Friday, June 8, 2012

Posted By on Fri, Jun 8, 2012 at 1:00 PM

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I often feel overwhelmed by the number of animals out there awaiting adoption; we got our beloved dog, Django, from a shelter, but we can't really take on another pet at the moment for a few reasons. However, the shelter community has really done a great job creating easy opportunities, complete with what are essentially pet starter kits, to bring a new animal into your home. This weekend, the Pima Animal Care Center has an helpful and fun weekend planned.

Our “Three…Two…Just ONE Day” Event is a THREE DAY ADOPT-A-THON leading up to the “Just ONE Day” event in which we hope to adopt out a MINIMUM of 40 dogs a day (120 dogs total) and 20 cats a day (60 cats total) in those three days. This should keep PACC from euthanizing ANY adoptable animals even beyond Monday, June 11th. All adopted animals will come with a “Set Up For Success” package specific to their needs, to include a collar, leash (for dogs), food, etc.

This community wide event will run for three days at both PACC and Foothills Mall.

Family friendly activities will take place at both locations and may include Boot Camp, Zumba, "Dogs Take The CatWalk" Celebrity Show, Singer-Songwriters, Dog Shows featuring Tricks & Education, DJ, Food and THE JUSTICE LEAGUE...a (non-profit) Charity Costuming Group featuring the likes of the SuperHeroes and Villians from the DC Comics. **They help raise funds for Local charity groups by contributing and making appearances in costume to fundraisers and events, ie: The American Cancer Society Relay For Life, Children’s Miracle Network (UMC/TMC), Kids Need to Read.**

In addition, each weekend day will start with a 7:00am Community Dog Walk and PARADE around Silverbell Lake. Walkers to include community volunteers, Police, Firefighters, Southern Arizona Roadrunners, and additional participating "Tucson Businesses That Have Gone To The Dogs". A well exercised dog is a happy, healthy, calmer dog...which translates into a happier, healthier, calmer environment for all involved! There will be recognition in many categories...The largest group in attendance, Best Dog Walking Costume/attire and Best Showmanship for DogWalker and PACC Pooch, among others!!!

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Posted By on Fri, Jun 8, 2012 at 12:30 PM

Tonight on Arizona Illustrated's Political Roundtable: We'll talk about the closing arguments in next week's special election between Democrat Ron Barber and Republican Jesse Kelly to finish Gabby Giffords' congressional term, examine the shake-up on the Rio Nuevo board, look at the Tucson City Council's move toward a code of conduct for council members in the wake of Councilman Paul Cunningham's alcohol-fueled misbehavior in San Diego and more. Tonight's guests are Pima County Republican chairwoman Carolyn Cox, Pima County Democratic chairman Jeff Rogers and Ward 6 City Councilman Steve Kozachik. Tune in at 6:30 p.m. on Channel 6.

Posted By on Fri, Jun 8, 2012 at 12:00 PM


View Repaving of Campbell in a larger map

Construction started this week on Campbell Ave. north of River Road, which is getting new pavement and bike lanes. except for one gap. Find out why 430 feet might not get the improvements and learn when the project will be complete.

We visit the San Diego area and realize their public transportation system rocks. Check out why.

Been a while since you've been on your bike? Check out the new, free class to help you get rolling again. Other classes include road safety, mountain biking and classes for kids.

Pima County put an end to tonight's Tucson Padres promotion offering fans entry to the game and right drinks for $15.

Arizona moves up two spots in the bike friendly state rankings. See where Arizona ended up and what it needs to do to improve.

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Posted By on Fri, Jun 8, 2012 at 11:00 AM

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UPDATE: Dono has been adopted, but there are plenty of pets that would love to become part of your family at the Humane Society.

Dono is destined for greatness! This giant hunk of love is the world’s best dog. When his previous family surrendered him to the HSSA with heavy hearts, they explained that he was a love sponge with kids, terrific with the other 4 dogs (all various sizes), respectful of the cat and was even polite to the ferrets and guinea pig. Dono is housetrained, mellow and so content simply to be with people. Among his many hobbies, Dono enjoys taking in the sights and smells of town during a car ride, playing chase and tag in the back yard and attempting to curl up in your lap without squishing you… easier said than done when you weigh over 60 pounds! Although he might look tough, Dono is a big teddy bear who can startle easily by loud noises. Believe it or not, he’s actually a little scared of squeaky toys. He just needs some reassurance, a big hug and a lifetime of memories. Could you be the one to give this perfect pooch a tail-wagging good time? If so, please visit him soon at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona.

Come meet Dono! She's currently living at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona, 3450 N. Kelvin Blvd. The Humane Society is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. The phone number is 327-6088.

See Dono in video form below the cut:

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Posted By on Fri, Jun 8, 2012 at 9:00 AM

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It might not be immediately apparent from the terrible camera phone shot, but that's Michael Bolton eating barbecue at Slows in Detroit. Three Weekly staffers are on the road this weekend for the Association of Alternative Newsmedia conference, but it won't get much better than eating a table away from a multi-platinum singer.

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Thursday, June 7, 2012

Posted By on Thu, Jun 7, 2012 at 5:00 PM

As bike thefts on the University of Arizona campus decrease with each passing year, it’s good to know where your bike is most in danger. In the Arizona Daily Star, Elliot Montgomery, a recent graduate of UA, took the time and effort to determine which places on campus you are most likely to get your bike stolen by analyzing police reports from 2006 to 2011.

