Political Calendar: Week of December 18, 2016

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Political Calendar for the Week of December 18, 2016:

Monday, December 19: Electoral College: Electors meet in their states and vote for President and Vice President on separate ballots. Electoral votes (the Certificates of Vote) must be received by the President of the Senate and the Archivist no later than nine days after the meeting of the electors (December 28). The new Congress will convene in January and count the electoral votes.

Monday, December 19, 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). New price: buffet lunch is $10.00 cash, $12 credit; just a drink is $3.50. Featured speaker is Dr. Jo Holt, Pima County Democratic Party Chair. Next Week: DGT is taking the holidays off and will return on January 9, 2017.

Monday, December 19, 4:30 p.m.: Pima County Democratic Party Education Caucus meeting, at the TEA office, 4625 E. 2nd Street. For more information please contact Luci Messing at lucibmessing@cox.net.

Tuesday, December 20, 11:00 a.m.: Democratic Women of Southeastern Arizona meeting, at the Pueblo del Sol Country Club, on St. Andrews Drive in Sierra Vista. Meet the third Tuesday of each month. 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. Visit our web page.Democratic Women of Southeastern Arizona.

Wednesday, December 21, 6:00 p.m.: Democratic Club of Northern Gila County meeting, at the Payson Public Library, 328 N. McLane Road, Payson. Meet the third Wednesday of the month. For more information please contact paysondems@gmail.com or call (928) 468-9669.

Wednesday, December 21, 6:30 p.m.: [No meeting in lieu of holiday party] Legislative District 10 meeting at Pima County Democratic Party HQ, 4639 E. 1st Street (one block South of Speedway and West of Swan). Meet the third Wednesday of each month.

Wednesday, December 21, 6:30 p.m.: Democracy for America – Maricopa County (DFA-MC) monthly meeting is the third Wednesday of every month, and the new location is Macayo’s on Central Avenue, South of Indian School.  For more information contact sthornton51@gmail.com.

Pinal County Democratic Party Reorganization

Wednesday, December 21, 7:00 p.m.: Pinal County Democratic Party Reorganization Meeting, at the Florence Library, 778 N. Main Street, Florence. To run for an office or state committeeperson, you must be an elected Precinct Committeeperson. To vote you must be an elected Precinct Committeeperson. In addition, you must attend this December 21st meeting to be elected as an officer or as a state committeeperson. If you desire to enter your name in nomination to be an officer or state committeeperson, please send your name to David Coward at pinaldemocrat@gmail.com. For more information please call 480-678-1756.

Thursday, December 22, 6:00 p.m.: Casa Grande Democrats meeting, at Bedillon’s Restaurant (Adobe Room), 800 N. Park Avenue, Casa Grande. For more information please contact Jack Guthrie at democratsofcasagrande@gmail.com and Like Us on Facebook.

Thursday, December 22, 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 Dick Reddy at (520) 579-9460 Richard.Reddy@fredonia.edu.

Saturday, December 24: Hanukkah begins at sundown (for eight days).

Saturday, December 24, 10:00 a.m.: [Rescheduled] Northern Cochise County Democratic Club meeting. Meeting locations rotate between Benson and Wilcox. For more information please contact Kathy Suagee at soprano_58@hotmail.com. Visit our web page Northern Cochise County Democrats.

Saturday, December 24, 2:00 p.m.: [Rescheduled] Legislative District 11 meeting, at the Wheeler, Taft, Abbett Library, 7800 N. Schisler Drive, Tucson. Meet the fourth Saturday of each month. For more information please contact Maureen Salz at legdist11dems@gmail.com. Find us at www.AZLD11Dems.org.

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 Jean Vickers jean.vickers@cox.net.

Drinking Liberally

Third Wednesday of each month, 6:00 p.m.: Drinking Liberally returns to Tucson, at Casa Vicente (375 S. Stone Avenue, Tucson, casavicente.com) whose gracious and helpful wait staff sets the table(s) for us. Next Meeting: Wednesday, December 21.  We need to know by the morning of each meeting approximately how many folks will attend. Please RSVP to tucson@drinkingliberally.org. Informal but thoughtful conversation, good wine and beer, and good food. There is no obligation to order anything–but as a thank you to Casa Vicente for the use of their patio, I hope everyone will order at least one drink (alcoholic or otherwise). And the Tapas are wonderful! The patio is almost completely covered, so weather isn’t much ofChristmasa problem, and there’s plenty of free parking.

