el

Fall 2013

Independiente
A publication of the University of Arizona School of Journalism

Border Crossings

Nogales Seeks to Rebound

The Mexican city wants its tourists back

An Economic Desert

The Tohono Oodham look for solutions

Walking to a New Life

One man risked it all for a fresh start and won

El Independiente
Letter from the Editor

l Independiente has done it again. This years edition continues the long-standing tradition of providing excellent, in-depth coverage to many crucial but unreported stories in Southern Arizona. The magazine explores the human side of our community. All around us, there are so many fascinating lives being led, so many untold stories needing to be heard, and such a multitude of beautiful images to be displayed. This publication finds those stories and brings them to life for you. The overarching theme of this years edition is crossings. A good portion of our coverage is dedicated to stories examining the phenomenon of cross-border movement, in all its forms and with all its benefits and ramifications. Beyond that, weve also shone a light on everything from sports to music to various other issues and happenings that help shape Southern Arizonas unique personality. As a staff, one of the most important insights this opportunity provided us is the understanding that were in the midst of a vast trove of stories, and that the amount of potential material will never be a limitation. In fact, the only real limit we found was time. The semester ran out far faster than the ideas we brainstormed on the fascinating people and important issues calling for closer examination in Southern Arizona. Creating this magazine also served to re-energize our sense of purpose as we prepare to go out into the world and cut our own paths as journalists. Well forever benefit from that. This years El Independiente honors the publications mission of drawing inspiration from the community and enriching the lives of those who read it. Were all very proud of it, and we hope you like it, too. Enjoy!
Steve Choice, managing editor

l Independiente lo ha hecho una vez ms. La edicin de este ao contina la larga tradicin de ofrecer una profunda y excelente cobertura de historias importantes que en muchas ocasiones pasan desapercibidas en el sur de Arizona. La revista explora el lado humano de nuestra comunidad. A nuestro alrededor hay tantas vidas fascinantes que no se han tomado en cuenta, tantas historias que necesitan ser escuchadas y as mismo una gran cantidad de bellas imgenes que ser mostradas. Esta publicacin encuentra esas historias y les da vida para que lleguen a usted. El tema principal de la edicin de este ao es cruzando [la frontera]. Una gran parte de nuestra cobertura est dedicada a historias que examinan el fenmeno del movimiento transfronterizo en todas sus formas y con todas sus ventajas y ramificaciones. Ms all de eso, hemos trado a la luz historias que van desde deportes hasta la msica y otros temas y acontecimientos que ayudan a formar las cualidades especiales del sur de Arizona. Como miembro del personal, una de las reflexiones ms importantes que nos brind esta oportunidad es entender que estamos rodeados de un tesoro de historias escondidas, y que la cantidad de material para reportajes nunca va ser una limitacin. De hecho, la nica limitacin a la que nos enfrentamos fue el tiempo. El semestre vol mucho ms rpido que el fluir de nuestras ideas. Ideas sobre gente fascinante y asuntos importantes requiriendo una atencin ms profunda en el sur de Arizona. Desarrollar esta revista nos sirvi de recordatorio y revitalizacin de nuestro sentido de propsito, mientras nos preparamos para enfrentarnos al mundo y forjar nuestro camino como periodistas. Esto ser un beneficio que permanecer con nosotros el resto de nuestras vidas. El Independiente de este ao cumple la misin de la publicacin, la cual es obtener inspiracin de la comunidad y enriquecer la vida de aquellos que la lean. Todos estamos muy orgullosos de ella, y esperamos que a usted tambin le guste. Disfrtela!
Steve Choice, director editorial
Traducido por Lizbeth Feria

El Independiente

Fall 2013 | Issue 3

El Independiente
Whats inside
The homeless population of South Tucson is struggling to survive.

30 Tattoo at Your Own Risk 17

Waiting for Change

Tattoo artists can work at home, without much regulation.

19 Los residentes sin hogar esperan el

4 Day of the Dead

cambio en el sur de Tucson.

32 Electricity in the Air

Tucson celebrates Da de los Muertos. The city works to bring back the tourists it used to host before recent drug-related violence helped reduce its numbers.

5 Old Nogales Looks for New Life

21

The Tohono Oodham, the nations third poorest tribe, struggles but there may be a solution.
educacin contina, pero los Tohono Oodham podran tener una solucin.

Want in the Land of Plenty

As the popularity of e-cigarettes grows, so do attemps to curb use.

8 La ciudad est trabajando para atraer a

22 La batalla contra la pobreza, salud y

34 Not One Drink

los turistas que solan visitar la ciudad antes de que la violencia relacionada con el narcotrco empezara a reducir el nmero de visitantes.

In Arizona, drivers nd, a drink can result in a DUI arrest.

10 A Dividing Line

24 A Vintage Experience

A Mexican national risks deportation for the sake of a high school party.

Travel trailers are here to stay. Meet several individuals who use their midmod nds to take a blast into the past.

36 The Rockin Desert

An eclectic music scene means something in SoAZ for everyone.

11 Rising Son
How an undocumented migrant crossed the border and got citizenship.

27 Soccer Makes Its Pitch

The arrival of FC Tucson heralds a new age of soccer enthusiasm.

39 KXCI: Music to Tucsons Ears

Tucsons only public radio station is an outlet for local DJs and artists.

14 La historia de un migrante y las dicultades

que afront en su travesa por el deesierto para obtener la cuidadana Estadounidense.

29 La llegada de FC Tucson proclama una nueva era de entusiasmo por el futbol.

Border fence photo by Johnny Valdez

Managing editor Steve Choice Photo editors Kevin Brost, Stephanie Fousse Design editor Lynley Price Chief copy editor Steve Choice Spanish editor Hannah Bergeron Web editor Rhiannon Helms Social media editor Stewart McClintic

Newsroom manager Cameron Moon Designers Taylor Bacic, Samantha Cummings, Annalisa Fiatarone, Kendra Kautz, James Kelley, Stewart McClintic, Kate Newton, Ju young Park, Ryan Reyes, Alicia Vega, Luke Westmoreland Copy editors Mark Paquette, Johnny Valdez

El Independiente Translators (from the Translation and Interpretation Program of the Spanish and Portuguese Departments) Marisol Aguirre, Luca Corts, Lizbeth Feria, Kim Kolliner and Keren Morales
Fall 2013 | Issue 3 El Independiente 3

s o l e d a S O T R E U M
Photos by Hannah Bergeron

Hundreds of Tucsonans dressed in colorful costumes, their faces painted, marking the Day of the Dead this fall, with a parade on Fourth Avenue in celebration of loved ones who have passed, making it a spectacle like no other.

Old Nogales

for new life

Photo by Steve Choice

looks

By Steve Choice alking around the roughly five square blocks that make up the tourist district of Nogales, Sonora, one gets the feeling the

town is dead. Shops and pharmacies that did a brisk business just a few years back now have troubling amounts of elbow room for daytrippers who make the trip south. Though Nogales has never had the panache of more famous tourist districts in the United States like Old Town San Diego or Baltimores Inner Harbor, its traditionally managed to attract a significant number of visitors. That is, until recently. People on the U.S. side of the border are still spooked by the spate of street violence that rocked the city in 2009 and 2010. Though the city of 220,000 had 83 murders in 2011 a decrease of 60 percent from the year before locals will quickly point out that no tourists were caught up in any violence. Everyone from police officials to local politicians to guys quietly drinking a Tecate in bars like the Salon Regis say the same thing the violence has ended and the citys back to normal.

Regardless, the perception persists that visiting Nogales is potentially hazardous to a tourists health, and the industry has taken a severe hit. Nogales Mayor Ramn Guzmn is working hard to rehabilitate his citys image, though. Hes been reaching out to the mayors of Tucson, Phoenix, Nogales, Ariz., and other cities in Mexico. He has also created a force of bicycle-riding police officers to patrol the tourist area and provide a sense of security he says was absent in previous years. The mayor has even pulled duty as a tour guide, showing the sights to the chief of police from Nogales, Ariz. He was afraid to come here, Guzmn says, smiling a little at the thought. So I took him around for a walk, and said, Look, see how nice my city is. Now he loves it. He cant stay away from here. As much as the mayor enjoys hosting his neighbor citys top cop, he doesnt want to stop there. Nor do his appointed tourism gurus, Alvaro Heredia and Angel Molina, whose main duty as top officials with the Nogales Tourism Board is to bring back the crowds. The pair is working up plans to attract tourists to Heroica Nogales, scheduling

festivals with music, food, traditional dances and tequila along with a few bruising uppercuts. As part of the citys Winter Festival, scheduled for Nov. 15-16, the tourism board holds a boxing match between unknown and hungry U.S. and Mexican fighters. Originally, it was going to be held out in the street, Heredia says. Unfortunately, construction on the street where we were going to hold the exhibition has changed those plans. But were still going to have it indoors somewhere. Itll be part of our festival to welcome all the snowbirds back from Minnesota and Chicago and all the other places up north. Heredia and Molina envision a walking district with cafes, restaurants and more upscale shopping experiences for curious visitors. But they say the citys real growth may come at the point of a dentists drill. With the ever-significant number of Americans crossing the line for cheap plastic surgery and to have their teeth worked on, the belief that medical tourism will get the citys tourism trade back on its feet makes sense. We see it as one of the pillars for our future, Molina says. The dentists here are very high quality, and the price is much more

Fall 2013 | Issue 3

El Independiente

reasonable than in the U.S. Green Valley resident Jerry Mortaloni is one such medical bargain hunter. He says theres also another reason to make the trek south for dental care. Obviously its cheaper, the retiree says while waiting his turn at Smile Dental, located about 50 yards from the border wall. But its more than that. I like the system down here. The dentist does most of the work. There are also groups on the U.S. side who are working to build bridges with Nogales. Bob Phillips heads one of them. Phillips, the executive director of the Santa Cruz Community Foundation, a nonprofit organization in Tubac, guides between 10 and 15 people on a crossborder tour once a month in an effort to show them that Nogales is safe and welcoming. The tours numerous stops include a community center far-removed from the tourist district, a center for autistic children ,and the citys industrial zone, among others. Phillips believes a person could quote crime and security statistics until they were blue in the face, but says seeing the situation on the ground is the only real way to change peoples minds. What youre fighting here is not factual reality, says Phillips, who cites Tucson Mayor Jonathan Rothschild as one tour participant who was greatly impressed. If you look at violent crime statistics, you see the area is safe. Those of us who live down here in the area kind of giggle at that notion of all the danger. Former attorney and management consultant Russell Carpenter of Green Valley has gone on some of SCCFs excursions, and has seen how attitudes are transformed. Everyone Ive ever talked to has been astounded by what theyve experienced, he says. Its such an eye-opener for people, it really is. They feel like theyre seeing a world they didnt know existed. Both Carpenter and Phillips point out Sonoras commercial importance to Southern Arizona, and say the existing climate of fear undermines the Grand Canyon States efforts

to grow its sluggish economy. What happens in Mexico doesnt stay in Mexico, Phillips says. It influences and shapes the future of Arizona. Underscoring Phillips point, in a June 7 guest column in the Arizona Daily Star, Kristian Ramos said, According to a recently released study (co-authored by Arizonan Erik Lee), trade between the U.S. and Mexico has increased from $300 billion in 2009 to a staggering $536 billion last year. A 2012 U.S. State Department warning also weighed in, saying, Millions of U.S. citizens safely visit Mexico each year for study, tourism and business, including more than 150,000 who cross the border every day. More than 20 million U.S. citizens visited Mexico in 2012. All this hasnt escaped the notice of Mexican officials, including Consul Ricardo Pineda in Tucson. Sitting at his desk in his South Stone Avenue office, he echoes Phillips thoughts. From both the human and commercial standpoint, greater trust and cooperation is crucial for both our communities, he says. Despite the differences that neighbors often contend with, Pineda is imbued with the optimism that people who spend their lives building relationships and fostering goodwill so often have. Its amazing to be a witness to this history, he says. We have a 2,000-mile border, and it is working. And from the Edificio Municipal on Avenida Obregn, Nogales mayor champions his citys cause with a mix of charm and no-nonsense advocacy. Ive fought our case with a lot of American officials, including the American ambassador to Mexico, he says. But what we want is continued friendship. We want to receive our American friends and do business with them. And who knows, some lucky visitor may just earn a personal audience with Nogales most highly-placed tour guide. I would like people to come here to ask me about this city and accompany me, Guzmn says, serious, but smiling all the while. I will show them around. They will see its not like they think.

El Independiente

Fall 2013 | Issue 3

Street vendor Lupita Alvarado straightens some wares on her table near the tourist district in Nogales, Sonora, in September 2013. Alvarado, who moved to Nogales from her home state of Oaxaca five years ago, laments the significant decrease in foot traffic in the area.

Photo by Steve Choice

Fall 2013 | Issue 3

El Independiente

La ciudad de Nogales le da la bienvenida a sus visitantes.

