Alright, everybody, listen up. The Red Cross has put out a call asking for help filling their "significant need" for donations of O negative blood.

As you may remember from your 5th grade science class, O negative blood is the "universal donor" that can be transfused into patients with any blood type. The Red Cross needs to keep a lot on hand—and they need a lot of help to make that happen, as fewer than 7 percent of people in the U.S. have O negative blood.

The Red Cross must collect approximately 14,000 blood and platelet donations every day for the patients at about 2,600 hospitals and transfusion centers nationwide. Blood and platelets are needed to respond to patient emergencies, including accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease.

While there’s much to celebrate in the gastronomic world of Tucson lately, there’s also a lot of work to do and that doesn’t just mean giving money to your new favorite restaurant. After all, many of those pioneering autonomous organizations that helped win the city of Tucson its recent acclaim grew from a genuine need from the community and a lack of state funding or interest. One of the biggest food-related social justice issues to plague the Old Pueblo still is that of food deserts.

While it may seem like the term “food desert” is pretty much a given here in Tucson, know that it actually means “geographically isolated areas where access to healthy, affordable foods … is limited or non-existent because of the absence of full-service grocery stores within easy travel distance,” and those can exist anywhere—regardless of natural climate.

Unfortunately, according to a new study from Making Action Possible Dashboard for Southern Arizona (or MAP Dashboard for short), tens of thousands of people living in the city could be living in one of those food deserts where getting the nutritious foods that everyone needs (and enough of those foods) is nearly impossible.

The MAP Dashboard study, done in conjunction with UA’s Eller College of Management, Community Foundation of Southern Arizona and Southern Arizona Leadership Council, found that, depending on the criteria used, anywhere from 81,000 to 156,000 people in Tucson are currently living in food deserts.

Maybe you're a big fan of the Eagles, maybe you're looking for a way to celebrate Valentine's Day with your honey or maybe you're just all about events that benefit the Old Pueblo Rotary Foundation. Whatever the case, we're giving away five pairs of tickets to Eagles tribute band One of These Nights' Saturday performance.

One of These Nights promises exactly that…AN UNFORGETTABLE NIGHT!

Join One of These Nights as they take you on their version of a hit-filled show featuring the music of the Eagles, one of the most successful rock bands of all time. Our show takes the audience on a journey thru all Eagles’ “sounds,” from tasteful country rock, complete with full harmonies, to hard-rocking tunes that highlight the Eagles’ extraordinary catalogue.

The show of course features the band’s greatest hits, including ‘Hotel California,’ ‘Desperado,’ ‘Lyin’ Eyes,’ ‘Life in the Fast Lane,’ ‘Take it Easy,’ ‘Already Gone,’ ‘One of These Nights’ and many others; all presented in a highly entertaining production with uncanny accuracy. It was these and other EAGLES tracks that earned the band seven number-one singles, six Grammys, five American Music Awards and six number one albums.

John Waxman and JD Madrid have teamed up with fellow stellar musicians to create one of the best sounding Eagles tribute bands touring today. Recognized for their uncanny accuracy to the original, One of These Nights is a pure and simple tribute to the Eagles.

Co-Presented by Old Pueblo & Presidio Rotary

Proudly Sponsored by Beach Fleischman & Long Realty

The show starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Fox Theatre, 17 W. Congress St. 

Enter now and we'll call winners on Wednesday and Thursday. Not lucky enough to win? Pick up tickets online. 

This Valentine's Day, you'll probably be seeing metaphorical stars of love, but for those of us who aren't, Pima County Parks and Rec will host a night of actual stargazing with their "Night Under the Stars" event. 

There are two opportunities to learn about the stars from pros and semi-pros alike: one the night of Feb. 12 at the Historic Hacienda de la Canoa in Green Valley, and the other Feb. 13 at Agua Caliente Park here in Tucson. Volunteers from the Sonora Astronomical Society will help visitors learn about the night sky through telescopes at Canoa Ranch, and volunteers from the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association will show event attendees how to use telescopes at Agua Caliente Park. Visitors can also take an optional self-guided tour at Canoa Ranch before the stargazing begins.  

Event organizers recommend visitors bring flashlights for after-dark walking and lawn chairs if they please. 

Both "Nights under the Stars" run from 6 to 8 p.m. For more information on the events, visit the Canoa Ranch website or email [email protected]. 

The local chapter of Habitat for Humanity is looking for military veterans who need repairs done on their homes — at no cost to the homeowner.

The program is meant to improve the safety, condition, livability, and accessibility of homes owned by veterans. Projects also work to upgrade the energy efficiency of homes in order to reduce energy costs.

“We are promoting respect and dignity for our nation’s heroes,” said Habitat Tucson CEO, T. VanHook about the program. “We are committed to helping our veteran neighbors live in peace and safety. Habitat Tucson builds more than just homes.”

Know of a veteran who could benefit from free home repairs? Direct them to this website or to Shianna Searcy of Veteran Homeowner Services at 326-1217, extension 209. 

Habitat for Humanity also offers home ownership opportunities and other resources for veterans all over the Tucson metro area. For more information on those programs, visit habitattucson.org/veteran. All general inquiries can be directed to the Habitat for Humanity Tucson main office at 326-1217.

Sometimes people call Tucson the foot of Arizona because it's boring, because it's barren, because it's "no Phoenix," etc.

Locals, you know that's not true. If you need a reminder, the Tucson community offers up a LOT of cool, recurring weekly and monthly events. Not only are the events on this cool, though—they’re also free. I can’t think a better-sounding combination.

