Political Calendar: Week of March 8, 2015

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“Budgets are moral documents” – unless you live in Arizona

Political Calendar for the Week of March 8, 2015:

Sunday, March 8: International Women’s Day, 2015 Theme: Make It Happen.

Monday, March 9, 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. UPDATE: Featured speaker is Russell Lowes, Chair of the Energy Subcommittee for the Sierra Club (Rincon Group) on “Solar & Energy Energy Efficiency Policies.” Next Week: Fernando Molina,, Public Information officer for Tucson Water on “The current state of our water supply & the future outlook.”

Arizona AFL-CIO Day of Action at the Capitol

Monday, March 9, 7:00 a.m.: Arizona AFL-CIO Day of Action at the Capitol. The AFL-CIO Day of Action is an invitation for all union brothers and sisters as well as progressives and those wanting to learn how the legislative process works. Learn how to lobby or register for the “Request to Speak” system, which allows members of the public to make comments and give their position on bills being considered in Legislative Committees at the House and the Senate. This free event to our state capitol, which includes round-trip transportation, camaraderie and lunch provided by UA Local 469 is open to all who want their voices heard. The bus will leave IBEW 570 parking lot at 7 AM and return at approximately 4:30 PM. One bus will stop at the McDonald’s on Cortaro Road to pick up people as the buses go to Phoenix. You will visit with your legislators, rally with your sisters and brothers on the house lawn, learn how to lobby and sign up for the “Request to Speak” system. There will be voter registration forms or request to be placed on the permanent early voting list. It is not too late to request a personal or vacation day to join us. Bring you families, children and anyone who is interested in how the process works. The deadline to register is Tuesday, February 24. RSVP’s are mandatory as we will be providing materials and lunch. The Pima Area Labor Federation is providing this event. For more information please contact the Pima Area Labor Federation at (520) 388-4139.

Monday, March 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). Featured speaker is Cheryl Cage, newly elected Chair of the Pima County Democratic Party on “My vision for Democratic action in Pima County.” 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, March 10, 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, March 10, 5:30 p.m.: Former U.S. Senator Mark Udall will deliver the 2015 Marks Lecture, entitled “It’s 2015:  Why Are We Still Debating Torture?”  Sen. Udall, who served on the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, led the bipartisan effort to rein in the NSA’s dragnet collection of Americans’ personal data. He also has been an unwavering advocate for strong, independent oversight of the CIA. He was one of the leading advocates for releasing the Senate Intelligence Committee’s study of the CIA’s detention and interrogation program. The event will be held at the UA College of Law, Room 164 (Ares Auditorium), and it is open to the public, with no cost to attend.  A reception will follow the lecture.  To register, visit https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07eairxdco48c9c429&oseq=&c=&ch=.  Please direct questions to Emily Cayton at ecayton@email.arizona.edu or (520) 626-3056.

Foothills Forum: Providing a Second Chance

Tuesday, March 10, 5:30 p.m.: Foothills Forum presents “Providing a Second Chance,” at Skyline Country Club, 5200 E. St. Andrews Drive, Tucson. Join us on Tuesday, March 10, when Mayor Jonathan Rothschild and US Magistrate Judge Charles Pyle will be the featured speakers for a forum presentation discussing the causes behind the growth in the US prison population, the impact incarceration has on human lives, and the crushing burden it imposes on our already strained correctional system and state budgets. Also, how local community programs, such as Second Chance Tucson, are providing mentoring, job training and job placement programs to help ensure these returning citizens are able to live a productive life. Cost: $20.00 per person including cash bar and hot Hors d’oeuvres. Register at Providing A Second Chance – March 10, 2015. For more information please contact us at contact@foothillsforum.org or visit our web site foothillsforum.org.

Tuesday, March 10, 5:30 p.m.: Maricopa County Democratic Party Circle of Friends meeting, at the Cattletrack Art Compound, 6105 N. Cattletrack Road, Scottsdale. Keynote speaker is Congressman Ruben Gallego. For more information please contact Ben at bmwhaley@gmail.com or (480) 577-1752.

