Exclusive: Meet The Iron Man of Persian Community Shahbod Noori

“One Man With Courage Make A Majority” Shahbod Noori is the Publisher and President of Tehran International Weekly Magazine and the Founder & Chief Executive Officer of the Persian Relief Center.

Shahbod Noori was born on March 10, 1964, in Iran, Tehran. He became a driving instructor there at age 17. When the regime changed in Iran, he fled from his country through the mountains to Pakistan. There he continued to work as a driver, and also as a bodyguard for celebrities.

After one year in Karachi, Pakistan, Shahbod Noori moved to Vienna, Austria. He worked for the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS) as a driver and security guard for the Jewish Synagogue. In 1986 he moved to New York and after six months, decided to head for the Golden State of California.

In Los Angeles, Shahbod Noori started his own driving school, Foojan Driving School. At the same time, for fun and because he loves Friday nights, he began creating and promoting Friday Night-only nightclubs at famous locations around the Los Angeles area. They included Rendezvous on Club Yes in West LA; Spanky on Paradise Night Club in Century City; Club Lido in Tarzana; and Club Rio in Encino.

Shahbod Noori is the Founder & Chief Executive Officer of the Persian Relief Center, a non-profit organization founded in 2008 to assist low-income or no-income families. Shahbod Noori is an entrepreneur with many skills. When he is not working on his Tehran International Weekly Magazine, he is working at his Super California Deli & Market (located at 20050 Vanowen St #C in Canoga Park, C). Super California Deli & Market has been serving the San Fernando Valley Persian community since 2009. In 2011 he opened California Kabob Restaurant (located at 20050 Vanowen St #B in Canoga Park, CA).


Shahbod Noori has put together 11 successful charity concerts with more than 3000 people for the Persian Relief Center. He has raised money and helped several dozens of people to keep roofs over their heads, go to school, find jobs, and has even sheltered them in his home for many months. Shahbod Noori promoted nine Persian festivals, which drew from 8,000 to 12,000 people, at sites including Mehregan on Hollywood Park Casino, Woodley Park, and Pierce College. He produced six Persian New Year’s festivals with more than 25,000 people in attendance on Balboa Lake Park in San Fernando Valley area.

Shahbod Noori is also the Founder & Executive Director of Tehran International Weekly Magazine, one of the leading Persian-Language magazines in the United States and around the World since 1996. In 2003, Shahbod Noori Started his recording company, Tehran Records, and has produced and distributed the albums from the top Persian singers. 

During his entrepreneur and publishing careers, Shahbod Noori has met and worked with powerful politicians, newsmakers and shakers such as former President Bill Clinton, Hillary Rodham Clinton, LA District Attorney Gil Garcetti, Former Mayor of Los Angeles Richard Riordan, City of Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Sheriff Lee Baca, and Zev Yaroslavsky from Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, among many others.

(Please click on photos to view them regular size)

He started his publishing company in 1989 with The Original Bazaar Weekly, the first free classified and advertising paper among Iranians residing in Southern California. Besides being a publisher, Shahbod Noori has always shown great concern for social issues within the Iranian community.

Both as a journalist and publisher, Shahbod Noori not only tries to be a true voice of Iranians in Southern California and around the globe, but also helps many in the community at times of despair and hardship. His passion for social justice and helping the most vulnerable women and children in society led him to found The Persian Relief Center.

For all his contributions for the betterment of society, in particular the Persian community, Shahbod Noori has received awards from the City of Los Angeles, and a Citizen award from the Los Angeles Police Department. Even the Persian community of which he is such a vital player has recognized his work and contribution by awarding him the Persian Media Award. Shahbod Noori is a recipient of the Charity Award and is Member of Who’s Who.

