Author Archive for Aztec Press Editor

FROM THE ARCHIVES: Sun awareness evolves

 By SIERRA RUSSELL

 In Southern Arizona, summer dominates the year. Its heat arrives early and stays late. Residents are frequently drawn to pools, rivers and lakes, which can result in prolonged sun exposure.

In the early pages of the Aztec Press, the dangers of skin cancer were rarely mentioned. A front-page photo from April 1974 shows a “sun worshipping” student basking in the sun between classes.

Articles from the early ‘80s reflect an increasing awareness about skin care. In the spring of 1982 there was a full-page layout focusing on ways to protect skin.

Staff writer Susan McGarry stated that sunshine can be beneficial but also warned of hazards.

“The right amount of sunshine can reduce blood pressure and the levels of sugar and serum cholesterol in the blood,” McGarry said. “It can enhance strength, relieve asthma and aching joints, as well as improve intake of oxygen to body’s cells and reduce stress.”

McGarry warned readers about the threats of overexposure in the sunlight, such as sunburns, which can result in permanent skin damage and lowered immune systems.

She also told hikers that the higher the altitude, the more susceptible one is to ultraviolet rays.

“Ultraviolet rays are invisible and unfelt,” McGarry said. “Infrared rays are also invisible but are the rays we feel as heat.”

In the same article, skin expert Lowell Ponte said, “If the earth were exposed to a full force of ultraviolet radiation, all life would be destroyed.”

McGarry discussed sunscreen, which at the time, ranged in sun protection factor from two to 15. Today there are sunscreens with SPF’s of 100 and higher. “Proper knowledge of your specific skin type is key to choosing the best lotion,  McGarry said.

In an article from May 1982, Pat Martinez covered the topic of spring fashion. It was a season of pastels, pedal pushers and prairie skirts. Martinez said that wide-brimmed hats were not only fashionable but also helpful in warding off harsh sunlight. Martinez said that in spite of the lure of a dark tan, sun exposure will ruin the skin and cause premature wrinkles.

The article also encouraged sun lovers to protect their hair from too much sunlight and chlorine. Cosmetologist Melinda Martinez said, “Whenever you’re out tanning, always cover your hair because the sun can cause hair to become dry and brittle.”

In April, 1984 Cynthia Roedig wrote about skin cancer.

One warning sign is revealed by moles that are upraised from the skin, change color, size and shape. Roedig wrote that although skin cancer is the most common form of cancer, it is also the easiest to treat especially if it is caught in its early stages.

Translator has plenty of stories to share

By ALEX ALMADA

A man from Ecuador is on the phone, crying for an opportunity to stay in the United States.

His doctor is on the other end of the line, trying to explain the man’s situation to Dennis Rojas, an interpreter.

The man is an HIV-positive homosexual who lost his brother to hate crimes in Ecuador.

If he goes back, he is sure he’ll suffer the same fate. He begs to be allowed to live.

Rojas sits between the man and his doctor, bridging the language gap.

One phone call, one story. Rojas receives an average of 45 calls per day.

Rojas, 26, works for CyraCom International, a Tucson call center for over-the-phone interpretation.

The company mainly focuses on medical calls, but other clients include insurance companies, theme parks and law firms.

Rojas, who majors in Spanish for interpretation, heard about CyraCom when one of his Pima Community College instructors mentioned the job opportunity.

At first, Rojas was skeptical about applying.

“I heard a lot of bad things about it,” he said. “I heard it’s a call center job, it’s not an interpreter job. The hours are crazy, you’re not gonna like it. But I needed a job.”

After an intense application process, CyraCom hired Rojas on Sept. 13, 2010. Three weeks of training followed.

Rojas had to drop his full-time class load so he could focus on his new job.

It was a difficult decision, but after speaking to an instructor he decided the job presented a good opportunity to gain experience in his field.

“It’s a really interesting job,” Rojas said. “I like it.”

Rojas never knew how many stories he would hear while working at a call center.

One such call involved a distraught mother whose daughter suffered brain damage from loss of oxygen during a medical procedure. Rojas said the doctor failed to apply a breathing tube for 25 minutes.

“The doctor said, ‘If you had listened to me, to what I told you to do, your daughter wouldn’t be in the state she is.’ He was really rude,” Rojas said.

“The lady started crying with real pain, as if her daughter was already dead. And in reality, she was.”

The call escalated into the mother threatening to sue the doctor.

“That was when I said I needed to file a report,” Rojas said. “At my job, whenever there is a problem that you can’t control, you have to write a report.”

He has many similar stories. “If I were to tell you all of them, we’d be here all night.”

Rojas said he’s learned there are genuinely good people in the world, while others care only about money.

“I’ve learned that patience is very important for everyone,” he added.

Working at CyraCom changed Rojas’ opinion about himself. The job helped him stop pre-judging others.

“He is more responsible now,” said Andres Garcia, his roommate and life partner. “And he is more loving now.”

To help himself cope, Rojas takes time off whenever possible.

“It’s just taking days to be with my family, doing other things other than work,” he said.

A confidentiality agreement prevents him from giving out names and information, but he likes to repeat the stories he hears.

“I share because I have to,” he said.

Rojas graduated in 2006 from Cholla High Magnet School, which focuses on law-related and international baccalaureate diploma programs.

He hopes to one day become a court or hospital interpreter, and would like to earn a bachelor’s degree in Spanish from the University of Arizona.

“I wouldn’t mind being a Spanish teacher,” Rojas added. “I wouldn’t mind creating some sort of Spanish interpretation and translation program that is law-related or international-related.”

Rojas also enjoys writing, and hopes to one day write a book about his father.

“When my dad was dying, one of my last conversations with him was, ‘Dad, do you think you are the way you are because of the way you lived?’” Rojas said.

“And he answered me, ‘yes and no. Because I know I have done some bad things and I know I have done some good things.’

“I told him, ‘you know what, Dad? I’m going to write a book about you because I think you’ve led a very interesting life and I don’t think it should be left unsaid.’”

Rojas’ eyes glint when he talks about his writing. He says he always knew he was good at it, even when he was very young.

“In kindergarten, I was writing at a third-grade level,” Rojas said. “And I got put into gifted classes.”

During a high school honors English class, his teacher used some of the papers Rojas wrote as a model for other students to follow.

Rojas mentions PCC instructor Laura Van Etten as a big influence in his writing.

He is particularly proud of a story he wrote during her class titled, “How to Exchange a Bad Battery for a New One at Wal-Mart.”

Today, Rojas is confident about his future.

