Graham won his permit and, in lieu of payment, introduced Jefferson Airplane to Mr Coblentz.

ECONOMIST: William Coblentz

And like the Hearsts, the Gettys also went to Mr Coblentz for help with errant children.

ECONOMIST: William Coblentz

Another Republican, Catherine Hearst, sought Mr Coblentz's help when her daughter Patty was arrested for bank robbery 18 months after being kidnapped by the Symbionese Liberation Army.

ECONOMIST: William Coblentz

Mr Coblentz did not mix only with Democrats, though.

ECONOMIST: William Coblentz

Not surprisingly, it was among Democrats that Mr Coblentz was most influential, advising national politicians like Al Gore, John Kerry and Barack Obama, as well as Californians like Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer.

ECONOMIST: William Coblentz