressed in golden robes and hel-mets with daggers in their hands.

Jimenez relocated from Peru toSanta Fe, N.M., 20 years ago. Hewas taken in by local ApacheIndians who gave him the nameBlue Elk, now the moniker of hisbusiness.

“It’s such an honor,” he says

about the name that oncebelonged to their medicine man.

Jimenez has been showing hiswork at the Tucson ConventionCenter for the past 10 years. Heenjoys seeing the other exhibitsas much as showing his own. It isall the natural beauty the worldhas to offer put into one place, hesays.

“People love what I do,” hesays. “That’s the best part.People enjoy seeing your dreamcome true.”

De Los Santos, or “The CondorLady” as she is known, is a mineowner from Buenos Aires,Argentina, who exports agateminerals, mostly condor agates.Condors are minerals with aglass-like surface with red, grayand sky-blue rings that resemblethe rings in a tree trunk when cutand polished. Like many of thevendors, her life consists of con-stant traveling.

“I don’t live there,” she saysof her house in California. “ I liveon the road.”

De Los Santos travels toArgentina twice a year to collectthe materials. From there shetravels to different shows aroundthe world. Compared to showsshe has been to in Germany andFrance, Tucson outranks them all,she says.

“I love to come here,” shesays. “For the gem world, this isthe center of the world.”

Fast Facts:

• Sept. 30 through Feb. 14• The show began 56 years ago

at the Helen KeelingElementary School and wasstarted by the Tucson Gemand Mineral Society.

• The TGMS show remains themain event and is held at theTCC Feb. 11 to Feb. 14

• Ticket prices are $9.25 withdiscounts available

• The American Gem TradeAssociations GemFair, whole-sale only, is Feb. 2 thro ughFeb. 7.

• For a complete listing of theshows visitwww.visittucson.org/gemshow

Por Marissa hopkinsTraducido por Dina Tyrrell

Mobile Meals of Tucson celebrasu 40 aniversario este año. Desde1970, la organización basada envoluntarios ha estado entregandodos comidas al día, cinco días a lasemana a las personas de Tucsónque están confinadas al hogar yque necesitan dietas especiales.

Jean Miller, voluntaria y coor-dinadora de relaciones públicas,dijo que Mobile Meals entregacomida de lunes a viernes a másde 200 personas entre las edadesde 21 hasta 101 años.

Miller dijo que las comidas sonpreparadas en hospitales localesde acuerdo a las instrucciones dedieta del doctor específicas paracada necesidad individual.Algunas de estas dietas especialesson bajas en sal, saludables parael corazón, o incluyen comidasblandas para aquellos que tienendificultad para masticar.

Choferes voluntarios entreganlas comidas a los mismos ochoclientes cada día, para que así seforme una relación con las per-sonas, dijo Miller. Ella dijo quees importante para ambos, elcliente y sus familias que elloshagan “chequeos de bienestar”.

Los voluntarios están entrena-

dos para reconocer señales depeligro vitales para el bienestarde los clientes. Miller dijo que losvoluntarios ya han salvado lasvidas de los clientes, cuando sedan cuenta que se han caído, oreconociendo las señales dedepresión, o cuando se dan cuentaque los clientes no están comien-do sus comidas.

Muchos de los clientes vivensolos, dijo Miller, y el servicio deMobile Meals les ayuda a manten-erse independientes.

“Estamos tratando de darles esadignidad y ayudarles para que sequeden en sus casas,” dijo Miller.

La organización también lesda a sus clientes una lista decomidas saludables para manten-erlos en sus casas los fines desemana y para el desayuno, dijoMiller.

Mobile Meals ayuda a la comunidad

Para más información

Para saber si sus seres queri-

dos califican para el programa

de Mobile Meals of Tucson,

visite el sitio de internet en

mobilemealsoftucson.org o

contacte a la organización al

622-1600.

Journey to the Center of the World

Photos by nathan mitChell

helga and Gunter Pottinger examine quartz formations at the hotel Tucson.

Ashley Bruno plays a signing bowl as

Bill Duran watches at Riverpark Inn

during the gem show.

Costco Could Boost South Side EconomyBy Erica Nannini

A south side Costco store couldgo up as early as March 2011 ifthe city approves plans that havebeen submitted by developersEastbourne Investments Ltd. andRetail West.

The store is part of the long-term, 350-acre Bridges Project,which will include retail and resi-dential developments, as well as aUniversity of Arizona bio-sciences park. The project islocated on the southwest cornerof Kino Boulevard and 36thStreet.

Eric Davis, president of RetailWest Properties, said that thecompany owns the property andCostco is interested in it.

Mark Kerr, aide to TucsonCouncilman Richard Fimbres ofWard 5, said that the new storewould mean an “economic boom”for the south side and all ofTucson.

“Costco, even during theseeconomic times, has a soundbusiness model,” Kerr said.“They offer jobs with great payand great benefits — 401Ks.”

The Tucson City Councilexpects that the convenience ofthe superstore will attract peopleto the south side who would not

otherwise think of going there,Kerr said.

Kerr said that he has not heardof any opposition to the project.However, in March 2007,Councilwoman Karin Uhlichvoted against the development,voicing her opposition to a “big-box” store, which was once pre-dicted to be a Wal-Mart. The coun-cil ultimately voted 6-1 to allowthe developers to move forward.

Small retailers, such as JoseGonzalez who runs a fruit and nutstand on the corner of CampbellAvenue and Irvington Road,worry the proposed store willdraw customers away. Gonzalezsaid he thinks the new store willbenefit the community but might

take away from his business as aprivate seller.

News of the development hasmanagers of neighborhood gro-ceries fretting as well.

“Of course, no one’s happywith bringing in any competitorof any kind,” said Ramon Lopez,the store director at Food City,2950 S. Sixth Ave. “I wouldrather they all stay away.”

However, Lopez said that he isunfamiliar with a big packagecompetitor like Costco. He saidthat Food City’s business mightnot suffer because the chain dealswith smaller, lower-volume itemswhereas Costco tends to sellitems in bulk.

Davis said that the BridgesProject as a whole will increasetax revenues and generate trafficin the area.

The proposed Costco would bethe third location in Tucson.

Davis said that depending onhow long it takes to get approvalto start construction, on top ofthe basic infrastructure, March2011 is the earliest date that thestore could open.

“We’ve got a lot of work to doin a short amount of time, but ourengineers are in the middle of itand we feel good about it,” hesaid.

We’ve got a lot of

work to do in a short

amount of time, but

our engineers are in

the middle of it and

we feel good about it.

–Eric Davis

President of Retail West

Properties

“

”

Page / Página 5February 11 / 11 de febrero 2010 El INDEPENDIENTE

By Kaite Flynn

Keeping tabs on all U.S. resi-dents is a tricky job that censusworkers undertake every 10 years,and it’s time to start counting.

The U.S. Census Bureau isgearing up for Census 2010 andone of the first orders of businessis hiring census workers.

There are hundreds of posi-tions available in Tucson, saidGilbert Mejias, a local censusoffice manager in Tucson.

Partnership specialists areworking with businesses and citygovernment to get the word outabout these jobs. The biggestcontributor for Tucson is the PimaAssociation of Governments,Mejias said. Recruiting assistantsare also signing people up for jobtesting throughout the city.

“The primary source is to haveassistants out there doing therecruiting,” Mejias said.

The jobs being offered arepart-time, temporary positions.The most common are census tak-ers and office clerks. The averageworker will hold their positionthrough the end of June 2010,Mejias said.

The wages for these jobs arecompetitive, Mejias said. Thepay is above minimum wage,which is $7.25 an hour, accordingto the Industrial Commission ofArizona. A census taker makes$13.75 an hour and office andquestionnaire assistance clerkstypically make $10.50 an hour,Mejias said. Those hired canexpect to work anywhere from 15to 20 hours a week, depending onthe workload, he said.

Applicants must be at least 18years old, have a valid SocialSecurity number or work permitand pass a background check.

Though citizenship is pre-ferred, it is not always necessaryfor these positions. There areinstances where hiring a non-citi-zen could help with possible lan-guage barriers when working withhard-to-count areas of town,Mejias said.

Those interested must first calla local recruitment center, the2010 Census Jobs Line or goonline to download an applica-tion. Applicants must then sched-ule an aptitude test at a testingsite. Recruiters will determinewhich site is closest to the appli-cants’ neighborhoods and reservethem a spot.

There are currently three test-ing sites in South Tucson, plusnearby facilities in adjacentareas, said Caryn Walker, assis-tant manager of recruiting.

Upon reaching the site, anapplication must be filled out,and then the test will be given.The test measures skills andknowledge to determine whichjob will be offered.

The entire process can take up

to two hours, Walker said. The application deadline is the

end of April, when the recruitmentprocess ends. At that point, thebureau should not have a need forany additional resources, Mejiassaid.

“Just because the recruitmentprocess terminates at that pointand you have not gotten a calldoesn’t mean that you’re notgoing to get a call,” Mejias said.“It’s still a possibility since theactual operation goes on throughJune.”

There are numerous testingsites for jobs throughout Tucsonand the number will increaseweekly, Walker said.

Census employees are empha-sizing the importance of takingadvantage of these opportunities.

“There’s just so much that hashurt this economy, the census isstepping in. They’re offering avery competitive wage for a tem-porary position so you can earn alittle extra cash,” Mejias said.

Fast Facts:

•The phone number to contactthe Jobs Line is 1-866-861-2010

•To find out more about jobs,www.2010censusjobs.gov.

•To download an application,visitwww.2010.census.gov/2010censusjobs/application-material/index.php.

•To contact the local recruitingline call (520) 918-1800

Application Requirements

R Call ahead to schedule atest location and time.

R Must be 18 years or older.

R Must have a valid SocialSecurity number or workpermit.

R All applicants must pass abackground check.

R All applicants must passthe 30-minute aptitude test.

Por Kaite FlynnTraducido por Dina Tyrrell

Contar a todos los residentes delos EE.UU. es un trabajo muy del-icado que toman los trabajadoresdel censo cada 10 años, y es horade empezar a contar.

El Buró del Censo de losEE.UU. se está preparando para elCenso 2010 y uno de los primerospuntos de la agenda es reclutar atrabajadores para el censo.

Hay cientos de posicionesdisponibles en Tucsón, dijoGilbert Mejias, el gerente local dela oficina del censo en Tucsón.

Los especialistas asociadosestán trabajando con negocios yel gobierno de la ciudad para cor-rer la voz acerca de estos trabajos.El contribuidor más grande paraTucsón es la Asociación deGobiernos de Pima, dijo Mejias.Los asistentes reclutas tambiénestán apuntando a gente para quetomen el examen a lo largo de laciudad.

“La fuente primordial es tenerasistentes allá afuera para querecluten”, dijo Mejias.

Los trabajos que se están ofre-ciendo son de medio tiempo yposiciones temporales. Los máscomunes son los trabajadores delcenso y recepcionistas en lasoficinas. El trabajador promediotendrá la posición hasta el finaldel mes de junio de 2010, dijoMejia.

La paga de estos trabajos escompetitiva, dijo Mejias. La pagaes más alta que el salario mínimo,el cual es $7.25 la hora, de acuer-do a la Comisión Industrial deArizona. Un trabajador del censogana $13.75 la hora y los recep-cionistas de oficina y de cues-tionarios típicamente ganan$10.50 la hora, dijo Mejias.Aquellos que sean contratadospueden esperar trabajar de 15 a 20horas por semana, dependiendodel volumen de trabajo, dijo.

Los solicitantes deben tenerpor lo menos 18 años, un segurosocial válido y permiso para tra-bajar y pasar una investigación deantecedentes penales.

Aunque se prefiere la ciu-dadanía, no es siempre necesariapara estas posiciones. Hay situa-ciones donde contratar a un no-ciudadano podría ayudar con lasbarreras del lenguaje cuando setrabaje en áreas de la ciudad dedifícil conteo, dijo Mejias.

Los interesados deben llamarprimero a una agencia de contrat-ación, a la Línea de Trabajos delCenso 2010 o ir a la página deinternet y descargar la solicitud.Los solicitantes deberán entonces

poner una cita para tomar el exam-en de aptitud en un centro de eval-uaciones. Los reclutas determi-narán cual sitio es el más cercanoal hogar del solicitante para reser-varles un lugar.

Por ahora hay tres sitios deevaluación en el Sur de Tucsón,además de instalaciones cercanasa las áreas adyacentes, dijo CarynWalker, asistente a la gerencia decontratación.

Se tiene que llenar una solici-tud cuando se llegue al sitio ydespués se tomará el examen. Laprueba mide las habilidades y elconocimiento para determinarcual trabajo se va a ofrecer. Elproceso total puede tomar hastados horas, dijo Walker.

La fecha última para solicitares a los finales de abril, cuando elproceso de contratación termine.Para ese entonces, el buró ya nonecesitara más recursos adi-cionales, dijo Mejias.

“Sólo porque el proceso decontratación termina en esafecha, y usted todavía no recibeuna llamada, no quiere decir que nole van a llamar”, dijo Mejias.“Todavía queda una posibilidad,siendo que las operaciones realessiguen hasta junio”.

Hay varios sitios de evalu-ación para estos trabajos alrede-dor de Tucsón y el número se va aincrementar semanalmente, dijoWalker.

Los trabajadores del censoestán enfatizando la importanciade tomar ventaja de estas oportu-nidades.

“Ya ha sido mucho lo que halastimado esta economía, elcenso se está acercando. Estánofreciendo una paga muy compet-itiva por un puesto temporal paraque pueda ganar dinero extra”,dijo Mejias.

Census Offering Jobs El Censo de 2010ofrece trabajos

Notas De Al lado:

•El teléfono para comunicarsecon Jobs Line es 1-866-861-2010

•Para obtener más informa-ción acerca de estos trabajos,vaya al www.2010cen-susjobs.gov

•Para descargar una solicitud,visitehttp://2010.census.gov/2010censusjobs/application-materi-al/index.php

•Para contactar a la oficinalocal de contratación marqueal 918-1800

Statue Unveiling at Quincie Douglas

Quin Davis, artist of a new bronze

statue in Quincie Douglas Library

titled "Two Women Who Did," dis-

cusses his piece with Styne Davis,

a woman who attended the unveil-

ing ceremony.

South Park Neighborhood Culture Boosted by Grant MoneyBy Steve Ivanovics

The cultural vibe of the neighbor-hoods surrounding South ParkAvenue recently received an eco-nomic boost.

Two grants were awarded to theSouth Park community by People,Resources and Organizations inSupport of Neighborhoods. A$5,000 grant was given to theSouth Park Arts and Culture Centerand a $4,850 grant to the SouthPark Neighbors.

The South Park Arts andCulture Center will use its grant asseed money for three educational“carnivals” called “Where WeCome From – Visual Literacy inDance, Art and Games.”

The carnivals will focus onMexican, Aztec and African cul-tures, especially the African pres-ence in Mexico, said BarbeaWilliams, South Park Arts andCulture Center President.

Williams said they aim to edu-cate everyone in the Tucson com-munity, which will hopefullyunite different generations.

“I see so many missed opportu-nities for parents to educate and beinvolved with their children in afun, positive way,” Williams said.

Dance lessons will be avail-able for all ages, but the maingoal is to teach through a varietyof games.

“Instead of tug-of-war, we’llhave tug-of-knowledge, as well as

a rainforest basketball hoop,”Williams said. “I know kids wantto be the next LeBron James…We’ll teach them about the differ-ent (tree) levels of the rainforest,and how life is sustained.”

Williams plans on hostinganother carnival later in the yearat the Dunbar African AmericanMuseum and Cultural Center, 325W. Second St., a once segregatedschool that is now a museum ded-icated to the impact African-Americans had on the Southwest.

The first event is scheduled forFeb. 28 at the Quincie DouglasBranch Library.

The other grant will go to thePima County Indian Culture proj-ect, which focuses on the Tohono

O’odham and Yaqui cultures, saidDenise Antone, group leader ofthe South Park Neighbors.

Antone, who meets with aNative American beading group atthe Quincie Douglas Library, saidthat Tucsonans do not know muchabout contemporary NativeAmerican culture.

“I grew up in Tucson and knewall about my peers and their cul-tures,” Antone said. “But I alwaysgot questions about who I was. Alot of people can’t identify withNative Americans in modern soci-ety.”

Antone said the grant fromPRO Neighborhoods will mostlygo toward supplies, demonstra-tors, snacks and beverages.

However, she said that theproject is in its inception and per-manent details haven’t beendecided.

According to Linda Duran, sen-ior community organizer for PRONeighborhoods, both groups ful-filled the “grass roots” criteria inorder to be awarded the grants.

PRO Neighborhoods was cre-ated in 1994 by a collaboration ofCity of Tucson, Pima County,Community Foundation forSouthern Arizona, and UnitedWay of Tucson and SouthernArizona.

PRO Neighborhoods advo-cates local problem solving andrevitalization through smallgrants and technical support.

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February 11 / 11 de febrero 2010Page / Página 6 El INDEPENDIENTE

By Jeff Feld

A controversial state Senate billmoved forward in January thatwould allow police to stop andarrest anyone “reasonably” sus-pected of being in the countryillegally.

Sen. Russell Pearce, R-Mesa,introduced the bill, which passed4-3, with Republicans in themajority. The vote sends the billto the full Senate.

Some of the provisions withinthe bill allow law enforcement totarget individuals and businessesresponsible for knowinglyemploying, housing or transport-ing illegal immigrants.

The bill would also make it acrime to pick up people and hirethem for a “day labor” job.

Anyone found to be here ille-gally or responsible for employ-ing, housing or transporting ille-gal immigrants faces fines of$500 to $5,000 and jail time.

As of 2009, the Center forImmigration Studies reports that10.8 million people are living inthe country illegally.

Within Arizona, 15 percent ofconvicted felons are illegal immi-grants, according to Decemberstatistics from The ArizonaDepartment of Corrections.

Further, the Pew HispanicCenter reports that as of 2008,one in seven Arizona students ishere illegally.

Those opposed to the bill saythat it would increase racial pro-filing because law enforcementofficers will be able to arrestsomeone based solely on “suspi-cion” of being in the country ille-

gally. The bill would not requirespecial training for officers toidentify such people.

The American Civil LibertiesUnion of Arizona released a state-ment on its Web site opposingthe bill.

“This bill goes beyond justenlisting the help of local policeagencies to enforce immigrationlaws,” said Alessandra SolerMeetze of ACLU of Arizona theday after the bill advanced.

“The legislation would alsolead to the unjustified detentionof many citizens and legal resi-dents and encourage law enforce-ment to place a discriminatoryfocus of their investigations onLatino residents,” Meetze said.“This would expose municipali-ties to additional civil litiga-tion.”

SB 1070 at a Glance:

• Bill advanced 4-3 alongparty lines with Republicansin the majority.

• Under new law, it would beillegal to pick up and hire“day laborers” off the street.

• Intended to put more pres-sure on local communities todo more about illegal immi-gration.

• Police would be required tomake a “reasonable attempt”to determine the immigrationstatus of a suspect; howev-er, no additional trainingwould be required for policeto make those decisions.

Controversial Bill Pushes forStricter Immigration Laws

También hay menos representación en el gobierno.De cualquier modo, mucha gente que vive ilegal-

mente en el país no participa porque tiene miedo deser reportados al gobierno.

Sin embargo, esto no es posible que ocurra, deacuerdo a Deal, el Título 13 del Código de los EE.UU.estrictamente protege la confidencialidad decualquiera que llene la forma. Todos los empleados dela Oficina del Censo toman un juramento de por vidade proteger esta privacidad.

Además, es ilegal para la Oficina del Censo elcompartir esta información con cualquier otra agen-cia del gobierno, como el Servicio de Recaudaciónde Impuestos o el Buró de Servicios de Ciudadanía eInmigración, dijo Deal.

¿Pero cuántos en Tucsón realmente saben esto?“Si me mandan uno (un formulario de censo),

probablemente lo llenaría, pero realmente no sémucho de eso”, dijo Chris Hurtado, de 31 años, delSur de Tucsón.

Ron Strickle, asistente del gerente ejecutivo de laWalgreens en South Tucson, 1900 S. Sixth Ave.,expresó un sentimiento parecido acerca de susclientes.

“Sé que (la Oficina del Censo está bajo juramentode mantener la confidencialidad), pero no estoy muyseguro que la mayoría de los inmigrantes ilegalesaquí en Tucsón lo sepan”, dijo Strickle. “Si ellos notienen documentos, les da miedo informar al gobier-no, aunque sea así, como ellos (el Censo de losEE.UU.) determinan la distribución de ayuda guber-namental”.

Aun si a los inmigrantes ilegales se les infor-mara, podrían no creerlo o no arriesgarse, él dijo.

La Oficina del Censo está trabajando para pro-mover conciencia, educación y participación entregente como Hurtado en Tucsón, dijo LauraCummings, una asociada especialista para dichaoficina de los EE.UU. que trabaja con el equipo parala involucración del Tucsón hispano.

“La gran pregunta para mucha gente es, ¿a dónde vaesa información y qué se hace con ella?” ella dijo.“Tratamos de ayudar a contestar esas preguntas”.

Las estaciones de radio 102.1FM “La Caliente” y1030 AM “La Raza” también tuvieron algunos pro-gramas de media hora acerca del censo con entrevis-

tas de representantes que explicaron los programasde confidencialidad y los caminos y carreteras que sepueden construir porque el gobierno distribuye fon-dos a ciertas áreas dependiendo de la población.

“El censo es fácil, importante y seguro”, dijoBarajas. “Ése es un mensaje importante de difundir amuchas personas, las cuales no quieren dar informa-ción a las agencias gubernamentales”.

Barajas dijo que ella utiliza “voces de confianza”en el Sur de Tucsón para diseminar una concienciahacia el censo a través de asociaciones con variasorganizaciones, como las estaciones de radio his-panas, autoridades de vivienda y agentes locales.

A nivel nacional, la estación de TV “Telemundo”emprendió una campaña de conciencia nacional elpasado abril del 2009 llamada “Make YourselfCount” o “Hazte Contar”. Parte de la campañaincluyó el ondeo de un anuncio del censo en su telen-ovela más popular, “Más sabe el diablo”.

La estación de televisión “Univisión” tambiénestará ofreciendo casillas telefónicas una vez al mesen marzo y abril, por algunas horas la estación seconcentrará solamente en tomar llamadas acerca delcenso y contestarlas al aire, dijo Cummings.

Información estadística• Cerca de 34 millones de gente habla español en

sus casas en los EE.UU.• Los trabajadores de la Oficina del Censo

pueden recibir seis años en prisión y multas dehasta $200,000 por romper el voto de confi-dencialidad.

• Más de $400 billones en fondos federales sehan distribuido cada año a áreas basándose enel censo de la población.

• La Oficina del Censo empezará a mandar másde 120 millones de formularios por correo enMarzo—por primera vez, 13 millones de esosformularios serán bilingües, español/inglés.

• La campaña de publicidad será ofrecida en 28idiomas—17 en el 2000.

• El cuestionario 2010 es ofrecido en 6 idiomas— 5 en el 2000.

• El censo del 2000: Tucsón: 486,699 personas—35.7% de origen hispano o latino.

El censo 2010 para el bien de todos‘El censo’ Continúa de página 1

Unlikely Path Leads Librarian to Awardty to keep kids coming into thelibrary.”

Valdivia, who first worked forGómez after moving fromPhoenix to Tucson, says Gómezis responsible for showing himthe ropes in the South Tucsoncommunity.

“South Tucson can sometimesget a bad rap,” he says. “But I likeworking here. Sol was the firstlibrarian that I worked for, and heshowed me what South Tucsonneeds and wants. He lives in thisarea. It’s not like this is just hisjob and he commutes. He livesdown here and works down here.”

Gómez is responsible for avariety of programs at his libraryand assists with information oncitizenship, taxes and school.With his focus on youth, Gómezis also working on a health-relat-ed cooking program for teens thatwill model the show “Iron Chef.”

However, Gómez’s road tobecoming a librarian was unex-pected.

Gómez was born in Tucson butraised in Sierra Vista.

“We lived out in the boonies,so we did a lot of outdoor activi-ties,” he says. He and his sister,Azul, didn’t have many toys andsubsequently spent a lot of timedeveloping their imaginations.Gómez says that his familyowned a television but didn’thave cable, so he spent a lot oftime reading.

Despite his early readinghabits, Gómez says it never oncecrossed his mind to be a librarian.In fact, “I was actually kicked outof the U of A,” he says.

“I didn’t do so well, and theytold me, ‘You need to pick a majorand stick to it’.” Gómez thought

Spanish literature was a goodchoice and would be esay as anative speaker.

“It wasn’t,” he says. “But Ireally, really enjoyed it. I gotlucky.”

After graduating from theUniversity of Arizona with abachelor’s degree in Spanish lit-erature, Gómez worked for PimaCounty supervisor Richard Elías.While working on the campaign,he met his wife, whose mother isa librarian.

“She said to me, ‘It’s not justabout reading, Sol’,” he says.Through his librarianship,Gómez learned that librariansstay current by providing the besttechnology that the publiclibrary can afford, particularly forcommunities that struggle tobridge the “digital gap.”

“We offer computers, Internet,and help people develop skillsnecessary to survive in today’sfast-paced world,” he says.

He explained that he earned hisdegree through a program calledKnowledge River, a Tucson-basedprogram run by the UA School ofInformation Resources and LibraryScience. The program recruitsLatinos and Native Americans, andalso focuses on serving low-income communities.

Winning the nationwide awardhas opened other doors forGómez. He has been asked toserve as the legislative chair ofREFORMA, an organization thatserves to promote library servic-es to Spanish-language communi-ties across the country.Additionally, he is working on aproject with the New York PublicLibrary to update their Web sitefor the upcoming year.

Gómez explains that he likeswhat he does because he is a people

person. As the branch manager, hehas a large part in deciding whatprograms are available to the com-munity, such as Nuestras Raíces, afestival that celebrates Mexican-American literature and culture.Gómez has also helped decide onevents that promote the impor-tance of the upcoming census.

“Everything has to do withlearning,” he says. “I mean,they’re fun programs, but youalso learn.”

His path to success may havebeen challenging, but choosing alocation to put his skills to usewasn’t difficult.

“I said, ‘I’ll work anywhere on

the south side.’ I knew I wanted towork with the Spanish-speakingcommunity. I could have workedanywhere, but I wanted to workhere,” he says.

One thing Gómez hopes tochange as a librarian is the stereo-type associated with his career.Gómez says that a majority oflibrarians are female and of a par-ticular age bracket.

Gómez says that KnowledgeRiver is currently acceptingapplications and is a good choicefor those who meet the criteria ofthe program.

“The thing is, you have yourschool pretty much paid forthrough that program. I even con-vinced my sister, Azul, to go tolibrary school,” he says.

Gómez also likes to spend timewith his wife and two children. Healso enjoys lifting weights, and—of course—reading.

“We have two kids now. Wedon’t read as much as we used to.My favorite book used to be ‘TheCount of Monte Cristo,’ but I’veread a lot more since then,” hesays. “It’s hard to pick one. Aslong as I can get a couple pages ina day, I’m good.”

Valdivia says that despite win-ning the “I Love My Librarian”award, Gómez will remain humble.

“He doesn’t flaunt that kind ofstuff. It’s not going to change theway he does his job,” he says,noting that Gómez will stillknow his community members byfirst name and continue to workhard on programs that serveSouth Tucson. “He likes his job,he likes his community andthey’re both interconnected. He’sgiving people the resources thatthey need, he says.

“That’s what a public librari-anship’s all about.”

‘Librarian’ Continued from page 1

Photo by otto Ross

Sol Gómez, branch manager of the Sam Lena Library, takes a break to catch

up on his weight lifting.

Page / Página 7February 11 / 11 de febrero 2010 El INDEPENDIENTE

Census Reaches out to Hispanic CommunityBy Zach Simon

Census outreach programs aroundthe country, including those inTucson, are trying to figure outthe best way to persuade peopletrying to stay off the govern-ment’s radar to participate in theupcoming 2010 U.S. Census.

The Hispanic population in theUnited States has historically beendifficult to tally because of com-mon misconceptions about howthe government uses the collecteddata, said Magdalena Barajas, apartnership specialist for the U.S.Census Bureau working in Tucson.Partnership programs work on alocal level to inform people thecensus is fast and safe.

Barajas said that places withlarge minority populations,including Hispanic communities,are hard to count.

With the 2010 census about tostart, the Census Bureau is takingseveral initiatives to promotecensus education in the Hispaniccommunity, such as using bilin-gual radio, television and Internetadvertisements. The goal is toencourage full participation inTucson and around the country.

“The accurate count of theHispanic population or any othergroup will help ensure the fair andequitable apportionment of polit-ical representation and will helpensure that communities willreceive a fair distribution offunds,” said Melanie Deal of theU.S. Census Bureau PublicInformation Office.

The data is used to assign con-gressional seats to states, distrib-ute annual federal funds to state,local and tribal governments, anddecide what community services to

provide the areas that the censusindicates are in most need. Thatmeans that if fewer South Tucsonresidents participate in the census,the local government receives lessmoney to build roads, parks andschools. There is also less repre-sentation in the government.

However, many people resid-ing illegally in the country don’tparticipate out of fear of beingreported to the government.

This isn’t a possibilitythough, according to Deal, andTitle 13 of the U.S. Code strictlyprotects the confidentiality ofanyone who fills out a form. AllCensus Bureau employees take anoath and are sworn for life to pro-tect that privacy.

Further, it is illegal for theCensus Bureau to share the infor-

mation with any other govern-ment agency, such as the InternalRevenue Service or the Bureau ofCitizenship and ImmigrationServices, Deal said.

But how many in South Tucsonactually know this?

“If they send me one [a censusform], I’ll probably fill it out, butI really don’t know much aboutit,” said Chris Hurtado, 31, ofSouth Tucson.

Ron Strickle, executive assis-tant manager at the South TucsonWalgreens, 1900 S. Sixth Ave.,expressed similar sentimentsabout his customers.

“I know that [the Census Bureauis sworn to confidentiality], butI’m not so sure the majority of ille-gal immigrants here in Tucsondo,” Strickle said. “If they don’t

have documentation, they’re afraidof reporting to the government,even though that’s how they [theU.S. Census] determine appropria-tion of government aid.”

Even if illegal immigrants wereinformed, they might not believeit or want to risk getting caught,he said.

The Census Bureau is workingto promote awareness, educationand participation among peoplelike Hurtado in Tucson, said LauraCummings, a partnership special-ist for the U.S. Census Bureauinvolved with a Tucson Hispanicoutreach team.

La Estrella de Tucson ran a two-page spread giving informationabout confidentiality and safety,Cummings said.

“The big question for so many

people is, where does the infor-mation go and what is done withit?” she said. “We are trying tohelp answer those questions.”

Radio stations 102.1 FM “LaCaliente” and 1030 AM “La Raza”also had a few half-hour programson the census with interviews fromrepresentatives who explained theconfidentiality programs and thatroads, highways and schools getbuilt because of the governmentfunds allocated to certain areasdepending on population.

“The census is easy, importantand safe,” Barajas said. “That’s animportant message to get acrossto a lot of folks who don’t want toshare information with a govern-ment agency.”

Barajas said she uses “trustedvoices” in South Tucson to spreadcensus awareness through part-nerships with various organiza-tions, such as Hispanic mediaradio stations, housing authori-ties and local officials.

On a national level, the TVchannel “Telemundo” launched anational awareness campaign inApril 2009 called “HazteContar,” or “Make YourselfCount.” Part of the campaignincluded weaving a census plot-line into its most popular telen-ovela, “Más Sabe el Diablo,” or“The Devil Knows Best.”

The TV channel “Univision”will also be featuring call-inphone banks once a month inMarch and April, where for a fewhours the station is completelydevoted to taking census ques-tions and answering them on air,Cummings said.

The 2010 Census website isnow available in Spanish atwww.2010census.gov/espanol.

PhOTO BY KAITE FLYNN

Darlene Burkett (left), an Arizona partnership specialist for the Denver Regional Census Center, and Daniel Polo (far right), a recruit-

ing assistant, discuss Census 2010 with community members who attended the Tucson Urban League MLK event.

