Restraining Order Hearing Set Against Former Healthy Traditions Colleagues

Judge orders hearing after allegations of harassment, threats, and attempts to forcibly evict business owner Brian Shilhavy

Mar. 29, 2026 at 5:10pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered car sensor lens reflecting a faint red light, conceptually illustrating the vandalism and harassment targeting self-driving technology.A wave of targeted vandalism against autonomous vehicles exposes tensions over emerging technology in one California community.Springville Today

A judge has ordered a hearing for a restraining order against two former business associates of Brian Shilhavy, the owner of natural foods company Healthy Traditions and publisher of HealthImpactNews.com. Shilhavy alleges a pattern of harassment, threats, and attempts to forcibly evict him from his home, which he had invested over $300,000 to make self-sustaining. The case has been escalated to the California Attorney General's office for investigation of elder abuse.

Why it matters

This case highlights growing concerns about elder abuse, particularly targeting successful business owners, and the challenges of protecting vulnerable individuals from harassment and threats, even when they have the mental and physical capacity to live independently. It also raises questions about the role of extremism and access to weapons in escalating conflicts.

The details

Shilhavy, a 68-year-old businessman, journalist, and religious scholar, alleges that two former Healthy Traditions colleagues, Daniel Garcia and Travis Wales Sr., have engaged in a campaign of harassment, threats, and attempts to forcibly evict him from his home in Springville, California. The case has been escalated to the California Attorney General's office for investigation of elder abuse, and a restraining order hearing has been scheduled for early April.

  • The harassment and threats against Shilhavy have been ongoing since at least July 2025.
  • A criminal complaint for elder abuse was filed with the California Attorney General's office in March 2026.
  • A hearing for a restraining order has been scheduled for early April 2026.

The players

Brian Shilhavy

The 68-year-old owner of natural foods company Healthy Traditions and publisher of HealthImpactNews.com, who has allegedly been the target of harassment, threats, and attempts to forcibly evict him from his home.

Daniel Garcia

A former business associate of Shilhavy's who has been accused of harassment and threats, and has been served with a restraining order hearing.

Travis Wales Sr.

A former business associate of Shilhavy's who has been accused of harassment and threats, and has allegedly evaded service of the restraining order hearing.

Rob Bonta

The California Attorney General, whose office is investigating the elder abuse allegations against Garcia and Wales.

Tulare County Sheriff's Office

The local law enforcement agency that has been involved in the service of the restraining order hearing and the investigation.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to harass and threaten elders in our community.”

— Neal Sutz, Journalist and Advocate

“This case highlights the importance of protecting vulnerable individuals, even successful business owners, from abuse and harassment.”

— Rob Bonta, California Attorney General

What’s next

The judge in the restraining order case will decide in early April whether to grant the order, which could further restrict the actions of Garcia and Wales. The California Attorney General's office will continue its investigation into the elder abuse allegations.

The takeaway

This case underscores the need for stronger protections and vigilance against elder abuse, even for successful individuals living independently. It also raises concerns about the role of extremism and access to weapons in escalating conflicts, and the importance of the justice system in safeguarding vulnerable members of the community.