IMG_0102
Originally uploaded by pariscinq.
Monday, November 28, 2005
daisy spot
IMG_0092
Originally uploaded by pariscinq.
I have heard a lot of grumbling about this old port-o-let song that Daisy Spot has recently added back into their reportoire. I don't think anyone from the band reads this anyways, but I would like to report that the buzz is that they should put it back in the vaults. I am staying neutral. It doesn't bug me, but it's not my fave, either.
Oasis interview
To get you in the mood for the Halloween show, here's a really funny interview with Noel Gallagher. This is my favorite part:
DW: Ricky Gervais (the boss on the office)told me there's a story that Liam thinks Spinal Tap are a real band. Is that true?
NG: Yeah, he thought they were real people. We went to see them play in Carnegie Hall. Before they played, they came on as three folk singers from the film A Mighty Wind. We were laughing and he said: 'This is shit'. We said: 'No, those three are in Spinal Tap. You do know they are American actors?' 'They're not even a real band?' 'They're not even English! One of them is married to Jamie Lee Curtis.' 'I'm not fuckin' 'avin that,' he says, and walks off right up the middle of Carnegie Hall. He's never watched Spinal Tap since. He'd seen the film and loved it and thought they were a real band.
DW: Ricky Gervais (the boss on the office)told me there's a story that Liam thinks Spinal Tap are a real band. Is that true?
NG: Yeah, he thought they were real people. We went to see them play in Carnegie Hall. Before they played, they came on as three folk singers from the film A Mighty Wind. We were laughing and he said: 'This is shit'. We said: 'No, those three are in Spinal Tap. You do know they are American actors?' 'They're not even a real band?' 'They're not even English! One of them is married to Jamie Lee Curtis.' 'I'm not fuckin' 'avin that,' he says, and walks off right up the middle of Carnegie Hall. He's never watched Spinal Tap since. He'd seen the film and loved it and thought they were a real band.
bike ride photo
tandemnaked
Originally uploaded by becklerg.
I however have no qualms about stealing this photo from Katy. This was at the end of the Thanksgiving bike ride, at Discovery Park.
xmas party date change? yay or nay?
Hopefully I will be posting some pictures soon from the Daisy Spot/Bananas show on friday but I decided to ask Amy P. before I stole them so I'm waiting to hear back. She's in med school so I'm sure she's not busy and she probably checks her email all the time.
I'd like to hear about the Poinsettia trip if anyone who went is reading.
The Rubicon bike ride was off the chain. I'd say between 3-4 hundred people were there. There was meat, beer, dogs, babies, crusties, mardi gras beads, old dudes, young punks, slackers, stoners, burnouts, doctors, lawyers, and what have you. In short, it was Sac in a nutshell and I loved it. Riding the wrong way en masse down N street was the highlight for me.
Then I staggered in a haze over to Thanksgiving dinner at Gillie's which was delicious and fun. She had lots of weird liquor that I was smart to stay away from. About midway through eating my plate of food I felt really nauseous and had to go lay down. It's embarassing (yes i know i probably spelled that wrong) when you eat so much that you make yourself sick.
In a bit I will post a playground review of the new playground in southside park, but for now I have some important business. A few folks can't hang with the December 23rd date for the xmas party and Katy is contemplating moving it to the 16th. She is soliciting responses to this idea. My response is that it would probably be best not to change it because I would guess there will be a whole new set of people who can't make it on the 16th, but I can go to either day so I won't care all that much.
I'd like to hear about the Poinsettia trip if anyone who went is reading.
The Rubicon bike ride was off the chain. I'd say between 3-4 hundred people were there. There was meat, beer, dogs, babies, crusties, mardi gras beads, old dudes, young punks, slackers, stoners, burnouts, doctors, lawyers, and what have you. In short, it was Sac in a nutshell and I loved it. Riding the wrong way en masse down N street was the highlight for me.
Then I staggered in a haze over to Thanksgiving dinner at Gillie's which was delicious and fun. She had lots of weird liquor that I was smart to stay away from. About midway through eating my plate of food I felt really nauseous and had to go lay down. It's embarassing (yes i know i probably spelled that wrong) when you eat so much that you make yourself sick.
In a bit I will post a playground review of the new playground in southside park, but for now I have some important business. A few folks can't hang with the December 23rd date for the xmas party and Katy is contemplating moving it to the 16th. She is soliciting responses to this idea. My response is that it would probably be best not to change it because I would guess there will be a whole new set of people who can't make it on the 16th, but I can go to either day so I won't care all that much.
