Di Lauro v. City of Burbank CA2/5

INTRODUCTION

Plaintiff and appellant Desolina Di Lauro filed a putative class action against defendant and respondent City of Burbank (City), alleging the City violated the California Public Records Act (CPRA; Gov. Code, § 7920.000 et seq.) and the California Constitution.1 Plaintiff appeals from the judgment entered after the trial court sustained the City’s demurrer without leave to amend. We agree with the trial court that plaintiff cannot proceed on her class claims. However, the complaint allegations are sufficient for plaintiff to pursue her individual claim. Accordingly, we reverse the judgment and remand with directions to enter a new order sustaining the demurrer as to the class claims and overruling the demurrer to plaintiff’s individual CPRA claim.

FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

A. Factual Background

The City maintains a website that includes a method to submit requests for public records under the CPRA. The City also maintains an email address where individuals can submit requests for public records. The City’s Department of Water and Power (DWP) maintains a website separate from the City’s website, and the DWP’s website has a “Contact Us” button providing…