Political Calendar: Week of May 15, 2016

The Political Calendar is posted on Sundays. Please send us notice of your political events prior to the Sunday before your event (7 days would be most helpful). See the calendar icon in the right-hand column of the blog page for easy access to the calendar.

Send notices of your events to blogforarizona@gmail.com.

Note: For Event Notices and Fliers, click on the “Calendar” button in the menu options above.

The Special Election for Props. 123 and 124 are Tuesday, May 17, 2016. If you have not already done so, PLEASE VOTE!

Political Calendar for the Week of May 15, 2016:

Sunday, May 15, 2:00 p.m.: Democrats of the Red Rocks election office grand opening, in the West Sedona Plaza, Unit 6, 2855 W. State Route 89A, Sedona, AZ. Meet your candidates. Enjoy good food, prizes and friendly neighbors. Help Democrats win elections in 2016!

Monday, May 16, Noon: Democrats of Greater Tucson luncheon, Dragon’s View Restaurant (400 N. Bonita, South of St. Mary’s Road between the Freeway and Grande Avenue, turn South at Furr’s Cafeteria). New price: buffet lunch is $10.00 cash, $12 credit; just a drink is $3.50. Featured speaker is Michael Gordy, candidate of Pima County Superintendent of Public Instruction. Next Week: Daniel Hernandez, Jr. candidate for state House in LD 2.

Monday, May 16, 2:00 p.m.: The White Mountain Democrats’ major fund-raiser for the Love Kitchen and Meals on Wheels at the Pinetop-Lakeside Town Hall. Features music, refreshments and a silent auction. The benefit provides thousands of dollars in funding, as well as food items, to support these two important institutions in our community.

Tuesday, May 17: Special Election for school funding inflation adjustment settlement and changes to Arizona Constitution (Prop. 123), and changes to the Arizona Constitution for the Police and Fire public pensions (Prop. 124).

Tuesday, May 17: Kentucky (Democratic Primary), Oregon Primary.

Tuesday, May 17, 11:00 a.m.: Democratic Women of Southeastern Arizona meeting, at the Pueblo del Sol Country Club, on St. Andrews Drive in Sierra Vista. The cost of the luncheon is $15.00. For reservations, please contact Kathy Marvin, President of the DWSEA through email at kathleencrafts@gmail.com or by telephone at (520) 803-6697. Visit our web page. Democratic Women of Southeastern Arizona.

Tuesday, May 17, 6:30 p.m.: Legislative District 9 meeting, at Northwest Medical Center, La Paloma Urgent Care Community Classroom, 4001 E. Sunrise Drive. For more information please contact Brian Clymer at brianclymer@yahoo.com or (520) 297-3539.

Tuesday, May 17, 6:30 p.m.: Oracle Democrats meeting, at the Oracle Fire Department, 1475 W. American Avenue (Oracle). For more information please contact Jim Walsh at (520) 896-2079.

Wednesday, May 18, 6:00 p.m.: Pinal County Democratic Party meeting, at the Florence Library, 778 N. Main Street, Florence. Topic will be the Arizona Corporation Commission. For more information please call (480) 678-1756.

Wednesday, May 18, 6:00 p.m.: Democratic Club of Northern Gila County meeting, at the Payson Public Library, 328 N. McLane Road, Payson. For more information please contact paysondems@gmail.com or call (928) 468-9669.

Wednesday, May 18, 6:30 p.m.: Legislative District 10 meeting at Pima County Democratic Party HQ, 4639 E. 1st Street (one block South of Speedway and West of Swan). For more information lease contact Rob Selby at r_ybles@hotmail.com or (520) 790-3024.

Wednesday, May 18, 6:30 p.m.: Democracy for America – Maricopa County (DFA-MC) monthly meeting is the 3rd Wednesday of every month, and the new location is Macayo’s on Central Avenue, South of Indian School. DFA-MC is on the web, Facebook and Twitter. For more information contact DFAofMC@gmail.com.

Thursday, May 19, 8:00 a.m.: Democrats of the Red Rocks breakfast, at Old Sedona Family Restaurant Bar & Grill, 1405 W. Hwy. 89A, Sedona. Speakers: Gary LaMaster, author of “Antidote to Fact-Free Politics: Debunking the Falsehoods, Fabrications and Distortions Told by Conservatives and Perpetuated by the Media.” and Samantha Pstross, Arizona Advocacy Network, on The Arizona Clean and Accountable Elections Act initiative. Admission is $12, includes buffet breakfast and gratuity. Doors open at 8:00 a.m. Please RSVP to (928) 274-6541.

Saturday, May 21, 10:00 a.m.: Pima County Democratic Party African-American Caucus meeting, at Grace Temple Baptist Church, 1020 E. 31st Street, Tucson. The caucus is not exclusively for African-Americans, all are welcome to join. For more information please contact Connie DeLarge at cdelarge@dmyl.com or (520) 241-8408.

