Arizona is a hiker’s paradise, offering diverse landscapes and unforgettable outdoor experiences. Whether exploring desert paths or mountain forests, preparation and safety are essential to ensure an enjoyable adventure.

Essential Hiking Safety Guidelines
• Know Your Limits: Choose trails that match your fitness level and experience. Avoid overestimating your abilities.
• Plan Ahead: Research your trail, check weather conditions, and share your plans with someone. Always carry a map and know your route.
• Dress Appropriately: Wear sturdy footwear, light-colored breathable clothing, a hat, and sunscreen. Trekking poles are also useful in improving your stability on trails.
• Stay Hydrated: Bring more water than you think you’ll need. Turn back once you’ve used half your supply. Never drink untreated water.
• Pack Essentials: Carry high-energy snacks, a small medical kit, a compass, and a charged cell phone. Remember to put your cell phone on airplane mode to conserve battery life.
• Hike With Others: Group hiking is safer and more enjoyable. If you do hike alone, remember to always notify someone of your location, departure time, and expected return time.
• Respect the Trail: Follow etiquette – yield to uphill hikers, pack out your trash, and keep your pets leashed.
• Stay on Marked Trails: Staying on the marked trails reduces your risk of getting lost or encountering dangerous terrain. Staying on marked trails also makes it easier for rescuers to find you in case of an emergency..

Monsoon Awareness
• Check the Weather Before You Go: Monsoon storms can develop quickly and bring heavy rain, lightning, and strong winds.
• Avoid Canyons and Washes: Flash floods can occur suddenly – even if it’s not raining nearby.
• Stay Alert: If you hear thunder, you are within lightning range. Seek shelter immediately.
• Move to Higher Ground: In the event of flooding, avoid low-lying areas and never cross moving water.
• Avoid High Elevations: Lightning is more frequent at higher elevations – plan accordingly.
• Turn Around, Don’t Drown: Never attempt to cross flooded trails or roadways. Always choose safety and turn back.

“Stay Safe. Stay Prepared. Enjoy Arizona Responsibly.”

Have you received a call, text message, or social media contact from someone that is claiming to be from the government or representing a law enforcement agency? Did they have an authentic-looking email address or phone number? Scammers are frequently impersonating law enforcement or government agencies to scam residents. They can be threatening; leveraging the authority of law enforcement to create a sense of urgency and fear, often threatening victims with immediate legal action if they do not comply with their demands. They can also use a friendly approach, claiming that they need your assistance in an investigation or that they are informing you that your name has been associated with criminal activity.

Scammers may say they’ve confiscated a package with your name on it. It’s filled with money, illegal drugs, or weapons — and you’ll be arrested unless you pay a fine. To avoid being arrested, they might tell you to send cash, deposit money at a Bitcoin ATM, buy Gift Cards and give them the numbers, or send money over a Payment App like Zelle, Cash App, or Venmo.

Even if the caller uses the name of a real officer, has a real number show up on your caller ID, or has information about you (like your address), that’s not a real officer calling. It’s a scammer trying to steal your money. Here’s what to know:
• Real law enforcement officers won’t call to say you’re going to be arrested (or threaten to arrest you if you hang up).
• Real law enforcement officers won’t call to insist that you pay fines by cash, gift card, cryptocurrency, payment app, or a wire transfer service — and never as a way to buy your way out of a “crime.”
• Real law enforcement officers will not ask you to deliver large amounts of cash to a courier to pay your fines, nor will they send someone over to your home to pick up cash.
• Always remember: For this scam and for all other scams, scammers will always create a sense of urgency and tell you that you need to act now! This is a scammer’s favorite tool and they like it because they know it causes an emotional response to act quickly and because it prevents you from thinking the situation through and from verifying the information before you proceed.

