LSA Let's Talk RTA Next
2026-02-17 17:30 - 19:30 (America/Phoenix) | 4th Avenue Coalition Space, 311 E. 7th Street, Tucson, Arizona, 85705, Tunisia
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

Event by Living Streets Alliance

The Coalition Space 311 E 7th St, Tucson, AZ 85705

Duration: 2 hr

Public · Anyone on or off Facebook

“Props 418 & 419 (RTA Next) are on the ballot this March — and the decisions made now will shape Tucson’s transportation system for the next 20 years.

Join us for a community gathering to break down what’s at stake, hear directly from local community leaders, and get clear on how this proposed plan could impact our neighborhoods, our mobility, and our future. This is a space to ask hard questions, share concerns, and connect with neighbors who care about where Tucson is headed. Tucson deserves better.

Space is limited, please RSVP here: https://tinyurl.com/4swd8jbd“

Tuesday, February 17th5:30 – 7:30 p.m.4th Ave Coalition Space311 E 7th St. Tucson, AZ

”What the River Knows” film
2026-02-17 19:00 - 21:30 | Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway Blvd., Tucson, AZ, 85716, United States
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17 AT 7:00PM

GENERAL ADMISSION: $10

PASSES NOT ACCEPTED

“Following the film screening, the event will conclude with a panel discussion and audience Q+A.

Glen Canyon Institute, in collaboration with Watershed Management Group, presents What the River Knows, a Good Intentions Paving Co. documentary exploring the reemergence of Glen Canyon from the receding waters of Lake Powell reservoir. At the same time that we are met with the need to redesign our systems of water management in the West, we are presented with the opportunity to restore one of the most stunning landscapes on the planet.What the River Knows explores this unique reflection point in a centuries-long history, weaving together past and present to reveal a new way forward for the Colorado River. (Dir. by Diego Riley & Will Buckley, 2025, USA, 35 mins., Not Rated)

This is a Community Rental by the Glen Canyon Institute.“

2 HR 0 MIN | NR

Released 2025

https://loftcinema.org/film/what-the-river-knows/

Two virtual RTA Next Q & A sessions
2026-02-18 12:00 - 18:00
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

RTA Next special election coming up on March 10, to vote for or against 1/2 cents sales tax increase for the continuation of the current 20 year RTA Plan. Will be Propositions 418 and 419 on that ballot.

Two virtual RTA Next Q&A sessions coming up:

Feb. 18 – Virtual Sessions12 to 1 p.m.Click here to register via Zoom5 to 6 p.m.Click here to register via Zoom

Info at: https://rtanext.com/ for this $2.67 billion plan.

“The Regional Transportation Authority, a state-established taxing district within Pima County, finalized a new 20-year regional transportation plan (RTA Next) to improve the transportation network in the greater Tucson region and enhance our quality of life.”

Happy Hour with DGT
2026-02-18 16:00 - 18:00 | Brother John’ s Beer, Bourbon & Barbecue, 1801 N. Stone Ave., Tucson, Arizona, 85705, United States
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

Democrats of Greater Tucson Happy HourDATE: February 18th, 2026TIME: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PMLOCATION: Brother John’s Beer Bourbon & BBQ, 1801 N Stone Ave, Tucson, AZ 85705”Want to get involved in your local political scene? Spend time with a wonderful group of fellow Democrats? Enjoy some good food?Join us at Brother John’s Beer, Bourbon & BBQ’s Bourbon Lounge for drinks and great conversation, and make some new friends!Come meet our Mystery Guests!We’ll have a mystery guest at every happy hour, and you might get a chance to meet local, city, state, and even national volunteers, activists, and organizers.Come have a conversation you won’t have anywhere else, and feel free to bring a plus one! We can’t wait to see you there!”

Calling All DGT Members: Activate yourself!!

Tucson’s amazing community of activists is FLOURISHING with opportunities to take a stand and make your voice heard!Whether you’re a veteran of political activism or just dipping a toe into the water for the first time, there’s good work to be done and you’ve got hands that can do it. Go to Take Action Tucson to find an action near you!

