Black Mountain News

06/06/2024

BLACK MOUNTAIN DEMS AND FRIENDS
SPEAKER SERIES

When: Saturday, June 15, 2024
Where: Desert Foothills Library
38443 N. Schoolhouse Road, Cave Creek, AZ
Time: Doors open at 10:15 AM
Meeting starts: 10:30 – 11:30 AM
Social time: 11:30 – 12:00 AM

Tyler Kamp, Candidate for Maricopa County Sheriff

Tyler is running against the incumbent Sheriff Skinner. He brings many years of experience with the Phoenix Police Department and several years working abroad with non-profit organizations to fight human trafficking.
Tyler is committed to cross-agency collaboration, targeting fentanyl, gun and human traffickers, and ensuring the agency is properly staffed. He is a strong believer in working to prevent recidivism by creating partnerships with non-profits to provide skills training.
https://kampforsheriff.com/

Russ Skinner, Candidate for Maricopa County Sheriff

Russ was appointed to be sheriff by the County Board of Supervisors following Paul Penzone’s departure in February of 2024. He prioritizes interacting with the community, department staff, volunteers, and partner agencies.

Previous law enforcement experience includes roles as D.A.R.E. Officer, Community Education Coordinator, Volunteer Services Coordinator, and Search and Rescue Coordinator. His focus is on strengthening partnerships, progressive public safety initiatives, crime mitigation, and strategic planning.
https://www.sheriffskinner.com/home

Tamika Wooten, Candidate for Maricopa County Attorney

Tamika has practiced law for 34 years working in all areas of the criminal justice system — as a prosecutor, defense attorney, and a judge.

Tamika is a data-driven leader, skilled in solving complex issues with common sense solutions. She believes that smart, fair, and equitable policies are not ‘one size fits all.’ She is committed to investing in juveniles, non-violent offenders, and veterans with mental health and addiction issues. Tamika wants to keep our communities safe and make sure our loved ones return home every night.
https://tamikawooten.com/about-tamika-wooten/

Can't make the meeting?? Join via Zoom!
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4209640134?pwd=cjVLYkNDTjAyOC92SThvZjhVVHJXUT09&omn=83817906775
Meeting ID = 420 964 0134
Passcode: 2020

As a practicing attorney for 34 years, Tamika N. Wooten has dedicated herpractice to seeking justice in all three areas of the criminal justice system, whereshe has led as a prosecutor, fought as a defense attorney, and dispensed justice as ajudge. She has proudly devoted her life to protecting chil...

15/11/2023

BLACK MOUNTAIN DEMS AND FRIENDS MONTHLY MEETING

IMMIGRANTS MAKE US STRONGER:
REFUGEE AND IMMIGRATION ISSUES

GUEST SPEAKER:
STEPHANIE PETRILLI, Lutheran Social Services
What is the current situation along the Arizona border?
What process must refugees and immigrants go through to be in the U.S. legally?
What is President Biden’s policy on family separation and what impact has it had?
Stephanie Petrilli is currently Director of Development for Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest, where she has been for eight years. She graduated from DePaul University in Chicago in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. DePaul taught her a love of social justice and analytical thinking outside of the chemistry lab that led to two years of AmeriCorps VISTA service at the Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits in Phoenix. She eventually became Communications Coordinator and grew to oversee Arizona Gives Day.
ADDITIONAL SPEAKER- Laura Metcalfe, running for Maricopa County Superintendent of Schools
When: Saturday, November 18, 2023
Where: Desert Foothills Library
38443 N. Schoolhouse Road, Cave Creek, AZ
Time: Doors open at 10:15
Meeting starts: 10:30 – 11:30 AM
Social time: 11:30 – 12:00

Can't make the meeting??
Join via Zoom
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4209640134?pwd=cjVLYkNDTjAyOC92SThvZjhVVHJXUT09
Meeting ID = 420 964 0134
Passcode: 2020

11/09/2023

BLACK MOUNTAIN DEMS AND FRIENDS MONTHLY MEETING
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16TH

ONE FAMILY’S HOLOCAUST STORY

GUEST SPEAKER: JAN DOWNEY

Jan is the daughter and granddaughter of a German-Jewish family, some of whom managed to escape the N**i’s “Final Solution.” In presenting her family’s ordeal and escape, Jan will show original family documents that the N***s demanded and defiled, documents related to their escape from Germany and their refugee status in the United States.

