Matier & Ross Take On the I-Team

This is interesting. We, along with countless other reporters, have been trying to get an interview with Ruby Tourk. She’s San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom’s former Appointments Secretary, with whom he admitted having an affair while she and her husband, Alex, worked for the mayor. Alex Tourk was Newsom’s Deputy Chief of Staff at the time of the affair and his re-election Campaign Manager when the scandal broke January 31st.

Jennifer Siebel

We’ve been talking to Ruby through intermediaries since then, and our conversations increased this week after Newsom’s girlfriend, actress Jennifer Siebel, called Ruby Tourk “the culprit” in Sunday’s edition of the Chronicle, and after she expanded her criticism on the political website SFist.com. As we reported, Siebel apologized to all parties involved.

Tim Gaskin

I traded e-mails and phone calls this week with Tim Gaskin, Founder of Benefit Magazine where Ruby Tourk now works. He assured me that Ruby was close to giving her first interview and that she was considering speaking with us.

Andy Ross, KGO Radio's Ronn Owens, Phil Matier

Today, I got a call from the Chronicle’s Andy Ross, saying he had copies of e-mails I sent trying to get an interview with Ruby Tourk, and he wanted a comment from me. I didn’t quite understand -- comment on e-mails I sent? So, I asked him to send me the e-mails to see what he was talking about and verify their authenticity. After some reluctance about “giving up sources”, he sent part of the e-mail exchange I’ve had with Tim Gaskin this week. I e-mailed Ross back asking what questions he had. He only wanted to verify I sent them; he didn’t say what issues they raised, in his mind. You can see our entire e-mail exchange below.

We at ABC 7 have a history of being as transparent as possible with you in our newsgathering process; we feel it’s important. Because this is somehow becoming an issue -- Ross says it may run in this Sunday’s paper -- I want to show you all the e-mails I have that relate to this. I normally don’t post e-mails on my blog, but it’s clear that Tim Gaskin passed them on to someone who gave them to the Chronicle.

It starts Friday, March 2nd when Tim Gaskin is pitching a story. He wants me to do a feature on Benefit Magazine’s March layout on the 12-step recovery program. In this e-mail, he sends the photo spread:

To: Noyes, Dan Sent: Mar 2, 2007 9:09 AM From: tim@benefitmagazinesf.com Subject: Have a look at these and call me when you are free. 415-433-2xxx [2 Attachments]

I then have a phone conversation with Gaskin in which I tell him, I’m reluctant to do the story because it’s already aired on a competing station. I go on to explain that I would consider it, if Ruby Tourk would give us a comment for the report. Gaskin offered that Ruby was doing well with her recovery, and that she would have “a big announcement” soon. He told me her weekend radio show is going five days a week. He asks me to send an e-mail which he’ll forward to Ruby. I send this:

From: Noyes, Dan To: tim@benefitmagazinesf.com Sent: Fri Mar 02 16:21:45 2007 Subject: Re: Have a look at these and call me when you are free. 415-433-2xxx

Hi Tim,

Thanks for the conversation a few minutes ago. As we discussed, we need a way to advance your story on the 12-step program coming out in a week.

Clearly, having a talk with Ruby would make some news, in combination with your article. Gavin has had the chance to tell his side of the story; I thought at some point Ruby would.

I think it’s important for people to hear what you said, that she’s done nothing wrong, that she’s been sober for many months and is moving forward with her life in a positive way. That’s also interesting news about a possible 5-day a week show on the Quake.

I want Ruby to know that she can talk about whatever she wants: her career, her child, her ten months sober – that would obviously fit well with your upcoming issue. I also want her to know that I don’t see this as a confrontational interview like I sometimes do with “the bad guys”, such as con men or uncooperative politicians. I really see her as a sympathetic character.

I look forward to hearing from you, Tim. I get e-mails 24/7 on my blackberry and please call my cell any time – 672-9xxx. I’d be happy to do the shoot at Benefit any time, even over this weekend.

Best,
Dan

Then, on Sunday, March 4th, I send:

From: Noyes, Dan To: tim@benefitmagazinesf.com Sent: Mar 4, 2007 8:00 PM Subject: Re: Have a look at these and call me when you are free. 415-433-2xxx

Any thoughts, Tim? I’m planning my week.