“I just know that I will one day be successful, whether it’s me writing good books or whether it’s me succeeding in my career as an interpreter or whether it’s me winning the lottery,” he said with a smile.

Aztec Calendar: May 3- 16

CAMPUS EVENTS

May 3: Resume Writing workshop. Northwest Campus, B-121. 2 p.m.-3 p.m.

 May 3: Career Exploration and My Career Path. Northwest Campus, B-121.  3 p.m.-4 p.m.

May 3-4: Annual Student Juried Art Exhibition. West Campus, Center for the Arts. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

May 4: PCC Fashion Design – Spring Fashion Runway Show. West Campus. Center for the Arts. 7 p.m.

May 7 and 14: Voter Registration. East Campus, student mall. 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

May 8: Writing Contest. East Campus, Community Room. 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

May 8: Preparing Your Schedule for Next Semester. Downtown Campus, LB 1153. 4 p.m.-5 p.m.

May 8 and 22: Financial Aid Orientation. Community Campus. 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

May 11: Cinema Under the Stars: “Puss in Boots.” Northwest campus, Level 2. 7:30 p.m.-10 p.m.

May 16: Preparing Your Schedule for Next Semester. Downtown Campus, LB 1153. 10 a.m.-11 a.m.

May 17: Graduation. Tucson Convention Center. 7 p.m.

MOVIE OPENINGS

 New movie releases:

May 4:

“A Little Bit of Heaven”

“The Avengers”

May 11:

“Damsels in Destress”

“Dark Shadows”

May 16:

“The Dictator”

May 18:

“Battleship”

“The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel”

“What to Expect When You’re Expecting”

May 25:

“Men in Black III”

DVD/Blu Ray releases:

May 8:

“Chuck: Season 5”

“The Front Line”

“Humans vs. Zombies”

“Playback”

“Underworld Awakening”

“The Vow”

May 15:

“Chronicle”

“The Devil Inside”

“The Grey”

“Hell on Wheels: Season 1”

“One for the Money”

“Rampart”

May 22:

“Beyond”

“Newlyweds”

“Perfect Sense”

“The Secret World of Arrietty”

“Sherlock: Season 2”

“This Means War”

Movie events:

Loft Cinema

May 3: “Monte Walsh” with special guests. 7 p.m. $25, advance tickets not available.

May 4: First Friday Shorts: “The Golden Gongs” year-end showdown. 9 p.m. $6 general, $5 Loft members.

May 9: Magic Hour: short fiction films from the UA School of Theatre, Film and Television. 7 p.m. Free.

May 10: “Last Call at the Oasis” followed by Q&A with director Jessica Yu. 7 p.m. $9 adult, $7 student, $5 Loft members.

May 12 and May 15: The Mary Poppins Sing-a-long! May 12 @ noon, May 15 @ 7 p.m. $8 general, $6 Loft members and children under 12.

Video game releases:

May 4:

“Sniper Elite V2” (PC, PS3, Xbox)

May 8:

“Warlock: Master of the Arcane” (PC)

“Starhawk” (PS3)

May 11:

“Street Fighter x Tekken” (PC)

May 15:

“Diablo III” (PC)

“Game of Thrones” (PC, PS3, Xbox)

May 18:

“Max Payne 3” (PC, PS3, Xbox)

TUCSON EVENTS

 April 28- June 1: Basketry Treasured. Arizona Sate Museum. 1013 E. University Blvd. Details: 626-8381.

May 5-6: Ballet Tucson Presents “Cinderella.” University of Arizona, Centennial Hall. Various times. Student price: $26. Details: 621-3341.

May 5-6: The Tucson Folk Fest. El Presidio Park, 160 W. Alameda St., Tucson. Noon- 9 p.m. Details: tkma.org.

May 5-6: Sonoita Horse Races. 3142 S. Highway 83. $3, plus $3 parking. Gates open at 10 a.m. Details: 455-5553.

May 5-6: Tucson Heart Group Cinco de Mayo 10K and Fun Run. Details: 327-5400.

May 11: National Public Gardens Day. Tucson Botonical Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon Way. Free. Details: 326-9686.

May 13: Tucson 5000. 7 a.m. at Reid Park. $18-25.

Through July 30: Science Downtown: Mars and Beyond. 300 Congress St. $7 with ID. Details: 622-8595, sciencedowntown.org.

Down Time- Comic

Spring ushers in bee, snake induced injuries

By ANA RAMIREZ

Arizona’s spring weather brings people out of their homes to enjoy nature at its best.

As temperatures rise, however, we share our environment with insects and reptiles emerging from hibernation.

Pip Tisdle of Tucson’s AAA Africanized Bee Removal Specialists estimates the company removes about 1,000 beehives a year.

“We don’t touch swarms, it’s unnecessary because they relocate anyway,” Tisdle said.

Nearly all wild bees in Arizona are the Africanized variety. For the most part, transient bees are seeking a new location for their hive. During the search, they need a place stop, rest and eat.

“If you respect them and don’t bug them, they usually leave within 48 hours,” Northwest Fire District Capt. Adam Goldberg said.

Triggers of scent, vibration and color set bees off, Tisdle said. They usually don’t attack unless they feel threatened, but they will continue to sting once they decide someone is a threat.

“You don’t want to be walking around a beehive with a yellow dress and a bunch of perfume,” Goldberg joked.

Most calls aren’t considered a hazard, but Goldberg said Northwest Fire District responded to 33 bee and swarm removals last year.

Experts recommend that people who find a beehive in their home call a bee removal company that is licensed with the state office of pest management.

Festivals galore await visitors

 From Earth Day celebrations to the Pima County Fair to cultural events, a wide variety of events take place in upcoming weeks.

EARTH DAY

 Tucson Earth Day Festival – April 21

 The Tucson Earth Day Festival will showcase food, music, performances and environmental exhibits on April 21 at Reid Park from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free.

The festival will feature a variety of activities for all ages.

The theme for a 10 a.m. parade is “All Species Procession.” Participants will dress as species of their choosing and make banners that show why their species is important.

Middle school students in a solar competition will model solar electric cars and houses. There will also be an alternate fuel vehicle exhibit.

A “Bike to the Zoo” event offers free admission to Reid Park Zoo for bicyclists who show their safety helmets.

For further details, visit tucsonearthday.org.

Downtown Campus

‘Show, Tell, Give: Earth Day’ – April 23

 Downtown Campus will combine an Earth Day celebration, an art showcase and a reading to recognize the talents of Pima Community College students.

