Quartzsite publisher speaks out against tabloid's copyright infringement

EDITORIAL by Shanana "Rain" Golden-Bear
Publisher Desert Messenger, Quartzsite's FREE Community Paper

“Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, 

but theft is a sin.” ― Elena

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery… Sounds good, right? But how does a person deal with a competitor stealing Copyrighted advertising materials? Well, my first emotional response was naturally that of anger; but then the moment arrived when I was able to turn that anger into constructive action and this editorial was born. 

In an effort to support transparency, and demand true justice in Quartzsite, I believe we must hold ourselves and others accountable for what we are doing in our community. So, allow me to shed some light on the subject ….

In the October 20, 2012 issue of The Desert Freedom Press, there are a minimum of five (5) Display Ads I personally designed for my clients which were printed without my permission. The publisher, Jennifer “Jade” Jones, who still operates without a current Quartzsite business license, evidently chose to ignore or outright violate the Copyright Notice published in each and every issue of the Desert Messenger as well as General Advertising Policies posted online at www.DesertMessenger.com.

Desert Messenger’s General Policies, page 2, of 2012-2013 Advertising Rate Card states, “All advertising copy, photos and illustrations prepared by the Desert Messenger are the property of the Desert Messenger and may not be reproduced for other use without prior approval in writing. Graphic Design Services, special requests, preparing ads for other publications, or excessive changes from ordered proofs may result in additional charges at $40 per hour.”

Over the past four years, I have developed professional working relationships with local newspapers near Quartzsite. We cooperate with each other in a professional manner, sharing ad creatives with the expressed written permission from our clients. However, that has never been the case with Jones. 

The theft of copyrighted material and lies has been an ongoing issue in Jones’ tabloid since the very first edition. However, the occurrences of Desert Messenger Copyright Protected display ads appearing in her paper have recently increased.

Now, before Jones responds accusing me of libeling her “good name”, I can provide dated emails containing the ad proofs I provided to my clients. Obviously I designed the ads long before her publication was printed! So, if she were to publicly apologize for the theft of copyrighted material, I would be open to accepting her apology along with a change in her behavior. However, more likely than not, Jones will find some minor flaws in my words, tear apart some legal technicality or try to make it all my fault for allowing her to steal my work. Or maybe she’ll say ALL FIVE of those advertisers instructed her to steal the ads from me! Yeah, right! All in attempt to detract from taking responsibility for her actions.

I could spent hours shrink wrapping every ad to slow down the process of future theft attempts, or include watermarks on every page online. However, I feel it is important for the readers of Desert Messenger to have unlimited, unobstructed, access to the online edition. I could spend much of my time trying to thwart the inevitable theft of ads from a publisher who continues to operate her business without a license. But with much of Jones' tabloid design being a total imitation of Quartzsite's Desert Messenger, one only has to conclude Desert Messenger is the envy of her every action.

Silence is not golden when it comes to theft, cyber-bulling, or intimidation. I have remained silent on many serious issues regarding Jennifer Jones. But the time has come to speak up. I doubt I would find any small business owner who would allow the theft of their merchandise to go unreported. 


But theft aside, when someone "lifts" a piece of work from an Internet site and includes it in print, the quality seriously deteriorates. If an ad cannot be read, it's totally useless and the advertiser should not pay for it. It would benefit every advertiser to have their ad created for them by each publication - or to cooperate with local media reps to receive a proper version of their ad, alleviating the issue completely.

To put things into perspective: 
the fact that Jones would rather steal my ads than create her own design work, 
only shows me how well the ads were designed; 
and that advertising in the Desert Messenger 
REALLY works! 

Every perceived negative situation can be transformed into a Positive one!

So Mrs. Jones… I say... Thank you for the compliments!

To summarize the problematic issues of envy,

“Never trust anyone who wants what you’ve got. 

Friend or no, envy is an overwhelming emotion.”

