CALIFORNIA CONSTITUTION, ARTICLE I , SEC 3
(7) In order to ensure public access to the meetings of public bodies and the writings of public officials and agencies, as specified in paragraph (1), each local agency is hereby required to comply with the California Public Records Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 6250) of Division 7 of Title 1 of the Government Code) and the Ralph M. Brown Act (Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 54950) of Part 1 of Division 2 of Title 5 of the Government Code), and with any subsequent statutory enactment amending either act, enacting a successor act, or amending any successor act that contains findings demonstrating that the statutory enactment furthers the purposes of this section.
Alameda Sunshine Ordinance
Benicia Sunshine Ordinance
Contra Costa County Sunshine Ordinance
Gilroy Sunshine Ordinance
Milpitas Open Government Ordinance
Oakland Sunshine Ordinance
Riverside Open Government Provisions
San Francisco Sunshine Ordinance
Vallejo Sunshine Ordinance
San Bernardino Sunshine Ordinance
Santa Ana Sunshine Ordinance
CPRA (California Public Records Act) is for California.
Here is a template:
[Your Name]
[Your Mailing Address]
[City, State ZIP]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Public Records Act Coordinator
[Name of Agency]
[Agency Address]
[City, State ZIP]
Re: California Public Records Act Request
To Whom It May Concern:
Pursuant to the California Public Records Act, Government Code sections 7920.000–7931.000, I respectfully request to [inspect and/or obtain copies of] the following records in the possession, custody, or control of your agency:
- [Describe the records as specifically as possible: titles, dates or date ranges, subject matter, departments involved, names of senders/recipients, case numbers, etc.]
These records concern matters of significant public interest. The public has a fundamental right to know how government agencies operate, how public officials and employees carry out their duties, and whether they are honoring the oaths of office they have taken to uphold the Constitution and laws. Disclosure of these records will promote transparency, foster public trust, and support accountability for the performance of official duties.
If any of these records are maintained in electronic form, I request that you provide them in their native electronic format or in another reasonably searchable electronic format.
If my request is unclear or you believe it could be narrowed to make your search easier, please contact me so I can clarify or refine it. I am willing to work with you to focus the request while preserving my access rights.
Please notify me in advance if the cost of copying or electronic production will exceed $[insert amount you are willing to pay], and let me know the total estimated cost before you proceed.
As required by the CPRA, I request a determination as to whether you will comply with this request within 10 days of your receipt of it, and that you promptly make the records available thereafter.
Thank you for your attention to this request and for your service in maintaining transparency and accountability in government.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature, if sending by mail]
[Your Printed Name]