Blog for Arizona

National Day of Racial Healing
2026-01-17 12:30 - 15:30 (America/Phoenix) | YWCA of Southern Arizona, 525 N. Bonita Ave., Tucson, Arizona, 85745
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

Organizer contact is Victor Bowleg at YWCA of Southern Arizona, https://www.ywcatucson.org/. In the past this event has included ethnic performances and a panel discussion. Stay tuned for details.

MLK Sing for Freedom
2026-01-18 14:30 - 16:00 | Pima Friends Meeting House, 931 N. 5th Avenue, Tucson, Arizona, 85706
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

Carolyn’s note: Join singer Ted Warmbrand for this community sing. We met him, his wife and many other Dems for a Thanksgiving dinner at La Indita in Nov. 2025.

Ted performing, from his FB page.

Tucson MLK Commemorative March & Celebration
2026-01-19 10:00 - 15:00 | Reid Park, 900 S. Randolph Way, Tucson, AZ, 85716, United States
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

Event by MLK Celebration Tucson

Reid Park Tucson Az

Duration: 5 hr (10 am. to 3 pm)

Public · Anyone on or off Facebook

Tucson MLK Commemorative March & Celebration Monday, January 19, 2026 Reid Park, Tucson

Join us for a joyful, family-centered celebration as we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.! All are welcome to participate in this uplifting community tradition.

Commemorative MarchTake part in our beautiful walk around the perimeter of Reid Park — a powerful moment of unity, reflection, and hope.

Celebration Highlights Live performances Local vendors Family line dancing Greetings from Tucson community legends Fun for all ages!

This year’s theme:“Mission Possible II: Building a Community, Uniting a Nation, the Nonviolent Way.”

We are still accepting: Vendors Sponsors

If you or your organization would like to participate, we’d love to have you!

Let’s honor the Dream — together”

https://www.facebook.com/events/3009317099275063/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22attachment%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22newsfeed%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D

”Sinners” free MLK film screening
2026-01-19 16:30 - 19:00 | Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway Blvd., Tucson, AZ, 85716, United States
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

Tickets Available DAY OF at Box Office

MONDAY, JANUARY 19 AT 4:30PM

FREE ADMISSION

TICKETS AVAILABLE DAY OF AT BOX OFFICE

“Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a free screening of Ryan Coogler’s acclaimed blockbuster SINNERS! See it again on the big screen before Academy Award-nominations are announced on January 22!

Trying to leave their troubled lives behind, twin brothers (Michael B. Jordan) return to their Mississippi hometown to start again, only to discover that an even greater evil is waiting to welcome them back. The latest film from acclaimed writer/director Ryan Coogler (Creed, Black Panther) is a rip-roaring, culturally-potent exploration of the Black American experience, told through a fusion of masterful visual storytelling, electrifying music and vicious horror, co-starring Miles Caton, Wunmi Mosaku, Hailee Steinfeld, Delroy Lindo and Saul Williams. (Dir. by Ryan Coogler, 2025, USA, 137 min., Rated R)”

2 HR 17 MIN | R

Released 2025

Free America Walkout: Tucson
2026-01-20 14:00 - 19:00 | Evo A Deconcini Federal Courthouse, 405 W. Congress St., Tucson, Arizona, 85701
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

TUCSON, AZ – Free America Rally at Tucson Federal Building

“Ditch work, school & shopping at 2PM on January 20 and rally at the Tucson Federal Building! The rally will run until 7PM to accommodate those unable to walkout during the work/school day. Our goal is to surround the Federal Building while also displaying signs to traffic on Congress. If enough of us show up, we may also cross Granada and protest in front of the Courthouse.

OUR DEMANDS:

REMOVE ICE FROM OUR STREETS AND PROSECUTE THEM!

HANDS OFF VENEZUELA & ALL FOREIGN NATIONS!

STOP THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH’S CONSOLIDATION OF POWER!

OUST TRUMP NOW!

UPHOLD OUR CONSTITUTION & OUR DEMOCRACY!”

