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TPD seeks help locating possible kidnapping victim

The Tucson Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a possible kidnapping victim, 23-year old Marveen Estrada. On May 23, 2013 at about 8:00 p.m., Ms. Estrada was riding ...

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Two pedestrians struck after Mountain View graduation, one dies

Northwest Fire District units along with an Engine from the Mountain Vista Fire District responded to Thornydale Road just south of Linda Vista Blvd just after 9:30pm after 9-1-1 calls were rece...

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Car show to raise funds for local man suffering from ALS

At age 29, Joel Sanchez is fighting the fight of his life as he struggles with ALS.

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Marana moving forward with budget, Home Rule Option approved

By a 2-to-1 margin, Marana voters approved the Home Rule Option in Tuesday's night's election. It was an all mail election for the second time.

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Councilman Zinkin defends trip

Oro Valley Councilman Mike Zinkin is looking to clear his name after comments made earlier this month by Mayor Satish Hiremath regarding the councilman’s town-...

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Disneyland is just a short ride away from Tucson

With more than 60 rides and attractions spanning 85 acres, it’s no wonder people this spring will be getting out of Tucson to check out “The Happiest Place on Earth”, or Disneyland Park. The wildly-popular theme park, known for rides such as Splash Mountain, Space Mountain, and Pirates of the Caribbean, has continued to expand over the past five decades since its grand opening by Walt Disney on July 17, 1955. Since that time, Disneyland Park has grown to include eight familiar themed lands including Main Street, U.S.A., Adventureland, Frontierland, New Orleans Square, Critter County, Fantasyland, Mickey’s Toontown and Tomorrowland. The original 18 attractions that comprised Disneyland Park have grown into the Disneyland Resort, a sprawling 500-acre resort destination, featuring two renowned Disney parks, three beautiful hotel properties, and the exciting entertainment, dining, and retail fun of the Downtown Disney District. In addition to the familiar rides, Disneyland Park will add some new attractions this year to include a meet and greet with Disney Princesses at the Fantasy Faire, a royal setting near the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle. Also added this year will be “Mickey and the Magical Map,” a show featuring Mickey Mouse and other Disney characters in an adventure filled with music, fun and special effects on the stage of the Fantasyland Theatre. For guests looking to extend their fun beyond one day, the Disneyland Resort is home to three hotels that are just a footstep away from the thrills of the Disneyland theme parks, which also includes California Adventure, located directly across from Disneyland. This spring and summer, pack up the family, get out of the heat, and make a trip to one of the most popular playgrounds on the planet.
Sea Life Aquarium in Phoenix has state’s largest collection of jellyfish

Sea Life Aquarium at Arizona Mills is giving kids and adults a sneak peek into the life of a sea creature with no brain and no heart — jellyfish. Jelly Disco opened May 10 at Sea Life Aquarium. The exhibit has six different kinds of jellyfish — the largest collection of jellyfish in the state — and will be open through the end of the year. The aquarium already has one small tank of jellyfish but it’s such a popular exhibit they decided to seek out the Jellyfish Disco as their traveling exhibit for the year. “Guests are so fascinated by them,” said Sea Life spokesperson Malori Heppler. “They look so amazing as they float through the water. It’s incredible how popular jellyfish are. Its a nice compliment to the current tank area.” The display will have about 40 jellyfish in total and has plenty of interactive features on the walls to help kids learn about jelly fish including a “what do they feel like” box, quiz questions, the life cycle of a jellyfish and a zoetrope that demonstrates how a jellyfish moves. Jellyfish are not anywhere near extinction. In fact, they’ve been able to evolve and thrive in dead zones in the ocean with no oxygen and high pollution. So while this particular exhibit is not necessarily about conservation it will give guests a better idea of these strange creatures and how they live.
Young student heroes