He answers on Monday:

To: Dan Noyes Sent: Mar 5, 2007 8:00 AM From: Tim Gaskin Subject: Re: Have a look at these and call me when you are free. 415-433-2xxx

Ruby still thinks the time to speak out isn’t just now. Alex just announced what he is doing next and there is some good news from Ruby that we have not finalized.

I understand if you do not want to do the 12-step story without Ruby’s involvement.

Still, and completely separately, the fact that you do nonprofit volunteer hosting really elevates you in my mind. I look forward to turning the tables on you for our fourteen page on SF reporters who host nonprofit events. I’ve already covered Kate Kelly, Jan Wahl, Leslie Nagy and Wendy Tokuda.

Tim

That same day, I’m preparing another follow-up on the Ruby Tourk time sheet issue and send this e-mail:

From: Noyes, Dan To: Tim Gaskin Sent: Mar 5, 2007 8:11 AM Subject: Re: Have a look at these and call me when you are free. 415-433-2xxx

Thanks for the message, Tim. As an investigative type, I can’t really do the 12-step story because it’s already aired elsewhere.

I appreciate you taking my note to Ruby. I had hoped to do the story that you and I discussed, but now I’m left with something we started working on before – a closer look at Ruby’s time sheets. I’d rather not focus on that, and the story you and I discussed surely would have eclipsed the time sheets story.

That said, please pass on to Ruby that we’re doing the time sheets story today and would like a comment from her. As part of the same story, we’re talking to others who’ve had family members in the CIP who are upset she used the program.

Thanks again for your time, Tim.

Best,
Dan

The story airs. Tim and I have no contact until this past Sunday, when the Chronicle runs a profile of actress Jennifer Siebel, in which she criticizes Ruby Tourk, calling her “the culprit”. I send this e-mail to Gaskin on Sunday (For your reference, Sam Singer is a public relations expert who says he’s volunteering his time to Gaskin and the Tourks. Singer and the I-Team have had run-ins during past investigations; he represented the foie gras farmers during our series of reports on force-feeding ducks that lead to a state law against the practice. He has been critical of our coverage on the City Hall sex scandal, as well):

From: Noyes, Dan To: tim@benefitmagazinesf.com Sent: Mar 11, 2007 9:59 AM Subject: Ruby

Hi Tim,

How many more hits is Ruby going to take before she tells her side? Huge story in the Chron -- Jennifer Seibel says Ruby "is the culprit. Alex Tourk is a nice man and it saddens me that his wife did that to him." Man!

Sam Singer is not my biggest fan obviously, but an interview with me will have much more impact. When people want to get their side out, they go to the toughest, most well-known journalists. Bill and Hillary Clinton go to 60 Minutes, others go to 20/20. Locally, it's me and we would give this a professional, high-impact treatment.

It's time.

Thanks for listening,
Dan

Then, Monday afternoon, Jennifer Siebel expands on her comments to the Chronicle in SFist, posting a rambling comment that reads in part, “It was a few nothing incidents when she showed up passed out outside of his door. Come on guys, have a heart. I have tried to see Ruby's side of the story, but unfortunately everyone near to her has stories and says she is bad news."

I see Siebel’s posting Monday night and call Gaskin about it. He expresses shock and asks me to send him and Ruby an e-mail:

From: Noyes, Dan Sent: Monday, March 12, 2007 9:44 PM To: tim@benefitmagazinesf.com Subject: Jennifer on Ruby

Hi Tim and Ruby,

As I wrote in my earlier e-mail, Jennifer continues to take shots. This is her posting today from SFist.com, trying to "explain" her comments in the Chronicle: "he's been so hurt by this all -- personally and professionally- and it was a few nothing incidents when she showed up passed out outside of his door. come on guys, have a heart. I have tried to see Ruby's side of the story but unfortunately everyone near to her has stories and says she is bad news."

When will Ruby stand up and give her side? This is so unfair, and that's all I've tried to do all along is tell both sides of the story. I can arrange a two-camera shoot for the morning -- one on Ruby and one on me -- and if it's a big concern, we can agree not to edit any of the interview. What she says will go on the air. Please get back to me as soon as possible.

