I received the email from Gary Biggerstaff, it's a correspondence between Gary and the Laguna Woods City Manager Leslie Keane
The Memorial Ride Info:
http://remember911ride.com/
----- Original Message -----
From:
gary@remember911ride.com
Sent: Monday, October 19, 2009 1:56 PM
Subject: 9-11 ride in Jepordy
To all those who ride with me on 9-11 I would like to invite you to the Laguna Woods City Council meeting Wednesday at 2pm. Lesie Keane the City Manager of Laguna Woods has decide to reposes your first amendment rights. She has vowed to prohibit the ride from passing through her city next year. I will let her own words speak for her you can form your own opinion.
Last week on Oct. 7 I was contacted by the O.C. Sheriff who had launched a investigation into the 9-11 ride at the incessant urging of Leslie Keane. She has been screaming mad for the last month at the fact that one of the 9-11 riders held her street light for the bikes to clear the intersection at Moulton and El Toro. That light is monitored by a red light camera. Oddly enough the camera images were blurry thanks to the handy work of a patriotic bird (probably a bald eagle) clouding the lens. Not one single license plate number could be recovered and NO tickets will be issued. Ms. Keane is infuriated and wants to know the name of the rider who held her light. Since I have no idea who that was she has launched a smear campaign against me and the entire 9-11 event in an effort to prevent it next year. Below you can read our email correspondence.
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From:
gary@remember911ride.com
Sent: Wednesday, October 07, 2009 7:39 PM
To:
lkeane@lagunawoodscity.org
Subject: September 11 Memorial Ride
Ms. Keane,
Hello my name is Gary Biggerstaff I am contacting you in hopes of arranging a meeting so we can chat and clear the air on what went on in Laguna Woods on 9-11. I would like to sincerely apologize for in inconvenience this has caused you or your staff. I think perhaps there are some misconceptions that need to be addressed. I would be happy to come meet with you in an effort to educate you on my actions and intentions. I also welcome the opportunity to become informed on what effect my patriotic event has had on you and your community.
Cheers, Gary
Gary Biggerstaff
257 Bennett Ave
Long Beach, CA 90803
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--- On Wed, 10/7/09, Leslie Keane <lkeane@lagunawoodscity.org> wrote:
From: Leslie Keane <lkeane@lagunawoodscity.org>
Subject: re: September 11 Memorial Ride
To:
gary@remember911ride.com
Date: Wednesday, October 7, 2009, 7:51 PM
I am not opposed to sitting down and discussing the situation with you, but please be advised that my city stands actively ready to prosecute the individual who impersonated a police officer and committed a felony in our city on September 11, 2009. We will also seek to issue red light violations to those motorcycles that were captured on our red light camera running the red light. And, your 9-11 group will not be allowed to ride through our city under any circumstance next year. This was not an "inconvenience" - it was your organization blatantly braking the law. You apparently condone that or think there is some excuse for that? , I don't and I am prepared to go to the press if I need to do that to get a prosecution. I wonder how your city council will feel about that.
Leslie Keane
City Manager
City of Laguna Woods
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From:
gary@remember911ride.com
Sent: Wednesday, October 07, 2009 8:30 PM
To:
lkeane@lagunawoodscity.org
Subject: September 11 Memorial Ride
Ms. Keane,
I appreciate your quick response. It's clear by the content of your correspondence, that as I feared there are some serious misconceptions. Rather than exchange dozens of emails on the issues I feel it would be best if you could make time for me to come see you. I have been in touch with OCSD investigators and will assist them any way I can. I neither condoned or endorsed the behavior you referred to and would greatly appreciate an opportunity to tell my side of the story as well as hear yours.
