Quartzsite, AZ - Desert Messenger is once again proud to coordinate with Quartzsite Chamber & Tourism and the Town of Quartzsite in publishing the 2021-22 Quartzsite Visitor Guide & Business Directory.

With the acclaimed success of 2021 Oscar's Best Picture #NOMADLAND, it's going to be a great winter season! Since the Visitor Guides were not printed last year due to COVID, everyone will surely want a copy of this year's Visitor Guide. Be sure to reserve your ad space now!

• The Visitor Guide will debut at the Arizona League of Cities and Towns Annual Conference in August 2021 and will be distributed to many Chambers around the state.

• The Official Guide is widely distributed with 25,000 copies for excellent circulation PLUS the Guide is available online at www.QuartzsiteVisitorGuide.com

• Advertising is a real bargain! You can’t beat the cost per thousand! Don’t miss this opportunity!

• A great selection of full color Ad Sizes offers something for every advertising budget.

• In addition to promoting your business, your advertising dollars will help to promote #Quartzsite as a tourism destination.

• The Visitor Guide is distributed to your target audience. Your message is getting into the hands of those who request information on Quartzsite, specifically through the Quartzsite Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism, Quartzsite Town Hall.

• The entire E-Edition will be posted to multiple high traffic websites & Social Media, including TOWN OF QUARTZSITE, DESERT MESSENGER, QUARTZSITE CHAMBER & TOURISM, etc.

Email Rain at Editor@DesertMessenger.com to reserve your space today!

DEADLINE is JULY 23rd, 2021. Or call 928-916-4235.

Jennifer Jones' Signatures challenged in LD5 race

Jennifer Jones' campaign scooter,
Quartzsite, AZ  - Copyright Desert Messenger 2014

Quartzsite, AZ 

UPDATE: Jennifer Jones posted on her Facebook page: 

June 21, 2016 "Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Randall Warner found in favor of Legislative District 5 Republican candidate for the Arizona House of Representatives Jennifer Jones. The nominating petition signature challenge was filed by a rival candidate and political newcomer Paul Mosley. Both parties represented themselves in court.

"Mosley had asked the Court to disqualify numerous signatures on Jones' nominating petitions for a variety of reasons, attempting to render her ineligible. After the signatures in question were checked by the Recorders Offices in La Paz and Mohave Counties, the official certified reports had determined that Jones had 43 signatures more than the minimum required.

"Mosley refused to accept the finding of fact and declined the judges offer to drop the case, which then proceeded immediately to trial. He argued that signatures should be disqualified for technical deficiencies such as using a zip code instead of writing the city, or using a post office box address. Jones countered with the applicable election statute and a 2004 Arizona Supreme Court ruling which held that purely technical departures from the form of the nominating petitions will not outweigh the voter's right to select a nominee. After a short recess Judge Warner ruled that Jones had submitted more than enough valid signatures to be on the August 30th primary election ballot and dismissed Mosley's claim.

"On her way out of the courtroom, Jones told Mosley, “I don't know if your mother ever spanked you Paul, but I just did.”

(https://www.facebook.com/The-Desert-Freedom-Press-195686447195051/?fref=ts)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On June 15, 2016, Stephen Paul Mosley of Lake Havasu City filed formal legal action against Mrs. Jennifer Jones, a Republican candidate for Arizona Legislative District 5 (LD5). Mosley contends that Jones, of Quartzsite, failed to meet candidacy requirements. LD5 covers all of La Paz County and most of Mohave County. 
In order for a signature to count, a person who signs a petition must be a qualified elector, live in the district of the office the candidate is running for and must belong to the same political party as the candidate. Since there are only two seats open for LD5, a person is allowed to sign only two petitions.
Jones' notified her supporters on her campaign Facebook page today with the following statement:
Mosley's 22 page complaint can be read in its entirety at:

According to Mosley's complaint, "Jones submitted 64 petition sheets with 599 signatures. However all of the signatures on petitions 4 and 47 are invalid because Jones failed to complete the affidavits on the backs of the petitions as required by statute."

Mosley alleges in his complaint; "Furthermore, out of the 599 signatures that Jones submitted, 204 are invalid because the signer was not legally eligible to sign the petition sheet, the signer's name is illegible, or the signer failed to provide the information required by statute. 483 signatures are required to be submitted for an individual to have his or her name printed on the primary election ballot on August 30."

Mosley alleges that after removing alleged invalid signatures, Jones only has 395 valid signatures, short of the 483 required to have one's name printed on the ballot.

Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Randall H. Warner has scheduled the complaint for expedited hearing at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday,  June 21. 

