Author Archive for Aztec Press Editor

‘Occupy Tucson’ a fascinating political movement

By PATRICK SCHNEEWEIS

During waves of protest that spanned the United States last October, a group of Tucson residents established an occupation inspired by Occupy Wall Street.

I participated in the occupation, both as an activist and as an anthropology student at Pima Community College researching the influence of radical political organizing on contemporary social movements.

As Occupy movements across the country fizzle or change shape, we are left evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the occupations for agitating for political change.

The movement is often perceived from the outside as directionless, and lacking in the ability to achieve concrete goals.

In a certain sense, this is true: Occupy Tucson was characterized by a lack of concrete political demands. This was true of Occupy Wall Street as well.

News reports generally didn’t give much information that would allow outside observers to understand this feature of the movement.

More sympathetic, liberal commentators sometimes offered a narrative about young idealists who are to be admired for their sincerity while being ignored for their naivety. Other commentators dismissed the movement entirely because it lacked a concrete agenda.

The spectacle of a national political movement without political demands can appear confusing, but it is a mistake to explain this curious fact as a consequence of the particular ideas or character of the occupiers.

Movement structure, more than the qualities of its individual participants, helps to explain the Occupy movement’s distinct lack of articulated reformist goals.

During the time of my participation, Occupy Tucson organized itself through twice-daily general assemblies open to anyone who felt they were a part of the movement. All decisions made within the general assembly were made through a form of modified consensus.

Consensus is a decision-making process designed to arrive at decisions that every member of the group finds acceptable.

Proposals are brought forth, discussed and modified with the goal of arriving at proposals that nobody feels compelled to “block.” Blocks are extreme, irreconcilable disagreements with a proposal. More casual reservations can be expressed by “standing aside” on a proposal.

Consensus models are rooted in principles of non-coercive organization that seek to avoid anyone being compelled to accept a decision with which they cannot agree. Rather than passing resolutions through majority votes, proposals pass consensus when no blocks remain.

This form of direct and grassroots democracy made it unlikely that the movement would produce any demands translatable to the political process of government, based as it is on its ability to force compliance to laws.

Within any Occupation, there is not a single demand or set of demands that represents every individual involved. For any single demand proposed, there would almost certainly be blocks from those who felt unrepresented by it.

This produced a fascinating, contradictory political community.

Many were seeking liberal political goals, but were frustrated by an organizational structure that made it impossible for the movement to express them.

Others were seeking revolutionary social change, but within a larger group committed to avoiding radical overtures in order to maintain a good public image that would help in pressing for legislative reforms.

This conclusion is not necessarily encouraging, for either revolutionary or reformist occupiers. Both tendencies are doomed to endless frustration, blocked at all turns by structural form or opponents within the movement.

It took a discussion with a friend not within the research group, who was back in town after some time spent at the more radically-leaning Occupy Oakland, to remind me that these disagreements need not paralyze or destroy a social movement.

In the best cases, such diversity can be a platform on which to build authentic political strength. At the very least, no meaningful work can begin without first engaging those conflicts.

Guest columnist Patrick Schneeweis is a Pima Community College student.

Activists with Occupy Tucson raise their hands last October to show their consensus for a proposal under discussion

News Briefs

PCC celebrates 10th anniversary of El Rio

Pima Community College will celebrate the 10th anniversary of El Rio Adult Learning Center on Jan. 27 at the El Rio Neighborhood Center from 4 p.m.- 6 p.m.

The Center is located at 1390 W. Speedway Blvd.

The event will in honor of student leadership in adult learning.

-By Chelo Grubb

PCC, ASU expanding degree program

Pima Community College and Arizona State University are expanding their Transfer Admission Guarantee program to add 16 degrees, bringing the number of degrees in the program to 27.

TAG is a transfer program that guarantees students admission into an ASU undergraduate-degree program upon completing the requirements. Through this program, students are able to complete their associate’s degrees at PCC and bachelor’s degrees at ASU. New bachelor’s degrees include biological sciences, history, family & human development, sociology and business.

For more information, contact C.J. Karamargin at 206-4850 or ckaramargin@pima.edu.

-By Miki Jennings

PCC celebrates new EMT training facility

Pima Community College held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new EMT training facility at East Campus.

The facility cost approximately $350,000. It consists of six rooms for training and testing and a mock apartment to simulate and prepare students for tight spaces.

The facility was created by enclosing an overhang of a building adjacent to the current EMT classroom and laboratory.

The space also provides an improved area to administer exams for the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians.

-By Miki Jennings

PCC participates in nationwide study

Pima Community College is one of 50 colleges that participated in a nationwide study to gauge the effectiveness of community colleges.

Local television station KVOA did a story on PCC’s involvement in the study. Vice Provost Dr. Mary Ann Martinez-Sanchez discussed PCC’s role in the Voluntary Framework Accountability in the story.

VFA is a national system of accountability for and by community colleges. Chancellor Dr. Roy Flores is on the Steering Committee of the VFA.

-By Miki Jennings

Brewer’s budget good news for PCC

Gov. Jan Brewer has proposed an increase in state funding for Pima Community College in the 2013 fiscal year.

After years of deep cuts to higher education, $7,353,500 was tagged for appropriation to PCC.

The budget announced Jan. 13 allocated $207,000 more for PCC than the 2012 budget.

According to PCC Chancellor Roy Flores, state aid had fallen 70 percent since 2009.

A “Four Cornerstones of Reform” section on Brewer’s website says, “Education has always been a top priority… I believe an educated, skilled workforce is essential to the Arizona economy.”

Brewer also outlined broad education goals she wants the state to meet by 2020.

