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December 2, 2021
Peoria’s Hometown Newspaper
Couple fined for pro-Black garden flags BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Peoria Times Executive Editor
BUSINESS..... 10
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Trent and Nickole Langston have lived in Fletcher Heights for about 21 years. The Air Force veterans did not have issues with their HOA until late summer, when they were fined for having a small pro-Black garden flag. “Now that we’re choosing to hang garden flags, we’re getting compliance letters and we were fined,” Nickole said. “I’ve never seen anything like this.” Dani McMurray, Fletcher Heights community manager, said the board of direc-
tors had no comment. “I think it’s the content,” Nickole said. “We’re one of very few Black families in this neighborhood. There are blue flags that support police. I walk the neighborhood every day to work out. We’re getting compliance letters and fines for simply hanging garden flags.” The couple were fined $25, and they were told if they didn’t change them, the fine would increase. “We changed it to Fletcher Heights residents Trent and Nickole Langston were ‘Stay Woke,’” she said. fined $25 for showcasing a small pro-Black garden flag. SEE LIVES PAGE 3
(Photos by Cassandra Tomei)
Peoria fire chief on paid administrative leave
FEATURES..... 17 AZ Big Train Operators plans open houses
BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI
OPINION...................7 BUSINESS...............10 SPORTS...................11 FEATURES...............17 RELIGION................20 YOUTH....................23 CLASSIFIEDS...........24
Peoria Fire Chief Bobby Ruiz was placed on paid leave, according to city spokesperson Jen Stein. “At this point, he is on paid administrative leave, pending an investigation,” Stein said without elaborating about the reasons for it. The Peoria Times requested a copy of
Peoria Times Executive Editor
A Fletcher Heights couple say they have been receiving compliance letters.
the report. Stein said it would not be finalized until this week. Department deputy chiefs, Billy Morris and Rob Brewster, are overseeing the department. Ruiz has been fire chief since July 2012. Prior to his stint with Peoria, he served in various capacities with the Phoenix Fire Department from October 1974 to December 2011. PT
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