Political Calendar: Week of May 15, 2022

Send notices of your events to blogforarizona@gmail.com. Editor’s Note: Due to the covid-19 coronavirus pandemic and CDC recommendations for social distancing, many events are still being held virtually online. We are doing our best to update the calendar, but you should check with event organizers prior to attending any event to confirm the status. 

Political Calendar for the Week of May 15, 2022:

Sunday, May 15, Noon: Discussion 4 Democracy: Adrian Fontes and Reginald Bolding for Secretary of State, at the University of Arizona – Steward Observatory, Room N210, 933 N. Cherry Avenue, Tucson.Also virtual on Zoom, Register in advance.

Monday, May 16, Noon: Democrats of Greater Tucson ONLINE MEETING May 16:  Featured speaker is Charlie Verdin, candidate for Arizona House LD 18.  Register in advance for this zoom meeting. Meanwhile, you can also watch more than 130 Videos of Candidates and Speakers at Democrats of Greater Tucson.

Tuesday May 17: City of Tucson Special Election. Proposition 411: Half-Cent Sales Extension for Streets. The City of Tucson is asking voters to extend the existing temporary half-cent sales tax for an additional 10 years. This extension will not increase the City’s current sales tax rate of 2.6%. The funds collected through the half-cent sales tax over the 10-year period will be used solely for neighborhood street improvements and systemwide street safety projects.

Tuesday, May 17, 10:30 a.m.: Democratic Women of Southeastern Arizona meeting, at Rothery Education Center on Fry Boulevard, Northern most building closest to Veterans Park, Sierra Vista. Meet the third Tuesday of each month. For more information email us at dwseaaz@gmail.com​ Visit our web page. Democratic Women of Southeastern Arizona.

Wednesday, May 18, 4:00 p.m.: Drinking Democratically Happy Hour at DGT, at Brother John’s Beer, Bourbon & BBQ, 1801 N. Stone Avenue, Tucson, in the outside Beer Garden. Join us for the camaraderie with Democrats of Greater Tucson. It’s a wonderful opportunity to talk with and enjoy the company of fellow Democrats. Invite your friends! We will be outside in the Beer Garden for social distancing, so dress accordingly. COVID-19 precautions: We require all attendees to be vaccinated. Thank you. Their Social Hour menu includes drinks and food specials. You can view the menu at their website www.brotherjohnsbbq.com.

Wednesday, May 18, 5:00 p.m.: Citizens Clean Elections Democratic Primary Candidate Debate for CD 6, on AZ PBS Arizona Horizon. Candidates are former state senator Kirsten Engel, state representative Daniel Hernandez, and political newcomer and Raytheon employee Avery Anderson.

Wednesday, May 18, 6:00 p.m.: Graham County Democratic Party meeting. Meet the third Wednesday of each month. Meet via Zoom. For more information. please visit our web page, or visit our Facebook Page.

Wednesday, May 18, 6:30 p.m.: Legislative District 17 meeting Meet the third Wednesday of each month. For more information please contact Larry Waggoner, Chair at lwaggonernew@comcast.net.

Wednesday, May 18, 6:30 p.m.: Copa City Democrats meeting, location varies. For more information please contact Constance Jackson at jcksconniejean@aol.com.

Thursday, May 19, 10:00 a.m.: Democrats of the Red Rocks Breakfast on Zoom. Free.  Register in Advance. Meet the third Thursday of each month. Visit our web page.

The Mayors’ Summit

Thursday, May 19, 2:30 p.m.: The Mayors’ Summit is a conference with mayors from the region that include northern Mexico. The purpose of this event is two-fold; 1. to provide a platform for Mayors of the Sonoran Desert region to collectively share and discuss their perspectives on the challenges we face as inhabitants as well as the areas of opportunities to create a brighter future and 2. to provide an opportunity for each city/town to share economic development information with the intent of spurring business growth in and amongst their area. Potential Topics for Discussion include; Sustainability / Economic Growth / Tourism / Infrastructure / Jobs / Public Safety / Education / Affordable Housing / Trade / Ports of Entry / Healthcare / The Future of Politics.” $20/per person (if registered prior to May 10), $40/per person (if registered after May 10). Register in advance, Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

