All Entries in the "Spotlight" Category

‘Inherit the Wind’ opens April 11

By ANDRIA SKANSE

Pima Community College Theatre Arts will present the riveting drama “Inherit the Wind” April 11-22.

Directed by Nancy Davis Booth, the fictional drama is based on the 1925 Scopes Monkey Trial. High school teacher John Scopes was accused of violating Tennessee’s Butler Act, which said it was illegal to teach evolution in any state-funded school.

Set in a present-day small town, the play addresses the existing debate between faith and science.

When Scopes is arrested, tried and convicted for teaching evolutionary theory during science class, the entire town must confront long-held beliefs between the literal interpretation of creation in the book of “Genesis” and Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution.

Booth said she chose the drama because of on-going conflict in schools today.

“The debate continues 80 years later and it’s still not settled, nor will it be,” she said. “It invokes the eternal question of where do we come from and who made us?”

Booth isn’t trying to sway the audience in one direction or the other. She stresses the importance of listening to both sides of a debate and being more tolerant.

“It’s important for the audience to understand that the story is not so much about science versus creationism as it is about a person’s right to think,” she said. “I want to encourage students to get their own feelings.”

Booth hopes to connect with the audience, not only through setting the performance in present day but also by changing the gender of some characters. She made the changes to “…emphasize the universality of the story.”

Performances run April 11-22 at the PCC Center for the Arts on West Campus.

For ticket information, contact the box office at 206-6986, visit pima.edu/cfa or email centerforthearts@pima.edu.

\FYI

“Inherit the Wind”

When: April 11-22, Wed preview and Thurs-Sat at 7:30 p.m., Sun at 2 p.m.

Where: Black Box Theatre, CFA, West Campus

Tickets: $15, with discounts available

Box office: 206-6986

Details: pima.edu/cfa

Track team heads toward home stretch

By MYLO ERICKSON

 Pima Community College’s track and field team competed in a three-day invitational in Phoenix on March 29-31.

The meet was hosted by Paradise Valley Community College.

On the first day of the invitational, David Scott took second place for the men in the 10,000-meter race with 32 minutes, 42 seconds.

Jodine Steemers took second place for the women in the 10,000-meter race as well. She finished with a time of 40:27.

Both finishes qualified them for nationals.

The second day saw Jamie Shrader take first place in the 5,000-meter race with a time of 19:33.

Megan Wright took second place in the heptathlon with a score of 2,704.

Results for the final day of the invitational were not available by the time the paper went to press.

Pima competed in a one-day competition on March 23 at Mesa Community College.

The women’s team improved to 8-2 on the year after defeating MCC, Glendale Community College, Scottsdale Community College and PVCC. However, they lost to Central Arizona College.The men’s team beat SCC and PVCC, but fell to MCC and CAC. Their record on the season is 5-4-1.

Kelsey Montano took first place in the steeplechase, and Alice Odu took first in the long jump with a distance of 17-5.

Jania Featherstone earned first place in the high jump with a height of 5-5.

The women’s 4×400 relay team qualified for nationals with a time of 4:03.74.

The team was made up of Rachel Blake, Shelby Slocum, Anaiz Zamorano and Montano.

Pima will be back at it on April 6 for the Mesa Classic Invitational in Mesa.

Women in second

By KYLE WASSON

 The Pima women’s tennis team has been battling injuries all season yet defeated Mesa Community College 5-4 on Tuesday in Mesa.

 Olivia Cole-Encinas won her No. 5 singles matchup 4-6, 7-5, 6-4 to seal the win for the Aztecs. They improve to 13-4 overall and 7-1 in conference play. The Aztecs were without Sarah Blackwell due to a knee injury and Kari Emery forfeited the No. 3 singles match with a wrist injury.

 The Aztecs will travel to Phoenix on April 5 to play Paradise Valley at 1:30 p.m.

The Pima Community College women’s tennis team beat Scottsdale Community College 9-0 on March 29 at the Tucson Racquet and Fitness Club with exciting play from Tatum Rochin in singles and doubles competition.

 No. 1 doubles Tatum Rochin and teammate Emery won their match 8-6.

Rochin had another tight battle in the No. 1 singles match as she fought back after losing the first set. Rochin sought revenge from Desiree Jackson after a loss earlier in the season in Scottsdale, pulling off a 2-6, 6-3, 10-5 victory.