Community Billboard

Sincerely yours,Joe DaniszewskiPresidentDemocrats of Greater Tucsonjndaniszewski1@gmail.com

Democrats of Greater Tucson is a grassroots, volunteer-run organization. We rely on the support of motivated citizens like you to organize our forums, run our website, and keep you up to date. If you appreciate the work we’re doing, consider becoming a member or making a one-time donation today.Our mailing address is:Democrats of Greater TucsonP.O. Box 41573Tucson, AZ 85717Add us to your address bookWant to change how you receive these emails?You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

Ward 5 Council office fiesta
2026-02-19 16:00 - 20:00 | Ward 5 Council office, 4300 S. Park Ave., Tucson, Arizona, 85714
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

From Ward 5 new Councilmember Selina Barajas:

“I also want neighbors to better understand what a Ward office is and how local government impacts daily life. That’s why our first major community gathering will be a Ward 5 Fiesta! Join us on Thursday, February 19 from 4 – 8pm at 4300 South Park Avenue for an evening of connection, conversation, and celebration. I’ll be sharing a few remarks at 6 p.m., and I hope to see you there. Come meet the team, enjoy the atmosphere, and celebrate with us – rodeo attire encouraged. This fiesta is for everyone!

Registration for this event is highly encouraged. To RSVP, click here.“

Ballot Measures
2026-02-19 18:30 - 19:30
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

Civics Series: Ballot Measures

THURSDAY FEB 19

6:30PM-7:30PM

Location:

https://www.mobilize.us/cebv/event/894161

Organizer: Civic Engagement Beyond Voting

Learn all about citizen-led ballot measures! This is a way that citizens of Arizona can have a direct say in which laws are made or repealed at the local and state level.

This will be a virtual training with lots of time for questions.

Legislative update with Secular Az
2026-02-20 12:00 - 13:00
by Carolyn Classen, Blogger

February 20 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pmWebinar

“Join us on February 20 at noon (MST) for a legislative update with Secular AZ’s (E.D.)Jeanne Casteen.

Click here to register for this virtual presentation https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_pdswQ0PVRj2gvtF4065NfQ#/registration

More than 4k bills (a new record) have been introduced in the Arizona State Legislature this session. Many are Christian nationalist bills that violate the separation of church and state. Secular AZ Executive Director Jeanne Casteen summarizes the worst of the worst.”

Protest at Juan Ciscomani's office
2026-02-21 09:00 - 11:00 | Congressman Juan Ciscomani’s office, 1636 N. Swan Rd., Tucson, Arizona, 85712
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

Saturday Protest Outside Ciscomani’s Office

February 21 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am

Join us on Saturdays at 9AM where we be protesting peacefully outside Rep. Ciscomani’s office. With our presence and our signs, we will tell him to properly represent his constituency, and uphold the constitution! We will have extra signs; chillin’ chairs; and a letter-writing station for you to write a letter to Ciscomani and deliver it personally to his office! Indivisible Tucson’s Pressure Ciscomani Team and others will have information tables at these events. Please join us to protest Rep. Ciscomani’s voting record and hypocritical messaging. RSVP if you like, but no need to – just show up any Saturday morning!

Join the FUN – https://youtube.com/shorts/NMwCDwp55aQ

See you there!

Asian Lunar New Year festival
2026-02-21 10:00 - 18:00 | Tucson Chinese Cultural Center, 1288 W. River Rd., Tucson, Arizona, 85704
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

Carolyn’s note: This Asian Lunar New Year is celebrated in February by Chinese and Vietnamese cultures, but we Japanese celebrate on January 1st like most other people. It’s the Year of the Horse for all of us in the Asian zodiac world (12 year cycles).

I was a member of the Tucson Chinese Cultural Center for over 16 years, from 2008 to 2025, where I played Hong Kong Simplified mah jong. I also took classes in tai chi, line dancing, exercise.

All info at tucsonchinese.org.

