Bar altercation over olives

STOCKTON, Calif., Nov. 16 (UPI) -- Mark Lewis, the city manager of Stockton City, Calif., faces a charge of battery in an altercation allegedly concerning olives in a Sonoma, Calif., tavern.

"It is not as it appears," Lewis said. "I was at the wrong place at the wrong time."

Police said Lewis and Asparagus Festival Executive Director Kate Post entered the Swiss Hotel in Sonoma Oct. 9 and ordered a drink each.

Bartender Michael O'Leary said Post used her fingers to take olives off a tray of drink garnishes at the end of the bar, near the waitress station, and he offered her a toothpick, which she refused. O'Leary said she then grabbed a handful of olives and stuffed them into her mouth, reported the Stockton Record.

After some heated words, Lewis allegedly threw a serving tray that struck the back of the bartender's head.

Lewis' attorney did not return a Record phone call seeking comment.