Foto por Johnny Valdez

Nogales busca nueva vida

Escrito por Steve Choice Traducido por Luca Corts l caminar por las aproximadamente cinco cuadras que conforman la zona turstica de Nogales, Sonora, uno tiene la sensacin de que la ciudad est muerta. Las tiendas y farmacias que hicieron un buen negocio hace slo unos pocos aos atrs, ahora tienen cantidades preocupantes de tiempo sin negocio en referencia a los excursionistas que hacen el viaje al sur. Aunque Nogales nunca ha tenido la brillantez de los distritos tursticos ms famosos en los Estados Unidos, como Old Town, San Diego o el puerto interior de Baltimore, siempre se las ha ingeniado para atraer a un importante nmero de visitantes, esto, hasta hace poco. La gente del lado de los EE.UU. de la frontera todava est asustada por la ola de violencia en las calles que sacudi la ciudad en 2009 y 2010. Aunque la ciudad de 220,000 habitantes tuvo 83 asesinatos en 2011 una disminucin del 60 por ciento respecto al ao anterior la gente de la ciudad seala rpidamente que ningn turista se vio envuelto en actos de violencia. Todos desde los oficiales de polica, los polticos locales hasta los chicos bebiendo tranquilamente una Tecate

en bares como el Saln Regis, dicen lo mismo, la violencia ha terminado, y la ciudad volvi a la normalidad. A pesar de todo, la percepcin de que la visita a Nogales es potencialmente peligrosa para la vida de un turista aun persiste, y debido a esto la industria se ha visto afectada. Sin embargo, el alcalde de Nogales, Ramn Guzmn, est trabajando duro para restaurar la imagen de la ciudad. Ha estado tratando de trabajar en conjunto con los alcaldes de Tucson, Phoenix, Nogales Arizona, y otras ciudades de Mxico. Tambin ha creado un grupo de oficiales de polica que circulan en bicicletas para patrullar la zona turstica y proporcionar una sensacin de seguridad, que estuvo ausente en aos anteriores. El alcalde incluso ha actuado como gua turstico, mostrndole los lugares a el jefe de polica de Nogales, Arizona. l tena miedo de venir aqu, agreg Guzmn, sonriendo un poco ante la idea. As que lo llev a dar un paseo, y le dije: Mira, ve que linda es mi ciudad . Ahora le encanta. l no puede estar lejos de aqu. Por mucho que el alcalde disfruta ser el anfitrin del polica principal de la ciudad vecina, no quiere detenerse ah. Tampoco sus gurs de turismo

designados, lvaro Heredia y ngel Molina, cuyo cargo como funcionarios de alto rango con la Junta de Turismo de Nogales es de traer de vuelta a la multitud. El par est trabajando para atraer a los turistas a Herica Nogales, programando festivales con msica, comida, bailes tradicionales y tequila, junto con algunos ganchos que causen moretones. Como parte del Festival de Invierno de la ciudad, programado para el 15-16 de noviembre, la oficina de turismo llevar a cabo un combate de boxeo entre luchadores desconocidos y con hambre de ganar de Estados Unidos y Mxico. En un principio, se iba a llevar a cabo en la calle, agreg Heredia. Desafortunadamente, la construccin de la calle donde bamos a llevar a cabo la exhibicin ha cambiado los planes. Pero aun se llevar a cabo en algn lugar cerrado. Parte de nuestro festival va a ser para dar la bienvenida a todos los visitantes de Minnesota y Chicago, y todos los otros lugares en el norte. Heredia Molina y prevn un distrito con cafeteras, restaurantes y buenas experiencias de compras de calidad para los visitantes curiosos. Pero ellos comentan que el crecimiento real de la ciudad puede llegar por medio de la punta de un taladro de un dentista. Con el nmero cada vez ms significativo de

El Independiente

Fall 2013 | Issue 3

estadounidenses que cruzan la lnea para la ciruga plstica barata y para los trabajos dentales, tiene sentido la creencia de que el turismo mdico traer el comercio turstico de la ciudad de nuevo en pie. Lo vemos como uno de los pilares de nuestro futuro, dice Molina. Los dentistas aqu son de muy alta calidad, y el precio es mucho ms razonable que en los EE.UU. Jerry Mortaloni, residente de Green Valley, es uno de esos cazagangas en la medicina. l dice que hay tambin otra razn por la cual hacer el viaje al sur para el cuidado dental. Fofo por Johnny Valdez Obviamente es ms barato, agreg el Dozenas de carros esperan para cruzar la frontera de Mxico con EE.UU. en Nogales, Sonora. jubilado, mientras esperaba su turno en Dental Smile, situada a unos 50 metros del muro rea nos remos de la idea del supuesto peligro. a ms de 150,000 personas que cruzan la frontera fronterizo. Pero es ms que eso. Me gusta el Russell Carpenter, ex abogado y consultor de todos los das. Ms de 20 millones de ciudadanos sistema aqu, el dentista hace casi todo el trabajo. gestin de Green Valley ha ido a algunas de las de los Estados Unidos visitaron Mxico en 2012. Tambin hay grupos en el lado de EE.UU. que excursiones de la FECC, y ha visto cmo se van Todo esto no ha pasado desapercibido ante estn trabajando para construir lazos con Nogales. transformando las actitudes. las autoridades mexicanas, incluyendo al Cnsul Bob Phillips dirige uno de ellos. Todos con los que he hablado han estado Ricardo Pineda en Tucson. Sentado en su Phillips, el sorprendidos escritorio en su oficina del Sur Stone Avenue, hace Todos con los que he hablado han por lo que han director ejecutivo eco en las ideas de Phillips. de la Fundacin Desde el punto de vista humano tanto como el estado sorprendidos por lo que han experimentado, de la Comunidad agreg. Es como comercial, una mayor confianza y cooperacin es experimentado. Es una revelacin de Santa Cruz una revelacin para crucial para nuestras comunidades, agreg. para la genter, realmente lo es. Ellos la gente, realmente lo (FECC, por sus A pesar de las diferencias a las que los vecinos siglas en ingls), sienten estar viendo un mundo que es. Se sienten como si suelen enfrentarse, Pineda est impregnado con una organizacin estuvieran viendo un el optimismo de las personas que pasan su vida no saban que exista. sin fines de lucro mundo que no saban construyendo relaciones y fomentando la buena Russell Carpenter que exista. en Tubac, gua voluntad. de entre 10 a 15 Tanto Carpenter Es increble ser testigo de esta historia, replic. personas en un recorrido transfronterizo una vez al como Phillips sealan la importancia del comercio Tenemos una frontera de 2,000 millas (3,200 mes en el esfuerzo de mostrar que Nogales es un de Sonora para el sur de Arizona, y dicen que el kilmetros), y est funcionando. lugar seguro y acogedor. actual clima de temor debilita los esfuerzos del Y desde el Edificio Municipal en la Avenida Varias paradas durante el tour incluyen un estado del Gran Can para hacer crecer su baja Obregn, el alcalde de Nogales defiende la causa centro de la comunidad alejada de la zona turstica, economa. de su ciudad con una mezcla de encanto y defensa un centro para nios autistas y la zona industrial de Lo que sucede en Mxico no se queda en concienzuda. la ciudad, entre otros. Mxico, replic Phillips. Inuye y da forma al He luchado por nuestro caso con una gran Phillips cree que una persona puede citar futuro de Arizona. cantidad de funcionarios estadounidenses, entre estadsticas sobre la delincuencia y seguridad Enfatizando el punto de Phillips, en una columna ellos el embajador estadounidense en Mxico, hasta que se quede sin aire en los pulmones, pero por invitacin del 7 de junio en el Arizona Daily dice. Pero lo que queremos es una amistad dice que ir a ver la situacin real sobre la ciudad es Star, Kristian Ramos dijo, De acuerdo con un continua. Queremos recibir a nuestros amigos la nica manera de cambiar la mentalidad de las estudio recientemente publicado (co-escrito por el estadounidenses y hacer negocios con ellos. personas. Arizonense Erik Lee), el comercio entre los EE.UU. Y quin sabe, algn afortunado visitante puede Contra lo que estamos luchando aqu no es y Mxico ha aumentado de $300 mil millones ganar una entrevista personal con el gua de ms la realidad objetiva, agreg Phillips, que cita al en 2009 a una cifra de 536 mil millones el ao alto rango de Nogales. alcalde de Tucson Jonathan Rothschild, uno de pasado. Me gustara que la gente viniera aqu para los participantes en el tour quien estaba muy El alerta del Departamento de Estado de preguntarme acerca de esta ciudad y me impresionado. Si nos fijamos en las estadsticas 2012 tambin intervino, diciendo: Millones de acompae, agreg Guzmn, serio, pero sonriendo de delitos, se ve que la zona es segura. ciudadanos estadounidenses visitan Mxico cada todo el tiempo. Les mostrar alrededor. Vern que Aquellos de nosotros que vivimos aqu en el ao por negocios, estudios, y turismo; incluyendo [la ciudad] no es como ellos piensan.

Fall 2013 | Issue 3

El Independiente

Living on a

dividing line
T
By Hannah Bergeron hat night in 2008, Edgar Sotomayor was risking imprisonment and deportation by crossing the border to Mexico and illegally sneaking back in to Nogales, Ariz. Torn between two cultures and two countries, an undocumented Sotomayor had lived in Arizona for a decade, yet he still wasnt safe from the authorities. He didnt take the gamble so he could work or because of a life-threatening illness in his family. He risked his freedom so he could go to the after-party for his high school prom. Sotomayor crossed successfully that night, but his story still provides a window into the lives of young Mexicans in Southern Arizona living in two worlds, achieving in school and getting scholarships to college, yet unable to stay. Sotomayor, who is Mexican, was born 24 years ago in Nogales, Sonora. He moved with his family to Nogales, Ariz., in third grade. His father had just been killed by the drug cartel El Cartel de Sinaloa. After his fathers murder, his mother, Maria Teresa Felix Lepe, took her five children to Arizona. Neither she nor Sotomayor had U.S. citizenship. As a child, he was always frightened he would return home from school one day and find his mother gone. But she was never kicked out of the country, and his family remained intact throughout the remainder of his childhood. Sotomayors family calls him la oveja negra, or the black sheep, since he is the only child without United States citizenship. He graduated from high school in 2008 and also won an individual state title in track his senior year. He was offered a scholarship to attend Oregon State University and run crosscountry, but without citizenship, a Social Security number or a student visa, he could not go to college in the United States. Sotomayor wanted to go into medicine, but he would have to attend college in Mexico. Today, undocumented students are still prevented from receiving almost any financial assistance to attend school in the United States. The DREAM Act, which would have allowed Sotomayor and others like him a path to Go to elindenews.com citizenship after receiving a for a complete Spanish college degree, is still stalled in Congress, 12 years after its translation introduction. Instead, in 2012, President Barack Obama signed a memorandum called Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, which the U.S. Department of Homeland Securitys website describes as a discretionary determination to defer removal action of an individual as an act of prosecutorial discretion. The presidents move didnt arrive in time for Sotomayors prom-night border crossing, one of only three or four really important times when he found it necessary to risk permanent deportation by leaving the States to go to Mexico. I mean, it was our senior prom! Sotomayor said. The Nogales High prom is a tame affair, said Sotomayors

Photo by Mamta Popat, Arizona Daily Star Edgar Sotomayor, of Nogales, Ariz., sprints toward the finish line at the Los Mezquites Invitational at Kennedy Park on Sept. 22, 2007. Sotomayor, now 24, was born in Nogales, Sonora, but moved to the United States with his family in third grade.

friend, David Silva, and everyone looks forward to the afterparty in Mexico the real prom. Sotomayor decided to cross with a large group of friends, even knowing the potential consequences. Back then, they werent too strict on passports, Silva said. So we lied and said Soto was a U.S. citizen, too. But crossing the border with a large group of high school students is very different from doing it alone, which Sotomayor sometimes had to do. In a Skype interview from Hermosillo, Mexico, where he now lives, Sotomayor hinted at how he would cross the border, laughing and saying, I run cross-country. He would walk up to the border fence, he said, cross it, and start running. In December 2012, Sotomayor graduated from the Universidad del Valle Mexico with a Bachelor of Science in physical therapy, including a minor in pediatrics and a subspecialty in electrotherapy. While attending school in Mexico, Sotomayor didnt see his mother for five years. Because of her immigration status, she could not safely travel to Mexico, and would not risk her life in Arizona. Even after his troubles, Sotomayor said he still thanks God that he had an opportunity to graduate with a high school degree in the United States, and would like to return to live. These days, he dreams of opening his own clinic. But his ultimate goal is to have a clinic in the States, and to live where he could easily visit Mexico freely.

Fall 2013 | Issue 3

El Independiente

10

Rising Son
The sun sets in the Sonoran Desert just outsideTucson. Every year, thousands cross from Mexico to the United States in hope of reaching a better life.

