Court Opinion

ID: 4165826
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2017-05-03 17:07:35.254285+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T14:38:13.524839
License: Public Domain

Filed 5/3/17

                            CERTIFIED FOR PUBLICATION

                COURT OF APPEAL, FOURTH APPELLATE DISTRICT

                                      DIVISION ONE

                                   STATE OF CALIFORNIA

SAN DIEGANS FOR OPEN                           D069189
GOVERNMENT,

        Plaintiff and Appellant,
                                               (Super. Ct. No. 37-2015-00011951-
        v.                                                     CU-MC-CTL)

SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY
RESEARCH FOUNDATION et al.,

        Defendants and Respondents;

INVESTIGATIVE NEWSOURCE et al.,

     Real Parties in Interest and
Respondents.

        APPEAL from an order of the Superior Court of San Diego County, Eddie C.

Sturgeon, Judge. Affirmed.

        Leibold McClendon & Mann and John G. McClendon for Plaintiff and Appellant.

        Butz Dunn & DeSantis, Higgs Fletcher & Mack, Douglas M. Butz and Joy L.

Homze for Defendants and Respondents.
       Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton, Guylyn R. Cummins and Valerie E. Alter

for Real Parties in Interest and Respondents.

       A free press is a foundation of citizen participation in government because the

press informs people about issues of public concern and provides a place for debate about

public issues. A lawsuit filed primarily to chill the valid exercise of free speech is called

a SLAPP suit and, if without merit, such an action may be dismissed early under Code of

Civil Procedure1 section 425.16 in what is commonly known as an anti-SLAPP motion.2

       In this anti-SLAPP case, investigative newsource (inewsource), an independent,

nonprofit journalism organization, entered into contracts with KPBS, San Diego's public

radio and television station, to gather and produce news stories with and for KPBS, in

exchange for the right to use KPBS offices, media equipment, and related news facilities.

KPBS is a department of San Diego State University (SDSU), and inewsource and KPBS

have jointly created hundreds of news stories.

       In February 2015 inewsource began publishing articles critical of attorney Cory

Briggs. For example, one was entitled "Cory Briggs' Land Deals Raise Ethical Legal

Questions" and another was called "San Diego Attorney's Environmental Lawsuits Could

Be Tainted by Conflict of Interest."

1      All statutory references are to the Code of Civil Procedure unless otherwise
specified.

2      "'SLAPP' is an acronym for 'strategic lawsuit against public participation.'" (Baral
v. Schnitt (2016) 1 Cal.5th 376, 381, fn. 1 (Baral).)
                                              2
       After inewsource published about a dozen more critical stories about Briggs, San

Diegans for Open Government (SDOG)—an entity inewsource reported is controlled by

Briggs—sued inewsource, along with its founder, Loretta Hearn, and also SDSU,

California State University (CSU), and San Diego State University Research Foundation

(SDSURF).

       The gist of SDOG's complaint is the contracts between KPBS and inewsource

violate statutory prohibitions on self-dealing involving public funds because Hearn was

allegedly influencing both sides of the transaction—for SDSU as a faculty member, and

for inewsource as its executive director. SDOG also alleges inewsource and Hearn

misappropriated the names KPBS and SDSU.

       Asserting SDOG's lawsuit is based on the exercise of their constitutionally

protected speech rights and lacked merit, Defendants3 brought anti-SLAPP motions. The

court granted the motions.

       SDOG appeals, contending the anti-SLAPP statute does not apply because (1) its

lawsuit is a public interest lawsuit, exempt from the anti-SLAPP law under section

425.17, subdivision (b); and (2) the exception to that exemption for media defendants

under section 425.17, subdivision (d) is inapplicable because its lawsuit has "nothing to

do with stopping news reporting" but is instead directed to stopping "self-dealing by a

public employee."

3     "Defendants" refers to the entities and persons SDOG named as defendants and
respondents, together with those named as defendants and real parties in interest, in their
complaint.
                                             3
       Alternatively, SDOG asserts that if the anti-SLAPP statute applies, the order

should be reversed because (1) its lawsuit is not directed at protected activity; and (2)

even if it is, SDOG established a probability of prevailing.

       We affirm. Reporting news is protected speech. (Hunter v. CBS Broadcasting,

Inc. (2013) 221 Cal.App.4th 1510, 1521 (Hunter).) News stories addressing issues of

public interest do not arise out of thin air. They often require newsgathering using

offices, internet access, studios, and production services. Providing office space and

related newsgathering facilities in exchange for investigative news stories furthers

protected speech. SDOG's lawsuit is therefore squarely within the anti-SLAPP statute,

which protects not only speech, but also "conduct in furtherance of the exercise of the

constitutional right of . . . free speech in connection with a public issue or an issue of

public interest." (§ 425.16, subd. (e), italics added.)

       We reject SDOG's assertion that the anti-SLAPP statute does not apply because its

lawsuit targets unlawful self-dealing, not protected speech. SDOG's argument

improperly conflates distinct issues of conduct and motive. In determining whether the

anti-SLAPP statute applies, the appropriate focus is on the alleged injury-producing

conduct (here, the KPBS-inewsource contracts), and not the defendant's alleged wrongful

motive for engaging in that conduct (here, alleged self-dealing). (Hunter, supra, 221

Cal.App.4th at pp. 1521-1523.)

       Moreover, SDOG's reliance on the public interest exemption to the anti-SLAPP

statute in section 425.17, subdivision (b) is unavailing. That exemption does not apply to

actions such as this one against news media engaged in newsgathering conduct.

                                               4
(§ 425.17, subd. (d)(1); Major v. Silna (2005) 134 Cal.App.4th 1485, 1496-1497

(Major).)

       Last, SDOG's claims fail on the merits because SDOG offered no admissible

evidence to support its claims. SDOG's attempt to fill the evidentiary void by relying on

allegations in its verified complaint is insufficient as a matter of law. (Brodeur v. Atlas

Entertainment, Inc. (2016) 248 Cal.App.4th 665, 679 (Brodeur).)

                   FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

       A. The News Media Parties

       Hearn has been a professional journalist since 1974. In 2009 she founded

inewsource, which creates investigative news stories on public issues.

       KPBS is a media entity operating as a public service of SDSU. KPBS, with

broadcast facilities on the SDSU campus, delivers news and entertainment programming

through television, radio, and digital media.

       SDSURF is a nonprofit corporation and a separate legal entity from SDSU. For

over 34 years, SDSURF has provided KPBS with financial accounting, tax reporting, and

administrative support.

       In 2010 KPBS began publishing inewsource news stories. Reporters for these two

organizations also began working together on stories of public interest.

       B. The 2012 Agreement for Collaboration Between Inewsource and KPBS

       In the fall of 2011, KPBS remodeled its newsroom and began a nightly news

television show. Hearn asked KPBS's station manager, Deanna Mackey, about moving

inewsource into the remodeled KPBS newsroom because inewsource was looking for a

                                                5
reliable audience for its investigative news. Hearn's proposal interested KPBS, which

was looking for more investigative news content.

       In 2012 KPBS and inewsource entered into a contract under which KPBS agreed

to provide inewsource newsroom space to allow inewsource reporters to work closely

with KPBS editors, reporters, and producers on collaborative work (the 2012

Agreement).4 In exchange, inewsource agreed to give KPBS all of its news content for

distribution on radio, television, and the Internet. KPBS characterizes this relationship

with inewsource as a "partnership" that contemplates "joint story telling."

       Under the 2012 Agreement, KPBS agreed to provide inewsource with offices,

furniture, studios and production areas, telephone and internet connections, and news

gathering equipment. KPBS also agreed to invite inewsource employees to daily news

meetings.

