FOIA Request to California Attorney General Rob Bonta regarding outside counsel and communications related to food litigation on January 9, 2026.
Golden State Today, a media organization focused on local governmental affairs, has submitted a request under the California Public Records Act § 6250 et seq. The request seeks records from the Office of the Attorney General concerning contracts and communications related to food litigation.
The specific records requested include:
1. Contracts and Financial Records: Any agreements, engagement letters, contingency fee arrangements, invoices, payment records, or reimbursement records between the Office of the Attorney General and three law firms: Morgan & Morgan, P.A., DiCello Levitt LLP, and Andrus Anderson LLP.
2. Communications: Written electronic communications used for official business such as emails or text messages involving:
– The Office of the Attorney General and any of the aforementioned law firms.
– The Office of the Attorney General and the San Francisco City Attorney’s Office concerning litigation or investigations involving food manufacturers or ultra-processed foods.
– The Office of the Attorney General and any federal agency regarding these matters.
Golden State Today emphasizes its role in holding public institutions accountable by providing transparency through access to public records. They have also requested a fee waiver due to their status as a media professional entity. Additionally, they are affiliated with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, which aids media companies in investigating governmental agencies using Freedom of Information laws.
The California Attorney General operates as the state’s chief law enforcement authority, overseeing uniform enforcement of laws and safeguarding public rights and safety. It offers services such as legal representation, criminal investigations and forensic support, along with consumer protections and civil rights initiatives statewide. According to the official website, it promotes transparency through public data portals and advances efforts in environmental justice and victim support.
Our team will continue to keep you updated as we gather and report news related to this request and other matters of public interest. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need further clarification regarding this matter.
