The California First Amendment Coalition awarded the Claremont its "Black Hole" award signifying "blatant disregard" for open government and First Amendment laws. The award is handed out annually to individuals or public agencies "whose actions stifle public participation in government and violate public records and public access laws."

The city of Claremont was given a copy of the award on October 12. The justification asserts that the award was given to Claremont "for its campaign of intimidation, misinformation and unlawful secrecy, often in response to criticism of official policy, designed to reduce the public's knowledge of and involvement in their government."

The Coalition cited false statements made by city officials regarding a civil rights lawsuit in 1998, a proposal that would have allowed for the psychiatric evaluation of speakers at City Council meetings, and events connected to the Irvin Landrum affair in its award.

The October 18th Claremont Courier paraphrased City Manager Glenn Southard as having given the following informal response: "The factual bases for Claremont's award were not well researched, that the Coalition did not give the city a chance to [respond]...and that the entire process is one designed for 'fund-raising' by the CFAC." A formal response is due from the city this week.

The California First Amendment Coalition is a non-profit organization composed of about 500 organizations and individuals that support the Constitution's First Amendment and seek to maintain public meetings and public notice in local governmental affairs.