FAQ

What is the California Public Records Act?

The California Public Records Act (CPRA) gives the public the right to access records created and maintained by public agencies in the course of their normal business.

What is considered a public record?

Pursuant to Government Code Section 6252(e), a public record is defined as “any writing containing information relating to the conduct of the public's business prepared, owned, used, or retained by any state or local agency regardless of physical form or characteristics.” Public records requests may be used to obtain "records," which include a wide variety of documents and other materials (including print, photographic, and electronic formats) that were created or obtained by the organization and are, at the time the request is filed, in the organization’s possession and control.  

Records subject to disclosure under the CPRA may include email or other communications from members of the public, or that reference them. While the District reviews all responsive records to determine if this information should be disclosed, in many cases, references to members of the public or the content of their communications to the District are subject to disclosure.

What records are exempt from CPRA?

Permissible exemptions from disclosure include documents that invade an individual's right to privacy (e.g., privacy in certain personnel, medical, or student records) or hinder the government's need to perform its assigned functions in a reasonably efficient manner (e.g., maintaining the confidentiality of investigative records, official information, records related to pending litigation, and preliminary notes or memoranda).