Immigration Reform Could Stimulate EconomyBy Josh T. Saunders

A recent study found that immi-gration reform is capable ofreviving the nation’s strugglingeconomy.

With a comprehensive reformmodel, the report shows thatalternative immigration policiescould “yield at least $1.5 trillionin added U.S. gross domesticproduct over 10 years.”

By legalizing unauthorizedworkers and basing immigrationlimits on the U.S. labor demand,comprehensive reform would“raise the ‘wage floor’ for theentire U.S. economy - to the ben-efit of both immigrant and native-born workers,” according to“Raising the Floor for AmericanWorkers: The Economic Benefitsof Comprehensive ImmigrationReform,” conducted by UCLA pro-fessor Raul Hinojosa-Ojeda andreleased through the Center forAmerican Progress and theImmigration Policy Center.

For more than 20 years, theU.S. has utilized an “enforce-ment-only” policy, whichHinojosa-Ojeda said isn’t costeffective and does little to deterimmigrants from crossing theborder and finding work. Instead,the study said these policies havecaused more deaths along the bor-der, increased the market forimmigrant smuggling, encour-aged permanent settlementamong unauthorized immigrantsand lowered wages.

In the last two decades, thenumber of undocumented immi-grants in the U.S. has increaseddramatically despite greatlyincreased federal funding for bor-der enforcement. The study pointsout that since 1992, the U.S.Border Patrol’s annual budget has

increased by 714 percent. Further,the number of Border Patrol agentslocated along the U.S.-Mexicoborder has grown by 390 percentto more than 17,000 agents.

Despite these efforts,Hinojosa-Ojeda said the unautho-rized immigrant population hasnearly tripled over the last decade,from an estimated 3.5 million in1990 to 11.9 million in 2008.

His research examined threedifferent immigration-policy sce-narios, which he said are the threebasic choices for the federal gov-ernment.

Comprehensive immigrationreform would simplify theprocess of obtaining legal statusin the U.S. for unauthorizedimmigrants and establish fluidimmigration limits that react tothe labor needs.

The second scenario involvesa temporary-worker program forillegal immigrants, without per-manent status or permanentimmigration legislation.

Third is a mass-deportationpolicy, in which the U.S. banish-es all unauthorized immigrantsand permanently seals the border.Hinojosa-Ojeda admits this sce-nario is unrealistic but used it forcomparison purposes.

The mass-deportation policy“amounts to a cumulative $2.6 tril-lion in lost gross domestic productover 10 years,” which doesn’t takeinto account the associated costsof the actual deportation process,according to the report.

The widespread job losses andwage fluctuations resulting fromthis deportation would create yetanother expense for the nationaleconomy.

On the contrary, the economicbenefits of the comprehensivereform model would come from the“virtuous cycle” of worker empow-

erment, said Hinojosa-Ojeda, “inwhich legal status and labor rightsexert upward pressure on wages,for both native-born and newlylegalized immigrant workers.”

The comprehensive reformmodel would generate billions intax revenue and consumer spend-ing, as well as support hundredsof thousands of jobs, accordingto the report.

This reform is meant to count-er the current policy, the “viciouscycle where enforcement-onlypolicies perpetuate unauthorizedmigration and exert downwardpressure on already-low wages,”the report says.

With the revitalization of theU.S. economy at the forefront ofthe federal government’s con-cerns, this study is a timelyexample of how an immigrationstrategy can turn profitable forthe nation.

Vanessa Cárdenas, immigrationexpert from the Center forAmerican Progress, said “immigra-tion reform is essential, not onlyfor the immigrant community butfor the U.S. economy as well.”

Cárdenas said the Obamaadministration has promisedimmigration reform to the Latinocommunity and that polls show it

to be a priority of the Americanpeople as well.

“This administration needs todeliver on promises they’vemade,” Cárdenas said. “We need acomprehensive approach thatincludes legalization and a realis-tic program to support laborneeds.”

Cárdenas recognizes the issueand said a comprehensive changeis necessary to address the 12million people without papers inthe country.

“Immigrants are settled in ourcommunities,” Cárdenas said.“They are part of our economy.We’re not going to be able todeport 12 million people, andthey’re not going to leave.”

Ultimately, the study says, ifthe reform provides the opportu-nity for unauthorized immigrantsto invest in the U.S., the nation’seconomy and work force will seethe profits of change.

By Marissa hopkins

Mobile Meals of Tucson cele-brates its 40th birthday this year.Since 1970, the volunteer-basedorganization has delivered twomeals a day, five days a week toTucson’s homebound in need ofspecial diets.

Jeanne Miller, volunteer andpublic relations coordinator, saidMobile Meals delivers foodMonday through Friday to morethan 200 people between theages of 21 and 101.

Miller said all meals are pre-pared at local hospitals in accor-dance with a doctor-prescribeddiet specific to each individual’sneeds. Some of the special dietsmay be low in salt, heart healthyor include soft foods for thosewho have difficulty chewing.

Volunteer drivers delivermeals to the same eight clients aday to form a relationship withthe people, Miller said. She saidit is important for both theclients and their families thatthey do “well checks.”

The volunteers are trained torecognize warning signs vital toclients’ well-being. Miller saidvolunteers have saved clients’lives before by finding that aclient has fallen, recognizingsigns of depression or noticingthat clients are not eating theirmeals.

Many of their clients livealone, Miller said, and theMobile Meals service allowsthem to maintain independence.

“We’re trying to give themthat dignity and enable them tostay in their homes,” she said.

Mobile MealsCelebrates 40Years of Aid

Para leer este artículoen español visite:

www.elindenews.com

14

7

Mill

ions

1990 20082000VALUES COURTESY OF “RAISING ThE FLOOR FOR AMERICAN WORKERS: ThE ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF

COMPREhENSIVE IMMIGRATION REFORM,” & CENTER FOR AMERICAN PROGRESS

By Erica NanniniTraducido Por Lizette M.

Pérez

Feb. 1 – 12

Artes PicadienteJose Robles is a Tucson attorneyand artist who paints using atoothpick (and the occasionalcactus thorn) as his only tool. Herefers to his wood and ceramicworks as “Artes Picadiente,” or“Toothpick Art.” A collection ofabout 15 pieces of his work willbe on display at La PilitaMuseum, 420 S. Main Ave.,which is open Tuesday throughSaturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.Admission to the exhibit is free.Contact 882-7454 or visitwww.lapilita.com for details.

Feb. 9 - 12, Feb. 14

Valentine WorkshopBring the little tykes to theTucson Children’s Museum for aday of Valentine crafts. Parentsand kids can use tissue paper todecorate holiday hearts. Theactivity is included in the priceof admission to the museum, 200S. Sixth Ave., and begins at 3p.m. Admission is $6 for chil-dren up to 18, $8 for adults and$6 for seniors. Children must beaccompanied by an adult. Formore information, visit www.tuc-sonchildrensmuseum.org or call792-9985.

Feb. 10

Urban MuralsMurals are often seen as vandal-ism. The Sam Lena-South TucsonBranch Library, 1607 S. SixthAve., is offering a free seminar todispel this notion and showmurals as urban art with a valu-able history. The program is partof the library’s Nuestras Raices:Celebrating Mexican-AmericanAuthors, Arts and Culture, andwill be presented by the SocialJustice Education Project. Theeducational program will run from4 to 5 p.m. For more informa-tion, visit www.library.pima.govor call 592-5265.

Feb. 17Laptop AwardCelebrationCome support the nearly 500freshmen students from DesertView and Sunnyside high schoolswho will receive laptops in anopen award ceremony atUniversity of Arizona CentennialHall, 1501 N. Campbell Ave. Thestudents have earned the laptopsby meeting the GPA and atten-dance requirements of the dis-trict’s Project Graduation: TheDigital Advantage. The ceremonyis free and will run from 5:30 to8:30 p.m. Visit www.sun-nysideud.k12.az.us or call 545-2000 for more information.

Feb. 20 – 28

Tucson RodeoSee current and formerProfessional Rodeo CowboysAssociation world championsrope and ride at the 85th annualLa Fiesta de los Vaqueros, whichtakes place over the course ofnine days at the Tucson RodeoGrounds, 4823 S. Sixth Ave.Tickets range from $5 to $26,and proceeds benefit causes

including University of Arizonascholarship funds. Tickets canbe purchased at the gate or inadvance at www.tucsonrodeo.comor call 741-2233.

Feb. 21

Fords on FourthThree blocks of North FourthAvenue near the Six Street inter-section will be blocked off tonormal traffic and dedicated torows of Ford cars for the 46thAnniversary of the FordMustang. The free, family-friendly show is put on by theSouthern Arizona Mustang Cluband will run from 8 a.m. to 3p.m. In order to register yourown car, visit www.southernari-zonamustangclub.com or call622-6118.

Feb. 23 – 28

Fiddler on The Roof The Broadway musical, starringHarvey Fierstein as the iconicmilkman struggling to maintainhis family’s morals in czaristRussia, is coming to the TucsonMusic Hall, 260 S. Church Ave.General Admission seats start at$27, and there is a limit of eighttickets per household. Ticketscan be purchased at the TucsonConvention Center Ticket Office,online at www.ticketmaster.com,or at 800-745-3000.

March 11Contemporary MexicanFictionThe Best of Contemporary

Mexican Fiction is a collectionof stories that appear in Englishfor the first time, featuring 16prominent Mexican writers bornafter 1945. University of ArizonaProse series presents a readingco-sponsored by the Consulateof Mexico in Tucson and UABookStores. Editor Alvaro Uribeand three of the authors willattend. Admission is free and thereading begins at 8 p.m. at theUA Poetry Center, 1508 E. HelenSt. Visit www.poetrycenter.ari-zona.edu or call 626-3765 formore information.

1-12 de febrero

Artes PicadienteJosé Robles es un abogado deTucsón y un pintor que utiliza unpicadiente como su única her-ramienta para pintar (y de vez encuando la espina del cactus). Alhablar de su arte llama a sumadera y obras de cerámica“Artes picadiente”, o “ToothpickArt.” Una colección que incluye15 piezas de su trabajo se exhibeen La Pilita Museum, 420 S.Main Ave., el cual está abierto demartes a sábado de 11 a.m. hasta2 p.m. La entrada a la exhibiciónes gratuita. Para más detallesllame al 882-7454 o visitewww.lapilita.com.

9-12 de febrero, 14 defebrero

Taller de San ValentínLleve a los pequeños pícaros alTucson Children’s Museum paraun día de artesanías de SanValentín.  Los padres y los niños

pueden usar un klínex para deco-rar los corazones festivos. Laactividad está incluida en el pre-cio de entrada al museo, 200 S.Sixth Ave., y comienza a las 3p.m. El precio de admisión es $6para niños hasta 18, $8 paraadultos y $6 para personas may-ores. Los niños deben estaracompañados por un adulto. Paramás información, visitewww.tucsonchildrensmuseum.orgo llame 792-9985.

10 de febrero

Murales Urbanos Los murales son a menudo vistoscomo vandalismo. La Sam Lena-South Tucson Branch Library,1607 S. Sixth Ave., está ofre-ciendo un seminario gratuito paradisipar esta noción y mostrar losmurales como arte urbano conuna valiosa historia. El programaes parte de la biblioteca NuestrasRaíces: celebrando a los autores,el arte, y la cultura mexicana-americana, y será presentado porel proyecto de Educación deJusticia Social. El programaeducativo se desarrollará de 4 a 5p.m. Para más información, vis-ite a www.library.pima.gov ollame 592-5265.

17 de febreroOtorgación de com-putadoras portátiles Venga a apoyar a los casi 500estudiantes de primer año de lasescuelas secundarias Desert Viewy Sunnyside que recibirán com-putadoras portátiles en una cere-monia abierta en la Universidad

de Arizona Centennial Hall, 1501N. Campbell Ave. Los estudi-antes han ganado las computado-ras portátiles al reunir los requi-sitos de promedio del Proyectodel distrito de graduación: la ven-taja digital. La ceremonia esgratis y se llevará a cabo de5:30-8:30 p.m. Para más infor-mación visite www.sun-nysideud.k12.az.us o llame al545-2000.

20 - 28 de febrero

Rodeo de TucsónVea a los actuales y ex campe-ones vaqueros de la Asociaciónde Rodeo Profesional mundial decuerda y monte en la 85º anual dela Fiesta de los vaqueros, que selleva a cabo durante nueve días enlos terrenos del rodeo de Tucsón,4823 S. Sixth Ave. Los boletoscuestan de $5 a $26, y los ingre-sos benefician a diferentescausas, incluyendo el fondo parabecas de la Universidad deArizona. Los boletos se puedencomprar en la puerta o por ade-lantado en www.tucsonrodeo.como llame al 741-2233.

21 de febrero

Ford en la CuatroTres cuadras de la avenida NorthFourth Avenue, cerca de la inter-sección de la calle Sixth Streetestarán cerradas para el paso deltráfico y serán dedicadas a filas deautos Ford para celebrar el 46ºaniversario del Ford mustang. Elshow es gratuito y para toda lafamilia. Es llevado a cabo porSouthern Arizona Mustang Club,y durará de 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.  Pararegistrar su auto, visitewww.southernarizonamustang-club.com o llame al 622-6118.

23 a 28 de febrero

Fiddler on the RoofEl musical de Broadway, protag-onizado por Harvey Fiersteincomo el icónico lechero quelucha por mantener la moral de sufamilia durante la Rusia zarista,viene al Tucson Musical Hall,260 S. Church Ave.

Los asientos de admisión gen-eral empiezan a vender por $27,y hay un límite de ocho entradaspor hogar. Los boletos se puedencomprar en las taquillas delTucson Convention Center, porinternet enwww.ticketmaster.com, o llaman-do al 800-745-3000.

11 de marzoFicción contem-poránea mexicanaLo mejor de la Ficción contem-poránea mexicana es una colec-ción de historias que aparecenpor primera vez en inglés, con16 destacados escritores mexi-canos nacidos después de 1945.La serie por University ofArizona Prose presenta una lec-tura co-patrocinada por elConsulado de México en Tucsóny las librerías de la misma uni-versidad. El editor Álvaro Uribe,y tres de los autores asistirán.

La entrada es gratuita y el even-to empieza a las 8 p.m. en elPoetry Center de la universidad,1508 E. Santa Elena. Para másinformación visite www.poet-rycenter.arizona.edu o llame al626-3765.

Page / Página 8 February 11 / 11 de febrero 2010El INDEPENDIENTE

qué PASA?

?

Tucsonans met at the University

of Arizona Jan. 18 for the 25th

annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day

March.

above: Martin Luther King Jr.

Day marchers gather at the

University of Arizona Mall.

left: Community members join

together in prayer and celebra-

tion before the march got under-

way.

For more photos from the Martin

Luther King Jr. Day March visit

www.elindenews.com

Community Marches for MLKP

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INDEPENDIENTEMarch 11 / 11 de marzo 2010Free/gratis www.elindenews.com

1976 ~ 34 Years of Service ~ 2010EL

South Tucson Opposes New Walgreens Liquor LicenseBy Nathan Mitchell

South Tucson’s packed city hallbroke into cheers when the citycouncil voted unanimously tooppose Walgreens’ liquor license.

The license will go before thestate liquor board in either April orMay, said Peter Schelstraete, Wal-greens’ lawyer. In the past, licenseshave been approved despite thecouncil voting against them, SouthTucson Mayor Jennifer Eckstromsaid.

“The best we can do is forwardour recommendation,” she said.

The Class 10 license wouldallow the store—located at 1900 S.Sixth Ave.—to sell beer and wineto go. It must receive finalapproval from the ArizonaDepartment of Liquor Licensesand Control.

Twenty-six John ValenzuelaYouth 2 Youth (Y2Y) members—between the ages of 12 and 18—interrupted a presentation on a cityworkers’ health plan at the TucsonCity Hall meeting on Feb. 22, shift-ing the council’s attention andmaking their objective clear: pre-vent an area Walgreens from get-ting a liquor license.

The kids in sneakers, back-packs and hooded sweatshirtsfilled the remaining seats andlined the walls. When the

Walgreens discussion began, theyraised their protest signs withphrases like “Progress Not Profit,”and “Alcohol Will Ruin OurCommunity.”

Residents who opposed thelicense filed to the lectern to voicetheir concerns in English andSpanish. One Y2Y member shareda story about his mother locking his

intoxicated “Tío” out of the house.Others accused Walgreens of prey-ing on the weaknesses of residentswho struggle with alcohol and drugabuse.

“I don’t want to be like all theother teenagers…most of themparty,” said Brianna Fran sisco,15. “I want to make something outof myself.”

Each speech opposing thelicense ended with applause.

“We can overcome the greedycorporate people [from Walg-reens] that want to poison the peo-ple with alcohol,” said Brian Flaggof Casa Maria, throwing his handsup to the crowd.

The decision to oppose thelicense comes after weeks of publicdebate. In the first of the meetings,a petition with 20 names was sub-mitted to the council. Two weekslater the number of signatures hadgrown to 781, nearly 14 percent ofthe City of South Tucson. Therewere also three letters in oppositionand two local supporters of thelicense.

Those opposed said they wereconcerned about increased crimi-nal activity. City ManagerEnrique G. Serna submitted apacket to the council that includ-ed a police report citing 405 callsmade to the location from Feb. 1,2009 to Feb 1, 2010.

More than 140 arrests weremade. His opposition reflects thecity’s efforts to clean up the com-

Photo couRtesy oF oscaR cesena

From left, Elisa Schwartz, Ricardo Tovar and Inez Garcia protest Walgreens' application for a liquor license with signs.

Sunnyside Remains King of WrestlingBy Brett Booen

Sometimes high school athleticprograms can string together fouror five championships in a row andpeople start calling them dynasties.

But sometimes programs be-come so dominant that the associa-tion shifts from a momentary snap-shot of success to possibly beingone of the greatest to ever competein Arizona.

The Sunnyside High Schoolwrestling program reaffirmed itsplace among the best in history onFeb. 20 with a 35-24 win overIronwood Ridge in the 5A-II statewrestling championship at TempeHigh School. It was the 13th con-secutive state championship andthe 28th overall for the storiedwrestling program.

The Blue Devils have seizedjust about every Arizona highschool wrestling record imaginablein nearly four decades of domi-nance.

The last time Sunnyside did notwin a state title was in 1997 whenit lost to Tempe’s Marcos de NizaHigh School by 6.5 points. Sincethat loss, however, the Blue Devilshave rattled off a record 13 titles in

a row. There is no saying what that

number could rise to in the comingyears with the elite talent that poursinto the school year after year.

“If people wanted to pick on us,this was going to be the year to doit,” said Sunnyside wrestling coachBobby DeBerry. “Because downthe road in the future, things lookpretty darn good.”

After trailing top-seededIronwood Ridge 15-4 early in thetitle match this year, No. 2Sunnyside needed wins in six ofthe final seven matches to keep thechampionship streak alive.

Sunnyside got the crucial winsit needed down the stretch andeventually won by 11 points, theclosest margin of victory in the titlematch in over 10 years.

Sunnyside showed some seriousmettle when it mattered most. Thiswas supposed to be the year thatthe championship streak ended forthe Blue Devils. Wrestling criticsacross Southern Arizona citedyouth and inexperience as reasonsthe chain of titles would break.

So how was it that youthfulSunnyside prevailed in such ahigh-pressure situation?

“It’s perseverance,” DeBerrysaid. “We’re in a communitywhere, at times, things can be verydifficult. Some of the kids comefrom families where every day canbe a struggle.

“But the kids are able to take thetough way that they have to live ona day-to-day basis and transfer itinto a positive and use that to moti-vate themselves to do well,” hesaid.

Tucson home-less countrises by 16percent.

...see page 2

TRD Saddle-tramps trounceCanada.

...see page 4

Photo by Kaite Flynn

Kory DeBerry charges at a team mate

during Sunnyside High School wrestling

practice.

‘Wrestling’/see page 6

Obesity Rates Rise, SUSDMiddle Schools Fight Back

Photo by otto Ross

Students at Sierra Middle School twirl during an after-school folklorico dance program.

By Shelby Hill

Seven middle school girls step,kick and spin to pop songs like“Hot N Cold” by Katy Perry. Theirteacher wears a black shirt thatsays “Step Up” on the front and“Rock That Body” on the back.She calls out, “1, 2, 3 and 1, 2, 3,keep breathing.”

Aside from the fact that the girlsare wearing their school uniformsand that the class is taking place inthe school’s hallway, it could verywell be a step aerobics class at anexpensive gym.

This after-school program atSierra Middle School is part of acombined effort by SunnysideUnified School District, theUniversity of Arizona and theTriangle Y Ranch Camp toincrease physical activity in mid-dle schools to fight rising child-

hood obesity rates.“We just wanted the kids to be

active,” says Jesse Espinosa, whoruns a before-school program atSierra, 5801 S. Del Moral Blvd.,where kids can skateboard, moun-tain bike and play indoor hockey,among other activities.

Skateboards, pads, helmets,indoor hockey gear and othersporting equipment are providedby a $1.9 million U.S. Departmentof Education grant, which wasawarded to the district in June2008. The grant runs for threeyears and is now at the halfwaymark.

The equipment circulatesthrough the SUSD middle schoolsand returns to the Triangle Y forsummer camp, says JenniferReeves, an associate research

‘Obesity’/see page 6

‘Walgreens’/see page 6

INSIDE

Aquí no hay problemas fiscales

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Tucson’s Homeless Increase by 16 PercentBy Jessica Befort

A few months ago Hubert Russellwas gainfully employed at a localplastics company. Today, he sits inthe February sun outside the Prima-vera Foundation, a place wherehomeless people can collect phonemessages, their mail and medicine –things they don’t have access to onthe street. He now spends his nightsat a Salvation Army shelter.

“It’s better than being outside,”he says quietly.

Hubert was one of 1,561 home-less people counted in late Januaryduring the 2010 Homeless StreetCount, a 16 percent increase fromlast year, according to SylviaCuestas and Laurie Mazerbo, co-chairs of the count.

“We’re seeing a lot more newly-homeless folks on the street,”Mazerbo said. “Those are the folksthat were on the fringes and…whenthe economy really plunged, theywere the folks that lost their jobsand lost their housing.”

The street count, sponsored bythe Tucson Planning Council forthe Homeless, occurs once a year.

This year’s event was held at6:30 p.m. instead of 5 a.m. in orderto recruit more volunteers andcount more homeless people whohide when they sleep, Mazerbosaid.

With so many people living onTucson’s streets, and the numbersincreasing all the time, the abilityof local agencies to accommodatetheir needs is challenged.

Demand for the services of theCommunity Food Bank has inc-reased 54 percent from last fiscalyear, said Jean Fox, their agencyrelations manager.

The majority of the food bank’sclients are new, Fox said, an obser-vation that mirrors Mazerbo’s. Thesefirst-timers include middle-aged sin-gle people, seniors and families.

Last fiscal year, the Community

Food Bank handed out six millionpounds of food, Fox said. Ifdemand continues at its currentrate, she said, the food bank willprovide almost 30 million poundsthis year.

Youth On Their Own, a localorganization that helps homeless,unaccompanied youth completetheir high school diploma, is expe-riencing similar issues, said Heidi

Reynolds-Stenson, volunteer anddevelopment coordinator.

Seven months into the schoolyear, the organization has had 521homeless youth apply to its pro-grams, up from 456 at the sametime one year earlier.

But as the number hasincreased, funding has dropped.

In past years, the organizationreceived a $50,000 grant from

Pima County, Reynolds-Stensonsaid, to give homeless youth up to$125 per month depending on theirschool grades and attendance.

This year, the $50,000 didn’tcome through.

The Primavera Foundation,which also provides rental assis-tance, emergency shelters andemployment assistance, also facessimilar funding cuts and increasesin demand.

Three years ago, their men’sshelter would be empty in thesummer, said Renee Bibby, mar-keting coordinator. But not any-more. The men’s and family emer-gency shelters have had 15 to 30people on a wait list for the past 18months.

Despite the increased demandfor their services, Primavera faces apossible $200,000 cut in fundingfrom the city, Bibby said.

“It’s like they’re saying, ‘Here’sless money, but serve more peo-ple,’” she said.

Meanwhile, people like Russellsit quietly outside Primavera, hisanswers two or three words.Periodically he glances toward thestreet as a car goes by.

“There’s good days and baddays,” he says of being homeless.

He’ll stay in Tucson for a littlelonger, to wait and see if thingsimprove. He has a job interviewthis afternoon.

If things don’t get better, he’sleaving, headed back to Texaswhere he’s originally from. Thingsjust might be better there.

Photo by Kaite Flynn

Men mingle outside Casa Maria, a place where people in need can receive free meals and other services.

Escrito por Steve IvanovicsTraducido por Lizette M. Pérez

Los impuestos pueden ser frus-trantes, sin embargo, ahora que seacerca la fecha límite de abril, unprograma local está ofreciendo alas familias trabajadoras prepararsus impuestos de manera gratuita.

El United Way of Tucson’sVolunteer Income Tax Assistance(VITA por sus siglas en inglés)ayuda a los residentes del condadode Pima cuyos ingresos sean debajos a moderados a recibir elmáximo reembolso de impuestosfederales.

El Internal Revenue Service(IRS por sus siglas en inglés)comenzó el programa en la décadade 1970, pero el United Way se hizocargo en el 2003. El United Way y elIRS siguen trabajando en conjuntopara entrenar y certificar a voluntar-ios.

“Nuestros voluntarios ayudan alas personas y a familias que nece-sitan cada centavo”, dijo CheyenneArreola, gerente del proyecto deVITA. “Queremos llegar a tantaspersonas y familias como nos sea

posible cuyos ingresos seanmenores de $50,000 dólares”.

Arreola dijo que durante la tem-porada de impuestos pasada, VITAayudó cerca de 6.000 personas en elcondado de Pima, y que desde prin-cipios de este febrero ha ayudadoalrededor de unas 1,600 personas.

De acuerdo con Arreola,muchas de las personas a las queVITA ayuda no tienen conocimien-tos de computación o acceso regu-lar a una computadora.

Uno de los mayores retos deVITA es el conseguir suficientesvoluntarios para ayudar a todos enla comunidad.

“Es un servicio de todos paratodos”, dijo Arreola. “La mayorfrustración que encuentro es nopoder ayudar a toda la gente ya queno contamos con suficientes volun-tarios”.

Arreola dijo también que estodo un desafío conseguir socioscomunitarios que estén dispuestosa ayudar y ofrecer un sitio/unlugar.

Aunque el programa tienealgunos obstáculos que superar,éste ha ayudado a miles de personas

de Tucsón a estar en una situaciónfinanciera más estable, reflejandoasí el objetivo de United Way deconstruir una comunidad másfuerte.

Las ubicaciones actuales deVITA en el sur de Tucsón incluyen:Pueblo Activity Center, ubicado en101 W. Irvington Rd., y el QunicieDouglas Branch Library, en 1585E. 36th St.

Información complementaria

• El Pueblo Activity Center:miércoles 3:30-6:30 p.m.viernes y sábado 9:30a.m.-12:30 p.m.

• Quincie Douglas Librarymartes, jueves, y sábado 12:30-3:30 p.m.

• Para ver el horario com-pleto de VITA o infor-marse acerca de cómoser un voluntario, visitewww.unitedwaytucson.org/Income/finacialstabilty/VITA

Peña Blanca Lake Reopens for Public UseBy Josh T. Saunders

Peña Blanca Lake has come backto life, and all it took were somewinter desert storms.

Thanks to more than four inchesof rain in Southern Arizona thisyear, Peña Blanca Lake is full againand reopened to the public.

Created in 1957, Peña BlancaLake was a hotspot for fishing,boating and camping. Northwestof Nogales at an altitude of 4,000feet, the lake was a cooler oasis forTucsonans seeking refuge from thevalley heat.

But the lake was drained inSeptember 2008 to filter out deadly

mercury which had leached in fromsurrounding mines. Once empty,the lakebed was lined with clean

soil and the winter storms havesince refilled it to the brim.

Outdoorsmen and families canfind themselves on the shores ofthis revived Southern Arizonatreasure an hour’s drive fromTucson.

The 50-acre lake was recentlystocked with rainbow trout, and theArizona Game and Fish Departmenthas plans to add other species aswell. Fishing is open to any anglerwith an Arizona fishing license.

Currently, boats that can be car-ried by hand to the water can usethe lake. There are plans to build anew dock and boat ramp in April toallow the use of motorized boats.

Fast Facts

• Located 68 miles south ofTucson

• 15-unit campground,group-use area, picnicsites

• Open year round• Arizona fishing licenserequired for anglers

Visit Elindenews.com for amap and more information.

Page / Página 3March 11 / 11 de marzo 2010 El INDEPENDIENTE

Por Nathan MitchellTraducido por Dina Tyrrell

Niños en tennis, mochilas y suda-deras con gorros caminan por lospasillos de la entrada al City Hall,llenando los asientos que quedan yalineándose en las paredes delcuarto.

El 22 de febrero, 26 miembrosde John Valenzuela Youth 2 Youth(Y2Y) interrumpieron una juntade la presentación del plan delcuidado de la salud de los traba-jadores de la ciudad en el TucsonCity Hall, llamando la atencióndel consejo, poniendo en claro elobjetivo de esa tarde.

Cuando la discusión acerca deWalgreens comenzó, los jóvenesmiembros alzaron sus pancartas deprotesta, las cuales tenían frasescomo, “Progreso no utilidades”, y“El alcohol arruinará nuestracomunidad”.

Los miembros de Y2Y se pre-sentaron para oponerse a laaprobación de la nueva licencia delicor para Walgreens de la 1900 S.Sixth Ave.

Los residentes del Sur deTucsón también estuvieron pre-sentes para oponerse a la licencia.Subieron al atril para expresar suspreocupaciones en inglés y enespañol.

Un miembro de Y2Y compartióla historia de su madre que tuvoque encerrarse en su propia casadejando a su tío afuera por borra-cho. Otros acusaron a Walgreenspor explotar las debilidades de losresidentes que luchan contra elalcohol y el abuso de drogas.

“No quiero ser como los demásadolescentes. . . la mayoría deellos fiestean”, dijo la quinceañeraBrianna Fransisco. “Quiero ser

alguien en la vida”. Cada discurso que se oponía a

la licencia terminaba con aplau-sos.

“Podemos vencer al corporati-vo codicioso (de Walgreens) quequi-ere envenenar a la gente conalcohol”, dijo Brian Flagg de CasaMa-ria, lanzando sus brazos haciala muchedumbre.

Los que estaban presentes irru-mpieron en ovaciones más tardecuando el consejo de la ciudadvoto unánimemente oponiéndose ala licencia de licor de Walgreens.

La decisión de oponerse a lalicencia emana de varias semanasde debate público. En las primerasreuniones, una petición con 20nombres fue entregada al consejo.Dos semanas más tarde el númerode firmas había crecido a 781, másde 14 por ciento de la ciudad.

Los oponentes dijeron que elincremento en actividades crimi-nales era la preocupación mayor.El administrador de la ciudad delSur de Tucsón Enrique G. Sernapresentó un paquete al consejo queincluía un informe policial, el cualcitaba 405 llamadas hechas a esalocalidad desde el 1 de feb. 2009hasta el 1 de feb. 2010.

Más de 140 arrestos fueronhechos. Su oposición reflejaba losesfuerzos de la ciudad de limpiarla comunidad, la cual lucha contrael abuso de alcohol y drogas.

“Es una bofetada en la cara”,dijo Serna de la decisión deWalgreens de ignorar la situaciónde la comunidad y solicitar la licen-cia.

En su paquete, Serna señalóque los arrestos hechos enWalgreens le costó $20.000 a laciudad al año, por cárcel y pagosde procesamientos, a la ciudad. El

número de llamadas, y por ende,los gastos de la ciudad, incremen-tarían si la licencia fuese aproba-da, él escribió.

La licencia de licor, es una deunas 160 que Walgreens ha recien-temente solicitado en Arizona. Esun esfuerzo que la compañía estáhaciendo para mantenerse compet-itiva en una economía débil, dijoSchelstraete.

