Explorer, Dec. 22, 2021

EXPLORER The Voice of Marana, Oro Valley and Northwest Tucson

Dec. 22, 2021

Volume 28 • Number 52

New Year’s Eve Guide 2021

The clubs, restaurants and venues celebrating across town | Page 10

INSIDE

Senator Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) gives remarks before President Joe Biden signs the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Monday, November 15, 2021, on the South Lawn of the White House. Sinema continues to support the filibuster even though it means the Democratic Party can’t advance voting-rights legislation. Read more below.

Child Tax Credit

First phase ending | Page 4

Guest Commentary Road repair in Pima County | Page 15

Official White House photo by Cameron Smith

Sinema opposes filibuster carveout to advance voting rights legislation Jacob Fischler

Sports & Rec Marana High wrestling | Page 20

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States Newsroom

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rizona’s enigmatic U.S. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema remains opposed to weakening the Senate’s 60-vote threshold for moving ahead on legislation, even as other Dem-

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ocrats are floating the idea of making an exception to the chamber’s rules to pass major voting rights measures.

In a statement to States Newsroom, a Sinema spokeswoman said the senator supports the voting rights bills but fears that changing Senate rules

would ultimately undermine the bills’ goals and Americans’ faith in the legislative process.

Sinema’s fellow Senate Democrats renewed calls last week to bypass the 60-vote threshold for voting rights legislation as the end of the year and a holiday recess loom.

See SINEMA, P7

Omicron COVID variant found in Pima County Alexandra Pere Tucson Local Media

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ccording to a Pima County Health Department press release, the individual who contracted the variant tested positive for COVID in early December. Genetic sequencing later revealed it was the Omicron variant and its findings were verified by the Arizona Department of Health Services 24 hours later.

“We knew it was a matter of when, and not if, Omicron would be in Pima County,” said Pima County Health Department Director Dr. Theresa Cullen in a press release.

There is speculation the Omicron variant causes less severe symptoms than the original virus and the Delta variant, but more research is needed to accurately determine the variant’s severity. Thus far, it is clear Omicron is more transmissible than the original virus.

See COVID, P6

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Explorer and Marana News, Dec 22, 2021

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EXPLORER The Explorer and Marana News is published every Wednesday and distributed free of charge to homes and in single-copy locations throughout the Northwest Tucson. To find out where you can pick up a free copy of the Explorer and Marana News, go to www.TucsonLocalMedia.com

STAFF ADMINISTRATION Steve T. Strickbine, Publisher Michael Hiatt, Vice President Jaime Hood, General Manager jaime@tucsonlocalmedia.com Claudine Sowards, Accounting claudine@tucsonlocalmedia.com Sheryl Kocher, Receptionist sheryl@tucsonlocalmedia.com EDITORIAL Jim Nintzel, Executive Editor jimn@tucsonlocalmedia.com Jeff Gardner, Managing Editor jeff@tucsonlocalmedia.com Alexandra Pere, Staff Reporter apere@tucsonlocalmedia.com PRODUCTION Courtney Oldham, Production Manager, tucsonproduction@timespublications.com Ryan Dyson Graphic Designer ryand@tucsonlocalmedia.com Emily Filener, Graphic Designer emilyf@tucsonlocalmedia.com

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Explorer and Marana News, Dec 22, 2021 CIRCULATION Alex Carrasco, Circulation alexc@tucsonlocalmedia.com ADVERTISING TLMSales@TucsonLocalMedia.com Kristin Chester, Account Executive kristin@tucsonlocalmedia.com Candace Murray, Account Executive candace@tucsonlocalmedia.com Tyler Vondrak, Account Executive tyler@tucsonlocalmedia.com NATIONAL ADVERTISING Zac Reynolds, Director of National Advertising Zac@TimesPublications.com EDITORIAL & AD CONTENT The Explorer and Marana News expresses its opinion in the editorial. Opinions expressed in guest commentaries, perspectives, cartoons or letters to the editor are those of the author. The content and claims of any advertisement are the sole responsibility of the advertiser. Tucson Local Media assumes no responsibility for the claims or content of any advertisement. Publisher has the right to edit for size or refuse any advertisement at his or her discretion.

7225 N. Mona Lisa Road, Ste. 125 Tucson, Arizona 85741 PHONE: (520) 797-4384

Copyright:The entire contents of Explorer/Marana News are CopyrightTimes Media Group . No portion may be reproduced in whole or part by any means without the express written permission of the Publisher,Tucson Local Media, 7225 N. Mona Lisa Rd., Ste. 125,Tucson, AZ 85741.

Hot Picks

Zoo Lights. If you’ve seen the Zoo Lights, you love the Zoo Lights. And if you haven’t seen ’em yet, you will! These evenings at Reid Park Zoo feature falling snow, visits with Santa, yummy treats, and hot chocolate with or without spirit. You can stroll through the grounds to see thousands of glowing lights and lighted animal displays. Plus, new entertainment each week that makes it a different experience each time. 6 to 8 p.m. nightly through Dec. 23, then Dec. 26-30 (though Santa’s last day is Dec. 23).

Reid Park Zoo, 3400 Zoo Court. $11 GA, $9 seniors, $7 kids 2 to 14.

Winterhaven Festival of Lights is back on this year.

For the holidays, Tucson’s coziest neighborhood fills itself with lights, festivities and plenty of holiday cheer. The public can stroll through the Winterhaven neighborhood and enjoy a major amount of Christmas lights, as well as caroling, hot chocolate, hay rides and letters to Santa.

Really, no Christmas in Tucson is complete without the Winterhaven Festival of Lights. 6 to 10 p.m. through Sunday, Dec. 26.

Based around Christmas Ave.

Downtown ice rink. Ice skating in Tucson is no longer just a wild fantasy! Rio Winterhaven Festival Nuevo and the City of Tucof Lights. After a dark and son have reopened their quiet 2020, the beloved outdoor ice rink down-

town, now open through Sunday, Jan. 9. Tickets can be purchased online and at the Tucson Convention Center ticket office. Each session will start at a designated time and last for 90 minutes. Skates are included with the ticket price and begin at size 8 for children and run as large as men’s size 15. Socks are required, and gloves are highly recommended. 260 S. Church Ave. $17 for adults, $12 for children. tucsonaz.gov/ tucsonholidayice Country-Fried Christmas. Downtown’s Hotel Congress is gathering a whole slew of country western musicians to belt out themed holiday tunes.

The lineup includes SouthWestern Stars, Mamma Coal, Steff Koeppen, Hans Hutchison, Alvin Blaine, Thøger Lund and Les Merrihew. The event

will be held outdoors on the Congress plaza (or indoors if it’s too cold!) 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 23.

311 E. Congress St. $15.

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Explorer and Marana News, Dec 22, 2021

First phase ending for child tax credit, a ‘game changer’ for families Genesis Sandoval Cronkite News

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rizona families may have seen the last—for now— payment Wednesday under an expanded child tax credit program that advocates say has been a “game changer” for low-income families in the state.

The program, passed earlier this year as part of the pandemic-relief American Rescue Plan, sent families monthly advance payments, from July to December, of the child tax credit they are expected to receive on

their 2021 income taxes. Through November, the IRS had distributed more than $1.7 billion in advance payments to Arizona families, part of the $76.7 billion distributed nationwide.

Unless the Senate acts before the end of the year to extend the program, as part of the Build Back Better plan already passed by the House, the advance payments end with the December checks that went out Wednesday.

After that, families will have to wait until they file their income taxes to get the second half of the tax credit they are owed in 2021.

Whatever happens, advocates said the first round of payments has made a real difference for the almost 1.4 million Arizona children who benefited under the program.

“These regular payments, which amounts to up to $300 for a child under the age of 6 or a little bit less for older kids, has made a real, tangible benefit on a monthly level for families to be able to afford groceries, child care, rent, school supplies, and all these other needs that have popped up,” said Andrew Sugrue, assistant director of policy and advocacy at the Arizona Center for Economic

Progress.

Besides advancing the credit with monthly payments, the American Rescue Plan also increased the maximum tax credit per child from $2,000 to $3,600 and made the credit fully refundable, so families who do not get any income or do not owe any federal taxes can still receive the maximum amount. The expanded credit means eligible families could get up to $300 per month for kids under 6 and $250 a month per child ages 6 to 17.

“This money can really be a game changer for families to help ensure their kids have enough

to eat every meal, have a secure roof over their heads every night, have clothing if they grow, and give them a strong start in life,” said Kris Cox, deputy director of federal tax policy at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

Both Cox and Sugrue worry that if the Senate doesn’t act, some parents will struggle to make ends meet between now and next spring, when they file their income taxes and the second half of the tax credit arrives.

