February 13, 2009 - School of Journalism
Transcripción
February 13, 2009 - School of Journalism
EL INDEPENDIENTE 1976 ~ 33 Years of Service ~ 2009 www.elindenews.com Free/gratis City Faces Budget Woes, Cuts Pay For City Workers By Kathleen Stevens and Dan Sullivan South Tucson city employees had their salaries cut to control an expected $545,000 budget shortfall. The South Tucson City Council unanimously approved a 2 percent cut for every $10,000 the 108 city employees earn to make up for the shortfall in the city’s general fund. The pay cuts that began Jan. 25 will reduce City Manager Enrique Serna’s salary around 23 percent, and Finance Director Ruben Villa’s salary will fall 17 percent. The city’s $545,000 budget deficit is because of a drop in salestax collections revenue and a decrease in revenue from the state, Serna said. Cities throughout the country are reeling from a decline in revenue, and cuts and lay-offs have become commonplace. Salaries take up most of South Tucson’s nearly $5.3 million general fund so there wasn’t much else the city could cut, Serna said. The saving between Serna and Villa alone totals $170,000. “The good news, of course, is that we didn’t have to entertain any lay-offs,” Serna said. It was city employees who suggested the progressive pay cuts, he said. Even with these measures, the city will still fall short, roughly $100,000. The city projects losing an additional $134,000 in sales tax, or 6.3 percent, during the rest of the fiscal year, which ends June 30. The city council continually audits itself in order to find more cost cutting measures and will review the situation on a monthly basis, said Serna. “All communities are suffering from the downturn in the economy this year,” Serna said. “It really takes a strategy on a monthly basis to come in on budget.” The city is adopting other plans to tackle the budget crisis, including reducing the number of cell phones contracted to the city, freezing travel expenses, and leaving a number of already vacant positions open, or filling them with part-time staff. In the police department, administrative staff began paying for their own gas because of budget shortfalls. The fire department has left open three jobs and the police have decided to leave two positions vacant. However, Serna points out that the city’s ratio of police to population is still above national averages. The city also is considering a change in its garbage collection fees to make up for part of the outstanding $100,000 shortfall, Serna said. In addition, the city will start auditing businesses that are underreporting or not reporting sales tax. City employees have begun to deal with the cuts to their budgets and their pay. “I would rather see my pay cut than see people losing their jobs,” said city clerk Dolores Robles. February 13 / 13 de febrero 2009 Dogs Teach Love of Reading By Alex Dalenberg Story time has gone to the dogs. And that’s a good thing. At select Pima County public libraries, kids can bone up on their reading skills by practicing with a pooch through the “Read to a Dog” program. “It’s kids reading to dogs. They sit in the chair and read to a dog. There’s not much else to it,” said Crystal Saling who brings her dog Penny to hear stories every Friday at Woods Memorial Branch Library, 3455 N. First Ave. If you’re a little fuzzy on why kids should read to a canine – don’t worry – there’s a method to the madness. The Pima County Public Library describes the program as a chance to give kids a “stress-free” reading environment. Dogs make good book buddies because they don’t judge and they will never stop a child to point out a mistake – only beg for a treat or a pat on the head. The idea is that reading to a dog builds confidence and confident readers practice more. “The handler is supposed to be as inert as possible. I won’t butt-in unless a kid asks for help, but even then I’ll usually tell them that INSIDE Tucson-based indie-folk artist shows originality Leila Lopez, a Tucson original. ...see page 5 Girl Scout y Bookmans PHOTO BY ALEX DALENBERG Shawnee Smith, 8, reads to Roxie, a trained therapy dog, and her trainer, Susan Finkenberg, at Woods Memorial Library, one of several Pima County Public libraries participating in the “Read to a Dog” program. Penny doesn’t care how they read the story,” Saling said. “It’s actually the perfect job for a dog trainer. We ignore the wrong and reinforce the right.” Penny is a 3-year-old brown and white beagle-pit bull mix. She flops down on her mat at the Juntos para promover la literatura a niñas. library and patiently waits for kids to pet her belly and read her a story. Several librarians and a security guard take a break from work to dote over Penny who is wearing a lavender vest that says, “please pet me.” ‘Dogs’/see page 6 ...see page 7 El Oficial Garcia Se Declara Culpable Por Dan Sullivan Traducido por Liliana Gracia El Sur de Tucsón puso fin a un desagradable asunto, el 26 de enero, cuando el antiguo teniente de policía Richard Robles Garcia se declaró culpable por haber malversado más de $560.000 del departamento de policía y de la ciudad. Garcia, 47, quien era el segundo oficial al mando de más graduación del departamento, dirigía el programa de confiscación de bienes del Departamento de Policía del Sur de Tucsón (STPD). Era el único guardián del cuarto donde se almacenan las pruebas, y los documentos judiciales muestran que malversó el dinero entre febrero de 2004 y mayo de 2008. Garcia también se declaró culpable de haber presentado declaraciones de impuestos federales falsas entre el 2004 y el 2007. “El hecho de que no se había resuelto el asunto (hasta hoy) nos tenía en el limbo”, dijo Enrique Serna, el administrador del sur de Tucsón. “La ciudad y el Departamento de Policía podrán descansar un poco ahora debido a la declaración”. Serna dijo que las acciones de Garcia perjudicaron a todos los miembros del Departamento de Policía del Sur de Tucsón. Garcia trabajó para el STPD durante 13 años pero lo despidieron en junio después que el FBI y el Servicio de Recaudación de Impuestos (IRS) realizaron una investigación en mayo. La investigación reveló que Garcia recibía cheques del STPD por vehículos incautados y por bienes confiscados, luego los depositaba en su propia cuenta de cheques o sacaba dinero de la cuenta del departamento. Según los documentos judiciales, Garcia también cambiaba cheques del Departamento de Seguridad Interna, del Estado de Arizona y de la Secretaría del Tribunal Superior del Condado de Pima,y robó dinero, joyas y armas de la sala del departamento donde se almacenan las pruebas. Como parte del acuerdo por su admisión de culpabilidad, Garcia se mostró de acuerdo en pagar la restitución al Sur de Tucsón y al Fondo Antifraude del Condado de Pima. Sin embargo, Serna dijo que está escéptico. “La verdad es que no se pagará la restitución”. Según documentos judiciales, Garcia dijo que robó debido a su adicción por los juegos de azar, pero dijo que intentó pagarle a la ciudad con sus ganancias del juego. Garcia se enfrenta a una pena de 33 a 41 meses en prisión. Se fijó la sentencia para el 6 de abril. Local Driver Helps ‘Extreme’ Family By Colleen Keefe PHOTO BY COLLEEN KEEFE Alderete family and employee Luis Murrieta in front of new Bell home. Roberto Alderete is a quiet man. He is a giving man. For the most part, the recipients of his kind gestures catch only brief moments of his presence before he slips into obscurity. Roberto and his wife Kelly have owned and operated Xtreme Limousine, 6627 S. Tucson Blvd., for the past five years. Roberto, a graduate of Cholla High School, has been in the business for 22 years. The couple’s family has been touched by cancer and heart diseased which has left them both empathetic and philanthropic. They have donated their services frequently to families in need, often for funerals. So to those who know Roberto, it will come as no surprise that he recently gave his services to the Bell family whose home was renovated by the reality TV show “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.” The Bell’s 14-year-old daughter, Lizzie, suffers from a rare blood disorder that requires her to receive transfusions every few weeks. Mounting medical bills coupled with a home in dire need of repair and Lizzie’s own dedication to community service prompted a visit from ABC’s show hosted by Ty Pennington. “It’s a great thing when people can come together and help – to give back to the community,” Roberto says. Just after the first of the