Dear Sagebrush Sally,
As a new resident to the community, I have been told I have to volunteer for one of the community services in order to use the hot springs free of charge. But when I bought my property, I was told by the selling agent and the previous owner that as a resident, access to Tecopa Hot Springs county pool was free.
I feel all businesses in our community should be held accountable for the upkeep of their properties. What I see instead is a run-down appearance and many dilapidated structures, both historical and private.
As a new resident, I have been treated poorly by some business owners with rude intentions, so I choose not to patronize local businesses that don’t treat people with respect. So be it! I’ve already been banned by one, and I’ll gladly go elsewhere when I have needs. Maybe there’s a reason why certain local businesses have to close during the off-season.
— New but Not Blind
Dear New but Not Blind,
Welcome to Tecopa—where the springs are hot, the winds blow sharp, and folks can be just as prickly as the desert sage when something rubs them the wrong way. First off, I’m sorry your welcome wagon felt more like a flat tire on a washboard road. It’s a special thing to choose this dusty corner of the world as your home, and you shouldn’t feel punished for wanting to settle in and soak like the rest of us.
Let’s talk about those hot springs. You’re right—there’s long been an understanding that locals enjoy the springs at low or no cost, but the details can be as murky as the mud you rinse off after a trip to the borehole. If the county bathhouse ties that privilege to volunteering, it’s worth asking exactly where that policy came from—who made it, who benefits, and who’s enforcing it. Some folks see volunteering as keeping the place alive; others see it as gatekeeping. Don’t be afraid to ask fair questions. Just do it with a level head, not a pitchfork.
Now, about those run-down buildings—honey, you’re not wrong. Tecopa has its share of rough edges, beautiful ruins, and “historical landmarks” that look suspiciously like forgotten projects. The desert’s harsh on wood, nails, and good intentions. Some folks do their best to keep up; others let things slide till the wind or the county inspector comes knocking. Should businesses care for what they own? Absolutely. But here’s the rub: in a place like this, you’ll find just as many folks stubbornly protective of “how it’s always been” as you will those eager to paint, repair, and rethink the future.
As for the rude treatment—sadly, not everyone remembers the value of basic neighborly respect. But your dollar still talks. If someone bans you, shrugs you off, or treats you like a nuisance instead of a neighbor, you have every right to spend your money where it’s earned. Nothing closes a run-down shop faster than empty cash drawers and a dusty “Open” sign no one believes.
So what now? Take your time. Find the businesses, hot springs, and people who value your presence, not just your wallet or your free labor. Show up where you feel respected, and don’t waste your energy where you’re not. In a town this small, your word-of-mouth—and your willingness to pitch in where you’re truly welcomed—will do more to shape Tecopa’s future than any old “No Trespassing” sign ever will.
You came here for a fresh start. Keep your chin up, your boots planted, and your standards intact. This desert has a funny way of testing people—some get blown out with the dust, and some dig in like creosote roots. Stick around long enough, and you might find more folks rooting with you than against you.
— Sagebrush Sally
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