“James Hetfield co-founded the influential heavy metal band Metallica and, as its chief songwriter, helped pen and perform strident songs such as Don’t Tread on Me. It might as well be his anthem for property rights in Marin County. The Marin County resident has erected a barbed-wire fence on his property near San Rafael, cutting off a fire trail that locals say has been used for at least a half-century to access treasured hiking trails along scenic ridgelines. Hetfield’s representatives have told county officials that the metal and barbed-wire fence is a response to vandalism on the property. Nonetheless, the decision has infuriated the bikers, hikers and equestrians who use the trail.” [editor’s note: Now we find out if Metallica fans actually listen to the lyrics! - SAT] (08/19/08)