“We know that children that grew up in households with more income live healthier lives,

they do better in school, they earn more as adults,” Cox said. “Without the expanded child tax credit, many children will have less opportunities to achieve their potential.”

Sugrue said the program was targeted toward families that need the help the most and that the payments, “at least provided on a regular basis,” have been able to help them meet those challenges.

But those first six months of payments have been a success: Nationally, the expanded payments may have lifted 4 million children out of poverty, cutting that child poverty

5

Explorer and Marana News, Dec 22, 2021

rate by more than 40%, according to Center on Budget and Policy Priorities estimates, what Cox called a “really historic” shift.

She said the payments are often used by low-income families to pay for basic needs they may have struggled with before, providing a “predictable boost” to a family’s income.

“Most families, especially those with lower incomes, are spending their credit on basic necessities, things like housing, food, utilities, and education as well as clothing,” Cox said.

“Families who are struggling to make ends meet now have some income support.”

This was echoed by Sugrue.

“We see a lot of evidence when surveys go out to families that have claimed the child tax credit and received these advanced payments, the top uses of the credit are for food, for clothing, for school supplies, all the basic needs the expanded child tax credit was designed to be used on,” he said.

Cox said that payments under the program have also helped push back “against historical and ongoing racial disparities.”

“It narrows the difference between the child poverty rates of Black, Latino and Native American children versus white children,” Cox said.

Not only are the advanced payments bene-

5th Now in our 3

fiting families, but they help the economy as well by pumping money back into local businesses.

“To the extent that families spend their credits like many families are, on basic necessities, that money will go back into the economy and support businesses, support employees,” Cox said.

“That money will recirculate into the economy.”

Sugrue said the payments so far have “had a tremendous impact on our state.”

“These millions of dollars are not just going to these families, but they’re also spending it in the economy,” he said.

For more stories from Cronkite News, visit cronkitenews.azpbs.org.

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Explorer and Marana News, Dec 22, 2021

COVID: ‘A matter of when, not a matter of if’ Continued from P1

The high transmissibility of Omicron will most likely lead to more infections and break out infections in vaccinated people. COVID vaccines with an additional booster shot should effectively protect people from severe illness and death caused by Omicron, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Pfizer-BioNTech released preliminary results from a non-peer-reviewed study showing the Pfizer COVID-19 twodose vaccination series will somewhat neutralize the Omicron variant, but three doses are most effective.

“Getting the vaccine is highly effective in preventing serious illness and death, including against the variants,” Cullen said. “If you have been vaccinated, get boosted to

stay protected. And follow the other layered mitigation strategies—wear a mask in public indoor spaces, wash your hands frequently and physically distance.”

The high transmissibility of the Omicron variant threatens to further overwhelm Arizona healthcare systems.

Banner Health, Arizona’s largest healthcare system, reported hospital inpatient numbers are at the highest level since the start of the pandemic during a Dec. 14 press conference.

Banner Health Chief Clinical Officer Dr. Marjorie Bessel said some Banner hospitals are operating above 100% capacity.

Although COVID patients aren’t the only people filling hospital beds, unvaccinated people are more likely to be hospitalized than vaccinated people. The Arizona Depart-

ment of Health Services recently released a report showing unvaccinated Arizonans were 3.9 times more likely to test positive for COVID and were 15.2 times more likely to die from COVID-19 than vaccinated Arizonans.

“My top ask of the community at this time is for all who are eligible to get vaccinated and receive your boosters if you have not yet done so,” Bessel said. “This is the best way to prevent serious COVID illness that requires hospital-level care.”

Bessel said Banner is at a contingency level of care but could transition to crisis standards of care if hospitalizations continue to rise.

“If our continued forecast holds true, we will be in a position where we will be unable to meet the care needs of all of Arizonans,” Bessel said.

Contingency level of care means that hospitals

are not operating normally. Bessel said Banner staffers have been doing less documentation and certain patients may experience prolonged wait times for non-essential healthcare visits. Healthcare staff is also being moved to different units they don’t normally work in to support the lack of health care workers. The national labor shortage hit the healthcare workforce hard this last year.

Banner Health has hired 2,600 travel workers to support on-site staffing. Governor Doug Ducey set aside $35 million to assist Arizona hospitals in staffing and state health officials filed for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for 133 hospital staff to support seven rural Arizona hospitals.

Crisis standards of care are determined by the State of Arizona and

AZDHS has a procedural they recommend wearing plan to provide health- a mask indoors if family care institutions with members are not vacciguidance. According to nated and getting vacciAZDHS, crisis standards nated before congregatof care will only occur ing with family members.

Vaccines and booster during the most extreme disasters that directly shots are widely availimpact the healthcare able for free in Pima County. Local pharmasystem.

AZDHS guidelines cies, primary care physay crisis standards of sicians, and Pima Councare will apply when ty Health Department most of the communi- locations offer vaccines ty’s infrastructure is in and booster shots. Pima bad shape; local officials County began offering can’t perform their roles Pfizer booster shots for to assist the community; 16- to 17-year-olds who community functions are received their two-shot irregular, and there’s a vaccination series at least major strain on regional 6 months prior. This came one day after the federal resources.

Banner Health esti- government approved the Pfizer booster shot 16-& Gra mates thatSponsored peak hospiby the St. Mark’s Finefor Arts talizations will occur in to 17-year-olds on Dec. 9. mid-January. Unsurpris- Parental guidance is reingly, the surge estimates quired for this age group coincide with holiday cel- to receive the booster ebrations. Public health shot. officials have been relucDozens of vendors displaying unique g tant to tell people to avoid family gatherings during one-of-a kind crafts of handmade cera the holiday jewelry, season, but art, holiday items, and more.

Masterpiece Festi

Christmas Eve Services

Lessons and Carols: - 11 a.m. A service of Scripture and song that tells the Christmas story. Communion will be served.

Blessing of the Children: A family-oriented service with carols and a blessing of the children.

- 2 p.m. Dove Mountain CSTEM School, 5650 W. Moore Rd. - 4 p.m. Main campus, 1431 W. Magee Rd.

12th Annual Arts & Crafts S 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Saturday, No

Door Prize Drawings/Food/Free Admission/Fre

A Modern Worship Service: - 6 p.m. With contemporary Praise Band and communion * A Traditional Candlelight Service: - 8 p.m. With Celebration Singers, concludes with candle lighting. *This service will be livestreamed on YouTube UMC St. Mark’s Oro Valley and on umcstmarks.org.

A Traditional Candlelight Service: - 10 p.m. With Chancel Choir and communion; concludes with candle lighting.

www.umcstmarks.org (Southwest corner of La Cañada and Ma 1431 W. Magee Rd., Tucson AZ 85704 (520) 297-2062 www.umcstmarks.org

7

Explorer and Marana News, Dec 22, 2021

Sinema: Continuing to support the Senate’s 60-vote threshold Continued from P1

“Senator Sinema strongly supports and has voted for [voting rights legislation]—and will continue to support such efforts, because she believes that the right to vote and faith in our electoral process are critical to the health of our democracy,” her spokeswoman, Hannah Hurley, wrote in a Thursday email.

“As she has throughout her time in the U.S. House and Senate, Senator Sinema also continues to support the Senate’s 60-vote threshold, to

protect the country from repeated radical reversals in federal policy which would cement uncertainty, deepen divisions, and further erode Americans’ confidence in our government,” Hurley continued.

Senate rules require 60 votes, rather than a simple majority, to override a filibuster, a tool the chamber’s minority party can use to block legislation by refusing to yield the floor and thus indefinitely delay a vote.

The rule has been updated several times throughout the chamber’s history.

A two-thirds threshold

was established in 1917 and lowered to 60 of 100 in 1975. Democrats in 2013 under former Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada eliminated the requirement for executive branch and judicial nominees other than for the Supreme Court. Four years later, Republicans under Mitch McConnell of Kentucky included high court nominees in that exception.

Just last week, the chamber voted to change its rules to allow a simple majority vote to raise the debt ceiling.

In a floor speech Thursday, Sen. Raphael

Warnock (D-Ga.), who before being elected was a preacher at Martin Luther King Jr.’s Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, called for using the same procedure to pass a voting rights measure.

“As we cast that vote to begin addressing the debt ceiling, this same chamber is allowing the ceiling of our democracy to crash in around us,” Warnock said Thursday.

“The rules of the Senate have prevented us from moving that conversation forward. We could not imagine changing the rules – that is, until last week.”

Sinema has called for a public debate on Senate rules so “all Americans can hear and fully consider” ideas, including ending the filibuster, Hurley said. Sinema is willing to engage in “good-faith discussions” with colleagues about changing rules, she added.

Democrats say a federal voting rights law is needed to counteract a series of voting restrictions passed by Republican-controlled legislatures across the country.

