FOI resources

A citizens guide to fighting secret government

By David Huffman

San Francisco now has one of the best local sunshine laws in the country – and there are still problems getting access to information (see page TK). And in many communities, the situation is even worse. But take heart: The following list of resources will help any citizen activist or journalist break through the walls of secrecy.

Local organizations

The California First Amendment Coalition is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization whose mission is to "promote and defend the people's right to know" by improving compliance with state and federal access laws. CFAC's Web site contains an archive of articles dealing with FOI issues, the texts of state FOI laws, and other useful resources. 2701 Cottage Way, Suite 12, Sacramento, CA 95825. (916) 974-8888, cfac@cfac.org, www.cfac.org

The Center for Investigative Reporting sponsors workshops on investigative techniques for journalists and university students. The center's Web-based magazine provides FOI information, tips for journalists, and updates on past CIR investigations. 131 Stewart., Suite 600, San Francisco, CA 94105. (415) 543-1200, center@cironline.org, www.muckraker.org.

The DataCenter provides on-call research, consultation, and referral to justice organizations regarding FOI issues. It also offers research and action training. Services are free, or sliding scale, depending on ability to pay. 1904 Franklin St., Suite 900, Oakland, CA 94612-2912. 1-800-735-3741, ext. 376 or (510) 835-4692, ext. 376, datacenter@datacenter.org, www.igc.org/datacenter.

The Electronic Frontier Foundation, an online First Amendment organization, works to uphold digital free speech, empower the online public, and protect privacy on the Internet. The foundation provides stories and alerts on its Web site, with daily updates. Effector, an e-mail newsletter, is available through the Web page. 454 Shotwell St., San Francisco, CA 94110. (415) 436-9333, www.eff.org.

The First Amendment Project is a public-interest law firm that provides legal representation, educational programs, and low-cost or free advice, for journalists, public interest organizations, and individual citizens with public records and FOI-related issues. In a joint publication effort with the Society of Professional Journalists, the project offers three free pocket guides to the Brown Act, California's Open Meeting Law, and accessing court records. The Web page has information on using the California Public Records Act as well as getting court records. 1736 Franklin St., Ninth floor, Oakland, CA 94612. (510) 208-4555; fax (510) 208-4562, fap@thefirstamendment.org, www.thefirstamendment.org..

Media Alliance is a nonprofit media center that offers classes on journalism skills, including how to find and use public records. 814 Mission St., Suite 205, San Francisco, CA 94103. (415) 546-6491, info@media-alliance.org; www.media-alliance.org.

The Society of Professional Journalists, Northern California Chapter FOI Committee fights for open access to information and educates members of the public on FOI issues. The group provides a subscription e-mail list for journalists and others involved in FOI and First Amendment issues in California. To subscribe, send and e-mail message to Grabs@uclink.berkeley.edu asking to be subscribed to the CALFOI list. 520 Hampshire St., San Francisco, CA 94110. (415) 487-2589, norcalspj@yahoo.com, www.spj.org/norcal/ or www.journalism.berkeley.edu/resources/foi/.

National organizations

The Brechner Center for Freedom of Information conducts research and educates the public in mass media law and the First Amendment, including public access to government meetings and records and litigation information. University of Florida, College of Journalism and Communications, 3208 Weimer Hall, Gainesville, FL 32611-8400. (352) 392-2273, www.jou.ufl.edu/brechner.

The Center for National Security Studies works with concerned citizens and groups to expose secret government policies. The center offers free assistance to groups and individuals seeking records under the FOIA and coordinates related litigation. 2130 H. St., Suite 701, N.W., Washington, DC 20037; (202) 994-7060. www.gwu.edu/~cnss/

The First Amendment Cyber-Tribune, an award-winning Web site edited by Charles Levendosky, unveils attempts at censorship, attacks on free speech, and violations of the freedom of the press. w3.trib.com/FACT.

