FAQs

What contact information should I include on my request?

Requesters are strongly encouraged to provide at least some contact information. Providing an email address will allow you to log into the portal to view your request and access records that are uploaded to your request. In addition, this will allow City staff to send you notifications regarding the status of your request.

Who can see my contact information?

Requesters contact information is not published on the portal. However, all information sent and received by any City employee is subject to the CPRA; therefore, any communications and data exchanged or provided to the City is a public record and may be released in response to a public records request.

How does the City process Public Records Requests?

The City responds to requests for public records through its public records portal (NextRequest). Pursuant to Government Code section 7920.520, the City will determine whether it has disclosable records within 10 days from receipt of a request. In some instances, depending on the complexity of the request, the City may take a 14-day extension in which to conduct a search to determine whether responsive records exist. If disclosable records exist, the City will make every effort to provide responsive non-exempt records within a reasonable timeframe; however, response times will vary depending on the types and volume of records requested and the scope or timeframe of the request.

Are there any fees or charges for public records requests?

The City may charge for the actual costs of duplicating paper records. Fees for copies are $.20 per page, unless the requested record has an established statutory fee. There is no charge for electronic records that are provided via the public records portal.

When may public records be inspected?

In general, electronic records identified as responsive to CPRA requests are made available through the public records portal.

Public records maintained by other City departments may not be readily available for inspection. It is strongly recommended that you contact the department in advance to ensure that the records are available. An appointment may need to be scheduled if the records must be located, reviewed, or redacted for exempt information.

Are there records that may not be disclosed?

The City may refuse to disclose certain categories of records that are confidential and generally not subject to disclosure under the Public Records Act (Gov. Code ยง7920.500-7929.605). These include, but are not limited to:

  1. Preliminary drafts of certain documents that are not retained by the City in the ordinary course of business
  2. Records related to pending litigation
  3. Attorney-client communications
  4. Personnel records, medical information, or other similar records the disclosure of which would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
  5. Corporate financial and proprietary information, including trade secrets
  6. Confidential personal information on an application, i.e. home address and telephone number, financial information
  7. Information relative to a juvenile on a Police Report
  8. Architectural site plans that contain a copy-righted architectural seal
  9. Names and addresses on customer service and code complaints
  10. Initiative, referendum or recall petitions are unless by court order
  11. Candidate statements prior to the close of a nomination period
  12. Identities of those requesting bilingual ballots or ballot pamphlets
  13. Materials relating to ongoing complaints and investigations
  14. Records protected by State or Federal law.

Record Request

For law enforcement agencies and other government entities, please get in touch with the Records Unit at (831) 884-1293 for information on submitting a request. Please refrain from requesting reports or other records through this portal to ensure a prompt response.