Tucsonans, don't let yourself waste away in this culturally vibrant, diverse town. Get out and explore with Tucson’s 15 coolest, free-est attractions, separated into categories for your ease of use.

MUSIC

The more I’ve lived here, the more I’ve realized that Tucson is kind of a small-scale Austin, Texas—and, yes, I’ve been to Austin. Its music scene is, from a non-local standpoint, actually pretty popping. Any given week, many downtown / 4th Ave. venues host shows ranging in genres from jazz to EDM.

1. 2nd Saturdays: 2nd Saturday is the Tucson equivalent of what is elsewhere known as First Friday. It’s one of Tucson’s many cultural affairs, mixing art, food, and music to create what 2nd Saturday organizer Sandy Mellor calls an urban block party. Though the art and food sometimes cost attendees, the music is always free, entertaining and oftentimes from local artists.
   
   

2. Hotel Congress: You can expect Congress to host a live show from a menagerie of touring artists at least a couple times a week. The historic hotel offers a pretty diverse range of shows, too—they’ve hosted groups including chillwave Hippie Sabotage, pop-punk Modern Baseball and new-wave Martha Davis and The Motels. Every week, though, catch DJ Sid the Kid’s ‘80s/’90s-themed Monday House Party, cumbia-inspired DJ DirtyVerbs Friday nights on the Plaza, and a bunch of local DJs at Saturdaze Dance Party every Saturday night, among many other weekly Congress events.
   
   

3. Cushing Street Cool Jazz: Every Saturday night from 7 to 10 p.m., Cushing Street Bar and Restaurant hosts a “cool” jazz showcase featuring the music of Jeff Lewis and pals. Jazzy.
   
   

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In lieu of the federal government's plans to continue apprehending and deporting immigrant families from Central America, the Guatemalan consulate in Tucson is hosting a legal forum this weekend to ensure Guatemalan and Central American citizens are prepared to face any interaction with immigration officials.

The Department of Homeland Security raids began on the first weekend of 2016, with Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents coming to the homes of more than 120 asylum-seekers to arrest them. These immigrants were denied refuge in the U.S., and were later issued removal orders.

Oftentimes, immigrants do not have immediate access to legal counsel, and they end up complying to orders that they don't must obey, and that could further harm their cases—many times resulting in their immediate deportation. 

"The problem with any type of legal situation that involves immigration is that, for instance, your neighbor or friend turns out to be an 'expert' in law and tells the person affected what to do, without really knowing anything about [immigration] laws," Guatemalan Consul in Tucson Carlos Enrique de León López says.

At the legal clinic, local immigration attorney Claudia Arévalo will discuss everything from the importance of showing up to court dates, whether ICE agents have the right to enter a person's home or not at the event of a raid, and what undocumented parents of U.S. citizen children should do with their kids in the case they are deported. 

Each year our sister paper Inside Tucson Business sets out to celebrate Tucson's Women of Influence. A big part of that is looking to the future. While nominations for the WOI awards are now closed, ITB is still taking applications for the "Future Leaders Award." 

The Future Leaders Award is a $1,000 scholarship that will be awarded to two female high school seniors—young women who see themselves becoming influential women.

Publisher Steve Pope has this to say about the award:

In today's fast moving and internationally competitive environment, no community can keep up unless all the talent the community has to offer is put into play. The challenges are just too great to face with one arm tied behind our back. Making sure we nurture the talent of our youth of all genders and races is a fundamental requirement for Tucson to thrive as we all want and need. This scholarship is a recognition of that simple truth. 

The details are outlined here, and the deadline is Feb. 19. Good luck, ladies! You are going to be great.

The YWCA of Southern Arizona announced today that scholarships for an eight-week business planning course are now available for women veterans, and other "underserved" entrepreneurs in the community. 

The Women's Business Center of Southern Arizona, the Connie Hillman Family Foundation, as well as the U.S. Small Business Administration, are sponsoring the aid for the program, which focuses on businesses that are in the planning stages, young companies or already-established businesses that need a revamp, according a press release from the YWCA.

The program, offered by the WBC for more than two decades, covers market positioning, management, marketing—and other tools that are "critical to running a successful business." By the end of the course, the entrepreneurs have to complete an official business plan.

The course is offered in English and Spanish. 

Scholarship applicants should submit a 300-word statement by Jan. 18:

• What's your business/ business concept?
• How will the course help you reach your business goals?
• How would a scholarship impact your ability to take the course?

The English program begins on Jan. 19, and the Spanish program kicks off on Jan. 20., at the YWCA's Frances McClelland Community Center, 525 N. Bonita  Ave. The regular cost is $300 per person.

Scholarship submissions should be sent directly to Victor Mercado, YWCA deputy director, via email at vmercado at ywcatucson dot org. For more information on the course call, 884-7810, or visit ywcatucson.org. 

Have next Monday off? Well, it's time to lace up your walkin' shoes because Saguaro National Park is waiving entrance fees for MLK Day. 

That sounds nice on its own, but those looking to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in a more community-service driven way will also have their moment:

The park is seeking volunteers to help us pick up trash and litter along S. Freeman Road and S. Old Spanish Trail. This service event will be taking place on Monday, Jan. 18 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Monday. Tools, equipment, and protective wear will be provided to volunteers. Please come prepared wearing long pants, sun-screen, hats, and close-toed shoes, with personal snacks and a bottle of water. Additional water will be available for refilling bottles. Parking is available.

To sign up for this day of service, please email or call the park’s Centennial Volunteer Ambassador, Corina Yeh, at [email protected] or 733-8603 by Jan. 15.

In addition to this volunteer project, the Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona will also be joining park staff in a service event removing invasive buffelgrass from park lands.

But wait, there's more!