year, Roberto provided services to the families of the young cousins brutally beaten with a baseball bat in Phoenix. He also offered his services for the funeral procession of Officer Erik Hite who was killed in the line of duty in June 2008. He was recommended for the Extreme Makeover job by employees at On a Roll, a sushi bar on Congress Street. The producers were talking about needing a limo and employees knew Roberto ‘Extreme’/see page 6 EL INDEPENDIENTE Page / Página 2 February 13 / 13 de febrero 2009 Tucson Councilman to Retire at End of ‘09 By Mike Luke and stuff like that wasn’t available 15 years ago.” Leal also serves as a subcomAfter serving Tucson’s south side and downtown communities for mittee member of the Rio Nuevo more than 20 years, Ward 5 coun- Project, which aims to revitalize cilman Steve Leal will not seek re- historic downtown Tucson. He has received election after numerous awards for his term expires his work including in December the League of United 2009. I need some time to Latin American Since being Citizens lifetime elected to the apply attention to achievement award in Tucson City family that I otherwise 2006 and from Council in humanitarian groups 1989, Leal has wouldn’t be able to such as the Human been the drivdo if I was still on city Rights Fund. ing force Leal is a member behind the council. of the State Board of building of four –Steve Leal Directors and the neighborhood Ward 5 Councilman Veterans of Foreign recreation cenWars and is a goverters, as well as nor-appointed mema medical center, library and adult education ber of the Arizona-Mexico facilities, to serve Ward 5 resi- Commission. Former Arizona Gov. Janet dents. “This area is a lot different than Napolitano and current Gov. Jan it was in previous years,” said Brewer are among some of Leal’s Manny Grijalva, a longtime resi- supporters who have helped him in previous bids for re-election. dent of Ward 5. Leal said one of his proudest Grijalva credits the presence of the community centers such as El achievements was decreasing the Pueblo Neighborhood Center number of liquor licenses granted which includes a senior center, a to Ward 5 businesses. “For a while they were springclinic, after school childcare, basketball leagues, a social lounge and ing up everywhere. There was no other youth programs, for helping scrutiny placed on them,” he said. “The area was worse off because it to improve the community. “There are a lot more places for created a culture of disinvestment.” His dedication to Tucson would young adults to go and spend their time constructively,” Grijalva said. appear to be that of a native, but “A lot of things we take for granted Leal is a California transplant. He like basketball leagues at El Pueblo grew up in California and graduat- “ ” EL INDEPENDIENTE South Tucson’s Bilingual Newspaper El Independiente encourages letters from all its readers, but reserves the right to edit correspondence for grammar, style, clarity and length. www.elindenews.com UA Journalism P.O. Box 210158B Tucson, AZ 85721 Phone: 621-3618 [email protected] Advisor Maggy Zanger John deDios Managing Editor Distribution Manager Kelly Grove Ryan Timothy Greer News Editor Staff Dan Sullivan Taylor Avey Nyssa Baca Alex Dalenberg Mike Luke Jessie Marinucci Melisa Terán Lindsey Turner Max Voege Design Chief Sara Santana Photo Editor Jessica Jaco Community Events Editor Ali Vieth News Room Manager Kathleen Stevens MIKE LUKE ed from the University of California-Santa Cruz before moving to Tucson in 1977 where he enrolled in the political science graduate program at the University of Arizona. But after two decades of service to Tucson, Leal thinks it’s time for a change. “I need some time to apply attention to family that I otherwise wouldn’t be able to do if I was still on city council,” Leal said. Leal supports Richard Fimbres, as his replacement on the council. Although Leal is retiring at the end of the year, he will continue working for the community. “I plan on continuing to work on issues such as sustainability, civil rights and arts, culture and history,” Leal said. “I just won’t walk away from the issues I care about.” Se Instalarán Cruces Peatonales de Alta Intensidad Por Taylor Avey Traducido por Nabil Hourieh Dos de las intersecciones en una de las calles más tránsitadas del sur de Tucsón serán mejoradas pronto . En el cruce de las calles 31 y 34 en Sixth Avenue, se instalarán cruces peatonales activados de alta intensidad, o HAWKs (por sus siglas en inglés). Los HAWKs, también conocidos como cruces peatonales con señalización intermitente, tratan de reducir la velocidad del tráfico y el riesgo de accidentes peatonales. “Hay una gran cantidad de movimiento peatonal en esa área”, dice James DeGrood, director de los servicios de transporte de la Asociación de Gobiernos de Pima. La Autoridad Regional de Transporte, RTA (por sus siglas en inglés), proveerá fondos para el proyecto. “Estará en construcción y en funcionamineto durante la primavera y el verano”, dijo DeGrood. “La construcción es bastante rápida pero el trabajo con la TEP [Compañía de energía eléctrica de Tucsón] tardará cierto tiempo para que funcione.” DeGrood, quien trabaja para el RTA, dice que se realizó un estudio de seguridad vial en las intersecciones. Para hacer este estudio invitaron a un equipo de ingenieros de seguridad para averiguar si las intersecciones eran áreas con mayor problema. Hay una gran cantidad de tráfico peatonal en la intersección de Sixth Avenue y la Calle 31. Los estudiantes de la escuela Mission View lo utilizan frecuentemente. By Max Voege Graphics and Layout Adviser Lourdes Villarreal BY TOP: Tucson City Councilman Steve Leal speaks at the Pima County Democratic Party on Election Night at the University Park Marriott Hotel at the University of Arizona campus. Leal announced that he is not running for re-election once his term expires in December. RIGHT: Leal serves on the Tucson City Council as the Ward V representative. Santa Rita Skate Park Nears Completion Student Advisor Colleen Keefe Spanish Editor TOP PHOTO BY NICK STURIALE, RIGHT PHOTO Translators Liliana Gracia Nabil Hourieh Diana Núñez Translation and Interpretation Department of Spanish and Portuguese and Mexican American Studies Copy Chief Veronica Cruz Upcoming community events can be submitted to El Independiente at [email protected]. Events for the March 5 issue must be received by Thursday, February 19. Despite nearly a decade of neighborhood division and controversy, Santa Rita Park is preparing to open a new skate park that will be free to the public. Santa Rita Skate Park, 400 E. 22nd St., will be a completely public park compared to other Tucson skate parks that require membership fees much like the Ott Family YMCA, which can cost up to $10 for a non-member adult. The Randolph Center and Purple Heart Skate Parks are also public and operated by the city of Tucson. Although getting the project underway was a struggle, construction has been on target with the proposed plans. Neighbors slowed the process by opposing the park’s construction because of safety concerns for the children from supposed drug use in the park. Others supported it because it will give kids somewhere to exercise and have an after-school activity to keep them out of trouble. With construction underway, neighbors will have to wait and see how the community and kids will be affected. “Everything has been going PHOTO BY MAX VOEGE Henry Inzunza, site contractor and superintendent, left, instructs emlpoyee Freddy Meza as they put the finishing touches on Santa Rita Skate Park. according to plan since construction started in October,” said Henry Inzunza, the park’s contractor and superintendent for Environmental Strategies Inc. There is no official completion or grand opening date set. The style of the Santa Rita Skate Park is different from others around town in that parks such as Celestial and Randolph Center are more street-style. These parks consist of ramps strategically set up across a flat expanse of pavement. This set up allows skaters to string a variety of tricks together. Santa Rita Skate Park strictly has “bowls” which resemble empty swimming pools with pipe lining the rim for grinding tricks on. This affords skateboarders another option rather than going from one street-style park to another. EL INDEPENDIENTE February 13 / 13 de febrero 2009 Page / Página 3 Girl Scouts y Bookmans se alían para promover la literatura Escrito por Nyssa Baca Traducido por Nabil Hourieh El