If most airports are like the Torrance Airport, an investigation of the complaints will reveal some startling findings. A second individual lived over 3.7 miles from the airport. Most simply complained that an aircraft flew over their home. A minuscule minority of anonymous complainers should not be allowed to use misrepresentation to force these changes. CA Unfortunately, Jim, unless your hangar association or state pilots rights organization was an initial party to the court action, you are virtually guaranteed the right NOT to be able to protest the final ruling.
True airport defending begins by being pro-active.
This means investing time and money to become co-involved with lawsuits. Then you're ensured the right to protest a final ruling. I've been interested in flying my whole life. A major contributing factor to anti-airport sentiment not mentioned in your page is the behavior of a minority of pilots. The problem with this approach to public relations is there are more voting nonpilots than voting pilots.