In a surprisingly predictable yet nauseating turn of events, Jose Lizarraga defeated Mayor Ed Foster by about the same number of votes that swung last spring's election in the incumbents favor.
TOTAL VOTES 545
Percent Votes
FOSTER, ED (NP)
42.20% 230 votes
JONES, JENNIFER (NP)
4.22% 23 votes
LIZARRAGA, JOSE (NP)
53.03% 289 votes
Write-in (NP)
0.55% 3
If Jose were a smarter man, he would decline the nomination, and slip quietly out of the spot light rather than subject himself to further scrutiny. But clearly, he not. And there's a lot of supporters for Foster, Jones, and the Quartzsite 10 who will be watching his every move.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Say "NO WAY JOSE" - Vote today!
Quartzsite voters have yet another chance to remind incumbent tyrants who they really work for and what the people think of the way candidate Jose' Lizarraga treated 10 members of the Quartzsite Police Department.
Some say there's no hope of a fair election, with all the incument rhetoric, fear mongering and outright lies. I say, vote and let the chips fall where they may. Whatever happens today, those who have wronged the people of Quartzsite will still be made to answer for their crimes in a court of law, as well as the court of opinion.
America is watching Quartzsite - what will we do next?
Friday, August 19, 2011
Mayor Foster was right. Payroll checks and vouchers are public records.
On August 17th, Joanne MacDonnell, Acting Ombudsman-Citizens' Aide for the State of AZ wrote:
Re: Case #1101388
Dear Mayor Foster,
We have concluded our investigation relating to your complaint against the Town of Quartzsite. You alleged the Town wrongfully denied your public records request for:
Copies of checks and redacted vouchers issued by the
town for pay periods ending in three seperate months.
We substantiated the allegation and found that the Town wrongfully denied your public records request. We recommended that the Town release the appropriately redacted records, but they did not agree...
OK, so we all along that knew Foster was right, but the real question is - whose names are on the checks? Read the whole report at:
http://qtown.us/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/1101388-Final-Final-Report.pdf
Re: Case #1101388
Dear Mayor Foster,
We have concluded our investigation relating to your complaint against the Town of Quartzsite. You alleged the Town wrongfully denied your public records request for:
Copies of checks and redacted vouchers issued by the
town for pay periods ending in three seperate months.
We substantiated the allegation and found that the Town wrongfully denied your public records request. We recommended that the Town release the appropriately redacted records, but they did not agree...
OK, so we all along that knew Foster was right, but the real question is - whose names are on the checks? Read the whole report at:
http://qtown.us/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/1101388-Final-Final-Report.pdf
Monday, August 15, 2011
Temporary restraining order stays, case moves to federal court
Judge Randolph Bartlett allowed todays hearing to move forward, despite Justin Pierce of Jackson Lewis, the attorney for the town of Quartzsite asking the temporary restraining order to be thrown out, claiming that employee versus employer agreements cannot be intervened in in such a manner. After about 20 or so minutes of riveting testimony by Sgt Will Ponce, the attorney for the town asked to approach the bench. Judge Barltett announced that they were excercising their right to move the case to federal court. He ordered that the papers be submitted in ten days and that the temporary restraiing order will remain in place.
No cameras or other recording devices were alowed, so if you want the transcript, you'll have to pay La Paz County for the CD.
http://www.kswt.com/story/15280504/quartzsite-officers-tro-case-maybe-heard-by-federal-judge
No cameras or other recording devices were alowed, so if you want the transcript, you'll have to pay La Paz County for the CD.
http://www.kswt.com/story/15280504/quartzsite-officers-tro-case-maybe-heard-by-federal-judge
Friday, August 12, 2011
Roth restraining order reversed!
In the aftermath of a reported influx of letters by people actually went to law school, JOP Karen Slaughter has reversed her ruling granting Councilman "machine gun" Joe Winslow an order of protection from Desert Freedom Press writer Mike Roth.
The restraining order, which ilegally prohibited Roth from attending town council meetings and took away his gun rights had outraged Americans up in arms. "Machine Gun" Joe has become the source of online ridecule, and the reversal without a hearing is thought to have been a stragetic move to avoid Joe suffering a PTSD breakdown on the witness stand.
Roth's attorney intends to bill Winslow for her hours preparing for the hearing that didn't happen.