Consejo de las Girl Scout Sahuaro ha abierto una nueva estancia para que las niñas pasen el tiempo allí, conozcan a personas nuevas, lean libros, reciban ayuda con la tarea y usen computadoras. La estancia Bookmans Low para niñas de 5 a 17 años de edad se inauguró a fin de enero y debe su nombre al patrocinador, Bookmans Entertainment Exchange, y la fundadora de Girl Scouts of America, Juliette Gordon Low. Bookmans donó $3.000 en efectivo a la estancia, lo cual cubrió los gastos para los muebles y la tela para remodelar los asientos. Bookmans también contribuyo con $2.000 en donaciones para bienes y servicios, incluyendo más de 2,000 libros. Durante la gran inauguración el día 31 de enero, las niñas exploraban los estantes de libros mientras sus familiares sentados en la estancia disfrutaban de frutos secos, pasteles, salsa de alcachofa y otros bocadillos. Rebecca Reiter, de 12 años, se acurrucó en un sillón para leer How to Ditch Your Fairy mientras los visitantes conversaban a su alrededor. “Me encanta leer”, dijo Reiter, y planea scarle provecho a la estancia Esto es exactamente lo que quiere escuchar un donante. “Nos apasiona promover la lit- IF YOU GO 4300 E. Broadway Abierto a todas las niñas (No es necesario que sean girl scout) Edades: 5 – 17 Las menores de 13 años necesitan ir acompañadas de un adulto Gratis Horario: 8:30 a.m. hasta las 5:30 p.m. Lunes a jueves 8:30 a.m. hasta las 3 p.m. los viernes PHOTO BY NYSSA BACA David Perkins, 5, y su hermana, Hannah, 2, a la gran abiertode la nuevo Bookmans Low Lounge en Enero. Sus hermana mayor, Grace, 8, es una Girl Scout Brownie. eratura en la comunidad”, dijo Tamara Jones, directora de relaciones comunitarias de Bookmans. “Esta ha sido una gran oportunidad para darles a las niñas un lugar seguro y acogedor que las anime a leer.” A Katie Gorenflo, Consejo de las Girl Scout de Sahuaro, y Kristen Culliney, directora de desarrollo comunitario del Consejo de las Girl Scout de Sahuaro, se les ocurrió la idea de crear esta estancia mientras trataban de renovar el club de lectores, dijo Culliney. Presentaron su idea a Bookmans en septiembre del año anterior. Sin embargo, dejan claro que la estancia no es sólo para las Girl Scouts. “Es para todas las niñas de la comunidad”, dijo Gorenflo. Es necesario que las niñas ¡Que vengan las becas! Recursos Ofrecen Oportunidades a Estudiantes para el Futuro By Melisa V. Teran Traducido por Liliana Gracia Los estudiantes del cuarto año de la preparatoria preparandose para la universidad deberían de estar conscientes que la educación tiene su precio. Sin embargo, pagar la matrícula no es tan difícil como algunos se imaginan. Esta temporada los estudiantes deben aprovechar las posibilidades de obtener becas que les ayuden a pagar la matrícula. Hay muchas becas disponibles, que normalmente se pueden solicitar gratis y, a diferencia de los préstamos, no se tienen que pagar. Para aprender más sobre las becas los estudiantes deben de consultar a sus consejeros de preparatoria. Ellos están preparados para ayudar a estudiantes con sus currículum, ensayos para becas, y cualquier otra duda que el estudiante tenga al llenar las solicitudes. “Realmente nos esforzamos por animar a los muchachos y muchachas para que completen las solicitudes”, dijo Teresa Toro, consejera académica de Pueblo Magnet High School. “A los estudiantes de ultimo año los educamos para que soliciten”. El internet es otra fuente de información sobre becas. “En cualquier lugar que busque, nueve de cada diez lugares tiene un enlace a información sobre una beca”, dijo Holly Colonna, coordinadora del Departamento de Consejería para el Distrito Escolar Unificado de Tucsón. “Ahora es más fácil que antes”. menores de 13 años vayan acompañadas por adultos, pero las niñas con mayor edad pueden usar el local después de la escuela y a lo largo del verano. La estancia esta designada también como un “lugar seguro”. Por medio del programa National Safe Place (Programa nacional de lugares seguros), jovenes menore de 18 años pueden recibir cualquier clase de asistencia de Cerrado los fines de semana. Registrado como Lugar seguro parte de los empleados y voluntarios. La nueva estancia de lectura funcionará como un refugio seguro y un entorno positivo de aprendizaje y entretenimiento para las niñas de Tucson. Two Busy City Intersections on Sixth Avenue Get Flashers Para más información Los estudiantes pueden visitar: The Arizona Scholarship Foundation http://www.azcsf.org/ The Tucson Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce http://www.tucsonchamber.org/ Arizona State University Financial Aid Office http://students.asu.edu/financial-aid/ UA Financial Aid Office https://financialaid.arizona.edu http://arizonaalumni.com/uaha/ (si desean información sobre las becas para estudiantes chicanos) PHOTO Existe una gran variedad de becas disponibles para cada tipo de estudiante y no sólo para los que tienen un promedio sobresaliente, según Denise Kingman, responsable de la asesoría en Cholla Magnet High School. Hay becas específicamente diseñadas para personas con aptitudes extracurriculares en servicios a la comunidad, y para intereses especiales. “Por lo general buscan a estudiantes polifacéticos”, dijo Kingman. Sitios en la red tales como http//www.fastweb.com proveen solicitudes que satisfacen cualidades especiales basadas en infomación introducida previamente. Los sitios Web pueden proveen becas a los estudiantes adaptadas a la escuela que deseen. En la Universidad de Arizona, por ejemplo, el Club de Antiguos Alumnos Hispanos ofrece becas a los estudiantes chicanos que se preparan para matricularse. BY TAYLOR AVEY Kids are accompanied by an adult while crossing the street at South Sixth Avenue and West 34th Street. The busy intersection will soon receive a High Intensity Activated Crosswalk (HAWK) flasher. ‘HAWK’ devices will make street crossings safer By Taylor Avey PHOTO BY JESSICA JACO Se surgiere a los estudiantes de la escuela secondaria que hagan sus aplicaciones para vecas para las universidades al principios del semestre primaveral. Two troublesome intersections along one of South Tucson’s busiest streets will soon be upgraded with pedestrian crosswalks. High Intensity Activated Crosswalks, or HAWKs, will soon be installed where 31st Street and 34th Street intersect with Sixth Avenue. “There is a tremendous amount of pedestrian movement in that area,” said James DeGrood, director of transportation services for Pima Association of Governments. The Regional Transportation Authority, or RTA, will provide funding for the project. “It will be under construction this spring and operational by the summer,” DeGrood said. “It’s fairly quick construction work but it takes some time to work with TEP [Tucson Electric Power Company] and get things up.” DeGrood, who works for the RTA, said a road safety audit was conducted at the intersections. For this audit a team of safety engineers was brought in to assess whether the intersections were problem areas. HAWKs, also known as pedestrian flasher crosswalks, aim to slow down traffic and reduce the risk for pedestrian-related accidents. The intersection at Sixth Avenue and 31st Street routinely sees large amounts of pedestrian traffic and serves students going to Mission View Elementary School. EL INDEPENDIENTE Page / Página 4 February 13 / 13 de febrero 2009 South Tucson Studio Keeps Kids Dancing By Veronica Cruz It all started with a simple dance step and a $5 bet. At a Memorial Day barbecue a couple of years ago, Joseph Rodgers, a professional ballet dancer and instructor, offered a friend’s son a few dollars if he could master an easy step he’s taught scores of children. Other kids began to pour out of the house, eager to learn the move and soon Rodgers was teaching tendus and pliés, classic ballet steps, to a group of 40 kids gathered in the middle of a south side neighborhood street. It was then that Rodgers realized “these kids are hungry for this.” Rodgers, 46, and wife Soleste Lupu, 44, have been feeding those hungry souls and enriching the lives of south side youth since they opened the doors to their nonprofit dance studio, Dancing in the Streets Arizona, 2302 S. Fourth Ave., in August 2008. The couple is committed to providing a creative outlet in a community where performing arts programs are almost non-existent. “I’m just trying to reclaim this side of town,” Rodgers said. “I think it’s been in the dark too long.” Having grown up in the South Park neighborhood, Rodgers is all too familiar with the