Data Center Referendum

Signatures Delivered to Town of Marana

Yesterday, more than 2,800 signatures were submitted to the Marana Town Clerk in support of a referendum that would place the proposed 600‑acre data center project on the ballot for voters to decide in the next general election.

This remarkable effort didn’t just meet the required 1,382 signatures — it nearly doubled it, and all within a short period of community action. The message is clear: Marana residents want a direct voice in decisions that shape the town’s future.

What Happens Next?

• The Town of Marana will review the submitted signatures for accuracy.
• Signatures will then be forwarded to the Pima County Recorder’s Office for official verification.
• Once verification is complete, the Town will decide whether to hold a special election or place the measure on the next general election ballot.

This is a significant step in ensuring community members have a say in major development decisions. The LDA will keep an eye on the verification timeline and the Town’s upcoming decision on election scheduling. More to come!

Pima County Moves to Regulate Local ICE Activity

Yesterday, the Pima County Board of Supervisors voted 4-1 to approve three agenda items related to regulating federal immigration enforcement.

1. Pima Resists ICE (Price) resolution against the detention center in Marana.

2. Proposing an ordinance that would require law enforcement to identify themselves and not wear masks while on the job. 

3. Proposing an ordinance that prohibits county-owned properties from being used for immigration enforcement.

All three resolutions were proposed by Pima County Supervisor Jennifer Allen and supported by local leaders, including Tucson Mayor Regina Romero, who expressed support for the county’s direction. (The City of Tucson is considering similar resolutions)

All policies will be reviewed at the February 17th next Board of Supervisors’ meeting. We'll keep you posted!

Photo by: Alisa Reznick, KJZZ Phoenix

Environmental Day at the

Arizona Capitol

Next Wed, Feb 11th

8:30 AM - 2:00 PM 

This year's theme is "People Power for the Planet!"

The Sierra Club Grand Canyon Chapter invites you to join them, along with numerous environmental groups, for their annual Environmental Day at the Arizona Capitol.

This is a great opportunity to meet with your legislators, hear from great speakers about environmental justice movements, and connect with others who are doing advocacy work both inside and outside the Arizona Legislature.

Click here for additional information.



If you can't make it and want to weigh in on ANY Bill Proposals. Here are links to Sign Up. Sign In, and navigate the AZ Legislature RTS system:

Arizona‑Sonora

Desert Museum

Save Our Saguaros Month Kickoff

Saturday, February 7, 2026

9:00am - 12:00pm

Celebrate Save Our Saguaros (SOS) Month with the Arizona‑Sonora Desert Museum and community partners as they kick-off “Restorin’ the Sonoran” events.



The celebration begins with a buffelgrass‑pulling volunteer effort on Tucson’s iconic “A” Mountain to help protect the Sonoran Desert from invasive species.

Local organizations will host tables with stickers, resources, and information on conservation, restoration, and the threats invasive plants pose to desert ecosystems.

Even if you can’t join the buffelgrass removal, you’re encouraged to stop by, meet the Save Our Saguaros team, and connect with participating groups. Volunteers will enjoy pastries from La Estrella and coffee from Presta, with additional snacks available afterward while you explore the mini‑expo and chat with partners.

This event launches a month‑long effort to celebrate the region’s biodiversity, raise awareness about invasive species, and inspire the community to help protect the unique flora and fauna of the Sonoran Desert.

Click here to learn more and to volunteer for this and future events.

WMG

In-Person Greywater Harvesting Class

Thursday February 12^th

5:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Your washing machine, shower, bathroom sink, and bathtub can be a consistent source of greywater irrigation for high water use plants in your landscape, like food-producing trees and shrubs. Attend a Watershed Management Group in-person Greywater Harvesting Class and learn how to tap into these resources to help support your landscape and hydro-local living!

This class meets the requirements for Tucson Water's greywater rebate and walks you through the process of applying for the greywater rebate with a focus on what it takes to install your own greywater Laundry to Landscape (L2L) system. Click here for more information and to register.

You will learn:

• The basics of Tucson Water's Greywater Harvesting Rebate and how to apply
• Requirements for greywater use in Arizona
• Different greywater systems for different purposes
• What makes Laundry to Landscape different from other greywater systems
• What to consider when planning a greywater system
• What parts and tools will help you install a Laundry to Landscape system
• Maintenance needs and advice for a low-cost simple to install system.

Click here to learn about Rainwater Harvesting rebate details direct from the City of Tucson website. Click here to learn about other opportunities.

SSSR Sahuarita

Community Town Hall Recap

Last Saturday’s Save the Scenic Santa Ritas (SSSR) Community Town Hall in Sahuarita was a tremendous success. More than 450 residents attended to learn how the proposed Copper World open pit mine could affect groundwater, air quality, public safety, and local finances. If you were among those who joined, the SSSR team extends its deepest thanks.

For those who couldn’t attend — or would like to revisit the information — a full recording of the presentation, along with the slide deck, is available on the SSSR website under “Current Status of the Copper World Project.” The presentation covered key issues including:

• Potential impacts of open‑pit mining on regional groundwater
• How increased truck traffic could affect downtown Sahuarita
• Hudbay’s documented history of human rights violations

A special thanks to everyone who continues to show strong community interest and engagement regarding the future of the Santa Rita Mountains. Your participation plays an important role in shaping the ongoing public conversation about proposed open‑pit mining in the region.

Trico Electric

District 1

Members Meeting

February 6th at 4:00pm

Where: The Highlands at Dove Mountain, 4949 W Heritage Club Blvd, Marana When: Friday, February 6, 2026, at 4:00 PM

Trico Electric Cooperative will hold its District 1 meeting—serving Marana and Dove Mountain—on Friday, February 6, 2026, at The Highlands at Dove Mountain. This meeting gives members a direct opportunity to learn about Trico’s operations, upcoming projects, rates, and fiber expansion, as well as to ask questions during an open Q&A session. Click here for additional Information

Discover the Story of “Lost Canyon”

Author Presentation

Miller–Golf Links Library

February 13 at 10:30 AM

Local naturalist, citizen scientist, and author Dave DeGroot will visit the Miller–Golf Links Library, 9640 E Golf Links Rd, Tucson, AZ 85730, on February 13 at 10:30 AM to share the story behind his new book, Lost Canyon in the Northern Santa Rita Mountains: The story of Rosemont Valley's Barrel Canyon. A retired Sahuarita teacher and longtime Madera Canyon docent, DeGroot will offer an illustrated look at the surprising natural and human history of Barrel Canyon, which he calls “the beating heart of Rosemont Valley.” Click here for additional information.