Eastside Tucson Free America Walkout
2026-01-20 15:30 - 17:30 | Ward 2 Council office, 7820 E. Bro8adway Blvd., Tucson, Arizona, 85710
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

“One year into Trump’s second regime, we face an escalating fascist threat: raids on our communities, troops occupying our cities, attacks on immigrants, families torn apart, mass surveillance, and terror used to keep us silent. It is time for our communities to escalate as well.

2025 was a year of marches that showed our collective strength. And as the threats grow, our movement must evolve and escalate. Trump and his allies have already made clear that a second term would bring a deeper wave of misogyny, racism, xenophobia, and violence than the first.

On January 20, we call on our communities to organize teams, call your neighbors and classmates, and turn your back and walk out on fascism. Host mutual aid planning meetings, organize public service, but walk out to block the normal routines of power, and make the stakes real. This is a protest and a promise. In the face of fascism, we will be ungovernable.Important Details:This event will take place in front of the Eastside City Hall/Ward 2 Office located at 7820 E Broadway Blvd. If there are enough people, we can also move out to cover all four corners of Broadway and Pantano. In any case, the event will start at the Eastside City Hall/Ward 2 Office. It will last from 3:30-5:30pm. Parking is avalible at the Eastside City Hall and adjacent shopping centers along Broadway and Pantano. For parking on site, turn in off of Broadway at Camp Bowwow, and go behind it, which should take you to the parking lot of the Ward 2 Office. Eastsiders, let’s show this fascist regime we demand an end to the raids and cruelty! Make sure to bring a friend or relative and share the event on social media before tommorow, if you can!

★ We walk away from fascism. ★

★ We walk towards a Free America. ★

★ We fight for a future that belongs to us all. ★

★ Everybody in, nobody out. ★

★ Welcome to the Free America Walkout ★”

AZ Governor's State Report
2026-01-21 10:00 - 11:30 | Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Avenue, Tucson, Arizona, 85701, United States
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

Event by Southern Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Tucson Convention Center

Public · Anyone on or off Facebook

“Join us for the Governor’s State Report featuring Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs as she delivers her annual State of the State Address.

In this pivotal presentation, Governor Hobbs will provide an insightful overview of Arizona’s current economic landscape, policy initiatives, and future goals. She will discuss the challenges and opportunities facing our state and share her vision for fostering growth, innovation, and community resilience.

This is an invaluable opportunity to hear directly from the Governor about her plans to strengthen Arizona and to engage with key stakeholders in shaping our shared future.”

Tickets: https://www.soazhcc.org/governors-state-report?fbclid=IwY2xjawOVIexleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFLeTE5NjVNV3VpQzlQZUVGc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHssYcvZVQ4TNkikHo5Yby5fxgtw0BZDYrtiG7CjOtZsHQ99r4fWn7q0mX8uZ_aem_JbfUljr4FnyRMcYzfuyfuQ

Happy Hour with DGT
2026-01-21 16:00 - 18:00 | Brother John’s, 1801 N Stone Ave., Tucson, AZ, 85705, United States
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

Democrats of Greater Tucson Happy HourDATE: January 21st, 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!”

UPDATE from former DGT Pres. Larry Bodine:

“See and hear Tre (Rhodes) at TheDGT.org Happy Hour on Wednesday, January 21, from 4 to 6 pm at Brother John’s restaurant, 1801 N Stone Ave, Tucson, AZ 85705. We will make a formal presentation of a $2,500 donation to his campaign.

﻿A former member of the DGT Board, TreDavon will bring a fresh perspective to TUSD and ensure that, like him, all students have the opportunity to succeed in our district.

Today, he studies Political Science and Economics at the University of Arizona and is active in the UA College Democrats. MEET TreDavon.

Tre Rhodes, candidate for TUSD Governing Board

TRE IS RUNNING TO:

Address the potential closure of 14 TUSD public schools due to declining enrollment.

Bring his lived experience as a graduate of Sabino High School to families in TUSD.

Serve as a voice for the governed – TUSD’s 35,000 students.

Add staff and support for Career and Technical Education programs.

Find new ways to fund TUSD.

Rein in the fraud-ridden ESA school voucher program, which is stealing money directly from public schools.

