Lisa Pickoff-White
@pickoffwhite.bsky.social
The California Reporting Project’s Director of Research, covering law enforcement in the Golden State. Based out of Berkeley Journalism’s Investigative Reporting Program. Former KQED. Nerd. Signal user
Pinned
CLEAN - KQED News
Search California public records about law enforcement violence and misconduct.
policerecords.kqed.org
We’ve launched a database with about 1.5 million pages of once-secret records detailing when law enforcement officers in California seriously injured someone or an agency found an officer violated policy with @kqednews.kqed.org, @sfchronicle.com @latimes.com @calmatters.org 1/
Reposted by Lisa Pickoff-White
the median reporter or editor makes $60,000 a year, which makes them slightly below the average U.S. income. www.bls.gov/ooh/media-an...
And the fact that the median salary of our media is in the upper-middle class plays a lot to do with it.
THEY were struggling (because they were above the income threshold for much of the relief), they then used their sizeable voices to tell people that it was the "working class" struggling.
THEY were struggling (because they were above the income threshold for much of the relief), they then used their sizeable voices to tell people that it was the "working class" struggling.
February 17, 2026 at 2:27 AM
the median reporter or editor makes $60,000 a year, which makes them slightly below the average U.S. income. www.bls.gov/ooh/media-an...
Reposted by Lisa Pickoff-White
BREAKING: The San Francisco teacher's strike is over. The 2 sides reached a deal early Friday morning.
Educators won fully funded family healthcare, 5% raises, some special education caseload reductions & more.
Students will be back in class next week.
missionlocal.org/2026/02/sf-t...
Educators won fully funded family healthcare, 5% raises, some special education caseload reductions & more.
Students will be back in class next week.
missionlocal.org/2026/02/sf-t...
Breaking: San Francisco teachers end 4-day strike with predawn deal
San Francisco educators ended the city's first educator walk-out in 47 years with a deal on higher wages, better healthcare, and more.
missionlocal.org
February 13, 2026 at 3:37 PM
BREAKING: The San Francisco teacher's strike is over. The 2 sides reached a deal early Friday morning.
Educators won fully funded family healthcare, 5% raises, some special education caseload reductions & more.
Students will be back in class next week.
missionlocal.org/2026/02/sf-t...
Educators won fully funded family healthcare, 5% raises, some special education caseload reductions & more.
Students will be back in class next week.
missionlocal.org/2026/02/sf-t...
Reposted by Lisa Pickoff-White
Habeas cases filed by immigrants claiming their detention is illegal have taken off to levels we have never seen before. Just look at that chart.
www.propublica.org/article/habe...
www.propublica.org/article/habe...
February 10, 2026 at 12:15 PM
Habeas cases filed by immigrants claiming their detention is illegal have taken off to levels we have never seen before. Just look at that chart.
www.propublica.org/article/habe...
www.propublica.org/article/habe...
Two of my passions: Dinosaurs and charts
![Comic. [2x2 chart. Top left quadrant: seem like dinosaurs x are dinosaurs. Silhouettes of dinosaurs stegosaurus, triceratops, tyrannosaurus, velociraptor, and long-neck dinosaur. Top right quadrant: seem like dinosaurs x are not dinosaurs. Silhouettes of mosasaur, quetzalcoatlus, dimetrodon, plesiosaur, and pteranodon. Bottom left quadrant: don’t seem like dinosaurs x are dinosaurs. Silhouettes of penguin, egret, ostrich, pigeon, falcon. Bottom right: don’t seem like dinosaurs x are not dinosaurs. Silhouettes of squirrel, stapler, plant, person, and bicycle.]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:cz73r7iyiqn26upot4jtjdhk/bafkreihcxd5wcrrf5nxz3g4riglsrccbucmdns6kxrtmtj6gjgwqibp3fi@jpeg)
February 10, 2026 at 12:06 AM
Two of my passions: Dinosaurs and charts
Reposted by Lisa Pickoff-White
Breaking: San Francisco public school principals and administrators, as well as school maintenance workers, say they will strike in solidarity with teachers in the event of a Monday walkout.
missionlocal.org/2026/02/scho...
missionlocal.org/2026/02/scho...
School principals, maintenance workers: If teachers strike, we will too
The unions representing principals and administrators as well as unionized maintenance workers vote to show solidarity with teachers
missionlocal.org
February 6, 2026 at 7:33 PM
Breaking: San Francisco public school principals and administrators, as well as school maintenance workers, say they will strike in solidarity with teachers in the event of a Monday walkout.
missionlocal.org/2026/02/scho...
missionlocal.org/2026/02/scho...
Reposted by Lisa Pickoff-White
The U.S. Virgin Islands always deserve transparency but especially when they're at the center of national news like the Epstein case.
