Press Releases
Documenting government responses. Building public record. Protecting sources.
Father & Co. publishes press releases summarizing official public records, agency responses, and FOIA/PRA disclosures related to family court, CPS, law enforcement, Title IV-D operations, ADA compliance, and child-welfare oversight.
These releases are designed to create clear, timestamped public documentation without identifying requesting individuals unless they have explicitly authorized attribution.
Our purpose is simple:
to make government actions visible, verifiable, and accessible.
We redact personal details, remove identifying information, and publish only the official information received from agencies, along with contextual analysis relevant to public accountability.
Latest Press Releases
Court Watchers Needed Tomorrow Morning in Redwood City, California
A San Mateo County family court hearing is scheduled for May 20, where Brenna Gano will request to overturn a 2022 settlement agreement she claims was signed under coercion. This motion raises conflict-of-interest concerns regarding Judge Vivian Wang. Brenna seeks to restore her relationship with her son after losing custody.
Why Father & Co. Is Asking for Support
Father & Co. addresses the systemic issues that lead to individuals being overlooked in protective systems. It documents the realities faced by those seeking justice within family courts and provides essential guidance. Support is crucial for sustaining its reporting and advocacy efforts, ensuring no one feels alone in their struggle.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – December 14, 2025
The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department (LASD) has acknowledged it lacks written policies for criminal affidavits and District Attorney Investigator authority. This gap raises concerns about procedural compliance, training, and oversight, potentially compromising due process and accountability. The absence of clear rules affects public knowledge and legal proceedings related to criminal charges.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — December 14, 2025
On October 6, 2025, the Los Angeles Superior Court held a closed hearing for People v. Giselle Farias Smiel, excluding the public and ADA support. The hearing was moved without notice from Department 34 to Department 127, raising significant concerns about violations of constitutional rights and ADA compliance, jeopardizing transparency and accessibility in the legal…
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – December 5, 2025
Investigative journalist Michael Phillips is questioning the Los Angeles Superior Court about a discrepancy in the public docket for People v. Giselle Farias Smiel. The record displayed a Not Guilty plea for November 19, 2025, despite no plea being entered. Phillips seeks clarification to ensure the accuracy of court records and maintain public trust.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – November 26, 2025
Official San Diego CAD logs for the May 1 and September 4, 2025 incidents classify them as civil assists with no criminal implications. Despite Los Angeles County filing kidnapping charges against Giselle Smiel, San Diego’s records confirm no crime occurred, raising concerns about jurisdictional discrepancies and the necessity for transparency and accountability.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – November 21, 2025
The San Diego Sheriff’s Office’s handling of a May 1, 2025 alleged child-abduction incident involving Giselle Smiel raises concerns. Despite the later filing of felony charges, deputies did not treat the situation as a kidnapping. This has led to scrutiny over law enforcement protocols and transparency regarding the subsequent arrest.
Disability Advocates Condemn New York Court of Appeals and Judge Anthony Cannataro for Denying Disabled Father Access to Justice
On November 19, 2025, New York’s highest court dismissed Marc Fishman’s appeal for ADA accommodations, claiming it lacked jurisdiction. Advocates decry this ruling as systemic discrimination, highlighting that state courts can ignore federal mandates. They call for legislative reform to ensure disabled individuals can appeal ADA violations and seek justice.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – November 16, 2025
Newly acquired documents disclose that California’s Child Abduction Units (CAUs) receive over $9.9 million in state funding to enforce custody laws, straddling civil and criminal domains with significant discretion. The findings call for enhanced transparency and accountability, highlighting potential misuse of authority and financial incentives influencing enforcement practices.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — November 14, 2025
New data from Baltimore, Anne Arundel, and Frederick Counties reveal a concerning rise in missing elementary students classified as W50, indicating they are unaccounted for. The lack of investigation by state agencies highlights a systemic failure in child protection, especially for young children. The issue persists across diverse regions, demanding urgent attention.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — November 13, 2025
On November 13, 2025, North County Dispatch JPA confirmed no 911 emergency calls or responses regarding a purported juvenile distress incident on September 4 near South Twin Oaks Valley. This finding contradicts claims of multiple calls and an urgent situation, raising questions about emergency response transparency, accountability, and accuracy. Further investigations are ongoing.