BBK’s Christine Wood & Jennifer Ransom Author Article for Cal Cities Western City Magazine
Article Discusses the Importance of the California Public Records Act and Government Transparency
Best Best & Krieger LLP (BBK) California Public Records Act (CPRA) Partner Christine Wood and ARC: Advanced Records Center Lead Paralegal Jennifer Ransom have authored an article for the November issue of League of California Cities’ Western City Magazine. This article covers why it is crucial that California public agencies utilize and comply with the CPRA.
Wood and Ransom emphasize that the CPRA is a cornerstone of government transparency, requiring public agencies to disclose records upon request while carefully balancing privacy and legal protections. They break down how the law works, who it applies to and what qualifies as a public record, highlighting emails, texts and even data held by third parties. Wood and Ransom remind their audience that disclosure is default, with exemptions being limited.
The authors also take note of the real-world challenges that agencies face, including frequent or difficult requesters and the growing complexity of managing electronic records. They stress that professionalism, clear communication and strong internal procedures are key to compliance. Ultimately, Wood and Ransom remind agencies that transparency isn’t just a legal requirement, it’s a constitutional right that builds public trust and protects agencies from costly legal and reputational risks.
Read their full article here.