We spoke to journalist @shirleysmithvi.bsky.social about her efforts to fix the territory's archaic public records laws.
We spoke to journalist @shirleysmithvi.bsky.social about her efforts to fix the territory's archaic public records laws.
A journalist’s campaign to fix public records law in the U.S. Virgin Islands
If journalists don’t advocate for their own rights, who will?
freedom.press
February 5, 2026 at 8:48 PM
The U.S. Virgin Islands always deserve transparency but especially when they're at the center of national news like the Epstein case.
We spoke to journalist @shirleysmithvi.bsky.social about her efforts to fix the territory's archaic public records laws.
We spoke to journalist @shirleysmithvi.bsky.social about her efforts to fix the territory's archaic public records laws.
Reposted by Lisa Pickoff-White
A lot of people cannot just start a paid newsletter or become freelancers to sustain their careers. The sports, metro, and international desks did work that requires *team* resources, like legal checks, documents, access to archives, and long-term beat experience.
February 4, 2026 at 2:42 PM
A lot of people cannot just start a paid newsletter or become freelancers to sustain their careers. The sports, metro, and international desks did work that requires *team* resources, like legal checks, documents, access to archives, and long-term beat experience.
Reposted by Lisa Pickoff-White
Glad to see change is coming after @audreydutton.bsky.social's great work on failures of Idaho's coroner system.
Idaho Seeks to Improve Its Troubled Coroner System and Lagging Child Autopsy Rates
An advisory panel is developing a bill to mandate autopsies in some circumstances, including unexplained child deaths. The state would help fund autopsies for coroners who get national certification, ...
www.propublica.org
February 4, 2026 at 3:27 PM
Glad to see change is coming after @audreydutton.bsky.social's great work on failures of Idaho's coroner system.
Reposted by Lisa Pickoff-White
EXCLUSIVE: Out-of-state police searched data collected by Connecticut license-plate cameras thousands of times on behalf of federal immigration officials, records show.
My latest w/ @ellanapack.bsky.social, @alexputterman.bsky.social and Eric Bedner. www.ctinsider.com/connecticut/... #nutmegsky
My latest w/ @ellanapack.bsky.social, @alexputterman.bsky.social and Eric Bedner. www.ctinsider.com/connecticut/... #nutmegsky
Out-of-state police are using Connecticut license plate camera data for immigration enforcement
A full record of which police departments are using the equipment is not kept by state officials.
www.ctinsider.com
February 3, 2026 at 6:27 PM
EXCLUSIVE: Out-of-state police searched data collected by Connecticut license-plate cameras thousands of times on behalf of federal immigration officials, records show.
My latest w/ @ellanapack.bsky.social, @alexputterman.bsky.social and Eric Bedner. www.ctinsider.com/connecticut/... #nutmegsky
My latest w/ @ellanapack.bsky.social, @alexputterman.bsky.social and Eric Bedner. www.ctinsider.com/connecticut/... #nutmegsky
Reposted by Lisa Pickoff-White
The decision follows the police department’s criticism last week of Flock Safety, the company supplying its automated license plate reader system, after an audit turned up alleged “unauthorized” use by federal law enforcement agencies.
localnewsmatters.org/2026/02/03/m...
localnewsmatters.org/2026/02/03/m...
Mountain View police turns off license plate readers after 'unauthorized' federal access - Local News Matters
Mountain View’s police chief said Monday that the city’s license plate reader cameras will be turned off until the City Council decides whether to keep Mountain View’s police chief said Monday that…
localnewsmatters.org
February 3, 2026 at 4:12 PM
The decision follows the police department’s criticism last week of Flock Safety, the company supplying its automated license plate reader system, after an audit turned up alleged “unauthorized” use by federal law enforcement agencies.
localnewsmatters.org/2026/02/03/m...
localnewsmatters.org/2026/02/03/m...
Reposted by Lisa Pickoff-White
‼️Applications are open for the inaugural TJA Reporting Fellowship!
Seven fellows will receive:
💰$5000 stipend over six months to offset reporting costs
👍🏾Dedicated mentorship and reporting guidance
🎯Targeted professional development
Find out more info www.transjournalists.org/reporting-fe....
Seven fellows will receive:
💰$5000 stipend over six months to offset reporting costs
👍🏾Dedicated mentorship and reporting guidance
🎯Targeted professional development
Find out more info www.transjournalists.org/reporting-fe....
February 3, 2026 at 3:54 PM
‼️Applications are open for the inaugural TJA Reporting Fellowship!
Seven fellows will receive:
💰$5000 stipend over six months to offset reporting costs
👍🏾Dedicated mentorship and reporting guidance
🎯Targeted professional development
Find out more info www.transjournalists.org/reporting-fe....