The event will be held on April 23 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

As a service project, the event welcomes donations for Operation Gratitude, an organization that gives care packages to U.S. service members. Personal letters, candy, snacks, socks, electronics, gift cards and stationary will be accepted.

People interested in the reading, which starts at 2 p.m., can show up and volunteer at the event.

Desert Vista Campus

‘Garden Celebration’ – April 26

 Desert Vista Campus will hold an Earth Day garden celebration April 26 at the campus garden, 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.

 -Compiled by Roberto Avendaño

PCC CAMPUSES

Show, Tell, Give: Earth Day – April 23

Downtown Campus will combine an Earth Day celebration, an art showcase and a reading to recognize the talents of Pima Community College students on April 23 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The event will gather donations for “Operation Gratitude,” an organization that gives care packages to U.S. service members. Personal letters, candy, snacks, socks, electronics, gift cards and stationary will be accepted.

People interested in the reading, which starts at 2 p.m., can show up and volunteer at the event.

Garden Celebration – April 26

Desert Vista Campus will hold an Earth Day garden celebration April 26 at the campus garden from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.

-Compiled by Roberto Avendaño

PIMA COUNTY FAIR –

April 19-29

Bigger and better! That’s what the Pima County Fair promises to offer from April 19-29.

The fairgrounds, located at 11300 S. Houghton Road, will be open from 2 p.m. to midnight on weekdays and 10 a.m. to midnight on weekends. Admission costs $8.

Highlights include a large carnival, vendors, performances, demonstrations, exhibits, attractions and concerts.

For details, visit pimacountyfair.com or call 762-9100.

-By Vanessa Avila

NORTHWESTFEST – April 27

 Events ranging from high school student orientations to a free evening benefit concert will take place April 27 at Northwest Campus.

Northwestfest activities include two high school student orientations. The first is from 9:30-11:30 a.m. and the second is from 2:30-4:30 p.m.

An open house for the public will be held from 4-7 p.m.

The orientations and open house will provide advice on classes and majors, paying for college, assessment test preparation, student resources, campus programs and university transfer options. Classroom demonstrations and campus tours will be offered.

The free “Concert for a Cause” from 5-10 p.m. will feature performances by Ka-Ta, One Way, RadioDriveBy and Rowdy Johnson Band. Bracelets will be on sale, with proceeds benefitting the global Thirst Project. Food and drinks will also be available for purchase.

For further information, call 206-2131.

 -By Eric Klump

‘THE NEON MILE: SOCK HOP’ – April 27

A lighting ceremony and night of fun will commemorate installation of four 1950s-era neon signs mounted along the north border of Downtown Campus on Drachman Street.

Free “The Neon Mile: Sock Hop” festivities will take place April 27 from 6-9 p.m.

Highlights include a classic car show, a 1950s fashion show, live music, food truck vendors¸ dance lessons and demos, plus vintage family movies and TV shows.

Hosts are PCC, the Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation and the City of Tucson.

On April 28, the fifth annual “Neon Mile Historic Open House” will feature lectures, shuttle bus tours and an Evergreen Cemetery tour.

For further Sock Hop details, call 206-7100.

-By Elizabeth Peterson

FUSIONFEST – April 28-29

FusionFest, celebrating arts and cultures from around the world, will take place at Northwest Campus on April 28-29.

The Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance will sponsor numerous live performances from musical and theatrical groups.

International films and digital art centering on global themes will showcase emerging and established filmmakers’ work.

Textiles, jewelry and accessories inspired by traditions around the world will be displayed, while a marketplace will allow visitors to purchase arts, crafts and other items inspired by foreign cultures.

Hours on Saturday, April 28, will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hours on Sunday, April 29, will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For additional details, visit fusionfest.org.

 -By Eric Klump

KFMA DAY – April 29

The 13th annual KFMA DAY 2012 on April 29 will feature Incubus, Cage the Elephant, Chevelle, The Dirty Heads, Neon Trees, Awolnation, Anberlin and Civil Twilight.

KFMA DAY 2012 will be held at Kino Veterans Stadium. Tickets cost $39.50 in advance, and are available at Tucson-area Domino’s and at kfma.com.

-By Vanessa Avila

Cowboy Music Festival –

April 28-29

Old Tucson will host a Western music festival on April 28-29. For full details, visit oldtucson.com.

-By Chelo Grubb

Education called a key to HIV, AIDS awareness

By ANA RAMIREZ

“It could never happen to me” is a phrase that’s uttered all too often. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1.2 million Americans live with HIV and more than 460,000 have AIDS.

Former U.S. Army Sgt. Enrique Franco was discharged in 2007 for admitting he was gay. A medical exam he underwent as part of the exiting procedure revealed he was HIV-positive.

The Aztec Press first talked with Franco in 2010 after he spoke at National Latino AIDS Awareness Day.

At the event, he urged community members to educate themselves, and to protect themselves against the virus.

In a recent interview, Franco said he was disappointed by the 2010 crowd and its response. He has declined to speak at any other NLAAD events and says he is burnt out on being an activist.

“I wasn’t seeing any kind of response,” he said. “It’s no longer a big deal to have HIV.”

In 2010, Franco was also writing a blog at thebody.com.

“I felt like a guy in the desert screaming my lungs out and no one was listening,” Franco said. “We don’t need a 37-year-old; no one’s going to listen to me. We need to find that one golden person who has a voice.”

Ed Dunin-Wasowicz, a volunteer media adviser for NLAAD, and Manny Garcia, a speaker at the 2010 National Aids Awareness Day event, agree on the need for education.

Garcia, 43, has lived in Tucson his entire life.

“I felt that HIV was in bigger cities, not here,” he said. “Education is important and sex ed should be taught in all high schools, if not junior high schools.”

Dunin-Wasowicz said many cultural barriers exist, especially in Native-American and Hispanic communities. “There’s a huge stigma about HIV,” he said.

Last year, the NLAAD impacted a larger and younger audience by moving to a daytime event at Pima Community College’s West Campus, Dunin-Wasowicz said. The 2011 event also included more free HIV testing.

Franco said cancer is still seen as more dangerous, even though AIDS is very powerful and compromises the immune system. “Prevention is the key, not trying to find the cure,” he said.

“The younger generation may be embarrassed or scared but they are the ones who need to speak out,” he added. “It is the older generation’s job to encourage the young ones to speak out.”

Someone in the United States is infected with the virus every nine and a half minutes, according to the CDC. In addition, 21 percent of people living with HIV are unaware of it.

“We live in the moment,” Dunin-Wasowicz said. “We don’t realize we’re having sex with whoever they had sex with.”