pressures that youth face, adding that little has improved since he has been away for more than two decades. “It’s the same crack, same prostitution, same poverty,” he said. Rodgers began studying ballet at age 7 at the Tucson Academy of Dance with Maria Morton, who offered him a full scholarship after meeting him through an outreach program at St. Ambrose School. Tucson Academy of Dance also brought Rodgers and Lupu together for the first time, where they both studied with Morton and began dating as teenagers, eventually breaking up and re-connecting 12 years ago. Ballet helped Rodgers stay out of the trouble his friends fell into and opened up a world of possibilities a child from his side of town never thought possible. Still, he heard the same discouraging words over and over, “a black man from the south side would never make it; you’ll never leave Tucson,” he recalled. Rodgers proved himself when he earned a scholarship to the San Francisco Ballet School while attending Catalina Magnet High School. Although he ultimately got kicked out of the program, he continued practicing ballet and has since performed with companies across the country, including Ballet Arizona, Ballet Chicago, Arizona Dance Theater, Feld Ballet New York and the Milwaukee Ballet. Despite a successful career, the pressures of the “hood” came back to haunt him. Rodgers experimented with drugs and served a six-month prison sentence for forging checks in the 1980s. While in prison, Rodgers subscribed to dance magazines, continued to practice his technique and listened to classical music in his cell. “Every time I got in trouble, I always had ballet to fall back on,” he said. Rodgers and Lupu hope that ballet can help kids in similar circumstances become exposed to something positive, and are working toward eliminating stereotypes involving gender, race, body issues and economic status associated with ballet by making it accessible to everyone. “We’re getting people to think outside the box of their own limitations,” Lupu said. Erasing those limitations involves boosting kids’ confidence and self-esteem, said Lupu, who along with Rodgers encourage the students to leave their inhibitions and fears outside the ballet studio. They always tell their students “I can’t, doesn’t exist.” Lupu says she has seen students struggle with steps and continuously encourages them to keep trying, until they eventually master them. She believes that building confidence will help her students in all aspects of their lives. “Once they learn a pas de chat, suddenly math class isn’t quite so scary,” Lupu said. “If you feel that you can accomplish anything and that you have value, then really anything you decide to do will be achievable.” In lieu of gifts at their March wedding, the couple asked for donations for their dance studio. With this help, Dancing in the Streets Arizona has grown to include nearly 60 students from diverse backgrounds and all parts of Tucson, from 3-year-olds to adults. Rodgers and Lupu offer classes at a low cost, $59 for eight classes, held once a week, and give full PHOTOS BY NYSSA BACA TOP: Joseph Rodgers teaches ballet to his students (front to back) Veronica Valenzuela, 11, Jane Bendickson, 9, Rebecca Gjertsen, 10, Teagan Anderson, 9, Lizbeth Oquita, 9, and Vanessa Cardenas, 9. BOTTOM LEFT: Soleste Lupu helps her student Jane Bendickson, 9, during ballet class. BOTTOM RIGHT: Joseph Rodgers teaches ballet to student Teagan Anderson, 9, at the Mo Sun Art and Wellness Center in South Tucson. scholarships to students who can’t afford to pay for classes. Through a generous donation of ballet shoes and leotards from Danswest Dance Productions, another Tucson dance school, Lupu is also able to provide these supplies to families who are unable to purchase them. For one of the families, a pair of donated ballet slippers and a leotard were the first new items their daughter had ever owned in her life, Lupu said. Often Rodgers will pick up children from their homes if they do not have a ride to class and will make house visits if a student unexpectedly misses class. In December, students performed “Baile en el Cascanueces” (The Nutcracker) to a sold-out audience at the Berger Performing Arts Center and are currently working on their June production of “A Midsummer’s Night Dream.” Lizbeth Oquita, 9, danced four different parts in “Baile in el Cascanueces” and couldn’t wait to start practicing for the June recital. “I felt nervous,” she said. “But when I was on stage I didn’t feel nervous anymore, I wanted to FOR MORE INFORMATON Dancing in the Streets Arizona 867-8489 298-7738 www.ditsaz.org keep dancing.” For many of the students this was their first time performing on stage in front of an audience. They continued practicing their routines and listening to the music, even after the performance was over, Rodgers said. “Once you have that stage high, a drug high doesn’t match it,” Rodgers said. New Binational Effort on Border Offers Aid, Education Jesuit groups work together to raise awareness By Lourdes Villarreal A new binational organization will provide services to migrants while educating, researching and advocating on critical border and immigration issues. Launched in January, the Kino Border Initiative (KBI) is a collaborative effort by various Catholic groups in Arizona, California and Mexico and will serve as an umbrella organization for a variety of activities revolving around border concerns. Through existing and new programs, KBI will assist Mexican migrants deported from the United States, host educational efforts on the reality of migration, and create opportunities for research and advocacy. “One of the components of the Kino Border Initiative,” said the Rev. Sean Carroll, executive director of KBI, “is direct service to deportees by providing food, clothing and pastoral support.” The ministry assists people deported from the United States through the Aid Center for Deported Migrants or Centro de Atencion para los Migrantes Deportados (CAMDEP) in Nogales, Sonora. Across the street from CAMDEP, the eight-bed Casa Nazareth Women’s Shelter serves unaccompanied women and children. Another mission of the crossborder initiative is to educate residents in the border area on the “ (The Kino Border Initiative) is something beyond the borders. –Rev. Peter Neeley Director, KBI Education Project ” realities of migration through community and parish workshops and other educational events. In addition, based on the needs of deportees, KBI will fund research on migration and the USMexico border. The project will provide space for visiting scholars to conduct research along the bor- der and to engage in advocacy efforts as appropriate, he said. Six Catholic groups came together to form the project: the Tucson, the Diocese of Archdiocese of Hermosillo in Sonora, the Jesuit Refugee Service U.S.A., the California Providence of the Society of Jesus, the Mexican Providence of the Society of Jesus, and the Missionary Sisters of the Eucharist, a congregation in Colima, Mexico. Jesuits from the United States originally presented this idea to the church as a binational service to provide education about migration and Catholic social teaching, Carroll said. The KBI programs are designed to help people understand the consequences of border policies and to promote solidarity among people affected by border policies. The project is named after Father Eusebio Francisco Kino, a Jesuit priest who founded many missions in southwestern North America, in what is now northern Sonora, Southern California, and Southern Arizona. “We took his name because he is one of the most recognized of the European missionaries,” said the Rev. Peter Neeley, director of the KBI education project, and “was the first Jesuit to explore this area.” While KBI is Jesuit-led, it is not a religious organization, Neeley said, but rather, a nonprofit social service and they welcome – and need – volunteers from all paths. In all respects, KBI “is something beyond the borders,” he said. EL INDEPENDIENTE February 13 / 13 de febrero 2009 Bridges Project Moves Slowly By Ryan Timothy Greer The Bridges Project, which incorporates three major developments at East 36th Street and South Kino Parkway, has yet to start its first phase of development. The developing partners have completed 16 months of planning and preliminary negotiations, but none of the three components of the project—a housing development, a bioscience park and a commercial section—are yet under construction. Eastbourne