Fast start at aquatics center

Annie Chandler was an 18-time All-American for the University of Arizona and helped propel the UA team to the 2008 national championship. She'll be at Fitter and Faster swim clinic, too.

Utility 'smart meters' raise health, expense concerns

Smart meters like this have been installed in TEP homes.

The Bullock Fire in 2002

A Forest Service plane dumps slurry on the Bullock Fire, which had grown to 3,000 acres by May 22, 2002, the day after the fire started.

The Bullock Fire in 2002

The Bullock Fire picks up speed on the second day as it races up the side of a ridge in the Catalinas.

The Bullock Fire in 2002

Jim Etshokin with the U.S. Forest Service keeps an eye on the escalating Bullock Fire from a safe vantage point.

The Bullock Fire in 2002

The Bullock Fire had burned 3,000 acres by the afternoon of the second day because of high winds. This photo was taken May 22, 2002.

The Ryan Fire in 2002

Chadeen Palmer, a spokeswoman for Southwestern Incident Management team, shows how close the Ryan Fire came to certain parts of Fort Huachuca in May 2002.

The Ryan Fire in 2002

A Type 1 Air Tanker stationed at Libby Army Airfield was used to help put out the Ryan Fire near Fort Huachuca in 2002.

The Aspen Fire in 2003

Daniela Guerrero, 4, enjoys the playground equipment at First Avenue Elementary School as waves of smoke from the Aspen Fire blow over San Manuel, reducing the sun to a dim glow.

The Aspen Fire in 2003

Two years after the devastating fire, homes are being rebuilt in Summerhaven.

The Aspen Fire in 2003

Homes are rebuilt in 2005 in Summerhaven and the surrounding area after the Aspen Fire raged through the area.

The Aspen Fire in 2003

People walk through hundreds of trees in 2005 that burned during the 2003 Aspen fire.

Ryan Fire

Gov. Jane Dee Hull holds a news conference after inspecting the damage caused by the Ryan Fire near Fort Huachuca. She visited the area on May 2, 2002.

The Mackovic era

John Mackovic made a few tweaks to the UA's uniforms when he took over in 2001, placing a "Block A" on the sleeve. Above, linebacker lance Briggs takes down a Washington State receiver. JAMES S. WOOD / ARIZONA DAILY STAR 2002

Colorful, hearty bougainvillea save blooms for warmer months

Bougainvillea "are a tough plant. They don't need a lot of TLC," says Lesley Mansur, owner of Great Gardens landscape design. They rest up during winter, and bloom when it warms.

Old Tucson gunfighters reunion

An Old Tucson stuntman fires at people auditioning for acting positions. A handful of people participated in auditions during tryouts for stuntmen, singers and dancers at Old Tucson on May 11, 2007.

Kenzie Fowler

In 2008, while playing for Canyon del Oro High School, pitcher Kenzie Fowler received the Gatorade National Player of the Year award.

Amtrak rail travel growing fast, but it's profitable on few routes

The subsidized railway carried a record 31.2 million people last year, the Brookings Institution says.

have gem of a time

This time of year the shelves and display tables sparkle with mineral and gem wonders. The showcase culminates today and through the weekend with the big Tucson Gem and Mineral Show at the Tucson Convention Center.

What not to miss

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Photos: Las Posadas procession, a tradition in Tucson

Sarah Arevalo,11,far right, Allie Hill,10, bottom left, and Yliana Moreno, 11,back left, who are fifth graders, carry the Nativity scene, with their classmates back left, from the Carrillo Intermediate Magnet Schools head through the Barrio el Hoyo neighborhood during the 69th annual Las Pos…

Photos: Las Posadas procession, a tradition in Tucson

Marissa Gomez, 8, 3rd grader gets her hair done by 3rd grade teahcer Daphne McKelvey, with help from Kiannah Fuentes,9, 3rd grader, in preparation for Carrillo Intermediate Magnet Schools 69th annual Las Posadas procession, Tuesday December 13, 2005 in Tucson, Ariz. Since 1937 children from …

Photos: Las Posadas procession, a tradition in Tucson

Armando Gomez 'The Knocker Boy' carries the Nacimiento, during the 72nd annual Las Posadas procession put on by Carrillo Elementary Magnet Schoool, Friday December 12, 2008 in Tucson, Ariz. School children reenact the christmas story through Barrio Historico neighborhood. Photo by James S. W…

Photos: Las Posadas procession, a tradition in Tucson

13 Lasposadas-p4::White Angels carry the Nacimiento, during the 72nd annual Las Posadas procession put on by Carrillo Elementary Magnet Schoool, Friday December 12, 2008 in Tucson, Ariz. School children reenact the christmas story through Barrio Historico neighborhood. 12/12/08 Photo by Jame…

Photos: Las Posadas procession, a tradition in Tucson

Lantern Holders Andrew Dicochea, left, and Aundre Romero sing during the 72nd annual Las Posadas procession put on by Carrillo Elementary Magnet Schoool, Friday December 12, 2008 in Tucson, Ariz. School children reenact the christmas story through Barrio Historico neighborhood. 12/12/08 Phot…

Foothills Philharmonic show is Sun.

