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Asked and Answered

Brown Act

Closed Session Voting

[…] public of the reasons for termination; rather, was forbidden from divulging the nature of closed session discussions." Id. Here, while discussions that took place during the closed meeting may be confidential, the reasons that a member voted a particular way should not be confidential, to the extent disclosure of those reasons does not also […]

June 14, 2009
Asked and Answered

Brown Act

Agenda posted online

Can the legislative body of a state-funded entity discontinue sending notice of standing meetings by reasoning that agendas/minutes are posted on its website? To me, it does not meet the requirement that the public's business be conducted in an open a manner as possible.

June 14, 2009
Latest News

2007 CFAC Free Speech & Open Government Assembly

[…] Annenberg School for Communication, October 25 & 26. Beacon awards are given to individuals or organizations in California for their exemplary work in fighting to keep government meetings or records open to the public, and for supporting the First Amendment’s fundamental free speech and free press rights. Generally, the awards will be given for […]

June 3, 2009
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Blog

FAC Partners with California News Fellowship Program to Support Early-Career Journalists

[…] contribute to the program’s talent-development component, FAC Advocacy Director Ginny LaRoe and FAC Legal Director David Loy developed in-depth sessions on accessing public records and covering public meetings. The sessions also introduced the fellows to FAC’s free legal resources and mentors they can turn to throughout their careers. Michelle Zacarias, a news fellow reporting […]
- Government Transparency and Accountability
- Press Freedom
November 17, 2023
Latest News

FAC News Press Release

FAC Names Leading California Media Figures to Board of Directors

[…] and community leaders. ABOUT FAC The First Amendment Coalition is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing free speech, a free press, a more open and accountable government and public participation in civic affairs. Bookmark our free Legal Hotline, resources on accessing public records and meetings, and Subpoena Defense Initiative that serves journalists in need.

November 12, 2020
Asked and Answered

Brown Act First Amendment

Does Brown Act Permit City Council’s New Rules of Decorum?

Under the Brown Act, "very agenda for regular meetings shall provide an opportunity for members of the public to directly address the legislative body on any item of interest to the public, before or during the legislative body's consideration of the item. Gov’t Code § 54954.3(a). The Brown Act permits legislative bodies to adopt […]

May 21, 2018
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Blog

“Let us Now Praise” a Famous Man: Ray Pryke, Friend of the First Amendment

[…] headlong into the real estate business. In this pursuit he exploited two advantages. One was technology: The former war-time flyer leapfrogged rivals by piloting his own plane— meeting with a client in San Jose in the morning, attending a real estate closing in San Diego in the afternoon. The second was language. Ray became […]

February 20, 2015
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Blog Events

FAC joins with Santa Rosa Press Democrat to host Open Government candidates’ forum

[…] that have taken center stage in the community since the shooting. FAC Executive Director Peter Scheer led the discussion on how citizens can protect their rights to access government meetings and public records and how the Coalition can help when access is denied. Scheer and Press Democrat Editorial Director Paul Gullixson, who is a member of FAC's […]
- Government Transparency and Accountability
- Public Records
October 16, 2014
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Blog

Have a legal question on FOI issues? Ask us. FREE!

[…] useful and FREE legal consultation service. FAC’s Legal Hotline, available on our website, is staffed by top media lawyers who will answer your questions about freedom-of-information, open- meeting laws, First Amendment protections for journalists, bloggers and ordinary citizens, and other open-government issues. I’m writing because FAC wants you to use this completely FREE service. […]
- Government Transparency and Accountability
August 6, 2011
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Blog FAC News

Honoring Reb Rebele (1930-2023)

Rowland "Reb" Rebele delivers an In Memoriam at the 2019 California Press Foundation Winter Meeting in San Francisco. Photo: Courtesy of California Press Foundation

November 30, 2023