Sunday, December 25: Christmas Day.

Sunday, December 25, 3:00 p.m.: [Rescheduled] Marana Democrats meeting, at the Continental Reserve Plaza, 8333 N. Silverbell Road, Tucson. For more information please contact Buddy Gill at maranadems@gmail.com or (408) 806-2036.

Monday, December 26, 6:00 p.m.: Legislative District 3 meeting, at the Joel Valdez Main Library, 101 N. Stone Avenue (parking under the library). Meet the fourth Monday of each month.

Tuesday, December 27, 11:30 a.m.: Blue Tuesday Luncheon Forum, at the Starfire Golf Club, 11500 N. Hayden (Scottsdale). Generally meets the last Tuesday of the month. If you want lunch, you must RSVP by the Thursday before so we can order for you! Email jctillotson@msn.com. $22 – 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!) For more information please contact bluetuesdayluncheon@gmail.com.

Tuesday, December 27, 6:30 p.m.: Legislative District 9 meeting, at Northwest Medical Center, La Paloma Urgent Care Community Classroom, 4001 E. Sunrise Drive. Meet the fourth Tuesday of each month. For more information please contact Brian Clymer at brianclymer@yahoo.com or (520) 297-3539.
New_Year

2017

Sunday, January 1: New Year’s Day.

Wednesday, January 4, 5:15 p.m.: Coconino County Democratic Party meeting, at Coconino County Democratic Party HQ, 201 E. Birch Avenue, Suite #6, Flagstaff. Meet the first Wednesday of each month. For more information please call (928) 214-0393 or email Kevin Ordean at Kordean@ccdem.org.

Wednesday, January 4, 5:30 p.m.: Graham County Democratic Party meeting, at Graham County Chamber of Commerce, 820 W. Main Street, Safford. Meet the first Wednesday of each month. For more information please contact Becky Fox at beckyfox@cableone.net.

Saturday, January 7, 10:00 a.m.: Greater Huachuca Area Democrats meeting, at the Golden Corral Restaurant, 798 S. Highway 92, Sierra Vista. For more information please contact ghadc1@yahoo.com.

Saturday, January 7, 10:00 a.m.: [Meeting preempted by PCDP Reorganization] Legislative District 2 meeting, at the DCSRA Headquarters, Continental Shopping Plaza, 240 W. Continental Road (exit 63), Green Valley. For more information please contact Tom Prezelski at fusilero@aol.com.

Pima County Democratic Party Reorganization

Saturday, January 7, 10:00 a.m.: Pima County Democratic Party Reorganization meeting, location TBA. PCs elected on August 30, 2016 are eligible to run and vote for the PCDP Executive Board members who will serve through December 2018. Further details TBA.

Tucson’s January 8th Memorial Foundation Human Embrace Event

Sunday, January 8, 2:00 p.m.:  Tucson’s January 8 Memorial, at Hi Corbett Field in Reid Park. Show your support for our community and other communities who have gone through tragedy by joining us
on the baseball field to create a human EMBRACE symbol. Please remember to wear a white shirt. Gates open at 1:00 p.m., program begins at 2:00 p.m.

Monday, January 9: Opening Day of the 53rd Arizona Legislature (First Regular Session). “No man’s life, liberty, or property are safe while the legislature is in session.” – Mark Twain.

Monday, January 9, 6:00 p.m.: College Football Playoff National Championship game, from Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. Winner of the Fiesta Bowl game (Alabama v. Washington) v. winner of the Peach Bowl game (Clemson v. Ohio State) on December 31, 2016.

Monday, January 9, 7:00 p.m.: Democrats of Oro Valley meeting, at the Oro Valley Public Library, 1305 W. Naranja Drive (SE corner at La Cañada). Meet the second Monday of each month. 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, January 10, Noon: Democratic Women of Rim Country meeting, at Tiny’s Family Restaurant, 600 Arizona Hwy. 260, Payson, AZ. Meet the second Tuesday of each month. For more information please contact paysondems@gmail.com or call (928) 468-9669.

