Tucson | mermaidcamp

Leadership and Rotten Apples

July 28, 2016 — 1 Comment

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The theories used to administer law enforcement agencies have changed with the times. The current political climate demands a thorough examination of the criminal justice system from top to bottom. The DOJ’s 21st Century Guidelines are a step in the right idealistic direction. Much thought has been put into the basic “pillars” of law enforcement best practices. The country seems to be more divided each day on the subject of police relationships with the public. Some paint the entire force as rotten based on the criminal behavior now available for broadcast to the world. Others advocate for support for the cops no matter what they are doing. The second group always refers to a few rotten apples, but they never mention the rest of the proverb…a few rotten apples spoil the whole barrel. Staying with the fruit analogy, I think it is the responsibility of the administrators of cities to responsibly go through the barrels on a regular basis to assure that the law enforcement culture is not rotten.

The war on drugs has not only given us an opiate addicted society, but also great opportunity for the most common kinds of corruption to flourish. Arizona is a wild west state famous for “conservative” law enforcement, al estilo de Joe Arpaio. Indeed, Arizona has had some famous historical stand offs around law and order. The Gunfight at the OK Corral was exactly that. Doc and Wyatt are symbols of everything we love about Tombstone and the legends too tough to die. After the Earps and Doc shot the Clantons they high tailed it to Tucson, and the rest is history. The Arizona Rangers were founded in Tombstone during the Territory days, and still have a proud tradition, although today they are a volunteer organization. It is a serious challenge to maintain the proud traditions and, at the same time, be vigilant of corruption. It is not a black and white question.

How do you feel, gentle reader? Do you think there is a problem with individual cops, or with the leadership? Or do you feel everything is going well with the criminal justice system right now?

Ranger history

Doc and Wyatt

Mind the Gap #NoJustice

July 8, 2016 — 5 Comments

There are gaps of understanding between the citizens and the police. This has always been the case. Today we face an ever growing divide that makes everyone in the United States vulnerable to senseless violence and hate crimes of all kinds.

You'll see a lot of mentions today of division. But remember this photo taken at the protest and posted by @DallasPD pic.twitter.com/C4m4e5NCg0

— Mike Drucker (@MikeDrucker) July 8, 2016

We have a new police chief in Tucson who has come to teach us neighborhood policing. When he held up a hashtag sign in his former town of Richmond, California, he was criticized widely across the nation for betraying cops. The Police Union in Tucson soundly rejected his bid to become chief over this sign. Thank goodness they lost the battle and Chief Magnus has started the very serious task of bringing our cops together in unity not only with each other but, for the first time, with the community. He has reorganized the department, focusing on more stable local assignments so the cops learn more about the same area all the time. He has eliminated some of the “specialties”, as recommended by the DOJ’s 21st Century Guidelines for Policing, in order to make each cop more full service and user friendly. He knew he was moving to a much bigger city, but I don’t think he could have imagined how much we needed him down here in Tucson. This will be a very big job for him, but I am glad he has started it.

Chris Magnus

Welcome to Tucson, Chief Chris,”357″,Magnus. You are just what the doctor ordered.

The Tweet is Mightier Than the SWAT

May 23, 2016

TPD SWATTER Salisbury

I want to convince the commander of my local police station to learn more about the progressive use of social media. Controversy and conflict spread like wildfire on all platforms today. This is a reflection of our relationships in real life. It is easy to get into a political argument but not so easy to locate community spirit. We drastically need dialog and understanding to build better neighborhoods. The tension between police and citizens must be treated. Lack of trust must be brought to light and replaced with understanding. We need better communication, and I believe it can be achieved with judicious use of social media. I believe twitter has the power to prevent crime if used with imagination and good strategy, just as it has influenced some to fight for ISIS. The only way to stop an evil force with a twitter account is with a loving force with a twitter account.

