In a dramatic twist that could rival any soap opera, California’s legislative leaders have decided that the public really doesn’t need to know if federal agents are snooping around for corruption. That’s right, folks, while you’re out here trying to keep tabs on your latte orders and TikTok influencers, your elected officials are dodging questions like they’re in a game of dodgeball at a high school gym.

Recently, open government advocates were left reeling. They wanted to peek behind the crimson curtain to find out if taxpayer dollars are being funneled into defensive legal fees for lawmakers embroiled in a tangled web of federal investigations. Imagine that, your hard-earned cash might be going toward covering the backsides of politicians instead of public resources. But when requests for records were submitted, leaders like Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas and Senate President Pro Tem Mike McGuire went into full-on fortress mode, denying access with a flourish.

“The public interest served by not making the record public clearly outweighs the public interest served by disclosure of the record,” they claimed. Could someone get these folks a mirror? It would be delightful if they could see just how transparent their justifications aren’t.

Sean McMorris from California Common Cause pointedly stated that we, as the public, have a right to know if our representatives are under investigation. Because newsflash: Ignorance isn’t bliss, especially when it comes to politicians potentially engaging in criminal activity. And we’re not talking about just any kind of criminality here; we’re looking at a brewing storm involving bribery and campaign contributions tied to cannabis endorsements.

Legal Director David Loy had a sharp rebuttal ready, suggesting that the legislative leaders’ “public interest” excuse is just a way to prevent the inconvenient truth from coming to light. He argues that secrecy might be legal, but shrouding the workings of government from the very people who fund it? That’s squandering trust.

In familiar disarray, recent reports linked Southern California Senator Susan Rubio to this swirling cesspool of corruption allegations. While she has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, her evasiveness regarding the specifics of investigations leaves much to be desired. Unfortunately, California’s Legislative Open Records Act, signed in 1975, provides lawmakers with a convenient umbrella to dodge disclosure. Sure, they can keep secrets, but should they?

So, as the fog rolls in thicker than the secrets being kept in Sacramento, one thing is clear: It’s high time for the people to demand transparency in government. Because ignoring possible corruption? That’s just not cool with any of us.

Let’s keep our eyes peeled, Bay Area, everyone deserves answers, especially when public interest hangs in the balance.