Bringing Movies Back to Tucson

Originally posted at exrai.com

I had the pleasure Saturday to meet Robert Shelton, no not the former President of the University of Arizona, the man that ran Old Tucson back when it was a thriving movie set. I can’t emphasize the word “was” enough. Old Tucson is only a shade of what it once was, after a devastating fire and a change in ownership, its never been the same.

This is from Old Tucson’s website about Shelton:

In 1959, Midwest entrepreneur Robert Shelton saw more than an antiquated movie set when he set eyes on Old Tucson Studios. He saw potential for expanding it from the ghost town it had become into a viable movie studio and family attraction. Shelton leased the property from Pima County and began to restore the forgotten town. Old Tucson Studios re-opened in 1960, as a film studio and a family fun park as well.

The park continued to grow, literally building by building, with each movie filmed on its dusty streets. Western film legend John Wayne, who soon became friends with studio owner Shelton, starred in four movies at Old Tucson Studios and each production added buildings to the town. Rio Bravo (1959) added a saloon, bank building and doctor’s office; from MCLINTOCK! (1963) came the McLintock Hotel; El Dorado (1967) left Old Tucson Studios with a facelift on Front Street; and from Rio Lobo (1970) came a cantina, a granite lined creek, a jail and Phillip’s ranch house.

The stampede of movie productions during those early years include, The Deadly Companions (1961), starring Brian Keith and Maureen O’Hara; Lilies of the Field (1962) starring Sidney Poitier ; Have Gun Will Travel (1962); The Outrage (1964) and Hombre (1966) with Paul Newman; and episodes of Bonanza (1966, ‘71, ‘72); Death Valley Days (1966-69); and High Chaparral (1966-’71).

Old Tucson Studios became the premier, privately owned, western film location. In 1968, a 13,000 square foot soundstage was built to give Old Tucson Studios complete movie-making versatility. The first film to use the soundstage was Young Billy Young (1968), starring Robert Mitchum and Angie Dickenson. That same year, Shelton also purchased the Mescal property, Old Tucson’s second filming location just 40 miles southeast of Tucson.

Tucson is really hurting for business, mostly because our city is run by people that either really don’t like Tucson and are trying to drive it into the ground (that’s a joke) or they are so tied to their leftist agenda that they are doing more harm than good.

There is a Senate Bill that we should all throw our support around.

Arizona Public Media reports back in April:

Senate Bill 1409 would extend a tax credit to movie productions companies that come to work in Arizona. The current tax credit expires at the end of this fiscal year, and SB 1409 would not only extend the credit but it would also increase it to as much as 30% if certain criteria are met dealing with the amount of money spent in the state and the number of Arizona residents hired for the production. Backers of the bill say it is needed to keep movie companies shooting in Arizona. They point to the 2007 version of 3:10 to Yuma, none of which was filmed in Arizona. Opponents, however, say the tax credit is too much and movie companies make enough money they don’t need the financial help.

On April 5, 2010 the full Senate failed the proposal on an 11-16 vote.

On April 6, 2010 the Senate reconsidered the vote on SB 1409 and passed the bill on a 16-13 vote.

This would bring a lot of business to Arizona and hopefully turn Tucsn, not just Old Tucson, into a place where Hollywood can once again film some movies. With its natural light, great weather and short distance to California, Tucson is a great place for filming movies.

From what I can tell SB 1409 died in the Arizona House, I don’t know for sure. I’ve sent out an email in hopes of getting an answer to that question.

If you’d like to listen to last weekends Voices of the West program click on the link below and listen to or download the file.

Voices of the West 7-24-10

Obama to Kyl: Won’t secure the border

Arizona Senator Jon Kyl reveals President Obamas border plan at Tempe town hall.

Red State:

On June 18, 2010, Arizona Republican Senator Jon Kyl told the audience at a North Tempe Tea Party town hall meeting that during a private, one-on-one meeting with President Obama in the Oval Office, the President told him, regarding securing the southern border with Mexico, “The problem is, . . . if we secure the border, then you all won’t have any reason to support ‘comprehensive immigration reform.’” [Audible gasps were heard throughout the audience.] Sen. Kyl continued, “In other words, they’re holding it hostage. They don’t want to secure the border unless and until it is combined with ‘comprehensive immigration reform.’”