In the photo above a young detective is joking around with SWAT Officer Salisbury, who was working showing off the SWAT stuff at the station the other day. I had just asked him what he detected about Officer Salisbury. He was telling me he that his colleague is very speedy. Their camaraderie is evident and the good nature of the joking between them was fun to see. These young men are charming and professional, but I certainly hope I will not require their services. It is fine to hang out in the parking lot, but I don’t want them to come to my house in the middle of the night.

It was all fun and games until I said, “I know you saw the PBS special last week about SWAT.” They didn’t really say much, but they indicated that this PBS reference had bummed them out. I don’t blame them because it is another blow to the already ragged respect for police across the country. News coverage brings scary evidence that violence is escalating in certain cities. Tucson is one of them. These young cops face ever-growing danger with no hope of a pay raise in sight. For them, as well as for all of us, we need to find ways to communicate to prevent crime of all kinds, particularly crimes against cops. We will find ourselves unable to recruit people who are willing to take the job if we don’t kick in and help them reduce crime and violence.

I believe social media has the potential to transform crime prevention because

A picture is worth a thousand words
A penny saved is a penny earned
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure
A stitch in time saves nine
The tweet is mightier than the SWAT

What do you think, gentle reader, is the answer to the social disorder we are experiencing today?

SWATTER Stoner

Police Mendacity

May 17, 2016 — 4 Comments

Police

I have watched with interest the specials PBS aired last week about police and gun violence in America. The problems are even worse for law enforcement professionals than I thought they were. The panel discussion of police chiefs and victims of SWAT team violence revealed a shocking systemic practice of lying to the public to protect officers who make deadly mistakes on duty. A lively discussion on-line took place at the hashtag #PBSPeaceOfficer.

Both sides are heavily polarized on the issue, as we might expect. The police chiefs stressed that the problem needs to be addressed to the mayors and councils to find solutions. The cops themselves are following orders and protocol and strategies set by those in command. Hiring, training, and supervision are needed by the agencies to correct the current problems. In most cases they lack the funding to buy enough essential training and adequate supervisory personnel to equip and supervise recruits. The officers lack the skills they need to both protect themselves and the public. This seems to be the case across the country. While the citizens arm up and carry guns everywhere the cities refuse to provide enough funding to operate functional law enforcement agencies. This is an obvious recipe for more violence.

#pbspeaceofficer In a discussion of overarmed police, an officer onstage is armed. Why does he need a gun in this place?

— David C. Taylor (@DTNewYorkNoir) May 10, 2016

#PBSPeaceOfficer: From 2010-2014, officer involved shootings in Utah accounted for more deaths than drug and gang violence.

— Valient Law Firm (@ValientLaw) May 16, 2016

When the government declared war on drugs and terror, they began to distribute military surplus to police departments to fight these “wars”. Included in this discussion is the tendency to use this military equipment to occupy neighborhoods rather than protect them. The police chiefs were quick to point out that much of the surplus they receive is office equipment and other non lethal much-needed supplies. The police professionals also agreed they needed the military weapons because their own communities failed to arm the force adequately. There is now a new policy against militarized police forces, but they already have plenty of gear to continue the heavily occupation of America. The NRA has a strong lobby in support of arming the entire population. This is escalating an already terrible problem. We need disarmament negotiations between the cops and the citizens, apparently.

I have seen the TPD employ the SWAT team in my neighborhood. They came in the middle of the night to bust some dope dealers who had been operating boldly in the open for years, right on the street. I could have busted them myself any day during the previous couple of years, either making drive by deliveries from the front yard, or by busting the group of youngsters on tiny bikes that fanned out to deliver drugs throughout the hood before dawn daily. Some of the bike delivery guys were able to stay in the apartment and have a yard sale after the SWAT bust which I found to be amazing. I know for sure that one of my neighbors reported this obvious ongoing dealing but was told by a group of cops who had answered a call at his house that they were not interested. About 6 months after Russ told them about the dealing they showed up with flash bombs. This was evidence to me that they enjoy this use of force too much to be safe with all that fire power.

