2011 Corazón de Justicia Award Recipients

This Friday evening, progressive grassroots groups will gather at Apollo Middle School to honor leaders in several categories for their work across southern Arizona. The annual Corazón de Justicia Awards gathering is sponsored by the Coalición de Derechos Humanos (Coalition for Human Rights). Here are the 2011 Recipients:

African-American Issues
Billie Laurie
Selected by: NAACP

Art
Raices Taller
Selected by: Coalición de Derechos Humanos

Community Empowerment
Jason Aragon
Selected by: Coalición de Derechos Humanos

Environmental
Nancy Zierenberg
Selected by: Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection

Faith-based
Mary Ellen Kennon
Selected by: Southside Presbyterian Church

Human Rights
Ethnic Studies 11
Selected by: Coalción de Derechos Humanos

Immigrant Rights
Steve Johnston
Selected by: Coalición de Derechos Humanos

Indigenous Issues
Ernest Moristo
Selected by: Alianza Indígena Sin Fronteras

Labor
Vikki Marshall
Selected by: AFSCME Local 449

LGBT
Noel de Tierra
Selected by: Wingspan

Women's Issues
Alison Hughes
Tucson Women's Commission

Youth
Elisa Meza
Selected by: Social Justice Education Project

The evening will include dinner and a keynote address by David Bacon, who is an associate editor at Pacific News Service, and writes for TruthOut, The Nation, The American Prospect, The Progressive, and the San Francisco Chronicle. If you're interested in attending, please check out the Derechos Humanos website for RSVP info. There's a tax-deductible donation of $35 to attend.

I attended last year and was energized by the networking and words shared by the recipients and speaker. Connecting on-the-ground work to blogging has helped me over the years to stay motivated & optimistic (especially with all the madness in AZ, right?). While it's not community organizing on the political/partisan level, I thought I'd share in case anyone in Baja Arizona is interested in attending.

paz

Schedule of Services in Tucson

Tonight at 7pm Bishop Kicanas will be leading a "Mass for the Healing of Our Community, Remembrance of Those Who Have Died, and for the Consolation of All Victims and Their Families" at St. Odilia's on the northside.

Wednesday, January 12th at Noon on the Mall at the University of Arizona - several University Ministries will host a multi-faith memorial/healing service for the University Community. All are invited to pray and offer support.

The President, First Lady, DHS Secretary, Supreme Court Justice Kennedy & other dignitaries will be leading a memorial service "Together We Thrive: Tucson & America" at McKale Center on Wednesday, January 12th. Doors open at 4pm.

Via Explorer News:

During the rest of this week, there are multiple events that are occurring throughout Pima County. All the local agencies are working in conjunction with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms and U. S. Marshals to ensure that the events are secure for the families and members of the community to come together to mourn the loss of those who lost their lives in this tragedy.

The following is a timeline of the events:

• January 11: Mass at 7 p.m. at St. Odillia

• January 12: Rosary for Christina Green from 5 to 7 p.m. at St. Odillia

• January 13: Funeral for Christina Green at 1 p.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

• January 13: Rosary for John M. Roll from 5 to 7 p.m. at St. Thomas

• January 14: Funeral for John M. Roll at 10 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

• January 14: Burial for John M. Roll to follow the funeral at Holy Hope Cemetery (Private)

Members of the public who attend the events should be aware that parking is limited at all locations. People are encouraged to carpool or make arrangements to limit the number of cars at each location.

Tucson Breaks Mariachi Guinness World Record

The haters have received way too much attention lately.

Here's a video from last week, where participants at the Tucson International Mariachi Conference broke the Guinness World Record for most mariachi playing on one stage.

Mexican culture is indigenous to Arizona, Russell Pearce. Despite your efforts, we aren't going anywhere.

Sheriff Dupnik Toes The Line of Bigotry

In contrast to Sheriff "Concentration Camp" Arpaio in Phoenix, I generally agree with the stance of Pima County Sheriff Clarence Dupnik's view of the role of local law enforcement and immigration: he doesn't support it.

Immigration is a federal issue in his mind, as it should be; however, remarks he made in light of an appearance before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs last week are unacceptable. After suggesting that legal challenges should be advanced in order to allow immigration checks at schools, Dupnik talked trash about Tucson's southside area, which is predominately latino:

He pointed specifically to the Sunnyside School District where he said as much as 40 percent of the students are illegal immigrants while citing unnamed sources.