Aztec Calendar: April 19 – May 2

 TUCSON EVENTS

April 19-29: Pima County Fair. Pima County Fairgrounds, 11300 S. Houghton Road. Admission: $8. Parking: $5. Details: swfair.com or 762-9100.

April 20: UA Earth Day. University of Arizona, Main Gate Square. 4-8 p.m. Details: 622-8613.

April 21-29: National Parks Week. Free admission to all national parks. Details: Nps.gov/npweek.

April 22: Alberding Amble. Lincoln Park, 8155 E. Poinciana Drive. 9 a.m. 5-K ($20), 10 a.m. fun run/walk ($10). Proceeds benefit PCC scholarship. Details: 206-7667 or ajimenez@pima.edu.

April 22: Tucson Earth Day Festival. Reid Park, off Country Club Road. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Details: tucsonearthday.org.

April 28: Solar Potluck and Exhibition. Catalina State Park, 11570 N. Oracle Road. 10 a.m.- sunset. Free with $7 park admission.

April 28-29: Fusionfest. PCC Northwest Campus. Saturday 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Details: fusionfest.org or 797-3959.

April 28: Tucson Taco Festival. Downs Rillito, 4502 N. First Ave. 11 a.m.- 7 p.m. $10. Details: (480) 466-0579.

LIVE MUSIC

April 20: Andrew Bird with Laura Marling. Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress St. 7 p.m. $30 in advance/$33 day of show. All ages. Details: rialtotheatre.com.

 April 21-22: Club Crawl. Fourth Avenue to Congress Street. 7 p.m.-2 a.m. $12 in advance/$14 day of event. 21+. Tickets available Zia Records, Tucson Weekly.

April 23: Bon Iver with Feist. TCC Arena, 260 S. Church St. 7 p.m. $30-40 advance general admission. All ages. Details: rialtotheatre.com.

April 23: Tumbleweed Wanderers. Plush, 340 E. Sixth St. 9:30 p.m. Free. 21+. Details: plushtucson.com.

April 23: Dead Meadow with Spindrift and Stranger Family Band. Solar Culture, 31 E. Toole Ave. No time listed. $10. All ages. Details: solarculture.org.

April 27: The Project. Club Congress, 311 E. Congress St. 7 p.m. Price not listed. 21+. Details: hotelcongress.com/club.

April 29: Ingrid Michaelson with Harper Blynn. Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress St. 7 p.m. $18 in advance/$20 day of show. All ages. Details: rialtotheatre.com.

May 3: Kyle Bronsdon. Plush, 340 E. Sixth St. 7 p.m. Free. 21+. Details: plushtucson.com.

CAMPUS EVENTS

April 19: Writing Contest. East Campus Community Room. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Details: 206-7427.

April 19-22: “Inherit the Wind.” West Campus CFA Proscenium Theatre. Thurs-Sat 7:30 p.m., Sun 2 p.m. $15, with discounts available. Box office: 206-6986.

April 21: Japanese Speech Contest. Exhibits, performances, student speech competitions. East Campus Community Room. Noon-5 p.m. Free. Details: 206-7616.

April 23: Show, Tell, Give: Earth Day. Downtown Campus. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Details: 206-4500.

April 23: Jazz Improv Combo. West Campus CFA Proscenium Theatre. 7:30 p.m. $6, with discounts available. Box office: 206-6986.

April 26: Earth Day Garden celebration. Desert Vista Campus Garden. 11:30 a.m.-1:15 p.m. Details: 206-4500.

April 27: NorthwestFest. Northwest Campus. 9:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Free. Details: 206-2131.

April 27: The Neon Mile: Sock Hop. Downtown Campus. 6-9 p.m. Free. Details: 206-7100.

May 1: Jazz Ensemble. West Campus CFA Proscenium Theatre. 7:30 p.m. $6, with discounts available. Box office: 206-6986.

May 2: Cinco de Mayo Celebration. Desert Vista Campus. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Details: 206-5026.

Through May 4: Annual Juried Student Art Exhibition. West Campus CFA Bernal Gallery. Free. Details: 206-6942.

Through May 25: Jazz Photo Exhibit. Downtown Campus, second floor lobby of Campus Center building. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays. Free. Details: 206-4500.

 PIMA HOME SPORTS

 April 21: Softball vs. Phoenix College at West Campus, noon.

April 24: Softball vs. Yavapai College at West Campus, 2 p.m.

April 28: Baseball vs. Cochise College at West Campus, noon.

April 28: Softball vs. Cochise College at West Campus, noon.

MOVIE EVENTS

DVD/Blu-ray releases:

 April 24:

“Contraband”

“Dark Tide”

“The Fields”

“The Innkeepers”

“Pariah”

“The Wicker Tree”

May 1:

“Covert Affairs: Season 2”

“Joyful Noise”

“Level Up”

“New Year’s Eve”

Movie openings:

April 20:

“Chimpanzee”

“The Lucky One”

“Think Like a Man”

April 27:

“The Five-Year Engagement”

“Footnote”

“Safe”

“The Sound of My Voice”

Loft Cinema events:

3223 E. Speedway Blvd., loftcinema.com

April 21: “Rocky Horror Picture Show.” Midnight. $6 general, $5 Loft members.

April 26: “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” Film introduction by musician Ralph Stanley at 6 p.m., film starts at 6:15 p.m. $8 general, $6 Loft members.

April 28: “The Garbage Pail Kids Movie.” Saturday Morning Cinema. 10 a.m. $6 general, $5 Loft members.

May 1: “The Education of Dee Dee Ricks.” 7 p.m. Live Skype Q&A with Dee Dee Ricks. Presented by Susan G. Komen for the Cure Southern Arizona. Free.

ARTS BRIEFS

April 5 recital spotlights tuba

Pima Community College music instructor Mark Nelson will present an eclectic range of music written and arranged for tuba in a recital on April 5 at 7 p.m. in the West Campus Center for the Arts Recital Hall.

Works include three Edward Elgar compositions arranged for tuba and piano by Ralph Sauer, and a trio for tuba, euphonium and piano called “Three Florida Orchids” featuring Kelly Thomas on euphonium and Marie Sierra on piano.

The program also includes the “Carson Cooman Sonata” for tuba and piano, a sonata by G.F. Telemann transcribed for tuba and piano, “Impromptu” for tuba and piano and the whimsical “Concertino” for tuba and piano.

Tickets cost $6, with discounts available. For more information, contact the box office at 206-6986 or visit pima.edu/cfa.