Si se aprueba, la tienda planeaevitar lo que el abogado deWalgreens Peter Schelstraete llama“bebidas altas en octanaje” lo quesignifica bebidas que son bajas enprecio y altas en contenido alco-hólico.

“Lo que es bueno para la comu-nidad es bueno para Walgreens”,dijo Schelstraete.

Sin embargo, la alcalde del Surde Tucsón Jennifer Eckstrom noestá convencida.

La decisión de la cabeza delcorporativo Walgreens de añadirotro local de alcohol en el Sur deTucsón no concuerda con la comu-nidad, ella dijo.

“¿Cómo alguien que se encuen-tra en Illinois puede saber cuálesson los mejores intereses para lacomunidad?”, pregunta ella, refir-iéndose a la sede del corporativoWalgreens.

Además, Eckstrom dijo que laslicencias han sido aprobadas en elpasado a pesar de que el consejovotara en su contra.

La licencia Clase 10, la cual lepermitirá a la tienda vendercerveza y alcohol para llevar,deberá recibir aprobación final delDepartamento de Control yLicencias de Licor de Arizona.

La licencia se presentará ante lajunta del estado en abril o enmayo, dijo Schelstraete.

Photo couRtesy oF oscaR cesena

Angel Gonzalez, izquierda, con Youth 2 Youth, protesta la aplicación para la licencia de liquor en Walgreens del Sur de Tucsón.

Residentes del Sur de Tucsón se oponen a licencia de licor

Peña Blanca abre de nuevo para todosEscrito por Josh Saunders T.

Traducido por Lizette M. Pérez

El lago Peña Blanca ha vuelto a la vida y solo requirióque el desierto tuviera sus lluvias invernales.

El lago una vez más está lleno de agua y abierto alpúblico, gracias a las cuatro pulgadas de lluvia reg-istradas este año en el sur de Arizona.

Dicho lago creado en 1957 era el lugar favoritopara ir de pesca, dar un paseo en barca y acampar.

Ubicado justo al noroeste de Nogales y a una alti-tud de 4.000 pies, el lago era un refrescante oasis paralos ciudadanos de Tucsón que buscaban salir delcalor.

Sin embargo, el lago fue drenado en septiembre del2008 a causa del tóxico mercurio, proveniente de lasminas cercanas, que se había filtrado.

Una vez vacío, el lecho del lago se recubrió contierra limpia y ahora las tormentas invernales lo hanvuelto a llenar hasta el borde.

Una vez más, las familias y personas que gustan delaire libre, pueden volver a disfrutar en las costas deeste tesoro del sur de Ariz-ona, que ha vuelto a nacer yque en auto está a solo una hora de Tucsón.

TheArizona Game and Fish Department ha abaste-

cido el lago de 50 acres con trucha arco iris y tieneplanes de añadir otras especies. Cualquier pescadorcon una licencia de pesca del estado de Arizona puedeir a pescar.

Por el momento, los barcos que se pueden llevar allago manualmente tienen permitida la entrada.

Sin embargo, los barcos motorizados no podránentrar hasta que se construya un nuevo muelle y unarampa, lo cual está planeado para el mes de abril.

Peña Blanca

• Ubicado a 68 kilómetros al sur deTucsón

• Áreas para: acampar para 15 unidades,grupos,  y días de campo

• Abierto todo el año• Licencia de pesca de AZ necesaria parapescadores

Para un mapa y mayor información visiteElindenews.com

Photo by Kaite Flynn

Steve Woolsey falls to the ground after being thrown from abull at the Tucson Rodeo. The rodeo was held from Feb. 20through Feb. 28. To see more photos from the Tucson Rodeo and the RodeoParade visit elindenews.com.

Bull Riding at the Rodeo

Escrito por Heather RissiTraducido por Dina Tyrrell

Nuestras Raíces, el programa de laBiblioteca Pública de Tucson quecelebra la cultura méxico-ameri-cana, se une al Festival de Librosde Tucson.

Antes, la biblioteca sólo teníaun festival para Nuestras Raíces(Our Roots) en marzo de cadaaño, dice Adriana Rendon, la bib-liotecaria y la co-presidenta deNuestras Raíces. Este año, la bib-lioteca unió esfuerzos con otrosgrupos para mostrar diferentesaspectos de la cultura méxico-americana, como la música, ellenguaje y las artes durante elFestival del Libros de laUniversidad de Arizona, el 13 y14 de marzo.

La meta al combinar los dosprogramas con el Festival delLibros es alcanzar una audienciamayor, dijo Rendon, así como tam-bién hacer el festival del libro másaccesible a la comunidad méxico-americana.

“El festival fue un gran éxito elaño pasado”, dijo Rendon. “Más de50,000 personas asistieron. Por esoes bueno compartir en lo que esta-mos trabajando y formar unasociedad”.

Nuestras Raíces era común-mente un sólo evento en la primav-era, pero este año habrá varioseventos a lo largo del año. Decualquier modo, el Festival delLibros proveerá las bases para elprograma, dijo Rendon.

La biblioteca participó en el fes-tival el año pasado, dijo ella, y pre-sentó una conversación con el autorLuis Alberto Urrea, el cual es cono-cido por escribir “The Devil’sHighway”, y otros libros. Más de400 personas asistieron.

“La gente tenía un gran interésde verle y conocerle”, ella dijo.“Algunos esperaron por horas poruna oportunidad de hablar con éldespués del evento”.

Este año, los asistentes al festi-val podrán escuchar a Urrea denuevo y preguntarle todas esas“preguntas ansiosas” acerca de suvida en una sesión de preguntas yrespuestas, ella dijo.

La gente también podrá disfru-tar de una actuación teatral presen-tada por estudiantes y graduadosdel programa de los EstudiosMéxico-Americanos de TucsonHigh School.

El teatro de Tierra Birthmarkspresentará como una docena de

monólogos escritos y actuados porestudiantes, dijo Curtis Acosta, unmaestro de Tucson High y líder delgrupo.

Los estudiantes desarrollaron laactuación buscando y entrevistan-do a gente de la comunidad, éldijo.

Ellos actuarán monólogos acer-ca de un educador sordo, unmigrante mexicano, y una mujermusulmana, entre otros. Unoscuantos monólogos serán enespañol, pero la mayoría son eninglés.

El programa es muy importanteporque fue hecho “auténtica-mente”, dijo Acosta, y porque losestudiantes y la comunidad traba-jaron duro para dar vida a los per-sonajes en los monólogos.

Otro evento del festival es lacompetencia de mariachi juvenil.“El año pasado fue estructuradocomo American Idol”, dijoRendon. “Fue muy emocionantepara las familias y la comunidadver el talento de los jóvenes en susentornos”.

También habrá un panel deautores para discutir la identidadméxico-americana con GustavoArellano, el cual escribe la contro-vertida columna sindicada “Ask aMexican” (Pregúntele a un mexi-cano), y con Rosa CastilloGuilbault, escritora de la autobi-ografía “Farmworker’s Daughter:Growing Up Mexican inAmerica”.

Rendon dijo que la meta princi-pal de los eventos de NuestrasRaíces en el Festival del Libros noes sólo el alcanzar a la comunidadméxico-americana, pero tambiénconstruir comunión al celebrar larica historia artística de la culturacon todos los tucsonenses.

Guilbault dice que espera vergente joven en el festival, loscuales quieran aprender más acercade su cultura, y también escritoresque quieran aprender más acerca desu arte.

También señaló que la gente aveces tiene los mismos “fundamen-tos básicos”, sin importar lanacionalidad o etnicidad, lo quehace fácil relacionarse con otros.

“Hay una universalidad entodas nuestras historias”, dijoGuibault.

“La universalidad ayuda a lasociedad”, dijo ella. “Ayuda almundo, porque podemos ver atodos y ver sus similitudes y decir,‘Hey, no somos tan diferentes’”.

Nuestras Raíces trae la culturaméxico-americana al Festival

By Erica Nannini

Eye-gouging and hair-pulling areno-nos.

Light jabbing, pushing anddiving into opponents, however,are completely legal in the TucsonRoller Derby women’s league.

In the first international show-down at the Tucson Indoor SportsCenter, Montreal’s New Skids onthe Block came skating in withtoy noses, lime green T-shirts andthe hunger for a win over theTucson Roller DerbySaddletramps.

But the hell-raisin’ home team,donned in black uniforms, wasnot prepared to be overthrown bytheir Canadian counterparts.

A referee starts the bout, ormatch-up, with the blow of awhistle.

Roller derby hit the main-stream about 10 years ago. TheWomen’s Flat Track DerbyAssociation governs the rules ofthe sport, ensuring that the playdoesn’t get too scrappy. Womenwith names like Helen Wheelsand Nokka Ho Down wear hel-mets, knee pads and elbow pads,as they glide on old-school four-wheelers to try to out-skate andout-muscle one another aroundthe makeshift track.

Each player on the track helpsthe team score points. The jam-mer, singled out by the star on herhelmet, tries to break away fromthe circling pack of girls to lapthem and score points. Threeblockers pave the way for thejammer, and at the same time dowhatever it takes to prevent theother team’s jammer from scor-ing. Girl number five is the pivot,who skates near the front of thepack to keep pace and provide thelast line of defense against theopposing jammer. Each bout is60 minutes and consists of anunlimited number of two-minutejams.

“You have to want to block andget hit and get hurt,” says stay-at-home mom Elia Chap, who wasdrafted by the Copper Queens inJanuary. Her derby name has notyet been approved by the league,but she is crossing her fingers forMad Dawg 22.

Chap says she has only suf-fered bruises and minor injuries,but she has seen everything fromtorn ligaments to ribs popped outof place. Broken skates are a rou-tine part of the game, she says.

Even girls who are reluctant tounleash their inner Mike Tysoncan be transformed by the spirit ofthe game.

Bri Date, or Bea N. Hayve asshe is known to her teammatessince she began competing withthe TRD last October, says rollerderby brings out her fierce side.As the head of production for thisbout, she stands out in a neon

spandex tummy-baring suit andcowboy hat.

“The part that’s least like me isthe whole hitting thing,” saysDate. “It requires you to step upand let loose.”

Part of the trick is getting intocharacter on the track. Date rec-ommends letting your alter egotake over, just as she allows BeaN. Hayve to forget the rules of eti-quette.

The audience of nearly 1,200folks (which puts the center atcapacity) is transformed as well.From the back of the crowd, anolder woman with a Bud Light inhand shouts,

“I came here to see some girlsget their asses kicked!”

In a different corner, a group ofcollege-age boys chant “U.S.A.”at the top of their lungs as a manin a leather vest starts up thewave. A huddle of girl scoutsranging from ages 5 to 9 take abreak from their cookie-sellingduties to watch the action behinda line of “caution” tape.

One of the girls from troop1616, Kailee Emmett, 9, says thatshe loves seeing the girls skateand get beat up.

“I wanna do that when I getolder!” she says as her fellowscouts nod in agreement.

Indeed, Date considers thesport to be a healthy bondingactivity for girls of any age (thetypical range is 18 to mid-40s).

“It’s probably the strongestgroup of women that I’ve found inTucson,” she says.

“It really takes over your lifein a great way.”

Chap says that the fun andstress-relief is worth the commutethat she makes from her home inSonoita to practices at CatalinaHigh School, which are held threetimes a week or more.

She brings her 6-year-olddaughter to bouts and gets herexcited about putting on mom’sskates one day.

On a recent Friday night, theplace is filled with many younggirls chomping at the bit for their

chance at roller derby stardom—itis as if a new breed of HellbentBettys and Bianka Trohls havematerialized before the finalwhistle is blown. At the end ofthe match, the Saddletramps arestretching together and basking intheir 117 to 108 victory overMontreal. Several young girlsgather around #29 blocker VenusDynamite, asking for autographs.The tight-knit team, which is nowcomfortably seated at 2-0 in theleague, is a group of celebrities inthe eyes of the diverse and rowdycrowd at TISC.

To those who would encouragethe next generation of girls to takeup a more traditionally “civilized”hobby,

Date points to football, whichis a socially-accepted, predomi-nantly male sport. She says thatroller derby requires the sameamount of tackling and intensity.

“Except we wear lesspadding,” she says.

“Oh yeah, and we’re onskates!”

Page / Página 4 March 11 / 11 de marzo 2010El INDEPENDIENTE

By Steve Ivanovics

Taxes can be daunting, but a localprogram is offering free tax prepa-ration to working families as theApril deadline approaches.

The United Way of Tucson’sVolunteer Income Tax Assistance(VITA) helps Pima County resi-dents of low to moderate incomereceive the maximum in federal taxrefunds.

The program was started by theInternal Revenue Service in the1970s, but United Way took overthe program in 2003. United Waystill partners with the IRS to trainand certify volunteers.

“Our volunteers help peopleand families that need everydime,” said Cheyenne Arreola,project manager of VITA. “Wewant to reach as many people andfamilies as possible earning under$50,000.”

Arreola said VITA helpedclose to 6,000 people in PimaCounty during last year’s tax sea-son and has helped around 1,600people since the beginning ofFebruary.

According to Arreola, many ofthe people VITA helps are thosewho don’t have computer skills orregular access to a computer.

One of VITA’s biggest chal-lenges is getting enough volun-teers to help everyone in the com-munity.

“It’s a service for everybodyfrom everybody,” Arreola said.“The biggest heartbreak Iencounter is turning away peoplebecause we don’t have enoughvolunteers.”

Arreola said it’s also a chal-lenge to get community partnersto step up and host a site.

Though the program has a fewobstacles to overcome, it hashelped thousands of Tucsonansbecome more financially stable,which echoes the United Way’sgoal of building a stronger com-munity.

2010 VITA locations

El Pueblo Activity Center:Wednesday 3:30-6:30 p.m.Friday 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.Saturday 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Quincie Douglas branch library:Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday

12:30-3:30 p.m.

For more information andlocations visit: 

www.unitedwaytucson.org/income/financial-stability/VITA

Catch the Saddletramps intheir next throwdown!

Who: TRD Saddletramps vs.Gotham Girls’ Wall Street Traitors

When: Starts 7 p.m. Saturday,March 20 

Where: TISC (formerlyBladeworld), 1065 W. Grant

Road 

Tickets: $10 at the door or $7 inadvance at Bookmans or

www.tucsonrollerderby.com. 

Photo by otto Ross

Top: Kamanda and Poly Graf flank Georgia W. Tush during the match. Bottom: Polly Graf comes up behind another player.

Saddletramps Skate to Local Stardom United WayOffers FreeTax Service

By Amy Kissinger

A non-profit organization is risingto the challenge of completing theSan Agustín Mission Gardens, aproject that was halted due to alack of funds.

The gardens, located along thewest bank of the Santa CruzRiver, were started in early 2000as part of Tucson’s Rio Nuevoproject.

However, the city manager puta hold on the project last May,said Peg Weber of Tucson Parksand Recreation.

Now the Friends of Tucson’sBirthplace, a non-profit organiza-tion, is working with the city to

raise funding and donations tojump-start the construction, saidBill DuPont, a member of theorganization.

The first step the group tookwas to apply for non-profit status,which they received, DuPont said.

Since then, the organizationhas solicited donations from about47 people and organizations,including donated security fenc-ing — valued at $12,000 — fromLloyd Construction, the companycontracted to build the gardens,DuPont said.

The group is “trying to makesure this doesn’t die,” he said.

“There’s a lot of history therethat we’re trying to resurrect,” he

said.The site has been host to “cul-

ture upon culture upon culture”and is something unique toTucson, DuPont said.

When completed, the gardenwill have representations of agri-culture from throughout Tucson’shistory, including a Spanish colo-nial-era garden.

Halted Project Finds Friends in Non Profit

Photo couRtesy oF city oF tucson

Visit El Independienteonline at:

www.elindenews.com

Page / Página 5March 11 / 11 de marzo 2010 El INDEPENDIENTE

By Tony Hasan

Just before midnight on Saturday,South Fourth Avenue is quiet. Thesnowbirds and locals who packthe city’s most legendary Mex-ican restaurants have long sinceleft the heart of South Tucson.

The piercing shriek of anaccordion breaks the silence. Fromnearly a block away the bass holdsthe beat. 1 2 3 4, 1 2 3 4; the drumsare right on cue. A smooth guitarand rapid violin top off the sound.

Antonio’s, 2231 S. Fourth Ave.,is very much alive, and shouldhave a sign that reads “localsonly.” The last standing bar in thecity of South Tucson is also thenation’s home to Waila music.

The music and the people pourout of the small bar on the cornerof Fourth Avenue and 33rd Streetwhere Gertie and the TohonoO’odham (T.O.) Boys are playingat full blast. The only noises overthe music are the yelps and whis-tles of those standing around thecircle of dancers. It started withtwo or three, but now about 15people dance the “chickenscratch” packed tightly together inthe tiny bar.

Gertie Lopez heads the five-member band of Tohono O’od-ham. Lopez - standing just over 5feet tall - and the T.O. Boys playon cracked and fading tile facingthe bar. Their stage is an area

vacated by a pool table shoved tothe side and covered with a tarp.

“I’ve been playing here for 18years now,” Lopez says ofAntonio’s. A shiny silver necklacewith a small silver accordionhangs from her neck. “I’ve beenplaying accordion and Wailamusic for over 30 years.”

Lopez is related to every mem-ber of her band by blood orthrough marriage. Her cousin,Solamus “Chando” Thomas playsa 10-string guitar for the band.

“I taught myself how to playwhen I was six years old,” Thomassays, his large, somewhat intimi-dating frame softened by wireglasses and an infectious laugh.“When I started, I played heavymetal music but was drawn toWaila when I got older.”

At the end of each song,dancers depart to their respectivetables around the bar, fanningfaces with their hands, in search ofa cold drink. A bottle of Budweiserat $2.50 a pop will do just fine.

The other band members alsotake long sips of beer and theband strikes up again. The accor-dion is first, playing loud and fast.Then the bass comes in heavily,accompanied by the crashingdrums. To the untrained ear, itsounds like a mix of polka andmariachi.

One person starts gliding backand forth. But Waila is social

music, and its dance, known as“chicken scratch,” is a socialdance. Soon, most seats are emptyand the dance floor is full, every-one moving counterclockwisebetween the bar and band.

“This music dates back to the1700s” says Lopez. “Europeanmissionaries taught NativeAmericans to play instrumentslike violins for church.

“Native Americans in theSouthwest combining their newtalents with traditional tribalmusic and Mexican influencesmake Waila,” she says. “As tech-nologies got better, violins werereplaced by guitars and accor-dions.” Waila gets its name fromthe Mexican word “baila,” mean-ing dance.

Jeff Fouts, owner of Antonio’s,says his place becomes a “nativebar” on the weekends, but encour-ages people from all over Tucsonto come and experience the uniquemusic.

“The music is great,” he says.“We’re the only bar in Tucson,maybe in the world, that regularlyfeatures live Waila music.”

Gertie and the T.O Boys playlive at Antonio’s every Fridaythrough Sunday night.

There is no cover and thedrinks are cheap. Fouts welcomesanyone, local or not, to put ondancing shoes and dance thechicken scratch.

Photo by tammy cRawFoRd

Alfonso Thomas plays the violin for the band Gertie And The T.O. Boys at Antonio's.

By Heather Rissi

Nuestras Raíces, the Pima CountyPublic Library program that cele-brates Mexican-American culture,is joining the Tucson Festival ofBooks this year.

Historically, the library has helda single festival for Nuestras Raíces(Our Roots) every year in March,says Adriana Rendon, a librarianand the co-chair for NuestrasRaíces.

This year, the library joinedforces with other groups to show-case different aspects of Mexican-American culture, such as music,language and arts during the UA-based Tucson Festival of Books,March 13 and 14.

The goal for combining theprogram with the Festival ofBooks was to reach a larger audi-ence, Rendon says, as well as tomake the book festival moreaccessible to the Mexican-American community.

“The festival had great successlast year,” Rendon says. “Over50,000 people attended. So it’sgood to share what we are workingon and make a partnership.”

Nuestras Raíces is usually asingle, spring event, but this yearthere will be several eventsthroughout the year. The Festivalof Books, however, will providethe cornerstone for the program,Rendon says.

The library participated in thefestival last year, she says, andfeatured a conversation withauthor Luis Alberto Urrea, who’sknown for writing “The Devil’sHighway,” and other books. Morethan 400 people attended.

“There was a strong interestfor people to see and meet him,”she says. “Some waited hours fortheir chance to speak to him after-ward.”

This year, festival-goers canhear from Urrea again and ask alltheir “burning questions” about

his life in a question-and-answersession, she says.

People can also enjoy a theatri-cal performance by students andalumni from Tucson HighSchool’s Mexican-American Stud-ies program.

Tierra Birthmarks Teatro willfeature a dozen or so monologueswritten and performed by stu-dents, says Curtis Acosta, theTucson High teacher who headsthe group.

Students developed the per-formance from researching andinterviewing people in the com-

munity, he says. They will performmonologues about a deaf educator,a Mexican immigrant and aMuslim woman, among others. Afew monologues will be inSpanish but most are in English.

The program matters becauseit’s done “authentically,” Acostasays, and because the students andthe community worked hard tobring the characters to life in themonologues.

Another festival event is ayouth Mariachi contest. “Lastyear it was structured likeAmerican Idol,” Rendon says. “Itwas very exciting for families andthe community to watch theyoung talent.”

There will also be an authors’panel to discuss Mexican-American cultural identity withGustavo Arellano, who writes thecontroversial and syndicated col-umn “Ask a Mexican,” and RoseCastillo Guilbault, who wrote theautobiographical “Farmworker’sDaughter: Growing Up Mexican inAmerica.”

Rendon says the main goal ofNuestras Raíces events at the bookfestival is not only to reach theMexican-American community,but to also build community bycelebrating the culture’s rich artis-tic history with all Tucsonans.

Guilbault says she hopes to seeyoung people at the festival whowant to learn more about their cul-ture, as well as writers who wantto learn more about their craft.

She also pointed out that peo-ple often have the same “basicfundamentality” regardless ofnationality or ethnicity, making iteasier to relate to others.

“There’s universality in all ourstories,” Guilbault says.

“Universality helps society,”she says.

“It helps the world, because wecan see everyone and their similar-ities and say, ‘Hey, we’re not sodifferent.”

Native American Band Rocks Antonio’s

Nuestras Raíces to ExploreMexican Culture at Festival

Tucson Festival of Books

When: Saturday andSunday, March 13 - 14

Where: University ofArizona campus

Cost: Free

Nuestras Raíces Events

Saturday:• 10 a.m. - Gil Sperry pres-ents Mariachi 101

• 1 p.m. - Stella Pope Duartepresents Mexican Folktales

• 2:30 p.m. - TierraBirthmarks Teatro by CurtisAcosta’s Mexican-AmericanStudies Students

Sunday:• 10 a.m. - Bilingial Children’sProgram

• 11:30 a.m. - Q & A with LuisAlberto Urrea

• 1 p.m. - Bilingual PoetrySlam

• 2 p.m. -  HabIARTE “TalkingThrough Art” Workshop

• 2:30 p.m. - Panel discussionon Mexican-AmericanCulture Identity

By Tammy Crawford

With spring rapidly approaching,many Tucsonans may want to getout into the fresh, warm air. TheLorraine Lee Hidden Canyon Trailis the perfect place to get someexercise and connect with natureon a path recently renamed for aTucson activist.

Tucked away in the TucsonMountain Park, the trail is locatedbehind the JW Marriott Starr PassResort and Spa at 3800 W. StarrPass Blvd. Visitors simply pull upbehind the resort and park theircars on the side of the road toaccess the beginning of the trail.

The trail, originally namedHidden Canyon Trail, was renamedin 2009 for Lorraine Lee, a womanwho devoted much of her time andher life to helping the Latino com-munity in Tucson and SouthernArizona. She died in 2007, and twoyears later the Pima County Boardof Supervisors renamed the trail forher.

Mark Flint of Southwest TrailSolutions is the trail’s designer andconstruction supervisor. He didnot know Lee personally; he onlyknows what he’s read about her.

A passionate activist, Lee wasonce the vice president ofChicanos por la Causa, a nonprofitand minority-run communitydevelopment corporation. She wasalso a past affiliate chair for theNational Council of La Raza.

“The trail is really good forpeople emotionally, spiritually andphysically,” said Flint.

The first few steps of the trailpass by saguaros, ocotillos andother prickly desert plants. Soon,the resort fades away from view.

The roar of cars and the chatterof people transforms into the chirp-ing of birds and the rustling oftrees. The city disappears and thedesert’s beauty is all that remains.

The trail is approximately 1.5miles long, according to Flint, buthe says that the loop back to themain road is about another halfmile along Bowen Trail.

Along the trail, small plaquesinform hikers about the nativeplants and wildlife.

Tucson Mountain Park is a20,000-acre preserve home to bob-cats, roadrunners, lizards and hun-dred-year-old saguaro cacti.

After about 10 minutes of hik-ing, the rocky, narrow trail starts toincline.

“The trail requires a little bit offitness and agility,” said Flint. Herecommends a walking stick forthe nearly 400 foot ascent.

The trail can be strenuous forinexperienced hikers but “rewardsyou with really good views,” saidFlint, in reference to the TortolitaMountains that can be seen tower-ing in the distance.

The trail also offers sights ofthe city that cannot be seen frombusy streets.

“To be named for a trail likethat is quite an honor,” he said. “Itis a very special trail.”

Hidden Treasure: theRocky Trail ThroughTucson Mountain Park

Photo by tammy cRawFoRd

The Hidden Canyon Trail was renamed in

2009 for Lorraine Lee, a local activist for

the Latino community.

That source of motivation hasyielded record-setting results forthe Blue Devils.

And if there’s one number thattruly speaks volumes aboutSunny-side supremacy, it’s 28,which is the total number of statetitles won by the program. It’s anArizona record by a landslide;Winslow High School is secondwith 11.

To put that number even furtherinto perspective, consider this: theNew York Yankees, the most suc-cessful professional sports fran-chise in America history, have 27titles.

Sunnyside also holds the secondand the fourth longest streaks forconsecutive titles. The Blue Devilsripped off eight in a row in the1980s behind coach DonKlostreich and Richard Sanchezhelped the team to five straightfrom 1990 to 1994.

DeBerry took over in 1996 andhas taken the program into a newstratosphere of success.

DeBerry holdsan Arizona coach-ing record of 14titles—includinga title in everyyear of the lastdecade—and hisprogram contin-ues to be themodel for suc-cess.

Cha l l enger sfrom across thestate line up for their shot to go toe-to-toe with the Blue Devils.

But those challenges are wel-comed with open arms.

“If there’s one thing about ourkids and our program, we’re notgoing to duck competition,”Sanchez said. “If there’s some-body out there and we can dual [aterm denoting a match betweentwo teams] them and they canimprove our program—even a losscan help us improve—we’re goingto take it.”

Sanchez, who led Sunnyside tofive wrestling titles in the early1990s, is now the athletic directorand head football coach. He main-tains a close relationship with theprogram and DeBerry.

This year’s challenger was Saff-ord High School, a rising star at theClass 3A level, having won sixconsecutive state titles from 2005to 2010.

Sanchez said DeBerry contactedhim early in the season to talkabout how Safford kept saying theycould knock off the champsbecause it was an off year for theBlue Devils.

Sunnyside’s response to criticslike that is always the same: bringit on.

On Jan. 27, Sunnyside was setto face Canyon del Oro HighSchool in a one-on-one dual, butwith Sanchez’s approval, DeBerryset the table for an epic regular sea-son showdown between multiplewrestling-dominant schools.

“The critics thought it was crazyfor Sunnyside, with such a youngteam, to go head-to-head againstsome of those teams,” Sanchezsaid.

Since both squads went on towin state titles in their respectiveclasses, Sunnyside verse Saffordwas the unquestioned main event.

The Blue Devils won handily40-24, but the match mimicked thatof a state competition, whichDeBerry knew would come inhandy further down the road.

The dual against Safford “was adress rehearsal for state,” he said.

One wrestler who helped leadSunnyside through a roller-coasterseason of doubt and back to thewinner’s circle was DeBerry’s son,Kory.

DeBerry, a junior, has become anationally renowned wrestler in

Arizona and haswon individualstate titles in allthree years ofvarsity competi-tion.

But this year’steam title was onethat KoryDeBerry will re-member forever.

“It’s one of thegreatest feelings

in the world,” he said. “A lot ofpeople said that we were done; thatwe didn’t have the horses to winstate like we did in past years. Itjust feels good to show everyone,even though we were a youngteam, that we’re going to do what-ever it takes to come home withthat trophy.”

DeBerry is the No. 6 ranked jun-ior wrestler in the 145-poundweight class (No. 23 overall),according to Wrestling USAMagazine.

Next year will be DeBerry’sfinal year of high school wrestlingand there is little doubt that he willbe the top pound-for-poundwrestler in the state.

“We just have to keep fight-ing,” he said. “The end result isthe only thing that matters. Itdoesn’t matter what happens in thebeginning of the season, or themiddle. As long as we’re wrestlingour best when it matters most,we’re confident that we will bringit home.”

That mentality is what has madethe Sunnyside wrestling programinto the powerhouse that it is today.

If it continues, the state trophymay have found a permanent homeon Tucson’s south side.

March 11 / 11 de marzo 2010Page / Página 6 El INDEPENDIENTE

munity, which struggles with drug and alcoholabuse.

“It’s a slap in the face,” Serna said of theWalgreens’ decision to ignore the climate of the com-munity by applying for the license.

In his packet, Serna noted the arrests made atWalgreens cost the city $20,000 yearly for jail and pro-cessing fees.

The number of calls, and therefore the city’scosts, would increase if the license were approved,he said.

The license is one of about 160 Walgreens hasrecently applied for in Arizona. It is an effort toremain competitive in a weak economy, Schelstraetesaid.

If approved, the store plans to avoid whatSchelstraete calls “high octane drinks”— meaningdrinks that are low in price and high in alcohol con-tent.

Their priority is to provide a service the current cus-tomers want and not to attract new business. The rela-tively small amount of alcohol they want to sell would-n’t impact the community, he said.

“What is good for the community is good forWalgreens,” Schelstraete said.

Eckstrom is not convinced. The decision byWalgreens’ corporate head to add yet another alcoholoutlet in South Tucson is out of touch with the commu-nity, she said.

“How would somebody in Illinois know what thebest interests of the community are?” she asked speak-ing of Walgreens’ corporate headquarters.

‘Walgreens’ Continued from page 1

South Tucson Residents Say WalgreensLiquor License Will Ruin Community

scientist in the nutritional sciencesdepartment at UA’s College ofAgriculture and Life Sciences whowrote the grant.

Students use the equipmentduring lunchtime and before andafter school, Espinosa says.

“I like being in the step aero-bics club because I get to be withmy friends and work out and havefun at the same time,” saysJackelyn Torres, a Sierra student.

In addition to enjoying newactivities, the students increasetheir physical activity, accordingto the UA’s study of the program.

Students in SUSD middleschools increased their moderate tovigorous physical activity rate byas much as 75 percent in the firstyear of the program, Reeves says.

“In healthcare terms, even a 10percent increase is significant,”she says. “So we definitelyreached our goals, well above ourgoals.”

The aim of the program is toincrease physical activity and there-by possibly decrease the levels ofchildhood obesity, Reeves says.

From 2003 to 2006, U.S. chil-dren aged 12 to 19 had a 17.6 per-cent obesity rate, according theNational Health and NutritionExamination Survey from theCenters for Disease Control andPrevention. The rates were higherin Hispanic and black children.

Sierra Middle School is 91 per-cent Hispanic, similar to otherSUSD middle schools.

The program also stresses goodnutritional habits, says KristelMilligan, the physical education

teacher at Sierra.Sierra offers gardening and

cooking clubs for students alongwith the fitness programs,Milligan says. Additionally, theyencourage students to teach theirpeers about healthy eating andphysical activity, Reeves says.

Rubbi Baez, a Sierra student,says the habits she’s learning willhelp her for the rest of her life.

