1 of 3 Complaints by Bikers Dismissed

A U.S. District Court judge has dismissed one of three complaints accusing the city of Simi Valley of violating the civil rights of more than 60 motorcyclists who participated in a Hell’s Angels-sponsored charity ride last year.

The Sept. 7 ride--ending at the Simi Valley Elks Lodge--attracted more than 1,500 bikers. During the event, sponsored by the San Fernando chapter of the Hell’s Angels, police arrested six people, issued 45 traffic citations and gave 27 verbal warnings.

Early this week, Judge William Keller dismissed allegations that the city and Police Department violated the motorcyclists’ state civil rights on the grounds that officers did not use force or the threat of force.

Judge Keller, however, did allow two federal complaints to proceed that accuse police of violating the motorcyclists’ 1st Amendment rights of assembly and the city of negligence for not stopping the action.

“This shouldn’t be a reflection on the case itself,” said Vip Bhola, one of two attorneys representing the plaintiffs. “The judge’s decision won’t weaken our case.”

On Wednesday, Bhola and attorney Allan Gelbard filed a motion with the court to force the city to hand over communications records, copies of tickets and other pertinent information.

If granted, the motion would help the court determine whether Gelbard and Bhola’s $11-million suit should become a class action.

“They’ve consistently refused to provide us with that information,” said Gelbard, who himself was slapped with a $104 ticket during the ride. “It’s absolutely necessary we get that information because our case hinges on the officers’ intent.”

Lawyers representing the city declined to comment on the case.