According to Calaware, the City of Encinitas has the distinction of being the first municipality to reject flatly a proposed sunshine ordinance. Teresa Barth's reaction is printed in the June 20, 2009 UT:

Open-government law pushed for Encinitas

Some cities in California have enacted open-government policies, often referred to as sunshine ordinances, which go beyond the minimum requirements of the Brown Act and the Public Records Act.

A clearly established policy of open meetings, easy access to public records and accountability will increase the public's trust and confidence in government.

At the June 10 Encinitas City Council meeting, I proposed a citizen task force to work with staff to craft a sunshine ordinance. My colleagues, while admitting to past problems, said such an ordinance was not necessary.

I disagree. Without a written policy, it is too easy to ignore and abuse state open government laws. We must send a clear message to the public that Encinitas values open and transparent government. Further, we must hold ourselves and the staff accountable to these goals.

The citizens of Encinitas deserve nothing less.

TERESA BARTH
Council Member
City of Encinitas