"Apparently my opponents do not believe they can beat me in a fair election. The Mormon stock trader from Lake Havasu City, Paul Mosley, has filed a court challenge to my nominating signatures. The county recorders from Mohave and La Paz will be preparing a report on the signatures he challenged but over a hundred will have to be invalidated to remove me from the ballot. Unfortunately for my opponents, I am a seasoned pro se litigant so Mosley will need to hire an attorney but I will not."

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-Z6UlGYZmGlMkZaU251ZWs0SHc/view?ts=57637cd7

Quartzsite Desert Messenger political advertising policies

It's political season again in Quartzsite. As a courtesy to political candidates, Desert Messenger is posting the requirements for advertising published by Arizona Newspaper Association and Arizona Revised Statutes regulating advertising for candidates.   It is the candidate's responsibility to know the law. 

DESERT MESSENGER POLICY:

Political advertising, advertising on public policy questions and controversial issues will be prepaid. These ads must contain “Paid for by...” the name and contact of person(s) or organization(s) responsible for the advertisement.

CANDIDATE ADVERTISEMENTS

Any advertisement by a candidate or political committee that advocates the election or defeat of any candidate or solicits contributions to a political committee shall state that it was paid for by the candidate or the candidate’s campaign committee, if that statement is accurate, or shall state the name of the political committee that paid for the advertisement, identify the chairman of the political committee and provide a telephone number for that individual.

If the literature or advertisement is not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s campaign, the advertisement shall so state. If the advertisement is an independent expenditure (i.e., an expenditure by a person or political committee, other than a candidate’s campaign committee, that expressly advocates the election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate, that is made without cooperation or consultation or at the request or suggestion of any candidate or committee or agent of the candidate) by a political committee, the advertisement shall also state the names and telephone numbers of the three political committees making the largest contributions to the political committee that paid for the advertisement. If an acronym is used to identify any political committee, the name of any sponsoring organization of the political committee must also be identified.

The required disclosures must be printed clearly and legibly in a conspicuous manner in the advertisement. In printed advertisements, the disclosure must appear in a font that is at least 3/32 inches tall in a dark type on a light background surrounded by a dark box.

§ 16-901(14), (19). Definitions

In this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires:

14. “Independent expenditure” means an expenditure by a person or political committee, other than a candidate’s campaign committee, that expressly advocates the election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate, that is made without cooperation or consultation with any candidate or committee or agent of the candidate and that is not made in concert with or at the request or suggestion of a candidate, or any committee or agent of the candidate. Independent expenditure includes an expenditure that is subject to the requirements of section 16-917 which requires a copy of campaign literature or advertisement to be sent to a candidate named or otherwise referred to in the literature or advertisement. An expenditure is not an independent expenditure if any of the following applies:

   
   (a) Any officer, member, employee or agent of the political committee making the expenditure is also an officer, member, employee or agent of the committee of the candidate whose election or whose opponent’s defeat is being advocated by the expenditure or an agent of the candidate whose election or whose opponent’s defeat is being advocated by the expenditure.

   (b) There is any arrangement, coordination or direction with respect to the expenditure between the candidate or the candidate’s agent and the person making the expenditure, including any officer, director, employee or agent of that person.

   (c) In the same election the person making the expenditure, including any officer, director, employee or agent of that person, is or has been:

          (i) Authorized to raise or expend monies on behalf of the candidate or the candidate’s authorized committees.

          (ii) Receiving any form of compensation or reimbursement from the candidate, the candidate’s committees or the candidate’s agent.

   (d) The expenditure is based on information about the candidate’s plans, projects or needs, or those of his campaign committee, provided to the expending person by the candidate or by the candidate’s agents or any officer, member or employee of the candidate’s campaign committee with a view toward having the expenditure made.

19. “Political committee” means a candidate or any association or combination of persons that is organized, conducted or combined for the purpose of influencing the result of any election or to determine whether an individual will become a candidate for election in this state or in any county, city, town, district or precinct in this state, that engages in political activity in behalf of or against a candidate for election or retention or in support of or opposition to an initiative, referendum or recall or any other measure or proposition and that applies for a serial number and circulates petitions and,

in the case of a candidate for public office except those exempt pursuant to section 16-903, that receives contributions or makes expenditures in connection therewith, notwithstanding that the association or combination of persons may be part of a larger association, combination of persons or sponsoring organization not primarily organized, conducted or combined for the purpose of influencing the result of any election in this state or in any county, city, town or precinct in this state.

§ 16-912(A)-(E). Candidates and independent expenditures; campaign literature and

advertisement sponsors; identification; civil penalty

A. A political committee that makes an expenditure for campaign literature or advertisements that expressly advocate the election or defeat of any candidate or that make any solicitation of contributions to any political committee shall be registered pursuant to this chapter at the time of distribution, placement or solicitation and shall include on the literature or advertisement the words “paid for by” followed by the name of the committee that appears on its statement of organization or five hundred dollar exemption statement.

