Here are Cronkite News Service packages that moved during the week of Feb. 9-13. If you have questions or would like to receive the daily news digest by e-mail, please contact Steve Elliott at 602-496-0686 or steve.elliott@asu.edu. If you would like to monitor the status of packages and make requests via Twitter, please visit www.twitter.com/cronkitenews. A beta version of Cronkite News Service for mobile devices is available at https://cronkitenews.jmc.asu.edu/mobile.
WEEKEND SPECIALS
Sweep of grant funds leaves San Xavier restoration, other projects, in limbo
TUCSON _ Late last year, crews removed scaffolding that had covered the west tower of San Xavier Mission south of Tucson. Preservation experts had spent years removing a concrete coating, replacing damaged brick and restoring the original lime mortar cover, leaving half of the mission’s face a brilliant white. Restoration work was supposed to move this year to the east tower, which is disintegrating from the inside, but money for the project disappeared as lawmakers swept millions from a fund created for historic preservation, recreation and wildlife projects. As the nonprofit organization Patrinato San Xavier considers its next steps, the 200-year-old mission stands half-renovated. “The whole thing is frustrating because you want to believe the state lives up to its word,” said Vernon Lamplot, the group’s director. More than 100 projects _ some of them, like San Xavier, already under way _ stand to lose their funding when the Arizona State Parks Board meets to deal with millions of dollars swept from the Heritage Fund, which voters created by voters in 1990 to dispense some of the money from lottery proceeds.
Slug BC-CNS-Grants-San Xavier. By Jonathan J. Cooper. With BC-CNS-San Xavier-Box.
NOTE: A writethru to this story moved Thursday morning to clarify financial details behind the Heritage Fund. This story moved Wednesday afternoon. We recommend it for weekend use.
Camp Verde watches with worry as state park is threatened with closure
CAMP VERDE _ Jack Stewart and Jesse Rodrigues dress in cavalry garb to show visitors how soldiers lived when Fort Verde guarded settlers in the late 1800s. Peggy Morris, wearing a dress from that era, answers questions in the park’s museum. Other volunteers churn butter and perform other tasks to bring Fort Verde State Historic Park to life for visitors. Like other state parks in rural areas, Fort Verde is an economic engine for its community. But Camp Verde leaders say the park is much more to people here, connecting the community to its past. Fort Verde is among the state parks that could close due to budget cuts.
Slug BC-CNS-Fort Verde. By Andrea Wilson. With BC-CNS-Fort Verde-Box and BC-CNS-Parks-List.
NOTE: This story moved Thursday, Feb. 12. We recommend it for weekend use.
Photos Available (thumbnails, captions below)
WEEKDAY SPECIALS: For use throughout the week.
Verde Valley woman’s case spurs state lawmaker’s push for ‘right to light’
COTTONWOOD _ Alone on the long, dark drive home from work, Dibor Roberts said she feared for her safety when she saw red and blue lights behind her. She said she had no way to be sure that the lights were really from a law enforcement vehicle, which was the case, or from an imposter looking to rob her or worse. She didn’t pull over, saying later that she wanted to drive to the nearest lighted area. The pursuing officer arrested her, and Roberts is now on probation, convicted of fleeing a law officer and resisting arrest. “Nobody should have to experience the same thing I experienced,” Roberts said. Drawing from Roberts’ case, state Rep. Lucy Mason, R-Prescott, has introduced a bill that would allow someone being pursued by by a law officer on a dark, isolated roadway to reduce speed and signal the officer that he or she is going to drive to a lighted area.
Slug BC-CNS-Right to Light. By Sean Manget. With BC-CNS-Right to Light-Box.
NOTE: This story moved Tuesday, Feb. 10.
Photos Available (thumbnails, captions below)
Senator wants to require booster seats for children up to age 9
PEORIA _ Arizona law doesn’t require Destiny Tellef’s parents to strap her into a booster seat now that she’s 5, but she understands why they do even for trips just down the street. “Because if we get in a crash it’s really a lot safer,” she said, modeling a $30 booster seat during a recent children’s safety fair here. Forty-four states including California have laws requiring booster seats, which are used to properly position seat belts on children who have graduated from car seats. In Arizona, only those younger than 5 are required to travel in some kind of child-restraint system. Sen. Linda Gray, R-Phoenix, has introduced legislation that would require children under 9 years old and shorter than 4-foot-9 to be secured in child-restraint systems. SB 1050 also would add booster seats to the state’s definition of child-restraint systems. It’s one of several bills that AAA Arizona contends would make the state’s roads safer.
