Restraining orders stand in development dispute

Former San Luis mayor clashes with political rival over subdivision

SAN LUIS, Ariz. — A Yuma judge has upheld restraining orders against a former mayor here who has clashed with a political rival over a residential subdivision the latter is developing.

The orders maintained in effect by Yuma Justice of the Peace Gregory Stewart’s recent ruling bars Guillermina Fuentes from interfering with work on the Las Quintas II subdivisions and from having any contact with the developer.

The order stems from a dispute between Fuentes and developer Nieves Riedel over trees planted just inside the boundary of subdivision site located on the city’s north side. Fuentes lives next to the subdivision site and had been caring for the trees.

Some of the trees were removed during development work, prompting what Riedel alleges were verbal threats made by Fuentes against Riedel’s workers.

In April, Judge Juan Manuel Guerrero granted a restraining order sought by Riedel against Fuentes. Fuentes filed a request for the order to withdrawn, prompting Guerrero to recuse himself from the case. The case was then referred to Stewart, who upheld the order earlier this month.

“The judge sustained what we have said...that (Fuentes) tried to intimidate and threaten people who were only doing their jobs on land that doesn’t even belong to her,” Riedel said.

Fuentes said she and her attorney will review the judge’s decision.

“The judge decided (to uphold the restraining order) because of false testimony given by witnesses that (Riedel) brought to court that day,” Fuentes said. “But I believe that if he had seen the background he would not have sustained those orders against me.”

Meanwhile, Fuentes has filed a lawsuit to stop any more of the trees from being removed. Citing a legal concept known as “adverse possession,” Fuentes contends the trees and cactus rightfully belong to her, since she has cared for them for more than 12 years.

The lawsuit she filed in Yuma County Superior Court was transferred to a Maricopa County court, after no judge in Yuma accepted the case.

Riedel and Fuentes, herself a builder, were once allies seated on the San Luis City Council — Fuentes serving as mayor and Riedel as a councilwoman. Running for re-election as a block in 2006 — this time Riedel seeking the mayor’s seat and Fuentes running for council — the two were defeated at the polls.

A rift developed between the two, and when Riedel competed again for mayor, Fuentes campaigned for her opponent, Juan Carlos Escamilla, who won. Riedel is making another bid for mayor of San Luis in this year’s elections.