Political Calendar: Week of August 3, 2014

The Political Calendar is posted on Sundays. Please send us notice of your political events prior to the Sunday before your event (7 days would be most helpful). See the calendar icon in the right-hand column of the blog page for easy access to the calendar.

It’s time for “Take Ten” again. Take ten of your family members, neighbors, coworkers and friends to vote early,  or to the polls on election day for the primary election. It’s the power of ten.

The Citizens Clean Elections Commission debates are available online. View Replay of Candidate Debates Online.

Note: For Event Notices and Fliers, click on the “Calendar” button in the menu options above.

Political Calendar for the Week of August 3, 2014:

Monday, August 4: President Barack Obama’s birthday (53).

Monday, August 4, Noon: Democrats of Greater Tucson luncheon, Dragon’s View Restaurant (400 N. Bonita, South of St. Mary’s Road between the Freeway and Grande Avenue, turn South at Furr’s Cafeteria), buffet lunch costs $8.50. Featured speakers are Rep. Stefanie Mach (LD 10) and Rep. Macario Saldate (LD 3) . Next Week: Rep. Rosanna Gabaldon (LD 2) and Rep. Sally Ann Gonzales (LD 3).

Monday, August 4, 6:30 p.m.: Pima County Democratic Party executive committee meeting.

Thursday, August 7, 9:30 a.m.: Fred DuVal to unveil his education plan, at Wesley Community Center, 1300 S. 10th Street (Phoenix). Business and education leader Fred DuVal, who is running for Arizona governor will unveil his plan to improve Arizona’s schools at a community event with educators, school board members, and parents. For more information please contact Geoff Vetter, Press Secretary, at (815) 245-7800 or geoff@Fred2014.com.

Thursday, August 7, 5:30 p.m.: The Vail School District, in partnership with the League of Women Voters of Greater Tucson and the Greater Vail Area Chamber of Commerce are hosting a GOP primary debate for the LD 14 candidates and the CD 2 congressional candidates, at Vail Theater of the Arts, 10702 E. Mary Ann Cleveland Way (Tucson). LD 14 debate begins at 5:30 pm, the CD 2 debate begins at 7:00 pm. This is a student-run forum for the benefit of the community. The event is free and all are welcome with seating available at 5:00 p.m. For more information please contact lunarosen@vail.k12.az.us.

Saturday, August 9: 40th Anniversary of Richard M. Nixon’s resignation from office (resignation address to the nation the previous evening on August 8).

Saturday, August 9, 10:00 a.m.: Mule Mountain Democratic Club meeting, at the Community Y, 26 Howell Avenue (Bisbee). For more information please call Sandy hummingbird at (520) 432-7305.

Saturday, August 9, 10:00 a.m.: Coconino County Democratic Party Monsoon Picnic. For more information please contact info@ccdem.org or (928) 214-0393.

Saturday, August 9, 12:30 p.m.: PC Workshop, at the Pima County Democratic Party HQ, 4639 E. First Street (one block South of Speedway Blvd. and West of Swan Road). We will begin with a lunch, followed by a brief introduction to PC resources with Susan Bickel and Barbara Tellman. 1:15 p.m. “How Can Democrats Win In November?” with a brief introduction to PC resources with Susan Bickel and Barbara Tellman. 1:15 p.m.: “How Can Democrats Win in November?” with representatives from Arizona List, the GOTV Committee, the Coordinated Campaign, and Fred DuVal campaign. 2:15 p.m.”Persuasion Techniques” with Michael Dues. 3:15 p.m. “Practical Tips for Making effective Voter Contact” with Michael Dues. 4:00 p.m.”Social Media Skills” with communications director Jason Ground. Please RSVP by 5 PM on Thursday, August 7, to receive a personalized LD/PC identification pin, and neighborhood lists and/or LD maps. Please indicate whether you want maps or neighborhood lists and indicate how you want your name to appear on your pin. Please RSVP to Susan Bickel by Thursday, August 7; susanbickel@hotmail.com or 520-559-3904.

