Cerritos City Council
September 28, 2026

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BACKGROUND
Cerritos] N
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CIVIC CENTER• 18125 BLOOMFIELD AVENUE 1111
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P.O. BOX .31.30 • CERRITOS, CALIFORNIA 9070.3-.31.30 �
PHONE: (562) 860-0.311 • CERRITOS.GOV

AGEND A RE POR T
Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
Robert A. Lopez, City Manager1?At--
Cynthia Nava, City Cler
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Kristin Aguila, Assistant.i'c
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K\ ; Man �r
Ryan Carey, Deputy City Manage
September 28, 2026
2008
Waive full reading of and adopt A RESOLUTION OF THE

CERRITOS CITY COUNCIL AMENDING THE CERRITOS CITY
COUNCIL AUTHORIZED SPOKESPERSON POLICY, POLICY NO.

6.01 Waive full reading of and adopt A RESOLUTION OF THE

CERRITOS CITY COUNCIL AMENDING THE CERRITOS DIGITAL
COMMUNICATIONS POLICY, POLICY NO. 3.06
The City periodically reviews its policies and procedures to ensure they remain current and consistent with City operations and governmental agency best practices. As part of this review, proposed amendments have been prepared to the City Council Authorized Spokesperson Policy, Policy No. 6.01, and the Digital Communications Policy, Policy No.

3.06. The proposed amendments are intended primarily to provide greater clarity regarding the administration and application of each policy. The proposed amendments to both policies have been reviewed by the Policy and Procedure Internal Ad Hoc Working Group, which has recommended that the City Council approve the amended policies by adoption of the City Council resolutions presented as Exhibits 3 and 4 of this agenda report.

DISCUSSION
City Council Authorized Spokesperson Policy, Policy No. 6.01 The proposed amendments to the City Council Authorized Spokesperson Policy, Policy No.

6.01, primarily clarify the City's process for determining the appropriate level of recognition as it relates to proclamations and certificates of recognition for individuals, organizations, businesses, and other members of the community. Said amendments are presented in Exhibit 1: Amended City Council Authorized Spokesperson Policy, Policy No. 6.01 - Redline Draft.

LYNDA P. JOHNSON
MAYOR
MARK E. PULIDO

MAYOR PRO TEM

JENNIFER HONG

COUNCILMEMBER
SOPHIA M. TSE

COUNCILMEMBER

FRANK AURELIO YOKOYAMA

COUNCILMEMBER
1 2
City Policy Amendments
September 28, 2026

Highlights of the proposed amendments include the following:
• Establishment of a hierarchy for City recognitions. Certificates of Recognition are intended to acknowledge noteworthy service, achievement, contribution, or community involvement, including student and athletic achievements, Eagle Scouts, volunteer service, local business milestones, community contributions, and significant anniversaries and birthdays. Proclamations are established as the City's second-highest form of recognition and are reserved to recognize significant contributions, achievements, milestones, commemorations, and other matters of broad community significance. The Key to the City is established as the City's highest ceremonial honor, reserved for outgoing Councilmembers and individuals whose extraordinary, long-term civic contributions have had a profound and lasting impact on the City.
• Establishment of consistent nomination, review, and approval procedures for City recognitions. The amendments formalize the nomination process and submission timelines for Certificates of Recognition, Proclamations, and Keys to the City. With the exception of Key to the City recognitions for outgoing City Councilmembers, all requests are subject to review by the City Manager or designee and final approval by the Mayor, with all recognitions presented by the Mayor or designee.

The proposed changes are intended to establish a more consistent framework for determining whether a request warrants a Key to the City, Proclamation or Certificate of Recognition and to clarify the process for submitting, reviewing, approving, and presenting such recognitions.

Digital Communications Policy, Policy No. 3.06
The proposed amendments to the Digital Communications Policy, Policy No. 3.06, primarily address and clarify existing case law regarding the application of the policy to Public Officials (City Councilmembers and appointed Cerritos Commission or Committee members) when using personal, non-City-administered social media and other digital communication channels. Said amendments are presented in Exhibit 2: Amended Digital Communications Policy, Policy No. 3.06 - Redline Draft.

Highlights of the proposed amendments include the following:
• Clarification of the distinction between official City communication channels and personal communication channels used by Public Officials. • Clarification that personal, non-City-administered social media accounts are not official City communication channels and that communications made through those accounts in an individual's personal capacity are not official communications of the City.
• Clarification on guidance concerning the use of a disclaimer when a Public Official communicates through a personal digital communication channel regarding City business or identifies the individual as being connected with the City. • Clarification of the application of First Amendment and other applicable legal requirements related to Digital Communications by Public Officials. 3 City Policy Amendments
September 28, 2026

The proposed amendments are intended to provide guidance to City Council and City officials regarding the distinction between personal and official communications, while recognizing that communications concerning City business may implicate applicable legal and City policy requirements regardless of the platform or account being used.

POLICY AND PROCEDURE INTERNAL AD HOC WORKING GROUP
The proposed amendments to the City Council Authorized Spokesperson Policy, Policy No.

6.01, and Digital Communications Policy, Policy No. 3.06, were reviewed by the Policy and Procedure Internal Ad Hoc Working Group. Following its review, the Working Group approved the proposed amendments and recommends that the City Council approve the revised policies.

FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with the proposed amendments to the City Council Authorized Spokesperson Policy, Policy No. 6.01, or Digital Communications Policy, Policy No. 3.06.

CONCLUSION
The proposed amendments to the subject Policies are intended to provide greater clarity regarding the City's recognition procedures and digital communications requirements. The Authorized Spokesperson Policy revisions establish distinctions between Keys to the City, Proclamations, and Certificates of Recognition and clarify the nomination, review, approval, and presentation processes. The Digital Communications Policy revisions provide updated guidance concerning Digital Communications by Public Officials, including communications made through personal social media channels, while clarifying the applicability of existing legal and policy requirements.

RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council:

1. Waive full reading of and adopt a resolution captioned as follows:

A RESOLUTION OF THE CERRITOS CITY COUNCIL AMENDING THE CERRITOS CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZED SPOKESPERSON POLICY, POLICY NO. 6.01; and

2. Waive full reading of and adopt a resolution captioned as follows:

A RESOLUTION OF THE CERRITOS CITY COUNCIL AMENDING THE CERRITOS DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS POLICY, POLICY NO. 3.06.

Exhibit List:

1. Amended City Council Authorized Spokesperson Policy, Policy No. 6.01 - Redline Draft

2. Amended Digital Communications Policy, Policy No. 3.06 - Redline Draft

3. Proposed City Council Resolution - Authorized Spokesperson Policy

4. Proposed City Council Resolution - Digital Communications Policy 4 CHAPTER 6 - GOVERNING BODY POLICIES
Policy No. 6.01 - City Council Authorized Spokesperson Policy v.1 (adopted via Resolution No. 2022 20, 0<1/28/2022)

CITY OF CERRITOS

CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZED SPOKESPERSON POLICY
Current Version Adoption Date: 09/28/2026 (v.2, Resolution No. 2026-XX) €Mf28/2@22 ( •. 1, Fl:esel1:1tien PJe. 2922 20,
Prior Version Adoption Date: $04/28/2022 (v.1. Resolution No. 2022-20) Original Policy Adoption Date: 04/28/2022 (v.1, Resolution No. 2022-20)

6.01.010 PURPOSE
This Policy establishes the Mayor as the City's official Spokesperson. Additionally, this Policy provides for the manner in which members of the general public are nominated and selected to receive Proclamations and/or Certificates of Recognition from the City. This Policy also memorializes the process required for approving Proclamations and Certificates of Recognition to be presented by the Mayor or his/her designee.

6.01.020
A.

B.

C.

D.

E.

F.

6.01.030

DEFINITIONS
Certificate of Recognition: Certificate of Recognition means the second highest form of City recognition presented to a deserving member of the general public including, but not limited to, residents, business owners, community organizations. property owners, government officials, dignitaries, etc.

Councilmember: Councilmember means one of five elected members of the City Council.

Mayor: Mayor means a current member of the City Council elected by his/her fellow City Council colleagues to serve as its presiding officer. The Mayor shall serve as the City's official Spokesperson and represent the City for all public relations, media and City-sponsored events, emergency/disaster public information, and ceremonial purposes.

Mayor Pro Tern : Mayor Pro Tern means a current member of the City Council designated by his/her fellow City Council colleagues to perform the duties of the Mayor during the Mayor's absence or disability.

Proclamation : Proclamation means the highest City award presented by the Mayor as the City's official Spokesperson to any deserving member of the general public including, but not limited to, residents, business owners, community organizations. property owners, community groups, government officials, dignitaries, etc.

Spokesperson: The Mayor shall serve as the official Spokesperson of the City relative to any written and/or oral communications on official City comm unication channels. The Mayor may assign these duties to the Mayor Pro Tern or any other City Councilmember at his/her sole discretion.

POLICY DIRECTIVES
In accordance with Article IV - Section 404 of the City Charter, the Mayor shall serve as the City's official Spokesperson for all public relationsr emergency/disaster public information, and ceremonial purposes including, but not limited to, speaking on behalf of the City as well as authorizing and presenting Proclamations and Certificates of Recognition. As the City's Spokesperson, the Mayor shall provide all official written and oral communications on official

EXHIBIT 1
Amended City Council Authorized Spokesperson Policy, Policy No. 6.01 - Redline Draft 5 CHAPTER 6 - GOVERNING BODY POLICIES
Policy No. 6.01 - City Council Authorized Spokesperson Policy v.1 (adopted via Resolution No. 2022-20, 04/28/ 2022)
City channels on behalf of the City and the collective members of the City Council. These duties and responsibilities may be assigned to the Mayor Pro Tern or any other member of the City Council at the discretion of the Mayor! or t he Mayor's designee: s sole discretion.

Individual Councilmembers are permitted to communicate independently as long as said communications are not construed to be official communications of the City, Mayor, Mayor Pro Tern and/or the City Council.

A. The following procedures are established for the Mayor's role as the City's official Spokesperson for all City public relations, emergency/disaster public information, media and City-sponsored events, and ceremonial purposes:
6 .01.040

1. The Mayor will coordinate with the City Manager with regard to scheduling and preparing the City's official response and comments as related to media and City-sponsored events, emergency/ disaster events, and other occasions where the City is either requesting or requested to make a statement. This is in order to ensure the Mayor, as official Spokesperson, has access to all current factual information and to reduce any exposure to risk or liability on the part of the City.

2. In the absence of the Mayor and in the event of an emergency/disaster event which requires an immediate press or media response, the Mayor Pro Tern or City Manager shall be authorized to make public statements, address the media or issue press releases on behalf of the City until such time as the Mayor is available to serve as the City's official sS.pokesperson.

CERTIFICATES OF RECOGNITION
Certificates of Recognition are an official acknowledgment expressing appreciation or commendation for noteworthy service, achievement, contribution, or community involvement. Certificates of Recognition are issued for accomplishments and contributions to the community t hat do not rise to the level of a proclamation, which is the City's highest form of recognition. Certificates of Recognition can be provided to recognize student achievements, athletic championships, Eagle Scouts, volunteer service, local businesses (including grand openings), outgoing elected officials from neighboring cities and agencies, community contributions and significant milestone anniversaries and birthdays, among others. In addition. businesses that are selected for recognition through the City's Business Spotlight program will be recognized with Certificates of Recognition . Certificates of Recognition will be presented in a decorative folder. The following guidelines are established for the award of Certificates of Recognition:

A.

B.

Nomination Procedures: Any City Councilmember, City Manager or member of the general public may nominate a candidate to receive a Certificate of Recognition. In order to be considered for a Certificate of Recognition , a completed applicat ion Form must be submitted at least seven (7) days in advance for a single application and at least fourteen {14) days in advance for multiple applications that are to be awarded on the same day to the City Manager's Office for processing and approval by the Mayor. Applications will not be considered if they are not submitted in accordance with the established submission timelines.

Approval Process : Certificates of Recognition shall be approved by the Mayor subject to the following procedures:

6 1.

2. 3.