The Aztecs are currently tied for second place in the conference at 6-1. The women are 12-4 overall with three matches remaining before Regionals. Pima will travel to Mesa Community College on Tuesday.

The team dominated Glendale Community College on March 27 at their home court TRC.

 Kelly Ponzio won the No. 4 singles match 6-3, 6-2 against Julie Anaya while Cole-Encinas won 6-1, 6-3 over Rebecca Dezember in the No. 5 singles competition. The Aztecs swept the Vaqueros in all doubles matchups.

 However the team fell short in Thatcher March 23 against the New Mexico Military Institute.

The Aztecs swept each of the three doubles matches including the No. 1 doubles Rochin and Emery’s 9-8 (7-2) victory over Litia Godinet and Adalyn Hazelman. New Mexico won five of the six singles matches beating Pima 5-4. Helen Alteiri handled her No. 2 singles match with ease winning 6-1, 6-2 against Hazelman.

The team’s singles matches led the Aztecs to first place in ACCAC conference play, defeating Eastern Arizona College March 22 in Thatcher.

The team won 5-4 as Blackwell hung in after dropping her first set in the No. 6 singles match to win 4-6, 6-2, 6-2. Blackwell’s victory ultimately sealed the win for Pima. Emery also pulled out a come from behind win in the No. 3 singles match 3-6, 6-4, 6-1.

No break in high prices

By ROBERTO AVENDAÑO

Gasoline prices are going higher each day, and will probably reach $4 per gallon nationwide by the end of April, according to analysts.

“Instead of paying $80 for gas for my truck like I used to, now I’m paying $100,” said Pima Community College student Arcenio Trujillo, who is majoring in physical geography.

Prices have already surpased  $4 per gallon in states like   California, Hawaii and Alaska. Some gas stations in the Phoenix-metro area are also posting $3.99 per gallon prices.

In a March 14 report, the AAA Arizona auto club said prices averaged $3.86 a gallon for regular fuel. The price increased 18 cents in a week, marking the largest weekly jump in four years.

The highest average price was in Scottsdale, at $3.95 per gallon. Tucson had the lowest average, $3.69.

Even though Tucson enjoys lower gas prices, the cost increases still hit many people’s pocketbooks. Students who live far from the campus where they take classes especially feel the pain.

“I work on the weekends and I pay my gas,” engineering student Lindon Claridge said. “Now I have no spending money. Everything goes to gas.”

Liberal arts major Taylor Vaught said she benefits from working just down the street from her home. She has a Chevron card, so has limited location choices when it is time to buy gas for her truck.

Music production major Steven Blackman said gas prices don’t affect him because he takes the bus.

“I would be spending almost $10 a week if I were driving to class,” Blackman said. “High gas prices are better for the environment because more students take the bus, and fewer cars are driven.”

Many factors affect the cost of gas, including the always-changing market price of crude and growing global demand for oil.

There are also concerns that Iran, a major oil exporter, might cut off supplies amid tensions over its nuclear program. Speculators who try to profit on margins by betting on price increases for oil also play a role in rising prices.

As oil prices rise, retail gasoline prices do the same.

“This really puts a burden on college students like myself and American families, plus the rumor of gas going to $5 a gallon, the future looks scary.”Said Kenna Hoffman, PCC student. “I predict that online classes will become more popular as an attempt to save money. I currently rely on the ‘Gas Buddy’ app to help find the cheapest gas in town.”

She also says that the high fuel prices makes getting her college degree more difficult.

Instructor draws out students’ inner artist

By STEVE CHOICE

Pima Community College art instructor Mike Stack doesn’t help students discover art.

“It’s never a discovery,” Stack said. “I believe everyone drew when they were small. It’s like a rediscovery.”

Stack’s ideas on inspiring people to regain their connection to art will be one of two main topics in his talk titled “Closed, Open and Hyper-Open Form Seeing: An Aesthetic and Historical Perspective.”

The presentation is part of PCC’s Speakers’ Series 2012. It will take place at the District Office on Tuesday, April 3, at 6 p.m.

Stack is himself an artist whose primary mediums are painting and drawing. He said the first step for students to find their way back to art is overcoming their fears.