More of a concern to me than the use of force is the use of mendacity. They use statistics to tell us about themselves, yet they compile these statistics. If they are willfully blind to their own errors the law enforcement agency becomes a dangerous street gang. If they are encouraged by municipal authorities to hide mistakes rather than learn from them they become the villain rather than the hero in our society. This trend is very dangerous to our public health.

Ann Day and the Drunk Driver

May 9, 2016 — 2 Comments

Don’t Drink and Drive

After a long career in public service Ann Day had retired from the Board of Supervisors in Pima County. The 77-year-old was driving alone on Saturday morning when a drunk driver crossed a raised median and slammed head on into her vehicle. The car behind could not stop in time, and crashed into the back of her car. She was pronounced dead at the hospital shortly after the accident. This tragic death took place at 7:40 am. We don’t know if the driver woke up and started drinking or was still drunk from Friday night. He has been charged with manslaughter for this senseless death.

Ann and her older sister Sandra Day O’Connor grew up on a cattle ranch founded by her paternal grandfather in 1880 near the New Mexico border. Henry Clay Day was a homesteader on his ranch when Geronimo was still roaming that land. The family history is Arizona history, with an emphasis on education. Henry Clay Day served as chairman of the board of supervisors of Graham County, setting an example that Ann and her esteemed sister would follow. Ann served 10 years in the state senate and 12 years on the Pima County Board of Supervisors. She was a Republican who was known for her independent streak. She was well-respected by colleagues and constituents, many of whom are expressing their grief about this tragedy.

She was killed near the shopping center where Gabby Giffords was shot. My own parents were shoppers at that center. They might have been at the Safeway had the shootings happened a few years earlier. My mom and dad took the transport to that center, operated by assisted living facility where they rented an apartment. My dad loved to drive the Safeway carts inside the store because it was the only driving he was allowed to do at that point. Jarred Laughlin could have gunned down my parents had timing been different. That is exactly the thought I have when I drive past that center.

The irony of public servants loosing life to loose canons of various kinds is not lost on me. Ann Day was not targeted for her political service like Gabby. She was randomly selected to die as the result of one of our society’s ugliest problems, drunk driving. Jarrad Barnes, 24 years old, is charged for taking the life of a woman he did not know. Since her family and her history are prominent we can only hope this will bring much-needed attention and solutions to the drunk driving epidemic in America. We can’t take away everyone’s cars, so we need to change public behavior. This common habit has touched too many families in this country. We need to solve this serious problem.

Don’t Drink and Drive

Natural Grocers Grand Opening in Tucson

March 23, 2016 — 1 Comment

bulk grains

healthy desserts

specialty foods

wide variety of items

tasty probiotics

body care section

marketing and management

essential oils

ready to eat

organic produce

sauce of the gods

I arrived home after gym and shopping today and received a call from my favorite neighbor, Heidi. She advised me to check my mail for a coupon for a new store opening close to home. I was really not in need of groceries but she convinced me to visit the grand opening of Natural Grocers at Broadway and Country Club in Tucson. She was right that this is a very happy event to celebrate. This store is a treasure trove of shopping wonder for me. They carry all kinds of exotic and wonderful local health foods, very well priced. There are items available in bulk for those who can utilize a giant bag of oats or other grains. The produce is organic. The body care and vitamin section rivals Whole Foods for selection and beats them on price!!! We are so lucky to have this new asset in our ‘hood.

I cruised the store and tasted the various special offerings being sampled. I found many new products, of which I was unaware, now available right down the street. I am highly attached to grocery shopping at all price points and levels. I go grocery shopping when I travel just to have some fun and inform myself about the local market situation. It is how I bond with a community other than my own, through groceries. I am thrilled to see all the fun discount programs offered by Natural Grocers, as well as noting that the base pricing is very customer friendly. The staff was overcome with joy to receive the new shoppers. I have never been so well greeted and treated in a grocery store. Methinks they have training in the 5 and 10 rule….showing eye contact and acknowlegement to anyone within 10 feet, and speaking with uplifting gusto to any customer who is within 5 feet of the staff. They were giddy with welcome, happy greetings for me. What’s not to like? I will shop here for sure. Today I was crammed packed in my home fridge but found some great items to put in the pantry, very well priced. I am a huge fan already, and look forward to the fun events they have planned for education and enrichment.

