County May Allow Immediate Destruction of Texts and Email
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The plan could be illegal, according to two attorneys who specialize in California public records law.
State Supreme Court Unanimously Rules Officials’ Government Texts and Emails on Private Phones and Computers are Public Records
Countywide
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The 24-page opinion in the case of the City of San Jose vs. the Superior Court (Smith) also said “…there is no indication the Legislature meant to allow public officials to shield communications about official business simply by directing them through personal accounts.“
Water District’s Secretive Committees Likely Violate Open Meetings Law
Countywide
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The Orange County Water District’s Board of Directors has several committees that meet outside of public view. And several of them appear to be doing so illegally, according to open government expert Terry Francke.
CalAware: Seal Beach Council Broke Open Meetings Law
Seal Beach
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Council members violated the law by meeting secretly to approve a costly lobbying contract, according to open government advocates. While not admitting wrongdoing, the council promised Monday to not break the law in the future.
State’s Public Records Act Hasn’t Caught Up to Smart Phone Revolution
Countywide
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The act, for example, does not adequately cover communication via text and emails. But 2016 might be the year courts and policymakers move to close loopholes created by technology.
Reporter’s Stories on Government Secrecy Led to Brown Act
County Government
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Obit: Michael Harris turned a spotlight on local government secret meetings and actions
Judge Orders County Officials to Release Bustamante Records
County Government
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The order is the culmination of a two-year open records case brought against the county by Voice of OC and Californians Aware.
Open-Government Issues High on State Legislature’s Agenda
County Government
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Voters will decide on a constitutional amendment addressing costs, and the state Legislature will take on the controversy over public comments.
State Supreme Court Rejects Voice of OC Public Records Case
Communications
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The nonprofit news organization and Californians Aware were seeking records relating to sex abuse charges against Carlos Bustamante.
ACLU to Depose City Officials in Anaheim Voting Rights Case
Anaheim
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The American Civil Liberties Union will be deposing City Council members – and possibly former council members – on their responsiveness to the city’s Latino community. Voice of OC has requested media access.