A tailor in Germany, Jan’s grandfather was also an artist who loved painting and photography. Once safe in this country, he created an amazing collection of small dolls representing the countries invaded by Hi**er.

The dolls will be on display, as well as photographs and documents related to her grandparents’ life in Germany and their escape from N**i persecution.

Raised in the Chicago area, Jan fulfilled her love of studying humans in all cultures by becoming a cultural anthropologist, working with different cultural groups, and teaching at the college level. After retiring, she turned to her other passion, the arts, working out of her home studio and exhibiting at The Finer Arts Gallery in Cave Creek.

When: Saturday, September 16, 2023
Where: Desert Foothills Library
38443 N. Schoolhouse Road, Cave Creek, AZ
Time: Doors open at 10:15
Meeting starts 10:30 – 11:30 AM
Social time: 11:30 – 12:00

CAN’T MAKE THE MEETING??
JOIN VIA ZOOM

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4209640134?pwd=cjVLYkNDTjAyOC92SThvZjhVVHJXUT09
Meeting ID = 420 964 0134
Passcode: 2020

10/06/2023

MONTHLY MEETING OF BLACK MOUNTAIN DEMS AND FRIENDS

THE DEPRIORITIZATION AND DEFUNDING OF PUBLIC EDUCATION IN ARIZONA
______________________________

GUEST SPEAKERS:

KRISTIN ROBERTS
WEST VALLEY COORDINATOR WITH SAVE OUR SCHOOLS

Kristin believes in justice, love, and community. Originally from Detroit, Michigan, she has been honored to teach in Arizona’s public schools for the past 15 years. Kristin is a National Board Certified Teacher with a master’s degree in educational leadership from Arizona State University. She has been organizing her community to advocate for strong public schools since 2017.


JEFF FORTNEY, BOARD MEMBER
CAVE CREEK UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT



Jeff Fortney is a special education teacher, school board member in Cave Creek, and a staunch activist for public education in Arizona and all the students in public education.

Jeff has been active in politics since January 2017, supporting numerous causes and candidates - with public education being the primary and most common focus of his work. Along with his wife Mary, an incredible force in her own right, they have pushed for increased funding of public schools, reasonable pay for teachers and support staff, and electing local officials that share these beliefs. Jeff was elected to the Cave Creek Governing Board in 2020.

When: Saturday, June 17, 2023
Where: Desert Foothills Library
38443 N. Schoolhouse Road, Cave Creek, AZ
Time: Doors open at 10:15
Meeting starts 10:30-11:30 AM
Social time: 11:30-12:00 noon

CAN’T MAKE THE MEETING??
JOIN VIA ZOOM

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4209640134?pwd=cjVLYkNDTjAyOC92SThvZjhVVHJXUT09
Meeting ID = 420 964 0134
Passcode: 2020

11/01/2023

Join us for the next Black Mountain Dems and Friends Monthly Meeting.

GUEST SPEAKER
JEANNE CASTEEN, Executive Director of Secular Arizona

Jeanne is a lifelong educator and advocate for social justice. She is currently Executive Director of Secular Arizona, an organization whose objective is to remove religious influences from government. Jeanne was a former School Board President and candidate for AZ Senate in 2022.

Throughout her career Jeanne has worked to support marginalized communities. She was key to implementing a program that provides meals for families dealing with food insecurities. In addition, she worked to open a bilingual preschool designed to help families that are financially struggling.

Casteen brings a holistic understanding of how Christian nationalism is seeping into every sector of our society and what we can do to combat it. She will delve into the work of Turning Point USA on school and college campuses. Jeanne emphasizes that secular does not mean ‘anti-religion.’ Secular Arizona advocates for public policy free of religious preference as the best way to ensure freedom of conscience for Arizonans of all faiths and of none.

