Public Records/Open Meetings
Center for Justice represents Rhubarb Sky LLC, which publishes Camas Magazine, an independent online magazine. Camas has published the award-winning investigative reporting of Tim Connor and Larry Shook on River Park Square, convention center expansion, and other issues.
Rhubarb Sky LLC v. Spokane Parking Public Development Authority et al., superior court no. 03-20829-7-7: Complaint alleged violation of Open Public Meetings Act. Resolved by settlement agreement. The agency has since been disbanded.
Rhubarb Sky LLC v. Department of Housing and Urban Development, federal district court no. CS-03-193-FVS: Freedom of Information Act case against federal agency for illegal withholding of documents concerning controversial “section 108” loan to River Park Square developer, subsidized by federal guarantee and backed by city’s community development block grant appropriations. Documents produced and attorneys fees awarded on summary judgment. Reply Brief: Rhubarb Sky LLC v. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Tim Connor & Rhubarb Sky LLC v. City of Spokane, superior court no. 01-20366-5-8: Public records suit against city for illegal withholding of documents concerning River Park Square. Court found city committed multiple violations of the state public records act and awarded penalties, costs and attorney fees. Center for Justice was co-counsel with Hagens Berman LLC, a major plaintiffs’ class action law firm.
Spokane Research & Defense Fund; Rhubarb Sky LLC v. City of Spokane, court of appeals no.
21729-9-III: Center for Justice intervened in SRDF’s action for public disclosure against city, which sought documents also withheld from Camas. As co-counsel with Hagens Berman and Towsley, Brain, Stephens PLLC, Center for Justice appealed adverse superior court and appellate court decisions to supreme court arguing that illegally withheld documents were first sought by Tim Connor and Rhubarb Sky. Court reversed unanimously and remanded case to superior court. Case settled in late 2006 with apology from City of Spokane and payment of penalties, costs and attorney fees.