The goals include increasing the high school graduation rate and doubling the number of college students who complete a four-year degree.

These proposals and goals are a striking contrast to results of the annual Grapevine Study: In 2011, Arizona suffered the second largest budget cuts to higher education in the nation. Only New Hampshire’s 41 percent drop exceeded Arizona’s 25 percent reduction in state funding.

Nationally, funding was approximately reduced by $6 billion over the past year.

-By Nina Elliott

Byrd dumps 39 on Tohono O’Odahm

By MEGYN FITZGERALD

Pima Community College’s men’s basketball team broke a two-game losing streak on Wednesday, Dec. 7. Pima had four players score double-digit points in the home game against Tohono O’Odahm CC.

Freshman guard Javont Byrd led all scorers  with 39 points. Freshman forward Charles Croxen scored 10 points while sophomore forward Shabaz Lewis and freshman guard Domineik Banks both put in 16 points in the 107-83 win.

 PCC was unable to defeat Central Arizona College on Dec. 3.

 The 108-76 conference loss brought the men’s record to 2-6 on the season and 1-3 in conference play.

 Aztec freshman guard Rodney Clark continued to lead the way in scoring for Pima with 26 points in the road loss.

 Sophomore guard Chad Arechiga helped out by contributing 12 additional points.  Byrd and Lewis chipped in 10 points each in the game.

 On Nov. 30, Pima played without head coach Gabriel Van Guse, who was serving a suspension for committing two technical fouls in their previous game. Assistant coach Chris Klassen filled in for Van Guse in the home game against Phoenix College.

 Arechiga led the way for Pima as he managed 19 points in the 78-66 loss.

 Eight games into the season, the Aztec’s scoring leader is Clark, who is averaging 14.25 points per game. Clark does most of his damage from beyond the three-point arc, knocking down 26 three-pointers this season.

 Clark’s 114 points are tops on the team but teammate Byrd is not far behind, averaging 12 points per game with 96 on the year.

 Freshman guard Emery Range is leading the team in rebounding with a 4.6 per game average.Range also leads the team with five blocks this season.

Banks is leading the team with 22 assists, averaging just under three per game. The freshman guard  is also contributing on defense, with a team-leading 16 steals this year.

 On Deck

 Dec. 9: @ Sells vs. Salt Lake City CC, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 10: vs. Mesa CC, 4 p.m.

Dec. 16: vs. New Mexico Junior College, 7 p.m.

Aztec guard Buka Sebastian

NBA finds key to end lockout

By LaBREAL YOUNG

After 149 days, National Basketball Association owners and players made a deal.

Of course the argument was over money, causing the season to postpone and forcing fans to watch the next most entertaining sport, football.

The owners got their way, after claiming they lost $300 million last season. Now owners and players will split profits 50/50. This way, the owners will have a chance to make back every cent of those losses.

The players also get some of these winnings and won on issues like minimum team salary and escrow.

A 66-game season will begin on Christmas Day, giving NBA fans the best gift they could ask for.

Games will be scheduled more frequently, often back to back. This should be nice for younger teams like the Thunder. Older teams like the Spurs or Lakers might not be able to keep up.

Anything to prevent the Lakers from getting that ring, I am OK with.

To put the icing on the cake, we’ll be able to watch the University of Arizona’s very own Derrick Williams ball in the big league with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Most importantly, though, the highly anticipated annual All-Star game will still follow through as planned. It will be held on Feb. 26, 2012.

It took awhile but, hey, the NBA’s back!

Events slated to remember Jan. 8 shooting

Members of the community dressed as angels line the road during Judge John Roll's funeral last January. Events are scheduled throughout the day on Jan. 7 to remember Judge Roll and other shooting victims.

By DEBBIE HADLEY

“Beyond” was created as a way for Tucson locals to post events remembering the Jan. 8 shootings and its victims.

On Jan. 7, dozens of organzations like Tucson Medical Center and Pima Community College will host festivals and health fairs. Other events listed on the Beyond website center around running, walking or biking both in nature and around Tucson.

PCC’s Festival of Democracy will be held at West Campus on Jan. 7 from 8 a.m. to noon. Volunteers are needed, and should email Christy Yebra at cyebra@pima.edu.

The Festival of Democracy includes Run for Office races, a fun run and a “Constitution Corner,” where particpants read passages from the well-known government document.

Attendees will have the opportunity to register to vote and paint a tile in remembrance of Jan. 8. For more information, visit www.beyond-tucson.org.

Other ‘Beyond’ events set for Jan. 7:

Beyond Festival, Reid Park

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Reid Park

22nd Street and

Country Club

Gabe Zimmerman

Memorial Trailhead

8:30 to 11 a.m.

Davidson Canyon

Marsh Station Road, Vail

Stroll & Roll

8:30 to 11 a.m.

Christina-Taylor Green

Memorial River Park

North Shannon Road and

West Magee Road

Kino Stadium Closing Ceremony

4 to 8 p.m.

Kino Stadium, 2500 E. Ajo Way

By The Numbers – Issue 8

By MEGYN FITZGERALD

226 million

Number of shoppers over “Black Friday” weekend in 2011.

212 million

Number of shoppers over “Black Friday” weekend in 2010.

$398.62

Average spending per “Black Friday” shopper in 2011.

$365.34

Average spending per “Black Friday” shopper in 2010.

$52.4 billion

Estimated “Black Friday” total spending in 2011.

$45 billion

Total “Black Friday” spending in 2010.

Source: msnbc.com

11

Percentage of holiday shoppers who plan on using their smart phone to shop.

