ARIZONA FOCUS

BLOGGING ARIZONA:

AZNetroots: Bringing together Arizona Progressives to take back our country!

Blog for Arizona: Progressive blogging in AZ.

LeftyBlogs Arizona is the place to find out what's happening in the progressive blogosphere across Arizona.

Liberal Desert: IT'S A WRY HEAT; REALITY-BASED COMMENTARY ON ARIZONA AND NATIONAL POLITICS

Black Mesa Indigenous Support: Back in college I was involved in this issue.


CURRENT TV:
Current TV, founded by Al Gore, includes some of the best journalism in America today. In particular their Vanguard series is amazing and should not be missed by ANYONE who wants to know in depth coverage of some of the major stories in the world. And now CurrentTV has Keith Olbermann as well.

In most areas Current TV is available on:
DIRECTV Channel 358
DISH Network Channel 196
Comcast Digital: Channel 107
AT&T U-Verse: Channel 189

Check out their program schedule here.


Check out the Arizona Democratic Party's Calendar to find out what events are going on in your area.


From the Arizona AFL-CIO:

Join the E-Activist Network

It's not just Wisconsin and Ohio. While Arizonans are looking for middle class jobs, state legislators are up to the same old politics. Here are just a few of the things they're plotting:

* Limiting our right to speak out against unfair working conditions
* Silencing our collective voice by restricting or eliminating union dues deductions
* Giving away corporate tax cuts and cutting middle-class jobs

It's more of the same old political payback to the corporate CEOs that spent over $1 billion to elect politicians in 2010.

Working together, we're the last, best defense to stop the attacks on the middle class.

Join our E-Activist Network today.

E-Activists hear about it first:

* Important events like demonstrations and family activities.
* Action Alerts to contact your congressperson on important legislation affecting workers
* Labor news headlines from across the state and nation

Sign-up here

Together we can stop the right wing Republican attacks on unions and working class Americans. Please help out!


Democracy For America – Maricopa County:

We usually meet on the first Wednesday of each month at either the Old Spaghetti Factory downtown OR at El Penasco in Tempe. Check the website to confirm

an all volunteer Democratic club serving the greater Phoenix metro area. Founded in April 2004 by supporters of Gov. Howard Dean, we are the populist, self-empowered practitioners of democracy from the small to the large scale and we stand strong as pragmatic, undaunted, mainstream LIBERALS.

Our purpose is to build civic participation aimed at electing progressive Democrats to office and to promote progressive policies on major issues.

Our mission is to boldly uphold the principles of equality, justice and the democratic process by supporting socially progressive and fiscally responsible candidates and issues, providing training, getting out the vote, and offering public forums and other resources aimed at open political discourse.


Arizona Democratic Veterans Caucus
To find local Democratic Veterans events, go here: http://www.azdemvet.com/Events_JCY0.html

Homeless Veteran in need of help?
Call 1-877-4AID VET (1-877-424-3838)

To help the Madison Street Veterans Association help out homeless veterans, please go here to see what is needed: http://www.azdemvet.com/Services.html

For more information on the Arizona Democratic Veterans Caucus, contact: azdemvetmaricopa@azdemvetmaricopa.com


NATIVE VOTE ARIZONA: American Indians and Alaska Natives comprise 5.7% of the overall state population, and 4.71% of Arizonans who are 18 and over.

Native Vote, is a nation wide resource for encouraging voter turn out in Indian Country. Organized by the National Congress of American Indians, get out the vote efforts in Indian Country have been supported by NCAI since 1955.

We need to establish the infrastructure for 2011 and 2012 to get out the vote in Indian Country. You can help by working with Native Vote. To help organize, contact:

Travis Lane
(602) 258-4822
Travis.lane@itcaonline.com

Ruben Guerrero, Jr.
Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community
(480) 362-7474
Ruben.Guerrero@srpmic-nsn.gov


NATIONAL JEWISH DEMOCRATIC COUNCIL:
The NJDC works as a liaison between the organized Jewish community and the Democratic Party and its mission is to promote Jewish values within the Party, and to promote the Democratic Party within the Community.

As the national voice for Jewish Democrats, the NJDC is outspoken in support of a strong U.S.-Israel relationship, Separation between Church and State, and Reproductive Freedom.

