You're correct, George. Once a police (local PD, Sheriff, CHP) incident report has been done, most of the information contained therein is public, with certain exceptions, such as names of minor persons. The California law also applies to incidents within the national parks.
It is not unusual to see names of victim(s) and the reporting party in news media reports of SAR operations. However, I believe it is the responsibility of law enforcement officials to release that information when asked. I recall, while on Inyo SAR, that we would often be approached by local media reporters, fishing for information. It was our policy to direct them to the Inyo Sheriff representative, and not offer them "insider" information.
Here is the straight scoop on the California law:
http://www.lapdonline.org/i_want_to_know/content_basic_view/36329