The list is helpful because although bike riders should already be taking the necessary precautions to make it harder for their bikes to be stolen with methods such as using a good lock or even ensuring that the bike is locked up correctly, knowing where these hot spots are can urge everyone to take even more precautions.

For example, the Recreation Center and the Main Library topped the list in reported bike thefts, which makes sense considering they are the most popular locations on campus. But knowing this for sure allows for bike riders to use that in order to take those extra precautions with their bike. Methods include removing a wheel or the seat of the bike to make it less appealing to steal. It can be perceived as a little strange and inconvenient, but a dwindling number in bike thefts means that bikes are still being stolen, and no one wants it to be their bike.

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Posted By on Thu, Jun 7, 2012 at 3:00 PM

In the Chronicle of Higher Education, there was a feature story written by Brad Wolverton that gave insight to the life of a college athlete. Although he falls under the stereotype of a “dumb jock” with a surprisingly low GPA and never having a desire to do well in school, I learned that not every story has that stereotypical plotline.

You know the type I’m talking about: football player who didn’t care to do his homework or read the books because he was busy dedicating his time to becoming an athletic scholar at some university only to repeat the same cycle in high school.

Although on a side note, the NCAA is trying to change the academic expectations for athletes by requiring incoming college freshmen to have a 2.3 grade point average opposed to a 2.0, so athletes are anticipated to start caring more about their studies and become more well-rounded young men.

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Posted By on Thu, Jun 7, 2012 at 1:00 PM

I am not sure what is up with chef Steven Schultz's The New Red Sky and Luna Bar up at 2990 N. Swan Road, in Plaza Palomino. The notification on the place's website says it's closed for several weeks for customer's "safety and comfort" during construction. But it's said that for far longer than several weeks, so who knows.

Picazzo's Organic Italian Kitchen, which has been offering up decent Italian fare and a slew of gluten-free options at 7850 N. Oracle Road for a while now, is also closed. Again, not sure if it's for good, but the phone has been disconnected. Picazzo's opened and closed more than once in the past couple of years.

Le Delice Bakery and Cafe at 7245 E. Tanque Verde Road has also closed for the umpteenth time. This place has changed owners several times, falling back into the hands of original owners Maurice and Nicole Cochard in late 2010. The phone is disconnected, and nobody's home.

And, as mentioned earlier this week, Breathe, Drink and Design just off of Fourth Avenue has also closed.

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Posted By on Thu, Jun 7, 2012 at 12:00 PM

The Arizona Republic reports that Democrat Ron Barber received a $43,000-a-year raise when working in Gabrielle Giffords' congressional office:

The Democrat running to replace former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords saw his annual salary raised from about $70,000 to about $100,000 a year after becoming her district director in Giffords' first term in office.

His new salary was higher than all but one other district director that year in the Arizona House delegation. It was twice the state's median income.


Team Barber responds by reminding voters that Jesse Kelly, who has proclaimed that "government is not a job creator, government is a job crusher," works for a company that has received $60 million on government contracts since 2010:

Barber spokesman Rodd McLeod, in response to The Republic's inquiry about the raise, pointed back at Republican opponent Jesse Kelly.

The family construction firm where Kelly works has been awarded tens of millions in stimulus- and government-funded projects, despite Kelly's opposition to the stimulus and most government spending.

"If you want to see a real raise, take a look at the $60 million Jesse Kelly’s family took on the taxpayer dollar," McLeod said.

National Republican Congressional Committee spokesman Daniel Scarpinato weighs in:


With only a week left until the election, it's important for the voters to know that Jesse Kelly is feeding at the public trough. He is lining his pockets with millions in stimulus and earmarks, and his campaign's only response has been to defend this excessive spending by the federal government. Jesse should either give the taxpayers their money back, or stop deceiving them.

Oops, sorry! That's what Scarpinato told the Weekly in 2010, when he was trying to make sure that Kelly did not win the GOP primary for the CD8 seat. This year, he provides an NRCC soundbite about how Barber should provide a refund:


It's troubling to think that Southern Arizonans paid Barber six figures for his role in shaping policies like ObamaCare, the failed stimulus and Cap-and-Trade. Maybe it’s time for a refund.

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Posted By on Thu, Jun 7, 2012 at 11:00 AM

The Tucson Padres return to Tucson tonight to launch a four-game series against the Reno Aces. It's also Thirsty Thursday, which means you can get yourself a 16-oz. beer—or soft drinks—for just $1.50.

And if you like mixing adult beverages with baseball, tomorrow night's Kino Krawl is for you: $15 gets you a ticket to the ballgame and eight drinks! On Saturday, the Zooperstars are coming for a visit and you'll enjoy a post-game fireworks show. And on Sunday, you can bring your dog to the ballpark.

Details on all the promotions, ticket sales and the rest can be found here.

ETA: As sharp-eyed reader Red Star notes, the Kino Krawl promotion has been revised. From the Padres' Facebook page:


We apologize about the confusion but our Friday promotion has changed. Pima County informed us that they would not allow the Kino Krawl as it was offered so we came up with another great deal. It's a $2 drink special on 16 oz. beer (Miller, Coors and Bud), 16 oz. soft drinks and water; $3 for mixed drinks (normally $6.50), wine, kraft beers (normally $5.50) and margaritas when the gates open at 6:00. The alcohol special ends at 9:00. College students and military get in for $5 with an ID. If you already bought tickets, we'll be sending you an e-mail to explain our conversion later today. Game time is 7:05

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