CHAPTER 6 - GOVERNING BODY POLICIES
Policy No. 6.01 - City Council Authorized Spokesperson Policy v.1 (adopted via Resolution No. 2022-20, 04/28/2022)
Due to the Certificate's significance. all prospective candidates nominated to receive the City's second highest award shall be approved by the Mayor;
Once approved by the Mayor, the application form shall be returned to the City Manager's Office. The City Manager's Office will direct Communications staff to prepare the Certificate of Recognition for presentation by the Mayor. Mayor Pro Tern. Councilmember or requester as authorized by the Mayor: and
All application Forms shall be retained in the City Manager's Office for a period of no less than two (2) years. after which time they should be scheduled for official disposition in accordance with the City's adopted Records Retention Schedule.

A.C. Presentation: Upon approving a Certificate of Recognition. the Mayor may choose to relinquish the duties of presenting the Certificate of Recognition. If these duties are relinquished by the Mayor. the responsibility of presenting the Certificate of Recognition may be assigned to Mayor Pro Tern or any other member of the City Council at the discretion of the Mayor.

6.01.0406.01.050 PROCLAMATIONS
Proclamations are the City's second highest honor provided to those residents. businesses, organizations. or individuals who have made significant contributions to the City through their service or leadership, have achieved significant milestones, or who have made an extraordinary or historic impact on the City. Proclamations can be issued to commemorate, among other things. a significant date or anniversary relating to the City. significant historical commemorations. civic celebrations or anniversaries, to highlight an issue that has Citywide public interest. to recognize a person or group who has had a significant positive impact on the City, or to recognize the City's ongoing partnership with the First Combat Engineer's Battalion (1st CEB) and the Meritorious Marine program. These proclamations are to be framed for presentation to the individual or group being recognized.

Proclamations can also be issued to recognize cultural heritage months <Black History Month. Hispanic Heritage Month. etc.), health awareness observance months (Cancer Awareness Month. Mental Health Awareness Month, etc.) or other recognitions with broad community impact. For these types of observances. written proclamations are not issued to an individual or community group. Rather. the City Council will recognize the occasion through an official proclamation noted orally during a City Council meeting in the appropriate month or period of observance.

The following guidelines are established for the award of Proclamations:

A. Nomination Procedures: Any City Councilmember, the City Manager or..£!. member of the general public may nominate a candidate to receive a Proclamation. In order to be considered for a Proclamation, a completed PFOclamation Agpplication form must be submitted at least fourteen (143-8) days prior to the City Council meeting or public event at which the Proclamation is to be presented. Applications will not be considered if they are not submitted in accordance with the established submission timelines.

B. Approval Process: Proclamations shall be approved by the Mayor subject to the following procedures.

7 CHAPTER 6 - GOVERNING BODY POLICIES
Policy No. 6.01 - City Council Authorized Spokesperson Policy v.1 (adopted via Resolution No. 2022-20, 04/28/2022)

1. Once submitted, the ProclamatioA Af!.pplication Fform shall be reviewed by the City Manager or designee to ensure the Proclamation recipient has an affiliation with the City and is appropriate for issuance. The City Manager or designee shall specify in writing on the g_Application form the specific reasons as to why the nomination was approved or denied.or why Aot the ProclamatioA should be authorized.

2. Due to the significance of the Proclamation, all prospective candidates nominated to receive the City's highest award shall be reviewed and approved ultimately by the Mayor, who shall sign the ProclamatioA gApplication Fform either "approving" or "denying" the issuance of the Proclamation.

3. Once approved by the Mayor, the Proclamation Application Form shall be returned to the City Manager's Office. The City Manager's Office will direct Communications staff to prepare the Proclamation, and City Manager's Office staff will coordinate and/or schedule the Mayor's presentation of the Proclamation with the requester.

4. All submitted ProclamatioA Ag_pplication Forms shall be retained in the City Manager's Office for a period of no less than two (2) years, after which time they should be scheduled for official disposition in accordance with the City's adopted Records Retention Schedule.

C. Presentation: As the official Spokesperson of the City, the Mayor shall have the distinct privilege of presenting Proclamations on behalf of the City to deserving members of the general public. These duties may be relinquished by the Mayor and subsequently assigned to the Mayor Pro Tern or any other member of the City Council at the discretion of the Mayor.

6.01.059
It should be noted that. for cultural heritage. health awareness and similar observances. written proclamations are not issued to an individual or community group. Rather. the City Council will proclaim the occasion through an official statement noted by the Mayor during a City Council meeting in the appropriate month or period of observance.

CERTIFICATES OF R:ECOCNITION
NominatioA Procedures: AA'f City CouAcilmernber, City MaAager or member of the general public ma•t nominate a candidate to receive a Certificate of R:ecognition. IA order to be coAsidercd for a Certificate of R:ecog nition, a completed Certificate of R:ccognition ApplicatioA Form must be submitted to the City ~4aAager's Office for processing and approval by the Mayor iA the same manner as 'Nhich the Proclamation Application Form is processed.

Approval Process: Certificates of R:ecognition shall be approved b·; the P4ayor subject to the following procedures:
h Due to the Certificate's significance, all 13rospectP9<e candidates nominated to receive the City's second highest aware! shall be a13proved b'f the Mayor; Once approved by the P4ayor, the application form shall be returned to the City Manager's Office. Tl9e City MaAagcr's Office will direct CommuAications staff to prepare the Certificate of R:ccogAition for presentation by the Mayor, Mayor Pro Teffi, CouAcilmember or requester as authorized ey the Mayor; and

8 -3.

CHAPTER 6 - GOVERNING BODY POLICIES
Policy No. 6.01 - City Council Authorized Spokesperson Policy v.1 (adopted via Resolution No. 2022-20, 04/28/2022)
pFesentation by the MayoF, MayoF PFO Tem, Councilmefl'lber or Fequester as authorized by the Mayor; and
All Certificate of Appreciation Application Forms shall be Fetained in t he City P4anager's Office for a period of no less t han t·No (2) years, after which t ime they should be scheduled for official disposition in accordance with the City's adopted R:ecords Retention Schedule. &.- ~ 1::PrB;e~s~etfjn~ta~t~io~n[:!:,::-tU:tjp:ttottnt-aaf3-p~p Ffc:O)'l'vffi " i n~g~aHC~eeiFt FEtfiftt: i c:aa-Btee-eo~f-t<RtEe!eceo§"g ftn ttittt:iOH=nt,, -ttfthee-PP"ti4 a~'yfE'0ttF'-imfftaar'fy choose to Felinquish the duties of pFCsenting the Certificate of Recognition. If these duties are relinquished by t he Mayor, the responsibility of presenting the Certificate of Recognition may be assigned to Mayor Pro Tem or any other member of the City Counci l at the discretion of t he Mayor.

6.01.060 KEY TO THE CITY
The Key to the City is the City's highest and most distinguished ceremonial honor and shall be reserved for individuals whose service, leadership. or contributions to Cerritos have had a profound and lasting impact on the City and its residents. Because of the significance of this honor, Keys to the City shall be presented sparingly and only when the recipient's contributions clearly wa rrant recognition at the highest level.

A Key to the City may be awarded to:

A. Outgoing City Councilmembers. An elected City Councilmember who has completed their term of service on the City Counci l may be presented a Key to the City in recognition of their service to the community. The presentation should ordinarily occur at or in connection with the conclusion of the member's final term of service.

B. Individuals who have made extraordinary, long-term civic contributions. An individual who has demonstrated an exceptional and sustained commitment to t he City over a period of years or decades and whose contributions have materially and positively affected the community may be considered for a Key to the City . Such contributions may include significant civic. humanitarian, cultural, educational, philanthropic. economic, or community leadership that has created a lasting legacy for the City. In determining whether an individual qualifies for this recognition. consideration may be given to the recipient 's sustained commitment to the City: the extraordinary scope, significance. or lasting impact of their contributions: the extent to which their contributions have materially improved the quality of life, vitality. reputation. or civic fabric of the City: and whether their overall record of service or achievement represents a legacy substant ially greater than that ordinarily recognized through a proclamation. certificate. or other form of routine City recognition. The Key to the City shall not ordinarily be awarded solely for a single accomplishment, shortterm service, routine civic participation. political affiliation, or achievement that can appropriately be recognized through another form of City recognition. The honor should be reserved for individuals whose overall record of service or achievement represents an exceptional and enduring contribution to the City.

C. Visting dignitaries: local. state. federal, or international officials: and individuals of distinction. A Key to the City may be presented to individuals of distinction who are visiting the City of Cerritos. I ndividuals of distinction can include, but are not limited to. local, state. federal or international elected or appointed officials, representatives

9 CHAPTER 6 - GOVERNING BODY POLICIES
Policy No. 6.01 - City Council Authorized Spokesperson Policy v.1 (adopted via Resolution No. 2022-20, 04/28/2022)
on an honorary basis as part of the City's effort to promote goodwill and to promote and highlight Cerritos.

The following guidelines are established for the award of a Key to the City:

A. Nomination Procedures: Any City Councilmember, the City Manager or a member of the general public may nominate a candidate to receive a Key to the City. In order to be considered for recognition, a completed Key to the City application form must be submitted at least forty-five (45) days prior to the City Council meeting or public event at which the Key to the City is to be presented. Applications will not be considered if they are not submitted in accordance with the established submission timelines.

The nomination procedures apply only to those individuals within category 2 and 3 above. Key to the City recognitions for outgoing City Councilmembers do not require nominations or approval from the Mayor and shall be provided to all outgoing City Councilmembers upon the completion of their respective terms.

B. Approval Process: Key to the City nominations shall be approved by the Mayor subject to the following procedures. As noted in section A, Key to the City recognitions for outgoing City Councilmembers do not require approval by the Mayor.

1. 2.

3. 4.

Once submitted, the application form shall be reviewed by the City Manager or designee to ensure the proposed recipient has an affiliation with the City and is appropriate for issuance. The City Manager or designee shall specify in writing on the application form the specific reasons as to why the nomination was approved or denied.

Due to the significance of the recognition, all prospective candidates nominated to receive the City's highest award shall be reviewed and approved ultimately by the Mayor, who shall sign the application form either "approving" or "denying" the issuance of a Key to the City.

Once approved by the Mayor, the application form shall be returned to the City Manager's Office. The City Manager's Office will direct Communications staff to prepare the Key to the City, and City Manager's Office staff will coordinate and/or schedule the Mayor's presentation of the Key with the recipient.

All submitted forms shall be retained in the City Manager's Office for a period of no less than two (2) years, after which time they should be scheduled for official disposition in accordance with the City's adopted Records Retent ion Schedule.

C. Presentation : As the official Spokesperson of the City. the Mayor shall have the distinct privilege of presenting Keys to City on behalf of the City to recipients. These duties may be relinquished by the Mayor and subsequently assigned to the Mayor Pro Tern or any other member of the City Council at the discretion of the Mayor.

APPROVAL OF POLICY

10 CHAPTER 6 - GOVERNING BODY POLICIES
Policy No. 6.01 - City Council Authorized Spokesperson Policy v.l (adopted via Resolution No. 2022-20, 04/28/2022)
This Policy was originally approved by City Council Resolution No. 2022-20 on April 28, 2022 and was further amended and approved by City Council resolution on (Date). and became effective immediately thereon.

Signed: Date:

Lynda Provide Johnson , Mayor
Signed: Date:

Robert A. Lopez, City Manager

11 CHAPTER 3 - COMMUNICATION POLICIES
Policy No. 3.06 - Digital Communications Policy
v.~ (adopted via Resolution No. ~2026-4-7XX, GGm/Hz.8/~26)

CITY OF CERRITOS

DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS POLICY
Current Version Adoption Date: 09/28/2026 (v.3. Resolution No. 2026-XX)QG/12,f202& Ev.2.

Reselu~iefl P~e . 202& 17)
Prior Version Adoption Date: 06/12/ 2025 (v.2. Resolution No. 2025- 17)02/09/2023 (v.1, Minut e FAotion, ItcFA 9A)
Original Policy Adoption Date: 02/09/2023 (v.1, Minute motion, Item 9A)

3.06.010 OVERVIEW
The City of Cerritos ("City") has an overriding interest in protecting the integrity of the information posted online and the content that is attributed to the City or its officials, while at the same time, mitigating and/or eliminating associated risks from the use of such technology.

Digital communication tools and channels enable the City to efficiently inform and engage residents, businesses and visitors.- They also enable greater public access to City information and services.- Digital communication tools and channels include, but are not limited to, social media platforms, websites, biogs, photo and video sharing sites, enewsletters, wikis, and mobile content.