Investments Ltd, which is developing a 110-acre regional shopping center, is finalizing negotiations with potential tenants to determine which stores will be built. A big box store, similar to a Costco or Wal-Mart, is considered a major potential tenant. However, Eastbourne has to meet all the requirements that come with the zoning and entitlements from the City of Tucson before construction can begin. The residential and home development portion will be located on a series of parcels owned by KB Homes and Lennar Corp. Although KB Homes will eventually build on the 175 acres, development is on hold because of the current condition of the real estate market. “KB Homes is examining all of our options in the Bridges community,” said spokesman Craig LeMessurier, “but at this point we don’t have a detailed status report.” Leo Smith, division manager with the Pima County Flood Control District, said, “at this stage of the game they [KB Homes] are on hold. They’re trying to decide what the market is going to do.” The University of Arizona, which is developing the Bioscience Park, or the BioPark, is trying to secure 11 additional acres to complete the 65-acre site. According to Bruce Wright, UA associate vice president of economic development, construction of the BioPark will not start until Pima County completes the flood control improvement project they are working on right now. The county is putting in the basic storm detention facilities that encompass 23 acres. The project should be in place and ready to function in four to six weeks, Smith said. “Getting the project going was an interesting adventure,” Smith said. The improvements have raised the elevation of the northwest corner near 36th Street and Park Avenue, so that water flows away from the Bridges Project. “Once we got going it’s been right on time,” Smith said. “In fact they’re going to finish early.” After it is complete, the physical infrastructure-roads, water and sewer lines-will need to be put in before any major construction can take place. The UA has applied for a federal grant to finance development of the infrastructure and hopes to have a response by the end of the month. If the grant is secured, construction would start sometime in late fall, which means the first phase of the BioPark will be completed sometime in January 2011, Wright said. Plans for the BioPark detail six different developments including commercial research and laboratory facilities, office and support facilities, a hotel and conference center, student housing, a technology or bioscience high school and designated areas for open spaces. Unique to Tucson, the BioPark will create the city’s largest scale development combination of homes, stores, jobs and urban construction. The school would be a partnership of Tucson Unified School District and the Joint Technological Education District. Until the county finishes the flood control improvements and the UA secures federal funds for the completion of the infrastructure, it seems BioPark construction will have to wait. Officials from Eastbourne Investments and Retail West Properties, development partners for the commercial retail portion, did not return calls seeking comment. “It’s obvious that the current economic conditions are slowing down all development in Tucson,” Wright said. “The university remains committed to developing the BioPark.” Page / Página 5 Talented Local Artist Shares Her Musical Influences Around Tucson By Lindsey Turner Native Tucsonan Leila Lopez grew up in a house surrounded by guitars, pianos and harmonicas, and musicians who took her to concerts from Led Zeppelin to Bob Dylan. But with little formal musical training, she found her own way into a unique musical style that some call folk fusion and others call indie meets Norah Jones. “I find her to be one of the best original guitar players in town,” says Justin Lillie, a local musician who considers himself one of her biggest fans. “She exudes passion.” Lopez, 27, a slender, soft-spoken woman, is nearly dwarfed by her Taylor acoustic guitar as she entertained a dinner crowd recently at Delectables restaurant on Fourth Avenue. On a small table beside her, her tip jar is nearly full and her lime green suitcase with her 2006 CD, “The Roots and the Corps,” is nearly empty as evening moves into night. “I feel like I have gotten lucky with the response to my music,” Lopez says. The singer songwriter has become a fixture in the local music scene and plays nearly every week in a variety of venues including Plush, Club Congress and Epic Café. She has opened for touring musicians such as Brandi Carlile, Amos Lee and the Mountain Goats. She has also toured herself -three times up the West Coast. Her musical journey began early. There were always people around her house making music — mostly folk and jazz. By the age of six, Lopez was creating her own melodies and by age eight she was playing guitar. She tried piano lessons but found formal instruction stifled her creativity. “My piano teacher fired me for making up my own songs,” Lopez says. PHOTO BY MELISA V. TERÁN Leila Lopez performs at Delectable’s restaurant on North Fourth Avenue. Her current studio album is entitled “The Roots and the Crops” and is available on www.cdbaby.com. At Tucson High, she tried school orchestra because she wanted to spend as much time on music as she could. She picked up the cello. “I was only learning by ear,” Lopez says. “My teacher quickly realized that I was playing the violin part by ear instead of the cello part.” Lopez has remained close to her childhood roots, and lives in the guesthouse behind her parents home where she grew up off of North Fourth Avenue. It is in the guesthouse that Lopez composes songs – generally writing the music first which then “moves me one way or the other with the lyrics,” she says. She describes the music she creates as indie folk. It fuses the many styles she grew up with. Lopez is not trying to change the world. She’s not trying to send a message. She is just doing what comes natural to her, which is writing and playing music. “I am not an angry girl with a guitar,” Lopez says. Obama Inauguration Inspires Hope in Tucson TEP Trees for Energy By Jessica Jaco When Barack Obama, the junior senator from Illinois, announced he would be running for president under the mantra of “change,” many Americans, South Tucsonans included, were ready for it. “It meant so much for America,” said Valeene WilliamsonBedford, the assistant pastor at Agape Christian Community Church, 7120 S. 12th Ave., of his election. “It was the first time in my history that all the players in America could be at the table.” For this reason, she joined another 1.2 million people at his inauguration on Jan. 20. “It was electrifying,” she said. “I can’t even describe it. No one was in a bad mood that day,” he said. She is not the only Tucsonan looking forward to the future with Obama. “I was very pleased to see that he was elected, and by a substantial margin too,” said Martin Bacal, the corresponding secretary for the Pima County Democratic Party. “I think with the bad situation of the economy, Obama’s proposals will be a great asset to those in low-income areas like South Tucson.” For Tucson City Councilman Steve Leal, it “remains to be seen what Obama will do for this coun- By Lindsey Turner PHOTO COURTESY OF VALEENE WILLIAMSON-BEDFORD Supporters of President Obama gather on the National Mall during the Jan. 20 Inauguration Ceremony. Over 1.2 million people assembled to be a part of the historical event to witness the swearing in of the first African-American president. try.” But, like others, he is hopeful. “There will be more money for education and improved environmental quality, which will help areas like South Tucson.” In addition, Leal said, Obama seems to be interested in the involvement of the Hispanic community, as evidenced by his appointment of Hilda Solis as his Secretary of Labor. But some are concerned about Obama’s commitment to smaller communities like South Tucson. “I didn’t vote for him,” said A.J. Baray, a mortgage advisor from South Tucson. “I’m unsure exactly where he stands on some issues.” But he has not completely turned his back on the Obama administration. “I think having a black president will be better socially,” Baray said. He also thinks the Obama administration may put more attention on helping minorities than previous presidents. Meanwhile, everyone waits and watches. “I know that it all might be too soon to tell,” Leal said, “but