November 21, 2011. Work Meeting
Thanks to Starr Bearcat for video
Archive for November, 2011
Town Icon – Bill Castor – Arrested
24
Nov
Bill Castor refused to sign a citation, presented to him by a brusque Al Johnson. Johnson, wearing the “hat” of Quartzsite Town Building Official and writing on a clipboard yesterday (November 23) morning at 9am, told Mr. Castor “save your breath”. He had brought officer Alex Rubalcava in a black and white. Johnson left, and Castor was arrested and taken off in the police car.
The incident took place at Bill Castor’s business location of many years. The town has, this season, refused his request for a license to do business. Castor has made no significant changes to his method of doing business, his merchandise, or form of ownership. All previous seasonal licenses have been granted him.
Town Hall Meeting Nov 23 2011
23
Nov
Unofficial meeting for public questions to council members, town manager, police chief
Video provided by Bill Moore – Thank you
Jade Jones “Served” With Court Paper
23
Nov
Today about 12:30 Al Johnson acted again, with police sergeant Frausto in tow. Johnson served a single page legal style document, bearing the name of the Magistrate Court of Quartzsite Arizona, titled “Complaint” on Jennifer “Jade” Jones. It detailed 4 misdemeanor counts related to the business she attends on Main Street. Johnson insisted that Jones must appear in court immediately, although the document was not accompanied by a court summons. He stated “If you’re not in court today, … I suggest that you show up”. It appeared to bear the original signature of Martin Brannan, Town Prosecutor. After the “service” was completed, Johnson reached over the fence again, to place the complaint in a more attractive position. Johnson remained on the property and did not seem ready to leave after he was told to go. “Goodbye Al”. Then Johnson was heard giving legal advice to Jones: “ …you don’t have the same expectation of privacy”. Johnson is the assistant manager for the town. It appears that he would be disqualified to serve process for a case in which he is a party to the action. The complaint seems to stem from his department. It also appeared that the court had not issued the document, as there was NO case number, nor the usual stamp indicating that it had been filed with a court clerk. See the document HERE.
Playing HardTo Get
17
Nov
There has been another unreasonable denial for access to public records in Quartzsite.
“Public Documents” are intended by the State of Arizona to be accessible to the public. The records may be requested by anyone, for any or no reason. The request must be legal and reasonable. The documents of interest are to be delivered by the public agency, without hindrance.
Such a legal and reasonable request was recently submitted to the Town of Quartzsite on the proper form and was then denied by the town manager and assistant manager. The citizen making the request thereupon made a complaint to the Arizona Ombudsman. This is an agency formed specifically for protecting citizens’ rights to access to public records. The decision by that authority was in favor of the citizen. However, even now the citizen still does not have the requested documents. The Ombudsman’s report can be read here. Ombudsman Nov 4 2011 Final Report
Redistricting Meeting – Video
15
Nov
If you could not make it to the Monday November 14 meeting, here is an hour of viewing:
Thanks to Bill Moore who provided this video.
Many Thanks to Quartzsite Community Thrift Store
11
Nov
La Paz County Search and Rescue was presented with a $500 check yesterday from the Quartzsite Community Thrift Store. Joanne Winer presented the check to Commander Bill Moore and other SAR members.
The Thrift Store disburses money raised from sales in the store to local organizations that need extra funds to keep them better able to help the people they serve. Search and Rescue was the first organization to receive this much needed help.
Thank you from the members of Search and Rescue to all the volunteers at the Quartzsite Community Thrift Store, your donation is greatly appreciated.
Come Join Us At Isaiah 58
11
Nov
Every day at 4:30pm Isaiah 58 serves dinner for all who are hungry or just want to have fellowship. Great food prepared each day by kitchen staff and volunteers. Come and meet Pastors Mike and Linda Hobby and enjoy a hot meal.
Council Meeting On Video
08
Nov
Quartzsite Town Council Meeting held today, November 8, 2011 at 9:00 am
Videography compliments of Bill Moore
Saturday Night Cruise-In Car Show
01
Nov
It’s a social event. Every other Saturday, starting as early as 6 pm. Free prizes for attending if your ticket wins one of the raffle drawings. Shell station, Main & Central.
Bill Moore produced this great video.
Kids In Costume Parade
01
Nov
Enjoy this video. Local kids in costume parade through Quartzsite, dragging the adults along.
Video compliments of Bill Moore.
Rainbow Acres Access Road – updated Nov. 1
01
Nov
A meeting was held today at 11 am, at a residence in Rainbow Acres subdivision, outside the town limits. It was attended by at least 117 people including the mayor, county supervisor Holly Irwin, former mayor Steve Bennett, and the county tax assessor. A discussion was held and questions fielded as to the details of the maintenance of the interstate frontage road which provides main access to the subdivision.
Dome Rock Road has segments which are privately owned, and some which is not owned by anybody. Until some entity comes forward with funds to construct the entire road to a condition acceptable to the City of Quartzsite, only stop-gap repairs can be performed. If and when someone comes forward with about a half million dollars to construct a proper road with base, it would then be accepted by the town. After that occurs, ongoing maintenance in perpetuity would be provided by the town, with HURF funding if available.
Cholla Road connects with Dome Rock Road and is heavily traveled to Rainbow Acres. That road is currently maintained by the town and the county, respective of town boundaries, and was not a part of the discussion.
Thanks again! to Bill Moore for the videography.