Orgeron v. Town of Quartzsite moves forward in federal court

Phoenix, AZ - In the case of Mark Orgeron v Town of Quartzsite, U.S. District Court Judge Roslyn Silver issued an order yesterday for an Evidentiary hearing to be held next Thursday, July 12th at 1:30pm in Phoenix. The court will determine whether there is enough evidence to require a trial.

Orgeron took his case to U.S. District Court in Phoenix asking for an injunction to oust then-mayor Jose Lizarraga (who resigned June 25th) and Barbara Cowell.  Orgeron and Ed Foster won the May 15th election, but Quartzsite Town Council members refused to seat either one. Pat Workman, who won against Joe Winslow, was seated June 4th.

Orgeron was evidently not qualified to be seated because he allegedly did not meet the town's residency requirement of one year. Orgeron provided rental receipts from 2009, however he was still registered to vote in Yuma until June 2011.

Foster was not qualified to be seated because he admittedly owes the town money.  Foster was ordered to pay the town's attorney fees when he failed to appear at his own hearing challenging recall signatures. 

Quartzsite's Doug Gilford acquitted on all charges

July 3, 2012 - Quartzsite, Arizona- Doug Gilford today was acquitted of  multiple charges of harassment, criminal trespass, and false reporting to a law enforcement agency, regarding several incidents at Quartzsite Town Hall on July 11, 12, 13, and September 1, 2011. 


Gilford is a local blogger, videographer, and openly critical of Town Hall administration and Quartzsite Police Chief Jeff Gilbert and officers.


Judge Sherwood Johnston III made no statement on his ruling, however arguments made by Gilford’s attorney, Scott Campbell, focused on the constitutional right to video record in a public place. Town Manager Alex Taft stated she was the person who made the rule not to allow video taping at the front desk of Town Hall, to "protect the privacy of our customers". Taft also said she didn't consider the constitutionality at that time, but said she "considered the rights to privacy, that videos could capture private information." 


Witnesses for the State included Town Manager Alex Taft, Assistant Town Manager Al Johnson, QPD Officer Rodriguez, Sgt. Frausto, Sgt. Garcia, and former Mayor Jose Lizarraga (who was not called to testify).


Officer Rodriguez stated he was sent to Town Hall Sept. 1, 2011 with orders from Sgt. Frausto to arrest Gilford. A text message was also sent to him listing the charges. An audio of that arrest was presented, as well as two other videos taken at Town Hall on Sept. 1st and July 11th.


Regarding the charges of false reporting to law enforcement officers, Gilford's defense attorney argued that what Gilford said on the report was true; while Prosecuting Attorney Thomas Jones responded that Gilford called 911 when there was no actual emergency.

Gilford's attorney motioned for acquittal because he felt the State had not made a sufficient case to continue the trial. Judge recessed to consider, returned and announced acquittals on all charges.

BLM Fire restrictions in effect for western Arizona

Fire Restrictions Announced for Bureau of Land Management

In Western Arizona

Yuma, Ariz. – To protect the public, natural resources, and reduce the risks of wildfires, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Colorado River District has announced fire restrictions on 5.4 million acres of public lands in western Arizona and southeastern California along the Colorado River.

Effective Friday, June 29, 2012, fire prevention orders will be enforced on all public lands within the BLM Yuma, Lake Havasu, and Kingman field office jurisdictions.  These restrictions are similar to those being implemented in other areas in Arizona.

 

The BLM is asking the public to use extreme caution when visiting public lands this summer.  Currently there are no plans to close any areas along the Colorado River area to public use.  The public is reminded that the Fire Prevention Order prohibits the following acts:

1.   Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire.

     The use of petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns, or heating devices is allowed provided

     such devices meet the fire underwriter’s specifications for safety.

2.  Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or recreational vehicle. Smoking is

     restricted to enclosed vehicle or recreational vehicle on a paved or improved road, or

     while stopped in an area at least six feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all

     flammable material.