B. If the expenditure for the campaign literature or advertisements by a political committee is an independent expenditure, the political committee, in addition to the disclosures required by subsection A of this section, shall include on the literature or advertisement the names and telephone numbers of the three political committees making the largest contributions to the political committee making the independent expenditure. If an acronym is used to name any political committee outlined in this section, the name of any sponsoring organization of the political committee shall also be printed or spoken. For purposes of determining the three contributors to be disclosed, the contributions of each political committee making the independent expenditure during the one year period before the election being affected are aggregated.

C. Subsection A of this section does not apply to bumper stickers, pins, buttons, pens and similar small items on which the statements required in subsection A of this section cannot be conveniently printed or to signs paid for by a candidate with campaign monies or by a candidate’s campaign committee or to a solicitation of contributions by a separate segregated fund from those persons it may solicit pursuant to §§ 16-920 and 16-921.

D. The disclosures required pursuant to this section shall be printed clearly and legibly in a conspicuous manner or, if the advertisement is broadcast on a telecommunications system, the disclosure shall be spoken. For printed material that is delivered or provided by hand or by mail, the disclosure shall be printed in a font that is at least 3/32 inches tall in dark type on light background surrounded by a dark box. For communications that are broadcast on a telecommunications system or other medium that can provide a viewable disclosure and a spoken disclosure, the disclosure may be made in printed format only and a spoken disclosure is not required.

E. A person who violates this section is subject to a civil penalty of up to three times the cost of producing and distributing the literature or advertisement. This civil penalty shall be imposed as prescribed in § 16-924.

For all your Quartzsite Advertising needs, contact 

Shanana "Rain" BearCat, Publisher of Desert Messenger, 

Quartzsite's FREE Community Paper 

at 928-916-4235. 

Email: Editor@DesertMessenger.com.

Rate Card is available at www.DesertMessenger.com. 

Jennifer Jones Loses Appeal & is NOT Affiliated w/Desert Messenger

https://www.facebook.com/DesertMessengerNews

Greetings!
This blog has been inactive recently, but I've noticed there's been hundreds of views over the past few weeks. (...not sure why, but it could be the political season..see below) I just want to remind folks you can get updates on Quartzsite news, events, and entertainment on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/DesertMessengerNews.

Recently, I've been receiving multiple calls asking if Jennifer "Jade" Jones works with, or for, me. And then just today,  a stranger told me, "Jade really does a great job with the Messenger." After introducing myself, he seemed a bit confused saying, "Well, she said she submitted articles or something." I explained that she publishes her own paper-- sometimes. He still seemed confused saying, "But she helped sign me up to get the Messenger on my phone." My response was simply, "That's nice." 

I want to make it perfectly clear, AGAIN, that 
Mrs. Jennifer Jones is NOT affiliated with Desert Messenger.  

Jones is a candidate for Arizona House of Representatives Legislative District 5, covering La Paz & Mohave Counties. In the past Jones identified herself as an experienced dog groomer, but now she simply identifies herself as a publisher of the Desert Freedom Press. Jones published only 3 editions of her tabloid in all of 2015 and just one edition in 2016 to date. 

In 2014, Jones filed a civil rights lawsuit against me (and Towns of Parker & Quartzsite) in U.S. District Court for Arizona Under Section 1983 for posting an official government Press Release focusing on her alleged actions. To prevail in a claim under section 1983, the plaintiff must prove two critical points: a person subjected the plaintiff to conduct that occurred under color of state law, and this conduct deprived the plaintiff of rights, privileges, or immunities guaranteed under federal law or the U.S. Constitution.

The case was DISMISSED in the 

United States District Court of Arizona-Phoenix 

but Jones filed an appeal in 

United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. 

On April 4, 2016, the US Court of Appeals AFFIRMED the District Court's judgement.

 The short ruling reads:

"A review of the record and the responses to the court’s November 17, 2015 order to show cause indicates that the questions raised in this appeal are so insubstantial as not to require further argument. See United States v. Hooton, 693 F.2d 857, 858 (9th Cir. 1982) (per curiam) (stating standard).

Accordingly, we summarily affirm the district court’s judgment. AFFIRMED"

The appeal went before Circuit Judges CANBY, LEAVY, and IKUTA.

(Affirmed – In the practice of the court of appeals, it means that the court of appeals has concluded that the lower court decision is correct and will stand as rendered by the lower court.)

Original Case: D.C. No. 2:14-CV-01907-SPL

U.S. District Court for Arizona, Phoenix
On May 29, 2015 Honorable Steven P. Logan, United States District Judge 
dismissed the case in its entirety with prejudice.

