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When Process Breaks Down: A Record-Based Review of WPUSD’s Response to a Student Complaint
This report examines how Western Placer Unified School District (WPUSD) responded to that complaint — not by evaluating the underlying incident itself, but by reviewing the documented process that followed. The analysis is based on emails, filings, and escalation records reviewed by Dismal Freedom Press.
The focus of this report is procedural compliance, documentation, and transparency.
Jan 43 min read
Understanding the Freedom of Information Act and Its Impact on Transparency
The Freedom of Information Act is a law that allows individuals to request access to records from government agencies. It was enacted to ensure that citizens can obtain information about government activities, decisions, and policies. The goal is to make government operations more open and to prevent secrecy that could hide wrongdoing or inefficiency.
Nov 11, 20253 min read


When the Water Comes: Remembering 1997 Floods and What Lathrop’s Done Since
In early 1997, a “pineapple express” of tropical storms slammed Northern California. The San Joaquin River and its tributaries rose higher than anyone expected. Levees seeped. Streets turned to creeks. Families waded through living rooms that were never meant to see standing water.
Nov 10, 20253 min read


Tracy library branches expand evening hours
Tracy — Tracy library branches expand evening hours. Local officials and residents are weighing the trade-offs as the region faces overlapping pressures from growth, infrastructure fatigue, and economic transition. Reporters reviewed public records and interviewed community members to trace how policies have evolved across Tracy and neighboring areas. Data show both incremental improvements and recurring gaps that shape daily life. The Valley’s Dismal Freedom Press continues
Jul 19, 20241 min read


Tracy school nutrition program loses key supplier
eporters reviewed public records and interviewed community members to trace how policies have evolved across Tracy and neighboring areas.
Jul 2, 20241 min read


Tracy teachers push for special ed transit overhaul
Tracy — Tracy teachers push for special ed transit overhaul. Local officials and residents are weighing the trade-offs as the region faces overlapping pressures from growth, infrastructure fatigue, and economic transition. Reporters reviewed public records and interviewed community members to trace how policies have evolved across Tracy and neighboring areas. Data show both incremental improvements and recurring gaps that shape daily life. The Valley’s Dismal Freedom Press c
Jun 8, 20241 min read


Tracy after-school programs struggle with demand surge
Tracy — Tracy after-school programs struggle with demand surge. Local officials and residents are weighing the trade-offs as the region faces overlapping pressures from growth, infrastructure fatigue, and economic transition. Reporters reviewed public records and interviewed community members to trace how policies have evolved across Tracy and neighboring areas. Data show both incremental improvements and recurring gaps that shape daily life. The Valley’s Dismal Freedom Pres
May 25, 20241 min read
Investigations
Records-based reporting across the Central Valley. Browse by topic or date, and open each story for documents and data notes.
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