“I run into a new class of students every semester, and I would say many of them are terrified,” Stack said. “Somewhere along the line, making art became something that someone else did.

“I’m always trying to figure out strategies to break that barrier that prevents them from having the confidence to let it rip, draw, relax and just take in the information.”

One way he tears down walls is by helping students embrace what he calls the “open form” in creating art. He said this method stands in contrast with drawing in a contoured, linear way known as “closed form.”

“To show realism, you build on an open form, drawing with shadow and light,” Stack said, noting that harder contours should come after basic shapes are established. “You’re going to invoke a much wider world than you would with just straight lines.

“Most of my students start out drawing like they’re writing a check. When I teach them how to draw in light and shadow, all of a sudden they’re back in the game.”

Stack said his other main theme will be much more debatable.

“Maybe at the talk there will be some criticism of this,” he said, “but I plan to show that art may often convey where a society is in its relative feelings of security.

“As cultures first come on line, they tend to exhibit more closed form art. Then as they gain security and become increasingly powerful, more open values come into play and the art starts to flourish.”

Stack said civilizations even move from one phase into another and back again, depending on their changing fortunes.

He cited the ancient Egyptians, Hellenistic-era Greeks and pre-1600 Japan as societies that have exhibited these transformations in “communicating” with the world around them.

“Their art was one primary way they told their stores and represented themselves to others,” he said.

Stack recently went on sabbatical in Philadelphia, where he laid out his theories in a long paper.

“I did most of my research for it at the University of Pennsylvania library,” said Stack, a Penn grad. “It was summer and the librarians didn’t have a lot to do, so they would get me anything I needed.

“I really felt privileged,” he said with a laugh.

On April 3, the privilege of hearing Stack’s views can be had for the low, low price of free. And who knows, he may even encourage doodling during his talk.

FYI

“Closed, Open and Hyper-Open Form Seeing: An Aesthetic and Historical Perspective”

When: Tuesday, April 3, 6 p.m.

Where: PCC District Office, 4905 E. Broadway Blvd.

Admission: Free

Pima teams qualify for outdoor nationals

By MEGYN FITZGERALD

Pima Community College’s outdoor track and field teams set five national qualifying marks on March 16 on the first day of the Willie Williams Invitational held at the University of Arizona.

Sophomore Alice Odu impressed in the long jump with a qualifying jump of 18 feet. She is ranked 10th nationally in the event.

Sophomore Jodine Steemers qualified for the 5000-meter race with a time of 19 minutes, 22.9 seconds.

On the men’s side, freshman Lucas Ruiz pulled out a qualifying time of 15:14.86 in the 5000-meter race.

On the final day of the meet, sophomore Antonio Jeter took second place in the triple jump event with a 15.31-meter jump. Meanwhile, freshman Bryce Smith earned seventh place in the shot put with his throw of 12.34 meters.

The teams also earned five national qualifying marks on March 10 in their first ACCAC conference meet of the season.

For the women, Odu finished first in the triple jump with a jump of 38-10 1/4. Freshman Aly Haskell finished first in the 400-meter race with a time of 56.32 seconds.

Three women earned national qualifying marks after finishing second in their events: sophomore Anaiz Zamorano in 400-hurdles, freshman Kelsey Montano in steeplechase and freshman Jania Featherstone in high jump.

In the six-way dual meet, the women defeated Mesa, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley and Glendale community colleges but lost to Central Arizona.

Meanwhile, the men beat Mesa, Scottsdale and Paradise Valley, tied with Glendale and lost to Central Arizona.

The Aztecs will next compete on March 24 at their second ACCAC Conference meet in Mesa.

FROM THE ARCHIVES: ‘80s comics use satire

By SIERRA RUSSELL

Throughout the 1980s, Aztec Press comics continued efforts to enhance articles with illustrations both satirical and lighthearted.

Two comics debuted in the early years of the decade. One was “Tucson Tales” by Andy Mosier, who currently writes the “K. Rat” comic strip for Tucson Weekly. The other was “Upstate U” by Joe Forkan.

Smoking debates

Debates about smoking regulations continued to rage. One illustration depicted the devil lighting up defiantly while leaning against a no-smoking sign.

