Save Newport Real News in Newport Beach
Did you know that members of the general public can demand documents from the city? While some things are protected against disclosure (such as the advice the City Attorney gives to council or lawsuit information against the city which is not yet settled), you can request any other information.
Here’s how to do it:
1) Structure your question in the form of a request for documents (you can’t say “tell the truth about X!”, but you can say “I hereby request all documents and communication pertaining to X”)
2) Visit this website: www.newportbeachca.gov/quest
3) Click on “Public Record Act Requests”, type in your information, and click Submit.
It’s really that easy! You can request internal city documents, emails, communication between city staff, police officer videos (where the cases have been settled), maintenance schedules, price lists, contract bids, or anything else. Your imagination is the limit.
Is there something you’d like to know more about? Submit your request right there! Be sure your request is crafted properly, though, or you will be sifting through unthinkable amounts of documentation when it is returned to you