“GOP state legislatures are passing the most egregious restrictions on voting rights we’ve seen

since segregation,” Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer tweeted last Thursday, Dec. 16.

“We are working to respond to these attacks by passing legislation to protect the right to vote.”

President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and a handful of Senate Democrats, including West Virginia’s Joe Manchin III and Rules Committee Chairwoman Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, met on a video call Thursday to discuss the path to passing voting rights bills.

See SINEMA, P8

You are invited to worship Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church

Tis’ The Season for Candle Safety The National Fire Protection Association offers the following tips that may help reduce the risk for fire and injury in your home this holiday season.

• Blow out candles when you leave a room or go to bed.

• Keep candles 12 inches away from anything that can burn.

• Use candle holders that are sturdy, and won’t tip over easily.

• Put candle holders on a sturdy, uncluttered surface.

• Use caution when lighting candles; keep your hair and any loose clothing away from the flame.

• Never use a candle if oxygen is used in the home.

• Never leave a child alone in a room with a burning candle.

• Keep matches and lighters out of reach from children.

Golder Ranch Fire District Administration | 3885 E. Golder Ranch Drive, Tucson, AZ 85739 | grfdaz.gov

Christmas Eve at 4pm-Intergenerational Family worship, 6:30pm-Traditional worship, 9pm-Traditional worship, All worship services include candlelight and Holy Communion.

Mask wearing is encouraged.

All worship services are live-streamed, see our website for details www.beautifulsavior.net.

7570 N. Thornydale Rd Tucson, AZ 85741

8

Explorer and Marana News, Dec 22, 2021

Sinema: Voting Rights Legislation Continued from P7

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WWII veteran and COVID survivor Col. Richard Bushong recently celebrated his 98th birthday at the Pima Air and Space Museum, where he has volunteered for 29 years. A veteran of both WWII and the Vietnam War, Bushong is seen here sitting beneath the B-17 bomber he flew multiple missions in. Read more on page 12.

BLM reintroduces beavers | Page 4

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Ducey lifts COVID restrictions but health officials warn it is too early to let guard down

mask mandates, while events of more than 50 people would no longer require permission from local governments. ov. Doug Ducey lifted all Ducey also said requirements coronavirus restrictions for businesses to limit occupancy last week regarding local and take other steps to reduce the ordinances, businesses and spread of COVID would shift to events. recommendations and bars could Ducey said he would block now operate at full capacity. local jurisdictions from enacting Ducey noted the state’s on-

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Listing our favorite patios | Page 19

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going vaccination efforts—as of Monday, March 29, at least 2 million Arizonans had been given COVID-19 vaccines and 1.2 million were fully vaccinated. In addition, hospitalizations had decreased considerably since the January peak during the winter wave.

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Kara Riley reflects on one year as Oro Valley Police Chief J G Tucson Local Media

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aking charge of a police department with more than 100 officers is no easy feat even during a good year.

But Oro Valley Police Chief Kara Riley’s first year on the job included a pandemic, nationwide protests, natural disasters and shifting regulations.

In the law enforcement profession for nearly 30 years, Riley says 2020 turned out to be the most rewarding of her profession.

“We were really put to task and had some difficult, difficult times,” Riley said. “These challenges were things that haven’t been experienced in the law enforcement profession in many years, and the pandemic was just one of them.”

See COVID, P10

See POLICE, P7

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(Left to right) Andy Cathey, Donny Cathey and Carly Timpf.

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Cathey’s Sewing Drive Supports Humane Society

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ore than a hundred shelter animals awaiting adoption are now a little more comfortable — and stylish — thanks to a donation from Cathey’s Sewing & Vacuum to the Humane Society of Southern Arizona.

The donations are part of Cathey’s annual Christmas-In-July sewing event, where customers and staff create specialized items

New golf tourney | Page 15

for local nonprofits. In addition, Cathey’s also raises funds for the selected nonprofit from raffles and events. This year, the Humane Society of Southern Arizona received 165 pet bandanas, 85 cat beds and $3,250.

“Every year we try to choose a different nonprofit, as locally oriented as possible, with a sewing challenge we can connect them to,” said owner Donny Cathey. “Often it’s not too difficult to come up with

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Oct. 7, 2020

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something for a charity… Animals touch everyone’s lives, so to support a charity that helps house and support animals is always worthwhile.” The sewing takes place during Cathey’s Saturday classes, and culminates in awards given to the volunteers who are most artistic and go above-and-beyond. During the finale, attendees vote on their favorites and the best use of embroidery to decide the winners.

See SEWING, P8

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or more than nine weeks Arizona has seen an exponential increase in COVID-19 cases and public health experts predict the surge would likely exceed cases and hospitalizations seen last summer 2020.

In his latest COVID-19 forecast updated Aug. 14, Dr. Joe Gerald, an epidemiologist with the UA Zuckerman School of Public Health, reported Arizona has a rate of transmission of 255 cases per 100,000 individuals per week as of Aug. 8 and would likely soon exceed the rates seen during the summer of 2020, of 409 cases per 100,000 residents.

“While I am hopeful we will not reach the levels seen in the winter of 2021, the experience of other states (e.g., Louisiana) combined with inaction of our local and state officials suggests this may be wishful thinking,” said Gerald.

“Another wave of cases and hospitalizations caused by the Delta variant is now certain; the only question remaining is just how big.”

See COVID, P4

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Klobuchar said she favored eliminating the filibuster to pass one of Democrats’ major priorities, but understood that others in her party disagreed, according to Capitol Hill pool reports.

In a statement on his major domestic spending proposal, Biden said he was also working with senators to pass voting rights.

“We must also press forward on voting rights legislation, and make progress on this as quickly as possible,” he said. “I had a productive conversation today with several Senators about how we can get this vital legislation passed. Our democracy is at stake.”

With Harris’ tie-breaking vote, Democrats hold the slimmest possible majority in the 50-50 Senate. They have tried three times to pass voting rights measures that all Senate Democrats support, only to be

Photo by Gage Skidmore / Flickr Creative Commons

U.S. Sens. Kyrsten Sinema and Joe Manchin (D-WV) have been at the center of the Senate spotlight. blocked by a near-unified Republican caucus.

The House passed a sweeping voting rights package in March that dealt with dark money in campaigns, voter suppression and election security.

Senate Republicans blocked pared down versions in June and October.

In their latest attempt last month on voting rights on another bill,

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Summer Survival 2021

It’s time to get out and safely have fun this summer | Special Section

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As you were

A new startup business out of the University of Arizona is getting to the science behind bad dog breath, and how to cure it with specialized bacteria.

Pictured are co-founders Eric Lyons and Scott Zentack. Read more on page 6.

Experts say vaccinated people can resume most activities | Page 4

Past the worst of it

UA researcher ends COVID reports | Page 5

2020 in the rearview Looking back at the biggest local stories from an unprecedented year| Page 2

Local Music

Desert Heart, Mountain Soul | Page 9

Photo courtesy Tech Launch Arizona

Lawmaker threatens to sue recall proponents C D Tucson Local Media

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tate Rep. Mark Finchem sent a “cease and desist” order to the group petitioning for his recall, threatening to sue the group for defamation.

The Republican, who represents District 11, faces a recall by Rural Arizonans for Accountability, a group of his district’s constituents, for spreading voter fraud conspiracy theories and his ties to the “Stop the Steal” rioters at the Jan. 6 Insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.

Natali Fierros, co-executive

Director of Rural Arizona Action, said they were approached by Finchem’s constituents to help organize the recall. “We exist to empower people, regular folks who are involved in the democratic system and really recalling an elected official is a power reserved for the people of Arizona by our state’s constitution,” said Fierros.

“If enough registered voters sign that petition and they agree that Finchem does lack integrity, that he is dangerous and an ineffective legislator, then it goes to the voters in that district to get a chance to vote on whether or not they

should fire him.”

On May 5, the group received a letter from Finchem’s lawyers, which according to the Recall Finchem website, “demands Rural Arizonans for Accountability destroy all campaign materials Finchem incorrectly deems ‘defamatory’ and publish retractions in local newspapers. If not, Finchem’s lawyers promise to sue.”

Rural Arizonans’ lawyers rejected Finchem’s demand and stated they would seek sanctions against him should he sue.

See FINCHEM, P10

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arana High School Salutatorian Diya Patel didn’t sugarcoat the challenges of the last year in her graduation speech last month.

“I think most people would agree with me when I say that this has been a dreadful year,” Patel said. “Graduation speeches in the past have included stories of proms, formals and football games. However, this year we had to adjust to a brand new way of life full of Zoom calls, masks and COVID tests, which consisted of massive Q-tips being shoved up our noses. Instead of reminiscing on a joyful high school experience, we are all sitting here today, collectively taking a deep breath and just being grateful that we’re finally here.”

