As a member of the public, you have the right to request records from public agencies that are produced with public money. This is covered under the federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the California Public Records Act (CPRA).
Since you will mostly be covering Delta College, the California Public Records Act will apply most directly to your work.
Under the act, and under the California Constitution, people have the right to access information concerning the conduct of the people’s business. With few exceptions, as long as a document was prepared, owned, used or retained by a state or local agency and pertains to governmental business, it must be made available to members of the public upon request.
To request documents, you must submit a letter that includes several criteria to the organization you want records from. The letter should include:
Who it is being submitted to. Delta College does not a have a dedicated public records department, so in most cases The Collegian uses “To whom it may concern” and directs the request to the Public Information Office, who forwards it to the appropriate person.
Specific details about the record requested. What is it? What form does it take (writing, photographs, a database, etc.)? Do you know or suspect where it might be found? If you know a specific document exists, use as much detail as possible.
You do not need to state a reason, unless it is a request for personally identifying information. In that case, the purpose is to gather newsworthy facts.
A sample CPRA request letter may be found at bit.ly/recordsletter. Following a template like this is your best bet for a request, because it also includes the relevant government codes and clarifies that the law requires a prompt response.
Note that some agencies have historically required a fee to access documents. This is not illegal, unless it is used to discourage requests. There are ways to mitigate this: Request digital copies if possible, ask to see physical records in person and take photos, etc. If you believe your right to access public records has been violated, talk with adviser Tara Cuslidge-Staiano.
If you want to request records for your work at The Collegian, it is best to notify your editor and Collegian administration.
Also remember that this is not a right reserved for journalists. Anybody can make a public records request of a federal, state or local agency,