Vets for former Gunnery Sergeant Jo Mendoza Holiday Party
2025-12-16 17:00 - 20:00 (America/Phoenix) | AZ
We hope you can attend the Vets for Mendoza Holiday party on December 16. We are a group of concerned Vets coming together with friends, family and neighbors, spreading some cheer with a Taco and hot dog truck, a band, some refreshments and focusing on how Vets have been hurt by Trump — specifically how homeless Vets are being helped by Esperanza en Escalante, a very special non-profit in Tucson.

Please note, it is NOT a campaign event. Esperanza en Escalante is NOT endorsing any political campaign. In fact, the opposite is true: We are trying to raise everyone’s awareness of what they do.

Finally, we have also asked JoAnna Mendoza to speak to us for a few minutes on what she believes will be important once elected to help all Veterans.

RSVP to Bill Swan at bnswan@newmex.com or Don Womac at Don@mywomack.com.

Celebrating Our Veterans at Esperanza En Escalante!

Thanks for joining us and for thinking of the veterans and families we serve! We’re grateful for your generosity.

Items Most Needed Right Now:

Clothing

New Men’s and women’s underwear in sizes small and medium

Men’s and women’s interview clothing in all sizes

Men’s jeans and pants up to size 36

Household & Cleaning

Laundry detergent, dish soap

Trash bags, paper towels, toilet paper

All-purpose cleaner

Kitchen

Can openers, silverware sets

Cookie sheets, measuring cups

Food storage containers

Food

Non-perishable food especially items with protein (canned chili, chicken, tuna, peanut butter)

Other Helpful Items

Towels, twin bedding

Phone chargers

Reading glasses, backpacks

Every item makes a real difference in helping our veterans rebuild their lives. Thank you for your support!

I.C.E. out of Marana now
2025-12-16 17:30 - 19:00 | Marana Town Council chambers, 11555 W. Civic Center Drive, Tucson, Arizona, 85653
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

I.C.E. OUT OF MARANA NOW!

December 16 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm

Marana Town Council meeting starts at 6:00PM sharp. they will be discussing the proposed ICE prison in Marana. Arrive early to gather and sign up to speak. Wear orange to show your support and stay the entire meeting. Signs will be available.

Living Streets Alliance Open house
2025-12-18 17:00 - 19:00 | Living Streets Alliance, 439 N. 6th Ave., Tucson, Arizona, 85705
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

✨”Join us for an end-of-year open house, we’d love to see your faces! Come check out the office, spend time with the team and collaborators, swap a story or two, and enjoy a drink! It’s our way of closing out the year with some connection and a little bit of cheer.

Beer, wine, NA drinks and snacks provided.”

Thursday, December 18th5:00 – 7:00pmLSA office439 N 6th Ave. Suite 201

Holiday Happy hour with LD 20 & 21 Dems
2025-12-19 16:00 - 18:00 | Postino, 2500 E. Grant Rd., Tucson, Arizona, 85716
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

“LD 20 is joining LD 21 for a happy hour Everyone is invited to happy hour at Postino 2500 E Grant Rd (the Southeast corner of Grant and Tucson Blvd) this Friday December 19th from 4 to 6 PM. We have invited the Pima part of LD 21. Having fun is resistance.

🥂 LD20 is joining LD21 for a Happy Hour! 🥂

🎄 Kickoff to the 2026 Elections🎄 Elect Democrats to the open Federal and State offices🎄 Turn the Arizona Legislature Blue”

Protest at Juan Ciscomani’s office
2025-12-20 09:00 - 11:00, 2025-12-27 09:00 - 11:00 | Congressman Juan Ciscomani’s office, 1636 N. Swan Rd., Tucson, Arizona, 85712
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

Location:

Rep. Ciscomani’s Office

1636 N Swan Road

Tucson, AZ 85712

Map Links:

OSMGoogleApple

Organizer: LD 18 Dems

“Stand Strong Speak Up outside Rep. Ciscomani’s office, every Saturday at 9am unless otherwise noted.

Canned food will be collected for the Community Food Bank at this protest.”

Virtual town hall on consumer protection
2025-12-29 16:00 - 17:00 | AZ
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

“You’re invited! Join us on 12/29 at 4:00 PM MST to discuss corporate money and consumer protection with Pima County Attorney Laura Conover and Washtenaw County, MI Attorney Eli Savit. As always, we will cover a variety of different topics and take questions.”

https://www.mobilize.us/pimadems/event/877331

Carolyn’s note: Defense atty. Laura Conover was elected Pima County Attorney in Nov. 2020, re-elected Nov. 2024.