(Please click on photos to view them regular size)

Shahbod Noori travels all over the word and had visited many countries. Shahbod Noori has wide ranging interests, hobbies and activities. He is an accomplished photographer. Shahbod Noori is a professional Persian chef. Shahbod Noori is a licensed security guard. Shahbod Noori is also a licensed massage therapist: he has healing hands in meditation and pain management. Shahbod Noori is an Entertainment Sponsor and coach of many Persian models, actors and singers. Shahbod Noori loves to watch movies, viewing one movie per night before he goes to sleep.

Shahbod Noori is known as the Iron man, sometime working more than 12 hours a day. He is like a respected godfather of the Persian community because those who are in trouble or need assistance know they can go to him for advice and help.

About Tehran International Weekly Magazine: Tehran International Weekly Magazine is the leading Persian-Language weekly magazine in the United States and around the world.

Mr. Shahbod Noori is the Founder and Executive Director of the publishing company. In 1989 he published the first 24- page Original Bazaar Weekly.

The Original Bazaar Weekly was the first free classified and a display advertising paper published for the Iranian community in Southern California.

After eight years, the Original Bazaar Weekly was the most popular free classified advertising paper among Iranians residing in Southern California. However, this great success was just the beginning.

In 1996, Mr. Shahbod Noori published Tehran International Weekly Magazine, which covers world news, entertainment, art, sports, cultural & social events, politics, etc., by utilizing the talents of the most famous writers from within the Iranian community.

In 2000, Shahbod Noori, for the first time in the Iranian community, released 108 pages of Tehran Magazine online at www.tehranmagazine.com. The on-line version of the magazine is free for people to read or print in PDF format, and is updated weekly with a one-month lag-behind.

In 2013, after 17 years, Tehran International Weekly Magazine has become one of the most popular and powerful Iranian magazines in the United States and around the world. Although it mainly focuses on California, the magazine covers the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, Australia and Middle East, as well.

Photos credit to: Shahbod Noori private archive collections, Travis Jourdain/Five Minute Photos and Gisele Rebeiro/PartyBy5.com

Editor’s Note: We want to thank and congratulate Mr. Shahbod Noori for all his contributions to the community and accomplishments. We want to wish him the best and we need more strong people like him that helps and cares about the community. We are so proud and happy to featured him in our pages.

Plano Texas Police Department Officer Wraps $100 Bill In Traffic Ticket

Plano, Texas – On December 11, 2012 CBSDFW.COM reported that a traffic stop in Plano ended unlike any you’ve ever heard about before.

It started when Hayden Carlo was pulled over for an expired registration sticker.

Carlo says he’s been struggling to support his wife and two small children.

“You get paid, pay your bills, and there’s your money. It’s gone.”

He told the officer he had no excuse for the expired sticker.

“I said ‘there’s no explanation for why I haven’t done it, except I don’t have the money.’ I said ‘it was either feed my kids or get my registration done.”

The officer wrote a citation and handed it to the 25-year-old. Carlo says when he took it, he could not believe what he saw. “I opened it up and there’s a 100 dollar bill. I broke down in my car what else could I do.”

The officer never told anyone about the $100 gift. But Carlo’s grandfather, Billy McIntire, was so moved by the kind gesture he wrote a letter to the department. “I get emotional when we talk about this type of thing,” McIntire says. “You just don’t find that many officers who would do this type of thing.”

While other officers around the country have recently been recognized for similar acts, this officer wants to remain anonymous. His coworkers plan to honor him anyway.

“As he told me, this man needed it more than him, and it was the right thing to do,” says fellow officer and department spokesperson David Tilley.

Carlo was able to update his the registrations on his car and his wife’s car with the money. He’s now driving to a new job and providing for his growing family, after a gift from the last person he would have expected to help during tough times.

“He helped me out when I needed it and I appreciate that. I’ll never forget that man,” Carlo says. “It definitely restored my faith in God.”

Source: CBSDFW.COM

Editor’s Note: This is a something to commend and to thank the officer for showing that he cares. We hope other police departments to follow this great example of humanity and caring for others, especially The Los Angeles Police Department.

