SUNSHINE LAW - THE CALIFORNIA PUBLIC RECORDS ACT

Our Mission Statement: Empowering Transparency in Government

The California Sunshine Institute is dedicated to fostering participatory democracy by championing government transparency and accountability through the effective use of "sunshine" laws.

We empower citizens to engage with their government, ensuring decisions are made in the public’s interest and fostering trust between communities and public institutions.

A dimly lit office environment with an open door leading into a room. There are papers hanging on the wall, a desk with a stack of files, and a partially visible computer screen.
A dimly lit office environment with an open door leading into a room. There are papers hanging on the wall, a desk with a stack of files, and a partially visible computer screen.

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Our Shared Vision

We envision a California where government operates openly, citizens are fully informed and engaged, and democracy thrives through accountability and equitable participation. By shining a powerful and persistent light on the processes of governance, we aim to create a future where all voices are heard, and public trust in democracy is strengthened.

Create it
black blue and yellow textile
black blue and yellow textile

Open Records

Promoting transparency and accountability through public records access.

A tall statue of a man stands prominently in front of a large, multi-windowed government building with classical architecture. The sky is partly cloudy, providing a backdrop of fluffy white clouds against a blue sky.
A tall statue of a man stands prominently in front of a large, multi-windowed government building with classical architecture. The sky is partly cloudy, providing a backdrop of fluffy white clouds against a blue sky.
Two paper notices are taped to a window. The one on the left promotes the 1st free black school building in the Northwest Territory, noting an open house event on the third Sunday in September. The notice on the right lists contact information for arranging visits at other times, including names and phone numbers.
Two paper notices are taped to a window. The one on the left promotes the 1st free black school building in the Northwest Territory, noting an open house event on the third Sunday in September. The notice on the right lists contact information for arranging visits at other times, including names and phone numbers.
beige concrete building
beige concrete building
An open book is held up in front of a small structure or box labeled 'Free Library' in purple letters on a yellow background. The book has an inscription reading 'Christmas 1997. To Dad. From Evelyn, Charlie, Kris & Betty'. Inside the library, a few books with colorful spines are partially visible.
An open book is held up in front of a small structure or box labeled 'Free Library' in purple letters on a yellow background. The book has an inscription reading 'Christmas 1997. To Dad. From Evelyn, Charlie, Kris & Betty'. Inside the library, a few books with colorful spines are partially visible.

Our Location

Located in the heart of downtown Oakland on the mezzanine level of the Alameda County Law Library in the offices of the Bay Area Legal Incubator (BALI).

Address

125 12th Street, Suite 100-BALI

Oakland, California 94607

Hours

10 AM - 4 PM

Transparency

Advocating for open records and accountability.

Integrity

Access

info@calsun.org

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