61

Percentage of 2011 consumers who would like to receive clothing as a gift.

Source: lifestylemonitor.cottoninc.com

$101,119

The cost of all items from the “Twelve Days of Christmas” in 2011 – the first year the cost surpassed $100,000.

Source: Christmas Price Index

$96,824

The cost of all items from the “Twelve Days of Christmas” in 2010.

$107.50

The average amount holiday shoppers spent on themselves in 2010.

453,600

Additional workers hired for the holiday shopping season in 2009.

1,175

Estimated number of malls in the United States.

Source: facts.randomhistory.com

Baseball team seeks pitching success for 2012

By AMY ZAMBRANO

After being swept last year in the semi-finals by Central Arizona College, the Pima Community College baseball team is preparing to return strong for spring ball in 2012.

The team ended last season with a 29-27 record.

Assistant coach Ernesto Durazo called last year’s season a learning experience for both players and a new coaching staff.

“Even for the returners last year, we didn’t know much about them as players,” Durazo said.

The team will prepare during the winter break to initiate the 2012 season on a positive note.

Durazo’s goal is for the athletes to be mentally prepared for any situation.

“This year we want the players to improve their baseball IQ and just learn more about baseball,” he said. “It’s very important for the team to work hard. We want to embed good attitude and hard work in order to be successful.”

Four pitchers seem likely to be key players: freshmen Julio Felix, Juan Vega and Garrett Taggart, and a North Carolina State University transfer, Jake Cole.

“We are definitely stronger this year,” Durazo said. “I know we will have a good season.”

For now, the team is working on compiling good grades and practicing in the morning three times a week.

The Aztecs will play their first game of the 2012 season on Jan. 27.

 On Deck

Jan. 27- 28: @ Paradise Valley CC

 Feb. 2- 3: Tournament in Las Vegas, NV

Naughty or nice: a video game guide

By D.J. ARIZMENDI

I’ve got a list, and I am checking it twice. With it you will know which games this year were naughty or nice.

NICE

Playstation 3

Santa’s pick: “Uncharted 3”

2011 was the year of the three-quel. You had “Modern Warfare 3,” “Gears of War 3” and “Killzone 3.” Of the three, the nicests came from developer Naughty Dog in the form of “Uncharted 3.” Proving the third time’s the charm, U3 leads the three-quel herd with finesse by setting a new standard for game presentation.

Elves’ picks:  “inFAMOUS 2,” “No More Heroes: Heroes Paradise” and “God of War: Origins Collection”

XBOX 360

Santa’s pick: “Gears of War 3”

While “Gears of War 3” is an amazing game, it wins almost by default. With Microsoft’s exclusive lineup being so thin, GOW 3 does what it must to bulk up the slim pickings. Even though it follows a strict “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” approach, it still has enough variety in the narrative to motivate players to reach the closure-centric ending.

Elves’ picks: “Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary,” “Dance Central 2” and “The Gunstringer”

Wii

Santa’s pick: “The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword”

No surprise here. The Wii has had a tough year, with declining console and game sales. Link saves the system from complete destruction.

Elves’ pick: Buying another copy of “The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword”

Multi-platform

Santa’s pick: “The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim”

Selling about half of what the newest “Call of Duty” did, “Skyrim” shows the world that nerdism is not dead and stats matter. Fixing most of the problems “Oblivion” had, “Skyrim” shows how well an open-ended RPG can work and should keep you entertained until the apocalypse of 2012.

Elves’ picks: “CathErine,” “Portal 2,” “Saints Row: The Third,” “Dead Space 2” and “Deus Ex: Human Revolution”

NAUGHTY

PS3

Pick for the fireplace: “DC Universe Online”

This year was probably Sony’s strongest yet, but there’s always one brat who ruins it for everyone. That little imp is “DC Universe Online.” Launching with horrible gameplay glitches and weak mechanics, DCUO had no chance of surviving in the current market of MMOs. The game is still on life support and has become so desperate for players that you can now download the full game for free.

Other disappointments: “Killzone 3” and “Tekken Hybrid”

XBOX 360

Pick for the fireplace: “Fruit Ninja Kinect”

For a game that is free on Android and a dollar on iPhone, I can’t justify the $10 price tag on this port. “Fruit Ninja Kinect” is the prime example of why digitally distributed games are not ready to become the new standard format for consoles, thanks to ridiculous prices. Also, the Kinect controls don’t hold a candle to its phone-friendly counterparts.

Other disappointments: “Carnival Games: Monkey See, Monkey Do” and “Rise of Nightmares”

Wii

Pick for the fireplace: “101-in-1 Sports Party Megamix”

Publisher Atlus must have really needed a paycheck. I can’t find one reason why anyone should be subjected to this shovelware unless they have committed crimes against humanity. A warning to all you mothers out there: Seeing this game in the bargain bin does not make it a good deal. Spend the extra five bucks and buy your loved ones a giant Hershey bar.

Other disappointments: “Just Dance 3,” “Conduit 2” and “Mario Sports Mix.”

Multi-platform

Pick for the fireplace: “Call of Juarez: The Cartel”

If someone translated one of those low-budget Mexican-made action films, they would create something very similar to “Call of Juarez: the Cartel.” Not only is this probably the worse shooter of the year, this might be one of the worst products ever released to the public for $60.

Other disappointments: “Dragon Age II,” “Rage,” “Brink” and “Homefront”

Photo illustration by Miki Jennings

KXCI: Many sounds, one voice

Story and photos by ALLIE PEOT

It has been 28 years since Tucson’s community radio station, KXCI, crackled onto the airwaves with a test broadcast that ambitiously tracked the history of sound itself.