City officials, staff and others who share and receive information on behalf of the City shall use digital communication channels and tools in ways that are professional, consistent and coordinated, maximize transparency and clear communication, maintain the security of the City network, further the fiduciary duties or similar obligations inherent when communicating in an official capacity for the City, and adhere to all other applicable laws and City Council ("Council") and administrative policies.

3.06.020 PURPOSE
The purpose of this document ("Policy") is to establish citywide policies, guidelines, protocols, and procedures regarding the proper use of digital communication tools and channels by City staff, public officials, and members of the public.- This Policy is divided into the following Chapters:
• Chapter 1: Policy for Public Officials
• Chapter 2: Policy for City Staff
• Chapter 3: Policy for the Public
• Chapter 4: Management of Official City Pages

3.06.030 SCOPE
This Policy applies to all City employees as well as all other persons, such as employees of independent contractors, consultants, elected officials, appointed officials, authorized volunteers, and special committee members acting in an official capacity and when communicating with the public on behalf of the agency.- Chapter 1 of this Policy articulates special considerations for public officials relative to their digital communications.

Additionally, Chapter 3 of this Policy applies to all members of the public who choose to access, interact with, or make use of the City's digital communication channels and tools.

Page l of 16
EXHIBIT 2
Amended Digital Communications Policy, Policy No. 3.06 - Redline Draft 12 3.06.040
CHAPTER 3 - COMMUNICATION POLICIES
Policy No. 3.06 - Digital Communications Policy
v.J~ (adopted via Resolution No. ~2026-4-7-XX, e6WHW~26)

DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS AND INTENT OF USE
Digital communication tools and channels operated by the City are generally Nonpublic Forums to facilitate Government Speech.- This means that, unless the City has designated a specific digital communication tool or channel as a Limited Public Forum (described below), the City's use and operation of digital communication tools and channels are solely to facilitate the dissemination of official City information, projects, and programs vis-a-vis technology and platforms available for the dissemination of information, such as the City's official internet website, email notification services, and social media platforms.

In certain circumstances, digital communication tools and channels operated by the City may be Limited Public Forums.- This means that the City intends for its use of digital communication tools and channels, which shall relate solely to official City information, projects, and programs, to provide a limited forum for comment or response.- In such circumstances, the City shall have the right to establish and enforce time, place, and manner regulations that would apply to such digital communication tools and channels.

Finally, in no event shall digital communication tools and channels operated by the City be, or be deemed or intend to be, general public forums.

3.06.050 DEFINITIONS
Unless otherwise stated, the vocabulary used within this Policy shall refer to the following:

A. Authorized Users: Any individual authorized by the City to post on, administrate, and moderate City Social Media Sites.

B. Brown Act: The Ralph M. Brown Act, codified in Government Code section 54950 et seq., as may be amended from time to time.

C. California Public Records Act and Public Records Act: The California Public Records Act, codified in Government Code section 7920.000 et seq. (formerly Gov. Code,§ 6250 et seq.), as may be amended from time to time.

D. City Assets: Resources owed or employed by the City, which Public Officials may use in Digital Communications related to their official capacity with the City. City Assets include a City email account, the City logo, designated City staff assistance, the City's business expense budget, the City's computer equipment, and the City's subscriptions to third party platforms which assist the City in its Digital Communications, such as the Social Media Sites defined herein.

E. Employee Rules and Regulations: This is a set of documents including: the labor memoranda of understanding; the Full-Time Exempt Employees, FullTime Confidential Employees, and Part-Time Confidential Employees Resolution; the employee handbook; and the current City Council-adopted Employer-Employee Relations Resolution.

13 F.

G.

H.

I.

J.

K.

3.06.060
CHAPTER 3 - COMMUNICATION POLICIES
Policy No. 3.06 - Digital Communications Policy
v.J~ (adopted via Resolution No. ~2026-1-7-XX, eGWR.£8/2-526) Digital Communications: Online communication tools and channels, including, but not limited to, Social Media Sites, websites, biogs, photo and video sharing sites, e-newsletters, wikis, and mobile content.

Public Official: Any individual who serves on the City Council or a Councilappointed City Board.,_ et=-Commission, or Committee, and who is subject to the Brown Act's requirements that government business be conducted at open and public meetings.

Records Retention Schedule: The City's records retentions schedule available at the City Clerk's Office in City Hall for the City.

Social Media Site(s): Those certain third-party websites and applications not under the direct control and management of the City's technology system such as (by way of example only): -Instagram, Face book, X (formerly Twitter), biogs, RSS (Rich Site Summary), YouTube, Linkedln, Flicker, TikTok, Snapchat, Nextdoor, Wechat, etc. Social Media Sites are platforms and/or accounts used by individuals to create publicly viewable content using accessible, expandable, and upgradable publishing technologies through and on the internet.

Terms of Use: The City's terms of use outlined in Chapter 3 of this Policy.

Use of Social Media Sites: Any use of Social Media Sites, including but not limited to publishing, or republishing any publicly viewable content, including but not limited to text, photos, videos, and audio; commenting, "liking", "following", "subscribing", quoting, and reposting.

RESERVATION OF THE RIGHT TO MODIFY
Technology, social media capabilities and scope, and online behaviors are changing constantly. -Because of this constant adjustment and adaptation, the City reserves the right to change, modify, or otherwise amend all or part of this Policy at any time. [continued on the next page]

14 CHAPTER 1

POLICY FOR PUBLIC OFFICIALS
A. Scope
This Policy applies to all Public Officials acting in an official capacity and/or communicating on matters related to the business of the City.

B. Responsibility
It is the Public Official's responsibility to ensure compliance with this Policy. c. Use of City Assets
City Assets are available to Public Officials in support of their Digital Communications related to their official capacity with the City.

Public Officials may not use City Assets in support of Digital Communications unrelated to their official capacity with the City. -City Assets shall not be used for personal frA6-0_r__ campaign Digital Communications, including for paid advertisements therefor.

When using City Assets in support of any Digital Communication it will be required that Public Officials conduct themselves as representatives of the City, rather than in a personal or political capacity. -City Assets shall not be used for partisan purposes, or to communicate on matters unrelated to City business and/or activities. As representatives of the City, Public Officials using City Assets for Digital Communications must do so in a manner that maintains the integrity of the City, including in its relationships to other public entities, and service providers.

D. Digital Communications on Personal Communication ChannelsBiselaiPl'ler A Public Official's Digital Communications through personal. not official City-administered. communication channels are not maintained. moderated. controlled. or sponsored by the City of Cerritos. Such communications are not authorized posts of the City or done within the Official's capacity as an elected or appointed official of the City. Rather. they are communications made by the individual in their capacity as a private citizen. Public Officials retain the right to exercise their First Amendment rights of free speech. religion. and assembly in their capacity as private citizens. A Public Official's Digital Communications on personal. not official City-administered. communication channels related to the business of the City shall clearly identify such communication as belonging to the Public Official, and not representative of the official views of the City. -Such disclaimer shall be used on any Digital Communication identifying the Public Official as connected with the City, even on personal or campaign Digital Communications.

The disclaimer shall read as follows:
"Content on/in this (website/newsletter/blog/page/correspondence/social media page/etc.) does not represent any official position of the City of Cerritos, only that of (NAME) in (HIS/HER) personal capacity."
A disclaimer is not required for content reflecting the official position of the City.

15 E. Confidentiality
Public Officials have access through their position with the City to matters which are privileged or confidential. -Public Officials shall respect and maintain the confidentiality of information concerning the property, personnel or affairs of the City, including matters concerning the deliberative process of Public Officials and internal drafts of City policies, ordinances, and presentations. -No confidential information discussed during any closed session of the Council or any Board or Commission, held in accordance with the Brown Act and not subject to being reported-out in open session, shall be disclosed or discussed in any Digital Communications.

Additionally, Public Officials shall neither disclose confidential information nor records without proper and legally required authorization, and Public Officials shall not use such information or records to advance their personal, financial or other private interests, or the private gain or advantage of others. -Public records ma-rshall be requested through the City Clerk's Office consistent with any member of the public under the California Public Records Act.

F. Digital Communications Reflecting the Official Position of the City Digital Communications which purport to advance the official position of the City shall be revised to be consistent with the official position if found to contain incorrect or misleading information. -Official positions of the City may be considered and decided only by the Council at an open and public meeting held in accordance with the Brown Act.

G. Compliance with the Law and City Policies
Public Officials shall be responsible for ensuring their Digital Communications comply with all federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and City policies, including but not limited to the laws and policies below:

1. First Amendment
In Packingham v. North Carolina ((2017 582 U.S. 98), the United States Supreme Court prescribed social media platforms as "the modern public square," and opined that such social media platforms afford users with the opportunity to "petition their elected representatives and otherwise engage with them in a direct manner." Federal courts have found that, when a Public Official uses a Social Media Site "in an official capacity," including to promote, discuss, carry out, or reference City-related business and/or activities, they must abide by the First Amendment. -This includes situations in which a Public Official utilizes a personal, campaign, or other unofficial Social Media Site to promote, discuss, carry out, or reference City-related business and/or activities.

The requirements in this Section do not apply to a Public Official's purely personal Social Media account that (i) is not open or accessible to the general public; (ii) is not used by a Public Official in their official capacity, but rather as a private citizen; and (iii) employ the Disclaimer provided above where applicable. For this reason, it is highly recommended that Public Officials abide by the requirements detailed in this Section on any Digital Communication and/or Social Media Site where they promote, discuss, carry out, or otherwise reference City-related business and/or activities, even when the Disclaimer provided above is used.

16 To that end, content posted on Digital Communications and/or Social Media Sites by Public Officials in their official capacity, including content promoting, discussing, carrying out, or referencing City-related business and/or activities, is subject to the following provisions when the Digital Communication and/or Social Media Site is a Limited Public Forum:

1. Public Officials are prohibited from blocking anyone attempting to access the Digital Communication and/or Social Media Site because of an individual's viewpoints or perspectives.

2. Public Officials are prohibited from deleting any comments on the Digital Communication and/or Social Media Site because of an individual's viewpoints or perspectives.

3. Such content is considered to be an official public record, subject to the provisions of the California Public Records Act.

4. Such content posted is subject to State and local record retention regulations, and the owner of the Digital Communication and/or Social Media Site shall retain all posts and comments for the length of time as required by State and local regulations.

5. All provisions related to the Brown Act shall apply, including but not limited to the prohibition of a "serial meeting" through the use of a series of communications by a quorum or more of the Council.

Deviations from the requirements immediately above, as they relate to content which can be removed from a Digital Communication and/or Social Media Site used in a Public Official's official capacity, are allowable in the following instances:

1. Discriminatory comments.

2. Sexual content, or links to sexual content.

3. Encouragement of illegal activity.

4. Information that could compromise the safety or security of the public.

5. Content that violates a legal ownership of any party.

2. Ralph M. Brown Act
Public Officials shall take extreme caution in any interaction with other individuals or entities via Digital Communications and/or Use of Social Media Sites, including "liking"/using an emoji response to a social media post, reposting, commenting, or using any other form of electronic communication to respond to, blog, or otherwise discuss, deliberate, or express opinions on any issue within the subject matter jurisdiction of the body on which the Public Official sits, because such response may create a meeting in violation of the Brown Act or result in disqualification based on prejudgment of issues, to be determined by due process.

This requirement applies regardless of whether a Public Official is acting in an official, campaign, or personal capacity. -Public Officials shall be responsible for informing themselves of the requirements of the Brown Act on their Digital Communications and/or Use of Social Media Sites, but may use the following table as a non-exhaustive summary of the relevant provisions:

PERMITTED USES PROHIBITED USES
• Engage in separate conversations or • Communicate with a majority of the communications on Digital legislative body on Social Media Sites Communications and/or Social Media regarding official business, including Sites to answer auestions. orovide

17 •
•
information to the public, or to solicit information from the public regarding a matter that is within the subject
matter jurisdiction of the legislative
body.

Use digital icons in discussions on
social media.

Comment and interact, even with
•
other officials, on private matters (i.e., •
NOT City official business).

3. City Terms of Use
"liking", commenting, reposting, or any
other interaction.

Respond directly to any communication
within the subject matter jurisdiction of
the City that is made, posted, or shared
by any other member of the legislative
body, including "liking", commenting,
reposting, or any other interaction.

Comment on the same official City topic
or post within the city's jurisdiction as another City Public Official, even in a manner that does not interact directly
with the post or commentary of that
other City Public Official from the same
le islative bod .