-By Andria Skanse

Larry Gaurano/ Aztec Press

Film Festival opens April 13

The 2012 Arizona International Film Festival will run April 13-29, with films playing at the Crossroads Festival, Reel Arts 6, Screening Room and other Tucson theaters.

More than 100 films from 18 countries will be part of the festival. The featured films come from a variety of categories including youth films, documentaries, animated shorts, comedies and drama.

Titles from the IndieYouth category include “Textbook Messaging” by German Torres, “Echoes of Exxon” by Lauren Lindberg, “A Sticky Note Situation” by Sarai Salas and “The Moment I Said It” by Reina Rouzaud.

Opening night will take place at the Crossroads Festival theater, with films playing on all six screens. Mimes, musicians and jugglers will perform.

Crossroads Festival and Reel Arts 6 are located in the same building at 4811 E. Grant Road. Call 327-7067 for additional information.

The Screening Room is located at 127 E. Congress St. Call 882-0204 for additional information.

For further details about the festival, visit filmfestivalarizona.com.

-By Miki Jennings

Aztec Calendar (April 5-18)

TUCSON EVENTS

April 5: Opening day Tucson Padres vs. Fresno Grizzlies. Kino Sports Complex, 2500 E. Ajo Way. 7:05 p.m. $7-15, discounts available.

April 6-7: Tucson Poetry Festival at Main Gate Square and UA Poetry Center.

tucsonpoetryfestival.org/2012-festival/2012.

April 7: Tacos for HOPE animal benefit. Sunflower Market, Swan at Speedway. Noon-3 p.m.

April 7: Festival en el Barrio with Calexico and friends (Grupo Fantasma, Megafaun, Sergio Mendoza y La Orkesta). El Presidio neighborhood near Tucson Museum of Art. 2-8 p.m. $23 at Rialto Theatre. barriofestival.com.

April 12-15: ASUA Spring Fling at Rillito Downs Park. Thursday and Friday: 4 p.m.-midnight; Saturday: noon-midnight; Sunday: noon- 8 p.m. Admission $5, free with CatCard or Military ID. http://springfling.arizona.edu/Spring_Fling/Home.html.

April 13-29: Arizona International Film Festival at venues throughout Tucson. Free-$8. Film schedule at filmfestivalarizona.com.

April 14-15: 10^th Annual Fiesta Grande Street Fair at Barrio Hollywood. Saturday: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday: noon-7 p.m. Little Joe y La Familia perform Sunday @ 2 p.m. facebook.com/pages/Fiesta-Grande/153900724674515.

Through April 21: Bike Fest Tucson. Multiple events, including Bike to Work Week (April 9-13) and GABA Swap Meet (April 15). bikefesttucson.com.

April 14-15: Chalk Art Festival. North side, Park Place Mall. Saturday: 7 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday: 9 a.m.- 3p.m.

April 14: 5^th Annual Tucson Carnaval. Across from Hotel Congress. 5-10:30 p.m.

CAMPUS EVENTS

April 6: Cinema Under the Stars: “HOP.”  Northwest Campus, Level 2.  7:30-10 p.m.

April 10: Student Success Workshop: Optimizing Career Choices. East Campus, L-108. (time?)

April 10-11: Library Book Sale. West Campus, Santa Catalina Building. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

April 11: Interviewing 101. Desert Vista Campus, Career Center. 9-10 a.m.

April 11: Preparing for University Transfer. Downtown Campus, AH 141. 11 a.m.-noon.

April 14: Japanese Speech Contest Volunteers. East Campus, Community Room. 1-5 p.m.

April 19: Student Government officer elections. Desert Vista Campus. 8 a.m.- 4 p.m.

PIMA HOME SPORTS

April 5: Men’s tennis vs. Paradise Valley Community College @ Tucson Racquet Club, 1:30 p.m.

April 7: Baseball vs. Central Arizona College @ West Campus, noon.

Softball vs. South Mountain Community College @ West Campus, noon.

April 10: Women’s tennis vs. Paradise Community College @ Tucson Racquet Club, 1:30 p.m.

Softball vs. Arizona Western College @ West Campus, 2 p.m.

April 14: Baseball vs. Eastern Arizona College @ West Campus, noon.

April 17: Baseball vs. Paradise Valley Community College @ West Campus, noon.

LIVE MUSIC

April 5: An Evening with Hunter Hayes, 8 p.m., Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress St. $22.50, all ages. Details: rialtotheatre.com.

April 6: Naim Amor Vinyl Release Party, 9 p.m., Solar Culture, 31 E. Toole Ave. $7. All ages. Details: solarculture.org.

April 7: Solar Culture’s 25^th Anniversary Potluck with Baba Marimba, Salvador Duran and Gary Bear, 6-9 p.m. Bring food to share. Solar Culture, 31 E. Toole Ave. Free. All ages. Details: solarculture.org.

April 11: Givers, 11 p.m., Plush, 340 E. Sixth St. $10, 21+. Details: plushtucson.com.

April 13: Mossferatu and Talk-Sik with DJ Lingos, Manofmanyfaces, Post Script, Danjor James, Sir Pressure and Grimey, 8 p.m., Club Congress, 311 E. Congress St. $5, 21+. Details: hotelcongress.com/club.

April 14: Amy Rude with Ferrodyne and The Possibles, 9 p.m., Plush, 340 E. Sixth St. $5, 21+. Details: plushtucson.com.

April 17: St. Vincent with tUnE yArDs, 8 p.m., Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress St. $19 in advance/$22 day of show, all ages. Details: rialtotheatre.com.

April 18: The Glow Sticks for Breakfast Tour with Hyper Crush, Black Cards feat. Pete Wentz, Benzi and Silver Medallion, 7 p.m., The Rock, 136 N. Park Ave. Tickets available through Bookman’s and ticketforce.com, all ages. Details: rocktucson.com.

MOVIES/VIDEO

 Movie openings:

April 6:

“American Reunion”

“The Cold Light of Day”

April 13:

“Bullet to the Head”

“Cabin by the Woods”

“Lockout”

“The Raid: Redemption”

“The Three Stooges”

 Loft Cinema events:

3233 E. Speedway Blvd., loftcinema.com

April 6:

First Friday Shorts. 9 p.m. $6 general, $5 Loft members.

April 9:

“The Devil’s Carnival” with director Darren Lynn Bousman. 8 p.m. $20-$40 (tickets online only).

April 11:

“Wings.” Loft Film Festival Showcase. 7 p.m. $9 general, $7 student.

April 13-14:

The All-Nite Scream-O-Rama 2012. 9 p.m.-9 a.m. $13 advance, $15 at door.