P.A.W.S. for a Cause

Sunday, August 10, 12:30 p.m.: P.A.W.S. for a Cause, at The Shanty, 401 E. Ninth St. (at Fourth Ave.) This Fall, voters in Pima County will have an opportunity to pass Proposition 415, an initiative that would make much-needed improvements to the Pima County Animal Care Center. The group behind the effort, P.A.W.S. (Pets Are Worth Saving,) are hosting a fundraiser featuring Secretary of State candidate Terry Goddard. RSVP on Facebook or by email.

Union Appreciation Day at the Arizona Diamondbacks

Sunday, August 10, 1:10 p.m.: Union Appreciation Day at the Colorado Rockies v. Arizona Diamondbacks game at Chase Field. Ticket packages range from $12 per ticket for upper level, to $50 per ticket for lower level/infield seats. To purchase seating for your group, please contact either Garrett King at gking@dbacks.com or (602) 462-4238, or Daren Heaton at dheaton@dbacks.com or (602) 462-4233. View the flier at the calendar button above.

Santa Cruz and Santa Rita Area Democrats “No Cost” Meet & Greet Rally, Followed by Dinner with the Candidates

Sunday, August 10, 4:00 p.m.: Santa Cruz and Santa Rita Area Democrats host a “no cost” Meet & Greet Rally, at Placita del Sol Auditorium in Amado Territory, Amado, AZ (directions: from I-19 take Exit 48, turn East, cross East Frontage Road and immediately turn right into Amado Territory.). Rally and dinner venues are in the first building on the left. Moderated by former state Sen. Paula Aboud. Confirmed candidates: Congressman Raul Grijalva, Congressman Ron Barber, Fred DuVal (Governor), Terry Goddard (Secretary of State), Felecia Rotellini (Attorney General), David Garcia and Sharon Thomas (Supt. of Public Instruction), Sandra Kennedy (Corp. Commission), Sen. Andrea Dalessandro (LD2), and Reps. Rosanna Gabaldon and Demion Clinco (LD2). Mexican buffet dinner by Kristofer’s Bistro at 5:30 p.m. with the candidates. Cost is $15 per person. You may send a check to DCSRA, PO Box 131, Green Valley, AZ 85622 or you may purchase tickets on-line at Act Blue: https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/page/dcsra81014. Please call Polly Daly with any questions at (815) 370-4614.

For additional political calendar items see the Arizona Democratic Party: Calendar.

Special Announcements:

DCSRA Discussion Group

Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m.: Democratic Club of the Santa Rita Area hosts a Current Events Discussion Group at the DCSRA Headquarters, Continental Shopping Plaza, 240 W. Continental Road (exit 63), Green Valley. Join us at the weekly meeting of the Democratic Headquarters Current Events Discussion Group. We’ll talk about some of the major events of the previous week, including but not limited to political topics, and try and go behind the news for a deeper understanding. For more information, please contact Pam Duchaine at pamduchaine@gmail.com

Drinking Liberally

Wednesdays, 6:00 p.m.: Drinking Liberally, this week at Gentle Ben’s upstairs at/after 6 o’clock.See www.gentlebens.com. An informal, inclusive progressive social group, and lively discussion. Contact: www.livingliberallytucson.org.

Monday, August 11,  11:30 a.m.: Fred DuVal to unveil his education plan, at Pima Community College Aviation Technology Center, 7211 S. Park Avenue (Tucson). Business and education leader Fred DuVal, who is running for Arizona governor will unveil his plan to improve Arizona’s schools at a community event with educators, school board members, and parents. RSVP or direct questions to Janet Marcotte by email or phone: (520) 299.1562.

Monday, August 11, 7:00 p.m.: Democrats of Oro Valley meeting, at the Oro Valley Public Library, 1305 W. Naranja Drive (SE corner at La Cañada). Featured speakers are Jo Holt, candidate for Senate (LD 11) and Holly Lyon, candidate for for the House (LD 11). For more information please contact Mike Dayton at teachers12@msn.com or (520) 742-3774, or visit our web site http://www.demsov.org/.

Tuesday, August 12, 3:30 p.m.: Saddlebrooke Democrats meeting, at SaddleBrooke Activities Center, 64518 E. Galveston Lane (Saddlebrooke). For more information please contact Hollace Lyon at Email Us or visit our web site. SaddleBrookeDemocrats.org.