A 1987 article by P.W. Isaac voiced a smoker’s frustrations. The headline read, “Smokers considered second-class citizens” and the story called the surgeon general “our beloved heckler.”

Isaac protested the practice of seating smokers in the back of aircraft cabins, comparing it to segregation.

“Restaurants have set aside no-smoking sections which remain half-empty, while one waits to be seated in the smoking area,” Isaac added.

Death penalty

A 1984 article featured debate over the death penalty.

Illustrator Ronni Noyce drew a figure in the electric chair with a bag over his head that read “animal.” Above the man was the question, “Justice for all?”

Micheal Passe wrote, “The true function of the death penalty is that of a public bloodletting, designed to satisfy society’s need for revenge. Murder, so the theory goes, is justifiable when committed in the name of justice.”

Passe discussed pros and cons, and suggested alternatives such as life in prison, solitary confinement and castration.

Evan Mecham

Evan Mecham, the first Arizona governor to be impeached, was a popular target for cartoonists and critics.

A 1988 illustration depicted Mecham in a wrecked car after careening recklessly off the road. An accompanying opinion piece encouraged readers to register and vote, regardless of political leanings.

Cafeteria food

Cafeteria food and service was another popular target. A March 1985 article covered complaints about long cafeteria lines in the cafeteria.

Food service director Pat Rainwater explained, “It’s economics. If more people were hired, food prices would go up.”

Later that fall, a comic portrayed a student noticing a bug in his food. The cashier responded angrily, “Those bugs cost extra buddy!”

Jim Lowell, a PCC biology instructor and health/nutrition writer for the Arizona Daily Star, wrote a corresponding article listing his complaints about the quality of food and service at West Campus.

Lowell also commented on cafeteria attempts to cut down on sugars and fatty foods, plus offer more vegetarian dishes.

Environmental topics

Health concerns and environmental topics surfaced with increasing frequency during the ‘80s.

A comic by Noyce showed “spring fever in the southwest.” Beneath the illustration, Tim Risch wrote about careless graffiti artists and litterbugs.

“Assaulting in guerilla fashion, hikers swarm over the highlands and into canyons in search of their own personal oasis,” Risch wrote.

“Knowing that they may never be in that spot again, they leave their marks upon the land by carving their initials on trees, painting rocks in festive colors and worst of all, freely tossing litter on the ground.”

Risch summarized by reminding readers to be considerate of other hikers and to help keep parks clean.

Aztec Press staffers

A few issues depicted members of the Aztec Press staff in illustrations. One from fall 1986 showed Aztec Press editors standing in the newsroom with names or monikers above their heads.

All we see of illustrator Noyce is a hand waving near a title of “cartoonist.” Nevertheless, it is clear that Noyce’s hand played a strong role in the pages of the Aztec Press.

Students win ADDY awards

By ERIC KLUMP

Five Pima Community College digital arts students were honored by the Tucson branch of the American Advertising Federation on Feb. 18 at the Fox Theatre.

ADDY award winners were chosen from advertisements submitted by more than 500 professional and student applicants.

Stephanie Redmond received won two awards for package design. Her “Painter Fly Package” entry won a top gold award and “Happy Hoppy Package” won a bronze.

As a gold award winner, Redmond will advance to a regional multi-state competition. In the past, PCC students have gone beyond the regional event to earn prizes at the national level.

Silver awards went to Kurt Sommer for his package design, “Variety Tea Package,” and to Yoni Pozner for an illustration titled “Touch.”

Aztec Press assistant photo editor Larry Gaurano received two awards in the photography category. “Resolute” took silver and “Fortitude” took bronze.

Katie Osgood was awarded a $1,000 Tucson Advertising Federation student scholarship. She submitted an application and resume, and wrote a 500-word essay on why she wants a career in advertising.

In the professional category, PCC Center for the Arts marketing coordinator Carol Carder won a bronze ADDY for her “Treasure Island” poster.

Some contest entries were selected by Dennis Landry, chair of the Digital Arts department, and Patti Gardiner, a department faculty member. Students can also enter on their own.

PCC students competed against students from other area colleges including the University of Arizona, the Art Institute and the Southwest University of Visual Arts.

“Winning students from Pima reflect the quality and high caliber of our student work, especially when you consider we are a two-year school competing with four-year schools,” Gardiner said.