“I don’t want to be fat when Igrow up,” says Baez, a member ofthe step aerobics group.

Although the Tucson UnifiedSchool District doesn’t have a pro-gram like SUSD’s, it tries to edu-cate students about healthy eatinghabits and nutrition.

Each school is expected toteach health and physical educa-tion, says Margaret Shafer, assis-tant superintendent of elementaryschools.

TUSD offers healthy, calorie-conscious meals in schools and

gives schools the opportunity tohave physical education and nutri-tion educators present healthylifestyle choices to the students,says Lindsay Aguilar with TUSDfood services department.

At Wakefield Middle School,junk food, sodas and even sportdrinks such as Gatorade have beenremoved from the vendingmachines, says Wade McRae,principal of Wakefield, 101 W.44th St.

Wakefield students exerciseduring after-school programs likebasketball, flag football anddance, made possible by a federalgrant that expires in 2010, saysMcRae.

Espinosa says he thinks nutri-tion and physical activity pro-grams like the one at Sierra areimportant for kids.

He points out that before andafter school, students are often leftat home. “Parents go to work andthey’re sitting there doing nothing,probably sitting and watchingvideo games,” Espinosa says.Whereas in the morning and afterschool, students “can come getsome kind of physical activity, gettheir heart rates running.”

Back at Sierra Middle School,students in the folklorico danceprogram are getting their heartspumping. Three boys and eightgirls spin and quickstep to tradi-tional Hispanic music.

The young girls whirl theirlong, brightly-colored skirtsaround with delight. The students,some with faces flushed fromexercise, smile as they dance tothe fast-paced music.

SUSD Middle Schools Fight Obesity

Photo by otto Ross

Danyra Yepiz dances to folklorico music in

an after-school program.

‘Obesity’ Continued from page 1

Sunnyside Wins 28thState Wrestling Title

Photo by Kaite Flynn

Kory DeBerry pins Joe Soqui on the mat during wrestling practice at Sunnyside.

We just have to keep

fighting.  The end

result is the only thing

that matters.

–Kory DeBerry

Sunnyside Wrestler

“

”

By Marissa Hopkins

Tucson artist and muralist DavidTineo’s retrospective collection ofwork is now on display at theTucson Museum of Art.

The collection, entitled “¡VivaDavid Tineo! A Retrospective ofTucson’s Muralist and Art Edu-cator” has been in the works fortwo and a half years according toFatima Bercht, the museum’s cura-tor of Latin American art.

“I was drawn to his work as amuralist, painter and educator,”Bercht said. “I was particularlydrawn to the fact that he was instru-mental in teaching youths.”

Museum Spokeswoman Mere-dith Hayes said it was challengingto gather his work, as he oftengives pieces to family and friends.

Bercht said Tineo did not keep

records of his early work, whichwas the hardest to locate.

Tineo is known for the mural,“Raíces,” on the north-facing wall ofthe museum that was done in 1992.It was meant to be a part of a three-month exhibition, but has been upever since, Hayes said. She said themural will need restoration soon, asit was not meant to be up for so long.

“People know about his murals,but they don’t know about his other

work,” Bercht said. Hayes says the retrospective

includes about 50 pieces includingpaintings, sketches and even a pairof painted chairs spanning the1970s to present.

Muralist David Tineo’s WorkNow on Display in Tucson

If you go

Where: Tucson Museum ofArt, 140 N. Main Ave.

When: Tuesday - Saturday:10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sunday:

noon - 5 p.m.Cost: $8 or free for 12 andunder and members. Freefor everyone first Sunday of

each month.

Photo couRtesy oF tucson mueseum oF aRt

Woman with crown of flowers by David Tineo.

‘Wrestling’ Continued from page 1

By Shelby Hill

Shaking President Obama’s handisn’t the only exciting thing that hashappened to Dana Islas in the pastfew months. She received the 2008Presidential Award for Excellence inMath and Science Teaching, had ababy girl and moved to a new house.

“It’s been like a whirlwind,”Islas says. “I mean, [they’re] allwonderful things. I feel very fortu-nate.”

Islas, who has been a kinder-garten teacher at Pueblo GardensElementary School for sevenyears, received the award, which isadministered by the NationalScience Foundation on behalf ofthe White House Office of Scienceand Technology Policy, in earlyJanuary in Washington, D.C., formath teaching.

She remembers the day sheopened her e-mail and found outshe won.

“I had to keep reading it overand over,” Islas says. “It was veryexciting. I cried.”

While receiving the award atthe White House along with 84other awardees, Islas met PresidentBarack Obama, who she says is“very personable. He seems like agenuinely nice, kind man, trulyinterested in improving educa-tion.”

She emphasizes math because,“there are connections to math inevery aspect of our lives and I tryto help the kids see that,” Islassays. “Math is really the gatekeep-er for their future success.”

Marco Ramirez, principal atPueblo Gardens, says what he

thinks makes Islas stand out is thatshe creates an atmosphere in herclassroom that is exceptionalthroughout the school year.

“From my perspective, excel-lence is not a single moment intime, but it’s a daily experience,”Ramirez says. “We get excitedabout a single event, when whatDana does is provide an event thatlasts 180 days.”

Islas says she gets the studentsinvolved as much as possible. Sheplays a game called “One More,One Fewer” with her students. Thekindergarteners add and subtractthemselves from 10 taped squareson the floor based on a number ona card that Islas shows them.

“It’s a chance for all of us tohave a conversation. If there’s amistake, that’s a learning opportu-

nity,” she says.Islas says parents expect their

children to learn to read, but theydon’t always expect their children tounderstand math, which is just asimportant for their futures.

“When you’re trying to decidewhat you want to be when yougrow up, if math is a scary or diffi-cult subject area for you, it’s goingto really limit what you can pur-sue,” she says. “So I don’t wantmy kids to be limited.”

Islas knew she wanted to be ateacher since high school, and evenas a child she played school withher younger sister. Around the ageof eight, she made her one-year-old brother flashcards so he couldlearn new words.

She has been teaching for 14years, 12 of which were in kinder-

garten, where she plans to continueteaching.

“I’ve been asked to go up to high-er grade levels, but I’m really happywith the early childhood,” Islas says.“There’s so much discovery andcuriosity and they love school. ... It’sjust a really exciting time.”

Islas not only excels at havinggreat content knowledge andinstructional ability, which areimportant at Pueblo Gardens, but inother ways as well, Ramirez says.

“You can’t do content andinstruction without having kind-ness and heart for children,” hesays. “She’s a complete package.”

Islas is writing a book of mathlessons, games, ideas and tips forteachers. She was e-mailing hereditor pages to the book when shebegan having contractions andwent into labor with her now six-week-old daughter, Julianna.

The book writing was on holdas Islas cherishes her time with herthree daughters, including 19-year-old Kirsten and 17-month-old,Isabella and unpacking the movingboxes currently in her new home.

In one of the boxes is her awardcertificate signed by PresidentObama.

Page / Página 7March 11 / 11 de marzo 2010 El INDEPENDIENTE

By Ashley Ralston-Alvarez

In today’s economy, businessesand restaurants are struggling tostay open.

But that doesn’t mean serviceand atmosphere have to suffer.

Guillermo’s Double L Rest-aurant believes this and stays inbusiness through hard timesbecause of loyal customers andthe family atmosphere.

The greeting above the door atGuillermo’s reads: “BienvenidosAmigos: Mi casa es tu casa.”

Linda Baker, manager ofGuillermo’s, says she loves herjob and the atmosphere the restau-rant brings to the community. It isjust like a family, she says.

“So many people grew up inthis neighborhood. This is ourcommunity,” Baker says. Shebelieves that’s what keeps peoplecoming back.

Baker says that Guillermo’shas been around for so long thatpeople start to come to the restau-rant at a very young age with theirfamily.

Children grow up in this neigh-borhood and bring their own fam-ilies back to the restaurant and thememories of their childhood, shesays.

A 60-year legacy is whatGuillermo’s offers to the commu-nity. It’s something to be passeddown from one generation to thenext. That is what makesGuillermo’s unique.

“You see generations of peoplethat now bring their grandchildrenin. It’s kind of a neat thing,”Baker says.

As a young Tucsonan growingup in South Tucson I remembergoing to Guillermo’s every week.I ordered the same side of beansand tortillas to make my own bur-ritos.

The food was always deliciousand the servers were friendly.

I remember one server taughtme the “caterpillar trick” with mystraw wrapper. She showed methat if water is sprinkled on atightly scrunched up wrapper, itdoes a little dance, just like a realcaterpillar.

That small act of kindness hasstayed with me for more than 10years and makes me think fondlyof the people and atmosphere atGuillermo’s.

“I probably waited on youwhen you were younger,” saysBaker, who has worked there formore than 40 years.

Guillermo’s has been a family-owned business for three genera-tions since it opened in 1948.

The restaurant started as a sim-ple drive-in barbecue. But, withthe Mexican influences in SouthTucson, it quickly changed itsspecialty to Mexican food afteronly four years.

The small building soon devel-oped into a restaurant seating 40people.

The territorial-style buildinghas grown from one room to threelarge dining rooms. It now accom-modates 180 people.

The exterior, painted in brightyellows and greens, welcomesanyone who passes. It alludes tothe casual Mexican interior deco-rated with southwest scenes paint-

ed by Diana Madaras. Guillermo’s was sold to anoth-

er family in 2008 and is nowowned by Tony Gonzalez.

He has made some changesover the past few years. Some ofthe interior has been refreshed andmore plants have been added, butone of the newest additions was amenu change in 2009. Gonzalezdecided to add seafood toGuillermo’s already extensivemenu.

“Tucson loves seafood,” Bakersays.

Guillermo’s wanted more tooffer and seafood was the way togo. It has helped bring in morebusiness and was a hit for mostcustomers.

It adds variety to the Mexicanspecialties and American favorites

that the customers have come toexpect.

Many long-time employeesweren’t quite sure if they wouldkeep their jobs or if the restaurantenvironment would change whenGonzalez took over. The servers,however, said it was a smoothtransition.

“He is a great guy,” says ToniCoronel, a server at Guillermo’sfor 13 years.

“Nothing’s changed much. It’slike the same.”

Guillermo’s continues to be afamily tradition that influencesgenerations of Tucsonans.

It’s one of those experiencesthat doesn’t cost a lot but leavesyou with a lifetime of memoriesand reminds us a family of friendscan be found anywhere.

If You Go:

•  Address: 1830 S. FourthAve.

• Phone number: 792-1585• Hours: Monday - Saturday11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

• Atmosphere: Casual diningwith an inexpensive menu

• Food: South-of-the-borderspecialties, Americanfavorites, seafood, andhand-mixed margaritas

By Nohemi Ramirez

The University of Notre Dame andthe Roman Catholic Diocese ofTucson have created a partnershipin an effort to increase the qualityof education and enroll moreHispanic students in Catholicschools.

Santa Cruz Catholic SchoolPrincipal Sister Leonette Kochan,explained that Notre Dame did astudy that focused on the enroll-ment of Hispanics in Catholicschools and on schools that serveHispanics in economically chal-lenged communities.

“They found out they are underserved,” Sister Kochan said.“Meaning that only three percentof the Hispanic population isattending Catholic schools.”

The three Catholic parishschools that are part of the pro-gram are St. Ambrose, St. Johnthe Evangelist and Santa Cruz.Before the partnership, they werealready members of the Alliancefor Catholic Education (ACE)program that provides certifiedteachers to the schools.

The schools will be receivingsupport from the university inthree areas of focus.

The first involves enhancingprofessional development, mean-ing the university will provideteacher mentoring and coaching tohelp them expand their knowledgein teaching.

The second is to strengthen thefocus of the schools’ teachings ofculture and Catholic identity.

The third is in marketing anddevelopment.

The university will provide amarketing specialist to helpimprove the schools’ budgets bytrying to increase donations,including tax-deductable ones.

Sister Kochan said many par-ents do not enroll their children inCatholic schools because of thecost.

People are often unaware thatthey can apply for financial aid,use tax credit and even donations.

Tuition is at about $4,000 perschool year at Santa Cruz.

Sonia de la Ossa, who has onechild enrolled at the school, saidshe pays $150 per month but hasapplied for financial aid.

De la Ossa is also paying theschool by volunteering her timethere.

De la Ossa, who said she hasalways worked with ACE teach-ers, said that she was very excitedabout the new partnership.

“It’s just going to better ourschool and our kids,” she said.“[The teachers] are very dedicat-ed.”

Notre Dame chose Tucsonbecause Bishop Gerald F. Kicanasspoke with the university andasked if they could be consideredfor the partnership.

Tucson schools are the first tojoin in this program and NotreDame hopes to partner with manymore in the future.

Although the schools do notreceive direct money from the uni-versity, all teacher training andother university-provided servicesare funded by Notre Dame througha grant from the Walton FamilyFoundation.

“We are very grateful to NotreDame for choosing our schools,”Sister Kochan said.

“It’s sending a message thatwe are all in this together, educat-ing.”

Photo by ashley Ralston-alvaRez

Roberto Villasenor prepares food in the kitchen at Guillermo's Double L Restaurant.

Photo by Kaite Flynn

Dana Islas helps students Isabella Ortiz and Paul Chacon fill out a worksheet on bullying.

Mi Casa es Tu Casa at Guillermo’s

Tucson Teacher Takes Math to New Level

Notre Dameand TucsonDisocese toHelp Schools

Excellence is not a

single moment in

time, but it’s a daily

experience.

–Marco Ramirez

Principal

“

”

By Erica NanniniTraducido por Lizette M. Pérez

February 27 – July 3

Andy Warhol ArtPortraits of Muhammad Ali,Marilyn Monroe and other silk-screen prints that arguably sparkedthe birth of pop culture will be ondisplay at the Tucson Museum ofArt, 140 N. Main Ave., as part ofthe touring exhibition AndyWarhol Portfolios: Life andLegends. The museum is openTuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.to 4 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 4p.m. Admission is $8. Visitwww.tucsonmuseumofart.org orcall 624-2333 for more informa-tion.

March 13 - Sept. 18

Salvador Corona

Exhibit The Arizona State Museum invitesTucsonans to view the artwork ofMexican-born Salvador Corona,the beloved bullfighter-turned-muralist. The exhibit will featurenearly 50 of the Tucson celebrity’spaintings, chests and bowls, plac-ing them in the greater context ofmid-20th century Tucson life. Themuseum, 1013 E. UniversityBlvd., is open Monday throughSaturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Admission is $5 for adults; chil-dren get in free. Visit www.state-museum.arizona.edu or call 621-6302 with questions.

March 14

St. Patty’s Day ParadeAlthough St. Patrick’s Day is onMarch 17, John Flanagan ofFlanagan’s Celtic Corner will holdhis annual parade and festival theweekend prior. Pile on the greenattire and face paint three daysearly and enjoy the festivities atArmory Park, 220 S. Fifth Ave.The festival is from 10 a.m. to 5p.m. and the parade will begin at11 a.m. Admission is free. Call623-9922 for more information.

March 14

Ladysmith Black

MambazoThis Grammy Award-winninggroup merges traditional SouthAfrican song and dance withgospel sounds, and became one ofSouth Africa’s most prominentrecording artists after collaborat-ing with Paul Simon on the albumGraceland. The group will per-form at 7 p.m. at the University ofArizona’s Centennial Hall, 1020E. University Blvd. Tickets rangefrom $15 to $52 and can be pur-chased in advance at www.uapre-sents.org or by calling 621-3341.

March 19 – 21

Spring Street FairTwice a year, Fourth Avenueerupts in a weekend fit of facepainting, street juggling and artsand crafts from over 400 vendors.The street is blocked off betweenNinth Street and UniversityBoulevard for all-ages fun. Thefair is from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. onall three days and admission isfree. Visit www.fourthavenue.org

or contact the Fourth AvenueMerchants Association at 634-5004 with questions.

March 27

Ceramics StudioFor those in search of a newhands-on hobby, the TucsonMuseum of Art presents aCeramics Studio Open Housewhere attendees will learn how touse a potter’s wheel and make acoil pot. The class, held from 4 to6 p.m., is open to anyone 10 yearsand up for a $10 fee. It will beheld in the Romero House at thenortheast corner of the museum’sHistoric Block, 140 N. Main Ave.Call 624-2333 for more informa-tion.

March 27, 28

Indian Art FairMeet native artists and shop forjewelry, pottery, Hopi kachinadolls and more at the Arizona StateMuseum’s Southwest Indian ArtFair Benefit. The event will behosted by Desert Diamond Casinoat I-19 and Pima Mine Road.General admission is $6 at the doorand the fair will run 10 a.m. to 5p.m. on Saturday, March 27 and 10a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, March28. Visit www.statemuseum.ari-zona.edu/events/swiaf/ or call 621-6302 for more information.

April 9

The Horse BoyA free screening of Michel OrionScott’s film, The Horse Boy, ispart of a monthly screening seriesof films at Tucson libraries, fund-ed through a partnership withArizona Public Media and

Community Cinema. The inde-pendent PBS film follows a Texascouple on a spiritual journeyacross the world to better under-stand their son’s autism diagnosis.It will show at 9 a.m. at QuincieDouglas branch library, 1585 E.36th Street, and will be followedby a moderated discussion. Call594-5335 for more information.

Del 27 de febrero al 3 dejulio

El arte de Andy WarholComo parte de la gira de la exhibi-ción: Andy Warhol Portfolios:Life, el Museo de arte de Tucson,ubicado en 140 N. Main Ave., ten-drá en exhibición algunos de losretratos de serigrafía sobre lienzoque supuestamente causó elnacimiento de la cultura pop. Losretratos incluyen el de MuhammadAli, Marilyn Monroe entre otros.El museo está abierto de martes asábado de 10 a.m. a 4 p.m. ydomingo, de mediodía a 4 p.m. Elcosto de entrada es de $8. Paramás información visite la páginawww.tucsonmuseumofart.org ollame al 624-2333.

Del 13 de marzo al 18 deseptiembre

La exhibición de

Salvador CoronaEl Museo estatal de Arizona, invi-ta a todos los ciudadanos a ver laexhibición de arte del famosomatador que se convirtió enmuralista, el mexicano SalvadorCorona. La exposición contarácon cerca de 50 piezas de arte delartista local, incluyendo pinturas,baúles y alfarería. Estas piezas seencuentran dentro del contexto de

la vida en Tucsón a mediados desiglo XX. El museo está ubicadoen 1013 E. University Blvd., yestá abierto de lunes a sábado, de10 a.m. a 5 p.m. El costo de entra-da es $5. para adultos y los niñosentran gratis. Si tiene preguntasvisite el www.statemuseum.ari-zona.edu o llame al 621-6302.

14 de marzo

Desfile del día de San

PatricioAunque habitualmente el desfiledel día de San Patricio es el 17 demarzo, John Flanagan deFlanagan’s Celtic Corner, llevará acabo el desfile y el festival anualel fin de semana previo. Vístase ypíntese la cara de verde para cele-brar tres días antes en el parqueArmory, ubicado en el 220 S. FifthAve. El festival será de 10 a.m. a 5p.m. y el desfile empezará a las 11a.m. La entrada es gratuita. Paramás información llame al 623-9922.

14 de marzo

“Ladysmith Black

Mambazo”Este grupo, ganador del premioGrammy que mezcla la música ybaile tradicional del sur de Áfricacon los sonidos del evangelio, seconvirtió en uno de los gruposmás importantes de Sudáfricadespués de colaborar con PaulSimon en el álbum Graceland.Dicho grupo dará un concierto alas 7 p.m. en el Centennial Hall dela Universidad de Arizona ubicadoen, 1020 E. University Blvd. Losboletos van de los $15 a los $52 ypueden comprarse por adelantadoen www.uapresents.org o llamandoal 621-3341.

Del 19 al 21 de marzo

Feria de primaveraDos veces por año, la FourthAvenue está llena de diversióndurante todo un fin de semana conuna feria para personas de todaslas edades que incluye maquillajefacial, malabares en las calles, ymás de 400 puestos con manuali-dades y artesanías. La calle estarábloqueada desde Ninth Streethasta University Boulevard. Laferia se llevará a cabo los 3 díasarriba mencionados de 10 a.m. a 6p.m. y la entrada es gratuita. Paracualquier pregunta visite el sitiowww.fourthavenue.org o llame aFourth Avenue MerchantsAssociation al 634-5004.

27 de marzo

Taller de cerámicaPara aquellos que buscan unnuevo hobby, Tucson Museum ofArt, ofrecerá una recepción en untaller de cerámica. Los asistentespodrán aprender a utilizar un tornode alfarero y a hacer alfarería enforma de espiral. La clase es parapersonas mayores de 10 años ytendrá un costo de $10 dólares. Elhorario es de 4 a 6 de la tarde, enla casa Romero (Romero House)ubicada en 140 N. Maine Ave., enla esquina noreste de la cuadrahistórica del museo. Para másinformación llame al 624-2333.

27, 28 de marzo 

Feria de arte indígena Venga a conocer a artistas indíge-nas y a comprar joyería, alfarería,muñecas Hopi kachina y muchomás en la feria a beneficio del arteindígena del suroeste, presentadopor el Museo estatal de Arizona. Elevento se llevará a cabo en elDesert Diamond Casino, ubicadoen la carretera I-19 y Pima MineRoad. El precio de entrada entaquilla es de $6 y el horario es de10 a.m. a 5 p.m. el sábado, 27 deMarzo y de 10 a.m. a 4 p.m. eldomingo, 28 de marzo. Para másinformación visite el sitiowww.statemuseum.arizona.edu/events/swiaf/ o llame al 621-6302.

9 de abril

The Horse Boy Las librerías de Tucsón, con elfinanciamiento de la alianza deArizona Public Media yCommunity Cinema, presentaráncomo parte de su serie de proyec-ciones de filmes del mes unaproyección gratuita de la películade Michel Orion Scott, The HorseBoy (El niño de los caballos). Elfilme independiente de la PBS(por sus siglas en inglés) sigue auna pareja de Texas en un viajeespiritual a través del mundo, en elcual buscan comprender de unamejor manera el diagnóstico deautismo de su hijo. La proyecciónes a las 9 a.m. en la sucursal de labiblioteca Quincie Douglas, ubica-da en 1585 E. 36th Street, y alfinal habrá un debate moderado.Para más información llame al594-5335.

Page / Página 8 March 11 / 11 de marzo 2010El INDEPENDIENTE

qué PASA?

?

Left: Melissa Garcia and her children

sit outside of Santa Cruz Church after

Ash Wednesday mass.

Below (left): Joe Ballesteros sits down

after mass.

Below (right): Vince Sierra talks about

what Lent means to him and what he

will be giving up.

Go online to read more about how

Tucsonans are observing Lent.

TucsonansObserve Lent

Photos

byKaiteFlynn

INDEPENDIENTEApril 8 / 8 de abril 2010Free/gratis www.elindenews.com

1976 ~ 34 Years of Service ~ 2010EL

By Zach Simon

Tucson medical facilities havetaken a number of steps to providetranslation services to Spanish-speaking patients.

Although there is no require-ment in Pima County for medicalfacilities to provide human inter-preters, devices such as CyraComand volunteer medical studentsfrom the University of Arizona andPima Community College helpwith non-English-speaking patients.

Some speculate that because ofthe county’s proximity to theMexican border, there is a higherlikelihood that nurses or doctorswill be Spanish speakers, thereforeeliminating the need for paid trans-lators.

However, administrators atTucson Medical Center decided in2003 to no longer take Spanish-speaking nurses or doctors awayfrom their duties but instead havetrained personnel deal with trans-lation responsibilities, according toShawn Page, TMC administratorof international services and rela-tions.

“It’s very important thatpatients understand what thephysicians are saying,” said JuliaStrange, vice president of commu-nity benefit at TMC. “These deci-sions are going to affect the rest oftheir lives.”

TMC is the only major hospitalin Tucson that employs Spanishtranslators on a consistent basis.TMC’s international servicesdepartment also has a relationshipwith the UA and allows studentswho study foreign languages and

are interested in careers as inter-preters to shadow and observe pro-fessionals at TMC.

“TMC sees the Spanish-speak-ing community expanding, and weare trying to meet those needs,”Page said.

While there is a nationwideprogram to train certified legaltranslators, there are no programsbacked by the U.S. Department ofHealth and Human Services totrain certified medical translators,Strange said.

That meant TMC had to createits own program.

Spanish is the most commonlanguage translated, Page said, butFarsi, Arabic and Russian are otherpopular languages that need trans-lating.

That’s why TMC also usesCyraCom, which translates morethan 100 languages.

CyraCom is a device where twophones are connected to a base.The health care provider picks upone and the patient the other. Thepatient speaks into the phone inany language. The call is thendirected to a translator inCyraCom’s call center. The trans-lator from the call center speaksthe English version of what thepatient said into the phone forhealth care workers.

The average CyraCom transla-tion takes seven minutes, Page said.

Although CyraCom is an effi-cient way of translating quickquestions or comments betweenpatients and doctors, it’s used moreas a backup device at TMC. Theirinternational service departmentprefers to schedule face-to-facesessions with patients when deal-ing with more serious medical sit-uations, Page says.

“Even English-speaking pati -ents sometimes don’t understandthe di s charge instructions,”Strange said. “We do anything wecan to make sure they understand,because if you don’t understand,there’s a high likelihood you’ll bereadmitted, and that spikes healthcare costs, or even worse.”

Translators Ease Medical Woes

Photo by Zach Simon

Marco Duran, 22, a University of Arizona medical student, takes a stethoscope and blood

pressure equipment from the stock room to check patients’ vitals at Clinica Amistad on

South 10th Avenue.

INSIDE

...see page 6

Arizona communities

step forward to stop

State Park closures.

The International

Mariachi Conference

returns to Tucson for

the 28th year....see page 2

‘Hospitals’/see page 6

By Marissa Hopkins

Sunnyside Unified School District’sParents as Teachers, an early child-development and parenting pro-gram, received two grants in the lastyear totaling $235,000.

Parents as Teachers is a nation-al voluntary program designed toteach and support parents withchildren from prenatal care towhen they begin kindergarten. It’soffered to any family living withinthe district.

First Things First, which fundsearly childhood programs througha state tobacco tax, awarded theprogram $160,000 over threeyears. Parents as Teachers usedthe grant to hire three new staffmembers.

The second grant, $75,000 overthree years, came from SocialVenture Partners Greater Tucson, afund of the Community Founda -tion for Southern Arizona.

The program also receives$295,000 in federal Title I funding

‘Parents asTeachers’Expanding

‘Parenting’/see page 6

By Josh T. Saunders

Some Tucson schools are alivewith the sound of music.

Elementary and middle schoolstudents in Tucson Unified SchoolDistrict are benefiting from a pro-gram called Opening MindsThrough the Arts (OMA), which

uses the arts to teach math, science,reading and writing basics.

OMA has grown from a pilot-project in three TUSD schools to anationally recognized programover the last decade.

“OMA is a school reform pro-gram that utilizes the arts to booststudent academic achievement as

well as their social growth,” saidDr. Joan Ashcraft, the director offine and performing arts forTUSD.

Ashcraft said the program’sgoal is to build resiliency, globalperspective, collaboration, criticalthinking, problem solving andinnovation skills.

The programwas created bas -ed on research onthe neurologicaldevelopment ofchildren, whichfound significantconnections be -tween brain dev -elopment andmu sic, Ashcraftsaid.

The curriculum is a full-scalecollaboration between the class-room teacher, the school’s ArtIntegration Specialist, the teachingartist and the student. Local artistsand teachers use instrumentalmusic, opera, dance, theater andvisual arts to engage students in afull-on creative learning experi-ence.

“OMA is for every singlechild,” Ashcraft said, which sepa-rates it from programs in other

schools reserved for gifted stu-dents.

The program caters to schoolswith low-income families and stu-dents who speak English as a sec-ond language.

The interactive lesson plans andcreative outlets help bridge theselanguage and social gaps, Ashcraft

said. The proof lies

in improved testscores andteacher effective-ness through outOMA schools,according toresearch.

Thirteen TU -SD schools haveimplemented the

program and reached “OMA Gold”status. Four more have showninterest as well as countless schoolthroughout the state.

“We are at a tipping point,”Ashcraft said, in terms of growth.

She said OMA is extremelyconcerned about state educationfunding.

OMA is funded federally andprivately, with support from Title Igrants and fundraising from thenon-profit OMA Foundation.

Towns Fight forState Parks

Annual MariachiConference

Photo by Kaite Flynn

First-grade students sing a song with their teachers who are opera singers. The students

decide how to sing the song and combine it with body movements.

Visit El Independienteonline to view OMA inaction at Van BuskirkElementary School:

www.elindenews.com

TUSD Arts Program Promotes Learning

Page / Página 2 April 8 / 8 de abril 2010El INDEPENDIENTE

El Independiente encourages letters from all its readers, but reserves the

right to edit correspondence for grammar, style, clarity and length.

www.elindenews.comUA Journalism

P.O. Box 210158BTucson, AZ 85721Phone: 621-3618

elindy.ua@gmail.com

AdviserMaggy Zang er

Graphics and Layout AdviserJohn deDios

South Tucson’s Bilingual Newspaper

Managing EditorVictoria Blute

News EditorShelby Hill

Spanish EditorNohemi Ramirez

Design Chief Amy Kissinger

Photo EditorKaite Flynn

Community Events EditorErica Nannini

News Room ManagerAshley Ralston-Alvarez

Copy ChiefJessica Befort

Web ManagerJosh T. Saunders

Distribution ManagerSteve Ivanovics

Copy EditorsAnthony Hasan

Brett Booen

Heather Rissi

Zach Simon

Jeff Feld

PhotographersOtto Ross

Tammara Crawford

DesignersMarissa Hopkins

Natalie Boras

ReportersNathan Mitchell

TranslatorsAngélica Pozo-DesPortes

Dina Tyrrell

Lizette M. Pérez

Sathya Honey Victoria

Translation and Interpretation

Department

of Spanish and Portuguese

and Mexican American Studies

EL

INDEPENDIENTE By Tammy Crawford

Supporters of the F-35 fighter jetthat may find a home in Tucson areworking to inform Tucsonansabout the advantages of adding thejet to the city’s collection.

The Air National Guard’s162nd Fighter Wing at TucsonInternational Airport is one of fivelocations being considered tohouse the plane.

Air Force bases in Florida, NewMexico, Idaho and the Luke AirForce Base in Glendale, Ariz., arealso being considered.

However, because some inTucson are against the jet comingto Tucson, supporters are provid-ing information to help dispel theirconcerns.

“The biggest opposition wouldbe the noise,” said Tim Amalong,president of the 162nd FighterWing Minutemen Committee.

But John Lamb, a retired AirForce pilot who flew for 27 yearssaid, “I’m not convinced that it’sgoing to be any louder than planeswe’ve had here before.”

Amalong compares the noiseemitted by the F-35 to that of thenoise from the F-22 Raptor, whichflew in Tucson during the heritagedays in March. He said that the F-35 is within two decibels of theF-22.

Steve Sollenberg, a UnitedStates Air Force retiree, said that“the noise issue has been greatlyoverblown.”

But Donna rae Watson ofTucson Forward, a group againstthe F-35s, disagrees. She says theF-35 puts out 131 decibels com-pared to the 115 decibels usuallyemitted at a rock concert.

“The sound of an F-35 is not apleasant, gentle roar like the F-16either,” she said. “The F-35 emits awall-piercing shriek that cannot beescaped.”

Sollenberger pointed out thatthere are pluses and minuses tosomething controversial like the

F-35 issue. But he thinks the plus-es will outweigh the minuses.

One advantage is the boost itwould bring to Tucson’s economy.

“The National Guard unit is avital part to our economy and cul-ture,” Lamb said. “If Tucson wereto lose its flying unit, it would losea lot of jobs.”

The Air National Guard unit inTucson employs approximately1,000 full-time employees as wellas 400 to 500 people who work oneweekend per month, according toMaj. Gabriel Johnson, publicaffairs officer of the 162nd FighterWing.

“If the F-35 comes, employ-ment will be sustained for thelong-term,” he said.

A study conducted by theMaguire Company showed that the162nd Fighter Wing broughtSouthern Arizona $280 million peryear.