The restraining order, which ilegally prohibited Roth from attending town council meetings and took away his gun rights had outraged Americans up in arms. "Machine Gun" Joe has become the source of online ridecule, and the reversal without a hearing is thought to have been a stragetic move to avoid Joe suffering a PTSD breakdown on the witness stand.
Roth's attorney intends to bill Winslow for her hours preparing for the hearing that didn't happen.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
More shocking private prisons proposals, as close as Yuma!
Public Hearings Scheduled for Proposed Private Prisons in Five Arizona Towns
The Arizona Department of Corrections has given a green light to four private, for-profit correctional management corporations for the construction and management of an additional 5,000 state prison beds.
The Department of Corrections will be holding public hearings in each of the towns under consideration for a new prison or prisons. The public is encouraged to attend and voice their concerns about having a private prison as a neighbor.
Here is the schedule of the hearings:
1. Eloy: Corrections Corporation of America (CCA) has proposed two prisons for Eloy—1,500 beds and 3,000 beds.
The Eloy public hearing will be held Tuesday, August 9th, 6-8pm at the Curiel Annex School, 304 West Alsdorf Rd., Eloy.
2. Goodyear: GEO Group (formerly Wackenhut) has proposed a prison that could be anywhere from 2,000 to 5,000 beds.
The Goodyear public hearing will be held Wednesday, August 10th, 6-8 pm at the Desert Edge High School Auditorium, 15778 West Yuma Rd., Goodyear.
3. Winslow: LaSalle/Southwest Corrections has proposed a 1,000-bed prison for Winslow.
The Winslow public hearing will be held Thursday, August 11th, 6-8pm at the Winslow High School Performing Arts Center, 600 E. Cherry St., Winslow.
4. San Luis (Yuma): There are two proposed prisons for Yuma. Management and Training Corporation (MTC) has proposed to build a 3,000-bed prison and GEO Group seeks to build one with 2,000-3,000 beds.
The San Luis public hearing for both proposed prisons will be held Tuesday, August 16th, 6-10pm at the San Luis City Council Chambers, 1090 East Union St., San Luis.
5. Coolidge: Management and Training Corporation (MTC) has proposed a prison of 3,000 or 5,000 beds.
The Coolidge public hearing will be held Thursday, August 18th, 6-8pm at the Coolidge City Council Chambers, 911 S. Arizona Blvd., Coolidge.
This will be the one and only opportunity that the public will have to give input on these proposed prisons. Thus far, the only publicity for them has been a statutorily-required posting in the “legal notices” section of the local papers.
If you know anyone who lives in these communities, please encourage them to attend the hearings. AFSC will be organizing carpools from Tucson. Please contact: cisaacs@afsc.org.
http://tucsoncitizen.com/cell-out-arizona/2011/08/02/public-hearings-scheduled-for-proposed-private-prisons-in-eloy-goodyear-winslow-san-luis-and-coolidge/
Deja vu! You will remember from:
http://quartzsitearizona.blogspot.com/2010/09/gov-brewer-defends-private-prisons.html
Gov. Jan Brewer’s campaign chairman and policy adviser is also a lobbyist for the largest private prison company in the country. Perhaps it's because that same private prison company has the contact to incarcerate illegals rounded up by Brewer's SB1070? Caroline Isaacs from the American Friends Service Committee, which advocates for social justice issues, says "private prison companies have been buying influence in Arizona politics for years. The number of private prisons and jails operating across the state shows the result of that influence".
See:"Brewer Linked To Private Prisons Housing Illegal Immigrants - New Questions Raised About Lobbyist Advice"
http://www.kpho.com/news/24834877/detail.html
The Arizona Department of Corrections has given a green light to four private, for-profit correctional management corporations for the construction and management of an additional 5,000 state prison beds.
The Department of Corrections will be holding public hearings in each of the towns under consideration for a new prison or prisons. The public is encouraged to attend and voice their concerns about having a private prison as a neighbor.
Here is the schedule of the hearings:
1. Eloy: Corrections Corporation of America (CCA) has proposed two prisons for Eloy—1,500 beds and 3,000 beds.
The Eloy public hearing will be held Tuesday, August 9th, 6-8pm at the Curiel Annex School, 304 West Alsdorf Rd., Eloy.