The Freedom Forum, a nonpartisan, international foundation dedicated to free press and free speech, offers numerous publications on various subjects, including campaign finance reform, religion in schools, newsroom diversity, international media, and fairness issues in media. 1101 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, VA 22209 (703) 284-3700, news@freedomforum.org, www.freedomforum.org

The Freedom of Information Center of the University of Missouri School of Journalism has a collection of more than one million articles and documents about access to information at the local, state, and federal levels. The center works to ensure compliance with sunshine laws around the country. Its Web site contains links, updates, and tips on FOI inquiries. A free e-mail newsletter provides information on developments in FOI access and issues. 127 Neff Annex, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211. (573) 882-4856, foi@missouri.edu, www.missouri.edu/~foiwww/.

The Freedom of Information Clearinghouse is a project of Ralph Nader's Center for the Study of Responsive Law. The Clearinghouse provides technical and legal assistance to individuals, public-interest groups, and media outlets seeking access to information from government agencies. Its Web site contains a history of advocacy efforts against government secrecy, FOIA contacts at federal agencies, and highlights of electronic FOIA amendments. P.O. Box 19367, Washington DC 20036. (202) 588-7790, foia@citizen.org, www.citizen.org/litigation/free-info/index.cfm

Investigative Reporters and Editors provides educational services for investigative reporters and editors. The group's Web site offers FOI-related books, a database of FOI stories, tips for using the FOI Act, and a database of previous FOI requests. 138 Neff Annex, University of Missouri School of Journalism, Columbia, MO 65211. (573) 882-2042, www.ire.org

The National Freedom of Information Coalition is composed of First Amendment organizations dealing with FOI issues. It provides resources for the media, government officials, lawyers, and citizens who want access to public information. The Coalition offers seminars and workshops to media professionals, attorneys, academics, students, and the public on FOI issues and helps nurture start-up FOI groups and Web sites. Their Web page offers links to relevant legislation and organizations state-by-state, as well as an Internet mailing list, FOI-L. 400 S. Record, Suite 240, Dallas, TX 75202. (214) 977-6658, nfoic@reporters@net, www.reporters.net/nfoic.

OMB Watch is a member of the Public Access Working Group, a coalition of organizations promoting greater access to government information. OMB Watch offers an online newsletter, OMB Watcher, available on the Web page or by e-mail. The Watcher typically includes articles on FOI issues. To subscribe to the weekly e-mail version, send an e-mail to paskoffc@ombwatch.org and ask to subscribe to the Watcher. 1742 Connecticut NW, Washington DC 20009. (202) 234-8494, ombwatch@ombwatch.org, www.ombwatch.org.

The Project on Government Secrecy is an advocacy and public education project of the Federation of American Scientists. The project has an extensive archive and provides regular news updates through their Web page and e-mail newsletter, Secrecy News. 1717K St. NW Suite 209, Washington, DC 20036. (202)454-4691, www.fas.org/sgp/index.htm.

Project Vote Smart provides information on local, state, and national candidates, including voting records, issue positions, campaign contributions, phone numbers, and mailing addresses. The database is accessible by calling the toll-free hot line at 1-888-VOTE-SMART. 1 Common Ground, Phillipsburg, MT, 59858, comments@vote-smart.org, www.vote-smart.org.

The Radio-Television News Directors Association is the world's largest professional organization devoted to electronic journalism. It lobbies for cameras in courtrooms and strong FOI laws, and provides coverage of FOI issues on its Web site. 1600 K St., NW, Suite 700, Washington DC 20006, (202) 659-6510, www.rtnda.org.

The Reporters' Committee for Freedom of the Press operates the 24-hour FOI Service Center at 1-800-336-4243 to answer emergency calls from journalists and others with open-records problems. 1815 N. Ft. Meyer Dr., Suite 900, Arlington, VA 22209. (703) 807-2100, rcfp@rcfp.org, www.rcfp.org.

The Society of Professional Journalists advocates for open access to information and educates members of the public on FOI issues. The society's Web page has an FOI section with extensive links to resources and information, including a list of FOI advocacy organizations. 3909 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46208. (317) 927-8000, www.spj.org.

