Its been 30 years since Catalina State Parks opened in the Coronado National Forest north of Oro Valley.

Late desert evenings carry with them a certain mysticism; quiet, yet full of life, possessing warmness and camaraderie in the most unexpected places. The dark alleyways of Tucson’s Church Avenue and Washington street ooze with this mysticism. Bouts of distant laughter cut the stillness of the air, and a closer look through the rustic wooden gates of La Cocina reveals a cozy conglomerate of friends huddled together in an old adobe building, drinks in hand, as they watch local Tucson band Ex-Cowboy serenade those in attendance. There are smiles all around, and everyone is basking in the celebration of Tucson’s local solidarity. From an outsider’s perspective this is a special moment in time, but for La Cocina’s friendly staff, this is Thursday. This magic occurs every night at the local eatery, bar, and music venue. And with additional local and national musicians pouring in to grace La Cocina’s stage, there is no doubt that the enchantment will continue to flourish for some time.

Arizona high school students plan to raise awareness about tobacco use in their communities, encourage others to reject the tobacco industry’s deceptive messages and urge local leaders to protect kids from being recruited as a new generation of smokers. As members of STAND (Students Taking A New Direction), a statewide anti-tobacco youth coalition, these young people know that every year more than 500,000 people die from tobacco use. As such, their message is urgent and their demonstration will be memorable.

Earlier today, after lengthy debate, the U.S. Houes of Representatives passed the Senate-passed version of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).

People are a product of their upbringing, and Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick (D-Ariz.) is no exception.

Throughout my life, friends and family have commented on my sometimes unique “to do” list.  Setting goals and making a commitment to successfully achieve them has provided personal satisfaction and success in my life’s achievements.

In response to the massacre at a Newtown Conn. elementary school, Arizona Attorney General Tom Horne is proposing a program that would train and arm one school official for every campus.

Broadway-Style Holiday Show Spreads Spirit across Tucson with 2 venues, 4

U.S. Rep. Ron Barber today urged the Environmental Protection Agency to reconsider proposed emissions requirements and timelines that would eliminate jobs in Southern Arizona and lead to higher rates for customers in rural Cochise County.

Pinal County, a Democratic county encumbered with a history of corruption, has been viewed by many as primarily a rural void between Maricopa and Pima counties.  

Paul Babeu’s lies never quit — they just get more outrageous. His latest target is Pinal County Attorney James Walsh, and why is he going after Mr. Walsh? Because he can’t control him, that’s why.  Attorney Walsh has stood up to Babeu’s bullying and has refused to cave in to his ridiculous demands. Because there’s nothing in Walsh’s record or performance to criticize, Babeu has been flat out making stuff up. He throws out crazy numbers that have already been discredited by the experts about how Walsh never puts anyone in jail. It’s nonsense of course — and frankly, if the sheriff is that worried about criminals in the county, he should go out and find them, which is his job, rather than spend his time and taxpayer money campaigning for himself and his friends. He’s so busy promoting Voyles, (who is his designated flunky), Cheryl Chase (his hand-picked supervisor candidate — and employee!) that he doesn’t have a minute to spare to actually do his job. James Walsh is about the only one in the county who can and will stand up to this bully. He’s also honest, professional and ethical. Please give him your vote.

Vote against Babeu

Ann Kirkpatrick is honored to announce the endorsements of law-enforcement leaders across Arizona's Congressional District 1 -- sheriffs or county attorneys from Apache, Coconino, Gila, Greenlee, Navajo, Pima and Pinal counties. Kirkpatrick has already received the endorsement of the Arizona Fraternal Order of Police.

The national Veterans and Military Families for Progress organization announced today it is endorsing Ann Kirkpatrick in Arizona’s Congressional District 1 in recognition of her support of veteran, active duty, guard, reserve, and military family issues.

The Governor’s Office is currently accepting applications for the Arizona Game and Fish Commission. Applications must be received or postmarked no later than 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 12. Applications received or postmarked after the deadline will not be considered.

Applications accepted through Oct. 12 The Governor’s office is currently accepting applications for the 2013 appointment to the Arizona Game and Fish Commission.

It was no doubt another sigh of relief for Eric Griego and his family.

MOVIES

The National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO) has announced its endorsement of Rich Carmona for U.S. Senate. NAPO represents more than 1,000 police units and associations, 241,000 sworn law enforcement officers and more than 100,000 citizens who share a common dedication to fair and effective crime control and law enforcement.

Name: Ann Kirkpatrick

U.S. Rep. Ron Barber welcomed today’s announcement that two Tucson-based organizations will receive nearly $1.9 million to provide services to veterans who are homeless or at risk of losing their homes.

The triple-digit temperatures are here, and so is the threat of a fire starting at any given moment. While fire officials put in nicely in asking the public to be vigilante in these dry summer months, this column will be a little more blunt. The bottom line being, use common sense and respect the land you are using for camping, living or driving.Those of you who smoke, use your ashtray. I still get annoyed when I’ve driving down the interstate in there’s an idiot flicking a cigarette butt out of the window. As the ashes stumbled along the asphalt, I find myself wishing that this is one of those moments where a cop is strategically placed in order to stop them immediately and fine them as much money as possible for putting lives and land in danger.

Ann Kirkpatrick is a small-business owner who knows the value of hard work and fiscal responsibility. She is a candidate in Congressional District 1, Arizona’s largest district. This fall, the district’s boundaries will include Oro Valley and Marana.

Due to the high risk of wildfire in southeastern Arizona, State Forester Scott Hunt today announced that the Arizona State Forestry Division will be implementing fire restrictions for 3.5 million acres of state-owned lands in that region.

MOVIES