Category Archives: News

SMART meters explode in Stockton after accident

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Updated 4/2/2015, 9:49 p.m.

STOCKTON, CA [March 30]— According to CBS 13 in Stockton, California, more than 8,000 customers were left without power when their SMART meters exploded after a truck crashed into a utility pole.

Leigh Martinez reported that residents of South Stockton:

…described it as a large pop, a bomb going off, and strong enough to shake a house.

She said that more than 100 PG&E workers were working to restore power. The amount of time to restore power to a home depended on how bad the meters were damaged.

SMART meter caused fires have been suspected for some time, but utility companies are obviously reticent to reveal just how many. The California Public Utilities Commission has proposed an opt-out plan for customers who do not want the wireless technology. It would require the customer to pay additional charges.

Utility companies are allowed to sell the personal information they gain from SMART meter technology to other companies without your permission. SMART meters collect data on how you use electricity including what appliances and how you use the Internet.

SEE ALSO: Wireless Smart Meters and Potential for Electrical Fires (PDF)

New Mexico legislature passes civil asset forfeiture reforms

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nm-sealNEW MEXICO — The unconstitutional procedure of civil forfeiture is being given special attention these days thanks to the Land of Enchantment. The New Mexico legislature passed H.B. 560 to limit civil forfeitures in their State. Governor Susana Martinez, however, has yet to sign it into law. The organization Freedom Works is concerned about the delay.

Recently Eric Holder announced new rules actually restricting civil forfeiture.

According to the End Forfeiture web site, there is a distinct difference between civil and criminal forfeiture.

In a criminal forfeiture, as the name implies, forfeiture of assets occurs when one is convicted of a crime. The action is taken against a person which means the person is given all rights to a criminal trial and a lawyer if one can not be afforded. The burden of evidence is on the government.

In a civil asset forfeiture, “Civil forfeiture cases are in rem proceedings—meaning that they are technically brought against the property itself rather than its owner. This legal fiction means that police and prosecutors can take and sell your cash, cars, homes or other property without having to convict you or even charge you with any wrongdoing. Fighting back means having to pay for a lawyer yourself or go it alone. And instead of the government having to prove your guilt, under civil forfeiture you must prove your innocence. It is an upside-down world that where the government holds all the cards and has the financial incentive to play them to the hilt.”

The classic example used is the IRS. If you deposit $10,000 or more regularly, that is reported to the IRS. If one starts depositing just less than that amount, the IRS assumes that you are guilty of attempting to hide something and acts to seize all of your assets. There may be no criminal charges brought against the person, but the burden of evidence is on the person to to prove their innocence. That may require lawyers fees more than the assets are worth, thus allowing the government to keep the seized assets.

The new rules by Eric Holder would require government authorities to act only on probable cause that the funds were generated by illegal activity or planned to be used in future criminal activity. In addition, if the activity does not prove to rise to the level to bring either civil or criminal trial, the agency must return assets in full.

This is a policy change, however, and can be changed by subsequent nominations to the position of Attorney General. This is just one example of why it is important for the Senate to select wisely. Freedom Works is not impressed with the civil asset forfeiture record of Loretta Lynch.

Action at the national level is not restricted to the office of the Attorney General. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) has submitted S. 255 Senator Rand Paul (R-KY), the Fifth Amendment Integrity Restoration Act of 2015 or the FAIR Act [H.R. 540 in the House submitted by Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI-7)].

The Senate bill would ensure that a person contesting civil forfeiture has legal representation and increase the burden of proof by the federal government to clear and convincing evidence of a criminal activity.

The act of civil access forfeiture violates not only the due process of the Fifth Amendment, but the Fourth Amendment protection against unreasonable searches and seizures and to be secure in their effects.

Civil asset forfeiture is not restricted to federal abuse. State and local law enforcement agencies have been known to seize assets without due process. The Institute for Justice gave Arizona a grade of D in 2010 for the civil forfeiture procedures in the State.

The New Mexico legislation is being hailed as the most sweeping reform of civil asset forfeiture in the history of the practice.

See Also:
1. New Mexico Nixes Civil Asset Forfeiture: Leviathan Can Be Defeated — Forbes
2. Arizona Earns “D” In “Policing for Profit” Report — Institute for Justice

Pavement maintenance on SR 89 south of Yarnell today

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Following a recent rock fall on State Route 89 south of Yarnell (mileposts 272-277), crews will repair damages tomorrow on the southbound lanes and drivers traveling southbound will be shifted onto one lane of the northbound lanes from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

No major restrictions or delays are expected. The speed limit will be reduced to 30 mph.