“The Big Broadcast of 1983,” as it was called, grew from mere static, to a live performance at the station over the course of three weeks. Since its official debut on Dec. 6, 1983, KXCI has continued to evolve as a voice from the heart of Tucson.

Most commercial radio waves are saturated with strict playlists and scripted personalities. The idea is to attract the greatest number of listeners possible by playing likeable and generic music.

KXCI, 91.3 on the radio dial, delivers a soundtrack that is as diverse as its listeners. Dislike one song? You might like the next one. The song after that could be your new favorite band.

From 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. each weekday, the music mix is the core sound of KXCI.

“It’s typically rooted in rock and pop, but includes local, blues, jazz and world,” station manager Randy Peterson said.

DJs create their own playlist, but draw from a rotating collection of 50 core albums that have been reviewed and selected by the music director, Duncan Hudson.

Music Director Duncan Hudson on the air.

Having this central collection helps the daytime sound be predictable. The rest of each program is hand-selected by the DJ, and filled in with warm personality.

The specialty programs, on evenings and weekends, play whatever they like.

“What we often say is no commercials, no playlists, no rules,” Peterson said.

Hudson and volunteer reviewers sift through boxes of albums sent to the station from veteran musicians and upstart bands. When they find one worthy of airtime, it gets passed along to the DJs.

The KXCI music room, which holds just a portion of the music the radio station plays.

The specialty shows are the gemstones of KXCI’s hyper-local programming.

From “Blazin’ @ 3 in the AZ” (a two-hour underground hip hop spot on Tuesday mornings) to “Rosie’s Rhythm Room” (featuring honky-tonk and roots-rock each Tuesday night), one can tune in and turn on to a slew of sounds every day.

Other programs include two renowned blues programs, “Bat Country Radio” featuring grunge and punk, and a Sunday morning gospel broadcast that has been on air since the station’s beginning.

Listening to the programs is like having friends with excellent taste and a great music collection.

“Our DJs are very passionate about their music,” Peterson said.

In addition to music broadcasts, KXCI airs talk shows. “Democracy Now!” is an investigative news program on each weekday at noon, syndicated from the Pacifica group. It covers international human rights issues.

On the other end of the news spectrum, Amanda Shauger, the community outreach coordinator at KXCI, hosts a 30-minute local public affairs program on Sunday afternoons.

“I like getting other people’s voices out there,” Shauger said.

Programs can also be found on the KXCI website, kxci.org, and the station can be streamed online.

What you won’t hear on KXCI are commercials. Instead of corporate sponsorship, KXCI accepts underwriting in exchange for supporting announcements on air. All of the underwriters are locally owned businesses, mostly restaurants and arts affiliates in the downtown area.

Because KXCI operates with 340 watts of power from a tower just behind Mount Lemmon, you might also hear static on 91.3. Often, the signal isn’t strong enough to go through building walls around town.

Being a community, as opposed to a commercial station, means many things are different for KXCI.

In addition to giving music geeks space to share sounds and a lack of commercials, KXCI has a presence at many of the concerts and events in Tucson. Examples include the Blues and Heritage Festival, the Festival of Books and the Fourth Avenue Street Fair.

Weaving a web of support around music and the arts, KXCI has created a platform for the active and creative citizens of Tucson. As the station continues to evolve, it will remain a voice of reason and a source of soul among an array of commercialized broadcasts.

FYI

KXCI

Call numbers: 91.3 FM

Website: kxci.org

Volunteers are crucial to KXCI. Check the website if you’re interested in becoming a volunteer.

The KXCI building, located at 220 S. Fourth Ave.

Student flees Iraqi religious persecution

By KARYN WALLIKER and KATTA MAPES

Maher Jawad lost more than half of his family to religious persecution and was on the run for years, moving from place to place, friend to friend, to stay alive.

Jawad, a Pima Community College student enrolled in the English as a Second Language program, is a Shiite Muslim from a small Iraqi village called Jedidat al-Shatt, northwest of Baghdad.

Iraq’s Muslim population is 65 percent Shiite and 35 percent Sunni. The two branches believe in different lines of succession from Mohammed, and have been in conflict for more than 1,400 years.

Photo By Karyn Williker

Jawad disdains the religious turmoil. “I am an artist, a poet,” he said. “I love in my heart all the people of the world.”

He was the youngest of six brothers and one sister. For many years, Jawad’s family prospered on a farm. Then in 1979, Saddam Hussein became president of Iraq.

Immediately, violence escalated. Baath Party extremists imprisoned hundreds of thousands of Shia, and most of Jawad’s siblings were killed.

In 1986, at age 18, Jawad was captured by Baath police, tortured and sentenced to 20 years in prison. After four years and 10 months, he was pardoned and forced into the Iraqi army.

He was taken directly from prison to the front lines of Iraq’s war against Kuwait. After a few days, he escaped the army and flagged down a Kuwaiti civilian motorist.

The man heeded Jawad’s pleas and agreed to drive him across the border into Iraq. He gave Jawad a change of clothes and hid him in the back of his car.

“He wouldn’t let me know his name,” Jawad said.

After five years and no news, surviving family members were shocked to see Jawad alive.

In November 1993, Jawad married Ashwak, a distant cousin. Baath terrorists continued to harass his family, showing up at their home about every six months.

By 2002, Jawad and his wife had three children and one on the way. They were constantly on the run, spending a few weeks or months in a place, and moving before they were reported.

In the early fall of that year, they were staying at a friend’s farm near a small Sunni village.  Jawad ran an errand, leaving his pregnant wife alone with their children.