Hollywood and West Hollywood Residents Wake Up on Arsonist Fire Friday Morning

On Friday, December 30, 2011 around 5:00 pm we received a tactical alert call from the Los Angeles Police Department notifying us of  arsonist fires in Hollywood area. They asked if the public see any fire to call immediately 911.

KTLA News is reporting that Authorities are searching for one or more suspects after a rash of arson fires in West Hollywood and Hollywood early Friday morning, including one that damaged the former residence of Jim Morrison.

At least 19 fires have erupted, officials said. The fires have mainly started in vehicles or carports.

Remember to report any fire you believe to be arson or of suspicious origin, you can call the 24-hour L.A. County Arson Hotline: 1-800-633-2836 or the City of Los Angeles Arson Hotline: 213-893-9800.

Sources: LAPD, KTLA, ABC 7 & Associated Press
Photo credit to: benwatts

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa Issues Statement on the Occupy LA Eviction & Closure of City Hall Park

On Wednesday, November 30, 2011 Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa issued the following statement regarding the closure of City Hall Park:

“Last night, we witnessed perhaps one of the finest moments in the history of the Los Angeles Police Department.

After 58 days of the Occupy LA protest, 1,400 officers enforced the closure of City Hall Park. The closure, conducted in a professional and restrained manner, was meticulously planned and involved coordination with multiple city departments. Over 200 people were arrested with a minimal use of force and with no major injuries to the police or to protesters. The activists’ fundamental rights were respected.  This was a peaceful and orderly conclusion of the encampment at City Hall.

Today, the LAPD stands as a shining example of constitutional policing.

I commend the officers who took part in the operation. They are an honor to their profession. Their restraint – in the face of a potentially dynamic situation – is a key reason why City Hall Park was closed in an orderly manner. I also want to commend Chief Beck and his command staff for their leadership over the last eight weeks. At every turn, Chief Beck displayed a steady hand and excellent judgment in developing his department’s response to Occupy LA. The General Services Police Officers, social workers and other City personnel also made key contributions to the successful closure of the park.

From the start, we pledged to do things differently in Los Angeles. We took a measured approach, respected protesters’ first amendment rights, sought to de-escalate conflict and supported open communication.

We did not rush. We respected the dignity of the protesters and gave them time to gather their belongings and arrange their departure. When we made the decision to close the park, we made sure that ample human services, such as shelter beds, were available to those who needed them. As a result, the LAPD was able to avoid the violent confrontations that have marred similar operations in other cities.

The Occupy movement should not be about defending a particular patch of parkland, but rather about spreading the message of economic equality and pushing for social justice. I thank participants who heeded our call and left City Hall Park before the operation, those who stayed, but departed peacefully or were arrested without incident. These Angeleno activists have also demonstrated to the rest of the country that social change is best achieved through peaceful means.

Instead of grinding to a halt amid confrontation, the Occupy LA movement can now amplify their calls for social justice and economic opportunity. In the days ahead, we must build on the foundation of cooperation that we have established over these last two months.

Although we expect further protests as Occupy LA works to broaden its movement, we will work hard to ensure that the City handles these actions with the appropriate restraint. I hope that the Occupy LA activists will do the same.

The movement’s message of restoring the balance to American society is too important to be lost amid clashes and conflict.”

Source: LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa Facebook.
Photo credit to: LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa Facebook.

AFI Fest 2011 Announces Centerpiece Galas and Special Screenings presented by Audi

On Tuesday, October 18, 2011 The American Film Institute (AFI) announced its red carpetCenterpiece Galas plus eleven Special Screenings for the 25th edition of AFI FEST 2011 presented by Audi, a showcase of the most highly anticipated films and performances of the year. AFI FEST kicks off awards season with galas and Special Screenings that spotlight the work of film masters, moving image icons and breakthrough talents. Many of the casts are international, and the directors hail from across the globe.