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
Happy turkey day, turkeys!
I have just been instructed to go home for the day so I will post a couple more things to keep you occupied for 4.5 seconds.
I like this ad.
And I love this ad. This guy is a catch. He just looks fun. There's no other word for it.
This one is a bit cringe-worthy. I don't think that herpes is such a big deal that he has to mention it in his ad. Wouldn't he be better off just trying to see if they hit it off and later telling her? If you believe those celebrex ads there's a one out of three chance she would have it anyway.
What title? Let's see, how about "do you like demanding assholes that think the way to attract a woman is to write a personal ad with a rude, abrupt tone?"
ok, that was weak and what am I still doing here? Someone just hit my blog googling "rubicon thanksgiving bike ride". Some poor dork that isn't cool enough to find out where it starts, or maybe an SN&R writer looking to bust it out?
I like this ad.
And I love this ad. This guy is a catch. He just looks fun. There's no other word for it.
This one is a bit cringe-worthy. I don't think that herpes is such a big deal that he has to mention it in his ad. Wouldn't he be better off just trying to see if they hit it off and later telling her? If you believe those celebrex ads there's a one out of three chance she would have it anyway.
What title? Let's see, how about "do you like demanding assholes that think the way to attract a woman is to write a personal ad with a rude, abrupt tone?"
ok, that was weak and what am I still doing here? Someone just hit my blog googling "rubicon thanksgiving bike ride". Some poor dork that isn't cool enough to find out where it starts, or maybe an SN&R writer looking to bust it out?
sad news
santaday
Originally uploaded by becklerg.
I got seriously choked up when I learned that sam, the world's ugliest dog has passed. Check out his owner's blog and I guarantee a tear will flow.
guy-guy poo play?
This one's pretty funny. Just because the guy didn't try to fight you after the second time you walked in does not mean it's a sign that he's interested in "poo play".
on top again
Ha! Someone searched for "benji hooter" recently and I am once again the top two google hits! Take that four eyes!
Are you cheap?
You know the answer is yes so I have a tip for you. At the new Safeway (probably the old one, too) they have a clearly posted sign that says if they run out of roasted chickens from 4-7 that you will get a free one. Guess what they were out of last night? That's right, chickens. After much confusion between the deli and the customer service staff because no one had ever tried to claim a free chicken, I was given a rain check for a free chicken. And you know what? It doesn't matter if you even went in for a chicken? You can just check the chicken rack out and if it's empty waltz up to the desk and claim your free chicken. The possible drawback is that if they call back to the deli and they have chickens ready but not out yet then they will bring them out and if you don't buy one you will be exposed as the cheapskate that you are.
Hot Potatoes lyrics
Lyrics:
My baby woke me up this mornin'
She said get down that labour exchange,
And if you don't come home with a job son,
You'll get no dinner to-day.
You gotta secure me a weekly workin' wage.
You'll get no more fancy cookin',
You'll get no more apple pie,
You'll just get those plain hot potatoes
To satisfy your appetite.
La la la la la la Potatoes,
Boiled, French fried, any old way that you wanna decide.
Hot potatoes, yeh,
I want your lovin' every single day.
I said I don't need your fancy cooking,
I like the simple things in life,
Just give me those plain hot potatoes
And I'll be well satisfied,
They'll satisfy my appetite.
La la la la la la Potatoes,
Boiled, French fried, any old way that you wanna decide.
Hot potatoes, yeh,
I want your lovin' 60 minutes an hour,
I want your lovin' 24 hours a day,
I want your lovin' 7 days a week.
Yeh, yeh, oh yeh.
I want your love, I need your love,
But all I get is hot potatoes
When I come home late at night
To satisfy my appetite.
Don't give me no more potatoes,
Boiled, French fried, any old way you wanna decide.
Hot potatoes, I want your lovin' every single day.
I want your lovin'
La la la la la la Potatoes,
Boiled, French fried, any old way that you wanna decide.
Hot potatoes,
Hot potatoes, yeh.
My baby woke me up this mornin'
She said get down that labour exchange,
And if you don't come home with a job son,
You'll get no dinner to-day.
You gotta secure me a weekly workin' wage.
You'll get no more fancy cookin',
You'll get no more apple pie,
You'll just get those plain hot potatoes
To satisfy your appetite.