Pima comes out swinging

By STEVE CHOICE

Apparently the Pima Community College softball team is one squad you don’t want to tick off.

The Aztecs endured a three-game losing streak starting on March 6, but roared back with 12 straight victories after that.

“You never like losing, but that kind of lit a fire under us and got us refocused,” said head coach Armando Quiroz. “It jolted us a little because we always have that mentality like we expect to win.”

The mini-skid started on the road against Phoenix College, as PCC dropped the second game of a twinbill, 6-4.

The Aztecs then traveled to Prescott to take on a tough Yavapai College team for a March 10 doubleheader.

The matchup was a clash of ACCAC titans. Pima came in with a 23-5 record on the year, while Yavapai sat at 29-4.

In the end, PCC couldn’t corral the Roughriders. YC took game one 6-2, then completed the sweep with a 4-1 victory.

The brief downturn didn’t send the Aztecs into a tailspin, though. Pima got up off the mat quickly, starting with a March 13 double-dip at Mesa Community College.

PCC jumped all over the Thunderbirds, winning 10-1 and 7-1.

Jessica Schneider went 4-for-5 on the day, including three homers. She also drove in six for the Aztecs.

Next up on Pima’s chopping block were the Scottsdale Community College Fighting Artichokes, on March 15.

The ‘Chokes were no match for PCC, as the Aztecs rolled 10-0 and 12-0.

In game one, pitcher Mari Contreras got her 11th victory on the campaign, surrendering only one hit and striking out four. Yvette Alvarez also pitched a one-hitter for the win in the nightcap.

Pima returned to action on March 16 at the two-day Central Arizona Tournament. The Aztecs played three times on day one.

The squad beat El Paso Community College 9-0 in the first game. Next, they squeaked past Howard College of Texas 2-1. PCC finished the day by outslugging Seminole State College of Oklahoma 13-12.

Pima began day two of the tournament with a 13-2 drubbing of Clackamas Community College of Oregon. Contreras picked up another victory in the game.

The Aztecs then trounced Northern Oklahoma College 9-1 to finish off a perfect tournament, as Monet Ormsby pitched Pima to the win. She now stands at 6-0 on the year.

PCC continued the hot streak by sweeping Paradise Valley Community College at home on March 20.

The team now stands at 34-7 overall and 24-4 in conference play.

Schneider and Contreras also received some individual recognition on March 19, as they were named ACCAC Division 1 player and pitcher of the week, respectively.

Despite hitting the early March speed bump, Quiroz said losing a few games wasn’t the end of the world for his team.

“In the big picture, that wasn’t a bad thing,” he said. “We have big goals, and it’s a long season. It can be kind of a roller coaster ride.”

FOODIE FINDS: Allegro gelato

By MIKI JENNINGS

 The days are getting longer and warmer as spring comes in full force. For those of us in Tucson, where spring feels more like mild summer, it’s a perfect time to get one of my favorite frozen treats: gelato.

I discovered Allegro shortly after its opening in 2010 and have been a devoted fan ever since.

The staff is always friendly and accommodating, offering spoonfuls of samples for indecisive customers.

The gelato is creamy and tastes great. Their rotating cases are full of flavors, with new ones offered frequently. Some of my favorites are mint chocolate, salted caramel, coffee and strawberry.

Even though my favorite fruit flavors aren’t always offered, it’s great that the gelatiere (gelato maker) Ivan Lucchina makes an effort to use fruits that are in season.

Allegro boasts all-natural ingredients, which they claim separates them from gelato places that use artificial colors and flavoring.

It shows: the strawberry tastes like fresh-picked berries, a little cream and sugar and not much else.

My only complaint: since each flavor is so distinct, it can be hard to choose complementary tastes. Chocolate and strawberry? Not so bad. But what do you pair with pineapple basil or saffron? Those are a bit more challenging.

It’s possible to buy servings of just one variety, but I prefer to get at least two. It seems a shame not to try as many as possible.

The prices seem a little pricey for dessert but you really get what you pay for. A medium serving costs $4.50. For an extra 75 cents, you can put any size serving into a cone.

Allegro also offers espresso, cappuccino and hot chocolate.

Frequent trips to Allegro are one of the things I’m most excited about for summer. If you haven’t checked it out, you owe it to yourself. Give yourself a treat.