To find out more, read Put a Student — Tre’Davon Rhodes — on the TUSD School Board. Don’t miss your chance to meet Tre on Wednesday at 4!“

A Roe vs. Wade anniversary conversation
2026-01-22 09:00 - 10:00 | location TBA
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

“Join us on Thursday, January 22, 2026, to take action for reproductive freedom!

On the anniversary of the Supreme Court’s landmark Roe v. Wade decision, join Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs and Mini Timmaraju, President and CEO of Reproductive Freedom for All, for a powerful conversation on the state of reproductive freedom since the fall of Roe, the victories here in Arizona, and the fight still ahead.

RSVP: reproductivefreedomforall.org/events

After you RSVP, we will send you an email with information about how to join the event. The information will also be available on this page. This invitation is non-transferable. For safety, please do not share the location information with others. If you would like to invite friends, they must RSVP themselves.”

Stop I.C.E. Terror, No More Wars
2026-01-22 16:00 - 18:00 | NW Tucson
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

Location:

Corner of La Cholla Boulevard & Ina Road

N La Cholla Blvd & W Ina Rd

Casas Adobes, AZ 85704

Map Links:

OSMGoogleApple

Organizer: Indivisible Tucson Action Alliance

Costumes welcome! For best sign visibility, consider bold, thick letters at least 4″ tall to make your sign readable to drivers.

The organizers will be at the NE corner.

This ITAA supported peaceful protest will follow all safety practices and protocols.

RTA Next forum: Shaping Transportation in Ward 3 and beyond
2026-01-22 17:30 - 19:00 | Ward 3 Council Office, 1510 E. Grant Rd., Tucson, Arizona, 85719
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

RTA Next: Shaping Transportation in Ward 3 and Beyond

“The Regional Transportation Authority Board has approved a 20-year transportation plan and Pima County voters will decide on the $2.67 billion plan on March 10, 2026. This plan will shape how we move around the region for decades to come, funding roadway enhancements, transit services, bikeways, and more.Get InvolvedWard 3 will be hosting an RTA Next presentation followed by Q&A next month on January 22nd at the Ward 3 office at 1510 Grant Road. Doors open at 5:30pm with the presentation beginning at 5:45pm.In the meantime, visit rtanext.com to learn more, sign up for their newsletter, listen to their RTA Delivers Podcast – Regional Transportation Authority of Pima County and stay informed ahead of the important March 2026 decision – it’s up to you.”

Carolyn’s note: Original RTA Plan was passed by the voters in May 2006. RTA Next is a half cent sales tax increase to be voted on by the City of Tucson residents in the March 10, 2026 special election(propositions 418 and 419).

Live in-person filming of AZPM The Press Room on RTA Next
2026-01-22 17:30 - 19:00 | Baker Center for Public Media, 2865 S. Catalyst Drive, Tucson, Arizona, 85713
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

A”Come to a LIVE, in-person, on-site edition of The Press Room from the Baker Center for Public Media — recording on Thursday, January 22nd from 5:30-7:00pm with a studio audience on the topic of “RTAnext,” the proposed new 20-year plan from the Regional Transportation Authority.

Register to attend at www.azpm.org/pressroom” (sic – text inside link says 6 to 8 p.m. Apparently doors open 5:30 p.m.)

"Latin America: One of our Next Foreign Policy Challenges" at Tucson Great Decisions breakfast
2026-01-23 08:30 - 11:00 | Wyndham Viscount Suites Hotel, 4855 E. Broadway Blvd., Tucson, Arizona, 85711
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

LATIN AMERICA: One of Our Next Foreign Policy Challenges

Event Details

Date: January 23, 2026 8:45 am – 11:00 am

Venue: Viscount Suites Hotel

Dr. (Robert) Grosse is a professor of International Business Latin America at the Thunderbird School of Global Management (ASU). He has taught and consulted for a wide range of clients all over the world and has taught executive education programs in Mexico, Argentina, Bolivia, Columbia, Venezuela, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates. Professor Grosse was dean of the School of Business Administration at American University of Sharjah (UAE). He was Dean of the EGADE Business School in Monterrey and in Mexico City. He was also the founding director of Standard Bank Group’s executive education program in South Africa. He has clients both in private enterprise and in government, and is a leading author on international business in Latin America.

This breakfast meeting and keynote presentation will open the Tucson Great Decisions Association program for 2026.