La la la la la la Potatoes,
Boiled, French fried, any old way that you wanna decide.
Hot potatoes, yeh,
I want your lovin' every single day.
I said I don't need your fancy cooking,
I like the simple things in life,
Just give me those plain hot potatoes
And I'll be well satisfied,
They'll satisfy my appetite.
La la la la la la Potatoes,
Boiled, French fried, any old way that you wanna decide.
Hot potatoes, yeh,
I want your lovin' 60 minutes an hour,
I want your lovin' 24 hours a day,
I want your lovin' 7 days a week.
Yeh, yeh, oh yeh.
I want your love, I need your love,
But all I get is hot potatoes
When I come home late at night
To satisfy my appetite.
Don't give me no more potatoes,
Boiled, French fried, any old way you wanna decide.
Hot potatoes, I want your lovin' every single day.
I want your lovin'
La la la la la la Potatoes,
Boiled, French fried, any old way that you wanna decide.
Hot potatoes,
Hot potatoes, yeh.
thanksgiving
Tomorrow is thanksgiving (or turkey day as smiller likes to call it) and you know what I am thankful for? I am fucking thankful that I live in Cali. Sorry east coasters, but it may be in the low 70's tomorrow. I was just in your territory and the freezing fall weather was nice for a few minutes but my soft supple golden Cali skin quickly started to become chapped, the humidity affected my long loose sunkissed hair, I got all tense, my Chakras got out of whack and it just generally bummed my trip. I love California!
Also, I'm thankful for Fleetwood Mac. Which kind of goes hand in hand with the Cali thing.
I have heard some buzz about the new show at Fool's Foundation. I've heard that it involves nudity, so I'm there. It's a collabo between Olivia from Ollipom and some other guy, and Olivia's a nice and lovely lady so check it out. The gallery is open from 3-8 thursday and friday and 12-5 on weekends but I'm sure it's closed tomorrow.
So is there a Knock Knock show on friday? What are the details? Also, what's up with the bike ride tomorrow? When and where? Bananas play a free show with Daisy Spot at Red Square on saturday but I will be going to John Cale at Cafe Du Nord with Heckamax that night.
Also, I'm thankful for H&M and the Kinks song "hot potatoes".
Also, I'm thankful for Fleetwood Mac. Which kind of goes hand in hand with the Cali thing.
I have heard some buzz about the new show at Fool's Foundation. I've heard that it involves nudity, so I'm there. It's a collabo between Olivia from Ollipom and some other guy, and Olivia's a nice and lovely lady so check it out. The gallery is open from 3-8 thursday and friday and 12-5 on weekends but I'm sure it's closed tomorrow.
So is there a Knock Knock show on friday? What are the details? Also, what's up with the bike ride tomorrow? When and where? Bananas play a free show with Daisy Spot at Red Square on saturday but I will be going to John Cale at Cafe Du Nord with Heckamax that night.
Also, I'm thankful for H&M and the Kinks song "hot potatoes".
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
call the whaaa-mbulance
Seems that that post about the sheriff didn't exactly set the blog on fire (I wrote this before I saw the comments, obvs) so I'll try again. Animal Collective review:
As the show was starting we pushed our way towards the middle and proceeded to get stoned, as did 99% of the other people at the show. Everyone agreed that this was the stoniest show they had been to in ages. It looked like there was a fog machine going. I took two pretty big hits and was about to go for a third when smiller warned me "watch out, this stuff is strong". I kinda smirked and almost went for it when I hesitated for a second and thought "Wait, I can feel my eyeballs vibrating". That seemed like a sign that I should stop and good thing I did because if I hadn't I can almost guarantee that my night would have ended in the emergency room. Animal Collective took the stage. It was really hot down on the floor and I was wearing a sweater and the third or fourth song started to get scary and intense and I started to pass out. I was lightheaded and my vision started to go black. I stumbled and pushed my way out of the crowd and to the back (stupidly pushing my way away from my friends) and was terrified that I was actually going to faint and that someone would call an ambulance and that I was going to be forced to tell the ambulance driver that I had just gotten too stoned, and imagining myself thrown in jail as a result. I thought maybe if I could cool down in the bathroom I would be OK. I was still drifting out of consciousness so I couldn't make it and I just ended up sitting on the stairs with my head between my knees. I'm sure I was white as a ghost and I was burning up and covered in a clammy sweat. A song or two passed by while I was in this state and finally an employee (who seemed to be able to tell that I was having some sort of drug freakout, I bet they see them all the time) told me he could get me a glass of water but I was going to have to move off the stairs. I found a seat upstairs and proceeded to talk myself down and convince myself that no, the weed was not laced with acid, it was just really strong. The music? Amazing but I only had stoney, disjointed thoughts about it. It was a very different show from last time. Really catchy and poppy. Last time I was down in the middle and lots of the crowd was distracted and chatting while Davey did stuff like crumple paper into the microphone for 10 minutes. This time the crowd was going absolutely apeshit. It was crazy. More unforced, genuine enthusiasm than I can remember seeing in forever. And the band was feeding off of it and seemed touched. They were called back for two encores and I'm pretty sure they didn't expect the second one but the crowd wouldn't give up. Afterwards the Stooges song "no fun" played and a hippie dance circle started with some Animal Collective acolytes who were dressed in like batik and backless shirts and shit. Is A.C. the new Greatful Dead? Only time will tell.
