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A&A: Writer denied access to coroner’s report on 1947 Black Dahlia case

FAC June 10, 2015

Q: I am researching the ‘Black Dahlia’ murder in California in 1947. I have asked the LAPD for its file on this case, which has been refused under section 6254(f) of the CPRA. The FBI and DA have disclosed their files on the case (the FBI with heavy redactions).The LA County Coroner’s Office refuses to disclose the coroner’s report pursuant to a security request from LAPD. In 2012, the LAPD Museum held a ‘Black Dahlia’ exhibition

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A&A: Accessing university’s decision making on promotions and tenure

FAC June 9, 2015

Q:  I’m working on a book on the discovery of AIDS. The discoverer was denied support for his promotion and tenure by his department’s promotion and tenure committee. I wish to obtain all documents related to this decision. Two questions: 1. Can I obtain them using FOIA? 2. Do I address the FOIA to the University’s department of medicine? the Regents of the CA university system? Or whom? Thanks. How long should I wait for a

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A&A: Will attorney/client privilege keep me from learning how County is spending bond money?

FAC June 8, 2015

Q: I recently asked my county Supervisor what code or law allowed them to use funds from a CSA (County Service Area), which is involved in a lawsuit. What was presented to the people in the ballot said nothing about using the funds for the legal defense of the County. Is the information I requested attorney client privilege or is it public information? I look forward to your response. [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]A:  I believe your initial question is whether the

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A&A: (Video 5:58) Why reporters covering police wrongdoing often quote anonymous sources

FAC May 31, 2015

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_raw_html]JTNDaWZyYW1lJTIwd2lkdGglM0QlMjI2MDAlMjIlMjBoZWlnaHQlM0QlMjI0NDAlMjIlMjBmcmFtZWJvcmRlciUzRCUyMjAlMjIlMjBzY3JvbGxpbmclM0QlMjJhdXRvJTIyJTIwbWFyZ2luaGVpZ2h0JTNEJTIyMCUyMm1hcmdpbndpZHRoJTNEJTIyMCUyMnNyYyUzRCUyMmh0dHAlM0ElMkYlMkZyY2VtZWRpYS5jc3VjaGljby5lZHUlMkZNZWRpYXNpdGUlMkZQbGF5JTJGNGVkOWYzMzViMWVhNGI2Yjk3ZWU1OTQ5MzY4MDdiYjAxZCUyMiUzRSUzQyUyRmlmcmFtZSUzRQ==[/vc_raw_html][vc_column_text]Reporters are often criticized for quoting anonymous sources in stories regarding alleged police misconduct.  In this clip, Peter Scheer, K.C. Meadow and Duffy Carolan discuss the issue of accessing police investigatory records and why the public records exemption forces reporters to resort to anonymous sources. (5:58)[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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A&A: How can I find out if a non-profit is cooking the books?

FAC May 21, 2015

Q: I’m pretty sure a 501(c) 3 in San Francisco is cooking its books. For example, claiming on their 990 that a certain program cost $50,000 when I think it’s more like $500. Can I demand their receipts under a FOIA request? Is there a reward for discovering and proving such scammers? A: It appears that under the federal Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. § 552, tax records from nonprofits, such as Form 990 filings,

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