Covert surveillance programs, counterintelligence operations, and domestic intelligence activities. (City Clerk's Office)

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: Response to Freedom of Information Act Request

Dear Mr. Zweizig,

Thank you for your prompt response to my Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request.

However, I am surprised and concerned by your statement that the City does not have documents responsive to my request. Given the nature of my request, which pertains to covert surveillance programs, counterintelligence operations, and domestic intelligence activities, it is difficult to believe that the City would not possess any relevant records.

Could you please provide clarification on the following points:

How was it determined that the City does not have documents responsive to my request?

Was a thorough search conducted in all relevant departments and databases?

Can you provide any further details or explanations regarding the City's response?

I am eager to resolve this matter and obtain the information I requested. Your cooperation and transparency in this process would be greatly appreciated.

Please feel free to contact me if you require any further information or clarification from my end.

Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I look forward to your prompt response.

Sincerely,

Evan L Rees

Subject: Follow-Up: Demand for Reconsideration of FOIA Response Regarding Covert Surveillance Programs

Dear Mr. Zweizig,

I trust this email finds you well. I am writing to urgently follow up on your response to my recent Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request concerning covert surveillance programs, counterintelligence operations, and domestic intelligence activities.

While I appreciate your prompt reply, I must express my deep concern regarding the City's claim of non-responsiveness to my request. Given the gravity of the subject matter and its potential implications for civil liberties and public trust, it is imperative that a thorough and diligent search be conducted to fulfill the City's obligations under the Freedom of Information Act.

In light of this, I demand an immediate reconsideration of the City's response and further clarification on the following points:

1. **Determination of Non-Responsiveness**: How was it determined that the City does not possess any documents responsive to my request? I expect a detailed explanation of the search process employed, including the departments and databases searched, and the criteria used to identify responsive documents.

2. **Scope of Search**: Can you confirm whether a comprehensive effort was made to locate and retrieve any documents pertaining to the City's collaboration with federal agencies, including the Los Angeles Regional Fusion Center, any other relevant entities, and Neighborhood Watch programs? It is essential that all potential sources of relevant information be thoroughly examined to ensure compliance with FOIA requirements.

3. **Transparency and Cooperation**: As a concerned citizen exercising my rights under FOIA, I demand full transparency and cooperation from the City in this matter. I expect timely and open communication regarding the status of my request and any challenges encountered during the search process.

4. **Clarification of Requested Documents**: In addition to the previously mentioned categories of documents, I want to emphasize that my request extends to records that reference the City's collaboration with the Los Angeles Regional Fusion Center, other relevant groups or organizations involved in covert surveillance activities, and Neighborhood Watch programs. Specifically, I am seeking records such as Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), correspondence, operational plans, records of surveillance operations, and intelligence reports that may indicate collaborative efforts between the City and these entities.

5. **Seriousness of FOIA Request**: I want to underscore the seriousness of this FOIA request and the City's legal obligations under the Freedom of Information Act. Failure to comply with these obligations may result in legal consequences, including potential liability under FOIA statutes and associated civil liability.

I remain steadfast in my pursuit of transparency, accountability, and the protection of civil liberties. Therefore, I expect your immediate attention to this matter and a prompt reconsideration of the City's response to my FOIA request.

Thank you for your consideration. I anticipate a timely and thorough response, and I am available to provide any further information or clarification necessary to facilitate the resolution of this matter.

Sincerely,

Evan L Rees