– Eubie Blake

VA offering Free Flu Shots to Blythe area Veterans

BLYTHE, Calif. – The Blythe, California VA Rural Tele Health Outreach Clinic will host a Flu Shot Clinic for Veterans on Nov. 6 from noon to 5 p.m. and Nov. 7 from 8 a.m. to noon.

The Clinic, located at 1273 West Hobson Way, will also provide VA health care eligibility services at these times. If the Veteran is not yet enrolled in VA health care, they should bring their DD214 or other military discharge and the eligibility clerk will assist them. Blythe is about 25 miles west of Quartzsite, Arizona.

Veterans are encouraged to sign up for flu shots by calling (760) 921-1224.

Opened in 2010, the Blythe VA office is a unique link between Blythe area Veterans and the clinicians at the VA Loma Linda Healthcare System. The Tele Health program uses modern devices and communication networks to provide clinical care and patient education when the patient and provider are in separate locations.

If necessary, specialty care referrals can be made to the Loma Linda VA Medical Center. The Clinic is completely handicapped accessible, allowing full and easy access for all Veterans.

Former Quartzsite business owner target in AG sting operation

TOM HORNE ANNOUNCES PHOENIX AUTO REPAIR AND TOWING SHOP
PUT OUT OF BUSINESS IN SECOND UNDERCOVER AUTO REPAIR “STING”

PHOENIX (Thursday, October 25, 2012) -- Attorney General Tom Horne today announced that the second case in his ongoing auto repair “sting” operations has put Sun Valley Towing out of the towing and auto repair business. 

In a Judgment totaling $686,582, the Court awarded the maximum available civil penalties of $590,000 and $67,580.59 restitution to consumers. The Judgment against Sun Valley Towing LLC and Kunselman Industries, LLC, located at 1354 S. 39th Avenue in Phoenix, was based upon both customer complaints of deceptive business practices and the State’s undercover auto sting operations. Tim Kunselman also operated Freeway Tire for a short time in 2011. The shop was located at 1077 W. Main St, in Quartzsite, AZ. 

“This is the second judgment to result from our ongoing undercover auto sting operations.” Horne said. “The many serious complaints we received from Sun Valley customers were validated when Sun Valley Towing was caught red handed charging for repairs they never performed.”

In the sting operation conducted by the Attorney General’s Office, an automotive repair expert shut off a State vehicle’s inertia fuel cutoff switch before the State’s undercover operator called Sun Valley Towing for service. Sun Valley Towing towed the vehicle to its repair shop where a mechanic simply reset the inertia fuel cutoff switch, correcting the problem. Tim Kunselman, the shop owner, then charged the State’s undercover operator $340.00 for replacing the fuel pump, an unnecessary repair which was never performed.

The State’s suit also contained allegations regarding 59 complaints made by Sun Valley Towing customers that Sun Valley Towing had failed to make promised repairs, kept their vehicles for months or years, returned them stripped of parts in the same or worse mechanical condition, and repeatedly lied to customers about their vehicle’s status and supposed refunds. In announcing his findings in the case, Commissioner Benjamin Vatz stated that “Defendants engaged in a highly culpable, persistent course of callous, willful and deceptive misconduct that caused severe damage to an extraordinary number of consumers over an extended period of time. In the interests of justice, this history of unlawful practices merits injunctive relief as well as a civil penalty to the fullest extent authorized by Arizona law.”

The Court also issued a permanent injunction prohibiting Sun Valley from engaging in auto repair, tow operations, vehicle repair, vehicle sales and vehicle service and awarded the State its costs and attorney’s fees. The lawsuit continues against Sun Valley Towing’s principals Tim and Rosemary Kunselman.

The case is being handled by Assistant Attorney General Rebecca Salisbury.

Rockin' in Quartzsite planned for Sat. Nov. 3, 2012

“Rockin’ in Quartzsite!” 

A Celebration of the Arts – Quartzsite Style! 

Quartzsite, AZ –Proud Neighbors of Quartzsite (PNQ) invites the public to a most unique Public Art Event, called “Rockin’ in Quartzsite! A Celebration of the Arts”. 