       In exchange, inewsource agreed to provide KPBS with 10 "substantial data driven

stories" during the term and one "Watchdog feature per month," plus a "[w]eekly data

brief on a topic of interest to KPBS' audience." Inewsource also agreed to provide

reporters to KPBS and to provide KPBS access to its databases.

       KPBS did not competitively bid the 2012 Agreement. Mackey, KPBS's station

manager who participated in drafting the 2012 Agreement, stated such a contract would

"never be subject to open bidding" because "content is qualitative" and "[p]artnerships

between news organizations require trust . . . ." Mackey stated KPBS "only partners with

4      The 2012 Agreement also states SDSURF is a party to that agreement and the
"contracting and fiscal agent for KPBS."
                                             6
news organizations whose accuracy and content have proven to be trustworthy, such as

inewsource." Vince Petronzio, associate general manager for business and financial

affairs at KPBS, similarly stated that "KPBS does not solicit open bids for content-based

contracts." He explained, "In fact, because content is unique and qualitative, it would

never be subject to open bidding. . . . KPBS receives significant value from its

partnership with inewsource because inewsource stories enhance the coverage that KPBS

can provide to its audience." He added, "The partnership between KPBS and inewsource

is definitely a value-for-value partnership."

       In a declaration, Hearn asserted she negotiated the 2012 Agreement only on behalf

of inewsource. Mackey and Suzanne Marmion, director of news and editorial strategy

for KPBS, negotiated the 2012 Agreement for KPBS. Neither Mackey nor Marmion has

any financial interest in inewsource. In 2012, although Hearn occasionally volunteered

as a guest lecturer for SDSU's school of journalism, she was not employed by SDSU and

held no executive or managerial role at SDSU.

       Hearn's declaration states she has never been a KPBS board member or KPBS

employee and has "never been in a position to influence [the KPBS] decision-making

process or outcome in any way." She has never been a tenured or tenured-track SDSU

professor, nor a department head, advisory board member, committee member, director,

officer, or department chairperson. Hearn has never been employed by SDSURF.

                                                7
      C. The 2015 Extension and Lease

      In 2015 inewsource and KPBS extended the 2012 Agreement (the 2015

extension).5 They also entered into a new lease (2015 lease) under which KPBS leased

office space, conference rooms, studios, and production areas to inewsource for its

reporters to use "for the benefit of securing investigative news content for KPBS." Rent

under the 2015 lease was only one dollar; however, KPBS's station manager stated KPBS

received "significant value" from this agreement because "inewsource stories enhance the

coverage that KPBS can provide to its audience."

      Hearn states she negotiated the 2015 extension and 2015 lease only on behalf of

inewsource. Mackey and Marmion negotiated on behalf of KPBS. In 2015 Hearn was an

adjunct professor of journalism at SDSU, teaching a three-unit class. SDSU paid Hearn

for her teaching time at its standard rate, and she received no other benefits from SDSU.

Hearn's declaration states she did not occupy any position of control or decision-making

authority with SDSU, SDSURF, or KPBS.

      D. Nature of KPBS and Inewsource Collaboration

      Inewsource and KPBS have jointly created and distributed more than 285 stories.

In most, inewsource reports the news, with input from KPBS editors and using KPBS

videographers. In other cases, KPBS reporters do the reporting and inewsource reporters

edit. Occasionally, KPBS and inewsource collaborate to jointly report stories. In all

5     SDSURF is also a party to the 2015 extension and lease agreement.

                                            8
these situations, inewsource reporters work closely with KPBS editors and producers on

content for KPBS.

         E. Inewsource Articles About Briggs

         In February 2015 inewsource began publishing uncomplimentary stories about

Briggs. For example, one was entitled, "San Diego Attorney's Environmental Lawsuits

Could Be Tainted by Conflict of Interest." There, inewsource reported that Briggs's wife,

Sarichia Cacciatore, was listed as a project manager on a contract her employer had with

a government entity at the same time Briggs was suing that entity over environmental

matters. Briggs responded by stating on his website, "My wife has a job, and I have a

job. We don't talk about or share client confidences, and we take measures to avoid

creating any conflicts. There isn't anything illegal, unethical, or even unusual about this

either."

         The next day, in an article entitled, "Document Links Briggs' Wife to His Law

Business," inewsource reported that Cacciatore was listed as vice president of Briggs's

law firm at the same time she worked on projects for government agencies Briggs was

suing.

         On February 25, 2015, inewsource reprinted a letter Briggs posted on his website,

defending his conduct and stating, "My clients aren't wealthy corporations. There are

people who have to fight and need a lawyer to represent them but often can't pay right

away. I still fight for them."

         On March 3, 2015, inewsource published three more articles about Briggs. These

were entitled "Behind the Briggs Investigation," "Helix: Briggs' Wife Did Not Disclose

                                               9
VP Role in His Law Firm," and "Contested Transcript of San Diego Attorney Cory

Briggs' Wife Released."

       In these articles, inewsource reported that Cacciatore was employed by an

environmental company that has done work for the City of San Diego (the City)—and

that Briggs sued the City regarding one of these projects. Inewsource reported, "Records

released Monday confirm Cory Briggs' wife was vice president of the Briggs Law

Corp[oration] for the past 'twenty years,' which means she was an officer of the law firm

he used to sue the [City] at the same time she worked for a company on contract with the

city." Briggs responded, stating Cacciatore was vice president of his law corporation "for

reasons having nothing to do with running the firm and everything to do with things like

estate planning . . . ."

       On March 10, 2015, inewsource reported that Briggs had sued the City about at

least one project Cacciatore worked on "directly."

       On March 30, 2015, Cacciatore and Briggs wrote to KPBS "to give you notice of

our demand, and to make that demand, for correction and retraction of false, inaccurate,

and/or misleading reporting that may have been disseminated by KPBS . . . ."

Inewsource and KPBS responded, stating it was "unaware of any false fact" in its story.

       On April 7, 2015, inewsource reported that the environmental firm employing

Cacciatore had agreed to pay the City $143,000 to resolve the potential conflict of

interest claim. Earlier, Briggs wrote, "'There isn't anything illegal, unethical or even

unusual'" about Cacciatore's employment and relationship to Briggs.

                                             10
       One day later, inewsource published another article about Briggs, reporting

Cacciatore played a "key role" in an environmental review of a project near the Mexican

border. The article states Briggs filed a lawsuit alleging inadequacies in that project's

analysis of biological impacts, and Cacciatore—vice president of Briggs's law firm—was

the project's biologist. Inewsource also reported that Briggs had sued "at least 15

government agencies" that had contracted with the environmental firm employing

Cacciatore. The article states Briggs operates through nonprofit corporations, including

SDOG, which are actually run by Briggs's associates, including his cousin. The article

states, "Experts in legal ethics have told inewsource the connection between Briggs and

[his wife] is a 'horrible' and 'problematic' conflict of interest." The article explains:

           "Briggs' lawsuits against the [City] have cost taxpayers a significant
           amount of money over the years. But there was an undisclosed
           conflict of interest behind at least two of them, posing ethical and
           legal issues that recently resulted in a taxpayer settlement."

       On April 9, 2015, inewsource published Cacciatore's demand for correction and

retraction, along with inewsource's lawyer's point-by-point response, refuting Briggs's

assertions. The same day, SDOG filed the instant action. However, SDOG did not serve

Hearn with the lawsuit until June 2015.

