Fresno Mayor Alan Autry has almost made a second career out of criticizing rulings by U.S. District Judge Oliver W. Wanger, especially on the lawsuit filed by homeless residents after the city destroyed their belongings in raids.

As a federal judge, Wanger has been forced to hold his tongue, though he did summon Autry to court after comments by the mayor suggested he wasn't happy with the homeless case's settlement settlement -- even though he'd already approved it.

Now, the two men are going to take the debate to a neutral site -- the October meeting of the Bench, Bar, Media.

In what will likely be one of the hottest tickets in town, the two will debate the proper role of courts in society, said Christopher Lozano, a partner with the Fresno law firm of McCormick, Barstow, Sheppard, Wayte & Carruth. He is also chair of a Fresno County Bar Association committee that puts together the monthly Bench, Bar, Media event.

Autry has never been shy about sharing his opinions, and as mayor, he's done so often. In this forum, however, Wanger will also be able to take off his judicial robes and do the same.

Lozano said he expects a "free and open discussion. We're going to make a free speech zone for both of these gentlemen."

That's possible because both men will be expressing their own viewpoints, he said.
The event is scheduled for the noon hour on Oct. 15.

Reservations are needed and space is limited, though Lozano said they are "contemplating a shift" from the usual Downtown Club location at 2120 Kern St. to a larger venue because of the expected high demand.

For information, contact Rose Flores at the Fresno County Superior Court. Her number is (559) 488-3625. The cost is $15 per person and includes lunch.