Wednesday, March 11, 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, March 12 – Sunday, March 15: La Paz County Fair, 21600 Hillside Drive, Parker, AZ.

DCSRA Fund Raiser with John Nichols of The Nation

Thursday, March 12, 5:00 p.m.: (New Date!) Democrats of the Santa Rita Area Fund Raiser, at the Desert Diamond Casino,1100 W. Pima Mine Road, just off I-19 9exit 80). Featured speaker is John Nichols, Washington correspondent for The Nation. Menu Choices: Picatta Chicken Breast with Lemon Caper Garlic Sauce, Grilled Top Sirloin with Roasted Shallot Borderlaise Sauce, or Grilled Salmon Fillet with a Roasted Shallot Borderlaise Sauce. A cash bar will be available. If you prefer a special diet, please contact Polly Daly at (815) 370-4614.Tickets are Basic- $60, Sponsor- $100, Patron- $200 Special Diet- $60. Purchase tickets at Act Blue or DCSRA Headquarters.

Thursday, March 12, 5:30 p.m.: Pima County Democratic Party Nucleus Club meeting, at the Viscount Suite Hotel, 4855 E. Broadway Blvd. Featured speaker is Alexis Tameron, Arizona Democratic Party Chair. For more information please contact Ash Silverburg at (520) 326-3716.

Thursday, March 12, 6:00 p.m.: Yavapai County Democratic Party meeting, at the Prescott Public Library, Founders Rooms A & B, 215 E. Goodwin Street, Prescott. Featured Speaker: Eric Meyer, House Minority Leader with update on this year’s legislative session. Please note change in location. Snacks and drinks only; no potluck.

March for Education

Saturday, March 14, 9:30 a.m.: “March for Education” sponsored by Arizona Stand Up, at  Tucson High School, 400 N. 2nd Ave, Tucson (meet in parking lot). We will march from Tucson High to the University of Arizona’s Festival of Books. We will hold a rally on the East side of Old Main around 10:30 am, then break out into small groups of 5 to continue through the rest of campus with signs. We have cleared all with UA and Festival Organizers. We do not want to disrupt the Festival. It will be a peaceful but POWERFIL demonstration. Go to our Facebook page: Arizona Stands Up to RSVP or to our website: http://www.ArizonaStandsUP.com for more information.

Tucson Festival of Books

Saturday, March 14 – Sunday, March 15, 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.: Tucson Festival of Books | 2015 Festival Information. The 2015 Tucson Festival of Books will take place on Saturday, March 14 and Sunday, March 15 on the University of Arizona campus. Admission is free. The Tucson Festival of Books is located on the University of Arizona Mall – along East University Boulevard, stretching from Old Main to east of Cherry Avenue, and in several nearby buildings. Free public parking is typically available in the University’s surface lots and in six garages: Cherry Avenue, Highland Avenue, Main Gate, Park Avenue, Sixth Street and Tyndall Avenue (the Second Street Parking Garage is not available for the public). Because the University will be on spring break, Festival participants and spectators won’t be competing with students for parking. The Festival offers two full food courts along with snack vendors. Net proceeds from the Festival – from the support of our sponsors, exhibitors, and Friends of the Festival – go to fund amazing literacy programs in Southern Arizona.

Saturday, March 14, 9:00 a.m.: Tanque Verde Valley Democrats meeting, at Risky Business, 8848 E. Tanque Verde Road. This meeting is to honor Democratic Pima County Sheriff Clarence Dupnik for his years of service. The Sheriff will be retiring sometime this year. For more information please contact Lucy Messing at (520) 591-7615 or visit our web site. Tanque Verde Valley Democratic Club.

Saturday, March 14, 9:30 a.m.: San Tan Valley Democrats meeting, at the SRP Service Center, 3735 E. Combs Road (San Tan Valley). For more information please contact Dwight Snyder at dsnider@cox.net or (480) 331-9386, or visit our web site santanvalleydems.org and Like Us on Facebook.