When interacting with official City websites, Digital Communications, and Social Media Sites, Public Officials shall comply with and be subject to the City's Terms of Use. -Public Officials should be advised that official City websites, Digital Communications, and Social Media Sites are limited public forums, and that content outside the scope of the City's Terms of Use may be removed or moderated by City staff under the procedures outlined in the City's Terms of Use.

4. Public Official's Code of Ethics
As Public Officials representing the City, Public Officials shall abide by the City's policies and procedures adopted by the City Council, including but not limited to any and all professional, fiduciary, and ethical obligations of Public Officials.

Public Officials also shall conduct their Digital Communications and Use of Social Media Sites with honor and respect for the democratic process, and in a manner that safeguards public confidence in the integrity of government, and in compliance with any and all applicable federal, state, and City laws, regulations, and policies.

18 A. Scope and Application
CHAPTER 2

POLICY FOR CITY STAFF
This Policy does not govern or regulate the use of Digital Communications by City employees in their non-work capacity or associated privacy rights. -Neither employees nor contractors need to obtain permission from the City to participate in Digital Communications in their personal capacity. -City employees may have their own personal social networking accounts. -These social networking accounts should remain personal in nature and be used to share information and engage in a personal capacity.

B. General Rules for Personal Use of Social Media Sites Employees and contractors are cautioned, however, that there may be restrictions on the receipt of compensation, disclosure of non-public information, and improper use of an agency title or official capacity that may apply to Use of Social Media Sites - even when employees or contractors think they are acting in a personal capacity. Agency principles, guidelines, and standards of conduct that apply to employees and contractors acting in their official capacities and carrying out their official duties for the agency also apply to an employee's and contractor's Use of Social Media Sites. -City employees must never use their agency e-mail account or password in conjunction with a personal Social Media Site.

Employees and contractors are encouraged to check with the City Manager, Department Head, Information Technology Manager, or other Authorized User if there are any questions.

Following these principles helps ensure a distinction between shared personal versus City views.

C. Disclaimer for Use of Digital Communications in Personal Capacity When employees or contractors use Digital Communications in a personal capacity, they are doing so for themselves and they are not speaking nor communicating on behalf of the City.

Employees and contractors should make certain that it does not appear they are speaking for or on behalf of the City unless authorized to do so. -Regarding City employees engaging in City issues through the Use of Social Media Sites, the decision whether to do so rests with the individual. -The following guidance is for City employees or contractors who choose to comment on Social Media Sites:
• When related to City business: State your name, and, if relevant, your role when discussing City business; and
• When not related to City business/personal capacity: Use a disclaimer such as: "The postings on this site are my own and don't reflect or represent the opinions of the City of Cerritos."
Employees and contractors should not use their position, title, or authority to endorse any product, service, company, non-profit organization, or any other enterprise, unless such endorsement is authorized by the City Manager after consultation with the City Attorney.

D. Employee Posts on City Social Media Sites
Only employees who are an Authorized User may post on Social Media Sites on behalf of the City. -Employees representing the City on Social Media Sites shall conduct themselves at all times as a professional representative of the City and shall comply with all City policies and

19 the Employee Rules and Regulations. -City employees should be mindful that inappropriate usage of official Digital Communications can be grounds for disciplinary action.

E. Limitations on Disclosure of Non~Public Information
Employees and contractors are bound by City policies applicable to staff. -Further, employees and contractors must understand that non-public information (e.g., private personal information, proprietary information, confidential information, information pertaining to pending or threatened litigation, personnel matters, attorney-client and attorney work product information, or information subject to government privileges, among others) may not be conveyed through Digital Communications unless and until the release of such information becomes lawful and has been authorized by City Management and City Attorney in accordance with the law. -No confidential information discussed during any closed session of the Council or any Board or Commission, held in accordance with the Brown Act and not subject to being reported-out in open session, shall be disclosed or discussed in any Digital Communications.

20 CHAPTER 3

POLICY FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC
A, City's Terms of Use
The City's presence on social media and the Internet is to serve as a mechanism for communication between the City and the public for the City's official business and events only. -The City seeks to maintain an environment on its Digital Communications and Social Media Sites which is civil and appropriate for all ages. -Please be advised that all comments and other content posted by users on the City's Digital Communications and/or Social Media Sites shall be subject to monitoring by the City. -User-generated posts or comments may be rejected, removed, or hidden by City staff when the content violates these Terms of Use.

By participating in any City Digital Communications and/or Social Media Site, members of the public agree to adhere to the City's Terms of Use. Communications made on the site do not constitute a legal or official notice or comment to the City and the City's established procedures for the submission of public records requests and official written correspondence as related to a public meeting must be followed.

Prohibitions
Comments on any and all City's Digital Communications and/or Social Media Sites that contain any of the following are prohibited and may be removed by the City:
a. Content that promotes, fosters, or perpetuates discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, age, religion, gender, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation or identity, or any other class or characteristic protected by federal, state, or City law;
b. Content that contains obscene material;
c. Content that contains unsolicited services, sales, or business proposals by individuals, organizations or businesses;
d. Content and links to content that may contain information that could compromise the safety or security of the public or public computer systems; e. Content that contains confidential, private, or proprietary information; f. Content that contains specific or imminent threats to individuals, residents, businesses, employees, and City officials; and/or,
g. Content that violates any term, condition or policy of the Social Media Site on which it is posted .

B. Monitoring
Comments or postings on City's Digital Communications and/or Social Media Sites may be monitored. -The City reserves the right at any time to remove (which includes "hiding" - e.g., to remove from viewing) any and all comments and content, to the extent permitted by law, and remove comments and/or content in violation of this Policy and/or Terms of Use. -Any content shall be retained, including the time, date and identity of the user/poster when available, in accordance with the City's Records Retention Schedule.

21 C. Temporary or Permanent Blocking
Accounts posting prohibited content as outlined by this Policy and applicable law may be blocked from the City's Social Media Site, either temporarily or permanently. -Blocking a user will be at the discretion of the City Manager, Department Head, or other Authorized User in accordance with the requirements of this Policy.

D. Authorization for Removal
The City is authorized to restrict or remove any content that is deemed in violation of this Policy, including the above-listed prohibitions, these Terms of Use, or any other applicable law, policy, or regulation. -The City will remove such offending posts and all comments related thereto.

E. Accessibility
It is the City's goal to provide maximum access for all users of the City's Digital Communications. -Posts to City Digital Communications, including Social Media Sites, will meet the standards in Section 508 of the federal Rehabilitation Act (29 U.S.C. § 794d) and Accessibility Guidelines and Standards. The City's compliance statement may be accessed at the following Internet web link:
https:/ /www .cerritos.gov

22 CHAPTER 4

MANAGEMENT OF OFFICIAL CITY PAGES
A. Official City Pages
The City's website [www.cerritos.gov] shall be the City's primary and predominant internet presence. -Use of Digital Communications (as defined in the "Overview & Introduction" Section) shall only serve as an enhancement to the City's official website. -Therefore, information and communications should be organized in a manner that avoids the posting of duplicate, misleading, or conflicting information,
B. Administration of Official City Pages

1. In General
The City recognizes that Digital Communications offer opportunities for the City to communicate with the community and perform public outreach while providing the public with instant access to news and events within the City. -However, as with other interactive use of the internet, use of Digital Communications is not without risk.

When using Digital Communications on behalf of the City, employees are making statements that reflect on the City. Therefore, all use of Digital Communications within the course and scope of an individual's employment with the City shall be done in accordance with the guidelines set forth in this Policy.

2. Authorization for Use
Only Authorized Users are authorized to use Digital Communications on behalf of the City. Each Authorized User is responsible for the administration of the City's Digital Communications over which they have authorization. -The Communications and Marketing Manager is responsible for enforcement of this Policy, and for securing protection of information and technology assets against potential destructive technical incidents in the context and use of Digital Communications.

C. Administration Responsibilities
The City's Digital Communications shall clearly state that they are officially maintained by the City and provide a hyperlink directing a user to this Policy and the City's Terms of Use.

It is the responsibility of the City Manager and Department Head to ensure all Authorized Users follow this Policy and all applicable laws.

The Authorized User assigned to use Digital Communications shall be responsible for reviewing the Digital Communications for which they are authorized to use, as directed by their supervisor and/or the City's Communications and Marketing Division, in order to ensure compliance with this Policy. -Authorized Users shall be trained regarding the terms of this Policy and their responsibilities to review content submitted for posting to ensure compliance with this Policy. -(Note: See additional information under Section I. Moderation of Content.)
Each Digital Communication must provide a mechanism for the employee to remove posts or prevent posting of messages that clearly violate this Policy, including the City's Terms of Use. -All posts that are deemed unsuitable for posting shall be retained pursuant to the

23 City's applicable Records Retention Schedule, along with a description of the reason the specific content is deemed not suitable for posting.

The City Manager's Office will determine the minimum amount of moderation needed for Digital Communications by Authorized Users. The content should be moderated throughout scheduled work hours by Authorized Users and periodically moderated during off-hours by Authorized Users. The moderation schedule will be set by the City Manager's Office in consultation with Department Heads and the manager of the City's Communications and Marketing Division.

D. General Posting Guidelines
Use of Digital Communications shall be limited to the conduct of official City business.

Digital Communications shall be conducted as a representative of the City in a professional manner in compliance with this Policy, and all local, state, and federal laws, regulations, guidelines, including the City's Employee Rules and Regulations. -The City Manager, Department Head, or other Authorized User shall in no event use Digital Communications in a manner which discloses information that is made confidential by City policy or any other local, state, and federal law, regulation, or guideline. -The City Manager, Department Head, or other Authorized User shall ensure no confidential information discussed during any closed session of the Council or any Board or Commission, held in accordance with the Brown Act and not subject to being reported-out in open session, is disclosed or discussed in any Digital Communications.

E. Labelling of City Digital Communications
To the greatest extent possible, the City's Digital Communications shall be consistently branded and contain visual elements/graphics clearly identifying such sites as official City sites and distinguishing them from non-professional and/or personal use. -Such identification of Digital Communications shall include the use of the City's logo, contact information including an official City email address, link to the official City or department website, and links to other pertinent agency Digital Communications, as applicable.

F. External Links and "Following" of Other Accounts
The Authorized Users shall maintain sole discretion over the external links posted to official Digital Communications and other sites that Social Media Sites use, including "liking," reposting, or "following." -It is the City's general policy to limit external links and entities that are either "liked" or "followed" to:
(1) Other government agencies; (2) Firms with franchise agreements with the City, such as for utilities, cable TV and/or internet service, waste removal, and other similar companies which provide service to residents of the City under agreement with the City; (3) Links to corporate or company sites that provide web-based automated solutions specifically designed for use by the City and/or the public through the City website; (4) Organizations in a direct contractual relationship with the City, that receive funding in the form of either monetary or in-kind contribution from the City to promote the economic and cultural development of the City, in areas such as commerce, dining, and arts and entertainment within the City;

24 (5) Local businesses, community entities, or organizations who have entered into a sponsorship agreement with the City, to the degree that the contract and/or agreement includes social media support, or in conjunction with a presentation and announcement by the City of a milestone reached as a member of the City's community; and
(6) The City may wish to highlight or promote new businesses and/or established businesses with a unique City-based event, within the community as part of the City's Economic Development program.

The linked content of embedded hyperlinks shall be evaluated to determine if the content is acceptable prior to posting, -Users are informed that the City does not guarantee the authenticity, accuracy, appropriateness or security of the link, website, or content linked thereto.

G. Use of City Social Media Sites
Any usage of Social Media Sites by any City Department shall be approved, in advance, by the City Manager, Department Head or other Authorized User prior to posting any information or material on Socia! Media Sites. -Consideration will be given to the overall nature and theme of the site, and its suitability for City use. -Any and all Social Media Sites and information posted or created on behalf of the City must:
(1) Directly pertain to the City and its official business. (2) Indicate that the posting is associated with the City and has the City's contact information prominently displayed.
(3) Adhere to all applicable state, federal, and local laws, rules, regulations, and City policies including, but not limited to, copyright, fair use, anti-harassment, public records, document retention/destruction and use of technology. ( 4) Maintain content of posting for the required retention period in a format that preserves the integrity of the original record. Note, however, if posts are copies of records already retained pursuant to the department retention schedule (i.e., links to publications, memos, and documents), then the post may be considered a secondary copy and retention is not necessary since the primary document/content is being retained according to the document retention schedule.
(5) Contain information that is freely available to the public and that is not proprietary or made confidential by City policies or any local, state, or federal law. (6) Not contain any personal information except the names of those employees whose job duties include being available for contact by the public. (7) Not include language of a nature that is unlawful. (8) Be created using the Authorized User's City email address or a City email address the Authorized User has access to. Personal email addresses cannot be used to create or moderate City Social Media Sites.

