By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Councilmember Jennifer Mendoza looks on as attorneys Cory Briggs and Melinda Vasquez participate remotely in Monday's court hearing at the El Cajon courthouse. Councilmember Liana LeBaron was not present.

April 4, 2023 (Lemon Grove) – Attorney Cory Briggs has filed a motion on behalf of  Lemon Grove Councilmember Liana LeBaron asking Superior Court Judge Peter Lynch to dismiss a civil harassment temporary restraining order issued on behalf of Councilmember Jennifer Mendoza.  He cites California’s anti-SLAPP statute as the reason to dismiss the matter.

Briggs contends that the restraining order constitutes a SLAPP suit, or Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation. SLAPP suits are actions filed to discourage a person from speaking out on issues of public importance. 

“The purpose of the anti-SLAPP statute is to encourage participation in matters of public significance and to prevent meritless litigation designed to chill the exercise of First Amendment rights,”  states LeBaron's brief filed in support of the anti-SLAPP motion.