I read an article in the Star newspaper today. The headline read: “Arizona Indians fight ski resort plan.” Apparently, a ski resort located near Flagstaff, Arizona (Snowbowl) wants to expand their operations to compensate for the fact that they no longer get enough annual snowfall to keep the operation profitable. So they want to create a new ski slope and use 100% “reclaimed water” to make the necessary snow. “Reclaimed water” is made from processed sewerage. The Indians are upset because they say putting the reclaimed water-based snow on the mountain is, and I quote, “like putting a contaminated needle in your body containing poison.”

I take exception to the argument of the Indians – and on several levels. And no, I won’t play the ‘casino card,’ and talk about how it’s okay to build casinos that are wholly against the religious beliefs of many – as well as carrying certain significant cultural negatives with them. I’d like to look at some other, perhaps less obvious issues.

The case is being heard at the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco. During the hearing, many Indians were present inside and outside of the courtroom – carrying signs and protesting the ski resort request. I must assume that the Indians did not walk to the courthouse, and therefore they stole crude oil from a helpless Mother Earth, and polluted the sacred air we all breathe with the fumes from the vehicles which took them there. The signs were made on paper products – which cuts down the sacred trees, and the mills which process the murdered trees into protest-sign-making-materials further destroy the sacred air we breathe.

And what about that water? Do no other animals deposit their waste products on that mountain? And the processed water fulfills the needs and desires of all plant life, and I am confident it’s not toxic for animal life, either. The earth has been a giant water filter for eons, what’s different now? I don’t know how to tell the Indians this, but sewerage has traits identical to plain old water. For example, it evaporates into the atmosphere and falls all over the planet – a LOT of it. No doubt, sewerage is falling on Jerusalem, Mecca, the Vatican, and all other religious icons and special places.

That’s enough. I just don’t get it. Especially when one drives through an Indian reservation and witnesses the despicable conditions the tribal governments allow their people to live in. Perhaps instead of paying lawyers, and financing trips to court, those monies could be better spent feeding and clothing and educating their people. But the Indians hardly have a monopoly on poorly ordered priorities.

Subject: West Nile Virus

West Nile virus is spread by infected mosquitoes, and can cause serious, life-altering and even fatal disease. Although September may start feeling like Fall it is still peak West Nile virus season. Don’t let your guard down. Still keep insect repellent handy, wear long sleeves and long pants and get rid of mosquito breeding sites in the yard. Just one mosquito bite can transmit West Nile virus or other diseases.

Basic Facts:
• West Nile is a virus that mainly infects birds 
• Mosquitoes that feed on infected birds, take in the virus 
• Mosquitoes can transmit it to other animals and humans they bite later 
• The virus is not passed on person to person 
• Most people who are bitten by mosquitoes are not bitten by an infected mosquito 
• Most people who are bitten by an infected mosquito do not get sick 
• Most people who do get sick get a mild disease 
• A very few people can develop severe disease

Prevention Tips:
• The best way to prevent West Nile Virus is to be sure you are not harboring mosquito breeding sites. ELIMINATE STANDING WATER
• Repellents containing DEET and some natural repellents are effective for varying periods of time. Check the product information to determine which repellent is best for you 
• Long sleeves and long pants, even in the summertime, are a good way of avoiding mosquito bites during the periods of high mosquito activity
• Window and door screens need to be in good repair – check for holes and cracks 
• Avoid going outdoors when mosquitoes are out
• Horses should be vaccinated – contact your veterinarian right now if your horse(s) are not vaccinated

Today’s the day. The polls will be open in Tucson until 7. Get out and help make things change for the better. Vote!

(Tucson, Arizona – Sept. 8, 2006) Attorney General Terry Goddard today reminded voters to take identification as they travel to the polls next Tuesday. All Arizona residents that choose to vote in person will need to show ID.

In November 2004, Arizona voters approved Proposition 200 which requires voters to present proof of identity at the polling place. Voters may present a photo ID that bears the voter’s name and address. Acceptable forms of photo ID are a valid Arizona driver license, a valid Arizona non-operating identification license, tribal identification, or a valid United States federal, state, or local
government issued identification. Alternatively, voters may present two different forms of non-photo ID that bear the voter’s name and address such as:

• Utility bill dated within 90 days of the election (examples include electric bill, cell phone bills, phone bills, etc.)
• Bank or credit union statement dated within 90 days of the election
• Valid Arizona Vehicle Registration
• Vehicle insurance card
• Indian census card
• Tribal enrollment card or other form of tribal identification
• Property tax statement for the voter’s residence
• Any valid federal, state or local government issued identification, including a voter registration card
• Recorder’s Certificate

Voters without identification may cast a conditional provisional ballot at the polling place, and that ballot will be counted if the voter presents proper identification within three business days after the primary election and five business days after the general election.

For more information about voter identification requirements visit the Secretary of State’s Web site at www.azsos.gov/election/. Arizona residents who believe they have been denied the right to vote because of race, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, or disability may file a complaint with the Arizona Attorney General’s Office Civil Rights Division in Phoenix at 602-542-5263, outside Maricopa and Pima counties at 1-877-491-5742, Tucson at 520-628-6500 or visit the Attorney General’s Office Web site at www.azag.gov.

The coming elections bring with them a host of new advertisements that temporarily gorge all forms of media. Okay, that’s all well and good. I do think it’s a shame that the lion’s share of all those ads do not say anything of the candidates’ platforms or qualifications. They eat up their print space and air time attacking other candidates – but I guess that’s part of that nasty game. Or, perhaps, the candidates don’t really have anything to say – who knows.

What is bothering me is the burgeoning crop of ’small billboards’ for the candidates that are stuck on every vacant street corner, and open lot in Tucson. One of the worst corners is surely at the intersection of Cortaro Farms Road and Thornydale. What a mess!

It’s not like these signs actually tell drivers anything about the candidates – save for their name and their party affiliation. They are a genuine eyesores – placed by people who, allegedly, want nothing but the best for their (our) beautiful desert community. I also wonder, in our overly litigious culture, if those candidates don’t share some form of liability – should a driver have a wreck while trying to read all the information on the signs.

Barbara Shestko, 46 years old, a resident in the 3300 block of E. Bellevue in Tucson, died last night as a result of the injuries she sustained after being struck by a vehicle in the 3500 block of E. Grant Road. An off-duty police officer was the first of several callers who reported the accident at 10:30 p.m.

Officers from Tucson Police Operations Division Midtown and traffic detectives responded to investigate and have learned that Ms. Shestko was struck by a vehicle traveling eastbound on Grant Road. Ms. Shestko was not in a crosswalk as she attempted to cross the street in a north-south direction.

The vehicle involved is a 1991 Infinity G20 driven by a 16-year-old female. Alcohol was not a contributing factor for the driver. No citations were issued.