But some Tucsonans are con-cerned about property values andquality of life.

Sollenberger, who supports theF-35 basing here, said that proper-

ty values always go down aroundairports, but that the increase inpersonnel who spend money andbuy houses will ultimately benefitthe community.

According to Johnson, in 2008the Air National Guard unit at TIAhad a $106 million payroll rate.

Amalong and the MinutemenCommittee are trying to rally sup-port for the F-35 with a campaigncalled “Tucson Lightning.”

According to Amalong, 4,500names are listed on their website insupport of the plane, includingTucson Mayor Robert Walkup,Gov. Jan Brewer and Rep.Gabrielle Giffords.

Several meeting forums wereheld in March to allow citizens ofSouthern Arizona to voice theirconcerns or support.

Watson said that the meetingswere a “one-sided affair” in sup-port of the plane, but that about200 citizens showed up to eachmeeting to express their opposi-tion.

The decision should be made onbasing the F-35 in early 2011.

F-35 Too Loud for Arizonans?

Photo by tammy crawFord

"The Boneyard" on Valencia Road houses planes no longer in service. The planes are

either called back into service or are used for parts. The F-35 could retire several others.

Por Ashley Ralston-AlvarezTraducido por Lizette M. Pérez

La conferencia anual del mariachi interna-cional celebrada en Tucsón tendrá su pre-sentación número 28 en la ciudad del 20al 24 de abril.

Cada año y con cada uno de sus even-tos, La Frontera busca inspirar a jóvenes acontinuar las tradiciones del mariachi y elbaile folklórico.

Talleres estudiantiles, del 21 al23 de abrilClases de mariachi y baile folklórico paraestudiantes desde nivel principiante hastaavanzado.

Los participantes se presentarán en elespectáculo del jueves.

Espectáculo con los partici-pantes, 22 de abrilLos estudiantes se presentarán después desus talleres.

Las entradas cuestan $10. Niños de 12años o menos entran gratis.

Centro de convenciones de Tucsón, 7p.m.

Serenata y cena, 23 de abrilLos invitados disfrutarán de una comidamexicana y la música mariachi antes depasar al espectacular concierto.

Las entradas cuestan $40. Se necesitareservar por adelantado llamando al 838-

3908.Centro de convenciones de Tucsón, 5

p.m.

Espectacular concierto, 23 deabrilLos Camperos de Nati Cano, el conjuntode mariachi que encabeza la conferencia,dará su presentación.

Lila Downs, Mariachi Cobre y LosArrieros se unirán al conjunto de mari-achi.

Las entradas están a la venta yempiezan en $48.

Las entradas pueden comprarse enwww.ticketmaster.com, llamando al 838-3908 o en la taquilla del centro de conven-ciones.

Centro de convenciones de Tucsón,7:30 p.m.

Misa con mariachi, 24 de abrilLos Camperos de Nati Cano tocarán elsábado en misa de 9 a.m. de la catedral deSan Agustín, en 192 S. Stone Ave.

Fiesta de Garibaldi, 24 de abrilEste evento que se llevará a cabo todo

el día contara con presentaciones de mari-achi, baile folklórico, comida, manuali-dades y artesanías.

El costo de entrada es de $5 por per-sona, y los niños de 12 años o menosentran gratis.

DeMeester Outdoor PerformanceCenter, Reid Park, 10 a.m. a 10 p.m.

Mariachi y músicacelebrada en Tucsón

By Ashley Ralston-Alvarez

The annual Tucson International MariachiConference will be in town for its 28th appear-ance April 20 through 24.

Each year LaFrontera looks toinspire youth to con-tinue Mariachi andbaile folklórico tradi-tions with each day’sevents.

StudentWorkshops, April21-23Mariachi and bailefolklórico classes forbeginning to advan -ced students.

Participants willperform at the Thurs -day showcase.

Particpant Showcase, April 22Students will perform following their work-shops.

Tickets are $10. Children 12 and under arefree. Tucson Convention Center, 7 p.m.

Serenata y Cena, April 23Guests will be treated to a Mexican meal andMariachi music prior to the EspectacularConcert.

Tickets are $40 and reservations must be

made in advance, call 838-3908.TCC, 5 p.m.

Espectacular Concert, April 23Los Camperos de Nati Cano, the conference’slead Mariachi group, will perform. LilaDowns, Mariachi Cobre and Los Arrieros will

also perform.Tickets are on sale

and start at $48.Tickets can be pur-

chased at www.ticketmaster.com, by call-ing 838-3908 or at theconvention cen ter’sticket office.

TCC, 7:30 p.m

Mariachi Mass,April 24Los Camperos de NatiCano will perform atthe Saturday mass at St. Au gus tine’s Cath -edral, 192 S. Stone

Ave., 9 a.m.

Fiesta de Garibaldi, April 24This day-long event will feature Mariachi andbaile folklórico performances, dancing, foodand arts and crafts. There is an entrance fee of$5 per person and children 12 and under arefree.

DeMeester Outdoor Performance Center,Reid Park, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.

International MariachiConference in Tucson

Photo courteSy oF Kevin van renSSelaer

Los Camperos de Nati Cano.

Page / Página 3April 8 / 8 de abril 2010 El INDEPENDIENTE

By Erica Nannini

Tucsonans are trying to save ele-mentary school arts programs inresponse to Tucson Unified SchoolDistrict budget cuts.

Dennis Bourret, chairman ofthe ad hoc organization Citizensfor Arts Education, is circulating apetition urging the TUSD SchoolBoard and administration to allo-cate money for the arts.

At press time, Bourret estimat-ed that he had more than 2,000 sig-natures.

Bourret worries that the numberof schools losing their music pro-grams may signify the beginningof a ripple effect. So far, 30ofTUSD’s 73 elementary schoolshave lost music programs.

“It’s real scary, what’s going onhere,” he said. “A whole bunch ofdistricts could [eventually] skin itdown to bare bones with sports,

arts, theater, music—all on thechopping block.”

Bourret said he has seen similarbudget cuts in school districts nearSan Diego, and the result was a“cultural wasteland.”

Bourret, who is also the directorof the Tucson Junior Strings, is alsopushing for Tucson voters to passProp 100 in the statewide ballot onMay 18. Prop 100 is the proposedtemporary 1 cent sales tax increasethat would help stabilize the budget,with a portion of the money ear-marked for education. Bourret saidTucsonans should look past partisanpolitics in favor of young people.

“Nobody likes paying taxes, butthe alternative is worse,” he said.

For More Information:

Contact Dennis Bourret at465-1334

Tucsonans Petition: Save Music in TUSD

By Nohemi Ramirez

They struggled through the spiny desert, felt theharshness of the winter cold and saw the darkness ofthe night, accompanied only by the sound of theirhushed steps and the howling of coyotes.

Sofia Torres, 36, her niece Sandra Torres, 20, andAurora Angeles, 45, experienced all this and morewhen they attempted to cross the U.S./Mexico borderillegally.

They now sit disappointed in a shelter in Nogales,Son ora, after getting caught by U.S. B o r der Patrol andsent back.

They are not the only women who try to cross to theU.S. through the Sonoran desert. The number of wo -men border cro ss ers jumped 37 percent fr om 1994 to1998, according to a continuingstudy by Uni versity of Ariz onaanthropologist Anna OchoaO’Leary.

She also points to a 2006study which shows that 48 per-cent of the people who move toor who try to cross the borderillegally through Nogales,Sonora, are women. She citesthe decline in the Mexicaneconomy and says that it allseemed to begin with the NorthAmerican Free TradeAgreement.

“With NAFTA they disrupt-ed a lot of the economies inrural and impoverished parts ofMexico,” she says.

So women increasinglycross into the United States totry to earn money to survive.

Standing next to a bunk bedinside the girl’s room of SanJuan Bosco migrant shelter inNogales, Sonora, the women—all from the Mexican state ofHidalgo — say they were awareof the difficulties they might en -counter crossing into the United States, but the prospectof jobs was too enticing.

“It’s because in Mexico (it’s) the minimum (wage),and with the minimum people can’t live,” Sofia Torresexplains. “I wanted to earn more to give the best to mychildren.”

Sofia Torres, made the 35-hour bus trip with herniece Sandra to Son oita, Sonora, where they were tomeet the coyote who would smuggle them intoArizona. This was their first attempt.

While traveling, they met Angeles who had the sameplan. They say they were three of the five women thattried to cross with a group of about 35 men.

They do not know what happened to the other twowomen.

“We were in the wilderness; there were a lot ofbranches,” Angeles says when describing her tripthrough the desert. “I had gloves and a hat because myson told me the desert is dangerous because thebranches hit you in the face.”

After walking a couple of hours in the desert, theystopped to wait for the smuggler to provide directionsand that’s when the Border Patrol found them.

The Torres women were planning to go toOakland, Calif., where they were to meet with family

members who would help them find jobs. Angeleswas headed to Oregon, where her son lives.

They say they have seen that the people in theirhometowns who had lived, or do live, in the UnitedStates, have prospered significantly.

“I see that a lot of our friends have crossed,” Sofiasays. “They have their houses. They have built housesfor their parents. They have progressed.”

Although they had seen successes, they had alsoheard stories about the dangers of crossing the desert.

“The ones who love us really say how things are,but the ones who don’t, say amazing things,” Angelessays, referring to the stories they would hear abouthow easy it is to cross the desert illegally.

Hilda Loureiro, founder of the San Juan Boscomigrant shelter in Nogales, Sonora, says that the num-

ber of women in the shelter hasincreased in recent years.

“A lot more women,” shesays. “I think since three yearsago.”

Her shelter has helped deport-ed migrants for 28 years. Theyoffer dinner and breakfast, bedsto sleep in, and showers for men,women and children who find theshelter, Loureiro says.

They serve about 40 womenand 100 men a day.

For women who cross thedesert, the risks are enormous.

“They can get hurt. They candie. They can get attacked. Theycan be sexually assaulted,”O’Leary says. “Even if they don’tdie of thirst, they can cause dam-age to the organs.”

Women are 2.7 times morelikely to die in the desert thanmen, she says.

Apart from the risks associat-ed with hiking across miles ofunforgiving desert, the womenmay be mistreated by BorderPatrol agents.

Angeles says she was kicked in the stomach by oneof the agents.

“He kicked me, but with those thick shoes,” shesays. “They took out the air from me.”

The three women also accuse agents of not control-ling their horses appropriately and causing them tokick and hurt a couple of the people in their group.

Jose de Jesus Gomez, an immigrant at the shelter,says he believes it is more dangerous for women tocross the desert because they are exposed to abuse thatmen don’t have to worry about.

“It’s very dangerous because they can get raped,”Gomez said. “The majority of the smugglers use drugsand when someone is on drugs and they see a woman,the first thing they think about is you know what.”

Despite the risks, women still attempt to cross intothe United States in search of a better life. Many ofthem try again and again.

As for the Torres women and Angeles, they arewaiting for their families to send them money so theycan return home. The $400 each of them saved tomake their trip, is gone.

“Thank God we are here to talk about it; not likeothers” Sofia said. “We are now returning to ourtowns.”

Photo by roxana vaSqueZ

Hilda Loureiro is the founder of the San Juan Bosco

migrant shelter.

Photo by roxana vaSqueZ

Right, Sofia Torres and her niece Sandra Torres gather at San Juan Bosco migrant shelter. Migrants are provided with shelter for 3 days.

Economy Pushes Women toJourney Across the Border 

By Victoria Blute

Arizonans have several state billsto keep an eye on in the comingmonths.

Illegal Immigration Issues:SB 1070

A House panel approved SB 1070,a bill designed to implementtougher federal immigration lawsand give police more power toarrest suspected illegal immigrantsand charge them with crimes.

The bill would make an illegalimmigrant’s presence in the U.S. acrime and create the charge of“willful failure to complete orcarry an alien registration docu-ment.” The bill also makes it acrime for illegal immigrants towork or solicit work in Arizona.

SB 1070 would require officersto ask the immigration status of any-one they come across during regularpolice activity. Those who know-ingly hide, assist or ignore individ-uals who are known illegal immi-grants would also face criminalcharges.

State Parks Bill: HB 2599

Despite recent turmoil surroundingthe closure of state parks, lawmak-ers shot down a proposed measurethat would allow the Arizona StateParks Board to charge a car regis-tration fee in order to gain moneyto re-open closed parks and main-

tain those that still exist.Lawmakers instead adopted a vol-untary donation. Visitors will havethe option to donate $10 upon reg-istering their vehicles.

Student Insurance: HB2295

Initial approval by the House ofRepresentatives has pushed a billforward that will help full-timestudents apply for unemploymentinsurance. HB 2295 would stop theDepartment of Economic Securityfrom rejecting full-time students’claims based on the belief that theycannot hold a full-time job andalso be a full-time student.

As it exists now, benefits areoffered to those who can show theyare available to work full time,they worked a specific number ofhours in a year, and they were “letgo” from a job and not fired.

Sales Tax Hike: Proposition100

Arizonans will vote whether toprovisionally increase the statesales tax on the May 18 specialelection ballot. Proposition 100would raise the state sales tax from5.6 percent to 6.6 percent, anincrease of one penny on everydollar spent. Legislators proposedthe initiative as a possible solutionto Arizona’s growing deficit, nowat more than $3 billion. The propo-sition could yield $1 billion a year.

Arizona State Legislature Briefs

By Nathan Mitchell

Funding has been cut for Father toFather, a South Tucson programaimed at training men to be betterfathers, said Margarito Casillas, thefamily support specialist who ran it.

Father to Father was funded byPima County and put on by Childand Family Resources. It was one offew programs in the state that target-ed fathers. Most are motherhood-training courses, Casillas said.

“I saw the need of the fatherswho were trying to take classes,”he said. “(The class) really made alot of sense.”

The six-week program was aresponsible-parenting educationalworkshop. Men with widelydiverse backgrounds would cometogether to share stories. The work-

shop, designed to encouragefathers to become more involved intheir children’s lives, helped passknowledge to young fathers.

There was a wide variety offathers who participated in thecourse. Some lived in half-wayhouses and others’ children hadbeen taken away by ChildProtective Services. Many tookadvantage of the program becauseit was open to the public, he said.

“It was a nice mixture,” he said.“It helped a lot of young, as well asold fathers.”

Casillas said these cuts willmostly affect the fathers whoattended the program.

“I think it was a bad decision,”he said. “At the end it’s going to bethose that need the help that willsuffer the most.”

County Cuts Funding for Parenting Program

Page / Página 4 April 8 / 8 de abril 2010El INDEPENDIENTE

By Victoria Blute

Tough economic times have notstopped Imago Dei Middle Schoolfrom continuing to provide a solid,tuition-free prep-school education tomore than 50 low-income students.

The school has survived whenother schools have failed.

Imago Dei Middle School, 639N. Sixth Ave., was founded in2006 by the Revs. Anne Sawyerand Susan Anderson-Smith, bothgraduates of the Harvard DivinitySchool.

“Truthfully, it had been a jour-ney of faith from the get-go,” shesays. “While many nonprofits werehaving to freeze budgets and cutbudgets in order to operate, overthe past four years we’ve had togrow a budget.”

The school has added one gradeeach year, which requires a largerbudget over time, Sawyer says.Further, it costs roughly $15,000per child per year to attend theschool, she says—money that par-ents of students never pay as partof a tuition-free institution for low-income families.

Last year’s national averagecost per year per student was$18,300, according to the NationalAssociation for IndependentSchools. Imago Dei tries to keeptheir costs low.

“It takes resources to staff aprogram and offer a small classsize and a low student-teacherratio,” Sawyer says. She empha-sizes that their model isn’t compli-

cated—but sticking to it is vital.“When we were identifying

ways to cut costs, our options wereto shorten the day, increase theclass size and thus decrease thestudent-teacher ratio. In doing so,we [would be] taking away thestrength from the program and ourability to affect change.”

The school depends on individ-ual and corporate donations andfoundation funding to continueaffecting change.

“Most of our donors, in addi-tion to paying Arizona state tax,give to support education,” she

says. “They believe in education.They know that education is apowerful tool.”

Parents Luis and Linda Cruz arepleased with the education thatImago Dei has provided for theireighth-grade son.

“There’s so much extra timethat they’re here during the day—three hours on a Saturday—youdon’t get that kind of educationsomewhere else,” Luis Cruz says.“I wish I’d had a school like thiswhen I was going to school.”

With a ten-hour school day, fivedays a week and three hours on

Saturdays, for 11 months a year,Imago Dei Middle School studentsget a lot of time with their teachers.

Seventh grader Dandre Yanceysays he didn’t fully appreciate goingto school at Imago Dei until recently.

“I’m starting to like it,” he says.“I didn’t really like it at first…I goto school longer than my momgoes to work.”

Yancey enjoys math and someof the activities the school offers.

“Right now we’re working on alot,” he says. “We’re making a gar-den to put up so that we can helpthe environment. It’s a lot of native

plants. Last week we built waterharvesting tanks.”

Luis Cruz is hopeful that theschool will continue to provide edu-cation to underserved students inTucson.

“This school is unique,” Cruzsays. “They’ve sought help whenthey needed it. They’ve said, ‘Let’sgrab these reigns and get the fund-ing we need to make this happen.’”

Sawyer hopes that awarenessabout Imago Dei will encouragepeople to donate.

“The issue of sustainability iscritical and a topic of ongoing dis-cussion,” she says. “More andmore folks will begin to knowabout us and hopefully respond.”

For the time being, the school’sfuture looks bright. Biosphere cre-ator John Wesley Miller hasoffered to put together a committeeto actually build a “sustainableschool of the future” designed byImago Dei students that won in anational competition.

Sawyer says the accomplish-ment is proof that if students aregiven love, support and a solideducation, they can achieve any-thing. However, the benefits don’tstop there.

“If they were able to build theschool, they would be giving backto the community,” she says. “Theschool itself would serve as aninspiration and reminder of thepower of education, and whatyoung people can accomplish andhow they can impact the communi-ty for a good.”

Photo courteSy oF Karima white

Students in an Imago Dei language arts class listen intently to their teacher.

By Steve Ivanovics

With the job market growing increasinglytight, local libraries are offering free classesfor the General Equivalency Diploma Test.

The Pima County Public Library hasoffered a preparation and tutoring programfor the GED Test since fall 2007. The pro-gram started at a couple locations but hasexpanded recently.

Its continuation has allowed more peo-ple to use the program, some with the hopeof being better able to compete in the jobmarket.

Fred Walker, 41, attends a GED Test classat the Sam Lena-South Tucson BranchLibrary. He says that similar classes at PimaCommunity College have long waiting listsand the library’s classes were his only option.

Though Walker has been able to findwork without a high school diploma, he saysit has become increasingly difficult over thelast decade. Most employers want to see aGED at the minimum.

People like Walker are the key to improv-ing the nation’s current economic situation,said Jose Colchado, GED Test instructor atthe Valencia Branch Library.

“With all the budgetary problems thisstate has, we need to create taxpayers, not taxusers, to pull ourselves out,” Colchado said.

Maria Acevedo, an instructor at SamLena, has been teaching GED Test prepara-tion since 1974. She said she believes thatSouth Tucson can greatly benefit from adulteducation.

“I was excited when I was assigned herea couple years ago, because this area, morethan others, has a clearer need for improvingeducation,” Acevedo said.

According to an article written by RoyFlores, PCC chancellor, 18 percent ofArizona diplomas awarded between 2008and 2009 were GEDs. He also said that theAlliance for Excellent Education reported anestimated 3,300 students dropped out ofhigh school in the Tucson metropolitan areain 2008 alone.

Some of these former students now lookto the library’s program to catch up on theeducation they missed.

Chris Celix, 20, dropped out of school ineighth grade. He now attends Acevedo’s class.

“I just want to do it for myself, because Iknew I could have done it the first time,”Celix said.

The success of the program has left theprogram’s coordinator, Dawn Gardner, feel-ing encouraged.

Gardner, a librarian with the Pima CountyPublic Library, said that a survey given to theexiting students in fall 2009 showed that 98percent felt more prepared for the GEDexamination.

For More Information

go to “Library Services News” at

www.library.pima.

gov/services/

Por Victoria BluteTraducido por Dina Tyrrell

Los arizonenses tienen varios proyectos de ley en la miraen los meses venideros.

Asuntos de inmigración ilegal: SB 1070

El panel de la Cámara de Representantes aprobó SB 1070,un proyecto de ley designado para implementar leyes fed-erales de inmigración más rígidas y darle a la policía másautoridad para arrestar a personas sospechosas de serinmigrantes ilegales y acusarles de un delito.

El proyecto de ley hará que la presencia de un inmi-grante ilegal en los EE.UU. sea ilegal y se creará laacusación de “incumplimiento voluntario de completar oportar un documento de registro de extranjero”. El proyec-to también hace que sea un delito para los inmigrantes ile-gales el trabajar o solicitar empleo en Arizona.

SB 1070 exigirá que los agentes pregunten acerca delestado migratorio de cualquier persona que se les cruce ensu camino durante sus actividades policiacas regulares.

Además, aquellos que a sabiendas se escondan, ayuden

o sin importarles ignoren a individuos que se sabe que soninmigrantes ilegales también se enfrentarán a acusacionespenales.

Proyecto de ley de los parques estatales: HB2599

A pesar de la reciente confusión acerca del cierre de par-ques estatales, los legisladores rechazaron una propuestaque permitiría al Consejo de Parques cobrar una cuota porregistro de automóviles y así recaudar fondos para volvera abrir los parques cerrados y mantener los que todavíaexisten. En lugar de eso, los legisladores adoptaron unamedida de donaciones voluntarias para los parques. Losvisitantes tendrán la opción de donar $10 al momento deregistrar sus vehículos. La aprobación inicial por laCámara de Representantes ha empujado hacia adelante unproyecto de ley que ayudará a los estudiantes de tiempocompleto solicitar aseguranza de desempleo.

La aseguranza de estudiantes: HB 2295

HB 2295 impedirá que el Departamento de Seguridad

Económica, la institución responsable de repartir benefi-cios como la aseguranza de desempleo, rechace a los estu-diantes de tiempo completo basados en la creencia que nopueden mantener un empleo de tiempo completo y serestudiantes de tiempo completo también.

Actualmente, se ofrecen beneficios a aquellos quedemuestran estar disponibles para trabajar tiempo comple-to, que trabajan un número específico de horas al año, yque fueron “recortados” de un trabajo pero no despedidos.

Alza en los impuestos a la venta:Proposición 100

El 18 de mayo en la boleta de elecciones especiales, losarizonenses votarán si hay que aumentar provisionalmenteo no los impuestos a la venta.

La Proposición 100 incrementará el impuesto a la ventade 5.6 por ciento a 6.6 por ciento, un aumento de un cen-tavo por cada dólar gastado.

Los legisladores propusieron la iniciativa como unaposible solución para el cada vez mayor déficit deArizona, ahora a más de $3 billones. La proposición arro-jará ganancias de $1 billón al año.

School Offers Prep Education Without Price

Proyectos de ley para arizonenses

Photo by otto roSS

Jose Colchado, left, teaches math to a student.

Libraries Lend a Hand With Free GED Assistance

Page / Página 5April 8 / 8 de abril 2010 El INDEPENDIENTE

By Kaite Flynn

Mexican wolf F521 was born incaptivity at the Cheyenne MountainZoo in Colorado Springs, Colo., in1997 as part of the Mexican WolfRecovery Program managed byU.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Later, F521 was brought to awildlife refuge pre-release facilityin New Mexico. She was pairedwith a male, M507. The wolvesbred in captivity and were releasedinto the wild with a litter in 2002.

The Bluestem Pack was bornand became one of the most prolif-ic packs in Mexican wolf recovery.

Reintroduction has had its suc-cess stories like F521 and herBluestem Pack, but the recoveryprogram is still struggling.

Currently, the Blue Range WolfRecovery Area, which stretchesfrom New Mexico into Arizona, isthe only area authorized to carry outrecovery, said Michael Robinson, aconservation advocate with theCenter for Biological Diversity.

Until reintroduction began,there were no Mexican wolvesanywhere in the wild and theywere considered extinct, he said.

The larger grouping – the graywolf – has been protected underthe Endangered Species Act since1973. But in 2009 the Center forBiological Diversity started a peti-tion to separately list the Mexicanwolf, a subspecies of the graywolf, as endangered.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Servicewill review the petition and see ifthe listing of the species is war-ranted, said Maggie Dwire, assis-tant recovery coordinator.

Robinson said that despite fed-eral protection of the gray wolf, theMexican wolf is possibly the most

endangered animal in NorthAmerica.

There are 42 Mexican wolves inthe wild, 15 in New Mexico and 27in Arizona, with only two breedingpairs, Robinson said. There are,however, breeding facilities withabout 330 wolves waiting to bereintroduced, Robinson said.

The decline in Mexican wolfpopulation has numerous causes,including targeted killing, diseaseand genetic problems.

In 1915 the Bureau ofBiological Survey, later renamedU.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,started to systematically poison,trap and shoot Mexican wolves ondomestic lands, Robinson said.

With decades of trapping and

killing, the population hasdeclined, he said. Because of thedecline, U.S. Fish and WildlifeService and other agencies haveswitched gears and are now work-ing to recover the species.

Reintroduction began in 1998,but research by the Center forBiological Diversity shows the wolfpopulation continues to decline. In1999, there were 21 new releases.The number plunged to zero in 2007.

In 2009, release of captivewolves became impossible when anasal tumor resulted in the death ofthe pack’s alpha male, said SusanDicks, a U.S. Fish and WildlifeService biologist. The puppies inthe pack also died, and the femalewas moved to New York where she

will remain in captivity for the restof her life, Dicks said.

Another obstacle could begenetic issues, Dicks said.Biologists are closely monitoringgenetics to determine whichwolves to release, she said.

Ranchers on public lands areanother problem, said DaveParsons, a conservation advocateand former U.S. Fish and WildlifeService employee.

“Up until just recently, they’veput way too much focus and priori-ty on resolving conflicts in a waythat wolves always pay the price,”Parsons said. When a conflict arosein the past, the solution was to takewolves out of the picture, he said.

In 2005, U.S. Fish and Wildlife

Service policy was to remove anywolf that attacked three cattle peryear. This continued until 2008.

Another problem is illegalshootings. Since 1998, there havebeen 33 reported illegal killings inthe Southwest, Parsons said. Thereare limited circumstances whensomeone can shoot a wolf. But, thelaw currently states that if a wolf ison private land and in the act ofkilling livestock, the landownercan shoot and kill it, Dwire said.

Ranchers and farmers with live-stock still have concerns.

“Those who depend on live-stock for income, you know, aren’tgoing to be too concerned if theyperform an illegal act against anendangered species,” said NickRobbs, a University of Arizonastudent whose family owns andoperates Robbs Farm in Wilcox.

“If it’s eating your income,you’ll kill it and bury it,” he said.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Servicesaid it will be working to facilitatemore releases and build public tol-erance for wolves in the wild,Dicks said.

A primary focus for U.S. Fishand Wildlife Service is to developa revised recovery plan thatincludes wolves.

The original goal was to have100 Mexican wolves in the wild by2006. The program is still workingon hitting the mark, Dicks said.

But without a new recoveryplan there is no deadline. However,Dwire said she’s optimistic. Shesaid she hopes to reconvene arecovery team within the next year.

For now, plans for the number ofwolves U.S. Fish and WildlifeService wants in the wild are still onhold. But the success of F521 showsthat recovery is possible, she said.

Future Still Uncertain for Mexican Gray Wolf

Photo by Kaite Flynn

A Mexican gray wolf paces in its enclosure at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.

By Marissa Hopkins

Following the closure of state parks thatstarted Feb. 22, some Arizona communitiesare stepping in to keep their parks open.

The Arizona State Parks Board votedMarch 18 to allow four state parks to enterinto management agreements with outsidegroups, said Ellen Bilbrey, public informa-tion officer.

Management agreements are pending forthe town of Camp Verde to keep Fort VerdeState Historic Park open for one year, andthe city of Yuma has proposed to manageYuma Territorial Prison State Historic Parkfor three years.

Also, the city of Tombstone would keep

Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Parkrunning for three years.

The fourth, Riordan Mansion StateHistoric Park in Flagstaff, would be keptopen for three years by the ArizonaHistorical Society, Bilbrey said.

It has already been approved that thetown of Payson will lend financial assistanceto keep Tonto Natural Bridge State Parkopen until September 27. Also, pendingapproval, the Arizona Game and FishDepartment will financially assist to keepRoper Lake State Park near Safford openuntil June 3, Bilbrey said.

Three parks already closed due to previousbudget cuts will remain closed – McFarlandState Historic Park, Jerome State Historic

Park and San Rafael Ranch State Park. The closures were approved by the

Arizona State Parks Board in January fol-lowing budget cuts of $8.6 million, Bilbreysaid.

It is important for communities near theparks to keep them open because of the rev-enue it brings to their local economies,Bilbrey said.

Further, the state parks hold culturalimportance, such as the TombstoneCourthouse, said Tombstone Mayor DustyEscapule.

“It is one of the oldest courthouses in thestate of Arizona and it’s got thousands ofartifacts that residents should be able tovisit,” Escapule said.

Towns and Local Organizations Step Up to Keep Parks OpenIf you go

Already Closed:

•Homolovi Ruins State Park in Winslow•Lyman Lake State Park in St. Johns•Tubac Presidio State Historic Park

Closing June 3:

•Alamo Lake State Park in Wenden•Lost Dutchman State Park in Apache

Junction•Picacho Peak State Park •Red Rock State Park in Sedona•Roper Lake State Park in Safford

Closing September 27:

•Tonto Natural Bridge State Park

By Nathan Mitchell

Community leader Mary AliceEckstrom died March 29 of lym-phoma. She was 63 years old.

Alice Eckstrom, as she wasknown, served her communitythrough the League of Mexican-American Women, CatholicCommunity Services and St.Ambrose Catholic School, amongother organizations. She was themother of Jennifer Eckstrom, SouthTucson’s Mayor, and the wife ofDan Eckstrom, former mayor.

Alice Eckstrom was known forworking behind the scenes. Shewas an “unheralded” person whosupported a family committed topublic services. At the funeral thecommunity came together to sharestories about her, said EnriqueSerna, South Tucson city manager.

“She generated a lot of goodwillamong a lot of people,” Serna said.“It was a real blessing to attend thefuneral. We get to pay that forward.”

Serna had the good fortune offorming a personal relationshipwith Eckstrom that was based inspirituality. Many people formedrelationships with her, he said.

“I know her family will contin-ue to nurture these relationships.”

In addition to her husband anddaughter, Eckstrom is survived byher son Daniel Eckstrom.

Her family could not be reachedfor comment.

Photo courteSy oF carrillo'S tucSon mortuary

Community Leader Dies at 63 Smiles Abound at So. Tucson Barber Shop

Photo by otto roSS

Barber Hector Cruz cuts a South Tucson man's hair while his nephew Steven Cruz looks on atGrand Central Barber Shop.

By Jeff Feld

Sunnyside High School’s tradi-tion-rich athletics program won its13th consecutive state wrestlingtitle in February and has ranked inthe top two in Arizona wrestlingfor 31 straight years. Sunnysidehas found a way to use athletics topromote academic and personalsuccess with students despite ris-ing expenses and fees.

“This is an institution for aca-demics,” said Richard Sanchez,Sunnyside athletic director andassistant principal. “Our athleticsgive our kids a sense of pride andownership of their teams, but ourjob as educators is to put our kids inthe best position to be successful.”

However, funding 13 boys andgirls sports and more than 20extracurricular school-sponsoredclubs and activities is no easy task.

At the beginning of each schoolyear, Sunnyside Unified SchoolDistrict allots each school an equalamount of mon -ey for extra cur -ricular activities,in cluding sports.The principal ofeach school thendivvies up thefunds.The allot-ted funds are notalways enoughto support stu-dent athletics,Sanchez said.

At Sunnyside, students pay a$25 fee per sport, which is cappedat $50 per student regardless ofhow many sports they play. Thefees go toward equipment, travel,staff and officials. However, theactual costs can be hundreds morethan the student fees collected.

