FAQs
What laws govern public records requests?
LOCAL: The City of Alameda open government law, called the Sunshine Ordinance, addresses Public Information here.
STATE: The California Public Records Act (CPRA) is available here: §§7920 - 7931
FEDERAL: The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is available here.
What is a public record?
The CPRA definition of “Public records” includes 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. "Writing" means any handwriting, typewriting, printing, photostating, photographing, photocopying, transmitting by electronic mail or facsimile, and every other means of recording upon any tangible thing, any form of communication or representation, including letters, words, pictures, sounds, or symbols, or combinations thereof, and any record thereby created, regardless of the manner in which the record has been stored.
Who can make a Public Records Act Request?
Any member of the public can request records.
Can I make an anonymous request?
Yes. You are not required to include contact information with a request. However, if you submit an anonymous request, you will not receive updates about your request or be able to log in to access documents. The only way you will be able to receive responsive documents is if the records are posted publicly on the portal or if you contact the department directly. If the department needs clarification on your request and has no way to contact you, your request may be closed out without a response.
Do I have to specify my reason for making a Public Records Act request?
No. Any person has a right to inspect or receive copies of any public record, subject to specified exceptions.
Does a request for records have to be in writing?
No. A request may be made verbally. Verbal requests can be made by calling the City Clerks Office: 510-747-4800 or by directly contacting the department with the records. Requests made verbally will be uploaded into NextRequest.
What if my request spans multiple departments or I do not know which department would have the records?
Requests spanning multiple departments or with an unknown department should be submitted to the City Clerk. The City Clerk's office will forward the request to the appropriate department(s).
When will I receive a response to my request?
You should receive an initial response in 10 working days (excluding Friday, Saturday, Sunday and holidays).
What records are exempt from disclosure?
The types of documents that are exempt include, but are not limited to: personnel records, medical records and similar files which would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy if publicly disclosed; records pertaining to litigation under the California Tort Claims Act to which the City of Alameda is a party; memoranda from legal counsel regarding pending litigation, preliminary drafts, notes or inter-agency advisory opinions, recommendations and deliberations; records of complaints to or investigations conducted by any State or local Police agency; privileged attorney-client communications; initiative, referendum and recall petitions; trade secrets and criminal history information, and certain documents in which the public interest in not disclosing the document outweighs the public interest in disclosing.