Roeding Park supporters seeking to stop an expansion of Fresno Chaffee Zoo want their federal lawsuit heard in the Bay Area -- and not Fresno -- because the zoo is represented by former judge Oliver Wanger's new law firm.
Richard Harriman, representing Fresno residents opposed to changes in Roeding Park, on Monday filed a brief in U.S. District Court in Fresno seeking the change.
He said Wanger's firm represents Fresno Chaffee Zoo Corporation, which he claims "has the most significant legal and financial interests" in the case.
But John Kinsey, a lawyer with Wanger's firm who has been representing the zoo, said Harriman's objection is not justified.
He said Wanger isn't involved in any of the Roeding Park legal issues and will not appear as a lawyer in the case.