How to Protect Yourself
• Don’t Take Immediate Action: If you receive a communication that causes a strong emotional response, take a deep breath. Hang up or ignore the message. Talk to someone you trust.
• Don’t Send Money: Never pay someone who insists that you pay with a gift card, prepaid debit card, Internet currency or cryptocurrency, wire transfer, money transfer, or by mailing or delivering cash. Scammers use these forms of payment because they are hard to trace.
• Be Skeptical: If you think a real law enforcement officer is trying to reach you, call your local law enforcement using a non-emergency number that you looked up personally to verify. Do not believe scammers who “transfer” your call to another official or who feed you a number as proof. Scammers can create fake numbers and identities. Do not trust your caller ID. Never use contact information that they provide to you – always look it up independently.
• Be Cautious: Be wary of anyone contacting you claiming to be from a government agency or law enforcement, telling you about a problem you don’t recognize. Do not provide your personal information, even if the caller already has some of your information.
• Don’t Trust Provided Links and Information: never click on links or attachments that are provided to you. Never use callback numbers that are provided to you either. Always look up information yourself and initiate contact independently.

Always remember this when you receive a solicitation through text, phone, email, or social media – if it sounds strange, don’t engage!

Visit our website http://www.scamsquadsav.org to check for other scams and alerts. You can also contact the GVSAV Scam Squad by calling 520-351-6715 Monday through Thursday 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. To report an incident of fraud (money lost to a scam) call 911 or 520-351-4900. You can also visit our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/GVSAV.

PIMA COUNTY, May 26, 2026 – All interested citizens are invited to attend public hearings on three proposed tax increases Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 5 p.m. or thereafter, in the Pima County Board of Supervisors Hearing Room, 130 W. Congress, first floor.
The increases concern the Flood Control District, the Library District and the County’s primary property tax rate.

In compliance with Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) section 48-254, Pima County Flood Control District is notifying its property taxpayers of its intention to raise its secondary property taxes over last year’s level. The district is proposing an increase in secondary property taxes of $2,856,132 or 8.02%.
For example, the proposed tax increase will cause Flood Control’s secondary property taxes on a $100,000 home to be $34.07 (total proposed taxes including the tax increase). Without the proposed tax increase, the total taxes that would be owed on a $100,000 home would have been $31.54.

In compliance with ARS section 48-254, Pima County Free Library District is notifying its property taxpayers of its intention to raise its secondary property taxes over last year’s level. The district is proposing an increase in secondary property taxes of $5,123,983 or 7.78%.
For example, the proposed tax increase will cause the Library District’s secondary property taxes on a $100,000 home to be $58.20 (total proposed taxes including the tax increase). Without the proposed tax increase, the total taxes that would be owed on a $100,000 home would have been $54.00.

In compliance with ARS section 42-17107, Pima County is notifying its property taxpayers of the County’s intention to raise primary property taxes over last year’s level. The County is proposing an increase in primary property taxes of $26,059,116 or 5.26%.
For example, the proposed tax increase will cause its primary property taxes on a $100,000 home to be $427.33 (total proposed taxes including the tax increase). Without the proposed tax increase, the total taxes that would be owed on a $100,000 home would have been $405.97.

Questions may be directed to the County Administrator’s Office, 520-724-8661.
The hearings can be streamed via the following links: BOS Agenda June 23, 2026 or on YouTube. It can also be seen live on Cox Cable Channel 96.

Notice: Truth in Taxation Public Hearing notices will be published in The Daily Territorial on June 8 and June 15 and in the Ajo Copper News on June 3 and June 10. 

Snakes And Other Pests
The more we understand the desert snakes and critters that share our community, the safer we can be. We would like to review the most common venomous snakes and desert critters in our community, how to recognize them, where they are commonly found, and what to do if you are bitten or stung.

