SUNSHINE LAW - THE CALIFORNIA PUBLIC RECORDS ACT

Empowering the Public through Government Transparency

Join us in advocating for open records and accountability through the Public Records Act in California.

Empowering Transparency and Accountability

California Sunshine Institute champions open records and government accountability, advocating for transparency through the Public Records Act to ensure citizens can access vital information about their government.

A historic brick building with a triangular roof, featuring American and Colorado flags flying outside. The building's entrance has a sign labeled 'OPEN' and is surrounded by a well-maintained lawn and white fence. Trees provide shade around the area, and a paved street runs in front of the building.
A historic brick building with a triangular roof, featuring American and Colorado flags flying outside. The building's entrance has a sign labeled 'OPEN' and is surrounded by a well-maintained lawn and white fence. Trees provide shade around the area, and a paved street runs in front of the building.
Essential for civic engagement.

Citizen Advocate

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Open Records Advocacy

Promoting transparency and accountability in government through public records access and education initiatives.

Public Records Access

Facilitating access to public records for individuals and organizations seeking government accountability and transparency.

man holding boy's head
man holding boy's head
Education and Outreach

Providing resources and training to empower citizens in understanding their rights under the Public Records Act.

Engaging communities to foster awareness about open records and the importance of government accountability.

Community Engagement
A person is holding a protest sign with bold text reading 'JUSTICE ACCOUNTABILITY LEADERSHIP NOW' written on it. The sign also includes smaller text at the bottom stating 'MARCH4JUSTICE' and '#ENOUGHISENOUGH'. The image is in black and white, enhancing a serious and impactful tone.
A person is holding a protest sign with bold text reading 'JUSTICE ACCOUNTABILITY LEADERSHIP NOW' written on it. The sign also includes smaller text at the bottom stating 'MARCH4JUSTICE' and '#ENOUGHISENOUGH'. The image is in black and white, enhancing a serious and impactful tone.

Transparency Projects

Promoting accountability through public records and open access.

A person's hand holds a newspaper titled 'La Justicia' in front of a historic building with two towers. The newspaper features an article criticizing local government spending on infrastructure. Road signs prohibiting motorbikes, bicycles, and right turns are visible in the foreground, against a bright blue sky.
A person's hand holds a newspaper titled 'La Justicia' in front of a historic building with two towers. The newspaper features an article criticizing local government spending on infrastructure. Road signs prohibiting motorbikes, bicycles, and right turns are visible in the foreground, against a bright blue sky.
Open Records

Ensuring public access to vital government information.

The image depicts the entrance to an office with large wooden doors and a prominent sign that reads 'Office of the Governor' in gold letters. The office is flanked by an American flag and features classical architectural elements, including columns and ornamental details. The atmosphere suggests a formal and official setting.
The image depicts the entrance to an office with large wooden doors and a prominent sign that reads 'Office of the Governor' in gold letters. The office is flanked by an American flag and features classical architectural elements, including columns and ornamental details. The atmosphere suggests a formal and official setting.
A book is open to a page containing text in Indonesian about press regulations, with a blurred whiteboard in the background. The text discusses issues concerning press freedom and the safety of journalists.
A book is open to a page containing text in Indonesian about press regulations, with a blurred whiteboard in the background. The text discusses issues concerning press freedom and the safety of journalists.
A dimly lit street scene at night features a brick building with a neon sign displaying the words 'INCOME TAX' in red and 'NOTARY PUBLIC' in green. A streetlight illuminates the space immediately around it, creating a contrast with the dark surroundings.
A dimly lit street scene at night features a brick building with a neon sign displaying the words 'INCOME TAX' in red and 'NOTARY PUBLIC' in green. A streetlight illuminates the space immediately around it, creating a contrast with the dark surroundings.
Government Accountability

Advocating for responsible governance and public oversight.

Client Advocate Reviews

See what our supporters say about our commitment to transparency.

California Sunshine Institute has transformed how we access public records effectively.

John D.
A group of individuals wearing blue vests kneel with their hands behind their backs in front of a fenced area. The backdrop features a large government building surrounded by lush green trees under a bright sky.
A group of individuals wearing blue vests kneel with their hands behind their backs in front of a fenced area. The backdrop features a large government building surrounded by lush green trees under a bright sky.

Los Angeles

The dedication of California Sunshine Institute to open records is inspiring and essential for government accountability. Their efforts truly make a difference in our community.

A large, multi-story government building with a flag on top and a clear blue sky with wispy clouds. The building is surrounded by trees and has a paved area with flagpoles in front.
A large, multi-story government building with a flag on top and a clear blue sky with wispy clouds. The building is surrounded by trees and has a paved area with flagpoles in front.
Jane S.

San Diego

★★★★★
★★★★★