H. Moderation of Content
The City's Digital Communications are generally Nonpublic Forums for use to disseminate Government Speech, or if specifically authorized by the City, a Limited Public Forum. -The

25 City reserves the right to refrain from posting or to remove any content that is not consistent with this Policy and other City policies or that is in violation of applicable law(s).

Such administration shall also include ensuring compliance by the City with all applicable federal, state, county, and local laws, regulations, and policies. -If it is determined that any use of Digital Communications needs to be corrected, amended, or clarified, the City Manager, Department Head, or other Authorized User will determine what modification or supplement to the earlier social media communication is needed. Employees seeking a correction should raise any concern with the City Manager, Department Head, or other Authorized User.

I. Right to Terminate City Social Media Sites
The City Manager shall have the authority, and reserves the right, to terminate City Digital Communications at any time without notice. -If the City Manager terminates a City Digital Communication that has broad usage and/or has been used by the City for multiple years, the City Manager shall report said termination of use and the reasons therefor to the City Council at its next Regular Meeting.

J. Retention of User Information
The Communications and Marketing Manager shall maintain a list of all City Digital Communications and Social Media Sites that are approved and operating. Login information, including user identification information and passwords, must be provided to Authorized User. -Social Media shall be treated as correspondence for purposes of record retention. The policies and procedures of the City's Records Management Policy and corresponding Records Retention Schedule shall be followed when destroying printed or electronic records related to Digital Communications.

K. Disclaimer
Use of Digital Communications by the City is not intended to create any contract with anyone at any time or in any way, nor is any use of Digital Communications by the City intended to create any expectation of action to be taken by the City. -The public is hereby on notice that there is no reasonable expectation that the City, nor any emergency services of the City, will respond to any Digital Communication posting. -The public is hereby on notice that the use of any Digital Communications, including Social Media Sites, attaches no reasonable expectation of privacy or that any such Digital Communications are protected by any local, state, or federal privacy laws. -The City's use of Digital Communications is not intended to, nor does it create, nor may they be relied upon to create any rights enforceable by law by any party in a civil or criminal action, nor do they create any obligation or duty of care.

The following disclaimer shall be prominently posted on the City's Social Media Sites' primary account information page, and by a hyperlink directing a user to the same, wherever reasonably possible:
"This account is intended to be for communication by the City of Cerritos to members of the public about specific topics. -The City of Cerritos reserves the right to remove inappropriate comments that are prohibitive in accordance with this policy (Chapter 3, Section A) including but not limited to, content that may contain information that compromises safety and security, that relates to confidential, private, or proprietary information, and that contains specific or imminent threats to people or property. -Any content posted may be subject to public disclosure upon request. -Activity on this account is Page JS of 16
26 subject to all applicable federal, state, and local laws regulations and policies."
L. Compliance with the California Public Records Act
The City's Digital Communications are subject to the California Public Records Act. -Any content maintained on an official City Digital Communication platform that is related to agency business - including a list of subscribers, posted communications, and communications submitted for posting - may be considered a public record and subject to public disclosure. -California Public Records Act requests for the production of Digital Communications content shall be referred to the City Clerk's Office for review and further processing in accordance with City policies and procedures.

3.06.070 APPROVAL OF POLICY
This policy was approved by the City Council on February 9, 2023. Said Policy was subsequently updated and approved by way of City Council action Resolution No. 2025-17 on June 12, 2025. This Policy was subsequently amended by City Council Resolution No. 2026-XX on September 28, 2026 and became effective immediately t hereon.

Signed: Date:

Lynda Provide Johnson, Mayor
Signed: Date:

Robert A. Lopez, City Manager

27 CITY OF CERRITOS
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-XX

A RESOLUTION OF THE CERRITOS CITY COUNCIL AMENDING THE CERRITOS CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZED SPOKESPERSON POLICY, POLICY NO. 6.01 WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Cerritos ("City Council") periodically reviews its policies and procedures to ensure that they remain current, clearly stated, and consistent with City operations and governmental agency best practices; and WHEREAS, the City Council Authorized Spokesperson Policy, Policy No. 6.01 ("Policy"), establishes procedures and guidelines concerning the City's authorized spokesperson functions and the City's recognition of individuals, organizations, businesses, and other members of the community; and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to amend the Policy to provide greater clarity and consistency regarding the City's process for determining the appropriate level of recognition for individuals, organizations, businesses, and other members of the community; and WHEREAS, the proposed amendments clarify the distinction between Keys to the City, Proclamations and Certificates of Recognition, and provides qualifying criteria guidance for recognition within each category; and
WHEREAS, the proposed amendments further clarify nomination procedures and submission timelines for Keys to the City, Proclamations and Certificates of Recognition and establish a more clearly defined review and approval process; and WHEREAS, the proposed amendments to the Policy were reviewed by the Policy and Procedure Internal Ad Hoc Working Group, which recommended that the City Council approve the amended Policy; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that amending the Policy will establish a more consistent framework for determining the appropriate level of recognition and will clarify the processes for submitting, reviewing, approving, and presenting Keys to the City, Proclamations, and Certificates of Recognition.

NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CERRITOS DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. The foregoing recitals are true and correct and are incorporated herein by reference.

SECTION 2. The City Council hereby amends the Cerritos City Council Authorized Spokesperson Policy, Policy No. 6.01, as set forth in Attachment A, attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.

SECTION 3. The amended Policy establishes distinct levels of recognition through Keys to the City, Proclamations, and Certificates of Recognition. Keys to the City represent the City1s highest form of recognition. Proclamations constitute the second-highest form of recognition and are reserved for individuals or organizations that have made significant contributions to the City. Certificates of Recognition provide an appropriate form of recognition for noteworthy service, achievement, contributions, or community involvement that does not rise to the level warranting a Proclamation.

EXHIBIT 3
Proposed City Council Resolution - Authorized Spokesperson Policy 28 SECTION 4. The City Manager, or designee, is authorized to administer the amended Policy, including reviewing requests for Keys to the City, Proclamations and Certificates of Recognition and determining whether requests satisfy the applicable requirements for consideration.

SECTION 5. With the exception of Key to the City recognitions for outgoing City Councilmembers, the Mayor shall provide final approval for all Keys to the City, Proclamations and Certificates of Recognition in accordance with the amended Policy.

SECTION 6. The City Manager, or designee, is authorized to take such administrative actions as may be necessary or appropriate to implement the amended Policy.

SECTION 7. This Resolution shall become effective immediately upon its adoption.

PASSED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED this 28th day of September, 2026.

Lynda Provido Johnson, Mayor
ATTEST:

Cynthia Nava, City Clerk
29 CHAPTER 6 - GOVERNING BODY POLICIES
Policy No. 6.01 - City Council Authorized Spokesperson Policy v.2 (adopted via Resolution No. 2026-XX, 09/28/2026)

CITY OF CERRITOS

CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZED SPOKESPERSON POLICY
Current Version Adoption Date: 09/28/2026 (v. 2, Resolution No. 2026-XX) Prior Version Adoption Date: 04/28/2022 (v.1, Resolution No. 2022-20) Original Policy Adoption Date: 04/28/2022 (v.1, Resolution No. 2022-20)

6.01.010 PURPOSE
This Policy establishes the Mayor as the City's official Spokesperson. Additionally, this Policy provides for the manner in which members of the general public are nominated and selected to receive Proclamations and/or Certificates of Recognition from the City. This Policy also memorializes the process required for approving Proclamations and Certificates of Recognition to be presented by the Mayor or his/her designee.

6.01.020
A.

B.

C.

D.

E.

F.

6.01.030

DEFINITIONS
Certificate of Recognition: Certificate of Recognition means the second highest form of City recognition presented to a deserving member of the general public including, but not limited to, residents, business owners, community organizations, property owners, government officials, dignitaries, etc.

Councilmember: Councilmember means one of five elected members of the City Council.

Mayor: Mayor means a current member of the City Council elected by his/her fellow City Council colleagues to serve as its presiding officer. The Mayor shall serve as the City's official Spokesperson and represent the City for all public relations, media and City-sponsored events, emergency/disaster public information, and ceremonial purposes.

Mayor Pro Tern: Mayor Pro Tern means a current member of the City Council designated by his/her fellow City Council colleagues to perform the duties of the Mayor during the Mayor's absence or disability.

Proclamation; Proclamation means the highest City award presented by the Mayor as the City's official Spokesperson to any deserving member of the general public including, but not limited to, residents, business owners, community organizations, property owners, community groups, government officials, dignitaries, etc.

Spokesperson: The Mayor shall serve as the official Spokesperson of the City relative to any written and/or oral communications on official City communication channels. The Mayor may assign these duties to the Mayor Pro Tern or any other City Councilmember at his/her sole discretion.

POLICY DIRECTIVES
In accordance with Article IV - Section 404 of the City Charter, the Mayor shall serve as the City's official Spokesperson for all public relations, emergency/disaster public information, and ceremonial purposes including, but not limited to, speaking on behalf of the City as well as authorizing and presenting Proclamations and Certificates of Recognition. As the City's Spokesperson, the Mayor shall provide all official written and oral communications on official City channels on behalf of the City and the collective members of the City Council. These

ATTACHMENT A
30 CHAPTER 6 - GOVERNING BODY POLICIES
Policy No. 6.01 - City Council Authorized Spokesperson Policy v.2 (adopted via Resolution No. 2026-XX, 09/28/2026)
duties and responsibilities may be assigned to the Mayor Pro Tern or any other member of the City Council at the discretion of the Mayor or the Mayor's designee. Individual Councilmembers are permitted to communicate independently as long as said communications are not construed to be official communications of the City, Mayor, Mayor Pro Tern and/or the City Council.

A. The following procedures are established for the Mayor's role as the City's official Spokesperson for all City public relations, emergency/disaster public information, media and City-sponsored events, and ceremonial purposes:

6.01.040

1. The Mayor will coordinate with the City Manager with regard to scheduling and preparing the City's official response and comments as related to media and City-sponsored events, emergency/disaster events, and other occasions where the City is either requesting or requested to make a statement. This is in order to ensure the Mayor, as official Spokesperson, has access to all current factual information and to reduce any exposure to risk or liability on the part of the City.

2. In the absence of the Mayor and in the event of an emergency/disaster event which requires an immediate press or media response, the Mayor Pro Tern or City Manager shall be authorized to make public statements, address the media or issue press releases on behalf of the City until such time as the Mayor is available to serve as the City's official Spokesperson.

CERTIFICATES OF RECOGNITION
Certificates of Recognition are an official acknowledgment expressing appreciation or commendation for noteworthy service, achievement, contribution, or community involvement. Certificates of Recognition are issued for accomplishments and contributions to the community that do not rise to the level of a proclamation, which is the City's highest form of recognition. Certificates of Recognition can be provided to recognize student achievements, athletic championships, Eagle Scouts, volunteer service, local businesses (including grand openings), outgoing elected officials from neighboring cities and agencies, community contributions and significant milestone anniversaries and birthdays, among others. In addition, businesses that are selected for recognition through the City's Business Spotlight program will be recognized with Certificates of Recognition. Certificates of Recognition will be presented in a decorative folder. The following guidelines are established for the award of Certificates of Recognition:

A. Nomination Procedures: Any City Councilmember, City Manager or member of the general public may nominate a candidate to receive a Certificate of Recognition. In order to be considered for a Certificate of Recognition, a completed application Form must be submitted at least seven (7) days in advance for a single application and at least fourteen (14) days in advance for multiple applications that are to be awarded on the same day to the City Manager's Office for processing and approval by the Mayor. Applications will not be considered if they are not submitted in accordance with the established submission timelines.