2. Goodyear: GEO Group (formerly Wackenhut) has proposed a prison that could be anywhere from 2,000 to 5,000 beds.
The Goodyear public hearing will be held Wednesday, August 10th, 6-8 pm at the Desert Edge High School Auditorium, 15778 West Yuma Rd., Goodyear.
3. Winslow: LaSalle/Southwest Corrections has proposed a 1,000-bed prison for Winslow.
The Winslow public hearing will be held Thursday, August 11th, 6-8pm at the Winslow High School Performing Arts Center, 600 E. Cherry St., Winslow.
4. San Luis (Yuma): There are two proposed prisons for Yuma. Management and Training Corporation (MTC) has proposed to build a 3,000-bed prison and GEO Group seeks to build one with 2,000-3,000 beds.
The San Luis public hearing for both proposed prisons will be held Tuesday, August 16th, 6-10pm at the San Luis City Council Chambers, 1090 East Union St., San Luis.
5. Coolidge: Management and Training Corporation (MTC) has proposed a prison of 3,000 or 5,000 beds.
The Coolidge public hearing will be held Thursday, August 18th, 6-8pm at the Coolidge City Council Chambers, 911 S. Arizona Blvd., Coolidge.
This will be the one and only opportunity that the public will have to give input on these proposed prisons. Thus far, the only publicity for them has been a statutorily-required posting in the “legal notices” section of the local papers.
If you know anyone who lives in these communities, please encourage them to attend the hearings. AFSC will be organizing carpools from Tucson. Please contact: cisaacs@afsc.org.
http://tucsoncitizen.com/cell-out-arizona/2011/08/02/public-hearings-scheduled-for-proposed-private-prisons-in-eloy-goodyear-winslow-san-luis-and-coolidge/
Deja vu! You will remember from:
http://quartzsitearizona.blogspot.com/2010/09/gov-brewer-defends-private-prisons.html
Gov. Jan Brewer’s campaign chairman and policy adviser is also a lobbyist for the largest private prison company in the country. Perhaps it's because that same private prison company has the contact to incarcerate illegals rounded up by Brewer's SB1070? Caroline Isaacs from the American Friends Service Committee, which advocates for social justice issues, says "private prison companies have been buying influence in Arizona politics for years. The number of private prisons and jails operating across the state shows the result of that influence".
See:"Brewer Linked To Private Prisons Housing Illegal Immigrants - New Questions Raised About Lobbyist Advice"
http://www.kpho.com/news/24834877/detail.html
Another circus side show of a town council meeting
With Mike Jewit as the latest freak to join the carnival.
You might remember Mike as the guy who owns the property overlooking where they found Laura Vittori's body. Is it a coincidence that he's such good friends with QPD Sgt. Xavier Frauso and his wife the town magistrate? Or was he just the obvious choice because he was the most ignorant, opinionated and least likely to read or comprehend what he votes on?
You might remember Mike as the guy who owns the property overlooking where they found Laura Vittori's body. Is it a coincidence that he's such good friends with QPD Sgt. Xavier Frauso and his wife the town magistrate? Or was he just the obvious choice because he was the most ignorant, opinionated and least likely to read or comprehend what he votes on?
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Police scanner reports UFO - 4 minutes ago!
"Did you see that? It's not a helicopter. It's not moving at all, its stationary. Did you see those lights on the side?"
Seriously, file an open records request for the audio. This is what came over the scanner...and then they switched to another channel (according to a phone call). Are they testing something down in Yuma? Or have we been visited by the type of aliens our governor isn't concerned with?
Seriously, file an open records request for the audio. This is what came over the scanner...and then they switched to another channel (according to a phone call). Are they testing something down in Yuma? Or have we been visited by the type of aliens our governor isn't concerned with?
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Ernest Hancock wants your opinion - broadcast from Quartzsite Mon. & Tues.
Tyson's R.V. Park "Community Room" - 350 W Main Quartzsite, AZ - Noon to 2pm Both Monday and Tuesday - Public invited to attend and peacefully participate.
http://powerandpolitic.wordpress.com/2011/08/08/declare-your-independence-live-from-quartzsite-monday-august-8th-2011/
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=350+W+Main+St,+Quartzsite,+AZ+85346&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&rlz=1R1GGLA_en___US375&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wl
EVERYBODY on ALL sides get to have their say!