The NJDC engages in voter education efforts and works with secular and Jewish media to promote the Democratic party and its ideals.

NJDC Chapter: Arizona
For more information, or to become a member of the Arizona chapter, email njdcphx@q.com or call (480) 510-1320.

Or contact Vice President/Membership - Ken Lakind, klakind@cox.net

Meetings are held monthly. Programs are varied, with candidates and issues featured.


NAACP IN ARIZONA: The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, or NAACP, is the oldest, largest and strongest civil rights organization in the United States. The principal objective of the NAACP is to ensure the political, educational, social and economic equality of minority group citizens of the United States.

The NAACP is committed to achievement through non-violence and relies upon the press, the petition, the ballot and the courts, and is persistent in the use of legal and moral persuasion even in the face of overt and violent racial hostility.

Here are some local branches of the NAACP:

Greater Huachuca NAACP
PO BOX 477
Sierra Vista, AZ 85635
520-459-9471

Tucson NAACP AZ YOUTH COUNCIL
195 W. Irvington, AZ 85714

Tucson NAACP
2160 N 6TH AVE
Tucson, AZ 85705

Pinal Co Branch (Eloy)
PO BOX 12601
Casa Grande, AZ 85230

East Valley NAACP Youth Council
Chandler, AZ 85225
480-464-1808

East Valley NAACP
PO BOX 5024
Mesa, AZ 85211
602-230-5394

Maricopa County NAACP
1818 S 16TH STREET
Phoenix, AZ 85034
602-252-4064

Maricopa NAACP Youth Council
PO BOX 20883
Phoenix, AZ 85036
602-252-4064

Flagstaff NAACP
PO BOX 31263
Flagstaff, AZ 86004


Arizona Democratic Hispanic Caucus
Join the Arizona Democratic Hispanic Caucus: Download and fill out the form (PDF).

Send the form and membership dues to:

Arizona Democratic Hispanic Caucus
c/o David Olvera
6890 E. Sunrise Dr. Ste. 120 PMB 257
Tucson, AZ 85750
Phone: 520-390-4843
E-Mail: davido@comcast.net

Please join the AZ Latino Dems email list for updates.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter

For questions, contact the chair of our caucus, Gilberto Zaragoza: 520.548.9959


Border Action Network:
formed in 1999 and works with immigrant and border communities in Southern Arizona to ensure that our rights are respected, our human dignity upheld and that our communities are healthy places to live. We are a membership-based organization that combines grassroots community organizing, leadership development, litigation and policy advocacy.

Right about now I suspect any group involved in immigrant rights (and remember, immigrants are often hard working people who do have rights, whatever the Arizona legislature may think) will be quite busy.

Check out their job opportunities

Check out their reports and publications for important information

Arizona Legislative Scorecard


African-American Caucus
The Mission of the AAC is to increase the number of African Americans participating in Arizona’s political process. This will be accomplished by enhancing the leadership role of African Americans within the Democratic Party. Additionally, the AAC will serve as an advocacy vehicle for Political Educational, Socio-Economic, Health and Welfare issues affecting African Americans.

The goals of the AAC in order of importance are to: 1) Increase the number of Precinct Committee Persons (PC); 2) Increase the number of registered African Americans, and 3) “Get out the vote efforts” (“GOTV”).

Contact Information:
President Harold Holmes: harhol@msn.com
Vice-President Vallarie Woolridge: vallarie.woolridge@florence.gov
Secretary Tonya Norwood-Pearson: tpearson8@cox.net
Treasurer Connie Delarge: cdelarge@dmyl.com


Maricopa County Democratic Party:

Welcome to the lifeline for Democratic action in Maricopa County. We are the fifth largest metropolitan area in the U.S. and we are a hotbed for Democratic change.

Farm team building happens here and we take the lead in recruiting and supporting candidates from school board to city council to county supervisor. We are intent on electing more Democrats who will support PUBLIC EDUCATION and AFFORDABLE HEALTHCARE in 2010. Your support now will make an impact.

We have doubled the number of Democratic Precinct Committeepersons in recent years. Our goal is to continue to recruit, train and support even more active Democrats.

