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Voice of OC (https://voiceofoc.org/tag/californians-aware/)

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Californians Aware

County May Allow Immediate Destruction of Texts and Email

By Nick Gerda | September 22, 2017

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
By Tracy Wood | March 2, 2017

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
By Adam Elmahrek | May 2, 2016

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
By Adam Elmahrek | March 30, 2016

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
By Tracy Wood | February 2, 2016

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
By TRACY WOOD | October 15, 2014

Obit: Michael Harris turned a spotlight on local government secret meetings and actions

Judge Orders County Officials to Release Bustamante Records

County Government
By TRACY WOOD | January 6, 2014

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
By TRACY WOOD | January 5, 2014

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
By TRACY WOOD | December 2, 2013

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
By ADAM ELMAHREK | October 22, 2013

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.

Load more stories

Opinion »

  • Kriz: Fourteen More Homeless Died in OC Last Month

    Fr. Dennis Kriz, Pastor at St. Philip Benizi Catholic Church in Fullerton, reflects upon the fourteen people who died “without fixed abode” in Orange County in January. He suggests that shelters should respond to the needs of those they are supposed to serve.

  • Santana: OC Judge To Rule Soon on Releasing Deputy Misconduct Records

    After a ruling against police unions in Contra Costa late last week, Orange County this week could become the second jurisdiction to see a ruling in California over the heated legal battle to implement SB 1421, which opens select police misconduct records for public review.

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