DGT Fundraiser- Frank Figliuzzi: Democracy Is Under Full-Blown Attack

Thursday, May 19, 6:30 p.m.: DGT Fundraiser with former FBI Special Agent Frank Figliuzzi. Join us to learn about the fascist threats to our freedom and democracy as we enter the 2022 election season. As the FBI’s director of counterintelligence, Frank Figliuzzi is an expert at identifying the real threats to our nation. In this evening Salon, he will be the keynote speaker at our 2022 fundraiser for Democrats of Greater Tucson. Frank Figliuzzi spent his career in the FBI predicting, preparing for, and mitigating threats. He is an NBC and MSNBC national security commentator. Frank will analyze the frightening events that will lead up to the election. Threats to Americans include political violence, the rise of militias, white nationalism, attacks on school boards, gerrymandering, anti-voter laws, and extremists running for office. Frank is prepared for the worst, but hoping for the best. You will get specific advice on what to do next. DGT is raising funds to elect Democrats in Arizona. In addition to operating funds, we need funding to keep doing good works. You won’t want to miss this program on Zoom. Fundraiser tickets are only $20. Get tickets at bit.ly/DGTFigliuzzi. You can also mail a check to P.O. Box 41573, Tucson, AZ, 85717. Please include your phone number, land address and employer, which we are required by law to request.

Friday, May 20, 6:00 p.m.: Gila County Democratic Party general meeting, at the Gila Dems Office, 110 E. Bonita Street, Payson, AZ. Meet the third Friday of each month. For more information please visit our web page, or Facebook Page, email us at info@gilacountyazdems.org, or call our office 928-363-1808.

Saturday, May 21: Armed Forces Day.

Saturday, May 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.

Annual Democrats of Rim Country Picnic

Saturday, May 21, 11:00 a.m.: Annual Democrats of Rim Country Picnic, at Green Valley Park, 1000 W. Country Club Drive, Payson, AZ. We have invited a number of candidates to join us for this fun event. For more information please email us at info@democratsofrimcountry.com.

Arizona Democratic Party Spring State Committee Meeting

Saturday, May 21, Noon: Arizona Democratic Party Spring State Committee Meeting, Morning of Action canvassing around the state, Plenary registration closest at 11 a.m., 12 p.m. scheduled start time. Zoom link. The first-ever HYBRID State Committee Meeting where we can celebrate and conduct our business safely in person again.

Saturday, May 21, 1:00 p.m.: San Tan Valley Democrats meeting, meet virtually. Meet the third Saturday of each month. Please email group for details: chair@stvdems.com, or phone: 480-630-9092.

Saturday, May 21, 1:00 p.m.: Discussion 4 Democracy: with Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman (Virtual) on Zoom, Register in advance.

Saturday, May 21, 1:30 p.m.: Copa City Democrats meeting. Meetings are every 3rd Saturday of the month. Receive the link through Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/2963579027298825, or email Tony at comedyschools@hotmail.com.

Special Announcements:

Green Valley Democrats Current Events Discussion Group

Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m.:  Green Valley Democrats fka Democratic Club of the Santa Rita Area meets on Zoom at 10:00 – 11:30. To join the Discussion Group please send your name to  santaritadems@gmail.com. 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 at The Shanty, 401 E. 9th Street, Tucson. 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. As a reminder, The Shanty does not serve food (yes, there is popcorn), so please feel free to bring your own or order in, all allowed at The Shanty. There is no obligation to order anything–but as a thank you to our host, I hope everyone will order at least one drink (alcoholic or otherwise).

Sit-In To Save America: End The Senate Filibuster

Monday, May 23, 11:00 a.m.: Sit-In To Save America, at the Tucson Office of Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, 20 E. Ochoa Street, Tucson. In Arizona we’ll take action in Tucson where Sinema was born and has a Senate office which has never once been staffed or open to the public. The actions will start at 11 am local time and include a family-friendly rally and march before the sit-in. To register for either the family-friendly rally and march or to take part in the direct action following the event, sign up here.

Monday, May 23, 6:00 p.m.: Legislative District 20 meeting. Meet the fourth Monday of each month. For more information please contact Anakarina Rodriguez, Chair at akrod520@gmail.com.

Tuesday, May 24, 4:30 p.m.: Democratic Club of the Saddlebrook Ranch meeting, at 59680 E. Robson Circle, Oracle. Meet the fourth Tuesday of each month. Pease contact Matt Nelson at SBRDems@gmail.com, or (651) 414-1334.

