Torie Cortez, Publisher and Managing Editor of Dismal Freedom Press, has filed for candidacy for Lathrop City Council (November 2026 election). This firewall policy is effective as of her filing date and governs all DFP editorial decisions for the duration of her candidacy.
Dismal Freedom Press is an independent investigative newsroom. Our credibility depends on readers' confidence that our coverage is not shaped by the personal political interests of our staff. When a member of our editorial leadership becomes a candidate for public office, that creates an inherent conflict of interest that must be addressed openly and structurally — not managed quietly.
This policy establishes the editorial firewall that governs DFP's coverage of Lathrop City Council matters, candidates, and races for the duration of Torie Cortez's candidacy. It is published here in full so that readers, sources, and the public can hold us accountable to it.
The Six Rules
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1DFP does not endorse candidates — including Torie Cortez. This policy applies unconditionally. DFP will not endorse, oppose, or advocate for any candidate in any race, in any format, at any time during Torie's candidacy.
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2Lathrop City Council accountability coverage continues. Torie's candidacy does not eliminate DFP's coverage of Lathrop city government. DFP will continue to cover Lathrop City Council decisions, public records, and institutional accountability — this is pre-existing coverage and is in the public interest.
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3Torie does not write DFP stories about Lathrop City Council races or candidates. For the duration of her candidacy, all DFP coverage of the Lathrop City Council election, the candidates, and campaign activity must be assigned to and written by a designated editor or contributor who is not a candidate.
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4RFA disclosures apply on Lathrop government stories. Radio Free America may continue to cover Lathrop City government. Any RFA story on Lathrop government matters carrying Torie Cortez's byline must include an editor's note disclosing her candidacy for Lathrop City Council.
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5Campaign communications are strictly separated from newsroom accounts. All campaign communications originate from Torie's designated campaign account only — never from newsroom@dismalfreedompress.org or torie@radiofreeamerica.press. Mixing campaign and newsroom communications is prohibited.
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6This policy is publicly posted. The DFP Campaign Firewall is published on dismalfreedom.press effective the date of Torie's candidacy filing and remains accessible for the duration of the campaign.
Why This Firewall Exists
This is an editorial firewall, not a topical one. It does not stop DFP from covering Lathrop. It stops a candidate from editing or writing stories that could directly affect her own electoral interests — and it requires us to say so publicly.
Independent newsrooms have a particular responsibility when their own staff enter the political arena. We believe transparency is the only credible response. Quiet recusal is not enough. Readers deserve to know the structural arrangement, not just trust that we've handled it internally.
This policy is also consistent with FPPC guidance and standard SPJ conflict-of-interest practice. It does not restrict Torie's right to run for office. It restricts the editorial role she plays at DFP while she does.
What This Means in Practice
If you are a source, public official, or reader with a tip or concern related to the Lathrop City Council race or campaign coverage, contact the newsroom at newsroom@dismalfreedompress.org. Your inquiry will be directed to a DFP editor who is not a candidate.
If you believe DFP has violated this firewall — through a story, an editorial decision, or a public statement — we want to know. Email newsroom@dismalfreedompress.org with the subject line Firewall Concern. We will respond.
Questions about this policy can also be directed to the newsroom. This page will be updated if the policy is amended.
Policy established May 16, 2026. Dismal Freedom Press is an independent investigative newsroom published by Rooted Creative Group LLC, 249 Commerce Ave #1042, Manteca, CA 95336. See also: Editorial Standards & Ethics Policy · Corrections Policy