Frequently Asked Questions
Below you will find information that might help you understand how to find things or learn about information you might need to know about your city or town.
City Clerk's Office - Access to Public Records
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City Clerk's Office - Access to Public Records
Public records can be requested online. View the Public Records Act Guide for more information regarding the Public Records Act.
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City Clerk's Office - Access to Public Records
The law defines "public record" broadly to include "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 the physical form and characteristics." A document does not have to be in written form to be a public record. A public record may consist of any medium that contains information, such as a computer tape or disc or video or cassette recording.
Every record made or received by the City is presumed to be a public record, unless it is subject to an exemption. Exempt records are those that Federal, State or Local law prohibits the City from disclosing or permits the City to decline to disclose. For example, the United States and California Constitutions prohibit the disclosure of personal information that would violate an individual's right to privacy.
The custodian of records must either give you a copy of the requested record or provide you with a written justification of why the record is not public (i.e. exempt from disclosure). The City is not required to create a document in response to a request. Nor is the City required to honor prospective requests.