The words of the Constitution emanated from Pima Community College’s West Campus early on Jan. 7, as PCC officials and members of the community gathered to observe the first anniversary of the 2011 Jan. 8 shooting.

The shooting, which killed six people and wounded 13, took place during a Congress on your Corner event held by Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords.

Two days earlier Giffords, who suffered a gunshot wound to the head, had participated in an event similar to PCC’s Constitution reading.

Giffords posted a video on her Facebook page Jan. 22, more than a year after the shooting, announcing her plans to resign from her position citing her recovery from the shooting.

The PCC event, titled the “Festival of Democracy,” focused on appreciating democracy, in addition to paying tribute to those killed.

Ross Zimmerman reads the Constitution Preamble.

Some of the speakers drew parallels between the intent behind the 2011 Congress on your Corner event, and PCC’s Constitution Corner.

Ross Zimmerman, who works for PCC’s IT department, lost his son Gabe in the shooting.

“I want to comment about how pleased I am with what we’ve put together today. It’s very fitting that we celebrate the business of democracy here today,” Zimmerman said, before reading the Preamble.

“Last January, Gabby was out in the community because of her love of democracy,” Zimmerman said. “That’s why we’re doing this.”

Daniel Hernandez, the former Giffords’ intern who applied pressure to the congresswoman’s head wound after the shooting attended the PCC event and read the sixth section of the Constitution.

“I think it’s really fitting that on a cold, January Saturday morning, almost a year to the day, we are participating once again in an event that really has to do all about celebrating democracy,” Hernandez said.

Beyond Tucson, a group set up to commemorate the January shooting, helped organize many events around Tucson the weekend of the first anniversary. Events culminated with Gifford’s attendance at a candlelight vigil at the University of Arizona.

Zimmerman noted that PCC’s festival was “the only entity in Beyond focused on democracy.”

In an effort to show support for health, goodwill and the physical and mental benefits of exercise, many Beyond events included physical activities.

Keeping with this trend, PCC’s festival featured a 5K “Run for Office,” yoga and a mini health fair.

A runner approaches the 5K "Run for Office" finish line.

The event also featured face and tile painting for children, a mass sing-along of “This Land is Your Land” and a performance by the 62nd Army Band.

“We wanted to remember in a positive way,” Zimmerman said.

Other attendees included survivors of the shooting, Tucson mayor, Jonathan Rothschild and U.S. Rep. Raul Grijalva, D-Tucson. Grijalva said he thought the decision to focus on democracy was important.

“I think it’s a great way to show support for last year’s event, while embracing and celebrating the strengths of our community,” Grijalva said.

Video by Chelo Grubb

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1y3bFSi64c

In David Iadevaia’s nearly 30 years at Pima Community College, he’s left his mark all over East Campus—literally. His signature adorns the solstice and equinox walls near the observatory he designed.

In all that time, he’s never lost sight of what keeps him coming back every year: fun.

When speaking to him for the first time, you’re likely to notice three things right off of the bat: his shock of white hair, his Rhode Island accent (“It doesn’t go away— I can’t make prank phone calls,” he said with a laugh) and his earnest passion for science.

Iadevaia can’t recall when this passion began. It’s been there since the nights he would lay out and stare at the sky, a star map in hand.

“Some people are born musicians, some are born football players,” he said. “I was born a scientist.”

He respects that same passion when he sees it in students. He often works with such students in his classes, matching projects with their interests.

Iadevaia gave a student aide majoring in engineering the opportunity to design the original East Campus observatory.

Another student, an art major, designed the plates for the East Campus planet walk. The plate for Pluto, which has since lost planetary status, now sits in Iadevaia’s office.

Beyond physics and astronomy, Iadevaia also teaches Honors Epistemology, the study of knowledge.

“A few years ago they needed someone with a science background to teach the class,” he said. “The underlying ideas are the same in terms of how we interact with people, trying to get to the bottom of something.”

Over the years, he’s run a number of programs: science camps, portable planetarium programs and clubs, such as the radio club he’s currently trying to start. But he doesn’t chase down students.

“You have to be a geek for some of this stuff and if you’re not, you’re not,” he said. “You have to want it and if you want it, it’s available.”

Practical knowledge drives Iadevaia.

“I just experiment, I play,” he said. “I’m a scientist, I can’t help it. It’s what I do. It’s fun.”

That helps when a student asks a question, he added.

