Second beach lawsuit still pending

Crystal Bay resident Frank Wright, who also is involved in federal beach access litigation against the Incline Village General Improvement District, said Judge Edward C. Reed's recent decision in the Steven Kroll case has no bearing on his.

"My case is a lot simpler and it deals directly with my personal experience," Wright said.

U.S District Court Judge Edward C. Reed granted the district and current and former trustees motion for summary judgment, stating that Kroll's rights under federal law were not violated by the district's recreation policies, as outlined in IVGID Ordinance No. 7, according to the ruling signed Feb. 10.

Wright filed his original complaint against the district on March 10, 2008, in U.S. District Court. Larry R. Hicks is the presiding judge in the case; he also filed a demand for a preliminary injunction against district's enforcement of Ordinance No. 7 and the 1968 deed restriction by which it governs.

Wright said during his campaign to run for the board of trustees in 2008, he was denied access to the four district beaches, where he planned a meet and greet with constituents.

"My personal experience in being denied access carries more weight," Wright said. "I have personally been humiliated in repeated attempts to gain access to facilities that my tax dollars help pay for."

Wright said he is confident Hicks will rule differently, but said it's ultimately in the judge's hands.

"You cannot split a town in two and give favorable treatment to a certain percentage of residents," said Wright. "I am offended that I am being treated differently based on where I live. I am offended that my kid is being treated differently. It's deplorable and the district will not prevail."

For a detailed history of Frank Wright's case, visit www.tahoebonanza.com/ frankwrightbeachsuit.