As previously announced, the World Premiere of J. EDGAR (DIR Clint Eastwood) is the Opening Night Gala and Pedro Almodóvar is this year’s Guest Artistic Director.

The Centerpiece Galas to be presented at AFI FEST 2011 are THE ARTIST (DIR Michel Hazanavicius),CARNAGE (DIR Roman Polanski), THE LADY (DIR Luc Besson), LAW OF DESIRE: An Evening with Pedro Almodóvar, MY WEEK WITH MARILYN (DIR Simon Curtis) and SHAME (DIR Steve McQueen). All galas will be presented in the historic Chinese Theatre.

AFI FEST’s Special Screenings section features BUTTER (DIR Jim Field Smith); CORIOLANUS (DIR Ralph Fiennes); I MELT WITH YOU (DIR Mark Pellington); INTO THE ABYSS (DIR Werner Herzog); JEFF, WHO LIVES AT HOME (DIR Jay Duplass, Mark Duplass); THE KID WITH A BIKE (DIR Jean-Pierre Dardenne, Luc Dardenne); MELANCHOLIA (DIR Lars von Trier); MISS BALA (DIR Gerardo Naranjo, AFI Conservatory Class of 2001), Mexico’s foreign-language Oscar submission; PINA (DIR Wim Wenders), Germany’s foreign-language Oscar submission; RAMPART (DIR Oren Moverman) and WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN (DIR Lynne Ramsay).

For the third consecutive year, AFI FEST will continue its unprecedented offer of free tickets to all screenings. AFI FEST Patron Passes and the Special Screenings Pass – which ensure access to sold-out presentations and other high-demand films and events – are on sale now at AFI.com/AFIFEST. The American Film Institute is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational and cultural organization. Pass purchases are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.

Individual tickets to AFI FEST will be available to AFI members on Wednesday, October 26 in a 24-hour advance window before they become available to the general public on October 27. In addition, AFI members receive a 10% discount on all passes. Information about AFI membership is available at AFI.com/membership.

AFI FEST will take place November 3 through 10 in Hollywood, California, at the historic Chinese Theatre, the Chinese 6 Theatres, the Egyptian Theatre and the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.

AFI FEST presented by Audi Galas and Special Screenings

OPENING NIGHT GALA:

J. EDGAR: As the face of law enforcement in America for almost fifty years, J. Edgar Hoover was feared and admired, reviled and revered. But behind closed doors, he held secrets that would have destroyed his image, his career and his life. DIR Clint Eastwood. SCR Dustin Lance Black. CAST Leonardo DiCaprio, Naomi Watts, Armie Hammer, Judi Dench. USA. World Premiere.
Thursday, November 3, 7:00 p.m., The Chinese

CENTERPIECE GALAS:

THE LADY: Luc Besson tackles the inspiring true story of Burmese activist, leader and political prisoner Aung San Suu Kyi, exquisitely portrayed by Michelle Yeoh. DIR Luc Besson. SCR Rebecca Frayn. CAST Michelle Yeoh, David Thewlis, Jonathan Raggett, Jonathan Woodhouse, Susan Wooldridge, Benedict Wong. France/UK.
Friday, November 4, 7:00 p.m., The Chinese

CARNAGE: Roman Polanski directs a dream cast of Kate Winslet, Christoph Waltz, Jodie Foster and John C. Reilly in a razor-sharp, acidly funny comedy of ill manners. DIR Roman Polanski. SCR Yasmina Reza, Roman Polanski. CAST Jodie Foster, Kate Winslet, Christoph Waltz, John C. Reilly. France/Germany/Poland.
Saturday, November 5, 7:00 p.m., The Chinese

MY WEEK WITH MARILYN: Michelle Williams gives a luminous performance as Marilyn Monroe, ably supported by Kenneth Branagh and Judi Dench in this intimate portrait of the tragic Hollywood icon. DIR Simon Curtis. SCR Adrian Hodges. CAST Michelle Williams, Kenneth Branagh, Eddie Redmayne, Judi Dench, Emma Watson. UK.
Sunday, November 6, 6:00 p.m., The Chinese