Protest at Juan Ciscomani’s office
2026-01-03 09:00 - 11:00 | Congressman Juan Ciscomani’s office, 1636 N. Swan Rd., Tucson, Arizona, 85712
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

Location:

Rep. Ciscomani’s Office

1636 N Swan Road

Tucson, AZ 85712

Map Links:

OSMGoogleApple

Organizer: LD 18 Dems

Stand Strong Speak Up outside Rep. Ciscomani’s office, every Saturday at 9am unless otherwise noted.

Canned food will be collected for the Community Food Bank at this protest.

Resistance Music Festival
2026-01-03 10:00 - 17:00 | Oldfield Oasis, 5288 N. Lead Stra, Bisbee, Arizona, 85603
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

So. AZ Senior Pride New Year's celebration
2026-01-03 13:00 - 15:30 | St. Francis in the Foothills church, 4625 E. River Rd., Tucson, Arizona, 85718
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

New Year’s CelebrationJanuary 3rd, 1:00 – 3:30 PMSt. Francis in the Foothills UMC4625 E River Rd.This season’s annual holiday gathering will be a New Year’s Celebration! Mark your calendar for this exciting gathering featuring food, music, friends, and more! Register now!Register for New Year’s Celebration

Az Dems House legislative leaders at DGT Salon
2026-01-05 18:00 - 19:00 | AZ
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

“Join us for insight into the goals and concerns of Arizona Dems Legislative Leadership going into the 2026 Arizona State Legislative session. We’ll be joined by (AZ House) Minority Leader Rep. Oscar De Los Santos and Assistant Leader Rep. Nancy Gutierrez of the Arizona House for this briefing. Please note carefully this event begins at 6pm to accomodate the Reps’ schedule at this busy time.

We’ll be joined by available Members of the Democratic Caucus leadership team for this briefing.”

You Must Register in Advance for this Event:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/qZFB-JmTQ4iawaiO1IxspA

Oscar De Los Santos (LD 11), Nancy Gutierrez (LD 18)

Just Say No to I.C.E. in Marana
2026-01-06 17:00 - 18:00 | Marana Municipal Complex, 11555 W. Civic Center Complex, Marana, Arizona, 85653
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

Just Say NO! To Ice

Organizer: PRICE (Pima Resists ICE)

Date: Tuesday, January 6

Time: 5:15pm

Location: Marana Municipal Complex – 11555 W Civic Center Drive

"The Environment in 2026: At the State Capital & Beyond" at Sustainable Tucson meeting
2026-01-06 18:00 - 19:30 | AZ
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

The Environment in 2026: At the State Capital and Beyond

January 6, 2026 • 6:00https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87556154931?pwd=[REDACTED]

“Join us on Zoom, Tuesday, January 6, at 6:00 pm for our Sustainability Spotlight, “The Environment in 2026: At the State Capital and Beyond.” We expect that the coming year will bring challenges to many important aspects of local and state life, especially looking at environment, health, and related concerns. The program will look ahead at what can be expected in coming months from state (and some national) legislative and administrative actions, with a focus on what will have particular impact on Tucson and Southern AZ – and what we can do. Our panel to date includes State Senator Priya Sundareshan (LD 18), Sandy Bahr, director of the Sierra Club’s Grand Canyon Chapter, and Kirsten Engel, Chief, Environmental Protection Unit of the AZ Attorney General’s Office.They will preview the policies, places, and programs that Arizonans will need to protect and promote. Their complementary perspectives will give us a full picture of what we can and should do – as individuals and as an organization – to support an agenda of environmental protection and justice as we work for a sustainable future. Following our guests’ comments, we expect a lively question & answer session, with a shared conversation on how to maintain and restore momentum on this work.”

Rethinking Transportation
2026-01-07 18:00 - 20:00 | Ward 6 Council office, 3202 E. 1st St., Tucson, Arizona, 85716
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

“Join us on Wednesday, January 7th in the Ward 6 community room from 6 – 8 pm to discuss RTA Next.

We’ll take a closer look at key concerns surrounding RTA Next—also known as Propositions 418 and 419—which will go before voters in March 2026. Maass, who served on the RTA Citizens’ Advisory Committee, and Albert Elías, city planner, former public administrator, and chair of LSA’s Advocacy Committee, will share insights on what’s at stake and what a more forward-thinking approach could look like.”

RSVP Here

Carolyn’s note: New Ward 6 Councilmember Miranda Schubert is a commuter bicyclist, as is my husband. I often take the Sun Tran bus and Sun Link streetcar, and drive our car. Bicycling is difficult for me recently due to health issues. Attend this talk to learn about other ways to rethink transportation options in Tucson.