Seven fellows will receive:
💰$5000 stipend over six months to offset reporting costs
👍🏾Dedicated mentorship and reporting guidance
🎯Targeted professional development
Find out more info www.transjournalists.org/reporting-fe....
Reposted by Lisa Pickoff-White
A package of three proposals could loosen rules on BPD requesting K-9 and air support or using smoke, pepper spray or tear gas.
Berkeley could loosen rules on pepper spray, tear gas and other police gear
A package of three proposals could loosen rules on BPD requesting K-9 and air support or using smoke, pepper spray or tear gas.
www.berkeleyside.org
February 2, 2026 at 4:02 PM
A package of three proposals could loosen rules on BPD requesting K-9 and air support or using smoke, pepper spray or tear gas.
Reposted by Lisa Pickoff-White
IRE, the nation’s largest journalism association, calls on the federal government to drop these charges and to acknowledge and respect the rights of journalists covering protests across the country.
www.ire.org/2026/01/30/i...
www.ire.org/2026/01/30/i...
IRE condemns the arrests of journalists Don Lemon and Georgia Fort
Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE) strongly condemns the arrests of independent journalists Don Lemon and Georgia Fort, who covered a Jan. 18 protest against immigration enforcement at a church...
www.ire.org
January 30, 2026 at 8:56 PM
IRE, the nation’s largest journalism association, calls on the federal government to drop these charges and to acknowledge and respect the rights of journalists covering protests across the country.
www.ire.org/2026/01/30/i...
www.ire.org/2026/01/30/i...
Reposted by Lisa Pickoff-White
BIG news from @bloomberg.com, which confirms that ICE has gone ahead and *purchased* multiple commercial warehouses with the aim of converting them into mass detention camps.
This is likely to be the big detention story of 2026 — literal warehousing of people.
www.bloomberg.com/news/feature...
This is likely to be the big detention story of 2026 — literal warehousing of people.
www.bloomberg.com/news/feature...
ICE Begins Buying ‘Mega’ Warehouse Detention Centers Across US
Plans for such centers and jails in nearly two dozen communities have sparked protests over suitability, proximity to homes and schools.
www.bloomberg.com
January 30, 2026 at 4:47 PM
BIG news from @bloomberg.com, which confirms that ICE has gone ahead and *purchased* multiple commercial warehouses with the aim of converting them into mass detention camps.
This is likely to be the big detention story of 2026 — literal warehousing of people.
www.bloomberg.com/news/feature...
This is likely to be the big detention story of 2026 — literal warehousing of people.
www.bloomberg.com/news/feature...
Reposted by Lisa Pickoff-White
Georgia Fort, an independent journalist and vice president of the Minnesota NABJ chapter, was also arrested by federal agents this morning
I was sent this video of agents at her door:
I was sent this video of agents at her door:
January 30, 2026 at 2:58 PM
Georgia Fort, an independent journalist and vice president of the Minnesota NABJ chapter, was also arrested by federal agents this morning
I was sent this video of agents at her door:
I was sent this video of agents at her door:
Reposted by Lisa Pickoff-White
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — A former Illinois deputy has been sentenced to 20 years for fatally shooting Sonya Massey, who called 911 for help.
January 29, 2026 at 4:18 PM
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — A former Illinois deputy has been sentenced to 20 years for fatally shooting Sonya Massey, who called 911 for help.
Reposted by Lisa Pickoff-White
Yesenia had walked thousands of miles through the Darién Gap and through Mexico to get a modicum of safety and security for her children in Tucson. Then a traffic stop destroyed it all
@jwashing.bsky.social follows the story of one family after deportation
azluminaria.org/a-long-way-h...
@jwashing.bsky.social follows the story of one family after deportation
azluminaria.org/a-long-way-h...
A long way home - AZ Luminaria
One Tucson family’s harrowing journey from Venezuela through the heart of the anti-immigrant policies of México and the U.S.
azluminaria.org
January 29, 2026 at 4:42 PM
Yesenia had walked thousands of miles through the Darién Gap and through Mexico to get a modicum of safety and security for her children in Tucson. Then a traffic stop destroyed it all
@jwashing.bsky.social follows the story of one family after deportation
azluminaria.org/a-long-way-h...
@jwashing.bsky.social follows the story of one family after deportation
azluminaria.org/a-long-way-h...
Reposted by Lisa Pickoff-White
ICE agents would be disqualified from working in California law enforcement and inside the public school system under a new bill introduced in the Legislature this week.
California bill would ban ICE agents from jobs in teaching and policing
ICE agents would be disqualified from working in California law enforcement and inside the public school system under a new bill introduced in the Legislature this week.
bit.ly
January 28, 2026 at 12:20 AM
ICE agents would be disqualified from working in California law enforcement and inside the public school system under a new bill introduced in the Legislature this week.