Tuesday, May 24, 5:30 p.m.: Legislative District 19 meeting. Meet the fourth Tuesday of each month. For more information please contact Matthew Boyd, Chair at mboyd4347@gmail.com.

Tuesday, May 24, 6:30 p.m.: Legislative District 18 meeting. Meet the fourth Tuesday of each month. For more information please contact Susan Bickel, Chair at susanbickel7@gmail.com.

Wednesday, May 25, 11:30 a.m.: Democratic Women of the Prescott Area meeting, to be held at the Watson Lake Pavilion. Keynote speaker, Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman. Funds raised through this event support Democratic Women of the Prescott Area. Cost of Luncheon $25. Register in advance HERE. Cancellations for reservations must be received 24 hours in advance! Attendees will be billed if they cancel on the day of the event. Meet the fourth Wednesday of each month. Visit our web page. For more information please contact dwpa@dwpaaz.org.

Wednesday, May 25, 6:30 p.m.: Civics 101: Federal, State and County Govt Basics, brought to you by the PCDP PC Development Committee. The PCDP PC Development Committee has an exciting opportunity for you to relearn the basics of federal, state and local government, giving you the tools you need to make your voice heard! This is going to be a virtual training about how the government works on the Federal, State and Local levels, and how to talk with voters about these different levels of government. RSVP to register in advance.

Thursday, May 26, 6:30 p.m.:  Casa Grande Democrats meeting. Meet via Zoom, so please call this number or send an email to this contact information to receive a registration link: (520) 251-8247 or demsofcasagrande@gmail.com. Meet the fourth Thursday of each month. Please visit our web page.

Saturday, May 28, 10:00 a.m.:  Northern Cochise County Democratic Club meeting at the Raphael-in-the-Valley Episcopal-Lutheran Church, 730 S. Hwy 80, Benson AZ. Meet the Fourth Saturday of each month. For more information please contact Kathy Suagee at soprano_58@hotmail.com. Visit our web page Northern Cochise County Democrats.

Monday, May 30: Memorial Day Observed.

Wednesday, June 1, 5:00 p.m.: PCDP First Wednesday Wine Tasting, details TBA.

Saturday, June 4, 11:00 a.m.: Greater Huachuca Area Democrats meeting virtual on Zoom (soon at a designated restaurant in Serra Vista). Meet the first Saturday of each month. For more information, please email newghadc@yahoo.com, or phone (520) 329-2253.

Sunday, June 5, 1:00 pm.: Discussion 4 Democracy: Aaron Lieberman, and Marco Lopez for Governor, at the University of Arizona – Steward Observatory, Room N210, 933 N. Cherry Avenue, Tucson. Secretary of State Katie Hobbs is unavailable.

Monday, June 6:  D-Day Anniversary.

Wednesday, June 8, 6:30 p.m.: Marana Dems & Friends meeting. To request the Zoom meeting invitation send an email to: marana.demsandfriends@gmail.com. Meet the second Wednesday of each month. Visit our Facebook Page.

Wednesday, June 8, 7:00 pm.: Legislative District 21 meeting. Meet the second Wednesday of  each month. For more information, please contact Jacqui Bauer, Chair at azld21democrats@gmail.com.

Thursday, June 9: The Yuma County Democrats meet the second Thursday of every month, currently on Zoom due to the Pandemic. Meetings are open to the public. For information on how to attend sign up for our newsletter or email info@yumademocrats.com.

Thursday, June 9, 5:30 p.m.: Pima County Democratic Party Nucleus Club meeting, at the DoubleTree – Reid Park Hotel, 445 S. Alvernon Way, Tucson. Meet the second Thursday of each month. Non-members will be asked to make a contribution of $20 at the door or in advance. For more information, contact Nucleus Club at Pima County Democratic Headquarters (520) 326-3716.

Thursday, June 9, 5:30 p.m.: Pima County Democratic Party Disability Caucus meeting, at Direct Center, 1001 N. Alvernon Way, Tucson. Monthly meeting of the Disability Caucus. Open to the public. For more information please contact Contact Carol Brown (520) 325-9874.

Thursday, June 9, 5:30 p.m.: Yavapai County Democratic Party meeting, at the Prescott Adult Center, 1280 E. Rosser Road, Prescott. The suggested donation is $10 for those attending without a dish; $5 for those who bring a dish. To RSVP and let us know what you’re bringing, call 928-541-0413. You may also email yavdem@cableone.net. Meet the second Thursday of each month. Please visit or web page.

