Last Friday the office of Governor Doug Ducey released their proposal for the 2019-2020 fiscal year budget. It includes a sharp increase in spending due to an expected $1.1 billion surplus in revenues this year.

“Over the last four years, Arizona has gone from a $1 billion deficit to a $1 billion surplus, but we aren’t going on a spending spree," Gov. Ducey said in a press release. "We are going to live within our means and prepare for the future, and this budget does that.”

The governor wants to put $542 million, about half of the surplus, into the state's Budget Stabilization Fund, also known as the "rainy day fund." This would make the largest amount of money in the fund in state history.

In his State of the State address earlier this month, Gov. Ducey stressed the importance of water conservation as the state battles a 19-year drought. His budget includes $30 million for protecting the falling water levels in Lake Mead and another $5 million for infrastructure projects to help agriculture companies become more water-efficient.

About $165 million could go towards teacher pay raises in the state's K-12 education system, which promises to fulfill the 20x2020 plan that Gov. Ducey proposed during the tense Red for Ed state-wide teacher walkout last year. This item has been criticized by those in the education field because it doesn't provide any raises for school support staff such as bus drivers, cafeteria workers and others.

However, $9.3 million is offered to provide funding for 89 new school resource officers. Another $12 million over the next two years would go to hiring approximately 224 new school counselors and social workers.

For higher education, the budget plan includes $21 million for expansion of the Arizona Teachers Academy at Arizona State University, the University of Arizona and Northern Arizona University in hopes of combatting Arizona’s teacher shortage.

$20 million is pledged to Pima Community College's aviation program, and another $5.8 million for Maricopa County Community College District's health care program expansion. This is a notable change from four years ago when the state government cut all funding to Arizona's two largest community college districts. A story on this development will be published next week.

The governor's office cited a need for investment in technical training, in order to boost Arizona's skilled workforce. An additional $10 million would go toward supporting various Career and Technical Education programs across the state.

There could also be $130 million in state funds invested over the next two years to widen and improve Interstate 17 just north of Phoenix, which experiences frequent traffic congestion.

The governor's budget also includes pay raises for the following sectors: $21.5 million for a 10 percent increase in Department of Public Safety Trooper salaries, $35.5 million for a 5-15 percent increase in Department of Correction worker salaries and $9 million for a 9 percent increase in Department of Child Safety caseworker salaries.

The governor has also indicated that he hopes to invest $56 million in federal state aid for an increase in child care subsidies to low-income families. Last legislative session lawmakers chose not to use the no-strings-attached Child Care Development Block Grant funds, citing concerns over how the Department of Economic Security would use it. This drew sharp criticisms from child care professionals and advocates because of the high demand and low affordability of quality child care across the state.

The proposed budget has an ending cash balance of $109 million. Nothing in Gov. Ducey's plan is set in stone until the legislature reviews and edits it later this year, but this gives a picture of where the governor's priorities are. To view all the line items of the proposal, view the full budget here.

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Mezcal Tastings at Exo Roast Co. Feel like drinking and learning at the same time? How about learning about what you drink? Mezcal-tasting proprietor Doug Smith is at Exo Roast, and will give you a high-quality education about high-quality mezcal. Come on, you live in Tucson, you’re surrounded by agave! You might as well know a bit about the plant and the drinks made from it. 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 24. 403 N. Sixth Ave. $20. Details here.

The 20th Annual Animation Show of Shows. This latest entry to the Animation Show of Shows features over a dozen animated short films from across the world. Whether they’re hilarious, thought-provoking, heartwarming or just simply weird, the animations able to make it into this series are all certainly noteworthy. 7:30 to 9:15 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 24. Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway Blvd. Regular admission prices.

Details.

The 20th Annual Animation Show of Shows Trailer from Acme Filmworks, Inc. on Vimeo.

Tom Russell. His life and music exemplifies, defines and inspired the so-called “Americana” genre. But don’t hold that against him. Born too late to be a Beat, he nonetheless played music for a Puerto Rican circus, was an ex-pat in Norway and carried on a decades-long friendship with Mister Charles Bukowski. Oh, and he penned one of Dylan and Springsteen’s favorite tunes in “Gallo del Cielo” and has been covered by the Man in Black. (He even earned a journalism award for writing eloquently of Cash’s place in musical history.) Russell’s is a tale of curiosity, perspective and American landscape perspective. The shit of the greats. Russell can exist both as a rugged romantic while artfully re-creating the experience across songs, paintings and books. Kind of a weirdo, then. On his latest, Folk Hotel, Russell is sparse and understated, introducing a wild cast of characters and spinning stories of the dying America mythic, that which perhaps only ever existed in the minds of those blessed enough to see it. Thursday, Jan. 24 at Hotel Congress, 211 E. Congress. 7 p.m. $30. 21+. Details here.

Becoming A Goat, And Other Adventures in Science and Technology. Oh, artists. Always pushing boundaries, exploring new mediums, trying to share crucial messages in beautiful ways. For example, designer Thomas Thwaites recently embarked on a project to become a goat. Yeah. Just literally turn into a goat to take a break from being human. At this talk, he’ll talk about the way he combines topics like economics, philosophy, science and history in projects like that goat one, and another one where he attempted to make an electric toaster from scratch. It’s going to be Tucson-tastic. 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 24. Center for Creative Photography, 1030 N. Olive Road. Free. Details here.

