Crye Hopes to Clear Up “Misreporting” On New Press Policy
A statement from Board Chair Kevin Crye rescinds access to the “media room” but doesn’t address the media’s access to the chamber during board disruptions, something that’s protected under California law.
Shasta County Board Chair Kevin Crye released a statement on Thursday, August 1, saying the press has misreported facts related to a new media policy.
The policy was sent out on Friday, July 26 and then amended on Monday July 29. It offered the press access to glass-walled media room at the back of the Board chambers and said if they don’t take advantage of that access they could lose their press rights during a disruption.
Crye faced significant pushback to the new policy during the last County board meeting, held Tuesday July 30, during which he told the public that the decision to implement the new media policy came from Sheriff Michael Johnson. Johnson refuted Crye’s claim the next day saying he had nothing to do with creating the new media policy and doesn’t make policy for the county administration or supervisors at all.
Now Crye says the county is withdrawing the offer of the media room due to public comments and concerns.
His latest statement on the topic, sent out by the County’s Public Information Officer, David Maung, claims the press misreported the story.
“I want to clear a few things up,” Crye wrote, before clarifying that the safety of county buildings is the Sheriff’s responsibility.
That’s broadly true but appears unrelated to the new media policy which, according to Sheriff Johnson, makes the job of keeping the public safe in the county’s administrative building harder.
Crye used his statement to rescind the media’s access to the media room but did not address the other half of the new policy, which restricts the press’s right to remain in the room during a disruption.
The nonprofit First Amendment Coalition sent a legal warning to Shasta County over the new policy, which they said runs afoul of both Brown Act and First Amendment press protections.
Legal Director David Loy and Advocacy Director Ginny LaRoe called it a “purported”, or alleged, policy because the policy was created and sent out without the approval of the Shasta County Board.
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As I watched the meeting that Patrick Jones escalated to beyond disrespectful of Supervisor Garmsn and Supervisor Rickert, as well as, Mr. Nowain by defaming his character, knowing full well that the show of Crye and Kelstrom recusing themselves was just plain posturing. The constant disrespect that the three stooges show Garman and Rickert is, not only, rude and disrespectful, but it is just distasteful.
The fact that Crye, Kelstrom and Jones thought that they could restrict the media and violate the Brown Act without repercussions, shows exactly how inept these three stooges actually are. And I don’t even live in Shasta County, I just get my popcorn ready to watch what is going to happen next….
Can’t wait to toon (sarcasm) in on Thursday to see the back peddling of the three stooges. thanks for the entertainment of how not to run a county!!!
So, do I have this right, First he blames the sheriff and when that doesn’t work he rescinds the order and blames the media.
Yup. That is quintessential Crye spin.
So you approve of this outrageous behavior and I do not. I have watched many of the BOS meetings. More than once, this same group of people attend with their own agenda. They boo and yell at members of the public who have been granted time to speak. They shout down people they don’t agree with. They use the microphone to utter profane and abusive language toward our elected Supervisors. Their behavior is shocking and unacceptable. If someone truly was “defamed” then they should take the appropriate legal recourse. Shouting and raving and throwing oneself on the floor is not appropriate. Creating chaos and disruption at a public meeting, when other people are there to listen or speak and hampering their right to free speech is inappropriate and unacceptable. You don’t have to agree with what people say but there is a right way to express that disagreement. Have you any idea how much this fiasco cost the taxpayers of this county? The numbers are in the thousands. All because there is a group of people who are angry that Kevin Crye wasn’t recalled. Or because they don’t like Mr. Jones. So what? If you have a legitimate complaint then take it through the proper channels. Don’t infringe upon the rights of your fellow Shasta County Residents. That is incredibly selfish and destructive on many levels. It also creates animosity and a dangerous environment for all concerned. It is a matter of opinion by the way, to say that Jones needs to apologize. Not everyone agrees with that assessment. That is why the matter needs to be dealt with in a different venue.
I think we can all agree that bad behavior by anyone is unacceptable. Bad behavior in what is deemed a “safe space” whether it be the Board Chambers or a court room or a school room is unacceptable. It should not be tolerated. So, what is the answer to insure that such a space remains safe?
There are all sorts of strategies that may be employed. But, there’s a delicate balance that needs to be maintained. Zeal must be balanced with wisdom and love. We don’t want to bridle or quash the spirit of Freedom of Speech, but we do want to nurture a spirit of mindfulness and respect to all who attend these meetings, including Supervisors, staff, and the public.
Perhaps, it’s time to look at the root causes of what brings about these disturbing behaviors. There have been some rather contentious issues brought up at these meetings. There have been decisions made by the BOS majority that have been deemed reckless and irresponsible. There have been appointments made that wreak of cronyism and favoritism. As long as these “hot button” issues are brought up, the reaction will be inkind. If we want to see the outward behaviors change, we must begin with examining the inward behaviors. It is difficult to trust or applaud the decisions made by the BOS majority when those decisions seem self-serving or only benefit a few. The “My way or the Highway” mentality shown by the BOS majority has not been well received by the public to say the least. It appears right now that the only recourse by the public is to protest or vote. The Board has the power to determine what it brings forward. The feedback from the public is vital. Who these decisions benefit is vital. If the Board is getting a negative response from the public, maybe they should reexamine the direction they’re going in and/or how they are going about it… or why.
I am angry at the citizens who did not get out and vote for recall of Mr. Crye. There were enough signatures to place the recall on the ballot. Please people get up off your complacent duffs and vote these folks out!