The January 6 Committee Public Hearings

Tuesday, June 9 (Time TBA):  The House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the U.S. Capitol will tell the “story about what happened” when the first of at least eight public hearings beginning on June 9. The eight hearings will be held in a mixture of daytime and prime-time programming. A firm TV schedule has not yet been announced. As someone who is old enough to have watched virtually all of the Watergate Hearings, this is Must See TV in order to be an informed voter.

Saturday, June 11, 9:30 a.m.: Tanque Verde Valley Democrats meeting.  Usually meet the second Saturday of each month. For more information visit our web site. Tanque Verde Valley Democratic Club.

Saturday, June 11, 10:00 a.m.: Mule Mountain Democrats meeting, at the Community Y, 26 Howell Avenue, Old Bisbee. Meet the second Saturday of each month. For more information e-mail Sandy Hummingbird at sandyhummingbird@cs.com, or visit our web page Mule Mountain Democrats.

Saturday, June 11, 10:00 a.m.: Coconino County Democratic Party meeting, at the Murdoch Community Center, 203 E. Brannen Avenue, Flagstaff. Also on Zoom. Meet the second Saturday of each month. For more information please call (928) 214-0393 or email info@ccdem.org, or viit our web page coconinodemocrats.org.

Saturday, June 11, 1:00 pm.: Discussion 4 Democracy: Kirsten Engel, Daniel Hernandez, and Avery Anderson for CD6, at the University of Arizona – Steward Observatory, Room N210, 933 N. Cherry Avenue, Tucson.

Saturday, June 11, 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, June 11, 3:00 p.m.: Green Valley Democrats fka Democratic Club of the Santa Rita Area meeting.  For more information please see our Facebook page or greenvalleydemocrats.org.

Monday, June 13, 6:30 p.m.: Democrats of Oro Valley meeting. Meet the second Monday of each month. For more information see our Facebook page or demsov.org.

Monday, June 13, 7:00 p.m.: Democrats of the Highlands at Dove Mountain meeting, in the Dove Mountain Clubhouse Catalina Room II, 4949 W. Heritage Club Blvd., Marana. For more information see our Facebook page.

Tuesday, June 14: Flag day.

Tuesday, June 14, Noon: Democrats 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 email us at info@democratsofrimcountry.com.

Tuesday, June 14, 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, June 14, 5:00 p.m.: Democrats of the Picture Rocks meeting, via zoom. Meet the second Tuesday of each month. Contact us by email at dems4prandav@gmail.com for more information.

Tuesday, June 14, 6:30 p.m.: Legislative District 23 meeting. Meet the second Tuesday of each month. To access the Zoom link for these virtual meetings, please join our email list. Join us for our monthy happy hour on the last Friday of every month at 6:30 p.m. Email contact form.

Wednesday, June 15, 6:00 p.m.: Graham County Democratic Party meeting. Meet the third Wednesday of each month. Meet via Zoom. For more information. please visit our web page, or visit our Facebook Page.

Wednesday, June 15, 6:30 p.m.: Legislative District 17 meeting Meet the third Wednesday of each month. For more information please contact Larry Waggoner, Chair at lwaggonernew@comcast.net.

Wednesday, June 15, 6:30 p.m.: Copa City Democrats meeting, location varies. For more information please contact Constance Jackson at jcksconniejean@aol.com.

Thursday, June 16, 10:00 a.m.: Democrats of the Red Rocks Breakfast on Zoom. Free.  Register in Advance. Meet the third Thursday of each month. Visit our web page.

Friday, June 17, 6:00 p.m.: Gila County Democratic Party general meeting, at the Gila Dems Office, 110 E. Bonita Street, Payson, AZ. Meet the third Friday of each month. For more information please visit our web page, or Facebook Page, email us at info@gilacountyazdems.org, or call our office 928-363-1808.

Saturday, June 18, 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.

52nd Annual Tucson Juneteenth Celebration 2022

Saturday, June 18, 11:00 a.m.: 52nd Annual Tucson Juneteenth Celebration 2022, at Kennedy Park, from 11am to 9pm. We look forward to seeing everyone out at the park as we make our return! #TucsonJuneteenthFestival #Juneteenth2022. See our Facebook Page.