Mexican man fought desert, authorities to claim his new life

Story and photos by Johnny Valdez he man knew pain. He knew sorrow, anguish, and despair. Knew them by name. They were frequent visitors of his, and he never felt their presence more than he did during the terror wrought by those early morning hours. Contrasted with the unmistakably majestic rising of that oh-so-familiar golden orb, it made the suffering he endured so much more palpable. The man felt chills course throughout his body, uncontrollable tremors racking his frame, inducing violent convulsions interrupted only

by even greater seizures of what seemed to be injections of ice racing throughout his circulatory system. The attempt at transference of body heat from his brother was a noble yet vain effort, one mans desperate attempt at pouring the very fire which animated his own body into that of the man whose life was in his hands. Today, Daniel Rodriguez wakes up at 5 a.m. to the aroma of roasting coffee, crackling bacon and the warmth of the tangled legs of his 5-yearold son straddled around his body. After a quick shower and a trip to his crowded closet bearing the faint scent of his wifes perfume, he dresses in his pressed blue khakis and striped blue, woven tee bearing the insignia of his current employer and an embroidered Danny patch on his right breast. Rodriguez finds himself long-removed from the terrible nights spent traversing the seemingly endless expanse of the Sonoran Desert in 2001. He is a taxpaying American citizen, a

doppelganger of the former shell of himself he abandoned during his illegal trek across the border. He joins his wife of 11 years, Maria Jenny Rodriguez, for breakfast. They discuss their plans for the day always involving work, and often involving their son, Matthew. He kisses his family goodbye and heads to work, lunch in tow. On the drive, Rodriguez reflects on the past and the contentment he now cherishes, worships even, since it nearly came at the cost of his life. Rodriguez can still feel the suns harsh, burning gaze across the back of his neck, as well as the crippling chill of hypothermia. His lot was reduced to that of an animal out in the desert. He drank water left out for cows from a trough at a ranchers kennel. He was constantly afraid of being caught by the U.S. Border Patrol and shipped back to Mexico, of simply becoming another statistic. By 2001, he had worked up the courage

Fall 2013 | Issue 3

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11

Daniel Rodriguez braved life-threating dangers as he crossed into the United States in 2001.

to attempt an illegal border crossing with his brother at Agua Prieta, Sonora. On his first attempt, he was caught by Border Patrol and ushered back to Mexico. Had that attempt not been as fleeting or had he encountered any hardship before being captured, he likely would not have chanced a second crossing, he said, much less one in the same day. Rodriguez decided the odds couldnt be any worse, so hours later he crossed with his brother again, this time at 6 p.m. He walked four nights and three days, eluding patrols as he tried to reach Douglas. The first night wasnt so bad because we didnt walk so much. The second night, third night and fourth night were critical because of the cold, and I didnt have my jacket, recalled Rodriguez. After the fourth night, the exhausted Rodriguez reached Douglas. He and his brother were waiting for a man to collect them and take them to Phoenix. They were waiting more than six hours in the early morning. I barely didnt make it to wait all that time for the car to come and get us, he said. I was getting hypothermia. I couldnt control my coldness. My body was shaking, I couldnt control it. Rodriguezs brother held him close to his own body in a desperate attempt at transferring his dwindling body heat into his brothers hopelessly trembling body. They waited like that the whole morning, more than six hours where Rodriguezs life was literally in his brothers hands. It was an ugly experience, Rodriguez said. Hopefully no one or anyone has to experience

the same that I did. But mine wasnt as bad, there are others that are worse. Some die; mine was the contrary. He acknowledges that with the current state of immigration law, he would not be able to duplicate his crossing. Its more secure, and I wouldnt put my life at risk again. Finally, a coyote picked up Rodriguez and his brother and took them to Phoenix. Rodriguez lived in Phoenix for three months, working landscaping jobs for money under the table. He procured a Social Security card and a permanent resident card for $300 while he was there. Both forms of identification were legitimate and bore his name the perks of having a relatively common handle. He eventually relocated to Denver to be with his brothers. There he was able to secure a job at a Family Dollar, where he met Jenny. The couple moved to Tucson a year later. Rodriguez had been living in Tucson for more than a year when he began to feel a growing sense of despair. He and Jenny had been trying for more than a year to have a child, but had encountered nothing but disappointment. A doctor told Jenny the likelihood she would conceive was extremely low. Nevertheless, the couple stayed optimistic and continued to pray that their luck would turn. In 2005, Rodriguez decided to file to gain permanent residency in the United States. Since he had been in violation of immigration laws, he was told a penalty would be assessed. He would have to return to Mexico for a period of 10 months while his application was processed. The notion of leaving his wife for this extended period of time was devastating after having

Taken by the desert

Those who perish in the desert are often discovered by U.S. Border Patrol agents who take the remains to the Pima County Ofce of the Medical Examiner. Ricky Rosales, pathology assistant with the OME is the rst to examine the remains of the unidentied bodies. Rosales assists in the documentation of clothing and personal belongings to better aid potential identication of the bodies. All attempts are made with law enforcement to ensure that the locations of the remains in the desert are noted, as well as any information regarding family or friends who could be notied concerning the death of their loved ones. Often the bodies are found with scraps of paper containing phone numbers. Equally as often there isnt enough left of the bodies to document anything. They come in such a state that theres nothing to see anymore, theres nothing to investigate as far as death is involved, because theres just nothing left anymore, Rosales said.

In the Pima County Cemetary lie the graves of two people.

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El Independiente

Fall 2013 | Issue 3

Daniel Rodriguez plays a video game with his son, Matthew, in their home in Tucson. risked his life to cross the border all those years ago, so he decided against continuing with the process. Jenny vividly recalls the point at which the couple decided to file for his residency. One night, she arrived home from work and was surprised that her husband wasnt there, since he arrived home from work every day no later than 5:30 p.m. Hours passed, and Jenny started to panic. Where am I gonna call for him? she remembers thinking. Am I gonna call the cops? Am I gonna call immigration? Where am I gonna look for him? To me, that was like my breaking point. I told him, Thats it, were gonna go file. I dont care what has to happen. Rodriguez had simply arrived home from a late day at work. When he saw his distraught wife with dried tears caked on her face, he agreed they would tackle the bureaucracy of gaining citizenship. They filed in 2007 and waited patiently for the date and location of their appointment to arrive. During the wait, and at the most inopportune time conceivable, the two found themselves pregnant after trying desperately for so many years. In addition to this news, Rodriguez received his appointment date for his residency application, along with the location -- Ciudad Juarez. After doing a little math, the couple realized Rodriguez would be in Mexico throughout the entirety of his wifes pregnancy and would miss the birth of his son. The couple drove to Juarez together, carrying numerous pictures, copies of bills and all manner of things to establish the legitimacy of their relationship. They drove together to their appointment, but only Jenny returned. She recalls driving two hours to Imuris, Sonora, to visit her husband during his mandated residence in Mexico, driving herself and their unborn miracle baby to briefly form a fractured family for her short visits on her days off. She made her last trip when she was eight and a half months pregnant. A short period later, Jenny gave birth to Matthew. My sister had him on the phone while I was giving birth, Jenny said of her faraway husband. Rodriguez wasnt able to meet his son until three months after he was born, an absence that still gnaws at him to this day. Rodriguez typically ends his workday at 3:30 p.m. and eases on home listening to the radio. Depending on traffic, it could take him up to 30 minutes to get there. He sits in traffic and looks at all the cars surrounding him. So many cars, so many people. Several moments later he arrives home, sees his wifes van parked outside, and smiles as he heads inside. Everything he has worked so hard to envision as a part of his future lies waiting for him beyond the door he now approaches. Its a vision he once glimpsed deep within the unending expanse of the Sonoran desert years ago, something he attributed to a mirage of sorts. A wife, a car, a home, a job and a son, someone to bear his legacy. The American Dream, now realized, waiting for him just on the other side of a door, hundreds of miles away from where his story began. As Rodriguez opens the door, light washes over his face. He now finds himself within the confines of his own home, in the arms of his wife, with his son Matthew tugging at his leg, and the scent of dinner nearly overwhelming his insatiable appetite for life.

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Escrito por Johnny Valdez Traducido por Luca Corts

l hombre conoca el dolor. Conoca la tristeza, la angustia y la desesperacin. Las conoca por nombre. Ellas le visitaban con frecuencia y l nunca sinti su presencia ms de lo que la sinti durante esos momentos de terror que experiment esas horas de madrugada. Contrastaba con el nacer de la inconfundible, majestuosa y tan conocida rbita dorada, lo cual haca que el sufrimiento que tena que soportar fuera mucho ms palpable. El hombre sinti escalofros a travs del cuerpo, temblores incontrolables que lo afligan, provocando violentas convulsiones interrumpidas solamente por otras an mayores que parecan ser inyecciones de hielo que flua a travs de su sistema circulatorio. El intento de transferir el calor al cuerpo de su hermano fue un esfuerzo noble pero vano, el intento de un hombre desesperado por pasar el fuego que animaba su propio cuerpo al del hombre cuya vida estaba en sus manos. Hoy en da, Daniel Rodrguez se despierta a las 5 a.m. con el aroma del caf tostado, del tocino crujiente y la calidez de las piernas de su hijo de 5 aos, enredadas a horcajadas alrededor de su cuerpo. Despus de una ducha rpida y un vistazo al armario desordenado que lleva el tenue aroma del perfume de su esposa, se viste con los pantalones caqui de color azul y una camiseta de tela azul a rayas, con la insignia de su empleador actual y, a la derecha, en el pecho. un parche con el bordado Danny. Rodrguez se ha distanciado desde hace tiempo de las terribles noches que pas atravesando la aparentemente interminable extensin del desierto de Sonora, en 2001. l hoy es un ciudadano estadounidense que paga impuestos, un doble de aquel que dej durante su viaje de indocumentado a travs de la frontera. Se rene con quien desde hace 11 aos es su esposa, Mara Jenny Rodrguez, para desayunar. Hablan de sus planes para el da, que incluyen siempre el trabajo, y a menudo involucran a su hijo, Matthew. Se despide de su familia con un beso y se dirige al trabajo, con su almuerzo empacado. En el camino, Rodrguez reflexiona sobre el pasado y la satisfaccin de la que ahora disfruta, adora en realidad, ya que casi lleg a costarle la vida. Rodrguez an puede sentir el fuerte y ardiente toque del sol en la nuca, as como el fro paralizante de la hipotermia. Su suerte se redujo a la de un animal en el desierto. Bebi agua de un abrevadero para las vacas en las tierras de un ranchero. Tema constantemente de ser atrapado por la Patrulla Fronteriza de EE.UU. y enviado de vuelta a Mxico, o de simplemente convertirse en una estadstica ms. Para el 2001, haba reunido el coraje suficiente para intentar cruzar ilegalmente con su hermano la frontera por Agua Prieta, Sonora.

El Sol Naciente
En su primer intento, lo captur la Patrulla Fronteriza y lo condujeron de vuelta a Mxico. Si el intento no hubiera sido tan fugaz o si hubiera encontrado cualquier dificultad antes de ser capturado, probablemente no hubiera habido un segundo intento, dijo, mucho menos en el mismo da. Rodrguez decidi que las probabilidades no podan ser peores, por lo que horas ms tarde cruz con su hermano de nuevo, esta vez a las 6 p.m. Camin cuatro noches y tres das, eludiendo a las patrullas mientras trataba de llegar a Douglas. La primera noche no fue tan mala porque no caminamos mucho. La segunda, tercera y cuarta noches fueron crticas a causa del fro, y yo no tena mi chaqueta, record Rodrguez. Despus de la cuarta noche, Rodrguez, exhausto lleg a Douglas. l y su hermano fueron a esperar a un hombre que los llevara a Phoenix. Esperaron ms de seis horas en la madrugada. Ya casi no la haca, tener que esperar todo ese tiempo para que el coche viniera por nosotros, replic. Me estaba dando hipotermia. No poda controlar el fro. Mi cuerpo estaba temblando, no poda controlarlo. Su hermano acerc el cuerpo tembloroso de Rodrguez a su propio cuerpo en un intento