Tuesday, August 12, 5:30 p.m.: Dr. Randall Friese “Talk With the Doc” forum, at the Dusenberry-River Library, 5605 E. River Rd. #105. Come meet Dr. Randall Friese, candidate for Legislative District 9 House. RSVP or direct questions to Cheryl Cage by email or phone: (520)360-9016.

Wednesday, August 13, 5:30 p.m.: Dr. Randall Friese “Talk With the Doc” forum, at the Martha Cooper Library, 1377 N. Catalina Avenue. Come meet Dr. Randall Friese, candidate for Legislative District 9 House. RSVP or direct questions to Cheryl Cage by email or phone: (520)360-9016.

Wednesday, August 13, 6:30 p.m.: Copa City Democrats meeting, at Ak-Chin Ultra Star Multi-tainment Center, 16000 Maricopa Road (Maricopa), in the Ten Pins Rock’n Roll Room. For more information please contact jjjudd@live.com or like us on Copa City Dems | Facebook.

Thursday, August 14: National Navajo Code Talkers Day.

Thursday, August 14, 5:30 p.m.: Pima County Democratic Party Nucleus Club meeting, at the Viscount Suite Hotel, 4855 E. Broadway Blvd. Special Guest is Congressman Raúl Grijalva. For more information please contact Martin Bacal at (520) 326-3716.

Pinal County Democratic Party 2014 Gala Dinner

Saturday, August 16, 5:30 p.m.: “Moving Pinal County Forward” 2014 Gala Dinner, at The Property, 1251 W. Gila Bend Highway, Casa Grande. Annual fundraising dinner with federal, state and local officials and candidates. Master of Ceremonies of Roberto Reveles, Founding Presdient of Somos America. Featured Speaker is Terry Goddard, Guest Speaker is Felecia Rotellini. All other candidates for statewide and local legislative races have been invited. there will be entertainment, raffle and an auction. Register Now! For more information please contact Sharon Hickox at pinaldemocrat@gmail.com or (520) 868-0072.

LD 9 Wine & Relaxation

Sunday, August 17, 2:00 p.m.: LD 9 Wine & Relaxation, at the Bear Tracks Winery, 4743 E. Sunrise Drive (Tucson). Before we start dedicating every weekend to knocking doors and making phone calls for our favorite candidate let’s all take one Sunday afternoon to kick back, relax and enjoy a glass or two of wine and some savory noshing. LD 9 is proud to partner with neighborhood tasting room Bear Tracks Winery for our inaugural Wine & Relaxation event. Cost is $21. Purchase tickets at https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/page/ld9wine. For more information please call (520) 609-7641.

Tuesday, August 19, 11:00 a.m.: Democratic Women of Southeastern Arizona meeting, at the Pueblo del Sol Country Club, on St. Andrews Drive in Sierra Vista. The speaker will be Sierra Vista City Council Member Henrietta (Hank) Huisking, who will share updated information on recent economic development efforts and other initiatives sponsored by the City of Sierra Vista. The public is welcome. The cost of the luncheon is $15.00. For reservations, please contact Kathy Marvin, President of the DWSEA through email at kathleencrafts@gmail.com or by telephone at (520) 803-6697. In order for DWSEA to have an accurate count for ordering food for lunch, please try to respond by Friday, August 15th.

Tuesday, August 19, 6:30 p.m.: Oracle Democrats meeting, at the Oracle Fire Department, 1475 W. American Avenue (Oracle). For more information please contact Renee Barbaree at reba520@q.com or (520) 896-9054.

Wednesday, August 20, Noon: Northside Democrats meeting at Mimi’s Cafe, 4420 N. Oracle Road (Tucson). Please note this is a new location for the Northside Dems meetings, in a separate building in the Tucson Mall property, SW corner. We will be in the Winery Room, please arrive early to order from menu, admission free. For more information please contact (520) 297-0095 or visit our web site at www.northsidedems.org.

Wednesday, August 20, 5:30 p.m.: Pinal County Democratic Party meeting, at Pinal County Democratic Party HQ, 350 N. Main Street (Florence). For more information please contact Henry Wade at hsefndr@aol.com or (602) 619-4440.