The meeting will also be broadcast via Zoom for Great Decisions members who are not able to attend the event in person.

Bio on Dr. Robert Grosse: https://thunderbird.asu.edu/about/people/staff-faculty/robert-grosse

To help ensure a smooth registration process and avoid online problems, we encourage early registration for both in-person and Zoom-only attendees. Register online by selecting the form below.”

LATIN AMERICA: One of Our Next Foreign Policy Challenges

Carolyn’s note: Appropriate topic for 2026 due to President Donald Trump’s recent so-called war on Venezuela, and the January 3, 2026 US kidnapping of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Celia Flores.

I.C.E. Out of Tucson for Good
2026-01-23 12:00 - 14:00 | 3711 E. Broadway Blvd., 3711 E. Broadway Blvd., Tucson, Arizona, 85716
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

Time

Friday, January 23

12 – 2pm MST

Location

north side of Dodge and Broadway, north of Reid Park

3711 E Broadway BlvdTucson, AZ 85716Map

About this event

“Wednesday, January 7th, an American citizen was killed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This killing is part of a broader pattern of unchecked violence, impunity, and abuse carried out by federal immigration enforcement agencies against members of our communities.

A broad coalition of groups across the country is calling for a coordinated Ice Out For Good actions on Friday, January 23rd in solidarity for Minnesota, and to demand accountability, honor the life lost, and make visible the human cost of ICE’s actions.

A core principle behind all ICE Out For Good events is a commitment to nonviolent action and no civil disobedience. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values, and to act lawfully at these events. Weapons of any kind, including those legally permitted, should not be brought to events. All events should be held in public spaces or on public property. Indivisible is managing data and communications with participants. By registering, you agree to receive info from Indivisible about the event, receive communications via e-mail or SMS message from Indivisible, and receive any other updates and opportunities to take action or support ICE OUT FOR GOOD partner organizations. You also agree to have any data entered in this registration collected by Indivisible. Indivisible will treat your data according to our organization’s applicable privacy policy: https://indivisible.org/privacy-policy”

Carolyn’s note: ironic and fitting that these protest titles say Out for Good for the shooting death of 37 year old Renee Good in MN by I.CE.

Protest at Juan Ciscomani’s office
2026-01-24 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

“January 24 @ 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!”

Meet LD 19 Dem candidates for AZ Senate & House
2026-01-24 15:00 - 16:00 | Continental Plaza, 210 W. Continental Road, Green Valley, Arizona, 85614
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

All three Democrats are political newcomers, trying to defeat 3 Republican incumbents, LD 19 State Senator David Gowan, House Reps. Gail Griffin and Lupe Diaz in 2026.

Against the Wall talk
2026-01-25 17:30 - 19:00 | Historic Y, 738 N. 5th Avenue, Tucson, Arizona, 85705
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

Against the Wall: From Border Patrol Agent to Immigrant Rights Activist

Location:

The Historic Y

738 N 5th Ave

Tucson, AZ 85705

Map Links:

OSMGoogleApple

Organizer: Goldman Immigration, Libres Fronterizas, Coalición de Derechos Humanos

“Join us as acclaimed author Jenn Budd discusses her journey from Border Patrol Agent to Immigrant Rights Activist. Free admission. This event will be in English with Spanish interpretation.”

Jonathan Treble, candidate for CD 1 at DGT
2026-01-26 12:00 - 13:00
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

“Please join us for a lively discussion with Jonathan Treble about his campaign for the primary nomination for the Democratic Party to run for the now open seat in Arizona’s CD1.

You Must Register in Advance for this Event:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/npHIyMMaQRqGWWmTrKbX8A

Jonathan Treble is a Democrat, public school dad, and small business owner with middle-class and union roots. After putting himself through college and becoming the first in his family to graduate, Jonathan started a business in his living room and went door to door to scale it into one of the fastest-growing companies in the country, reflecting his commitment to green practices and veteran hiring. After a major health crisis and a battle with insurance, he’s running for Congress to expand access to affordable healthcare, reverse Trump-era cuts, and protect Medicare and Medicaid.”