Equality Az Legislative kickoff breakfast
2026-01-08 08:00 - 10:00 | AZ
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

“This annual event brings together advocates, community members, and elected officials to launch the legislative session in shared purpose and community.

Secure your seat now: 2026 Legislative Kickoff Breakfast

Featuring keynote speakers Sara Burlingame of Wyoming Equality and Andrew Schneider of Fairness West Virginia. Sara and Andrew will share what their communities are experiencing in states facing challenges similar to Arizona’s, along with the strategies they’re using to advance LGBTQ+ civil rights—offering perspective and inspiration to strengthen our work here at home.

This year’s breakfast will also include a legislative panel with Arizona lawmakers Sara Liguori, Flavio Bravo, and Lorena Austin, who will share insights on the session ahead and the issues most impacting LGBTQ+ Arizonans. You’ll hear what’s coming, why it matters, and how you can take action to help advance equality across our state.

Whether you’re a longtime advocate or newly engaged, this is a powerful way to get informed, get inspired, and get involved as the legislative session begins. We hope you’ll join us this Thursday Jan 8th and help set the tone for the year ahead.”

Secure your seat today: 2026 Legislative Kickoff Breakfast

January 8th Memorial gathering
2026-01-08 10:00 - 11:00 | Historic Pima County Courthouse, 115 N. Church Ave., Tucson, Arizona, 85701
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

The January 8 Memorial is surrounded with blooming Palo Verde trees in the spring.

Gathering will mark 15-year anniversary of Jan. 8 shooting

PIMA COUNTY – Jan. 8, 2026, marks 15 years since the tragic shooting that killed six people and wounded 13 others in northwest Tucson. At 10 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 8, Pima County officials, survivors and community members will reflect and gather at the Jan. 8 Embrace Memorial adjacent to the Historic Pima County Courthouse, 115 N. Church Ave.

District 1 Supervisor Rex Scott, Pima County Board of Supervisors, will offer opening remarks at the commemoration.

The event also will include:

Presentation of flags by the Pima County Sheriff’s Department honor guard

Prayer and reading of the names by Rev. Joe Fitzgerald, Banner-University Medical Center chaplain

Bell ringing at exactly 10:10 a.m. to coincide with when the first shots were fired

Remarks by former U.S. Congressman Ron Barber, who was injured in the shooting, and Tucson Mayor Regina Romero

The Memorial, which is located just west of the Historic Courthouse in El Presidio Park, 115 N. Church Ave., and called “Embrace,” tells the story of the lives lost and people wounded at the hand of a gunman on January 8, 2011, at Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords’ “Congress on Your Corner” event in Tucson. It features sloping walls that depict symbols embodying the values and interests held by each of the six people who died and the 13 survivors, including Giffords, who was seriously injured in the attack.

In addition, the Memorial showcases symbols dedicated to the community of first responders, Tucson’s history, and the aspirations of the community for the future. The Memorial also features gardens named for each of the six people who were killed.

More information about the Embrace Memorial is available at the Southern Arizona and Visitor Center website.“

Carolyn’s note: Has it been 15 years since Gabby was almost assassinated? She is now the wife of Arizona US Senator Mark Kelly. I remember her talented Congressional Aide I knew who were killed that day: Gabe Zimmerman, dead at age 30. Plus I also knew some of the injured: Gabby of course and her District Director Ron Barber, who later became a Congressman for a short while, and Pam Simon, another Congressional aide. My husband had taught Suzi Hileman, a constituent who was shot as well several times. And unfortunately I also knew Amy Loughner, mother of the shooter, who was/is? the Mgr. of Agua Caliente Park in Pima County.

Resist at Rush Hour
2026-01-08 16:00 - 18:00 | NW Tucson
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

Location:

Corner of Ina Rd and La Cholla Blvd

W Ina Rd & N La Cholla Blvd

Casas Adobes, AZ 85741

Map Links:

OSMGoogleApple

Organizer: LD 18 Dems

“Keep the pressure up! Stop the coup! Costumes welcome. For best sign visibility, consider bold, thick letters at least 4″ tall to make your sign readable to drivers. The LD18 Organizer will be at the NE corner, but participants are welcome to pick any corner.”

Protest at Juan Ciscomani's office
2026-01-10 09:00 - 11:00 | Congressman Juan Ciscomani’s office, 1636 N. Swan Rd., Tucson, Arizona, 85712

I.C.E. Out of Tucson! No War on Venezuela!
2026-01-10 10:00 - 12:00 | Near Reid Park
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

ICE Out of Tucson! No War on Venezuela!