Tuesday, January 10, 3:30 p.m.: Saddlebrooke Democrats meeting, at SaddleBrooke Activities Center, 64518 E. Galveston Lane (Saddlebrooke). Meet the second Tuesday of each month. For more information please contact Steve Groth at (520) 385-6686 or check our web site. SaddleBrookeDemocrats.org.

Tuesday, January 10, 4:00 p.m.: Democrats for Picture Rocks meeting, at Horseshoe BBQ Restaurant, 6575 N. Sandario Road, Tucson. Meet the second Tuesday of each month. For more information please contact Catalina Hall at dems4prandav@gmail.com.

Wednesday, January 11, 6:30 p.m.: Copa City Democrats meeting, location varies. For more information please contact Constance Jackson at jcksconniejean@aol.com.

Thursday, January 12, 5:30 p.m.: Pima County Democratic Party Nucleus Club meeting, at the Viscount Suite Hotel, 4855 E. Broadway Blvd. Meet the second Thursday of each month. For more information please contact Ash Silverburg at (520) 326-3716.

Thursday, January 12, 5:30 p.m.: Yavapai County Democratic Party meeting, at the Prescott Adult Center, 1280 E. Rosser Road, Prescott. $10.00 donation, $5.00 if you bring a dish to share. Meet the second Thursday of each month. Please RSVP to (928)541-0413 or email us at info@yavdem.org.

Thursday, January 12, 7:00 p.m.: Yuma County Democratic Party meeting, at the new Yuma Democratic Party HQ at 290 S. 1st Avenue, Ste. 1, Yuma. Parking is available in back. Meet the second Thursday of each month. For more information please contact us at yumademocrats@gmail.com.

DNC Future Forum in Phoenix

Friday, January 13 – Saturday, January 14 [Time TBA]: The first stop of  the “DNC Future Forum,” which will feature candidates running for the next DNC chair and candidates for the other national officers, will be held at the Sheraton Grand Phoenix Hotel, 340 N. 3rd Street, Phoenix. The tour is an opportunity for top Democrats to listen to the American people, to lay out their vision for the future of the Party, to demonstrate their leadership, and to show their commitment to key issues that matter most to hardworking families. All regional forums will be open to the public and streamed live. This January will mark the first time Democrats have held regional forums for officer elections in more than 10 years. In accordance with rules established earlier this month by the DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee, the election of the next chair will take place at the full DNC meeting in Atlanta, GA on February 23rd- 26th, 2017. Additional information regarding the elections of Democratic Party officers can be found here. Vox.com has an explainer. How the DNC chair election works.

Saturday, January 14, 9:30 a.m.: Tanque Verde Valley Democrats meeting, at Risky Business, 8848 E. Tanque Verde Road. Annual election of our officers and board members. Anyone who would like to be a part of the leadership team, contact Ken Karrels at kkarrels@aol.com or Beth Isabelle at bethisabelle@gmail.com. Usually meet the second Saturday of each month. For more information visit our web site. Tanque Verde Valley Democratic Club.

Saturday, January 14, 10:00 a.m.: Mule Mountain Democrats meeting, at the Community Y, 26 Howell Avenue, Old Bisbee. For more information please contact John Viverto at vivertos@aol.com or visit our web page
Mule Mountain Democrats.

Saturday, January 14, 1:00 p.m.: Sun City Democrats of Oro Valley meeting, in the Navajo Room of the Activity Center, 1495 Rancho Vistoso Blvd., Sun City. Meet the second Saturday of each month. For more information lease contact Maureen Salz mosalz@outlook.com.

Saturday, January 14, 3:00p.m.: Democratic Club of the Santa Rita Rita Area meeting, at the DCSRA Headquarters (upstairs meeting room 203), Continental Shopping Plaza, 240 W. Continental Road (exit 63), Green Valley. Program will be a panel discussion featuring three local journalists. Sarah Garret Gassen, Star editor, Andrea Kelly, Arizona Public Media, and John C. Scott, KEVT Progressive Radio.  Topic is “The Role Of The Press In The Recent Election And Their Responsibility Going Forward,” followed by a Q & A. A wine and cheese reception to follow. For more information, please contact Jean Vickers jean.vickers@cox.net.

