MEDIA MADNESS

Freelance reporter Susan Paterno filed an anti-SLAPP
motion against the parent company of the Santa Barbara
News-Press, Ampersand Publishing, complaining the company
abused the court system to stifle free speech. After writing an
article about the News-Press meltdown for American Journalism
Review, Paterno was sued by News-Press owner Wendy McCaw,
who charged the article contained false and defamatory remarks.
Paterno’s attorneys initially argued the lawsuit should be thrown
out because the News-Press never demanded a retraction or
correction before suing, as required by state law. They also
insisted on the accuracy of Paterno’s reporting. Now they also
claim McCaw’s lawsuit is designed to chill public discussion. If
Paterno prevails, McCaw could be liable for legal costs and
expenses.

Mirroring similar protests throughout the country, peace
activists took to State Street on Saturday afternoon,
waving signs, dodging rain puddles, and crying foul over
the planned surge of 21,000 U.S. troops to Iraq. The
protesters made their way up State Street amongst the throngs of
film festival revelers, prompting more than a few shouts of
encouragement and applause from passersby.