Saturday, March 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, March 14, 7:00 p.m.: Progressive Democrats of American, Tucson Chapter, host John Nichols from The Nation, at the IBEW hall, 750 S. Tucson Blvd. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. This event is free, but donations are happily accepted to help continue the work of Progressives Democrats of America. see our Facebook page John Nichols of The Nation Returns to Tucson.

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. Location TBA. An informal, inclusive progressive social group, and lively discussion. Contact: www.livingliberallytucson.org.

150 Years of The Nation

Sunday, March 15, 6:00 p.m.: The regional premiere with Oscar-winner Barbara Kopple and The Nation’s John Nichols in person, at The Loft Cinema,  3233 E Speedway Blvd, Tucson. The screening will be preceded by a reception on The Loft patio, starting at 6:00 pm. This reception is FREE with the purchase of a ticket to the film, and will feature free light hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. At this reception, The Loft Cinema will present Barbara Kopple with the Lofty Lifetime Achievement Award in honor of her important and influential contributions to the world of documentary filmmaking. This reception is “first-come, first-admitted” with proof of movie ticket purchase, and seating is limited. Regular admission price. All reception attendees will be offered the opportunity to register for a free subscription to The Nation! The movie is at 7:00 pm.

Tuesday, March 17: St. Patrick’s Day.

Tuesday, March 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. 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.

Tuesday, March 17, 6:30 p.m.: Legislative District 9 meeting, at Northwest Medical Center, La Paloma Urgent Care Community Classroom, 4001 E. Sunrise Drive. For more information please contact Brian Clymer at brianclymer@yahoo.com or (520) 297-3539.

Tuesday, March 17, 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, March 18 – Sunday, March 22: Pinal County Fair, 512 S. Eleven Mile Corner Road, Casa Grande.

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

Wednesday, March 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). Please bring your items for the St. Patrick’s Day fundraiser to the meeting. For more information lease contact Rob Selby at r_ybles@hotmail.com or (520) 790-3024.

Thursday, March 19, 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.

Friday, March 20 – Sunday, March 22, 10 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.: 4th Avenue Spring Street Fair. The Street Fair takes place between Ninth Street and University Blvd. along Fourth Avenue in Tucson. Click here for a map. Free to the public, the Fourth Avenue Street Fair brings together 400+ arts and crafts booths, 35+ food vendors, Main Stage, street musicians, food, jugglers, street performers, the ever so popular Free Kids hands-on-art Pavilion. There is face painting, balloons, demonstrations, sidewalk entertainment and tons of other fun activities. This is Tucson’s Largest Arts Venue.

Friday, March 20, 11:30 a.m.: Yavapai County Democratic Party’s Authors Luncheon, at the Antelope Hills Golf Course, Centennial Room, 1989 Clubhouse Drive, Prescott. Alan Dean Foster, author and screenwriter, creator of some of our favorite science fiction and fantasy stories joins us to share stories and talk of the writer’s art. $25.00 includes lunch, cash bar. RSVP and purchase tickets online at Act Blue or call 928-541-0413.

Annual St. Patricks’ Day Fundraiser

Saturday, March 21, 2:00 p.m.: Legislative District’s 9 and 10 host the Annual St. Patrick’s Day fundraiser at the home of George and Margie Cunningham, 630 N. Alamo Avenue, Tucson, AZ. This is the annual political season kick-off event for Democratic candidates in Pima County. Keynote Speaker will be Tucson Mayor Jonathan Rothschild. Master of Ceremonies Tucson Vice mayor Paul Cunningham. Tucson’s best corned beef & cabbage with all the fixings and side dishes, bountiful desserts, soft drinks and beer. Tickets are only $20 per adult if purchased in advance. Children 6-12 $10, under the age of 6 free. Order online at https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/page/gogreen15. Ticket price goes up to $25 at the door, so purchase your tickets early. A limited number of tickets will be sold. The NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament will be on the TV for you basketball fans, so you have no reason to miss this fun event.