As the show was starting we pushed our way towards the middle and proceeded to get stoned, as did 99% of the other people at the show. Everyone agreed that this was the stoniest show they had been to in ages. It looked like there was a fog machine going. I took two pretty big hits and was about to go for a third when smiller warned me "watch out, this stuff is strong". I kinda smirked and almost went for it when I hesitated for a second and thought "Wait, I can feel my eyeballs vibrating". That seemed like a sign that I should stop and good thing I did because if I hadn't I can almost guarantee that my night would have ended in the emergency room. Animal Collective took the stage. It was really hot down on the floor and I was wearing a sweater and the third or fourth song started to get scary and intense and I started to pass out. I was lightheaded and my vision started to go black. I stumbled and pushed my way out of the crowd and to the back (stupidly pushing my way away from my friends) and was terrified that I was actually going to faint and that someone would call an ambulance and that I was going to be forced to tell the ambulance driver that I had just gotten too stoned, and imagining myself thrown in jail as a result. I thought maybe if I could cool down in the bathroom I would be OK. I was still drifting out of consciousness so I couldn't make it and I just ended up sitting on the stairs with my head between my knees. I'm sure I was white as a ghost and I was burning up and covered in a clammy sweat. A song or two passed by while I was in this state and finally an employee (who seemed to be able to tell that I was having some sort of drug freakout, I bet they see them all the time) told me he could get me a glass of water but I was going to have to move off the stairs. I found a seat upstairs and proceeded to talk myself down and convince myself that no, the weed was not laced with acid, it was just really strong. The music? Amazing but I only had stoney, disjointed thoughts about it. It was a very different show from last time. Really catchy and poppy. Last time I was down in the middle and lots of the crowd was distracted and chatting while Davey did stuff like crumple paper into the microphone for 10 minutes. This time the crowd was going absolutely apeshit. It was crazy. More unforced, genuine enthusiasm than I can remember seeing in forever. And the band was feeding off of it and seemed touched. They were called back for two encores and I'm pretty sure they didn't expect the second one but the crowd wouldn't give up. Afterwards the Stooges song "no fun" played and a hippie dance circle started with some Animal Collective acolytes who were dressed in like batik and backless shirts and shit. Is A.C. the new Greatful Dead? Only time will tell.
Blanas blares back
So here's the email I got from the sheriff's spokesperson:
I have sent you the email message that I sent the SN&R Magazine regarding the story you read. As you can see I replied to the magazine within a time frame allowed according to the California Public Request Act. My answers are in blue under each question. If you have questions I am always available to talk, please contact me at my office. I would be happy to provide you with answers you might have surrounding the concerns we have with factual reporting in Sacramento’s only local newspaper. Please give us the opportunity to respond to you directly. We reply to all media inquires that are made verbally or in writing. I will attach a copy of the Sheriff’s Media Policy for your review.
Very Truly Yours,
Sgt. R.L. Davis, Sheriff’s Spokesman
Here are the answers to the SN&R questions (I bet the reporter didn't know that the sheriff's office is forwarding his email around. As you can see, he sent out the questions wednesday at noon for a friday deadline. This doesn't give them much time to answer yet he spun it like they were deliberately not responding. On the other hand, the spokesperson responded to me within hours so maybe they were dragging their feet on purpose. No way to know. Also, note the not-so-subtle insult when they say that journalism should be based on facts, not sensationalism):
From: Jeffrey Barker [mailto:jeffreyb@newsreview.com] Sent: Wednesday, November 09, 2005 12:16 PMTo: Davis, RobertSubject: questions for news story
Sgt. Davis:I have some questions for a news story I am working on. My deadline is Friday morning. I'd appreciate a response by then. I'd prefer to speak by phone and would welcome your telephone call (the only reason I am e-mailing now instead of calling you is that I just got back from a two-hour trip to the dentist and my mouth is numb. Ugh.). Thank you so much. Questions follow.