Trebele’s campaign website: https://trebleforaz.com/

Carolyn’s note: CD 1 in Phoenix is represented by long term Republican David Schweikert, who has been in Congress for 15 years. Former Az House Rep. Democrat Dr. Amish Shah is also running for this seat in the Dem primary in 2026. Shah ran for this seat in Nov. 2024, got 48% of the vote then.

CD 1 voter registration stats from Oct. 2025: Dems 144, 250; Republicans 207,357, Others 181,064.

The Water Below: a community dialog
2026-01-29 16:00 - 17:30
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

The Water Below : A Community Dialog

January 29th 4:00 – 5:30 PM

Virtual program via ZOOM

“Curious about current groundwater in communities across the Verde Valley? Concerned about future capacity to serve northern Arizona’s rural cities and towns? Verde Valley relies on groundwater and many private and public wells withdraw from the aquifer.

Join the League of Women Voters of Northern Arizona in a focused conversation to examine the critical issue of groundwater management with guest speakers:

• Chris Kuzdas, Environmental Defense Fund

Nikki Check, Yavapai County Supervisor—District 2

Registration will be available through Yavapai College’s OLLI program and is free.

Course Unique ID: 0741

Class Title: The Water Below- A Community Dialogue

Register

For more information, contact LWVNAZ at lwvnaz@gmail.com.”

Stop I.C.E. Terror, Defend Democracy
2026-01-29 16:00 - 18:00 | NW Tucson
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

Location:

North La Cholla Boulevard & West Ina Road

N La Cholla Blvd & W Ina Rd

Casas Adobes, AZ 85741

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.”

AZPM Screening and panel discussion on The Librarians
2026-01-30 18:30 - 20:00 | UA ENR2 Building, 1064 E. Lowell St., Tucson, Arizona, 85721
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

“Librarians emerge as first responders in the fight for democracy and our First Amendment Rights.

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.

In Texas, the Krause List targets 850 books focused on race and LGBTQia+ stories – triggering sweeping book bans across the U.S. at an unprecedented rate. As tensions escalate, librarians connect the dots from heated school and library board meetings nationwide to lay bare the underpinnings of extremism fueling the censorship efforts. Despite facing harassment, threats, and laws aimed at criminalizing their work – the librarians’ rallying cry for freedom to read is a chilling cautionary tale.

A panel discussion will follow this film.

Panelists include:

Rebecca Ballenger – Associate Director World of Words, College of Education, University of Arizona

Kate DeMeester-Lane – Library Services Manager, Pima County Public Library

Paula Maez – Public Services, Pima County Library

Matthew Landon- Workforce and Economic Development Librarian, Pima County Library

We encourage attendees to bring a new or gently used K–6th grade book to support of the TUSD Educational Enrichment Foundation.”

RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/join-azpm-for-a-screening-and-panel-discussion-of-the-librarians-tickets-1978317083652?aff=oddtdtcreator

AZ Women in Labor town hall
2026-01-31 14:00 - 15:00 | CWA PHEW Local 7000, 7820 E. Broadway Blvd., Tucson, Arizona, 85710
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

Tucson Peace Center's Vegetarian Feast
2026-01-31 18:00 - 20:00 | Southside Presbyterian Church, 317 W. 23rd St., Tucson, Arizona, 85713
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

Join the Tucson Peace Center at a Vegetarian Feast

January 31, 2026 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

January 31, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.Southside Presbyterian Church, 317 W. 23rd St.

“Join Us for Conversation, Good Food, Music, Guest Speaker, and More!Benefits the Tucson Peace CenterMore Info will be posted soon.“

Bernadette Greene-Placentia, candidate for CD 8 at DGT
2026-02-02 12:00 - 13:00
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

“Please join us on February 2nd at Noon for a lively and frank discussion about Bernadette’s campaign to unseat the odious #DishonestAbe, Abe Hamadeh, election denier, Trump toady, and inveterate liar. Get to know her with her Ballotpedia questionaire and her interview with The Atlantic magazine (search for Bernadette’s name), and bring your questions to the QA that will follow her talk.