Pageant to the People with Comedian Corinne Fisher
2026-02-21 18:00 - 20:00 | Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St., Tucson, Arizona, 85701
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

“Join comedian & former NYC Mayoral Candidate Corinne Fisher for a town hall, talent show & pageant featuring local Tucson elected officials Mayor Regina Romero, Councilmember Paul Cunningham & Councilmember Miranda Schubert.Bring your questions about local issues & get ready to see who the most talented member of our city government is. All proceeds benefitting the Pima County Democratic Party. This event will sell out so make sure you get your tickets ASAP at the link below!”

Click Here to Get Your Tickets!

LWV of Az Legislative Lobby Week 2026
2026-02-22 14:00 - 2026-02-28 16:00
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

Legislative Lobby Week

Lunch and Learn Virtual Sessions

“February 22 | 2:00–4:00 p.m: A panel ofArizona independent media will discuss howcurrent political dynamics are affecting pressfreedoms and First Amendment protections.

February 23 | 12:00–1:30 p.m: America Votespresents who voted in 2024, how they voted,and where potential competitive districts mayemerge.

February 24 | 12:00–1:30 p.m: Secretary ofState Fontes discusses safeguarding voter dataand protecting election integrity.

February 26 | 12:00–1:30 p.m: Legislativeupdates, accountability, and addressing theteacher shortage.

February 27 | 12:00–1:30 p.m: Understandinghow a bill becomes law, opportunities for publicinput, and insights from legislative insiders.

February 28 | 2:00–4:00 p.m: A look atrepresentation, apportionment, and whyequal voting power remains a cornerstone ofdemocracy.

You can register for the virtual Lunch and Learn programs here: https://linktr.ee/ lwvazlunchandlearn.

If you can’t attend, you can watch the recordings on YouTube – @lwvarizona3069.”

Rocque Perez, candidate for LD20 Senator at DGT
2026-02-23 12:00 - 13:00
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

“Please join us for a lively discussion and QA with recent Tucson City Council appointee, and candidate for the Democratic nomination for AZ Senate in Legislative District 20, Rocque Perez. Learn more about his campaign at RocquePerez.com.“Please join us for a lively discussion and QA with recent Tucson City Council appointee, and candidate for the Democratic nomination for AZ Senate in Legislative District 20, Rocque Perez. Learn more about his campaign at RocquePerez.com.

You Must Register in Advance for this Event:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ZomEJTjbRW2bm0cApmCJmA

Rocque is a fourth-generation Tucsonan raised by a working-class single mother. His call to service was shaped by political violence against our most vulnerable communities. Committed to their defense, he was appointed to the Tucson City Council in 2025. As Arizona’s first Gen Z official to serve in city or county government, Rocque brought a fresh voice to the Tucson City Council.

During his short tenure, he directed over half a million dollars into small businesses, nonprofits, schools, and neighborhood projects; protected Tucson’s water by stopping a proposed data center and defending the University of Arizona from federal overreach; supported low-barrier and affordable housing; and preserved critical investments in early childhood education for Sunnyside and Flowing Wells families.

As a State Senator, Rocque would take his service to the Capitol to defend our rights—from freedom from discrimination, to the right to organize, earn a fair living, and afford housing, to a quality public education, fair and accessible elections, and systems that keep families whole.”

Carolyn’s note: Rocque was appointed to serve for 6 months as Ward 5 councilman in 2025, upon retirement of long term Councilman Richard Fimbres. Rocque will face off in a Dem primary for this seat with LD20 Rep. Alma Hernandez, running for senate. Current LD20 Senator Sally Gonzales is termed out,now running for a House seat in same district. The other current LD20 Rep. is Betty Villegas, running for re-election.

Rocque just came out against RTA Next in a guest opinion: https://tucson.com/opinion/column/article_f34a040a-bf55-47cb-b4e4-28f8680d525d.html

Two virtual RTA Next Q & A sessions
2026-02-24 12:00 - 18:00
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

RTA Next special election coming up on March 10, to vote for or against 1/2 cents sales tax increase for the continuation of the current 20 year RTA Plan. Will be Propositions 418 and 419 on that ballot.

