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

Quartzsite Town Council terminates contract with Police Chief Jeff Gilbert

By Shanana Rain Golden-Bear
Publisher Desert Messenger
Quartzsite, AZ - Tuesday, October 22, 2014, Town Council voted to terminate the contract of Quartzsite Chief of Police Jeff Gilbert. Council members had been attempting to terminate Gilbert for many years, and recently the efforts escalated. Council returned from a long executive session and terminated Gilbert's contract "Without Cause" and will "provide severance as provided by the contract." No explanation was given to the public, however, Council Member Mary Scott said, "The Town is going in one direction, and the Chief is going in another." After the vote, Gilbert addressed the council and the public saying he was grateful for the support of the community for the past eight years. The Council denied the public to comment on their decision. 

Former Quartzsite Chief of Police Jeff Gilbert
Photo by Shanana Rain Golden-Bear

Desert Messenger

Gilbert became famous in June 2011 when 80% of QPD officers filed a vote of "No Confidence" in his leadership. The majority of those officers were eventually terminated by former Town Manager Alex Taft, and are still in litigation with the Town. In 2010, Mayor Ed Foster initiated several complaints against Gilbert. Town of Quartzsite administration ordered an investigation by Jackson Lewis, LLC, which has since been made public online: http://www.epageflip.net/issue/37347.

When the video of local activist Jennifer "Jade" Jones being forcefully removed from a council meeting went viral in July 2011, Quartzsite received attention from around the globe. Shortly thereafter, Mayor Ed Foster, who had been censured, announced to media that the Town was under "Martial Law" and that Gilbert was "running the town". Foster's 2010 mayoral campaign was based on promises to "get rid of the Chief." Foster was ousted by voters in a recall election in 2011, but regained his Mayoral position in 2012. Foster spearheaded the attempt to oust the Police Chief for many years by filing more complaints with state agencies.

Several DPS investigations could not prove any wrong doing by the Chief. Gilbert continued in his position until September 2012 when Assistant Town Manager Al Johnson illegally placed him on paid administrative leave. Quartzsite Town Council then terminated Taft, and hired Interim Town Manager Laura Bruno. Council reinstated Gilbert on Sept. 25th, 2012. http://desertmessenger.blogspot.com/2012_09_01_archive.html After Council granted Bruno another year contract, tensions increased between Bruno, Gilbert and Council members.

UPDATE: In an interview with Arizona Republic's Dennis Wagner, "Gilbert said his ouster was orchestrated to cover up an inquiry he launched into Town Council members for allegedly releasing confidential police documents.

On August 8, 2013 Council Member Mark Orgeron submitted two requests to Bruno requesting agenda items to be placed upcoming meetings; for the August 13th meeting Orgeron wanted "to define the office hours of the police department as well as when phones should be routed to central dispatch." Council held a lengthy discussion on this procedural matter. Planning ahead for the September 10th Town Council Meeting, Orgeron wanted to "recruit and hire an Interim Chief of Police," but this item did not appear on the meeting's agenda to be discussed.

Disagreements became evident during the September 24th council meeting. Bruno, Gilbert, and Town Attorneys disagreed about the proposed Police Policies which requires officers to video ALL contacts with citizens. Gilbert argued for the officers to able to use their professional judgement. Council approved the new policies with minor changes to read, "In the event a citizen requests that they not be recorded, the officer shall take the request into consideration." Citizens expressed their disagreement with their decision. Evidently, negotiations with Gilbert were already underway, as Council then went into executive session to "consider its position and instruct its attorneys regarding the Town's position regarding the contract with Police Chief Jeff Gilbert that is the subject of negotiations." Council took no action at that time.

Almost a full month later, Quartzsite Town Council terminated Gilbert's contract without any discussion or public comment. 

Following Tuesday's Council meeting, Gilbert's supporters expressed their disappointment, while Gilbert opponents jeered. 

Gilbert consoling his supporters after contract was terminated by council

Photo by Shanana Rain Golden-Bear

Desert Messenger

Quartzsite Publisher responds to letter in Desert Freedom Press

In "August 2011" Volume 1, Issue 14, of The Desert Freedom Press, there is a letter to the editor on page 4 written by Michel Halor that drew my attention. The paper has no particular date, other than "August 2011", but was uploaded to the Desert Freedom Press blog today.

The letter reads:

"I would like to clear my name from the false statements made in the May 18th, 2011 Volume 7 issue 131 of the Desert Messenger - in reference to my having a warrant and theft of stolen property.
These statements are in full, false, and I am considering this libel and defamation.
This has been a recurring issue on many occassions. I'm relaying this to you versus the DM because I hold little faith this would ever reach print or be edited truthfully. With all due respect, they need to get their facts right, this is not only embarrassing, but misinformation spreads rumors."
Michel Halor

Those are some rather strong accusations. The only reference I found to the name above was on Page 17 of Desert Messenger's May 18, 2011 issue under the Arrest Report from QPD. This report was emailed to the Desert Messenger by Linda Conley, previous clerk at Quartzsite Police Department. She is also one of the famous "Quartzsite 10", who now works for La Paz County Attorney's office.