Sincerely, Gary
Gary Biggerstaff
257 Bennett Ave
Long Beach, CA 90803
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--- On Wed, 10/7/09, Leslie Keane <lkeane@lagunawoodscity.org>
From: Leslie Keane <lkeane@lagunawoodscity.org>
Subject: re: September 11 Memorial Ride
To:
gary@remember911ride.com
Date: Wednesday, October 7, 2009, 8:52 PM wrote:
I am happy to meet with you, but I want the name of the person who did impersonated a police officer in my city at that meeting. Right now you are the only name I have to give to the district attorney and the press. Please believe me I will push this much further and harder that OCSD will. I was married for many years to a police chief and I understand "professional courtesy" and I do NOT condone it...neither does our City Council. Your organization's irresponsible behavior has put our entire red light camera program at risk, I have extremely angry residents that have been ticketed and then watched your organization break the law. Not only is there no way to explain that, but I am not inclined to do so. As far as I am concerned your ride through our City dishonored the public safety employees who tried to uphold the law at the risk of their own safety on 9-11. You cheapened their sacrifice and made a mockery of it.
I am in and out during the next week. You can call our administrative coordinator - Roz Fox at 949-639-0512 - and she will have my schedule.
Leslie Keane
City Manager
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I did set a meeting on Oct. 11th and went to it along with Rich Brandt President of the Long Beach Firefighters Union and perpetual 9-11 rider. Rich and I were greeted by a very angry Ms. Keane who did not wish to shake our hand or even introduce herself. She sat down and demanded I start talking and she wanted that name. I did not have it and proceeded to tell her about the ride and the challenges of managing such a large group when we receive inconsistent police escorts along the way. She stopped me quickly and said she did not care about the ride and just wanted that name. When I was unable to provide it she promptly proclaimed the 3 minute meeting to be over and told me "that under no circumstance would I or any other motorcycles be allowed to ride through Laguna Woods next year" Rich of course did not like the sound of that and asked her to repeat what she said. She did and made it clear that her streets were not an option. "Find a way around but under no circumstance would she allow us to come through." She then threatened me that she was going to take this to the press and bury me. She proclaimed us all to be irresponsible thugs. Again she shouted that the meeting was over and threatened to call the Sheriff and have us cited for trespassing if we did not leave. Rich told her she was un-American. Again she threatened to call the sheriff to have us forcibly removed. Later that evening I received the following email from Ms. Keane.
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--- On Mon, 10/12/09, Leslie Keane <lkeane@lagunawoodscity.org> wrote:
From: Leslie Keane <lkeane@lagunawoodscity.org>
Subject: Please Read This
To:
gary@remember911ride.com
Date: Monday, October 12, 2009, 7:53 PM
Mr. Biggerstaff:
It would behoove you to find out something about the people you are dealing with...
I told you my ex-husband was a long time police officer. I have worked in local government since 1971 and I have managed other cities, some of which had their own police and fire departments. I have enjoyed a reputation as a good friend public safety in my career, because I value the vast majority of the individuals in those professions who commit their lives to the betterment of others.
In the City of Laguna Woods, this year on September 11th - as they have every other year since 2001 - people in their 70s, 80s and 90s walked nearly a mile carrying flags and banners in honor of those who gave their lives protecting others on that infamous day. The average age of our residents is 78 many lost frineds to war and terrorism. Following the walk, the City held a moving ceremony at our city hall. I have been honored and humbled to have the City actively organize and support our 9-11 event and will continue to do so.
So why am I so upset? Your group broke the law - blatantly broke the law. One of your riders impersonated a police officer and directed hundred of motorcycle riders to also break the law as they ran the red light at the Moulton/El Toro intersection. Yes, you may not be the person who impersonated the police officer and you may have told participants they should obey the law, but you organized the event and ultimately - whether you like it or not - that makes you responsible. There was certainly no apology from you today or in any of your previous emails for what happened. Instead, you and your partner have continued to try your group's action and to portray yourselves as above the law because your have a higher calling - people you know and cared about died on 9-11. I think those are your partner's exact words. Lots of us have people we loved who died or suffered on that day...and on days before and since..for the country we live in. Think carefully about what all fringe groups who break the law, including the one that caused the tragic and infamous 9-11 event, say to justify their actions...they have a higher calling...their friends and comrades have died trying to do protect their ideals and values. And before you call me un-American for linking you with the terrorists. Think about what you did and what you are now saying to justifying it.