When: Saturday, January 21, 2023
Where: Desert Foothills Library
38443 N School House Rd, Cave Creek, AZ
Time: Social time 10:15 - 10:30 am
Meeting starts 10:30 - 11:30 am

You can also join us on-line via Zoom
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4209640134?pwd=cjVLYkNDTjAyOC92SThvZjhVVHJXUT09
Meeting ID: 420 964 0134
Passcode: 2020

12/09/2022

BLACK MOUNTAIN DEMS AND FRIENDS ROUNDTABLE

DO NOT MISS THIS SPECIAL EVENT!

COLLATERAL DAMAGE
(The War on Women’s Health and Lives )

Tuesday, September 13, 2022
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Desert Foothills Library
38443 N School House Road, Cave Creek

Civia Tamarkin
International Journalist, Filmmaker and Reproductive Freedom Activist

The Supreme Court Dobbs Decision and What it Means for American Women and the 2022 Election

The states now can enshrine reproductive freedom in their constitutions or enact Draconian laws forcing pregnancy on unwilling women even in cases of r**e, in**st or threats to a woman’s life or well-being. Arizona is one of numerous states whose legislatures and/or constitutions will criminalize any attempt to terminate a pregnancy even in the case of miscarriage or lack of fetal viability. Many methods of contraception and restricting the ability of women to cross state lines to receive healthcare are also on the line.

This is your opportunity to learn what is being done nationally and in Arizona to protect women’s rights and what you can do to help.

20/08/2022

WHAT ARE THE IMPORTANT ISSUES ARIZONA FACES IN THE 2022 ELECTION?

BLACK MOUNTAIN DEMS AND FRIENDS MONTHLY MEETING

When: Saturday, August 20
Where: Desert Foothills Library
38443 N School House Rd, Cave Creek, AZ
Time: Social time 10:15 - 10:30 am
Meeting starts 10:30 - 11:30 am

You can also join us on-line via Zoom
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4209640134?pwd=cjVLYkNDTjAyOC92SThvZjhVVHJXUT09

Meeting ID: 420 964 0134
Passcode: 2020

The Arizona Voters' Agenda Speaker: Evelyn Casuga

What do Arizona voters want candidates to discuss as they compete for votes in this election that is consequential to Arizona’s future?
What is the plan to ensure that students have high-quality education?
What should we do to protect our long-term water supply?
How can we keep our election process secure, while at the same time preventing barriers to participation by all citizens?
What is our vision for immigration reform?
How can we foster a high quality of life for all
The best way to understand how Arizonans view their community and our state — and what they want for the future — is to ask them.

This is the power of the Gallup Arizona Project conducted by the Center for Arizona’s Future. Evelyn Casuga will help us understand what matters most to Arizonans across a broad range of critical issues.
A partnership with Gallup provided the opportunity to build a citizens’ agenda, the first in the nation. The Gallup Arizona Poll captured a realistic and contemporary picture of what citizens think about life in Arizona communities and what they want for the future.

Evelyn serves part-time as a Director of Community and Economic Prosperity for the Center for the Future of Arizona. She is Vice Chair on the Central Arizona College Governing Board.

17/05/2021

Senate President Karen Fann had sent county officials a letter with what she described as "serious issues" with what auditors have found so far.

02/12/2020

Arizona reported 3,840 new coronavirus cases and 52 more deaths on Wednesday, putting the state's totals at 340,979 COVID-19 infections and 6,739 fatalities.

28/11/2020

A Republican panel of the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, in an opinion written by a Trump appointee, unanimously rejected Trump's election appeal from Pennsylvania in a scathing opinion. https://twitter.com/marceelias/status/1332387662045515778 Election law expert Rick Hasen reports, Breaking: Third Circuit Unanimously Rejects Trump Emergency Appeal in Pennsylvania Case: In a 21-page unanimous and scathing unpublished

A Republican panel of the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, in an opinion written by a Trump appointee, unanimously rejected Trump’s election appeal from Pennsylvania in a scathing opinion. Ele…

24/11/2020

Arizona reported more than 4,500 new COVID-19 cases and 51 new known deaths two days before Thanksgiving as hospitalizations continue to climb

13/11/2020

Arizona enters its ninth day of postelection waiting. Follow The Arizona Republic's updates for Thursday, Nov. 12.

13/11/2020

Arizona reported 1,399 new coronavirus cases and 12 more deaths on Thursday, pushing the state's totals to 266,562 COVID-19 infections and 6,240 fatalities.