Patel, like so many other students, longed for a year of normalcy, but instead lived through a pandemic. Patel and fellow Marana Unified School District graduates expressed the woes of trying to graduate while juggling a series of changes beyond their control caused by the COVID-19 outbreak.

“This past year, the Class of 2021 proved that we were some of the most adaptable See MARANA, P8

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Democrats partially won over Alaska Republican Lisa Murkowski, who voted with Democrats to limit debate but stopped short of endorsing the underlying legislation.

This article originally appeared on azmirror. com, a nonprofit online news agency. States Newsroom reporter Ariana Figueroa contributed to this report.

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Explorer and Marana News, Dec 22, 2021

AGING WELL

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ick off the new year by clearing up clutter. Making a resolution to pare down belongings and get organized will improve your living space and your brain health. That’s right: cluttered or disorganized spaces can actually negatively affect our productivity, mood, and sleep quality.

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Ring It In! Where to howl in Tucson on New Year’s Eve Jeff Gardner Tucson Local Media

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o, we can all agree 2021 passed by faster than we would have liked.

The downside is that the holidays will be gone before we know it, but the upside is there’s plenty of New Year’s Eve parties across town in the meantime! We’ve rounded up what local venues, clubs, parks and more are doing to ring in 2022.

Unfortunately, the one thing we’d love to leave far in the past just seems bound to stick around.

With winter weather and holiday gatherings, COVID cases are on the rise throughout the state and country. So before we tell you about all these great New Year’s Eve events, we also want to remind you to follow CDC guidance and get

vaccinated! Being sick sure would be a lousy way to ring in the New Year, after all.

And without further ado, here are some great local businesses and venues that are rockin’ ’til midnight (and maybe for a few hours more).

Hotel Congress. Always trying to outdo themselves, Hotel Congress isn’t settling for a centennial celebration this year. They’re celebrating 101 Years of New Year’s Eve, where you can enjoy live entertainment inspired by some of HoCo’s spooky history, including magicians, seances and tarot reading.

But if that sounds a bit too otherworldly for you, they’ll also have their classic DJs, cocktails, New Year’s photo booths, a champagne toast and more. This is the perfect event if you’re looking

to party downtown but want more than the typical 2021 sunglasses and confetti. 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Friday, Dec. 31. 311 E. Congress Street. $75.

Tucson Botanical Gardens. One of our favorite events around town this time of the year, the Tucson Botanical Gardens’ Wanderland (formerly Luminaria Nights) lights up the garden with thousands of lanterns and lights.

And while this event is more based around Christmas, the Botanical Gardens are hosting them right through New Year’s, so we figured we’d include it here as well.

Take an evening stroll through the plants while enjoying festive music, hundreds of poinsettias, and plenty of colorful arrays. It’s easily one of the most photogenic events in Tucson every holiday

season. 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

The Loft Cinema. TucThrough Jan. 2. 2150 N. son’s favorite art house Alvernon Way. $15. movie theatre is ringing in Barstool Sports Ari- the new year with a special zona Bowl. The Arizona screening of the new film Bowl party starts early, “Licorice Pizza.” The latest with a tailgate festival film by acclaimed director that launches at 8 a.m. Paul Thomas Anderson on the University of Ar- (“There Will Be Blood,” izona mall. Kickoff for “Boogie Nights”), “Licthe game, which pits orice Pizza” is a perfect Boise State against Cen- choice for this New Year’s tral Michigan, is at noon. Eve party because it takes Following the game at 6 place in the early ‘70s, and p.m., you can attend the 2022 will also be the 50th Taco Bell NYE Down- anniversary of the Loft, town Bowl Bash, which which opened its doors in will feature food ven- 1972. “Licorice Pizza” is a dors, live entertainment groovy, oddball comedy and more. The evening’s that also works as a love Bowl Bash, taking letter to the ’70s-era L.A. place at “Tucson’s Time of Anderson’s youth. In Square” (Fifth and Toole addition to the screening, avenues), is free to at- there will also be a free tend and open to all ages. champagne toast to start Following the traditional the movie, and vinyl prizmidnight taco drop from es will be awarded for the Hotel Congress, down- best decade-appropriate town will be treated to a outfits. Co-presented by fireworks show from the Zia Records. 7 p.m. Friday, legendary hotel’s rooftop. Dec. 31. 3233 E. Speedway

Boulevard. $10.

Surly Wench Pub. But if the ’70s aren’t quite your speed, stop by the Surly Wench Pub on Fourth Ave. for a special ’80s themed party. Don your neon, leg warmers, exercise clothes and any other questionable fashion choices you can think of, and head down to Surly Wench for plenty of ’80s music, drink specials, free giveaways and a “totally tubular” photobooth. DJ NoirTech will be spinning some classic ’80s discs as well. Starts at 9 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 31. 424 N. Fourth Ave. 21+. $10.

Sky Bar. If you feel like getting a look ahead at the new year, it might serve you well to visit Fourth Ave’s Sky Bar Continued on P12

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Photo by Jeff Gardner

Heather Hardy & Dusty City Blues perform at Monterey Court Studio Galleries and Cafe’s New Year’s Eve show.

Continued from P10

during one of their beloved cosmic nights.

Every Friday, Sky Bar hosts a free dance party until close featuring local DJs and drink specials in a safe and energizing environment. This Friday, DJ L3XX is performing at Sky Bar. Astronomy and what’s to come have always gone hand-inhand, so why not bring that tradition into next year? 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Friday, Dec. 31. 536 N. Fourth Ave.

from Heather Hardy & Dusty City Blues. For $60 per person, you get entry to the show, a fourcourse gourmet dinner including dessert, champagne toast and complimentary coffee and tea.

Or you can pay a $20 entry and go a la carte.

Both require reservations. Monterey Court celebrates New Year’s a bit differently, in that their shows stop at 10 for an East Coast countdown, and continue until 11 p.m. 7 to 11 p.m. Friday, Dec. 31. 505 W. Miracle Mile Strip. $20 to 60.

Monterey Court Studio Galleries and Cafe.

If you prefer your New Year’s celebration to be more on the acoustic side, stop by the charming venue Monterey Court for a performance

JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort. Trumpeter and band leader Rick Braun is hosting a luxury New Year’s Eve at JW Marriott’s Starr Pass Resort. Every year the southwest resort hosts

different contemporary jazz performers to lead an evening full of music, food, masquerading and more. It’s a true New Year’s Eve ball, with specialty drinks, dinner and midnight countdown and more. 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 31. 3800 W. Starr Pass Blvd. Ticket prices vary.

Monkey Bar. This southeast side bar is throwing it back for New Year’s, reveling in the decadence and pomp of Broadway and Studio 54. There’s just something about getting dressed in your fanciest clothes that makes sense during New Year’s Eve, like you’re trying to give the new year your best first impression. Or maybe it’s just an excuse

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to look good and have fun? Monkey Bar’s New Year’s Eve party kicks off at 9 p.m with DJs, photobooths, a disco ball, and more. Costumes are optional but strongly encouraged. 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Friday, Dec. 31. 1120 S. Wilmot Road. 21+.

Tucson Dragway.

If you want to break in the new year in a less traditional (and more noisy) way, head over to the Tucson Dragway, which is hosting its annual “Hangover Nationals.” Thursday, Dec. 30 through Sunday, Jan. 2., the Dragway is hosting all sorts of races from super pro to pro to junior. Beyond the cars, there will also be a cornhole tournament, golf cart races, food trucks, motorcycles, giveaways and more. Let’s just hope these cars don’t go too fast and pass 2022 by! Thursday, Dec. 30 through Sunday, Jan. 2. $10 entry. 12000 S. Houghton Road.

to explore, all while ringing in the New Year with fashion. 8 to 10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 31. 616 N. 4th Ave. $10 to 15.

191 Toole. Plenty of New Year’s goals are based around exercising more and losing weight.

If you’re looking to get a jump on your resolutions, stop by Rialto Theatre-affiliated 191 Toole for a late-night dance party.

Count your way into the New Year with electronic music and a light show when Fluxx Productions Presents: CRUIZE New Year’s Eve @ 191 Toole.

Or, if you simply feel like enjoying a dance party with no goals but having a good time, that works just as well. Doors open at 8 p.m., show starts at 9.

21+. 191 E. Toole Ave. $6.

High 5 Grille. Casas Adobes sports bar the High 5 Grille is hosting a special New Year’s Eve party bash. This includes a special dinner and drink (while supplies last). Live entertainment will be provided by Tucson rockers Mary After Dark. And considering they’re known for screening all sorts of sports, this is probably your best bet if you want a nice balance of music and athleticism during your celebration.

5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday, Dec. 31. 3682 W. Orange Grove Road.