While he was away, his car broke down. After spending several hours getting the vehicle fixed.  Jawad returned to find that Ashwak had given birth. The umbilical cord still connected her to the baby boy.

Sending for paramedics was too risky, so Ashwak guided Jawad in cutting the cord. He decided they couldn’t go on living like that, and needed to leave Iraq.

In January 2003, when the baby was 4 months old, Jawad spent $10,000 to obtain falsified passports for himself and his wife.

The family traveled to Syria and hired a smuggler to get them across the border to Lebanon. They would ford the Kabir River under cover of darkness.

The night was cold, and the river ran swift with mountain runoff. Jawad helped his three older children across the river first, then returned for his wife and the baby.

Jawad gripped his wife in one arm and infant son in the other as he carefully crossed the stream. The water was up to his neck when river stones beneath his feet moved. He stumbled in the powerful current and the infant was swept from the crook of his arm.

He pushed Ashwak toward the dimly visible far shore and turned to rescue the baby, who had disappeared under the choppy water. All the while, he feared the border patrol would hear and capture them, but the family safely reached Lebanon.

Jawad and his family stayed in Lebanon until 2004, when they returned to a U.S.-occupied Iraq in hopes of reuniting with family in a more peaceful time. Disappointed, they eventually returned to Lebanon.

Rasem, 5, is named after Jawad's brother, who was gunned down in Iraq.

In 2008, Jawad went to the United Nations in Lebanon to apply for refugee placement. His case was approved, and his family was assigned for relocation to the United States.

Jawad and his wife are now the parents of five children. The family has lived in Tucson for 3½ years, and is acclimating to life in the United States.

Jafa Jawad, 9, is adjusting well to his life in America after his trying times in Iraq.

His children adapted quickly. They have learned English and all attend public school.

Jawad has no plans to move back to Iraq. He wants to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language, or TOEFL, and continue his education. He hopes to eventually become a U.S. citizen.

“I like the people of the U.S.,” Jawad said. “I feel that they have mercy.”

Calendar (Dec. 8-21)

Compiled by LAURA BLANDBURG

Thursday, Dec. 8:

American Red Cross Blood Drive, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Downtown Campus, Amethyst Room.

NWC Student Life and Counseling: Drunk and Drugged Driving Awareness, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Northwest Campus, Level 2.

One Hit Wonders: “Eames: The Architect and The Painter,” 7:30 p.m., Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway Blvd., $7/student. Details: loftcinema.com.

The Wailers and Lee “Scratch” Perry, 7:30 p.m., Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress St., $26/adv $29/day of show. Details: rialtotheatre.com.

Friday, Dec. 9:

Adelante celebration, 6-8 p.m., West Campus cafeteria. Details: 206-3021.

Cinema Under the Stars: “The Polar Express,” 6:30-8:30 p.m., Northwest Campus, outdoor amphitheater, level 2. Free.

Dec. 9-10: PCC Dance – Dance Fusion, Fri. 7:30 p.m., Sat. 2 and 7:30 p.m., Proscenium Theatre, West Campus CFA, $10/discounts available. Details: 206-6986.

Cult Classics: “Black Christmas,” 10 p.m., Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway Blvd., $6. Details: loftcinema.com.

Saturday, Dec. 10:

Through Dec. 11: Tucson Regional Ballet: “A Southwest Nutcracker,” Sat. 2 and 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m., TCC Music Hall, 260 S. Church Ave., $23/student. Details: tucsonregionalballet.org.

“X,” 7 p.m., Fox Theatre, 17 W. Congress St., $22. Details: foxtucsontheatre.org.

Emily Dickinson’s 181st Birthday Bash, 7 p.m., Club Congress, 311 E. Congress St. Free. Details: hotelcongress.com.

Sunday, Dec. 11:

Arizona: A Celebration of the Grand Canyon State, 2 p.m., Jewish History Museum, 564 S. Stone Ave., $5. Details: jewishhistorymuseum.org.

Dec. 10-18: “The Magic of Christmas,” Fri. and Sat. 7 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m., Temple of Music and Art’s Cabaret Theatre, 330 S. Scott Ave., $10/adv $12/at door. Details: arizonarosetheatre.com.

Winterhaven Run Through the Lights 5K fun run, 5:45 p.m., Winterhaven Square, SE corner of Fort Lowell and Country Club roads. Free (no registration). Details: azroadrunners.org.

Through Dec. 23: ZOO Lights, Thurs.-Sun. 6-8 p.m., Reid Park Zoo, 1100 S. Randolph Way, $5. Details: tucsonzoo.org.

Monday, Dec. 12:

Through Jan. 1, 2012: Pinnacle Peak Pistoleros: Santa’s Little Outlaws, Mon.-Fri. 7 and 8 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 6, 7 and 8 p.m., Trail Dust Town, 6541 E. Tanque Verde Road. Free, donations appreciated. Details: wildweststuntshow.com.

Mondo Mondays: “Time Walker,” 8 p.m., Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway Blvd., $3. Details: loftcinema.com.

Brian Setzer’s Rockabilly Riot, 8 p.m., Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress St., $35/adv $37/day of show. Details: rialtotheatre.com.

Tuesday, Dec. 13:

Stress Management, 1:30-2:30 p.m., Desert Vista Campus, F-119.

Through Jan. 1, 2012: “Christmas in the Big Apple,” 3-4 shows daily (no show 12/25), Gaslight Theatre, 7010 E. Broadway Blvd., $15.95/student. Details: 886-9428.