Does your belief structure give you the right to break the law and put the lives of innocent people at risk. Because, that is what your riders did. The average age of the drivers at their intersection when you barreled through was in the 70s. Some of them are sharper than people half their age, but many are confused and poor drivers. We have red-light cameras in our city because we have had tragic accidents at that intersection. When an ambulance transporting an already critical individual was hit by a car running a red light, the City Council decided it needed to take action. Your group's actions on September 11, 2009 put every red-light ticket we have and will issue at risk. I have already received calls from people claiming discrimination - they watched you ignore the law and if we don't issue tickets, they will go to court and put our entire program at risk. Today, your partner told me he didn't care about that and that I was un-American because I would not risk the lives of the residents in my city next year.
I don't doubt that you were motivated to put the ride together for all the right reasons and that you did not plan what happened...but it did happen and I don't want it to happen again. You have shown that you cannot guarantee that. If you truly care about the spirit of the ride and you believe that you are not above the law, give us the name of the individual who broke the law in our city. If you don't how could I possibly believe that next year will be any different or worse.
Finally, six people in my office heard your partner verbally assault me; several thought he was actually going to hit me and I believe they will communicate their concern about that to our City Council. I have called the new OCFA Fire Chief and asked if he wants his department's name listed in our press release as condoning your group and your partner's behavior - his staff apologized for your actions and said I will have a statement from the Chief tomorrow. I will issue a press release and since your name is the only name I have - that is the name I will use. I will also send a letter to the Long Beach Mayor and and City Council. Is that really what you want? Give me a name and find a route around us next year. We will continue to honor those who upheld the law and were injured or lost their lives on 9-11 in a lawful manner, but we will not condone those break the law no matter what ideals they quote.
Leslie Keane
City Manager
City of Laguna Woods
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Ms. Keane has inappropriately contacted the following people and agencies to bad mouth me and the ride in an effort to slander me and have other communities join her in her stance against the 9-11 ride returning next year.
OCFA Fire Chief
OC Sheriff
Newport Beach City Manager
Newport Beach Fire Chief
Long Beach City Manager
Long Beach Mayor
Long Beach Fire Chief
O.C. Register
This list is one that only shows those that I have personally heard from and they have relayed Ms. Keane's inaccurate and damming testimony of what the 9-11 ride is and who I am.
She likely contacted many others who are vital to the success and unilateral participation of five law enforcement agencies and five fire departments. I have worked tireless to establish relationships to ensure we are welcome. Now the success and participation of the entire ride is at risk due to her disruptive behavior and reckless opinions. I responded to her with the following email.
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From:
gary@remember911ride.com
Sent: Wednesday, October 13, 2009 3:30 PM
To:
lkeane@lagunawoodscity.org
Subject: September 11 Memorial Ride
Ms. Keane,
I don't really need your patriotic resume. I think your actions, hostile attitude, and e-mails paint a pretty clear picture of the type of person you are. You have certainly made a lasting impression on me. It's often said in football that the quarterback is the face of the organization. As the City Manager of Laguna Woods, you to are the face and voice of your city. If the sort of abrasive behavior you exhibit, along with a complete lack of professionalism, is what the voters and the community are proud of in Laguna Woods, then I really have no desire to return to your city.
In response to whether I offered an apology for what happened in Laguna Woods on 9-11, I most certainly did. I offered one in my first e-mail to you. Perhaps you should revisit that document. It's not difficult to find, it's the part that says "I apologize for any inconvenience this has caused you or your staff." It was meant to be a heartfelt and simple ice breaker - one that would open a professional and amicable dialogue. It was my wish to meet with you dispel untruths about the 9-11 ride. I hoped I could pull back the curtains on your clouded view and offer you the facts. Being that you are the City Manager, I trust that you must have exposed at least some of the facts; like the simple one that I never ran a red light in Laguna Woods or any other city over the 40 mile long ride. I'm convinced you would not be so big a fool as to not have viewed the video tape from your own red light that shows myself and hundreds of other law-abiding patriots stopping for your red light and observing all other traffic laws.