László Veres conducts the Foothills Philharmonic. He founded the intergenerational, all-volunteer orchestra.

Group: Shut down 1 in 5 charter schools

The state Board for Charter Schools voted in 2009 to shut César Chávez Learning Community in Tucson. The school failed to provide enough instructional hours, and the curriculum wasn't aligned to state standards, according to evidence presented to the board.

Sky Spy: Leonid meteor shower coming Friday

The Leonids, one of the three best predictably good meteor showers every year, should be at their peak late Friday night and early Saturday, and even better late Saturday and early Sunday.

Group that helps cancer patients to kick off hike benefit

Bag It founder Sherri Romanoski, front row, second from left, and volunteers are pictured in 2009 at a Take a Hike for Bag It! event. This year the signature fundraiser will be held Nov. 18. Bag It is a nonprofit that provides information, organizational materials and support for newly diagn…

Landscape designer to share secrets for enjoying your patio in any season

Potted plants help brighten one corner of a patio. Landscape designer Shelly Ann Abbott will share her tips on Saturday.

Mt. Lemmon: A busy mountain

A stuffed bear, Bart, has a fun ride on the Skyride at Ski Valley on Mt. Lemmon.

Mt. Lemmon: A busy mountain

This is the remains of the World War II-era Japanese internment camp at Gordon Hirabayashi Recreation Site in the Santa Catalina Mountains near Mt. Lemmon.

Hansen's Sunday Notebook: '06 Winders all over map

Ex-UA basketball player Joseph Blair, here with UA coach Lute Olson, remembers when he could not afford shoes.

Butterfly count planned at C. Ariz. nature reserve

A giant swallowtail butterfly, one of several species found in Southern Arizona, is drawn to flowers in Tucson.

North reopens today

North has been a popular place since its opening in 2003. Here, patrons relax on couches in front of the bar, a lively spot on weekend nights.

Lawsuit seeks to reinstate pygmy owl's protected status

This male pygmy owl was sighted in the Altar Valley area on Arizona state land near Three Points in August 2003.

At long last, say adios to grimy grout

These workers are installing a laminated flooring product. Laminates are known to be more resistant to humidity changes than true hardwoods.

At long last, say adios to grimy grout

These floors are a laminated product that looks like real wood. The best laminates and engineered hardwoods can cost as much as solid hardwoods, but experts say they're more stable - and very durable.

100 days of science: Levy helped discover comet whose pieces slammed into Jupiter

David Levy is one of the most famous amateur astronomers, with 22 comet discoveries to his name. Here he stands next to his 16-inch telescope at his home in Vail.

100 days of science: Levy helped discover comet whose pieces slammed into Jupiter

David Levy is one of the most famous amateur astronomers, with 22 comet discoveries to his name. Here he stands next to his 16-inch telescope at his home in Vail.

Cake, more as city celebrates 237 years

This now-consumed cake was served during a Tucson birthday party that also featured music at O'Shaughnessy's a couple of years ago.

Wilbur and Wilma Wildcat through the years

Arizona Govenor Janet Napolitano has fun with Wilbur and Wilma during UA vs. Washington mens basketball game at the McKale Center in January, 2003.

The Giving Tree charity

Giving Tree home shelter supervisor Debra Johnson, left, and the shelter director Libby Wright, right, work on some lunch box paper work at the eastside shelter in August, 2009.

Bird festival draws participants from 20 states for August event

Hundreds of birders are expected to flock to various events planned next month by the Tucson Bird and Wildlife Festival.

Speedy softball star won 2 NCAA titles, silver

Outfielder and leadoff hitter Caitlin Lowe hit .446 and stole a UA-record 156 bases in her career.

Traders turn bearish on copper

Crane operator Ernie Castillo works with stainless steel blanks that are covered with copper in the electrowinning tankhouse at the Johnson Camp mine near Dragoon. Many analysts predict economic worries in Europe will cause copper's price to go even lower than it has.

Heat could send more coyotes into area backyards

Coyotes are a regular presence on the outskirts and in some city parks, but more could be on the move as they seek food and water this summer.

Arizona softball: Former ace Hollowell returns to mound, this time as coach

Alicia Hollowell had reason to smile in 2006, when she pitched Arizona to an NCAA title. Now she can impart some of that knowledge to the current Cats.

Spotlight on National Train Day

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Council cards a bogey with $3 golf-fee hike

Falling demand is the fundamental problem, and golf is not a core government service anyway. It must pay its own way, or the city should let private businesses serve the needs of golfers.