Arizona Advocacy Network 4th Annual Dinner Reclaiming Government For The People

Saturday, March 21, 6:00 p.m.: Arizona Advocacy Network hosts its 4th annual Dinner Reclaiming Government For The People, at the Pointe Hilton Resort, 7677 N. 16th Street, phoenix, AZ. Keynote Speaker is Congressman John Sarbanes, sponsor of the Government by The People Act. Individual tickets $100, table for ten $1,000. Please contact jon@azadvocacy.org to host a table and for sponsorship opportunities. To purchase tickets online, see 4th Annual Dinner Reclaiming Government for the People With Congressman John Sarbanes.

Sunday, March 22, 2:00 p.m.: Legislative District 11 meeting, at the Wheeler, Taft, Abbett Library, 7800 N. Schisler Drive, Tucson (new location!) Election of District Chair. For more information please contact Tom Cuevas at zingue@msn.com or (520) 440-5458. Find us at www.AZLD11Dems.org.

Arizona César E. Chávez Holiday Coalition Youth Conference in Schools

Monday March 23 – Friday, March 27: Arizona César E. Chávez Holiday Coalition sponsors Youth Conference in Schools. During the week of March 23rd-27th, members of the Arizona Cesar E. Chavez Holiday Coalition alongside volunteers from the Tucson community will visit with different schools from elementary to high school. They will give presentations from power points, videos, to storytelling on the life and legacy of Cesar Chavez, Dolores Huerta and farm workers’ movement. If you are interested in presenting please contact Angelica Munoz at angelica.munoz@tusd1.org. The 2015 César E. Chávez Leadership Week Workshop and Presenter Proposal Form can be downloaded at Proposal Form (.pdf). Visit our new web site at http://azchavez.tk/.

Monday, March 23, 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 Andrés Cano at andres@canoagroup.com or (520) 304-5778.

Women in Blue at The Capitol

Tuesday, March 24, 7:30 a.m.: Women in Blue at the Capitol. A coalition of women’s groups and clubs from around Arizona gather together to learn from and be inspired by each other. In addition, they give a presence of Democratic Women at the Legislature.The day will start with breakfast at 7:30 a.m. at the Rose Garden on the north side outside the Historic Capitol west of the House of Representatives. For more information email: info@womeninblue.org, or visit our website at www.womeninblue.org. Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/azwomeninblue.

Tuesday, March 24, 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!)

Wednesday,March 25, 11:00 a.m.: Democratic Women of the Prescott Area meeting, at the Stoneridge County Club, 1601 Bluff Top Drive, Prescott Valley, AZ. $15.00 for members, $17.00 non-members, includes lunch. Reservations at DWPrescottArea@gmail.com or (928) 848-2753.

Thursday, March 26, 3:00 p.m.: Sunflower Democrats meeting, at 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 democratsofcasagrande@gmail.com or call (520)251-8247.

Thursday, March 26, 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, March 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.

26th Annual LULAC Youth Leadership Conference

Friday, March 27, 8:00 a.m.: 26th Annual LULAC Youth Leadership Conference at Pima Community College – West Campus. For the last 25 years the LULAC Youth Leadership Conference has worked to encourage and motivate students to remain in school, set goals and reinforce the value of education. Join us in being part of your students’ future success by exposing your students to an environment that fosters positive relationships among peers, teachers and the community. Education is the key to success! Registration (link above) is free, lunch is included. For more information contact lulacyoungadults@gmail.com or (520) 245-8124.

César E. Chávez March and Rally

Saturday, March 28, 9:00 a.m.: Arizona César E. Chávez Holiday Coalition sponsors the César E. Chávez March and Rally. Meet at Pueblo High School, 3500 S 12th Ave, Tucson. March from Pueblo H.S.to Rudy Garcia Park (Rodeo Park), 2 E. Irvington Road. Note: Dolores Huerta specifically requested that marchers carry signs that say “VOTE.” Rally, music and speakers at the park. Visit our new web site at http://azchavez.tk/.

