Councilman’s aim: Public records request transparency

SAN DIEGO (CNS) – Councilman Scott Sherman Wednesday proposed a local ordinance to ensure the public has the right to access San Diego city documents.

The proposal is in response to weakening of the state Public Records Act, which has created a firestorm of opposition from media organizations and public interest groups.

Sherman said the San Diego Public Records Act would require city officials to respond to public records requests within 10 days, provide electronic records in their original format, and provide a reason for denying requests for public records. Those are all components of the state law.

“San Diegans deserve transparency and accountability in their city government,” Sherman said. “This law will ensure that open and transparent government in San Diego will never be undermined by Sacramento.”

The Assembly is expected to vote Thursday on restoring the state Public Records Act, The Sacramento Bee reported.