IBT’s. Tucson’s signature gay bar is hosting their annual New Year’s Eve bash, which comes with their classic drag shows, a complimentary champagne toast, a balloon drop at midnight, and plenty of drink specials. Maybe your New Year’s resolution is to get a bit more in touch with your feminine side, or Jonathan’s Cork. drag side, or any other side of yourself you feel Longtime Tucson eatery isn’t getting enough at- Jonathan’s Cork is staytention. IBT’s is the place ing open for New Year’s

Eve, and will be offering two dinner specials: fresh sea bass with crab cream sauce ($28.50) and bleu cheese-stuffed 6 oz. filet mignon ($39).

A champagne toast will also be offered on New Year’s Eve. Reservations for both are recommended. 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 31. 6320 E. Tanque Verde Road.

House of Bards. It seems the obvious New Year’s Eve theme this year (and every year this decade) is roaring ‘20s, and we really can’t complain. The music, the fashion, the games, they just all make sense for having a good parCourtesy photo ty. Well, the House of 191 Toole is kicking off the New Year with a special dance show “Fluxx Productions Presents: CRUIZE New Year’s Bards is embracing the Eve” running from 8 p.m. past midnight. theme by demanding no T-shirts, jeans or tennis shoes at their New Year’s Eve party. That means roaring ‘20s attire only!

But when you make it in, you can enjoy a special speakeasy and ball with live jazz, local artists, drink specials, and even prizes for the best dressed visitors! 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday, Dec. 31.

4915 E. Speedway Blvd. $20 for singles, $35 for couples. $150 VIP table.

Know Us Know Your Community

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VOICES

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Explorer and Marana News, Dec 22, 2021

Guest Commentary: Pima County making progress on road repair Rex Scott

Special to Tucson Local Media

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lmost three years ago, Pima County assessed the condition of all the roads in unincorporated areas of the county, which are the roads we are responsible for maintaining and repairing. A significant number of them were found to be in poor or failed condition.

However, our voters had defeated several bond issues in the years leading up to this time, including one measure focused on road repair.

Consequently, the previous Board of Supervisors voted unanimously in 2019 to create a program known as PAYGO, which uses a combination of local and state funds to pay to fix our roads and to finance other necessary capital improvements. The state funds come from what the county receives from the Highway User Revenue Fund, which is primarily supported by the state gasoline and vehicle license taxes. The local money comes from increases in the assessed valuation of property and the steady reduction in the secondary property tax used to pay the long term debt the county has accumulated.

As that debt is paid down, a portion of the tax revenue no longer needed for debt payments is used to support the PAYGO program.

The remaining revenue is

used to reduce the primary property tax rate.

To take advantage of low interest rates, the previous Board also used short term debt (known as certificates of participation) to infuse an additional $50 million into the program for the 2020-21 fiscal year. My colleagues and I have done the same for this fiscal year and the next one. As a result, we are able to repair 139 miles of arterial/collector roads and 174 miles of neighborhood roads this fiscal year.

When the roads were originally assessed, each one was assigned a Pavement Condition Index (PCI) number based on its level of need. The goal is for the overall PCI for our network of roads to be at 80, which is very good, by the end of the 2029-30 fiscal year. Three years ago, when the program started, the PCI for our network was 57. By the end of the 2022-23 fiscal year, it will be up to 76, largely due to the extra funding this Board and our predecessors devoted to the PAYGO program.

As you can see, we have vastly accelerated the pace of road repair in the early years of the program, but with the extra miles being repaired comes two additional responsibilities: the need to ensure that all our roads receive the ongoing maintenance they need to stay in good shape and the need to pay down the short-term debt we used

to put more money into the program. Therefore, we will still need until the end of the 2029-30 fiscal year to reach our goal of an overall network PCI of 80.

For each of us, the most important measure for the success of this program is how soon the roads we drive regularly are repaired.

The county’s Transportation Advisory Committee surveyed the public three years ago and the responses they got indicated that the best course of action was to repair the worst neighborhood roads first. Each year, this committee works with Transportation Department staff to determine which roads, based on their PCI, will be slated for repair. Arterial and collector roads, those that receive the greatest use, are prioritized based on maximizing return on investment.

To learn more about our efforts and how roads are selected for repair, visit the Transportation Department’s page on the county’s website. You can also report problems with roads on this page, as well as learn more about all the work the department does on behalf of our citizens. Please call the District One office at 7242738 if we can help you with concerns or questions about any specific road.

Rex Scott represents District 1 on the Pima County Board of Supervisors.

READER PHOTO OF THE WEEK Reader Kevin Corr captured a photo of this colorful hummingbird in Oro Valley. Send your photos to readerphotos@tucsonlocalmedia.com. Include your name, contact information and details about the photo, including who took it, where it was taken and the subject. Not all photos can be printed. See other photos online at www.tucsonlocalmedia.com.

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THEATER THURSDAY TO SUNDAY, DEC. 2326 • Take a magical journey through swirling snowflakes, giant mice and soldiers and the breathtaking Kingdom of the Sweets at the beloved Ballet Tucson production The Nutcracker. Details: 7 p.m. Thursday, 3 p.m. Friday; 1 and 5 p.m. Sunday; Tucson Music Hall, 260 S. Church Ave.; $25-$65; ticketmaster.com.

WEDNESDAY TO FRIDAY THROUGH DEC. 24 • Bring the kids and grandma to the Jingle Bell Rockin’ Revue with all your favorite holiday hits guaranteed to put you in the Christmas spirit.

Details: 6 p.m. Wednesday-Friday; Gaslight Music Hall, 13005 N. Oracle Road; $27, $15 children; 520-5291000 or gaslightmusichall.com.

TUESDAY TO FRIDAY, DEC. 2831 • Spend A Holiday Evening with Cher, Bocelli, Streisand and more re-created by popular impersonators

MUSIC

The Edwards Twins in the style of the holiday variety shows of the 70’s and 80’s. Details: 6 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; SUNDAY, DEC. 26 7 p.m. Friday (includes NYE toast); Gaslight Music Hall, 13005 N. Oracle • Hear authentic renditions of the Road; $45-$100; 520-529-1000 or era’s most popular songs from the gaslightmusichall.com.

Beatles to Neil Diamond while you get some background scoop about SUNDAY, JAN. 2 the bands that made them famous at Super Songs of the 60’s. Details: • Create life-long memories for the 6 p.m.; Gaslight Music Hall, 13005 N. entire family at Presto! Magic, Oracle Road; $27; 520-529-1000 or Comedy, Illusions with the gaslightmusichall.com. award-winning illusionists John Shryock and Mari Lynn. Details: 6 WEDNESDAY, DEC. 29 p.m.; Gaslight Music Hall, 13005 N. Oracle Road; $27; 520-529-1000 or • Listen to the Tucson Repertory gaslightmusichall.com.

Orchestra’s String Serenade III featuring music director and conductor WEDNESDAY TO SUNDAY, Toru Tagawa. Details: 7 p.m.; Grace JAN. 59 St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 2331 E. • Catch a performance of the beloved Adams St..; free; 520-461-4537 or classic musical My Fair Lady present- tucsonrepertoryorchestra.org. ed by Broadway in Tucson. Details: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. THURSDAY, DEC. 30 Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday, 2 and 8 p.m.

Saturday, 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday; UA • You should be dancin’ at Bee Gees Gold featuring John Acosta and the Centennial Hall, 1020 E. University Blvd.; $25-$100; broadwayintucson. Bee Gees Tribute Band recreating the look and sound of the brothers com or ticketmaster.com.

Gibb with the unique falsettos that made them legends. Details: 8 p.m.; Casino del Sol Event Center, 5655 W.

Valencia Road; $25 (over age 21 only); casinodelsol.com.

FRIDAY, DEC. 31 • Ring in the new year at the Kevin Krentz Delightful Perfection New Year’s Eve Celebration featuring an optimistic and energetic concert with haiku and limericks competition during intermission.

Details: 7 p.m.; Tubac Center for the Arts, #9 Plaza Road, Tubac; $35; 520398-2371 or tubacarts.org.

SPECIAL EVENTS DAILY THROUGH DEC. 26 • Bring the kids and grandma to the annual family-friendly holiday tradition Winterhaven Festival of Lights and bring a donation for the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona. Details: 6-10 p.m.; Winterhaven Neighborhood, Fort Lowell Road between Country Club Road and Tucson Blvd.; free admission but donations welcome; winterhavenfestival.org.

other world-class musicians at Rick Braun’s New Year’s Eve Getaway.

Details: 7 p.m.; JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort, 3800 W. Starr Pass Blvd.; rickbraunnewyearseve.com.

FRIDAY, DEC. 31

• Finish out 2021 with one final run/ walk and some egg nog to celebrate the start of a brand new year at the #RunMarana Egg Nog Jog and Kid’s Free Fun Run. Details: 7 a.m. check-in; Crossroads at Silverbell District Park, 7548 N. Silverbell Road; $30, kids SATURDAY, JAN. 1 free; maranaaz.gov/recreation.

