Biker Leader Files Claims

Hells Angels leader George Christie Jr., who was denied entry to the Ventura County Fair for the second time last year because of his biker attire, has filed legal claims against the city of Ventura and the state agency that operates the fairgrounds for allegedly violating his civil rights.

Christie, the biker group’s national spokesman, and his family were turned away from the event last August after he refused to remove a Hells Angels vest emblazoned with the motorcycle club’s trademark winged skull.

Their barred entry was based on a policy that bans gang attire and tattoos at the fair. That policy, recommended by the Police Department and drafted by the city attorney’s office, was then adopted by the fair board.

Ventura officials and police have long maintained the policy is sound and that they are confident it can withstand a legal challenge.

But Christie contends the Hells Angels are a law-abiding motorcycle club and not a gang, as alleged by police. He often refers to a local judge’s ruling in 2002 that found there was no evidence the group was a criminal street gang.

Threatened previously with litigation, the fair board rescinded its dress code policy last year but reinstated it before its annual event after heavy lobbying by Ventura police.

The policy bars anyone wearing clothing, visible tattoos or other articles bearing the name or insignia of a criminal street gang from entering the state-owned, 62-acre fairgrounds. The policy identifies 20 street gangs, including the Hells Angels.

Responding to his refused entry, Christie filed claims this week against the city and the state Department of Agriculture, which owns the Seaside Park fairgrounds in Ventura, said his daughter and attorney, Moriya Christie. The legal claims are a precursor to a lawsuit in each case, she said.

The city and state have 45 days to respond. The claimants then have 180 days to take further legal action, she said. In addition to George Christie, claims were filed by Christie’s wife and two children.

In a separate action, Shane Moeller, an Oxnard resident, filed a legal claim against the Ventura Police Department, accusing the agency of harassment and violating his civil rights.

Specifically, Moeller blames officers for losing his job at Winchester’s Bar & Grill. According to the claim, officers advised Moeller’s supervisor that “in his spare time away from work, [Moeller] was associated with the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club. The officers advised the supervisor that claimant’s involvement would cause problems between the Ventura Police Department and Winchester’s Bar & Grill.”

Moeller is seeking damages from the city and Police Department for loss of employment and emotional distress.