Early one April morning, Estes Elementary School students Julian Rodriguez and William “Blueboy” Estrella were walking to school, just like they do together most days. Estrella and Rodriguez could hear a faint sound of a man calling for help – both were a little skeptical, which turned to nervousness when they saw a man, Ed Baltierra, lying in his front yard. His face was lying in a pool of blood that came from his broken nose and broken teeth. Baltierra had fallen when he tripped over rocks in his front yard and had been lying there for a couple of hours. “I was nervous because at first I didn’t know what to do,” Estrella said. Rodriguez shared a similar feeling, not knowing what the outcome would be simply by looking at a man who was in need of help. “My stomach kind of twisted thinking if I don’t save him, he might die,” Rodriguez said. “If we do save him, what will happen? Mainly, what was going through my mind was if he was going to make it or not and I was kind of panicking.” After the initial shock of the situation, the two broke off from each other. Estrella ran to the nearby Northwest Fire station, while Rodriguez went in search of the man’s wife.

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Foothills Optimist Club helping Marana swim program again

The Foothills Optimist Club is donating $1,000 to provide swim passes for the Town’s program for underserved youth. Representatives will make a check presentation to Mayor Ed Honea on June 13 at 1 p.m. at the Marana Pool (13250 N. Lon Adams Road). The contribution provides summer-long passes to qualifying children. This is the eighth year the club has supported the program, raising its overall contribution to $15,000. “The Town appreciates the tremendous support we have received from the Foothills Optimist Club,” Honea said. “It’s important to have partners who care about the community.” "As one of the club's major annual projects, the Foothills Optimist Club is pleased to again partner with the Town of Marana in supporting the summer swim pool pass program,” Club President Wally Smith said. “Optimist clubs seek in 'Bringing Out the Best in Kids' and this is an important way that we can support young people and our community." The Foothills club is one of 26 Optimist clubs in the Tucson area. Its web address is www.foothillsoptimistcluboftucson.com.
Oro Valley Parks and Recreation schedule of event

Summer Kick-off Event at the Aquatic Center Date: Monday, May 27, 2013 Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Location: Oro Valley Aquatic Center, 23 W. Calle Concordia Join us for free pizza, music and opportunities to register for swim lessons and summer classes and programs! Family Summer Passes will be available for purchase (three-month passes are $155 for Oro Valley residents; $180 for non-residents). Vendor/Instructor informational tents will be set up around the pool. Fitness Partner Program Participants will also be on site to promote dual memberships. Five Dollar Family Nights at the Aquatic Center
Pima County approves tentative budget; no significant expansion or reduction in services

The Pima County Board of Supervisors approved a tentative $1.27 billion budget for next fiscal year that maintains service levels despite ongoing reductions in revenues. The approval, which came on a 3-2 vote, sets an upper “ceiling” for the budget, which caps the total budget allocation as well as the proposed property tax levy. The board can reduce the expenditures or transfer funds among agencies, as appropriate, but cannot increase the budget prior to adoption of the final budget on June 18. The adopted tentative budget is $3.9 million higher than the budget recommended by the County Administrator in late April, but still lower by 14 percent than the budget of six years ago when the recession began. In that time, budgets for General Fund departments have been cut 11.5 percent since Fiscal Year 2007/08, and the County workforce has shrunk by 12.8 percent. In a procedural vote, Supervisors indicated that while they may not ultimately adopt a budget at the higher amount, it will provide additional flexibility as they weigh pressing needs, such as transportation improvements as well as considering appropriate levels of compensation for public safety employees, including the Sheriff’s Department.

Today's Top Headlines

Today's Headlines

(May 24) Today's Top Headlines - Interstate bridge collapses near Seattle

National Transportation Safety Board investigators are trying Friday to determine what caused part of an Interstate 5 bridge to fall into the Skagit River 55 miles north of Seattle on Thursday. Just before the collapse, a semitruck carrying a heavy load struck the side of the four-lane bridge. The collapse sent two cars plunging into the frigid water. Nobody was killed, but three people were rescued from the river and taken to hospitals. Two had hypothermia.
(May 24) Today's Top Headlines Jury fails to decide Arias' fate