LD 24 Sweet Synergy 2016

Saturday, May 21, 7:00 p.m.: LD 24 Sweet Synergy 2016, at Club Palazzo, 710 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix. Like last year, we will be hosting a casino style fundraiser with prizes and entertainment. For more information please contact www.district24democrats.org.

Special Announcements:

DCSRA Discussion Group

Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m.: Democratic Club of the Santa Rita Area hosts a Current Events Discussion Group at the DCSRA Headquarters, Continental Shopping Plaza, 240 W. Continental Road (exit 63), Green Valley. Join us at the weekly meeting of the Democratic Headquarters Current Events Discussion Group. We’ll talk about some of the major events of the previous week, including but not limited to political topics, and try and go behind the news for a deeper understanding. For more information, please contact Jean Vickers jean.vickers@cox.net.

Drinking Liberally

Third Wednesday of each month, 6:00 p.m.: Drinking Liberally returns to Tucson, at Casa Vicente (375 S. Stone Avenue, Tucson, casavicente.com) whose gracious and helpful wait staff sets the table(s) for us. Next meeting is Wednesday, May 18. We need to know by the morning of each meeting approximately how many folks willattend. Please RSVP to tucson@drinkingliberally.org. Informal but thoughtful conversation, good wine and beer, and good food. There is no obligation to order anything–but as a thank you to Casa Vicente for the use of their patio, I hope everyone will order at least one drink (alcoholic or otherwise). And the Tapas are wonderful! The patio is almost completely covered, so weather isn’t much of a problem and there’s plenty of free parking.

Monday, May 23, 6:00 p.m.: Legislative District 3 meeting, at the Joel Valdez Main Library, 101 N. Stone Avenue (parking under the library). For more information please contact Andrés Cano at andres@canoagroup.com or (520) 304-5778.

Tuesday, May 24, 11:30 a.m.: Blue Tuesday Luncheon Forum, at the Starfire Golf Club, 11500 N. Hayden (Scottsdale). If you want lunch, you must RSVP by the Thursday before so we can order for you! Email jctillotson@msn.com. $22 – cash only – at the door! (If you RSVP, and then find you can’t make it, PLEASE LET US KNOW, or we’ll have to pay for your uneaten lunch!) For more information please contact bluetuesdayluncheon@gmail.com.

Wednesday, May 25, 11:00 a.m.: Democratic Women of the Prescott Area luncheon, at the Centennial Center, 1989 Clubhouse Drive, Prescott (on the Antelope Hills golf course). Luncheon reservations are required. A buffet luncheon will be provided. Cost is $15 for members and $17 for nonmembers. RSVP by email: DWPrescottArea@gmail.com or call (928) 848-2753. Contact us ASAP if you make reservations and are unable to attend. The public is welcome, but reservations are required. To join, email the form and pay at the luncheon, or mail with a check to Sandy Baggenstos, DWPA Treasurer, 530 N. Fitzmaurice Drive, Prescott, AZ 86303.

Thursday, May 26, 5:30 p.m.: Maricopa County Democratic Party Executive Committee meeting. Meet and greet (and dinner) begins at 5:30. Meeting begins promptly at 6:00 pm.

Thursday, May 26, 6:00 p.m.: Casa Grande Democrats meeting, at Bedillon’s Restaurant (Adobe Room), 800 N. Park Avenue, Casa Grande. For more information please contact Jack Guthrie at democratsofcasagrande@gmail.com and Like Us on Facebook.

Thursday, May 26, 7:00 p.m.: Heritage Highlands/Dove Mountain Democrats meeting, at the Heritage Highlands Clubhouse, 4949 West Heritage Club Boulevard (Marana). For more information please contact Dick Reddy at (520) 579-9460 Richard.Reddy@fredonia.edu.

Friday, May 27, Noon: Critical Issues Forum, at the Cochise County Democratic Party HQ, 1234 E. Fry Blvd., Sierra Vista. For more information please contact cochisecodems@gmail.com or (520) 458-9467.

5th Annual Morris and Stewart Udall Dinner

Friday, May 27, 5:00 p.m.: Pima County Democratic Party’s 5th Annual Morris and Stewart Udall Dinner, at the Desert Diamond Casino, 7350 S. Nogales Hwy., Tucson. Keynote speaker is former Texas state senator Wendy Davis. VIP Reception 5:00 p.m. Registration 5:30 p.m. Dimmer 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $100 for Precinct Committee Persons, $125 General Admission. Purchase Tickets Online Here. Sponsorship packages are available, please inquire with Executive Director Heath Butrum at 520-326-3716 or heath@pimadems.org.

