Desert Times, June 2021

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DESERT TIMES The Voice of Southwest Tucson

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Summer Survival 2021

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

INSIDE

FIDO FRESHENERS

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

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

Marana’s Class of 2021 took on big challenges C D Tucson Local Media

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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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