SLAPP Unhappy

Ron Galperin’s alarmist “Getting SLAPPed” (April 29) fosters a pernicious polarization of interests.

There are flakes and snakes on both sides. But the vast majority of plaintiffs and defendants are reasonable and rely upon the system working when they need it. Neither side can afford to abuse the judiciary without ultimately forfeiting its own interests.

Those of us who are prepared to go the distance for environmental protection know full well that we are up against giants, and that there are risks associated with litigation. We base our challenges on facts and the law, and place our faith in the Constitution.

It destabilizes democracy to undermine the Constitution’s right to petition the government. Don’t gloat, developers. Your rights are guaranteed in that same Constitution. When we lose constitutional rights, you do too.

Look at the notice requirements for zoning matters. Community activists often get notices late in the game and are denied their due process rights. Likewise, developers are infuriated (and rightfully so) when their property is down zoned without adequate notice. Being denied one’s rights is not fun for either side. Losing the Constitution is tragic for all of us.

LAURA LAKE

Los Angeles

Lake is president of Friends of Westwood Inc.