The Student Press Law Center works with the Reporters' Committee for Freedom of the Press to cover FOI and other First Amendment issues relating to high school and college journalists. The center offers free advice, lawyer referrals, and analysis. 1815 N. Ft. Meyer Dr., Suite 900, Arlington, VA 22209, (703) 807-1904, splc@splc.org, www.splc.org.

Local Government Resources

The Government Information Center, located on the fifth floor of the San Francisco Main Library, stocks public documents published by the city. These include annual reports for committees and departments, minutes and agendas of official meetings, environmental impact reports, city audits, ordinances, and resolutions. Main Library, 100 Larkin St., San Francisco, CA 94102,  (415) 557-4500, www.sfpl.lib.ca.us.

The Oakland Ethics Commission responds to complaints and holds hearings on possible violations of the city's Sunshine Ordinance. Records, tapes of the commission's meetings, agendas, and minutes can be picked up at the commission's office. 1 Frank Ogawa Plaza, Fourth floor, Oakland, CA 94612,  (510) 238-3593, ethicscommission@Oaklandnet.com, www.oaklandnet.com/government/government10.html.

The Office of Information and Privacy, U.S. Department of Justice, provides online versions of frequently requested records, opinions, policy statements, and guides to the FOIA. The guides include detailed instructions for filing FOIA requests, average response times for different governmental offices, and a wealth of other useful information. Text of the FOIA is available on the office's Web site. Flag Building, Suite 570, Washington DC 20530,  (202) 514-4251, www.usdoj.gov/oip/oip.html.

Public Access to Court Electronic Records is an online database of court records and decisions. This service costs 60¢ per minute and requires registration through the Web page, www.pacer.psc.uscourts.gov.

The San Francisco Ethics Commission monitors and enforces the Sunshine Ordinance and the city's governmental ethics, campaign finance, and lobbyist reporting laws. Individuals can file complaints regarding violations of the Sunshine Ordinance. The commission meets the second Monday of each month at 5 p.m. in City Hall, room 408. 30 Van Ness Ave., Suite 3900, San Francisco, CA 94102. (415) 581-2300, ethics_commission@ci.sf.ca.us, www.ci.sf.ca.us/ethics.

The San Francisco Law Library is open to the public, though only government officials, state bar members, and judges can check items out. The main reference library is across the street from City Hall in the War Memorial Veterans Building. The courthouse reference room on McAllister Street has the self-service LawDesk terminals for access to California cases and statutes. The collection at the Financial District branch specializes in business law and has a self-service Westlaw terminal available for a charge. Main reference library: Mon.-Fri. 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., War Memorial Veterans Building, 401 Van Ness Ave., Room 400, San Francisco, CA. (415) 554-6821. Courthouse reference library room: Mon.-Fri., 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m., 400 McAllisterSt., Room 512, San Francisco, CA. (415) 551-3647. Financial District branch: Mon.-Thurs., 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri-Sat, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun. noon-4 p.m., 685 Market St., Suite 420, San Francisco, CA. (415) 882-9310.

The Sunshine Ordinance Task Force oversees compliance with San Francisco's public records and meetings law by investigating complaints from individuals who believe that city officials have withheld records or conducted meetings in violation of the law. The task force meets the fourth Tuesday of each month at 4 p.m. City Hall, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, Room 409, (meetings held in room 244) San Francisco, CA. For complaint forms and other information call (415) 554-7724 or visit their Web site at ci.sf.ca.us/bdsupvrs/sunshine.htm.

Publications

The California First Amendment Coalition publishes the California Journalist's Legal Notebook, a handy guide to the legal issues surrounding telephone interviews, press passes, gags on sources, and other journalism-related topics ($36.64, $31.25 for CFAC members, shipping included). Also by CFAC is The New Brown Act: How the Open Meeting Law Has Been Revised ($10.50, $5.00 for CFAC members, plus $2 shipping). (916) 974-8888.

