LADWP

To Whom It May Concern:

To: Records Custodian
Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP)
CPRA@ladwp.com

Pursuant to the California Public Records Act (CPRA) (California Government Code § 6250 et seq.), I am requesting access to and copies of any and all records related to the functionality, capacity, and vulnerabilities of the fire hydrant system in the Greater Los Angeles area. Specifically, I am seeking information that pertains to the following:
1. Hydrant System Vulnerabilities and Capacity:
• Reports, memos, studies, assessments, or internal communications related to the fire hydrant system’s operational readiness, capacity, and performance.
• Any documented concerns, limitations, or vulnerabilities identified in the fire hydrant system, including but not limited to water pressure issues, dry hydrants, or insufficient flow rates.
2. Testing and Evaluations:
• Records of any testing, inspections, or evaluations conducted on fire hydrants and related infrastructure.
• Results of flow tests, pressure evaluations, or other performance measures specific to fire hydrants in Los Angeles and surrounding areas.
3. Awareness of Potential Failures:
• Any communications, emails, or reports between LADWP and other government agencies (e.g., Los Angeles Fire Department, City of Los Angeles officials, California State Water Resources Control Board) discussing the fire hydrant systems.
• Documents, communications or analyses that acknowledge or outline the risks, concerns and vulneralbiliteis of the fire hydrant system.
4. Mitigation and Preparedness Plans:
• Any plans, proposals, or discussions regarding efforts to upgrade or address potential vulnerabilities in the fire hydrant system prior to recent fires.
• Funding allocations, budgets, or grants related to improving fire hydrant infrastructure or emergency water systems.

Format of Records:
If possible, I request that the records be provided in electronic format (e.g., PDFs, spreadsheets) and sent via email. Please include any metadata associated with electronic records, such as file creation and modification dates.

Time Frame:
I am requesting records from January 1, 2020, to the present to capture a comprehensive history of planning, testing, and discussions regarding the fire hydrant system.

Fee Waiver Request (If Applicable):
If there are any fees associated with this request, please inform me before processing it. I request a fee waiver as this information is in the public interest and contributes to understanding the functionality of critical infrastructure during emergencies.

Under the California Public Records Act (CPRA), Government Code § 6253(c), the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) is required to respond to this request within 10 calendar days of receipt. The response must include:
1. Acknowledgment of the Request: Confirmation that the request has been received.
2. Determination of Records Availability: A decision regarding whether the requested records exist and can be disclosed.
3. Notification of Extension (if applicable): If additional time is needed to locate or compile the requested records, LADWP may extend the response time by an additional 14 calendar days, as permitted by law, provided that you notify me in writing of the reason for the extension.

Should LADWP fail to respond within this statutory timeframe or deny the request without valid legal grounds, it may be considered a violation of the CPRA, and I reserve the right to seek remedies under the law.

Thanks,
Eric Scharfenberger