April 15:

“She Stoops to Conquer.” Noon. Pre-show presentation, 11:15 a.m. $15 general, $10 Loft members.

April 17:

“Granito: How to Nail a Dictator.” Human Rights Watch Film Festival. 7 p.m. Free.

April 18:

“Carol Channing: Larger Than Life.” One Hit Wonders series. 7:30 p.m. $9 general, $7 student.

DVD/Blu-ray releases:

April 10:

“The Darkest House”

“Into the Abyss”

“The Iron Lady”

“Lazarus Papers”

“One Tree Hill: Season 9”

“Sleeping Beauty”

“The Veteran”

“The Witches of Oz”

April 17:

“4.3.2.1”

“7 Below”

“American Dad: Volume Seven”

“Bob’s Burgers: Season 1”

“The Divide”

“Meet the Browns: Season 5”

Game releases:

April 5:

“Confrontation” (PC)

April 6:

“Xenoblade Chronicles” (Wii)

April 17:

“Deadliest Warrior: Ancient Combat” (PS3, Xbox)

“The Witcher 2: Assassin of Kings” (PS3, Xbox)

Guns on campus bill not advancing

By ANA RAMIREZ

Arizona is close to becoming the fifth state to allow guns on university and community college campuses, but senators haven’t moved on the proposal.

On Feb. 6, the Senate Judiciary Committee passed Senate Bill 1474. The bill would allow people age 21 and up with a state-issued permit to carry guns on campuses.

Many Arizonans were concerned it would cause more violence, while others felt it would make criminals reconsider before coming on campus.

A straw poll by the Division of Behavior Research Center, Inc. said 80 percent of people in Maricopa County oppose the idea of guns on campus.

However, people who approved of the bill said it would lead to a decrease in on-campus violence.

“I really don’t see a problem with letting law-abiding citizens carry firearms on campus,” said Pima Community College freshman Christopher Bennett.

He cited the Virginia Polytechnic Institute shooting.

“People with intent to harm others will bring a firearm anywhere without regard to firearm regulations, so why not allow potential victims of a maniacal shooting to legally arm themselves?” said Bennett, 19.

He also believes it would cut down on person-on-person crime if a potential attacker were aware that everyone had a defensive weapon.

Former PCC student Sean Mott disagrees.

“Allowing guns on campus is a hindrance to the progression of education,” said Mott, 21. “Not to mention it brings an unsettling feeling in students and teachers knowing that guns can legally be brought on campus.”

Under the bill, colleges had an option to keep guns out of building by providing secure gun lockers.

University officials estimated it would cost more than $13 million to install the lockers outside of 700-plus public buildings.

If the full Senate had approved the bill, it would have gone to the House for further consideration. The bill could have gone into effect as early as this summer.

Students aren’t the only ones concerned.

“Being a professor, I am very much opposed to having guns on campus,” said Peter Reinthal, a science professor at the University of Arizona. As a father of two teenage boys, Reinthal witnesses young people’s behavior daily.

“Students can be very emotional and get upset easily, if given time to cool off, they will often make better decisions,” he said.

He added that he wouldn’t like to see a tragedy happen due to impulsive behavior.

Tucson Police Officer Lisa Davila disagrees with not allowing law-abiding citizens to carry guns on campus.

“Unfortunately, school shootings are becoming far too common and students and faculty are sitting ducks,” she said. “I hope that criminals will think twice before attacking someone on or near campus and if a shooting does happen someone will have a weapon to defend themselves.”

This may seem comforting to some but ASU student Valerie Spiwak said she would fear for her life every second of every day.

SB 1474 put many people on edge to the point that they were desperately trying to spread awareness of allowing guns on campus.

The Maricopa Community College Faculty Association, for example, was determined to keep guns off campus.

The group sent emails to more than 17,000 addresses in the Maricopa County system and another 13,000 to targeted voters, pleading them to sign their petition against SB 1474.

Pima’s Faculty Senate joined MCCFA in condemning the bill.

The Faculty Senate passed a resolution against SB 1474 on the grounds that expanding the option of guns on campus would stifle the exploration of controversial topics that are necessary in a college environment.

——

SB 1467

Arizona teachers being disciplined for foul language could be a reality if Republican lawmakers back legislation requiring teachers to limit what they say.

If Senate Bill 1467 is passed, teachers will be expected to hold their speech to the standards of the Federal Communications Commission. The FCC monitors what can and cannot be said on television or radio but in this case a classroom.

The FCC defines profanity as “language so grossly offensive to members of the public who actually hear it as to amount to a nuisance.”

“The government should not legislate what we can and cannot say. Self regulation should be left up to the department,” said Albert Shank, a Spanish professor at Arizona State University.

He says that there should be a separation of what is said on the street as opposed to what is said in one’s classroom.

If SB 1467 passes, teachers could face penalties ranging from a one-week suspension for a first offense to a two-week suspensions for the second offense. The third offense would result in termination.

GUEST OPINION: New chapter begins at PCC

By SCOTT STEWART

A new chapter at Pima Community College began last week with the unanimous vote by the Board of Governors to appoint Suzanne Miles as interim chancellor. We are fortunate to have someone with her credentials at the helm at this critical juncture in the college’s history.

Dr. Miles is a 26-year veteran of PCC. Her knowledge of the institution and how it works is second to none. She has 30 years’ experience as an educator at the post-secondary level and is a seasoned administrator who most recently served as the college’s provost and president of one of our six campuses.

Dr. Miles is the ideal person to lead PCC as we launch a national search for a new chancellor. That search will not conclude until we find the best person we can for this critical post.

Dr. Miles demonstrated her abilities last year when she filled in for former Chancellor Roy Flores while he underwent quadruple by-pass surgery. The serious health issues he confronted in 2011 have not gone away. He can no longer fulfill the requirements of the job with the same level of intensity and commitment that he would like or the position requires.

Given this situation, the board had no choice but to amend Dr. Flores’ contract with PCC. We accomplished this in another unanimous vote last week and the end result will actually save about $400,000 of taxpayer money.

Dr. Flores had a contract – a legally binding agreement – that ran through June 2014. Had he worked through that date, the cost would have been approximately $1 million. We negotiated an agreement that will end in June 2013 at a cost of approximately $600,000.

The naming of an interim chancellor represents a pivot point in Pima’s history. It provides us with an opportunity to look back as we chart a course for the future.

I have had the honor to serve on the board since 1999. I know from my own experience just how dramatically college operations improved after March 2003, when Dr. Flores came on board. Our community expects PCC to be run well and use taxpayer resources wisely. We’ve done that over the past nine years.