You Must Register in Advance for this Meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/RVwlcgT1QButuo8FPZyITw

Bernadette’s biography:

Bernadette was raised in the rural Midwest and is the proud daughter of a Vietnam veteran and a Hungarian Refugee. She grew up with a deep respect for service, sacrifice, and the freedoms guaranteed by the United States Constitution. After college, Bernadette was pulling late-night shifts at the local truck stop diner to help her family stay afloat. Soon after, she climbed into the cab of a big rig and spent the next 27 years hauling freight across the country. She’s seenAmerica from the ground level, truck stop to truck stop, talking to factory workers, single moms, farmers, and veterans—ordinary people ignored by the political elite in Washington.

Through relentless dedication, Bernadette built her own trucking company. However, when the economy tanked, she watched everything she had fought for, her business, her trucks, her livelihood, slip away. Like millions of Americans, she had to start over, knowing firsthand what it feels like when politicians and corporations write the rules to benefit themselves, while working families pay the price.

For 17 years, Bernadette has shared life’s toughest roads with her husband, an environmental services tech. They have a beautiful adopted daughter from China and have built a family rooted in faith, sacrifice, and perseverance. She’s a lifelong gun owner who believes in protecting our freedoms, while finding common-sense solutions and not catering to political extremes.

After watching Democrats lose last cycle and see how under Trump MAGA extremists are dedicated to tearing this country apart, threaten Social Security, attack women’s rights, defund our public schools, and sell out working people. Bernadette knew something had to change. Today, our Republic and the U.S. Constitution, for which our founding fathers fought to defend, are under direct attack from politicians who put self-interest and power above country.

Bernadette is stepping up because enough is enough! For Democrats to win in Arizona this mid- term, we need the support of blue-collar workers. It’s time the party fights to bring them back into the fold, and who better to do that than a working-class woman herself.

Bernadette is a Democrat with a backbone, someone who has hauled America’s goods through many storms, fought for every paycheck, and knows what it’s like to lose everything and have to rebuild. In Congress, she’ll roll up her sleeves to fight for the people politicians have forgotten, by protecting Social Security and Medicare, securing our borders without losing our humanity, making healthcare affordable, defending reproductive freedom, and ensuring thatworking- and middle-class families finally have someone on their side.

She’s not another politician. She’s one of us, and she’s ready to fight like hell to protect Arizona’s 8th Congressional District and the Constitution.”

Carolyn’s note: Bernadette is running for CD 8 currently held by Republican attorney incumbent Abe Hamadeh, elected in Nov. 2024. He also ran for Az Attorney General in Nov. 2022, losing by 280 votes after a recount.

Current voter registration stats on CD 8 in Phoenix from AZ SOS: Dems 113,110; Republicans 194,843; Other 153,780.

Two virtual RTA Next Q & A sessions
2026-02-03 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 on Feb. 3 to learn more. First is from noon to 1 p.m. Register here. Second is from 5 to 6 p.m. Register here.

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.

The $2.67 billion investment plan will support reduced congestion, improved mobility, enhanced and expanded transit, environmental protections, bicycle and pedestrian improvements and pavement rehabilitation.”

Early ballots go out on Feb. 11, 2026.

Southern Arizona Heat Summit 2026
2026-02-07 08:00 - 17:00 | UA ENR2 Building, 1064 E. Lowell St., Tucson, Arizona, 85721
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

“Thank you for your interest in attending the Southern Arizona Heat Summit 2026!

This event will bring together local and regional partners to enhance our community’s resilience to extreme heat.

Date: Saturday, February 7, 2026

Location: Environment & Natural Resources 2 Building (ENR2), University of Arizona

Registration: Begins at 8:00 a.m.

We are excited to have you join us for this important discussion.

