Re: your March 12 article, “Agencies violate public access law�:
I can’t help but wonder whether your story was more of a commentary on the 
culture of fear that we now find ourselves living in. In the case of the school districts, having someone show up at your office under mysterious circumstances and ask for your boss’ employment contract is highly unusual, even if the contract is public record.
All companies have a heightened sense of security these days, and public 
agencies are under particular pressure. The Star has certainly tightened up
its own security. Years ago, the newsroom was open to the public. Now, you 
must sign in, wear a nametag and be let through a locked door if you wish to 
visit anyone.
Misunderstandings happen, and I would not read too much into this bit of 
reporting. It’s obvious public agencies can do a better job in instructing 
their employees on handling public records requests. But I would certainly 
not infer that anyone out there is willfully trying to cover anything up.
— Marie Lakin, Ventura
Well said! thanks