Steve Blomquist, one of several neighbors suing Saguaro Ranch developer Stephen Phinny and the town of Marana (see first blog here), put out this to get his message across, asking holiday shoppers to reconsider where they spend their money and if they want those sales taxes to benefit Marana.
Blomquist was arrested for trespassing and disorderly conduct at the Saguaro Ranch reservation-only restaurant, McClintock’s, on Friday, Nov. 13. Here’s his arrest report, as promised, but we’re still wondering how the disorderly conduct charge fits—considering Blomquist seemed to be on his best behavior.
This article appears in Dec 17-23, 2009.
How is this disorderly conduct – disrupting the peace? Who did he disturb? The officer because he had to show up? The restuarant because he only wanted a beer and not an expensive meal? I really hope he wins this lawsuit because, this was an unlawful arrest for disorderly and abuse of power on the part of the police.
He may have been in the public easement that Marana gave away for free. I hope for Christmas that Marana gives me a free 10 acres of land.
I thought officers are to Investigate Crime. Can I call the police, say that I told someone to leave, and the officer will just go up and arrest the person? Shouldn’t the officer first talk to the individual and get both sides of the story. This clearly did not happen in this situation.
Why waste our already over burdened jail staff with such petty arrests. The officer should have asked Steven to leave. If Steven refused to leave then arrest him for trespass but, in no way was the charge of disorderly conduct appropiate. As a retired police officer, I know that disorderly conduct does not fit Steven’s actions on that day. Just because the officer does not agree with Steven’s point of view you can not charge the person with disorderly conduct.
Tracy Chamberlain, Steve Blomquist and Sharyl Cummings remind me of Annie Snyder. She took on Marriott Corp, Disney and local developers when they wanted to build shopping centers and amusement parks next to Manassas Battlefield Park back in 80’s and 90’s. She took them on and drove them out of Virginia with their tails between their legs. She fought for the protection and preservation of a historic site for all to enjoy. Thankfully, we have Tracy, Steve and Sharyl to do the same for us and fight for access to Tortolita Mountain Park for this and future generations. I’d like to say thank you and “right on”!