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December 26, 2006
Dig Deeper in 2007
|
| In 2006 I watched a slew of
issues hit the local press without a depth of coverage. So I'm making a
recommendation to David Little and the news staff at the ER for a new
year resolution. In 2007 the ER should research and report on the people behind the groups representing themselves
in local stories. A recent lawsuit threatened by "Valley Advocates" and "Chico Citizens for Community Justice" is just the latest example. From press coverage you wouldn't know anything about these groups except that they don't like cell phone towers. Valley Advocates has no presence on the web except in relation to Fresno based environmental attorney Richard L. Harriman. This legal action discusses some of the tactics Harriman was accused of and might be an indication of where this is all heading. But as far as I can tell Valley Advocates IS Richard L. Harriman. I posted some links the "Chico Citizens for Community Justice" in an earlier entry, but who's behind the lawsuit? I found the list of appellants and concerns located in two places on the internet. The first document was at the City of Chico web site in its response to an appeal of the Bidwell Park and Playground Commission. It covers the health, noise, and placement concerns related to the appeal. The second document I ran across was posted on the web site of the Friends of Bidwell Park. This covers 30 or so concerns with the cell tower project, including the possible use of non-native vines. The appeal refers to numerous concerns over how the cell tower contradicts various City policies. Most of these concerns appear to be a stretch. But what is a greater stretch is believing that a "Chico Citizens for Community Justice" put together the legal concerns that cite page specific issues from the Bidwell Park Master Management Plan, and then posted it to the "Friends of Bidwell Park web site. |
| News articles have cited "residents" opposed
to the cell towers. But none of the appellants live within sight of the
Hooker
Oak Recreation
Area, and one lives in Forest Ranch. In addition to attorney Harriman
the appellants listed include.. John Merz - Friends of Bidwell Park Randy Abbot - Friends of Bidwell Park Phil Johnson - Altacal Audubon Society - Friends of the Foothills Doug Perske - Harold Carlson - Linnea Hanson - Karen Kite - This list includes people that also show up opposing cell phone towers for the last 8 years at City of Chico meetings. But it also includes people that show up in internet searches associated with various groups (California Native Plant Society, Friends of Bidwell Park, and Audubon Society, for example). Oddly enough these latter mentioned groups are not publicly associated with the cell tower issue. I'm under the impression that some of the leaders of these groups chose when to associate their groups with issues and when not to (and the press follows along). By doing this they maintain credibility for the good deeds their groups do and retain obscurity for themselves when acting as obstructionists. Unfortunately, the good deeds and the obstructionism often hinge on the efforts of the same people. Although I disagree with the efforts, these folks have a right to contest the placement of a cell phone tower. But the local press really ought to look behind the public comments and show all of the players in this effort. The fact that none of the appellants live adjacent to Hooker Oak Recreation Area, and that the Friends of Bidwell Park are involved in the legal action and distribution of the legal concerns via their web site should be part of the story. Reporters could contact the listed appellants and ask where they meet and how their group was formed and what other groups they are involved in. Lacking a web site or any public presence I'm not sure the "Chico Citizens for Community Justice" named in the recent ER article even exists. As part of a news room resolution I would ask that the ER dig a little deeper in 2007. In addition to telling a more complete story, it would help reporters start to see the connections that exist behind the scenes on many public issues. Sometimes those connections are the story. |
Posted by Lon at December 26, 2006 10:38 AM
Comments
Lon this passage is the kernel of truth for this whole affair:
"... a mere shell and sham conceived by Harriman and used by Harriman as his alter ego and a device Harriman uses to create the false impression that a public interest group or an environmental group supports and sponsors the numerous lawsuits filed by Harriman in which entities like Valley Advocates appear as a plaintiff being represented by Harriman, when in fact said lawsuits are filed for Harriman's own personal and individual business purposes and used by Harriman as a form of false advertising in order to enable him to recruit unsuspecting clients who are asked to join in the purported public interest cause being pursued by Harriman."
[FN 4] Section 17204 of the Business and Professions Code confers standing to bring an action for unfair competition on "any person acting for the interests of itself, its members or the general public." A "person" may include a corporation or other organization. (Bus. & Prof. Code § 17201.)
The City should just issue a countersuit immediately, and keep adding to the list of defendants as they join in with Harriman. This sort of technique is the lowest of the low when it comes to barristers.
Posted by: Anthony Watts at December 26, 2006 05:46 PM
Hey Anthony,
Here's one of my favorite concerns from the appeal. It references the existing Bidwell Park Master Management Plan (BPMMP).
6) Page 57, “Recommendation d): View sheds from park vantage points, particularly those
encompassing ridgelines and slopes, should be protected to the maximum extent feasible.� (The
views from the sidelines of the Hooker Oak Ball Fields and picnic areas are charming and simple,
non-urban, surrounded by natural beauty, etc. Cell Tower and equipment enclosure presence is
degrading to that view.)
I recall the many hours I've spent meditating along the sidelines of the Hooker Oak Ball Fields. I like to enjoy the non-urban environment there. I'm going to take up oil painting soon. And the first vista I paint will be the charming natural beauty as seen from 3rd base.
This appeal follows a blueprint used in other park issues. If you throw enough **** against the wall, some of it will probably stick.
The goal here is to delay decision making, force expensive studies, and push the cost of the improvements beyond their economic value.
Lon
Posted by: Lon at December 31, 2006 09:03 AM