Juan Mendez
Juan Mendez is a Berniecrat, a term used for those democrats (generally) running for office who have expressed support of former presidential candidate Bernie Sanders.[1]
Sex Education Bill
An Arizona state senator facing multiple felony child molestation charges was one of several sponsors of a Democrat-led bill calling for sex education classes for pupils as young as kindergarten age.
Although the bill, SB1340, died in committee last January, Sen. Tony Navarette was a key sponsor of the legislation that would have required all schools in Arizona to teach sex education instruction starting in kindergarten.
The bill’s other sponsors were Sens. Lela Alston, Kirsten Engel, Rosanna Gabaldon, Sally Ann Gonzales, Juan Mendez, Jamescita Peshlakai, Athena Salmon, and Raquel Teran.
According to the proposed legislation, dubbed then as the “Safe and Healthy Students Act,” the bill sought to provide “sex education that is medically accurate and age-appropriate for pupils who are in kindergarten programs and in grades one through twelve.”
Other key provisions included a focus on helping pupils “gain knowledge” on the various developmental aspects of adolescence, “including how pregnancy occurs,” to help pupils develop skills in decision making regarding sexuality and relationships, and to discuss groups, such as LGBTQ, that “historically have been more vulnerable to sexual abuse and assault,” as well as matters involving “affirmative consent.”[2]
YDSA for Bernie Kickoff Town Hall
Young Democratic Socialists of America - ASU September 10 2019.
YDSA for Bernie Kickoff Town Hall Public · Hosted by Young Democratic Socialists of America - ASU, Arizona for Bernie Sanders - 2020, AZ Students for Bernie.
Monday, September 9, 2019 at 7 PM – 9 PM
ASU Memorial Union, Ventana Ballroom A
In a crowded Democratic primary field, why should students support Sen. Bernie Sanders? Join the Young Democratic Socialists of America - ASU and AZ for Bernie - 2020 to hear from local politicians, organizers, and activists about why Bernie is the only candidate that will help us achieve what we are fighting for: College for All, a Green New Deal, Medicare for All, and a socialist future.
Featuring as Speakers:
- Sen. Juan Mendez, Arizona State Senator
- Rebecca Fligelman Garelli, Co-Founder of Arizona Educators United
- Gilbert Romero, Fmr. Democratic Candidate for AZ State House
- LaDawn Stuben, Fmr. Democratic Candidate for AZ State House
- Tanzil Chowdhury, Chair of YDSA ASU
Support of CAIR - Arizona
On Jun 13, 2017, Athena Salman was pictured with Juan Mendez and other "comrades" in support of CAIR - Arizona, tweeted by Phoenix Democratic Socialists of America.[3]
Recall Joe
In 2013 Phoenix Democrats supported the effort to recall Sheriff Joe Arpaio, which was spearheaded by Respect Arizona, and assisted by Citizens for a Better Arizona, headed by Randy Parraz.
The Democrats of s of Legislative District 26 donated the proceeds from a scheduled chili cookoff on Saturday, April 20, 2013 to the recall effort, which has 41 days remaining before its deadline of May 30, when the campaign must turn in all of the signatures it has gathered.
The LD26 webpage reports that the "Guest of Honor" would be Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema. Other local pols on hand include Mesa City Councilman Dennis Kavanagh, state House members Andrew Sherwood and Juan Mendez, and state Senator Ed Ableser.[4]
Endorsed by Our Revolution
Juan Mendez was endorsed by Our Revolution, an organization run by former campaign workers and supporters of former socialist presidential candidate Bernie Sanders.[5]
Fight for $15
Rep. Isela Blanc April 18, 2016;
With Edmund Higgins, Isela Blanc, Athena Salman, Juan Mendez and Patrick Morales at Margaret T. Hance Park.
Kirkpatrick for Arizona
Michelle Robertson, May 21, 2016.
With Cesar Aguilar, Ryan D. Winkle, Athena Salman, Timothy Castro, Juan Mendez, Bill Mundell, Isela Blanc, Joe Downs, Patrick Morales, Adrian P. Fontes, Paul J. Penzone and Tomas E. Robles, Jr..
Arizona activist against the TPP
Progressive Democrats of America Northern Arizona March 12, 2015.
Arizona activist against the TPP – In this picture, members of the Arizona AFL-CIO, Communication Workers of America Phoenix Local, Puente Human Rights Movement, Progressive Democrats of America, LUCHA, and Guadalupe Mayor Rebecca Jimenez and State Rep. Juan Mendez.