Failing schools, high dropout rates and gang affiliation seem to be high in those areas, Dupnik said.

"Sunnyside is I think the area where the problem is most acute," he said.

Tucson Citizen

I'm sick of gringo politicians denigrating the "Mexican" areas of my city. Negative associations slip off the tongue without hesitation because the cultura of barrios are different than some pseudo-preferred, assimilated neighborhood that charges their residents monthly fees to make sure that uniformity and conformity are maintained. Or else.

Sunnyside may have high drop out rates, and yes, there are gangs that operate there, but what makes it an easy target to get support for ridiculous policies like school-based checks of citizenship is the prevalence of latinos living there. Nevermind that drop outs, crime and gang activity are widespread everywhere.

In fact, according to Tucson Police Department's 2007 Crime Density Report, the Oracle Road corridor between Prince and Grant had the highest rate of incidents. Here is the .pdf version overlaying a map of the city. The southside doesn't stand out in any way, you'll notice.

Sheriff Dupnik should apologize to the Sunnyside Unified School District and the residents of southside neighborhoods. As a law enforcement leader in the community, his job is to build the trust of the people so that we can all work collectively as a society to bring about safer schools and barrios, not to snicker down at "them", especially when the facts don't back up his absurd remarks about the safety of certain neighborhoods.

It's all institutionalized bigotry and I'm sick of it. Even worse, suggesting that citizenship sweeps be conducted at our schools is definitely one of those things that would completely unwravel that trust system and erode any political support Sheriff Dupnik once received from southside communities. Unacceptable.

Mariachi Bliss in Tucson

Linda Ronstadt makes her return to the Tucson International Mariachi Festival tomorrow night (Friday)! I can barely contain my excitement. She hasn't performed to the home crowd since 1996.

Here's some commentary from the 90s about her inspirations, including la grande Lola Beltran.

On Saturday at the Fiesta de Garibaldi at Reid Park, the following youth groups will be performing. This includes Tucson's crown-jewel youth group Los Changitos Feos, the longest running youth mariachi in los Estados Unidos:

2009 Entertainment Schedule
10:30 Ballet Folklórico Davis Bilingual School
11:00 Mariachi Davis Bilingual School
11:30 Mariachi Anacatlan
12:00 Mariachi Pumas
12:30 Mariachi Mixteco
1:00 Mariachi Nueva Melodia
1:30 Mariachi Los Charritos
2:00 Mariachi Tesoro de Tucson
2:30 Mariachi Imperial de San Diego
3:00 Mariachi Los Tigres
3:30 Mariachi Los Vaqueros
4:00 Mariachi Brillante
4:30 Mariachi Los Potrillos de Cholla High
5:00 Mariachi Los Changuitos Feos
5:45 Mariachi Los Mineros
6:30 Mariachi Master Apprentice
7:15 Mariachi Sonido
8:00 Mariachi Aztlan de Pueblo High
8:45 Mariachi Los Arrieros

Entrance is only $5.00. Lots of food, crafts and, of course, Mariachi!

Tucson Town Hall for Health Care

Next Thursday, April 16th, there will be a town hall held at Pima Community College's District Office on East Broadway to discuss the importance of passing universal health care and ways everyday people can effectively lobby their elected officials to cast a vote in support of an overhaul of the system.

The event is sponsored by Health Care for America NOW!, a coalition of groups and individuals that organize around the following principles:

Coverage You Can Afford

• Health coverage that is affordable for every person, family, and business.
• Coverage with premiums and out-of-pocket costs based on your ability to pay.
• Government acts as an advocate, setting and enforcing rules so private insurance companies can’t deny coverage or raise rates based on health history, age, or gender.

Comprehensive Benefits You Can Count On

• Standard, comprehensive health care benefits that meet your needs from preventive to chronic care.
• Low out-of-pocket costs (like co-pays) so you can afford to get medical care when you need it.
• Choice of doctors and hospitals.

Choice of Private or Public Health Insurance Plan

• Keep your current private insurance plan or join a new public health insurance plan.
• The choice of a new public health insurance plan is a guaranteed backup that will always be there to ensure quality, affordable health care coverage no matter what.

Equal Access to Quality Care

• Equity in health care access, treatment, research, and resources to people and communities of color and stronger health services in low-income communities.

If any bloggers or other journalists in the area would like more information on credentialing, shoot me an email (man.eegee at gmail) so I can connect you with organizers of the event.