Saturday, March 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.

Sunday, March 29, 7:00 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…it’s Sky Bar Tucson. Last Sunday every month.

Monday, March 30: Arizona César E. Chávez Holiday Coalition sponsors City of Tucson César E. Chávez Holiday and Day of Service. Details TBA. Visit our new web site for more information at http://azchavez.tk/.  At 7:00 p.m. The Loft Cinema, 3233 E Speedway Blvd., Tucson will show The Fight in the Fields: Cesar Chavez and the Farmworkers’ Struggle, the first film to cover the first successful organizing drive of farm workers in the United States, while recounting the many failed and dramatic attempts to unionize that led up to this victory. Free Admission.

Tuesday, March 31 – Sunday, April 5: Yuma County Fair, 2520 E. 32nd Street, Yuma.

Thursday, April 2, 5:00 p.m.: I Stand With Planned Parenthood Dinner in Flagstaff at the Little America Hotel. Join us for a wonderful dinner, live entertainment from members of Circus Bacchus, and fabulous raffle items from a wide variety of Flagstaff businesses and artisans. Keynote speaker is Katherine Glaser, M.D., physician at Planned Parenthood Arizona’s Flagstaff health center. Tables of 8 are $400, individual tickets are $50 each. Additional sponsorship opportunities and discounts for students and young professionals are available. For information about this event, please contact Ann Beck at annbeck3000@gmail.com or (928) 606-3252. Find more information and purchase tickets here.

Friday, April 3 (sundown) – Saturday, April 11: Passover.

Saturday, April 4, 10:00 a.m.: 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.

Saturday, April 4, 11:00 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. Visit our web page Greater Huachuca Area Democratic Club.

Sunday, April 5: Easter Sunday.

Sunday, April 5, 8:00 ET: ESPN Sunday Night Baseball, St. Louis Cardinals at Chicago Cubs.

Monday, April 6: Opening Day of 2015 Major League Baseball season. San Francisco Giants at the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Monday, April 6: NCAA men’s basketball championship game from Indianapolis.

Monday, April 6, 6:30 p.m.: Pima County Democratic Party Executive Committee meeting (unless the UA Wildcats are playing in the championship game!)

Wednesday, April 8 – Sunday, April 12: Maricopa County Fair, AZ Exposition & State Fairgrounds, 1826 W. McDowell Road, Phoenix.

Thursday, April 9: 150th anniversary of Gen. Robert E. Lee surrendering his Confederate Army of Virginia to Gen. Ulysses S. Grant at the village of Appomattox Court House in Virginia, marking the unofficial end of the American Civil War. Confederate Gen. Joseph E. Johnston surrendered to Gen. William T. Sherman near Durham, North Carolina on April 18, 1865. Remaining Confederate forces surrender in May.

Thursday, April 9, 11:30 a.m.: I Stand With Planned Parenthood Luncheon in Phoenix at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel. This year actress Selenis Leyva will serve as our Mistress of Ceremonies. She is one of the stars in Netflix breakout hit series Orange Is The New Black. Our Keynote Speaker will be Ashley Spillane, the President of Rock the Vote. Tables of 10 are $1,000, individual tickets are $100 each. Additional sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information please contact John McDonald-O’Lear at jmcdonald-olear@ppaz.org or (602) 263-4215. Find more information and purchase tickets here.

Friday, April 10, 11;30 a.m.: I Stand With Planned Parenthood Luncheon in Tucson at the Tucson Convention Center. This year actress Selenis Leyva will serve as our Mistress of Ceremonies. She is one of the stars in Netflix breakout hit series Orange Is The New Black. Our Keynote Speaker will be Ashley Spillane, the President of Rock the Vote. Tables of 10 are $1,000, individual tickets are $100 each. Additional sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information lease contact Edna Meza Aguirre at edaguirre@ppaz.org or (520) 784-5810. Find more information and purchase tickets here.