The Chronicle is saying Ruby is very close to talking to them. Do you really want to use the newspaper that has done so many favorable articles on Gavin and has ignored critical stories?

You can reach me any time on this blackberry e-mail address or my cell at 672-9xxx.

Dan Noyes, ABC 7 News

Then, I post a blog on the Siebel story with her apology, and forward it to Gaskin just before it airs on ABC 7 News at 11pm:

From: Noyes, Dan Sent: Monday, March 12, 2007 11:00 PM To: tim@benefitmagazinesf.com Subject: Here's what we're putting on the air in a few minutes -- it's also on my blog.

San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom's girlfriend has issued an apology via the ABC 7 I-Team tonight, for comments she made on a local political website. Actress Jennifer Siebel posted a comment this afternoon on SF-ist, blasting Ruby Tourk -- Newsom's former appointments secretary with whom he admitted having an affair.

Jennifer Siebel wrote about Newsom and Tourk on the blog, "It was a few nothing incidents when she showed up passed out outside of his door. Come on guys, have a heart. I have tried to see Ruby's side of the story, but unfortunately everyone near to her has stories and says she is bad news."

The I-Team reached Siebel at her Beverly Hills home tonight, and among her comments, she said, "I've never blogged before. It's been totally blown out of proportion. I'm a nice girl and don't deserve this. I apologize to all parties involved."

Then, Tuesday morning, I had a brief conversation with Gaskin – he asks me to send another e-mail:

-----Original Message----- From: Noyes, Dan Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2007 8:16 AM To: 'tim@benefitmagazinesf.com' Subject: Ruby

Morning Tim,

What's Ruby thinking, in light of Jennifer's new info about her and Gavin?

If you wanted to go today, you can get double coverage when you have your announcement next week.

Thanks,
Dan

Gaskin replies:

From: Tim Gaskin [mailto:tim@benefitmagazinesf.com] Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2007 9:58 AM To: Noyes, Dan Subject: Re: Ruby

Dan: thanks. One more thing: perhaps I didn't ask the question properly...you hit upon it earlier: what is your perception of the Mayor in this story and what is your perception of Ruby? Thanks for getting back to me. Tim

I answer:

From: Noyes, Dan Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2007 11:03 AM To: 'Tim Gaskin' Subject: RE: Ruby

Being frank, Tim, I don’t take sides in stories. But, I’ve been at this so long that I just know when the coverage has been unfair or inaccurate. I often focus on that kind of stories, and try to right the wrong. There’s no question that Ruby has been treated unfairly. She’s been made out to be the culprit from the start: by Gavin, by Phil Ginsberg (timesheets), and now Jennifer. Gavin has skated by on this, and the “other side” has been vastly ignored. We have to fix that. It must be incredibly difficult for Ruby to hear all this, without her side getting out. That’s what I want.

From: Noyes, Dan Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2007 10:23 AM To: 'tim@benefitmagazinesf.com' Subject: Ruby

Hi Tim,

I had another thought about today. Would Ruby give me just a single comment reacting to the negative things Jennifer said? Otherwise, they're just hanging out there. We could limit the taping just to that -- I would agree to no follow up questions. Maybe we could do a full interview at a later date.

Knowing how public perception works, I just think it's important to counter some of this crap now before it sinks in.

Thanks,
Dan
672-9xxx

Gaskin also asks:

-----Original Message----- From: Tim Gaskin To: Noyes, Dan Sent: Tue Mar 13 10:36:01 2007 Subject: Re: Ruby

In telling both sides of the story, we are curious how you'd tell the mayors side?

I answer:

-----Original Message----- From: Noyes, Dan Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2007 10:37 AM To: 'tim@benefitmagazinesf.com' Subject: Re: Ruby

The mayor's side has been out there -- he's had enough say, as has Jennifer. It's now Ruby's turn. This would be just her.

I add:

From: Noyes, Dan Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2007 11:34 AM To: 'Tim Gaskin' Subject: RE: Ruby

I should add one more thing, Tim. This will be a sympathetic interview – there’s no need to put Ruby on the spot. I just want to hear what she has to say, which I’m sure is heartfelt.

