Inside Mesa

As I read this mornings Tribune and Rep. Russell Pearce pushing for more and more restrictions on Hispanics in AZ and their non-citizen status, (somehow that sounds better than illegal) and targeting contractors, landlords, and banks to pay the price as well; I could not help but sense an underlying streak of prejudice—a mind set against this particular populace. Pearce

The comments by Phil Austin on his blog topic, I absolutely agree with as a valid, legitament concern regarding unfair practices when hiring day laborers. Who is the real violator when area contractors, citizens, or local business’ hire day laborers for hard work, long hours, possibly no breaks during a four hour period as required by law, and then don’t pay them them at a fair wage, or not at all? Outrageous!One Mesa merchant in the Gilbert Broadway area handled this by posting no trespassing signs on his property. Mesa Police as local law enforcement do not have the authority to ticket day laborers, however, they can and have cited contractors and possibly others, who ignored the no trespassing signs and picked up day laborers for work. As a member of the Human Relations Advisory Board and a member of the Regional Human Relations Board, we hosted a panel and discussion in Chandler regarding the day laborers issues. Experts were brought in with good information along with facts and figures, etc. However, there were two important items I recall that came from testimonies from the panel.The first was a Phoenix Police Officer that reported that residents in one neighborhood filed complaints because day laborers congregated in their area. Their perception being that the crime rate would go up, making it an unsafe place to live. A study was done by the police department and found the crime rate actually decreased by a significant number.The second testimony was from an older day laborer gentleman, legally here, who helped staff the Day Labor Center in Phoenix on Bell Road. (I believe the center was privately funded ) He was very happy for this opportunity as it insured day laborer receive a fair wage and if they had skills in a field like a carpenter, they would be paid more. The gentleman also was glad to be part of the organizational part because, as he put it, "the younger ones can run faster than me".There must be a way to create a fair, organized, legal system that will help everybody. A Hispanic business owner here in Mesa, who was to be part of the panel, later had neighborhood meetings around Gilbert Road and Broadway. Many attended, including myself, and other interested people with a desire to hear his plight and help resolve his situation. As a business owner that experienced a disruption in his business, he was successful in putting up "Do not Loiter" signs. Contractors were ticketed for stopping on the property to pick up day laborers. It helped for the area but the problem remained in locating a place that would be effective and take care of the needs of everyone.Perhaps there is someone out there that could fund a worthwhile project like this, worked out through governmental entities, and help everyone in the long run.

As you may know, the City of Mesa, Mesa Public Schools, Mesa United Way and other civic organizations banded together after Hurricane Katrina to adopt a city in the Gulf region. The town of Gautier, Mississippi was chosen on the recommendation of Mesa firefighters who volunteered there shortly after the hurricane struck. With waves as high as 30 feet rushing as far as two miles inland, flood damage in Gautier was extensive. While life is far from normal five months after Katrina, there are signs of recovery in Gautier. The Gulf Coast Orchid Society’s 26th annual show and sale will open in the town’s Singing River Mall this weekend. Organizers expect a smaller crowd than usual, but they’re counting on brisk sales as residents replace their beloved plants lost in the storm.Another, admittedly bleaker sign of recovery are dozens of lawsuits being brought by residents against their insurance companies. Many of these residents claim to have been led to believe that they were covered in the event of storms. When it came time to pay up, however, the companies argued that their coverage included wind storms and not floods. I’ll be a while before that legal mess can be sorted out.Speaking of messes, much of the temporary blue roof sheeting provided to Gautier residents by the Federal Emergency Management Agency has proven to be defective. Provided under FEMA’s Operation Blue Roof, the material was supposed to shelter area homes until residents could permanently replace their roofs. In reality, much of the material began shredding within two weeks of installation. On a brighter note, volunteers from as far away as Cincinnati have converged on Gautier to help clean out and rebuild homes. Some of these volunteers have bunked up in the Winnebago Chieftan which was donated to the town by Tempe resident Bud Schall and driven there by Mary Hutchinson (right) and Margie Frost (center) of MesaCAN and Darlene Duncan (left) of Mesa United Way. While in Gautier last November, the trio brought a check for the funds collected to date. We recently learned that the money was used to purchase refrigerators, stoves, washers and dryers for 143 households under Whirlpool Corporation’s hurricane relief program.One of the town’s biggest needs is for sheetrock and nails. When the local Lowes receives a shipment, they sell it on a first-come-first-served basis, and customers must haul it themselves. This has proven to be very difficult for Gautier volunteers, who cannot provide the necessary transportation. If you know of anyone who can purchase and haul sheetrock for the people of Gautier, please let Darlene Duncan at Mesa United Way know. Click here to send her a message.