I gotta say, that if my name mistakenly appeared under an arrest report, I sure as heck would not wait until 3 months later to complain to another paper about the situation. Jennifer Jones, of the Desert Freedom Press, should have done her due dilligence before printing such a letter (unless she was intentionally trying to shed a negative light upon the Desert Messenger)!

A notice to all readers: All errors/corrections submitted before deadline, are published in the next available edition of the Desert Messenger. Deadline dates are published (in multiple locations) in EVERY issue of the Desert Messenger!

The 2011-2012 publication schedule, along with each deadline, is available online at http://www.desertmessenger.com/. Advertisers and readers, alike, rely upon the Desert Messenger to "hit the streets" on the publication date (if not before) with reliable news, events and entertainment for Quartzsite and surrounding areas.

Every issue since May 5, 2010 is archived online at www.epageflip.net/title/6362 (under the folder icon at top of landing page). Readers may subscribe to a free service to receive emails when the current issue becomes available. Just click on the brown "subscribe" button on the right hand side of the landing page. As soon as the paper is uploaded, an email will be sent to subscribers FREE! Most times this is before the papers even reach town! Get the news first and subscribe FREE!

Desert Messenger begins our 8th year publishing local news, events and entertainment. Stay tuned for the Best of Quartzsite coming soon!

KSWT reports another side of Quartzsite; interview with Shanana "Rain" Golden-Bear

Yuma's KSWT Reporter Ruth Castillo called Tuesday evening seeking an interview. Evidently "The Best of Quartzsite!" has peaked some media attention.

With all the negative attention brought upon Quartzsite recently, it's only fitting for someone in the media to recognize there are many people in town who are not a part of the political firestorm! Even the Arizona Centennial got mentioned!

We had a very respectful conversation and the following article is the result.

http://www.kswt.com/story/15157237/negative-quartzsite-news-troubles-town-residents

Desert Messenger Announces The Best of Quartzsite!

Quartzsite, AZ- Shanana "Rain" Golden-Bear, publisher of Desert Messenger, Quartzsite's FREE Community Paper, announced today there's a new feature for the upcoming season called, "The Best of Quartzsite!"

"It's about time we recognize what is Right in Quartzsite, and celebrate the hard working individuals and businesses in our community," said Golden-Bear.

Readers will be able to vote in a myriad of possible categories; everything from their favorite place to enjoy Biscuits and Gravy to the best retailer to purchase an RV. Other categories might include: favorite hairstylist, best Karaoke,  favorite ATV trail, best restaurant server, favorite swap meet, best food vendor, favorite jeweler, etc.

"This is something I've had on the back burner since 2008, and feel it is time to take advantage of all the publicity Quartzsite recently has been receiving," said Golden-Bear. "I've witnessed other communities have a lot of fun with the voting, and hope Quartzsite residents and visitors will embrace the concept."

Desert Messenger's 8th season begins September 7th. The 2011-2012 Advertising Rate Card and Deadline Schedule will be available online no later than August 7th at http://www.DesertMessenger.com

If readers have ideas for categories that are unique to Quartzsite, please submit them via email to desertmessenger7@yahoo.com.  The more participation, the more fun for all! Details will be published in the September 7th issue of the Desert Messenger.


Winners will be showcased in a special edition this season!

Questions raised over Quartzsite's Desert Messenger

Quartzsite, AZ - Questions have been raised by Jennifer "Jade" Harris Jones on when I, Shanana "Rain" Golden-Bear took over publishing the Desert Messenger. It's kind of silly, but I feel I need to clarify the situation. She claimed in comments below that she looks forward to entering into evidence into court that my first issue was Vol. 4 No. 75, dated May 13, 2008 and falsely accuses me that I allowed almost two full pages of to "defame a rival publisher". Proof is in the page above!

 The headline in the bottom right corner of this issue is "The End is Here" and begins with the statement, "This will be the last issue of the Desert Messenger published by Walt Akin."

Jones tricked me once in court when I was suffering from the flu. After an 3 hours of odd court room drama, I was totally exhausted and not thinking clearly. After witnessing Jones in court many times since then, I am now familiar with her slight of hand techniques.

Also on page 4 is a bit of history about me and on page 11 (of 12) states "Desert Messenger is an Desert Production." [with typo]. If anyone wishes to see the full 12 pages of Akin's last edition, or my first 16 page edition of Oct. 1st, 2008, I can email a copy....much later, for I have other work to do.

To clarify once again, Jones' accusations are proven false! Twists and turns of words do not change facts! I believe she should do her due diligence before making further accusations in such a public forum!