FYI

Allegro

Address: 446 N. Campbell Ave., Suite 120

Phone: 207-1991

Hours:

Sunday-Thursday: 11:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m.

Friday-Saturday: 11:30 a.m.-11:30 p.m.

Website: gelatoallegro.com

Baseball: Aztecs steadily improving at 13-9

By LYNDAJOE ECHERIVEL

Pima Community College men’s baseball split a home doubleheader with Yavapai College on March 6.

Yavapai’s pitching was dominant in game one, as the Aztecs fell 12-0.

The home team’s bats came alive in game two, as Pima outslugged Yavapai 13-9. Garrett Taggart got the win and Will Holbrook saved it for PCC.

The Aztecs are 13-10 overall and will play at West Campus on  March 10 against Chandler-Gilbert Community College.

The offense and pitching were on display for the baseball team as it took a doubleheader from South Mountain Community College, March 3.

Julio Felix improved to 2-1 for the season as the Aztecs won the first game 8-2. Felix pitched a complete game allowing two runs and striking out eight batters Blake Davey went 1-2 and helped the offensive cause in the sixth inning with and RBI triple. He also had two walks. Ryan Cota followed with an RBI single which scored another two runs. Cota went 2-3 with three RBIs and a stolen base.

The Aztecs put up an offensive clinic in the second game winning 16-4. They scored six runs in the first inning. Up 2-0 in the first, Zach Schira hit an RBI single with two outs, which kept it going for Pima. Bryant Munoz brought around another two runs with an RBI double in the same inning. Munoz went 3-4 with three RBIs and two runs scored. The Aztecs scored six more runs in the third inning. Zach Sweety and Cota each brought in two runs with RBI doubles.

Juan Vega got the win for the Aztecs improving to 3-2 for the season and Will Holbrook pitched two scoreless innings.

Pima earned a split in its doubleheader matchup against Cochise College, Feb. 28 in Douglas.

The first game belonged to the Aztecs as they won 5-1 behind Pepe Gomez, who earned the win and improved to 2-1 for the season. He threw five and one-third innings with four strikeouts and two walks. Holbrook earned his fourth save of the season. Ryan Moser went 3-3 with two doubles, and RBI and one scored run.

In the second game, Cochise won 7-5 as Caleb Kirkman took the loss for the Aztecs, dropping him to 2-1 for the year. Munoz and Jake Cole each went 2-4. Munoz stole a base, scored a run and had an RBI. Cole also had an RBI and he hit a double.

On Feb. 25, the bats came alive for Pima in the second game as it got a split in its doubleheader in Thatcher against Eastern Arizona College.

In the first game, Eastern won 5-1 as Felix took the loss for the Aztecs and dropped to 1-2 for the season. He pitched four innings and gave up four earned runs. The Aztecs got on the board in the fifth inning when Munoz scored the only run for Pima.

The Pima offense took over in the second game as the Aztecs beat Eastern 10-0. Vega pitched a complete game shutout and had six strikeouts. He improved his record to 2-2 for the year.

The Aztecs scored four runs in the fifth inning. Ryan Gerber hit a two-run double in the inning. K.C. Mejia had a two-run double of his own in the sixth inning. Munoz went 4-6 and scored three runs.

On Feb. 21, the Aztecs dropped a doubleheader at home to Arizona Western College.

In the first game, AWC’s pitching shut out Pima 4-0. Gomez took the loss. Gerber went 0-1 but was walked three times. Munoz had a couple of singles as he finished the game going 2-3.

The Aztecs had a chance to strike in the fifth inning with the bases loaded and one out but Mejia ground into a double play, ending the inning.

In the second game, the Aztecs couldn’t compete with Western’s offense as they lost 11-5.  Reliever Santiago Romero took the loss but pitched well, in relief of Cole. Gerber went 1-3 with an RBI double in the second inning. He also scored one run during the game.

ON DECK

March 10: Chandler-Gilbert Community College @ Pima, noon.
March 14-17: Jack Howell Classic @ Pima, TBA.
March 20: Glendale Community College @ Pima, noon.

Photo By Leftrick Herd

U.S. officials issue warning, citing drug cartel violence

By ERIC KLUMP

 The U.S. State Department issued a travel advisory for those traveling to Mexico, just ahead of the upcoming Spring Break season.

