Public commenters accuse retired judge of politically motivated lawsuit against board member Mary Barkey

Several members of the public used the board’s public comment period on April 2 to denounce a civil lawsuit filed in Orange County Superior Court by retired federal bankruptcy judge Lynn Riddle against Board Member Mary Barkey (referred to in meeting testimony as "Burke"/"Bark"). Speakers called the litigation a politically motivated attack and urged the board and community to reject the tactic.

Speakers including Aaron White, Wayne Williams, Carlos Hernandez and others described the suit as an attempt to weaponize the legal system for political ends. Aaron White called the action a "political motivated legal attack" and told the board, "Shame on you, Lynn Riddle." Wayne Williams said the use of litigation to "discredit, distract, and obstruct" opponents was a troubling local analogue of "lawfare." Multiple speakers identified Riddle as a local Democrat and Barkey as a Republican board member; they urged public disapproval of the lawsuit.

The board did not take action on the public comments during the meeting; public comment is the forum for residents to address trustees. No substantive board response or investigation was announced during the session; staff noted public comments had concluded and the meeting proceeded to agenda items.