Brothers in Business, Saxon and Bryce Posey

January 27, 2016 — 1 Comment

My vendor neighbors at the Heirloom Farmers Market on Sundays are one of the reasons I have so much fun there. Our Garden Goddess Ferments booth is favorably located next to two awesome food trucks and a dining area. All the vendors are helpful and friendly with each other, usually offering a vendor discount as well. I met Saxon Posey on my first time at the market, so I was delighted that our permanent location is right across the way from the Posey brothers business, Desert Edible V’eggs. The name is derived from the recycled egg cartons used as packaging and seed starting greenhouse. Saxon gives credit to his younger brother Bryce for the colors on the logo. They are a cool team.

The well designed starter kits for gardeners are complete with everything you need to begin a garden. All you add is water and care. As Saxon explains, the small time gardener rarely uses a full package of seeds. The V’eggs seeds are planted in peat pots ready to start indoors or in a greenhouse. The box they come in is the first mini greenhouse used to start the seeds. After they sprout the lid can be lifted. When the seedlings are a couple of inches tall they can be planted into the ground or a larger planter to mature. Their system is practically fool proof, and brilliantly well planned. The boys want their customers to be successful as farmers. They have created 35 different garden packs that are seasonally appropriate. These are the kits they offer at the farmers market. They are also creating a new line especially designed for elementary school gardens called Schoolhouse Crops. They feature really easy to grow varieties in the Schoolhouse kits to give the schools a better outcome.

The brothers are personable, funny, and are masters of their own creative business while still in the 4th and 6th grades. I am mighty impressed with this family of entrepreneurs. I feel lucky to know them at this young age, and have to wonder what they will do with this business experience in the future. With a little encouragement from their mom Erika, also a friendly addition to the market booth, there is no telling what these powerhouse Posey boys will create. It is impressive to watch them work. They are featured this month in the edible Baja Arizona magazine, which is a real source of pride for Saxon as you see below.

young entrepreneur

Entrepreneurial Spirit, Magic Kenny Bang Bang

January 26, 2016 — 2 Comments

The Dillinger Days party at Hotel Congress is always a great community event. People enjoy the car show and the costumed gangsters as well as both of our beautiful antique firetrucks on display for the occasion. A fire in the Hotel Congress lead to the arrest of public enemy number one in Tucson in 1934. The era is recreated each year and the locals enjoy watching the reenactment, which includes cops, robbers, and antique firetrucks. A good time is had by all.

I was eating lunch at Maynard’s Market at the train station while Magic Kenny Bang Bang sat at the bar talking to friends. I asked about his top hat costume, which seemed over the top, even at Dillinger Days. He told me that he is a professional magician. Oddly enough, I had just read his name a few hours earlier in association with an event he will MC on Valentines Day and had wondered who he is. He was waiting for his piano player to arrive for a show they would perform later in the afternoon. He did a magic trick at the bar that did baffle and amaze me, so I asked for a quick interview. He was gracious to oblige.

I think the combination sommelier/magician is a unique one. He can do all kinds of magic, but primarily is a people person who enjoys entertaining. I did not stay downtown for his show but think I will go to the Valentine’s event to see what he will do. I love to see the different ways people can make a living from their talents. Magic Kenny is a great example of ingenuity, creativity, and skill.

Magic Kenny Bang Bang

Farmers Markets for Family Fun

January 18, 2016 — 1 Comment

The goddess herself

The popularity of farmers markets is in the rise. People are interested in fresh sources of local food, and more entrepreneurs are entering the market with new natural products. The variety and quality of locally produced foods has soared in Baja Arizona in the last few years. Specialty growers and artisanal small batch culinary companies are featured at most of our markets. Some feature food trucks and vendors of prepared meals, both frozen and ready to eat on the spot. Many markets have entertainers, usually musicians, to entertain the crowd. The combination of shopping for special food and being outdoors is a perfect recipe for family enjoyment. The market creates an atmosphere that encourages healthy culture and social engagement.