Check out our activities at: MaricopaDemocrat.com

Recurring donations are strongly encouraged. As little as $5 a month makes a huge difference when every concerned Democrat steps up.

Be a part of a flourishing Democratic team. Please donate generously today

ALTERNATIVE ENERGY IN ARIZONA:

Some stats from Repower America:

* The state's energy efficiency programs save enough electricity to power over 9,000 homes for a whole year, save more than $11.6 million in energy costs, and prevent the greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to taking almost 13,000 cars off the road. Although great progress, the state still has much more potential to increase its energy efficiency.

* Some of the best solar resources in the nation fall right on Arizona. In fact, research shows that Arizona's sunshine can provide 50 times more electricity than what the entire state uses today.

* Arizona has a renewable portfolio standard (RPS) that requires public utilities to generate 15% of their electricity from renewable energy resources by 2025

Alternative energy and YOUR energy bill: YOU can be part of the solution for America by signing up to purchase your energy through a Green Power Provider. My wife and I have been doing this in NYC for years. All our energy usage is provided through wind energy generation on American farms. So we use clean energy AND help American farmers. It costs us three cents per kilowatt-hour more per month, but we feel great about it. Although our actual energy may come from anywhere, we are paying to purchase wind energy for the energy grid. Each state has different programs available, usually through yuor existing energy provider right on your existing energy bill. To find such options in Arizona, go here and pick your energy provider from the list. If you need help, you can email me and tell me who you get your bill from (don't give me any other info!) and I can tell you who to contact to go green through that energy provider. Or you can do the same thing using Renewable Energy Certificates through an organization that works with utility companies, though in this case it is a separate bill. One off the cheapest (.4-1 cent per kilowatt-hour), but still e-Green certified, ways to do this is through Good Energy. Or, for about half a cent per kilowatt-hour you can purchase renewable energy certificates through Carbonfund.org. ANY of these ways you do it, you are helping the environment, helping America, and helping cut carbon emissions.

Arizona Solar:

Thousands of utility customers throughout the U.S., who were tired of the high cost of electricity have taken advantage of generous rebates and tax credits which are available for the installation of solar electric systems on their homes and businesses.

The State of Arizona is currently offering a cash rebate 25% (up to $35,000.00) for the installation of a solar system for your home or place of business !. And unlike the old solar systems of yesteryear that only produced hot water, these new systems actually produce electricity ! Clean reliable electricity to run lights, TVs, pumps, refrigerators, computers and many other appliances, all with free energy from the Sun.

Call Toll Free: 1-877-498-6527


The Phoenix Alternative Energy Meetup Group

All Alternative Energy Meetups are scheduled to meet at 1:30pm on the second Saturday of each month. We are searching for a permanent location. Event fee: $1.00 per person

Please join us for discussions and activities on various subjects related to energy use and alternatives to our current carbon-based system.

For more info, sign up here.

Solar Alliance of Greater Tucson Community and Choice for a Brighter Future Sustainability in action!

The Tucson Solar Alliance is a non-profit community coalition dedicated to helping people access solar energy and related measures more easily on a practical and cost-effective basis.

Sustainable Tucson

The purpose of Sustainable Tucson is to facilitate an inclusive, dynamic community-building process that ensures economic prosperity, social vibrancy, and ecological health.

Cottonwood Alternative Energy

Meet other local individuals interested in exploring all forms of practical alternative energies.

Discuss ways to preserve the world's resources and protect the environment beginning in our local community!

This group welcomes those embracing the urge to respect our planet and to actively promote community programs that seek to provide practical solutions to residential energy needs, as well as promote the adoption of variant lifestyles that enrich the local and regional biocosm.


ALTERNATIVE FUELS:

There are two kinds of alternate fuels that are readily available that lower your carbon foot print and use AMERICAN resources and create AMERICAN jobs rather than supporting big oil companies and oil nations like Saudi Arabia, Iran and Venezuela.

ETHANOL: Cars labeled FlexFuel (now becoming common in some states) can use up to E85 (85% ethanol/15% gasoline). E85 burns cleaner than gasoline and is usually cheaper. I have used E85 in California and found it to be 10-40 cents cheaper than the cheapest gasoline at the same station. CLICK HERE TO FIND STATIONS IN PENNSYLVANIA OFFERING E85. This can be a really good way to help the American economy, help the environment, AND save money.