“I can tell him from experience,” he said. “Books are nothing— they’re expensive and they just tell you how it’s supposed to be. When you do science, you see what the limits are.”

Though he could retire at any time, Iadevaia has no plans to do so. However, he said PCC isn’t the place it used to be because bureaucracy has grown along with enrollment.

As he put it, “You sneeze and someone tells you which Kleenex to use to blow your nose.”

But as long as bureaucrats leave him alone, Iadevaia will keep teaching.

“In life, there’s a scale with two buckets,” he said. “In one, you’ve got nonsense. In the other, you’ve got fun stuff.”

Happiness results when the fun side prevails, he added.

“As long as I’m having fun, I’ll stay here— they’ll be carrying me out.”

Feb. 7 talk to explore ‘Miracle’

Iadevaia will try to explain the 1917 “Miracle of the Sun” from an astronomer’s perspective when he kicks off Pima Community College’s Spring 2012 Speakers’ Series on Feb. 7.

The “Miracle” solar phenomenon took place in Fatima, Portugal, on Oct. 13, 1917. The sun danced back and forth throughout the sky, frightening more than 70,000 witnesses.

The free lecture begins at 6 p.m. in the Community Board Room, in Building C at the PCC District Office, 4905 E. Broadway Blvd.

For further information, call 206-4500.

David Iadevaia stands next to a student-designed plate at East Campus' planet walk. (Leftrick Herd/Aztec Press)

Txting in class?

By LEFTRICK HERD

Text messaging is changing students’ grammar, spelling and social life. If u r txtng in class u r not paying attn. It is bad 4 u.

Contrary to popular belief, the brain is not good at multi-tasking. Scientists using magnetic resonance images of brain activity have discovered that brain activity decreases when a person attempts more than one t­ask. WTH? (What The Heck?)

Eric Morrison, a Pima Community College reading instructor, is concerned that students don’t realize the impact cell phones have on their lives.

“It is part of the culture to be constantly in touch,” Morrison said.

BTW (By The Way), studies show that texting causes physiological changes. Symptoms include increased heart rate and decreased breathing.

Multi-tasking leads to as much as a 40 percent drop in productivity, increased stress and a 10 percent drop in IQ, according to 2010 research published in Workplace Psychology.

Statistics from pewresearch.org show 88 percent of teen cell phone users are text-messaging. Texting has become the preferred way of communicating between students and their BFFs (Best Friends Forever).

Critics say excessive cell phone use has become a problem for students. It is difficult to stay focused in class when their cell phones keep vibrating.

Students who get a txt might feel obligated to respond immediately, breaking their thought process. They focus on the txt msg instead of what is going on in class.

Instructors also worry that students use technology to cheat.

“We need to intervene with education,” Morrison said. “A teacher has to assume that the student is cheating if the phone is out during a test. Students need to re-evaluate how to use their technology.”

Some schools post signs: No Texting Or Handheld Phone Use in Active School Zone. Others take enforcement even further: $15 Fine For Cell Phone Use During Class. OMG (Oh My God).

Educators concerned about the burgeoning cell phone culture and degradation of grammar and writing skills say students must be taught the proper time and place for using cell phones.

That place, they add, does not include the classroom. DSTR8 (Damn Straight).

::poof:: (I’m gone)

Txting in class?

I’m always excited to try new food and was doubly excited when my news buddy and editor-boss Chelo said she would introduce me to “the best tacos in town,” by her standards.

She took me eastward to El Taco Tote, a Mexican eatery with colorful walls and a sizable salsa bar.

El Taco Tote has at least six kinds of salsa, ranging from mild to hot, with several reds and a very fresh-tasting salsa verde. It also features a great pico de gallo and smooth guacamole alongside lime slices.

And what better way to sample them all than with warm, crisp, house-made tortilla chips? These chips were a delightful addition to my meal. Slightly thicker than most, the chips had a great texture and flavor.

This is a food review (emphasis on the food), but I feel it’s a disservice not to mention the incredibly awesome soda machine. I’ve only encountered one other machine like it around town: a shiny, time machine-looking box full of multiple sodas and flavor syrups.

The dispenser allows for endless drink combinations. Vanilla Coke? Orange Mello Yello? Lemon-flavored Dasani? You got it! No lemon Coke, though, oddly enough. That was disappointing, but I got by with other choices like lime Coke and strawberry lemonade.

