Home » Location » California

The Therapist the Court Ordered

Dr. Rebecca Bailey, a family therapist, has faced numerous complaints regarding her controversial practice, Transitioning Families, which reunites families amid troubled custody disputes, often in abusive contexts. Critics claim her methods prioritize affluent parents, sidelining protective ones, while courts continue to endorse her, perpetuating a flawed system linked to a broader problematic industry.

The Therapist the Court Ordered Read More

The Criminalist and the Coerced Plea

Former criminalist Rhonda Reyna once testified for prosecutors in homicide cases. Years later, she says the same justice system ignored exculpatory evidence, pushed her into a no contest plea, and helped separate her from her daughter. Part one of Riptide’s investigation into California’s broken public defense system.

The Criminalist and the Coerced Plea Read More

The Judge Who Wasn’t Ready

Judge Vivian Wang, recently appointed with no family law experience, denied motions in a complex custody case involving alleged fraud and disability accommodations. Critics argue her procedural ruling lacked thorough legal analysis, particularly regarding limitations and equitable tolling. The upcoming trial may test her judicial capabilities and the fairness of the process.

The Judge Who Wasn’t Ready Read More

Court Denies Brenna Gano’s Motions — But Sets the Stage for Trial

A San Mateo judge rejected attempts by Brenna Gano to overturn a 2022 settlement, citing statute of limitations concerns. Gano argued she was coerced into the agreement without proper accommodations for her disabilities. While the denials were procedural, a full-day trial is set for December 28, 2026, where core issues will be examined.

Court Denies Brenna Gano’s Motions — But Sets the Stage for Trial Read More

The Gatekeeper

Brenna Gano alleges that Samantha Esver-Poon, a Family Court Services counselor in San Mateo County, fabricated agreements and neglected evidence, leading to her estrangement from her son Jacob. Despite ongoing complaints, including violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Esver-Poon remains employed, and the county has yet to address the allegations.

The Gatekeeper Read More

The San Mateo Syndicate

A document-driven investigation reveals how a tightly connected network of lawyers, therapists, and a private judge operated inside a single custody case—coordinating decisions, shaping evidence, and extracting more than $350,000 while independent advocacy became nearly impossible.

The San Mateo Syndicate Read More

Division Pays: The Left Built This

An attempted attack at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner wasn’t an anomaly—it was output. This investigation examines the system that monetizes division, manufactures outrage, and turns political rhetoric into real-world consequences.

Division Pays: The Left Built This Read More

The ‘Mom Yells’ Playbook

A two-word claim — “mom yells” — became the foundation for a seven-year custody battle that ended in total estrangement. This investigation traces how a narrative, once introduced into the family court system, can be repeated, reinforced, and ultimately weaponized until it replaces documented reality.

The ‘Mom Yells’ Playbook Read More

The Mother the System Called the Problem

On Parental Alienation Awareness Day, Rhonda Reyna’s story exposes a disturbing inversion inside the family court system: the very label meant to protect children from manipulation is increasingly used against the parent raising legitimate safety concerns. As documented warnings go ignored and protective actions are reframed as “alienation,” the system meant to safeguard families instead becomes the mechanism separating them.

The Mother the System Called the Problem Read More

The Ambush

Brenna Gano’s tumultuous experience in San Mateo County family court culminated in a misleading Zoom mediation on February 15, 2022, where she faced undue pressure to sign a Memorandum of Agreement regarding custody and finances. This occurred amid a financial disparity and lack of proper legal representation, leading to claims of duress and calls for the agreement to be set aside.

The Ambush Read More