Dec. 10-25: Winterhaven Festival of Lights, 6-10 p.m. (drive-thru nights 12/13, 12/15 and 12/20), entrances on Fort Lowell and Prince roads. Free, canned food donations suggested. Details: winterhavenfestival.org.

Wednesday, Dec. 14:

“Troop 1500,” 6-8 p.m., Joel D. Valdez Main Library, 101 N. Stone Ave. Free. Details: library.pima.gov.

Jazz with Elephant Head, 6-8:30 p.m., La Cocina at Old Town Artisans, 201 N. Court Ave. Free. Details: lacocinatucson.com.

PCC Board of Governors regular meeting, 7:30-9 p.m., Community Campus A-109/112.

Thursday, Dec. 15:

Through Dec. 18: “A Tucson Pastorela,” Thurs. and Fri. 10 a.m. and 7:30 p.m., Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m., TCC Leo Rich Theatre, 260 S. Church Ave. Details: 882-7406.

Beading Workshop, 6-7:30 p.m., BEADHoliday, 355 E. Fort Lowell Road/3725 W. Ina Road, Suite 140. Free. Details: beadholiday.com.

The Very Merry Holiday Sing-A-Long Spectacular, 7:30 p.m., Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway Blvd., $8, half off with unwrapped toy donation. Details: loftcinema.com.

Friday, Dec. 16:

Christmas with Aaron Neville, 7:30 p.m., Fox Theatre, 17 W. Congress St., $25. Details: foxtucsontheatre.org.

Lenguas Largas with Monster Pussy and Otherly Love, 9:30 p.m., Plush, 340 E. Sixth St., $5. Details: plushtucson.com.

Cult Classics: “Home Alone,” 10 p.m., Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway Blvd., $6. Details: loftcinema.com.

Saturday, Dec. 17:

Third Annual Holiday Gift Gathering, noon-3 p.m., West Campus cafeteria. Details: 312-8120.

Through Dec. 18: Arizona Dance Theatre – Nutcracker 2011, Sat. and Sun. 2 p.m., West Campus CFA, $15. Details: 206-6986.

17th Annual Downtown Parade of Lights, 6:30 p.m., begins at 17th Street and Stone Avenue. Free. Details: downtowntucson.org.

Neshama Carlebach with Gospel Choir, 8 p.m., Fox Theatre, 17 W. Congress St., $25. Details: foxtucsontheatre.org.

Sunday, Dec. 18:

Dancing in the Streets: “El Cascanueces,” 3 p.m., Fox Theatre, 17 W. Congress St., $13. Details: foxtucsontheatre.org.

Early Chanukah Party, 5-7 p.m., Tucson Jewish Community Center, 3880 E. River Road, $10. Details: 577-9393.

Blind Draw Dart Tournament, 7 p.m., Lucky Strike Bowl, 4015 E. Speedway Blvd., $6. Details: 909-4285.

Monday, Dec. 19:

Through Jan. 20, 2012: “The Desert Illuminated,” Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Academy Village Long Gallery, 13701 E. Langtry Lane. Free. Details: 647-7264.

Mondo Mondays: “Silent Night Deadly Night 5: The Toy Maker,” 8 p.m., Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway Blvd., $3. Details: loftcinema.com.

Yip Deceiver with R’Cougar and OWLS, 9 p.m., Plush, 340 E. Sixth St., $7. Details: plushtucson.com.

Tuesday, Dec. 20:

Personal Finance and Budgeting, 8:30-9:30 a.m., Desert Vista Campus, F-119.

Through Dec. 31: High Contrast, Tues.-Sat. 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Conrad Wilde Gallery, 439 N. Sixth Ave., #195. Free. Details: conradwildegallery.com.

Santa’s Cool Holiday Film Festival! 7 p.m., Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway Blvd., $8. Details: loftcinema.com.

Wednesday, Dec. 21:

Taoist Tai Chi, 6:30-8 p.m., Zuzi Dance Studio, Historic Y Building, 738 N. Fifth Ave., first class free. Details: 344-2826.

Rescue Lights CD release with Ladylike and Diver City, 7 p.m., Club Congress, 311 E. Congress St., $5. Details: hotelcongress.com.

“Leningrad Cowboys Go America,” 7:30 p.m., Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway Blvd. Free. Details: loftcinema.com.

FROM THE ARCHIVES: Commercialism an ongoing holiday topic

By SIERRA RUSSELL

Winter holidays have been an annual topic in the Aztec Press since its earliest issues. Several articles in the 1970s noted that commercialism was becoming a major focus.

A few staff writers embraced the trend and offered gift ideas, some extravagant as a $4,000 German wristwatch and a Russian lynx coat going for a “mere” $150,000.

Other writers denounced the materialism of Christmas, reminding readers that the holiday had been primarily honored as a religious celebration for ages.

An anonymous staffer wrote in 1976, “The crowd of Christmas shoppers is a people ocean, lifting and surging like a thousand-headed colossus bearing at them from shop doors and connecting mallways.”

A 1974 article focused on the tough economy’s effect on sales. While glassblowers and shopkeepers expressed concern, the owner of El Con Liquor Store said business was booming.

The liquor store owner said he expected sales to drop after the holidays were over. In the meantime, even the most expensive bottles (then priced at $33) were flying off the shelves.

Several writers from the same decade reported on people who couldn’t be with their loved ones for the holidays. Staff writer Daniel Murray spoke with police officers in 1976 about inmates who spend their Christmas in jail.

Detention officer Evan Stevens said, “We make a special effort to provide a good meal for the prisoners. We treat them like human beings and recognize that Christmas is a special day.”

A detention center psychiatrist, Charles Galbo, said the holidays often cause anxiety for inmates.