Location:

Reid Park along E 22nd St

Organizer: TEA, AZ ACTS

Join unions, educators, students, veterans, faith and community members for a standout protest to demand ICE out of Tucson and no war on Venezuela!

AZ Dems Chair Charlene Fernandez & PCDP Chair & Executive Director at TVVDC meeting
2026-01-10 10:30 - 11:30 | Kirk Bear Canyon Library, 8959 E. Tanque Verde Rd., Tucson, Arizona, 85749
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

AZ Democratic Party Chair Charlene FernandezPima County Democratic Party Chair Eric Robbinsand Pima County Democratic Party Executive Director Alex Kack

Saturday, January 10, 2026, 10:30-11:30amKirk-Bear Canyon Library(8959 E Tanque Verde Rd)

The speakers at our January meeting will ADP Chair Charlene Fernandez, PCDP Chair Eric Robbins, and PCDP Executive Director Alex Kack.

Pat WiedhopfChair, Tanque Verde Valley Democratic Club

The Tanque Verde Valley Democratic Club presents speakers of interest to Democratic voters on the second Saturday of every month.

Sign up for our mailing list to receive meeting announcements: http://eepurl.com/gpRv1j

To join the Tanque Verde Valley Democratic Club please email your name, address, telephone number and email address to Beth Isabelle (bethisabelle@gmail.com)

Az Dems new Chair Charlene Fernandez, elected in July, 2025.

PCDP Chair Eric Robbins

PCDP Executive Director Alex Kack (aka The Green Shirt guy)

Stand with U.S. Senator Mark Kelly
2026-01-10 13:00 - 15:00 | Senator Mark Kelly’s office, 2201 E. Camelback Rd., Phoenix, Arizona, 85016
By Carolyn Classen, blogger

Carolyn’s note: Kelly is a retired Astronaut and US Navy officer. He was elected to U.S. Senate in Nov. 2020 defeating Republican incumbent (appointed) Martha McSally. Then he defeated Republican Blake Masters in Nov. 2022. His wife is former CD 8 Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, who served for 5 years and was shot in the head on 1/8/11.

AZ Secular Summit 2026
2026-01-10 13:00 - 16:00 | Humanist Society of Greater Phoenix, 627 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Mesa, Arizona, 85201
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

January 10, 2026 @ 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Secular Summit 2026

Humanist Center of Greater Phoenix 627 W Rio Salado Pkwy, Mesa, AZ, United States

“Save the Date: join us on January 10at 1-4 pm for an afternoon of education, inspiration and community building with secular supporters from round the state.

This year, our focus is on mutual aid… because we are our own saviors. Speaker list coming soon! Lunch included.

RSVP and tickets here: https://secularaz.salsalabs.org/secularsummit26“

When:

Saturday, January 10 from 1-4pm

Where:

Humanist Society of Greater Phoenix

627 W. Rio Salado Parkway Mesa, AZ

I.C.E. Out community assembly
2026-01-10 14:00 - 15:30 | Menlo Park, 325 N Grande Avenue, Tucson, AZ, 85745, United States
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

Location:

Menlo Park

325 N Grande Ave

Tucson, AZ 85745

Map Links:

OSMGoogleApple

Organizer: Community Organized

“Gather to discuss how we can support and defend each other from ICE. Everyone has something to offer. If you aren’t sure, please come. Spanish/English interpretation

With less than a day’s notice, the first ICE OUT Community Assembly brought together over 200 people to plan how we will defend our communities and get rid of ICE for good. The collective strength we felt has inspired us to continue these assemblies each month (second saturdays) so we can refine and grow our efforts together long-term. In the second assembly, we will emphasize neighborhood-level organizing and develop tangible next steps, so we all leave knowing what to do next.

As the same people commanding ICE increase their violence abroad, it’s as important as ever that we build our capacity to resist. This assembly runs on people power, so please invite your friends, family and neighbors and consider printing out some flyers to distribute around town.”

Meet 3 Dem candidates for Az Corporation Commission
2026-01-10 15:00 - 16:00 | Quail Creek Country Club, 1490 N. Quail Range Loop, Green Valley, Arizona, 85614
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

Carolyn’s note: 3 Dems running for 2 seats in 2026 on current all-Republican ACC of 5 Commissioners. So there likely will be a statewide Dem primary for these races on August 4, 2026. Jonathan Hill ran for this seat in Nov. 2024 and came in 5th in an 8 way race for 3 ACC seats. Clara and Derrick are political newcomers.