Slug BC-CNS-Traffic Safety. By Daniel Newhauser. With BC-CNS-Traffic Safety-Bills.
NOTE: This story moved Tuesday, Feb. 10.
Photos Available (thumbnails, captions below)
Lawmaker says bill would help control graffiti in Arizona communities
CASA GRANDE _ This city’s graffiti problem shows on a neighborhood wall covered top to bottom with giant black lettering. And a “NO OUTLET” sign that has said “NO U LET” since someone defaced it with blue spray paint. And an empty building sprayed with indecipherable letters. Wendy Edwards, a volunteer who coordinates Casa Grande’s graffiti-abatement program, said there’s no way the crews of juvenile offenders assigned to clean up the vandalism can possibly keep up. “We could probably paint every day in this town,” she said. A state lawmaker has introduced legislation that he said would help Arizona communities by making it illegal for minors to possess spray paint, fat-tipped markers and other items used to create graffiti. “If you go out there, you will see graffiti everywhere,” said Rep. Chad Campbell, a Democrat whose west Phoenix district has its own graffiti problems. “It’s just a plague on our community. Period.”
Slug BC-CNS-Graffiti Bill. By Michelle Price. With BC-CNS-Graffiti Bill-Box.
NOTE: This story moved Monday, Feb. 9.
Photos Available (thumbnails, captions below)
THE WEEK’S NEWS
Bill would give renters 30-day notice that property owner is in foreclosure
PHOENIX (Friday, Feb. 13) _ In this tough economy, too many renters wind up with no time to respond when they learn that a landlord faces foreclosure, a state lawmaker said Thursday. Sen. Leah Landrum-Taylor, D-Phoenix, announced legislation that would require landlords to provide foreclosure notification to renters. “I’ve received so many phone calls and even physical visits to my office of individuals that have been just been devastated by what’s going on,” Landrum-Taylor said.
Slug BC-CNS-Renters-Foreclosure. By Steven Falkenhagen. With BC-CNS-Renters-Foreclosure-Box.
Photo Available (thumbnail, caption below)
Lawmaker wants to legalize certain fireworks; firefighters group opposed
PHOENIX (Wednesday, Feb. 11) _ A state lawmaker wants you to be able to celebrate by lighting certain types of fireworks, such as sparklers, spinners and toy smoke devices, currently banned by state law. An organization representing Arizona firefighters isn’t hot for the idea. The bill sponsored by Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Gilbert, won an endorsement Wednesday from the House Commerce Committee.
Slug BC-CNS-Fireworks Bill. By Daniel Newhauser. With Photo and BC-CNS-Fireworks Bill-Box.
Photo Available (thumbnail, caption below)
Lawmaker wants to make it easier for people to access, use defibrillators
PHOENIX (Wednesday, Feb. 11) _ Every second counts when someone is having a heart attack, and a state lawmaker wants to make it more appealing for businesses to install life-saving automated external defibrillators and for people who use them. A House committee on Wednesday endorsed a bill sponsored by Rep. Nancy Barto, R-Phoenix, that would allow anyone trying to help out to use the devices.
Slug BC-CNS-Defibrillators-Protection. By Michelle Price. With BC-CNS-Defibrillators-Protection-Box.
Leaders hold safety summit, aim for zero fatalities on state roads
PHOENIX (Tuesday, Feb. 10) _ Sgt. Tad Wygal has investigated hundreds of traffic accidents for the police department in the small northern Arizona community of Williams. One will forever haunt him _ a single-car accident that killed five youths. “These are not numbers; these are people,” he said. On Tuesday, Wygal joined hundreds of people involved in transportation safety at a summit intended to reduce traffic fatalities in Arizona.
Slug BC-CNS-Safety Summit. By Alyson Zepeda. With BC-CNS-Safety Summit-Box.
Proponents rally for tuition tax credits for private school students
PHOENIX (Tuesday, Feb. 10) _ Students, teachers and parents descended Tuesday on the State Capitol to support tuition tax credits that would help students attend private schools. Proponents say the state’s budget crisis has put funds for the program in jeopardy.
Slug BC-CNS-Tuition Credits. By Steven Falkenhagen. With BC-CNS-Tuition Credits-Box.
NEW LAWMAKER PROFILES
Cronkite News Service is producing biographical sketches of new lawmakers in the Arizona State Legislature. There will be a mugshot with each. Please check back to this section of the News Digest for additions.