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Quartzsite power tripper Al Johnson defies court order
According to a recent story on Quartzsite by CBS News in Yuma, discussing Assistant Town Manager Al Johnson's tirade yesterday : http://www.kswt.com/story/15211002/court-slaps-quartzsite-with-temporary-restraining-order
the town is refusing to comply with Judge Barlett's August 1st court order, and attorney's for Sgt. Will Ponce are reportedly seeking the criminal charge of "contempt of court" against Assistant Town Manager/Planning & Zoning Director Albert Johnson for refusing to reinstate Ponce and Administrator Linda Conley. The "Unholy Trinity" of Taft/Johnson?Gilbert have been ordered to appear in La Paz County Superior Court on August 15th at 1:30 pm for a "show cause" hearing. This hearing is open to the public, and media is encouraged to attend!
http://qtown.us/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/TRO1.pdf
http://qtown.us/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Order-to-Show-Cause1.pdf
According to the DESERT FREEDOM PRESS "The Plaintiffs are being represented by the Phoenix, AZ law firm of Schneider and Onofry."
The Associated Press has ran with the story, and it was picked up across the nation. Here's a very small sampling:
http://tucsoncitizen.com/arizona-news/2011/08/06/judge-halts-firing-of-quartzsite-officers/
http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_18630593?nclick_check=1
http://ktar.com/category/local-news-articles/20110806/Judge-halts-firing-of-Quartzsite-police-officers/
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=%2Fn%2Fa%2F2011%2F08%2F06%2Fstate%2Fn121849D44.DTL
the town is refusing to comply with Judge Barlett's August 1st court order, and attorney's for Sgt. Will Ponce are reportedly seeking the criminal charge of "contempt of court" against Assistant Town Manager/Planning & Zoning Director Albert Johnson for refusing to reinstate Ponce and Administrator Linda Conley. The "Unholy Trinity" of Taft/Johnson?Gilbert have been ordered to appear in La Paz County Superior Court on August 15th at 1:30 pm for a "show cause" hearing. This hearing is open to the public, and media is encouraged to attend!
http://qtown.us/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/TRO1.pdf
http://qtown.us/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Order-to-Show-Cause1.pdf
According to the DESERT FREEDOM PRESS "The Plaintiffs are being represented by the Phoenix, AZ law firm of Schneider and Onofry."
The Associated Press has ran with the story, and it was picked up across the nation. Here's a very small sampling:
http://tucsoncitizen.com/arizona-news/2011/08/06/judge-halts-firing-of-quartzsite-officers/
http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_18630593?nclick_check=1
http://ktar.com/category/local-news-articles/20110806/Judge-halts-firing-of-Quartzsite-police-officers/
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=%2Fn%2Fa%2F2011%2F08%2F06%2Fstate%2Fn121849D44.DTL
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Carwash fundraiser for Quartzite 10 - Sat. August 6th at Shell
Since there's no actual carwash in the entire town (because town "leaders" have consistently stonewalled the idea), you won't have to drive to Blythe for a wash this week. Get your car washed on Saturday, at the Shell Gas Station starting at 7 am. Proceeds will go directly to the legal defense of Quartzsite Police Officers Association members, who are currently under threat for being "whistle blowers" against controversial Police Chief Jeff Gilbert.
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=2332810198610&oid=118461931576665&comments
The "Cruise In" will take place at the same location at 7pm. Bring your hot rod, classic car, motorcycle, tractor, whatever you can drive, push, pull, or tow - whether it's an ongoing project or a finished work of art! Fifty cent ice cream, hot dogs and fountain drinks during the event, along with door prizes. Come join in the fun!
If you don't need a car wash, and still want to help these hero officers, you can go to any Wells Fargo Bank and make a donation in any amount to the "
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=2332810198610&oid=118461931576665&comments
The "Cruise In" will take place at the same location at 7pm. Bring your hot rod, classic car, motorcycle, tractor, whatever you can drive, push, pull, or tow - whether it's an ongoing project or a finished work of art! Fifty cent ice cream, hot dogs and fountain drinks during the event, along with door prizes. Come join in the fun!
If you don't need a car wash, and still want to help these hero officers, you can go to any Wells Fargo Bank and make a donation in any amount to the "
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
La Paz County Attorney comments on Quartzsite
La Paz County Attorney Press Release
As the La Paz County Attorney I support Arizona Attorney General Tom Horne conducting an independent investigation into the Town of Quartzsite. Although the La Paz County Attorney’s Office will continue to address the issues that have confronted the Town of Quartzsite, the Attorney General will conduct a thorough, fair and impartial investigation with the backing of this office.
