Hope we follow up wrote on Jan 16, 2007 12:41 AM:For a change, lets follow up and run an article on what iformation is and should be available to the public, how to get the information and recourse if the information is denied.

Need To Know wrote on Jan 16, 2007 8:22 AM:The public needs to know everything! 'In enacting this chapter, the Legislature, mindful of the right of individuals to privacy, finds and declares that access to information concerning the conduct of the people's business is a fundamental and necessary right of every person in this state.' Govt Code 6250.

copper wrote on Jan 16, 2007 8:43 AM:We have better things to do than worry about laws that have no importance on our day to day duties.

Mike wrote on Jan 16, 2007 9:10 AM:This was no test it was a stunt... I would like to see the press respond to the letter from the Sheriff... Did you guys not respond to a follow up for more information so the request could be fulfilled? Did you realize the Sheriff is an elected official so their is no contract? Did you realize that this exercise was a farce designed to create a sense that the law wasn't being complied with? If there is a story of someone not being able to receive a crime report they filed I think you would have run that story otherwise you made it seem like the information wasn't available when it was. There is nothing wrong with pointing you to a new location to get information when it is not kept at the location or should we reasign cops in the field to a desk to field random requests for information. All this shows is the public, if desired, could easily use current law to grond the wheels of justice to a halt requesting loads of uselss information that aganecies don't have the staff or time to look up!

not amused wrote on Jan 16, 2007 9:12 AM:The reasons for audits are to make sure that public agencies are doing what they are required to do. This worked and the agencies in question stated they will work to improve. Your suggestion of challenging front desk staff and having them recite laws or perform cartwheels is not practical. Requests can be made in writing, or if there is no satisfaction, a supervisor should be asked for. There does need to be improvements, which hopefully do not include taking resources from where they are needed such s the streets, to cater to those who cannot wait for their various requests for non emergency information. I do not agree that there is a flagrant disregard for the public's right to know, nor do I agree with your consistent anti law enforcement stances. These are not evil empires, but are in fact agencies staffed with people that are there trying to help, not hinder, and can try to be, but certainly are not perfect like the NCT staff must be.

I Know wrote on Jan 16, 2007 10:39 AM:I know...let's create another government agency whose sole purpose is to respond to requests for information so the NCT staff can take that and continue to misinform the public. The truth rarely makes a good story and won't sell newspapers so you can imagine what the papers will do when they get more of the truth through a better information distribution system. I'd rather that the police focus on catching bad guys instead of being data distribution clerks.

A NATION OF LAWS - wrote on Jan 16, 2007 10:40 AM:- “Our government... teaches the whole people by its example. If the government becomes the lawbreaker, it breeds contempt for law; it invites every man to become a law unto himself; it invites anarchy.” QUOTE by Justice Louis Dembitz Brandeis, US Supreme Court.

Sticks and stones... wrote on Jan 16, 2007 3:49 PM:I agree wholeheartedly that more information should be made public. Let's start by ending anonymous blogs to the NCT. Any individual who wishes to share their opinion should be enamored of an enthusiastically affixing their signature forthwith. The NCT persists in engendering inflammatory, accusatory diatribes from woefully uninformed hate-mongers. Grow up, NCT. If you insist on encouraging "perspective" from any bonehead who can string together a few words, try encouraging some thoughtful, provocative dialogue for a change. When commentators are required to identify themselves, we might actually make some progress on issues which are critical to our very lives including societal, environmental and criminal. Or, you may continue adding to the chaos, fear and arrogance that has taken root in our beloved communities. The rest of us will simply eschew readership of this yellow press...due to your stubborn insistence on bone-headedly stringing together a few words.

Need to Know wrote on Jan 16, 2007 7:50 PM:To Sticks and stones. NCT Letters are limited to one letter every two weeks. The NCT comments are the same as a moderated newsgroup, chat or forum that allows anonymous posts. That's the internet. And none of that information is public. In contrast, working for the public means working for the public. If the public wants to look at a document held by its government, the public has a fundamental right, by law, to look at the document.

Tri City Blues wrote on Jan 16, 2007 7:56 PM:Now what would happen if NCTimes or the general public were to go to the hospital and ask for a public record? What would happen if NCTimes or the general public were to ask to review all incident reports not related to patient care, or doctor peer review? Let's ask for salary schedule of each employee, manager, director, Vice President. Let's ask for how much each department is spending on Worker's comp. Let's ask about the number of tort claims filed, how much has been paid out, number of deaths, number of reportable sentinel events (loss of life or limb), how much has been spent on settling lawsuits, how much has been spent hiring personal (consultant) friends doing lunch, dinner and travel for all managers and up to the CEO, how much has been spent on various doctors and medical groups to attend meetings to plan, develop, promote strategic planning or master facility plan, or to do on-call emergency, board committees, peer review, or quality assurance committees, Medical Executive committee, and how much has been spent on the various lawyers and their firms for different projects (initiated by board, by CEO, or by any board member, or Vice President). And then let's compare each year and cross reference it with the timeline CEO Gonzalez, and his buddies’ arrival. Listen to board tapes where Gonzalez said he could save the District money because of his expertise and his team’s expertise – goal: use fewer consultants than previous CEO, and slim down management. Then ask yourself did Gonzalez live up to his promise? Did Gonzalez save the taxpayers any money? Or is Gonzalez and his spending habits like that of an old movie where “a sailor just came into port and spent wildly – self gratification?

Respect! wrote on Jan 17, 2007 6:31 AM:They're police officers NOT COPS. Show some respect.

Sticks and stones... wrote on Jan 17, 2007 6:45 AM:To Need to Know (aka NCT staff hiding behind anonymous blogs) Allow me to extend my gratitude. Your petulant, childish response made my point. You (predictably) rose to the occasion by seeking your own level of incompetence. Again, my thanks.

Need to Know wrote on Jan 17, 2007 11:07 AM:To Sticks and Stones. I can assure you that Dick High does not have any interest in my employment. The NCTimes has failed in many of its public watchdog functions, and, about two years ago, its editorial staff fell out of step with the community. I have had legitimate requests under the public records act rejected for invalid reasons, and the NCTimes, when notified, could care less. Anyway, I have to go, I hope to make down to City Hall today with another public records request.