Defending Democracy's Fundamentals
Free speech, a free press, and the public’s right to know are essential to engaged and informed communities.
News
Latest News-
BLOG
Detention Facility Transparency Act Heads to the Governor’s Desk
September 1, 2026
The bill would increase public access to 911 calls in immigration detention facilities.
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ADVOCACY
FAC Demands Release of Konoa Wilson Shooting Records
August 19, 2026
San Diego has defied California’s police transparency laws by disclosing virtually no records except a limited excerpt of video footage.
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BLOG
How the San Francisco Chronicle revealed the deadly toll of misdiagnoses and delayed care in ICE detention
August 5, 2026
Two San Francisco Chronicle reporters talk about the hurdles they faced reporting on deaths in immigration detention.
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CASES
FAC and FIRE Demand LA City Council end public meeting word ban
July 23, 2026
The unconstitutional ban prohibits the use of the n-word and c-word. Anyone who utters these words can also be barred from future meetings.
Legal Hotline
Have a question about access to public records, participating in government meetings or First Amendment concerns? We have a dedicated group of lawyers ready to help.
What We Do
Our Work
Cases
Cases
Holding governments accountable at the local, state, and federal levels; supporting journalists and citizens in how to enforce their First Amendment rights.
Advocacy
Advocacy
Championing open government, press protections, and free expression in California.
Press Freedom Initiative
Press Freedom Initiative
Ensuring access to qualified legal counsel when journalists face a subpoena seeking confidential sources or other protected materials.
Free Speech & Open Government Award
Free Speech & Open Government Award
Honoring the year’s best contributions towards the advancement of open government.
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Resources
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Asked & Answered
A searchable database of responses to questions posed by Legal Hotline users about open-government laws and the First Amendment.
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Handbooks
Detailed guides on open meetings and open records, with sample letters for you to customize.
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Training
FAC holds live and virtual events to tackle some of the most pressing free speech, free press and government transparency issues of the day.
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Explainers
Answers to some of the most commonly asked questions to our Legal Hotline.