On Thursday, jurors in the Jodi Arias trial failed to reach a unanimous decision on whether or not the convicted killer deserves life in prison or the death penalty for the 2008 murder of Travis Alexander. The jury was comprised of the same panel that convicted Arias of first-degree murder earlier this month. Now, a new jury will be selected on July 18. If the second panel cannot reach a unanimous verdict, the decision will fall on the judge, who will have to decide whether she will be sentenced to life or make her eligible for parole in 25 years. In a televised interview on Wednesday, Arias said if the jury does not convict her to death it would only be for revenge. Arias has publicly announced she is hoping for the death penalty.
(May 24) Today's Top Headlines - The stories of the day

1. BOY SCOUTS ADMIT GAY YOUTHS, NOT ADULTS The Boy Scouts of America voted Thursday to allow openly gay scouts into the organization, starting next January. The decision came after years of divisive internal debate and a corporate boycott, and reversed decades of BSA policy. The organization's national council approved the change by a comfortable 61 percent to 38 percent margin. But the Boy Scouts didn't consider lifting their ban on openly gay scout leaders, ensuring that the debate over the treatment of gays would continue. [New York Times] ……………………………………………………………………………… 2. OBAMA DEFENDS DRONE STRIKES BUT PROMISES TO LIMIT THEIR USE In a sweeping national security speech Thursday, President Obama said the U.S. had reached a "crossroads" in the terror war. He said the country now faces a narrower threat from small groups rather than major al Qaeda plots. Obama defended drone strikes, saying they had "saved lives," but called for limiting them and other post-9/11 counterterrorism tactics. He also renewed a vow to close the Guantanamo prison. Conservatives said Obama was underestimating the enduring al Qaeda threat. [Washington Post] ………………………………………………………………………………

Entertainment

Review: The Hangover Part III – The return of the red-eye

While The Hangover Part III may seem like a retread of very familiar ground, this “final” film in the Hangover trilogy completely abandons the trademark formula that typically sets Phil, Stu and Alan up to figure out what the heck happened the night before. Instead they are still recovering from the debauchery that occurred in the first film from 2009. Nevertheless, this is still a very funny movie. It’s been four years since the original Hangover events and though Phil (Bradley Cooper) and Stu (Ed Helms) seem to have recovered from their Vegas and Bangkok (The Hangover Part II- 2011) misadventures, the spoiled man-child, Alan (Zach Galifianakis), is still living with his parents spending a carefree life of blissful irresponsibility. After Alan has an unfortunate accident with a giraffe on the freeway and then sits idly by, listening to Billy Joel’s “My Life” with his headphones on, as his father, Sid (Jeffrey Tambor), dies from a heart-attack; the responsible members of the “Wolfpack” decide it’s time for their furriest member to get some professional help. While on a road-trip to take Alan to an Arizona rehab facility the friends are abducted by a mobster named Marshall (John Goodman) and his crew, including Black Doug (Mike Epps) from the original Hangover. With a twisted viewpoint that only makes sense to the gangster, Marshall holds the Wolfpack responsible for millions of dollars in gold that was stolen from him by their evil acquaintance, Leslie Chow (Ken Jeong); and so he kidnaps Alan’s brother, Doug (Justin Bartha), and threatens to kill him unless the goofy gang can bring Chow to him. Chow has recently escaped from a Bangkok prison and made his way back to the United States. He’s been in casual contact with Alan via text messages and when the team determines he is in Tijuana, they head south of the border to try to apprehend the crazy androgynous Asian. Hangover hijinks ensue as the Wolfpack swings between helping Chow and trying to hunt him down for Marshall. And before you can say, “back, Jack, do it again,” they find themselves back in Vegas where they end up running into old friends, like Jade (Heather Graham) and her baby – now a young boy – from the first film; and Alan even falls in love with a pawn shop owner played by the popular and funny Melissa McCarthy in a cameo appearance.
Abrams has made the best ‘Star Trek’ movie