Time: Thursday, April 16 from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Location: Pima Community College District Office (Tucson, AZ)

4905 East Broadway Boulevard 85709
Tucson, AZ 85709

Sign-up to volunteer/attend: here

TUSD Considering Snow Day Tomorrow

I am much amused:

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) - Snow may cause the Tucson Unified School District to close schools on Tuesday.

The National Weather Service is forecasting up to an inch of snow in the Tucson area.

kold.com

A whole inch of snow! The horrors!

Día De Los Muertos Events in Tucson

Sábado, 1 de Noviembre

• 8:30AM - Día de los Muertos Pilgrimage - From St. John's Church to San Xavier Mission - sponsored by Coalición de Derechos Humanos

This year, Derechos Humanos has documented the recovery of 183 bodies on the Arizona-Sonora border. The lives of these men, women and children should be acknowledged and honored.

It is our goal to have one person to carry each cross as we make this 8-mile journey. We need your help to do this, and we invite you to join us this Saturday to celebrate the lives lost on our border.

• 5:00PM - Community Altar Celebration - Tucson Museum of Art

  Enjoy a family-oriented celebration of the ancient Mexican custom known as Dia de los Muertos/Day of the Dead at the Tucson Museum of Art, Saturday November 1 at 5:00 pm in the courtyards and galleries at 140 North Main Avenue in historic downtown. This event is free and open to the public.
  
  Enjoy the festive atmosphere of traditional Mexican light displays, music, and food. Join in the parade around the courtyard and over to El Presidio Park with Big Head Puppets. Marvel at the special altar created by students of St. Ambrose School and the Museum School for the Visual Arts. Bring photos or other small items to add to the Community Altar (any items that are not retrieved by the following day, Sunday, November 2 will be burned in a giant urn at the end of the All Souls Procession).
  
  This special celebration in honor of our loved ones and ancestors who’ve passed is a collaborative effort between the Tucson Museum of Art, Many Mouths One Stomach, St. Ambrose School, and the Museum School for the Visual Arts.

Domingo, 9 de Noviembre

• 6:00PM - All Souls Procession, 4th Avenue to Downtown (full route here)

  Mark your calendars! The 19th Annual All Souls Procession is on Sunday, November 9, 2008. Many of you have expressed concern and puzzlement with our choice of this years’ date for the Procession. Usually we pick the first Sunday in November, and this year that Sunday is on the same weekend as Halloween. In past years, we have held the Procession close to Halloween and the Procession suffered because of it. We had crowds of drunk, rowdy people who were not at all mindful of the intention of the “ All Souls…” . They were in the spirit of Halloween revelry, which -though similar- was more about shock value, partying and raising a ruckus.
  
  As organizers of the Procession, our priority is always quality of experience over quantity of participants, and though the Procession has grown exponentially, we will always strive to propagate an “ALL SOULS PROCESSION” that is a grassroots, non-commercial, hyper-inclusive, sacred event dedicated to honoring our ancestors and loved ones who have passed on.

Piñata Pr0n Extraordinaire Jon Justice

There is no greater promoter of human rights and advocate for migrant families in Baja Arizona than Isabel Garcia. She was a recipient of the 2006 Premio Naciónal de Derechos Humanos, presented by the Mexican government for the first time to someone who wasn't born there, in order to get an idea of the scope of work she's done. Rather than accept the award, however, she took the opportunity to call a press conference and demand that the affluent and elite south of border do more to promote economic justice among the working classes. It was a perfect example of Isabel's work to keep the focus on the underlying roots of human migration and exploitation, rather than on herself.

Isabel is one of the major driving forces behind the Coalición de Derechos Humanos, headquartered in Tucson, and that's just when she's wearing her organizer hat. She also serves as one of Pima County's leading Legal Defenders, which has Sheriff Joe Arpaio's pink underwear in a snit since apparently the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America does not apply to those who serve in government.

You see, Sheriff Joe came to town recently to sign copies of his new book that blames all the ills of society on "illegals". Well, that type of thing isn't received the same way in Tucson as it is north of the Gila, so a protest was organized in conjunction with Sheriff Joe's appearance. A piñata created in Arpaio's likeness, wearing his trademark pink boxers, was...well, it was a piñata, so you can imagine.