LAW OF DESIRE – An Evening with Pedro Almodóvar: An evening in celebration of Pedro Almodóvar and the 25th anniversary of El Deseo, the production company that he founded with his brother, Augustin Almodóvar; the event will consist of a conversation with Pedro Almodóvar and a screening of El Deseo’s first film, LAW OF DESIRE. DIR Pedro Almodóvar. SCR Pedro Almodóvar. CAST Eusebio Poncela, Carmen Maura, Antonio Banderas, Miguel Molina. Spain.
Monday, November 7, 7:00 p.m., The Chinese

THE ARTIST: Silence is golden in director Michel Haznavicius’ delightful and dialogue-less black-and-white feature about Hollywood’s bumpy transition from silent films to “talkies.” DIR/SCR Michel Hazanavicius. CAST Jean Dujardin, Berenice Bejo, John Goodman, James Cromwell, Penelope Ann Miller, Missi Pyle. USA.
Tuesday, November 8, 7:30 p.m., The Chinese

SHAME: In director Steve McQueen’s searing follow-up to HUNGER, Michael Fassbender delivers a fearless portrayal of a man spiraling out of control into sexual addiction. DIR Steve McQueen. SCR Abi Morgan, Steve McQueen. CAST Michael Fassbender, Carey Mulligan, James Badge Dale, Nicole Beharie. UK.
Wednesday, November 9, 7:30 p.m., The Chinese

SPECIAL SCREENINGS:

BUTTER: Jennifer Garner stars in this comedy about a Midwestern housewife who embarks on a ruthless campaign to conquer the world of competitive butter carving. DIR Jim Field Smith. SCR Jason A. Micallef. CAST Jennifer Garner, Ty Burrell, Olivia Wilde, Hugh Jackman, Ashley Greene, Alicia Silverstone, Rob Corddry, Pruitt Taylor Vince. USA.
Sunday, November 6, 6:30 p.m., Chinese 1

CORIOLANUS: In his directing debut, Ralph Fiennes masterfully adapts Shakespeare’s gripping tragedy about power, politics and pride into a bracingly modern and urgent political thriller. DIR Ralph Fiennes. SCR John Logan. CAST Ralph Fiennes, Gerard Butler, Brian Cox, Vanessa Redgrave, Jessica Chastain. UK.
Monday, November 7, 7:30 p.m., Chinese 1 and Tuesday, November 8, 1:30 p.m., Rigler Theatre, Egyptian

I MELT WITH YOU: Four friends gather for an annual birthday celebration in Big Sur and come face to face with the hard truths of who they have become. DIR Mark Pellington. SCR Glenn Porter (based on the story by Glenn Porter and Mark Pellington). CAST Thomas Jane, Jeremy Piven, Rob Lowe, Christian McKay, Carla Gugino, Sasha Grey. Canada/USA.
Monday, November 7, 8:00 p.m., Rigler Theatre, Egyptian and Wednesday, November 9, 1:45 p.m., Chinese 1

INTO THE ABYSS: In his fascinating exploration of a triple homicide case in Conroe, Texas, master filmmaker Werner Herzog probes the human psyche to explore why people kill – and why a state kills. Like a modern IN COLD BLOOD, Herzog’s investigation unveils layers of humanity, making an enlightening trip out of ominous territory. DIR Werner Herzog. USA.
Sunday, November 6, 5:30 p.m., Rigler Theatre, Egyptian and Monday, November 7, 1:15 p.m., Chinese 3

JEFF, WHO LIVES AT HOME: On his way to the store to buy wood glue, Jeff looks for signs from the universe to determine his path. However, a series of comedic and unexpected events leads him to cross paths with his family in the strangest of locations and circumstances. DIR/SCR Jay Duplass, Mark Duplass. CAST Jason Segel, Ed Helms, Judy Greer, Susan Sarandon. USA.
Tuesday, November 8, 7:00 p.m., Chinese 1 and Wednesday, November 9, 2:00 p.m., Rigler Theatre, Egyptian

