Public Records Requests

The SFCJPA is committed to transparency and ensuring community members interested in the work of the SFCJPA can access the information they are seeking. Most of the SFCJPA’s key documents are available digitally and can be downloaded from the website. Copies of archived hard-copy files are available upon request. Download the full Public Records Request Policy.

Making A PUBLIC RECORDS ACT REQUEST 

Please include the following information to ensure the scope of the request is understood and the SFCJPA team can determine if we have the records you are requesting.

  • The date(s) of the record

  • The subject of the record

  • A clear and specific description of the record

  • Any additional information that helps staff identify the record

  • Your complete contact information, so that we may notify you when your request is available

Please send your request via email to the SFCJPA’s Clerk of the Board: mhparker@sfcjpa.org

WHAT IS THE CALIFORNIA PUBLIC RECORDS ACT? 

In 1968, the California Legislature enacted the California Public Records Act (CPRA) (Government Code (GC) sections 6250 et seq.). In its findings and declarations, the Legislature declared it was the public’s right to access information concerning the people’s business.  

The SFCJPA understands and supports the public’s right to access the public records created and maintained by SFCJPA in the course of normal business. A record can be handwritten, printed, or electronic (GC 6252). It is the goal of the SFCJPA to provide records in a transparent manner.

 

The CPRA requires public agencies to allow prompt access to public records (GC 6253). While the CPRA requires SFCJPA to make a determination (the SFCJPA will send an email/letter stating whether it possesses any responsive records) within 10 days of the receipt of a request, the CPRA does not require SFCJPA to produce the records within 10 days. Should the request be voluminous or require the SFCJPA to spend an unanticipated amount of time to find, review and prepare records, it may take longer for those records to be made available. 

The CPRA allows members of the public to inspect public records or to obtain copies of records, but it does not require the agency to create lists or reports in response to the request. 

Under Government Code 6253(b), agencies may charge for the "direct costs" for providing copies of an identifiable record, meaning the actual cost to the agency in making copies of the record.

GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 6254 AND OTHER EXEMPTIONS

Government Code section 6254 does not require disclosure of public records under certain circumstances in which the public interest in withholding a record clearly outweighs the public interest in disclosure. Items are most often withheld or redacted for the following reasons (please note that this list is not exhaustive): 

  • Confidential personnel information

  • Preliminary drafts, notes, or memorandums which are not retained in the ordinary course of business

  • Records pertaining to pending litigation to which the SFCJPA is a party until the litigation is adjudicated or settled