What is the policy for responding to media inquiries from the Sacramento News & Review?
The media office will respond to verbal or written requests from identified employees of your organization (press credentials).
What is the policy for responding to media inquiries from The Sacramento Bee?
The same
When were these policies put into effect?
We have always had these policies.
Are the policies written down anywhere? If so, where?
See attachment
Who originated the policies?
Our policy is based on the Government Code
Are there policies regarding how the Sheriff's Department Media Bureau deals with other members of the media, i.e. television and radio reporters?
See attachment
Has the department's legal staff reviewed the policy regarding the Bee or SN&R to determine its legality?
The policy for the SN&R magazine is the same as all of the media.
Are there specific, factual errors in stories published by either the Bee or the News & Review that prompted these policies? If so, what are they?
Our policy is very clear and if we have any problems with either organization we will ask for a retraction/correction. If further steps needed to be taken we would contact the organization’s management.
Does Sheriff Lou Blanas believe that he, as a public official, and his department, as a public agency, have a duty to remain open and accountable to the public which he and the department serve?
We are a transparent organization and we do feel that it is important to be accountable to the public, just like we feel it’s important for journalism to be based on facts, not sensationalism.
Does Sheriff Blanas believe the media-contact policies with the Bee and SN&R help or hinder that kind of openness and accountability?
We have an open policy with the media and will continue to do so.
And for a really exciting read, here's the official media policy:
news media policy and procedures
the purpose of this general order is to define policy and procedures regarding news media relations.
i. general
a. policy
this department recognizes its obligation to provide accurate and timely information to the public regarding law enforcement activities.
the policy of this department shall be to permit free access by recognized news media representatives to all public areas under the control of sheriff's personnel whenever possible. news media representatives are those persons who identify themselves as such through the use of press credentials, media business cards, agency credentials or other documentation which establish their primary purpose to be gathering news.
b. access
watch commanders or other officers in charge of an operation shall permit members of the news media access to the scene and shall not prevent the photographing of the scene, Sheriff's personnel, or the operation.
c. restriction of news media access
the media may be controlled and/or restricted during the conduct of departmental operations when the media may be expected to cause:
1. contamination of the crime scene;
2. injury or death to another person (this restriction shall not apply to authorized press personnel who have been advised of potential danger to themselves, and whose presence does not increase the hazard to others); or
3. interference with essential movements or actions of law enforcement or other emergency personnel.
the presence and identity of news media representatives may be recorded and/or escorted at the discretion of the scene commander where it appears reasonably necessary to maintain site/area/situation security and/or protect the property of another.
ii. responsibilities
a. public information and communication is a basic responsibility of management personnel.
b. the authority to respond to a media inquiry may be delegated directly by the office of information or operationally within the service areas through the chain of command.
c. the department member, rank notwithstanding, who is most familiar with an investigation, crime, or incident should be designated to respond to media inquiries and shall advise the office of information. when this is not practical, the immediate supervisor or superior should respond after being fully informed by knowledgeable subordinates.
d. under no circumstances will any employee be compelled to respond to the media. each employee or supervisor shall assess the particular inquiry and direct the reporter to the appropriate individual.
e. in situations where a media inquiry has been received and is not connected to an immediate and on-going situation in the field, response to the media representative may be made only after clearance from the public information officer, his/her designee, or the service area chief deputy. this section does not preclude advance delegation of authority to spokespersons.
f. comments to the media regarding any investigation being conducted by the internal investigations unit, litigation involving department employees, and investigations conducted by other agencies regarding department employees is prohibited. such information may be provided to the media only by the sheriff, undersheriff, or a designated representative.
g. any employee or service area wishing to make a press release or secure media coverage of a particular event shall coordinate the announcement or notification through the office of information.
h. no comments shall be made regarding any case that has been referred to the district attorney's office for prosecution/evaluation. no comments shall be made regarding cases being actively investigated by other police agencies. official comments shall be the exclusive purview of the lead agency having responsibility for the conduct/prosecution of the case.
