As a public agency, the City of Pinole adheres to the California Public Records Act (GC § 6250-6270) which requires that governmental records shall be disclosed to the public, upon request, unless there is a specific reason not to do so. Permissible exemptions from disclosure include documents that invade an individual’s right to privacy (e.g., privacy in certain personnel records, medical or student records) or hinder the government’s need to perform its assigned functions in a reasonably efficient manner (e.g., maintaining confidentiality of investigative records, records relating to pending litigation, attorney-client communications, official information, and preliminary notes or memoranda).
The goal of the City Clerk's Department is to provide the public with quick and easy access to public information and records. Public records are open to inspection during regular City business hours, and interested persons may request and pay for a copy of any identifiable public record that are not exempted by statute. The City of Pinole encourages public record requests to be in writing in order to assist in providing the requestor with the an accurate and timely response.
It is not always practicable to provide an immediate copy for review or duplication; therefore you will be notified within 10 days when the record(s) may be available. There are certain records that are exempted by statute (see GC 6254).