I would like to assure all residents of La Paz County that I have been carefully monitoring the political issues within the Town of Quartzsite and I have had discussions with the Office of the Attorney General. I share the concern of all citizens and I look forward to the day when Quartzsite returns to a place where people from all over the world come together for fun and relaxation throughout the year.
I have been extensively involved in the ongoing issues within the Town of Quartzsite and I have taken a stand on many of the issues. On January 28, 2011, after receiving a complaint from Quartzsite Mayor Ed Foster, I issued a written admonishment to Quartzsite Town Council members Bob Kelley, Jose Lizarraga, Joe Winslow, Jerry Lukkasson, Patricia Anderson and Vice Mayor Barbara Cowell for violating the Open Meeting Laws on two separate occasions.
On April 7, 2011, after receiving another complaint from Mayor Foster for an issue regarding the minutes of a meeting, I issued a letter to Mayor Foster in which I found no violation of the Open Meeting Laws by the Town of Quartzsite.
Since becoming the La Paz County Attorney, Quartzsite Police Chief Jeff Gilbert has submitted multiple cases to this office for felony review that have been declined for prosecution. Many of the cases simply do not amount to felony conduct. Some of the declinations have resulted in disagreements between Chief Gilbert and myself. This office will continue to review each and every case fairly and impartially, without bias or prejudice, and will not be swayed by public opinion.
On May 14, 2011, I invited all of the members of the Quartzsite Town Council to meet with me so that I could address any concerns they may have with the La Paz County Attorney’s Office. I offered to travel to Quartzsite to meet with all of the council members individually. To date I have formally met with three council members, Mayor Ed Foster, Councilman Jerry Lukkasson and Councilwoman Patricia Anderson. Although the meetings have not had the results I had hoped for, I have made an effort to try and resolve some of the issues that are causing conflict.
In conclusion, this office will continue to do what it can to help end the strife the Town of Quartzsite is now embroiled in.
As the La Paz County Attorney I support Arizona Attorney General Tom Horne conducting an independent investigation into the Town of Quartzsite. Although the La Paz County Attorney’s Office will continue to address the issues that have confronted the Town of Quartzsite, the Attorney General will conduct a thorough, fair and impartial investigation with the backing of this office.
I would like to assure all residents of La Paz County that I have been carefully monitoring the political issues within the Town of Quartzsite and I have had discussions with the Office of the Attorney General. I share the concern of all citizens and I look forward to the day when Quartzsite returns to a place where people from all over the world come together for fun and relaxation throughout the year.
I have been extensively involved in the ongoing issues within the Town of Quartzsite and I have taken a stand on many of the issues. On January 28, 2011, after receiving a complaint from Quartzsite Mayor Ed Foster, I issued a written admonishment to Quartzsite Town Council members Bob Kelley, Jose Lizarraga, Joe Winslow, Jerry Lukkasson, Patricia Anderson and Vice Mayor Barbara Cowell for violating the Open Meeting Laws on two separate occasions.
On April 7, 2011, after receiving another complaint from Mayor Foster for an issue regarding the minutes of a meeting, I issued a letter to Mayor Foster in which I found no violation of the Open Meeting Laws by the Town of Quartzsite.
Since becoming the La Paz County Attorney, Quartzsite Police Chief Jeff Gilbert has submitted multiple cases to this office for felony review that have been declined for prosecution. Many of the cases simply do not amount to felony conduct. Some of the declinations have resulted in disagreements between Chief Gilbert and myself. This office will continue to review each and every case fairly and impartially, without bias or prejudice, and will not be swayed by public opinion.
On May 14, 2011, I invited all of the members of the Quartzsite Town Council to meet with me so that I could address any concerns they may have with the La Paz County Attorney’s Office. I offered to travel to Quartzsite to meet with all of the council members individually. To date I have formally met with three council members, Mayor Ed Foster, Councilman Jerry Lukkasson and Councilwoman Patricia Anderson. Although the meetings have not had the results I had hoped for, I have made an effort to try and resolve some of the issues that are causing conflict.
In conclusion, this office will continue to do what it can to help end the strife the Town of Quartzsite is now embroiled in.
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