I guess Crye didn’t appreciate the media coverage of the public disruption at that meeting. How it was handled by physically removing a non-violent, harmless, quiet, peaceful protester… a wife and mother, made Crye look weak. He had to employ 5 deputies to remove a non-threatening 120lb woman from the Board Chambers, who then unceremoniously dumped her on the floor of the parking garage in the triple-digit heat. It was only then that her lawyer was able to gain access to her, despite repeated requests to do so.
I’ve been noticing that at each meeting, Crye has been tweaking the policy on how the public may “behave,” especially during Public Comment time. It’s time people started paying attention to Crye’s actions. His actions only benefit him… not the public. We deserve better.
Betsy, Supervisor Crye had recused himself from the meeting at that point. The people who were out of control and behaving in such a way that they had to be physically removed is outrageous in my opinion. There are civilized ways in our society in which to express oneself. Disrupting a public meeting by throwing a temper tantrum to the point where you are creating a hostile and dangerous environment is not considered acceptable adult behavior.
If you watch the livestream of that meeting, you will see that the crowd was disruptive indeed after hearing defamatory remarks made about Benjamin Nowain by Chair Patrick Jones. Jenny O’Connell-Nowain stood up in silent protest. Patrick Jones ordered people to sit down and Jenny obeyed his order and sat… on the floor peacefully. Jones then ordered the room to be vacated by the public. The Press remained in the chambers, documenting the event. Jenny stayed put. If you watch other livestreamed videos of the Press/Media you will see Kevin Crye re-enter the chambers and talk to Jenny as well as did County Counsel who refused her any contact with her attorney. Kevin at that point was clearly in charge.
Jenny was not the reason that the meeting was shut down the first place. She remained behind requesting and waiting for an apology from Patrick Jones for his cruel mischaracterization of her husband. The loud, vocal crowd was locked outside the chamber doors. There was no danger or violence present.
Yes, I agree in obeying the laws of the land… but, doesn’t doesn’t that apply to everyone? The outrage was caused by Patrick Jone’s public comments defaming Benjamin Nowain’s character. Should that be permissable?
One thing anyone should agree on is that it shouldn’t take five bodies to haul out one upset person. In these days there are many upset people around and I think one skilled person could have deescalated this situation. Tweaking a policy should not be allowed if it interferes with ones rights regardless of who is in charge either. Keep in mind that things will slowly degenerate as time passes because many of the older generations actually understood etiquette while today use of force is the only tool left in having control over the public. I feel both sides could brush up on tact and poise common sense when meetings are conducted, otherwise take it out back and do it physically.
Crye’s brains are “misreported…”
Someone reported he had some.
I’ve worked in both the media room and out on the floor. There are no good angles in the chambers. That’s why most of the shots look like shit.
Really fits the Supes…
Mr. Crye you are an embarrassment to yourself, your family and the community that almost removed you, except for those 50 some votes…I bet those voters are now wanting to retract their votes, would they could.
When I was a Security guard with Securitas EVERY duty station or post had orders as to what is expected from you at site, emergency contacts, etc…
Shasta County supervisors chambers post they had nothing….
EVERY duty station or post has a Securitas moble phone with direct line to supervisor, panic button, and emergency contacts, and post orders
Shasta County supervisors chambers had nothing….
What is the policy for an active shooter at the meeting…. Why is there not a binder for written policies ? What is the maximum occupancy load for that tiny little media room? 5 people? 6? Would you want to be in that tiny little room with an active shooter with only one way in and out? Is locking reporters in that little room conducive to their safety? I think not.
How did the first amendment coalition know about this?
Why are you asking? Bizarre lol.
Typical of MAGA, after all the “Media Is The Enemy Of The People” according to Trump. And typical of Crye, who of course is tRumpian MAGA, to issue authoritarian edicts illegally that would not hold up in court for a day even if the proclamations were done correctly. Ah, but then again, Crye stated that he didn’t know what the Board of Supervisors was before he ran for office. Is anybody surprised?
JS….Why do you want to know ? Does it matter that this egregious act by Crye was brought to the attention of the public, and by whom ? You should be thankful, rather then POD.
I researched the First Amendment Coalition. They appear to be a resource for journalists or others wanting links to information for example, on the Brown Act. When I read further I learned that their “ Strategic Priority is to increase Diversity and Inclusion.” They state that “their primary objective is to increase racial, ethnic, gender, age and geographic diversity.”
Concerned: Let’s tell the whole truth now . . . The First Amendment Coalition protects and promotes a free press, freedom of expression and the people’s right to know. Nonpartisan and nonprofit, FAC believes that the broadest range of engaged and informed communities is essential to the health of our democracy – that the values expressed by the First Amendment provide a blueprint for an inclusive, equitable society and a responsive, accountable government. To that end, FAC educates, advocates and litigates to advance government transparency and First Amendment protections for all. Here’s the link for those who’d like to truly understand the mission of the FAC. https://firstamendmentcoalition.org/about/
I have already researched them on their website. I know what they support. They state their “Strategic priority is to increase Diversity and Inclusion.” It says nothing about the first Amendment. Rather “They are committed to the increase of racial, ethnic, gender, age and geographic diversity.” I would say they are definitely about Equity. The First Amendment of the Constitution states “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people to peaceably assemble and to petition the Government for redress of grievances.
Still waiting for Crye to explain what was “misreported.” A little history on the media room: that room has always been referred to as the media room since the admin center was built. At the time, the media room was considered state of the art because it offered wired internet connections and a house phone for reporters to use. To my recollection It’s just been in recent years that staff have started using it to observe the meetings.
They said the room is for the media, and the chambers for the public. And if the media is in the chambers they are treated as the public.
Elizabeth: Now Crye says the media shouldn’t use the media room. He doesn’t say whether if the media is in the chambers they will still be treated as the public.