FAQs

This page provides answers to some of the common and frequently asked questions we have received regarding the Public Records Act (PRA).

What is the California Public Records Act (CPRA)?

The California Public Records Act (CPRA) was passed by the California Legislature in 1968 for government agencies and requires that government records be disclosed to the public, upon request, unless there are privacy and/or public safety exemptions which would prevent doing so. 

General Question vs PRA section

A public records request is different than a question or series of questions posed to local agency officials or employees. The Act creates no duty to answer written or oral questions submitted by members of the public. But if an existing and readily available record contains information that would directly answer a question, from a customer service standpoint, it is advisable to either answer the question or provide the record in response to the question. 

Who can request public records?

All persons have the right to inspect and copy disclosable public records.

Time Frame to Respond

A local agency must respond promptly, but no later than ten calendar days from receipt of the request, to notify the requester whether records will be disclosed. A local agency may extend the ten-day response period for up to 14 additional calendar days because of the need to search for and collect the requested records from field facilities or other establishments separate from the office processing the request; to search for, collect, and appropriately examine a voluminous amount of separate and distinct records demanded in a single request; to consult with another agency having substantial interest in the request (such as a state agency), or among two or more components of the local agency (such as two city departments) with substantial interest in the request; and/or in the case of electronic records, to compile data, write programming language or a computer program, or to construct a computer report to extract data.

What is exempt from public records?

Government Code § 7922.000 exempts from disclosure any records if “on the facts of the particular case the public interest served by not making the record public clearly outweighs the public interest served by disclosure of the record.”

Can I make an anonymous request?

Yes. You may submit anonymous requests but must include your contact information in order for the responding department to reach you. You may use non-identifying contact information (e.g., [email protected]). The responding department may contact you to clarify your request or to send you the responsive records.

Is there fee's associated with submitting a public records request?

There is no fee associated with receiving records electronically (e.g., email). However, under Government Code 7922.530, agencies may charge the direct costs for providing copies of the identifiable record. Copying fees must be paid prior to the release of the document.

Can I stop by the District’s office during regular business hours to inspect the public records I am interested in?

Advance notice is not required to inspect public records; however, it is recommended that you contact the District’s Clerk's Office in advance to schedule an appointment. Please keep in mind that requests to inspect records are subject to a rule of reason and must be consistent with the efficient functioning of the District’s offices. Failure to make an appointment in advance may result in a delay while the records are being located and reviewed. There is no charge to inspect records. However, in order to prevent records from being lost, damaged or destroyed during inspection, District staff may determine the location of and monitor the inspection.

Who can I contact with questions about records and/or information?

For any other questions, please email Sylvia M. Bermudez, Clerk of the Board

How can I submit a public records request?

Public records requests may be submitted online, by mail, email, or in-person. However, we recommend submitting requests online via NextRequest for more efficient processing. Requests may be emailed to [email protected]. Written submissions can be mailed to Coachella Valley Water District, Public Records Request, c/o Clerk of the Board, PO Box 1058, Coachella CA 92236. In person submissions can be delivered to: Steve Robbins Administration Building, Coachella Valley Water District, 75515 Hovley Ln E, Palm Desert, CA 92211. If you are having trouble or require further assistance submitting a request, you may contact the clerk’s office at (760) 398-2651.