he’s doing very well in his first week, if that has anything to show for his future.” Tucson Electric Power Company is offering customers desert-adapted trees at a low rate as long as they are planted in an area that reduces energy costs. The program offered through Trees for Tucson delivers trees to applicants who qualify in the Tucson metro area, including Green Valley, Oro Valley, Marana and Vail. To qualify, applicants must apply online, send in a check or money order for $8 and have adequate space for the tree. The program was started in 1989 to provide shade and cut energy costs. The trees must be planted on the west, east or south side of the home to provide shade throughout the hottest part of the day. Local nurseries have experienced an overflow of trees ranging in size from 6 to 8 feet, which are being donated to the Trees for Tucson program. The larger trees, which include mesquite, desert willow and palo verdes will only be available through spring, however trees ranging in size from 3 to 6 feet are available all year. Applications are available online at http://www.treesfortucson.com and trees are delivered directly to your home. EL INDEPENDIENTE February 15 / 15 de febrero 2008 Officer Garcia Pleads Guilty, Must Pay City Restitution By Dan Sullivan South Tucson received some closure Jan. 26 after former police lieutenant Richard Robles Garcia pleaded guilty to embezzling more than $560,000 from the police department and the city. Garcia, 47, who was the department’s second in command, ran the South Tucson Police Department’s asset-forfeiture program. He was the sole custodian of its evidence room, and court documents show he embezzled money between February 2004 and May 2008. Garcia also pleaded guilty to filing false federal income tax returns between 2004 and 2007. “The fact that there wasn’t any closure (until now) left us in limbo,” said Enrique Serna, South Tucson’s city manager. “The city and the Police Department may get some closure because of the plea.” Serna said Garcia’s actions hurt every member of the South Tucson Police Department. Garcia was a 13-year veteran of the STPD, but was fired in June following a May investigation by the FBI and the Internal Revenue Service. The investigation found Garcia received STPD checks from vehicle impounds and asset forfeitures then deposited them into his own checking account or withdrew money from the department’s account. Garcia also cashed checks from the Department of Homeland Security, the State of Arizona, and the Clerk of the Pima County Superior Court and stole money, jewelry and weapons from the department’s evidence room, according to court documents. As a part of his plea agreement, Garcia agreed to pay restitution to South Tucson and the Pima County Anti-Racketeering Fund. But Serna said he is skeptical. “The reality is the restitution won’t be paid.” Garcia said he stole because of his gambling habit, but said he tried to pay the city back with his gambling winnings, according to court documents. Garcia faces between 33 and 41 months in prison. His sentencing is scheduled for April 6. Latin Bands Perform at Valentine’s Day Dance Page / Página 6 Generous Driver Contributes to Family ‘Extreme’ Continued from page 1 because he often brought limo customers to the restaurant. On Jan. 20, Roberto was contacted by a Makeover producer known only as “Stevo.” He was given a two-way radio. This was his only means of communication with the production crew; no phone numbers, e-mails or addresses were provided. When Roberto told Stevo his company was called Xtreme, the producer reportedly said, “Wow, what a coincidence.” But with more than a dozen limo services in the Old Pueblo to choose from, it seems to be more like fate than chance for Roberto and his company. One of Roberto’s employees, Kurt Campbell was the initial driver on the set. Campbell was responsible for picking up the Bell family from their home on Jan. 27. After several scenes were shot of the limo driving away from the house, Campbell loaded the Bell family into the vehicle and took them to the airport. The Bells spent a week in New York while a team of cast, crew and volunteers reconstructed their home. “Just the experience of this was amazing,” Roberto says. “To see how the community comes together. People hanging wrought iron, painters. Most of the time they had three to four hundred people working.” Roberto’s 2005 Ford Excursion Limousine was the luxury car of choice for Lizzie and her family. The limo is 38 feet long, seats 20 passengers, has a 22 inch TV, a 15 inch TV in the VIP section, four seven inch TV’s, a DVD/CD player, Playstation 2, and fiber optic and LED lights that change colors every three to four seconds. For the reveal, Roberto slowly pulled the limo with the family up close to a bus to hide the new house from them – a move he was made to practice dozens of times. The family was ushered out and Roberto parked the limo out of sight and joined his family and other on-lookers for the unveiling of the house. “I have to say that this was the most rewarding because we got to see the family we were helping,” says Kelly, Roberto’s wife. “It was nice to see them and see how happy they were.” Five years ago, Roberto and Kelly started with one limo. They were the only drivers. Today the business boasts 11 employees and a fleet of 10 vehicles including PHOTO BY COLLEEN KEEFE Aldarete’s 2005 Ford Excursion Limousine was used as the transportation for the Bell Family in ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.” The episode will air on March 22. limousines, a limo bus, vans, SUV’s and sedans. Kelly says she serves as co-owner, driver, secretary and car washer of the familyrun business. Roberto adds that he details his own vehicles to help keep costs down. What they contribute to their community can not be quantified. “He’s part of the entourage that carries the cross for people, that is such a part of his legacy,” says Kathy Bell, Lizzie’s mother. “That’s the quiet people that stand in the gap – they’re servants, and that’s a powerful place to be.” Reading to Dogs Boosts Confidence ‘Dogs’ Continued from page 1 Four-year-old Gabriel Soto hovers around Penny’s corner in the children’s section waiting to read to Penny. “She’s sad because no one is reading to her. Do you want to pick out a book to read to Penny?” Saling asks Gabriel. “Yes,” he says, very softly. Picking out the book is the hardest part. Gabriel spends about 15 minutes picking through the shelves to find the perfect story to read to Penny. He picks out a book, walks toward the dog, but then changes his mind and turns back to the shelf. He finally settles on a book and sits near Penny, checking every now and then to see if she likes the story. “Wow, good job,” says Saling after Gabriel is done. She hands him a blue button with Penny’s picture on it. Gabriel scurries off to find another book. He read four different books to Penny by the end of the afternoon. “Sometimes I get kids who end City Makes Old Homes Safer for Children By Kathleen Stevens By Ryan Timothy Greer The El Casino Ballroom will host a Valentine’s Day dance Feb. 14. The bands Sangre Caliente and Relente will perform along with Ricardo Castillon with his band, La Diferenzia and DJ Golden Boy. Tickets are $15 in advance at Yoly’s Music Shop, located at 2980 S. Sixth Ave., Suite #150, and El Casino Ballroom, 437 E. 26th St., or $20 at the door. The dance begins at 7 p.m. For more information visit the El Casino Ballroom website at http://www.elcasinoballroom.org. The City of Tucson has designated a program to refurbish homes that contain lead-based paint. The program is intended to make older homes safer for young children. Homes built prior to 1978 that have children younger than six years old living in or frequently visiting are eligible. The homes must also be located within city limits. Renovations are planned for windows, doors, floor covering, stucco work and soil covering. Free vouchers are also available for medical testing. PHOTO BY ALEX DALENBERG Roxie, a trained therapy dog, checks out a book being read to her by Shawnee Smith, 8. Roxie provides children with a non-judgmental listener to help them build their reading skills and confidence through the “Read to a Dog” program. up wanting to read six or seven times,” Saling said. After a while, Soto’s 10-yearold brother, Angel, even gets into the act. He reads from “Green Eggs and Ham” by Dr. Seuss. It seems to take kids a few minutes Gross Annual income