Artists transform simple pieces of flagstone slabs into one-of-a-kind “Rock Art Pieces”.  Please join us on Saturday, November 3rd, 2012 from 6-8pm for Rockin’ Revel Artist Reception at the “Rock Motel”, 100 W. Kuehn (Tyson Wells Showgrounds). The public will have an opportunity to meet the artists and get a “Sneak Preview” of the incredible Rock Art for this year’s Rockin’ in Quartzsite.

This Public Art Event is held from November 3rd through March 1st.  On Saturday, March 2, 2012, PNQ holds a live “Rock Auction” to find permanent homes for the “Rock Art Pieces” and the People’s Choice Award will be announced.

Quartzsite is known worldwide for its rocks and shows. On Dec. 8, 2009, then Mayor Wes Huntley, proclaimed Quartzsite, Arizona, the Rock Capital of the World. Expanding on this popular theme, locals and visitors alike will find themselves looking for the Rock Art Pieces throughout town, using a “Rockin’ in Quartzsite” Map in the Desert Messenger and at the Business Chamber guiding folks from one end of town to the other. 

At each location, folks can vote for their favorite People’s Choice Award! This event benefits local organizations, businesses, and the Quartzsite community! Come to the Quartzsite, the Rock Capital of the World, and see what’s going on! For more Quartzsite events, go to www.VisitQuartzsite.com. 

Proud Neighbors of Quartzsite is established to help provide benefits to local charities and non-profit organizations by promoting the community of Quartzsite, and surrounding areas, through quality local celebrations! 

Website: www.ProudNeighbors.com

Quartzsite Events: www.VisitQuartzsite.com

Email accounts can get hacked.... mine was!

Greetings, 

In the age of technology, email accounts are being hacked every day. 

Yup, I'm the latest in a long list of victims...

hackers are attempting to screw up people's lives. 

My Desert Messenger yahoo email was hacked yesterday! 

DO NOT OPEN THE LINK! 

The issue been fixed....but as a reminder,

NEVER click on a link in an email that is: 

- a stand-alone link in an email 

            (with no explanation of where the link goes or what it is about)

- link with the subject field EMPTY

- without my signature contact information 

What to do if your email is hacked:

- CHANGE Email Password ASAP

- Check computer for any virus you may have picked up

- Read tips on safeguarding yourself :

- http://www.switched.com/2011/02/24/what-to-do-email-account-hacked/

Never send emails with stand alone links! 

If you want a friend to see something really cool online,

explain why you think they would like it, or why you liked it. 

I apologize for any inconvenience, ~ Rain

Win an iPad during Red Ribbon Week

NATIONAL RED RIBBON WEEK® CONTEST IS NOW LIVE AT redribbon.org/contest

YOUTH DRUG PREVENTION CAMPAIGN: "THE BEST ME IS DRUG FREE™” 

- Ten schools from across the U.S. will each win $1,000 grant for drug prevention -

- Ten families will each win an iPad for their home -

Watch this video for families to see how easy it is to enter: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=_8oR6zAGhHA

The National Family Partnership® (NFP) announces the national contest for its 27^th annual Red Ribbon Week®, Oct. 23-31. Red Ribbon Week is the oldest and largest drug prevention campaign in the country. In 1985 after the murder of a DEA agent, parents, youth and teachers in communities across the country began wearing Red Ribbons as a symbol of their commitment to raise awareness of the destruction caused by drugs.  This year, families can get involved by entering a contest to promote awareness in their neighborhoods and win a drug prevention grant for their schools. The odds of winning are good because families can generate their own online votes from friends, colleagues, schoolmates and family members (and the entries with the most votes win).