See, there were hundreds of well behaved flag wavers there to honor 9-11. Most of us peacefully and respectfully rode through without incident, I guess you missed that part. Perhaps your own greed blinded you. I contacted the OCSD by e-mail a month in advance and told them we were coming. Informed them exactly what time we would arrive in Laguna Woods. I even asked for their assistance in ensuring that riders behind me respect traffic laws. I'm sure you got a copy of that e-mail. I know you at least discussed it with your local Laguna Woods OC Sheriff's Officer. You know the one, the officer you ordered to stay away from the ride and the El Toro intersection on 9-11. See, this whole thing could have been avoided if just one sheriff's car would have staged at the intersection for 10 minutes. The presence of that car would have prevented any renegade rider from holding the intersection. It seemed like a simple solution to me, and one that was in the best interest of public safety. However, it seems you had other motivations.
Some have suggested to me that you had intended on issuing hundreds of tickets and turning the memorial tribute into some sort of windfall for your city coffers. Despite the fact that you come across as a calloused, bitter, and incompetent leader I have my doubts that even you would stoop that low. I'm not sure why I assume you would take the moral high ground; after all, so many people that go into politics have a long standing reputation. I guess I naively still have faith in humanity and common decency. I appreciate you helping me to see the undeniable ugly reality.
You suggested in your e-mail that I called you un-American. That simply is not true. I never said it or implied it. I would never use the word American to describe you. You're safe there.
Unfortunately I never had much chance to say anything to you. After 3 minutes in your office you kicked me out and subsequently threatened to call the Sheriff and have me forcibly removed when I tried to simply provide you with the facts as they relate to the 9-11 ride.
Over 600 riders participate in my ride from all walks of life. Firefighters, Police Officers, Active Military, War Veterans, Doctors, Lawyers, Trash Men, Maids and all occupations in between. These people, who ride for honor, respect, and freedom, are some of the finest people I've ever met. I guess you and I are divided by a social (or dare I say socialistic) class structure since you and I have a vastly different views. As you so eloquently put it, "this group of irresponsible lawbreakers dishonored the public safety employees who died on 9-11." It's also clear that you believe my band of thugs and I "cheapened their sacrifice and made a mockery of it." I hope you don't mind me quoting you. You said it with such conviction it really moved me. I hope the $3000 that we raised that day for the families of the two LA County Firefighters recently killed in the line of duty didn't seem cheapened by the fact that it came from such an irresponsible group. I don't believe those women and children, left without their fathers and husbands, feel as though we were mocking their loss.
You mentioned that I offered no apology while in your office. Do you really feel like I had the chance to do that in the three minutes you allowed me? I actually had a lot of things to say to you. Unfortunately, you never gave me the opportunity to communicate them. I'm sure your closed-mindedness serves you well in your occupation. I, on the other hand enjoy a more civil discussion.
This 9-11 tribute ride I organize is free of charge and has no registration. I spend my own time every year to erect a homemade memorial and organizing many logistics. There is no advertising - just word of mouth, and thousands of people come out to peacefully honor the day. For you to assume that I know each and every person who attends seems a little silly. For you to expect I have the ability to see backwards well enough to identify the single individual who held your light a mile behind me without my knowledge is absurd. I am not happy about the actions of this person for compromising the safety of the other riders and drivers. I have attempted to communicate that with you. It was just one of those things that was out of my control, which is exactly why I always alert each city and request for assistance. Then work together with each agency to achieve a mutually satisfactory outcome. It's not the fault of the 100 riders that followed the directions of a guy holding the light. What were they to think? After all - as you put it, he was impersonating a police officer. A bit of a ridiculous notion, but lets assume you're right about something.
You have made your point over and over - that I am responsible for this single person's rebellious actions. I suppose you accept responsibility yourself for the actions words and misdeeds of all your residents as well. I am amazed and astonished that you are able to so tightly control so many people. It speaks volumes about your dictatorship skills. As the responsible party I will gladly return to your office to turn myself in for prosecution. You can slap the cuffs on me yourself and have your friends from the press there to get one of those neat little photo opportunities that you politicians love so much. Just give me a time; when you get it all arranged, I will be there.
