Public Records

The California Public Records Act

The purpose of the California Public Records Act is to provide private citizens greater access to government information. The law (Government Code Section 6250 et seq.) requires that local government agencies make public records available upon request.

What are public records?

Public records include any writing containing information relating to the conduct of the public's business prepared, owned, used or retained by City regardless of the manner in which the record has been stored.
"Writing" means handwriting, printing, photocopying, transmission by electronic mail or facsimile, photography, and every other means of recording upon any form of communication or representation, including letters, words, pictures, sounds, or symbols or any combination thereof, and all papers, maps, magnetic or paper tapes, photographic films and prints, magnetic or punched cards, discs, drums and other documents.
"Member of the public" means any person except a member, agent, officer, or employee of a federal, state, or local agency acting within the scope of his or her membership, agency, office, or employment.

Public Records Requests Information

Public Records Request Form