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Fall 2013 | Issue 3

Una ladera en Nogales, Sonora. desesperado de transferirle calor, sin esperanza. Esperaron as toda la maana, ms de seis horas, en las cuales la vida de Rodrguez estuvo literalmente en las manos de su hermano. Fue una experiencia horrible, agreg Rodrguez. Espero que nadie tenga que experimentar lo mismo que yo. Pero [mi experiencia] no fue tan mala, hay otros que la pasan peor. Algunos mueren, la ma fue lo contrario. l reconoce que con el estado actual de la ley de inmigracin, no sera capaz de repetir su travesa. Hoy hay ms vigilancia, y yo no pondra mi vida en peligro otra vez. Por ltimo, un coyote recogi a Rodrguez y a su hermano y se los llev a Phoenix. Rodrguez vivi en Phoenix durante tres meses, haciendo trabajos de jardinera por dinero sin declarar. All, consigui una tarjeta de Seguro Social y una tarjeta de residente permanente por $300. Ambas formas de identificacin eran legtimas y llevaban su nombre: las ventajas de tener palancas. Con el tiempo se mud a Denver para estar con sus hermanos. All consigui un trabajo en una tienda Family Dollar, donde conoci a Jenny. La pareja se mud a Tucson un ao despus. Rodrguez haba estado viviendo en Tucson durante ms de un ao cuando empez a sentir una creciente sensacin de desesperacin. l y Jenny llevaba ms de un ao intentando tener un

hijo, pero slo haban encontrado con nada ms que decepcin. Un mdico le dijo a Jenny que la probabilidad de que ella concibiera era extremadamente baja. Sin embargo, la pareja permaneci optimista y continu orando para que su suerte cambiara. En el 2005, Rodrguez decidi solicitar la residencia permanente en los Estados Unidos. Como haba incumplido las leyes de inmigracin, se le dijo que tendra una sancin sera. Tendra que regresar a Mxico por un perodo de 10 meses, mientras se procesaba su solicitud. La idea de dejar a su mujer en este periodo de tiempo fue devastadora, ya que haba tenido que arriesgar su vida para cruzar la frontera haca tantos aos, por lo que decidi no continuar con el proceso. Jenny recuerda vvidamente el momento en que la pareja decidi solicitar la residencia. Una noche lleg a casa del trabajo y se sorprendi de que su marido no estuviera all, ya que l siempre llegaba a casa del trabajo todos los das, a ms tardar a las 5:30 p.m. Las horas pasaron y Jenny comenz a preocuparse A dnde voy a llamar para preguntar por l? recuerda que pens. Voy a llamar a la polica? Voy a llamar a inmigracin? A dnde voy a buscarlo? Para m, fue el punto de ruptura. Le dije, Basta ya, vamos a ir a solicitar los papeles. No me importa lo que suceda. Rodrguez simplemente haba llegado tarde a casa despus de un da largo de trabajo. Cuando vio a su esposa angustiada con lgrimas secas apelmazadas en la cara, acordaron en que afrontarian la burocracia de obtener la ciudadana. Solicitaron los papeles en 2007 y esperaron pacientemente a que llegaran la fecha y lugar de su cita. Durante la espera, y en el momento ms inoportuno imaginable, Jenny qued embarazada despus de haber intentado desesperadamente durante tantos aos. Adems de esta noticia, Rodrguez recibi la fecha de la cita para la solicitud de residencia, junto con la ubicacin - Ciudad Jurez. Despus de hacer cuentas, la pareja se dio cuenta de que Rodrguez estara en Mxico durante todo el embarazo de su esposa y se perdera el nacimiento de su hijo. La pareja se dirigi a Jurez, llevaron numerosas fotografas, copias de facturas y todo tipo de cosas para establecer la legitimidad de su relacin. Manejaron juntos a la cita, pero slo Jenny regres. Jenny recuerda que conduca durante dos horas a Imuris, Sonora, en los das de descanso, encinta con el beb milagro que estaba por nacer, para visitar brevemente a su esposo durante su residencia obligatoria en Mxico. Formaban momentneamente una familia que estaba fracturada. Ella hizo su ltimo viaje a los

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Vehculos pasan por el muro fronterizo en Nogales. Para muchos, el muro lgicamente separa a dos mundos muy diferentes, para otros slo representa un smbolo de polmicas innecesarias.

ocho meses y medio de embarazo. Poco despus, Jenny dio a luz a Matthew. Mi hermana lo tena en el telfono mientras yo estaba dando a luz, deca Jenny al referirse a su marido, que estaba tan lejos. Rodrguez no pudo conocer a su hijo hasta tres meses despus del nacimiento, una ausencia que hasta la fecha todava lo carcome. Rodrguez normalmente termina su jornada laboral a las 3:30 p.m. y vuelve a casa escuchando la radio. Dependiendo del trnsito, le puede

tomar hasta 30 minutos llegar a su hogar. Mientras maneja mira a todos los coches que lo rodean. Tantos coches, tantas personas. Unos instantes ms tarde, llega a casa, ve la camioneta de su esposa estacionada afuera, y sonre mientras se dirige hacia adentro. Ha trabajado muy duro para lograr aquello que imaginaba como parte de su futuro y que lo est esperando detrs de la puerta a la que ahora se acerca. Es una visin que una vez vislumbr en lo

profundo de la extensin infinita del desierto de Sonora hace aos, algo que atribuy a un espejismo. Una esposa, un auto, una casa, un trabajo y un hijo, alguien a quien dar su legado. El sueo americano, hoy realizado, esperndolo justo al otro lado de una puerta, a cientos de kilmetros de distancia de donde comenz su historia. Mientras Rodrguez abre la puerta, la luz inunda su rostro. Ahora se encuentra dentro de los confines de su propia casa, en los brazos de su esposa, con su hijo Matthew abrazandolo de la

Captivado por el desierto

Aquellos que perecen en el desierto, a menudo son descubiertos por agentes de la Patrulla Fronteriza de los Estados Unidos, los cuales llevan los restos a la Ocina del Mdico Forense del Condado de Pima (OME, por sus siglas en ingls). Ricky Rosales, asistente de patologa en la OME es el primero en examinar los restos de los cuerpos no identicados. Rosales documenta la ropa y objetos personales que ayudan a la posible identicacin de los cuerpos. Se hacen todo lo posible con la polica para asegurar que se localiza la ubicacin de los restos en el desierto, as como cualquier informacin relacionada con la familia o amigos que pudieran ser noticados acerca de la muerte de sus seres queridos. A menudo, en los cuerpos se encuentran pedazos de papel con nmeros de telfono. Tambin muy a menudo no hay lo suciente en los cuerpos para documentar nada. Vienen en un estado en el que no hay nada ms que identicar, no hay nada que investigar cuando se ha producido una muerte, ya que no hay nada ms, replic Rosales.
16 El Independiente

Las tumbas hechas de cemento en el Cementerio Columbario del Condado de Pima contienen cientos de urnas funerarias con los restos de personas no identificadas que han muerto cruzando la frontera.

Fall 2013 | Issue 3

Waiting for change

Photos by Cameroon Moon

Toms Lazarraga waits outside Casa Maria Tucson with his dog in October 2013. He is one of hundreds of Tucsonans who rely on the soup kitchen for meals. By Cameron Moon he number 8 bus is standing room only as it sways and shimmies down the cracked streets toward the gleaming buildings of downtown Tucson. Only minutes and a few stops before, the Sun Tran bus rolled past the Pima County Adult Detention Center, cramming a few more passengers aboard. Most of the riders appear to be homeless, which makes sense because of the numerous services that are available to homeless and low-income residents in South Tucson. The stop outside the PCADC sees a lot of action because of the sheer number of homeless arrests in the South Tucson area, the runs all the way downtown. The bus passes through the center of the small city, resulting in many people getting off and circulating right back among the crimeprone populations that helped get them there in the first place. Its an interesting little ride, said Fred Laguna, an active rider of the number 8 and a patron of the Casa Maria Soup Kitchen, which runs solely on donations and is located at 352 E. 25th St. Its always very active and busy.

Theres a complete lack

of affordable housing in Tucson.
Jenna Van Laningham, Primavera

highest in Pima County. A majority of them comprising more than 35 percent of arrests in the region are misdemeanors such as loitering, criminal trespass, shoplifting and disorderly conduct. Many recently-released inmates are given a bus pass upon leaving the detention center, which they often use on the number 8 bus, the only route that stops in front of the center and

eggy Hutchison was not pleased. Standing before the Tucson City Council and Mayor Jonathan Rothschild at a Sept. 10 council meeting, Hutchison, the CEO of the Primavera Foundation, pleaded for their

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assistance. The foundation, which began in the early 1980s, attempts to combat the growing number of homeless people in Tucson with multiple programs geared toward educating them and assisting them find jobs and housing. According to Hutchison, too many low-income Tucsonans are spending an excessive amount on housing. We dont have enough safe, affordable housing, Hutchison told the council at the meeting. We need to consider different forms of financing when 80 percent of low-income families are spending 30 percent of their income on rent. Primavera is just one of many area community organizations that need more funding to do a better job providing services for low-income or homeless residents, said Primavera spokeswoman Jenna Van Laningham. Primaveras most simple program is the Drop-In Program. It allows users to have a general delivery address from which to send and receive mail or to use as a residence to put on a job application. Around two dozen people use this at any given time, Van Laningham said. There is also the housing program, which provides 120 units of transitional or permanent housing for users, at no cost to them. That does not include the 12 units of housing that are currently being built for kinship families, which serve families made up of extended relatives or legal guardians and children. Theres a complete lack of affordable housing in Tucson, Van Laningham said. Many people who use Primavera are having to make the choice between food and health care because [much] of their income is spent on rent.

We would like to have more resources.

Sometimes we dont have enough for when families come through; we dont have anything to give them.

our best with whatever resources we have. Were not looking for big funding. ot all programs that provide services are so lucky. The Pima County Attorneys Office works with Primavera and provides treatment for some people who are arrested for drug charges in a program called the Drug Treatment Alternative to Prison. The program is only available to those who are on their third or more felony drug conviction charge, which requires jail time. Program head Melissa Rueschhoff said the funding for such an initiative comes through government grants, but that the grants have run out as of this year. By Oct. 1, Rueschhoff will know if the funds are being renewed, but there is worry they will not come through. The hope, however, is that because of the success rate of the program and its money-saving nature, the state will pick up the tab. It costs the state $40,000 per person to send someone to prison, and only $10,000 to put a person through the much more successful DTAP program. Rueschhoff said the government saved $1.09 million through the programs first two years not counting the numbers of years people would have spent in prison. The program came into existence in 2010, and has a 70 to 80 percent success rate, according to Rueschhoff. Jim Clarke, a volunteer for more than 20 years at Casa Maria and a retired University of Arizona professor, is like so many others who pass out food and drink to the patrons. He said he does it just because he thinks its the right thing to do, regardless of the resources available. When I came down to see the first time and Im not a churchgoer but these people are doing things more in line with the teachings of Jesus than anyone Ive ever met, Clarke said.

James Ojeda Casa Maria

khaki pants and a seasoned pair of running shoes. Some days he sits under the low burgundy awnings in the shade of the plastic tables that spot the small space, but its nice out today. Laguna usually comes to grab a bite to eat at the end of the month, when the money from his Social Security check about $930 per month if it is his only source of income runs low. They have warm soup to fill you up, Laguna said on a surprisingly cool morning. Its good for your appetite. Laguna is one of thousands of low-income or homeless Tucsonans who utilize the services Casa Maria and other nonprofit community organizations provide.

Most of the nonprofit services that do cater to low-income residents and families are located in South Tucson, which makes the community a hub for a variety of people, including the volunteers, who are usually outnumbered by the patrons. We would like to have more resources, said James Ojeda, who has worked at Casa Maria for about 18 months. Sometimes we dont have enough for when families come through; we dont have anything to give them. Ojeda is one of few who are actually employed by Casa Maria, meaning he makes $10 per week, in addition to getting housing and some clean clothes. The main difference is people know were going to be there for them, Ojeda said. We try to do

T
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oday, Laguna sits on a log outside the soup kitchen, eating his breakfast and wearing a dusty, off-white sweater with

Andrea Dwyer, left, and Katherine Guerra prepare lunches at Casa Maria Tucson, which serves more than 500 lunch bags and 200 family packs a day.

El Independiente

Fall 2013 | Issue 3

Fred Laguna, cliente habitual de Casa Maria, come sopa fuera del comedor. Regularmente, Laguna visita el comedor comunitario a finales de cada mes.