       F. Inewsource Publishes Another Article About Briggs

       In the meantime, in late May 2015, inewsource published another

uncomplimentary article about Briggs entitled "Briggs-Associated Nonprofits Flout State,

Federal Laws." There, inewsource reported, "Briggs and his law firm have sued on

behalf of more than 30 charitable nonprofits, almost all of which he and his family helped

                                              11
create." Inewsource also reported that SDOG's officers have "stated under oath that

Briggs Law Corp[oration] oversees and pays for nearly every aspect of the group's

operation" and that SDOG "does not have a penny to its name":

          "According to depositions and other court filings, Briggs and his law
          firm hold and maintain all the group's [SDOG's] corporate records,
          file and pay for its lawsuits, its annual registration fees and filings
          with the state and federal governments, control its Facebook and
          Twitter accounts; and collect all settlements and judgment when the
          group prevails in court.

          "[SDOG] doesn't have a penny to its name—nor has it recorded any
          revenue or expenses with the federal or state agencies, according to
          government records."

       Responding, SDOG's corporate secretary explained SDOG has no checking or

savings account because it wants to operate "as simply and cleanly as possible." He also

explained that when SDOG loses a case, Briggs does not get reimbursed for his time or

expenses, and he is willing to "risk substantial loss to fight the well-funded groups he

takes on for us."

       G. SDOG's Complaint

       The crux of SDOG's lawsuit here is its assertion the 2012 Agreement and 2015

lease violate prohibitions on self-dealing and use of public funds for private benefit, and

therefore are void. The first cause of action is entitled, "Illegality of 2012 Agreement."

SDOG alleges that agreement violated Government Code section 1090 because Hearn

was then employed by SDSU and therefore had a financial interest on both sides of the

                                             12
transaction.6 SDOG also alleges the 2012 Agreement should have been subject to a

competitive bid process just like a construction contract or other public works project.

       SDOG's second cause of action alleges the 2015 lease (referred to in the complaint

as the 2014 lease) was negotiated or executed by Hearn in her official capacity as a

SDSU employee while she had a conflicting financial interest as inewsource's executive

director. SDOG alleges Hearn used her position as a SDSU lecturer to "secure approval"

of the 2012 Agreement and 2015 lease for the benefit of inewsource, in violation of

Government Code section 8314.7 SDOG also alleges inewsource infringed KPBS's and

SDSU's trademarks by using them without permission and without paying compensation.

       H. Anti-SLAPP Motions

       Inewsource and Hearn filed an anti-SLAPP motion, accompanied by a request for

judicial notice, 81 documentary exhibits, and declarations of Hearn, Norma Clark

(SDSURF's associate executive director of facilities planning and management), Mackey,

and Brad Racino, an inewsource reporter.

       Inewsource and Hearn asserted SDOG's complaint attacked protected activity

under the anti-SLAPP statute; namely, the partnership between KPBS and inewsource for

6      Government Code section 1090, subdivision (a) provides in part: "Members of the
Legislature, state, county, district, judicial district, and city officers or employees shall
not be financially interested in any contract made by them in their official capacity, or by
any body or board of which they are members."

7      Government Code section 8314, subdivision (a) provides: "It is unlawful for any
elected state or local officer, including any state or local appointee, employee, or
consultant, to use or permit others to use public resources for a campaign activity, or
personal or other purposes which are not authorized by law."
                                             13
gathering and reporting news. They also presented admissible evidence showing SDOG's

claims lacked merit. For example, Hearn's declaration states:

          "[SDOG] alleges that the 2012 Agreement . . . 'was negotiated and/or
          executed by one or more CSU, SDSU, and/or SDSU[R]F officials or
          employees in their official capacities who, at the time of the
          contract's negotiating and/or execution, had a financial interest in the
          contract in violation of Government Code section 1090 and other
          conflict-of-interest laws, including but not limited to [Hearn].' This
          statement is false. I negotiated the 2012 Agreement between
          inewsource and KPBS on behalf of inewsource. I did not negotiate
          on behalf of KPBS and had no role whatsoever—much less
          authority, decision-making power, or influence—on the KPBS side
          of the negotiations. Deanna Mackey, KPBS station manager, and
          Suzanne Marmion, director of news and editorial strategy,
          negotiated on behalf of KPBS."

       Hearn similarly refuted SDOG's allegations she received personal benefits from

the 2015 lease. Asserting "Briggs controls SDOG as his alter ego," Hearn and

inewsource sought an award of attorney fees "jointly" against SDOG and Briggs.8

       The Trustees of the California State University (Trustees) and SDSURF

(collectively University defendants) also filed an anti-SLAPP motion.9 The University

defendants accompanied their motion with documentary exhibits and declarations of Bob

8       SDOG has filed a request for judicial notice of a March 18, 2016 order, where the
trial court denied Defendants' request for an award of attorney fees jointly and severally
against SDOG and Briggs. As explained post, it is unnecessary for us to decide the alter
ego issue on appeal, and we express no opinion on that issue. Accordingly, SDOG's
request for judicial notice, filed June 1, 2016, is denied because the March 18, 2016 order
is not relevant to any issue on appeal. (Scruby v. Vintage Grapevine, Inc. (1995) 37
Cal.App.4th 697, 701, fn.1 (Scruby).)

9      The Trustees' motion states SDOG erroneously sued them as CSU and SDSU.
                                            14
Wolfson (SDSURF's executive director), Petronzio (KPBS associate general manager of

business and financial affairs), Mackey (KPBS station manager), and Hearn.

       The University defendants asserted that SDOG's complaint was governed by the

anti-SLAPP statute because the action is based on agreements for collaborative news

reporting. They also asserted the public interest lawsuit exemption to the anti-SLAPP

statute in section 425.17, subdivision (b) did not apply because under section 426.17,

subdivision (d) and Ingels v. Westwood One Broadcasting Services, Inc. (2005) 129

Cal.App.4th 1050 (Ingels), news gathering and reporting are exceptions to the public

interest lawsuit exemption. On the merits, the University defendants asserted SDOG's

claims fail because Hearn did not make the 2012 Agreement or 2015 lease in her "official

capacity" as an SDSU adjunct professor, and she had no control or decision-making

authority for SDSU. They also asserted SDOG's trademark infringement claim failed on

several alternative grounds.

       SDOG filed opposition, primarily asserting its action was exempt from the anti-

SLAPP statute under section 426.17, subdivision (b). SDOG also asserted its claims did

not arise from Defendants' protected activity, but rather Defendants' unlawful self-dealing

contracts.10

10      At the hearing, SDOG's attorney made the same point, asserting, "The gravamen
of this case in the complaint is we're claiming gift of public funds, breach of California
statute, violation of the conflict of interest law [Government Code section] 1090. That's
the gravamen. It has nothing to do whatsoever with their news gathering. That's the
issue here."
                                            15
       On the merits, relying on Hub City Solid Waste Services, Inc. v. City of Compton

(2010) 186 Cal.App.4th 1114 (Hub City), SDOG asserted there was a triable issue

whether Hearn "exerted a level of influence in a capacity that demands the public

trust . . . ." Addressing the trademark claim, SDOG asserted Defendants had not

demonstrated SDSU received compensation from, or authorized, inewsource to use the

SDSU trademark. SDOG supported its opposition with two declarations from its

attorney, John McClendon. Those declarations contain no factual assertions other than an

attempt to authenticate SDOG's verified complaint, the CSU Handbook on Contracts and

Procurement, CSU's website section on CSU auxiliary organizations, a deposition

transcript in San Diegans for Open Government v. City of San Diego (Super. Ct. San

Diego County, 2012, No. 37-2012-00088065), restated articles of incorporation for

SDOG, and a statement attributed to Hearn in an Internet article about this case.

       In reply, Defendants asserted SDOG failed to offer any admissible evidence to

support its claims. At the hearing, inewsource's attorney made the same point, stating:

          "[T]he evidence is undisputed from all the defendants and all the
          people involved in these transactions, Ms. Hearn had no position,
          power, decision-making ability or influence on the KPBS side of the
          coin. In fact, I think it really borders on the ridiculous that a part-
          time professor of a . . . three-hour class, up against huge corporations
          that have sophisticated boards of directors, officers and attorneys
          have any real influence in this decision as a matter of law. The
          record is clear, there's no evidence of any influence or power-
          making decision because none exists. She negotiates on behalf of
          inewsource[,] and the university[] and KPBS had their team of
          people that negotiated for KPBS."