Poet’s Corner. If you consider devices like rhyming and alliteration friends, this event at the Joyner-Green Valley Library might be one you want to attend. Whether you just wrote your first poem of you’ve been writing for years, sharing your work with other poets is a great way to get over your fears. Or maybe you like hearing and reading, but writing poetry’s not for you: Don’t worry, this even has room for your kind too. For anyone who appreciates the art you can make with words, head down today, because missing this would just be plain absurd. 3 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 24. Joyner-Green Valley Library, 601 N. La Cañada Drive. Free. Details here.

Events compiled by Briannon Wilfong, Emily Dieckman, B.S. Eliot and Jeff Gardner.

Theirs is a decidedly metropolitan sound, a soul-drenched reflection of life in the urban jungle of NYC. On The Sun “Get Focused” at Sky Bar. With chanteuses Jillian Bessett and Keli Carpenter. Details.


His songs have been recorded by Johnny Cash, Doug Sahm, Nanci Griffith, K.D. Lang, Joe Ely and numerous others. In a rare performance, singer-songwriter/essayist/painter Tom Russell is in the Copper Hall at Hotel Congress. Details.

Billy Sedlmayr, Gabriel Sullivan and Kaia Chesney are at Tap + Bottle Downtown. Details.

The Losers lay down their winning hand at Owls Club.

Propelled by sound, featuring the entertainers of Tucson Libertine League, Reveal: A Debut of Burlesque Performances tantalizes the senses at 191 Toole. Details.

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Courtesy of Tucson Libertine League

Piano Bar Thursdays continues at The Dusty Monk Pub. Details.

“The devil bites dirty.” Nitecall DJ Mijito hosts Wax and Wane: A Cocteau Twins Tribute at R Bar. Donations to benefit Borderlands Produce Rescue. Details.

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Courtesy of Wax and Wane: A Cocteau Twins Tribute Facebook event page

During the 1970s, with chart toppers “Me and Bobby McGee” and “For the Good Times,” this outlaw songwriter helped redefine country music. Kris Kristofferson & The Strangers are at The Fox Theatre. Details.

Tucson’s first CATcomedy520

LOL Crawl features one of the best known and most beloved comedians in the U.S., entirely coincidentally. The boon puts the venerable Lewis Black at the Fox Theatre at 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 1. Tickets are $39.50 to $65 via foxtucsontheatre.ticketforce.com.

Black is known as “America’s angriest man” but he encourages fans to challenge him by sharing their own rants and observations. Submissions range from the grossness of pickles to serious environmental concerns. He shares submissions that tickle him in his live sets.

“What’s been truly amazing,” Black says in a recent YouTube video, “is that the quality of writing I’m getting is astonishing, and it’s written by just regular folks.”

In the video he continues by reading a brilliant essay about Thanksgiving by Tucsonan and frequent contributor Mildred Ellison. Astonishing mainly for its number of context-perfect f-bombs, Ellison’s essay somehow retains a relatable essence of family traditions.

Black invited her to meet last year and Ellison says it was a “terrific experience.” She says she finds writing comedy invigorating and fun, but although she tried stand-up at an Estrogen Hour benefit for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, she says, “I’ll stick to churning out the rants and enjoying the spectacle of him performing them.” And a spectacle it is, rife with yelling and energized finger-pointing about the mundane absurdities of modern American life.

Black and his longtime opener, John Bowman, welcome stories and suggestions from locals along the tour route. send “Road Suggestions” to lewisblack.com and “Rants” to lewisblack.com/live.

Black is a prodigious author, producer and director for live theater and television projects for which he has won countless awards. The Daily Show increased his exposure to the public and resulted in his first stand-up record in 2000. Eight more records followed. He’s won two Grammy awards and a Sports Emmy for his turn in “Inside the NFL.” He’s written 40 plays and three best-selling books and co-starred with Robin Williams in Man of the Year.

Steve Gillespie at Laffs

Steve Gillespie was ten years in the grind as a touring standup artist, then his second record, Alive on State, hit number one on iTunes. Nothing changed. His pushy, coarse persona and improbably cheery outlook keeps generating laughs about a self-destructive life.

Gillespie performs at Laffs Comedy Caffe at 8 and 10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 1; and 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 2. Tickets are $12.50 and $17.50 via laffstucson.com. There is a two-item minimum. 

The University of Arizona’s Hanson Film/TV Institute is presenting the premiere screening of Waaki, the new documentary from Hopi photographer and filmmaker Victor Masayesva.

The documentary, partially funded by the Hanson Film/TV Institute, celebrates the connection several indigenous peoples, including the Hopi in the U.S. and the Nahuatl, Maya and Otomi communities in Mexico, have with corn. This relationship and mutual-dependence comes through in songs, displays and ritual practices.

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A still from Waaki

“Interdependencies are a vital part of our known history and future existence on this green planet.” Masayesva said. “The seen and unseen together. Recognizing these interdependencies, identifying and accepting our neighbors, this is our future.”