Two virtual RTA Next Q&A sessions coming up:

Feb. 24 – Virtual Sessions12 to 1 p.m.Click here to register via Zoom5 to 6 p.m.Click here to register via Zoom

Info at: https://rtanext.com/ for this $2.67 billion plan.

“The Regional Transportation Authority, a state-established taxing district within Pima County, finalized a new 20-year regional transportation plan (RTA Next) to improve the transportation network in the greater Tucson region and enhance our quality of life.”

Energy Affordability town hall
2026-02-24 17:30 - 19:00 | Ward 6 Council office, 3202 E. 1st St., Tucson, Arizona, 85716
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

RTA Next info session for Wards 1 & 5
2026-02-25 15:30 - 17:00 | Ward 5 Council office, 4300 S. Park Ave., Tucson, Arizona, 85714
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

“RTA Info Session Ward 1 and 5 (Virtual and In-Person) – Feb. 25

Next week, Wards 1 and 5 are hosting a hybrid Q&A session on RTA Next. You’ve probably received your ballot by now, and this session is a great opportunity to ask any questions about the proposed ballot initiatives. As a reminder, Props 418 and 419 are not a new tax. Mail your ballot by Tuesday, March 3 to ensure it’s received by election day, March 10.

When: Wednesday, Feb. 25.Time: 3:30 to 5:00 p.mVirtual: Registration Zoom LinkIn-Person: Ward 5 Office, 4300 S. Park Ave.A full list of upcoming RTA events.“

Carolyn’s note: As for support for RTA Next on the March 10 special election ballot, from Tucson City Council: yes in favor are Mayor Romero, Councilmembers in Ward 1 (Santa Cruz), 2 (Cunningham), 4 (Lee), and 5 (Barajas). Against is Ward 6 Councilwoman Schubert, and neutral is Ward 3 Councilman Dahl.

Know Your Rights - I.C.E in Tucson
2026-02-25 18:30 - 20:00
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

Organizer: LD 17 Dems

“Learn what ICE is doing in Tucson, how to act now and how to protect yourself and your neighbors.

Aprenda qué está haciendo ICE en Tucson, cómo actuar ahora y cómo protegerse y proteger a sus vecinos.

Register Here”

Stop Trump, Save America
2026-02-26 16:00 - 18:00 | NW Tucson
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

Stop Trump, Save America

THURSDAY FEB 26

4:00PM-6:00PM

Location:

North La Cholla Boulevard & West Ina Road

N La Cholla Blvd & W Ina Rd

Casas Adobes, AZ 85704

Map Links:

OSMGoogleApple

“Organizer: Indivisible Tucson Action Alliance

The organizers will be at the NE corner. This is a peaceful protest and will follow all safety practices and protocols.

Per the organizers: Ample parking on 3 of the 4 corners. Please avoid parking right in front of any stores (side or further back of lot okay).”

Protest at Juan Ciscomani's office
2026-02-28 09:00 - 11:00 | Congressman Juan Ciscomani’s office, 1636 N. Swan Rd., Tucson, Arizona, 85712
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

February 28 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am

“Join us on Saturdays at 9AM where we be protesting peacefully outside Rep. Ciscomani’s office. With our presence and our signs, we will tell him to properly represent his constituency, and uphold the constitution! We will have extra signs; chillin’ chairs; and a letter-writing station for you to write a letter to Ciscomani and deliver it personally to his office! Indivisible Tucson’s Pressure Ciscomani Team and others will have information tables at these events. Please join us to protest Rep. Ciscomani’s voting record and hypocritical messaging. RSVP if you like, but no need to – just show up any Saturday morning!

Join the FUN – https://youtube.com/shorts/NMwCDwp55aQ

See you there!”

We the People Freedom Fair (and rally)
2026-02-28 10:30 - 13:30 | Quail Creek Veterans Municipal Park, 1906 S. Nogales Hwy., Sahuarita, Arizona, 85629

Arizona List Annual events in Tucson & Phoenix
2026-02-28 10:30 - 18:00
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

Arizona List 22nd Annual Event

Celebrating 22 Years of Electing Progressive Women

“Join us on Saturday, February 28, 2026, for Arizona List’s 22nd Annual Event, a statewide celebration of the women changing Arizona’s future. This year, Arizona List is proud to welcome Maria Teresa Kumar, founding president of Voto Latino, who will lead a conversation with Molly Jong-Fast, Congresswoman Delia Ramirez, and San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones.