The location is the Ocotillo room at Quail Creek Country Club, 1490 N. Quail Range Loop. More info on ACC: https://www.azcc.gov/

Fight Trump's War on Venezuela & Stop I.C.E. Terror across America
2026-01-10 17:00 - 18:00 | Catalina Park, 941 N. 4th Ave., Tucson, Arizona, 85705
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

Fight Trump’s War on Venezuela and Stop ICE Terror Across the US

Location:

Catalina Park

941 N 4th Ave

Tucson, AZ 85705

Map Links:

OSMGoogleApple

Organizer: Tucson PSL, Tucson DSA

Former JAG Attorney Timothy Stringham at DGT
2026-01-12 12:00 - 13:00 | AZ
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

TheDGT.org Presents Former JAG Attorney Timothy Stringham on the Laws of War and Military Justice

“Please join us for a discussion with subject matter expert in military and armed conflict law, Timothy Stringham.

You Must Register in Advance for this Event:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/WQU7rPDVReixZWEZyaoh2A

Tim Stringham spent most of his adult life serving in the Armed Forces since graduating from ASU – first in the U.S. Army, including a tour of Afghanistan in 2012, then in the U.S. Navy as an attorney in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps. He ran for Maricopa County Attorney in 2024, losing to Justin Heap by ~4%. Stringham will speak about his experience in JAG and his expertise in the military code of justice and the laws of war, seeking to contextualize the Trump Administration’s hostile military actions toward Venzuela and others in the region.”

AZ Governor Katie Hobb's State of the State address
2026-01-12 14:00 - 15:00 | AZ State Capitol, 1700 W. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ, 85007, United States
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

From the office of Governor Katie Hobbs

CONTACT:press@az.govGovernor Katie Hobbs to Deliver State of the State Address

Phoenix, AZ – Monday, Governor Hobbs will join the Arizona Legislature for their Opening Day. During her address, Governor Hobbs will lay out her plans to put Arizona first by lowering costs, securing the border and protecting our water. WHO: Governor Katie HobbsWHEN: Monday, January 12, 2026 at 2pmWHERE: Arizona House of Representatives, House Floor – 1700 W Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85007Carolyn’s note: Governor Hobbs was elected in Nov. 2022 and is running for re-election in 2026. Previously she served as AZ Secretary of State (2019 to 2023) and in the Arizona Senate and House since 2011.

Phoenix MLK 2026 celebrations
2026-01-12 18:00 - 2026-01-24 16:00 | AZ
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

All info about Phoenix MLK events and awards at: https://azmlk.org/. Don’t miss the festival on the MLK Holiday, January 19 at Margaret T. Hance Park, 67 W. Culver St. Phoenix 85003.

Attorney General Kris Mayes town hall on electricity rates
2026-01-13 11:00 - 12:30 | YWCA of Southern Arizona, 525 N. Bonita Ave., Tucson, Arizona, 85745
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

Attorney General Kris Mayes Coming to Tucson for a TEP Town Hall

“Attorney General Kris Mayes has been approved by the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) to intervene against APS and TEP’s pending electricity rate cases, which would skyrocket already high electricity bills for Arizona consumers. Join the Attorney General for a listening session where she would like to hear more about the cost of your residential electricity bills, trends in electricity rates in recent years, concerns about future electricity price increases, and any other impact these utility rate hikes could have on you and your community. “

WHEN: Tuesday, January 13th from 11am-12:30pm

WHERE: YWCA of Southern Arizona, 525 N. Bonita Ave.

RSVP Here

Secular AZ's Legislative Update
2026-01-16 12:00 - 13:00 | AZ
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

“As the 57th Arizona Legislature gets underway, join us on January 16 at noon (AZ Time) for an update from Secular AZ’s (E.D.) Jeanne Casteen and friends.

Click here to RSVP for this virtual event. Add to calendar

Details

Date: January 16, 2026

Time:12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

Event Category: Education

Event Tags:activism, Arizona, christian nationalism, establishment clause, legislative, separation of church and state

Website: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_pdswQ0PVRj2gvtF4065NfQ

Jeanne Casteen

Executive Director

Secular Arizona’s Executive Director Jeanne Casteen

JEANNE CASTEEN has a bachelor’s degree in human communication and history from the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication at ASU and a master’s in education, also from ASU. Jeanne has over 11 years of experience teaching in Maricopa County’s public schools. In 2011, Jeanne completed the Emerge Arizona program and in 2012 became a school board member of the Creighton School District. She served as Board President from 2016 through 2020. In 2020, Ms. Casteen ran for Maricopa County School Superintendent, and came within 12,000 votes of winning. She has been awarded the Arizona School Public Relations Association Award for Excellence in Advocacy and Political Contributions to Education as well as the Arizona School Board Association’s All-Arizona School Board Member Award.”
