No charges for scuffle at meeting

A confrontation between Colusa Councilwoman Kay Hosmer and a staunch critic of the city will not result in criminal charges being filed against Jackie Wisler.

Assistant District Attorney Matt Beauchamp said Tuesday that the incident, which took place following an April 3 council meeting, did not rise to a criminal act.

"What we got here is basically a difference of opinion on the same political spectrum. It got a little heated at a council meeting ... and someone's personal space was invaded," Beauchamp said. "It may be rude, but it's not necessarily a criminal act. ... It is clear to me, it was not an assault."

Hosmer had little to say.

"The woman hit me. Maybe if this was someplace else they would have brought criminal charges," said Hosmer, adding it is best for the city just to move forward. Wisler could not be reached for comment.

Hosmer filed the complaint alleging assault of an elected official after she said Wisler hit her in the hallway outside the council chambers.

Wisler said Hosmer got in her way and she brushed by her while trying to avoid any further confrontation, which had started with a verbal exchange moments earlier.

The two women have a long, antagonistic history together.

Hosmer told Colusa County sheriff's deputies that Wisler "intentionally ran into her and pushed her with her left arm."

She said the incident left bruises.

Wisler said in an interview there was nothing intentional about the contact, describing it as more like brushing by Hosmer after she had stepped in her way.

"What surprised me is when I got past her, she yelled, 'don't hit me,' Wisler said.

Wisler said she walked out of the buiding after that, and did not know anything more had come of it until sheriff's deputies came to her house that night.

The incident apparently started when Hosmer, who was walking in front of Wisler and her husband, overheard Wisler talking about the need to vote out some council members, and specifically noting "she is the first one to go."

The councilwoman said she turned and retorted, "Jackie, why don't you run for City Council?"

Wisler confirmed the gist of that exchange.

Hosmer concedes she got in front of Wisler, but said she was walking backward when Wisler went by her and struck her with her elbow.

"All I did was move my left elbow to get by her," Wisler said at the time.