Guidelines set U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to warm up to the idea of reading to a dog, but once they try it, they like it. When Angel is done, he picks out another book to read. “I’d never read to a dog before. She’s a cute dog,” Angel said. Penny was found on the streets in 2007, dirty and emaciated, with a litter of seven puppies. Saling adopted her from another woman who had taken in the stray and found that Penny loved people. She decided to get Penny certified as a trained therapy dog, Saling said. All dogs in the program are certified as therapy dogs through one of several programs that the library approves. Anyone can volunteer their dog if they pass the training. Being a therapy dog is mostly about temperament, Saling said. “They have to love people, not just like them, they have to love them,” she said. And Penny, who seems to bring a smile to everyone’s face at the library, seems fit for the job. “She’s my sweetie dog,” Saling said. Visit El Independiente online at: www.elindenews.com Pascua Yaqui to Build Park to Promote Healthy Living By Jessica Marinucci Family 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Income $30,800 $35,200 $39,600 $44,000 $47,500 $51,050 $54,550 $58,100 For more information, call Tom Ingram at 837-5345 or Karla Timmons at 837-5330 The Pascua Yaqui Tribe has received a $2.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to begin construction on the Pascua Pueblo Park, 5303 W. Calle Torim, in southwest Tucson. The 16-acre park will consist of an 8-acre soccer and football field, two basketball courts, two sand volleyball courts, two horseshoe throwing pits, playground equipment, and an outdoor running track. Ruben Reyes, district director for Arizona Rep. Raul Grijalva, said that the tribe is constructing the park to improve the health of members. More than 75 percent of the Yaqui nation is low to moderate income and they suffer from a high rate of diabetes, he said. “Parks create a healthier community environment and when national organizations rate towns and cities, parks are a major contributor to a better quality of life,” Reyes said. “Seniors can go and walk and children can play on the fields and families can hang out and exercise,” he said. There are two tribes of the Pascua Yaqui in Tucson and this is the first park on either reservation. Construction on the Pascua Pueblo Park is set to start in April and is scheduled to be finished by the end of the year. EL INDEPENDIENTE February 13 / 13 de febrero 2009 Page / Página 7 Bookmans, Scouts Open Lounge for Girls Reading lounge offers girls safe place to hang out If You Go By Nyssa Baca The Sahuaro Girl Scout Council has opened a new reading lounge for young girls to hang out, meet new people, read books, get homework help and use computers. The Bookmans Low Lounge opened at the end of January for girls ages 5 to 17 and was named after their sponsor, Bookmans Entertainment Exchange, and the founder of the Girl Scouts of America, Juliette Gordon Low. Bookmans gave $3,000 in cash donations toward the lounge, which paid for the furniture and fabric for recovering benches. Bookmans also donated $2,000 in goods and services, including more than 2,000 books. At their grand opening on Jan. 31, girls browsed the bookshelves as their families sat around the lounge eating trail mix, cake, artichoke dip and other goodies. Rebecca Reiter, 12, curled up in a chair to read “How to Ditch Your Fairy” over the low din of people talking. “I love reading,” she said, and she plans to make good use of the lounge in the future. This is just what the donors want to hear. “We are passionate about promoting literacy in the community,” The Bookmans Low Lounge for girls offers tutoring and computer use along with a space for girls to hang out. It is registered safe place and anyone can recieve help. What The Sahuaro Girl Scout Council Lounge for girls Where 4300 E. Broadway Eligibility PHOTO BY Girls, ages: 5 -17 Girls under 13 must have an adult present NYSSA BACA Barbara Arissa, from the Altrusa women's service group, helps Brownie Elisabeth Smith, 7, make a sock puppet at the grand opening of the Bookmans Low Lounge in January. said Tamara Jones, Bookmans community relations person. “This was a great opportunity to provide a safe welcoming space to encourage girls to read.” Katie Gorenflo of the Sahuaro Girl Scout Council, and Kristen Culliney, community development manager for the Sahuaro Girl Scout Council came up with the idea for the lounge while trying to re-vamp their book club, said Culliney. They pitched their idea to Bookmans in September. But they are clear that the lounge is not just for Girl Scouts. “It’s for all girls in the community,” Gorenflo said. Girls under the age of 13 need to be accompanied by an adult, but older kids are welcome to use the space after school and throughout the summer. The lounge is also a designated “safe place.” Through the National Safe Place program, anyone under the age of 18 can get help of any kind from the employees and volunteers. The new reading lounge will serve as a safe haven and a positive outlet for learning and entertainment for young girls in Tucson. Cost Free Hours Mondays through Thursdays 8:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Fridays 8:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. Closed Weekends Scholarship Opportunities Available for Local Students By Melisa V. Teran High school seniors preparing for college should already be aware that higher education comes with a price, but paying off school tuition doesn't have to be as hard as some may think. This is the time of year when students should take advantage of scholarship opportunities to help cover tuition expenses. Scholarships are widely available, usually free to apply for, and unlike loans, don't have to be paid back. To learn more about scholarships, students should utilize their high school counselors. They are prepared to assist students with resumes, scholarship essays and any additional questions the student may have while completing applications. “We really try to recruit kids and try to push it on them,” said Teresa Toro, academic counselor for Pueblo Magnet High School. “We educate our seniors to apply.” Another source for scholarship information is the Internet. “Every place you look there is, nine times out of 10, a link to scholarship information,” said Holly Colonna, coordinator for the Tucson Unified School District Counseling Department. “It's become easier than it used to be.” A wide variety of scholarships are available for every kind of student and are not limited to students with outstanding grade point averages, according to Denise Kingman, senior counselor at Cholla Magnet High School. Specific scholarships are designated for people who have extracurricular strengths in community services and special interests. “Generally they are looking for well-rounded students,” said Kingman. Sites such as http://www.fastweb.com provide the user with scholarship applications that meet their specific qualifications and interests, based on previously entered information. Websites can provide students with scholarships specifically tailored to their desired school of choice. For example, at the University of Arizona, the Hispanic Alumni Club offers scholarships to chicano students preparing to attend. For more information on other scholarships in Arizona, students should visit: The Arizona Scholarship Foundation http://www.azcsf.org/ The Tucson Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce http://www.tucsonchamber.org/ Arizona State University Financial Aid Office http://students.asu.edu/financial-aid UA Financial Aid Office https://financialaid.arizona.edu/ and http://arizonaalumni.com/uaha/ for information on Chicano student scholarships. Tucsonans Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. PHOTOS BY NYSSA BACA ABOVE: Members from the Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church sing together as they lead the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day March from the University of Arizona campus to Reid Park. TOP LEFT: Clarence Boykin, speaker, talks with Otis Brown before introducing the pastor to the audience on the university mall. BOTTOM LEFT: Holly Page paints children’s faces in Reid Park. Page is part of a performing arts group called Arts for Life. ? Page / Página 8 EL INDEPENDIENTE QUE PASA? February 13 / 13 de febrero 2009 By Ali Vieth Avenue en el centro de Tucsón. Disfrute del ambiente, la comida y las compras a lo largo de Fourth Avenue. Si desea más información o para registrar su carro, visite www.southernarizonamustangclub.org o llame al 622-6118. Feb. 21 - Feb. 22 Southwest Indian Art Fair Come celebrate the 15th Annual Southwest Indian Art Fair at the Arizona State Museum inside the Main Gate at University Boulevard and Park Avenue. The show will feature more than 200 artists, performers and demonstrators. Single day admission is $8 for adults and $3 for children ages 12 to 16. Admission is free for the University of Arizona and Pima Community College students with a school ID and children under the age of 11. For more information visit www.statemuseum. arizona.edu or call 621-6302. 