Searchlight sues

The Redding Record Searchlight filed a lawsuit in Shasta County Superior Court on Nov. 10 seeking copies of a report commissioned by the city of Redding and Shasta County. It makes recommendations for the future of law enforcement, fire departments, the Shasta County Jail and mental health services.

The daily newspaper's request to obtain early versions of the Blueprint for Public Safety, as well as related correspondence between government officials, was refused by both the city of Redding and Shasta County, according to the paper's website. The agencies claim the drafts can be withheld under the state's Public Records Act.

“The government agencies, particularly the city of Redding, have insisted this process will work best if the public is kept out of it,” said Editor Silas Lyons.