Bill introduced to prevent President Obama from renaming McKinley by executive order

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Denali_Mt_McKinley

Photo by a NPS employee from Wikipedia.

WASHINGTON — was submitted by the congressional delegation of Ohio fearful that President Obama will rename McKinley to Mount Obama by executive order.

Representative Bob Gibbs of Ohio submitted H.R. 437, the text which reads:

Notwithstanding any other authority of law, the mountain located 63 degrees 04 minutes 12 seconds north, by 151 degrees 00 minutes 18 seconds west shall continue to be named and referred to for all purposes as Mount McKinley.

Okay, that is the April Fools part of the article.

Verily, the name given to the highest mountain in North America has been in dispute for some time. The Alaska Board of Geographic Names lists the mountain as Denali—meaning “the great one” in the Athabaskan language. The United States Board on Geographic Names lists it as Mount McKinley.

William_McKinley1896Efforts by Alaskan authorities have always been thwarted by the congressional delegation from Ohio—such as with this bill H.R. 437. Since being introduced in January, it moved from the House Committee on Natural Resources to the Subcommittee on Federal Lands March 2. The bill has no cosponsors.

Mount McKinley was named after William McKinley—the 25th President of the United States, serving from March 4, 1897, until his assassination in September 1901, six months into his second term. He was born in Ohio and this bill was submitted on January 21—eight days before the date of his birth in 1843.

It is rather interesting that this debate has not been given the same coverage by the media as the name of a football team.

Is Jade Helm operation a casual exercise or prelude to martial law?

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OPINION
Updated: 4/2/2015, 9:10 a.m.

300-jade-helm

But in republics there is more vitality, greater hatred, and more desire for vengeance, which will never permit them to allow the memory of their former liberty to rest; so that the safest way is to destroy them or to reside there.—The Prince, Nicolo Machiavelli CHAPTER V

Since the Daily Mail news story on Operation Jade Helm (PDF), the blogosphere has exploded with every possibility of conspiracy.

Concerns in the southwest are not totally unfounded; particularly in light of the Bundy Ranch episode last year on March 27. One communist web site, relying heavily on reports from the Southern Enriched-By-Taxpayer-Dollars Law Center, was stressed that the militia was actually doing what it is supposed to do. Stopping national government encroachment. The government-approved Federalist papers as, well as those Federalist Papers not so well-known, make that clear.

One can certainly question the premise of “Master the Human Domain.”

According to the Mail, the operation scheduled from July 15 to September 15 will feature:

  • Operation Jade Helm will see 1,200 service members including Green Berets and SEALs and special forces from the Air Force and Marines in July
  • Soldiers armed with blank rounds will operate in and around towns in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California, Nevada, Utah and Colorado for 8 weeks
  • The so-called Realistic Military Training has some residents fearful the drill is a preparation for martial law

The premise of this operation is that Texas has been invaded by a “hostile force” and has to be retaken.

Lieutenant Colonel Mark Lastoria denounced this as a prelude to martial law in Stars and Stripes.

Army Lt. Col. Mark Lastoria, a USASOC spokesman, confirmed that there is an upcoming exercise called Jade Helm 15 which is scheduled to take place this summer at locations in Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Colorado, California and Nevada. But he denied the event is preparation for some sort of military takeover.

A judge in Texas apparently agrees.
Continue reading →

Don’t forget your pets this Easter

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spoiled-rotten15-03-28 003WILLIAMS — Need some gifts for your pets this Easter season? Spoiled Rotten Pet Boutique and Many Tails Pet Grooming have the answers.

Spoiled Rotten has a line of treats and toys for your feline or canine. They also feature a line of Science Diet products. The store has pet clothing and beds and t-shirts and stickers for the owners.

Parking Easter Dog 2015-03-30 005

Many Tails Pet Grooming will pamper your pet with a grooming and bath. Call (928) 635-8897 for an appointment.

Old Trails True Value hardware on Rodeo Road also has a line of pet supplies. They also have supplies for that pet project, such as a dog house.

It’s a good time to be in the No. 1 Second Amendment friendly State

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upload-rafflesWILLIAMS — There are several raffles ongoing in Williams to benefit many good causes. Some are great for the No. 1 Second Amendment friendly State according to Guns and Ammo.

You can support the 2015 Senior Grad night and possibly take home a Howa 22-250 with a Nikko Stirling 3.5x10x44 scope with the purchase of a $10 ticket or 3 tickets for $20. The drawing will be held on May 1 at the Wild West Junction. Tickets may be purchased at the Allstate insurance office on 1st Street.