Snakes
Western Diamondback Rattlesnake – most rattlesnake encounters occur during the spring and summer months when warmer temperatures make them more active. It’s not uncommon to see them sunning themselves on rocks or even on roadways.
Arizona is home to about 19 species of rattlesnakes, although the Western Diamondback is the most common in our region. They can be identified by:
• A triangular-shaped head
• Two dark diagonal lines on each side of the face
• Dark diamond-shaped patterns along their back
• Distinct black-and-white bands just above the rattle
• Remember that the rattle is a warning system, if you’re close enough to hear it, stop immediately and slowly move backward the way you came in to get out of striking range (about 3 ft.)

If Bitten
• Seek immediate medical attention
• Stay calm to avoid increasing venom absorption
• Do not suck out the venom or apply a tourniquet
• Do not wash, irrigate, or bandage the wound
• Remove tight clothing or jewelry near the bite as swelling will occur

Gila Monsters
The Gila Monster is the largest venomous lizard native to the US and can grow to 22 inches in length. They have large heads and are covered in striking pink, yellow, and black scales, with long toes and sharp claws. Despite their appearance, they move very slowly and have poor eyesight, relying primarily on smell and taste to find food.
Gila Monsters live in burrows under rocks and are mostly nocturnal – if you see one during the day, it is likely searching for food. These reptiles are protected by Arizona State Law and may not be captured, harmed, or sold. Gila Monsters are not aggressive and will not chase after people. If threatened, they may hiss or back away before biting.

If Bitten
• Keep the affected area below heart level (upper chest)
• Rinse the wound gently with water
• Seek immediate medical attention
• A Gila Monster bite happens quickly, and once they latch on they may clamp down and chew

Bees
The Sonoran Desert is home to over 600 species of bees, with the Western Honeybee being the most common. Bees are generally not aggressive but will sting to defend themselves or their hive. A single sting usually causes mild redness and swelling. Seek emergency medical care if signs of anaphylaxis occur, including:
• difficulty breathing
• swelling of the tongue or throat
• hives
• dizziness or loss of consciousness
• Remember that multiple bee stings are a medical emergency

Spiders
Arizona’s warm and dry climate is ideal for spiders. They often hide in dark areas such as closets, drawers, sheds, flowerpots, and in garages. The two most common in our community are the Black Widow and Brown Recluse.
• Black Widow Spider – black widows are shiny black with a bright red hourglass shape on the underside of the abdomen. Females are larger and most likely to bite. A bite may show 2 puncture marks and may cause severe pain, muscle stiffness or spasms, difficulty breathing, and nausea, vomiting, fever, and chills.
• Brown Recluse Spider – brown recluse spiders have a violin-shaped marking on their head and six eyes. They prefer seclusion and usually bite only when trapped against human skin, often in shoes, towels, bedding, or gloves. Their bite may not be immediately painful but symptoms can worsen over several days and may include tissue damage. Medical care is recommended, and healing may take several weeks.

Scorpions
Arizona has several species of scorpions. The bark scorpion is the most medically significant. It is smaller (2-3 inches) with a slender tail, and while its venom can be dangerous, deaths are rare. Scorpions are most active during warm summer nights. Their sting causes immediate pain, numbness, and tingling. If stung:
• Stay Calm
• Clean the area with soap and water
• Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen
• Call poison control at 800-222-1222

Quick Safety Tips
• Always be aware of your surroundings
• Do not pick up or play with the wildlife
• Wear gloves when gardening or working outdoors
• Shake out boots, shoes, and gloves before use
• Always give the wildlife plenty of space
• Before picking up or opening boxes in your garage, give them a quick kick and listen and watch for any activity

“We live in a beautiful place – don’t let fear of snakes and critters keep you from enjoying it!”

This scam starts with some sudden news – you have won the lottery or a sweepstakes. Or the caller may be informing you that you are the recipient of an inheritance from a distant relative or monies held from a previous inheritance have now been released to you. If you receive an unexpected contact claiming any of these – beware.