Here are some excerpts from Judge Logan's judgement: 
"3. Defendant Shanana Rain Golden-Bear
Lastly, Plaintiff names Golden-Bear as a defendant, the publisher of a free newspaper, “Desert Messenger,” a rival to Plaintiff’s free newspaper, “The Desert Freedom Press.” (Docs. 1 at 9; 35 at 1.) Plaintiff alleges that Golden-Bear violated her civil rights when she printed a press release issued by the Town of Quartzsite, which Plaintiff describes as “libelous and defamatory.” (Doc. 1 at 9.) This claim equally fails.

"Plaintiff does not bring a cause of action for libel or defamation; she brings a §1983 action. To survive a motion to dismiss under §1983, Plaintiff must show that: (1) a constitutional violation occurred; and (2) that deprivation was committed by a person acting under color of state law.” West v. Atkins, 487 U.S. 42, 48 (1988) (citation omitted).

"A person acts under color of state law when the person has “exercised power possessed by virtue of state law and made possible only because the wrongdoer is clothed with the authority of state law.” Id. at 49 (citation omitted).

"Here, Plaintiff does not allege that Golden-Bear is employed by the Town of Quartzsite, [however in her appeal she indeed did falsely claim that I was an employee of the Town] nor does she allege that Golden-Bear is an elected official for Quartzsite. Furthermore, even if assumed true, the publishing of a press release is not “made possible only because the wrongdoer is clothed with the authority of state law.” Id. Golden-Bear did not publish the press release under the color of state law and is not liable under a §1983 claim."

"DISMISSED in its entirety with prejudice."

Jones' only option now is to appeal to the United States Supreme Court. 

I've posted the court documents so readers can see for themselves her claims made to the Federal Court and the U.S. Court of Appeals. The PDF's are located at www.DesertMessengerNewsBlog.wordpress.com

I really appreciate all of your support during this long process! 
Finally JUSTICE IS SERVED!
~RAIN

Shanana Rain BearCat (AKA Golden-Bear)
Editor/Publisher
Desert Messenger - Quartzsite's FREE Community Paper - Now in our 12th Year!
PO Box 1385, Quartzsite, AZ 85359
Editor@DesertMessenger.com  www.DesertMessenger.com 

Desert Messenger publication schedule for 2015-16

Quartzsite, AZ -

Desert Messenger, Quartzsite's FREE Community Paper released the publication schedule for the upcoming season. Now it our 12th year, Desert Messenger News is your source for news, events & entertainment in the Quartzsite area.

The Messenger is published the first & third Wednesday of the month from September through May, with special monthly editions in June, July, and August.

For advertising rates and more details, visit www.DesertMessenger.com

Be sure to visit the new www.QuartzsiteCalendar.com for a full calendar of events!

Quartzsite Stabbing suspect arrested in Sacramento

Quartzsite, AZ - Roy Lee Barnhart, also known as "Waterboy Roy" was arrested in Sacramento, California in connection with the May 31st stabbing of one male and female victims in Quartzsite, Arizona.

In a press release issued today, Chief Ernie Renfro of the Quartzsite Police Department (QPD) proudly announces through good police work and the assistance of the Sacramento (CA) Police Department SWAT team, Barnhart was arrested today, June 5th, 2015, for the extraditable Felony arrest warrant in the City of Sacramento, California. Barnhart will receive an extradition hearing and eventually returned to La Paz County jail in Parker Arizona.

QPD Detectives Mike Lancaster and Hilario Tanakeyowma filed the below mentioned complaint/charges with the assistance of the La Paz County Attorney’s Office Deputy County Attorney Kellen Marlow and obtained a signed felony warrant from Judge T.W. Carnevale located at Justice Court #4 for two felony counts of Aggravated Assault with a Weapon/Dangerous Instrument and two felony counts of Disorderly Conduct with a Weapon/Dangerous Instrument. There may be additional charges to follow.

The stabbing took place on Sunday, May 31, 2015, when, around 8:00 AM, QPD was called to the scene of a fight where a male and female were stabbed by another older male suspect later identified as Roy Lee Barnhart AKA: Waterboy Roy at the Cactus Patch Mobile Park located in Quartzsite, Arizona.

A male victim was bleeding with a deep single stab wound to the lower back area. A female victim received minor cuts from the suspect’s knife. The Quartzsite Fire Department was dispatched to the scene where the male stabbing victim was airlifted to the West Valley Hospital in Phoenix with a serious stabbing injury.  The male victim has since been released from the West Valley Hospital and is recovering from his injuries.