i. problems with news media personnel shall be reported through the chain of command to the public information officer.
iii. notification
a. major incidents
in major incidents the on-duty patrol watch commander shall direct and ensure that the on-duty communications bureau supervisor notifies the undersheriff and the media information officer. when no watch commander is on duty, notification direction shall be assumed by the responsible patrol supervisor. a major incident is a potential or actual disaster, a situation requiring the commitment of a large number of officers, the arrest of a known public figure or celebrity, or any other event likely to attract news media either at that time or during the following day.
the media information officer shall respond to the scene and assist the on scene commander in providing liaison with news media present. the information officer shall prepare general press releases for other media who are not at the scene as appropriate.
b. media releases
personnel responding to media inquiries and/or making press releases, shall advise the office of information verbally or in writing by the next regular business day.
iv. report access
a. arrest reports
during non-business hours, the media shall have access to copies of arrest reports kept on file in the main jail classification/booking area. copies of arrest reports are not considered "on file" until the completion of the entire booking process. during regular department business hours copies of arrest reports shall be available at the office of information.
b. offense reports
face sheet copies of offense reports (7401 form 012) shall be made available by the records section for media review at the front counter of the sheriff's headquarters building. sensitive information protected by law shall be obliterated if not already excluded by the use of the "victim address deletion form."
c. other reports or contents thereof shall not be released to the media except through the office of information.
v. guidelines for the release of information
when authorized to provide information to the news media, the following guidelines shall apply:
a. information which may be released
1. facts and circumstances of the arrest
(a) time and place
(b) resistance put up by the suspect
(c) pursuit necessary to apprehend
(d) use of weapons by officer or suspect
2. identification of investigating and arresting officers and length of investigation.
3. limited description of evidence seized (do not make any references to confessions, admissions, or statements).
4. disclose the nature, substance, text of charge (can include a brief description of the offense charged).
5. quote from or refer to public records of the court in the case without personal comment.
6. schedule or result of any stage of the judicial process.
7. any request for assistance from the public to obtain evidence.
8. the identity of victim or complainant if the release of that information is not otherwise prohibited by law (no release of victim identity may be made if the crime is defined in the penal code or covers sections 261, 264, 264.1, 273a, 273d, 286, 288a, or 289).
b. do not release
1. prior to the arrest, do not release the identity of the suspect.
2. prior to arrest, do not release the results of investigative procedures.
3. can release above items 1 and 2, if:
(a) will aid in the investigation
(b) assist in the apprehension of the suspect
(c) will warn the public of danger
4. prior criminal record, reputation, or character (can release name, age, residence, occupation, and family status).
5. identity or any personal information of a juvenile arrestee or suspect.
6. existence or contents of any confession or statement given by the suspect or the refusal to make a statement.
7. give an opinion about the possibility of a plea of guilty to offense charged or a lesser offense or other disposition.
8. performance of any examinations or tests, or the suspect's refusal to or failure to submit to an examination or test.
9. any photographs or mug shots except:
(a) if release will aid in arrest of suspect
(b) aid in the investigation
(c) warn the public of danger
10. the identity, testimony, or credibility of prospective witnesses.
11. any personal opinion concerning the suspect's guilt, innocence, or merits of the case.
12. any information which would be known to be inadmissible in court.
13. do not move or pose suspects solely for the purpose of allowing photographs or news film to be taken. however, do not prevent photographers from taking unposed pictures in public places.
14. references to investigative procedures such as fingerprints, polygraph tests, ballistic tests, or laboratory tests.
I have sent you the email message that I sent the SN&R Magazine regarding the story you read. As you can see I replied to the magazine within a time frame allowed according to the California Public Request Act. My answers are in blue under each question. If you have questions I am always available to talk, please contact me at my office. I would be happy to provide you with answers you might have surrounding the concerns we have with factual reporting in Sacramento’s only local newspaper. Please give us the opportunity to respond to you directly. We reply to all media inquires that are made verbally or in writing. I will attach a copy of the Sheriff’s Media Policy for your review.