Come together with allies, candidates, and community leaders as we honor over two decades of progress.”

HONORING

Former Tucson City Council Member Karin Uhlich

State Senator Lela Alston

Rising Star Naomi De La Rosa

Rising Star Keep AZ Blue

Saturday, February 28, 2026

Tucson Annual Event10:30 AM – 12:00 PMFox Tucson Theatre17 W Congress St, Tucson, AZ 85701

TUCSON TICKETS

Phoenix Annual Event4:30 PM – 6:00 PMOrpheum Theatre Phoenix203 W Adams St, Phoenix, AZ 85003

PHOENIX TICKETS

Other Ways to Attend:

Watch Virtually at 10:30 AM

VIRTUAL TICKETS

Yuma Watch Party at 10:30 AMHosted by Mary BarkleyAddress provided 48 hours before event to RSVPs

YUMA WATCH PARTY RSVP

Flagstaff Watch Party at 10:30 AMHosted by Jasmine JewellMurdoch Community Center203 E Brannen Ave Flagstaff, AZ 86001

FLAGSTAFF WATCH PARTY RSVP

Meet Our Guest Speakers Here!

.” Tickets are on sale now!

Saturday, February 28, 2026

Tucson Annual Event10:30 AM – 12:00 PMFox Tucson Theatre17 W Congress St, Tucson, AZ 85701

TUCSON TICKETS

Phoenix Annual Event4:30 PM – 6:00 PMOrpheum Theatre Phoenix203 W Adams St, Phoenix, AZ 85003

PHOENIX TICKETS

42nd Annual Tucson Peace Fair & Music Festival 2026
2026-02-28 11:00 - 16:00 | Reid Park, 900 S. Randolph Way, Tucson, AZ, 85716, United States
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

“The 42nd Annual Tucson Peace Fair & Music Festival will take placeon Saturday, February 28, 2026from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.in Reid Park

This free event is Arizona’s largest gathering of Peace, Social Justice, and Environmental groups.

There will be member group tables, live music, food, entertainment, children’s activities, and much more.

Here’s the music lineup for the 2026 Peace Fair and Music Festival:

Ukelele Fight ClubRaging GranniesConsciousness CollectiveKat WilliamsonOne HeartbeatThe Mysterious Babies Peace BandSanta Pachita

We hope to see you there. If your Peace, Social Justice, Environmental or Labor group wants to register for a table at the Peace Fair, please go to https://www.tucsonpeacecalendar.org/donate/.”

42nd Annual Tucson Peace Fair & Music Festival

Mayor Regina Romero on RTA Next/Propositions 418 &419 at DGT Salon
2026-02-28 13:30 - 14:30
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

“Please join us for a special event conversation with Tucson Mayor Regina Romero about her support for a YES on Props 418/419 (RTA Next funding and plan).

You Must Register in Advance for this Event:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/YPJp3tXbRTeVde4C5tPAgQ

For lots of resources in support of RTA Next, the Connect Pima website is a good place to start.

FYI, TheDGT.org will also be presenting advocates for voting NO on RTA Next as soon as a date is settled upon. Keep your eye peeled for another Special Event, soon!

More from Mayor Romero about this event shortly!”

Carolyn’s note:

The Special Election on the 20 year renewal of RTA Next is on March 10, 2026. It is a $2.67 billion plan funded by the same 1/2 cent sales tax which voters approved in May 2006. Prop 418 and 419 both have to pass for the sales tax to continue.

AZPM Thriving in the Desert: Creating a Sustainable Tucson
2026-02-28 14:00 - 16:00 | UA ENR2 Building, 1064 E. Lowell St., Tucson, Arizona, 85721
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

Thriving in the Desert: Creating a Sustainable Tucson

ByAZPM

Follow

ENR2 (Environment and Natural Resources 2 Building), 1064 East Lowell Street, Tucson, AZ, USATucson, AZ

Saturday, Feb 28 from 2 pm to 4 pm MST

“This event is free and open to the public. If you are able, we welcome a suggested donation of $10 to help support AZPM community events.

