SSSR Open Pit Mine Community Meeting

This Saturday, Jan. 31, 1 p.m.

Sahuarita Unified School District Auditorium

Save the Scenic Santa Ritas (SSSR) has scheduled a community meeting to discuss the impact of the proposed Copper World mine’s massive groundwater pumping on the area aquifer. The new time and date is 1:00 pm, Saturday, Jan. 31, at the Sahuarita Unified School District Auditorium.



SSSR postponed the meeting after sending a Dec. 30 letter to the Sahuarita Town Council requesting they determine if Toronto-based Hudbay Minerals is in violation of a 2013 agreement to replenish 105% of the groundwater Copper World will use with Central Arizona Project water. The agreement requires Hudbay to replenish the aquifer beneath Sahuarita and the immediate surrounding area.

Click here to review their Jan. 6 press release describing the 2013 Right-of-Way Encroachment Agreement signed by Rosemont Copper Company.

The SSSR has compiled substantial evidence indicating it is virtually impossible for Hudbay to use CAP water to replenish the area aquifer with 105% of the groundwater it will withdraw to operate Copper World.

Please plan to attend this important event to learn more and

support the incredible efforts of the SSSR.

Community Event: Discover the Story of “Lost Canyon”

Miller–Golf Links Library

February 13 at 10:30 AM

Local naturalist 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.”

His talk will highlight the canyon’s linked aquifers, its unusually large native hardwood trees, and the rich plant and wildlife communities they support. DeGroot will also touch on the area’s deep cultural history, from early hunter‑gatherers to the Hohokam, whose artifacts remain in the region.

DeGroot helped organize last year’s successful BioBlitz in Barrel Canyon, which identified several threatened and endangered species. His new book will be available after the presentation.

Click here for an in-depth look at this wonderfully crafted work and how you can purchase a copy.

Important Agenda Items Added to February 3rd

PCBS Meeting

Pima County Supervisor Jennifer Allen has added several important agenda items to next Tuesday’s, February 3rd Pima County Board of Supervisors (PCBS) meeting, all responding to ICE activity in our community.



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.

If these issues are important to you, make sure to attend this meeting (bring your friends) to show your support. Speak if you are moved to do so.

NOTE: At the time of this report, no official agenda was available. Click here to keep updated on this meeting and any agenda changes, along with links to live meetings on YouTube and other social media sites on the day of the event.

9 a.m. Tuesday, February 3rd:

Board of Supervisors Hearing Room

Pima County Administration Building

130 West Congress, 1st Floor

Tucson, AZ.

Interested in learning more about PRICE? Click here.

RTA Next

Regional Transportation Plan

Heads to Ballot

Election set for March 2023

Pima County voters will soon have the opportunity to decide on RTA Next, a 20‑year, $2.67 billion transportation plan on the March mail‑in ballot. The plan keeps the current half cent sales tax (no increase) in place while investing in safer roads, better transit, and improved options for people who walk, bike, or drive.

What’s on the ballot?

Prop 418: The transportation plan and Prop 419: The funding source. Both must pass for the plan to move forward.

If passed, the plan will keep the same RTA tax rate for another 20 years, fix and repave roads, maintain and expand transit services, add sidewalks, bike lanes, and safety improvements. The plan also includes environmental protections and is expected to create tens of thousands of jobs and generate billions in economic activity. And to top it all off... it contains built‑In oversight, in annual public reports, state‑required audits, and a citizen oversight committee.

Click here for additional information from the Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection. Learn how a yes vote on both propositions not only enhances our transportation needs but is a vote for wildlife and environmental safety.

Make Your Voice Heard!

This is a mail‑in‑only election, so watch for your ballot, review the propositions, and return your ballot on time with a yes vote to secure Pima County's transportation future. Recommended deadline to mail back your ballot – Tuesday, March 3 (Postmarks Do Not Count.)

Important Dates:

• Last day to register to vote: Monday, Feb. 9 – Click here to register.
• Ballots Mailed: Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026
• Last Day to Vote: Tuesday, March 10, 2026
• Voting Deadline: Ballots must be received no later than 7 p.m., on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
• Recommended deadline to mail back your ballot – Tuesday, March 3 (Postmarks Do Not Count.)

Click here for more information.

Sign Up for Request to Speak Training

Weigh in on legislative bills from the comfort of your couch!

Request to Speak (RTS) is Arizona’s online system that allows everyday residents to share their opinions on bills directly with state lawmakers. It’s one of the most effective ways for the public to influence decisions at the Capitol and ensure elected officials understand what their communities want.

Why RTS Matters?

• You can register your support or opposition to bills in real time.
• Lawmakers and the public can see your name, your position, and any comments you choose to share.
• You can indicate whether you want to speak at a hearing—but speaking is completely optional.
• It’s a simple, powerful way to stay informed and participate in the legislative process.
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About the Training

Civic Engagement Beyond Voting (CEBV), a nonpartisan group dedicated to empowering Arizona residents, offers a virtual training session that walks you through how RTS works and how to use it confidently. It’s designed for everyone—no prior experience needed.

Need an RTS Account?

If you don’t have an account yet, just fill out the form. CEBV will create one for you. After that, you’ll receive a Zoom confirmation email with the link to join the training.

LDA encourages our members to become involved in the community.

 An RTS account allows you to do just that from the comfort of your own home.

Take a minute to learn about this important tool. You can make a difference!

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.

A key topic this year is the proposed Marana Data Center, projected to require 550–750 megawatts of power at full build‑out. That level of demand equals the electricity used by hundreds of thousands of homes—the scale of a small city. Supporting such a facility would require new high‑capacity power lines, substations, major grid upgrades, and backup generators, potentially placing strain on the regional grid and increasing costs for nearby communities.

This meeting is an important chance for residents to engage directly with Trico and challenge assumptions about the project’s energy needs.

If your electric bill says Trico, please plan to attend!

Contact Trico Energy at 520-477-2944 for additional information or comments.

Click below to learn more.

01/12/26 ABC 15 Arizona

1/08/26 Arizona Luminaria

Environmental Day at the

Arizona Capitol

Wed, Feb 11th

8:30 AM - 2:00 PM 

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

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



Meet with your legislators, hear great speakers, and connect with others who are doing advocacy work both inside and outside the Arizona.

RSVP here so they can plan materials, and, if interested, put you on a team for legislative meetings, and can plan for food.

Also, the Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection will be organizing a bus from Tucson to Phoenix. So please RSVP to save a seat.



Make sure to stop by the Living Desert Alliance table for a visit.

We’d love to meet you!