In response to the whole thing, Arpaio and his friends in the racist right's media empire took to the airwaves in the ironically named radio station 104.1 The Truth in an effort to get Isabel fired from Pima County. The station's radio personalities spend a majority of their time and advertising money on equating undocumented workers with terrorists, drug dealers, disease carriers, and invaders of the Homeland™ - pretty standard fare for a radio channel that also features Bill "Falafel" O'Reilly, Laura Ingraham, Michael Savage, etc etc etc.

One of the local gasbags on 104.1, Jon Justice, filmed a "webisode" of his show where he carressed and fondled a piñata intended to be the likeness of Isabel Garcia. Members of the Coalición de Derechos Humanos released the following statement:

Since last Friday, our office has received numerous hate calls, and Jon Justice has posted a YouTube video of himself with a piñata with Isabel's likeness, caressing it and making comments about "wanting to take it home with me," among a few other comments about "chorizo" and "viva la raza." You can see this video at the following link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jk8pa5GYraQ

We ask you, as community allies, to step up with us in defending Isabel Garcia, demand accountability from 104.1FM and KGUN 9, and that hate speech not be given a platform in our communities.

It is our First Amendment Right, and our duty as members of this society, to denounce anything that goes against the basic human and civil rights that ALL posess. To try to silence those that would condemn torture and raciscm is contrary to the rights of us all!

The YouTube video has since been removed of Jon Justice's sexual escapades with the piñata, the message says that "This video is no longer available due to a copyright claim by Journal Broadcast Group" - pretty ridiculous when you consider that it was filmed and distributed as a "webisode" from Jon Justice and his staff. Apparently they realized that they crossed the line where their money flow could be endangered.

Speaking of money, here is the list of advertisers for 104.1 The Truth. There is a massive letter-writing and phone call campaign underway to call these businesses to withdraw their support to these racist and xenophobic messages being broadcast on the airwaves of Baja Arizona:

So far, the following previously listed sponsors have informed us of their intention to immediately withdraw their support of 104.1 FM:

• Main Gate Square
• Patio Pools & Spa
• The Auto Body Shop
• Advanced Recon
• Aung Foot Health Clinics
• Sol Cars
  

Interestingly, many of them were not even aware that their "package" deal with Journal Broadcasting Group meant advertising on 104.1 FM, and most were not aware of what they were supporting, and would not choose to support intolerance.

In addition, the following companies have expressed concern about this issue, and have assured us that they will be looking into the matter immediately:

• El Parador
• Allstate Insurance
• State Farm Insurance
  
• The Wildcat House
• Maloney's Tavern
• Progressive Plumbing
• Axiom Drafting and Design
• Integrity Automotive

More information at Derechos Humanos, including sample letters.

Enough is Enough. Please take the time to contact local Pima County officials in support of Isabel Garcia, as well as call on the advertisers of 104.1 "The Truth" to end their support for racism and hate. Gracias.

[UPDATE] The Wildcat House has pulled their ad sponsorship

[UPDATE the 2nd] Here's the infamous Piñata Pr0n Webisode:

Tucson Mariachi Conference Events

This week, participants young and old have been working with master mariachi instructors to perfect their playing. Starting this evening, the performances begin, which are a real treat to the area.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Participant Showcase

Thursday April 24, 2008 - TCC Arena - 7:00pm - $10 Admission, under 16 free

Schedule of Performers
7:00 - 7:13 Mariachi Aguilitas de Davis
7:13 - 7:26 Mariachi Los Charritos
7:26 - 7:39 Mariachi Puno de Oro
7:39 - 7:52 Mariachi Los Potrillos
7:52 - 8:05 Mariachi Pumas
8:05 - 8:18 Mariachi Tesoro de Tucson
8:18 - 8:31 Ballet Folklórico Tapatio
8:31 - 8:44 Mariachi Cesar Chavez
8:44 - 8:57 Mariachi Anacatlan
8:57 -9 :10 Mariachi Mixteco
9:10 - 9:23 Mariachi Juvenil de San Diego
9:23 - 9:36 Mariachi Aztlan de Pueblo H.S.
9:36 - 9:49 Mariachi Chula Vista
9:49 - 10:02 Mariachi A.S.U.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Serenata y Cena

Friday, April 25, 2008 - Tucson Convention Center - 5:00pm - $40 Admission - Pre-Registration Required

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Espectacular Concert

Friday, April 25, 2008 - TCC Arena - 7:30pm - Admission Varies

This year's headliner is Lucero, returning to Tucson after an 8 year hiatus. Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan, Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano and Mariachi Los Arrieros join her in what will be a star-studded Espectacular Concert.