Sen. Kyl also said he reminded President Obama that the President and the Congress have an obligation, a duty, to secure the border.

And here’s the video from the town hall meeting.

HT: Red State and Memeorandum

Another Look at Arizona’s SB 1070

I’d like to address SB 1070 once again. Its getting to be a bit disappointing how much the left has distorted this piece of legislation. You wouldn’t believe how many times I’ve heard people say that a cop can now pull someone over because they look a certain way, or they believe they are in the country illegally. That is simply not true. This is leftist drivel, it is a lie.

I’ve quoted it before, and I will quote it again. (I underlined for emphasis)

A. NO OFFICIAL OR AGENCY OF THIS STATE OR A COUNTY, CITY, TOWN OR OTHER POLITICAL SUBDIVISION OF THIS STATE MAY ADOPT A POLICY THAT LIMITS OR RESTRICTS THE ENFORCEMENT OF FEDERAL IMMIGRATION LAWS TO LESS THAN THE FULL EXTENT PERMITTED BY FEDERAL LAW.

B. FOR ANY LAWFUL CONTACT MADE BY A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIAL OR AGENCY OF THIS STATE OR A COUNTY, CITY, TOWN OR OTHER POLITICAL SUBDIVISION OF THIS STATE WHERE REASONABLE SUSPICION EXISTS THAT THE PERSON IS AN ALIEN WHO IS UNLAWFULLY PRESENT IN THE UNITED STATES, A REASONABLE ATTEMPT SHALL BE MADE, WHEN PRACTICABLE, TO DETERMINE THE IMMIGRATION STATUS OF THE PERSON. THE PERSON’S IMMIGRATION STATUS SHALL BE VERIFIED WITH THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT PURSUANT TO 8 UNITED STATES CODE SECTION 1373(c).

There has to be what is called “lawful contact” and racial profiling is not lawful contact. You cannot pull someone over because they are Mexican or Latino, whatever term you wish to use. That is simply a lie. If you are speeding down the road and you get pulled over, the cop then has the ability to ask for your immigration status if there is a reason to ask. If you have a taillight out and a cop pulls you over, the cop can then ask for your immigration status if there is a reason to ask. In the original version of 1070 race could be a factor, but only after that “lawful contact” was made, it could not be the sole factor. Again, lawful contact comes after someone has committed a crime. And now with the addition of HB 2162 that isn’t even allowed. But you never hear anything about HB 2162 out of the media.

Please understand that this law does not go any farther than the federal law. This law is the law that is supposed to be enforced by the federal government, but sadly, is not. The outright lie that a cop can pull you over because you look like an illegal immigrant needs to stop. The other argument that this is somehow like Nazi Germany asking for “papers” needs to end. As outlined in HB 2162, a drivers license is a legitimate form identification.

Here’s a question that I haven’t heard. SB 1070 enforces federal law at the state level. Provided my previous statement is true, there are officers that the federal government gives the proper authority to to enforce our immigration laws. Why, if Arizona is taking advantage of the same law at the state level, has the federal law not been deemed racist?

Here’s what 8 United States Code Section 1373(c) says:

(a) In general
Notwithstanding any other provision of Federal, State, or local
law, a Federal, State, or local government entity or official may
not prohibit, or in any way restrict, any government entity or
official from sending to, or receiving from, the Immigration and
Naturalization Service information regarding the citizenship or
immigration status, lawful or unlawful, of any individual.
(b) Additional authority of government entities
Notwithstanding any other provision of Federal, State, or local
law, no person or agency may prohibit, or in any way restrict, a
Federal, State, or local government entity from doing any of the
following with respect to information regarding the immigration
status, lawful or unlawful, of any individual:
(1) Sending such information to, or requesting or receiving
such information from, the Immigration and Naturalization
Service.
(2) Maintaining such information.
(3) Exchanging such information with any other Federal, State,
or local government entity.
(c) Obligation to respond to inquiries
The Immigration and Naturalization Service shall respond to an
inquiry by a Federal, State, or local government agency, seeking to
verify or ascertain the citizenship or immigration status of any
individual within the jurisdiction of the agency for any purpose
authorized by law, by providing the requested verification or
status information.