• Celebrate 101 Years of New Year’s • Tap your toes to the celebration of Eve at the Hotel Congress NYE Party New Orleans music at the Bourbon with live entertainment, a compliDAILY THROUGH DEC. 30 Street Bash with the famous Dutch mentary champagne toast, cocktails piano master Mr. Boogie Woogie. and a treat from the Seafood Truck.

• Stroll through the twinkling lights Details: 2 and 6 p.m.; Gaslight Music Details: 8 p.m.; 311 E. Congress St.; and enjoy family fun at ZooLights: Hall, 13005 N. Oracle Road; $27; 520$75; 520-622-8848, hotelcongress.

Holiday Magic. Details: 6-8 p.m.

529-1000 or gaslightmusichall.com. com or eventbrite.com. (closed Dec. 24-25); Reid Park Zoo, • Dress in your favorite Roaring 20’s 3400 E. Zoo Ct.; $11; 520-791-3204 or SUNDAY, JAN. 2 look for the Great Gatsby New reidparkzoo.org.

Year’s Eve Ball with food, drink, live • Listen to the Oracle Piano Signature jazz and a prize for the best-dressed THURSDAY TO FRIDAY, Series featuring the cello and piano of couple. Details: 9 p.m.; House of DEC. 3031 Greg Hamilton and Jay HershbergBards, 4915 E. Speedway Blvd.; $20er. Details: 3 p.m.; Oracle Center for $35; HYPERLINK “tel:5203272011” • Step into a “Midnight Masquerade” the Arts, 700 E. Kingston St., Oracle; 520-327-2011 or eventbrite.com. themed event with entertainment by $30; oraclepianosociety.org.

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Explorer and Marana News, Dec 22, 2021

Year’s Eve Dance Party with Gigi and The Glow followed by a live DJ. Details: 10 p.m.; Casino del Sol Event Center, 5655 W. Valencia Road; free admission (over age 21 only); casinodelsol.com.

THURSDAY TO SUNDAY THROUGH DEC. 31 • Bring the entire family to the annual favorites Season of Light and Holiday Laser Show weaving together the Winter Solstice with the history of light festivals across times and cultures and a laser show full of Christmas and seasonal songs. Details: Season of Light: 3:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday; 2 p.m.

Wednesday, Friday and Saturday; 12:30 p.m. Sunday; Holiday Laser Show: 2 p.m. Tuesday, 3:30 p.m.

Saturday-Sunday; Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium, 1601 E. University Blvd.; $9, $7 youth/students; 520-621-7827 or flandrau.org.

SATURDAY, JAN. 1 • Start your New Year’s resolutions with the entire family at the Eighth

Annual Hot Cocoa 5K Run/Walk with proceeds to benefit Oro Valley’s Round Up for Youth Recreation Scholarship Program. Details: 11:22 a.m.; Steam Pump Ranch, 10901 N. Oracle Road; $30, $25 in advance (under 12 free with paying adult); orovalleyaz.gov.

1); 4455 E. Camp Lowell Drive; $9.50$11.50, $8 youth/students; 520-8810606 or theminitimemachine.org.

WEDNESDAY TO SUNDAY THROUGH JAN. 2

• Bring the kids to the Toy Train Museum Holiday Open House decked out in holiday decorations.

Details: 1-4 p.m.; 3975 N. Miller Ave.; GPDtrains.org.

CHILDREN SUNDAY, DEC. 26

• Enjoy a lighted holiday stroll among thousands of luminarias, lanterns and poinsettias with festive FRIDAY, DEC. 31 holiday music playing at Wanderland. Details: 5:30-8:30 p.m.; Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon • Welcome in the new year before bedtime with arts and crafts Way; $15, $4 children; 520-326and a ball drop at Happy Noon 9686 or tucsonbotanical.org.

Year! Details: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; Children’s Museum Tucson, 200 S. TUESDAY TO SUNDAY Sixth Ave.; $9; 520-797-9987 or THROUGH JAN. 9 childrensmuseumtucson.org.

• Enjoy the Wee Winter Wonderland at the seasonal exhibition Holidays Around the World and Through Time at the Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures. Details: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, noon-4 p.m.

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Explorer and Marana News, Dec 22, 2021

Explorer and Marana News, Dec 22, 2021

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Explorer and Marana News, Dec 22, 2021

SPORTS EXTRA POINT WITH TOM DANEHY &RECREATION Marana High’s Makayla Roebuck is pinning obstacles—and opponents—to the mat Tom Danehy

Special to Tucson Local Media

S

he’s not exactly sure when she got the idea to try wrestling, but once she got on the mat, she knew she was home. She’s been a basketball player for as long as she could remember. She had played other sports—volleyball and softball, mostly—but basketball had always been her passion.

Then, wrestling became a thing. It’s new to Arizo-

na and new to the country, really. Sure, next year will mark a half-century since Title IX was enacted, ensuring the equal treatment of boys and girls in sports.

But things take time and a mind can be a terribly difficult thing to change.

Makayla Roebuck isn’t going to wait around for other people to change their minds. She wants to compete and excel NOW in her new sport.

It’s only the fourth year for girls wrestling in Arizo-

na, but the sport is taking off. Dozens of teams from around the state are fielding girls’ wrestling teams, although many aren’t yet to the point of having complete squads. They’ll have a kid or two in this weight class, but none in that one.

This has led to some strange matchups early in the season. Some girls will have to wrestle opponents who are in weight classes three or four levels removed from their own.

Just as in wrestling for

boys and men, women wrestlers are divided by weight classes. After decades of a ridiculous and dangerous practice of boys drastically cutting weight through starvation and dehydration in order to “wrestle down,” the National Federation of State High School Associations implemented new guidelines that include: • A body fat assessment no lower than 7% for boys and 12% for girls • A monitored, weekly weight loss plan limiting weight loss to 1.5% of total body weight per week (When it was first implemented, old-school wrestling coaches bristled, but it is now the norm and the sport is better off for it. The higher body fat number for girls is to help athletes from slipping into amenorrhea, a potentially dangerous interruption of the menstrual cycle. Participants in such activities as ballet or distance running can get down to such a low level of body fat that they develop amenorrhea, which can then possibly lead to everything from bone loss to pelvic pain to infertility.)

Makayla is part of a freakishly athletic family.

Like the Parsons family in rodeo, the Roebucks have left their athletic footprint all over the Marana area.

Dad Sean was a three-sport

athlete at Marana High back in the 1990s and is now the varsity basketball coach at his alma mater.

Mom Monica was a soccer star at Marana Mountain View who went on to play soccer collegiately.

Oldest son Isaiah was last year’s Tucson Local Media High School Athlete of the Year, having made All-Conference in football, basketball and baseball.

He’s now playing college football and baseball in North Dakota.

High-school freshman Dezman was a two-way star for the Marana football team and is now playing varsity basketball. And some think that youngest son, Little Sean, might turn out to be the best athlete of them all.

This is the athletic environment in which Makayla has grown up. She has played on various girls’ volleyball and basketball teams, but she has also competed on the national level in flag football. And now it’s wrestling.

She has only lost one match in her (two months and counting) career and there’s an asterisk on that one. Wrestling at the Jerry Benson Invitational in Buckeye, she cruised through several preliminary bouts on her way to the finals. In the third round, she took her op-

ponent down so hard, the other kid had to be taken to the emergency room to be checked out for a concussion. Her next scheduled opponent declined to wrestle.

When she reached the finals, she was matched up against a girl who had been wrestling for years and who outweighed Makayla by probably 50 pounds. Explaining her loss, Makayla offers, “She was really experienced and strong. I made a couple technical mistakes and she beat me. I really don’t like losing.”

The next week, Makayla came back and swept to the championship at the Marana Duals, winning every match easily. She will participate in the Flowing Wells Invitational on Jan. 14 and then get ready for the state championships in February, where she will wrestle opponents in her own weight class.

She continues to play basketball for the Tigers (who are 2-4 at press time), although her playing time has fallen off since she began wrestling.

“Both of my coaches have been really cool about (my) playing two sports. It’s not something athletes do very often and it’s probably hard for a coach to be understanding about it. But I want to be the best I can be…in everything.”

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Explorer and Marana News, Dec 22, 2021

Athlete of the Week: Amphi High’s Yousef Sengal

COMING SOON!

COMM

RETIRE UNITY SER MENT L VICES H IVING EALTH & S

FOOD

BONW front pag e

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& DRTISN& RECREATAIOUNTY K RETAIL & SERVICE

COMMU NIT RETIRE Y SERVICE S MENT LI

S G HE ALTH & SPORT BEAUT S RETAIL & REC R & SERV ICES EATION VIN

Tom Danehy

Special to Tucson Local Media

I

n 2004, somewhere south of Khartoum, Sudan, a future Renaissance Man was born.