Wednesday, August 20, 5:30 p.m.: Tucson celebrates its birthday on August 20, 1775. La Fiesta de San Augustín at Presidio San Agustín del Tucson. 5:30 pm: Music by Mariachi Los Changuitos Feos de Tucson, 6:30 pm: Presentation of the flags, proclamations and reading of letter by Hugo O’Connor, 7:30 p.m: serving birthday cake. For more information, please call Marty McCune, Tucson-Pima County Historical Commission, at (520) 437-5355. For questions re: ADA accommodations and accessibility for this event, call Sandra Fata or Alma Murrieta, City Clerk’s Office, at (520) 791-4213.

Wednesday, August 20, 6:30 p.m.: (Special Joint meeting) Legislative District 9 and Legislative District 10 meeting, at Pima County Democratic Party HQ, 4639 E. 1st Street (one block South of Speedway and West of Swan). For more information please contact Brian Clymer (LD 9) at brianclymer@yahoo.com or (520) 297-3539, or Rob Selby (LD 10) at r_ybles@hotmail.com or (520) 790-3024.

Thursday, August 21, 8:00 a.m.: Democrats of the Red Rocks Monthly Breakfast, at the Olde Sedona Family Restaurant Bar & Grill, 1405 W. Highway 89A (Sedona), Breakfast is $12, includes buffet and gratuity. Breakfast at 8:00 program at 8;30 a.m. For more information please contact info@democratsoftheredrocks.org or (928) 203-5858.

Thursday, August 21, 6:00 p.m.: Casa Grande Democrats meeting, (location varies). For more information please contact Jack Guthrie at democratsofcasagrande@gmail.com and Like Us on Facebook.

Saturday, August 23, 10:00 a.m.: Tanque Verde Valley Democrats hosts a brunch with Dr. David Garcia, candidate for Superintendent of Public Instruction. For directions and to RSVP please contact Elaine Clark by phone: 520.514.7129 or 646.671.1626.

Sunday, August 24, 2:00 p.m.: (New Day) Legislative District 11 meeting, at the Mountain Vista Unitarian Universalist Church, 3601 W. Cromwell Drive (Tucson). For more information please contact Tom Cuevas at (520) 440-5458. Find us at www.AZLD11Dems.org.

Monday, August 25, 6:00 p.m.: Legislative District 3 meeting, at the Joel Valdez Main Library, 101 N. Stone Avenue (parking under the library). For more information please contact Luis Gonzales at (520) 594-5500.

Tuesday, August 26: Primary Election Day.

Tuesday, August 26: Women’s Equality Day commemorates August 26, 1920 when votes to women officially became part of the U.S. Constitution. This day marks a turning point in the history of the struggle for equal treatment of women and women’s rights.

Tuesday, August 26, 11:30 a.m.: Blue Tuesday Luncheon Forum, at the Starfire Golf Club, 11500 N. Hayden (Scottsdale). If you want lunch, you must RSVP so we can order for you! Email jctillotson@msn.com. $20 – cash only – at the door! (If you RSVP, and then find you can’t make it, PLEASE LET US KNOW, or we’ll have to pay for your uneaten lunch!)

Tuesday, August 26, 7;00 p.m.: Pima County Democratic Party “2014 Primary Night Unity Party.” Location TBA. To RSVP of for more information please contact Emily at Emily@PimaDems.org or (520) 326-3716.

Wednesday, August 27, 6:30 p.m.: TUSD Governing Board Candidate Forum, at St. Mark’s Presbyterian Church, 3809 E. 3rd Street (Tucson). Forum hosted by the Racial Justice Team, St. Mark’s Presbyterian Church. Candidates will answer questions, and also take questions from the audience. Join us in learning what the candidates will try to accomplish to improve education in TUSD.

Thursday, August 28, 3:00 p.m.: Sunflower Democrats meeting, at (New Location) the Continental Reserve Urgent Care meeting room, 8333 N. Silverbell Road (on the southwest corner of Silverbell Road and Continental Reserve Loop). For more information please contact Buddy Gill at buddygill@comcast.net.