Saturday, May 28, 9:00 a.m.: Rita Ranch Family Fun Day, at Purple Heart Park, 10050 E. Rita Road, Tucson. An annual tradition for many years featuring family friendly rides and games along with your local businesses. Come out and enjoy this free event. For additional information please contact Al Wiruth at (520)574-1189 or alwiruth1@yahoo.com.

Saturday, May 28, 10:00 a.m.: Northern Cochise County Democratic Club meeting. Meeting locations rotate between Benson and Wilcox. For more information please contact Kathy Suagee at soprano_58@hotmail.com. Visit our web page Northern Cochise County Democrats.

Saturday, May 28, 2:00 p.m.: Legislative District 11 meeting, at the Wheeler, Taft, Abbett Library, 7800 N. Schisler Drive, Tucson. For more information please contact Jo Holt at legdist11dems@gmail.com. Find us at www.AZLD11Dems.org.

Sunday, May 29, 8:00 p.m.: Laughing Liberally Tucson returns to lampoon the national, state and local political scene. Come out and enjoy Tucson’s best and brightest comics as we try our best to save democracy…one laugh at a time. it’s FUN…it’s FREE…New Location! Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress Street, downtown Tucson. Last Sunday every month.

Monday, May 30: Memorial Day (observed).

Tuesday, May 31, 5;30 p.m.: Northern Pinal County Democratic Club meeting with a fundraiser for Ann Kirkpatrick running for U.S. Senate, at Gold Canyon. RSVP with Stephanie at Stephanie@KirkpatrickforSenate.com.  Once you RSVP, address will be given. Any level of donation will be accepted.

Wednesday, June 1: Last day to file candidate nomination petitions.

Wednesday, June 1, 5;15 p.m.: Coconino County Democratic Party meeting, at Coconino County Democratic Party HQ, 201 E. Birch Avenue, Suite #6, Flagstaff. Meet the first Wednesday of each month. For more information please call (928) 214-0393 or email Kevin Ordean at Kordean@ccdem.org.

Wednesday, June 1, 5:30 p.m.: Graham County Democratic Party meeting, at Graham County Chamber of Commerce, 820 W. Main Street, Safford. Meet the first Wednesday of each month.  For more information please contact Becky Fox at beckyfox@cableone.net.

3rd Annual PALF Community Partnership Awards

Thursday, June 2, 6:00 p.m.: 3rd Annual PALF Community Partnership Awards, at the Randolph Golf Course Club House 600 S. Alvernon Way, Tucson. PALF is a coalition of labor unions affiliated with the AFL-CIO. The purpose of the awards celebration is to honor individuals and organizations (both union and non-union) for their ability to raise awareness about local issues and union activities through acts of civic engagement. Doors open at 6:00 PM with Dinner/No Host Cocktails and Silent Auction. Program: 7-8 PM. Individual tickets and great raffle prizes tickets are available at the PALF Office. Individual Tickets $50.00/ Raffle Tickets prices $10 each or 3/$25. A portion of the proceeds to benefit Dancing In The Streets scholarship fund.
Please contact awards.palf@gmail.com for Sponsorship packages and more information.

Saturday, June 4, 10:00 a.m.: Greater Huachuca Area Democrats meeting, at the Golden Corral Restaurant, 798 S. Highway 92, Sierra Vista. For more information please contact ghadc1@yahoo.com.

Saturday, June 4, 10:00 a.m.: [Need to verify location] Legislative District 2 meeting,at the DCSRA Headquarters, Continental Shopping Plaza, 240 W. Continental Road (exit 63), Green Valley. For more information please contact Tom Prezelski at fusilero@aol.com.

Sunday, June 5: Puerto Rico (Democratic Primary).

Monday, June 6, 6:30 p.m.: Pima County Democratic Party Executive Committee meeting.

Tuesday, June 7: California Primary, Montana Primary, New Jersey Primary, New Mexico Primary, North Dakota (Democratic), South Dakota Primary.

Wednesday, June 8, 6:30 p.m.: Copa City Democrats meeting, location varies. For more information please contact Constance Jackson at jcksconniejean@aol.com.

Thursday, June 9, 5:30 p.m.: Pima County Democratic Party Nucleus Club meeting, at the Viscount Suite Hotel, 4855 E. Broadway Blvd. This month’s speakers are congressional candidates for CD 2, Dr. Matt Heinz and former state representative Victoria Steele. For more information please contact Ash Silverburg at (520) 326-3716.

Thursday, June 9, 5:30 p.m.: Yavapai County Democratic Party meeting, at the Prescott Adult Center, 1280 E. Rosser Road, Prescott. $10.00 donation, $5.00 if you bring a dish to share. Meet the second Thursday of each month. Please RSVP to (928)541-0413 or email us at info@yavdem.org.

