“Among water folks, Wanger definitely is quite a catch. His public profile rose sharply last month because of his characterization of federal scientists …”
Newly retired U.S. District Judge Oliver Wanger, who ruled on numerous water and environmental cases during 20 years on the bench in the Central Valley, is going on the speaking circuit: He’ll be making a major public appearance next month before at south state water group’s fundraising dinner.
He’ll also be appearing at an Oct. 11 fund-raiser for a candidate to the Fresno County board of supervisors – his first presentation since leaving the bench, according to the candidate.
There is nothing improper about retired jurists — or doctors, journalists or school superintendents, for that matter — saying anything they want to whomever they want.
But both groups he’s addressing have vital political or fiscal interests in water issues — and did have when he was on the bench.
Among water folks, Wanger definitely is quite a catch. His public profile rose sharply last month because of his characterization of federal scientists – Jennifer Norris from the Fish and Wildlife Service he described as a “zealot” and Frederick Feyrer from the Bureau of Reclamation was deliberately deceitful. His statements reverberated across the country.
“I have spent my life in courtrooms. This is my life. I have never seen anything like this,” he said, according to a transcript of the proceedings.
Wanger, a retired Marine who grew up in Beverely Hills, will address the 27th annual meeting of the Southern California Water Committee, a 200-member group that was formed in 1984, at the Pacific Palms Resort in the City of Industry.
Tickets to the dinner and fundraiser start at $200, although a table for 10 comes in at $1,750. The committee’s board chairman is Charles Wilson of Southern California Edison. Its members include business and engineering groups, water agencies, and others. The nonprofit group was founded by several Southern California counties – Kern, Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, San Bernardino and Riverside.
Next week, Wanger is expected to address a $250-a-person fund-raiser for Andreas Borgeas, a former clerk for the judge in law school and a candidate for Fresno County supervisor.
A campaign notice for event said Wanger will discuss “A Perspective on the Future of the Valley’s Water,” and describes the former judge as “key in supporting Valley agriculture and its lawful access to essential water!”
The campaign noted that Wanger has not endorsed Borgeas’ political bid.