To participate in the contest families and students will decorate the front of their homes with this year's message: "The Best Me Is Drug FreeTM."  Here’s how students and their families can enter to win $1,000 for their local K-12 school and a new iPad for their home:

1. Students bring the Red Ribbon Week® message home by working alongside parents to decorate their front door, mailbox, fence, etc. with this year’s theme “The Best Me Is Drug Free™.”
2. Take a photo with the family and their Red Ribbon Week® decoration, then upload by Nov. 2 to www.redribbon.org/contest or  www.facebook.com/RedRibbonWeek (must be parents or 18+ to upload photos).
3. The voting begins! Ask family and friends to vote for your entry at www.redribbon.org/vote  Nov. 2-16. Ten lucky winners from regions across the U.S. will win. Winners will be announced at events at their winning schools in December.

“Students will once again take Red Ribbon Week’s® message of prevention home to their neighborhoods with this national contest,” said the NFP’s Volunteer President Peggy Sapp.  “By decorating their homes together with this year’s Red Ribbon theme, families carry the message to their communities.” The nation’s oldest and largest drug prevention campaign reaches more than 80 million people nationwide.  

The DEA is co-sponsoring this year’s national contest. "DEA is excited to partner with the National Family Partnership® on this contest that empowers communities to come together to talk about the drug problem,” said DEA Administrator Michele M. Leonhart.  “Red Ribbon Week® is also when we honor DEA Special Agent Enrique ‘Kiki’ Camarena, who made the ultimate sacrifice to keep our communities safe.”

Adds the NFP’s Peggy Sapp: “Take the Red Ribbon Week® pledge across America to help children grow up safe, healthy and drug free.”  Visit www.redribbon.org/contestwww.redribbon.org/contest for contest information. 

About the NFP and Red Ribbon Week®

The NFP was established in 1980, and is a national leader in drug prevention, education and advocacy.  Its mission is to lead our nation’s families and communities in nurturing the full potential of healthy, drug-free youth.   Red Ribbon Week® is the nation’s largest and oldest drug prevention campaign, reaching 80 million people.  NFP created the campaign in response to the 1985 abduction and murder of DEA agent Enrique ‘Kiki’ Camarena.

Quartzsite to hold Halloween Carnival & Haunted House Oct. 31st

ADOT to hold public meeting on I-10 Corridor plans Nov. 8 in Quartzsite

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) is conducting a long-range planning study for Interstate 10 called the I-10 Multimodal Corridor Profile Study. The study area for this project extends from downtown Phoenix (Central Avenue) to the Arizona/California border. Interstate 10 and Interstate 40 are the only interstate highways that cross the entire state of Arizona. As a continuous coast-to-coast national transportation route, I-10 is a principal freight route that connects the southern California deep-sea ports with major metropolitan areas in Arizona, Texas,  and Florida. The intent of the study is to take a comprehensive look at the planning studies that have been completed for this corridor and create a document that illustrates the projects and possible planning needs in the study area.

The public meeting is scheduled to be held at 6 pm on

November 8, 2012, at the  Quartzsite Town Hall, Quartzsite, AZ.

The goal of the study is different for the different segments of I-10 in Maricopa and La Paz counties. Each county has its own primary goal.

Maricopa County

•  Consolidate multiple planning documents into one document. Within Maricopa County, there are two studies that serve as the primary guide for the I-10 corridor: the MAG Regional Transportation Plan and the Interstate 10-Hassayampa Valley Transportation Framework Study. The I-10 Corridor Study will focus on compiling the recommendations from these studies and others into a single planning resource focused on the I-10 corridor. New alternatives and improvements will not be recommended within Maricopa County.

La Paz County

•  Consolidate multiple planning documents into one document.

•  Develop a clear vision for future transportation needs along the I-10 corridor. The segment of I-10 that traverses La Paz County has not had the same level of planning when compared to the Maricopa County segment; therefore, ADOT staff analyzed the I-10 corridor through La Paz County for transportation needs that included a range of mobility options, including personal and commercial vehicles, rail, air service and public transit.

The I-10 Corridor Study began in summer 2011 and is scheduled for completion in winter 2012.

Given the length of the corridor, a wide variety of interests will be affected, making public participation in the study process essential. The study team will meet with agency representatives to gather information about the study area.