Esperando el cambio
Escrito por Cameron Moon Traducido por Keren Morales

n el autobs N 8 solo hay lugar para ir parado mientras se mece y bambolea por las calles agrietadas hacia los relucientes edificios del centro de Tucson. A solo unos minutos y a unas cuantas paradas, el autobs Sun Tran pas por delante del Centro de Detencin de Adultos del Condado de Pima (PCADC, por sus siglas en ingls), amontonando a unos cuantos pasajeros ms. La mayora de los usuarios parecen ser vagabundos, lo cual tiene sentido debido a los numerosos servicios disponibles para los residentes sin hogar y de bajos ingresos en el sur de Tucson. En la parada fuera del PCADC se ve mucho movimiento debido al gran nmero de arrestos de vagabundos en el rea del sur de Tucson, el ms alto en el condado de Pima. La mayora de ellos que abarca ms del 35 por ciento de

donaciones y est situado en 352 E. 25th St. las detenciones en la regin son por delitos menores por merodear, allanamiento, robo, y Siempre est lleno y muy ocupado. alteracin del orden pblico. A muchos de los presos recin liberados se eggy Hutchinson no estaba contenta. les da un pase de autobs al salir del centro de De pie ante el consejo municipal de la detencin, el cual suelen utilizar en el autobs N ciudad de Tucson y ante el alcalde Jonathan 8, la nica ruta que para en frente del PCADC y Rothschild en una reunin del consejo el 10 de corre hasta el centro de la septiembre, Hutchison, ciudad. el director general de La falta de viviendas El autobs pasa por Primavera Foundation el centro de la pequea (Fundacin Primavera), pidi accesibles en Tucson ciudad, lo cual resulta en la ayuda. es absoluta. bajada de muchas personas La fundacin, que se Jenna Van Laningham, inici a principios de 1980, para integrase de nuevo a las poblaciones expuestas Primavera intenta combatir el nmero a la delincuencia que los creciente de personas dirigieron all en primer lugar. vagabundas en Tucson por medio de mltiples Es un paseto interesante, dijo Fred Laguna, programas dirigidos a educarlos y ayudarlos a un usuario activo del N 8 y un cliente de Casa encontrar empleo y vivienda. Segn Hutchison, Mara Soup Kitchen (Comedor comunitario Casa demasiados residentes de Tucson de bajos Mara), el cual funciona exclusivamente por ingresos gastan una cantidad excesiva en

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vivienda. No tenemos suficientes viviendas seguras y accesibles, dijo Hutchinson al consejo en la reunin. Tenemos que considerar diferentes formas de financiar cuando el 80 por ciento de las familias de bajos ingresos estn gastando el 30 por ciento de sus ingresos en alquiler. Primavera es una de las muchas organizaciones comunitarias de la zona que necesitan ms financiamiento para realizar un mejor trabajo y seguir proporcionando servicios para residentes de bajos recursos o sin hogar, coment la portavoz de Primavera Jenna Van Laningham. El programa ms sencillo de Primavera es el programa Drop-In. Les permite a los beneficiarios tener una direccin de entrega general de la cual pueden enviar y recibir correo o utilizar como domicilio para poner en una solicitud de empleo. Alrededor de dos docenas de personas lo utilizan en un momento dado, mencion Van Laningham. Tambin est el programa de vivienda, el cual ofrece 120 unidades de vivienda transitoria o permanente para los beneficiarios, sin costo alguno para ellos. Eso no incluye las 12 unidades de viviendas que se estn construyendo actualmente para las familias por parentesco, que ayudan a las familias de parientes cercanos o tutores legales y nios. La falta de viviendas accesibles en Tucson es absoluta, dijo Van Laningham. Muchas de las personas que usan Primavera tienen que decidir entre comprar alimentos o atencin mdica debido a que [muchos de] sus ingresos los gastan en alquiler.

El autobus nmero ocho va en camino a Casa Maria Tucson, una organizacin sin fines de lucro que alimenta a gente de bajo ingreso. iniciativa se recibe a travs de subvenciones solo los clientes, sino tambin el gran nmero de del gobierno, pero que las subvenciones se voluntarios en estas organizaciones. han agotado para este ao. Para el 1 de Nos gustara tener ms recursos, explic octubre, Rueschhoff sabr si le renovarn los James Ojeda, quien ha trabajado en Casa fondos, teme no recibirlos. Mara aproximadamente 18 meses. A veces no Sin embargo cabe la esperanza, de que tenemos lo suficiente para cuando las familias debido al xito del programa y el dinero que vienen; no tenemos nada que darles. ahorra, el estado pague los gastos. Ojeda es uno de los pocos que realmente Al estado le cuesta 40.000 dlares mandar a estn empleados por Casa Mara, lo que una persona a la prisin, y solo 10.000 ponerla significa que gana 10 dlares por semana, en el programa DTAP que tiene mucho ms adems de recibir vivienda y algo de ropa limpia. xito. Rueschhoff dijo que el gobierno ahorr La diferencia principal es que la gente sabe un milln y noventa mil dlares los dos aos que vamos a estar ah para ayudarlos, confirm primeros del programa Ojeda. Tratamos de sin contar el nmero hacer todo lo posible Nos gustara tener ms de aos que la gente con los recursos que habra pasado en tenemos. No buscamos recursos. A veces no tenprisin. grandes cantidades de emos lo suficiente para cuEl programa se dinero. cre en 2010, y tiene ando las familias vienen; no un ndice de xito del o todos los tenemos nada que darles. 70 por ciento a 80 programas que prestan sus servicios James Ojeda, porciento segn con son tan afortunados. Casa Maria Rueschhoff. Jim Clarke, que La Oficina del Fiscal lleva ms de 20 aos del Condado de Pima de voluntario en Casa Mara, un profesor trabaja con Primavera y provee tratamiento retirado de la Universidad de Arizona, es uno para algunas personas que son detenidas por de tantos otros que pasan alimentos y bebidas cargos de drogas, por medio de un programa a los clientes. Lo hace porque cree que es lo llamado Drug Treatment Alternative to Prison, que hay que hacer, independientemente de los DTAP (Tratamiento de Drogas Alternativo a la recursos disponibles. Prisin). El programa solo est disponible para Cuando vine a ver por primera vez y no aquellos que han sido condenados tres o ms soy de los que asisten a la iglesia vi que esta veces por un delito mayor, lo cual requiere gente est haciendo cosas ms de acuerdo encarcelamiento. con las enseanzas de Jess que cualquier La directora del programa, Melissa persona que he conocido, afirm Clarke. Rueschhoff dijo que el financiamiento de tal

oy, Laguna lleva puesta una sudadera polvorienta color hueso, con unos pantalones caqui y un par de tenis viejos, mientras desayuna sentado en un tronco afuera del comedor. Hay das en que se sienta bajo los toldos guinda en la sombra de las mesas de plstico que localiza el pequeo espacio, pero hoy es un bonito da. Laguna por lo general viene a agarrarar algo para comer a fin de mes, cuando el dinero de su cheque del Seguro Social aproximadamente 930 dlares por mes si es que es su nica fuente de ingreso se agota. Tienen sopa caliente que llena la barriga, expres Laguna un lunes en una sorprendente maana fresca. Es buena para el apetito. Laguna es uno de los miles de residentes de bajos recursos o sin hogar de Tucson que utilizan los servicios que ofrece Casa Mara y otras organizaciones comunitarias sin fines de lucro. La mayora de los servicios sin fines de lucro que atienden a los residentes y familias de bajos ingresos se encuentran en el sur de Tucson. La comunidad en el sur de Tucson es diversa, no

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want in the land of plenty

by Mark S. Paquette

or centuries, the Sonoran Desert has been home to the Tohono Oodham, the Desert People. It is from their language that Tucson gets its name, though the Old Pueblo now bears little resemblance to the Tohono Oodhams native lands. The Tohono Oodham learned to live in the rugged desert, though they never sought to tame it. They learned how to use the harsh environment to their advantage without ruining it. But now, the Tohono Oodham live in a different kind of desert a nancial desert. The Tohono Oodham Reservation is a massive tract of land stretching from Mexico in the south to the outskirts of Phoenix. There are more than 28,000 members of the tribe, making it the second largest in both number and physical size in Arizona. Despite its size, the Tohono Oodham are the third poorest tribe in the nation. Health care is a growing cost, with half of all adults diagnosed with diabetes, among the highest rates in the world. Beyond that, the reservation has become a high-trafc area for border crossers and smugglers. According to U.S. Census data, unemployment on the reservation is a crushing 75 percent. The Arizona Rural Policy Institute, part of the W. A. Franke College of Business at Northern Arizona University, found most families on the reservation live on less than $30,000 a year, and households on the reservation are more than twice as likely to have an income of less than $20,000. Because of these conditions, households on Tohono Oodham lands are three times more likely to use food stamps and more than ve times as likely to require additional public assistance than anywhere else in Arizona. Remoteness, lack of resources, and lack of development are probably the main issues, said Thomas Combrink, senior research specialist at RPI. In the Tohono Oodham capital of Sells, Ariz., the economic picture is less clear. Public buildings are a mix of either very new or aged. Sells has a new school and a new court, yet the hospital dates to the 1960s, making it nearly 50 years old. One of the newest additions to the town is the Tohono Oodham Plaza, a shopping center where the Tohono Oodham

Photos by Stephanie Fousse

Community Action group is located. TOCA is the only nonprot organization operating in the Sells district, and perhaps the only one on the whole reservation. Executive Program Director Nina Altshul is extremely proud of the businesses in Sells the organization helps, but it is TOCAs agricultural work that most excites her. Planting isnt just putting the seed in the ground, Altshul said. It is the time when you bring people together. One of the groups major projects is its farm in Cowlic, a town about 15 miles southwest of Sells. The TOCA farm currently employs four workers, and also has ve youth interns from the tribe. We are either creating jobs on our farm, Altshul said, or we are training others how to do that.

he San Xavier District blends into the southern edge of Tucson. The area features a different landscape from the big reservation. Grasses grow in thick patches, and the mountains look small and distant on the horizon. The land here is greener and less rocky. The economic picture is sunnier, too. There are new houses and large apartment complexes. Then there is the mission. Mission San Xavier is among the most famous and well preserved of the Spanish missions. Originally established to spread Christianity to the native peoples of Southern Arizona, the mission now draws tourists and their money by the thousands. Theres a real mix, Rev. Stephen Barnufsky said of mass attendees.

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C
An abandoned residential home in Sells, Ariz., is covered in grafti and surrounded by trash.

Theres tourists, people from South Tucson, Indians ... and we get a lot of winter visitors that come regularly. Barnufsky and others at the mission try to focus on the things most important to them: their religion and the mission school, a fully functioning K-8 facility. The school is one of the few places to learn Oodham, the language of the Tohono Oodham. Education is a major issue on the reservation, with more than 50 percent of Tohono Oodham students dropping out before graduation. By contrast, in Tucson Unied School District, Tucsons largest, the dropout rate for 2012 was 21.3 percent. But without a clear economic benet to be gained and no jobs awaiting them, there seems to be little incentive for Tohono Oodham children in continuing school. asinos are one hope for the Tohono Oodham. At just more than 10 years old, the Desert Diamond Casinos are a primary source of income for the tribe. The three casinos are owned and operated by the Tohono Oodham Nation and employ more than 1,200 people. In addition to employment, the casinos pay out roughly $2,000 apiece to tribe members every two years. The casino hopes to employ more people and bring in additional revenue by building a fourth in Glendale,

Ariz., though the project remains heavily disputed. What is not in dispute is the economic benet of the casinos. Earnings have nanced the creation of the reservations rst re department, for example. According to a report from the Arizona Indian Gaming Association, the combined revenue of Indian casinos in Arizona is roughly $1.7 billion. That puts casinos ahead of several important industries in Arizona, including citrus, cotton and even the combined revenue from cattle and dairy. The same report shows casinos return more than $90 million a year to Arizona. The report is clear in its ndings: Indian gaming is a net positive for the Arizona economy. Some tribes prot greatly from gaming, though many have failed. According to the AIGA report, proximity to a major city is the deciding factor, and proximity is one thing the Tohono Oodham have. Two of their casinos are located in the San Xavier District, just south of Tucson, with the third located in Why, Ariz. Opening a fourth casino would bring in additional funds for both the tribe and the state. Casinos appear to be the key to the future for the Tohono Oodham, though revitalization through casinos is always a gamble.

Necesidad en la tierra de la abundancia

Escrito por Mark S. Paquette Traducido por Marisol Aguirre

urante siglos, el desierto de Sonora ha sido hogar para la Nacin Tohono Oodham, tambin conocidos como la gente del desierto, El nombre de la ciudad de Tucson proviene de la lengua OOdham, sin embargo, la ciudad ms grande en el Condado de Pima tiene muy poco parecido con las tierras indgenas de esta tribu. Los Tohono Oodham aprendieron a vivir en el desierto agreste, sin tratar de domesticarlo. Ellos aprendieron a usar las condiciones adversas a su favor sin destruirlo. Sin embargo, hoy en da, los Tohono Oodham viven en un desierto diferente, un desierto financiero. La reserva de la tribu es una amplia extensin de tierra que se extiende desde el sur de Mxico hasta las afueras de Phoenix. Con ms de 28,000 miembros, es la segunda reserva ms grande en trminos de habitantes y tamao fsico en el estado de Arizona. A pesar de su tamao, la tribu Tohono Oodham est en tercer lugar en el ndice de pobreza de la nacin. Los servicios mdicos cada vez cuestan ms, dado a que la mitad de los adultos han sido diagnosticados con diabetes, una de las tasas ms altas del mundo. Por encima de eso, la reserva de la tribu se ha convertido en una zona de trnsito comn para los contrabandistas y aquellos que cruzan la frontera ilegalmente. Segn los datos del Censo de EE. UU., la tasa de desempleo en la tribu es de un devastador

Una iglesia en Sells, Ariz.