That we survived the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression without layoffs or furloughs might be the best example of the kind of creative leadership provided by Dr. Flores.

The list of accomplishments also includes:
• The long overdue raising of admission standards.
• Ensuring the continuation of adult education.
• Introducing data-driven decisions and accountability.
• Addressing an annual $1 million deficit at our Community Campus.
• Closing non-productive centers that were a drain on PCC’s finances.
• Eliminating contracts that had little, if any benefit to the college or the community.

Dr. Flores has always been candid, even blunt. He is a no-nonsense guy in a field known for more than its share of nonsense. But I have no doubt that PCC is a better place thanks to his determination to examine our weaknesses, build on our strengths, clean up our problems and move us forward. I would not for one minute give up the results he achieved.

Deciding who will occupy the chancellor’s office is perhaps the single most important decision the Board of Governors can make. The search for a new chancellor should remind us of the reason we’re here – make that about 30,000 reasons. That’s how many students enroll at PCC each semester. For them, what goes on in our classrooms matters far more than the politics that play out in our board meeting room.

Guest contributor Scott Stewart, an optical engineer at Raytheon Systems Co., is the PCC Board of Governors member for District 4. He is serving as chairman for 2012.

FROM THE ARCHIVES: 1970s comics reflect era’s culture, trends

By SIERRA RUSSELL

Aztec Press comics and illustrators have sparked imaginations, added humor and flair, created controversy and helped to reflect the times over the years.

Contributors were rarely granted much recognition. Typically, the most a reader saw of an illustrator’s identity were tiny initials scrawled in a corner.

However, the virtually anonymous artists captured details such as fashion and slang that escaped black-and-white text.

Many comic strips in the ‘70s contained terms like “far out,” “heavy” and “groovy,” often spoken by characters wearing feathered hair, v-necks and bell-bottoms.

Comics reflected the changing roles of women, too.

A 1973 comic strip depicted a scantily clad woman standing near a classroom, offering a young man “non-credit sexual education classes” — paid in advance, of course.

A year later, a comic showed a young woman standing with a sign reading, “Equal rights for women.” A man tells her, “No, I don’t think a woman’s place is just in the kitchen. I think they should clean up the rest of the house too.”

Comics also captured changing views on cigarettes.

Smoking was a controversial topic in the ‘70s. At the time, state law prohibited smoking in classrooms yet it was commonly practiced by both students and instructors.

A 1975 article reported, “Although the security department is charged with maintaining order, it is obviously impossible for their personnel to patrol every classroom to enforce the ban.”

It comes as no surprise that campus security was a popular target. One 1970s comic strip features an enormous figure dressed as a Western sheriff sitting atop a building.

A comic from 1974 shows a rabbit expressing his views on “streaking.” The illustration ran alongside an article discussing how students felt about shedding their clothes and racing through public areas.

At the time, PCC had been challenged by University of Arizona students who were streaking naked down halls and across courtyards. Streakers also raced through Tucson high schools, including Sahuaro and Canyon del Oro.

“Streaking is nothing new,” reporter Lynn Rogalsky wrote. “This exhilarating practice has been around ever since man appeared on the planet.”

Rogalsky said 60 percent of students polled said they would never streak. Some cited religious reasons and others said they were too modest.

A student who chose to remain anonymous said he would streak, but “only in warm weather. Also to protest the ridiculous uptightness of a society that seems to be against anything free or unlimited. I’d streak in front of the White House; what would be more symbolic?”

Janos Molnar said he declined the idea of streaking because, “All streakers are not created equal.”

On a similar note, Jeff Boltman said, “I’d only streak in my house, from the bathroom to my bedroom, with the curtains drawn.”

And Mike McQuade said, “I don’t think the pressure of the world has driven me to that extreme … yet.”

Pg 5 – From the Archives, w/ sidebar Articles spotlight exemplary instructors

By SIERRA RUSSELL

Notable instructors have been featured in the Aztec Press since its earliest issues. Many talked about how they were inspired to teach, often through the help of other teachers and students.

Math instructor Norbert Pittner and Raquel Rubio-Goldsmith, who taught history and sociology, received creative teaching awards from the Pima Community College Foundation in 1984. Both were hired as PCC instructors in 1969.

“What turned me on to math was a teacher I had in junior high; he made it all come alive,” Pittner said.

“I’m fortunate to have a job I really like,” Rubio-Goldsmith said. “PCC allows a connection between higher learning and the community.”

In the late ‘70s, an article featured Donald A. Graham, a bearded Sufi priest with spectacles and a wide smile who had earned a bachelor’s degree from Yale University and a master’s degree from University of California, Berkeley.

Graham also taught at Yale, but said he was happy to be teaching religion and writing classes at PCC because he felt it was a part of his spiritual path.

“In reality, everything is so beautiful, shining and luminous,” Graham said. “It is only because of our limited viewpoint that we see evil and ugliness.”

He continued to explain the spiritual path. “At some point, every being will feel a sense of emptiness and will begin to seek something to fill that emptiness.”

Graham filled the empty void through the mystic practice of Sufism.

“Instead of seeking enlightenment by sitting in a cave or a cell,” Graham said, “Sufis pursue their path in the midst of human life and learn to see God in every being they encounter.”

Mentalist Ross Horwitz helped students “hone their psychic skills” in a course he taught in the early ‘90s.

“It doesn’t matter if a person has true psychic ability or if it’s just a very high power of perception,” Horwitz said. “What matters is the way these skills are used.”

The class covered such topics as the history of Gypsies and subliminal signaling.

“I went into teaching the subject because I believe that someone who is an educator should lead a student further,” Horwitz said. “I want the skeptics that join the class to leave with more of an understanding and less skepticism.”

In the fall of 1991, writing instructor Meg Files was featured because of her recently published novel, “Meridian 144.”

Files talked about the four years it took her to write the novel, including the times when she was tempted to “throw the whole thing out the nearest window.” During the editing process, she discarded her prologue and completely rewrote the protagonist.

Nevertheless, Files was pleased with the final results and said she learned a lot from the editing process.

Her advice for the unpublished writer: “Read and read, and write and write.”

Another article from 1991 featured instructor Helena de Crespo, who taught Speech 105. The course primarily helped students interested in drama, singing and public speaking but was open to anyone.

Topics included hip and abdominal exercises, plus jaw, lip and tongue movements. Students also received instruction in panting and controlled breathing.

“Breathing is everything,” Crespo said. “You must learn how to latch onto your voice and use it.”