BIODIESEL: Pretty much ANY diesel engine can use biodiesel. Biodiesel burns cleaner and in most engines is better for the engine. It can be more expensive than regular diesel depending on the location, but is better for the environment, is better for most diesel engines, and is good for the local economy.

Arizona Biodiesel: AZ BioDiesel produces ASTM Certified B99 BioFuel from reclaimed oil at our processing plant in Gilbert, Arizona. Our goal is to reduce air pollution in Phoenix by introducing 1 million gallons of BioDiesel in 2009.

New Extended Hours: 7AM-7PM M-F, 9AM-1PM Sat.

FREE Delivery to most of the Phoenix Metro with orders of 250 or more gallons of biodiesel.

Call our facility at 480-344-1480 Monday-Friday 7am-7pm, Saturday 9am-1pm

Fuel Purchasing Options:

Option 1: We can fuel your vehicle and/or we can fill up your fuel containers.

Option 2: We can provide a 55 gallon barrel (small deposit required) for your fuel.

Our Gilbert Fueling Facility Address and Map (Click here)

All major credit cards accepted.

MORE BIODIESEL IN ARIZONA:

Here are some more biodiesel stations in Arizona.

Western States Petroleum, Inc: 450 S. 15th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85007, 602-252-4011. Offers B99 (ok for new engines, some old engines may have trouble). Open 8AM-4PM; 8-12 SAT.

AZ Biodiesel: 721 N Monterey, Gilbert, AZ 85233, 480-344-1480. Offers B99 (ok for new engines, some old engines may have trouble). CALL AHEAD!

Catalina Mart: 12030 North Dove Mountain Blvd, Marana, AZ 85653, 520-744-6280. Offers B99 (ok for new engines, some old engines may have trouble). Open 24 HRS.

4th Dimension Fuels: 1385 W American Ave, Oracle, AZ 85623, 520-896-9005. Offers B85 and B99 (both ok for new engines, some old engines may have trouble). Open 7AM-7PM; WED 8-4; CLOSED MON.

Arizona Petroleum Products: 1015 S Cherry Ave, Tucson, AZ 85719, 520-623-4721. Offers B5 (good for all diesel engines), B20 (good for all diesel engines), and B99 (ok for new engines, some old engines may have trouble).

Safeway Fuel: 1940 E Broadway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85719, 520-206-9047. Offers B20 (good for all diesel engines). Call for details.

Parker Oil Products: 1605 Acoma Blvd, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403, 928-669-2617 Offers B5 (good for all diesel engines). Open 24 HOURS.


Community Gardens of Tucson:

A community garden is a place where neighbors can grow flowers or vegetables together on one piece of land. The land is usually volunteered by a home owner for use as a garden space. Separate garden plots, usually measuring about 3′ x 25′, are made available to individuals and families in the neighborhood. A drip irrigation system is installed to supply water to the plants. A separate water meter is installed in the garden, and the home owner is reimbursed for all the water that is used. The cost to the gardener is currently $12.00 per month for each plot. This money pays for the water bills and the irrigation equipment. Find locations of Tucson community gardens here. To find monthly meetings, go here. And to get involved, go here.

Arizona Democratic Veterans’ Caucus
Jeff Latas
1402 E. Placita Meseta Dorada
Oro Valley 85755
Phone: (520) 404-9133
Email: jeff_at_latasgroup.com

TUCSON AREA DEMOCRATS:
Democrats of Greater Tucson
Marion Pickens
80743 E. 29th Street
Tucson, AZ 85710
Phone : 520-296-5908
Email : DGT_at_pimademocrats.org

Northwest Democrats
Marty Drozdoff
1352 W. San Nichols Drive
Tucson 85704
Phone: 502 742 1019
Email: martyrepresentsyou_at_msn.com

Saguaro Eastside Democrats
Sharon McCormick
9701 E. Sunburst Dr.
Tucson, AZ 85748
Phone: 520-296-9395
Email: sharonamcc_at_msn.com
Website: http://saguaroeastsidedemocrats.org