From August to December2009, the cost of paying officialsand referees was close to $11,000at Sunnyside, Sanchez said. Forfootball alone, required equipmentsuch as helmets and shoulder padscost more than $200 per player.

“You can’t cut corners with thatstuff because it is a safety issue,”Sanchez said. “It’s not a wish list,but what’s needed to participate.”

Sunnyside does not makemoney from athletic competitionaside from football ticket and con-cession sales. The lack of addition-al funds leaves Sanchez and hiscoaches in a difficult position.

Sanchez said one football tripto San Diego cost $16,000.

“That meant that we weren’table to give our athletes as muchgear and equipment as they hadgotten in years past,” he said.

Heavy fundraising is needed tomake up for the gap betweenmoney budgeted and the moneyneeded for all athletic programs.

Students are mainly responsiblefor fundraising. They hold bakesales and car washes to raise

money. Concession sales have alsohelped.

Though the community hasconsistently supported the school,no contribution has been as largeas the Sunnyside Foundation’sBlue Devils Football GolfTournament, an annual communityevent that Sanchez started.

Two years ago, retired policesergeant Gene Gonzales and hisbrother, Rick Gonzales, volun-teered to handle the cost andorganization to help Sanchez.

“Both of us being alum of thehigh school and knowing howmuch Richard (Sanchez) does forthe program really made it some-thing that we wanted to help outwith as much as we could,” GeneGonzales said.

The golf tournament, held atStarr Pass this August for the sev-enth consecutive year, is a non-profit fundraiser held specificallyfor the football program.

Each player pays $150 for around of golf,food and a gift.But local corpo-rate sponsors offerthe biggest contri-bution.

After expens-es, the tour namentbrings in as muchas $20,000.

“Our goal is tohelp give the stu-dents everything

they need in order to be successfuland be able to compete with otherschools in the state,” Sanchez said.

Throughout his efforts to keepthe athletic department afloat,Sanchez has not lost sight of theimportance of students being suc-cessful in the classroom.

He is responsible for creatingthe Academic Compliance Officeat Sunnyside, which requires stu-dents to maintain a certain gradepoint average in order to partici-pate in athletics.

“We really do everything wecan to make sure our students arenot only able to succeed in athlet-ics but also become exceptionalstudents and people who can go onto get a college degree after gradu-ating,” Sanchez said.

Sunnyside has a 75.4 percentgraduation rate as of 2008, accord-ing to SUSD’s official statistics,and higher than the district’s 69.3percent average. Sanchez said heknows the success of the athleticsprogram directly impacts the stu-dents on a higher level, making it acritical component of the students’success.

“It’s about becoming an excep-tional person here and going on tobe successful. We just have to givethe kids the right opportunity, andin this case it’s athletics that allowsus to do that.”

April 8 / 8 de abril 2010Page / Página 6 El INDEPENDIENTE

Although the majority of largeho s pitals, including TMC, Uni -versity Medical Center and St.Mary’s Hospital, use CyraCom,not all of Tucson’s smaller clinicscan afford such equipment.

That’s why doctors TracyCarroll, Alejandra Zapein andOscar Beita of the UA College ofMedicine started an English-Spanish medical translation classfor pre-medical students two yearsago through the Office of Outreachand Multicultural Affairs.

In addition to class time, stu-dents are required to volunteer 30hours per semester at clinics, usu-ally smaller ones that do not useCyraCom.

“It’s all about communication,”Beita said. “Describing the symp-toms, when they began – it’s allvital.”

Earlier this year Carroll startedworking at the University Phy -sicians Healthcare Hospital atKino Campus. She said the painintensity scale and body chartsheets at triage were not availablein Spanish, so she took copies ofthe English versions and gavethem to her students to translate.She then brought them back toKino.

“Wherever I work, the firstthing I see is that there are noSpanish documents,” Carroll said.“It’s so frustrating.”

Carroll said she has never met apost-heart attack patient who did-n’t have fear or depression.

As such, the class also trainsstudents about what to expect interms of emotions patients experi-ence and how to reassure them bybeing well-versed in backgroundinformation about recovery.

One of the clinics where stu-

dents volunteer is Clinica Amistad,1631 S. 10th Ave. The clinic isopen Monday nights and doctorvisits are free. If medication need-ed is in stock, it is provided at nocost. Otherwise, a prescription isgiven that the patients can fill at apharmacy.

The clinic is funded by privatedonations. Everyone who worksthere is a volunteer, including doc-tors. But the clinic has been hurt-ing financially, said CaroleSpackman, a volunteer coordina-tor.

A $10,000 grant they normallyreceive from the Southern ArizonaCommunity Foundation did notcome through this year.

“We thought we were going tohave to close,” Spackman said.“Doctors used to come everyweek. Now they come once amonth because they’re too busywith their own practices.”

‘Hospitals’ Continued from page 1

CyraCom Offers Easy Translation

a year, said program coordinatorJoan Katz.

The program is based on thebelief that parents are their child’sfirst teachers, Katz said. The goalis to help parents give their chil-dren a solid foundation for schoolsuccess, she said. The Sunnysideprogram currently has 306 familieswith 393 children enrolled. Of thefamilies, 39 are teen parents and20 are enrolled in Sunnyside highschools, Katz said.

Parents as Teachers offersweekly, biweekly or monthly per-sonal visits to each family whereparent educators share age-appro-priate learning activities with par-

ents. All parent educators are spe-cially trained and certified.

The home visitations includelessons to improve learning skillsthat prepare children for school,safety and health, Katz said, whichare key components of the program.

“Our goal is to teach the par-ents,” said Alma Alvorado, a par-ent educator. “You learn a lot, too.Everyday is different.”

Alvorado said she educates 30 to32 families at a time and visitshomes to work with parents andchildren.

Group meetings are alsooffered, such as library days,where parents and children canplay, interact and learn and chil-dren can be screened for identifi-

cation of developmental delays orhealth issues, Katz said.

Anna Riesgu has brought her sonand daughter to the program sincethe school year began. Her son isvery shy but opens up more by theend of each day’s activities.

Another program that the SUSDchapter of Parents as Teachers start-ed is Fathers Matter. This programwas created specifically to encour-age fathers to be more involved intheir children’s early education,Katz said. At least once a month,fathers can bring their kids to anevening learning and play time.

SUSD began its Parents asTeachers program in 1995 andmore than 4,000 families and4,500 children have participated.

‘Parenting’ Continued from page 1

Education Program Receives Grants

Photo by otto roSS

Richard Sanchez, Sunnyside High School Athletic Director and head football coach.

Athletics ImproveStudent Success

Por Marissa HopkinsTraducido por Sathya Honey Victoria

Parents as Teachers (Los padres son maestros), un pro-grama de desarrollo infantil y educación para padres delSunnside Unified School District, recibió dos subsidiosel año pasado de un total de $235 mil.

Parents as Teachers es un programa nacional de vol-

untariado diseñado para proveer educación y apoyo a

padres con hijos, desde cuidado prenatal hasta que los

niños entran al jardín de niños. Está disponible para

cualquier familia que viva dentro del distrito.

First Things First (Primero lo primero), que seocupa de financiar programas para la niñez tempranacon el dinero recaudado de un impuesto estatal sobreel tabaco, le otorgó $160 mil a lo largo de tres años.Parents as Teachers usó ese subsidio para contratar atres nuevos miembros.

El segundo subsidio, de $75 mil a lo largo de tresaños, provino de Social Venture Partners GreaterTucson (Socios para la inversión social del área metro-politana de Tucsón), un fondo de la CommunityFoundation for Southern Arizona (Fundación comuni-taria para el sur de Arizona). El programa tambiénrecibe $295 mil al año a través de subsidios de acuerdoal Título I, dijo la coordinadora del programa Joan Katz.

El programa se basa en la idea de que los padresson los primeros maestros de sus hijos, dijo Katz.Dijo también que la meta es ayudar a los padres a queden a sus hijos una base sólida sobre la cual construirsu éxito académico.

Actualmente el programa tiene 306 familias con393 niños inscritos. De las familias, 39 son padresadolescentes y 20 de ellos están inscritos en prepara-torias de Sunnyside, dijo Katz.

Parents as Teachers ofrece visitas personales a cadafamilia donde los educadores enseñan a los padresactividades educativas adecuadas para las edades desus hijos; las visitas pueden ser semanales, bisem-anales o mensuales. Todos los educadores hanrecibido entrenamiento y certificación.

Las visitas a casa incluyen lecciones para mejorarlas técnicas de aprendizaje de los niños en preparaciónpara la escuela, además de salud y seguridad, que sonpartes importantes del programa, dijo Katz.

“Nuestra meta es enseñar a los padres,” dijo AlmaAlvorado, una educadora para padres. “Una aprendemucho también. Cada día es diferente.”Alvorado dijo

que educa de 30 a 32 familias a la vez y visita casas paratrabajar con padres y con niños.

También se ofrecen sesiones grupales como “díasde biblioteca”, donde padres e hijos pueden jugar,interactuar y aprender y donde se hacen pruebas a losniños para verificar que no hay atraso en su desarrol-lo o problemas de salud, dijo Katz.

Anna Riesgu ha traído a su hijo e hija al programadesde el principio del año escolar. Su hijo es muytímido pero que está más desenvuelto después de lasactividades de cada día.

Otro programa del Parents as Teachers de SUSD esFathers Matter (Los papás importan). Este programafue creado específicamente para alentar la partici-pación activa de los padres en la educación tempranade sus hijos, dijo Katz. Por lo menos una vez al mes,los papás pueden llevar a sus hijos a una tarde de jue-gos y aprendizaje.

SUSD empezó su programa de Parents as Teachersen 1995 y desde entonces más de 4 mil familias y4.500 niños han participado en él.

Foto Por mariSSa hoPKinS

Marna Jan, una madre educadora, baila con una estudiante con

serpentinas.

Programa para padres recibe subsidiosOur athletics give our

kids a sense of pride

and ownership of

their teams.

–Richard Sanchez

Sunnyside Athletic Director

“

”

Page / Página 7April 8 / 8 de abril 2010 El INDEPENDIENTE

By Erica Nannini

Traditionalists may scoff uponlearning that students at SaffordMagnet Middle School build withLegos in the classroom, but SarahCostello says this simple act putschildren ahead of the curve.

The toy-tinkering is part of thebeginning stages of theInternational Baccalaureate pro-gram at the middle school. Theprogram is a learning track thatadds to international core subjectsby giving students experience inhumanities, technology, engineer-ing and more.

Costello, the IB coordinator atSafford, says that the goal of thenew program is to educate studentsfor a global society and see con-nections between different areas oflearning.

What’s more, the students seemto enjoy it.

“The sixth grade has been verypositive about it,” Costello says“They love learning French, andthey love the technology classesbecause they are hands-on.”

Safford is the second school inPima County to begin implementa-tion of an IB program, coming onthe heels of the Cholla MagnetHigh School, which implementedthe first IB Diploma Program inPima County in 2009.

The hands-on, Lego learning inmiddle school translates intobeyond-the-classroom experiencein high school.

Throughout the two-year pro-gram at Cholla, spanning grades 11and 12, students are required tocomplete 150 hours of extracurricu-lar community service-type experi-ence, be it ballet folklórico perform-ances or out-of-state ex changes.

When it comes to a second lan-guage, students have their choiceof Spanish, German, Arabic andChinese. French will soon beadded to the list.

Joyce Meyer, IB coordinator atCholla, says that the all-encom-

passing nature of the IB programhas given Cholla students a thirstfor knowledge not often found inthe average high schooler.

“Five years ago, studentslaughed if you wanted to go toschool,” she says. “There’s an atti-tude change in the culture here. Isee kids sitting down and havingintellectual conversations and talk-ing about in-depth subjects.”

That new attitude has translatedinto college readiness, which is theultimate goal of the program. Inaddition to noticeable spikes inSAT and ACT scores, Meyer haswatched her students in the pro-gram receive acceptance lettersfrom many choice colleges, some-times with scholarship moneyattached.

“Our kids are predominantly[members of the] Hispanic popula-tion,” Meyer says. “They havenow seen that they have a chanceto go to college, and about half ofthem are going out of state.”

The success of the IB programinspired its introduction at SaffordMiddle School. Meyer says Rob -bins Elementary School is next.

But the road to a successfullycertified IB program is a lengthyone—for Cholla, it was a three-year ordeal. Safford submitted itsapplication for feasibility last year,which was approved by the IBOrganization.

This completes the first part ofthe application, and Costello saysthe second part, which includes aformal examination of the pro-gram, should conclude within thenext year.

Costello says the current strandof sixth graders going through theprogram is like a test round, andwithin the next three years shehopes to have IB-certified strandsin all middle school grade levels.

One of the main challenges isteacher education. Strict standardsrequire that teachers undergo rig-orous training to ensure Americanstudents are on par with interna-tional students.

Meyer says teacher expensestake up the largest chunk ofCholla’s $80,000 to $100,000yearly budget for IB operations.

Students often have troublepaying for the yearly exams thatare administered to measureprogress.

Cholla has tackled this problemby using the TUSD post-unitaryplan to cover the cost of the examsfor those students on free orreduced lunch, according toMeyer. Two-thirds of Cholla’ssenior students are on free orreduced lunch.

Safford’s decision to forgeahead with the implementationprocess suggests the program ben-efits outweigh the expenses.

To those students who arereluctant to take part in a programwith so many demands, Costellomakes it clear that the program isnot “exclusive.”

“When you say ‘rigor’ it scarespeople, but if you give them thescaffolding to go along with it,then they can succeed,” Costellosays.

Fast Facts

Criteria for admission to theIB Diploma Program (springof 10th grade year):

•GPA of 2.5 or better inhonors courses

•Enrollment inAdvancement ViaIndividual Determination(AVID) class

•Admissions essay•Three core content area

teacher recommendations•Proof of passing AIMS in

reading, writing and math•Completion of the IB

Diploma Program applica-tion

Schools Go International

By Brett Booen

How’s this for a resume?Desert View High School senior

Kyla Kemp is valedictorian, a cap-tain of the tennis team and a stand-out member in the community.

She plays five instruments inthe orchestra and her favorite sub-ject is math.

Earlier this year she earned afull-ride scholarship to one of thenation’s leading universities andher career dream is to work withjet engines.

“It’s not hard to stay motivatedwhen you’re doing something youlove,” Kemp says. “It’s fun explor-ing every ‘atmosphere’ and everyregion of knowledge.”

Kemp’s future is bright, but shestill has a little over a month ofschool left at Desert View. Hereare the three “atmospheres” whereKemp excels.

1. AcademicsKemp has a 4.289 grade-pointaverage, which ranks first out of aclass of 358. She is currentlyenrolled in five advanced place-ment courses.

When asked which class washer favorite, Kemp’s answer wasas impressive as it was immediate.

“Calculus,” she says. “It has thefoundation for just about every-thing I want to do in the future.”

Her academic prowess caughtthe eye of Stanford, and last fallshe was awarded a full scholarship.

She says she wants to double

major in aeronautics and mechani-cal engineering and eventuallyreturn to Tucson to work atRaytheon Missile Systems.

“I want to develop better andmore efficient jet engines,” shesays confidently.

2. AthleticsKemp captains the Desert Viewtennis team alongside CynthiaRamirez. The duo has helped leadthe Jaguars to a 6-3 record. TheJaguars are in the hunt for a 4A-Iplayoff berth, which would be theschool’s first in three years.

Desert View tennis coach StacyHaines says Kemp’s on-courtsmarts carry her during matches.

“You know, she’s not the great-est natural athlete,” Haines says.“But she makes up for it with hersmarts. It amazes me how intelli-gent she is.”

3. ExtracurricularAs if her workload wasn’t heavyenough, Kemp is also a four-yearmember of the Desert Vieworchestra. She plays violin, butalso enjoys the piano, cello, bassguitar and drums.

“Music is just as important tome as those other things in mylife,” Kemp says.

But what impresses orchestrateacher Neil McCallion most aboutKemp is not so much her playingability, but her leadership in class.

“She’s a real good kid,”McCallion says “and a first-classleader.”

Student ConquersAcademics, Sports

By Jeff Feld

Local author Tom Miller’s “Revenge of theSaguaro” hit shelves last month in what crit-ics have called a “delightful and quirky”account of the American Southwest.

Miller, a native of Washington, D.C.,moved to Tucson at 21 and immediatelybecame fascinated with the culture, historyand lifestyle of the Southwest. Since then, hehas produced a number of works that chron-icle life along the U.S.-Mexico borderregion, Central America, and even SouthAmerica and Cuba.

“Revenge of the Saguaro” is an updatedand expanded version of “Jack Ruby’sKitchen Sink,” his previous work publishedin 2000 by Adventure Press after being fea-tured in National Geographic.

After nine years of publication, CincoPuntos Press decided to work with Miller

and update the book. Cinco Puntos wanted to specifically fea-

ture the book’s most popular story as its ownchapter. Eventually, it became the name ofthe refreshed work in “Revenge of theSaguaro.”

The chapter “draws on the frighteningstory of a double homicide in which a majes-tic 125-year-old saguaro kills its assassin,”Miller’s website says.

This is just one of many stories featuredin the book that takes an untraditionalapproach to the people and lifestyle of theSouthwest.

Unlike other travel books, Miller’s offers afirst-person account of his experience thatgives the reader an unfiltered perspective ofthe people and culture he encounters.

“It’s a personal narrative, an accumula-tion of a lot of things I’ve experienced basedpurely on observation over the years,”Miller says.

“It’s about who’s in the kitchen, the cam-era shop, the cantina,” he says.

Miller aims to explain what sparked hisinterests in the Southwest, which he says hecame upon coincidentally when he decided

to come to the desert. “I jumped through the window of oppor-

tunity and landed here,” says Miller on hismove to Tucson. “Before I moved, the onlything I knew about Arizona was that BarryGoldwater and marijuana were from here.”

Miller says people who currently live inthe Southwest or are interested in moving ortraveling here should read his new book.

“I think people who already live here willenjoy the stories that they can relate to ornever knew about. And people who are inter-ested in visiting or moving here will read itand either move here right away or stayaway forever,” he says.

Miller will be the opening act for TheSisters Morales, a local music group, May15, at Old Town Artisans in downtownTucson. He will speak and read passagesfrom his works, including “Revenge of theSaguaro.”

Local Author Miller Releases Latest in Literary Collection

Left: Miller’s new book, “Revenge of the Saguaro.”

Right: Tom Miller.

PhotoScourteSy

oFJayrochlin

Photo courteSy oF deSert view high School

Kyla Kemp, a student at Desert View High School, received a full scholarship to Stanford

University in California.

By Shelby Hill

A $2 million grant given to theUniversity of Arizona Departmentof Agriculture will help teach fam-ilies in Eloy and Nogales, Ariz.,family and child-related skills withthe hope of creating a similarstatewide program.

Families with children agethree to five who are “high-risk” interms of poverty will receive train-ing as part of the research done byUA Associate Professor AngelaTaylor and her colleagues.

The training includes education

in effective discipline, communi-cation, reducing conflicts, healthyeating habits, physical educationand improving children’s readinessfor school, Taylor said.

The program will train familieswhile allowing researchers togauge the success of the training,she said.

“Clearly we’re looking for sig-nificant gains following the pro-gram in each of those targetedareas,” Taylor said.

Teaching family skills will bethe main focus, but researchersalso want to help support existing

family strengths, she said.One possible benefit of the pro-

gram may be the children’s abilityto climb out of poverty through theeducation their families receive,Taylor said.

“I think a very long-term goalmight be to see a lessened involve-ment in poverty situations,” Taylorsaid.

The program will most likelystart working with selected fami-lies in January 2011.

The grant will cover two cyclesof training per year over a five-year period.

At-Risk Families Subject of UA Grant

By Erica NanniniTraducido por Lizette M. Pérez

April 3 – April 24

Oasis Art Spring has sprung and so has thespringtime exhibition at theConrad Wilde Gallery, 439 N.Sixth Ave., #171. Featured is acollection of tranquil, contempla-tive paintings by local and nation-al artists. Visit the gallery forsome rest and relaxation onTuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m.to 5 p.m. Admission is free. Call622-8997 or visit www.conrad-wildegallery.com for more infor-mation.

April 10

Stories on StagePoet Francisco X. Alarcón’sworks come to life when actorsand puppeteers with theUniversity of Arizona’s Stories onStage present “Words and OtherVoices – Palabras y Otras Voces.”The kid-friendly series of playswill take place from 10:30 to11:30 a.m. at Himmel ParkBranch Library, 1035 N. TreatAve. The event is free. Visitwww.library.pima.gov for a listingof showtimes at other branchlibraries throughout April.

April 13 – April 18

“Chicago”Broadway’s classic razzle-dazzlemusical featuring murder, fameand jazz is coming to the TucsonMusic Hall, 260 S. Church Ave.John O’Hurley stars as BillyFlynn. Tickets range from about$35 to more than $100, with dis-counts available for students andseniors. Visit ticketmaster.com toreserve seats and for showtimes.

April 16, 17

Battle of the BandsBands compete for the chance towin $1,000 worth of recordingtime from OG7 Studios, gift cer-tificates and cold, hard cash.Doors open at The Rock, 136 N.Park Ave., at 6:30 p.m. on April 16and 6 p.m., April 17 for theWildcard to the Finals follow-up.Tickets are $7 in advance and $9at the door. Both shows are all-ages, with an I.D.-required bar.Call 629-9211 or visit www.rock-tucson.com for more information.

April 17

Club CrawlLive music fills the streets ofdowntown Tucson and FourthAvenue as bands perform on about25 different stages during SpringClub Crawl. The event is for ages21 and up. Wristbands are $8 ifpurchased in advance at ZiaRecords and $10 at the door. Atentative band lineup is availablethrough the Tucson Weekly at clubcrawl.ning.com. For more infor-mation, call 795-1420.

April 18

Bike SwapTucson riders unite at the GreaterArizona Bicycle AssociationSwap Meet. Buy, sell and trade

new and used riding gear at thisbiannual event held on FourthAvenue between Sixth and Ninthstreets. The event is free andruns 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. Parkingmeters and University of Arizonaparking garages are free onSundays. For more information,call 624-5004 or visitwww.fourthavenue.org.

May 2

Cinco de Mayo RunTucson Heart Group invites you tothe 30th annual 10K walk/run on ascenic mountain back road.Participants meet at 7 a.m. atCholla High School, 2001 W. StarrPass Blvd., to begin the USATF-certified race winding throughStarr Pass, then finish withrefreshments, breakfast burritos,mariachi music, games and more.Registration costs between $25and $35 and must be completed byApril 23. For registration details,visit www.azroadrunners.org.

May 1

A Wealth of HealthBring the little ones to learn aboutexercise, healthy eating and over-all body care at the second annualHealth and Wellness Fair at theTucson Children’s Museum, 200 S. Sixth Ave. Participatingorganizations will provide interac-tive fun, including a fire truck anda computer-fingerprinting pro-gram. The event is from 10 a.m.to 2 p.m. and admission is free.Call 792-9985 for more informa-tion.

May 5

Teen Iron ChefAs part of a month-long celebra-tion of YMCA Healthy Kids Day,

the Sam Lena-South TucsonBranch Library is hosting a cook-off in which teams of six battle tocreate healthy Mexican entrees,salsa and agua fresca. A panel oflocal celebrities will judge thecompetition, held 4:30 to 6:30p.m. at John A. Valenzuela YouthCenter, 1550 S. Sixth Ave.Contact the library at 594-5265 toregister for the contest.

Del 3 al 24 de abril

Arte OasisLa primavera ha llegado y tambiénsu exposición en la GaleríaConrad Wilde en el 439 N. SixthAve., #171. Dicha colección estacompuesta por pinturas de detallesserenos y contemplativos pintadaspor artistas locales y nacionales.Visite la galeria para así descansary relajarse de martes a sábado de11 a.m. a 5 p.m. La entrada es gra-tuita. Para más información llameal 622-8997 o visite www.conrad-wildegallery.com.

10 de abril

Historias en el esce-

narioLas obras del poeta Francisco X.Alarcón toman vida cuando losactores y titiriteros, junto al pro-grama Historias en el escenario dela Universidad de Arizona, presen-tan Words and Other Voices(Palabras y otras voces). La seriede obras para toda la familia sellevará a cabo de 10:30 a 11:30a.m. en la biblioteca Himmel Park,en 1035 N. Treat Ave. El evento esgratuito. Para obtener una lista delos horarios de las presentacionesen diferentes bibliotecas durante elmes de abril, visitewww.library.pima.gov.

Del 13 al 18 de abril

“Chicago”El clásico musical callejero contemas de muerte, fama y jazz llegaal Music Hall de Tucsón en 260 S.Church Ave. John O’ Hurley per-sonifica a Billy Flynn. Lasentradas van desde $35 a más de$100, con descuentos para estudi-antes y personas de la terceraedad. Para reservar asientos y verlos horarios visite www.ticketmas-ter.com.

16 y 17 de abril

Competición de ban-

dasDiferentes bandas compiten por laoportunidad de ganar tiempo degrabación en OG7 Studios equiva-lente a mil dólares, certificados deregalo y dinero constante ysonante. El evento será en TheRock en 136 N. Park Ave. a las6:30 p.m. el 16 de abril, y el 17 deabril empezará a las 6 p.m. coneliminaciones y después la final.Las entradas cuestan $7 por ade-lantado y $9 en la puerta. Ambosespectáculos son para todas lasedades mas se requerirá identifi-cación en el bar. Para más infor-mación llame al 629-9211 o visitewww.rocktucson.com.

17 de abril

Club CrawlLa música en vivo de diferentesgrupos tocando en 25 escenariosdistintos llenará las calles del cen-tro de Tucsón, así como la FourthAvenue durante el Spring ClubCrawl. El evento es para personasde 21 años en adelante. Laspulseras tendrán un costo de $8por adelantado en Zia Records y$10 en la entrada. Se puede obten-er el plan provisional de los gru-pos participantes a través de

Tucson Weekly enclubcrawl.ning.com.

18 de abril

Intercambio ciclistaLos ciclistas de Tucsón se reúnenen Greater Arizona BicycleAssociation Swap Meet. Compre,venda e intercambie uniformes deciclismo nuevos y usados en esteevento bianual celebrado enFourth Avenue entre las callesSixth y Ninth. El evento es gratu-ito y se llevará a cabo de 6 a.m. a1 p.m. Los parquímetros y losaparcamientos de la Universidadde Arizona son gratuitos durantelos domingos. Para más informa-ción, llame al 624-5004 o visitewww.fourthavenue.org.

2 de mayo

Carrera del cinco de

mayoEl Tucson Heart Group le invita asu carrera/caminata anual número30 de 10K en una ruta escénicapor las montañas. Los partici-pantes se reunirán a las 7 a.m. enCholla High School en 2001 W.Starr Pass Blvd. para así comenzarla carrera certificada por USATFserpenteando por Starr Pass, yluego terminar con refrescos, bur-ritos, mariachi, juegos y muchomás. La inscripción cuesta entre$25 y $35 y deberá completarseantes del 23 de abril. Para detallesde inscripción visite www.azroad-runners.org.

1 de mayo

La salud, una riquezaLleve a los niños a aprender sobreel ejercicio, comer saludable ycómo cuidar de su cuerpo en lasegunda feria anual de Health andWellness en el Children’s Museumde Tucsón en 200 S. Sixth Ave. Las organizaciones que participanproveerán entretenimiento interac-tivo, incluyendo un camión debomberos y un programa com-putacional de huellas dactilares.El evento es de 10 a.m. a 2 p.m. yla entrada es gratuita. Para másinformación llame al 792-9985.

5 de mayo

Iron Chef para adoles-

centesComo parte de la celebración delYMCA, Healthy Kids Day que duratodo un mes, la biblioteca SamLena-South de Tucsón está organi-zando un concurso de cocina, en elque equipos de seis integranteslucharán para crear saludablesplatos de comida, salsa y agua fres-ca. Un panel de celebridadeslocales juzgará el concurso que seráde 4:30 a 6:30 p.m. en John A.Valenzuela Youth Center, en 1550S. Sixth Ave. Para inscribirse llamea la biblioteca al 594-5265.

Page / Página 8 April 8 / 8 de abril 2010El INDEPENDIENTE

qué PaSa?

?Upcoming community

events can be submitted toEl Independiente at

elindy.ua@gmail.com.Events must be received at

least two weeks inadvance.

Cesar Chavez March

Ana Valenzuela, left, director of the Arizona League of Latin American Citizens, starts to march

at Pueblo Magnet High School during the 10th annual Cesar Chavez March. The march took

place on March 27 and went from Pueblo Magnet High School to Rudy Garcia Park.

Photo

byJoShuam

organ

Tucsonans Gather to Honor Cesar Chavez

inDePenDienteMay 6 / 6 de mayo 2010Free/gratis www.elindenews.com

1976 ~ 34 Years of Service ~ 2010EL

Visit elindenews.com

to read this issue’s

online-only articles.

Tucson sets the GuinnessWorld Record for most mari-achis playing in one room.

Tucsón reacciona a la nueva legislaciónPor Nathan Mitchell

Traducido por Dina Tyrrell

Siendo que la nueva ley de inmi-gración de Arizona es el centro deatención publica, el Sur de Tucsónha empezado preparaciones parahacer cumplir la agresiva ypolémica “Ley de Apoyo aNuestras Agencias del OrdenPúblico y Vecindarios Seguros”,mejor conocida como SB 1070.

La nueva legislación, la cualfue firmada por la gobernadora JanBrewer el 23 de abril, convierte endelito estar en Arizona sin docu-mentación inmigratoria apropiaday pide que la policía revise el esta-do legal. Una persona sin docu-mentación legal puede ser multadahasta por $2,500, encarcelada ydeportada. La ley también declarailegal el transporte intencional demigrantes ilegales o el contrato dejornaleros en la calle.

La policía del Sur de Tucsón haempezado a hablar acerca delentrenamiento necesario parahacer cumplir la ley de una maneracorrecta.

El Comité de Estándares yCapacitación para los Oficiales dela Paz de Arizona determinará, enmayo, las guías exactas para laaplicación.

El Jefe de la Policía del Sur deTucsón Richard Muñoz, el cualdijo que se oponía a la ley antesque ésta pasara, se entrevistará con

el consejero legal del departamen-to para definir la mejor manera deaplicar esta ley.

“Queremos estar seguros quetodos los agentes estén de acuerdoen cuanto a la duda razonable”,

dijo él. “Tiene que haber un deten-imiento legal”.

A pesar de que el gobierno de laciudad del Sur de Tucsón no está deacuerdo con la naturaleza ofensivade la ley, planean ratificarla, dijo el

Gerente Municipal de la Ciudad delSur de Tucsón, Enrique Serna.

La legislación ha provocadoprotestas a nivel nacional y oca-sionó que varios activistas y orga-nizaciones locales y nacionales

demandaran desafíos legales y unareforma de inmigración. Los opo-nentes de la ley dicen que pro-moverá la segregación racial yviola los derechos civiles.

“Los derechos de aquellos denuestra población, van a ser losque van a ser violados”, dijo Serna.“El mal necesario de esta legis-lación es la segregación racial”.

Bernardo Lopez, un conductorde transporte del Sur de Tucsón,dijo que él se opone firmemente ala ley. “Por el simple hecho de serde piel oscura, vamos a tener prob-lemas”, dijo él. “Sólo Dios sabequé tipo de cosas van a suceder”.

Nathalie Perez, una inmigranteindocumentada que trabaja en el áreadel sur de Tucsón, dijo que no todoinmigrante ilegal es un criminal.

“Muchos de nosotros estamostrabajando”, dijo ella. “Somosinvisibles, pero aun así pagamosimpuestos”.

La ley fue patrocinada por elsenador Russell Pearce, R-Mesa,quien dijo en una carta pública enel portal de internet del ComitéRepublicano del CondadoMaricopa: “Garantizo que esto sal-vará los trabajos americanos,reducirá el gasto del gobierno,mejorará la seguridad en los vecin-darios, mejorará la congestión,hará las aulas más pequeñas, laslíneas más cortas en las salas de

By Heather Rissi

Humanitarian groups are workingalongside officials from BuenosAires National Wildlife Refuge toprevent deaths of migrants cross-ing the border while keeping theenvironmental integrity of therefuge intact.