       After taking the matter under submission, the court granted the anti-SLAPP

motions. The court determined SDOG's claims were "based upon contracts to investigate

                                            16
and report on the news" within the meaning of section 425.17, subdivision (d). The court

also determined the action "arises from protected activity" because "the contracts at issue

are inextricably related to news gathering and dissemination." Stating SDOG was

required to submit admissible evidence to establish it can prevail, the court ruled,

"Plaintiff did not meet its burden of showing by competent and admissible evidence that

it has a probability of prevailing on the merits of its claim."

                                        DISCUSSION

         I. THE COURT PROPERLY GRANTED THE ANTI-SLAPP MOTIONS

       A. General Anti-SLAPP Principles

       Section 425.16 provides in part, "A cause of action against a person arising from

any act of that person in furtherance of the person's right of petition or free speech under

the United States Constitution or the California Constitution in connection with a public

issue shall be subject to a special motion to strike, unless the court determines that the

plaintiff has established that there is a probability that the plaintiff will prevail on the

claim." (§ 425.16, subd. (b)(1).)

       "'The purpose of the anti-SLAPP statute is to encourage participation in matters of

public significance and prevent meritless litigation designed to chill the exercise of First

Amendment rights. [Citation.] The Legislature has declared that the statute must be

"construed broadly" to that end.'" (Hawran v. Hixson (2012) 209 Cal.App.4th 256, 268;

(§ 425.16, subd. (a).) "The point of the anti-SLAPP statute is that you have a right not to

be dragged through the courts because you exercised your constitutional rights." (People

ex rel. Lockyer v. Brar (2004) 115 Cal.App.4th 1315, 1317.)

                                               17
       1. Threshold issue—is there an applicable exemption?

       A threshold consideration in evaluating an anti-SLAPP motion is whether the

plaintiff's lawsuit is exempt from the anti-SLAPP statute. (Navarro v. IHOP Properties,

Inc. (2005) 134 Cal.App.4th 834, 840; Save Westwood Village v. Luskin (2014) 233

Cal.App.4th 135, 143.) Relevant here, section 425.17, subdivision (b) provides the anti-

SLAPP statute does not apply to "any action brought solely in the public interest" if (1)

"[t]he plaintiff does not seek any relief greater than or different from the relief sought for

the general public"; (2) the action, if successful, would "enforce an important right

affecting the public interest, and would confer a significant benefit, whether pecuniary or

nonpecuniary, on the general public"; and (3) "[p]rivate enforcement is necessary and

places a disproportionate financial burden on the plaintiff in relation to the plaintiff's

stake in the matter."

       Section 425.17, subdivision (b) thus provides a "safe harbor" for a plaintiff from

having to satisfy the anti-SLAPP statute. (See Holbrook v. City of Santa Monica (2006)

144 Cal.App.4th 1242, 1249.) As an exception to the anti-SLAPP statute, it is to be

"narrowly interpreted." (Club Members for an Honest Election v. Sierra Club (2008) 45

Cal.4th 309, 319.)

       Although section 425.17, subdivision (b) provides that certain public interest

lawsuits are exempt from the anti-SLAPP statute, subdivisions (d)(1) and (d)(2) of that

statute provide exceptions to that exemption for the news media "when the underlying act

relates to news gathering and reporting to the public . . . ." (Major, supra, 134

Cal.App.4th at p. 1496.) Thus, regardless of whether the plaintiff's action is a public

                                              18
interest lawsuit under section 425.17, subdivision (b), if section 425.17, subdivision (d)

also applies, the defendant may bring an anti-SLAPP motion.

       2. Protected activity

       If the court determines the action is not exempt from the anti-SLAPP statute, it

must then address whether the complaint should be stricken under section 425.16.

Resolving that issue involves two steps. "First, the defendant must establish that the

challenged claim arises from activity protected by section 425.16." (Baral, supra, 1

Cal.5th at p. 384.) The defendant meets this burden by showing the act underlying the

plaintiff's cause of action fits one of the categories of protected speech enumerated in

section 425.16, subdivision (e). (Navellier v. Sletten (2002) 29 Cal.4th 82, 88

(Navellier).)

       Section 425.16, subdivision (e) sets forth four categories of protected activity.

Relevant here, section 425.16, subdivision (e) defines protected activity to include

"any . . . conduct in furtherance of the exercise of the constitutional right of . . . free

speech in connection with a public issue or an issue of public interest." This category

"extends the protection of the anti-SLAPP statute beyond actual instances of free speech

to 'all conduct in furtherance of the exercise of the right of free speech in connection with

a public issue.'" (Collier v. Harris (2015) 240 Cal.App.4th 41, 51 (Collier), italics

omitted.)

       In determining whether a cause of action arises from protected activity, the court

disregards the label of the claim and instead examines the principal thrust or gravamen of

the plaintiff's cause of action. The court does this "'"by identifying '[t]he allegedly

                                               19
wrongful and injury-producing . . . conduct that provides the foundation for the claim.'"'"

(Hunter, supra, 221 Cal.App.4th at p. 1520.) "In the anti-SLAPP context, the critical

consideration is whether the cause of action is based on the defendant's protected free

speech or petitioning activity." (Navellier, supra, 29 Cal.4th at p. 89.) In making this

determination, the court "shall consider the pleadings, and supporting and opposing

affidavits stating the facts upon which the liability . . . is based." (§ 425.16, subd. (b)(2).)

          The anti-SLAPP statute's focus is not the form of the plaintiff's action, but rather

the defendant's activity that gives rise to his or her asserted liability, and whether that

activity constitutes protected speech. (Navellier, supra, 29 Cal.4th at p. 92.) "Nothing in

the statute . . . categorically excludes any particular type of action from its operation."

(Ibid.)

          Courts must be careful to distinguish allegations of conduct on which liability is

based from allegations of motives for such conduct. The court reviews the parties'

pleadings, declarations, and other supporting documents to determine what conduct is

actually being challenged, not to determine whether the conduct is actionable. (Hunter,

supra, 221 Cal.App.4th at p. 1520.)

          3. Prima facie case established by admissible evidence

          "If the defendant makes the required showing, the burden shifts to the plaintiff to

demonstrate the merit of the claim by establishing a probability of success." (Baral,

supra, 1 Cal.5th at p. 384.) The California Supreme Court has characterized this step as a

"'summary-judgment-like procedure.'" (Ibid.) In analyzing whether the plaintiff has

demonstrated a probability of prevailing on the merits, the court measures the plaintiff's

                                                20
showing against a standard similar to that used in deciding a motion for nonsuit, directed

verdict, or summary judgment. The court determines only whether the plaintiff has made

a prima facie showing of facts that would support a judgment if proved at trial. The court

does not weigh the plaintiff's evidence. However, the plaintiff may not rely solely on its

complaint, even if verified; instead, its proof must be made upon competent admissible

evidence. (Oviedo v. Windsor Twelve Properties, LLC (2012) 212 Cal.App.4th 97, 109

(Oviedo); Brodeur, supra, 248 Cal.App.4th at p. 679.)

       It is important to note the anti-SLAPP statute does not immunize or insulate

Defendants from any liability for claims arising from protected activity. It only provides

a procedure for weeding out, at an early stage, such claims that are meritless. (Baral,

supra, 1 Cal.5th at p. 384; Navellier, supra, 29 Cal.4th at p. 89.)