Very Truly Yours,
Sgt. R.L. Davis, Sheriff’s Spokesman
Here are the answers to the SN&R questions (I bet the reporter didn't know that the sheriff's office is forwarding his email around. As you can see, he sent out the questions wednesday at noon for a friday deadline. This doesn't give them much time to answer yet he spun it like they were deliberately not responding. On the other hand, the spokesperson responded to me within hours so maybe they were dragging their feet on purpose. No way to know. Also, note the not-so-subtle insult when they say that journalism should be based on facts, not sensationalism):
From: Jeffrey Barker [mailto:jeffreyb@newsreview.com] Sent: Wednesday, November 09, 2005 12:16 PMTo: Davis, RobertSubject: questions for news story
Sgt. Davis:I have some questions for a news story I am working on. My deadline is Friday morning. I'd appreciate a response by then. I'd prefer to speak by phone and would welcome your telephone call (the only reason I am e-mailing now instead of calling you is that I just got back from a two-hour trip to the dentist and my mouth is numb. Ugh.). Thank you so much. Questions follow.
What is the policy for responding to media inquiries from the Sacramento News & Review?
The media office will respond to verbal or written requests from identified employees of your organization (press credentials).
What is the policy for responding to media inquiries from The Sacramento Bee?
The same
When were these policies put into effect?
We have always had these policies.
Are the policies written down anywhere? If so, where?
See attachment
Who originated the policies?
Our policy is based on the Government Code
Are there policies regarding how the Sheriff's Department Media Bureau deals with other members of the media, i.e. television and radio reporters?
See attachment
Has the department's legal staff reviewed the policy regarding the Bee or SN&R to determine its legality?
The policy for the SN&R magazine is the same as all of the media.
Are there specific, factual errors in stories published by either the Bee or the News & Review that prompted these policies? If so, what are they?
Our policy is very clear and if we have any problems with either organization we will ask for a retraction/correction. If further steps needed to be taken we would contact the organization’s management.
Does Sheriff Lou Blanas believe that he, as a public official, and his department, as a public agency, have a duty to remain open and accountable to the public which he and the department serve?
We are a transparent organization and we do feel that it is important to be accountable to the public, just like we feel it’s important for journalism to be based on facts, not sensationalism.
Does Sheriff Blanas believe the media-contact policies with the Bee and SN&R help or hinder that kind of openness and accountability?
We have an open policy with the media and will continue to do so.
And for a really exciting read, here's the official media policy:
news media policy and procedures
the purpose of this general order is to define policy and procedures regarding news media relations.
i. general
a. policy
this department recognizes its obligation to provide accurate and timely information to the public regarding law enforcement activities.
the policy of this department shall be to permit free access by recognized news media representatives to all public areas under the control of sheriff's personnel whenever possible. news media representatives are those persons who identify themselves as such through the use of press credentials, media business cards, agency credentials or other documentation which establish their primary purpose to be gathering news.
b. access
watch commanders or other officers in charge of an operation shall permit members of the news media access to the scene and shall not prevent the photographing of the scene, Sheriff's personnel, or the operation.
c. restriction of news media access
the media may be controlled and/or restricted during the conduct of departmental operations when the media may be expected to cause:
1. contamination of the crime scene;
2. injury or death to another person (this restriction shall not apply to authorized press personnel who have been advised of potential danger to themselves, and whose presence does not increase the hazard to others); or
3. interference with essential movements or actions of law enforcement or other emergency personnel.
the presence and identity of news media representatives may be recorded and/or escorted at the discretion of the scene commander where it appears reasonably necessary to maintain site/area/situation security and/or protect the property of another.
ii. responsibilities
a. public information and communication is a basic responsibility of management personnel.
b. the authority to respond to a media inquiry may be delegated directly by the office of information or operationally within the service areas through the chain of command.
c. the department member, rank notwithstanding, who is most familiar with an investigation, crime, or incident should be designated to respond to media inquiries and shall advise the office of information. when this is not practical, the immediate supervisor or superior should respond after being fully informed by knowledgeable subordinates.
d. under no circumstances will any employee be compelled to respond to the media. each employee or supervisor shall assess the particular inquiry and direct the reporter to the appropriate individual.
e. in situations where a media inquiry has been received and is not connected to an immediate and on-going situation in the field, response to the media representative may be made only after clearance from the public information officer, his/her designee, or the service area chief deputy. this section does not preclude advance delegation of authority to spokespersons.
f. comments to the media regarding any investigation being conducted by the internal investigations unit, litigation involving department employees, and investigations conducted by other agencies regarding department employees is prohibited. such information may be provided to the media only by the sheriff, undersheriff, or a designated representative.