B. Approval Process: Certificates of Recognition shall be approved by the Mayor subject to the following procedures:

31 C.

6.01.050
CHAPTER 6 - GOVERNING BODY POLICIES
Policy No. 6.01 - City Council Authorized Spokesperson Policy v.2 (adopted via Resolution No. 2026-XX, 09/28/2026)

1. Due to the Certificate's significance, all prospective candidates nominated to receive the City's second highest award shall be approved by the Mayor;

2. Once approved by the Mayor, the application form shall be returned to the City Manager's Office. The City Manager's Office will direct Communications staff to prepare the Certificate of Recognition for presentation by the Mayor, Mayor Pro Tern, Councilmember or requester as authorized by the Mayor; and

3. All application Forms shall be retained in the City Manager's Office for a period of no less than two (2) years, after which time they should be scheduled for official disposition in accordance with the City's adopted Records Retention Schedule.

Presentation: Upon approving a Certificate of Recognition, the Mayor may choose to relinquish the duties of presenting the Certificate of Recognition. If these duties are relinquished by the Mayor, the responsibility of presenting the Certificate of Recognition may be assigned to Mayor Pro Tern or any other member of the City Council at the discretion of the Mayor.

PROCLAMATIONS
Proclamations are the City's second highest honor provided to those residents, businesses, organizations, or individuals who have made significant contributions to the City through their service or leadership, have achieved significant milestones, or who have made an extraordinary or historic impact on the City. Proclamations can be issued to commemorate, among other things, a significant date or anniversary relating to the City, significant historical commemorations, civic celebrations or anniversaries, to highlight an issue that has Citywide public interest, to recognize a person or group who has had a significant positive impact on the City, or to recognize the City's ongoing partnership with the First Combat Engineer's Battalion (1st CEB) and the Meritorious Marine program. These proclamations are to be framed for presentation to the individual or group being recognized.

Proclamations can also be issued to recognize cultural heritage months (Black History Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, etc.), health awareness observance months (Cancer Awareness Month, Mental Health Awareness Month, etc.) or other recognitions with broad community impact. For these types of observances, written proclamations are not issued to an individual or community group. Rather, the City Council will recognize the occasion through an official proclamation noted orally during a City Council meeting in the appropriate month or period of observance.

The following guidelines are established for the award of Proclamations:

A.

B.

Nomination Procedures : Any City Councilmember, the City Manager or a member of the general public may nominate a candidate to receive a Proclamation. In order to be considered for a Proclamation, a completed application form must be submitted at least fourteen (14) days prior to the City Council meeting or public event at which the Proclamation is to be presented. Applications will not be considered if they are not submitted in accordance with the established submission timelines.

Approval Process: Proclamations shall be approved by the Mayor subject to the following procedures.

32 C.

6.01.060
CHAPTER 6 - GOVERNING BODY POLICIES
Policy No. 6.01 - City Council Authorized Spokesperson Policy v.2 (adopted via Resolution No. 2026-XX, 09/28/2026)

1. Once submitted, the application form shall be reviewed by the City Manager or designee to ensure the Proclamation recipient has an affiliation with the City and is appropriate for issuance. The City Manager or designee shall specify in writing on the application form the specific reasons as to why the nomination was approved or denied.

2. Due to the significance of the Proclamation, all prospective candidates nominated to receive the City's highest award shall be reviewed and approved ultimately by the Mayor, who shall sign the application form either "approving" or "denying" the issuance of the Proclamation.

3. Once approved by the Mayor, the Proclamation Application Form shall be returned to the City Manager's Office. The City Manager's Office will direct Communications staff to prepare the Proclamation, and City Manager's Office staff will coordinate and/or schedule the Mayor's presentation of the Proclamation with the requester.

4. All submitted application Forms shall be retained in the City Manager's Office for a period of no less than two (2) years, after which time they should be scheduled for official disposition in accordance with the City's adopted Records Retention Schedule.

Presentation: As the official Spokesperson of the City, the Mayor shall have the distinct privilege of presenting Proclamations on behalf of the City to deserving members of the general public. These duties may be relinquished by the Mayor and subsequently assigned to the Mayor Pro Tern or any other member of the City Council at the discretion of the Mayor.

It should be noted that, for cultural heritage, health awareness and similar observances. written proclamations are not issued to an individual or community group. Rather, the City Council will proclaim the occasion through an official statement noted by the Mayor during a City Council meeting in the appropriate month or period of observance.

KEY TO THE CITY
The Key to the City is the City's highest and most distinguished ceremonial honor and shall be reserved for individuals whose service, leadership, or contributions to Cerritos have had a profound and lasting impact on the City and its residents. Because of the significance of this honor, Keys to the City shall be presented sparingly and only when the recipient's contributions clearly warrant recognition at the highest level.

A Key to the City may be awarded to:

A. Outgoing City Councilmembers. An elected City Councilmember who has completed their term of service on the City Council may be presented a Key to the City in recognition of their service to the community. The presentation should ordinarily occur at or in connection with the conclusion of the member's final term of service.

B. Individuals who have made extraordinary. long-term civic contributions. An individual who has demonstrated an exceptional and sustained commitment to the City over a period of years or decades and whose contributions have materially and positively affected the community may be considered for a Key to the City. Such

33 CHAPTER 6 - GOVERNING BODY POLICIES
Policy No. 6.01 - City Council Authorized Spokesperson Policy v.2 (adopted via Resolution No. 2026-XX, 09/28/2026)
contributions may include significant civic, humanitarian, cultural, educational, philanthropic, economic, or community leadership that has created a lasting legacy for the City. In determining whether an individual qualifies for this recognition, consideration may be given to the recipient's sustained commitment to the City; the extraordinary scope, significance, or lasting impact of their contributions; the extent to which their contributions have materially improved the quality of life, vitality, reputation, or civic fabric of the City; and whether their overall record of service or achievement represents a legacy substantially greater than that ordinarily recognized through a proclamation, certificate, or other form of routine City recognition. The Key to the City shall not ordinarily be awarded solely for a single accomplishment, shortterm service, routine civic participation, political affiliation, or achievement that can appropriately be recognized through another form of City recognition. The honor should be reserved for individuals whose overall record of service or achievement represents an exceptional and enduring contribution to the City.

C. Visting dignitaries: local. state, federal, or international officials; and individuals of distinction. A Key to the City may be presented to individuals of distinction who are visiting the City of Cerritos. Individuals of distinction can include, but are not limited to, local, state, federal or international elected or appointed officials, representatives of Sister Cities to Cerritos, and celebrities, including actors, musicians, artists, authors, athletes and those who have made noteworthy contributions to society.

Keys to the City will be presented to qualifying individuals within this sub-category on an honorary basis as part of the City's effort to promote goodwill and to promote and highlight Cerritos.

The following guidelines are established for the award of a Key to the City:

A. Nomination Procedures: Any City Councilmember, the City Manager or a member of the general public may nominate a candidate to receive a Key to the City. In order to be considered for recognition, a completed Key to the City application form must be submitted at least forty-five ( 45) days prior to the City Council meeting or public event at which the Key to the City is to be presented. Applications will not be considered if they are not submitted in accordance with the established submission timelines.

The nomination procedures apply only to those individuals within category 2 and 3 above. Key to the City recognitions for outgoing City Councilmembers do not require nominations or approval from the Mayor and shall be provided to all outgoing City Councilmembers upon the completion of their respective terms.

B. Approval Process: Key to the City nominations shall be approved by the Mayor subject to the following procedures. As noted in section A, Key to the City recognitions for outgoing City Councilmembers do not require approval by the Mayor.

1. Once submitted, the application form shall be reviewed by the City Manager or designee to ensure the proposed recipient has an affiliation with the City and is appropriate for issuance. The City Manager or designee shall specify in writing on the application form the specific reasons as to why the nomination was approved or denied.

34 CHAPTER 6 - GOVERNING BODY POLICIES
Policy No. 6.01 - City Council Authorized Spokesperson Policy v.2 (adopted via Resolution No. 2026-XX, 09/ 28/ 2026)

2. Due to the significance of the recognition, all prospective candidates nominated to receive the City's highest award shall be reviewed and approved ultimately by the Mayor, who shall sign the application form either "approving" or "denying" the issuance of a Key to the City.

3. Once approved by the Mayor, the application form shall be returned to the City Manager's Office. The City Manager's Office will direct Communications staff to prepare the Key to the City, and City Manager's Office staff will coordinate and/or schedule the Mayor's presentation of the Key with the recipient.

4. All submitted forms shall be retained in the City Manager's Office for a period of no less than two (2) years, after which time they should be scheduled for official disposition in accordance with the City's adopted Records Retention Schedule.

C. Presentation: As the official Spokesperson of the City, the Mayor shall have the distinct privilege of presenting Keys to City on behalf of the City to recipients. These duties may be relinquished by the Mayor and subsequently assigned to the Mayor Pro Tern or any other member of the City Council at the discretion of the Mayor.

APPROVAL OF POLICY
This Policy was originally approved by City Council Resolution No. 2022-20 on April 28, 2022 and was further amended and approved by City Council resolution on (Date), and became effective immediately thereon.

Signed: Date:

Lynda Provide Johnson, Mayor
Signed: Date:

Robert A. Lopez, City Manager

35 CITY OF CERRITOS
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-XX

A RESOLUTION OF THE CERRITOS CITY COUNCIL AMENDING THE CERRITOS DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS POLICY, POLICY NO. 3.06
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Cerritos ("City Council") periodically reviews its policies and procedures to ensure that they remain current, clearly stated, and consistent with City operations and governmental agency best practices; and WHEREAS, the Cerritos Digital Communications Policy, Policy No. 3.06 ("Policy"), establishes guidelines concerning the City's use of digital communications and social media and the application of such guidelines to Public Officials, including City Council members and appointed Cerritos Commission or Committee members; and WHEREAS, the City Council desires to amend the Policy to provide greater clarity regarding the distinction between official City communication channels and personal communication channels used by Public Officials; and
WHEREAS, the proposed amendments clarify that personal, non-City-administered social media accounts and other personal digital communication channels are not official City communication channels and that communications made through such accounts by a Public Official in the individual's personal capacity are not official communications of the City; and
WHEREAS, the proposed amendments provide further clarity on guidance concerning the use of a disclaimer when a Public Official communicates through a personal digital communication channel regarding City business or identifies the individual as being connected with the City; and
WHEREAS, the proposed amendments further clarify the application of First Amendment protections and other applicable legal requirements to Digital Communications by Public Officials; and
WHEREAS, the City Council recognizes that communications concerning City business may implicate applicable legal requirements and City policies regardless of the platform or account through which such communications are made; and WHEREAS, the proposed amendments to the Policy were reviewed by the Policy and Procedure Internal Ad Hoc Working Group, which recommended that the City Council approve the amended Policy; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that amending the Policy will provide updated guidance concerning Digital Communications by Public Officials and establish a clearer framework for distinguishing personal and official communications while recognizing applicable constitutional, legal, and City policy requirements.

NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CERRITOS DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. The foregoing recitals are true and correct and are incorporated herein by reference.

EXHIBIT 4
Proposed City Council Resolution - Digital Communications Policy 36 SECTION 2. The City Council hereby amends the Cerritos Digital Communications Policy, Policy No. 3.06, as set forth in Attachment A, attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.

SECTION 3. The amended Policy clarifies the distinction between official City communication channels and personal, non-City-administered digital communication channels used by Public Officials and provides that communications made through personal channels in an individual's personal capacity are not official communications of the City.

SECTION 4. Public Officials communicating through personal digital communication channels regarding City business, or identifying themselves as being connected with the City, shall comply with the disclaimer and other applicable requirements established by the amended Policy.

SECTION 5. Digital Communications by Public Officials shall remain subject to the First Amendment and other applicable federal and state laws, as well as applicable City policies and requirements. Nothing in the amended Policy shall be construed to prohibit or restrict constitutionally protected speech or activity.

SECTION 6. Public Officials shall comply with the amended Policy's restrictions and requirements concerning interactions with other Public Officials on social media and other digital communication channels regarding City business, including commenting, reposting, responding, or otherwise interacting, as applicable.

SECTION 7. The City Manager, or designee, is authorized to administer the amended Policy and to take such administrative actions as may be necessary or appropriate to implement its provisions.

SECTION 8. This Resolution shall become effective immediately upon its adoption.

PASSED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED this 28th day of September, 2026.

