FAQ

Tips:

Providing an email address when submitting a request will help prevent delays by allowing the electronic release of responsive documents.

Providing a date range for the records you are seeking helps staff expedite requests.

All information you provide related to this request is considered public. Please do not include personal information such as date of birth, social security number, license plate number, or drivers license number.

When making a request, look to see if the yellow bar with a link pops up at the bottom of the "Request a Public Record" box. If it does, the records you are seeking may require you to contact another organization. 

FAQs

How can I make a public records request?

We recommend using this online public portal to submit a request for information. This will allow you to track and monitor the status of your request, and receive most documents in response to your request.

How long will it take before I get a response?

The Public Records Act requires that the City contact you within 10 days from receipt of your request (Please note: If response is due on a Friday, Saturday, Sunday and/or holiday, the City will respond on the following business day).

How much does it cost to make a Public Information Request?

There is no initial cost to submit a public information request. If there is a cost associated with your request, you will receive notification of the estimated cost in writing.

What laws govern public records requests?

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. 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: 510-215-3000. Requests made verbally will be uploaded into NextRequest.

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 San Pablo 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.