11 de febrero – 20 de mayo Clases de ciudadanía ¿Sueña con ser ciudadano de los EE.UU.? Únase con otros tucsonenses a una clase gratuita de ciudadanía ofrecida por Pima Community College Adult Education en la Biblioteca Sam Lena del Sur de Tucsón, 1607 S. Sixth Ave. Los interesados pueden registrarse y comenzar cuando quieran durante la sesión de 12 semanas. Las clases se ofrecen cada miércoles de 5:30 a 7 p.m. Si desea más información llame al 594-5390. Feb. 21 - March 1 Tucson Rodeo Enjoy an afternoon at the Tucson Rodeo, where you can see the current and former Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association world champions competing in one of the top 20 rodeos in the country. There will be seven professional rodeo events at the Tucson Rodeo Grounds, 4823 S. Sixth Ave. Tickets range from $12 to $20 when purchased 24 hours in advance and $14 to $22 at the gate. All seats reserved. Parking is free. For more information visit www.tucsonrodeo.com or call 7412233. 25 de febrero – 8 de marzo PHOTOS BY JESSICA JACO TOP LEFT: Cindy Ho, of Royal Quality Gems Inc., from El Monte, Calif., looks on as passersby browse through her gem collections. TOP RIGHT: A display of unique candles at the booth of the Himalayan Salt Shop of New Jersey. BOTTOM: Local Tucsonans enjoyed browsing through exotic gems and stones. Feb. 22 The 55th Annual Tucson Gem and Mineral Show wraps up this weekend. The Gem and Mineral show has been one of Tucson’s biggest economic and tourists draws. The event often draws thousands of jewelers and enthusiasts to the Old Pueblo. YMCA Annual 5K Run/Walk Come join the fun with hundreds of Tucsonans at the fifth annual Lighthouse/City YMCA 5K Run/Walk and SilverSneakers 2 Mile Fun Walk. Runners and walkers of all ages and levels are invited to participate. There will be free day care, T-shirts, live music, a rock climbing wall, raffle prizes, food and drinks. All proceeds will be donated to the YMCA’s Changing Lives campaign, which funds scholarships for Tucson youth and families. The event will begin at 8:30 a.m. Admission is $20. For more information call 885-2782 or visit www.tucsonymca.org. Feb. 22 “Fords on 4th” The Southern Arizona Mustang Club, the oldest Mustang club in the world, is celebrating the 45th anniversary of the Ford Mustang with a show on North Fourth Avenue in downtown Tucson. Enjoy the atmosphere, dining and shopping along Fourth Avenue. For more information or to register your car, visit www.southernarizonamustangclub.org or call 6226118. Feb. 11 - May 20 Free Citizenship Classes Dream of becoming a US citizen? Join other Tucsonans at a free citizenship class offered by Pima Community College Adult Education at Sam Lena-South Tucson Branch Library, 1607 S. Sixth Ave. Individuals can register and start any time during the 12-week session. Classes meet every Wednesday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. For more information call 594-5390. Feb. 25 - March 8 “Footloose” at PCC Pima Community College Theatre Arts will be performing the highenergy musical “Footloose” at the Proscenium Theater at Pima Community College West, 2202 W. Anklam Road. Performances are Wednesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Admission is $18 with discounts available. For more information visit www.pima.edu/cfa or call 206-6986. Tucson area. Admission is free and the event begins at 7:30 a.m. For more information visit www.tucsonfestivalofbooks.org or call 6265653. Traducido por Diana Núñez 21 de febrero – 22 de febrero Feria de arte indígena 25 de febrero – 2 de abril Entrenamiento de primavera varán acabo siete eventos profesionales de rodeo en el Recinto de Rodeo de Tucsón, 4823 S. Sixth Av. Los boletos cuestan de $12 a $20 al comprarlos 24 horas por adelantado y de $14 a $22 al comprarse en la entrada. Todos los asientos son reservados y el estacionamiento es gratuito. Si desea más información visit www.Tucsónrodeo.com o llame al 741-2233. 22 de febrero 13 de marzo – 15 de marzo Carrera/Caminata Anual Festival de libros La primera feria de libros de Tucsón llegará al campus de la Universidad de Arizona. Se espera la asistencia de más de 250 autores. Los ingresos generados por la patrocinación del evento beneficiarán a los grupos literarios locales y a los programas en el área de Tucsón. La entrada es gratuita y el evento comienza a las 7:30 a.m. Si desea más información visite www.tucsonfestivalofbook.org o llame al 626-5653. Major League Baseball is kicking off another year of spring training in Tucson. Come watch the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies take on other big league teams at Tucson Electric Park and Hi Corbett Field. Tickets are on sale now. For more information visit www.visittucson.org/visitor/events /springtraining. For Diamondbacks tickets call 1866-672-1343 and for Rockie tickets call 1-800-388-ROCK. March 13 – March 15 21 de febrero – 1 de marzo Únase a la diversión con cientos de tucsonenses en La Quinta Lighthouse/City YMCA 5K Run/Walk y SilverSneakers 2 Mile Fun Walk. Están invitados a participar los corredores y caminantes de todas las edades. Habrá guardería gratis, camisetas, música en vivo, una pared de alpinismo, premios de rifas, comida y refrescos. Todos los ingresos serán donados a la campaña YMCA’s Changing Lives, que provee fondos para becas a la juventud y familias de Tucsón. Este evento comenzará a las 8:30 a.m. y la entrada es de $20. Si desea más información llame al 885-2782 o visite www.tucsónymca.org. Festival of Books Rodeo de Tucsón 22 de febrero Tucson’s first Festival of Books is coming to the University of Arizona campus. More than 250 authors are expected to be in attendance. Proceeds from event sponsorships will benefit local literacy groups and programs in the Disfruten de una tarde en el Rodeo de Tucsón donde pueden ver a los campeones mundiales de Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, presentes y pasados, en uno de los 20 rodeos más sobresalientes del país. Se lle- “Fords en la Cuarta” MLB Spring Training Pima Community College Theatre Arts representará el energético musical “Footloose” en el Proscenium Theater en Pima Community College West, 2202 W. Anklam Road. Las funciones son de miércoles a sábado a las 7:30 p.m. y el domingo a las 2 p.m. La entrada cuesta $18 y hay descuentos disponibles. Si desea más información visite www.pima.edu/cfa o llame al 206-6986. La liga mayor de béisbol comenzará otro año de entrenamiento de primavera en Tucsón. Vengan a ver a los Diamondbacks de Arizona y los Rockies de Colorado enfrentarse con otros equipos de la liga mayor en Tucsón Electric Park, 2500 E. Ajo Way. Los boletos ya están en venta. Si desea más información visite www.visitTucsón.org/visitor/events/springtraining. Para los boletos de los Diamondbacks llame al 1-866-672-1343 y para los boletos de los Rockies al 1800-388-ROCK. Vengan a celebrar la Decimoquinta Feria Anual de Arte Indígena del Suroeste en el Arizona State Museum, dentro del recinto universitario en University Boulevard y Park Avenue. La exposición presentará a más de 200 artistas plásticos, actores e intérpretes. La entrada es de $8 para los adultos y $3 para los menores de 12 a 16 años de edad. Para los estudiantes de la Universidad de Arizona y Pima Comunity College, la entrada es gratuita al presentar identificación escolar, y para los menores de 11 años de edad. Si desea más información visite www.statemuseum. arizona.edu o llame al 621-6302. Feb. 25 - April 2 “Footloose” Llega al teatro El Southern Arizona Mustang Club, el club Mustang más antiguo de todo el mundo, celebrará el 45o aniversario del Ford Mustang con una exposición en North Fourth Upcoming community events can be submitted to El Independiente at [email protected]. Events must be received at least two weeks in advance.