Public Access to District Records

Bradford Reclamation District 2059 is committed to transparent government and public access to District records.

The District provides access to public records in accordance with:

• The California Public Records Act, Government Code section 7920.000 et seq.;
• The Ralph M. Brown Act, Government Code section 54950 et seq.;
• The California Water Code provisions governing the District; and
• Other applicable state and federal laws.

A public record generally includes any writing containing information relating to the conduct of the public’s business that is prepared, owned, used, or retained by the District, regardless of its physical form. Public records may include paper documents, maps, plans, photographs, emails, text messages, audio or video recordings, and electronically stored information.

Some records, or portions of records, are exempt from disclosure under state or federal law. The District will disclose any reasonably segregable, nonexempt portion of a record after protected information has been redacted.

How to Submit a Request

Public records requests may be submitted:

Email: bradford2059@gmail.com
Mail: Public Records Coordinator, Bradford Reclamation District 2059, PO Box 1059 Oakley, CA 94561
In person: 6329 Bethel Island Rd. Suite A Bethel Island, CA 94511
Telephone: 925-209-5480

A request does not have to be submitted in writing. Written requests are encouraged because they help the District understand the request and provide an accurate response.

Requesters are generally not required to identify themselves or explain why they want the records. Contact information may be needed if the requester wants copies delivered or wishes to receive updates concerning the request.

The California Freedom of Information Act, commonly called “FOIA,” applies to federal agencies. Requests to the District are handled under the California Public Records Act.

Describing the Records

A request should reasonably describe identifiable records. To help the District locate records promptly, please include as much of the following information as possible:

• The subject matter of the records;
• Relevant property, levee, facility, project, contract, permit, or assessment information;
• Approximate dates or date ranges;
• Names of relevant individuals, contractors, consultants, or agencies;
• The type of record sought, such as correspondence, reports, contracts, invoices, maps, plans, photographs, permits, or meeting materials; and
• The preferred format for receiving the records.

The Public Records Act provides access to existing records. It generally does not require the District to answer questions, conduct research, provide legal opinions, or create a new record that does not already exist.

If a request is unclear, overly broad, or does not reasonably identify the desired records, District staff will provide reasonable assistance to help identify responsive records and formulate a focused and effective request.

District Response

The District will respond promptly.

For a request for copies, the District ordinarily will determine within 10 calendar days after receiving the request whether it possesses disclosable records responsive to the request. This is the deadline for making and communicating the initial determination—not necessarily the deadline for producing all responsive records.

If the District determines that it has disclosable records, its response will provide an estimated date and time when the records will be available. Records will be produced promptly and within a reasonable period based on the volume and complexity of the request, the need to search for records, the need to review records for legally protected information, and available District resources.

In “unusual circumstances” specified by Government Code section 7922.535, the District may extend the initial determination period by no more than 14 additional calendar days. The District will provide written notice explaining the reason for the extension and the anticipated determination date. Qualifying circumstances may include:

• Searching for records located at separate facilities;
• Reviewing a voluminous collection of separate and distinct records;
• Consulting with another agency or multiple District components;
• Compiling data or writing programming necessary to extract data;
• Inability to access affected electronic systems because of a cyberattack; or
• Certain qualifying effects of a Governor-proclaimed state of emergency.

The District may produce records on a rolling basis when appropriate.

Inspection of Records

Disclosable public records are available for inspection during the District’s regular office hours at:

6329 Bethel Island Road Suite A Bethel Island, CA 94511
M-F between the hours of 9-5 PM by appointment, Staff only work part-time hours

The appointment should be booked prior to 5 PM to allow time for the inspection of documents due to the office closing at 5 PM  (925) 209-5480 is the number you call to book the appointment.

Inspection is ordinarily free of charge. An appointment may be arranged when records must first be located, reviewed, or redacted.

District staff may supervise an inspection to protect records from loss, alteration, or damage. A requester may use a personal device to photograph or otherwise reproduce records without charge, provided the device does not physically contact or damage the records, compromise District computer systems, or unreasonably interfere with District operations.

Electronic Records

When required by law, an identifiable, disclosable electronic record will be provided in an electronic format in which the District holds the information. If the requested format is one the District has used to create copies for itself or another agency, the District will provide the record in that format when applicable.

The District is not required to provide access to its computer systems, secured networks, or original electronic equipment.

Copying and Production Charges

Electronic records that can be transmitted without incurring a direct duplication cost will ordinarily be provided without charge.

For paper copies or other physical media, the District may charge:

• $.10 per page for standard paper copies;
• The applicable statutory fee for records subject to a fee established by law;
• The direct cost of duplication for other records or media; and