 The warning issued in early February aims to protect tourists from potential harm in Mexico. It tells travelers to be aware of the drug-related violence that has plagued the nation, including gun-related incidents and possible homicide threats.

 Specific warnings were given about kidnappings and disappearances in which police officers have been implicated, as well as to carjackings and highway robberies. Officials are calling late-model SUVs particularly risky vehicles to drive.

 The advisory gives specific warnings for the state of Sonora. It urges travelers to avoid any nonessential travel through the entire state, and cites Nogales in particular. It also mentions most Sonoran cities, particularly along the border with Chihuahua.

Furthermore, the advisory counsels Puerto Penasco (Rocky Point) travelers to enter Mexico via the Lukeville port of entry, which would limit the amount of driving done outside of the United States.

Mexican business owners disagree with the advisory.

Conrado Saspe, owner of the Cheves y Monchies restaurant in Nogales, said the warnings paint an inaccurate picture of violence that “seldom, if ever, occurs in the places that tourists would travel to.”

While Saspe acknowledges there is drug violence in the country, he feels his city is getting a bum rap. “I think it’s a little bit excessive,” Saspe said. “In Nogales, you have no problems, no trouble at all if you’re not in that business.”

For more information on the State Department’s advisory, visit travel.state.gov. For information about traveling to Mexico, go to visitmexico.com.

SIDEBAR:

STUDENT POLL: How do the advisories effect you?

Interviews and photos by Eric Klump

“I don’t really bother with the advisories. I just think they are overstated or exaggerated.”

Jose Gutierrez

History major

“I wouldn’t go there. I went when I was little and got robbed.”

Nicole Melser

Nursing major

“It doesn’t affect me because I don’t pay attention. I do my own thing.”

Jorge Figueroa

Undecided major

Sidebar:

FYI

Violence in Mexico

• 47,515 people killed in drug-related violence between Dec.1, 2006 and Sept. 30, 2011
• 12,903 drug related homicides in the first nine months of 2011 alone
• Number of U.S. citizens killed rose from 35 in 2007 to 120 in 2011

Source: U.S. State Department

Women’s basketball: Aztecs finish second in region

By TESSA CASE

The Pima Community College women’s basketball team finished second in the Region I playoffs, with a 19-12 overall record.

The Aztecs’ season ended March 1 in Mesa, when they lost 65-61 to Mesa Community College in the second round of the playoffs. Mesa sealed the victory with a couple of free throws at the end.

Head coach Todd Holthaus said the Aztecs performed well, despite experiencing the loss of assistant coach Bruce Fleck, who died unexpectedly last April.

“I’m very proud of the ladies and happy that we’ve stuck together despite the unfortunate circumstances with coach Fleck,” Holthaus said. “They stuck it out and did an amazing job.”

The second-seeded Aztecs began the regional playoffs with a victory at home against No. 3 Glendale Community College on Feb. 28.

After trailing in the first half, the Aztecs led the majority of the second and pulled out a 69-57 victory.

Sophomore guard Na’Derra Carey had 21 points, six rebounds and six assists. Freshman Ashlei Scott contributed with 15 points and sophomore Paige Shirley finished with 10.

The women closed out the regular season on Feb. 24 with a 67-60 win at home against No. 10 Arizona Western College.

Carey recorded a double-double with 13 points and 10 assists. Freshman A’jha Edwards also had a double-double, tallying 11 points and 10 assists. Shirley and freshman Alyssa Roche each scored 12 points.

The Aztecs lost a close game on the road to Glendale Community College, 65-64, on Feb. 21. Carey scored 13 points, Edwards scored 10 and sophomore Tyhanna Higgs had eight points and eight rebounds.

Carey, averaging 13.2 points and 7.8 assists, received first team All-Region I and first team All-ACCAC conference honors.

Edwards, averaging 16.2 points and 10.2 rebounds, earned second team All-Region I and third team All-ACCAC honors.

Sparks fly when paintbrush meets steel in ‘Boneyard Project’

By MEGYN FITZGERALD

 Pima Air & Space Museum might just be one of Tucson’s best-kept secrets.

Located on 80 acres in south Tucson, the museum is home to five hangars and a large, outside “boneyard” of more than 300 aircraft spanning 83 years.