Gaskin answers:

-----Original Message----- From: Tim Gaskin [mailto:tim@benefitmagazinesf.com] Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2007 11:40 AM To: Noyes, Dan Subject: Re: Ruby

I forwarded your comments onto ruby and thanks.

Later that day:

From: Noyes, Dan Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2007 5:21 PM To: 'tim@benefitmagazinesf.com' Cc: 'timgaskin@gmail.com' Subject: RUBY

Hi Tim,

Would it help for Ruby and I to meet? People often get more comfortable, knowing me in person. I would agree to do this totally off the record and with no camera. Just me, talking to you guys about talking in the future.

Just an idea. We could meet after the 6pm show tonight.

Thanks,
Dan

I sent one other e-mail Wednesday, after a Matier & Ross article on “Newsom’s Damage Control”:

-----Original Message----- From: Noyes, Dan Sent: Wednesday, March 14, 2007 11:44 AM To: 'tim@benefitmagazinesf.com' Subject: Ruby

Hi Tim,

Just checking in. How much longer will Ruby let Gavin's friends (Kay, Singer and others) keep her quiet? It seems like the only one being served here is Gavin.

My offer of an off-the-record, no camera meeting stands, so we can talk about talking.

Thanks,
Dan

I had one other e-mail from Tim Gaskin today. After the call from Andy Ross, I called Gaskin to ask what’s going on and how our e-mails wound up at the Chronicle. He said, “Can I call you right back?” I answered, “Sure.” A few minutes later, this came:

-----Original Message----- From: Tim Gaskin [mailto:tim@benefitmagazinesf.com] Sent: Friday, March 16, 2007 2:28 PM To: Noyes, Dan; Sam Singer Subject: Re: Ruby

Contact Sam Singer, I can't be of any more help at this point in regards to ruby. Sam Singer sam@singersf.com

Now, to Andy Ross’ e-mails. For someone working on a story, he’s asked very few questions:

From: Ross, Andy [mailto:ARoss@sfchronicle.com] Sent: Friday, March 16, 2007 11:17 AM To: Noyes, Dan Subject: Your e-mails - CHRONICLE REQUEST

DAN, I'VE SENT YOU COPIES OF YOUR E-MAILS, AS YOU REQUESTED. JUST WANT TO SEE IF YOU HAVE ANY COMMENT?
Best,
Andy Ross

From: Noyes, Dan [mailto:Dan.Noyes@abc.com] Sent: Friday, March 16, 2007 2:13 PM To: Ross, Andy Subject: RE: Your e-mails - CHRONICLE REQUEST

I see them, Andy. What questions do you have?

From: Ross, Andy [mailto:ARoss@sfchronicle.com]
Sent: Friday, March 16, 2007 3:24 PM
To: Noyes, Dan
Subject: RE: Your e-mails - CHRONICLE REQUEST

Dan, simple, I just wanted to confirm that you wrote them. And if you have anything you want to say about them, please let me know?? Best, Andy

From: Noyes, Dan
Sent: Friday, March 16, 2007 3:30 PM
To: 'Ross, Andy'
Subject: RE: Your e-mails - CHRONICLE REQUEST

Sure, Andy.

Yes, they’re part of a long exchange I’ve had with Tim Gaskin that included phone calls, as well. I’m sorry -- I still don’t quite understand what you mean when you ask if I have anything to say about them. If you ask a direct question about an issue, I’m happy to answer.

Are you running something Sunday?

Best,
Dan

From: Ross, Andy [mailto:ARoss@sfchronicle.com]
Sent: Friday, March 16, 2007 4:31 PM
To: Noyes, Dan
Subject: RE: Your e-mails - CHRONICLE REQUEST

Dan, thanks -- just wanted to confirm that you wrote these messages. No specific questions -- I think they pretty much speak for themselves. But yes, we will probably run them this weekend, though we are still tinkering with our column lineup. Again, thanks for getting back to me.

Best, Andy

From: Noyes, Dan
Sent: Friday, March 16, 2007 4:36 PM
To: 'Ross, Andy'
Subject: RE: Your e-mails - CHRONICLE REQUEST

Thanks, Andy. Hopefully, you’ll return the favor.