Sunday, January 15, 2:00 p.m.: (Special Time) Legislative District 11 meeting, at the Wheeler, Taft, Abbett Library, 7800 N. Schisler Drive, Tucson. Guest speakers are Sierra Yamanaka, Regional Field Director for AZ Democratic Party – Topic: the Democratic vote in Tucson & voter registration & GOTV; and
Holly Lyon – State Party update. Meet the fourth Saturday of each month. For more information please contact Maureen Salz at legdist11dems@gmail.com. Find us at www.AZLD11Dems.org.

Monday, January 16: Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  birthday (observed).

Tuesday, January 17, 11:00 a.m.: Democratic Women of Southeastern Arizona meeting, at the Pueblo del Sol Country Club, on St. Andrews Drive in Sierra Vista. Meet the third Tuesday of each month. 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. Visit our web page.Democratic Women of Southeastern Arizona.

Wednesday, January 18, 6:00 p.m.: Pinal County Democratic Party meeting, at Pinal County Democratic Party HQ, 121 W. Florence Blvd., Casa Grande. For more information lease contact pinaldemocrat@gmail.com or call (480) 678-1756.

Wednesday, January 18, 6:00 p.m.: Democratic Club of Northern Gila County meeting, at the Payson Public Library, 328 N. McLane Road, Payson. Meet the third Wednesday of the month. For more information please contact paysondems@gmail.com or call (928) 468-9669.

Wednesday, January 18, 6:30 p.m.: Democracy for America – Maricopa County (DFA-MC) monthly meeting is the 3rd Wednesday of every month, and the new location is Macayo’s on Central Avenue, South of Indian School. For more information contact DFAofMC@gmail.com.

Wednesday, January 18, 6:30 p.m.: Legislative District 10 meeting at Pima County Democratic Party HQ, 4639 E. 1st Street (one block South of Speedway and West of Swan). There is a social time for all members and guests, beginning at 6 p.m. Meet the third Wednesday of each month. For more information please contact Cecilia Aros Hunter at hunter.cecilia@yahoo.com.

Thursday, January 19, 8:00 a.m.: Democrats of the Red Rocks breakfast, at Old Sedona Family Restaurant Bar & Grill, 1405 W. Hwy. 89A, Sedona. Meet the third Thursday of each month. Admission is $12, includes buffet breakfast and gratuity. Doors open at 8:00 a.m. Please RSVP to (928) 274-6541.

Friday, January 20: Inauguration Day.

Women’s March on Washington

Saturday, January 21, 10:00 a.m.: Women’s March on Washington, see Facebook Page. “In the spirit of democracy and honoring the champions of human rights, dignity, and justice who have come before us, we join in diversity to show our presence in numbers too great to ignore. The Women’s March on Washington will send a bold message to our new administration on their first day in office, and to the world that women’s rights are human rights. We stand together, recognizing that defending the most marginalized among us is defending all of us. We support the advocacy and resistance movements that reflect our multiple and intersecting identities. We call on all defenders of human rights to join us. This march is the first step towards unifying our communities, grounded in new relationships, to create change from the grassroots level up. We will not rest until women have parity and equity at all levels of leadership in society. We work peacefully while recognizing there is no true peace without justice and equity for all.” Solidarity March in Tucson at Armory Park. Facebook Page. Followed by a Solidarity Rally in Tucson at Noon, at 101 N. Stone Avenue, Tucson. Facebook Page.

Saturday, January 21, 10:00 a.m.: Pima County Democratic Party African-American Caucus meeting, at Grace Temple Baptist Church, 1020 E. 31st Street, Tucson. Meet the third Saturday of each month. The caucus is not exclusively for African-Americans, all are welcome to join. For more information please contact Connie DeLarge at cdelarge@dmyl.com or (520) 241-8408.

Yuma County Democratic Party’s annual Diamonds &Denim fundraiser

Saturday, January 21, 6:00 p.m.: Yuma County Democratic Party’s annual Diamonds &Denim fundraiser, at the Cocopah Casino 15268 S. Avenue B, Somerton, AZ. Details TBA. Email for more information is yumademocrats@gmail.com.

Sunday, January 22: NFC Championship game 1:00 p.m. AFC Championship game 4:40 p.m.

