Category: Advice
Sagebrush Sally: The First Amendment Isn’t Optional—Even in Tecopa
Dear Sagebrush Sally, Lately, it feels like free speech is on trial here in Tecopa—not in a courtroom, but on the streets, in businesses, and all over social media. Some folks are saying that speaking out, asking questions, or even reporting on public issues is “hurting the community,” and anyone who does it risks getting…
Sagebrush Sally: Speak Your Truth—Even If It Echoes
Dear Sagebrush Sally, Lately I’ve been feeling caught between wanting to speak up and wanting to keep the peace. Whether it’s about water use, reckless behavior, or local decisions that don’t sit right, I often find myself biting my tongue because I worry about burning bridges or becoming “that person.” In a town as small…
Sagebrush Sally: You Can’t Sue the Wind to Stop It from Whispering
Dear Sagebrush Sally, In a town as small as Tecopa, trying to keep something quiet can feel like painting it in neon. I recently saw a situation where someone tried to shut down a conversation they didn’t like—only to make it explode into the biggest topic in town. It reminded me of the Streisand Effect—you try…
Sagebrush Sally: Let the Wind Carry Your Words
Dear Sagebrush Sally, I’ve been thinking a lot lately about free speech and how important the First Amendment is—not just in theory, but right here in our little town. In a place as small and interconnected as Tecopa, it can feel nearly impossible to speak your mind without upsetting someone, especially if what you’re saying…
Sagebrush Sally: Ban the Bans
Dear Sagebrush Sally, It seems like anytime people in Tecopa have a disagreement, the first response is to ban each other from their businesses, bars, events, or even just their front porch. I get that in a small town, tensions can run high, but this whole “you’re not welcome here” approach feels pretty immature, more…
Ask Sagebrush Sally: Respect Runs Both Ways
Dear Sagebrush Sally, I’ve lived in Tecopa for a while now, long enough that I’m not considered a newcomer anymore. I love this town and the weird people in it, but I’ve noticed that not all the bad behavior comes from newcomers and outsiders. Some longtime locals seem to think that just because they’ve been…
Sagebrush Sally: A Follow Up on Newcomers
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…
Sagebrush Sally: What about the newcomers?
Dear Sagebrush Sally, I’ve lived in Tecopa for many years, and I love this desert and its quirky, independent community. But lately, I’ve noticed more newcomers moving in, and it’s changing the town. Some embrace the way of life here, but others seem to struggle—or worse, try to make Tecopa more like the places they…
Desert Diaries: Advice from Sagebrush Sally
Helping You Navigate Desert Life Dear Sagebrush Sally, I recently moved to Tecopa and I’m struggling to adjust. The heat is starting to get intense (and it’s only February!), the community is small, and life here feels so different from what I’m used to. The people are kind but eccentric—some locals seem to follow their…