3.   Using tracer ammunition, explosives, or any incendiary devices (including

      explosive targets); fireworks are always prohibited on public lands.

4. Welding, operating a torch with open flame, or operating a device that discharges

     sparks or the use of any metal cutting implement.

5.  Parking (or driving) a motor vehicle, ATV, or UTV off road on or over

     vegetation.  Operating a vehicle off road within designated off highway vehicle area

     is permitted. Designated OHV areas within:

                       

                        Kingman Field Office - Moss Wash and Sleeping Princess.

                      

                        Lake Havasu Field Office - Standard Wash, Copper Basin Dunes, and

                       Crossroads.

                        Yuma Field Office - Ehrenberg Sand Bowl

                       

“Increasing and persistent hot, dry, and windy conditions have decreased public safety on public lands” said BLM Fire Management Officer Mike Trent.  “Fire weather conditions warrant the increase in our fire prevention orders to help protect the public, firefighters, and our natural resources within the Colorado River District.” Trent also said “The restrictions will remain in effect until conditions warrant the raising or lifting of the fire prevention orders.”

                                                                        

Violations of these restrictions are punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000 and/or imprisonment of not more than 12 months. 

Imperial, Cibola, Bill Williams, and Havasu National Wildlife Refuges continue to enforce year round fire restrictions.    

For fire restriction information in Arizona and New Mexico:

Call Toll Free: 1-877-864-6985

Visit the website: www.publiclands.org/firenews

Quartzsite Mayor Lizarraga resigns

Mayor Lizarraga's resignation


Quartzsite, Arizona - Quartzsite Mayor Jose Lizarraga turned in his resignation yesterday, effective 5pm June 25, 2012. There was no mention of his resignation at this morning's Town Council meeting.


After Lizarraga did not attend this morning's Council meeting, he told Desert Messenger the rumors about his resignation were true. Lizarraga said, "I did it with a heavy heart, but it was time." He said his family was supportive of his decision. He did not state a reason in the letter, but chose to thank the council, staff and citizens of Quartzsite. 


Pressures have been building since the June 4th council meeting when Quartzsite Council refused to seat Ed Foster and Mark Orgeron after winning the election of May 15, 2012. Lizarraga opposed the council's decision to disqualify Foster. No reason was give at the meeting, however Foster told AZFamily.com the town council won't seat him because he owes $2,200 in court-ordered attorney fees.


On Thursday, June 14, 2012, Sam Vederman's office, in the name of the State of Arizona, filed a Quo Warranto complaint, in La Paz County Superior Court, against Jose Lizarraga and Barbara Cowell, who had not voluntarily relinquished their offices to Mayor-Elect Foster and Council Member- Elect Orgeron.


Orgeron took his case to U.S. District Court in Phoenix, asking for an injunction to oust Lizarraga and Barbara Cowell. No decision has been issued as of this afternoon, but is expected within the next few days.

The results of the May 15 runoff election are as follows:

Mayor - Ed Foster received 401 votes (56.32%) and Jerry Lukkasson received 305 votes (42.84%).   

Council Member - Mark Orgeron received 398 votes (29.03%), Patricia Workman received 387 votes (28.23%), Barbara Cowell received 305 votes (22.25%) and Joe Winslow received 264 votes (19.26%).

AWC introduces new online course for fall

AWC Continuing Education

 

Introduces New Course: 

Intermediate QuickBooks 2012

Yuma, AZ (June 21, 2012) - Arizona Western College Continuing Education has a program that makes it easy to take high-quality, noncredit online courses. AWC has partnered with ed2go to offer hundreds of online, instructor-led courses and is pleased to announce the launch of "Intermediate QuickBooks 2012." 

Participants in this course will learn how to use the advanced features in QuickBooks to manage multiple company files, share list data, gain more control over inventory, and increase overall productivity. They will also discover the answers to many common questions that small business owners have about QuickBooks that will give them more confidence and security in their accounting.