23/10/2020

Keep up the great work! Flip Arizona Blue!

Read more analysis at https://www.politico.com/news/2020/10/23/early-voting-numbers-swing-states-431363

14/10/2020

07/10/2020

The Deadline to Register to Vote Has Been Extended to 23rd October!

06/10/2020

Join us on Zoom October 13th for a Virtual Townhall with ElectFortney We'll be speaking to candidate for Cave Creek School Board, Jeff Fortney on October 13th at 5pm. Register to participate on Zoom https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUldeyrrDojHdIT8KfB1wQLpxoChMIDFr2w

Upcoming Virtual Event: Join BMN and Jeff Fortney on the 13th of October

05/10/2020

We're speaking with Deedra Abboud, candidate for District 2 Maricopa County Board of Supervisors on October 12th. Read more about the event and the candidate at blackmountain-news.com

Upcoming: Deedra Abboud for Maricopa County Board of Supervisors

05/10/2020

I care about as much Trump's bout with coronavirus as he has cared about the 5,706 Arizonans who died or the 25,925 Pima County residents who have been infected with the virus.

04/10/2020

The voter registration deadline for the November 3, 2020 General Election is Monday, Oct. 5.

28/09/2020

You're invited!

Meet Deedra Abboud Your Maricopa County Board of Supervisor Candidate

When: Saturday, Sept. 12th
Time: 9-10:00 AM
Where: Flat Tire Bike Shop Parking Lot (6032 E. Cave Creek Rd.)
(Social distancing guideline and masks will be required)

25/09/2020

More than a decade after Arizona led climate policies across the West, the state has fallen silent on the issue, leaving cities to take the lead.

22/09/2020

WASHINGTON – In a 27-year career on the Supreme Court, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg wrote more than 200 opinions and countless dissenting opinions that were known for the sharp language that made them one of her trademarks.
…

WASHINGTON – In a 27-year career on the Supreme Court, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg wrote more than 200 opinions and countless dissenting opinions that were known for the sharp language that made them one of her trademarks. : Any case before the Supreme Court has national impact, but a fraction of ...

22/09/2020

You may have missed this reporting recently with everything else going on. Having Russia's intelligence agencies and Internet Research Agency troll farm running ops for his campaign is not enough this year. The Trump campaign is turning its MAGA youth cult followers into his own Russian troll farm to amplify the dezinformatsiya his Russian cohorts are

You may have missed this reporting recently with everything else going on. Having Russia’s intelligence agencies and Internet Research Agency troll farm running ops for his campaign is not en…

12/09/2020

I had the recent honor of being among those called “architects of the destruction of America” by former state Sen. Russell Pearce.

The post Russell Pearce wants to shame me for ‘destroying America,’ but he failed appeared first on Arizona Mirror.

I had the recent honor of being among those called “architects of the destruction of America” by former state Sen. Russell Pearce.

11/09/2020

Don't Boo. Volunteer. There are 53 days until Election Day. Don't be enraged, get engaged, and help in the fight to defeat Republicans in 2020. Volunteers urgently sought for a variety of roles: postcards, poll observers, phone banks, and texting teams. See a list of volunteer opportunities with links to sign up.

Don't Boo. Volunteer. Take action with like-minded Democrats to turn Arizona blue. Volunteers needed urgently until Election Day.

06/09/2020

Cactus Shadows High School canceled in-person classes on Tuesday due to a staffing shortage, according to an announcement posted on Facebook.

06/09/2020

Phoenix has seen 52 total days of temperatures 110 degrees or higher this year, according to the National Weather Service in Phoenix.

05/09/2020

Arizona Corporation Commission Utility Division Director Elijah Abinah often dictates the focus of public hearings, the flow of information, and the image of APS.

04/09/2020

Republican Senate candidates who won uncontested primaries have expressed varying levels of support for a unfounded and wide-ranging conspiracy theory which holds that Donald Trump is fighting an elite cabal of business leaders, celebrities, media professionals and politicians engaged in Satanic worship and child s*x trafficking.

Republican Senate candidates who won uncontested primaries have expressed varying levels of support for a unfounded and wide-ranging conspiracy theory which holds that Donald Trump is fighting an …