       B. The Standard of Review

       We review an order granting or denying an anti-SLAPP motion de novo. (Oasis

West Realty, LLC v. Goldman (2011) 51 Cal.4th 811, 820.)

       C. The Media Exception to the Public Interest Exemption Applies Here

       1. The parties' contentions

       The threshold issue in this case is whether SDOG's complaint is exempt from the

anti-SLAPP statute as a public interest lawsuit under section 425.17, subdivision (b).

       SDOG asserts this exemption applies because (1) SDOG does not seek any direct

relief greater than or different from the relief sought by the general public, such as

individual money damages; (2) the action enforces an important public right prohibiting

self-dealing; (3) private enforcement is necessary, with SDOG bearing a disproportionate

                                             21
burden because it has no possibility of recovering money in this case. Indeed,

anticipating Defendants would bring anti-SLAPP motions, SDOG's complaint alleges,

"No matter how any portion of this pleading's allegations or prayer is construed, in no

way does [SDOG] intend to assert a claim or seek relief that is inconsistent with" the

public interest exemption in section 425.17, subdivision (b).11

       Inewsource contends the public interest exemption in section 425.17, subdivision

(b) does not apply, asserting, "[I]t is clear this lawsuit is not brought in the public interest,

but rather to silence inewsource negative coverage of Briggs." Inewsource contends

"substantial evidence establishes" SDOG is the "alter ego" of Briggs and his law firm.

The University defendants make the same arguments, asserting, "[T]here is strong

evidence that this lawsuit was brought to silence inewsource from publishing unflattering

stores about attorney Cory Briggs."

       The University defendants also contend that in determining whether SDOG's

complaint is encompassed within section 425.17, subdivision (b), we should consider

evidence on the merits, including declarations stating Hearn did not hold a

decisionmaking position at SDSU or with KPBS. The University defendants contend that

if such evidence "defeats" the plaintiff's mere allegations in its complaint, "the court

should find that the plaintiff has not met its burden" to establish the public interest

lawsuit exemption to the anti-SLAPP statute applies.

11      We have no occasion in this case to consider or decide whether such an allegation
is effective to bring a lawsuit within the public interest exemption in section 425.17,
subdivision (b), and we express no opinion on that issue.
                                               22
       The University defendants acknowledge that in Tourgeman v. Nelson Kennard

(2014) 222 Cal.App.4th 1447, 1466 (Tourgeman), this court rejected a similar argument.

There, we held the applicability of the public interest exemption is determined by

examining the allegations of the complaint alone. More recently, in San Diegans for

Open Government v. Har Construction, Inc. (2015) 240 Cal.App.4th 611, 628 (Har

Construction), this court approvingly cited Tourgeman for the same rule, stating whether

the public interest exemption in section 425.17, subdivision (b) applies is based on the

plaintiff's allegations and "does not require the plaintiff to proffer affirmative evidence."

Although the University defendants do not mention it, other courts have agreed with

Tourgeman on this point. (Cruz v. City of Culver City (2016) 2 Cal.App.5th 239, 249;

The Inland Oversight Committee v. County of San Bernardino (2015) 239 Cal.App.4th

671, 677.) Nevertheless, the University defendants ask us to overrule or distinguish this

holding in Tourgeman.

       In the reply brief, SDOG asserts "there is absolutely no merit to [Defendants'] self-

serving lie that [its] action was brought to retaliate against [inewsource] for writing

stories about Mr. Briggs." SDOG states it would "never retaliate against the media for

criticisms leveled against [itself] or its attorneys." SDOG denies it is Briggs's alter ego,

stating there is "no evidence" to support it. SDOG also contends Tourgeman, supra, 222

Cal.App.4th 1447 was correctly decided and should be followed.

                                              23
         2. Issues unnecessary for decision

         To resolve this appeal, it is unnecessary for us to consider many of the issues

raised by the parties' contentions. If the media-defendant exception (§ 425.17, subd.

(d)(1)) to the public interest exemption (§ 425.17, subd. (b)) applies, we need not

determine whether SDOG's action is a public interest lawsuit under section 425.17,

subdivision (b) because, even if it were, defendants may still invoke the anti-SLAPP law.

(Stutzman v. Armstrong (E.D.Cal. Sept. 10, 2013), No. 2:13-CV-00116-MCE-KJN) 2013

U.S.Dist. Lexis 129204 at *39.)

         Thus, we turn to section 425.17, subdivision (d) to determine if SDOG's action is

exempt from the anti-SLAPP statute. As explained post, section 425.17, subdivision

(d)(1) applies in this case and, therefore, we need not consider or decide whether (1)

SDOG is Briggs's alter ego, (2) SDOG brought this lawsuit to retaliate, (3) Tourgeman

should be distinguished or overruled, and (4) any of the other issues the parties raise

about the applicability of the public interest exemption under section 425.17, subdivision

(b).12

         3. Analysis of the media-defendant exception in section 425.17, subdivision (d)

         Under section 425.17, subdivision (d)(1), the exemption to the anti-SLAPP statute

in subdivision (b) of that statute does not apply to the following:

12     Accordingly, we deny the request for judicial notice filed by inewsource on May
13, 2016, requesting judicial notice of an e-mail purportedly sent from Briggs to Hearn,
which inewsource asserted was relevant to show retaliation. Whether SDOG's action was
brought to retaliate is not relevant to any outcome determinative issue on appeal.
(Scruby, supra, 37 Cal.App.4th at p. 701, fn.1.)
                                              24
           "Any person enumerated in subdivision (b) of Section 2 of Article I
           of the California Constitution or Section 1070 of the Evidence Code,
           or any person engaged in the dissemination of ideas or expression in
           any book or academic journal, while engaged in the gathering,
           receiving, or processing of information for communication to the
           public.

       Persons "enumerated" in the cited portion of the California Constitution and

Evidence Code are a "publisher, editor, reporter, or other person connected with or

employed upon a newspaper, magazine, or other periodical publication, or by a press

association or wire service, or any person who has been so connected or employed" as

well as a "radio or television news reporter or other person connected with or employed

by a radio or television station, or any person who has been so connected or employed."

(Cal. Const., art. I, § 2, subd. (b).)13

       Section 425.17, subdivision (d)(1) was intended to "'exempt the news media and

other media defendants . . . from [section 425.17, subdivision (b)] when the underlying

act relates to news gathering and reporting to the public with respect to the news media or

to activities involving the creation or dissemination of any work of a motion picture or

television studio.'" (Major, supra, 134 Cal.App.4th at pp. 1496-1497.) In section 425.17,

subdivision (d), "the Legislature checked the reach of the 'public interest'" exemption by

preserving the application of the anti-SLAPP law to actions that implicate important

forms of protected speech. (Major, at p. 1497.)

13    Evidence Code section 1070, subdivisions (a) and (b) contain the same list of
persons.
                                            25
       The trial court determined section 425.17, subdivision (d) applies in this case to

subject SDOG's action to the anti-SLAPP statute. We agree. The Defendants, news

media entities and Hearn, are persons enumerated in section 425.17, subdivision (d)(1).

SDOG does not contend otherwise. Rather, SDOG asserts section 425.17, subdivision

(d)(1) is inapplicable because Hearn's alleged "illegal conduct did not occur 'while she

was engaged in' gathering, writing, or reporting the news" as provided in the last clause

of section 425.17, subdivision (d)(1).

       The issue presented by SDOG's argument is whether the phrase "engaged in the

gathering, receiving, or processing of information for communication to the public" in

section 425.17, subdivision (d)(1) includes noncommunicative conduct—i.e., the

negotiation and execution of the 2012 Agreement and 2015 lease—done in furtherance of

the news media's exercise of its free speech right to gather, receive, or process

information for communication to the public.