A registration form may be completed online at www.ed2go.com/awc. Cost of the course is $95, which can be paid online during the registration process, by phone at 928-317-6186, or by mail or in person at the AWC Entrepreneurial Center, 1351 S Redondo Center Drive, Yuma, Arizona, 85364.

This course is part of AWC's growing catalog of more than 300 instructor-facilitated online courses. Through well-crafted lessons, expert online instruction, and interaction with fellow students, participants in these courses gain valuable knowledge at their convenience. They have the flexibility to study at their own pace combined with enough structure and support to complete the course. And they can access the classroom 24/7 from anywhere with an Internet connection.

New sessions of each course run every month and last six weeks, with two new lessons being released weekly (for a total of 12). The courses are entirely Web-based with comprehensive lessons, quizzes, and assignments. A dedicated professional instructor facilitates every course by pacing learners, answering questions, giving feedback, and facilitating discussions.

For more information, call AWC at 928-317-6186 or visit www.ed2go.com/awc .

I-10 lane closures MP 3-52 east of Quartzsite, Monday June 18

Pavement striping on Interstate 10 east of Quartzsite

The Arizona Department of Transportation will be striping the pavement on both directions of Interstate 10 between mileposts 30-52, east of Quartzsite on Monday (June 18).

The daytime work is scheduled to take place from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

What to expect during pavement striping:

• One lane will remain open at all times.
• Workers will guide drivers through the work zone as pavement striping progresses.
• Law enforcement will be on site to monitor traffic and enforce speed limit.
• Message boards will be in place to inform drivers and direct them through the work zone.

ADOT advises drivers to allow additional time to reach their destinations and to proceed through the work zone with caution, comply with the reduced speed limit, 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 or ADOT Community Relations Officer, Paki Rico, at 520-388-4233, prico@azdot.gov.

Monsoon season begins. Staying safe in Quartzsite.

Phoenix, AZ — Governor Jan Brewer has proclaimed June 10-15 Monsoon Awareness Week in Arizona in anticipation of the 2012 monsoon and seasonal severe weather hazards.

   Monsoon season begins in mid-June, extends through late September, and is characterized by late afternoon thunderstorms that produce lightning, straight-line winds and precipitation. Given the right conditions, a monsoon storm can cause flash flooding and dust storms.

  “The monsoon is celebrated for the few inches of rain it brings to the state,” said Arizona Division of Emergency Management (ADEM) Director Lou Trammell. “Unfortunately, the monsoon can also result in severe weather — microbursts, flooding, dust storms and lightning.”

  ADEM has partnered with the National Weather Service; the Arizona departments of Health Services, Insurance, Public Safety, Transportation and Water Resources; and The Salvation Army to advocate preparedness — plan, prepare, inquire and inspire-in advance of the “rainy season.”

  Plan: Write communication and evacuation plans that identify a family meeting place, account for special needs and the family pet, and include an out-of-town contact. Practice your plan.

  Prepare: Set aside enough non-perishable food and potable water to sustain your family for 72 hours. Suggested kit items include first aid supplies, a radio, batteries and a flashlight. Pack a smaller “go kit” with copies of important documents, cash and a phone charger for evacuations.

   Inquire: Identify threats in your community. Bookmark www.azein.gov as a web browser favorite for real-time emergency updates and preparedness information.

  Inspire: Motivate others. Be an advocate for preparedness by learning basic first aid, volunteering and/or talking to friends, family and coworkers about emergency preparedness.

   Because the monsoon spans the hottest months of the Arizona summer, it is important to know the symptoms of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and to limit exposure to extreme heat. People over 65 years old, children under 5, persons with a pre-existing medical condition, and individuals who work outside or participate in outdoor activities are at especial risk.

  Visit the Arizona Emergency Information Network at www.azein.gov for preparedness tips, information on Arizona hazards and real-time emergency updates.

  The goal of Monsoon Safety Awareness Week is to reduce the number of deaths, injuries and property damage caused by weather related dangers that occur during the monsoon. Through education about proper precautionary actions to be taken, lives can be saved and property losses can be minimized.