Thursday, August 28, 7:00 p.m.: Heritage Highlands/Dove Mountain Democrats meeting, at the Heritage Highlands Clubhouse, 4949 West Heritage Club Boulevard (Marana). For more information please contact Sandra Tiffany at stiffany60@mac.com.

Friday, August 29 – Monday, September 1: Coconino County Fair, at Fort Tuthill County Park, Take Exit 337 from I-17 and follow the signs.

Monday, September 1: Labor Day.

PALF 18th Annual Labor Day Picnic

Monday, September 1, 10:00 am-2:00 pm.: Pima Area Labor Federation hosts the 18th Annual Labor Day Picnic at the Reid Park bandshell, 22nd Street (at Alvernon Way) in Tucson. PALF Olympics, entertainment, speakers, free soft drinks & hot dogs. Groups interested in tabling the event should contact PALF headquarters at (520) 388-4139.

68th Annual Navajo Nation Fair & Indian Rodeo

Monday, September 1 – Sunday September, 7: The World’s Largest American Indian Fair, in Window Rock, Arizona. Multi-Sanctioned Indian Rodeo, carnival, traditional Navajo song & dance, inter-tribal pow-wow, traditional Navajo food, concerts, parade, children’s day, Miss Navajo Nation Pageant, agricultural & commercial exhibits, and a free barbecue. Contact: Navajo Nation Fair Office (928) 871-7941 or see www.navajonationfair.org.

Wednesday, September 3 – Saturday, September 6: Apache County Fair, at 825 West 4th North Saint Johns, Arizona.

Friday, September 5 – Sunday, September 7: Northern Gila County Fair, at the Payson Event Center, 1400 S. Beeline Highway, directly across from the Mazatzal Casino in Payson, AZ.

Arizona Democratic Party Summer State Committee Meeting

Saturday, September 6: Arizona Democratic Party Summer State Committee meeting in Phoenix. Location TBD. Training sessions for the upcoming election, with out of state experts primarily leading the sessions. We encourage participation by volunteers and precinct committeepersons as well as state committeepersons. There are three proposed resolutions.

Sunday, September 7: Foothills Forum hosts a brunch for the Democratic candidates running in the November election. Meet the Candidates – September 7, 2014. Details TBA.

Democrats of Greater Tucson Awards Luncheon

Sunday, September 7, Noon: Democrats of Greater Tucson Awards Luncheon, at the University Marriot Hotel, 880 E. 2nd Street (Tucson). Tickets are priced at $65. for individuals and are still the best value of any similar function in the state. Groups may sponsor a table 0f 10 for $700, $800 and $950. At the $700 Contributors’ Level in addition to the 10 seats the contributor is in-titled to a quarter-page advertisement. At the $800 Friends’ Level a half-page ad accompanies the table of 10. Finally at the Sponsors’ Level for $950 the donation includes the table of 10, a full page ad, a banquet banner and recognition from Master of Ceremonies, Mayor Jonathon Rothschild. More details TBA.

Wednesday, September 10 – Sunday, September 14: Navajo County Fair, at 404 E. Hopi Drive, Holbrook, Arizona.

Thursday, September 11: Patriot Day.

Thursday, September 11 – Sunday, September 14: Mohave County Fair, 2600 N. Fairgrounds Blvd., Kingman, AZ.

Friday, September 12 – Saturday, September 13: Sierra Vista Oktoberfest 2014, at Veterans Memorial Park, 3105 E. Fry Blvd. Sierra Vista. Cochise County Democratic Party is tabling this event. Ken Davis is seeking volunteers to be at the booth to meet & greet visitors, and provide candidates’ campaign materials. Please contact Ken at (520) 834-2784 to volunteer.

Friday, September 12 – Sunday, Sunday 14: Bisbee Blues Festival 2014.

Tuesday, September 16: Mexico Independence Day.

Wednesday, September 17: Constitution Day. Constitution Day and Citizenship Day commemorates the day the U.S. Constitutional Convention signed the Constitution in 1787.

Thursday, September 18 – Sunday, September 21: Greenlee County Fair, 1248 Fairgrounds Road, Duncan, AZ.

Thursday, September 18 – Sunday, September 21: Gila County Fair, at the Gila County Fairgrounds, 3 miles North of Globe, AZ on Hwy. 60.