The meat (and more relevant) aspect of my taco adventure was delicious as well. We ordered a platter of sirloin steak to share, with four soft and deliciously toasted flour tortillas each. Platters run about $20 and could easily feed three people.

The meat was sizzling when it got to our table. It was juicy and flavorful, with only a few pieces of fat mixed into the pile.

El Taco Tote typically serves huge portions, according to Chelo. We couldn’t finish our tacos, but luckily everything came packaged in foil and sealable containers for easy transport.

I haven’t tried enough tacos around Tucson to dub El Taco Tote’s “The Best,” but they are notably delicious. I would recommend them to anyone.

Grade: A

FYI

‪El Taco Tote

Address: 1340 N. Wilmot Road

Phone: 296-9655

Hours: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. daily

Website: tacotote.com

Photo by Miki Jennings

Pima Community College baseball and softball teams had there annual Group Signing event Jan 15.

The baseball team has commitments from 14 student-athletes from Southern Arizona.

PCC picked up seven pitchers Sean Patrick Carroll (Canyon Del Oro High School), Robert Andrew Petty (Rincon/University High School), Troy Kyle Petty (Ironwood Ridge High School), Zachary David Smutzer (Rincon/University High School), Jeremy Mark Timpf (Sabino High School) including two southpaws Benjamin William Skuro (Sabino High School) and Treyton John Stender (Ironwood Ridge High School).

The Aztecs infield gained Devon Miguel Carrillo (Sahuaro High School), Benny Diego Garcia (Sunnyside High School), Tyler James Kimbrogh (Salpointe Catholic High School) and Carlo Alfredo Tacchia (Sunnyside High School).

They also acquired catchers Forest Champan (Cienega High School), Daniel Anthony Peters (Sabino High School) and outfielder Adam Michael Borboa (Sahuaro High School).

The softball team had commitments from seven student-athletes, all from Southern Arizona.

The Aztecs signed catchers Alyssa Guevarra, Cienega High School, and Danielle Stensby, Buena High School.

Pima picked up infielders Hannah Alcocer, Cienega High School, Victoria Mariscal, Douglas High School, and Stacey Ramrez, Benson High School. They also gained outfielder Stephanie Ramirez from Benson High School.

The Pima baseball team practices this week. The Aztecs acquired 14 student-athletes. Aztec Press photo by Mylo Erickson.

Kyle Stephens walks to class at Pima Community College wearing a backpack, glasses and hat –the uniform of a typical college student.

Like a superhero in citizen’s clothing, however, Stephens is far from typical.

Taking a close look at his outfit, you’ll spot clues to his passion. The shirt he wears features a giant “Batman” logo. He has pinned a “Star Trek” symbol on his backpack.

Looking away from his apparel, you notice his tattoos.

On his left arm is the symbol of his “all-time favorite superhero,” the Green Lantern, familiar to those who saw the movie released over the summer. Covering the rest of his arm are symbols for other “Lantern Corps,” recognizable to readers of the comics.

The inside of his right wrist has a triangular design with the words, “Nothing is True, Everything is Permitted,” a quote from the video game “Assassin’s Creed.”

“I’m a geek by trade and a nerd by choice,” Stephens said with a smile.

But he is more than just a video game and comic book buff. As the creative director for Tucson’s Evil Robo Productions, he is the man behind the stories.

Stephens grew up in North Shore, Boston, where his interest in comic books began. By age 8, he had already started his own collection.

He took an interest in writing, mainly short stories and poetry. He published work in New England, including two short stories in the Eagle Tribune and the Haverhill Gazette.

In June 2008, he moved to Tucson with his family and began classes at Pima in Fall ‘09.

It was around that time that he met the head of Evil Robo, Eric Schock, during a sneak preview of the movie “Watchmen.” Stephens noticed Schock drawing, and approached him about his art. They began talking and Stephens soon jumped aboard the Evil Robo train.

As creative director, Stephens’ jobs include hiring new talent, reviewing art portfolios, handling public relations for distributions, overseeing digital distributions and firing people.

Stephen’s best friend, self-proclaimed “Robo Girl” Katie Stahr, has been his sidekick for the past three years.

“He is an all-around great guy, completely weird but it works,” Stahr said, laughing.

Working both with the company and on his own, Stephens has had a few adventures.

