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).

Businessman John Backer announces candidacy for Pima County Board of Supervisors District 4

February 20, 2016 by Carolyn Classen

Republican political newcomer John Backer announced his bid for the open seat in District 4, Pima County Board of Supervisors. From his Facebook campaign page:

“I want to announce that I have entered the race to become the next Pima County Supervisor for District 4. This is my first campaign, but something I’ve been wanting to do for some time. As we face challenges in our communities and our country, I’ve come to understand that I have been called on to play a more active role in creating solutions and giving a voice to those I plan to serve. There will be much more information coming, and I want to thank you in advance for supporting my campaign. “

His campaign website: http://johnbackerforsupervisor.com/. Bio below from his website. Already running for this seat now that Supervisor Ray Carroll has announced his retirement, are Marla Closen and Steve Christy, all Republicans. There is no announced Democrat in this race, as yet.

Car Free Day is today

February 19, 2016 by Carolyn Classen

“Dear Sun Rideshare Commuter:
The first Car Free Day of 2016 is almost here. Friday, February 19 is Car Free Day. Just log one alternative mode trip on Friday and you’ll qualify for the prize drawing of a $50 Master Card gift card. That’s all there is to it.
Go to Sun Rideshare to log all your alternative mode trips.”

Ruth Reiman
TDM Manager
Pima Association of Governments
1 E. Broadway, Suite 401
Tucson, AZ 85701
520-495-1482
520-620-6981 (fax)
rreiman@pagregion.com

More info: www.sunrideshare.org. “Sun Rideshare provides services that make alternative transportation, such as carpooling, vanpooling, mass transit, biking, and walking more affordable, accessible and convenient. The Sun Rideshare online Travel Database provides quick information and helps you find the best transportation option for your daily commute or trips to other destinations. Choosing an alternative mode of transportation has never been easier and provides many benefits for you and your community: cost and time savings, reduced congestion, improved air quality, and less dependence on foreign oil.”

The Vagina Monologues in Spanish & English

February 19, 2016February 18, 2016 by Carolyn Classen

“Join the women of the YWCA Latina Leadership Initiative as they bring a bilingual production of Eve Ensler’s Vagina Monologues to Tucson! All proceeds benefit the YWCA of Southern Arizona.” Preview is 2/25 at Raices Taller, 218 E. 6th Street. Opening and Closing Performances will be at the Frances McClelland Community Center, 525 N. Bonita … Read more

Reading by Linda Valdez, author of “Crossing the Line: A Marriage Across Borders”

February 17, 2016 by Carolyn Classen

Linda Valdez, author of “Crossing the Line: A Marriage Across Borders” (Texas Christian University, 2015, $22.95). “Not a typical immigration story, Crossing the Line is told by a middle-class American woman who fell in love with the son of an impoverished family from rural Mexico, a man who crossed the border illegally to be with her. … Read more

Asian Pacific American Studies Conference at UA

February 22, 2016February 16, 2016 by Carolyn Classen

“Join us for the first ever APA Studies Conference at the University of Arizona. For many years, faculty, staff, students, and community leaders have been discussing the need for an APA Studies Program at the UA. This year, APASA & partners are proud to bring this conference to the Tucson community. Students, staff, faculty, and community members are invited to participate in interactive workshops, listen to guest speakers from & beyond the UA, and engage in a discussion that will help form what an APA Studies program would look like in Tucson. Breakfast & lunch are provided. Space is limited. Don’t miss it! Special thanks to our sponsors: Pima Community College, Asian American Faculty Staff & Alumni Association, UA East Asian Studies Department, & UA Ana & Adalberto Guerrero Student Center.”

CESAR E. CHAVEZ BUILDING, RM 205

THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2016

8:00AM – 2:00PM

Hosted by the Asian Pacific American Student Affairs (APASA) at UA.

PCC Chancellor Lee Lambert (half Korean) will be the luncheon speaker.

“Lee D. Lambert has been Chancellor of Pima Community College since July 1, 2013. He formerly served as President of Shoreline Community College and was on the Board of Directors of the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC). In 2015, Chancellor Lambert received a national leadership award from Asian Pacific Americans in Higher Education and was named “Man of the Year” by the Pan Asian Community Alliance in Tucson. He has a Juris Doctor degree from Seattle University School of Law and has taught classes on Law, Civil Rights and Social Justice, and Employment Law at The Evergreen State College.”