PRESS RELEASE--The California First Amendment Coalition has named three new members to its Board of Directors:  Jay Harris, Publisher of Mother Jones magazine, and lawyers Edward Davis, partner at the Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe law firm in San Francisco, and Judy Alexander, owner of Judy Alexander Law in Capitola.

Harris has been Publisher of Mother Jones and Chief Executive Officer of its nonprofit parent, the Foundation for National Progress, since 1991.  In 2001 Mother Jones was awarded the National Magazine Award for General Excellence, and was again a finalist in 2003.  Harris is also the vice-chair of the Independent Press Association and is a director for Free Speech TV.

Edward Davis has years of experience in representing both traditional and new media clients. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Institute for the Study and Development of Legal Systems (ISDLS) and has taught at Santa Clara University School of Law, Stanford Law School, and Hastings College of Law.

Judy Alexander is a Director and former President of the Center for Investigative Reporting in Berkeley. She has represented news media and free speech advocates in numerous cases, including litigation for CFAC. In private practice Alexander specializes inn media and First Amendment issues, including federal and state freedom of information matters, open meeting laws, and internet publishing liability.

James Chadwick, CFAC President, said, “CFAC’s mission and membership are growing, so CFAC is expanding its Board of Directors as well, “ said James Chadwick, CFAC’s President.  “Jay, Judy, and Ed are steeped in the practicalities of putting the First Amendment and open government to work for everyone.  They’re bringing that expertise to CFAC, and they’ll be invaluable additions to the Board,” he said.

CFAC is a nonprofit advocacy organization committed to freedom of speech and open government. The San Rafael-based organization celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2008.