Covert surveillance programs, counterintelligence operations, and domestic intelligence activities. (Office of the Governor - California)

To Whom It May Concern:

Pursuant to the California Public Records Act, I hereby request the following records:

Subject: Freedom of Information Act Request – Request for Expedited Processing

Dear FOIA Officer,

This letter serves as a formal request under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. § 552, and the applicable regulations, for access to records in the possession of this agency related to covert surveillance programs, counterintelligence operations, and domestic intelligence activities.

As an American citizen exercising my rights under the FOIA, I hereby request expedited processing of this request due to its significant public interest and the urgency of the matter.

I am seeking access to the following records:

1. Internal memoranda, directives, and communications discussing the planning, execution, and objectives of covert operations, including any references to historical programs such as COINTELPRO and MK Ultra.
2. Operational plans, strategies, and guidelines governing surveillance and intelligence-gathering activities, including any coordination with community policing initiatives.
3. Records of surveillance operations, including logs, reports, and warrants obtained for monitoring targeted individuals or groups, as well as any watch lists or databases utilized.
4. Intelligence reports, assessments, and analyses resulting from surveillance and infiltration efforts, including assessments of private contractors involved.
5. Training materials, manuals, and protocols used to educate personnel involved in covert operations, including materials related to community alerts or coordination with neighborhood watch groups.
6. Budgetary documents related to the funding and allocation of resources for covert surveillance and intelligence activities.
7. Legal opinions, guidance, and interpretations concerning the legality and oversight of covert programs.
8. After-action reports, evaluations, and assessments conducted to review the effectiveness and impact of covert operations.
9. Copies of contracts, agreements, and invoices involving any third-party contractors engaged in activities specified above.
10. All records of complaints, investigations, and disciplinary actions related to the aforementioned activities.

This request also includes documents related to activities synonymous with or related to "Cointelpro 2.0," encompassing covert surveillance programs, counterintelligence operations, undercover investigations, disruption programs, counterterrorism measures, covert infiltration tactics, political surveillance programs, coercive intelligence operations, and national security investigations.

I request that all responsive records be provided to me in electronic format, preferably via email or a secure online portal. If certain documents are exempt from disclosure, please provide a detailed explanation of the applicable exemptions and provide segregable portions that can be released.

Please process this request specifically for Evan L Rees, as the documents sought are requested in relation to myself.

I am willing to pay reasonable fees associated with this request. If the estimated fees exceed $50.00, please notify me in advance of processing the request.

Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your prompt handling of this request. I look forward to your timely response.

Sincerely,

Evan L Rees

The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.

In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.

Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 10 calendar days, as the statute requires.

Sincerely,

Evan L Rees

Subject: Re: Freedom of Information Act Request – Request for Expedited Processing

Dear Cynthia Stein,

Thank you for your prompt response to my Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, dated [Date of Your Original Request]. I appreciate the attention given to this matter.

I acknowledge the concern regarding the specificity of my request and understand the need for clarity. In response, I have refined the request to provide a more focused description of the records sought, as outlined below:

Refined Description of Records: I am specifically seeking records directly related to covert surveillance activities, counterintelligence operations, and domestic intelligence activities undertaken or overseen by the Governor's Office. This includes, but is not limited to:

a. Internal memoranda, directives, and communications discussing the planning, execution, and objectives of covert operations.
b. Operational plans, strategies, and guidelines governing surveillance and intelligence-gathering activities.
c. Records of surveillance operations, including logs, reports, warrants, watch lists, or databases utilized.
d. Intelligence reports, assessments, and analyses resulting from surveillance and infiltration efforts.
e. Training materials, manuals, and protocols used to educate personnel involved in covert operations.
f. Budgetary documents related to the funding and allocation of resources for covert surveillance and intelligence activities.
g. Legal opinions, guidance, and interpretations concerning the legality and oversight of covert programs.
h. After-action reports, evaluations, and assessments conducted to review the effectiveness and impact of covert operations.
i. Copies of contracts, agreements, and invoices involving any third-party contractors engaged in activities specified above.
j. All records of complaints, investigations, and disciplinary actions related to the aforementioned activities.

Personalization: I confirm that the request is indeed concerning myself, Evan L. Rees and any other records that fit the description above.

Expedited Processing: Given the significant public interest and urgency of the matter, I respectfully request expedited processing of this refined request.

I trust that this clarification addresses the concerns raised regarding the specificity of the request. I am prepared to cover any reasonable fees associated with processing this request. Please proceed with the search for records as per the refined specifications outlined above.

Should you require any further clarification or information, please do not hesitate to contact me. I eagerly await your timely response.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

Evan L Rees

Subject: Appeal of FOIA Request Denial - Request for Reconsideration

Dear Cynthia Stein,

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to appeal the denial of my Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request and to underscore the compelling legal and public interest grounds that warrant reconsideration.

As a concerned citizen deeply committed to upholding the principles of transparency, accountability, and civil liberties, I submitted a FOIA request seeking access to records held by the Governor's Office pertaining to current activities synonymous with historical programs such as COINTELPRO and MK ULTRA. Specifically, I am seeking documents and records from the date range of January 1, 2006, to April 23, 2024, that relate to collaborative efforts, oversight mechanisms, or advisory functions regarding covert surveillance programs, counterintelligence operations, and domestic intelligence activities.

It is imperative to recognize the paramount importance of FOIA laws in fostering government transparency and safeguarding democratic values. The FOIA serves as a cornerstone of open government, empowering citizens to access vital information and hold their government accountable for its actions. By granting individuals the right to request and obtain government records, the FOIA promotes public trust, facilitates informed decision-making, and strengthens democratic governance.

In this context, my FOIA request embodies the fundamental principles underlying the FOIA and serves the broader public interest in promoting transparency and accountability within government agencies. Access to information regarding current activities reminiscent of historical programs with a significant impact on civil liberties is not merely a matter of curiosity but a fundamental right essential for democratic oversight and informed public discourse.

Furthermore, the period covered by my FOIA request spans nearly two decades of critical historical significance, marked by profound developments in national security policies, technological advancements, and evolving threats to civil liberties. As such, the records sought may provide valuable insights into the Governor's Office's role in shaping and implementing policies and practices during this pivotal period.

In light of the foregoing, I respectfully urge the Governor's Office to reconsider its decision to deny my FOIA request and undertake a diligent search for any responsive records within its possession that align with the specified criteria and date range. By honoring the principles of transparency and accountability enshrined in the FOIA, the Governor's Office can reaffirm its commitment to upholding democratic values and promoting public trust in government institutions.

Thank you for your attention to this matter and your commitment to upholding the principles of open government. I trust that the Governor's Office will give due consideration to the legal and public interest grounds underlying this appeal and take appropriate action to facilitate the release of the requested information in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

Sincerely,

Evan L Rees