The city of Berkeley has adopted an ordinance that expands access to documents, expands live streaming of meetings and bars confidential legal settlements. But, according to the local Web site Berkeleyside, it also has potential to weaken support for a more far-reaching sunshine ordinance schedule for a public vote in November 2012.
The city ordinance, adopted Tuesday, would create an advisory commission that would seek voluntary agreements over open government disputes. By contrast, the much tougher city ballot measure would create a commission with power to sue city officials who violate the law.