It's the "Curious Case of Julius Pekar," a grown man who behaved like a child.
Our story opens Monday afternoon when Pekar, executive director of the Merced County Chamber of Commerce, called the Sun-Star newsroom to derail a story.
(Note to readers: It never works.)
See, reporter Danielle E. Gaines snagged a draft copy of a no-confidence letter set to be sent to the Board of Supervisors.
In an act of business cannibalism, all the chambers were poised to criticize the county's economic development efforts, which are led by Mark Hendrickson, none other than a former chamber prez.
Pekar went to the Upper Lip -- Executive Editor Mike Tharp -- to plead his case. He needed an extra couple days to whip the other chambers in line. After that, it'd be fine if the letter made headlines. Just not before.
If the story were to be published Tuesday, he said, the chambers might as well wipe their bottom line with the letter. No dice, said Tharp, no deal, no soap, no way.
After losing the battle with the Upper Lip, Pekar tried to dodge talking to Gaines, who pushed him to answer a few questions. He grudgingly agreed.
Before the interview concluded, Pekar began questioning Gaines. How long has she been at the Sun-Star? A year and a half. What's her experience?
Gaines pointed out her reporting chops were in order. After all, she got Pekar's letter.
Now, sir, you may wipe.
A 'softer tone'
The letter did make it to the supes Wednesday, although not with all the chamber signatures or in its chest-thumping glory. Seems Pekar's effort was pretty scattershot.
Supervisor John Pedrozo said the letter had a softer tone. He added that the debacle shows there needs to be more communication on both ends.
Chairwoman Deidre Kelsey said she avoids Pekar at all costs and was sad to see other chambers join his effort without talking to her about their concerns.
Pekar didn't return Lips' phone call.
Big names, bigger egos
Seems Wednesday's front-page story about Merced County's top movers and shakers caused a little envy. The story included a graphic indicating, by type font size, the influence of each person.
People across the county were comparing name dimensions, seeing whose was bigger. We also heard some elected leaders were upset their names were absent or not as large as the business folks.
Those who can, do. Those who can't, run for office.
Insurance man Bob Carpenter led the pack, followed by Merced County Sheriff Mark Pazin, Merced College President Ben Duran and Mike Gallo.
Praise some higher power
One Lips reader had a suggestion for next year's Christmas -- no, holiday -- er -- Christmas Parade.
Let's walk hand-in-hand for "Merced's First Annual Parade To Celebrate our Fear of Offending Anyone."
It carries a certain ring-a-ling.
Loose Lips can be reached at editor@mercedsun-star.com.