Tickets range in price from $46 - $86 and can be purchased from the TCC Box Office, or by calling TicketMaster at (520) 321-1000 or by completing the ticket order form and mailing in with payment.

Click here to view the arena seating chart.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Mariachi Mass
Saturday, April 26, 2008 - St. Augustine's Cathedral - 9:00am - Featuring Los Camperos de Nati Cano

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Fiesta de Garibaldi
Saturday, April 26, 2008 - 10am to 10pm - Reid Park - $5 Admission

Lots of food, arts & crafts, and of course:

Schedule of Performers
11:00 Mariachi Herencia de Mexico
11:30 Mariachi Aguilitas de Davis
noon Mariachi Puno de Oro
12:30 Mariachi Anacatlan
1:00 Mariachi Mixteco
1:30 Mariachi Diablos del Sol
2:00 Mariachi Brillante
2:30 Mariachi Cesar Chavez
3:00 Mariachi Los Potrillos
3:30 Mariachi Pumas
4:00 Mariachi Los Charritos
4:30 Mariachi Juvenil de San Diego
5:00 Mariachi Tesoro de Tucson
5:30 Ballet Folklorico Tapatio
6:00 Mariachi Los Changuitos Feos
6:30 Mariachi Aztlan de Pueblo H.S.
7:00 Mariachi Chula Vista
7:30 Mariachi Los Camperos
8:30 Mariachi Los Arrieros

For more information, visit TucsonMariachi.org

Fiesta de Saguaro This Weekend

It's a busy weekend in Tucson. There's César Chávez Week with the big march on Saturday, the Fourth Avenue Street Fair, and the 2nd Annual Fiesta de Saguaro at Saguaro National Park.

Saguaro National Park will host its second annual Fiesta de Saguaro, on Saturday April 5, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. The event will be held at the park’s Rincon Mountain Visitor Center, at 3693 South Old Spanish Trail. The Fiesta celebrates the rich Hispanic history and culture of park and local area, with a variety of activities, exhibits, lectures, demonstrations and performances. This family-oriented event is free to the public, and includes free entrance to Saguaro National Park’s Rincon Mountain (East) District.

Due to limited parking at the Rincon Mountain Visitor Center, the park will run continuous shuttle service from Sahuaro Baptist Church, located at 10361 East Old Spanish Trail (at Houghton Road). The shuttle service will run from 9:30 am until 4:30 pm. The only parking available at the visitor center on April 5 will be for those visitors with special needs.

Food, mariachis, folklorico, piñatas, marionetas - what more could you need?

(besides sunscreen)

Thoughts on Tucson's Prop 100

I'm such a bad local blogger. We had a city election yesterday and I didn't write a single post on it. I'll sit here for a few minutes while you flick granada seeds to dole out a proper chastisement.

Regarding Proposition 100 that was on the ballot, I have to say that I'm saddened that it didn't pass. Normally, I would be opposed to giving such a hefty raise to public officials, but the annual salary figures for the City Council and Mayor are shameful.

Proposition 100 would have raised council salaries from $24,000 to $36,000 per year and the mayor's salary from $42,000 to $48,000.

linkage

We should be paying the people at the top of this area's government better than the current figures. I realize that it's often a reflexive response to deny raises to lawmakers, the Flying Spaghetti Monster knows that I've done it on a federal level in the past, but really - there comes a point where we cheapen the value and commitment expected from the council by not paying the position its worth.

Of course, the other thing is that only 25%'ish of voters made the effort to cast a ballot yesterday so there's obviously a lot of work to be done on the civics level.

My dos centavos.

2007 Best of Tucson

I meant to post this last week when the Tucson Weekly announced this year's winners, but here is the linkage to the 2007 Night of the Living Best of Tucson™

My favorite category, as always:

Best Sonoran Hotdog

El Guero Canelo
5201 S. 12th Ave., 295-9005;
2480 N. Oracle Road, 882-8977;
www.elguerocanelo.com

Forget everything you ever thought you knew about hot dogs. To hell with Chicago, New York, baseball, all that. This is an experience like you've never had. These are hot dogs al estilo sonorense, Sonoran style--wrapped in bacon and covered with beans, tomatoes, onions, mustard and mayo on the best bun you've ever tasted. Overhead on the TV, the tubby lead singer of Banda Tres Rios rocks out to banda music, surrounded by a bevy of notably un-tubby, scantily clad but equally energetic young ladies, all splashing around in water and dancing to their new hit, "Sueña Tremendo." And, oh, what a tremendous dream they are, these hot dogs. People flock to this place like zombies. Go there. Now.

