Talk about fun — it’s “Redaction Palooza” time!
A large law firm specializing in public agency representation — including dozens of cities and special districts in California — is offering a series of online seminars so public workers can learn how to use exemptions under the California Public Records Act.
What a hoot!
We turn, for clarity, to the dictionary definitions of “redaction” (the censoring or obscuring of part of a text) and “palooza” (a wild, crazy and extravagant party). This bacchanalian fete costs just $750 per attendee — public money spent, if we’re understanding this correctly, to help keep records from the public.
“If you are a public agency who wants to learn more about exemptions available through the California Public Records Act, this training series is for you!” the Redaction Palooza website crows. “In half-hour sessions, presenters will provide an in-depth look into specific exemptions, including best practices for common exemptions.”
A sampling of topics covered, where “privilege” may be read as “don’t tell”: Investigatory Privilege. Deliberative Process Privilege. Official Information Privilege. Attorney Client Privilege. Claim one of these, and those records might remain snug in your desk, or be heavily blacked out if they’re produced. Whew!
Sensing our alarm, the law firm in question — Best Best & Krieger — urged calm.
“As a law firm that represents several public agencies throughout California, we regularly do training of all types,” said BB&K’s Christine Wood by email. “Redaction Palooza is designed to help agencies learn more about how to properly assert applicable PRA exemptions.”
The word “palooza,” she said, refers to the big number of sessions — 26 — and not a frenzy of redactions.
There’s not much detail on precisely what’s covered in the sessions. When we asked for more information, we were told to check the Redaction Palooza website next week.
Then we…
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