"Dismal Freedom Press is an independent, nonprofit newsroom dedicated to producing investigative journalism in the public interest. We cover the systems, institutions, and decisions that impact the daily lives of residents in California's Central Valley and beyond."
Our Mission
Dismal Freedom Press was founded on the principle that every community deserves rigorous, independent journalism — especially communities that have historically been underserved by mainstream media. California's Central Valley is home to millions of people, yet its residents often lack access to the kind of deep investigative reporting that holds power accountable.
We exist to fill that gap. Our reporters dig into public records, attend government meetings, analyze data, and listen to the people most affected by the decisions being made on their behalf. We publish our work freely — no paywalls, no corporate sponsors dictating coverage.
What We Cover
Our coverage focuses on the issues that matter most to Central Valley residents:
- Government & Politics — City councils, county boards, state legislation, and the officials who shape public policy
- Criminal Justice — Law enforcement, courts, incarceration, and police accountability
- Housing & Development — Evictions, displacement, homelessness, and real estate deals
- Environment — Water, air quality, pesticides, and environmental justice
- Education — School funding, charter oversight, and educational equity
- Health — Hospital access, Medi-Cal, and public health data
- Data & Investigations — Original datasets, public records analysis, and long-form accountability projects
Our Standards
We are committed to accuracy, fairness, and transparency. We follow the Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics. When we make mistakes, we correct them promptly and publicly on our Corrections page. Our Ethics Policy outlines our standards in full.
How We're Funded
Dismal Freedom Press is funded through reader donations, grants, and sponsorships. We do not accept funding that compromises our editorial independence. Our newsroom makes all editorial decisions independently of our funders. We publish our financial information annually for full transparency.
Our Team
Our newsroom is staffed by experienced journalists, data analysts, and community reporters who live in and care about the Central Valley. Meet our full team →
Leadership
Investigations
Civic
Culture
Data & Documents
Opinion & Essays
Field & Photo
Editorial Ops & Engagement
Contact Us
General Inquiries: newsroom@dismalfreedompress.org
Tips: tips@dismalfreedompress.org
Phone: (209) 425-2677
Signal: (209) 425-2677
Mailing Address: Dismal Freedom Press, 249 Commerce Ave #1042, Manteca, CA 95336
Republishing
We encourage other news organizations to republish our work under a Creative Commons license. See our Republishing Guidelines for details.