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).

The Death Monologues at the Galactic Center

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I know that most of us do not like to think about our own deaths — inevitable, getting closer every day we live. A few friends have suddenly passed away, and Death is again on my mind. Check out these monologues and learn more about accepting death. “The Death Monologues is a one-woman show written … Read more

Who’s running for TUSD Governing Board in 2016?

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Today was the filing deadline for those interested in serving on the Tucson Unified School District Governing Board.  7 people filed by the 5 p.m. deadline, so here’s the cast of candidates to choose from in the November 8th general  election.

This is a nonpartisan race for 3 school board members (unpaid volunteers). The three incumbents are Kristel Foster, Cam Juarez and Mark Stegeman, all running for re-election.

In alphabetical order from last name:

–Kristel Foster,current incumbent, elected in Nov. 2012, Program specialist – Language Acquisition Dept. at SUSD, www.fosterfortusd.com

–Cam Juarez, current incumbent, elected in Nov. 2012, Community Engagement Coordinator at Saguaro National Park, as well as their Public Information Officer, parent of son at TUSD school, https://www.facebook.cTUSDGovernigBoardMemberJuarezom/

–Betts Putnam-Hidalgo, community activist & part time teacher, ran before in 2012 and 2014,  parent of son at TUSD school, https://www.facebook.com/standwithbetts/,http://www.betts4tusd.net/

–Lori Riegel, political newcomer, Development Director for Arizona Children’s Association, Ph.D candidate in Educational leadership, daughter is graduate of University HS (TUSD school), www.lorifortusd com

–Brett Rustand, political newcomer, insurance company broker & executive, 3 children at TUSD schools, www.rustandfortusd.com

–Rachael Sedgwick, political newcomer, former teacher, 3rd year law student at UA School of law, https://www.facebook.com/sedgwickforschoolboard2016/?fref=nf, http://www.sedgwick4tusd.com/

–Dr. Mark Stegeman, current incumbent, elected Nov. 2008, re-elected 2012, Associate Professor of Economics at UA, www.stegeman4tusd.com

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“Equality: The Journey Continues” fundraiser for Pima County/Tucson Women’s Commission’s 40th Anniversary

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“The Pima County/Tucson Women’s Commission, an official local government agency, will be holding a fundraising event in August. (While it has members appointed by and reports to both the City and the County, the Commission receives no funding from either.) The event will celebrate both the annual Women’s Equality Day and the 40th anniversary of the … Read more

Watch CD 2 Democratic candidate debate on AZPM

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Arizona Public Media (AZPM, PBS Channel 6) hosted a debate  on August 5, 2016 between the two Democrats vying for Congressional District 2 House of Representatives seat — both former AZ House Representatives Dr. Matt Heinz and Victoria Steele.  They face off in the August 30 primary, one to challenge incumbent Republican Congresswoman (1 term) Martha McSally … Read more