The museum also plays host to weekly and special events. One special exhibit, “The Boneyard Project: Return Trip,” will be on display through May 31.

 The Tucson exhibit is a sequel to the original boneyard project entitled “Nose Job” held in 2011 at Eric Firestone’s gallery in East Hampton, N.Y.

“Return Trip” displays a collection of World War II aircraft and parts that have been used as canvas by contemporary graffiti artists such as Crash, Nunca and Arizona native Luster Kaboom, among others.

 “We are hoping that the exhibit will expose a new audience to the museum by bringing in people who normally would not be interested in visiting an aviation technology and history museum,” Curator of Collections James Stemm wrote in an email.

Standout pieces include six full-size, fully painted, recycled airplanes and a horizontal stabilizer fin covered in modified brand logos telling a story of American expression. There are also quite a few nose cones painted and manipulated in various styles.

The Air & Space Museum is also home to many rare and prestigious WWII aircraft, restoration pieces and the Dorothy Finley Space Gallery. Each section has its own informative tour.

A museum restaurant, Flight Grill, is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

For additional information, visit pimaair.org.

FYI

“The Boneyard Project: Return Trip”

Dates: Through May 31, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily

Address: 6000 E. Valencia Road

Tickets: $15.50, with discounts available for Pima County residents

Details: pimaair.org

Madcap times at Mondo Mondays

By THOMAS F. JOHNSON

Mondo Mondays at the Loft Cinema provide an eccentric grab bag of B-movies ranging from guilty pleasures to just plain garbage.

Suitably enough for the cheap fare it shows, admission costs a measly $3. A massive cup of candy goes for just a buck.

One recent Monday, a packed house came to see the horror film “Mausoleum.” When the clock struck eight, emcee Jeff Yanc came out to thunderous applause.

Yanc launched into his routine, slinging snark and providing a taste of the glorious cheese we were about to see.

He described the film as “Maude” crossed with “The Exorcist” crossed with “Debbie Does Dallas,” while pointing out the film’s many flaws. Examples included its talentless former Playboy model lead and its inclusion of a disco dancing sequence that would not end.

After the lights dimmed, the audience sang along to a familiar “coming attractions” theme.

During Mondo Monday movies, audience members add running commentary, like “Mystery Science Theater 3000” but with half the humor.

“Mausoleum” contained a creepy gardener, nudity, a woman killing people, nudity, a demon with nipple mouths, more nudity, the dumbest plot twist ever involving a minor character and (surprisingly enough) a few genuinely chilling moments.

In an interview, Yanc said he created the Mondo Monday concept “out of the need to get people into the theater on Monday nights.”

It was originally supposed to be a summer-only promotion, but proved to be so popular that it now runs every Monday.

What makes a film so bad it’s good? “It’s an intangible element, but it’s got to have entertainment value,” Yanc said. “You always need a compelling story, even in a terrible movie.”

About 20 percent of bad movies are fun and watchable, he said, while the other 80 percent are utterly worthless.

Yanc categorizes his choices for “best-worst” films by genre, because he honestly can’t choose a single favorite. Flicks high on his list include “Malibu High,” “Samurai Cop” and “Lazerblast.”

Movies in Yanc’s “worst-worst” category include the classic “Manos, The Hands of Fate” and the semi-obscure shot-on-video “Boardinghouse.”

Bad comedies don’t really work as Mondo films, Yanc said. He described a failed comedy called “Night Patrol” as the most painful movie he’s ever sat through. “It was the wrong kind of awful.”

Most new Mondo films will likely come from “failed independent filmmakers … because Hollywood doesn’t do these anymore,” Yanc said. He cited the infamous Tommy Wiseau film “The Room” as an example.

The oft-maligned SyFy Original Movies won’t make it into the pantheon of schlock, he predicted, because they are a bit too tongue-in-cheek and self-aware to work in that vein.

Regardless of origin, Yanc will keep searching out good-bad movies for Mondo Mondays.

“My favorite thing is hearing people say, ‘That was the worst movie I’ve ever seen, thank you.’”

FYI

Loft Theatre Mondo Mondays

Address: 3233 Speedway Blvd.

Phone: 322-5638

Website: loftcinema.com