Southern Arizona GBLT Democrats
Les Krambeal
4991 N. Placita Aguilera
Tuscon 85745
Phone: 520-743 2046 or cell 520 548 4947
Email: leskrambeal_at_yahoo.com

Tanque Verde Democrats
Henry Johnson, M.D.
3033 N. Spirit Dancer Trail
Tucson, AZ 85749
Phone: 520-760-3012
E-Mail: hjohnsonMD_at_simplybits.net
Website: www.tanqueverdedems.org

UofA Young Democrats
James Jefferies
1063 East Adams St
Tucson 85719
Phone: 520 490 5631
Email: jjj4_at_email.arizona.edu

African American Democratic Caucus of Arizona
Harold Holmes
15604 N 7th Dr Phoenix, AZ 85023
Phone: 602-993-5040
Email: harhol_at_msn.com

Arizona Democratic Hispanic Caucus
David Olvera
4875 North Hummingbird Lane
Tucson 85750
Phone: 520 631 7626
Email: davido_at_comcast.net

Native American Democratic Caucus of Arizona
Chris Clark Deschene
P.O. Box 1854
Chinle 86503
Phone: 928 660 3332
Email: clarkdeschene_at_att.net

Jacqueline Thomas
3040 North 2nd Street, Unit 202
Phoenix 85012
Phone: 602 285 0157
Email: jackiefayeblues_at_cs.com

Tribal Outreach Coordinator: Arista LaRusso
602-298-4200
Alarusso_at_azdem.org

National Jewish Democratic Council – Arizona Chapter
Jerry Gettinger
10018 E. Friess Dr.
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
Phone: 480-510-1320
Email: jget_at_cox.net

The East Valley Young Democrats meet every second Thursday at Chevy’s, 1335 S Alma School Rd, Mesa. Join us for happy hour at 6pm and our business meeting at 7pm.
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Women in Blue
Carole Pearsall
3466 East Charlston Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85032
Phone: 602-765 9135
Email: carole.pearsall_at_cox.net
Website: www.arizonawomeninblue.com

Young Democrats of Arizona
Cole Hickman
1732 South McKemy St.
Tempe 85251
Phone: 415 847 9174
Email: President_at_ydaz.org
Website: www.ydaz.org

McClintock Young Democrats is a newly formed chapter of YDAz that focuses on political awareness and activism in high school students on campus. Our goal in this non-election year is to maintain enthusiasm in our members and seek both partisan and non-partisan projects in our community.

For additional information contact us: "my.democrats@gmail.com"

Arizona State University Young Democrats (ASUYD) are part of a larger statewide organization, the Young Democrats of Arizona (YDAZ) and the national Young Democrats of America (YDA). We are committed to representing young people in our effort to shape the future, advocate progressive change, and elect Democrats to office.

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Arizona Democratic Progressive Caucus
Sherry Bohlen, Co-Chair
15207 E. Stardust
Fountain Hills, 85268
Phone: 480 529 2131
Email: Sherry_at_OracleArchitecture.com
Website: www.AzDPC.org

Steve McClure, Co-Chair
4155 E. La Cienega Drive
Tucson, AZ 85712
Phone: 520 806 2701
Email: smcclureazdem@cox.net

Arizona GBLT Democrats
Justin Unga
2910 N. Central Avenue
Phoenix 85012
Phone: 602 828 3920
Email: junga_at_azdem.org

Southern Arizona Stonewall Democrats Southern Arizona Stonewall Democrats is an organization for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Democrats and supporters. This group serves to inform and educate persons within the GLBT community regarding elected officials, candidates, and issues of interest to that community. They also provide information and education to elected officials, candidates, and others regarding GLBT issues.

Contact:
Maurice Grossman (323-2293)

Meetings:
The last Monday of the month, 6:30pm, at varying locations.

