First Amendment watchdog Californians Aware issued failing
grades to both UC Irvine and Cal State Fullerton in a test of their
responsiveness to the California Public Records Act. Two local K-12
school districts were also given failing grades.
Tag: Terry Francke
The Logic Behind the Supreme Court’s Westboro Decision
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the First Amendment protects
the Westboro Baptist Church members who used military funerals as
occasions to spread anti-gay messages.
Fair Board Legal Bills Skyrocket
Private law firm has cost the board hundreds of thousands more
than Attorney General. But board still has issues with transparency
laws.
New Sunshine Law Will Go Before Brea Voters
Government transparency wish list that goes beyond most other
such ordinances will be on the June ballot.
Speak Now, But First Give Us Your Name
The Orange County Supervisors, like the OCTA before, is
violating the Brown Act when it comes to public comment.
Did Mauk Hire Mainero as a Consultant or Lawyer?
This is an important distinction in the mini-controversy
surrounding county CEO Tom Mauk’s decision to contract with the
controversial former chief of staff for help with a pension
case.
OCTA Tweaks Its Public Comment Policy
Speaker cards will inform members of the public of their right
to remain anonymous when speaking at board meetings. Open
government expert says the agency is not going far enough.
Santa Ana, Where Public Meetings Include Private Chats
Huddling, whispering and a game of musical chairs among Santa
Ana City Council members during a public meeting raise Brown Act
concerns.
CalAware Wants Officials to Check Blackberries at the Door
Open government expert Terry Francke says elected officials
sending and receiving emails and texts during public meetings is a
violation of the spirit of Brown Act.
CalAware Will Fight Cities’ Email Destruction
State First Amendment advocacy group vows to sue to stop the
routine destruction of emails by city officials.










