Blowback in Alameda County?

As we continue to research, investigate and report on past and current Alameda County politicians in our efforts to shed light on the Back Story’s, we were not anticipating much in the way of blowback. Though what we have reported on so far is almost entirely from public records and sources, it appears those who have to date been mentioned in the Back Story may want to silence us, or at least control what we research or disclose.

A source close to Bob Knox advised us he recently hired a Marin County Attorney who specializes in criminal defense and white collar crimes to file a Personal Injury Claim. The claim was recently filed on behalf of Robert G Knox, RG Knox Company LLC, and CPC Holdings Inc. naming the Defendant in the case as “John Doe 1.” It is our understanding a claim against a “John Doe” reflects that a plaintiff is seeking to hold an unknown party responsible for a perceived injury. John Doe claims in the political environment have a long legal precedent of being viewed as “fishing trips.”

At this point, we have no information on what Mr. Knox’s claims or cause of action maybe, though it is notable that each of the plaintiffs has been mentioned in prior installments of the Back Story.

A source, who crosses paths with Bob Knox in the business world, indicates Mr. Knox is extremely unhappy with The Back Story.

We have also begun to see Bill Lockyer and his wife Nadia close ranks as it relates to our efforts to research and report on Alameda County. We have made two request of Bill Lockyer’s office, with no reply. Our request to Nadia Lockyer’s office was answered by her Chief of Staff implying they might consider answering our questions if those involved with The Back Story would first reveal themselves.

Nadia, how would the identities of people involved with The Back Story help you better answer questions related to your job as an elected official in Alameda County?

To date we have provided parties mentioned in The Back Story a professional courtesy and respect to address our questions in private, allowing them time to carefully reply. We may reconsider that approach in the coming months.

Perhaps Bill Lockyer, his wife and Bob Knox should take a lesson from Gavin Newsom. Mr. Newsom was the only UC Regent to openly embrace an invitation to discuss the issues of UC students at a recent Regent meeting. The balance of Mr. Newsom’s fellow board members abandoned the meeting after they faced pointed questions from students.

In closing this installment, we only need to read the front page of most major newspapers or Google current events to understand that the lack of governmental transparency and attempts to silence those that seek answers and/or peacefully protest is a road filled with endless political land mines, here and aboard.