If Arizona’s new immigration bill is so racist, why is 8 United States Code Section 1373 not just as racist as SB 1070? I just don’t understand it.

The truth of the matter is that the federal government does not want to enforce our immigration laws. The truth is that “comprehensive,” the word so often used by our federal government with regard to just about any issue whether it be health care or illegal immigration, really means “all.” As Victor Davis Hanson says “’Comprehensive’ is a euphemism for amnesty.” He is exactly right.

I don’t favor amnesty, but I do favor legal immigration. I support finding the criminals (drug traffickers, human smugglers, gang members or anyone with an extensive crime record) within the population of the current illegal immigrants and deporting them. I support building a wall that separates Mexico from the United States, that stops the flow of illegal immigrants and keeps people out. I support making it easier to come into this country to find work and to raise a family legally. I support the death of stupid laws that do not make the former possible. I support getting people that have already waited in line into the country legally. Because I am a pragmatist and I recognize that deporting nearly 10 million people is virtually impossible, I support finding a way to help those who have already illegally arrived in this country. We need a system that forces them to pay for their crime of illegal entry, and allows them to stay in the country if they are willing to pay for their crime. I also support automatic citizenship for anyone that is willing to fight and die for our country.

That is not radical, racist or xenophobic. I want our country to continue to be a country of immigrants, but I want them to come here legally. I also want them to become Americans, not Mexican Americans or Chinese Americans. I want them to be one of us. I want to welcome them to this country, as my relatives were welcomed in 1910 and show them what freedom and liberty is in this great Republic.

Spring in Tucson

Last week I was house sitting in Starr Pass, I had the pleasure of getting up and taking some early morning walks on Players Club Dr. That got me thinking about Spring in Tucson and what Tucson has to offer.

Many people will claim that Tucson does not have seasons, but to notice Tucson’s seasons requires a bit of an open mind and willingness to look around and see the subtle changes. Take the Prickly Pear cactus for example, at this time of year it will start sprouting new pads. This is a Spring time favorite of mine, because cactus are unique in that they don’t die off in the Fall and sprout a new in the Spring, they just continue to add on. So to watch these cactus add one more pad to each arm is something that I look forward to every year at this time.

Tucson’s weather changes in the Spring. Mornings in Tucson are brisk, but once the sun comes up its warm enough to go out dressed lightly. Day time temperatures are in the 70′s and 80′s and it is generally sunny, nice weather to plant a garden, go on a bike ride or a nice walk on the path at Reid Park. Evenings are nice in the Spring, they are not hot like the Summer, but they are the perfect temperature to enjoy a meal outside or open a window or two. Over night it gets a little chilly, but its not too bad.

Spring is a season of new births in Tucson. Pay close attention and you’ll see a family of quail running across the street or through your front yard. Baby bunnies, gofers and javelina’s (peccaries) can be seen running around the desert. You might hear some miniature tweets coming from atop a Saguaro cactus, that’s more than likely a woodpeckers home and the babies calling out for some food.

The Catalina Mountains majestically hang over the city of Tucson, the mountains in Tucson have a lot to offer, especially when it comes to hiking. You have Pusch Ridge on the far West side and Sabino Canyon and the road to Mount Lemmon on the far Southeast side of the Catalina mountain range, all of which are good Spring time activities. I’ve hiked Pusch Ridge twice, though it is not a hike for those just looking to walk a trail, it can get pretty rigorous at times, so I’d recommend you bring a lot of water, a snack and prepare to be very tired after you get done. A trip to Mount Lemmon to see the melting snow is a joy as well. All of the melting snow will result in some awesome water falls in Sabino Canyon and also along trails in Catalina State Park.