Thursday, June 9, 7:00 p.m.: Yuma County Democratic Party meeting, at the new Yuma Democratic Party HQ at 290 S. 1st Avenue, Ste. 1, Yuma. Parking is available in back. Meet the second Thursday of each month. For more information please contact us at yumademocrats@gmail.com.

Saturday, June 11, 3:00 p.m.: Democratic Club of the Santa Rita Area meeting, at the DCSRA Headquarters (Upstairs conference/meeting room), Continental Shopping Plaza, 240 W. Continental Road (exit 63), Green Valley. Featured speakers are LD2 Arizona House of Representatives Candidates, Rep. Rosanna Gabaldon, running for re-election, Aaron Baumann and Daniel Hernandez.

2nd Annual Wine Tasting at Coronado Vineyards in Willcox Wine Country

Sunday, June 12, 2:00 p.m.: Cochise County Democratic Party 2nd Annual Wine Tasting at Coronado Vineyards, 2909 E. Country Club Drive, Willcox. Enjoy some of Arizona’s finest wines, hors d’oeuvres, and an informative discussion on the water challenges facing southeastern Arizona with hyrdogeologist and water resources specialist Dr. Mark Murphy and Congressional candidate Victoria Steele. Individual tickets $40, for Precinct Committee Persons and Blue Cochise members $35, Young Democrats $20. Click HERE to RSVP and purchase tickets.

Monday, June 13, 7:00 p.m.: Democrats of Oro Valley meeting, at the Oro Valley Public Library, 1305 W. Naranja Drive (SE corner at La Cañada). For more information please contact Mike Dayton at teachers12@msn.com or (520) 742-3774, or visit our web site http://www.demsov.org/.

Tuesday, June 14: Flag Day.

Tuesday, June 14: Washington, D.C. Primary.

Tuesday, June 14, 3:30 p.m.: Saddlebrooke Democrats meeting, at SaddleBrooke Activities Center, 64518 E. Galveston Lane (Saddlebrooke). For more information please contact Hollace Lyon at Email Us or visit our web site. SaddleBrookeDemocrats.org.

Tuesday, June 14, Noon: Democratic Women of Rim Country meeting, at Tiny’s Family Restaurant, 600 Arizona Hwy. 260, Payson, AZ. For more information please contact paysondems@gmail.com or call (928) 468-9669.

Tuesday, June 14, 4:00 p.m.: Democrats for Picture Rocks meeting, at Horseshoe BBQ Restaurant, 6575 N. Sandario Road, Tucson. For more information please contact Catalina Hall at dems4prandav@gmail.com.

46th Annual Tucson Juneteenth Festival

Saturday, June 18 – Sunday, June, 19: 46th Annual Tucson Juneteenth Festival, at the Donna Liggins Center at Mansfield Park, 2160 N. 6th Avenue, Tucson. Fun, food, education, fellowship and entertainment. Everyone is invited to this free, fun, family-friendly, alcohol-free event. For more information please call (520) 429-1724 or visit us on Facebook Tucson Juneteenth Celebration – Facebook.

Sunday, June 19: Father’s Day.

Saturday, June 25, 300 p.m.: (Special meeting) Democratic Club of the Santa Rita Area meeting, at the DCSRA Headquarters (Upstairs conference/meeting room), Continental Shopping Plaza, 240 W. Continental Road (exit 63), Green Valley. Featured speaker is Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos, Incumbent running for election.

Monday, July 4: Independence Day.

Thursday, July 7: Last day to file constitution and initiative petitions.

Wednesday, July 13: Last day to file arguments for or against ballot measures (General Election).

Monday, July 18 – Thursday, July 21: Republican National Convention in Cleveland aka “the mistake by the lake” — seems almost prescient.

Thursday July 21: Last day to file as a write-in candidate for the Primary Election.

Sunday, July 24: Yavapai County Democratic Party annual picnic. Save the date! Details TBA.

Monday, July 25 – Thursday, July 28: Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.

Monday, August 1: Deadline to register to vote in the Primary Election. Note: Those of you not registered with a political party will need to request a primary ballot for the party of your choice.

Wednesday, August 3: Early voting begins in the Primary Election.

Tuesday, August 30: Primary Election.

Friday, September 16: Yavapai County Democratic Party’s annual Truman-Clinton Dinner. Save the date! Details TBA.

Sunday, September 18, 11:30 a.m.: Democrats of Greater Tucson Awards Luncheon. Save the date! Details TBA.

Thursday, September 29: Last day to file as a write-in candidate for the General Election.

Monday, October 10: Voter registration deadline for General Election.

Wednesday, October 12: Early voting begins in the General Election.

Tuesday, November 8: ELECTION DAY.