In addition, a public meeting will be held during the alternative development phase of the study to inform, discuss, and gather comments about the study and proposed improvement projects. The public meeting is scheduled to be held at 6 pm on November 8, 2012, at the  Quartzsite Town Hall, Quartzsite, AZ.

Visit azdot.gov/i10corridorstudy for more information about the study, or contact the study team.

Judge Burke orders Ed Foster to be seated as Quartzsite mayor

Today, La Paz County Superior Court Judge Michael Burke ordered Quartzsite Town Council seat Ed Foster as mayor no later than Tuesday, October 23^rd, 2012.

At today’s hearing in Parker, Ed Foster was seeking a Writ of Mandamus asking the court to demand the town council swear him in as mayor. Foster won the majority of votes in the May 15^th election. On June 4^th council members declared him unqualified to be seated as mayor. In question was a Quartzsite Town Code 2-1-20 which stated persons who owed delinquent taxes, fines or fees to the town could not serve in elected office.

Foster’s attorney, Julie LaBenz, gave a slide presentation to the packed courtroom. She argued the town exceeded their authority to add qualifications above and beyond those set by the state of Arizona. Foster owes the town attorney fees issued by the same judge in May, 2011 and has publicly vowed never to pay the $2200. Today, La Benz asked and was awarded attorney fees, but was not awarded double the damages as requested. She argued that council engaged in selective persecution regarding not allowing Foster to be seated as she showed the court a n IRS form stating Quartzsite’s Town Attorney owes over $100,000. She accused the council of casting illegal votes to disqualify Foster and turning democracy “upside down”.

The Town’s attorney, Kristin Mackey argued the town has the right to control its finances and debt, that Foster owed the town fees issued by Judge Burke. Mackey argued the council performed its duty to judge its members, as allowed by state statutes. She argued Foster was not entitled to be mayor according to Town Code 2-1-10. She also brought up the fact that Foster was aware of this when he filed his papers, and he did not include his debt in his financial statement. She said his financial statement was virtually blank.

Shortly following the attorney’s arguments, Judge Burke delivered his opinion that the council did not have the authority to add additional qualifications. He also stated even if the town ordinance was legal, the debt Foster owes does not fall under any town code.

Burke granted the Writ of Mandamus to Foster, ordering the Quartzsite Town Council seat him as mayor no later than their next regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Interstate 11 Public Meeting set for Oct. 23 in Phoenix

Interstate 11 Public Meeting Set for Oct. 23

Opportunity for the public to provide input in proposed new highway

The Arizona Department of Transportation, in cooperation with the Nevada Department of Transportation, will hold a public meeting on Oct. 23 to solicit input on the proposed Interstate 11, a corridor pursued by Governor Jan Brewer to create a stronger regional connection between Phoenix and Las Vegas.

The meeting will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. (formal presentation at 6:30 p.m.) Oct. 23 at the Burton Barr Central Library, 1221 North Central Avenue in Phoenix.

While an exact alignment for I-11 will be determined through extensive future engineering and environmental studies, work began this summer to examine a connection between Phoenix and Las Vegas, with the potential to extend north towards Canada and south to the Mexico border, creating a new corridor through the Intermountain West. Such a corridor would provide a new connection for communities, major trade hubs, existing and future domestic and international deep-water ports, as well as intersecting transcontinental roadways and railroad corridors. The I-11 corridor could also be paired with rail and other infrastructure components, such as energy and telecommunications, to meet the region's needs.

This public meeting will provide the public with an opportunity to provide formal comments about the concept at these early stages of study. More information is also available at www.i11study.com.

I-11 has been a cornerstone of the Governor’s jobs and economic development agenda that examines current and future transportation and trade infrastructure needs to improve Arizona’s competitiveness in a global marketplace.

Currently, ADOT and the Nevada Department of Transportation are engaged in a $2.5 million study of the I-11 and Intermountain West corridor. This two-year study is a high-level overview of the potential interstate corridor and will be the foundation for subsequent environmental studies that may be required to develop the corridor.

