Subject: San Jose, California Sample Letter for Appeal Citing Freedom of Information Act Dear [Recipient's Name], I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to request additional information regarding [specific information/document/issue] related to [describe the subject]. As a concerned citizen and advocate for transparency, I am exercising my right under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to appeal the denial of access to the requested information. As you may be aware, the FOIA was enacted in 1966 with the aim of promoting openness and accountability within government agencies. This federal law grants individuals the right to access information held by public authorities, ultimately strengthening the democratic process and enabling informed public discourse. Considering the above, I kindly request a review of the denial of my original FOIA request dated [mention the date], which sought the following [specify the requested information in detail]. I firmly believe that the information being sought is of significant public interest and its disclosure is crucial for fostering transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in the decision-making processes of our community. To present a clear rationale for my appeal, I wish to draw attention to the following key points: 1. Relevance: The requested information directly pertains to [describe its direct importance in relation to your cause, research, or inquiry]. Its disclosure would allow for a comprehensive understanding of [state intended outcome or objective]. 2. Public Interest: The release of the requested information is vital as it contributes to an informed citizenry and fosters accountability and trust among residents. As a concerned citizen, I am committed to promoting access to knowledge for the betterment of our community. 3. Legal Grounds: Under the FOIA, agencies are required to disclose requested information unless it falls within the established exemptions outlined in the Act. To the best of my knowledge, the denial of my initial request does not fall within any of these exemptions, and thus, disclosure is warranted. In light of these considerations, I kindly request your prompt attention to this matter. I urge you to thoroughly review my appeal and provide a written response within the statutory timeframe specified in the FOIA. Moreover, I would appreciate your adherence to the principles of transparency and accountability that form the foundation of our democratic society. Thank you for your prompt attention to this appeal. I firmly believe that by granting access to the requested information, we can strengthen the trust between citizens and government agencies, fostering a more engaged and inclusive community. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, ZIP] [Contact Information: Phone and Email] (Note: This is just a general example to provide an idea of the content that can be included in a sample letter for appeal citing the Freedom of Information Act. The specific details and language may vary depending on the context and individual circumstances.)
Para su conveniencia, debajo del texto en español le brindamos la versión completa de este formulario en inglés. For your convenience, the complete English version of this form is attached below the Spanish version.