What a mind boggling bait and switch game! Sending Sheriff Joe in to "Raid" Cactus Towing like only a Sheriff and his Posse can do; setting up allegations of wrong doing, bids coming and going, words flying, lawsuits, attorneys to mix it up, let me see if I get this….Cactus Towing has apparently serviced Mesa and several other cities for a few years without complaint or disruption of service. Suddenly, there’s a "raid" and somebody has someone looking pretty guilty. Now what was that over and why so timely? (Tribune 1/21)The City of Mesa and it’s attorney offers the video, recording and documents of the Council Meeting in question, where possibly words were flying. Cactus Towing was denied a first bid, another bid progresses and is awarded. The end result? The City awards Cactus Towing half of the towing contract, and also awards Daryl’s Towing and another towing company one-quarter each of the remaining half of that contract. So, why is this not okay? I can see why Cactus feels a loss of business, on the other hand, everybody walks away with some of the business. Who is angry about getting something when they could have had nothing? I don’t know these details, but unless something has changed in the policy of awarding bids when I was a part of the process; the lowest bidder does not automatically get the bid. There are other considerations, criteria, service, and steps one must follow. But what do I know, I don’t see a problem here…..I’d probably just be grateful I was bringing in some business.

Yes Baby Boomers, I’m talking about you! I read with interest the commentary in the January 23, EV Tribune "Boomers can make history again". Quickly noting some distinction, I think it’s my first so I’m going for it! As a pioneer I’m one of those that "paved the way through the wilderness of social change". The huge number of Baby Boomers followed–permanently altering the cultural landscape.I find I also have many Baby Boomer qualities, if we can agree to call them that. As an adult for sometime now, I’m in total denial of the years byond….the road to longevity. I see glimpes at times but do not go any further. Living in the moment, living today, yet prepared before the time closes in on you. My Girl Scout training served me well. I do have a living will, trust, power of attorney, medical power of attorney, etc. A must if you haven’t done it yet!Baby Boomers - I’ve already decided there is no "retirement", no idle days of thinking where I will be buried, well, actually I checked once on cremation packages and was "cranky" for a month. Make sure all your social appointments aren’t only with your doctor or dentist. How can one go through life never being sick, then all of a sudden it’s high health maintenance! Staying involved, making a difference is the fullness of life. I’m into "Self-Actualization", it’s a word that gives me ownership in that I can recognize authentic processing of ideas from within. At this stage a wage is not the value, you think about applying yourself in a helpful, positive way for your community. It keeps you alive, avoiding the years that creep by, soon dreading your birthday, then immediately thinking about the next one. The ability to renew and reinvent I can definately relate to, it’s constant and on-going.I would rather pay full price at the movies or when ordering from a restaurant menu, rather than entertaining the word "senior" as if it applies to me and agreeing with it. I’m getting a little adjusted to the word….just don’t refer to me in the same sentence. Why is "senior" so old and decrepid sounding? Why not give the heroes of this generation a positive spin like the "Intellectuals" the "Accomplished", "Life Graduate", "Masters of Life". How about the "Been there, Done That" group! Something positive for all that’s been contributed to one’s family, others lives, a career or service to one’s country, state or city. The labor force is not alone in age discrimination, it is rampant - I see it in social circumstances, volunteer settings, stereotypes of older people is incredibly unreasonable. Those that have been the life force being set aside as if an old, outdated piece of machinery. What a waste and disgrace! I would’t blame anyone wanting to avoid the sting of rejection, the mass numbers of Baby Boomers will make this a priority in cultural change. I am already overjoyed as I read the end of the article that "Ironically, chronological age is no longer very relevant. Health, finances, purpose and friendship are far more significant."

Each year I experience the same sense of belonging when attending the City of Mesa, MLK Breakfast. The panel of diverse speakers included Dr. Bobby Jones of Nashville, TN - the first and only nationally syndicated black gospel television show, earning many awards. The voice of Native American student Whitney Youngman, Mesa High School; speaking with depth and understanding; a representative of our youth today. Mesa Public Schools does an excellent job educating our children in many critical areas. We listened and sang along with the Saved by Grace Choir, blended voices that sang of hope, freedom, and a strength that one day…..it will be better, a change is coming!I believe many have that dream no matter what their circumstance: ethnicity, finances, health challenges, physical appearance, the young/working/retired, education, gender, beliefs, family, relationships, station in life, a false belief of unworthiness, a false sense of privilege, or locked in an emotional cell….waiting, for the key of freedom and acceptance.A silver thread of acceptance in our differences has the ability to knit our community together in an authentic way. Cultivating a desire to know and value the other; and embrace Dr. King’s message of freedom and hope. Whitney phrased it nicely, "Thanks MLK, Jr. for making everyone acceptable. Fighting for the good of all mankind, not to change beliefs but give another perspective".Why do we make it so complicated? I enjoyed that morning, seeing and visiting with many I’ve come to know over the years. I felt at home with friends. Partners in understanding one another’s value. MLK is a perfect way to uphold and recognize the diverse and unique value in each of us. Inclusion, not just one portion of our population, but a celebration of each life within the whole. Many Faces, One Community. To experience this at the beginning of the year was fortunate since the city is having to cut other celebrations. I like the idea of those committed to restoring the home of Mesa’s first Black doctor, what it will represent - a symbol of freedom, acceptance, value. I bet it will feel like home.