Monday, January 23, 6:00 p.m.: Legislative District 3 meeting, at the Pima County Housing Center, 801 W. Congress Street. Meet the fourth Monday of each month. For more information please contact Andrés Cano at andres@canoagroup.com or (520) 304-5778.

Tuesday, January 24, 6:30 p.m.: Legislative District 9 meeting, at Northwest Medical Center, La Paloma Urgent Care Community Classroom, 4001 E. Sunrise Drive. Meet the fourth Tuesday of each month. For more information please contact Brian Clymer at brianclymer@yahoo.com or (520) 297-3539.

Wednesday, January 25, 11:00 a.m.: Democratic Women of the Prescott Area luncheon, at the Centennial Center, 1989 Clubhouse Drive, Prescott (on the Antelope Hills golf course). Luncheon reservations are required. A buffet luncheon will be provided. Cost is $15 for members and $17 for nonmembers. RSVP by email: DWPrescottArea@gmail.com or call (928) 848-2753. Contact us ASAP if you make reservations and are unable to attend. The public is welcome, but reservations are required. To join, email the form and pay at the luncheon, or mail with a check to Sandy Baggenstos, DWPA Treasurer, 530 N. Fitzmaurice Drive, Prescott, AZ 86303.

Thursday, January 26, 6:00 p.m.: Casa Grande Democrats meeting, at Bedillon’s Restaurant (Adobe Room), 800 N. Park Avenue, Casa Grande. Meet the fourth Thursday of each month. For more information please contact Jack Guthrie at democratsofcasagrande@gmail.com and Like Us on Facebook.

Thursday, January 26, 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 Dick Reddy at (520) 579-9460 Richard.Reddy@fredonia.edu.

Friday, January 27 – Sunday, January 29: 79th Annual Tohono O’odham Nation Rodeo & Fair at the Eugene P. Tashquinth Sr. Livestock Complex located three (3) miles west of Sells, Arizona along State Route 86. Join us as we celebrate our biggest and most attractive event of the year. Bring the entire family and join us in sharing our culture by participating in our social round dancing, a variety of music entertainment will hit the main stage daily including the ever so popular Waila Bands, traditional food sampling along the food court vendors alley, arts & crafts, and exhibit booths for the leisure visitor. And of course the All Indian Rodeo Competition.

Saturday, January 28: Chinese New Year – year of the rooster.

Saturday, January 28, 10:00 a.m.: Northern Cochise County Democratic Club meeting. Meeting locations rotate between Benson and Wilcox. For more information please contact Kathy Suagee at soprano_58@hotmail.com. Visit our web page Northern Cochise County Democrats.

Arizona Democratic Party Reorganization

Saturday, January 28, 9:00 a.m.: The meeting will be in Maricopa County (location TBA). The newly elected state committee persons will elect a state Chair, First Vice Chair, Senior Vice Chair, Vice Chairmen (3), Vice Chair women (3), Treasurer, Secretary, Education Coordinator, and Affirmative Action Moderator. The bylaws spell out specific requirements for some of these positions regarding gender and county of residence as described in the bylaws. Registration and caucus meetings 9:00 – Noon. Lunch at Noon. Plenary session at 1:00 p.m.

Sunday, January 29, 3:00 p.m.: Marana Democrats meeting, at the Continental Reserve Plaza, 8333 N. Silverbell Road, Tucson. For more information please contact Buddy Gill at maranadems@gmail.com or (408) 806-2036.

Sunday, January 30, 8:00 p.m.: Laughing Liberally Tucson returns to lampoon the national, state and local political scene. Come out and enjoy Tucson’s best and brightest comics as we try our best to save democracy…one laugh at a time. it’s FUN… it’s FREE… New Location: The Flycatcher, 340 E 6th Street (at 4th Avenue), Tucson. Usually the last Sunday every month.

Tuesday, January 31, 11:30 a.m.: Blue Tuesday Luncheon Forum, at the Starfire Golf Club, 11500 N. Hayden (Scottsdale). Generally meets the last Tuesday of the month. If you want lunch, you must RSVP by the Thursday before so we can order for you! Email jctillotson@msn.com. $22 – 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!) For more information please contact bluetuesdayluncheon@gmail.com.

Sunday, February 5, 4:30 p.m.: Super Bowl LI, from NRG Stadium in Houston, TX. AFC Champion v. NFC Champion.