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75 por ciento. El Instituto de pliza rural de Arizona (RPI, por sus siglas en ingls) que forma parte de la facultad de administracin de empresas W.A. Franke de la universidad del Norte de Arizona, descubri que la mayora de las familias en la reserva viven con menos de 30,000 dlares anuales, y de las tales existe la probabilidad que ms del doble tenga un ingreso de menos de 20,000 dlares. Dadas las condiciones, las familias en la reserva Tohono Oodham son tres veces ms propensas a usar cupones para alimentos, y con cinco veces o ms probabilidades de necesitar ayuda pblica que en cualquier otra parte en Arizona. La lejana, la carencia de recursos y la falta de desarrollo son los factores principales, coment Thomas Combrink, especialista principal de investigaciones en RPI. El panorama econmico de Sells, Arizona, la capital de los Tohono Oodham, es menos claro. Los edificios pblicos son una mezcla de edificios nuevos y viejos. Sells tiene una escuela nueva y un tribunal nuevo, sin embargo el hospital se remonta a la dcada de 1960, lo cual indica que fue construido hace ms de 50 aos. Una de las ms recientes adiciones a la ciudad es el Tohono Oodham Plaza, un centro comercial donde se ubica el Grupo de Accin Comunitaria Tohono Oodham (TOCA, por sus siglas en ingls). TOCA es la nica organizacin sin fines de lucro que opera en el distrito de Sells, y quizs la nica en toda la reserva. Nina Altshul, la directora ejecutiva del programa est muy orgullosa de que la organizacin ayuda a varios negocios de Sells, pero lo que ms la anima es el trabajo agrcola de TOCA. Sembrar no es solo poner la semilla en la tierra, es un momento para unir a la gente, coment Altshul. Uno de los proyectos principales del grupo es una granja localizada en la ciudad de Cowlic, un pueblo que est a 15 millas (24 kilmetros) al suroeste de Sells. La granja de TOCA actualmente emplea a cuatro trabajadores y tambin cuenta con cinco jvenes de la tribu que estn haciendo sus prcticas profesionales. Estamos creando puestos de trabajo en nuestra granja, o estamos entrenando a otros en cmo hacerlo, agreg Altshul.

l Distrito de San Xavier se incorpora en el extremo sur de Tucson. El rea es un paisaje muy diferente a la de la gran reserva. Los pastos crecen densamente, y las montaas se ven pequeas y distantes en el horizonte. El terreno aqu es ms verde y menos pedregoso. La situacin econmica tambien es ms positiva. Hay casas nuevas y edificios

de apartamentos grandes. Tambin est la misin. La misin San Xavier es una de las misiones espaolas ms famosas y mejor conservadas. Fue creada originalmente para difundir el cristianismo a los pueblos originarios del sur de Arizona. La misin ahora atrae a miles de turistas y su dinero. Hay mucha diversidad, agreg el reverendo Stephen Barnufsky hablando sobre la gente que asiste a misa. Son turistas, gente del sur de Tucson, y nativos ... tambin tenemos una gran cantidad de visitantes que vienen regularmente durante el invierno. Barnufsky y otros en la misin se enfocan en las cosas ms importantes para ellos: la religin y la escuela de la misin, una instalacin para estudiantes de primaria y secundaria. La escuela es uno de los pocos lugares donde se aprende Oodham, el idioma de los Tohono Oodham. La educacin es un asunto de importancia para la reserva, ya que ms del cincuenta por ciento de los estudiantes abandonan sus estudios antes de graduarse. En cambio, la tasa de abandono escolar del distrito ms grande de Tucson, Tucson Unified School District durante el ao 2012 fue de 21.3 por ciento. Pero sin un claro beneficio econmico que obtener y la falta de empleos para Un hombre sonrie a su trabajador en Sells, Ariz. ellos, existe muy poco inters entre los nios de continuar la escuela. en Arizona es de aproximadamente 1.7 mil millones de dlares. os casinos representan una esperanza Todo esto pone a los casinos adelante para la comunidad Tohono Oodham. Tras de varias industrias importantes en Arizona, solo diez aos de establecimiento, los casinos incluyendo los productos ctricos, el algodn Desert Diamond, son la fuente principal e incluso los ingresos combinados del de ingresos de la tribu. Los tres casinos ganado y los productos lcteos. El mismo pertenecen a la Nacin Tohono Oodham y informe muestra que los casinos devuelven son operados por ellos mismos. Los casinos ms de 90 millones de dlares al ao al emplean a ms de 1,200 personas. estado de Arizona. El informe es claro en sus Adems de darles empleo, los casinos pagan conclusiones: la industria de los casinos de aproximadamente 2,000 dlares a cada uno dueos nativo americanos produce beneficios de los miembros de la tribu cada dos aos. netos positivos para la economa de Arizona. El casino espera emplear a ms personas Algunas tribus se benefician mucho de y generar ingresos adicionales mediante la la industria del juego, aunque muchas han construccin de un cuarto casino en Glendale, fracasado. Segn el informe de AIGA, la Arizona. Aunque el proyecto sigue siendo un cercana a una ciudad grande es el factor tema en discusin. decisivo, cosa que los Tohono Oodham tienen Lo que no se discute es el beneficio a su favor. Dos de los casinos estn ubicados econmico que proveen los casinos. Las en el distrito de San Xavier, al sur de Tucson, y ganancias han financiado la creacin del el tercero se encuentra en Why, Arizona. primer departamento de bomberos de la La apertura de un cuarto casino traera reserva. De acuerdo con un informe de parte fondos adicionales, tanto para la tribu como de Arizona Indian Gaming Association (la para el estado. Los casinos parecen ser la Asociacin nativa de los juegos de lotera de clave del futuro de los Tohono Oodham, Arizona, AIGA) los ingresos combinados de aunque la revitalizacin a travs de casinos es todos los casinos de dueos nativo americanos siempre una apuesta.

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Forward Saeed Robinson of FC Tucson dribbles the ball around a defender while playing against the Southern California Seahorses in the teams 2013 home opener.

By Kendra Kautz

he smell of freshly cut grass, sweat and shinguards combined with tackling, spirited fans and depending on the location, lots of beer are all components of the universal sport of soccer. Soccer is the most popular sport in the world, and it is booming in the Old Pueblo. Tucson now has 91 soccer fields, and more are in the works. The fields stretch from the Catalina Foothills to near Drexel Road in the south, and from east to west the fields reach Sweetwater Wetlands Park and continue up until Saguaro National

Soccer makes its pitch

T
Park. The community has become better spectators of the sport, as well. Playground, a bar in downtown Tucson, began showing soccer matches this year to huge crowds.

Photo by Larry Guarano/ FCTucson.com

Soccers fan base in Tucson

Tucson Sentinel reporter Ted Prezelski says soccer has always been popular to play locally, but hasnt been a popular spectator sport. However, a new football club, FC Tucson, was created in 2010, and is part of the Premier Developmental League, roughly the equivalent of Major

League Baseballs minor leagues. The team has managed to attract significant sponsorship dollars and a lot of fans. With the team earning spectators respect, the club is in the process of building a new stadium that will host 2,500 fans when the team starts its third season in 2014.

Growing up in the sport

Tucsonans who have dribbled a soccer ball since they could walk have seen soccers growth over the years. Native Tucsonan and University of

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Arizona club player Katie Saxton has played since she was 5 years old, and knows the importance of having a sport about which to be passionate. Soccer has always been there for me whenever I need to feel better. Its honestly made me the person I am today, and Im happy with that, she said. Basically, soccer keeps me in check.

Where soccer is headed

Playground normally has a low-key vibe, and is only lit with low lights and candles. The brick walls, the modern furniture, the three huge TVs and the spaciousness all make it a cool place to hang out, not to mention that its in the center of the downtown action. But on game days, the bar is packed with excited fans. Some may think theyre a little obnoxious, but soccer is all about passion. The bar is now one of the hip viewing spots for fans to go on weekend mornings and Tuesday and Wednesday nights. FC Tucson defender Edgar Reyna thinks the team is headed in the right direction, and attributes a lot of the clubs success to coach Rick

Shantz and General Manager John Pearlman. We have played against MLS (Major League Soccer) teams in the past, and we actually have tied a couple of teams, so you can see we are at a good level, Reyna said, adding that Shantz and Pearlman have done a tremendous job of recruiting players from all over the country to elevate the teams play. Reyna has played on FC Tucson for two years, and has seen the sport boom in such a short period of time. Soccer right now has been topping all other sports, he said. With no other professional sports to compete with FC Tucson, he thinks fan support will grow even more. Club coowner Chris Keeney agrees. Soccer is about to blow up more than it already has, he said. Hopefully if you love FC Tucson, it becomes a lifestyle. You want to wear our crest everywhere you go, you want to talk about us, you want to complain about our coach when we dont win. All the things that are great about sport when its done at a high level.

FC Tucson defender Kareem Smith heads the ball in November 2013.

Photos by Kendra Kautz

Two teams play at the Maracana Indoor Sports Arena. The arena is located at 555 E. 18th St.

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Los seguidores de FC Tucson animan al equipo despus de haberle ganado a Chivas USA con una puntuacin de 1-0. Ellos ganaron cuando Sadam Ali anot en el minuto 89 del partido.

El ftbol hace su jugada

E
Escrito por Kendra Kautz Traducido por Kim Kolliner l sudor, las espinilleras, y el aroma del csped recin cortado, combinados con la euforia de los fanticos entusiasmados, y dependiendo del lugar, mucha cerveza, son los ingredientes esenciales del deporte universal del ftbol o balompi. Ftbol es el deporte ms popular del mundo, y ahora est floreciendo tambin en Old Pueblo (Tucson). En la actualidad, Tucson cuenta con 91 campos de ftbol, y se van a construir ms. Los campos se extienden desde Catalina Foothills hasta Drexel Road en el sur, y desde el este hasta el oeste, las canchas se extienden desde Sweetwater Wetlands Park y siguen hasta Saguaro National Park. La comunidad tambin acude con ms frecuencia a presenciar este deporte. Este ao, Playground, un bar en el centro de Tucson, inici a transmitir partidos de ftbol que atraen a una multitud de gente. La incorporacin del ftbol en Tucson Ted Prezelski, reportero de Tucson Sentinel, comenta que el ftbol siempre ha sido un deporte popular para jugar localmente, pero con muy pocos espectadores. Sin embargo, en 2010 se form un club nuevo de ftbol, FC Tucson, y forma parte de la Liga de Desarrollo USL-Premier, algo parecido a las ligas menores de la liga mayor de beisbol. El equipo ha logrado atraer una buena cantidad de seguidores y fondos de patrocinio. Despus de haber adquirido el respeto de los espectadores, el club est en proceso de construir un nuevo estadio que podr alojar a 2,500 seguidores cuando el equipo inicie su tercera temporada en 2014.

Ir a elindenews.com para leer ms

El defensa, Edgar Reyna, firma un autgrafo para uno de sus seguidores despus de la victoria ante Chivas USA en North Stadium en el Complejo Deportivo Kino (Kino Sports Complex).

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e g a t n i V A Experience
Jennifer and Justin Luria are the owners of the Shady Dell, located in Bisbee, Ariz. The bed-and-breakfast features nine fully restored vintage trailers.
Photo by Puspa Lohmeyer

By Samantha Cummings been a campground for weary travelers on the legendary Highway 80, which stretched from Savannah, Ga., to San Diego, and most closely approximates the route of the historic Lincoln Highway, the first road across America. These vintage trailers are part of Southern Arizonas rich history of mid-century modern design and architecture. Capturing the enthusiasm and optimism of the post-World War II era, this architectural movement has been defined by the use of regional materials that can endure the harsh summer temperatures. Vintage trailers hold up well in a place that emphasizes outdoor living, in a dry climate preventing rust. Its Americana, says Demion Clinco, president of the Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation. Trailers, neon signs, classic cars they all kind of represent this idyllic notion of what America was like in the 1950s and 60s. Its this idea of, Lets go see the future. Get in our cute airplane-designed little tin can and experience the United States. Vintage trailers were added to the itinerary of the second annual Tucson Modernism Week this year, presented by the Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation. Attendees were able to choose from several events, such as the Vintage Trailer Show and a lecture given by Rich Luhr, publisher of Airstream Life Magazine. Featured were trailers of the past, dating from 1948 all the way up to a brand new, modern-day version of an Airstream. For Alex Mastrangelo, who participated in the show, his 1957 El Rey encompasses all his favorite things. I love to travel, Mastrangelo says. Also, Ive always really escaped to the past to take a vacation. My aesthetics have been that way since I was kid. I dont like modern things at all, so when I go on a vacation, I want to leave the city and leave the time period at the same time. I dont think I could have the same amount of pleasure in a new trailer. Everything is very much more authentic. The gray and red-checkered linoleum flooring, mixed with the red and white color of the leather kitchenette booth cushions, give this trailer a

piece of Americana, making its streamlined debut in the 1930s, the vintage travel trailer holds a special place in Southern Arizona. At the Shady Dell, a B&B comprising vintage trailers, the 1951 Mansion, a Spartan classic, is furnished with a leopard rug and an antique radio playing old classics. I think we are the only kitschy, 50s almost time capsule like, no ones been in there since the time they were built, says Jennifer Luria, owner of the Shady Dell. The B&B, in Bisbee, Ariz., is home to nine fully restored trailers ranging from a 1949 Airstream to a 1957 El Rey, which visitors can book for the night. The Shady Dell had

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Trailer Timeline
Airstream
1929:

Spartan
1950s diner vibe. Its perfectly cheesy. The family of three tows the trailer on the back of their 1959 Cadillac at least five times a year. Their son, Dash, 5, has practically grown up in the mobile home, where he took baths in the sink as a baby. Trailer people are kind of like Civil War re-enactors, in their own way, Mastrangelo explains. They are escaping from everything thats driving them crazy at home. When I get in here, I can relax. For the most part, you can kind of forget that youre in 2013.