“Christmas is the worst psychological time for people who are away from their families,” Galbo said. “It is depressing and lonely. Their feeling of isolation is exaggerated.”

In the same issue, staff writer Tom Kehoe talked to PCC students and faculty who couldn’t go home for Christmas. One student, Sal Manuel, couldn’t return to Big Fields Village on the Papago reservation due to financial constraints.

“The whole village of 200 people celebrates together,” Manuel said. “We have games, races, dance contests; we break a piñata.”

Kehoe also interviewed Beatrice Morales, project director for the Pima Council on Aging, about the importance of volunteers. “The volunteers do what nobody else will do,” Morales said. “Their manpower hours could never be bought.”

There have been a few changes in holiday traditions over the past four decades, but much remains the same.

Health care a challenge for students in search of affordable health insurance

By JOEL GANTT

Many young Americans face the dilemma of acquiring health insurance. With so many Internet ads and different healthcare providers, it is hard to choose the best option.

At Pima Community College, many younger students are covered by their parents’ healthcare.

“I am on my dad’s health insurance,” 20-year-old student Dulce Torres said. “I haven’t thought about what I will do when that runs out.”

What does happen when your parents can’t keep you on their insurance any longer? Can college students even afford their own health care?

I didn’t have insurance, but an injury forced me to purchase a health plan that would allow me to see a doctor.

The injury occurred while I was playing softball at a local park. As I slid into second base, I felt a sharp pain shoot through my foot.

To save myself embarrassment, I jumped up and continued as if nothing had happened. After the game, however, I experienced extreme soreness and discoloration around my heel.

I limped around for a few days in hopes the pain would subside and eventually go away. I didn’t think my foot was broken, but when the pain still lingered a week later I decided to see a doctor.

Currently, I live alone and work as a bartender while attending PCC. The last time I had health coverage was in high school under my mother’s health plan.

As a student working at a job that doesn’t offer healthcare benefits, what were my options?

When I searched “healthcare” on the computer, I found endless websites that urged me to register for an insurance provider.

After viewing several sites that seemed to be selling rather than providing, I finally discovered a site that seemed trustworthy.

The azblue.com website is a Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona provider that displays a list of different health care packages and options. The selling point was month-to-month plans that could be cancelled at anytime.

The most affordable plan costs $30 a month. The office visit co-pay is $30 for a basic doctor and $50 for a specialist. Generic prescriptions are $15 and name-brand prescriptions cost $125.

I filled out an application that asked for personal information and medical history. After paying a one-time $20 application fee and the first month of coverage, I was able to print my temporary insurance card.

The website provided a list of medical practitioners, which helped me select a nearby doctor who could see me within a week.

My doctor didn’t think I needed an X-ray, and said I had probably just suffered a deep-pressure bruise to my heel. He answered all my questions and gave me a physical. Ultimately, he gave me sense of relief.

I had given myself peace of mind by getting to a doctor and finding a health plan, but used limited research in my rush. I still was not sure that this was my best option for health care.

Although PCC does not offer a health insurance program, there is a convenient and affordable medical clinic located on a Pima campus.

The Marana Health Center provides students and non-students discounted health care at 12 clinics located throughout Marana and Tucson. One clinic is located next to the cafeteria on West Campus.

MHC will evaluate a patient’s income and provide health care at a very affordable rate.

In order to be evaluated, you need a month’s worth of paystubs or proof of income, proof of address (electric or utility bill) and government-issued identification.

If a person makes less than $900 per month, the co-pay is $15 to be seen by a physician. Prescriptions are also available with a discounted co-pay.

MHC also offers dental and specialty doctor options, with a separate program for hospital visits. There is no signup fee and no contract.

The health center offers the most affordable coverage that I found in Tucson. Once I discovered this, I cancelled my Blue Cross Blue Shield health plan.

In comparison with Blue Cross Blue Shield, MHC will save me $30 a month and $15 on each office visit.

My advice to fellow students in need of health care is to visit a MHC clinic, then seek cheaper alternatives. Don’t make the mistake I did, losing $50 because I did not know all of the options.

***

Dental services available through Pima program

By RYAN TSARSIS

Finding a dentist in Tucson without insurance is tough. Many insurance plans have deductibles that allow a certain amount of coverage, causing a major toothache for those who can’t afford the extra work needed.

I recently received a free oral cleaning and teeth whitening from the Pima Community College West Campus Dental Hygiene Clinic during a health fair.

The visit stirred up bad memories from dental procedures past.

As a native of Freehold, N.J., I spend my summers back in the comforts of home. When my mother received an offer for a free whitening and X-ray, she encouraged me to visit the dentist’s office.

My simple trip to the dentist became an oral nightmare. Although my pearly whites were clean, the X-rays revealed eight cavities. It had been some time since my last visit, and I didn’t know how I could pay for the procedure.

I asked the dentist, a family friend, what the X-ray and whitening would cost without the special offer. He said $250.

My oral screening and whitening at Pima got me wondering what a whitening and X-ray procedure would cost at the Dental Hygiene Clinic. The answer: $70.

The low price encouraged me to research other opportunities the clinic has to offer.

Overall, the service fees were at times up to 80 percent less than a traditional dentist visit.

With slashed costs comes longer waits. Clinic workers stress that services may take multiple visits and up to three hours per visit. Dental hygiene students, under the supervision of licensed dental hygienists, provide the services.

The clinic provides PCC students with limited or even no insurance an opportunity to receive necessary dental services.

Clinic rates include whitening for $55, sealant for $15, periotherapies for $20 and screening X-rays from $15, among other services.