       "'Our role in construing a statute is to ascertain the intent of the Legislature so as

to effectuate the purpose of the law. [Citation.] Because the statutory language is

generally the most reliable indicator of that intent, we look first at the words themselves,

giving them their usual and ordinary meaning. [Citation.] We do not, however, consider

the statutory language in isolation, but rather examine the entire substance of the statute

in order to determine the scope and purpose of the provision, construing its words in

context and harmonizing its various parts." (People v. Castillolopez (2016) 63 Cal.4th

322, 329.)

                                              26
       "Engaged in" means "to begin and carry on an enterprise or activity." (Merriam-

Webster's Collegiate Dict. (11th ed. 2006) p. 413.) The contracts SDOG challenges

dictate the process under which inewsource and KPBS jointly were to begin and carry on

newsgathering and reporting. For example, the 2012 Agreement requires inewsource to

deliver to KPBS 10 "substantial data driven stories" and to make its reporters "available

as reasonably requested" by KPBS "for broadcast coverage . . . ." Similarly, the 2015

lease provides KPBS is leasing space to inewsource "for the benefit of securing

investigative news content for KPBS."

       Therefore, SDOG's action here is encompassed within section 425.17, subdivision

(d)(1) because it challenges "any person enumerated in subdivision (b) of Section 2 of

Article I of the California Constitution . . . while engaged in the gathering, receiving, or

processing of information or communication to the public."

       This conclusion is not only compelled by the statute's text, but also finds

additional support in the statute's legislative history. The analysis for the senate bill

enacted as section 425.17 states:

           "Proposed subdivision (d) of newly added Section 425.17 would
           exempt the news media and other media defendants (such as the
           motion picture industry) from the bill when the underlying act
           relates to news gathering and reporting to the public with respect to
           the news media . . . . For claims arising from these activities, the
           current SLAPP motion would remain available to these defendants."
           (Sen. Com. on Judiciary, Analysis of Sen. Bill No. 515 (2003–2004
           Reg. Sess.) as amended May 1, 2003, p. 14; Ingels, supra, 129
           Cal.App.4th at pp. 1067-1068.) (Italics added.)

       In the words of the senate bill analysis, the contracts SDOG challenges "relate[]"

to news gathering and reporting. Indeed, news gathering and reporting is the

                                              27
fundamental essence of both contracts. For example, under the 2012 Agreement, KPBS

expressly agreed to provide inewsource with "news gathering equipment" and in

exchange, inewsource agreed to provide, among other news reports, one "Watchdog

feature per month" and a "[w]eekly data brief on a topic of interest to KPBS'[s]

audience." Similarly, under the 2015 lease, KPBS leased space to inewsource "for the

benefit of securing investigative news content for KPBS."

       Nevertheless, SDOG asserts section 425.17, subdivision (d)(1) does not apply

because it is suing Hearn not for actually engaging in newsgathering, but instead for

allegedly using her influence as an SDSU employee to negotiate a contract favorable for

inewsource "before any news-related function began." This argument fails, however,

because it incorrectly analyzes the applicability of section 425.17, subdivision (d)(1) by

focusing on Hearn's allegedly improper motive. Section 425.17, subdivision (d)(1) is not

concerned with motive. There is nothing in the statute that conditions its application on

good or bad motive, or any motive at all. Rather, the statute is intended to protect news

media engaged in newsgathering and reporting, conduct SDOG's lawsuit challenges by

its attack on the inewsource-KPBS contracts.

       In the reply brief, SDOG asserts that even if section 425.17, subdivision (d)(1)

otherwise would apply, we should "reject its application because it exempts the press

from being subject to laws of general applicability: the state's conflict-of-interest laws

and prohibitions against the waste of public resources." In a related argument, SDOG

asserts, "to hold that the anti-SLAPP statute renders a public employee untouchable under

conflict-of-interest laws just because she is also a member of the press" violates "equal

                                             28
protection of the laws . . . ." SDOG contends Defendants' interpretation of section

425.17, subdivision (d) gives them "immunity to violate" conflict of interest laws while

subjecting nonmedia public employees to those same laws.

       We reject these SDOG arguments because they betray a fundamental

misunderstanding of the anti-SLAPP statute. Determining the anti-SLAPP statute applies

to a particular claim does not in any way exempt the defendant from being subject to laws

of general applicability. The anti-SLAPP statute requires that in cases where the statute

applies, the plaintiff is required to make a prima facie showing the claims alleged have

minimal merit. If SDOG actually had evidence to support a prima facie against

defendants here, rather than just bare allegations in its complaint, the court would have

been required to have denied the motions to strike. The anti-SLAPP statute "poses no

obstacle to suits that possess minimal merit." (Navellier, supra, 29 Cal.4th at p. 93.)

Contrary to SDOG's assertions, determining section 425.17, subdivision (d)(1) applies

does not grant defendants any immunity whatsoever. (Navellier, supra, 29 Cal.4th at p.

93.) It simply means that SDOG is required to present admissible evidence to support its

allegations, or have its case dismissed.

       Because section 425.17, subdivision (d)(1) excepts SDOG's lawsuit from the

exemption to the anti-SLAPP statute provided in subdivision (b) of the same statute,

defendants were entitled to bring their anti-SLAPP motions. Accordingly, we now

consider whether the trial court correctly determined (1) the action is one arising from

                                             29
protected activity under section 425.16; and (2) SDOG failed to sustain its burden of

establishing a prima facie case through admissible evidence.14

       D. Protected Activity

       In this step of the anti-SLAPP analysis, we determine whether SDOG's causes of

action arise from the defendant's acts "in furtherance of the person's right of . . . free

speech . . . in connection with a public issue." (§ 425.16, subd. (b)(1).) Section 425.16,

subdivision (e) sets forth four categories of protected activity. Relevant here, subdivision

(e)(4) of that statute defines protected activity to include not only speech itself, but also

"any other conduct in furtherance of the exercise" of the constitutional right of free

speech "in connection with a public issue or an issue of public interest." (§ 425.16, subd.

(e).) This category is a "'catch-all'" that extends the anti-SLAPP statutes beyond actual

instances of free speech to "'all conduct in furtherance of the exercise of the right of free

speech in connection with a public issue.'" (Collier, supra, 240 Cal.App.4th at p. 51,

italics omitted.) An act is in furtherance of the rights of free speech "'"if the act helps to

advance that right or assists in the exercise of that right."'" (Ibid.)

       There is a protected free speech right to report the news. (Lieberman v. KCOP

Television, Inc. (2003) 110 Cal.App.4th 156, 166 (Lieberman).) Reporting the news and

creating a television show both qualify as an exercise of free speech. (Hunter, supra, 221

Cal.App.4th at p. 1521.) Reporting the news requires the assistance of newsgathering

14     The parties also dispute whether SDOG's action is governed by section 425.17,
subdivision (d)(2). However, having determined SDOG's action is within the ambit of
section 425.17, subdivision (d)(1), we need not determine whether it also falls within
subdivision (d)(2).
                                               30
and other related conduct and activity, which are acts undertaken in furtherance of the

news media's right to free speech. Such conduct is therefore is protected conduct under

the anti-SLAPP statute. (Lieberman, supra, 110 Cal.App.4th at p. 166.)

       Moreover,"'[a]n act is in furtherance of the right of free speech if the act helps to

advance that right or assists in the exercise of that right.'" (Hunter, supra, 221

Cal.App.4th at p. 1521, quoting Tamkin v. CBS Broadcasting, Inc. (2011) 193

Cal.App.4th 133, 143 (Tamkin).) Accordingly, prepublication or preproduction acts such

as investigating, newsgathering, and conducting interviews constitute conduct that

furthers the right of free speech and is protected activity. (Hunter, supra, 221

Cal.App.4th at p. 1521.)

