FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Special Event: “Onwards and upwards: Where do we go from here?”

August 9 – 6 p.m.

This is a special event for Contra Costa County area residents. The Contra Costa Times recently published the results of a public records request audit that they conducted in and around Contra Costa County. The results were far from glowing for local agencies, but we see potential and opportunity here. Now that you know the results, you may ask yourself, what can I do about it? Well, that’s just what we’re here to do. We’d like to work together with concerned citizens, public officials, journalists, students and attorneys to discuss the issues that may have led to these problems and then use our findings to resolve these problems and make Contra Costa County a pillar of local government practices. Join us at our August 9 event to get your County back on track. Attendance is free and concerned citizens, public officials, journalists, students and anyone else interested in promoting our public forum rights are encouraged to attend.. Let’s help these agencies earn that A+ reputation!

Location:
Civic Park Community Center, Walnut Creek
The Lounge
1375 Civic Drive
Walnut Creek, CA 94596

Californians Aware is dedicated to helping citizens, officials and journalists keep Californians aware of public issues by supporting and defending open government, an inquiring press, and a citizenry free to exchange facts and opinions.

The group was established by Terry Francke, former general counsel of the California First Amendment Coalition, to help journalists and others keep Californians aware of what they need to know to hold government and other powerful institutions accountable for their actions.

Francke’s daughter, Emily, is Californians Aware’s executive director. Its board of directors includes a college professor, city council member, journalists, attorneys, community activists and others from throughout the state.

As it grows, Carmichael-based Californians Aware will be the center for information, guidance and initiatives on public forum law.

For more information about Californians Aware, see the group’s web site at calaware.org or call its office at 916-487-7000.