In the mall on Route 66, you can visit Williams Wear and Buck’s Place and purchase a chance for your choice of a Ruger American .308 bolt action rifle or Stoeger P350 12 gauge pump shotgun for $10 a ticket or 3 for $20. Courtesy of the Friends of the NRA. The drawing will be held when all 200 tickets are sold.

You do not have to be present at either raffle to win. To be eligible to win the firearms, you must be legally allowed to own firearms in accorance with Arizona and Federal law. Background checks are required.

Concerned about possible safety? The Matthew Broehm VFW Post 12128 also located in the mall is raffling off a Champion Collector CS-31 gun safe. Tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20. For an additional donation to the VFW, The Firemen Movers will get the safe where it needs to be.

Need a little cash? You can vie for the following cash prizes.

Parents Who Care are conducting a fundraiser for the 2015 Grad Night. Cash prizes are $2,500, $1,500 and $1,000. The drawing will be held April 25th at the Cureton Park Spring Festival on April 25th and you need not be present to win. You can buy tickets for $10 each at the Allstate office on 1st Street across from City Hall.

The Arizona State Council of the Knights of Columbus is holding it’s raffle for prizes of $10,000; $7000; $5000; $3000; $2000, $1000 and four $500 cash prizes. Tickets are $5 each, $20 for 5 or $100 for a book of 30. The drawing is May 16 and winners need not be present to win. TIckets may be purchased at the Grand Canyon Coffee and Cafe.

IC Wounded Warrior Outreach Fair Comes to NGA

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DASD-at-OWF-IC-Fair-at-NGA-2015.03.24-214x300National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) opened its doors to wounded warriors as part of the Department of Defense internship program, Operation Warfighter, at the Intelligence Community Wounded Warrior Outreach Fair, March 24.

These Service members, many of whom had traveled from treatment centers in the National Capital Region, Virginia Beach and North Carolina, came to the event to network and learn more about the internship opportunities available to them.

In attendance were recruiting and outreach personnel from sister agencies and other IC stakeholders, including the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the Department of Homeland Security and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.

Read more at DOD Warrior Care Blog

Planning your Route 66 tour, but no Vet? I-40 Fleet Services to the rescue

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i40-15-03-31 013WILLIAMS — It’s spring and you are planning a trip on old Route 66. Maybe take old Route 66 through Parks and on into Flagstaff. Or maybe down to Ash Fork. Maybe you want to visit one of the many car shows in Williams and Flagstaff this summer, but do not want to look like the average tourist (Loose the iPhone. It’s a dead give-away).

Thanks to I-40 Fleet Services on Route 66, you can now travel in style. You can rent elegance in every form from their 1964 C-4 convertible Vet—for about half what you would pay in Vegas or Phoenix—to the Bobcat front end loader.

i40-15-03-31 020From $59.95 to $159.95 (additional charges may apply) you can rent a Chevrolet Cobalt, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Caliber, Dodge Grand Caravan, 15 passenger van, and, now, a 1994 Chevrolet Corvette.

I-40 Fleet Rentals, at 441 East Route 66 in Williams, has a variety of equipment i40-15-03-31 019for rent for large and small jobs and yard work. Their service trucks do RV and truck repairs along I-40.

Since it is time to check the oil and anti-freeze in your own car, they remind customers that they will take the used oil and coolant off your hand for free.

I-40 Fleet Rentals has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. So if you have a need to rent large equipment for a large job, have some yard work planned, or need to rent, say, a C-4 Vet convertible, call I-40 fleet services at 928-635-9199 for more information. If they don’t have it, they may be able to tell you where to get it.

Coconino County Board of Supervisors meet tomorrow in support of illegal immigration

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300-illegal-alienFLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Board of Supervisors will be conducting a special executive session (PDF) tomorrow at 10 a.m. on the first floor board room in Flagstaff. The location is 219 E. Cherry Avenue.

In this session the Board of Supervisors will discuss the possibility of filing an amicus brief in support of President Obama and the defendants in Texas v. United States, No. 1:14-cv-254 (PDF). This is case in which a Texas federal judge ordered a cease to executive orders stopping deportation of illegal aliens. The case is in the 5th Circuit Court while Arizona is part of the 9th Circuit Court.

The session is an executive session, which means there will be no discussion allowed by the public.

Texas and 13 other States and several governors have filed suit against the United States representatives who have decided not to enforce the immigration laws passed by Congress.