Witnesses observed the fight between the two individuals, whereas the witnesses identified Roy Lee Barnhart AKA: "Waterboy Roy" as the person who stabbed the male and female victims and fled from the scene. Chief Renfro assigned Detective Hilario Tanakeyowma to conduct a follow-up interview with the victim at the West Valley Hospital in Phoenix and obtain his medical condition. QPD worked late into the night attempting to locate the stabbing suspect Barnhart,

Chief Renfro would like to thank the community members in advance for your assistance in the capture of Roy Lee Barnhart AKA: "Waterboy Roy."

The Quartzsite PD is dedicated to working hard to protect our citizens and visitors.
Ernie Renfro
Chief of Police Town of Quartzsite
Office: (928) 927-4644
erenfro@ci.quartzsite.az.us

Federal Judge dismisses Jennifer Jones' Quartzsite Free-Speech case

By Shanana Rain BearCat
Publisher, Desert Messenger
Quartzsite's FREE Community Paper

2:12-CV-01383 JAT Jones v. Town of Quartzsite et al

Jennifer Jones 

Quartzsite, AZ - Jennifer Jones, a local dog groomer, political activist, and former state candidate, lost her infamous Civil Rights case against the Town of Quartzsite in U.S. District Court Phoenix Division Tuesday, May 26th, 2015. (Jones was also publisher of a Quartzsite tabloid, but January was her last edition.)

In his ruling, U.S. District Senior Judge James A. Teilborg wrote, "this Court is dismissing this case with prejudice for failure to prosecute pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 41(b,) He continued stating, "judgment for Defendants on all counts. Plaintiff to take nothing, and the complaint and action are dismissed with prejudice." (meaning Jones is barred from bringing an action on the same claim.)

Jones had filed no less than 6 cases against the Town in Federal Court. This case was originally filed on June 27, 2012 by Jones herself. Since then, two attorneys requested to be withdrawn from representing Jones in separate filings, so Jones represented herself Tuesday. In September, 2014 the Court dismissed all complaints but First Amendment Freedom of Speech complaint. In one of her earlier complaints, Jones claimed that Quartzsite Town Council and Police Department had harassed her with warrant-less searches in an attempt to discourage her political activities. A court tossed that 2010 case a year later, a similar lawsuit filed in 2012 fell apart for failure to prosecute. As recently as March 30th this year, U.S. District Judge Diane J. Hemetawa ruled in favor of the Town of Quartzsite, against Jones for failure to prosecute.

These cases are related, in one way or another, to a Town Council meeting on June 28th, 2011 when Jones was ejected and arrested (later dismissed) during a public comment period. The video of the arrest soon went viral.

According to the Court, Jones had called the Court's chambers Friday, May 22nd, indicating that she intended to file a motion to continue the trial scheduled for Tuesday, May 26th, the next business day. The court notified Jones that the trial will begin Tuesday as scheduled and if a motion was filed, the Court would not rule on it before Tuesday. The court also Ordered Jones to appear for the hearing. Judge  Teilborg stated that Jones must be prepared to proceed to trial  in the event the Court denies the motion. "If plaintiff fails to appear or if the Court denies the motion to continue and Plaintiff is not prepared to proceed to trial at that time, her case will be dismissed for failure to prosecute pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 41(b)."

After much publicity, Jones finally had her day in court, but filed two Emergency motions before the 9 am hearing Tuesday morning. The subpoenaed Jury Pool was assembled next door; the attorney for the Town, Larry Jay Crown of Titus Brueckner & Levine PC, was in attendance along with witnesses for the Town: former Quartzsite Town Manager Alexandra Taft, Former Quartzsite Chief of Police Jeffrey Gilbert and former Quartzsite Police Detective Richard Patterson. Quartzsite Mayor Ed Foster was in attendance supporting Jones.

Judge Teilborg denied Jones' first motion which asked the court to deny a previous motion allowing witnesses to testify via telephone.

Jones then pleaded her case for an extension. She explained that many of her witnesses were in public service and "it would be impossible for them to testify without a subpoena." Jones said there was no "physical way" to serve her witnesses all over the state of Arizona in a timely manner. She also explained she was learning very quickly, but did not expect to have to represent herself in this case.

Jones complained about not having a vehicle and having to drive multiple times to Phoenix. Jones complained about the long distance drive to Phoenix from Quartzsite. She also stated it was not possible for her to travel without making prior arrangements for her show dogs to be cared for. Jones said she made "every effort possible" to find a location in Phoenix for her dogs. Jones also reached out to people through social media, but "could not find anyone willing to accommodate the dogs with electricity."

She said she had problems with her email; admitting to not reading an important notice from the Court.

"Given I only had 21 days to spontaneously have 15 witnesses to prepare questions for, to locate if I could, to get subpoenas issued for, to get subpoenas served for...Nowhere in my logical mind did it occur to me that the May 26th date was being carried over," said Jones. She said she thought they were "back to the point of proposing dates."