Lynda Provide Johnson
ATTEST:

Cynthia Nava, City Clerk
37 CHAPTER 3 - COMMUNICATION POLICIES
Policy No. 3.06 - Digital Communications Policy
v.3 (adopted via Resolution No. 2026-XX, 09/28/26)

CITY OF CERRITOS

DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS POLICY
Current Version Adoption Date: 09/28/2026 (v.3. Resolution No. 2026-XX) Prior Version Adoption Date: 06/12/2025 (v.2. Resolution No. 2025-17) Original Policy Adoption Date: 02/09/2023 (v.1, Minute motion, Item 9A)

3.06.010 OVERVIEW
The City of Cerritos ("City") has an overriding interest in protecting the integrity of the information posted online and the content that is attributed to the City or its officials, while at the same time, mitigating and/or eliminating associated risks from the use of such technology.

Digital communication tools and channels enable the City to efficiently inform and engage residents, businesses and visitors. They also enable greater public access to City information and services. Digital communication tools and channels include, but are not limited to, social media platforms, websites, biogs, photo and video sharing sites, enewsletters, wikis, and mobile content.

City officials, staff and others who share and receive information on behalf of the City shall use digital communication channels and tools in ways that are professional, consistent and coordinated, maximize transparency and clear communication, maintain the security of the City network, further the fiduciary duties or similar obligations inherent when communicating in an official capacity for the City, and adhere to all other applicable laws and City Council ("Council") and administrative policies.

3.06.020 PURPOSE
The purpose of this document ("Policy") is to establish citywide policies, guidelines, protocols, and procedures regarding the proper use of digital communication tools and channels by City staff, public officials, and members of the public. This Policy is divided into the following Chapters:
• Chapter 1: Policy for Public Officials
• Chapter 2: Policy for City Staff
• Chapter 3: Policy for the Public
• Chapter 4: Management of Official City Pages

3.06.030 SCOPE
This Policy applies to all City employees as well as all other persons, such as employees of independent contractors, consultants, elected officials, appointed officials, authorized volunteers, and special committee members acting in an official capacity and when communicating with the public on behalf of the agency. Chapter 1 of this Policy articulates special considerations for public officials relative to their digital communications.

Additionally, Chapter 3 of this Policy applies to all members of the public who choose to access, interact with, or make use of the City's digital communication channels and tools.

ATTACHMENT A
38 3.06.040
CHAPTER 3 - COMMUNICATION POLICIES
Policy No. 3.06 - Digital Communications Policy
v.3 (adopted via Resolution No. 2026-XX, 09/28/26)

DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS AND INTENT OF USE
Digital communication tools and channels operated by the City are generally Nonpublic Forums to facilitate Government Speech. This means that, unless the City has designated a specific digital communication tool or channel as a Limited Public Forum (described below), the City's use and operation of digital communication tools and channels are solely to facilitate the dissemination of official City information, projects, and programs vis-a-vis technology and platforms available for the dissemination of information, such as the City's official internet website, email notification services, and social media platforms.

In certain circumstances, digital communication tools and channels operated by the City may be Limited Public Forums. This means that the City intends for its use of digital communication tools and channels, which shall relate solely to official City information, projects, and programs, to provide a limited forum for comment or response. In such circumstances, the City shall have the right to establish and enforce time, place, and manner regulations that would apply to such digital communication tools and channels.

Finally, in no event shall digital communication tools and channels operated by the City be, or be deemed or intend to be, general public forums.

3.06.050 DEFINITIONS
Unless otherwise stated, the vocabulary used within this Policy shall refer to the following; A. Authorized Users: Any individual authorized by the City to post on, administrate, and moderate City Social Media Sites.

B. Brown Act: The Ralph M. Brown Act, codified in Government Code section 54950 et seq., as may be amended from time to time.

C. California Public Records Act and Public Records Act: The California Public Records Act, codified in Government Code section 7920.000 et seq. (formerly Gov. Code, § 6250 et seq.), as may be amended from time to time.

D. City Assets: Resources owed or employed by the City, which Public Officials may use in Digital Communications related to their official capacity with the City. City Assets include a City email account, the City logo, designated City staff assistance, the City's business expense budget, the City's computer equipment, and the City's subscriptions to third party platforms which assist the City in its Digital Communications, such as the Social Media Sites defined herein.

E. Employee Rules and Regulations: This is a set of documents including: the labor memoranda of understanding; the Full-Time Exempt Employees, FullTime Confidential Employees, and Part-Time Confidential Employees Resolution; the employee handbook; and the current City Council-adopted Employer-Employee Relations Resolution.

39 F.

G.

H.

I.
],
K.

3.06.060
CHAPTER 3 - COMMUNICATION POLICIES
Policy No. 3.06 - Digital Communications Policy
v.3 (adopted via Resolution No. 2026-XX, 09/28/26)
Digital Communications: Online communication tools and channels, including, but not limited to, Social Media Sites, websites, biogs, photo and video sharing sites, e-newsletters, wikis, and mobile content.

Public Official: Any individual who serves on the City Council or a Councilappointed City Board, Commission, or Committee, and who is subject to the Brown Act's requirements that government business be conducted at open and public meetings.

Records Retention Schedule: The City's records retentions schedule available at the City Clerk's Office in City Hall for the City.

Social Media Site(s): Those certain third-party websites and applications not under the direct control and management of the City's technology system such as (by way of example only): Instagram, Face book, X (formerly Twitter), biogs, RSS (Rich Site Summary), YouTube, Linkedin, Flicker, TikTok, Snapchat, Nextdoor, Wechat, etc. Social Media Sites are platforms and/or accounts used by individuals to create publicly viewable content using accessible, expandable, and upgradable publishing technologies through and on the internet.

Terms of Use: The City's terms of use outlined in Chapter 3 of this Policy.

Use of Social Media Sites: Any use of Social Media Sites, including but not limited to publishing, or republishing any publicly viewable content, including but not limited to text, photos, videos, and audio; commenting, "liking", "following", "subscribing", quoting, and reposting.

RESERVATION OF THE RIGHT TO MODIFY
Technology, social media capabilities and scope, and online behaviors are changing constantly. Because of this constant adjustment and adaptation, the City reserves the right to change, modify, or otherwise amend all or part of this Policy at any time. [continued on the next page]

40 CHAPTER 1

POLICY FOR PUBLJC OFFICIALS
A. Scope
This Policy applies to all Public Officials acting in an official capacity and/or communicating on matters related to the business of the City.

B. Responsibility
It is the Public Official's responsibility to ensure compliance with this Policy. c. Use of City Assets
City Assets are available to Public Officials in support of their Digital Communications related to their official capacity with the City.

Public Officials may not use City Assets in support of Digital Communications unrelated to their official capacity with the City. City Assets shall not be used for personal or campaign Digital Communications, including for paid advertisements therefor.

When using City Assets in support of any Digital Communication it will be required that Public Officials conduct themselves as representatives of the City, rather than in a personal or political capacity. City Assets shall not be used for partisan purposes, or to communicate on matters unrelated to City business and/or activities. As representatives of the City, Public Officials using City Assets for Digital Communications must do so in a manner that maintains the integrity of the City, including in its relationships to other public entities, and service providers.

D. Digital Communications on Personal Communication Channels A Public Official's Digital Communications through personal, not official City-administered, communication channels are not maintained, moderated, controlled, or sponsored by the City of Cerritos. Such communications are not authorized posts of the City or done within the Official's capacity as an elected or appointed official of the City. Rather, they are communications made by the individual in their capacity as a private citizen. Public Officials retain the right to exercise their First Amendment rights of free speech, religion, and assembly in their capacity as private citizens. A Public Official's Digital Communications on personal, not official City-administered, communication channels related to the business of the City shall clearly identify such communication as belonging to the Public Official, and not representative of the official views of the City. Such disclaimer shall be used on any Digital Communication identifying the Public Official as connected with the City, even on personal or campaign Digital Communications.

The disclaimer shall read as follows:
"Content on/in this (website/newsletter/blog/page/correspondence/social media page/etc.) does not represent any official position of the City of Cerritos, only that of (NAME) in (HIS/HER) personal capacity."
A disclaimer is not required for content reflecting the official position of the City.

41 E. Confidentiality
Public Officials have access through their position with the City to matters which are privileged or confidential. Public Officials shall respect and maintain the confidentiality of information concerning the property, personnel or affairs of the City, including matters concerning the deliberative process of Public Officials and internal drafts of City policies, ordinances, and presentations. No confidential information discussed during any closed session of the Council or any Board or Commission, held in accordance with the Brown Act and not subject to being reported-out in open session, shall be disclosed or discussed in any Digital Communications.

Additionally, Public Officials shall neither disclose confidential information nor records without proper and legally required authorization, and Public Officials shall not use such information or records to advance their personal, financial or other private interests, or the private gain or advantage of others. Public records shall be requested through the City Clerk's Office consistent with any member of the public under the California Public Records Act.

F. Digital Communications Reflecting the Official Position of the City Digital Communications which purport to advance the official position of the City shall be revised to be consistent with the official position if found to contain incorrect or misleading information. Official positions of the City may be considered and decided only by the Council at an open and public meeting held in accordance with the Brown Act.

G. Compliance with the Law and City Policies
Public Officials shall be responsible for ensuring their Digital Communications comply with all federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and City policies, including but not limited to the laws and policies below:

1. First Amendment
In Packingham v. North Carolina ((2017 582 U.S. 98), the United States Supreme Court prescribed social media platforms as "the modern public square," and opined that such social media platforms afford users with the opportunity to "petition their elected representatives and otherwise engage with them in a direct manner." Federal courts have found that, when a Public Official uses a Social Media Site "in an official capacity," including to promote, discuss, carry out, or reference City-related business and/or activities, they must abide by the First Amendment. This includes situations in which a Public Official utilizes a personal, campaign, or other unofficial Social Media Site to promote, discuss, carry out, or reference City-related business and/or activities.

The requirements in this Section do not apply to a Public Official's purely personal Social Media account that (i) is not open or accessible to the general public; (ii) is not used by a Public Official in their official capacity, but rather as a private citizen; and (iii) employ the Disclaimer provided above where applicable. For this reason, it is highly recommended that Public Officials abide by the requirements detailed in this Section on any Digital Communication and/or Social Media Site where they promote, discuss, carry out , or otherwise reference City-related business and/or activities, even when the Disclaimer provided above is used.

42 To that end, content posted on Digital Communications and/or Social Media Sites by Public Officials in their official capacity, including content promoting, discussing, carrying out, or referencing City-related business and/or activities, is subject to the following provisions when the Digital Communication and/or Social Media Site is a Limited Public Forum:

1. Public Officials are prohibited from blocking anyone attempting to access the Digital Communication and/or Social Media Site because of an individual's viewpoints or perspectives.

2. Public Officials are prohibited from deleting any comments on the Digital Communication and/or Social Media Site because of an individual's viewpoints or perspectives.

3. Such content is considered to be an official public record, subject to the provisions of the California Public Records Act.

4. Such content posted is subject to State and local record retention regulations, and the owner of the Digital Communication and/or Social Media Site shall retain all posts and comments for the length of time as required by State and local regulations.

5. All provisions related to the Brown Act shall apply, including but not limited to the prohibition of a "serial meeting" through the use of a series of communications by a quorum or more of the Council.

Deviations from the requirements immediately above, as they relate to content which can be removed from a Digital Communication and/or Social Media Site used in a Public Official's official capacity, are allowable in the following instances:

1. Discriminatory comments.

2. Sexual content, or links to sexual content.

3. Encouragement of illegal activity.

4. Information that could compromise the safety or security of the public.

5. Content that violates a legal ownership of any party.

2. Ralph M. Brown Act
Public Officials shall take extreme caution in any interaction with other individuals or entities via Digital Communications and/or Use of Social Media Sites, including "liking"/using an emoji response to a social media post, reposting, commenting, or using any other form of electronic communication to respond to, blog, or otherwise discuss, deliberate, or express opinions on any issue within the subject matter jurisdiction of the body on which the Public Official sits, because such response may create a meeting in violation of the Brown Act or result in disqualification based on prejudgment of issues, to be determined by due process.

This requirement applies regardless of whether a Public Official is acting in an official, campaign, or personal capacity. Public Officials shall be responsible for informing themselves of the requirements of the Brown Act on their Digital Communications and/or Use of Social Media Sites, but may use the following table as a non-exhaustive summary of the relevant provisions:

PERMITTED USES PROHIBITED USES
• Engage in separate conversations or • Communicate with a majority of the communications on Digital legislative body on Social Media Sites Communications and/or Social Media regarding official business, including Sites to answer auestions, orovide

43 information to the public, or to solicit information from the public regarding a matter that is within the subject
matter jurisdiction of the legislative
body.
• Use digital icons in discussions on
social media.
• Comment and interact, even with
•
other officials, on private matters (i.e., •
NOT City official business).