Runners up:

2. BK's, 5118 S. 12th Ave., 295-0105; 2680 N. First Ave., 207-2245

3. Pat's Drive-In, 1202 W. Niagara St., 624-0891

Heart attack in a bun, but so worth it.

Una Identidad Sin Fronteras: San Juan Bautista

[bumped up for the Feast Day - Man Eegee]

This weekend is the Pueblo Viejo's annual fiesta to welcome the monsoon season. It's a synergistic legacy that comes from the early days of the region's history. In honor of San Juan Bautista, la gente will gather near downtown and celebrate the cultura that thrives in Baja Arizona.

Dates: Saturday, June 23, and Sunday, June 24, 2007
Time: 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. (both dates)
Place: West Congress St. at the Santa Cruz River (south side, west bank)

The traditional procession and blessing will take place on Sunday from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. People interested in walking in the procession are asked to meet at the Pima College Community Campus, 401 N. Bonita Ave., north of Congress St. The procession will follow along the Santa Cruz River to the fiesta stage where Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas will perform the blessing.

The Día de San Juan Fiesta features Escaramuza and Charros Flor de Primavera performing on horseback. Live music and dance groups include Navegantes, Mariachi Brillante Juvenil, Ballet Folklórico-Tanatzin, and Danza del Venado.

Más información at the City of Tucson website

Drawing from a post I wrote last year, here's some history of this particular feast day.

I'm always fascinated by the way traditions evolve from a single point. In the case of El Día de San Juan on Saturday, the night before is celebrated across Spain with bonfires and rituals of cleansing and renewal; messages preached by Saint John at the waters of the River Jordan. The fires are kindled across cultures and borders to the shores of Ireland where the bonfires trace their roots to Celtic influence.

Perhaps it's the hostile climate that I'm reacting to in 2007, but attending and supporting events like this seem all the more important. Any opportunity to celebrate one's cultura should be taken advantage of; even if we have to create our own traditions based on the history of our roots.

In this particular case, I think of my dad who, like clockwork, goes to my hometown cemetery to de-weed and water the graves of our various ancestors every single Wednesday and Saturday. It is his way of communing with our past, as well as re-focusing his center so that he can be more present to the now and future. It comes from a deep place of respeto y orgullo - hopefully something that I will be able to continue when it's my turn to take up his shovel and mangera.

Water is something sacred to people living in the southwest. I can hear padre's voice echoing in my own throat on a regular basis that, "Man, we really need rain. The animals and desert are thirsty." I guess it's something we have our pulse on when a lot of our free time is spent outdoors - the place where we feel most at peace.

That lifeforce offered by the tierra y cielo is something that is worthy of celebration. If you're in the Tucson area this weekend, join the fiesta along the (ironically) dry banks of the Santa Cruz and feel yourself be woven into the history that surrounds us.

Doing something like that is always worth it.

Part of the Una Identidad Sin Fronteras series

Tucson Weekly Lookin' for Suggestions

The annual Best of Tucson electoral race is coming soon and the gente over at the Tucson Weekly are looking for help to add categories and make sure the best (and snarky) of the Pueblo Viejo is highlighted.

(From Jimmy Boegle):

For you newbies, here's how the process works: For seven or eight weeks starting in April, we publish the official Best of Tucson^TM ballot, featuring more than 130 categories. You, the stunningly intelligent reader, fill it out--following all the appropriate rules, of course--either online (preferred) or on paper. Then we tabulate the results, and all of us Weekly staffers and contributors go to work on the issue, mostly during the sleepy summer months. Finally, the issue hits the streets around the end of September--on Sept. 27 this year.

[snippity snip snip]

To view last year's BOT, check out our Web site. If you have any suggestions on categories to add or subtract, please drop me a line. My e-mail address is above; if you'd rather call, my direct line is (520) 295-4221. God help me, I answer the phone if I happen to be at my desk when you call; if I am away, leave a message. Any and all serious suggestions are appreciated, even if we don't end up using them. I thank you in advance for your two cents!

I read the Weekly faithfully and the BoT is, by far, my favorite issue. How can you go wrong with a Best Sonoran Hot Dog category?