LA CONTESSA - THE CASE GOES TO COURT

[jkisha]

WOW I thought this was over and done with, but it seems like it's just getting started.

LA CONTESSA - THE CASE GOES TO COURT

If you've been around for a while, you probably remember La Contessa, the magnificent Spanish Galleon that used to famously roam the playa, blowing minds wherever she went ... well, here's an update on the impending court case since she was maliciously set on fire.  Katy Bell writes:

"friends,
for those of you who remember the La Contessa, below is an update of the case involving her demise. the trial is set for july 30.

though our steadfast legal superhero, paul quade, is working pro-bono on the case, there are still some costs to cover (relocating greg and simon to reno for a month, costs for transporting and sheltering/feeding witnesses, covering the lawyer's expenses to subpoena witnesses and other small expenses). we had a benefit, but didn't raise quite enough.

we have a paypal account: LaContessaLegalFund@gmail.com . if you are moved, we are humbly accepting donations in any amount. we need about $4000. if you donate, please make a note to us with your mailing address and you will receive a special gift with our kind regards.

please take a minute to read the press release below. join our facebook page, friends of la contessa. share your stories, feel free to post pictures. we are looking to re-enliven the magic this ship inspired in the people who saw her, rode her, and loved her. feel free to share this post with any friends or relevant lists.

i kindly thank you for your time and attention,
katy bell

For further information and updates please visit the Friends of La
Contessa on Facebook (http://on.fb.me/Kf5PR2)."

[MyDearFriend]

"Like us on Facebook!" Actually I did. I hope they win.

[jkisha]

Me too!

[Box Burner]

[Shambala]

[jkisha]

There's also some side story about the mast head, something like her being stolen before the boat was burned. Maybe somebody in the know can add some history to the mystery. I believe there's even a good side story about how she came to be.

[theCryptofishist]

I've forgotten the details, but yes the figurehead was stolen, and thereby missed being burned. And I guess they got it back as well.

What I remember about the Contessa was when she was broken--driving too fast over a playa snake? I don't really remember the details, except that she was going too fast. Apparently, that was often the case...

[lemur]

here is the side of the story from danger ranger:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/10111/64247595/

They were running out on the open playa at night. The pilot left the bridge for a few minutes and the helmsman below deck couldn't see the approaching shoreline in the darkness. The starboard hull was ripped out as LaContessa shuddered to a stop, pitching everyone on board several feet. It was sheer luck that the few injuries were minor. As the ticket says; you assume the risk...

an image showing the broken bus undercarriage:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/10111/6348504227/

La Contess runs aground 9 miles northwest of Black Rock City on August 31, 2005.

[jkisha]

Ya, I think I remember reading that she was actually banned from the event because of reckless driving and racing.

[SnowBlind]

Article on the trial starting next week:

http://www.sfbg.com/politics/2012/07/24/burning-man-challenged-la-contessa-arson-trial-begins

[Bob]

Meh.

[nilasnake]

la contessa loses

http://www.rgj.com/article/20120810/EVE ... |FRONTPAGE