Carolyn Classen

Carolyn Sugiyama Classen, a life long Democrat, was born & raised in the State of Hawaii, was a Legislative Aide for U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye on Capitol Hill, and practiced law for a while. In Tucson she worked as a tribal staff attorney for the Pascua Yaqui Tribe and later was the Interim Executive Director of the now defunct Domestic Violence Commission. In 2008 she became a “My Tucson” guest columnist for the Tucson Citizen newspaper, then continued blogging for Tucsoncitizen.com for over four and a half years. Her blogsite was entitled “Carolyn’s Community” about community events and some political news, until Gannett Publishing shut down the site on January 31, 2014. She started with Blog for Arizona on Feb. 11, 2014. Part time she sat as a Hearing Officer in Pima County Consolidated Justice Courts Small Claims Division since April, 2005 for 15 years. She is married to University of Arizona Distinguished Professor Albrecht Classen, a native of Germany. They have one son, who lives in Seattle, WA with his wife and daughter. She is also the Editor of the Southern Arizona Japanese Cultural Coalition website, www.southernazjapan.org (since Jan. 2013).

2017 Peace Fair at Armory Park (new location)

by

New location: Armory Park downtown at 220 S 5th Avenue. “Join us for Arizona’s largest gathering of Peace, Justice and Environmental groups. Live music, tabling, food, entertainment, children’s activities and more! Free and open to the community! The Tucson Peace Center extends the invitation to peace, justice and environmental organizations to table at the annual … Read more

Rodeo Days at Plaza Palomino

by

“7th Annual Rodeo Days Arts Celebration – a fun filled day of ART, MUSIC, and FOOD! Sat. Feb. 25 10AM-4PM ART: jewelry, fabric, leather, metal, glass, more! MUSIC: Mariachi Herradura 10-11AM; Bill Ganz Band 11:00-1:00; AZ Dance Hands 1:00-3:00. FOOD – BBQ 4U, Plaza Palomino restaurants, tamales & more. QUICK DRAW with Tucson notables 3:00; … Read more

Beautiful 2017 Spring Ikebana Show at Yume Japanese Gardens.

by

If you don’t know much about the 5 schools of ikebana flower arrangments, here’s your chance to enjoy them all together at Yume Japanese Gardens, 2130 N. Alvernon Way. www.yumegardens.org for admission prices, hours of operation. “Winter: 10:00-4:30 Tues. through Sun.; closed Mon. Rain or cold may prompt early closure; to check, call 520-272-3200.” Ongoing ikebana … Read more

Applicants sought for new Tucson Police Community Advisory Council

by

Tucson Police Community Advisory Council

“The Tucson Police Department (TPD) is seeking applicants for a new Community Advisory Council.  The Council’s mission will be to promote community involvement in shaping the policies and priorities of the TPD.

The TPD is committed to working closely with the people of Tucson to advance public safety and neighborhood wellbeing. The Community Advisory Council will assist the TPD in gathering public input on new policies or initiatives. It also will work directly with Tucson residents to identify, prioritize, and address ongoing community concerns. The Council will help ensure that members of the public have ongoing and meaningful input in how their communities are policed.

The Policing Project at New York University School of Law is assisting TPD with this project. The Policing Project is dedicated to promoting engagement between the police and the community, and finding a way for civilians to have a voice in policing.

Read more

World Premiere of “Digna” play at YWCA of Southern Arizona

by

 

Digna Theater’s first production is the play “DIGNA” by Patricia Davis. February 23-26 and March 2-5 at 7:30 pm at THEATRE @YWCA, 525 Bonita Street, Tucson AZ.

Digna is directed by Barclay Goldsmith, features Alba Jaramillo as Digna, and is accompanied with live music by Rebeca Cartes.

Performances: February 23-26 and March 2-5 at Theater@YWCA, 525 Bonita Avenue, Tucson AZ.

$15 general admission, $12 for students, and Thursday is pay-what-you-can day.

About Digna Ochoa

“In October 2001, renowned Mexican human rights lawyer Digna Ochoa was found shot dead in her Mexico City office. Ochoa’s death at the age of thirty-six was declared a suicide by Mexico City prosecutors, despite evidence pointing to foul-play, her receiving death threats, and attempts on her life.

Ochoa, a former nun, went on to represent farmers defending the environment in the state of Guerrero, Zapatista guerrillas in Chiapas, and indigenous peoples in her home state of Veracruz. In her pursuit of truth and justice she challenged powerful governmental agencies. She also uncovered torture and other abuses by the Mexican military and police.

Ochoa was twenty-four when she discovered a blacklist of union organizers and political activists in the office of the state attorney general. A few days later, she was kidnapped and raped. Her family and fellow human rights activists rejected the finding of death by suicide, and fought for the case to be re-opened. Ochoa’s case was reopened in 2005. Regrettably state prosecutors maintained suicide as the origin of her death.

Read more