Rep. Christopher Deschene, D-St. Michaels (2/5)
Rep. Patricia V. Fleming, D-Sierra Vista (2/5)
Rep. Russell L. Jones, R-Yuma (2/13)
Sen. Debbie Lesko, R-Glendale (2/5)
Sen. Steve Pierce, R-Prescott (2/13)
Rep. Frank Pratt, R-Casa Grande (2/13)
Rep. Doug Quelland, R-Phoenix (2/5)
Rep. Carl Seel, R-Phoenix (2/13)
Rep. Rae Waters, D-Ahwatukee (2/5)
Rep. Vic Williams, R-Tucson (2/13)
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PHOTOS: Click thumbnails to see full-resolution images and download; caption information is in the file under File>File Info.
RENTERS-FORECLOSURE
CAPTION FOR BC-CNS-RENTERS-FORECLOSURE: Sen. Leah Landrum-Taylor, D-Phoenix, speaks Thursday, Feb. 12, 2009, at a news conference announcing legislation that would require landlords to provide tenants with 30 days notice that they face foreclosure. (Cronkite News Service/Steven Falkenhagen)
FORT VERDE
CAPTION FOR BC-CNS-FORT VERDE: Jack Stewart (left) of Flagstaff and Jesse Rodrigues of Prescott, volunteers at Fort Verde State Historic Park, dress in uniforms and show visitors how cavalry members lived with the fort was active in the late 1800s. Fort Verde is among the parks that could close due to state budget cuts. (Cronkite News Service Photo/Andrea Wilson)
CAPTION FOR BC-CNS-FORT VERDE: Peggy Morris, a volunteer at Fort Verde State Historic Park in Camp Verde, talks with a visitor about the park’s museum. Fort Verde is among the state parks that could be closed due to state budget cuts. (Cronkite News Service Photo/Andrea Wilson)
CAPTION FOR BC-CNS-FORT VERDE: These three original buildings are the heart of Fort Verde State Historic Park in Camp Verde. The park is among those that could close due to state budget cuts. (Cronkite News Service Photo/Andrea Wilson)
CAPTION FOR BC-CNS-FORT VERDE: This display marks the entrance to Camp Verde, home of Fort Verde State Historic Park. The park is among those that may close due to state budget cuts (Cronkite News Service Photo/Andrea Wilson)
FIREWORKS BILL
CAPTION FOR BC-CNS-FIREWORKS BILL: Carol and Herb Easley, owners of Easley’s Fun Shop, a Phoenix business specializing in party supplies and novelties, sent word to state lawmakers that they oppose a bill that would legalize certain types of fireworks, including sparklers, in Arizona. Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Gilbert, introduced legislation that won an endorsement Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2009, from the House Commerce Committee. The Easleys said they’d make money if the bill passes, but they think the fireworks would be unsafe. (Cronkite News Service Photo/Daniel Newhauser)
GRANTS-SAN XAVIER
CAPTION FOR BC-CNS-GRANTS-SAN XAVIER: Budget sweeps caused a nonprofit group restoring iconic San Xavier Mission in Tucson to lose a grant intended to start work on the structure’s east tower. Grants for this and other projects to preserve historic, cultural, natural and wildlife resources come from the Heritage Fund, which draws from lottery proceeds. (Cronkite News Service Photo/Jonathan J. Cooper)
CAPTION FOR BC-CNS-GRANTS-SAN XAVIER: A balcony at San Xavier Mission in Tucson shows damage that a nonprofit group had hoped to start repairing with a state grant that was cut due to budget sweeps. Grants for this and other projects to preserve historic, cultural, natural and wildlife resources come from the Heritage Fund, which draws from lottery proceeds. (Cronkite News Service Photo/Jonathan J. Cooper)
CAPTION FOR BC-CNS-GRANTS-SAN XAVIER: A wall at San Xavier Mission in Tucson shows water damage that a nonprofit group had hoped to start repairing with a state grant that was cut due to budget sweeps. Grants for this and other projects to preserve historic, cultural, natural and wildlife resources come from the Heritage Fund, which draws from lottery proceeds. (Cronkite News Service Photo/Jonathan J. Cooper)
SAFETY SUMMIT
CAPTION FOR BC-CNS-SAFETY SUMMIT: Sgt. Tad Wygal of the Williams Police Department discusses a 2007 crash that killed five youths during a safety summit that brought together hundreds of people from around Arizona. The program’s goal: zero fatalities on Arizona roads. (Cronkite News Service Photo/Alyson Zepeda)