g. any employee or service area wishing to make a press release or secure media coverage of a particular event shall coordinate the announcement or notification through the office of information.
h. no comments shall be made regarding any case that has been referred to the district attorney's office for prosecution/evaluation. no comments shall be made regarding cases being actively investigated by other police agencies. official comments shall be the exclusive purview of the lead agency having responsibility for the conduct/prosecution of the case.
i. problems with news media personnel shall be reported through the chain of command to the public information officer.
iii. notification
a. major incidents
in major incidents the on-duty patrol watch commander shall direct and ensure that the on-duty communications bureau supervisor notifies the undersheriff and the media information officer. when no watch commander is on duty, notification direction shall be assumed by the responsible patrol supervisor. a major incident is a potential or actual disaster, a situation requiring the commitment of a large number of officers, the arrest of a known public figure or celebrity, or any other event likely to attract news media either at that time or during the following day.
the media information officer shall respond to the scene and assist the on scene commander in providing liaison with news media present. the information officer shall prepare general press releases for other media who are not at the scene as appropriate.
b. media releases
personnel responding to media inquiries and/or making press releases, shall advise the office of information verbally or in writing by the next regular business day.
iv. report access
a. arrest reports
during non-business hours, the media shall have access to copies of arrest reports kept on file in the main jail classification/booking area. copies of arrest reports are not considered "on file" until the completion of the entire booking process. during regular department business hours copies of arrest reports shall be available at the office of information.
b. offense reports
face sheet copies of offense reports (7401 form 012) shall be made available by the records section for media review at the front counter of the sheriff's headquarters building. sensitive information protected by law shall be obliterated if not already excluded by the use of the "victim address deletion form."
c. other reports or contents thereof shall not be released to the media except through the office of information.
v. guidelines for the release of information
when authorized to provide information to the news media, the following guidelines shall apply:
a. information which may be released
1. facts and circumstances of the arrest
(a) time and place
(b) resistance put up by the suspect
(c) pursuit necessary to apprehend
(d) use of weapons by officer or suspect
2. identification of investigating and arresting officers and length of investigation.
3. limited description of evidence seized (do not make any references to confessions, admissions, or statements).
4. disclose the nature, substance, text of charge (can include a brief description of the offense charged).
5. quote from or refer to public records of the court in the case without personal comment.
6. schedule or result of any stage of the judicial process.
7. any request for assistance from the public to obtain evidence.
8. the identity of victim or complainant if the release of that information is not otherwise prohibited by law (no release of victim identity may be made if the crime is defined in the penal code or covers sections 261, 264, 264.1, 273a, 273d, 286, 288a, or 289).
b. do not release
1. prior to the arrest, do not release the identity of the suspect.
2. prior to arrest, do not release the results of investigative procedures.
3. can release above items 1 and 2, if:
(a) will aid in the investigation
(b) assist in the apprehension of the suspect
(c) will warn the public of danger
4. prior criminal record, reputation, or character (can release name, age, residence, occupation, and family status).
5. identity or any personal information of a juvenile arrestee or suspect.
6. existence or contents of any confession or statement given by the suspect or the refusal to make a statement.
7. give an opinion about the possibility of a plea of guilty to offense charged or a lesser offense or other disposition.
8. performance of any examinations or tests, or the suspect's refusal to or failure to submit to an examination or test.
9. any photographs or mug shots except:
(a) if release will aid in arrest of suspect
(b) aid in the investigation
(c) warn the public of danger
10. the identity, testimony, or credibility of prospective witnesses.
11. any personal opinion concerning the suspect's guilt, innocence, or merits of the case.
12. any information which would be known to be inadmissible in court.
13. do not move or pose suspects solely for the purpose of allowing photographs or news film to be taken. however, do not prevent photographers from taking unposed pictures in public places.
14. references to investigative procedures such as fingerprints, polygraph tests, ballistic tests, or laboratory tests.
Monday, November 21, 2005
stay tuned
Wow, I already got an answer back from the sheriff's office but I'll tell you about it tomorrow because I have to go leave to see the best band around play a show in SF tonight!
enough already!
Oh yeah, and speaking of this weeks news and review and the Daisy Spot article therein, can we please declare a moratorium on talking about Mike Ferell's past drug use? I know it's an interesting angle but does it have to be discussed in every single article about the band? He's been clean for quite awhile now and I'm sick of hearing about it. I bet he's sick of it, too, but maybe I'm wrong I don't know the dude.
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