Please explain what news value you saw in this e-mail exchange and what issues it raises. I’m preparing a story for ABC 7 on this now.

Best,
Dan

I received no response from Ross, so I followed up:

From: Noyes, Dan Sent: Friday, March 16, 2007 5:06 PM To: 'Ross, Andy' Subject: RE: Your e-mails - CHRONICLE REQUEST

Andy,

It seems you’re being cryptic about the item you’re writing. You asked me to comment on my own e-mails. Huh? I hope you’ll let me address whatever criticism there may be.

Also, there are many other e-mails on the issue; we try to be as transparent as possible in our newsgathering process. Because it seems to be an issue with you, I’ll be posting everything I have with some additional context on my blog in a few minutes.

Best,
Dan

I’ll let you know if he answers.

UPDATE: Monday, March 19th, 10:45 am

Just received an e-mail from Andy Ross, complaining that I did not post his response to my last e-mail. Funny, but I never received it, and I've thoroughly checked my account. Here's our exchange this morning:

From: Ross, Andy [mailto:ARoss@sfchronicle.com] Sent: Monday, March 19, 2007 10:26 AM To: Noyes, Dan Subject: FW: Your e-mails - CHRONICLE REQUEST

Dan, for some reason you didn't post my reply to your question that I sent you Friday. Here it is again -- maybe this time, as promised on your blog, you will print it. Best, Andy Ross

-----Original Message-----
From: Ross, Andy
Sent: Friday, March 16, 2007 6:18 PM
To: 'Noyes, Dan '
Subject: RE: Your e-mails - CHRONICLE REQUEST

Dan, the answer is simple: We write about high-profile personalities in our column -- and as you indicated in your own e-mails, you are certainly are one of them. In the context of our column, I think the public is interested in your views of Newsom, the Chronicle and, for that matter, yourself. Best, Andy

From: Noyes, Dan
Sent: Monday, March 19, 2007 10:40 AM
To: 'Ross, Andy'
Subject: RE: Your e-mails - CHRONICLE REQUEST

Never received it, Andy. I went back and checked. Are you sure you pushed “send”? Am happy to post it now.

Really curious why the source of the e-mails was not explored in your column – wasn’t it newsworthy to whom I was writing? Didn’t you see anything in my blog that would have added context to your column?

That said, I am thankful for the mention. Any time I can answer your questions, please call.

Dan

Ross responded this afternoon, but didn't answer any of the questions above:

From: Ross, Andy [mailto:ARoss@sfchronicle.com]
Sent: Monday, March 19, 2007 2:14 PM
To: Noyes, Dan
Subject: RE: Your e-mails - CHRONICLE REQUEST

Well do. Thanks, Andy

Comments

[Amos Magothy]

Here’s an ironic addendum to the previous post. This item appeared in the Petaluma Argus Courier, Wednesday, April 4, 2007, This Week’s “The Buzz” Column, on-line version.

“Petaluma connection: An informed source tells us that Ruby Rippey-Tourk attended kindergarten at Cherry Valley Elementary School in the mid-1970s. Rippey-Tourk, of course, is the married woman who had an affair with San Francisco mayor Gavin Newsom while she was his appointments secretary. Our source says Rippey-Tourk was a student at the local school for only a brief time.”

This kind of stuff is going to keep dribbling out in bits and pieces forever. The only way Ruby Rippey-Tourk is going to make it go away is to tell her story to Dan Noyes. She’s already become a hollow caricature. She would be well-advised to put a human faced on her story.

[Robert G.]

The following item appeared in the Penninsula Press Club website on March 23, 2007.
I wonder if the part that says ..."where Tourk once worked..." is just a misprint or what.

"But where did M&R get Noyes' e-mails? Their column doesn't say. However, as Noyes' blog makes clear, they came from Benefits Magazine's Tim Gaskin, where Tourk once worked."

[R.G.]

update on Ruby. she's out at Benefit Mag and so is Tim Gaskin. New owner says he's looking for a professional to run the mag. maybe now's the time to try for that interview again with a new contact or a direct approach.

[Hillary]

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