Join AZPM for an engaging conversation and community gathering to and discuss ways to keep Tucson sustainable. We will focus on water, plants, solar energy, sustainability, housing, walkability and more.

Moderated by Tony Paniagua, Producer, Arizona Illustrated and joined by:

Joey Iuliano Lecturer on Sustainable Built Environments, College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture, University of Arizona

James MacAdam, Conservation and Stormwater Resources Administrator, Storm to Shade, City of Tucson

Natalie Shepp, Board Member Emeritus, Community Gardens of Tucson

David Stevenson, Tucson Homeowner

Brian Matlock, candidate for Az State Mine Inspector at DGT
2026-03-02 12:00 - 13:00
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

“Please join us for a discussion and QA with Democratic Candidate Brian Matlock for AZ State Mine Inspector. Come learn more about this misuderstood and little-known Constitutional state-wide office.

You Must Register in Advance for this Event:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/wk-D1tflSf-E7714UFmEmA

Brian Matlock is a Marine Reserves veteran and Mechanical Engineer with decades of heavy industry experience including forestry, pulp & paper, foundry and mining. Brian is named as an inventor on six United States patents, some directly associated with mining safety. He has worked at industrial sites on every continent except Antarctica. Brian’s experience includes design, field service, marketing and management with supervisory duties.”

Carolyn’s note: long time Republican Az State Mine Inspector Paul Marsh resigned in August 2025. Republican Les Presmyk was appointed in his place, probably running for election in 2026. Matlock will face off with him in the General Election.

Community meeting re: I.C.E. & student safety
2026-03-02 15:00 - 18:00 | Pueblo High School, 3500 S. 12th Avenue, Tucson, Arizona, 85713
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

Community Meeting on ICE Safety – Monday, March 2

“MEChA de Pueblo invites you to attend a community discussion regarding ICE and student safety. This is an opportunity to share any concerns, fears or questions you may have about the increased presence of ICE in our community. The Pueblo High School chapter would like to create a safe space for students, parents and teachers to share their feelings, ask questions and discuss what the community can do to keep each other safe.”

Monday, March 2nd from 3-6 PMPueblo High School – Library Reference Room3500 S 12th Ave, Tucson, AZ 85713Questions:mechaphs1969@gmail.com

No to I.CE. Detention Center in Marana
2026-03-03 17:00 - 20:00 | Marana Town Council chambers, 11555 W. Civic
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

Pack the Room! Say NO to ICE Detention Center in Marana

TUESDAY MAR 3

5:00PM-8:00PM

Location:

Marana Municipal Complex

11555 W Civic Center Dr

Marana, AZ 85653

Map Links:

OSMGoogleApple

Organizer: Pima Resists ICE

“Bring signs and whistles! Marana residents, please plan to speak at call to the audience.”

The Criminalization of the U.S. Immigration System
2026-03-04 17:30 - 18:30
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

“Join us for our virtual public program “The Criminalization of theUS Immigration System” on Wednesday, March 4 at 6:30pm.Free event, open to members and non-members:https://lwvtucson.org/content.aspx?page_id=4091…

We are in unprecedented times as the current administration moves to drastically curtail legal immigration, to redefine who is an “illegal immigrant” and use militarized tactics to remove all “illegals.” Juan Rocha, Immigration and Criminal Attorney, will discuss the current immigration policy and avenues of reform.

Speaker:Juan Rocha – lecturer at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University where he focuses on the criminalization of immigration

This event is presented by the Public Programs Committee of the LWVGT. “

Ward 6 Councilmember Miranda Schubert on RTA Next at DGT Salon
2026-03-04 18:00 - 19:00
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

Please join us for a lively discussion about RTA Next. Miranda Schubert will be making the case for voting NO on Props 418/419 (RTA Next). Please note carefully the special date and time of Weds March 4th at 6pm on Zoom! If you haven’t yet made up your mind and voted (polls close at 7pm on March 10th, and you must hand deliver ballots following the mail-in deadline of March 3rd!) then join us to discuss the case against RTA Next.

