A reminder about property rights

Mr. Brothers seems to forget that private owners of existing open space (or other property) have a constitutional right to use their property in any way that is permitted by local zoning and other applicable laws. Mr. Brothers probably lives in a dwelling that was other people's open space before it was developed.

The elected members of the Agoura Hills City Council have the clear responsibility to uphold all the laws that govern our lives. While I certainly don't necessarily agree with all their actions, it's still their responsibility. They will be successfully sued, if they act outside the law.

It's possible to "save" any open space that's coveted by enough people, by buying it from the owners and giving it to the city, or a conservation agency set up for the purpose. Or, if Mr. Brothers can persuade a majority of the City Council to want it to remain open space, they have the power of eminent domain to condemn it for legitimate public purposes.

The owners would, of course, expect to receive fair market value for their property. The city attorney would be the one to answer any questions at a Council meeting (get free legal advice that way) if anyone is serious about the subject, and not simply whining about others doing their jobs in accordance with the laws governing their actions. Will Stokes Calabasas