.
Feedback

Watchdog Group Launches Petition to Protect Brown Act

Californians Aware is asking voters to sign a petition that would protect key provisions of the Brown Act, the state's open-government law.

A Sacramento-based organization launched a petition drive Sunday to amend the California constitution to ensure that municipal meeting agendas continue to be offered to the public.

In June, the state Legislature gave California cities and counties the option of not posting meeting agendas and other reports to save money. This action suspended a key provision of the Brown Act, which requires California cities, counties, school boards and special districts to conduct their meetings openly.

On Sunday, Californians Aware launched a petition drive to place a proposition on the statewide ballot.

"Even though the law might not hold public officials accountable for no longer posting agendas or providing adequate descriptions of items on them, angry voters would hold them accountable, and political exposure has always been a far more powerful motivator of Brown Act compliance than legal exposure," stated Californians Aware on its website.

There is also a bill that would preserve the Brown Act provisions, but it remains in limbo in the Assembly Appropriations Committee after the state Senate passed it.

To read more about the petition, click here.

------

Follow San Ramon Patch on:
Facebook — facebook.com/SanRamonPatch
Twitter — twitter.com/SanRamonPatch

You can signup for San Ramon Patch's daily newsletter here: sanramon.patch.com/newsletters

Newsletter & Alerts

Get the best stories each day and important breaking news

Subscribe

Not from San Ramon Patch? Find your Local Patch »

Loading comments ...
Note Article
Just a short thought to get the word out quickly about anything in your neighborhood.
Share something with your neighbors. Write a new post... What's up? Make an announcement, speak your mind, or sell something
Longtime Resident May 20, 2013 at 11:10 pm
The trees are not 15 years old nor are they native to this area. Are you in favor of the cityRead More spending $22 million to repair the damage they're causing?
Christopher Michael Lee May 15, 2013 at 11:05 pm
Thank you so much Ms. Marcia Parker. It would be my pleasure to offer in any way I can. I mustRead More admit, I am not the most adept blogger, however, I am more than willing to try!
Marcia Parker (Editor) May 15, 2013 at 11:12 am
Congrats Christopher. We'd love to have you blogging on San Ramon Patch!