I have been a customer at many markets all around the world, rarely being disappointed. Yesterday I participated as a vendor for the first time at the Heirloom Farmers Market at the Rillito Race Track in Tucson. I was in training to represent Garden Goddess raw fermented sauerkraut, made in Phoenix, down here in Tucson. The goddess herself, Suzette Smith, showed me how it is done and set me up with the equipment and permits I will need to get going on my own as a market vendor. We had a really great time meeting the customers as well as the other vendors. For our first appearance anywhere in Tucson we had a very warm reception. The flavor as well as the health benefits make fermented foods easy for me to promote. I eat the kraut myself daily with excellent results. I can enthusiastically endorse the changes it has made to my digestive system. Health is valuable to me, but if something does not taste good I am not very likely to get into it. Garden Goddess krauts are so deliciously different from others on the market that I find the sample taste convinces many to buy. Some folks who think they are not fans of kraut change their minds when they taste the Garden Goddess versions of this ancient food. Others who do enjoy it are surprised to find such a full flavored kraut with so many medicinal additives to increase the benefits.

The time flew by yesterday because sharing the day with the community at a market is one of my favorite pastimes. I am feeling lucky to find a new way to participate in the local food culture. It is a blast to turn people on to the wonders and flavors of artisanal sauerkraut.

Sunday market at Rillito Race Track

young entrepreneur

Arizona Inn for Innovative Cuisine, Who Knew?

January 1, 2016 — 1 Comment

We went out to eat in our neighborhood today to celebrate the new year. I was thinking of eggs Benedict but we arrived after the breakfast menu had been retired. Much to my delight the lunch menu had been updated since our last visit to include many new dishes that are right up my culinary alley. The Arizona Inn is a very classy place to dine, stay, or do just about anything. I used to take my mother there all the time because she loved the ambiance. I am also a fan of the reserved, quiet atmosphere and the historic style. In Tucson nobody really needs to put up a Christmas tree at home because the Inn provides a fabulous super tree in the library every year for all of us to enjoy. They keep the wood fire going and the charm flowing for hotel guests, so off the street visitors are treated to the same upgraded style. We love the dining room, but the Audubon Bar is adjacent which has a patio where the full menu is also available. The entire space is elegant and designed for classic leisure. I am not sure if many remember classic leisure, but it includes well designed surroundings, croquet, and fabulous service.

I was surprised to see the jackfruit Korean tacos so I ordered them. My starter of vegetarian spring rolls was fresh and delicious. The salad on which the rolls were served was the most sumptuous part of the dish, adding texture and another layer of flavor to go with the dipping sauces. To be honest I would have been satisfied after that course, but the tacos arrived and they really excited me. I finished my soba noodles and two of my tacos, which took me past the point of sensible portions. I am guilty of overeating on New Years Day!! Well, I made no resolutions, so I guess I did not break any. Bob was not able to finish his paella after his starter of corn and cauliflower chowder. I tasted the chowder, another vegetarian item, and really like it too. Bob ordered take out dessert, so the experience lives on in the fridge as two kinds of cake.

Our service was delivered with impeccable precision and grace by Mike Yaugor who has worked at the Inn for six years and likes it. I try not to hound waiters with my lacto-ovo vegetarianism by asking too many questions, but I need specificity. Mike was proactively ready to serve anyone, even vegans. He knew everything about everything on the menu. When Bob ordered paella, which normally is served after 5 pm, he proactively found out that the kitchen could accommodate the order at lunch time. Mike is my kind of guy, a happy, attentive, detail oriented server, comfortable with his colleagues and his guests. He did not mind asking the chefs to don the toques to come out for kudos on camera. Nathan Brown and Mathew Patton were holding down the kitchen on 1 January, 2016. They kicked out a lunch that made our celebration special and memorable. We are both impressed with the innovative new twists to the offerings. We’ll be back! This is, by far, the best restaurant in my neighborhood at the moment.