Dear Sagebrush Sally,
Following up on your last column: We also shouldn’t be rewarding or ignoring shitty behavior by newcomers that are hurting our community. What does Sagebrush Sally recommend longtime locals do about that?
-Dan
Dear Dan,
You’re right—welcoming folks doesn’t mean ignoring bad behavior when it starts to hurt the community. The desert has always had a way of sorting people out, but that doesn’t mean we should sit back and let harm take root.
First and foremost, lead with clarity. What harm is being done? If newcomers are disrespecting the land, ignoring local customs, or treating Tecopa like a blank slate for their own vision, speak up—firmly, but with the intent to educate, not just condemn. Some folks truly don’t know better, and a direct conversation can go a long way.
That said, let’s not forget—except for the Nixon kids, apparently, we all came here from somewhere else. We were all new once, learning the ways of the desert, figuring out how to fit into this wild and wonderful place. And the truth is, time spent in Tecopa doesn’t necessarily equate to contributions made. Some folks show up and start giving back right away, while others stay for years without lifting a finger for the community. What matters isn’t how long someone has been here, but how they choose to be here.
If someone’s behavior is actively damaging the community—whether it’s environmental harm, disregard for local traditions, or just plain bad attitudes—say something. A tight-knit place like Tecopa functions best when the people look out for each other. Community meetings, collective action, and even a good old-fashioned desert cold shoulder can send a strong message.
But remember, the desert doesn’t just test outsiders—it tests those who’ve been here longest, too. Defend what matters, but leave the bitterness to the Amargosa. Help those who are willing to learn, stand firm against those who refuse, and trust that Tecopa, in all its stubborn, sunbaked glory, will endure—just as it always has. Everyone who respects and cares for this place should be welcome, no matter when they arrived.
— Sagebrush Sally
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