       For example, in Hunter, supra, 221 Cal.App.4th 1510, the appellate court found

the plaintiff's age and gender discrimination claims against a television station were

based on protected activity because the station's decision to hire younger and less

qualified persons as weather anchors were acts in furtherance of the station's free speech

rights. (Id. at p. 1521.) The news station's casting decision "helped advance or assist"

first amendment expression, and therefore was a form of protected activity. (Ibid.;

Tamkin, supra, 193 Cal.App.4th at p. 143 [writer's use of plaintiffs' names in draft script

of television show is protected activity because it helped to advance or assist in creating,

casting, and broadcasting a television show]; Lieberman, supra, 110 Cal.App.4th at p.

                                             31
164 [allegedly unlawful newsgathering technique was protected activity because it aided

in the reporting of news].)15

       Here, the trial court correctly determined SDOG's lawsuit arises from defendants'

protected activity. "'In assessing whether a cause of action arises from protected activity,

"'we disregard the labeling of the claim [citation] and instead "examine the principal

thrust or gravamen of the plaintiff's cause of action . . ." . . . We assess the principal thrust

by identifying "[t]he allegedly wrongful and injury-producing conduct."'"'" (Collier,

supra, 240 Cal.App.4th at p. 50.)

       The allegations in SDOG's lawsuit make clear the injury-producing conduct

underlying its claims consists of the contracts between inewsource and KPBS that govern

the process in which these defendants jointly engage in newsgathering and reporting

news to the public. For example, paragraph 5 of the complaint expressly states SDOG

"challenges two contracts," namely, the 2012 Agreement and the 2015 lease (which

SDOG refers to as the "2012 Agreement and the 2014 Lease." In the first cause of action,

SDOG alleges the 2012 Agreement is "void" because, among other reasons, the

University defendants did not receive "commensurate value" under the 2012 Agreement.

In the second cause of action, SDOG alleges the subsequent lease "is void and otherwise

illegal," for similar reasons. The third cause of action, where SDOG realleges and

15     In a case none of the parties cite, Wilson v. Cable News Network, Inc. (2016) 6
Cal.App.5th 822, review granted March 1, 2017, S239686, in a 2-1 decision, the Second
District, Division One disagreed with Hunter, supra, 221 Cal.App.4th 1510 in the context
of a case alleging employment discrimination and retaliation. By virtue of the grant of
review, Wilson has no precedential effect. (Cal. Rules of Court, rule 8.1115(e)(1).)
                                               32
incorporates by reference all of the allegations involving the 2012 Agreement and 2015

lease is also based on that same contractual relationship among the defendants. In the

fourth cause of action, SDOG again centers its allegations against the two contracts,

asserting Hearn improperly "used her position as a lecturer" to secure approval of both

contracts. Thus, SDOG's lawsuit targets conduct (the KPBS-inewsource contracts) that

advances and assists the defendants in exercising their right to report the news, and

therefore is protected activity under section 426.16, subdivision (e). (Lieberman, supra,

110 Cal.App.4th at p. 166.)

       SDOG attempts to avoid the application of the anti-SLAPP statute by asserting the

"acts the [c]omplaint is [sic] based on" are Defendants' negotiation and execution of

agreements violating statutory and constitutional prohibitions against self-dealing and

gifts of public funds. SDOG states, "The offending action here is the procuring of a

contract by unlawful influence, and not any free-speech or petitioning activity." SDOG

asserts, "But for [Defendants'] contracting in violation [of law], this action would have

never been brought." SDOG repeats the same argument in its reply brief, asserting, "The

[c]omplaint is based on the following acts: the negotiation and execution of the

[a]greements by [Defendants] in violation of [Government Code s]ections[] 1090 and

8314 and the California Constitution."

       SDOG's argument fails because it ignores California case law, which holds that in

determining whether the defendant's acts are protected activity, the underlying conduct

must be separated from the defendant's purported unlawful motive. (Hunter, supra, 221

Cal.App.4th at p. 1520.) For example, in Hunter, plaintiff sued two Los Angeles

                                            33
television stations, alleging they had committed gender discrimination against him in

their hiring of a weather anchor position for the news program. (Id. at p. 1514.) On

appeal, the court held the anti-SLAPP statute applied to plaintiff's claims because the

injury-producing conduct alleged in the complaint consisted of the defendant's decisions

about whom to hire as the on-air weather anchor for its newscasts, an act in furtherance

of the right to free speech. (Hunter, at p. 1523.) The plaintiff in Hunter asserted the anti-

SLAPP statute did not apply because "the 'conduct' underlying his causes of action [was]

not [the defendant's] selection of its weather anchors, but rather [the] decision to utilize

discriminatory criteria in making those selections." (Hunter, at pp. 1521-1522.) The

Hunter court rejected that argument because it "confuses the conduct underlying Hunter's

claim—CBS's employment decisions—with the purportedly unlawful motive underlying

that conduct—employment discrimination." (Id. at p. 1522.) The Hunter court noted that

the California Supreme Court in Navellier, supra, 29 Cal.4th at page 94 had "clarified

that when assessing whether claims arise from protected activity, courts must distinguish

between the acts underlying a plaintiff's causes of action and the '"claimed illegitimacy of

[those] acts[, which] is an issue . . . the plaintiff must raise and support in the context of

[demonstrating] . . . a prima facie showing of the merits . . . ."'" (Hunter, supra, 221

Cal.App.4th at p. 1522.)

       Applying Hunter, supra, 221 Cal.App.4th 1510 here, when determining whether

SDOG's action arises from the Defendants' protected acts, we must separate the alleged

unlawful motive (self-dealing) from the Defendants' conduct (entering into news

gathering and news producing contracts). In Hunter, the court held the plaintiff's claims

                                              34
were based on the defendant's decisions regarding its choice of a weather anchor, which

were acts in furtherance of its First Amendment rights, and not based on discrimination,

which was the alleged motive for the conduct. (Hunter, supra, 221 Cal.App.4th at p.

1523.) Likewise here, for purposes of applying the anti-SLAPP law, SDOG's claims are

based on Defendants' decisions in entering into contracts to partner news gathering, news

reporting, and news production on television and other media—and not the alleged

unlawful motive for such acts, self-dealing. Accordingly, SDOG's action is based on acts

in furtherance of Defendants' free speech rights, and therefore protected activity under the

anti-SLAPP statute.16 (§ 425.16, subd. (e).)

       In a related argument, SDOG contends the anti-SLAPP statute does not apply

because inewsource allegedly engaged in "illegal activity" in the subject contracts. In

Flatley v. Mauro (2006) 39 Cal.4th 299, 317 (Flatley), the California Supreme Court held

that speech or petitioning activities that are illegal as a matter of law are not protected by

the anti-SLAPP statute.

16      SDOG contends Hunter, supra, 221 Cal.App.4th 1510 is distinguishable, asserting
the protected conduct there was "not incidental, but is intrinsically tied to the delivery of
media content" whereas here, the contracts SDOG challenges were simply "lease
agreements, which are not likewise intrinsically tied to delivering the news, and only
incidental to doing so." However, the record belies SDOG's argument. Under the 2012
Agreement KPBS agreed to provide not just office space, but also news gathering
equipment, studios and production areas, and also agreed to invite inewsource reporters
to its weekly and daily news meeting and planning groups. In consideration, inewsource
agreed to provide news stories and make its reporters available to KPBS "for broadcast
coverage" including feature stories and "other programs."