Yousef Sengal, Citizen of the World (currently residing in Tucson, Arizona), is all over the map, mentally and athletically.

Somebody, somewhere, must have given him the sage advice to do high school stuff while you’re in high school because he has tried just about everything.

When he got to Amphi High in the fall of 2018, he decided that he was going to “sample” as many sports as possible.

Over the years, he has tried cross country, football, and golf in the fall; basketball and soccer in the winter; and baseball, track, tennis, and volleyball in the spring. That means that he has missed out on only swimming and wrestling.

Wildly outgoing and self-confident, he was close to a unanimous choice for Homecoming King (an award that is tantamount to Most Popular) this past football season. He’s the guy who knows everybody and

everybody knows him.

He was playing baseball when the pandemic shut everything down.

But when sports (partially) opened up again this past spring, he moved on. He decided to double up on things. He made the volleyball team (boys play indoor volleyball in the spring while the girls are outside playing beach volleyball), but he also went out for tennis.

Ryan Thornburg, his tennis coach, recalls, “When Yousef came out, he barely knew which end of the racquet to hold. But within a few weeks, he was the Number 1 singles player on the team. I would not be surprised if he makes it to state (tournament) this coming season, and making it to state in tennis is not an easy thing to do.”

While laid-back and outwardly casual, he is highly competitive in just about everything.

He currently is No. 3 academically in his senior class and that does not sit well with him. Having been brought up speaking Cushitic, one of the Arabic offshoots common in Sudan, he now speaks American with a slight lilting British accent, with the occasional

“Bruh” sprinkled in for street-cred purposes.

“Obviously, I want to do well in sports and in class. I don’t want to be No. 3 or No. 2.”

He has a decent shot at becoming salutatorian, but the valedictorian spot is pretty much wrapped up by his friend on the girls’ tennis team, Mi Meh. (Amphi’s top three academic seniors were born in Thailand, Vietnam, and Sudan, respectively.)

Yousef is currently playing soccer, the sport he plans to play in college. He was a first-team All-Conference player last year and hopes to improve on that this year.

His team stands at 5-4 at press time, a marked improvement over last year’s COVID-ravaged 0-7-1 record.

He hopes to help the soccer team make it to the state tournament and then make it as an individual in tennis in the spring. “Trying all the different sports has been fun, but with high school coming to an end, I want to have some special accomplishments to look back on.”

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Explorer and Marana News, Dec 22, 2021

HOROSCOPE By Holiday Mathis

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ACROSS 1 Like the comment “I heard you the first 10 times!”

6 Biceps locale 9 Hide (away) 14 With 45-Across, one who’s adorable 15 Mauna ___ 16 “Gadzooks!”

17 “Mrs. America” actress Uzo 18 Goal of some meditation 20Kylo ___ of “Star Wars” 21 Like many items on Etsy 23 Home front?

25 Grasslike swamp plants 29 Hugs, on a love letter 30Politicians in the House of Commons: Abbr.

31 Kind of milk that’s an alternative to soy 32 Headstrong 36 One of 12 on a die

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37 Bruins’ sch.

38 Ideal scenario 40What large birds typically do less often 41 Comparative word 42 Flesh out some wedding plans, perhaps 44Pop star Grande, to fans 45See 14-Across 47 Body shot, in brief?

48Cain with a 2012 presidential campaign 50Roughly putting (together) 55 Like September’s equinox 57 Path to enlightenment 58What the five formations of circled letters in this puzzle represent 61 ___ omen (Latin akin to “Heaven forbid”) 63 Wonderland girl 64Before, in poetry 65Neighbor of a Slovene

66Many a Jane Austen setting 67Pistons or Lions, on scoreboards 68Netflix’s “Sparking Joy With Marie ___” DOWN 1 Freak out 2 “The Shield of Achilles” poet 3 Publicity act 4 12- or 62-Down 5 Response to “Who, me?!”

6 ___ Thompson a.k.a. Honey Boo Boo 7 Unruly 8 Palindromic title 9 Subjects of King Carl XVI Gustaf 10 Muscular 11 Breathtaking feeling 12 Member of the fam 13 “___ a Tramp” (Disney song) 19 Hoarse voice 22 “Let’s talk …”

24 Fearsome pteranodon of classic film 26 “Waiting for ___” 27 Former U.S. coin worth $10 28 [Do not delete] 30What an Impossible Burger lacks 32 Clayey color 33 Serena’s best friend on “Gossip Girl” 34British bum 35Common garment for tie-dyeing 36 ___ alert 37 Great Salt Lake locale 39 Venomous snake 43Colorfully named victim in the U.K. version of Clue 45Mark Twain title character 46Fancying 49“America’s Bodyshop” company 50Informal summons 51 Infancy 52 “You wanna fight? Let’s go!”

53 Mythological being that’s an anagram of DIANA 54Arrived at 56Treated as a pawn 58Major vegetable export of Nigeria (nearly 70% of the world’s total) 59Portuguese greeting 60Ingredient in a Negroni 62 Member of the fam

Calling all Bars & Restaurants Let our hungry readers know you are there!

Out door dining, Take-out, or Delivery!

Give us a call today 797-4384 The Northwest’s Newspaper

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You can’t always choose your company but when the choice is yours to make, there are certain names at the top of your list. It will be wonderful to see some of those people this week. Also, you’ll be receiving requests, most likely indirect, so tune in to the prompt of subtle suggestion.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Your approach to relationships is rather inspired and comes with an impeccable sense of rhythm. Every relationship needs closeness and space.

You’ve a knack for reading subtle cues about what your partner needs and wants and sensing the amount of distance that best serves the relationship.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You genuinely want to help others. If you could, you’d say yes to everyone. Alas, you can only be one place at a time. Your brilliance emerges in the way you decline invitations. You’re somehow able to compliment people and make them feel good about the relationship in whatever form it is taking.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). In the past, you took what came along, but now you’re ready for something a little more specific to your preferences and vision. It requires courage to be selective. You trust there is something better for you and you’re willing to ask for it, search for it or create it as need be.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Getting perspective will be the success key to this week’s endeavors. One viewpoint will not be enough. Go up; go down; ask remote people and insiders. You’ve a multitude of optical options, none better than another.

It’s when you put it all together that you’re brilliant.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). As you witness the world, you make it, too. Choosing what to focus on brings your picture together. What you don’t focus on may as well be absent entirely. To make sure your world includes and indeed features your beloved people, things and ideas, you will flow your attention where they are.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You can’t very well obey your heart if you can’t hear it through the noise of your mind. A superstition will help you calm the chatter.

You don’t even have to really believe it to have your thoughts settle and organize themselves around the ritual.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). While many spend what they don’t have to buy what they can’t afford to impress who they don’t know, your realistic and modest approach makes you rich in the ways that matter, and financially, too. Affirm your purpose and remain guided by your principles.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You start out with a certain amount of energy to expend on each day, then positive emotions give you even more to work with, or negative emotions drain the wells. Each morning, remind yourself of your top three priorities.

Tend to those, and anything more that gets accomplished will be icing on the cake.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Human signals can be subtle: a flicker of facial tension, a flushed face, a change in the voice...

Stress and attraction are two triggers of especially noticeable signals, at least to you. You’re observant. Your attention to the subtleties will tip you as to what is going on with those around you.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You’ve thought a lot about a problem and worked it out theoretically, but the only way to tell if an idea is actually a solution is to apply it in real life. There’s something scary about this, but don’t let it stop you from drumming up your courage and executing the plan. You’ll love where you wind up.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You’ll set yourself up for success and improvement by appreciating what you see around you. Even if there’s a drop of jealousy in the mix, it will be lucky for you. Because you’re naturally competitive, you are bound to occasional envy; use it well! Let your attractions inform you as to what to go for in life.

Crossword Puzzle Answers

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Explorer and Marana News, Dec 22, 2021

Worship Guide 520.797.4384 BAPTIST

METHODIST

RESURRECTION LUTHERAN CHURCH AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER

Classifieds@TucsonLocalmedia.com LUTHERAN

LUTHERAN

LUTHERAN

Changing the world through Christ, by caring for all people

Worship with us!

SUNDAY

8:30 & 10 a.m. in person 10 a.m. online umcstmarks.org/live-worship 1431 W. Magee Rd. (520-297-2062) www.umcstmarks.org

METHODIST Methodist VISTA DE LA MONTAÑA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

11575 N. 1st Ave. Oro Valley, AZ 85737 (520) 575-9901

Welcome to Resurrection Lutheran! Come join us every Saturday evening or on Sunday for worship!