Email:
sasdtucson_at_yahoo.com

Monthly Meeting - District 17 Democrats - Pyle Center
When: second Tuesday of every month, 6:30 PM
Where: 655 E Southern Ave, Tempe, AZ

District 20 Democrats Meeting
Monthly at 7:00 PM on the second Monday of each month at the Ahwatukee Fire House

District 10 Democrats Meeting
Monthly at 7:00 PM on the first Thursday of each month at the Denny's at I17 & Dunlap

Progressive Majority Arizona: "The progressive movement is on the march in Arizona, and Progressive Majority is proud to be part of the momentum. Across Arizona, progressives are getting elected to councils in formerly arch-conservative cities, and progressive legislators are winning in districts that have never before been represented by a Democrat. Our successes all over the state and at every level are proof positive that conservatives are on the run and the future is bright for Arizona progressives."

Progressive Majority has leadership programs and can help progressive candidates run an efficient and successful campaign. You can sign up for email updates here.


And for those who are interested in combining social events and politics, here are the Drinking Liberaly events in Arizona:

Flagstaff, Arizona
* Second Thursday of each month, 6:00-8:00 pm
* Bigfoot Bar-B-Q, 120 N Leroux St (basement of Old Town Shops)
* Hosted by Andy Stevenson and George Castleberry, flagstaff (at) drinkingliberally.org

Phoenix
* Every other Thursday, 5:30-9:00 pm
* Rosie McCaffrey's Irish Pub, 906 E Camelback Rd (9th St & Cameback on the North Side)
* http://www.rosiemccaffreys.com/index.htm
* Hosted by Stuart Dollar, phoenix (at) drinkingliberally.org

Scottsdale
* First Saturday of each month, 5:30 to 8:30
* Epicurean Wine Bar, 7101 E Thunderbird Rd (Southwest corner of Scottsdale Rd & T'bird)
* On T'bird at the west end of the retail area. It's tucked away and not hugely visible from the road.
* Starting in February, we will be meeting the first Saturday of each month.
* Please join us for a quick drink or the entire evening as we unite in promoting democracy one pint at a time! Cheers!!!
* Hosted by Vicki Billing, Susan Fletcher and Maureen Young, scottsdale (at) drinkingliberally.org

Tucson, Arizona
* Every Thursday, 6:00 pm onward
* The Shanty, 401 E 9th St (Fourth Ave. at the underpass)
* Please visit our chapter's web site for schedules, book club info, and more: http://arizona.typepad.com/drinkingliberally
* Hosted by Michael Bryan, Tasha Nelson and Shasta McManus, tucson (at) drinkingliberally.orgMy Arizona readership has been dwindling since the election, so I am cutting back on my updates of news from Arizona. But there is enough useful info that I will keep posting.


ARIZONA FOOD CO-OPS

It took nearly 7 years living within a few blocks of one of the biggest food co-ops in America before Joy and I joined it. We were definitely reluctant. But, in the end the lack of good produce and the decline of our local supermarkets led to us joining. And the result is a slighly more inconvenient shopping trip each week, but much healthier, higher quality and cheaper food. I recommend joining a co-op if there is one nearby. You will save money and eat healthier. So I will list some local food co-ops in Arizona:

Food Conspiracy Co-op
412 N. 4th Avenue
Tucson, Arizona 85705
Phone: (520) 624-4821
FAX: (520) 792-2703
natural@foodconspiracy.org
http://www.foodconspiracy.org/

Food Conspiracy is a natural foods market, cooperatively owned by its members and open to the public. Since 1971 we have been committed to providing the highest quality natural and organic foods and products to the Tucson community. Our produce department is entirely organic, and we don’t carry any products known to contain genetically-modified organisms (GMOs). We are committed to offering certified organic products whenever we have a choice, and we have the most extensive bulk selection in town. In alignment with our commitment to environmentalism, social justice, and education, we are constantly expanding our line of local, fair trade, and independently produced items.

I should note that I personally am not as concerned about GMOs as this co-op seems to be, but I have no doubt that overall I agree with their philosophy and that they are an excellent place to shop.

They also have a small list of upcoming community events.

Bisbee Food Cooperative
72 Erie Street
Bisbee, Arizona 85603
Phone: (520) 432-4011
FAX: (520) 432-9014
bisbeefoodcoop@hotmail.com

Magpie Natural Foods Co-op & Buying Club
500 West Gurley Street
Prescott, Arizona 86301
Phone: (520) 778-5880
FAX: (520) 776-0808
mpcoop@attglobal.net


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