Aztec Calendar, Feb. 22-March 7:

TUCSON EVENTS

Feb. 23: La Fiesta de los Vaqueros rodeo parade. Starts 9 a.m., Park Avenue and Ajo Way, proceeds south on Park to Irvington Road. Details: Tucsonrodeo.com.

Feb. 23-26: La Fiesta de los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo. Tucson Rodeo Grounds, 4823 S. Sixth Ave. Gates open 11 a.m. Tickets: $17 to $26, parking $5. Details: Tucsonrodeo.com.

Feb. 25: Peace Fair & Music Festival. Reid Park bandshell, 22nd Street and Country Club Road, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free. Details: peacecalendar.org.

Feb. 29-March 4: Tucson Cine Mexico 2012: A festival of Mexican film. 5455 S. Calle Santa Cruz. Free. Details: 626-9825.

March 2-4: Annual Tucson Bicycle Classic. 201 S. Kinney Road. Details: 240-8195.

March 3: Arizona Animal Fair. Reid Park dog training area, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free. Details: azanimalfair.com.

March 4: Music in the Canyon. Sabino Canyon music and festivities, noon to 4 p.m. Donation: $5 per person or $10 per family. Details: visit sabinocanyon.org.

March 6: Tucson LunaFest. Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway Blvd., 7 p.m. Film festival showcasing short films about women. Admission: $10 general, $5 students. Details: lunafest.org/tucson.

Through Dec. 31: Arizona Centennial Quilt Project: 100 Years – 100 Quilts. Arizona Historical Society Museum, 949 E. Second St. Hours: Mon-Sat, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission: $5 adults. Details: 628-5774.

CAMPUS EVENTS

Feb. 22: Spring graduation application deadline. Details: pima.edu.

Feb. 22: Black History Month – Barbea Williams Performing Company. West Campus cafeteria, 1 p.m. Details: Student Life, 206-6762.

Feb. 23-24: College closed for rodeo holiday.

Feb. 22-March 4: PCC “Curtains” musical murder-mystery comedy. Center for the Arts Proscenium Theatre, West Campus. $18, discounts available. Details: 206-6986.

Feb. 28: Soul Food Day. East Campus, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. $8 for ribs, greens, mac/cheese, corn bread. Details: Student Life, 206-7427.

Feb. 28: Black History Month – Planet Djembe African drumming. West Campus cafeteria, 12:30 p.m. Details: Student Life, 206-6762.

Through Feb. 29: Celebrating African American History Month - displays and trivia wheel. Northwest Campus D-201.

Feb. 29: Taco sale. Desert Vista Campus, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Feb. 29: Black History Month – poetry reading. West Campus cafeteria, 12:30-2:30 p.m. Details: Student Life, 206-6762.

March 2: FAFSA Frenzy Help Session. Northwest Campus E-212, 2-3 p.m. Free.

March 3: American Cancer Society’s Climb to Conquer Cancer. West Campus. Registration at 7:30 a.m. $45.

March 6: PCC Chorale College Singers. Center for the Arts Proscenium Theatre, West Campus, 7:30 p.m. $6, discounts available. Details: 206-6986.

Through March 9: “East/Pacific/West: Confluence” art exhibit, Bernal Gallery, Center for the Arts, West Campus. Free. Details: 206-6942.

LIVE MUSIC

Feb. 24: Western Swing Dance with Carolyn Martin from Nashville and Way Out West, 7:30 p.m., Rhythm and Roots, 2970 N. Swan Road. $15 in advance/$18 at door/$10 student ticket w/ID. Details: rythmandroots.org.

Feb. 24: Sex Pistols (Glen Matlock) vs. Stranglers (Hugh Cornwell), 7 p.m., Club Congress, 311 E. Congress St. $10 in advance/$12 at door, 21+. Details: hotelcongress.com/club.

Feb. 25: The Holy Rolling Empire with Mergence, 9 p.m., Plush, 340 E. Sixth St. $5, 21+. Details: plushtucson.com.

Feb. 25: The Alaska String Band, 7 p.m., Live Acoustic Venue Association, Abounding Grace Sanctuary, 2450 S. Kolb Road. $15 in advance/$20 at door. Details: lavamusic.org .

Feb. 26: Guitar Masters Tour with Andy McKee, Stephen Bennett and Antoine Dufour, 7 p.m., Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress St. $21, all ages. Details: rialtotheatre.com.

Feb. 27: Reptar, 7 p.m., Solar Culture, 31 E. Toole Ave. No ticket price listed. All ages. Details: solarculture.org.

March 5: Mikal Cronin with Bleached and Acorn Bcorn, 8:30 p.m., Plush, 340 E. Sixth St. $8, 21+. Details: plushtucson.com.

MOVIES

DVD/Blu-ray release dates:

Feb. 21:

“J. Edgar”

“Nurse Jackie: Season Three”

“Tower Heist”

“Weeds: Season Seven”

Feb. 24:

“Puss in Boots”

Feb. 28:

“Beneath the Darkness”

“Hugo”

“I Melt With You”

“Johnny English Reborn”

March 6:

“Footloose”

“Game of Thrones: Season One”

“Jack and Jill”

“Tooth Fairy 2”

Movie openings:

Feb. 24:

“Act of Valor”

“Black Butterflies”

“The Forgiveness of Blood”

“Gone”

“Good Deeds”

“Neon Flesh”

“Unicorn City”

“Wanderlust”

March 2:

“Boy”

“Being Flynn”

“The Lorax”

“Project X”

“The Salt of Life”

“Tim and Eric’s Billion Dollar Movie”

PIMA HOME SPORTS

Feb. 23: Women’s tennis vs. Eastern Arizona College @ Tucson Racquet Club, 4001 N. Country Club Road. 1:30 p.m.

Feb. 24: Women’s basketball vs. Arizona Western College @ West Campus. 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 24: Men’s basketball vs. Arizona Western College @ West Campus. 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 28: Men’s tennis vs. Glendale Community College @ Tucson Racquet Club. 1:30 p.m.

March 1: Men’s tennis vs. Scottsdale Community College @ Tucson Racquet Club. 1:30 p.m.

March 3: Baseball vs. South Mountain Community College @ West Campus. Noon.

March 3: Softball vs. GateWay Community College @ West Campus. Noon.

March 5: Men’s and women’s tennis vs. University of St. Cloud (Minn.) @ Tucson Racquet Club. 3 p.m.

March 6: Baseball vs. Yavapai College @ West Campus. Noon.

March 6: Men’s and women’s tennis vs. Mesa Community College @ Tucson Racquet Club. 1:30 p.m.