The Tucson Mountain’s have a lot to offer as well. A couple of years ago I “hiked” Wasson Peak with some friends. This hike is much easier, its basically a slightly uphill walk through the desert, with a lot of switch backs and when you reach the top you have some pretty good views of Tucson. Bring some water and a snack, but don’t anticipate anything too grueling here. And there is never a bad time to visit “A” Mountain if you haven’t seen it before, but generally speaking once is enough.

If you’re looking for an event to go to, Spring is a good time to mark your calendar. Spring Fling, the largest student run carnival in the country starts this Friday and goes through the weekend at Rillito Downs. Admission is $5, students, children under 7 and military get in free (ID needed). Parking at Spring Fling is $5. The Spring SAHBA (Southern Arizona Home Builders Association) Home and Patio show starts this Friday and goes through the weekend. General admission is $8, military discounts are available, children 12 and under are free and they have 50/50 Friday, if your over 50 its half off. Hours are 10am to 7pm Friday and Saturday, and 10am to 6pm Sunday. The Pima County Fair starts on April 15^th and goes through the 25^th. The fair has a lot of rides and some good entertainment this year, Ted Nugent, the Commodores, Jason Derulo, Jake Owen, Atreyu and Banda el Recodo will all play during its 10 days of operation. General admission is $7, kids 6-10 $2, 5 and under free. Opens weekdays at 12pm, weekends at 10am, with the carnival in operation weekdays at 3pm and weekends at 11am. On May 19^th the Tucson Toros are back in town with their first home game against the Edmonton Capitals. The Toros will play throughout the Summer and on into the Fall with their last game on September 4^th. General admission is just $6, upper level reserved seating is $8 and VIP box seats are $10 (seating chart).

I hope this gives you an idea of what Spring in Tucson has to offer. I know that I sure do enjoy the this time of year.

Tucson Based Medical Society Sues Federal Government

The Tucson based medical society, The Association of American Physicians and Surgeons, is suing the federal government, in hopes that they can overturn the recently passed health care reform bill, also known as the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, in AAPS vs. Sebelius.

According to Mondays press release:

Court action is necessary “to preserve individual liberty” and “to prevent PPACA from bankrupting the United States generally and Medicare and Social Security specifically,” AAPS stated.

Executive director of AAPS Dr. Jane Orient said “If the PPACA goes unchallenged, then it spells the end of freedom in medicine as we know it.”

AAPS is claiming that the bill “violates the Fifth Amendment protection against the government forcing one person to pay cash to another.” And according to the release “AAPS is the first to assert this important constitutional claim.” They also say that the bill “violates the Tenth Amendment, the Commerce Clause, and the provisions authorizing taxation.”

AAPS may be the first medical society to sue the federal government over the health care bill, but I’m sure they will not be the last. I had the pleasure of producing the KVOI radio program Americas Fabric, a show that featured AAPS’ Dr. Jane Orient who spoke to this subject.

My New Local Tucson Blog

Welcome to my local version of eXrai, I call it eXrai Tucson, I know, real original. There is a lot going on locally in Tucson and I think that it is a good idea to start blogging on some of the issues that Tucson faces, events that are happening in Tucson and what I think are some of the ways that we can make things happen in Tucson.

Like my original eXrai blog, this will be a politics and news oriented site that comes from a conservative Christian perspective. If you live in

Tucson for any amount of time it won’t take you long to start to see that it is not really the most conservative city in the world. Tucson is a university city and we also seem to attract a lot of the lefties that couldn’t imagine living in Phoenix that still want to live in the desert. That doesn’t mean that we don’t have our conservative areas, it just means that we are to the left of neighboring Phoenix.

This blog will probably be updated less than my national news oriented blog, I’m hoping to update about twice a week, probably after I do my news shifts at work on Thursday’s and Friday’s. I might post things from my national blog on here from time to time as well, if it has some kind of a local angle to it.

I will also hook this up to Town Hall Tucson, a community blog that my boss Doug started a while back for Tucsonans to share their opinions. There is a bit of a problem, they use Blogger and not WordPress, so I’ll have to create a Blogger account and try to find a way to syndicate this blog over to that site, I might start using Windows Live Writer to do that.

I will also find other creative ways to get the word out on this blog.

I hope you enjoy it and I hope that I can make it work.

-Ray