You missed my partner's name, perhaps because you failed to introduce yourself when we met face to face. You could not even muster up a handshake, reminiscent of kings and queens of times past. I guess your appointment to city manager excludes you from such gallantry. Well Your Grace, it 'twas an honor to be in the presence of such royalty if only for three minutes. However, since you missed the opportunity, I will introduce to you the other attendee at our meeting. Rich Brandt is a 21 year veteran of the Fire Service. He previously served as a fireman for FDNY. He is also the president of The International Association of Firefighters Local #372. He rode right next to me that day as he has every year. We lead the ride and stop for all lights along they way. So your intersection is not all that special for us. I brought him to corroborate my story. Unfortunately, you promised to deny him his first amendment rights, not once but twice, when you assured us that you would not allow us under any circumstance to ride through Laguna Woods again. Understandably this incensed him, he got a little excited. Do not mistake his passion at being offended by you as anything more than that.
See, Rich is the kind of red-blooded American that takes his rights seriously. He was under the impression that Laguna Woods was within the borders of the United States and therefore subject to abide by laws and honor the rights of all citizens. I can only deduce that you and your city has seceded from the union. After all, you have indicated, both in writing and in person, that we will not be allowed to exercise our first amendment rights in your city on public streets. I'm unclear how you will enforce this. May I suggest a brick wall? If you intend to build one I have a stone from the Berlin Wall which you can ceremoniously place down as the first brick in your blockade. I have to wonder - will I need a passport if I return to your city? Please let me know.
As far as you feeling threatened in your office. The only thing Mr. Brandt threatened you with was that he would exercise his rights. He also promised to return and attend your council meeting in an effort to expose you to those that employ you and entrust you. If I was you and acted like you and spoke like you and sent out the type of emails you do, I would be very concerned about your job longevity. That decision will be in the hands of those you serve - Oops! - those that serve you, my Grace.
Never once did I make any attempt to justify, downplay, excuse, or endorse the actions of the single mutineer rider who dismounted and took it upon himself to control traffic at El Toro and Moulton. Clearly that is the job of the Sheriff in Laguna Woods. Any dullard can see that. Perhaps if you had not interfered, and had allowed the Sheriff to do his job, you and I would have never had the unique privilege of knowing one another. I, for one, would be happier, and everyone who encountered that light would have been safer. Some would say you had a responsibility to ensure a safe traffic flow knowing 600 riders were coming. That's not for me to decide but it appears to me that you put your own citizens safety in jeopardy by ordering the sheriff to abandon his obligation to uphold the law.
The notion by you, that I somehow portrayed myself as being above the law is a preposterous falsification. I'm at a loss as to how to defend myself. I never said it. I never implied it. I never even thought it. It does however speak volumes about your unfounded, unreliable accounts.
You have threatened me twice with going to the press in an apparent effort to bring shame to me and my family for organizing this patriotic homage. Please know that I will do nothing to stop you from that saintly ambition. I wish you well in your slanderous depiction of me in the papers. If you require any other information please don't hesitate to ask (I cheated on a spelling test in the 4th grade too, just in case you need some more ammunition for my character assassination).
Now the part in your email to me where you compare me to the 9-11 terrorist who killed 2966 innocent Americans - now that was a doosy! I have to give it to you. I did not see that one coming. Such an accusation is so outrageous, that it does not even warrant a response. You are a special lady with a rare talent. I sense you may have established an idiosyncratic solidarity in that opinion of me.
Since you have already very unethically (and probably illegally) contacted my employer (the Long Beach City Manager), I suppose your next pledged move of calling the Mayor and Fire Chief would not be any further out of bounds for you. If you want to speak to them face to face, I would invite you attend my 9/11 Memorial event, where the Mayor of Long Beach is regularly an honored speaker and attendee. Then again, you seem to feel right at home ruling your kingdom with a heavy-handed, unconscionable temper; but if you need, I can provide you with their respective contact information. I hope for your sake that your actions here have not put you or your community at risk for litigation. I am concerned you may have opened a very expensive legal can of worms by your behavior.
