Asked & Answered

Q:  Does the CPRA give one the right to take photo of disclosed records with smart phone camera or other similar device (assuming not historical doc or any issue of light damages etc.)? A: I am not aware of any provision in the Public Records Act that affirmatively allows members of the public to photograph public records.  That said, I cannot think of any reason why the public would be prohibited from doing this.  If you are

Q: I recently made a PRA for letters and documents between a university and a staff member. I know the documents likely exist because they are referenced in a published news story by the campus paper that the university has not refuted. Despite this, I received a response letter stating that after a search, no responsive records were found. I am writing a response letter and would like to know if there are any relevant sections

Q:  I’m a TV news writer/producer seeking to cover with a small TV camera a parole hearing. I made a written request for video access and never got a response. Yesterday I called the Dept. of Corrections press office, and was told that request was turned down — but without a reason or any indication the request was seriously considered. Since cameras are routinely admitted to trials in California, I am hoping there might be

Q: I am the admin and creator of a Facebook group. Recently I was threatened to be named in a defamation suit for the posts of a member. We are a public group that posts news and opinions on our University, teams, team play, team coaching. We allow posts by members who voice approval or disapproval about the team, the coaches, administration, or the university. We are a sounding board for positive and negative talk.

Q: Can the chairperson postpone a planning commission meeting with due cause?  Or can postponement only happen with a vote at the meeting by a quorum? A: The procedure for postponing a regularly scheduled meeting, such as a planning commission meeting, is not addressed in the Brown Act, which is California’s open meeting law. The Brown Act was designed to ensure that “meetings” of “legislative bodies” are open and accessible to member of the public,