Fees/Costs Order Reversed In Public Records Act Request.

After a child was rendered permanently disabled following an accident that occurred when she was in a crosswalk, her family hired counsel. Under the Public Records Act [Government Code section 6250, et seq.; PRA], counsel requested all evidence including photos, reports, audio logs, handwritten notes, surveys, complaint letters and emails with respect to the accident. When the information requested was not forthcoming, a writ of mandate was filed. The superior court found the petition frivolous and awarded the City its costs and attorney fees. The appellate court, while noting the breadth of a public agency’s disclosure obligations under the PRA, reversed the grant of costs and fees. (Bertoli v. City of Sebastopol (Cal. App. First Dist., Div. 4; January 20, 2015) 233 Cal.App.4th 353, [182 Cal.Rptr.3d 308].)