He has met George Lucas, the creator of “Star Wars,” and Stan Lee, the co-creator of “Spider-Man,” “the X-Men” and “Iron Man,” among others. After running into each other at conventions, Stephens and Lee formed a friendship and communicate via email.

Although meeting two legends of the geek community provide good memories for Stephens, they’re not his favorite.

While signing autographs in Phoenix, actor Adam Baldwin (of “Chuck” and “Firefly” fame) stopped by specifically to express support for Stephens’ work.

“It was awesome!,” Stephens said of meeting his favorite actor.

Stephens is currently studying creative writing but hasn’t decided whether he will transfer to a university. For now, he is consumed with Evil Robo and his own work.

He spent months preparing for the release of his first book, a pulp-style zombie comic called “Trapped in Decay.” On Nov. 5, it hit shelves in all comic book stores in Tucson and in some stores in Phoenix, Seattle, New York and Portland.

The book made its debut at the Tucson Comic Convention, where it quickly sold out. His approach on zombies takes a different perspective than others, but still contains the flesh-eating gore that continues to intrigue.

Stephens’ experience and hard work took him from writing poetry to publishing a book in just three years.

“The comic book industry is based off of who you know, what you’ve done and your portfolio,” Stephens said.

It seems Stephens has been doing it right so far.

Kyle Stephens shows off some of his artwork. To see more, visit www.facebook.com/EvilRoboProductions. Aztec Press photo by Leftrick Herd.

The Fall 2011 Aztec Press staff gathers for a group photo. After a winter break, publication of the student newspaper will resume Jan. 26.

The Pima Community College women’s basketball team earned head coach Todd Holthaus career win number 100 when the Aztecs secured a 21-point victory over Phoenix College.

The Aztecs have made three consecutive trips to the National Junior College Athletic Association Division II national tournament under Holthaus, including an appearance in the championship game last season.

“We can’t sneak up on teams any more,” Holthaus said. “We have a bulls-eye on our back now.”

Holthaus is 100-43 in his career as coach of the Pima Aztecs. He attributes Pima’s recent success to his assistants and recruiting athletes from all over Arizona to play for him.

“I can’t take all the credit,” Holthaus said. “I have been fortunate enough to be surrounded with great coaches.”

Point guard and team captain Naderra Carey has played under Holthaus for two and a half seasons after red-shirting in her first season with Pima.

“He gets the most out of us players,” Carey said. “He is the best coach that I have ever had.”

The Aztecs were in action on Saturday, Dec. 3, when they took a three-game winning streak on the road to face Central Arizona College.

Freshman point guard Ashlei Scott led the offense for the Aztecs with 11 points and three assists. Freshman center A’jha Edwards led the team with 11 rebounds to go along with her four points.

Sophomore guard Briaunna Guthrie, sophomore forward Tyahnna Higgs and freshman guard Ebonee Rhymes each scored eight points on the night as Pima lost its first conference game of the season 73-60.

Win number 100 came for Holthaus on Wednesday, Nov. 30, when PCC hosted the Phoenix College Bears.

Pima was led in scoring by freshman forward Desiree’ Phillips, who took advantage of turnovers and solid baseline shooting to score 18 points. Edwards put in her third double-double of the year with 10 points and 12 rebounds in the 88-67 win.

PCC is 4-4 this season, with a 3-1 conference record. The next test will come Saturday, Dec. 10, when Pima hosts No. 8-ranked Mesa Community College at 2 p.m. in the West Campus gym.

Point guard Ashlei Scott elevates and creates contact with a defender. Aztec Press photo by Larry Gaurano.

On Deck

Dec. 10: vs. Mesa CC, 2 p.m.

Dec. 14: vs. LSU Eunice, 6:30 p.m.

Bruce Fleck Classic Tournament hosted by Pima:

Dec. 28: vs. Malcom X College, 6 p.m.

Dec. 29: vs. Snow College, 6 p.m.

Dec. 30: vs. Dawson CC, 4 p.m.

Jan. 4: @ Cochise College, 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 7: @ South Mountain CC, 2 p.m.

Jan. 9: vs. South Plains College, 4 p.m.

Jan. 11: vs. Eastern Arizona College, 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 14: vs. Glendale CC, 2 p.m.

Jan. 18: @ Arizona Western College, 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 21: @ Chandler-Gilbert CC, 2 p.m.

Jan. 25: vs. Scottsdale CC, 5:30 p.m.

All home games are in the West Campus gymnasium.

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.