1928:

Bowlus Road Chief

1949:

1934:

Silver

CUTLINE

Bowlus Road Chief

2013:

Airstream

2013:

he Shady Dell dates to 1974, when Ed Smith and Rita Personette bought the piece of land and installed their personal collection of five trailers. It evolved into a B&B as intrigued onlookers offered to pay for a nights stay in the mid-century throwbacks. It was opened formally in the 1990s. The current owners, Jen and Justin Luria, look the mid-century modern part her with pale skin and bright red lipstick, and him with a plaid shirt and a combover. We stayed here a few times and thought this place was amazing, Jennifer said. When they learned the Shady Dell was for sale six years ago, they packed their belongings in Scottsdale both are Arizona State graduates and moved to the sleepy and historic city of Bisbee, five square miles and a stones throw from the Mexican

The bedroom of a 1949 Airstream at The Shady Dell in Bisbee, Ariz.

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Dash Chavez, 5, the son of Alex Mastrangelo and Michelle Haller. His father and mother were married at the Shady Dell, and he has grown up with vintage trailers.

Photo by Alex Mastrangelo

border. Jen Luria maintains and outfits each trailer, which gives her an excuse to rummage through Bisbees antique shops for kitschy finds. She also makes curtains, does laundry, and checks guests in and out. Sometimes its like Groundhog Day, she says. I try to remember everybodys names, but its hard because somebody new is coming in every day. Justin Luria oversees all the landscaping and heavy lifting. He has a degree in hospitality and tourism. Ive wanted to work at a hotel or have a little hotel in Central America or another country, he says. All I wanted was to get out of Arizona, and then I was like, Howd I end up in this small town in the middle of nowhere? But Im five miles from Mexico. Almost got there! For Mastrangelo and his wife, Michelle Haller, the Shady Dell was a perfect wedding venue. It has a romantic white gazebo in the center of the courtyard for friends and family to gather and celebrate. The guests were then able to return to their respective trailers at the end of the night. It was just neat, Mastrangelo recalls. Everyones right there, and you can party as long as you want to and then stumble to the trailer you rented. The Lurias and their two dogs live behind the main office. They plan to build a house adjacent to the property in the near future. Steps toward creating an outdoor movie theater are also in the works. Their 1957 Dots Diner will be restored as a concession stand. Monica Negri, who made a trip to the Shady Dell with her husband in the 80s, recalls eating at Dots Diner, located on the B&B property, when it was actually Dot working as the cook. It was a place for locals and guests to gather over hot coffee and an omelet. Even 20 years later, Monica still remembers her visit to the Shady Dell like it was yesterday. Wed sit out there on those cheesy lounge chairs, drinking tequila with the cemetery in the background, she recalls. And then I had gone on some big shopping trip. We bought all this vintage, and I tried on everything and we just had the best party.

Photo by Jennifer Luria Photo by Jennifer Luria

A vintage radio in the 1957 El Rey trailer.

Inside 1951 Mansion trailer

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El Independiente

Fall 2013 | Issue 3

Photo by Blanche Montoya

Jose Amaya Medina checks out work done by Francisco Cruz, an apprentice at Tattoo Azteca Ink of Tucson. The owner of the commercial parlor supports regulation.

Tattoo at your own risk

30

By Blanche Montoya lex Quiroga is like many home entrepreneurs in Tucson, with designs and drawings in his shop. But unlike the others, his tools of the trade are dyes and needles. He is a tattoo artist. There are plenty of home businesses in Southern Arizona catering, hair styling, mechanics, yoga, even eyebrow threading. But given the potential health risks of tattooing hepatitis, infection, allergic reactions it comes as a surprise to many that the state does not license or regulate the industry. Anyone can be a tattoo artist here. Quiroga, 34, tattoos out of his home, and takes his gear on the road. He started doing it himself, 15 years ago after he paid someone for his first tattoo. He never has owned a shop. Well, if you work for a shop, from what I understand, they charge you the space, so youre actually renting the space from the owner of the shop, he said. They charge you a percentage of what you do and what you make. And because I am out of the house, he continued, I can still own all my stuff and I dont have to charge the customer as much, as they do. A tattoo that you pay $300 for in a shop, I could do it for, like, half of that. He has a separate office, equipped with his drawing table and his gear. He has one or two clients a week, down from a pre-recession boom of one or two a day, and earns $500 to $800 a week. Does he think it should be licensed? Oh, yeah, definitely. Its just that having it lets everybody else know that you actually took the time to do what you need to do all that stuff as far as the safety and health. Statewide, Coconino County

El Independiente

Fall 2013 | Issue 3

Of course, cause its my first tattoo I was like Yeah, I want numbing medicine. So after they applied it to me I wasnt really feeling them digging into my skin but I could see it bleeding. She said that at first the work appeared to be fine, but became abnormal. After a couple of days it started scabbing like really bad, she said. She recovered, but the spots later had to be redone because of fading. The total cost of the original tattoo and the repair was $172. Alex Quiroga I dont like the fact they were at a house. They had a bunch of tattoos of their own, but anybody can do that, Mendez said. Now, I regulated tattoo artists nearly a decade ago, but only stick to one person, and I go to their shop efforts to impose statewide certification have and watch them work. failed in the Legislature. Throughout the state, some jurisdictions Quiroga said that sanitation is key. He uses a are considering regulation. Coconino County, sterilization machine, prepackaged and sealed home of Flagstaff, Page, Williams, Sedona, needles, and an autoclave, which sterilizes and the Grand Canyon, enacted codes in equipment using high-pressure steam. A client 2000 and 2001 to require artists, including of his, Clarissa Alvarez, 20, said that she was those doing piercings, to get a hepatitis Photo by Clarissa Alvarez satisfied with his work. He let me unwrap the vaccination and to demonstrate knowledge This tattoo on Clarissa Alvarezs thigh is by Alex needles to show me they were sterilized, said of health and practices in tests, according to Quiroga. She says she has always appreciated his Alvarez. Marlene Gaither, the countys environmental work, which he does from home. She said she was drawn to Quiroga because health program manager. The body art he is family. Ive been growing up around license in Coconino costs $260 and is him all my life seeing him tattoo a bunch of renewable every year. people, and I was just waiting til I turned 18 Gaither, 58, says the county created the for my dad to say it was okay. That was the agreement we had. program because of a concern with blood-borne pathogens such as HIV, She said he is like a brother. I honestly didnt really care if it was at the virus that causes AIDS, hepatitis C, hepatitis B and others. These his house or a tattoo parlor, but thats just me. are lifelong diseases, she said. It could be anywhere from like 10 to On the other end of the spectrum is George Gallegos, 47, owner and 20 years before people get to see any symptoms. main artist at Tattoo Azteca Ink, a commercial parlor in South Tucson. He supports regulation. He was certified in California, where laws are tough. He still practices techniques that he learned there, going through a four-stage sanitation method before putting the ink near his clients skin. I run my shop with that in mind, I run it as if it were a California shop, he said in an interview. Gallegos said between the location, the chemicals, electricity and everything else needed, the shop costs about $8,000 a month I actually have tattooed one of the surgeons at Northwest Hospital who did a walk-through and looked at the chemicals, he said. She even said, why do I sterilize so much? You know its overkill. But for my own conscience and for my own benefit, and for the safety of my clients. Gallegos said he once worked from home. He had a separate work structure to replicate the sanitation of a shop. He said prospective artist should consider apprenticing before coming into the industry so that they learn sanitation and other techniques. Britney Mendez, 21, working in sales, said she regrets Photo by Blanche Montoya not researching a tattoo artist before she got her ink. When A boat on the front table in Tattoo Azteca Ink reflects the colorful palette of the owner, she turned 18, she got a tattoo from an artist who operated George Gallegos, who was certified as a tattoo artist in California. Artists in Arizona do not from a bedroom. They took like an hour to a half hour to need certification, but Gallegos still uses a four-stage sanitation technique. just trace out. And when they actually got back they were just sitting around, she said. They asked her if she wanted numbing medication.

I can still own all my

stuff, and I dont have to charge the customer as much as they do. A tattoo that you would pay $300 for in the shop, I could do it for, like, half of that.

Fall 2013 | Issue 3

El Independiente

31

El e c
Electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes, incorporate a battery, a vaporization cartridge and a liquid nicotine solution in their delivery system. They can contain as much nicotine as a regular cigarette or none at all, depending on the customers choice. They emit a vapor instead of smoke, which doesnt produce an ash or an odor that usual cigarettes do, said Keith Reinhart, owner of Old Pueblo Vapor Lounge in Tucson. People who are trying to quit smoking are turning to vaping, or smoking an e-cigarette, to kick the habit. Reinhart said e-cigarettes create an alternative to smoking that many companies are marketing as safer than traditional smoking because there is zero percent tar and zero percent nicotine. The trendy new devices have no odor or ash, and the vapor emitted has not been proven to cause secondhand smoke, leading to a more inviting alternative to smoking in public. E-cigarettes have become the solution, because when you cant smoke at the time, its like, Ill smoke this now, and when I get home, Ill smoke a real cigarette, Aviv Fernandez, a smoker, said. Its more acceptable because its just water vapor. Alluring tastes and smells can be chosen for the substitute cigs, such as cucumber-melon, 99 bananas, bacon and apple crisp. This flavor-based approach can effectively appeal to a new segment of users. Ive wanted to smoke, but hated the smell and taste, said Aldyvian Alvarez, who is now an e-cigarette user. I was one of those that would never smoke unless I was drinking. But sometimes Id want to smoke normally, he continued, so Id use peoples e-cigs and liked that and would smoke it because of the smell and taste, and it would still give me

-cigarettes are all the buzz.

They have quickly taken over the tobacco industry, with revenue expected to double within the next year, up to $1.7 billion. Sales of the faux smokes are even projected to pass traditional cigarette sales by 2047, according to Forbes magazine.

that slight nicotine kick. Alvarez cited schnozberry as his flavor of choice. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has yet to regulate electronic cigarettes, allowing those who sell them to bypass laws governing traditional tobacco products. The FDA banned cigarettes with characterizing fruit and clove flavors in 2009, but since e-cigarettes have yet to be regulated, a variety of flavors can still be infused into them. Newt Toussau, a 2012 graduate of Rincon High School, said he was first introduced to electronic cigarettes after using a hookah pen, a type of flavored electronic vaporizer popular with many people. In high school we would all smoke hookahs together, and then I started using a hookah pen, Toussau said. All those flavors are so delicious. I saw that there was the same flavor available for an e-cigarette one day, so I just started using that instead. Im more of a kiwi guy myself. The percentage of U.S. high school students using electronic cigarettes has more than doubled in the last year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, from 4.7 percent in 2011 to 10 percent in 2012. The rise in numbers should cause alarm, says advocacy website Arizona Health Matters, since, those who start smoking young are Eddie Lau, co-owner of E-Smoke on East Grant more likely to have a long-term addiction to nicotine than people who start smoking later in Road, displays a smoking trick created from the vapor of an e-cigarette. life, putting them at greater risk for smokingrelated illness and death. Consequently, Pima

t r ic i t yin
Fall 2013 | Issue 3

Story and photos by Rhiannon Helms

32

El Independiente

Various e-juice brands and starter kits are displayed for purchase at Havana Smoke & Tobacco at 4020 E. Grant Road. County officials are stepping in to ban e-cigarettes. As of Sept. 13, minors are prohibited from buying them in Tucson, and school districts across the state have already banned their usage on campus. Our policy is against all tobacco-related products on district property, said Mary Veres, director of public information for the Sunnyside School District. Smoking among minors is illegal anyway, and e-cigarettes are included. Although Pima County is trying to minimize teens tobacco use, some companies selling unregulated products employ marketing strategies to target this younger demographic. Online blogs and social media outlets such as Facebook and Twitter make it much easier for these companies to access the underage market. According to an FDA fact sheet on flavored tobacco products, a poll conducted in March 2008 found that one in five youths between the ages of 12 and 17 had seen flavored tobacco products or ads, while only one in 10 adults reported having seen them. While vapor juices, starter kits, cartridges and electronic cigarettes cannot be purchased in stores without ID, they are easily purchased online, sometimes without age verification. Since e-cigarettes are still a fairly new commodity, there is limited research on the associated health risks. Arizona Health Matters cautions that tobacco use is responsible for more than 430,000 deaths per year in the United States. If smoking prevalence among adolescents persists, it is estimated that five million persons under the age of 18 will die prematurely from smoking-related diseases.

the

E-cigarettes have become the solution because when you cant smoke at the time, its like, Ill smoke this now, and when I get home, Ill smoke a real cigarette.