On paper, J.J. Abrams’ 2009 “Star Trek” is one of those movies that should have crashed and burned. A reboot of a beloved franchise with younger, lesser-known actors stepping into the shoes of an iconic cast of characters. The fact that Abrams went on record stating that he was never a huge “Star Trek” fan didn’t bode well either. Against all odds, though, Abrams not only produced a great “Star Trek” picture, but quite possibly the best “Star Trek” ever made. That’s right, even better than “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.” Of course that’s a personal preference. A fair deal of Trekkies, or Trekkers to be politically correct, might argue that Abrams’ film betrayed the essence of the original “Star Trek” series. The film’s epic action sequences felt more like something you’d see in a “Star Wars” movie than in a “Star Trek” movie. Regardless, it’s hard to complain when the action set pieces were some of the most dazzling and intense of modern blockbusters. Plus, it’s not just the colorful eye candy that made Abrams’ “Star Trek” so outstanding, but also the rich collection of ideas, characters, and philosophies. Isn’t that what “Star Trek” has always been about? Just about everything that made Abrams’ film great is on display in it’s follow-up, “Star Trek: Into Darkness.” Chris Pine continues to do an ideal job as James T. Kirk, who has learned much as captain of the USS Enterprise. The only thing Kirk has yet to learn is how to handle defeat It doesn’t help that Zachary Quinto’s always-logical Mr. Spock undermines Kirk’s reckless tactics around every corner. Kirk and Spock are forced to put their differences aside when Benedict Cumberbatch’s John Harrison, a Starfleet agent gone bad, bombs a branch of the United Federation of Planets. It’s up to Kirk’s crew to track Harrison down and boldly blow stuff up in the process. Like William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy before them, Pine and Quinto share a heartfelt, funny, and intriguing dynamic that’s equal parts friendship and rivalry. Quinto in particular does a first-rate job at giving a lot of depth to a character that at times appears completely emotionless. Karl Urban, Zoe Saldana, Simon Pegg, John Cho, and Anton Yelchin meanwhile persist to shine as the supporting characters we all know and love. There is a dull romance subplot and a couple new characters that are somewhat underdeveloped. “Star Trek: Into Darkness” more than makes up for those minor shortcomings, however, with its villain. Cumberbatch is perfectly menacing and complex as John Harrison, who will play a key role in the destiny of our heroes. For all those that haven’t already read the spoilers online, I won’t ruin the big twist regarding this character. Lets just say he’s not an actor posing as a terrorist ala “Iron Man 3.”
Sippin' Social: The Explorer visits Metropolitan Grill

Last week, staff from The Explorer stepped foot into the Metropolitan Grill, otherwise known as “America’s Kitchen,” located at 7892 N. Oracle Road. Happy Hour runs from 3 p.m. to close daily, with $1 off all drinks and a $3 snack menu. Immediately noticeable upon entering was the laid-back atmosphere, highlighted by soft music and lighting, a friendly hello from the bar staff, and the convenience of self-seating – an ideal setting for the individual just finishing the workday and looking to relieve the pains of the week without dealing with any red tape. Service was nearly immediate, not so abrupt that we couldn’t get settled, but quick enough that within a couple minutes we were ordering our first round of drinks. Then came a hiccup – and it wasn’t from the beers we ordered. That’s because neither of the beers coworker Randy Metcalf and myself ordered were in stock. We did our best to shrug it off.