Phoenix and Las Vegas remain the largest cities in the nation not linked by an interstate highway corridor. The combined population of Phoenix, Tucson, Las Vegas and Reno was less than 700,000 when the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1956 was enacted. Today, the combined population of these cities is 8 million and is expected to grow even further, prompting the need for better surface transportation connections to accommodate not only the travel demand between these metropolitan areas, but also improved mobility for freight shipments throughout the Intermountain West and inland portions of the West Coast.

In addition to ADOT and the Nevada Department of Transportation, the Maricopa Association of Governments, Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada, Federal Highway Administration and Federal Railroad Administration are partners in this study.

Funding to construct a potential I-11 corridor has not been identified.

Today's gas and diesel prices in Quartzsite, Arizona

Gas prices jumped 10 cents per gallon

in the past two days 

At some stations in Quartzsite, Arizona 

Still not as high as in California.

Road work rescheduled Hwy. 95 north of Quartzsite

Pavement work on State Route 95 north of Quartzsite rescheduled to next week

Drivers travelling between Quartzsite and Parker are advised to plan ahead and allow extra travel time

Work to resurface a segment of State Route 95 north of Quartzsite has been delayed due to weather, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. The project is now scheduled Monday, Oct. 15 through Wednesday, Oct. 17. Traffic will be intermittently stopped and workers will escort drivers through the work zone from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Drivers should allow extra travel time between Quartzsite and Parker as delays of up to 15 minutes are expected.

What to expect during work hours:

• Traffic will be narrowed to one lane on State Route 95 between mile posts 110 and 115 (Plomosa Road).
• Drivers will need to come to a complete stop as workers direct alternating traffic through the work zone.
• Delays of up to 15 minutes are expected.
• Message boards will be displayed to inform drivers of work zone restrictions.
• Law enforcement will be on-site to monitor traffic and enforce speed limit.

ADOT advises drivers to proceed through the work zone with caution, slow down and be alert for construction equipment and personnel.

ADOT works to inform the public about planned highway restrictions, but there is a possibility that unscheduled closures or restrictions may occur. Weather can also affect a project schedule. To stay up-to-date with the latest highway conditions around the state, visit the ADOT Traveler Information Center at www.az511.gov or call 5-1-1.

Road repair delays this week Hwy. 95 north of Quartzsite

Arizona Department of Transportation is set to repair a section of State Route 95 north of Quartzsite this week. 

The project hours are 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Friday.

Motorists can expect intermittent stops and workers will escorts drivers through the work zone. 

Allow extra travel time though this area and expect delays of up to 15 minutes.

The work zone is between milepost 100 and 115, of Plomosa Road. 

Law enforcement will be on site, for more information about the project visitwww.azdot.gov/statewide.

Wall Street Journal focuses on Quartzsite politics

The Wall Street Journal published an article on Thursday, September 27, 2012 with the focus on Quirky Quartzsite Politics. The link to the article is below.


http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10000872396390444772804577621460631898518.html

Delays on Hwy. 72 near Bouse after canal breach

State Route 72 remains open in Bouse following canal breach

Minor delays may be experienced as crews continue to clean up roadway

Cleanup efforts are continuing on State Route 72 following a breach in a Central Arizona Project (CAP) canal near Bouse early Sunday morning, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. While the highway remains open, minor intermittent traffic restrictions may cause slight delays as maintenance crews continue to sweep dirt and rocks off the roadway.

ADOT advises drivers to proceed through the work zone with caution, slow down and be alert for construction equipment and personnel.

ADOT works to inform the public about planned highway restrictions, but there is a possibility that unscheduled closures or restrictions may occur. Weather can also affect a project schedule. To stay up-to-date with the latest highway conditions around the state, visit the ADOT Traveler Information Center at www.az511.gov or call 5-1-1.

For more information about this project, please visit www.azdot.gov/statewide or contact Yuma District Senior Community Relations Officer Gabriella Kemp at 928.317.2165, gkemp@azdot.gov.