Judge Teilborg mentioned Jones' lengthy document seeking an extension, calling it a masterpiece with citations and rulings a lawyer might prepare. He asked Jones how long she worked on it. Jones replied, "Every waking moment from the 12th [of May] until last night until about 10 pm." Judge Teilborg suggested the amount of time spent on the document could have been used to get subpoenas out and preparing her witnesses.

Jones said she didn't think the judge would actually approve her most recent attorney's request to withdraw from the case. "Never in a million years did I dream that you would grant that order" and not be allowed time to seek additional counsel. She stated she even went to the Arizona Governor's Inaugural and asked former Governor Jan Brewer's son if he would take a look at the case, but she didn't hear back from him.

Jones admitted fault in that she "did misunderstand the plain reading of what was in front of me. I'm throwing myself on the mercy of the court" and was not ready to proceed at this point.


After a 25 minute recess, the Court reconvened. Judge Teilborg denied Jones' motion for an extension. He said, "to move the case forward would invite the same litany of failures and excuses from the Plaintiff."

The Judge stated, "Plaintiff's claim that she was unaware of the trial date simply is not credible."

He said, "Plaintiff CHOSE to file in Federal Court in Phoenix."

Regarding the jurors, Judge Teilborg said, "some may have come from regions even further than Quartzsite!"

The Judge also stated Jones did not seek more time to find counsel after her 2nd attorney asked for withdrawal. Earlier this month, the clerk of the court sent an email to Jones with full instructions to prepare for trial date of May 26th.

Judge Teilborg stated Jones "disregarded Court's orders." He also stated, "The court has bent over backwards to accommodate the plaintiff's needs."

When Senior Judge James A Teilborg of U.S. District Court DISTRICT OF ARIZONA (Phoenix Division) asked if Jennifer Jones was ready to move forward 

with the hearing, Jones replied, 

"No, your honor, I'm prepared to go home and take care of my dogs." 

CASE DISMISSED.

Quartzsite Police arrest suspect in 3-year-old case

Quartzsite, AZ - Quartzsite Police arrested Daniel Thomas for 1st Degree Homicide and Arson of an Occupied Structure on the 3-year-old Linda Thomas Case. Here is the full Press Release issued this afternoon. 

"May 19, 2015
On Tuesday, May 19, 2015, at approximately 6:35 AM, Quartzsite Police Department (QPD) arrested Thomas Daniel for 1st Degree Homicide and Arson of an Occupied Structure on the identified victim Linda Garrett. The date of the offenses occurred on August 23, 2012. Thomas Daniel was charged and booked into the La Paz County Jail for the above mentioned charges.

On August 23, 2012, in the evening hours, victim Linda Garrett’s deceased body was found with multiple stable wounds and partially burned inside her mobile home located at 855 E. Rogers Road, space #21 in Quartzsite, Arizona. The late Linda Garrett was a long time resident of Quartzsite and liked by many. QPD case officers Mike Lancaster and Hilario Tanakeyowma received DNA from the Arizona Department of Public Safety Crime Lab matching Thomas Daniel taken from the deceased body of Linda Garrett.

On this date, QPD served search warrants for vehicles and the residence located at 410 S. Riggles road, space #WH2 in Quartzsite, Arizona. QPD is currently investigating and attempting to identify additional suspect(s) in this case. At this time, QPD will submit all evidence for forensic examination in support of the all charges. We are asking for assistance from anybody who has legitimate information on the death of Linda Garrett by contacting QPD Officers Lancaster and Tanakeyowma at the below listed phone number. The QPD continues to vigorously investigate all leads of the case surrounding the murder of Linda Garrett.

Chief Renfro would like to thank the community members for their patience with this investigation and the assistance from the Arizona Department of Public Safety, La Paz County Attorney’s Office and the Arizona Attorney General’s Office in Phoenix. The Quartzsite Police Department is dedicated to working harder and protecting our citizens. We will continue to pursue all those involved in this case and will not stop until justice has been served on all the perpetrators of this violent crime. See attached photograph of Thomas Daniel."

Ernie Renfro
Chief of Police
Town of Quartzsite
Office: (928) 927-4644
erenfro@ci.quartzsite.az.us

Quartzsite Police arrest 2 in Saturday's drive-by shooting

Quartzsite Police arrest 2 in Saturday's drive-by shooting

By Shanana Rain BearCat

Publisher Desert Messenger

Quartzsite- AZ- In the quiet town of Quartzsite a drive-by shooting took place Saturday, May 16th. Evidently it was a targeted shooting, not a random act of violence. A family member of the victim said there was a planned one-on-one fight planned, but the victim backed out. Quartzsite Police Department has arrested the alleged shooter and a female. The following is the press release issued this morning.

