>>> January 31, 2002
Fa-la-la-la-law

Christmas is nice but at some point, who doesn’t think, “Take down those fucking lights already”? Angelica and Tony Flores will remember that sentiment. Last year the Peoria, Arizona couple didn’t get their lights down quickly enough. Tony had been injured and wasn’t able to climb a ladder. The lights were still up in April. In Peoria, that’s a crime.
The Floreses were summoned to court. Twice. Twice they went to plead their case. A third court date was scheduled but, prior to its arrival, the Floreses received a letter saying the case had been dismissed. The couple put the issue behind them and even moved to a new suburb. Imagine their surprise when three police officers arrived at the Flores home last week, cuffed them and hauled them in. They were given a new appearance date and released. But the couple remain unrepentant. When asked about being more cautious with future decorations, Angelica commented, “This is Glendale. They can’t mess with us.” :

—Scott Saxon