The Oakland Ethics Commission publishes a free brochure, How to Notice a Public Meeting under the Oakland Sunshine Ordinance and the Brown Act, useful for making sure a public meeting follows the requirements of the Brown Act. (510) 238-3593, ethicscommission@Oaklandnet.com, www.oaklandnet.com/government/government10.html.

Access to Courts and Court Records in California, Open Meeting Laws in California, and The California Public Records Act are free, convenient, quick-reference guides created by CFAC, the Society of Professional Journalists, and the First Amendment Project. (510) 208-6620.

The ACLU Freedom of Information Project publishes Using the Freedom of Information Act: A Step-by-Step Guide ($4.50 including shipping). Your Right to Government Information ($5.95), covers a broader range of topics, including how to get into public meetings. Both publications can be ordered online, through the ACLU's e-store, or by phone. ACLU Publications, P.O. Box 186, Wye Mills, MD 21679. 1-800-775-2258, www.aclu.org.

The Government Printing Office publishes The Citizen's Guide to Using the Freedom of Information Act and the Privacy Act of 1974 ($6), written by the Congressional Committee on Government Reform. The Freedom of Information Act Guide and Privacy Act Overview ($39.00) is a 700-page guide to the FOIA produced by the Justice Department. Both can be ordered by phone at (866) 512-1800, or online at bookstore.gpo.gov. The Citizen's Guide is available in its entirety online at www.web.missouri.edu/~foiwww/citguide99.html

The Freedom of Information Clearinghouse Guidbook  is a free brochure about making FOIA requests and appealing agency decisions. It is available online through the Freedom of Information Clearinghouse. www.citizen.org/litigation/free-info/index.html.

Paper Trails: A Guide to Public Records in California ($18.95), written by Stephen Levine and Barbara Newcombe, is published by the Center for Investigative Reporting and supported by the California Newspaper Publishers Association. 131 Stewart St., Suite 600, San Francisco, CA 94105, (415) 543-1200, www.muckraker.org.

Find It On-line, a Complete Guide to On-line Research ($19.95), by Ray and Allan Schlein, is available through America's Legal Bookstore at 1-800-359-8010.

The third edition of the Reporters' Handbook ($26 members; $35 nonmembers), by Steve Weinberg, is a comprehensive and accessible guide for both novice and experienced journalists. It shows how to locate and use more than 500 sources of public information. Available through Investigative Reporters and Editors. (573)882-3364. www.ire.org/store/books.

The Reporters' Committee for Freedom of the Press supplies a wealth of publications on public access and other First Amendment topics. How to Use the Federal FOI Act is a handbook on FOI rights, with instructions of appealing if your request is denied, and includes sample letters ($5). The First Amendment Handbook is a journalist's pocket guide to FOI issues ($5.00). Two guides – Judicial Records: A Guide to Access ($3) and Access to Electronic Records ($5) – analyze state laws and decisions regarding access to legal records and government electronic data. Tapping Officials' Secrets is a set of guides to public-records and open-meeting laws ($10.00 per state). News Media and the Law is a quarterly magazine that includes updates on legislation pertinent to FOI. Some of these publications are available in their entirety online; all can be ordered online. (703) 807-2100, rcfp@rcfp.org, www.rcfp.org.

The second edition of Law of the Student Press ($15, plus $3 shipping) is a vital handbook for student newspapers. It's extensively footnoted but avoids legalese and tries to bring the law to life for students and educators. The Student Press Law Center also publishes Covering Campus Crime, 3rd Edition ($2) and the Student Press Law Center Report (three issues a year, $15). (703) 807-1904, www.splc.org.

Citizen Muckraking: How to Investigate and Right Wrongs in Your Community, offers advice on writing press releases, conducting interviews, and using the FOIA. The book, a collaborative effort by the Center for Public Integrity, is available through Common Courage Press, 1-800-497-3207, www.commoncouragepress.com.