Oro Valley Location

5:00 pm Saturday evening Worship 7:45 am and 9:15 am Traditional Worship 10:45 am Contemporary Worship Friday, December 24 3:00pm Family Candlelight Service 5:00pm Contemporary Candlelight Service 7:00 and 9:00pm Traditional Candlelight services

NO services Christmas Day. Sunday, December 26 - 1 service only 9:15 am Lessons and Carols Wednesday Advent Services December 1, 8,15 and 22 at 12 noon

SaddleBrooke Location

Please joinWorship us for for In-Person Vista Sunday at 10Church amand Please join us LIVE! Online service Children’s Sunday School Live Streamed Worship Service Sunday @ 10am @ 10:00am at 10:15 am after the children’ s www.vistaumc.org www.vistaumc.org time in the church service or watch anytime using the the previor watch anytime using ous broadcast previous broadcast Adult Sunday Schoolbutton!

–button!

11:15 am Please visit our website and/ 3001 E. Miravista Catalina or VistaUMC onLane, Facebook for Facebookfor viewing and daily updates updates on our our viewing on Locatedand on daily Oracle Rd. between Sunday services. services.

Sunday

Get the word out!

Reserve Ad space in your local Worship Directory Call 520-797-4384 CATHOLIC

SaddleBrooke 9:00 am Worship HOA1 Clubhouse Vermilion Room.

SaddleBrooke Christmas Eve Service at 1:00 pm HOA1 Vermilion Room Online worship available anytime to fit your schedule.

Check our website for more information

www.orovalley.org

Wilds Rd. & Golder Ranch Rd.

(520) 825-1985 www.vistaumc.org

CATHOLIC ST. MARK THE EVANGELIST CATHOLIC CHURCH

2727 W. TANGERINE ROAD ORO VALLEY, AZ 85742 520.469.7835 WWW.STMARKOV.COM

Reconciliation: T-F at 7:30 am, Sat at 3:15 pm and by appointment.

SATURDAY: 4:00 PM Vigil Mass SUNDAY: 7:00 AM 8:30 AM Masks required 10:00 AM 11:30 AM

Christmas Concert December 22nd 8:00 pm Live-streamed on all our media platforms

Christmas Mass Schedule

Friday 24th—Christmas Eve 4:00 pm Vigil Mass 6:00 pm Vigil Mass Saturday 25th—Christmas Midnight Mass 7:00 am Mass 8:30 am Mass 10:00 am Mass 11:30 am Mass You can listen from your car during all Masses on Station 106.1 FM

Get The Word Out!

To advertise in your local Worship Directory,

Call 520-797-4384

Christmas Eve Services

UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

Christmas Services or onlin Please join Eve us in-person

Casas Adobes Congregational Church An Open and Affirming Congregation of the UCC

Please join usyouin-person No matter who are or whereor youonline are

Dec. 24 journey, at 3:30you pm 7:00 pm on life’s areand welcome here!

Dec. 24 at 3:30 pm and 7:00 pmEve Services Casas Adobes Christmas

Casas Adobes Congregational Church

Join Congregational UsPlease forjoin Church Casas Adobes Congregational Church us in-person or online United Church of Christ United Church of Christ In-Person and Dec. 24 at 3:30 pm and 7:00 pm United Church of Christ6801 North Oracle Rd., Tucson Casas Adobes Congregational Church 6801 North Oracle Rd., Tucson 6801 North OracleWorship Rd.,www.caucc.org/christmas Tucson United Church of Christ Online Services 6801 North Oracle Rd., Tucson www.caucc.org/christmas www.caucc.org/christmas www.caucc.org/christmas www.caucc.org/welcome/worship 520.297.1181 | info@caucc.org | 6801 N. Oracle Road

24

Explorer and Marana News, Dec 22, 2021

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Explorer and Marana News, Dec 22, 2021

Service Directory 520.797.4384

PAINTING DRYWALL STUCCO REPAIR Over 40 years Experience Marana, Oro Valley, Saddlebrooke

Classifieds@TucsonLocalmedia.com

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26

Explorer and Marana News, Dec 22, 2021

Service Directory Classifieds 520.797.4384

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27

Explorer and Marana News, Dec 22, 2021

EXPLORER ‘Jingle All The Way’ Director Speaks at 25-Year Screening MARANA NEWS buy his son the year’s most and small group of people nervous nobody would have Emily Dieckman 520.797.4384 popular Christmas present, a came up to him and shyly questions, like the movie’s cult Special to Tucson Local Media

J

ingle All the Way is a movie that defies expectations.

For example, as the movie opens on a hulking Arnold Schwarzenegger playing an all-American dad named Howard Langston, you might expect there to be a brief acknowledgement of or explanation for why this massive bodybuilder with an Austrian accent is working in an office job in Minnesota. You would be wrong. Later, when Howard finds himself wearing a superhero costume to participate in a holiday parade, you might not expect the costume to be equipped with an ACTUAL jetpack. Incorrect. And when he poses as an undercover cop to a group of real cops, you might expect them to notice that the badge he flashes at them is a plastic toy. Nope!

The movie defied director Brian Levant’s expectations as well. As he explained to me in advance of last weekend’s 25th anniversary screening of the film at the Fox Theatre, he thought it was going to be a hit.

“This was a huge opportunity to do a big holiday release for a major studio with one of the biggest stars in the world,” he says. “We expected to have a hit movie and the hottest toy in the world.”

It was not a hit. Critics called it “tedious and painfully not funny.” One raved, “If there is a bottom of the Hollywood barrel, Jingle All The Way has been gleaned from the filth upon which that bottom rests.” Another insisted that “even the Grinch wouldn’t like this one.”

‘Oh What Fun It Is’

Turbo Man action figure, and asked him to sign their VHS Classifieds@tucsonlocalmedia.com sets out to try and find one on copy of the film. They told Christmas Eve. Unfortunately, so does seemingly every other parent in America. It’s a madhouse of people desperately trying to buy Turbo Man dolls at the last minute.

He runs into the Santa mafia.

He develops a rivalry with a postman gone postal (played

by Sinbad). He considers and (to his credit, I guess?) reconsiders stealing from a child.

But he does lunge at another child in a ball pit at Mall of America.

In the end, he somehow ends up unwittingly dressed as Turbo Man in the Twin Cities’ holiday parade. Then, he flies around on a jetpack to save his son from what starts off as fake parade villain “evil” but, due to an intervention from Sinbad’s character, becomes actual, real danger.

And, obviously, Howard and his jetpack and his unacknowledged muscles save the day.

So yes, it’s cheesy. And it’s wonderful. Because cheese is what Christmas is all about.

When the movie flopped, Levant didn’t feel very proud of it. It wasn’t the critical panning that bothered him.

As the director of Beethoven and Are We There Yet, he says critics hate everything he’s ever done anyway.

“Damn the critics; I make films for audiences,” he says.

“It was the fact that it didn’t perform the way you believed it would, and you question your choices, your abilities and your confidence.”

Levant, an avid toy collector, got to keep one of the Turbo Man action figures that was manufactured for the movie. He tucked it away in a box.

A Second Coming The movie tells the absoAbout 15 years ago, Levant lutely bananas story of Howard Langston, who forgets to was on a university campus,

him about how their family watched it every year for the holidays. He was stunned.

The film just got bigger from there. There are marathons on television. It’s become an internet meme sensation. This year, a tabletop game based on the movie was announced, and Funko released FunkoPop editions of both Howard and “Howard as Turbo Man.” Levant has them all up display, along with the original action figure, which he pulled out of storage a few years ago when he started to feel good about the film again.

“What started as a bit of a sprinkle has turned into a bit of a flood over the years,” Levant says. “It has found a place in people’s consciousnesses and hearts, and I’m thrilled, truly. Everybody involved with the film has enjoyed our phoenix-like rise from the ashes.”

At the anniversary screening, he offers to “maybe” answer a few questions from audience members after the movie. He seems almost

status is still an illusion that could shatter at any moment.

Of course people have questions, and he has answers.

One person says the movie was a staple for him growing up in Italy, and asks about which scenes took the longest to get right. Levant speaks about how the parade scene at the end used almost no CGI, and, with an elaborate system of scaffolding, specialized pulleys and 1500 extras, it took an entire month.

Another asks about whether Levant had any theories about why the movie hadn’t done well initially, and Levant mentions how quick the production time was—he estimates it was greenlit just 8 or 9 months before it came out. While he doesn’t think he can entirely blame the timing, Jingle All The Way was competing with films like 101 Dalmatians and Space Jam, which had both had yearslong marketing campaigns.

“It wasn’t first choice,” he tells me on the phone. “But now, I think, if you were in the video store of life, it is first choice.”

28

Explorer and Marana News, Dec 22, 2021