Save the Balloons Appeal Fund
A very weathly individual, John C. Marrelli, sued 50 balloonists and balloon companies, a crop duster, the California Department of Agriculture, the Federal Aviation Administration, the Department of Transportation and Ray LaHood, the director of the DOT, personally - for aircraft flying over their property in the Coachella Valley. The lawsuit drove most balloonists out of the area (several going out of business) and adversely impacted the local desert economy. Our company denied any wrongdoing and fought the lawsuit. JCM Farming, owned by John C. Marrelli, built an unusual fortress/compound surrounded by 80 acres of olives - right next to the long standing Balloon Ranch, in the heart of our flight corridor. After almost three years of an expensive legal defense, JCM Farming suddenly withdrew their lawsuit. We were denied the opportunity to prove in court how ridiculous their claims against our company were and left with six figures in attorney fees. For more information about this legal saga, please see
http://www.mydesert.com/balloons
The absurdity of the lawsuit becomes obvious in a 2D perspective. Imagine a landowner suing all bus drivers for driving down a public road by falsely claiming a bus drove on their front yard instead of the public street. The bus companies have to spend their money proving they weren't on the landowner's yard and thus privately defend the right to drive down a public road in front of the landowner's property. After 2+ years and several unnecessary hearings designed to increase the legal costs, the plaintiff withdraws the lawsuit before trial.JCM Farming also sued numerous individuals and small mom and pop businesses in their short 10 years in Coachella Valley - everything from a neighbor's dog barking to an employee who complained about them. We believe the only way to stop John C. Marrelli and other ultra-wealthy individuals from using the legal system as a club against the small guy is if they must pay for their misuse of the legal system.
Magical Adventure Balloon Rides privately defended a public right to use the public airspace. We believe we are entitled to a return of our costs and legal fees since JCM Farming withdrew their meritless lawsuit. The Judge denied our motion for fees. We strongly believe the Judge erred and are now working with T. Peter Pierce of Richards, Watson and Gershon to appeal that decision. The appeal process is very expensive, but we are confident of a positive outcome. If you'd like to help, you can donate via paypal or US Mail methods below. We appreciate your assistance and salute you for helping us to protect the public and general aviation.
Donate
Mailing address
Magical Adventure Balloon Rides
P.O. Box 7105
La Quinta, CA 92248
Phone
Toll Free: 866-ENJOY-US Local: 760-641-6741
© 2002-2012 Magical Adventure Balloon Rides. All rights reserved. | Designed by Linda Stockwell.