FAC

Q: My City’s Code creates a system of Neighborhood Associations and, above them, a tier of District Coalitions. The NAs and DCs are quasi-governmental bodies supported and funded by the City to assist with neighborhood-level governance and participation in city decision-making; however, they have non-profit status. One of the NA board members is facing litigation due to his expression of opinion in a public forum. Are these agencies protected under the First Amendment? A: Given that the

Q: I believe an individual was appointed County assessor unfairly through an exchange wherein the newly appointed assessor promised the supervisor board he would not run for mayor. I am seeking record of this agreement; I believe it could be in violation of the Brown Act, please advise. A: The Brown Act serves to facilitate public participation in all phases of local government, and prohibits “serial meetings” and communications amongst a majority of the members

Q: My permit to promote awareness of my company was denied at an International Airport. However, based upon the permit application, I do not see any basis for the rejection, is this a violation of my First Amendment rights? A: It sounds like you would like to advertise your company in person at the airport.  This probably would be considered commercial speech, which, while still afforded First Amendment protection, is held to lower standards than

Q: I recently submitted a CPRA request inquiring about my personal medical record. The CPRA was accepted but certain information that I requested was forwarded to several medical departments, requiring their consent to disclose. If a document is not responded to through a CPRA, what are my further options, or entitlements (preceding an expensive court action)? A: As you appear to be aware, under the California Public Records Act, public records — which include “any

Q: The elected Community Advisory Group, created under the Planning Department of my County, convenes a coordinating sub-committee to review the Advisory Group’s standing rules. The Coordinating Committee chairman does not follow Brown Act obligations (e.g. requirements for notice, agenda, etc.) because he maintains that the Committee is Ad Hoc. Is the Coordinating Committee subject to the stipulation of the Brown Act?  [su_button url=”https://firstamendmentcoalition.org/legal-hotline” target=”blank” style=”flat” background=”#3df60e” color=”#0b0707″ size=”5″ wide=”yes” center=”yes” radius=”0″ desc=”Click Here!” class=”div