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Political Calendar for the Week of January 1, 2017:
Sunday, January 1: Happy New Year, and God help us!
Monday, January 2, 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. DGT is taking the holidays off and will return on January 9, 2017, with former Arizona legislator David Lujan, Director of the Arizona Center for Economic Progress.
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.
Thursday, January 5, 6:00 p.m.: Arizona Legislative Preview, at the Arizona Community Foundation, 2201 E. Camelback Road, Ste. 405B, Phoenix. We are excited to host an expert panel to discuss the policy issues and legislation to expect here in Arizona when our new government takes office. The panel will include state Representatives Lela Alston and Ken Clark; Will Gaona, Policy Director for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Arizona; a representative of Equality Arizona; Project Jigsaw; Planned Parenthood Arizona; and Secular Coalition for Arizona. A representative from the ACLU of Arizona will moderate. You won’t want to miss this informative event during such a crucial year for equality! A second Legislative Update event will be held in Tucson, please stay posted for event details.
Saturday, January 7, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.: League of Women Voters’ Arizona Voters Rights Summit, at ASU New College-West, UCB Building “La Sala” Ballroom, 4701 W. Thunderbird, Glendale. The Summit will provide an opportunity for knowledgeable speakers to share information on a variety of issues relating to protecting voters rights. Participants will gain knowledge about innovative practices, ideas, and useful steps which will protect and facilitate voters’ rights and promote a positive voting experience. More information on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1772284913050113/.
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, at the University of Arizona Social Sciences Bldg., Room 100. [UPDATE: Now at the Harville Bldg., Room 150, on 1103 E. 2nd Street.] PCs elected on August 30, 2016 are eligible to run and vote for the PCDP Executive Board members who will serve through December 2018. Only PCs elected in the August primary may participate; no proxies are allowed. Registration is 9:30-10:00 a.m., Meeting begins at 10:00 a.m. For more information please call PCDP HQ (520) 326-3716.
The #Earth2Trump Roadshow of Resistance Rally – Tucson
Saturday, January 7, 2:00 p.m.: The #Earth2Trump Roadshow of Resistance Rally is coming to Tucson, at the Alliance for Global Justice, 225 E. 26th Street, Tucson. The roadshow is rallying and empowering defenders of civil rights and the environment to resist Trump’s dangerous agenda. Stopping in 16 cities on its way to Washington, D.C., it will bring thousands of people to protest at the presidential inauguration.We need you there. And we need your friends, family and activist networks. Please take a moment to RSVP: http://ow.ly/BYdx3078pHN. The Tucson event will feature Congressman Raúl Grijalva, Isabel Garcia from the Coalición de Derechos Humanos, Jes Baker, the baker and blogger behind The Militant Baker and Naelyn Pike, a member of the Apache Stronghold. In addition, musical guests Casey Neill and Lyla June will perform.At each show, you can:
• Sign the national Pledge of Resistance to Trump’s dangerous agenda.
• Write a personalized #Earth2Trump message that will be carried to D.C. in a massive globe and delivered to Trump.
• Create a huge, viral social media #Earth2Trump messaging campaign.
• Connect with people in your community resisting oppression and find out how to join the million people who will protest in Washington, D.C. on Inauguration Day.
Join us in your community to send a powerful, unwavering #Earth2Trump message that oppression and environmental destruction will not be tolerated.
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. 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 of
a problem, and there’s plenty of free parking.
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) — Governor Doug Ducey’s State of the State address. The legislature gets to work on Tuesday. “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: The Tucson Metro Chamber hosts Governor Doug Ducey at the annual State of the State luncheon, at the Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church, Tucson (Free Parking in Lots B and C off S. Granada Avenue). 10:00 a.m. Business Expo and registration. 12:00 p.m. Luncheon and address. More information at http://business.tucsonchamber.org/events/details/2017-state-of-the-state-luncheon-7594.
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.
Friday, January 13, Noon: MLK Drum Major Luncheon, in Tucson. Location and cost TBD.
Friday, January 13, 7:00 p.m.: Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance MLK Service (at Rising Star MBC, 2800 E. 36th Street, Tucson?). Our very own IMA President, Dr. Damond T. Holt, Pastor of Pilgrim Rest MBC will be our featured speaker. The GMWA will bless us with music and singing. Please stay tuned for more information. For more information please see the Facebook page for the IMA Community Action Team.
Saturday, January 14: Beyond Tucson events, various times and locations throughout the day.
Saturday, January 14, 7:00 a.m.: The Annual Pueblo Gardens Neighborhood Association Martin Luther King Breakfast, at the Holmes Tuttle Boys & Girls Club, 2585 E. 36th Street, Tucson. Doors open at 7:15 a.m. Breakfast will be served at 8:00 a.m., with the Honor Guard and program immediately following. A raffle will be held at the end of the program. We hold this event to honor the memory and spirit of Dr. King. and to raise funds for scholarships for programs that help our neighborhood school age youth realize some of their dreams. Breakfast is free with donations taken at the door. Raffle tickets will be sold.
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. Featured speakers are Dr. Jo Holt, and Morgan Abraham. the topic is “what went wrong; what went right; and, where do we go from here.” 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: National Day of Action to rally against Tea-Publican plans to end Medicare/Medicaid as we know it, and to repeal the Affordable Care Act aka “Obamacare.” Tea-Publican budget items will likely end guaranteed Medicare benefits for older Americans, slash Medicaid, increase prescription drug prices for seniors and those with disabilities, and hike taxes on millions of Americans, while giving a tax cut to the wealthiest Americans. Details TBA.
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.
Sunday, January 15, 3:00 p.m.: UA Presents Concert to Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, at the University of Arizona Centennial Hall. Celebrate Dr. King and his work towards social justice with a free concert organized by UA Presents at Centennial Hall. The stirring program will feature artists from the UA School of Theatre, UA Poetry Center, an MLK Choir arranged by Southwest Soul Circuit and a special opening performance from the children of Ocotillo Early Learning Center. More information at http://uapresents.org/tucson-celebrates-dr-martin-luther-king-jr.
Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day March and Celebration – Tucson
Monday, January 16, 8:30 a.m.: Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day March and Celebration, starting at the U of A Tech Park on MLK, Jr. Way around 8:30 a.m. and end at Reid Park. Celebration will be from approximately 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
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. For the Phoenix event, see https://www.eventbrite.com/e/phoenix-womens-march-tickets-30497883992.
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, 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.
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, 6:00 p.m.: Maricopa County Democratic Party Executive Committee meeting, at HQ, 2910 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix. Meet and greet (and dinner) begins at 5:30. Meeting begins promptly at 6:00 pm.
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.
Sunday, February 5, 4:30 p.m.: Super Bowl LI, from NRG Stadium in Houston, TX. AFC Champion v. NFC Champion.