James Hancock

James Hancock embodies the Topanga tradition of nonconformism and of living an alternative lifestyle (“Lifestyles Clash in Topanga Canyon,” Dec. 9). The rich yuppies are Johnny-come-latelies to Topanga and do not have the right to impose their neo-puritanical and paranoid ideas upon the locals. It would be equally deplorable if the goal is to root out “undesirables” to increase real estate prices.

I would venture to guess that there are more illegal drugs and higher-powered weapons to be found in many of the schoolchildren’s homes, though you may not find as much tolerance as in Hancock’s.

NICK STATMAN

Venice

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What is wrong with this picture? A political consultant hears about an inconvenient person who cannot be legally evicted from his home. The political consultant calls someone “about as high as you can get in the Sheriff’s Department.” Two weeks later, the inconvenient person is raided by sheriff’s deputies. The political consultant then pressures the prosecutor to increase the charges and threatens the investigating probation officer’s career.

Has the system in our country finally reached the point that someone with political connections can call in a police raid? It appears that Hancock has been arrested and is being prosecuted for “being.” I fear for all of our personal safety if this is allowed. Have no laws been broken by the political consultant’s actions?

GORDON SMITH

Burbank

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Far more frightening than Hancock’s supposed illegal activities are the actions of David Carlat, the Hollywood political consultant, throwing his weight around on behalf of his affluent cronies in Topanga Canyon. These people are turning a once-delightful semirural area into just another overpriced housing tract with about as much character as those who, increasingly, populate it.

Once again, the arrogant, blind power of money raises its ugly head. Go ahead, throw the bum out--I’m sure you’ll all be proud of yourselves.

ROGER BOWERS

Los Angeles