Reposted by Lisa Pickoff-White
Scholarships+ is back in action, offering stipends of $250-$500 to support you to strengthen your skills, networks and connections in journalism. Going to a conference, looking for coaching, or designing something new? We want to know! Share your idea with us by Feb. 2:
OpenNews Scholarships+ 2026
We love helping people get support to strengthen their skills, networks and connections in journalism and technology! The Scholarships+ program is here to help you do just that. We offer $250 or $500 stipends to support your work through this program. This round of applications will prioritize programs taking place in the first half of 2026.
airtable.com
January 28, 2026 at 4:01 PM
Scholarships+ is back in action, offering stipends of $250-$500 to support you to strengthen your skills, networks and connections in journalism. Going to a conference, looking for coaching, or designing something new? We want to know! Share your idea with us by Feb. 2:
Reposted by Lisa Pickoff-White
Now is a great time to turn off autoplay for videos.
January 24, 2026 at 5:24 PM
Now is a great time to turn off autoplay for videos.
Reposted by Lisa Pickoff-White
"Bloomberg Law identified 41 incidents where law enforcement used The Wrap on someone who died. Officers and jail guards failed to follow the manufacturer’s instructions in 32 of the 41 deaths."
news.bloomberglaw.com/us-law-week/...
news.bloomberglaw.com/us-law-week/...
‘I Can’t Breathe.’ Police Use Restraint With Fatal Results
A Bloomberg Law exclusive investigation has revealed that 41 people across the country have died after police or jails used a full-body restraint called The Wrap to subdue people.
news.bloomberglaw.com
January 23, 2026 at 1:07 PM
"Bloomberg Law identified 41 incidents where law enforcement used The Wrap on someone who died. Officers and jail guards failed to follow the manufacturer’s instructions in 32 of the 41 deaths."
news.bloomberglaw.com/us-law-week/...
news.bloomberglaw.com/us-law-week/...
Reposted by Lisa Pickoff-White
We spent months and months figuring out how to connect generic drugs to the factories they were made in. A bunch of researchers asked us for our data, so we’re giving it away to everyone: www.propublica.org/article/rx-i...
ProPublica Publishes Unreleased Data on the Origins of Generic Prescription Drugs
The dataset powers our Rx Inspector tool, which lets you find the factories that made your generic drugs and their FDA inspection track records.
www.propublica.org
January 23, 2026 at 3:26 PM
We spent months and months figuring out how to connect generic drugs to the factories they were made in. A bunch of researchers asked us for our data, so we’re giving it away to everyone: www.propublica.org/article/rx-i...
Reposted by Lisa Pickoff-White
The DA charged an alleged gang leader with 4 murders. An ex-SF cop admitted to helping him sfstandard.com/2026/01/21/d...
The DA charged an alleged gang leader with 4 murders. An ex-SF cop admitted to helping him
A retired officer’s explosive story about his relationship with the suspect may jeopardize prosecutors’ case.
sfstandard.com
January 21, 2026 at 4:17 PM
The DA charged an alleged gang leader with 4 murders. An ex-SF cop admitted to helping him sfstandard.com/2026/01/21/d...
A policy limited pretext stops, like hanging an air freshener from a rearview mirror or missing a single tail light, as the primary reason for police a stop.
Previously, Black people, only about 5% of SF’s population, accounted for up to 40% of drivers searched.
missionlocal.org/2026/01/sfpd...
Previously, Black people, only about 5% of SF’s population, accounted for up to 40% of drivers searched.
missionlocal.org/2026/01/sfpd...
SFPD data shows racial disparity in traffic stops fell with new policy
After a lengthy and contentious process to restrict police “pretext” stops, early data shows improvements.
missionlocal.org
January 16, 2026 at 4:10 PM
A policy limited pretext stops, like hanging an air freshener from a rearview mirror or missing a single tail light, as the primary reason for police a stop.
Previously, Black people, only about 5% of SF’s population, accounted for up to 40% of drivers searched.
missionlocal.org/2026/01/sfpd...
Previously, Black people, only about 5% of SF’s population, accounted for up to 40% of drivers searched.
missionlocal.org/2026/01/sfpd...
Reposted by Lisa Pickoff-White
Second man shares horrific story of being blinded by officers at anti-ICE rally in Santa Ana
Second man shares horrific story of being blinded by officers at anti-ICE rally in Santa Ana
A second man says he was blinded by ICE agents shooting a projectile at a protest in Santa Ana. Britain Rodriguez, 31, a resident of Orange County, said he was standing at the bottom of a set up steps when federal officers above opened fire, hitting him in the eye.
www.latimes.com
January 16, 2026 at 1:05 PM
Second man shares horrific story of being blinded by officers at anti-ICE rally in Santa Ana