THE KID WITH A BIKE: Awarded the Grand Prix at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, this tale of redemptive love bares the Dardennes’ evocative signature style. CAST Cécile de France, Thomas Doret, Jérémie Renier, Fabrizio Rongione, Egon Di Mateo, Olivier Gourmet. Belgium/France/Italy.
Tuesday, November 8, 8:00 p.m., Rigler Theatre, Egyptian and Thursday, November 10, 11:00 a.m., Chinese 1

MELANCHOLIA: Denmark’s most celebrated and notorious filmmaker returns with a drama about depression, severely dysfunctional families and the end of the world. DIR/SCR Lars von Trier. CAST Kirsten Dunst, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Alexander Skarsgård, Brady Corbet, Cameron Spurr, Charlotte Rampling, Jesper Christensen, John Hurt, Stellan Skarsgård, Udo Kier, Kiefer Sutherland. Denmark/Sweden/France/Germany.
Sunday, November 6, 8:30 p.m., Rigler Theatre, Egyptian and Tuesday, November 8, 3:15 p.m., Chinese 3

MISS BALA: Gerardo Naranjo’s haunting and elegant film tells the story of a beauty pageant hopeful swept up in the violent world of Mexico’s drug cartels. Naranjo is a graduate of the AFI Conservatory (AFI Class of 2001). DIR Gerardo Naranjo. DIR/SCR Gerardo Naranjo, Mauricio Katz. CAST Stephanie Sigman, Noe Hernandez, James Russo. Mexico’s official foreign-language Oscar submission.
Friday, November 4, 8:30 p.m., Rigler Theatre, Egyptian

PINA: Wim Wenders captures the world of choreographer Pina Bausch and her dance company in spectacular 3D with thrilling performances of many of her most famous works. DIR/SCR Wim Wenders. CAST Ensemble of Pina Bausch’s Tanztheater Wuppertal. Germany/France. Germany’s official foreign-language Oscar submission.
Saturday, November 5, 7:45 p.m., Chinese 1 and Monday, November 7, 4:00 p.m., Chinese 1

RAMPART: Woody Harrelson gives a ferocious performance as a dirty cop who is embroiled in the Los Angeles Police Department’s infamous Rampart corruption scandal. DIR Oren Moverman. SCR James Ellroy, Oren Moverman. CAST Woody Harrelson, Sigourney Weaver, Robin Wright, Ned Beatty, Ben Foster, Ice Cube, Anne Heche, Cynthia Nixon. USA.
Saturday, November 5, 10:00 p.m., The Chinese

WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN: Tilda Swinton gives a career defining performance as Eva, a reluctant mother whose contentious relationship with her evil son sheds new light on the nature vs. nurture debate. DIR Lynne Ramsay. SCR Lynne Ramsay, Rory Stewart Kinnear. CAST Tilda Swinton, John C. Reilly, Ezra Miller. UK.
Wednesday, November 9, 8:00 p.m., Chinese 1 and Thursday, November 10, 4:00 p.m., Chinese 6

Photo credit to: The American Film Institute (AFI)
Source: The American Film Institute (AFI)

Dodgers hire former LA police chief William J. Bratton

On Wednesday, April 6, 2011 the LA Dodgers announced that they hired Kroll Chairman and former Los Angeles Police Chief William J. Bratton to assess policies and procedures related to security and fan services at Dodger Stadium, and to work with the Dodger organization to develop a best practices security blueprint that extends to both the stadium and the parking lots.

“Bill Bratton is widely credited with spearheading modern community policing in America,” said Los Angeles Dodgers Owner Frank McCourt. “There is no one better to lead a top-to-bottom review of our current practices and make recommendations to be implemented now and into the future.”


Bratton and his team at Kroll will begin consulting immediately.