Volunteers from No MoreDeaths and Samaritans andHumane Borders have been ticket-ed for littering after leaving waterjugs in the refuge for migrantstraveling trails near the U.S.-

Mexico border. In July 2009, Interior Secretary

Ken Salazar asked the two oppos-ing sides to work together toresolve the issue, said SarahLaunius, a No More Deathsspokesperson.

Launius said No More Deathsrecognizes the importance of thetwo sides working cooperatively.

“We are accountable as stew-ards of the land, and we are willingand desire to work alongside them(refuge managers) to maintain ourSonoran Desert,” she said.

What resulted was a proposalfor up to eight new water stationsthroughout the refuge, in additionto the three pre-existing stationsmaintained by Humane Borders.

In April, officials began askingfor public input about the proposal.Refuge manager Michael Hawkessaid there have been a lot of publiccomments, not only from bothends of the political spectrum, butalso over a wide geographic area.He said people have called all theway from Wisconsin, Florida andOregon.

Officials will review the publicinput and hope to make a decisionby the middle of May, Hawkes said.

While there is little researchabout the effectiveness of waterstations, Launius said that there isanecdotal evidence that the wateravailable in highly migrated areasis saving lives.

“We provide food, water andmedical care to very desperatemen, women and children who aremoving through the borderregion,” she said. “The gift ofwater is a life-saving gift.”

Water Stations Proposed for Buenos Aires

By Heather Rissi

The warning bell rings at TucsonHigh, and students hurry to class.Juniors Brian Hill, Jacob Gomezand Roman Figueroa rush up thestairs and across the hall to CurtisAcosta’s Chicano perspective liter-ature class. They are studying“Zoot Suit” by Luis Valdez.

Acosta’s classes are among 27others in five local high schools thatteach literature, history or govern-ment from an ethnic-based perspec-tive. The classes are part of TucsonUnified School District’s ethnicstudies program, which has stirredup conversation and controversy.

Most recently, the programspurred a bill to prohibit suchclasses, because opponents say itdivides students by race and pro-

motes “anti-American” senti-ments.

But many students, teachersand administrators who know theprogram refute these claims.

“We’re not planning any revo-lutions,” Figueroa says. “We’re notbeing anti-American. So far, allI’ve seen is patriotism in the class;our love for the U.S.”

Figueroa believes students havea right to learn about their cultureand history. To be blocked from itis bias, he says.

Figueroa, Gomez and Hill saythey are upset by the misconcep-tions about the program. The class-es aren’t designed for just one race,Gomez says, adding that the class-es consist of students of all ethnic-ities and races.

“We need to learn all American

culture if we want to call ourselvesAmerican,” Hill says.

The students agree that theylearn important skills and achievegreater knowledge of the worldthrough the program.

“The class teaches us aboutsome of the injustices in society,”Figueroa says. “This class givesus a taste of life. It gives us a tasteof reality.”

A Character Analysis

Acosta’s class begins with a “unityclap,” where students clap in uni-son while gradually increasing thespeed and tempo to represent classsolidarity. Students then dive intoIn Lak’ech’, reciting the tradition-

Controversy Continues Over Ethnic Studies Program

photo by heather rissi

“If you have too much time to be pointing

fingers, you’re not helping society,” says

Curtis Acosta, a Chicano literature teacher

at Tucson High.

Foto por NathaN Mitchell

Protestadores expresaron sus opiniones mientras se eschuchaban discursos en la oficina central de Raúl Grijalva, el 24 de abril, el día

después de que se firmó la ley 1070.

‘SB 1070’/vea página 6

‘Ethnic Studies’/see page 6

Mariachi World Record

Barrio Sustainability Project

Grassroots organization helpscommunity by growing a garden.

Tohono O’odhamCommunity Action

Traditional foods promote cul-ture and health of TohonoO’odham community.

onlinearticles

Page / Página 2 May 6 / 6 de mayo 2010el inDePenDiente

El Independiente encourages letters from all its readers, but reserves the

right to edit correspondence for grammar, style, clarity and length.

www.elindenews.comUA Journalism

P.O. Box 210158BTucson, AZ 85721Phone: 621-3618

elindy.ua@gmail.com

AdviserMaggy Zang er

Graphics and Layout AdviserJohn deDios

South Tucson’s Bilingual Newspaper

Managing EditorVictoria Blute

News EditorShelby Hill

Spanish EditorNohemi Ramirez

Design Chief Amy Kissinger

Photo EditorKaite Flynn

Community Events EditorErica Nannini

News Room ManagerAshley Ralston-Alvarez

Copy ChiefJessica Befort

Web ManagerJosh T. Saunders

Distribution ManagerSteve Ivanovics

Copy EditorsAnthony Hasan

Brett Booen

Heather Rissi

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PhotographersOtto Ross

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ReportersNathan Mitchell

TranslatorsAngélica Pozo-DesPortes

Dina Tyrrell

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inDePenDiente

By Ashley Ralston-Alvarez

A lack of funding nearly caused theHouse of Neighborly Service to shutdown in 2008, but now the social-service program is under new direc-tion and a number of new programsare being offered to the community.

Non-profit organizations likeOur Family Services and HumaneBorders also helped resurrect thecommunity center.

“House of Neighborly Service(HNS) is alive and well,” saysFrank Bouchard, president of theHNS board. “We get to re-inventourselves. The sky is the limit.”

The hiring of Aaron Phillips,facilities manager and bookkeeper,was a key addition. Phillips, whostarted working in February, hasalready made a strong impact onHNS and the community it serves.

Founded in 1948 at 243 W. 33rdSt., HNS ran successfully for 60years before a $50,000 budgetshortfall forced it to close for onemonth in September 2008. Butnow the board has taken measuresto manage the budget and preventthis from happening again.

“We have a good, sound footingon the budget,” Bouchard says.“We want to become more proac-tive.”

Phillips agrees that HNS’s planwill yield success.

He said the problems thatforced the organization’s closure in2008 were logistic ones that wereresolved fairly easily.

HNS gets most of its fundingfrom Pima County, private dona-tions and Presbytery de Cristo –the southwestern division of thePresbyterian Church USA.

Volunteers make the programs thatHNS offers free to the community.

Bouchard and Phillips envisionmany other possibilities for thecommunity, which include a com-munity garden, bible study, renew-ing the food distribution program,construction classes and healthy-cooking classes.

Here’s a look at some of theprograms that HNS offers:

Basketball Program • Begins first week of May• Offered three days a week• Includes tutoring and home-

work help for students• The basketball court was re-

surfaced in April and newhoops were donated

Escuelita• Tuesday through Thursday

from 3 to 4:30 p.m.• Provides tutoring and home-

work help for students• Run by Our Family Services• Computer lab provides

access to nine computers• Offers the chance for children

to participate in mural-paint-ing opportunities

Guitar Lessons• Offered to older children and

adults on Mondays and

Wednesdays• Guitars can be provided in

class

ESL (English as a SecondLanguage) Classes

• Offered for adults• Low attendance may cause

this program to be discontin-ued

CPR Classes• Offered one Saturday every

month• Conducted by members of

the Tucson Fire Department• Open to residents and any-

one interested in emergencypreparedness

For more information onactivities or how to getinvolved contact Aaron

Phillips at 623-0100 or byemail at

aphillips@southtucsonhns.org

House of Neighborly Service Thrives

By Victoria Blute

Arizonans will vote whether toprovisionally increase the statesales tax by 1 percent in a specialelection on May 18.

Proposition 100 would amendArticle 9 of the constitution, whichcovers public debt, revenue andtransactions, by adding a provisionfor temporary taxes for a three-year period beginning June 1.

If passed, the proposition willincrease the state sales tax from 5.6to 6.6 percent, a move aimed atalleviating Arizona’s growingbudget problem.

Lawmakers introduced Prop -osition 100 as a resolution toArizona’s budget deficit, now atmore than $3 billion. The sales taxmeasure is part of Gov. Jan

Brewer’s “Revenue Enhancement”plan to assist the state, which isestimated to generate $1 billion a

year. If passed, two-thirds of themoney generated from the proposi-tion will go toward primary andsecondary education, and one-thirdwill be used for health services andpublic safety.

Registered voters can requestan early ballot through the PimaCounty Recorder’s Office untilMay 7, and it must be mailed byMay 13.

Those choosing to vote in pub-lic can do so on May 18 at desig-nated polling locations. Polls openat 6 a.m. and close at 7 p.m.

Voters need to bring identifica-tion to their polling place, whichcan be a valid Arizona driver’slicense, tribal enrollment card,government issued identificationor a utility bill dated within 90days of election day.

to find information on yourpolling place, go to:

http://www.ci.tucson.az.us/polls/poll_form.php

to request an early ballot visit the Pima County Recorder’s

Office at:

115 N. Church Ave.740-4330

Or at the Pima CountyRecorder’s Web site:

http://www.recorder.pima.gov/earlyreq.aspx

Arizona Voters to DecideSales Tax Increase in May

Por Victoria BluteTraducido por Lizette M. Pérez

Los residentes de Arizona votaránsi quieren aumentar provisional-mente el impuesto estatal a las ven-tas un 1 porciento en una eleccióndel 18 de mayo.

La proposición 100 enmendaríaal artículo 9 de la constitución, quecubre la deuda pública, los ingresosy transacciones, por medio de unimpuesto que duraría un periodo detres años comenzado el 1 de junio.

Si es aprobada, la propuestaaumentara el impuesto estatal a lasventas del 5.6 al 6.6 porciento locual es una medida que busca aliviarel problema de presupuesto cadavez mayor que enfrenta Arizona.

Los legisladores presentaron laProposición 100 como una resolu-ción al déficit presupuestario deArizona, que actualmente es másde $3 mil millones. La medida deimpuesto sobre las ventas es partedel plan que busca ayudar al estadollamado “Mejora de Ingresos” dela gobernadora Jan Brewer, dichoplan se estima generará $1 mil mil-lones al año. De ser aprobado, dosterceras partes de los fondos gener-ados de dicha proposición se desti-narán a la educación primaria ysecundaria, y una tercera parte seutilizará para los servicios de saludy seguridad pública.

Los votantes registrados pue densolicitar una boleta previa paravotar en la oficina del Pima CountyRecorder hasta el 7 de mayo, ydeberá ser enviada a más tardar el13 de mayo. Aquellos que optenpor votar en las urnas pueden hac-erlo el 18 de mayo en los lugaresdesignados. Las urnas abren a las 6a.m. y cierran a las 7 p.m.

Es necesario llevar consigo unaidentificación a su sitio de vota ción,que puede ser licencia de conducirválida de Arizona, tarjeta deinscripción tribal, identificación delgobierno o una factura de serviciospúblicos fechada dentro de 90 díasde la jornada electoral.

Para encontrar información sobresu lugar de votación, visite:

http://www.ci.tucson.az.us/polls/poll_form.php

Para solicitar una boleta devotación previa a las votacionesvaya a Pima County Recorder’s

office en115 N. Church Ave.

740-4330

o en el sitio de Internet de PimaCounty Recorder:

http://www.recorder.pima.gov/earlyreq.aspx

Posible aumento delimpuesto de ventas

photo by Kaite FlyNN

From left, Jennifer Flores, a teacher librarian at Los Amigos Elementary School, Angie Cathemer, Elizabeth Leivas and Stacy Lynes sup-

port Proposition 100 at an event to encourage voters to back the proposition.

By Marissa Hopkins

State lawmakers voted April 29 toreverse the elimination of KidsCare,Arizona’s Children’s HealthInsurance Program, which provideslow or no-cost healthcare to childrenfrom families with a yearly incomebelow $22,050 for a family of four.

Both the house and senate votedto direct $9 million to KidsCare,but Governor Jan Brewer still hasto agree, said Matt Jewett, directorof health policy for Children’sAction Alliance.

The threat of losing an estimat-ed $7 billion from federal Medicaidfunding pushed the Arizona StateLegislature to reinstate KidsCare ina special legislative session, saidMonica Coury, assistant director ofgovernmental relations.

The state funds 24 percent ofthe program. The other 76 percent

is federally funded, Jewett said.However, the state did not have thefunds to pay its portion of the pro-gram, Coury said.

When the Legislature originallyvoted to eliminate KidsCare, thefederal healthcare bill had not yetbeen passed, according to Coury.

After the federal bill passed,however, the elimination of Kids -Care and another planned $385 mil-lion cut to the state’s Medicaid pro-gram violated requirements of thefederal healthcare reform legislation.

The reform requires states tocontinue providing health carewith the same levels of fundingthat were present when the legisla-tion was signed.

The cuts would have preventedthe state from receiving Medicaidmoney, Coury said.

KidsCare will still retain theenrollment freeze that was placed

on the program at the beginning ofthe year, Jewett said.

Although waiting lists exist forthose who apply, no new childrenare being accepted into the pro-gram. The freeze is expected to beindefinite, Coury said.

When the freeze first began,there were 47,000 children inKidsCare, Jewett said. Currently,the program supports 36,000 chil-dren.

It is estimated that by July thatnumber will be down to 28,000children, Jewett said.

By June of 2011, if the freeze isnot removed, enrollment could bedown to between 10,000 and14,000 kids.

The Bring Back KidsCare Cam -paign encourages people to writeletters to their legislators and thegovernor in support of the programto get the enrollment freeze

removed.“It’s uncharted area,” said Pen -

elope Jacks, director of the Child -ren’s Action Alliance of SouthernArizona. Arizona was the first andonly state to attempt to eliminatethe program.

Arizona is also the only statewith a current enrollment freeze,Jewett said. Other states have doneit in the past, but they have all beentemporary.

“This is a good first step, butwe believe that it needs to bereopened completely,” Jewett said.“We’re keeping up pressure.”

To help those who need healthinsurance, Children’s ActionAlliance held a phone-a-thon April29 for people to call for informa-tion about other low-cost healthinsurance options for adults andchildren, Jacks said. The eventreached 3,000 people, Jewett said.

Page / Página 3May 6 / 6 de mayo 2010 el inDePenDiente

By Anthony Hasan

Mitza Molina strolled into the KinoCommunity Teen Center at East Ajo Way ona warm April afternoon for a routine check-up. The Desert View High School grad andcurrent University of Arizona student hasreceived primary care at the south side clin-ic since she was 16, even though she has nohealth insurance.

“I feel comfortable coming here withoutmy parents,” says Molina, 19, who likemany teenage girls, was uncomfortable ask-ing her parents for birth control. “Some par-ents would just kill their kids if they foundout they were having sex.”

Molina considers herself lucky to havethe resources of the Teen Center available toher in a state where, according to the Centersfor Disease Control and Prevention’s 2006National Vital Statistics Report, teenagepregnancy rates rank 48th out of 50 statesand every 89 of 1,000 girls between 15 and19 become pregnant.

“It’s a place where teens can come and feelsafe,” she says. “It’s a place where they cantake precautionary steps like birth control.”

The Teen Center opened in 1997 andoffers people 21 and under primary healthcare for everything from sore throats andstomach aches to school sports physicals andimmunizations.

The clinic also offers confidential STDand pregnancy testing and birth control, allon a sliding fee scale.

But Diane Kerriheard, the center’s pro-gram coordinator, says that come June 30,the center may no longer exist.

Pima County is looking into closing the

site as a clinic and housing other services atthe county-owned building.

Hank Atha, deputy county administratorfor community and economic development,says it doesn’t really matter where the centeris held because a lot of the services are edu-cation based and go out into high schoolsand communities.

But for those who work at or use the TeenCenter, it really does matter where the centeris held.

Dr. Richard Wahl, a UA clinical pedi-atrics professor, provides primary care at theTeen Center three half-days a week.

“The center is a lot more than this clinic,”Wahl says. “It is a full-service primary careadolescent site.”

The center offers pre- and post-natalclasses, and everything from breastfeedingclasses to how to properly install a car seat isfree.

Delia Franceware, the centers mobileoutreach coordinator, says nobody is turnedaway from the clinic regardless of their abil-ity to pay.

“If you can make a payment, fine. If not,we are donation based,” she says.

Kerriheard says not all services will be

lost if the center closes. She and her staffwill move to other Pima County Healthfacilities.

Family planning for teens will also beavailable at Pima County Health Departmentsites throughout the city.

Wahl says he believes it will be shut andplans to leave after June 30 anyway. He saysthe Teen Center is “crucial” for the commu-nity since it is a major clinical site for SouthTucson and parts of Vail.

“Many low-income kids do not haveother alternatives, do not have resources,” hesays. “It needs to be community-based care,and if you remove care from the communitythat is most at risk, you will have seriousconsequences.”

A petition is currently making its waythrough south side high schools pleadingwith the county manager and the healthdepartment to keep the center open.Kerriheard and the rest of the staff, however,are preparing for the worst. Until then, thecenter will remain open.

Teen Health Center May Close After 13 YearsFast Facts:

• The Kino Community Teen Center islocated at 2801 E. Ajo Way.

• To sign the petition online visitwww.gopetition.come/save-the-kino-teen-center.

• There is also a Teen Walk-in Clinic atthe Pima County Health Department’sNorth Family Planning Office at 3550 N.First Ave.

photo by Kaite FlyNN

Brenda Garcia, left, volunteers at the Your

Health Hotline phone-a-thon. Penelope

Jacks, right, helps her answer questions

over the phone.

photo by aNdrea papagiaNis

Mitza Molina, 19, makes an appointment at the front desk of the Kino Community Teen Center.

By Natalie Boras

For first-time homebuyers or thosewho have not owned a home in thepast three years, Sunnyside Pointemay be an option.

Lot reservations are now avail-able at Sunnyside Pointe, a hous-ing project on South Park Avenuesouth of East Irvington Roadwhere qualified buyers can get upto $42,000 in down paymentassistance.

La Frontera Arizona and OldPueblo Community Serviceslaunched the project for familieswho need to make the lowestpossible monthly payment andutility bills, said Roni Benge,sales and marketing manager andassociate broker of Pepper VinerManagement Co.

Buyers can choose from 267one or two-story homes with up tofour bedrooms each.

For qualified buyers, these

homes will be comparable to, if notlower than, the cost of renting.

Pepper Viner Homes built thehomes at Sunnyside Pointe to beenergy-efficient, providing home-buyers with energy savings and anextended warranty.

The neighborhood is TucsonElectric Power guaranteed, andeach home meets Energy Star stan-dards.

Also, each home purchased as apreferred lender includes an oven,dishwasher, built-in microwave,refrigerator and a washer anddryer, each with its own extendedwarranty.

Sunnyside Pointe was launchedto provide homebuyers with anenjoyable homebuyer experiencethat is affordable to their needs,Benge said.

The sales office is open 11 a.m.to 6 p.m. daily. For more informa-tion on Sunnyside Pointe call 906-3580.

Cheap Housing Opensin Sunnyside Pointe

Arizona Legislature Votes to Reverse KidsCare Elimination

By Nohemi Ramirez

The city of Tucson has begun aproject to add new features to “A”Mountain in an effort to make itmore people friendly.

The mountain is now mostlyadapted for drivers but not pedes-trians or bikers, said Mac Hudson,aide to T u cson City Council mem -be r Re g ina Ro mero.

The two-phased project is esti-mated to cost more than $200,000,Hudson said.

The first phase is building hikingtrails. The second is an expansion tothe roads by adding bike trails,benches, shade and historical inter-pretation signs, Hudson said.

The Southwest ConservationCorps (SCC), a group that doesvarious conservation projects, ishelping create the trails. The cityalso hired a group of high schoolstudents to work part time withSCC to build the trails.

Tabatha Lowman, crew leaderof the project, said they’re tryingto build one trail for everyone and

erase the other trails over themountain.

“We’re trying to re-vegetate themountain,” Lowman said. She saidthey will close social trails, orthose created by people who maketheir own, because a standard,established hiking trail is lacking.

“People will just come and gostraight up the mountain, and thenyou get this network of zigzag,webbed social trails that are justkilling off the plants,” she said.

The trail makers are a group ofeight high school students fromProject MORE High School andTeenage Parent AlternativeMiddle/High School, plus threecrew leaders from SCC.

The workers are establishingtrails by removing soccer-ball-sized rocks and putting them in thesocial trails so there is only onetrail choice for everyone.

Creating one trail makes visitorssafer because there are smallerinclines, said Jess De La Torre, astudent from Project MORE, abouttheir job at the mountain.

In their fourth week working onthe mountain, Lowman said theyclear between 60 and 200 feet oftrail each day.

A couple weeks remain in thetrail-making project, while the restof the project should be done bythis fall, Hudson said.

Tucson Fixes Up “A” Mountain

photo by Kaite FlyNN

Council aide Mac Hudson works on “A”

Mountain with a crew.

Page / Página 4 May 6 / 6 de mayo 2010el inDePenDiente

By Zach Simon

El Saguarito offers a unique ver-sion of Mexican food that mightsound oxymoronic to someTucsonans: healthy.

Albert and Blanca Vasquezopened the first El Saguarito in1989 at West Orange Grove andNorth Oracle roads. BecauseBlanca was a vegetarian, theycooked all their food in canola oilinstead of animal lard—somethingfew Mexican restaurants weredoing at the time.

“Canola oil was the healthiestoil I could find to cook with,”Albert Vasquez said. “It’s 60 per-cent more expensive than lard, butthat’s only one expense.”

He said canola oil lasts a longtime, which is why the restaurant’sprices are similar to or less than otherMexican restaurants in the area.

El Saguarito also offers a vari-ety of vegetarian dishes, butVasquez said it is not just theirvegetarian items that are preparedwith a special attention to health.

They only use white chickenmeat, which has less fat content thandark meat, and the fat is removedfrom red meat as much as possible.

They are also careful not toovercook their meats, so they don’tsacrifice the flavor, Vasquez said.

Although canola oil is used

instead of lard, it is used minimal-ly, he said.

“We try to minimize the use ofoils in general, because it’s just notthat healthy, and you want to alsotry to maintain good flavors,”Vasquez said.

That is why rice, beans and tor-tillas are cooked in canola oil, butall meats and vegetables aresteamed, he said.

However, ElSaguarito offersmore than hea -lthy Mex icanfood alterna-tives to Uni -versity of Ari -zona studentsand regular Tu -csonans.

Connected tothe restaurant isa lounge withmultiple couch-es, a TV and afoosball table forlaw students toenjoy while mak-ing use of WiFi access to the lawschool’s on-line library. The UA’sCorleone Student Center: LawBookStore is connected to thelounge.

“This place is a bit more relax-ing,” said Aaron Elkins, 28, a busi-ness student who takes classes at

McClelland Hall, just up the streetfrom El Saguarito. “It gets a littlecrazy at the lunch rush,” he said.

The UA bought the building,1035 E. Mabel St., in 2007,Vasquez said.

Vasquez said business has beendifficult since moving to MabelStreet because of the poor economy,which in turn affected the universi-ty’s budget.

When therestaurant firstopened, Vas -quez held ev -ents for the lawschool and fu -nd raisers for theart department,ev ents that en -ded when theuniversity hitbudget cuts.

He also saidthe university is

unwilling tospend money ormake conces-sions to allow El

Sag ua rito to generate money thatisn’t directly tied to the university.

“Ever since the budget cuts,they haven’t been doing any more,which would be fine, but they don’tallow me to bring in any outsideevents. It has to be tied to the uni-versity, but they have no funding.”

El Saguarito Offers Healthy Alternative

photo by taMMara crawFord

Albert Vasquez an owner of El Saguarito, a

healthy Mexican food restaurant.

Por Nohemi RamirezTraducido por Lizette M. Pérez

La ciudad de Tucsón ha iniciadoun proyecto para mejorar la “A”Mountain y así hacerla más accesi-ble para todas las personas.

De acuerdo a Mac Hudson,asistente concejal de ReginaRomero en el ayuntamiento de laciudad de Tucsón, la montaña estáadaptada principalmente para losconductores, mas no para lospeatones o ciclistas.

El proyecto de dos fases se esti-ma cueste más de $200,000, dijoHudson. De igual manera, agregaque la primera fase consistirá enconstruir rutas de senderismo.

La segunda, en una ampliaciónde las carreteras mediante la adi-ción de sendas para bicicletas, ban-cas, lugares con sombra e informa-ción histórica.

El Southwest ConservationCorps (SCC, por sus siglas eninglés), un grupo que hace variosproyectos de conservación, estáayudando a crear los senderos.

La ciudad también contrató a ungrupo de estudiantes de nivelpreparatoria para trabajar mediotiempo con SCC en la construcciónde los senderos.

Tabatha Lowman, jefa delequipo del proyecto, dijo que estántratando de construir un solosendero accesible para todos y bor-rar los otros senderos en la mon-taña.

“Estamos tratando de volver a

vegetar la montaña”, dijo Lowman.Dijo que van a cerrar senderos

sociales, osease los creados porpersonas, ya que no se cuenta conun sendero principal.

“La gente viene y empieza asubir la montaña, y entonces secrean distintas sendas en zigzagque están matando a las plantas”,dijo.

Los constructores de lossenderos son un grupo de ochoestudiantes de preparatoria queforman parte de Project MOREHigh School y Teenage ParentAlternative Middle/High School,así como tres líderes del proyectode SCC.

Los trabajadores están estable-ciendo rutas removiendo rocas deltamaño de una pelota de fútbol yponiéndolas en los senderos cread-os por las personas, creando así unsolo sendero a escoger.

La creación de un solo senderocrea más seguridad para los visi-tantes, ya que las pendientes sonpequeñas, dijo Jess De La Torre,estudiante de Project MORE alreferirse sobre su trabajo en lamontaña.

En su cuarta semana de trabajoen la montaña, Lowman dijo quecada día han despejado entre 60 y200 pies de camino para el nuevosendero.

Sólo quedan un par de semanasen la fase de construcción delsendero, mientras la siguiente fasedeberá estar terminada este otoño,dijo Hudson.

Foto por Kaite FlyNN

El asistente de la consejal, Mac Hudson y DJ Bird, un jefe de equipo que trabajó en el

proyecto, hablan sobre planes para el futuro de “A” Mountain.

By Marissa Hopkins

The Tucson Museum of Art is featuring theexhibit, “Ed Mell: Paintings of the NewWest,” which will last through May 23.

Mell’s paintings are Western landscapesbut with a modernist touch and a newapproach, said Meredith Hayes, museumspokeswoman. He has a more contemporaryaesthetic on Western painting, featuring thelandscape, flora and fauna of the desert.

Mell, a Phoenix native born in 1942, orig-inally pursued automobile design at the ArtCenter College of Design in Los Angeles.However, he found his connection withSouthwest landscapes in 1971 after a summerteaching art on the Hopi reservation.

Mell is influential among Southwestern artcircles because of his unique point-of-viewand is important to the area and culture of theSouthwest, Hayes said.

The nearly 30 pieces in the featured exhibitinclude his most recent paintings and sculpturesand are on display through a curatorial partner-ship with the Museum of Northern Arizona inFlagstaff where the artworks will go next, shesaid.

if you go

Where: Tucson Museum of Art140 N. Main Ave.

When: Open through May 23, 10a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesdays throughSaturdays and noon to 5 p.m. on

Sundays

Cost: $8 general, $6 seniors, $3students, children 12 and under

free. First Sunday of each month isfree for everyone.

Memorial in Honor of South TucsonPolice Officer

By Erica Nannini

photos courtesy oF tucsoN MuseuM oF art

Ed Mell’s “Diamond Bloom” (above) and “High Clouds” (below) were paint-

ed with oil on linen.

Ed Mell Paintings on Display

A memorial for Tucson Police Officer John A.Valenzuela will take place May 15, 10 a.m., inthe John A. Valenzuela Youth Center, 1550 S.Sixth Ave. Every year, South Tucsonans gather

to honor the fallen officer who was shot andkilled May 17, 1993, while serving a searchwarrant. Music and a luncheon will be avail-able.

Por Natalie BorasTraducido por Sathya Honey

Sunnyside Pointe puede ser unaopción para quienes planean com-prar su primera casa o no han sidodueños de una casa en los últimostres años.

Ya se pueden reservar lotes enSunnyside Pointe, un desarrolloresidencial en Park Avenue al surde Irvington Road, donde los com-pradores que cumplen los requisi-tos pueden recibir hasta $42,000 deasistencia en el pago del anticipo.

La Frontera Arizona y OldPueblo Community Services lan-zaron este proyecto para familiasque necesitan hacer los pagos men-suales y de servicios lo más bajosposibles, dijo Roni Benge, gerentede ventas y marketing y corredorasociado de Pepper Viner Man -agement Co.

Los compradores pueden elegirentre 267 casas de uno o dos pisosy hasta cuatro cuartos. Para loscompradores que cumplan los req-

uisitos, el precio de estas casasserá similar, si no es que más bajoque el costo de rentar.

Pepper Viner Homes construyólas casas de Sunnyside Pointe paraque sean eficientes en su uso deenergía, con ahorros de energía yuna garantía extendida para loscompradores. Ese barrio estágarantizado por Tucson ElectricPower y todas las casas cumplenlos estándares de Energy Star.

Además, las casas compradascomo prestamista preferencialincluyen horno, lavaplatos, hornomicroondas integrado, refrigerador,lavadora y secadora, cada uno consu propia garantía extendida.

Sunnyside Pointe fue lanzadopara dar a los compradores unaagradable experiencia de compraasequible y adecuada a sus necesi-dades, dijo Benge.

La oficina de ventas está abier-ta todos los días de 11 a.m. a 6 p.m.Para solicitar más informaciónsobre Sunnyside Pointe llame al906-3580.

Abre oficina de ventasde casas eficientes

La ciudad hace másaccesible ‘A’ Mountain

photo by aMy KissiNger

Steven Holtzman jumps over a cone on his skateboard at Randolph Skate Park.

Page / Página 5May 6 / 6 de mayo 2010 el inDePenDiente

By Amy Kissinger

Susie Huerta sits in the driver’s seat of a Pima CountyHealth Department bus while a man counts out morethan 100 used needles he is finished with.

“Hold them up so I can count them,” Huerta says,but this man knows the drill. His syringes are bundledin tens, and he holds up each bundle so she can countthem before he drops them in the medical waste con-tainer in front of him.

Two plastic bins full of syringes rest on seats in theback of the bus. Miguel Soto counts the correct num-ber of clean needles from these bins, drops them in abrown paper bag and hands them to the man.

“You need anything else?” Soto asks.This is a common scene for Huerta and Soto, who

operate the LifePoint syringe exchange program fromthe Theresa Lee STD/HIV Clinic.

They usually have 30 to 65 people exchangesyringes every Tuesday and Friday, said Soto, the pro-gram coordinator.

Even on slow days they see at least 30 people, hesaid.

The LifePoint syringe exchange has been operatingfor about 12 years and is funded through the PimaCounty Health Department. The needle exchange isoperated out of a Pima County Health Department buswhich stops at two locations every Tuesday and Friday.

The program is the only state-funded needleexchange in Arizona.

Two different syringe sizes are offered at the nee-dle exchange: 1/2 cc and 1 cc. Both sizes come witha 28-gauge needle. What size syringe people preferusually depends on what drug they use, Soto said.

In addition to syringes, the program provides band-ages, cotton, alcohol swabs, tourniquets and drugcookers.

The exchange is one-for-one, which means thenumber of used syringes someone brings for disposalis equal to the number of new syringes they take away.They exchange almost 200,000 needles annually.

In addition to the syringe exchange, employeesfrom COPE Community Services offer outreach serv-ices at each site.

This includes “risk reduction services,” such ascondoms and kits with bleach, alcohol swabs, cotton,gauze and bandages, among other supplies, said BrianArbizo, a COPE employee.

COPE outreach also focuses on harm reduction,offering references to community services forSTD/HIV testing.

One of the primary focuses is HIV testing, saidCeleste Canchola, another COPE employee.

COPE is not there to force treatment on clients, butrather to provide a combination of behavioral healthservices and treatment references.