Sports

Padres to host fireworks display after Friday's game

The Tucson Padres return home for an exciting eight-game homestand against the top two teams in the Southern Division – the Sacramento River Cats (A’s affiliate) and the Fresno Grizzlies (Giants affiliate). The Padres are tied for second place, ½ game out of first in the standings. Below is a game-by-game preview of the upcoming promotions and specials at Kino Stadium. FRIDAY, MAY 24 - 7:05 pm FROSTY FRIDAY, presented by Golden Eagle / WESTERN LITTLE LEAGUE NIGHT - Enjoy $2.00 Budweiser products and $3.00 margaritas until 9:00 pm. The Western Little League will also have a fundraiser to raise much needed funds for their program. SATURDAY, MAY 25 - 7:05 pm GIANT FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR presented by Western Refining & GIANT, Chase and KOLD NEWS 13 NOW - This is the second of seven fireworks shows in 2013. Fans can bring the family as the skies light up above Kino Stadium. Fans can stop by their favorite GIANT Convenience store all season long to pick up a coupon good for $2.00 off General Admission or Box Seat tickets to any of the post-game fireworks shows this season (excluding July 4th). SUNDAY, MAY 26 - 7:05 pm CHASE MILITARY APPRECIATION NIGHT / BARK IN THE PARK presented by KIIM FM – All military personnel (active, retired and veterans) and a guest will be admitted for two FREE box seats with Military ID compliments of Chase and the Jim Click Automotive Group. The military ID should be presented at the Padres Box Office. Dogs will also be admitted free with their owners, with the first 200 dogs receiving a free Frisbee ring, courtesy of PointGuardU.com. Fans may sit on the berm or in their seats with their four-legged friends. The Bark in the Park offer will apply at all Padres Sunday home games. MONDAY, MAY 27 - 7:05 pm MEMORIAL DAY SPECIAL – The Tucson Padres are planning a special day to remember the fine men and women that have served our country and are extending their military appreciation offer for the game on Memorial Day. All Active Duty, Reserve and Military Retirees receive TWO FREE box seat tickets with valid military ID. TUESDAY, MAY 28 - 7:05 pm EEGEE’S FREE TICKET NIGHT - Stop by your favorite eegee’s restaurant in the Tucson area and get your FREE tickets to this game.
Omaha come back, beats Padres 5-1

Tucson Padres Game Summary May 23, 2013 Omaha 5 Tucson 1 WP: Dwyer (4-2) LP: O’Sullivan (3-3) S: None
Padres beat Omaha 7-5

Tucson Padres Game Summary May 22, 2013 Tucson 7 Omaha 5 WP: Vincent (4-3) LP: Bueno (1-1) S: Mikolas (8) Time: 3:26 Attn: 4,528 The Tucson Padres pounded 14 hits Wednesday in a 7-5, come-from-behind win over Omaha. With the victory, the Padres move to four games over .500 and into a second-place tie with Sacramento. The Storm Chasers jumped ahead 2-0 in the first inning on consecutive sacrifice flies from Max Ramirez and Xavier Nady. Jesus Merchan got one run back in the top of the second with a two-out RBI single. After Omaha responded in the bottom half of the inning with an RBI single from Brett Hayes, Cody Decker hit a game-tying two-run double. The Padres did not hit any home runs in the game but bounced five hits off the left field wall. The former San Diego Padre Nady lead off the bottom of the fourth with his seventh home run of the year, putting the Storm Chasers in front, 4-3. After Omaha added a run in the fifth, the Padres scored one in the sixth off Justin Miller’s RBI groundout. Tucson took its first lead of the game in the seventh when Rene Rivera lined a two-run single to center with two outs. The Padres scored once more in the eighth on Gregorio Petit’s RBI double, the team’s eighth extra-base hit of the game. Nick Vincent earned his fourth win of the season, while Miles Mikolas converted his eighth save. The two relievers along with Daniel Stange combined to throw 4.1 scoreless innings. Francisley Bueno lost his first game for Omaha after allowing three runs on five hits. Next Game: Thursday, 4:35 pm at Omaha (Royals affiliate) – Tucson RHP Sean O’Sullivan (3-2, 3.96) vs. Omaha LHP Chris Dwyer (3-2, 3.10). Game coverage begins at 4:25 pm on 1290 AM The Source and tucsonpadres.com. Next Home Game: Friday, 7:05 pm vs. Sacramento (A's affiliate). Frosty Friday, $2.00 Budweiser, margaritas and tacos until 9:00 pm.

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(May 22) Today's Top Headlines IRS official invokes her Fifth Amendment rights (1)

Councilman Zinkin defends trip (1)

Marana Town Talk: Hot temperatures are here, don’t forget the pool (1)

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