Sweepstakes Scams
Scammers will contact you to inform you of your great luck – you won! The scammer will then typically inform you that there are taxes and fees related to your big win, and that you need to send money to cover these costs before you can claim you prize. They commonly ask for payment in gift cards, crypto, or even cash. Scammers may also contact you to inform you of your big win, but this time no upfront payment is needed – they simply need all of your bank account information so that they can deposit your (nonexistent) winnings. In either case, beware! Especially if you don’t recall entering these “sweepstakes”.

Fake Inheritance Scams
Inheritance scams operate by convincing individuals they have a claim to a significant windfall from a distant relative or an unclaimed estate. To “release” these funds, fraudsters demand upfront administrative fees or sensitive personal information. Once the payment is made or data is shared, the scammers vanish, and the promised inheritance never materializes. Scammers will commonly reach out via a letter, email, or text message claiming to be from a fake law firm that is representing an estate. They may also provide you with fake life insurance or will documents naming you as the beneficiary. They will always request sensitive personal information or “tax payments”, “processing fees”, or “legal fees” to release your “inheritance”.

Always remember this when you receive a solicitation through text, phone, email, or social media – if it sounds strange, don’t engage!
Visit our website http://www.scamsquadsav.org to check for other scams and alerts. You can also contact the GVSAV Scam Squad by calling 520-351-6715 Monday through Thursday 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. To report an incident of fraud (money lost to a scam) call 911 or 520-351-4900. You can also visit our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/GVSAV.

Residents all across Arizona are reporting being targeted by a new traffic ticket scam that is both official-looking and threatening. This new scam employs sending residents official-looking documentation that states that they owe money for traffic violations, including speeding tickets, parking fines, toll violations, or delinquecies. They threaten anything from immediate arrest, driver license suspension, or vehicle impoundment if you do not send payment. Often, the scammers will provide a QR code or other links for you to make an immediate payment. Beware of this growing scam.
Be Aware
• ADOT (Arizona Department of Transportation) does not collect for unpaid traffic tickets and does not text residents to demand payment
• Be wary of any misspellings in the document or any incorrect information. For example, there is no Arizona Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) – it does not exist. In the State of Arizona those responsibilities fall under the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD). 
• This scam often mentions toll road violations – Arizona does not currently have any toll roads. If you are given a notice for a toll road violation, it is a scam.
•Remember that legitimate government agencies do not provide QR codes for quick payment and they do not collect payments through text messages.

Below is an example of a fake document sent by scammers:

If you or someone you know needs assistance with replacing the batteries in their smoke alarms or may need to replace the actual smoke alarms, contact the Santa Rita Fire Corps.

Santa Rita Fire Corps
Smoke Alarm and Battery Replacement Programs 520-393-7505
Call to make an appointment and Fire Corps Volunteers will come to your home and change all of the batteries and/or alarms

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BATTERY REPLACEMENTS (inc. batteries) Up to 8 batteries – $20.00 per residence, 9 or more batteries – $25
SMOKE ALARM REPLACEMENTS $30.00 per NEW lithium battery alarm

Arizona Summer and high heat is just around the corner – please help spread awareness of the dangers of high heat to our visiting friends and relatives, especially those taking medications that can raise the risk of heat-related illness.

Summer temperatures will soon be upon us and with that come high energy bills. Governor Hobbs and the Department of Economic Security (DES) have launched Power AZ, a new program providing critical utility assistance to Arizonans. If someone you know needs help paying their electric bill, please refer them to the website provided below for more information, including how to apply.

Join the Pima County Sheriff’s Department and the Green Valley Sheriff’s Auxiliary Volunteers for a Dispose-a-Med and Shred-a-Thon event. Dispose of your pills, tablets, and caplets and have your paper documents shredded safely and securely – all at no cost to you! Saturday, June 6, 2026 8am to Noon
DISPOSE: PILLS, TABLETS, AND CAPLETS ONLY, NO CREAM OR LIQUID
SHRED: PAPER ONLY, NO ELECTRONICS