                                              35
       SDOG's argument fails because conduct that would otherwise come within the

scope of the anti-SLAPP statute does not lose its coverage simply because it is alleged to

have been unlawful or unethical. (Flatley, supra, 39 Cal.4th at p. 317.) The asserted

protected speech loses protection only if it is established through a defendant's

concession or by uncontroverted and conclusive evidence that the conduct is illegal as a

matter of law. (Collier, supra, 240 Cal.App.4th at p. 55.) The mere fact the plaintiff

alleges the defendant engaged in unlawful conduct does not cause the conduct to lose its

protection under the anti-SLAPP statute. (Birkner v. Lam (2007) 156 Cal.App.4th 275,

285.) Here, the Defendants have not admitted the alleged conduct was illegal, and SDOG

presented no evidence to establish that it was illegal as a matter of law. Accordingly, the

illegal activity exception to the anti-SLAPP statute does not apply.17

       E. Probable Merits Success

       Having determined the allegations against Defendants arose from protected

speech, we next must determine whether SDOG demonstrated a probability of prevailing

on its claims. (Karnazes v. Ares (2016) 244 Cal.App.4th 344, 354 (Karnazes).) To

defeat the anti-SLAPP motion, SDOG was required to submit "competent and admissible

17     Under section 425.16, subdivision (e), conduct in furtherance of the exercise of
free speech rights is protected under the anti-SLAPP statute only where it is "in
connection with a public issue or an issue of public interest." As inewsource notes,
SDOG does not address the public interest prong of section 425.16, subdivision (e) in its
opening brief discussion of whether its claims arise out of protected activity.
Accordingly, the issue is abandoned. (H.N. & Frances C. Berger Foundation v. City of
Escondido (2005) 127 Cal.App.4th 1, 15.)
                                             36
evidence" establishing a prima facie case. (Tuchscher Development Enterprises, Inc. v.

San Diego Unified Port Dist. (2003) 106 Cal.App.4th 1219, 1236.)

      Government Code section 1090 prohibits public officers from having a financial

interest in any contract "made by them" in their official capacity. (Har Construction,

supra, 240 Cal.App.4th at p. 616.) The Defendants submitted seven declarations from

witnesses having personal knowledge of relevant facts. For example, Hearn declared she

had "no role whatsoever—much less authority, decision-making power, or influence on

the KPBS side of the negotiations." She was not "paid at all" by SDSU when the 2012

Agreement was negotiated and signed. Hearn unequivocally stated the allegations of

conflict of interest in SDOG's complaint were "false" as were SDOG's allegations she

received personal benefits from the contracts. Hearn declared she has never been a

university department head, advisory board member, committee member, officer,

department chairperson, or a tenured or tenure-track professor. Wolfson declared Hearn

has never worked for or been employed by SDSURF, nor has she been on its

management team or its board of directors. He stated Hearn has never acted on behalf of

SDSURF.

      Citing Hub City, supra, 186 Cal.App.4th 1114, SDOG contends this evidence

itself creates a triable issue that Defendants violated Government Code section 1090

because even a person in an "advisory position" may potentially exert influence over

contracting decisions. We disagree because Hub City is factually distinguishable.

      In Hub City, supra, 186 Cal.App.4th 1114, the City of Compton was awarded $22

million against defendant Aloyan. Aloyan had been an independent contractor with the

                                            37
city, in charge of its waste management. During his relationship with the city he

negotiated a contract with the city to privately provide waste management services.

Shortly after city council approval, he made campaign contributions to the city council

members who voted to approve the contract. He additionally hired relatives of one of the

council members. Aloyan was the director of the city's in-house waste division, working

alongside city employees, overseeing day-to-day operations of Compton's waste

management division, and taking responsibility for compliance with state-mandated

recycling and waste reduction efforts. (Id. at pp. 1118-1120.) Moreover, Aloyan

supervised city staff, negotiated contracts, and purchased equipment and real estate on

behalf of Compton. He was "intricately involved in the city's waste management

decisions." (Id. at p. 1125.)

       Unlike the facts in Hub City, supra, 186 Cal.App.4th 1114, here there was no

admissible evidence showing Hearn hired public employees, acted as director of any

public agency or department, or oversaw any public function. Unlike Hub City, there is

no evidence in this record showing Hearn was involved in KPBS's decision to enter into

the 2012 Agreement and 2015 lease, much less "intricately involved." (Id. at p. 1125.)

       SDOG offered no admissible and competent evidence to support its allegations.

The only evidence SDOG offered was two declarations of its own attorney, John

McClendon. The first contains no factual assertions, other than an attempt to authenticate

(1) SDOG's complaint, (2) the CSU Handbook on Contracts and Procurement, (3) CSU's

website section on the history of CSU auxiliary organizations, (4) a deposition transcript

in another case involving SDOG, and (5) the restated articles of incorporation of SDOG.

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       Defendants objected to McClendon's declaration on numerous grounds, including

lack of personal knowledge, lack of foundation, and hearsay.

       The day before the hearing, McClendon filed a "supplemental declaration"

attempting to authenticate one additional document—what purported to be an inewsource

article in which Hearn characterized SDOG's action as involving an "office lease."

McClendon asserted Hearn had thus "conced[ed]" SDOG's action was unrelated to media

news gathering under section 425.17, subdivision (d).

       McClendon's declarations do not establish a triable issue of fact on any material

issue within the scope of SDOG's complaint. His declarations do not establish a

foundation based on personal knowledge for authenticating any of the documents

attached, other than the complaint itself. (Tuchsher, supra, 106 Cal.App.4th at p. 1236;

Evid. Code, § 702, subd. (a).)18 His declarations fail to establish a foundation for any

exception to the hearsay rule. Even the complaint, albeit verified, avails SDOG nothing

on this issue. (Brodeur, supra, 248 Cal.App.4th at p. 679.)19 This is because an

18     Evidence Code section 702, subdivision (a) provides in part: "[T]he testimony of
a witness concerning a particular matter is inadmissible unless he has personal knowledge
of the matter."

19     Salma v. Capon (2008) 161 Cal.App.4th 1275, 1289-1290 states to the contrary.
However, the First District's holding in Salma has not been followed by any other
published decision, and every other published case on this issue holds that the allegations
of even a verified complaint cannot establish probability of success on the merits under
the anti-SLAPP statute. (See, e.g., Brodeur, supra, 248 Cal.App.4th at p. 679; Oviedo,
supra, 212 Cal.App.4th at p. 109; Paiva v. Nichols (2008) 168 Cal.App.4th 1007, 1017;
Paulus v. Bob Lynch Ford, Inc. (2006) 139 Cal.App.4th 659, 672-673.) For these reasons
and those stated in the text, we disagree with Salma's holding on this point.

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assessment of the probability of prevailing looks to trial, and the evidence that would be

admissible to create triable factual issues at that time. (Evans v. Unkow (1995) 38

Cal.App.4th 1490, 1497.)

       Because SDOG failed to offer any admissible evidence to establish a prima facie

case on any of its claims, the court correctly granted the anti-SLAPP motions. (See

Vergos v. McNeal (2007) 146 Cal.App.4th 1387, 1403 [anti-SLAPP granted where

plaintiff "failed to submit any admissible evidence" that defendant did anything wrong];

Karnazes, supra, 244 Cal.App.4th at pp. 354-355 [anti-SLAPP granted where plaintiff

failed to offer any evidence and relied solely on her own complaint].) Having determined

SDOG failed to sustain its burden of establishing a prima facie case, it is unnecessary to

consider any other reasons defendants assert for affirming the order.20

20     For example, inewsource contends SDOG lacks standing to assert certain claims.
For this reason, we deny SDOG's request for judicial notice filed February 23, 2016,
requesting this court to take judicial notice on the issue of standing.
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                                       DISPOSITION

       The order granting the anti-SLAPP motions is affirmed. Defendants and real

parties in interest are entitled to costs incurred on appeal.

                                                                            NARES, J.

WE CONCUR:

HUFFMAN, Acting P. J.

DATO, J.

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