You Must Register in Advance for this Event:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/o0xQgYLfTN6Exq9rYQbpGg

You can read about the case against at https://nortanext.com/

We will update this post with any additional information we might get from Miranda and others opposing RTA Next prior to the event.”

Carolyn’s note:

Miranda published a guest opinion against RTA Next in AZ Daily Star on Jan. 26:https://tucson.com/opinion/column/article_b491c83c-8e26-4b73-9cf9-e25b8e5930a8.html

The Special Election on the 20 year renewal of RTA Next is on March 10, 2026. It is a $2.67 billion plan funded by the same 1/2 cent sales tax which voters approved in May 2006. Prop 418 and 419 both have to pass for the sales tax to continue. Tucson Mayor Regina Romero spoke in favor of RTANext to DGT on Feb. 28.

College Dems happy hour
2026-03-04 18:00 - 20:00 | The Shanty, 401 E. 9th Street, Tucson, AZ, 85719, United States
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

Carolyn’s note: Must be open to all college Dems, from University of Arizona, PCC, ASU? Drop by to meet these young people and discuss politics in America today. Every first Wed. of the month in 2026.

Prayer Gathering for the late Rev. Jesse Jackson
2026-03-05 17:00 - 18:00 | Arizona State Capitol, 1700 W Washington St., Phoenix, AZ, 85007, United States
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

“The Arizona African American Christian Clergy Coalition (AACCC) will host a 1-hour Prayer Gathering on Thursday, March 5th at 5:00 PM at the Arizona State Capitol to honor the life, legacy, and moral leadership of Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr.

This gathering will serve as a sacred and civic moment of unity—bringing together a “Rainbow” of clergy, faith leaders, elected officials, civic leaders, and community partners from across Arizona, reflecting Rev. Jackson’s enduring vision of solidarity and justice.

“Reverend Jesse L. Jackson has consistently called our nation to moral courage—standing with workers, defending families, championing immigrant dignity, and modeling nonviolent, love-anchored justice,” said Pastor Aubrey Barnwell, Chairperson of the AACCC. “Here in Arizona, we gather to honor his legacy and renew our commitment to justice, unity, and community transformation.”

Rev. Jackson’s influence in Arizona is seen in strengthened civic participation and coalition-building across faith, civic, and cultural lines—rooted in the conviction that justice and reconciliation belong together.

The Prayer Gathering will:

Honor Rev. Jackson’s decades of advocacy and his connection to Arizona

Offer prayers of gratitude and intercession for continued justice work in our state

Provide a visible witness of unity across communities and generations

Bishop Bryan Allen, AACCC Civic Engagement Sector Leader, will serve as the primary point of contact and lead coordinator for the event.

Event Details

What: Prayer Gathering Honoring Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr.When: Thursday, March 5, 2026

Where: Arizona State Capitol – Phoenix, ArizonaDuration: 1 hourHosted by: Arizona African American Christian Clergy Coalition (AACCC)

RSVP & Attendance Information: Those planning to attend are encouraged to RSVP at: https://bit.ly/JLJAZMemorial

While the event is open to the public, advance RSVP is appreciated to assist with planning and coordination.”

About AACCC

The Arizona African American Christian Clergy Coalition exists to address the diverse needs of African American clergy and the broader community with a Christ-centered voice that inspires meaningful progress and serves as a force for change in Arizona.

Bishop Bryan AllenCivic Engagement Sector Leader, AACCC(815) 474-2290 mobile

pastor@sunvalleywc.org

Jerry J. McPherson

Executive Director

Governor’s Office of African American Affairs

(602) 526.2543

jerry.mcpherson@az.gov

Carolyn’s note: Civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson died on Feb. 17, 2026 at the age of 85. He ran for US President as a Democrat in 1984 and 1988. He led the way for the later election in 2008 of Democratic half -frican American Barack Obama to become first Black American US President. Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, first Black American woman in U.S House, had run for US President in 1972.