“We never want to force them to get into treat-

ment,” Arbizo said.This is also the goal of the needle exchange pro-

gram. They try to reduce possible harm a drug addictcan inflict on themselves and others, Soto said. Theemployees of the program aren’t there to judge thepeople who come to them for syringes.

“You can only do so much,” Soto said. “It’s up tothem what they want to do.”

Huerta and Soto, who have been working the needleexchange for three and eight years respectively, saidthey see many regular clients at the needle exchange.Clients range in age from 18 to the late 70s. These peo-ple are mainly meth, heroin or speed addicts, Soto said.

Addiction can be multi-generational and some-times they’ll see parents coming for their children orspouses coming in place of one another, he said.

“It’s sad to see when young kids come,” Huertasaid. “A month or two later you can see how the drughas affected them.”

For the most part, clients are friendly, sometimesstaying to chat or ask for advice and many of them arefamiliar with Soto and Huerta.

“I’m on this bus so much it’s kind of like a secondhome,” Soto said.

Syringe Exchange Focuseson ‘Harm Reduction’ Service

additonal information:Theresa Lee STD/HIV Clinic

Where: 332 S. Freeway RoadClinic Times: Monday, Wednesday, Friday

12 – 4 p.m.Tuesday 8 – 11:30 a.m.Thursday 2 – 6:30 p.m.

Phone number: 791-7676

Times and locations of the LifePoint syringe exchangeare available through the clinic.

By Jeff Feld

Frank Aquilina is not your typicalplumber. When he’s not breedingpythons and mice in the back of hisRite Job Professional Plumbingworkshop, rescuing cats fromeuthanasia at local animal sheltersor rocking out with his band, he’spursuing his one true life-long pas-sion: skateboarding.

Aquilina is straight out of aHarley Davidson advertisement.His groomed goatee and dusty ban-dana compliment a mischievousrock star smile. His torn, chalkedblue jeans express his love for anactive life. His shirt, covered in cathair and drool, shows his love forhis favorite furry friend, a catnamed Lockjaw.

For Aquilina, skateboarding hasbeen a passion since he picked it upas a teen in southern California in the1970s. He became hooked on a sportthat changed the culture and identityof teenagers countrywide, rightbefore it exploded in the 1980s. Buteight months ago, he decided totake his passion to another level.

With only a $4,000 investment,Aquilina opened his own skate-board production company. ThickSkating Co. produces old-schooland new-style decks made fromCanadian hard rock maple.

Aquilina says his wife wasskeptical at first, but after she sawhis motivation for success, she sup-ported it.

But Aquilina isn’t a typicalskateboard manufacturer. To get hisname and product known, hebecame a familiar face at Santa RitaSkate Park and gave out free Thickdecks and gear to local skaters.

This eventually led to the devel-opment of sponsorships for localskaters as young as 10.

“As much as I like to do this outof the kindness of my heart, I hadto get something nice in return,”Aquilina says.

Aquilina offers sponsorships tokids with exceptional talent andwork ethic to ride his decks bothfor fun and in competition.

“Frank is a really cool guy,” saysFrankie Sanchez, a 15-year-old reg-ular at Santa Rita. “The Tucsonskating scene is overwhelmed with

companies trying to sell their prod-uct and push it on us so much, andFrank just does it because he knowshow important it is to all of us.”

Although Sanchez is not spon-sored by Thick, he appreciateswhat Aquilina offers.

“When Frank comes out hereand wants to sponsor you, it makesyou work harder, feel like youaccomplished something, knowingan adult notices what you do,”Sanchez says.

Aquilina’s team of seven ridershas more than just skating to focuson. He requires that his team staysoff drugs and alcohol and keeps upschool grades. Riders loseAquilina’s sponsorship if theydon’t maintain these requirements.

As for competitions, Aquilinavoluntarily pays for and chaper-ones his team at tournaments inPhoenix so the kids can compete.

Accompanied by a parent, hedrives the kids to competions, paysfor gas, and buys the food, so thatall the riders pay is the entry fee,usually no more than $25 per kid,Aquilina says.

So far, the team has competed intwo tournaments where all of hisskaters placed in competition.

Aquilina says he likes the direc-tion the company is headed.

He plans to keep marketing hisgear to local skate shops andskaters around Tucson. Eventually,he wants to build his own indoorpark and a Thick Skating outlet inthe back of his plumbing shop.

“I…want to create a safe placewhere parents know their kids won’tbe doing stupid stuff–maybe exceptfor breaking a leg–where they canhang with their friends and get betterat their sport,” Aquilina says.

Robin, a skater familiar withAquilina’s company, says, “Thiscity has so much potential, with theweather, the market, the popularityof the sport.”

Robin is sponsored by twomainstream skating companies.

“I know what it feels like as akid to be noticed by someone andhave my hobby supported by them.I think it is awesome what Frank isdoing. It really gives the kids herean opportunity to pursue what theylove,” he says.

Skate CompanySponsors Youth

photo by aMy KissiNger

Used syringes are stored in a medical waste container at the

LifePoint syringe exchange.

photo by taMMara crawFord

Members of Los Mextucaz, a Ballet Folklórico group, perform at the 2010 Fiesta de losGuerreros at Pueblo Magnet High School.

Fiesta de los Guerreros

May 6 / 6 de mayo 2010Page / Página 6 el inDePenDiente

photo by heather rissi

Students and alumni from Tucson High’s Mexican-American Studies program host the 2010 Unity Festival at Tucson High.

Students, Administrators Stand Upfor TUSD’s Ethnic Studies Program

al Mayan phrase that mirrors the Golden Rule. “You are my other me,” it says. “If I do harm to

you, I do harm to myself. If I love and respect you, Ilove and respect myself.”

Then it’s on to the lesson of the day. The class begins with vocabulary. Students review

English and Spanish words taken from “Zoot Suit.”Later, Acosta asks students to discuss why the maincharacter in the book uses two different mannerismsto speak to his audience.

“To get rid of stereotypes,” one student answers. “Yes,” Acosta says, “and he’s showing that you

don’t have to assimilate to be part of one or theother—that you can be educated but still relate to yourculture.”

Greatly Improved Statistics

Research conducted by TUSD’s Mexican-AmericanStudies program shows that 97.5 percent of the pro-gram’s students have graduated, compared to thenational average of 44 percent for Mexican-Americanstudents.

Also, 67 percent of the pro-gram’s students enroll in post-sec-ondary education, compared to thenational average of 24 percent.

The research, conductedbetween 2004 and 2008, alsoshows that those students werethree times more likely to pass theAIMS reading section, four timesmore likely to pass the writing sec-tion, and two and a half times morelikely to pass the math section thanstudents not in the program.

Sean Arce, director of theMexican-American Studies program, says shutting theprogram down could have far-reaching implications:dropouts are a threat to the economy and ultimately athreat to democracy.

Pricila Rodriguez, a University of Arizona fresh-man and an alumna of the program, says she believesthere are a lot of misconceptions about the programbecause those who oppose it do not come and see itfor themselves.

She says the classes are founded on love and diver-sity, but also allow for discussion about racism andsexism.

“It’s what’s on the backburner of our minds, but it’snot really discussed in normal classes,” Rodriguez says.

Eren McGinnis and Ari Palos, of Dos VatosProductions, are independent filmmakers in Tucsonwho agree with the program’s importance. They spenta year at Tucson High producing a documentary aboutthe Mexican-American Studies program. Their film,“Precious Knowledge,” should be due out sometimeafter August, McGinnis said.

McGinnis says she was amazed how the classestransformed students and made them more engaged intheir education and the community.

“These are kids every parent dreams of having,”she says.

HB 2281 Causes Confusion, Unease

Rep. Steve Montenegro, R-Litchfied Park, is a pri-mary sponsor of HB 2281, which prohibits classesthat “promote the overthrow of the U.S. governmentor encourage resentment toward a race or class of peo-ple” at any Arizona school district or charter school.

During a Senate reading of the bill on April 7,Montenegro said TUSD’s ethnic studies courses teachstudents that they are victims, creating an “us versusthem” mentality.

Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction TomHorne has been a strong opponent of the ethnic stud-ies program at TUSD for years. During the Senatereading Horne said he has first-hand testimony fromstudents who say they are being taught that they areoppressed, and he said he has seen students becomesresentful of society due to the program.

Neither Horne nor Montenegro however, has visit-ed the classes.

Sen. Linda Lopez, D-Tucson, said omitting criticalknowledge of history and culture would limit stu-dents’ abilities to think critically.

“I think this is a solution without a problem,” shesaid of the bill.

While some in the legislaturebelieve there isn’t enough evi-dence of a problem, others feel thelegislation is vague and faulty.

During a March 23 House read-ing of HB 2281, Rep. DavidSchapira, D-Tempe, said he wor-ries the ambiguous language willresult in a legal challenge. He alsosaid withholding money from anydistrict, as the bill would allow, notonly affects those in the program,but everyone in that district.

Augustine Romero,TUSD’s director of student equity says opponentsdon’t understand that the program is intended to serveall students. He worries that the bill, which has passedthe state legislature and now awaits Governor Bewer’sdecision, will be misinterpreted, and could lead to atype of witch-hunt.

“These people aren’t concerned about the truth,”he said. “It’s extremely scary.”

Teaching On

Acosta says public schools are slow to change, but he isimpressed with the choices of classes at Tucson High.

He believes the classes cater to younger genera-tions who see the world as more than black and white.

“The content reflects the complexity of life,” hesays. “Beautiful, loving, comfortable—that’s not whatyou hear. But that’s what you find.”

In a follow-up lesson with his students, Acosta dis-cusses a scene between two characters in “Zoot Suit.”One character says: “Either I kill him, or he kills me.”

The other character says: “That’s exactly what theywant to see.”

Acosta looks at his students. “So it’s him or me.Just those two choices?” He asks the class. “You arethinking too small if you believe that.”

‘Ethnic Studies’ Continued from page 1

We need to learn all

American culture if we

want to call ourselves

American.

–Brian Hill

Student

“

”

emergencia, reducirá violacionesy acosos sexuales, y reducirá elnúmero de muertes y mutilacionesde nuestros ciudadanos y demás”.

El presidente Barack Obamacriticó el proyecto de ley sólo unashoras después de que fue firmado.“Si seguimos fallando a nivel fed-eral, vamos a continuar viendo elsurgimiento de esfuerzos equivo-cados alrededor del país”, dijo.

Pero Brewer firmó el proyectode ley diciendo que “protege a cadaciudadano de Arizona”, una con-clusión con la que muchos no con-cuerdan.

“No es justo para las personasque quieren salir adelante y traba-jar aquí”, dijo Joel, el cual no diosu nombre completo por causa desu estado legal. “La opción esmudarse a otros estados. Eso, másque nada, afectará Arizona”.

El gobierno de México emitió unaviso a sus ciudadanos el 27 de abrilen contra de viajar en Arizona,diciendo, “Se debe de asumir quecada ciudadano mexicano podría serhostigado e interrogado sin ningúnmotivo a cualquier momento”.

El presidente mexicano FelipeCalderón condenó la ley en un dis-curso al decir que la ley “abre laspuertas a la intolerancia, al odio, ala discriminación y al abuso en elcumplimiento de la ley”.

Y el 29 de abril, El FondoEducacional y la Defensa LegalMéxico-Amer -icano y la Uniónde Lib ertadesCiv iles Amer -icanas, en con-junto con elCentro Naci onalde Inmi graciónanunciaron enPhoenix que es -tán preparandoun desafío legalenfocado en lainterferencia dela 1070 con laobligación delgobierno federalde lidiar con losasuntos de inmi-gración. Se esp -era que otra granvariedad de indi-viduos y org - anizaciones pre-paren des afíoslegales.

En otros estados como Cal -ifornia y Texas, leyes similares a la1070 han sido rechazadas debido ala inconstitucionalidad de los esta-dos al querer apoderarse de lasresponsabilidades de inmigraciónque se suponen ser el ámbito delgobierno federal.

En Arizona, estos oponentes dela 1070 han protestado en Tucsón,Phoenix, y en otras ciudades pordías, antes y después de que se fir-mara la propuesta de ley.

Isabel Garcia, líder de Der -echos Humanos, un grupo de dere-chos civiles en Tucsón, nombró laley la más racista desde las leyesJim Crow.

Ella indica que números tanelevados de inmigrantes cruzan lafrontera como resultado de años deacción legal con la intención dedirigir el tráfico hacia allá.

“Es muy fácil echarle la culpa aBrewer o a Pearce, quienes por su p -uesto, son horribles, pero tenemosque entender que ellos son productode lo que permitimos que se creara”,dijo ella. “No nos opusimos hasta

que obtuvieron la perla más precia-da. Yo le llamo a este proyecto deley, la perla más preciada delmovimiento anti-inmigratorio”.

Dirigido por la administracióndel presidente Bill Clinton, elServicio de Inmigración yNaturalización promulgó dosproyectos que resultaron en ungran incremento inmigratorio a lolargo de Arizona. La OperaciónGatekeeper aseguró la frontera deSan Diego Calif., y la OperaciónHold the Line hizo lo mismo en ElPaso, Texas. Las medidas enérgicasde estos estados empujó el tráficode inmigración lejos de las ciu-dades hacia áreas más remotas a lolargo de la frontera de Arizona.

En el 2001 la OperaciónSafeguard aumentó la presencia dela Patrulla Fronteriza en el área deTucsón y construyó una barda enla frontera de Nogales, lo cualdesplazó a los que cruzan a zonasaún más remotas.

“La suposición fue que habíaáreas de la frontera que erandemasiado inhóspitas que esencial-mente serían auto-patrulladas”, dijoDoris Meissner, antigua comisiona-da del Servicio de Inmigración yNaturalización para este plan, en el2002.

Unas 1,299 muertes a lo largode la frontera Arizona-México hansido documentadas entre el 2004 yel 2009, de acuerdo con la base dedatos del periódico Arizona DailyStar.

El caos oca-sionado por estaacumulación es elresponsable delclima político ac t - ual que rodea lapolítica de inmi-gración de Ar -izona, dijo Garcia.

“Caímos en unhoyo negro”, dijoella después dehablar ante unaplaza llena degente el día des -pués que se firmóel proyecto de ley.

“Resistencia,resistencia y másresistencia” debeser el siguientepaso, dijo ella.

El congresistaRaúl Grijalva, D-Tucson, Distrito7, pidió un boico-

teo nacional contra Arizona. Elboicoteo pedirá que las organiza-ciones se abstengan de celebrar con-venciones en el estado. Él dice quees un esfuerzo para que la ley seconvierta aún más en un punto deatención nacional, con el propósitofinal de una reforma nacional de lasleyes de inmigración.

Entre las voces en contra de laley se encuentra la del antiguomiembro del consejo de Tucsón,Steve Leal. Él siente que la ley esuna denigración de los derechosciviles y apoya el boicoteo.

“Preferiría si la gente hiciera locorrecto por la razón correcta – cómopor ejemplo, si a todos les importaralos derechos civiles de todos”, dijodel boicoteo. “Todos ellos (losrepublicanos) realmente están moti-vados, aparte del odio, por el dinero.Así que si les quitas el dinero puedeque se vayan, ‘Bueno, estamos dis-puestos a cambiar de opinión’”.

Nohemi Ramirez y Jeff Feldcontribuyeron al reportaje deesta historia.

Foto por NathaN Mitchell

Isabel Garcia, líder de Derechos Hum anos,

un grupo basado en Tucsón, habla con los

protestadores sobre la ley 1070 en la ofici-

na central de Raúl Grijalva.

‘SB 1070’ Continúa de página 1

Ciudadanos seoponen a la leyde inmigración

Page / Página 7May 6 / 6 de mayo 2010 el inDePenDiente

By Jessica Befort

Crystal Goldsberry got pregnant at17. At the time, she was livingwith her aunt, who promptlykicked her out.

She spent the next several yearscouch hopping, bouncing betweenher sister, aunt and daughter’sfather’s place. All the while,Goldsberry was determined to finishhigh school, though her pregnancyand living situation made it difficult.

On graduation day, she says,she “waddled” down the aisle toget her diploma, her gown drapedover her nine-month belly.

After graduating, Goldsberryturned down a full scholarship toNorthern Arizona Universityknowing there was no way shecould be both a full-time studentand a mother. A few years later, shejoined Our Family Services’CommonUnity program, whichprovides apartment housing forhomeless young mothers and theirchildren. Goldsberry, now 21, haslived there since, raising herdaughter Scarlette and taking gen-eral education classes at PimaCommunity College.

Goldsberry’s story is not unlikethat of other homeless youth inTucson: the struggle to survive andmake a life with the added pressureof staying in school. And the num-ber of youth with similar stories ison the rise.

During a recent street count, vol-unteers counted 143 youth living onthe street, up from 119 last year,according to Laurie Mazerbo, pro-gram manager for homeless youthservices at Our Family Services.

Districts themselves deal witheven larger numbers. SunnysideUnified School District currentlyhas about 900 homeless students, anumber that is expected to rise toabout 1,100 by the end of theschool year, says Andrea Foster,SUSD’s homeless liaison.

Tucson Unified School Districthas about 1,800 homeless students,according to Barbara Green, the dis-trict’s McKinney-Vento assistant.

For young people living ontheir own, Mazerbo says, home-lessness often stems from domesticviolence, sexual and substanceabuse, pregnancy and coming outto parents.

But the face of homelessnessdiffers for each, she says.

Mazerbo says that most couchhop like Goldsberry, living with

family, friends or whoever canoffer them a few days on the livingroom couch.

Others are the stereotypicalstreet kids or “gutter punks,” shesays, heavily tattooed and pierced,their lives strapped to their backs.

Some are homeless but still liv-ing with parents, forced into fami-ly shelters by job loss and homeforeclosure, says KathyWooldridge of Skrappy’s, a placewhere homeless children can con-nect with local services.

However, most don’t sport whatsome consider the tell-tale signs ofhomelessness: ratty clothes, dirtyhair, plastic shopping bagsweighed down with what few pos-sessions they have.

“You would never see them andthink that they are homeless….Theylook like just normal teenagers,”says Heidi Reynolds-Stenson, withYouth On Their Own, a Tucsonorganization that helps homelessteens finish high school. “They’redoing a pretty good job of hiding it.”

But what each has in common isthe seemingly insurmountable taskof completing school without theluxury of a stable, constant home.

It’s a challenge that not everychild is able to overcome,Reynolds-Stenson says.

“A lot of them aren’t going tobe able to do it, even though that’swhat they want,” she says.“They’re going to have to compro-mise their dreams because of day-to-day survival.”

These children face the difficul-ties of using public buses, commontransportation for homeless people,Mazerbo says. What’s more, home-less children are often embarrassedabout “being found out,” she says.

“If they don’t have clean clothesthey don’t want to go to school,because they don’t want anybodyto know they’re homeless,”Mazerbo says. “They want to belike every other kid in school.”

The problems continue afterschool closes for the day.Homeless youth don’t have a safe,constant place to do homework,which makes it difficult to keep upin classes, Reynolds-Stenson says.

“You’re staying on someone’scouch and that’s also the couchwhere everyone hangs out andwatches movies or watches TV inthe evening,” she says. “Where are

you supposed to do your home-work? You don’t have your ownspace.”

As part of the federalMcKinney-Vento Homeless Assi -stance Act, school districts mustsupport homeless students withsome of these problems.

The law guarantees homelessstudents the right to attend theiroriginal school, regardless ofwhere they currently reside.Districts are also required to pro-vide transportation to studentsattending a district school but liv-ing outside the district.

In addition, all TUSDschools provide free breakfastand lunch to McKinney-Ventostudents, Green says. Tutoringis also available for those per-forming below grade average.

However, individual schoolsoften provide more than this, suchas Mission View ElementarySchool, 2600 S. Eighth Ave.

Of the 336 students at MissionView, 26 are homeless. Theschool offers clothing, freebreakfast and lunch, backpacksand school supplies to thesestudents, says Claudia Leon,

the school’s community represen-tative.

Despite the challenges,Reynolds-Stenson says manyyoung people she works with aredetermined to be successful, bothin school and life.

“Seeing their resiliency andmotivation is really amazing; tosee that despite everything thatthey really want to finish school,”she says.

With intervention and support,homeless youth can be productivepeople in society, she says, a con-clusion Goldsberry seems to exem-plify.

Her daughter turns 3 in June,and December marks two yearsfor her at CommonUnity.Beyond that, Goldsberry saysshe eventually wants to ownher own home, attend a four-year college and make a career ineither microbiology or pharmacy.

She says it’s all about providinga safe and stable home for her “lit-tle seed,” the type of home she her-self wasn’t lucky enough to havegrowing up.

“It’s not about me,” she says.“It’s about the little baby I have.”

By Tammara Crawford

Students across southern Arizonaand Pima County are being offereda chance to learn technical skills tohelp them build a career while stillin high school.

Pima County Joint TechnicalEducation District (JTED) is suc-cessfully training hundreds of stu-dents in a multitude of careerfields.

JTED offers more than 20 pro-grams ranging from culinary artsto aviation technologies. The pro-gram is about to enter its third yearof operation.

Aaron Ball, executive directorof program development, said themost popular programs are cosme-tology and the certified nursingassistant program.

The programs are free for stu-dents with the exception of thecosmetology program for whichstudents purchase tool kits thatthey keep after completing the pro-gram.

“The idea is that this program

will put them into the career path-way,” Ball said.

Ashley Purcell, 19, is one stu-dent who found her calling in thecosmetology program.

“This will help me get to where

I want to be in life,” said Purcell, a2009 graduate of Mountain ViewHigh School who graduated earlyfrom the program. “It was definite-ly worth it.”

Marilyn Kressin, program man-

ager for JTED’s cosmetologydepartment, was hired to get theprogram up and running.

The intensive program has sen-ior-level students who take boththeir regular high school classes,plus cosmetology classes six daysa week.

“Students really do have to bededicated,” Kressin said.

Cosmetology’s first graduatingclass finishes this summer.

“It’s a very lucrative industry,”Kressin said of cosmetology.“Time will tell how many studentsstay with the program, and this willgive us more feedback.”

Students have two methodsavailable to them for taking class-es. Some programs are offered bytheir high schools while othersrequire students to travel to thecentral JTED campus.

“There is a lot of growth in cen-tral campuses,” Ball said. “Wework with every high school in thecounty along with charter schoolsand home school students.”

JTED also partners with Pima

Community College and offersstudents dual enrollment creditsfor some of the classes.

Ball said if students take class-es that lead to certification, such ascosmetology, they may be able toreceive their certifications follow-ing completion of the classes.

Cosmetology students musthave 1,600 hours of experience inorder to get certified.

They can also get their licensesbefore their high school diploma.This allows many students to get ajob in their desired career fieldupon completing high school.

Last November, JTED receivedmore than 1,400 pre-applications.However, not all applicants makeit into the programs. But with thenumber growing, the need formore space is apparent.

A new location is coming thisAugust at East 22nd Street andSouth Camino Seco.

Ball said they are excited aboutthe addition, because the new loca-tion will put JTED within eightmiles of several high schools.

JTED Teaches Valuable Skills for Future Careers

Homeless Youth Struggle for Education

photo courtesy oF piMa couNty Jted

Jessica Gonzales applies makeup to a client as part of the JTED cosmetology department.

photo by Kaite FlyNN

Crystal Goldsberry, who finished high school while homeless and pregnant, found an apartment through Our Family Services’ CommonUnity program.

By Erica NanniniTraducido por Julian Garcia

May 19

Fiesta Quincie

Douglas!

Celebrate with your neighborhoodat the Fiesta Quincie Douglas, aparty that will feature MariachiNueva Melodia performing as partof the library’s Nuestras Raices:Celebrating Mexican-AmericanAuthors, Arts and Culture. Therewill be dancing, puppet shows,piñatas and snacks at the QuincieDouglas Branch Library, 1585 E.36th St. Admission is free, and thecelebration will last from 6 to 8p.m. Call 791-2507 for moredetails.

May 19 – September 6

Tucson TorosCheer on the Toros opening night,May 19, at Hi Corbett Field, 3400E. Camino Campestre, andthroughout the season. July 14marks the 2010 All-Star Gamebetween the Golden BaseballLeague and the Northern Leagueof Professional Baseball. Allhome games begin at 7 p.m. andtickets are $5, with specials onMonday and Tuesday nights. Youcan reach the field at 325-1010.Visit www.tucsontoros.com for acomplete schedule of games.

June 1 – August 13

YMCA Day CampWhether your children want to bea junior lifeguard, a volleyball staror a teen leader-in-training,chances are they will find a desir-able summer day camp at theLohse Family YMCA, 60 W.Alameda St. The typical cost of aweek-long session is $115, withbreakfast, lunch and a snackincluded. The days last from 7a.m. to 6 p.m. YMCA does offerfinancial aid in the form of“camperships” to those who mayneed it. Call 623-5200 or visithttps://enroll.tucsonymca.org/ toregister.

June 7 – June 11

Paws and ClawsThe Tucson Children’s Museum,200 S. Sixth Ave., invites animallovers ages 4 to 6 to beat the sum-mer heat at this indoor KinderCamp. Kids will make animalcrafts and play games like “doggiebingo” throughout the day, whichlasts from 9 a.m. to noon. Thecost is $95 for members and $125for non-members. Register in per-son or by calling 792-9985 ext.114. Visit http://tucsonchildrens-museum.org/ for a complete list ofKinder Camps.

July 10 – October 3

Contemporary ArtDouglas Nielsen, a resident chore-ographer and dance professor atthe University of Arizona, has puttogether a contemporary art col-lection spanning the last 40 yearsto be shown at the TucsonMuseum of Art, 140 N. Main Ave.“Thanks for Being With Us” wel-comes the public to experienceworks by Annie Leibovitz andother popular photographers andartists. The museum is openTuesday through Saturday from 10a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from

noon to 5 p.m. Admission is $8.Call 624-2333 or visit www.tuc-sonmuseumofart.org for moredetails.

July 24

Make Sound Waves Aspiring teen bands have a chanceto rock out at “Make Sound Wavesat Your Library,” an end-of-sum-mer rock concert. The free, all-ages show lasts from 8 to 10 p.m.at the Joel D. Valdez MainLibrary, 101 N. Stone Ave.Interested bands should rehearseand contact Kendra Davey at 594-5345 or Kendra.davey@pima.gov.Those interested in viewing theshow can call the library at 594-5500 for more information.

September 24

Mariachi SolMariachi Sol de Mexico and VikkiCarr celebrate the bicentennial ofthe Mexican Dia de Independenciawith a performance at theUniversity of Arizona’s CentennialHall, 1020 E. University Blvd.Carr has become an internationaltalent over her career, with morethan 60 records and three Grammyawards for her Spanish-languagealbums. The concert begins at 8p.m. Contact the box office at 621-3341 for ticket prices and informa-tion, or visit http://www.ua

presents.org/ for details.

19 de mayo

¡Fiesta Quincie

Douglas!

Festeje con su barrio en la FiestaQuincie Douglas, una fiesta quedestacará a Mariachi NuevaMelodía, quienes se presentaráncomo parte de Nuestras Raíces:Celebrando a los autores, el arte yla cultura méxico-americana.Habrá bailes, espectáculos detíteres, piñatas y comida en la bib-lioteca de Quincie Douglas, ubica-da en el 1585 E. 36th St. La entra-da es gratuita y la celebración sellevará a cabo de las 6-8 p.m. Paramás detalles llame al 791-2507.

19 de mayo – 6 de sep-tiembre

Los Tucson TorosApoye a los Toros en la noche deapertura (19 de mayo) y a lo largode la temporada en Hi CorbettField, ubicado en 3400 E. CaminoCampestre. El 14 de julio señala lafecha para el juego de estrellas2010 entre la Golden BaseballLeague (Liga de oro del beisbol) yla Northern League ofProfessional Baseball (Liga delnorte de beisbol profesional).Todos los partidos en casaempiezan a las 7 p.m. y las

entradas son de $5, con preciosespeciales los lunes y martes. Sepuede comunicar con Hi CorbettField en el 325-1010. Para ver elcalendario completo visitewww.tucsontoros.com.

1 de junio – 13 de agosto

Campamento diurno

del YMCA

Si su hijo o hija le interesa ser sal-vavidas, una estrella del voleibol oun líder juvenil en el futuro, esprobable que encuentre un campa-mento diurno de verano deseableen el Lohse Family YMCA(YMCA de la familia Lohse), ubi-cado en 60 W. Alameda St. El pre-cio de una sesión, que dura unasemana y tiene todas las comidasincluidas, es $115. El horariodiario es de 7 a.m. a 6 p.m.YMCA ofrece ayuda financiera enforma de “camperships” (becaspara miembros del campamento) aaquellos que la necesiten. Parainscribirse llame al 623-5200 ovisite el sitio https://enroll.tuc-sonymca.org.

7 de junio – 11 de junio

Zarpas y garrasEl Tucson Children’s Museum(Museo para niños en Tucsón),ubicado en 200 S. Sixth Ave., invi-ta a admiradores de animales,

niños entre 4 a 6 años, a vencer elcalor del verano en este KinderCamp (campamento de niños) bajocubierta. Los niños harán animalesartesanales y participarán en jue-gos como “doggie bingo” (bingocon perritos) a lo largo del día,que será de las 9 a.m. hasta elmediodía. El precio para miem-bros es de $95 y de $125 paraaquellos que no son miembros.Inscríbase en persona o por telé-fono: 792-9985 ext. 114. Para unalista completa de los campamentosde niños visite el sitio http://tuc-sonchildrensmuseum.org/.

10 de Julio – 3 de octubre

Arte contemporáneo El coreógrafo local y profesor debaile en la Universidad deArizona, Douglas Nielsen, ha for-mado una colección de arte con-temporánea que abarca los últimos40 años que será presentada en elTucson Museum of Art (Museo dearte de Tucsón), en el 140 N. MainAve. “Thanks for Being With Us”(“Gracias por estar con nosotros”)invita al público a que disfrute lasobras de Annie Leibovitz y otrosfotógrafos y artistas populares. Elmuseo está abierto de jueves asábado de 10 a.m. a 5 p.m. y losdomingos de mediodía a 5 p.m. Laentrada cuesta $8. Para másdetalles llame al 624-2333 o visiteel sitio web, www.tucsonmuseu-mofart.org.

24 de julio

Hagan ondas de

sonido

Grupos de música de adolescentescon aspiraciones tienen la oportu-nidad de excitarse en el conciertode fin de verano “Make SoundWaves at Your Library” (“Haganondas de sonido en su biblioteca”).El espectáculo gratuito, para per-sonas de todas edades, se llevará acabo en el Joel D. Valdez MainLibrary, en el 101 N. Stone Ave. Yserá de 8 a 10 p.m. Grupos intere-sados deben ensayar y ponerse encontacto con Kendra Davey en el594-5345 oKendra.davey@pima.gov.Aquellos interesados en ver elespectáculo pueden hablar a labiblioteca al 594-5500 para másinformación.

24 de septiembre

Mariachi SolMariachi Sol de México y VikkiCarr celebran el bicentenario deldía de independencia de Méxicocon una presentación en elCentennial Hall de la Universidadde Arizona en el 1020 E.University Blvd. A lo largo de sucarrera, Carr se ha convertido enun talento internacional, con másde 60 discos y tres Grammy’s porsus álbumes en español. Elconcierto empieza a las 8 p.m.Para informes y costos de entradacontacten la taquilla en el 621-3341 o visiten el sitio web paramás detalles: http://www.uapresents.org/.

Page / Página 8 May 6 / 6 de mayo 2010el inDePenDiente

qué Pasa?

?Upcoming community

events can be submitted toEl Independiente at

elindy.ua@gmail.com. The next issue of El

Independiente will be inSeptember.

8th AnnualFiesta Grande

Street FairThe Fiesta Grande Street Fair celebrat-

ed its eighth year on April 10 on Grande

Avenue.

Left: Albert Tester, a balloon artist from

Tucson, creates a rabbit for a young

girl.

Above: Tester waves to spectators

encouraging them to buy balloons.

This is Tester’s second year at the

event.

To view more photos from the street fair

visit elindenews.com/multimediaphotos

byKaiteFlyNN