Dan Harkins—pet safety activist

Harkins, the owner of the Harkins movie theater chain, will be doing pet-safety public service announcements that will run in all his theaters, the Republic’s Krystal Klei reports.

The newfound enthusiasm for the subject came after Harkins got cited last week while leaving his dog in his car in 100-degree heat while he watched a movie in a Scottsdale theater.

The Republic story seem a bit overly Harkins-friendly:

According to police records, Harkins checked on his dog multiple times, providing her with water and taking her on walks. Records also say he said he never left the dog in the car for longer than 45 minutes, and parked in a shady space with the windows cracked.

Although Harkins made efforts to ensure his pet’s safety, police cited Harkins because temperatures outside exceeded 100 degrees, police said.

“He never left his dog in the car more than 45 minutes” is not exculpatory.

Earlier stories established that the dog had been in the car for nearly four hours during the hottest time of the day—and that Harkins had been parking in a handicapped spot to boot.

Dan Harkins getting a "visionary award" at Phoenix Film Fest in April

From the Phoenix Film Festival:

DAN HARKINS TO RECEIVE VISIONARY AWARD AT OPENING NIGHT OF 2010 PHOENIX FILM FESTIVAL

PHOENIX (April 8, 2010) – When the Phoenix Film Festival begins its Tenth Anniversary event on April 8, 2010 with an Opening Night Gala, Dan Harkins will be on hand to accept the Festival’s first ever Visionary Award. This award, which will be presented annually, will be given to individuals who provide leadership and a commitment to their industry and to the community.

According to Festival Director Chris Lamont, Dan Harkins, owner of Harkins Theatres, seems the obvious choice to be the first recipient of the Visionary Award. “One of the great champions of independent film, Dan Harkins exemplifies the importance of giving people a chance to experience the cultural wonder that is motion pictures,” he said. In addition to receiving this award, The Phoenix Film Festival has worked with Dan Harkins to create the Dan Harkins Breakthrough Filmmaker Award. Dan Harkins himself will present this award at the Opening Night Gala to a director whose film is screening in the 2010 Phoenix Film Festival.

The Phoenix Film Festival, which will be celebrating its tenth anniversary, takes place from April 8-April 15, 2010, at Harkins Scottsdale 101 Theaters located at 7000 E. Mayo Blvd. Phoenix, AZ 85054.

If you are a movie lover, this is an event that shouldn’t be missed. Tickets and passes are on sale now and available through the Phoenix Film Festival Website www.phoenixfilmfestival.com. Tickets may also be purchased in person at the Phoenix Film Festival office at 1700 N. 7th Ave. #250 in Phoenix. Tickets will also be available the day of the event at the Phoenix Film Festival Welcome Center next to the Harkins Scottsdale 101 Theater located at 7000 E. Mayo Blvd. Phoenix, AZ 85054. Tickets range in price from $10 for a single screening to $350 for the Platinum Pass. For more information call 602-955-6444 or go to www.phoenixfilmfestival.com.
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