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Showing 931 - 940 of 1082 results

Asked and Answered

How much can I spend advertising against a ballot measure?

[…] a loan by a third party, or an enforceable promise to make a payment, unless it is clear from the surrounding circumstances that it is not made for political purposes." Gov't Code § 82025. "A payment is made for 'political purposes' IF IT IS: 'For the purpose of influencing or attempting to influence the […]

July 7, 2010
Latest News

Advocacy Blog Cases

Four Open-Government Battles We Are Fighting and Why They Matter

Even from the perspective of the happy warriors here at FAC, it hasn’t been the best year for First Amendment rights and government transparency. In some ways, 2019 plumbed new lows, with governments at all levels continuing their assault on press freedoms, free speech, and government transparency. But we’re not letting the curtains come […]
December 19, 2019
Cases

First Amendment Coalition v. Chiu

Working with the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, we sued the San Francisco City Attorney and California Attorney General on November 22 to challenge a California statute that authorizes city attorneys, district attorneys and the Attorney General to seek civil penalties against anyone who publishes any information related to a sealed arrest record, […]

December 5, 2024
Asked and Answered

Brown Act

Model Letters

[…] so. If this is request is being considered please have language that also addresses having it requested electronically if such a method is available as they do for the legislative body. I really am looking to have proper language that will provide documentation on my end when making requests to the receiver that their […]

June 14, 2009
Latest News

Press Release

Reporter Sues Alameda County for Sideshow Law That Criminalizes Journalism

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: fac@firstamendmentcoalition.org SAN RAFAEL, Calif. — Today, Oaklandside reporter Jose Antonio Garcia sued Alameda County in federal court over its Ordinance 2023-31, which criminalizes merely being present within 200 feet of a "sideshow" for the purpose of observing it. This law has prevented Garcia, who writes using another family name, […]
- Press Freedom
July 2, 2024
Asked and Answered

CPRA

Are public records requests public records?

[…] agency has any written public records requests in its possession, these requests would themselves be subject to the Public Records Act. Bryan Cave LLP is general counsel for the First Amendment Coalition and responds to FAC hotline inquiries. In responding to these inquiries, we can give general information regarding open government and speech issues […]

September 9, 2014
Asked and Answered

CPRA

Can I insist on the original record?

I have for many years inspected and made copies of original documents after recordation at the County Recorder's Office. This is part of my business. Now the county has cut off my access to these original papers, saying they are not public records. The county is now selling record copies on CD for about […]

June 14, 2009
Asked and Answered

Brown Act First Amendment

Does the Brown Act Offer Recourse for Activists Barred from City Council Meeting?

[…] nothing wrong. Some of us eventually made it in, including myself, but other never made it in and were unable to speak during public comments. I would like to see if there is some sort of recourse we can pursue against the city/police department for violating our rights to attend and participate in the meeting.

February 12, 2018
Asked and Answered

Newsgathering

What Are the Rights and Restrictions of Photo-Journalists Covering Wildfires?

[…] engulfed home are requesting I take down the photos. I tried to talk through this with them, but they are understandably upset and seeking someone to blame for their pain. Because I have no budget for legal help, I took down any photo/videos that were taken from that property but not any that were […]

November 13, 2018
Asked and Answered

CPRA

Who Bears the Cost of Previously Public Documents Now Held By A Third Party?

[…] issue in litigation changed in 2011. The County asserts they do not have the documents from the the previous applicant but that they can be purchased from a third party consulting firm for $2,000. My question is: who bears the cost to obtain the documents when the agency has lost or is missing the documents?

February 14, 2018