“I am pleased to have the opportunity to return to Los Angeles to consult with the Dodger organization on the security posture at Dodger Stadium,” said Bratton. “We will take a full and comprehensive look at security procedures and processes, and make recommendations based on our findings.”

Mr. Bratton possesses extensive expertise in U.S. law enforcement that includes achieving major reductions in violent crimes when he led the New York City Police Department and the Los Angeles Police Department.

The Dodgers enjoy a longtime working partnership with the LAPD, and see Bratton and Kroll’s role helping with internal procedures at the Dodgers.


“We are committed to ensuring that Dodger Stadium remains a family-friendly environment for all baseball fans,” said McCourt.

San Francisco Sentinel Publisher threatens legal action against San Francisco Police Department

On March 28, 2011 Kacey Deamer from The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press reported that The San Francisco Police Department in the past 10 months has revoked several press passes previously granted to online media outlets.

The department’s policy has not changed; officials are simply beginning to enforce it, the department said.

However, the founder of one of the six news outlets denied renewal of their press passes, online newspaper the San Francisco Sentinel, argued that, under the police department’s policy, the Sentinel should not have been denied.


“It’s actually wrong on their own terms,” said Pat Murphy, founder of the Sentinel. Murphy explained that the department had said they searched the Sentinel‘s website for coverage of “breaking police news, as they decide it,” during the past year and found nothing. “I did my own search and we certainly covered a street shooting, both the story and photos right after it broke,” Murphy said.

“I’m going to do everything I can to bring a class-action lawsuit,” Murphy said of his plans to take legal action. He also noted that “the constitutionality of the police trying to determine what breaking news is for every member of the media in the country needs to be clarified. I think that it’s us, not them, who have a right to determine that.”

San Francisco Police Department spokesman Lt. Troy Dangerfield said the department has had problems with unauthorized use of general press credentials, citing examples of them being used to gain access to concerts and mayoral events, and even to receive free tickets. To prevent such misuse, the department has decided to more closely follow its own guidelines in renewing passes and granting new ones, he added.


As requests for press pass renewal come in, the department is “doing the research to see if [the media have] done what was required, which is regular police and fire stories,” he said.

According the the department’s press pass form: “Only persons employed by newsgathering media who are required to cover breaking news and to pass through police and fire lines on a regular basis qualify for a press pass.”

“The press passes are for breaking police and fire news,” Dangerfield said, and are given “to bloggers as well as the mainstream media.” The news outlets that are not regularly covering breaking police and fire news are those that are denied renewal. Thus far, six news outlets have been denied renewal. It is easy to follow the guidelines, Dangerfield said: “In this city, you can write a story about us every day.”

Dangerfield said in response to some of the media reactions: “The people that are protesting I believe are legitimate media, not a question in my mind, it’s just that they’re not doing police and fire stories.”

The San Francisco Sentinel posted the above story on their website adding the following statement: (EDITOR’S NOTE: Sentinel staff press pass renewals were approved through 2011 and staff continue to wear their valid SFPD press passes, refusing to voluntarily or by consent surrender them.)

About Kacey Deamer:  Kacey is a Journalism and Environmental Studies major at Ithaca College. She has previously interned at the Press & Sun Bulletin, a Gannett newspaper in Binghamton, NY. On campus she has been active in student media, including the student newspaper and an alternative campus magazine. While in DC, she plans to enjoy local restaurants and farmer’s markets, as well as long walks at the National Zoo. Kacey Deamer is a Journalism Intern for Winter/Spring 2011 at The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press. For more information you can visit http://www.rcfp.org


Sources: The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, San Francisco Sentinel

Editor’s Note: We do not understand this argument, why the San Francisco Police Department thinks that they can decided what is news? We editor’s are the one who decide that in the newsroom and nobody can tell us what is consider newsworthy. I guest the San Francisco Police Department are desperate for attention and media coverage, they should concentrate in protecting their citizens in a big city.