9th Annual Juneteenth Celebration in Tempe

Saturday, June 18, 11:00 a.m.: The African-American Advisory Committee is presenting the 9th Annual Juneteenth Celebration to educate the community and celebrate freedom from slavery in the United States. The celebration will be held at the Tempe History Museum, 809 E. Southern Avenue, Tempe, from 11 am- 3pm. This free, family-friendly event will include educational tables, performances, food vendors and kids activities. Social distancing is encouraged inside the museum. Masks are optional.

Saturday, June 18, 1:00 p.m.: San Tan Valley Democrats meeting, meet virtually. Meet the third Saturday of each month. Please email group for details: chair@stvdems.com, or phone: 480-630-9092.

Saturday, June 18, 1:30 p.m.: Copa City Democrats meeting. Meetings are every 3rd Saturday of the month. Receive the link through Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/2963579027298825, or email Tony at comedyschools@hotmail.com.

Sunday, June 19: Juneteenth aka Freedom Day and Emancipation Day, celebrates the abolition of slavery in the United States. Congress approved Juneteenth as a federal holiday in June 2021, and most states in recognizing Juneteenth as a public holiday.

Sunday, June 19: Father’s Day.

Tuesday, June 21, 10:30 a.m.: Democratic Women of Southeastern Arizona meeting, at Rothery Education Center on Fry Boulevard, Northern most building closest to Veterans Park, Sierra Vista. Meet the third Tuesday of each month. For more information email us at dwseaaz@gmail.com​ Visit our web page. Democratic Women of Southeastern Arizona.

Wednesday, June 22, 11:30 a.m.: Democratic Women of the Prescott Area meeting, New Time and Place! The Resort at Prescott. Details TBA. Funds raised through this event support Democratic Women of the Prescott Area. Cost of Luncheon $25.  Cancellations for reservations must be received 24 hours in advance! Attendees will be billed if they cancel on the day of the event. Meet the fourth Wednesday of each month. Visit our web page.

Thursday, June 23, 6:30 p.m.:  Casa Grande Democrats meeting. Meet via Zoom, so please call this number or send an email to this contact information to receive a registration link: (520) 251-8247 or demsofcasagrande@gmail.com. Meet the fourth Thursday of each month. Please visit our web page.

Saturday, June 25, 10:00 a.m.:  Northern Cochise County Democratic Club meeting at the Raphael-in-the-Valley Episcopal-Lutheran Church, 730 S. Hwy 80, Benson AZ.Meet the Fourth Saturday of each month. For more information please contact Kathy Suagee at soprano_58@hotmail.com. Visit our web page Northern Cochise County Democrats.

Monday, June 27, 6:00 p.m.: Legislative District 20 meeting. Meet the fourth Monday of each month. For more information please contact Anakarina Rodriguez, Chair at akrod520@gmail.com.

Tuesday, June 28, 4:30 p.m.: Democratic Club of the Saddlebrook Ranch meeting, at 59680 E. Robson Circle, Oracle. Meet the fourth Tuesday of each month. Pease contact Matt Nelson at SBRDems@gmail.com, or (651) 414-1334.

Tuesday, June 28, 5:30 p.m.: Legislative District 19 meeting. Meet the fourth Tuesday of each month. For more information please contact Matthew Boyd, Chair at mboyd4347@gmail.com.

Tuesday,June 28, 6:30 p.m.: Legislative District 18 meeting. Meet the fourth Tuesday of each month. For more information please contact Susan Bickel, Chair at susanbickel7@gmail.com.

Thursday, June 30, 5:00 p.m.: Citizens Clean Elections Debate for Democratic candidates for Governor, on AZ PBS Arizona Horizon. Candidates are former state Rep. Aaron Lieberman, and former Nogales Mayor Marco Lopez. Secretary of State Katie Hobbs is unavailable.

Saturday, July 2, 11:00 a.m.: Greater Huachuca Area Democrats meeting virtual on Zoom (soon at a designated restaurant in Serra Vista). Meet the first Saturday of each month. For more information, please email newghadc@yahoo.com, or phone (520) 329-2253.

Monday July 4: Independence Day.

Tuesday, July 5: Voter registration deadline for primary election.

Wednesday, July 6: Early voting in primary election begins, mail-in ballots mailed.

Wednesday, July 6, 5:00 p.m.: PCDP First Wednesday Wine Tasting, details TBA.

Friday, July 22: Deadline to request a mail-in ballot for primary election.

Tuesday, August 2: Primary Election.

Friday, August 26: Women’s Equality Day.