The documentary is also partly animated, and contains illustrations by Masayesva, Carl Onsae, Ronyk and Marcial Ayala.

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Victor Masayesva

A Q&A of Waaki (meaning “Sanctuary”) with Masayesva and co-producer Mariano Estrada Aguilar, a Tzeltal filmmaker and indigenous rights activist will follow the screening.

The screening, presented in partnership with the UA School of Anthropology, will take place at 6:00pm on Jan. 31 at the Center for Creative Photography. Admission is free.

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The Presidio District Experience: A Food Heritage & History Tour. We all know Tucson has one of the richest food histories around the country. But have you truly experienced it? On this tour, you can get in deep with the City of Gastronomy and learn about the old and new ingredients that make Tucson’s food what it is today. It’s a history lesson and a meal all in one! Hosted by the Presidio San Agustín del Tucson. 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 23. 196 N. Court Ave., corner of Court Avenue and Washington Street. $75. Details here.

Reflections About Bears Ears: An Evening in Honor of Karen Strom. In 2015 and 2016, the Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition in southern Utah advocated for the establishment of Bears Ears National Monument, and in 2017, it already had to respond to a downsizing of the monument. At this event, Keynote speaker Carleton Bowekaty, member of both the coalition and the Pueblo of Zuni Tribal Council, will speak. Also on the lineup is astronomer and photographer Stephen Strom, who made a recent gift of Native American art to the Arizona State Museum in memory of his late wife. He’ll be talking about his project documenting Bears Ears, and will be signing copies of his new books, Bears Ears: Views from a Sacred Land and Voices from Bears Ears (which he wrote with Rebecca Robinson). 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 23. Center for English as a Second Language, 1100 James E. Rogers Way, room 103. Reception and book signing to follow program. Free. Details here.


School of Art’s Letterpress Lab. You probably didn’t know that the UA has a letterpress lab, just like you probably didn’t know how many different kinds of printing methods and practices there are in this great big world: letterpress printing, experimental printing, paper techniques, binding and a booker. And in terms of the technology: board shears, paper cutters, book presses, guillotines, wire-o-binder, a laser cutter, a photopolymer plate maker and an industrial sewing machine. The School of Art’s Letterpress lab has it all! Go check it out at this special tour. 10 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 23. School of Art Graduate Studios, 1231 N. Fremont Ave. Free, but reservations required. Details here. Events compiled by Briannon Wilfong, Emily Dieckman, B.S. Eliot and Jeff Gardner.

Saturday, a group of high school students appeared to be taunting and harassing a Native American near the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. It looks pretty bad, but in this case, it may not be as bad as it looks at first glance.

In a video taken after the Indigenous People’s March in D.C., a Native American man is seen chanting and drumming. Male high school students, some wearing MAGA hats, most of whom are Kentucky students attending the anti-abortion event March for Life, are gathered around him.  Some students are making tomahawk chops in the air, and others are clapping in rhythm to the drum beat and jumping up and down. One student is standing directly in front of the Native American man with a smile that looks both derisive and intimidating.

However, as more video surfaced, the nature of the incident itself and the intentions of the students became less clear. It could have been an act of vile racist bullying on the part of the students, but it also could have more to do with boisterous adolescents acting up while acting out Native American stereotypes. That would make their actions on a par with the adults at Atlanta Braves games chanting and chopping in the stands, making the students' actions less about bullying and more a display of their ignorance encouraged by a society which fails to teach them respect for cultures different from their own. (Here's a thoughtful, careful analysis of the events where the writer neither condemns nor excuses the students' actions.)

But there is no gray area in another incident which took place last week. During a high school basketball game, front row fans from a predominantly white Minnesota school displayed a large Trump 2020 banner while their team was playing a predominantly black school. Their racist intent was unmistakable. For these students, the Trump banner was the new Confederate flag.

And during two other high school games, one during the 2016 campaign and another during 2017, students from predominantly white schools shouted "Build the Wall!" at their predominantly Latino opponents. Their use of Trump's racist slogan was a deliberate attempt to bully and intimidate the other schools' Latino students.

But examples are only examples. They don't necessarily indicate a trend. The question remains, has race-based bullying increased among high school students who are Trump supporters? A few studies make it look like that is the case.

Former University of Arizona assistant basketball coach Emanuel 'Book' Richardson pled guilty to a bribery charge on Tuesday, in relation to an agreement he reached earlier this month, according to USA Today:

Richardson, 46, wiped tears from his eyes after telling the judge he accepted $20,000 in 2017 in exchange for a promise to steer student athletes potentially headed to the NBA to an aspiring business manager, Christian Dawkins. Prosecutors said Richardson planned to use $15,000 of the money to entice one prized recruit to attend Arizona.

Richardson said he "knew this conduct was wrong."

"Did you know it was against the law?" Judge Edgardo Ramos asked.

"Yes, your honor," Richardson answered.

Richardson, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery, was among 10 college basketball figures arrested in September 2017 in a scandal that exposed a network of personal managers and advisers who paid bribes to coaches and parents of highly touted recruits to steer top athletes to schools.