Coconino County Democratic Party’s Annual Roosevelt-Kennedy Dinner

Saturday, April 11, 5:30 p.m.: Coconino County Democratic Party’s annual Roosevelt-Kennedy Dinner, at the Doubletree Hilton Hotel, 1175 W. Route 66, Flagstaff. Raffle, Telethon and Silent Auction of terrific items. Eleanor Roosevelt Award to outstanding community Democrat. Guest speaker, Kyrsten Sinema, 9th District, US Congress. Tickets are $85 each. For more information please contact Emily Ross at emilyr@ccdem.org or (928) 214-0393. Purchase tickets secure online at www.ccdem.org.

Tuesday, April 14: 150th anniversary of the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln at Ford’s Theater in Washington, D.C. The president dies from his fatal wounds the following morning.

Thursday, April 16: Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Thursday, April 16 – Sunday, April 26: Pima County Fair, 11300 S. Houghton Road.

Saturday, April 18, 6:00 p.m.: Maricopa County Democratic Party presents the 2015 Diamond Event, at 16625 S. Desert Foothills Parkway, Phoenix. Join us as the Democratic All-Stars step up to the plate to raise money for the MCDP. Meet and mingle with Arizona officeholders as you enjoy a beautiful evening with good friends and good food. Special Guest: Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton; other TBA.Tickets are $150per person, $100 for Democratic Precinct Committee Members. RSVP and purchase tickets today by clicking here!

Sunday, April 19, 10:00 a.m.: Cyclovia Tucson, downtown Tucsonans can celebrate a five-mile bike ride on carless streets from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Wednesday, April 22: Earth Day 2015.

Wednesday, April 29 – Sunday, May 3: Verde Valley Fair, 800 E. Cherry Street, Cottonwood.

Tuesday, May 5: Cinco de Mayo, and National Teacher Appreciation Day.

Friday, May 8: VE Day. 70th Anniversary of Victory in Europe in WWII.

Arizona Democratic Party Spring State Committee Meeting

Saturday, May 9, 9:00 a.m.: Arizona Democratic Party Spring State Committee Meeting in Tucson – save the date! Details TBA. Meeting in Tucson coincides with the Pima County Democratic Party’s Annual Udall Dinner. Details TBA.

Sunday, May 10: Mother’s Day.

Saturday, May 16: Armed Forces Day.

Monday, May 25: Memorial Day.

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Netroots Nation 2015

Thursday, July 16 – Sunday, July 19: Netroots Nation Convention at the Phoenix Convention Center, 100 N. 3rd Street, Phoenix. This is the largest annual gathering of progressives in the Nation. For Netroots Nation 2015, we’re choosing to go to Phoenix and make immigration a central issue to the progressive agenda. We haven’t won on this legislation. We’re mindful that we are about to launch into the 2016 presidential cycle, and it’s time to step up as a movement on this issue. We want everyone aspiring for office in 2016 a from the President to Congress to local offices – to know that if you don’t support taking real action on immigration reform, you won’t win our community’s support. There’s a burgeoning progressive infrastructure in Arizona that could use more support, and there is a lot to discuss from a policy perspective. It’s time to start talking about how militarizing our police forces and borders is problematic, how trade agreements like NAFTA and CAFTA have created the economic conditions for the migration from Central America, and how this issue ultimately comes down to family. For more information please contact desiree@netrootsnation.org and visit Netrootsnation.org.

Thursday, August 6: 50th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, making it easier for Southern blacks to register to vote. Literacy tests, poll taxes, and other such requirements that were used to restrict black voting are made illegal. In June 2013, the “Felonious Five” of the conservative activist U.S. Supreme Court struck down a key provision of the Voting Rights Act in Shelby County v. Holder, reasoning that it was no longer responsive to current conditions. The very same day, Southern states imposed new restrictions on voters, proving the court wrong.

Saturday, August 15: VJ Day. 70th Anniversary of Victory over Japan, ending WWII.