May 18, 2015

On Saturday, May 16, 2015, at approximately 4:16 PM, Quartzsite Police Department (QPD) was called to the scene of a shooting at the intersection of Palo Verde and Main Street in the Town of Quartzsite, Arizona. This information was provided to the QPD from the La Paz County Sheriff’s Office dispatcher from a 911 caller.  QPD Officer Conley and Sergeant Frausto arrived on scene and observed numerous individuals and a Hispanic male, later identified as Roberto Chavez, Jr., bleeding with a single gun shoot wound to the upper arm and back area. The Quartzsite Fire Department was dispatched to the scene where the shooting victim was airlifted to West Valley Hospital in Phoenix with serious injuries.  A short time later, QPD located the described shooter’s vehicle at 621 Spring Street in Quartzsite.  Chief Renfro called and assigned case Detective Mike Lancaster to the West Valley Hospital to interview and obtain his medical condition. The Quartzsite Police Department has spent hours processing the vehicle and scene by gathering evidence and witness statements.  QPD worked late into the night attempting to locate the shooting suspect(s).  

 

Ryan Rangel

Gloria Huerta

On Sunday May 17, 2015, at approximately 1:09 PM by good police work, QPD located and arrested Ryan Rangel for Attempted First Degree Murder and Aggravated Assault at Hadlock’s “Shady Spot” space number 6 (#40) in Quartzsite.  Also, Gloria Huerta was arrested and charged for Hindering and Facilitation of a fugitive. Both Ryan Rangel and Gloria Huerta were booked into the La Paz County Sheriff’s Department jail in Parker, Arizona for the above listed charges.  QPD will file long form charges through the La Paz County Attorney’s Office on the driver of the get-a-way vehicle identified as Orlando Tinoco for Attempted First Degree Murder and Aggravated Assault.

The Quartzsite Police Department continued to vigorously investigate all angles and aspects of the case surrounding the shooting of Roberto Chavez, Jr.  At approximately 1600 hours, the QPD recovered the weapon used in the shooting of Roberto Chavez, Jr.  At this time, QPD will submit all evidence for forensic examination in support of the all charges.

Chief Renfro would like to thank all the community members who provided valuable information and assisted us in the capture of Ryan Rangel. The Quartzsite PD is dedicated to working hard and protecting our citizens. 

Ernie Renfro

Chief of Police

Town of Quartzsite

Office: (928) 927-4644

erenfro@ci.quartzsite.az.us

Desert Messenger to publish NEW 2015-16 Quartzsite Visitor Guide

Quartzsite, AZ - Desert Messenger is proud to coordinate with the Town of Quartzsite in publishing the New 2015/2016 Quartzsite Visitor Guide & Business Directory. The Guide will debut at the Arizona League of  Cities and Towns Annual Conference in August, 2015. The Guide will be available for year-round distribution at local businesses and distribution centers, too! 

The Official Guide will be widely distributed this year with 50,000 copies for excellent circulation (a whopping 250% more copies than in previous years!) The Quartzsite Business Chamber of Commerce volunteers are excited as they will be able to mail more copies to Chamber offices around the nation. 

Advertising is a real bargain this year! Ad prices are actually lower than last year’s rates. There’s also a new selection of full color Ad Sizes this year, which offers something for every advertising budget. 

We’re also adding 16 more pages, so the 2015/2016 Official Quartzsite Visitor Guide & Business Directory will have more of the information visitors are seeking.  The entire publication will be posted to multiple high traffic websites, including TOWN OF QUARTZSITE, DESERT MESSENGER, & VISIT QUARTZSITE, etc. as an E-Edition Flip Page with direct links to the advertisers.

         2015/2016 PRINT ADVERTISING RATES

        • Full Page -                 Back Cover - $1,300

        • Full Page -                 Front/Back Inside Cover/Pg. 3 - $1,100

        • Full Page Regular -     $900

        • 1/2 Page H                $550

        • 1/2 Page V                $550

        • 1/3 Page                   $350

        • 1/4 Page -                 $300

        • 1/5 Page -                 $225

        • 1/8 Page -                 $150

To Reserve your Ad Space in the 2015/2016 Official Quartzsite Visitor Guide & Business Directory, 

Email Rain at Editor@DesertMessenger.com. 

or Call 928-916-4235.

Deadline is June 20th, so get your space reserved today!

Desert Messenger offers new online Quartzsite Calendar

Quartzsite, AZ -

   It’s 2015 and we’re accustomed to looking up any information we want at the touch of our fingertips. Now there’s a new online events calendar just for Quartzsite! QuartzsiteCalendar.com website is now part of the Desert Messenger (www.DesertMessenger.com) publication family. The online, interactive calendar allows service groups, non-profit organizations, and individuals to post their events for free.

