Fresno City Councilmember Garry Bredefeld is seeking the dismissal of a defamation lawsuit filed by Council President Nelson Esparza. Last week, Bredefeld’s attorney filed a motion to have the suit thrown out, citing anti-SLAPP protections.
Bredefeld has accused Esparza of trying to extort former City Attorney Doug Sloan. In a written declaration, Bredefeld notified the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office and the FBI about the alleged extortion before going public with the allegations.
At an April 22 meeting, Sloan says Esparza ordered him to provide services only to the City Council majority (Esparza, Tyler Maxwell, Miguel Arias and Esmeralda Soria). Otherwise, he would lose his job.
“I’m just going to cut to the chase. I’m standing between you and you losing your job. From now on you are to work only for the Council majority,” Esparza allegedly said. When Sloan asked what he should do if one of the other members requests services, he says Esparza told him to “come talk to me.”
Sloan says he notified a few people about the exchange, including Bredefeld, who then reported it to the authorities. The city charter states clearly that the city attorney is to “represent and advise the Council and all city officers in all matters of law pertaining to their offices.”
Bredefeld notified the public of the alleged exchange at a press conference earlier this month. Esparza is suing Bredefeld, calling his claims defamatory.
California has strict anti-SLAPP provisions to protect First Amendment rights. In this case, Bredefeld’s Attorney says he is being sued merely for telling the truth.
Doug Sloan resigned in April and is now working for the City of Santa Monica.