The fact that you have already contacted the Fire Chief of the OCFA and besmirched my name in effort to defame and degenerate my reputation is completely out of line. As a public figure, for you to conduct yourself with such disregard for procedure and ethical deportment, you have perilously jeopardized your city. Your inappropriate maneuvering has exposed Laguna Woods to potential litigation.
Furthermore, At your own incessant urging this matter has been elevated to official criminal investigation by OCSD. I have given the OC Sheriff my complete cooperation into the investigation of this incident. I have gone as far as to provide them with a list of known riders who also may be able to assist. I have to wonder if you Ms. Keane are now impersonating a police officer by inserting yourself into the investigation and attempting to extort me for information regarding this official case. If you have not been officially deputized then I am curious as to the legality of your investigative proceedings. It feels like blackmail to me. Is that legal in Laguna Woods? Now that you have repossessed my first amendment rights I'm unclear what rights I have left.
Your continuous threats and pressure on me, about going to the press and my employer in an effort to smear and discredit me is causing me great stress and starting to effect my work and home life. I would like you to stop holding this over me and attempting to use your Position as the City Manager of Laguna Woods as leverage. Please stop abusing your power and authority for the ransom of information I do not have. I am losing sleep because your repeated unfounded allegations. I have no choice but to severe communications with you in regards to the sheriffs investigation. Henceforward I will continue all future correspondence on further matters regarding this case with the official sheriff's investigator.
It is obvious at this point that you are extremely motivated to expose me, my family to the press in this case. In the event you did not save your own emails that you sent me, I will forward them to the press myself in an effort to assist you in your insatiable manhunt. I sincerely hope this proves convenient and accommodating to your legal aspirations. Though I do not fancy the idea of my own public lynching by you, I will do my duty and share all that I know in regards to you and the 9-11 ride.
In conclusion, your continued harassment of me will likely expose you and your community to legal and financial harm. Your ordering of the sheriff to neglect their duties to control traffic in Laguna Woods was irresponsible at best. You put your citizens at an unnecessary safety risk when you knew there was a potential for an unsafe environment. Your continued self insertion into the investigation regarding 9-11 will result in me reporting all activity the OCSD. If you continue to intimidate and provoke me by inappropriately contacting my employer, I will be be forced to file an official personal complaint with your city. I will also seek the representation and the assistance of a lawyer to protect myself and my family from your persistent malicious gossip should it continue.
It was nice to have finally met you.
Gary
Gary Biggerstaff
257 Bennett Ave
Long Beach, CA 90803
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--- On Wed, 10/14/09, Leslie Keane <lkeane@lagunawoodscity.org> wrote:
From: Leslie Keane <lkeane@lagunawoodscity.org>
Subject: RE: Please Read This
To:
gary@remember911ride.com
Date: Wednesday, October 14, 2009, 11:31 AM
I have already contacted your Fire Department and your mayor. We have not made any other decisions about how we will proceed at this point in regards to the press.
I am not going to stoop to calling you names and sending you ugly, nasty emails. I am sorry you feel the need to do so.
Your partner did call me un-American – there are many witnesses to that.
I did not say you ran the red-light – but hundred of bikes that followed you did.
Our police services chief asked if we required you to obtain a parade permit and we simply said we would not do that. Mr. Biggerstaff, we have only one police car in our city and I do not dispatch it. Our police services chief said it was not necessary at the intersection for this event. I did not receive copies of any of your emails to him.
I am confident that you will do whatever you feel is honorable and just, as will I.
Leslie
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After repeated efforts to try to get a hold of the email addresses to the Laguna Woods City Attorney and the Mayor to no avail. Denied by Ms. Keane, I plan on attending the Wednesday City Council to expose Ms. Keane to her own city government and demand she writes an apology to all that she has contacted and spread malicious gossip. As well as a public apology issued in the paper. If I can fill the room with fellow riders and patriotic Americans who would like to stand up to this bully it would send her a clear message. If you can't make it please contact Ms. Keane and share your opinions.
Fraternally, Gary
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