   The Quartzsite Calendar dot com website will feature everything happening in and around Quartzsite; from Community Events, Entertainment, Music, Meetings, Classes, Swap Meets & Showgrounds, Non-Profits, Clubs, Seminars, Civic Board Meetings, etc.

   The calendar at QuartzsiteCalendar.com allows anyone to suggest an event to be posted on the “Submit Event” button at the top of the calendar. Users can fill in the details about the event which will pop-up when clicked on by a viewer. Users can also attach a link to their event website.  Visitors to the onine calendar can subscribe to events, email them to friends, or share them on social media. Visitors can also print the calendar.

   Desert Messenger publisher, Shanana "Rain" BearCat, stated, “I've been searching for a simple community calendar for years. I’m so excited to finally find a service where people can submit their own information. This is a great opportunity for event organizers to get the word out and promote their events, all for free!”

   The online Quartzsite Calendar will also be promoted on other content rich websites, such as Town of Quartzsite, Quartzsite Business Chamber of Commerce, Visit Quartzsite and Quartzsite Visitor Guide.

   Users can also subscribe free for iCal feeds of the calendar’s events into Apple iCal, Outlook & Google. RSS feeds is a technology that allows users to subscribe to automatic delivery of information from web sites.  If you’d like to include a mini-calendar or events listing on your website, send an email to Editor@DesertMessenger.com for details.

Be sure to check it out at www.QuartzsiteCalendar.com

Losing candidate Jennifer Jones files claim against Towns of Quartzsite, Parker, a Judge and Desert Messenger Publisher

By Shanana Rain Golden-Bear
Desert Messenger Publisher

Jones' Campaign Scooter
© Desert Messenger

Quartzsite, AZ - Within hours after losing her bid for Arizona State Representative District 5 in August 26th primary election, Jennifer Marie Jones filed a new claim in U.S. District Court - Phoenix, AZ.

The claim dated August 27th, 2014 names the following defendants:
The Town of Parker, Town of Quartzsite, Parker Magistrate James Putz-Artrup, Quartzsite Prosecutor David Ward, former Quartzsite Town Manager Laura Bruno (& husband), former Quartzsite Community Developer Director Stephen Henrichs (& wife), Quartzsite Council Members Mark Orgeron, (& wife) Norma Crooks (& husband), Carol Kelley, and Mike Jewitt (& wife); and Desert Messenger Publisher Shanana "Rain" Golden-Bear.

Jones, who represents herself, alleges in the 28-page Complaint CV-14-01907-PNX-SPL, that defendants violated her rights when Quartzsite Police Dept. and Henrichs visited her location at Rice Ranch Swap Meet on August 22, 2013 with a warrant to inspect a 1956 trailer to ensure compliance with Town Codes. According to a press release issued by the Town of Quartzsite they found 15 Pit Bull dogs housed in cages in the trailer. The Town of Quartzsite emailed the press release to the Arizona Republic, Parker Pioneer, Palo Verde Times, and Desert Messenger. It was published on this blog on Aug. 26, 2013. Jones alleges the Press Release was "libelous and defamatory."

Jones' Facebook page profile photo

Jones publishes The Desert Freedom Press, a free tabloid, and proudly proclaims on the paper's Facebook page, "MY FREE SPEECH IS NOT NEGOTIABLE".

In the past few years, Jones ran failed political campaigns for Quartzsite Town Council, Quartzsite Mayor, La Paz County Supervisor and Arizona State Representative Dist. 5. Jones became famous when the 2011 video of her being removed from a town council meeting went "viral." Jones stated she retired from her dog grooming business in the spring of this year.

In her latest claim, Jones alleges Golden-Bear (along with other defendants):
"Violated the First Amendment Right to Free Speech, Press and Assembly; First Amendment Right to be Free from Retaliation; Fourth Amendment Right to be Free from Unreasonable Search and Malicious Prosecution; Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress; Conspiracy to Violate the Constitutionally Protected Rights of the Plaintiff; see paragraph 66. Intentional Interference with Contract; Violating of Equal Protection by Singling out Plaintiff for Unequal Treatment for no other Reason Other Than Malice, as a Class of One."

Jones is seeking compensatory and punitive damages, along with "attorney's fees" and also demands a jury trial.

As of today, Desert Messenger has not been able to confirm that any defendant has been legally served a summons in this case. See below for the full document.

On a personal note: There is much more I would love to say about a self-proclaimed Free-Speech-Advocate tabloid publisher filing a federal court claim against me for publishing an Official Press Release issued by the Town of Quartzsite, but I won't... for now!

© Desert Messenger 2014

jones vs parker




http://www.docstoc.com/docs/document-preview.aspx?doc_id=172397145