CAPTION FOR BC-CNS-SAFETY SUMMIT: Sgt. Tad Wygal of the Williams Police Department pointed to five empty chairs representing youths killed in a 2007 crash in his community. Wygal was the keynote speaker at a safety summit Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2009, that together hundreds of people from around Arizona. The program’s goal: zero fatalities on Arizona roads. (Cronkite News Service Photo/Alyson Zepeda)
CAPTION FOR BC-CNS-SAFETY SUMMIT: This exhibit at a safety summit that brought together hundreds of people from around Arizona on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2009, educates against running red lights. The car shown was broadsided at an intersection. (Cronkite News Service Photo/Alyson Zepeda)
TUITION CREDITS
CAPTION FOR BC-CNS-TUITION CREDITS: Students make bubbles at a rally Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2009, supporting a state tax credit that funds private school scholarships. Leaders of the demonstration said the state’s budget woes endanger the program. (Cronkite News Service Photo/Steven Falkenhagen)
RIGHT TO LIGHT
CAPTION FOR BC-CNS-RIGHT TO LIGHT: Dibor Roberts of Cottonwood shows a Verde Valley road where she was pulled over after declining to stop in an area that she said was too dimly lit for her to be certain her pursuer was a law officer. Roberts is appealing her conviction of fleeing an officer and resisting arrest, and he case led state Rep. Lucy Mason, R-Prescott, to introduce a bill that would allow drivers pursued on dark, remote roads to slow down and signal to an officer that he or she wishes to drive to the next lighted area. (Cronkite News Service Photo/Sean Manget)
CAPTION FOR BC-CNS-RIGHT TO LIGHT: Dibor Roberts of Cottonwood shows a picture of her car after she was pulled over after declining to stop in an area that she said was too dimly lit for her to be certain her pursuer was a law officer. Roberts is appealing her conviction of fleeing an officer and resisting arrest, and he case led state Rep. Lucy Mason, R-Prescott, to introduce a bill that would allow drivers pursued on dark, remote roads to slow down and signal to an officer that he or she wishes to drive to the next lighted area. (Cronkite News Service Photo/Sean Manget)
TRAFFIC SAFETY
CAPTION FOR BC-CNS-BOOSTER SEATS: At a safety fair in Peoria on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2009, 5-year-old Destiny Tellef demonstrates how a booter seat helps position a seat belt on a child. A state senator has introduced a bill that would require that children who are under age 9 and shorter than 4-foot-9 be secured in booster seats. Arizona law currently requires child-restraint systems for those under 5. (Cronkite News Service Photo/Daniel Newhauser)
CAPTION FOR BC-CNS-BOOSTER SEATS: A booster seat is designed to position seat belts properly on children up to ages 10. This model can convert to having no back as a child grows. A state senator is sponsoring a bill to require booster seats for children younger than 9 years old and and shorter than 4-foot-9. (Cronkite News Service Photo/Daniel Newhauser)
GRAFFITI BILL
CAPTION FOR BC-CNS-GRAFFITI BILL: Wendy Edwards, a volunteer who coordinates graffiti cleanup in Casa Grande, show a wall defaced by black paint. State Rep. Chad Campbell, D-Phoenix, has introduced legislation that would bar youths from possessing spray paint, fat-tipped markers and other items used to create graffiti. (Cronkite News Service Photo/Michelle Price)
CAPTION FOR BC-CNS-GRAFFITI BILL: This street sign in Casa Grande has been defaced by graffiti. State Rep. Chad Campbell, D-Phoenix, has introduced legislation that would bar youths from possessing spray paint, fat-tipped markers and other items used to create graffiti. (Cronkite News Service Photo/Michelle Price)
CAPTION FOR BC-CNS-GRAFFITI BILL: This street sign in Casa Grande has been defaced by graffiti. State Rep. Chad Campbell, D-Phoenix, has introduced legislation that would bar youths from possessing spray paint, fat-tipped markers and other items used to create graffiti. (Cronkite News Service Photo/Michelle Price)
CAPTION FOR BC-CNS-GRAFFITI BILL: This warning barrier in Casa Grande has been defaced by graffiti. State Rep. Chad Campbell, D-Phoenix, has introduced legislation that would bar youths from possessing spray paint, fat-tipped markers and other items used to create graffiti. (Cronkite News Service Photo/Michelle Price)