The Dental Hygiene Clinic is open to the general public. For more information, call 206-4500.

Top 10 birthday plans in December

By RYAN TSARSIS

If you’re like me and have a birthday near the holiday season, your birthday may seem like an ordinary day to pass the time away as you wait for New Years.

Some of you may relish receiving double the gifts as your peers and family members, while others may feel snubbed as their gifts and plans focus around the holiday season rather than the birthday itself.

Here are 10 plans to make your day a special day:

1. Go to Las Vegas. Everyone likes a getaway, especially around the time of your birthday. Take this time to invite some close friends and go wild, “Hangover” style.

2. Throw a party. Who doesn’t like a good old-fashioned party for themselves? This is a good idea for those of you who have a little extra money to spend, and friends to fill the guest list.

3. Grab a steak dinner. Ah steak. There’s nothing like a nice, filling steak to make me feel special on my birthday. For those of you who are vegetarians, feast out on your favorite non-meat dish.

4. Cruise Fourth Avenue. “The strip” is a great spot for you and some friends to venture. Tell every bartender it’s your birthday. Free drinks are inevitable and the bar scene loves someone who chooses their bar for your birthday.

5.  Have a dinner date. Dinner dates are extra memorable for those sharing their day with a special someone. Put on that birthday dress or suit to impress, and go out to a fancy restaurant to have a classy evening.

6. Go camping. For you outdoorsy types, make your day invigorating by strapping on the camping gear and adventuring the great outdoors to a precious spot underneath the stars.

7.  Have a favorite movie marathon. This is more for the couch potatoes out there. A day dedicated to a movie marathon can make a memorable birthday.

8. Have a barbecue. Barbecues are great for those who enjoy food, family, friends and fun. Pig out with your favorite grilled food while enjoying the focus of your birthday.

9. Go on a hike. Hiking can be fun, especially if the hike is dedicated to you and is on your favorite trail.

10. Have a family dinner. There’s nothing like some much-needed family time, especially around the holidays.

Adelante program: Finding paths to success

 By ASTRID VERDUGO

 For students like Jose Fernando Valencia, the Adelante Program, a performance based scholarship offered to Hispanic males only, will direct his future towards the most optimal path for success.

 Valencia’s aptitudes have helped him become part of the honors colloquium with a set plan to major in engineering at Pima Community College and transfer to Arizona State University in the Fall of 2013.

He has also become a student ambassador and a prospective Phi Theta Kappa member at PCC.

 “Growing up, school really wasn’t one of my priorities — I wasn’t the book nerd you see today,” Valencia said.

 “I would do just enough to get by and after finally taking a year off school I just realized how important education is.”

 The Adelante Program is part of a national study that will determine an answer to the question, “If Hispanic males are provided with financial aid, would that change the outcome of their future?”

 Frank Velasquez is the advanced program coordinator for PCC.

 “These studies are basically seeing whether or not it makes a difference and certainly for our particular program we specifically chose Hispanic males because they traditionally struggle in higher education,” he said.

According to Valencia, statistics state that two out of three Hispanic males who attend college in general will never graduate.

 “So what the program wants to determine is if Hispanic males have the funds available, would they attend college and would they finish? I make part of that research group — I’m actually the last group to benefit from this,” he said.

Both Valencia and Velasquez emphasize that Hispanic males are notably hesitant to ask for help.

 “My culture in particular being Mexican — we’re really known as being hard headed, I guess,” Valencia said.

 “We stick to our ideals and, well, me in particular I tend to do things a certain way, my way, and if it doesn’t work my way it’s really hard to switch me to another way.”

“Traditionally Hispanic males won’t ask for help,” Velasquez said to the Board of Governors at the Nov. 9 regular meeting.

“I know it’s a challenge and I certainly know it’s an obstacle to get past,” he said in a subsequent interview.

The Adelante Program is a three-semester program. It awards up to $1,500 per semester.

Orientation, advising sessions, workshops, tutoring and meetings (called “platicas”) are required in order to receive the award.

There are 1,029 students in the study, but 612 are granted the financial award.

Valencia said that males tend to drop out of college because of financial constraints and family circumstances.

“Whether they need to provide for their families, help out with the bills or if they need to provide child support — those are the trends that they’ve noticed,” Valencia said.

“In comparison to women, it actually shows that females that are attending college they’re graduating compared to males.”

The Adelante Program has opened a lot of doors for its members.

“You see, I didn’t even know we had a tutoring center available at the campus. If it wasn’t for Adelante I would never attend tutoring, period,” he said.

“I believe that this program has gotten me more focused into school — I’m more determined to finish and to prove a point that we have to get this out there for the future.”

Valencia expressed how beneficial this program would be for thousands of students and hopes its permanency remains.

“If it has a positive outcome, it would pretty much work like a Pell grant; if you are a Hispanic male then you’re eligible for this program,” Valencia said.

“In order for this to happen it has to be a success. They have to see positive results and so the research group is going to keep track of us.”

Maori Development Research Centre, the research group conducting this study will use the student’s social security number to keep track of the student’s progress for years to come.

“I believe they follow us eight to ten years and from that they’ll determine the results,” Valencia said.

“They will determine what types of jobs we end up with after we graduate.”

The Adelante Program is comprised of Hispanic males of diverse backgrounds and ages.

“Because it’s part of a study it can’t be biased in any way so everyone had a fair shot at being selected for the Adelante Program,” Velasquez said.

PCC is among the last schools in the nation to determine the outcome of this study and Valencia is part of the last group at Pima to benefit from this program.

In 2013, the study’s data will be compiled. Only then can the Adelante story be told in full.