By: (AP) The former publisher of a Pulitzer Prize-winning weekly newspaper was ordered to stay away from the new owner following an altercation over editorial direction, authorities said.
David Mitchell, 62, whose 30-year tenure at the Point Reyes Light included a Pulitzer for public service in 1979, allegedly seized the throat of new publisher Robert Plotkin, 35, and tried to run him down with his car, according to Plotkin's Feb. 17 restraining order request.
A Marin County court commissioner granted a temporary restraining order on March 2, ordering Mitchell to stay away from the newspaper's offices and keep 100 yards from Plotkin, his wife and his 5-year-old son.
Plotkin, a former prosecutor who bought the paper in November with plans to turn it into "The New York Times of West Marin," said he was riding in Mitchell's car when the discussion turned violent over an upcoming article about a local ranch.
Plotkin said that after he jumped out of the car, Mitchell accelerated toward him.
Mitchell said the new owner was overreacting. "It sounds like we have a very young man with a very wild imagination," Mitchell said.
The next court hearing is scheduled for April 4. Lawyers for both men said they hope to settle the complaint.
Plotkin said Thursday he has no hard feelings toward Mitchell.
"Since I took over the newspaper, it's been very difficult on Dave, and the loss of the newspaper has affected him very deeply," Plotkin said. "I hope he'll be able to recover."
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