Air

33

Fall 2013 | Issue 3

El Independiente

Not
By Kevin Brost ts a Friday night, and you go out for pizza and a beer. You only had one drink, meaning you are within the legal blood alcohol limit for driving. You get in your car and turn the ignition, thinking youre safe. But in Arizona, as soon as you pull out of the parking lot, you could be subject to a criminal charge of driving under the influence. DUIs are generally given to people over the limit, above a .08 blood alcohol concentration, or the equivalent of four beers in one hour for a 170-pound man. But and this is big Arizona law gives the police officer a great degree of judgment and latitude in deciding whether there is impairment. He or she judges whether, even if youre under the limit, a drink or two has inhibited your ability to operate a vehicle, putting yourself and others at risk. Ask 41-year-old Deborah Heidman. She was charged with DUI in 2009 after leaving a dinner meeting, having consumed only two glasses of wine. An officer pulled her over. I politely explained to him that I had only two glasses of wine over the course of two hours, which should have kept me safe, Heidman said. I cooperated completely and was honest about how much I had drank. I felt fine and I fell within the legal limit, but he still arrested me. Drunk driving and its catastrophic consequences soon followed the invention of the automobile in 1886. The first recorded case was George Smith, a London man who crashed his taxi into a building in 1897, told police he was drunk, and paid a then-expensive fine of 25 shillings. In the United States, New York was the first state to prohibit drunk driving, in 1910. But the state did not clearly define intoxication limits. It was a judgment call by the police,

34

1
El Independiente

Drink

because technology to test blood alcohol content was not refined enough to use. The Breathalyzer changed all that in 1953. The device, created by former police captain Robert Borkenstein, used chemical oxidation and photometry to determine alcohol concentration of the breath. It also set the stage for the importance of drunk driving awareness nationwide. Driving under the influence accounted for 31 percent of all traffic deaths in 2010, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, killing more than 10,000 people nationwide. The laws and restrictions on drunk driving in Arizona are more strictly defined than anywhere in the country. According to Arizonas DUI penalty record, a first offense carries 10 days of minimum jail time, $1,800 in fees plus jail costs, a suspended license and 12 months with an ignition interlock device on the offenders car. And that doesnt include attorney fees, which can be as much as $10,000. Sometimes those arrested are not over the legal limit. According to Sgt. Chris Andreacola of the Tucson Police Department, many people are booked each year who do not reach the legal limit. It is a common misconception by people, that as long as they are below a .08, they are OK to drive, he said. What we discover is, there are people out there that are not drinkers, and they cant even get to a .08 before they are impaired to do anything, let alone drive a vehicle. Andreacola joined the department 27 years ago and, after eight years on the force, got the opportunity to join the DUI squad as a sergeant and a supervisor. As a teenager, he had become adamant about the dangers of impaired driving. He said he himself was an accident victim when

Fall 2013 | Issue 3

 Photo by Kevin Brost

Police officers investigate a crash to find out whether alcohol impairment was a factor. This accident occured in November 2013 at Speedway and Park Avenue.

he was 18 years old. It happened on Valencia Road at 3 p.m., the middle of the afternoon. Andreacola explained that officers can exercise judgment about impairment. While there is a legal alcohol limit, a person can still get arrested for having an intoxicant in their body while driving if it impairs the ability to drive. According to code A.R.S. 28-1381(A) (1) of Arizona Law, the Driving While Impaired to the Slightest Degree statute says: It is unlawful for a person to drive or be in actual physical control of a vehicle in this state under any of the following circumstances: while under the influence of intoxicating liquor, any drug, a vaporreleasing substance containing a toxic substance or any combination of liquor, drugs or vapor-releasing substances if the person is impaired to the slightest degree. Another law, A.R.S. 28-1381(A)(2), titled Impaired To The Slightest Degree sets the legal limit for the blood alcohol level. It says: It is unlawful for a person to drive or be in actual physical control of a vehicle: if the person has an alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or more within two hours of driving or being in actual physical control of the vehicle, and the alcohol concentration results from alcohol consumed either before Fall 2013 | Issue 3

or while driving or being in actual physical control of the vehicle. According to Sgt. Filbert Barrera of the University of Arizona Police Department, the determining factor is not about what you are, but more importantly, who you are. If I were to just have a sip of beer and eat a full meal, being a 200-pound man, thats probably not going to impair my ability to drive, Barrera said. If I have six beers, and nothing to eat over two hours, thats probably going to put me over that limit. If you have a drink and it impairs your ability to drive in the slightest degree, and youre in actual physical control of the vehicle, then you can get arrested for that. TPD conducts periodic alcohol workshops to experiment and educate on this specific concept. Volunteers who drink to various levels of impairment, as measured by a Breathalyzer, see how alcohol affects each individual uniquely. Over a three-hour period, half the provided drinks are given the first hour, half the second hour, and then participants wait one hour to let the alcohol content fully enter the bloodstream. According to Andreacola, the average 170-pound male will need around 10 standard drinks (measured by Federal health officials as 0.6 ounces of pure alcohol, or the El Independiente

equivalent of one 12-ounce beer or 5 ounces of table wine) over the three-hour period to arrive at a substantial level of impairment. Unless youre drinking Long Island Iced Teas, then youre dealing with a different subject. If you are really only drinking one glass of wine, thats not going put you in a level of impairment, Andreacola said. The fact that officers can exercise judgment on impairment can come with a steep price. In a case that was eventually dismissed, Lawrence Ponoroff, a former dean of the UA Law School, was charged with impaired driving in 2011. He was pulled over for going 10 miles over the speed limit after leaving a potluck dinner. According to the deputys report, he had a lethargic appearance and failed a field sobriety test. But when Ponoroffs blood was tested, it showed that he had a blood alcohol content of only .047 percent under the lowest legal limit. A driver under 0.05 is presumed to not be impaired under Arizona law. All charges were dropped. Ponoroff declined to comment, but his lawyer, Michael Piccarreta, said: Im a criminal lawyer, and he certainly had a claim for wrongful arrest. Its a lesson. He was wrongfully accused and fortunately he was able to vindicate himself. 35

The Rockin Desert

Story and Photos by Stewart McClintic

A friend of mine once said, Well, you really are desert music. Its somehow desert music, even though the name of the band is Algae and Tentalces.
36

John Melillo
Fall 2012 | Issue 1

Tucsons eclectic music scene draws from a rich mix of styles

he marquee lights brighten the night sky in downtown Tucson, and the air fills with sound: horns and guitar riffs, washy drum sounds, soft vocals, the boom of bass. Each band has its own style, but throughout the music scene, there is one style said to define Tucson music. Its called desert rock. I would say there isnt a specific, identifiable sound. Not like when you think Memphis, you tend to think blues and soul. You think New Orleans, you tend to think jazz, said Randy Peterson, general manager and acting program director of KXCI. But there definitely is a Tucson sound. Its an alternative rock scene, but its informed by mariachi music, informed by Latin songwriters and Mexican influences. Perhaps the best-known group is Calexico, which is influenced by mariachi and ranchera, with its big sound of horns. Joey Burns, a guitarist and singer in Calexico, said the band also draws inspiration from other styles of music, and from instruments like the mandolin or the banjo. Trying to make those instruments make sense in an indie band is kind of fun, Burns said. Burns said the desert environment is also a factor. There is an openness both in the West, and in the music there is an openness. But Burns said there is a huge diversity of musical styles and forms in Tucson, so no one sound defines the city. There is blues, jazz, rock and roll, funk, reggae, chamber music, electronic and alternative, and the artists share and draw influences from one another. Peterson said many people move to Tucson from around the world, which increases musical influences. Its the transient nature and the geography. People come here and say, I like the weather, so Im staying, he said. They dont say, Well, there arent enough jazz clubs, so Im not gonna. The university is a draw for musicians, Peterson added, as is the population and the proximitiy to Los Angeles, Phoenix and Austin, without the higher cost of living. A lot of our musicians play nationally and internationally now, he said. At a fall gathering at the Exploded View Art Gallery, there were many unique installations, but two of them showed just how unique Tucsons music can be. In one room, there were two performers in a band called Algae and Tentacles playing an alternative style of music. They played many different instruments, and simultaneously held a pose as they were playing them. Their instruments were displayed before them in a seemingly specific way. It was as though a still-life photo were being performed live. They seemed to have mixed contemporary art with music and sounds. Just outside around the corner, there was a much larger space with a full band playing folk music against a large wall mural, featuring a petite, dark-haired woman playing a scratchy washboard, a tall, skinny, curlyhaired man playing a deep, thumping bassline, a melodic guitar riff, and a passionate singer sporting a white beard. Two different bands, two dif-

The Exploded View Art Gallery on Toole Avenue in downtown Tucson features a colorful mural. John Melillo of Algae and Tentacles performed there in October.

37

Left: A performance at Hotel Congress by Chris Blacks Chamberlab, which mixes art and music together. Below: Joe Pagac paints at a Chamberlab performance based on the music he hears.

ferent spaces, yet they shared one commonality both spaces gave a feeling of openness and acceptance, just as the desert is open and accepts anyone to come face it. Cathy Rivers, host of The Home Stretch and the special projects director at KXCI, 93.1 FM, said since the 1980s, Tucson has been a place for musicians to come and share their creativity with a community in a low-stress environment. Because Tucson is such an inexpensive place to live, she said, it helps the artists in Tucson be able to work a job such as dishwasher, then also live relatively comfortably and perform in a band during free time. Rivers said most bands from Tucson dont make it big, but theyre not necessarily trying to. What they are trying to do is create their own music with the collaboration of others so they can find their own style and define their own bands for themselves. Music is different for everyone. It could be rap, or it could be a guitar, a bass, two drums and a singer. It could also be a collaboration of random sounds mixed with the classic notion of rhythm with a twist on modern art, like one University of Arizona professors band. English professor John Melillo uses these nonclassical styles of music to form Algae and Tentacles. Melillo said he believes Tuson has further fostered the growth of his music, even though he started the band in Brooklyn, and the roots of his band are there. Its sort of strange, because even there, it didnt feel totally of that place, and yet here ... I feel more at home here. A friend of mine once said, Well, you really are desert music. Its somehow desert music even though the name of the band is Algae and Tentalces.

Melillo said he thinks his band fits right into Tucsons eclectic music scene. Theres something about the desert, the way that its sort of like the ocean. Its almost like were at the bottom of the ocean all the time with weird plants and weird things, he said. One local artist who has been playing in Tucson for a long time said she has noticed a huge change of style every time she comes home from a tour or a show. Marina Cornelius of the band Acorn Bcorn has been playing in Tucson for 12 years, and loves the fact that the scene here is so wideranging. Im always coming back home being amazed by how many varieties and styles of music there are here, she said. If you take the core venues at any given time Im ruling out the casino shows I feel like there is so much variety in style and age of music. People seem to celebrate those differences. Although that is true of Tucson, it is not always the case when it comes to music. Melillo said he has seen a flattening of style in music. He said that when he was in Brooklyn, there was no creative space to help other bands expand their horizons because everyone was aiming for the same sound. Since he has been here, Melillo said he has experienced a greater willingness to collaborate with other artists, as opposed to competing. Chris Black takes this to the next level as the director of Chamberlab, a chamber music series performed in Tucson. He said most people who perform as part of the series are in their own bands, many of which are classic rock and roll bands. Black said the point of Chamberlab is to collaborate with artists who compose their own music and to perform classical music.

So what does it all mean? What is Tucsons musical style? The answer to that is, there really is not a specific style of music. Instead what defines Tucsons style is that there is a shared sense of space in which the artistic community molds together to create a breadth of different styles, genres and performances. Because there is this open nature to how artists interact with each other, it creates newer ideas all the time. This understood sense of collaboration and openness with each other really informs the music, the artwork, the style and the culture, and there is always something for everyone.

Andrew Cooper at World of Beer in Tucson, Ariz.

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El Independiente

Fall 2013 | Issue 3

Photos by Cameron Moon

Southern Arizonas only community radio station, at 220 S. Fourth Ave., has been on the air since 1976. It features an ever-changing lineup of deejays.

KXCI:
A

Music to Tucsons ears

KXCI functions by t KXCI, utilizing a task force of Tucsons only more than 70 volunteers community who either deejay or radio station, the perform the officeprogramming relies based tasks of a fully solely on the feeling of operational 24-hour-athe deejay. There are day radio station. no commercial radio Volunteers are standards to adhere to, required to take an no particular part of orientation course, the Southern Arizona which goes over how population to impress the station works. or attract. After that, the reins The nonprofit has been on the air are completely in their hands. No one is since the 1970s, forced to play whats providing Tucson popular. with an ad-free and personal experience Resting in a creaky, KXCI music director Duncan Hudson deejays during a guest apperance in November with the station, while 2013. Hudson is responsible for selecting music played on a regular basis for the station. old wooden house in a also helping local and residential neighborhood independent artists with cant do, KXCI General Manager Randy on South Fourth Avenue, getting airtime. Peterson said. We bring in a lot of folks everything about KXCI vibe screams As a community radio station, we try from the community to do country, hipcommunity. to do those things that commercial radio hop, gospel and zydeco music.

Listen to a sample of KXCI at elindenews.com

Fall 2013 | Issue 3 El Independiente 39

Photo by Stephanie Fousse