Friday, September 19: International Talk Like A Pirate Day – just for fun.

Friday, September 19 – Sunday, September 21: Santa Cruz County Fair, at Sonoita Fairgrounds at the crossroads of US Highways 82 and 83 in Sonoita, AZ.

Thursday, September 25 – Sunday September 28: Cochise County Fair, at 3677 N. Leslie Canyon Road, Douglas. AZ.

Thursday, September 25 – Sunday September 28: Yavapai County Fair. Details TBA.

Friday, September 26 – Sunday, September 28: Tucson Oktoberfest, at Breakers Water Park, 8555 E. Tangerine Road, Marana. (The 2013 Oktoberfest was cancelled due to lack of donors).

Saturday, September 27, Noon: Fiesta Sahuarita 2014, at Anamax Park in Sahuarita. Water park, kids rides, carnival games, arts and crafts, food & drink. Fun for the whole family.

Saturday, September 27, 5:30 p.m.: 28th Annual Great Tucson Beer Festival at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, 2500 E. Ajo Way (Tucson). Tickets on sale now.

Thursday, October 2 – Sunday, October 5: Rex Allen Days, at 1500 N. Circle I Road (Willcox). The Town of Willcox celebrates the music and life of hometown hero, the actor/singing cowboy Rex Allen, with a rodeo, parade, dances, and cowboy poetry readings.

Thursday, October 9 – Sunday, October 12: Graham County Fair. Details TBA.

Tucson Meet Yourself Festival

Friday, October 10 – Sunday, October 12: Tucson Meet Yourself Festival, in Downtown Tucson. Get the latest Tucson Meet Yourself News and Festival updates on our website http://www.tucsonmeetyourself.org/.

Friday, October 10, 6:00 p.m.: Tucson LGBT Freedom Day Parade, in Downtown Tucson and ending in the center of the 41st annual Tucson Meet Yourself festival. The Honorable Mayor Jonathan Rothschild will preside over the colorful festivities as Honorary Parade Chair. Sponsorship opportunities are available & packets will be online and in paper form starting May 1, 2014. Inquiries may be made via the Tucson LGBT Freedom Day Parade page here on Facebook or by email at: tucsongayfreedomdayparade@yahoo.com.

Saturday, October 11 – Sunday, October 12: Butterfield Overland Stage Days in Benson. The two day Butterfield Rodeo will be held at the Arena Bar on Prickly Pear Avenue (across from WAL MART).

Arizona Democratic Party Hall of Fame Dinner

Saturday, October 11: Arizona Democratic Party Hall of Fame Dinner, honoring retiring Congressman Ed Pastor. Details TBA.

Saturday, October 11, 6:00 p.m.: 37th Annual Pride in the Desert, in Tucson. TLGA/Tucson Pride, with it’s partners the North 4th Avenue Merchants Association and Sky Bar, in conjunction with the City of Tucson, proudly returns “Pride on Parade” to it’s traditional home. On Saturday, October 11th, 2014 at 6 pm we march on 4th again! The parade will stage at Catalina Park on 2d Street just West of 4th Avenue. The parade will travel South on 4th Avenue, ending at 8th Street. After the parade meet at 4th Avenue and 5th Street for the free Block Party which will feature local entertainers. Sky Bar will have its parking area available for outside beer and cocktail sales from 7-9 pm (ID required). See Tucson Pride – Home.

Friday, October 17 – Sunday, October 19: Helldorado Days in Tombstone, AZ.

Sunday, November 2, 10:00 a.m.: Living Streets Alliance presents Cyclovia Tucson, in midtown Tucson. The route will connect the North 6th Avenue area with the North 4th Avenue- North Fontana Bike Boulevard. Volunteer opportunities are still available to help make the twice-a-year event a success. For route: Cyclovia Tucson November 2nd.

Saturday, November 22: Special Olympics El Tour de Tucson. Registration for the Special Olympics 32nd El Tour de Tucson presented by Casino Del Sol is OPEN. The new system also  makes it easier for you to fundraise for Special Olympics and check out the new incentives!  Register Now– the sooner you do, the more you save!