Please complete the following registration form to secure your spot at the Summit.”

https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/65953dec5b5a4d4290c9793b06c023cd

Fighting Voter Supression Efforts with SOS Adrian Fontes
2026-02-09 17:30 - 19:00 | Cottonwood Rec Center, 150 S. 6th St., Cottonwood, Arizona, 86326
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

“Fighting Voter Suppression Efforts a special Voter Education Program with Secretary of State Adrian Fontes on Monday February 9, 5:30 – 7 PM Cottonwood Rec Center 150 S 6th St, Cottonwood, AZ 86326 Register Now

Adrian Fontes has served as the Arizona Secretary of State since January 2022 (sic 2023). One of his primary duties is the oversight and administration of secure and accurate elections. In that role he has seen increasing efforts to gut early voting. The safety, security and convenience of mail-in voting is something a vast majority of Arizonans can agree upon. Mail in ballots are used by nearly 80% of Arizona Voters. Learn about his efforts to fight this and other forms of voter suppression. “

“The beauty of American democracy is that it levels the playing field. Every eligible voter is given one vote that holds the same weight as everyone else”-SOS Adrian FontesCarolyn’s note: Fontes is up for re-election in 2026, having served for one term as SOS.

Wards 2 & 4 info session on RTA Next
2026-02-09 17:30 - 19:00 | Ward 2 Council office, 7820 E. Broadway Blvd., Tucson, Arizona, 85710
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

“The Regional Transportation Authority invites you to attend an upcoming RTA Next Plan Q&A Session to learn more about the proposed $2.67 billion regional transportation plan and tax that will be on the ballot in March for Pima County voter consideration.

Feb. 9 – Hosted by Ward 2 and Ward 45:30 to 7 p.m.City of Tucson Ward 2 office7820 E. Broadway, TucsonOpen to the public”

Learn about the RTA Next $2.67 billion regional transportation plan

Carolyn’s note: RTA Next will be on the Pima County ballot in a special election on March 10, 2026. Early ballots go out on Feb. 11. Ward 3 forum is scheduled on Jan. 22 by that office.

LWVGT Understanding the 2026 to 2046 Regional Transportation Plan (RTA Next)
2026-02-10 12:00 - 13:30
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

Pima County-Understanding the 2026-2046 Regional Transportation Plan

About this event

“The Regional Transportation Plan (RTA) for Pima County will be on the ballot in 2026. John Bernal and Mike Ortega will present information about the plan.

Date and Time

Tuesday, February 10, 2026, 12:00 PM until 1:30 PM

Videoconference information will be provided in an email once registration is complete.

Register Now

Event Contact(s)

Linda L Maccabe

Category

LWVGT Public Event

Registration Info

Registration is required

Registration modifications are permitted until Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 8:00 AM

Registration cancellations will be accepted until Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 8:00 AM

Number of People Who Will Attend

Have you previously registered for an event or are you on our mailing list? Click here to search“

Everyone

(No Fee)

Register Now

Carolyn’s note: RTA Next will be on the ballot for a special election on March 10, 2026. Early ballots go out Feb. 11, so be aware as this is a timely forum.

Environmental Day at AZ Capitol 2026
2026-02-11 08:30 - 14:00 | Arizona State Capitol, 1700 W Washington St., Phoenix, AZ, 85007, United States
by Carolyn Classen, blogger

“Please join Sierra Club, Chispa Arizona, Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection, AZ Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Advocates, Poder Latinx, AZ Youth Climate Coalition, Arizona Interfaith Power and Light, Mi Familia en Acción, Rural Arizona Engagement (RAZE), and many other groups for our annual lobby day at the Arizona Capitol. Meet with your legislators, hear from great speakers, and connect with others who are doing advocacy work both inside and outside the Arizona Legislature. RSVP so we have enough materials, can put you in a team for legislative meetings, and can plan for food. This year’s theme is “People Power for the Planet!”

Registration begins at 8:30 AM. The program will run from 9:30 AM – 11:45 AM. Meetings with legislators will be throughout the day. There will be informational tables and opportunities for action as well. Please check those out in the morning and during the lunch break. At 12:30 PM, we will go inside the Legislature and sit in the galleries for introductions from the floor.

We will be holding some trainings and briefings prior to the day. Let us know if there is something in particular that you would like to learn.

Don’t hesitate to reach out with questions.

Thank you!

Signup Instructions: Sign up to get more information.”

https://act.sierraclub.org/events/details?id=701Po00001HpjTvIAJ&formcampaignid=701Po000019vMfuIAE&data=4bbebe5e68e2f13fad8d3844f74508e662a07051ec591d6fa342a2876396ffa0691088d0423458d69b8a43984973e8e5

Event Organizers:Sandy Bahr sandy.bahr@sierraclub.org