3. City Terms of Use
"liking", commenting, reposting, or any
other interaction.

Respond directly to any communication
within the subject matter jurisdiction of
the City that is made, posted, or shared
by any other member of the legislative
body, including "liking", commenting,
reposting, or any other interaction.

Comment on the same official City topic
or post within the city's jurisdiction as another City Public Official, even in a manner that does not interact directly
with the post or commentary of that
other City Public Official from the same
le islative bod .

When interacting with official City websites, Digital Communications, and Social Media Sites, Public Officials shall comply with and be subject to the City's Terms of Use. Public Officials should be advised that official City websites, Digital Communications, and Social Media Sites are limited public forums, and that content outside the scope of the City's Terms of Use may be removed or moderated by City staff under the procedures outlined in the City's Terms of Use.

4. Public Official's Code of Ethics
As Public Officials representing the City, Public Officials shall abide by the City's policies and procedures adopted by the City Council, including but not limited to any and all professional, fiduciary, and ethical obligations of Public Officials.

Public Officials also shall conduct their Digital Communications and Use of Social Media Sites with honor and respect for the democratic process, and in a manner that safeguards public confidence in the integrity of government, and in compliance with any and all applicable federal, state, and City laws, regulations, and policies.

44 A. Scope and Application
CHAPTER 2

POLICY FOR CITY STAFF
This Policy does not govern or regulate the use of Digital Communications by City employees in their non-work capacity or associated privacy rights. Neither employees nor contractors need to obtain permission from the City to participate in Digital Communications in their personal capacity. City employees may have their own personal social networking accounts. These social networking accounts should remain personal in nature and be used to share information and engage in a personal capacity.

B. General Rules for Personal Use of Social Media Sites Employees and contractors are cautioned, however, that there may be restrictions on the receipt of compensation, disclosure of non-public information, and improper use of an agency title or official capacity that may apply to Use of Social Media Sites - even when employees or contractors think they are acting in a personal capacity. Agency principles, guidelines, and standards of conduct that apply to employees and contractors acting in their official capacities and carrying out their official duties for the agency also apply to an employee's and contractor's Use of Social Media Sites. City employees must never use their agency email account or password in conjunction with a personal Social Media Site.

Employees and contractors are encouraged to check with the City Manager, Department Head, Information Technology Manager, or other Authorized User if there are any questions.

Following these principles helps ensure a distinction between shared personal versus City views.

C. Disclaimer for Use of Digital Communications in Personal Capacity When employees or contractors use Digital Communications in a personal capacity, they are doing so for themselves and they are not speaking nor communicating on behalf of the City.

Employees and contractors should make certain that it does not appear they are speaking for or on behalf of the City unless authorized to do so. Regarding City employees engaging in City issues through the Use of Social Media Sites, the decision whether to do so rests with the individual. The following guidance is for City employees or contractors who choose to comment on Social Media Sites:
• When related to City business: State your name, and, if relevant, your role when discussing City business; and
• When not related to City business/personal capacity: Use a disclaimer such as: "The postings on this site are my own and don't reflect or represent the opinions of the City of Cerritos."
Employees and contractors should not use their position, title, or authority to endorse any product, service, company, non-profit organization, or any other enterprise, unless such endorsement is authorized by the City Manager after consultation with the City Attorney.

D. Employee Posts on City Social Media Sites
Only employees who are an Authorized User may post on Social Media Sites on behalf of the City. Employees representing the City on Social Media Sites shall conduct themselves at all times as a professional representative of the City and shall comply with all City policies and

45 the Employee Rules and Regulations. City employees should be mindful that inappropriate usage of official Digital Communications can be grounds for disciplinary action.

E. Limitations on Disclosure of Non-Public Information
Employees and contractors are bound by City policies applicable to staff. Further, employees and contractors must understand that non-public information (e.g., private personal information, proprietary information, confidential information, information pertaining to pending or threatened litigation, personnel matters, attorney-client and attorney work product information, or information subject to government privileges, among others) may not be conveyed through Digital Communications unless and until the release of such information becomes lawful and has been authorized by City Management and City Attorney in accordance with the law. No confidential information discussed during any closed session of the Council or any Board or Commission, held in accordance with the Brown Act and not subject to being reported-out in open session, shall be disclosed or discussed in any Digital Communications.

46 CHAPTER 3

POLICY FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC
A. City's Terms of Use
The City's presence on social media and the Internet is to serve as a mechanism for communication between the City and the public for the City's official business and events only. The City seeks to maintain an environment on its Digital Communications and Social Media Sites which is civil and appropriate for all ages. Please be advised that all comments and other content posted by users on the City's Digital Communications and/or Social Media Sites shall be subject to monitoring by the City. User-generated posts or comments may be rejected, removed, or hidden by City staff when the content violates these Terms of Use.

By participating in any City Digital Communications and/or Social Media Site, members of the public agree to adhere to the City's Terms of Use. Communications made on the site do not constitute a legal or official notice or comment to the City and the City's established procedures for the submission of public records requests and official written correspondence as related to a public meeting must be followed.

Prohibitions
Comments on any and all City's Digital Communications and/or Social Media Sites that contain any of the following are prohibited and may be removed by the City:
a. Content that promotes, fosters, or perpetuates discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, age, religion, gender, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation or identity, or any other class or characteristic protected by federal, state, or City law;
b. Content that contains obscene material;
c. Content that contains unsolicited services, sales, or business proposals by individuals, organizations or businesses;
d. Content and links to content that may contain information that could compromise the safety or security of the public or public computer systems; e. Content that contains confidential, private, or proprietary information; f. Content that contains specific or imminent threats to individuals, residents, businesses, employees, and City officials; and/or,
g. Content that violates any term, condition or policy of the Social Media Site on which it is posted.

B. Monitoring
Comments or postings on City1s Digital Communications and/or Social Media Sites may be monitored. The City reserves the right at any time to remove {which includes "hiding11 - e.g., to remove from viewing) any and all comments and content, to the extent permitted by law, and remove comments and/or content in violation of this Policy and/or Terms of Use. Any content shall be retained, including the time, date and identity of the user/poster when available, in accordance with the City's Records Retention Schedule.

47 C. Temporary or Permanent Blocking
Accounts posting prohibited content as outlined by this Policy and applicable law may be blocked from the City's Social Media Site, either temporarily or permanently. Blocking a user will be at the discretion of the City Manager, Department Head, or other Authorized User in accordance with the requirements of this Policy.

D. Authorization for Removal
The City is authorized to restrict or remove any content that is deemed in violation of this Policy, including the above-listed prohibitions, these Terms of Use, or any other applicable law, policy, or regulation. The City will remove such offending posts and all comments related thereto.

E. Accessibility
It is the City's goal to provide maximum access for all users of the City's Digital Communications. Posts to City Digital Communications, including Social Media Sites, will meet the standards in Section 508 of the federal Rehabilitation Act (29 U.S.C. § 794d) and Accessibility Guidelines and Standards. The City's compliance statement may be accessed at the following Internet web link:
https :/ /www.cerritos.gov

48 CHAPTER 4

MANAGEMENT OF OFFICIAL CITY PAGES
A. Official City Pages
The City's website [www.cerritos.gov] shall be the City's primary and predominant internet presence. Use of Digital Communications (as defined in the "Overview & Introduction" Section) shall only serve as an enhancement to the City's official website. Therefore, information and communications should be organized in a manner that avoids the posting of duplicate, misleading, or conflicting information.

B. Administration of Official City Pages

1. In General
The City recognizes that Digital Communications offer opportunities for the City to communicate with the community and perform public outreach while providing the public with instant access to news and events within the City. However, as with other interactive use of the internet, use of Digital Communications is not without risk.

When using Digital Communications on behalf of the City, employees are making statements that reflect on the City. Therefore, all use of Digital Communications within the course and scope of an individual's employment with the City shall be done in accordance with the guidelines set forth in this Policy.

2. Authorization for Use
Only Authorized Users are authorized to use Digital Communications on behalf of the City. Each Authorized User is responsible for the administration of the City's Digital Communications over which they have authorization. The Communications and Marketing Manager is responsible for enforcement of this Policy, and for securing protection of information and technology assets against potential destructive technical incidents in the context and use of Digital Communications.

C. Administration Responsibilities
The City's Digital Communications shall clearly state that they are officially maintained by the City and provide a hyperlink directing a user to this Policy and the City's Terms of Use.

It is the responsibility of the City Manager and Department Head to ensure all Authorized Users follow this Policy and all applicable laws.

The Authorized User assigned to use Digital Communications shall be responsible for reviewing the Digital Communications for which they are authorized to use, as directed by their supervisor and/or the City's Communications and Marketing Division, in order to ensure compliance with this Policy. Authorized Users shall be trained regarding the terms of this Policy and their responsibilities to review content submitted for posting to ensure compliance with this Policy. (Note: See additional information under Section I. Moderation of Content.)
Each Digital Communication must provide a mechanism for the employee to remove posts or prevent posting of messages that clearly violate this Policy, including the City's Terms of Use. All posts that are deemed unsuitable for posting shall be retained pursuant to the City's

49 applicable Records Retention Schedule, along with a description of the reason the specific content is deemed not suitable for posting.

The City Manager's Office will determine the minimum amount of moderation needed for Digital Communications by Authorized Users. The content should be moderated throughout scheduled work hours by Authorized Users and periodically moderated during off-hours by Authorized Users. The moderation schedule will be set by the City Manager's Office in consultation with Department Heads and the manager of the City's Communications and Marketing Division.

D. General Posting Guidelines
Use of Digital Communications shall be limited to the conduct of official City business.

Digital Communications shall be conducted as a representative of the City in a professional manner in compliance with this Policy, and all local, state, and federal laws, regulations, guidelines, including the City's Employee Rules and Regulations. The City Manager, Department Head, or other Authorized User shall in no event use Digital Communications in a manner which discloses information that is made confidential by City policy or any other local, state, and federal law, regulation, or guideline. The City Manager, Department Head, or other Authorized User shall ensure no confidential information discussed during any closed session of the Council or any Board or Commission, held in accordance with the Brown Act and not subject to being reported-out in open session, is disclosed or discussed in any Digital Communications.

E. Labelling of City Digital Communications
To the greatest extent possible, the City's Digital Communications shall be consistently branded and contain visual elements/graphics clearly identifying such sites as official City sites and distinguishing them from non-professional and/or personal use. Such identification of Digital Communications shall include the use of the City's logo, contact information including an official City email address, link to the official City or department website, and links to other pertinent agency Digital Communications, as applicable.

F. External Links and "Following" of Other Accounts
The Authorized Users shall maintain sole discretion over the external links posted to official Digital Communications and other sites that Social Media Sites use, including "liking," reposting, or "following." It is the City's general policy to limit external links and entities that are either "liked" or "followed" to:
(1) Other government agencies;
(2) Firms with franchise agreements with the City, such as for utilities, cable TV and/or internet service, waste removal, and other similar companies which provide service to residents of the City under agreement with the City; (3) Links to corporate or company sites that provide web-based automated solutions specifically designed for use by the City and/or the public through the City website; (4) Organizations in a direct contractual relationship with the City, that receive funding in the form of either monetary or in-kind contribution from the City to promote the economic and cultural development of the City, in areas such as commerce, dining, and arts and entertainment within the City;

50 (5) Local businesses, community entities, or organizations who have entered into a sponsorship agreement with the City, to the degree that the contract and/or agreement includes social media support, or in conjunction with a presentation and announcement by the City of a milestone reached as a member of the City's community; and
(6) The City may wish to highlight or promote new businesses and/or established businesses with a unique City-based event, within the community as part of the City's Economic Development program.

The linked content of embedded hyperlinks shall be evaluated to determine if the content is acceptable prior to posting. Users are informed that the City does not guarantee the authenticity, accuracy, appropriateness or security of the link, website, or content linked thereto.

G. Use of City Social Media Sites
Any usage of Social Media Sites by any City Department shall be approved, in advance, by the City Manager, Department Head or other Authorized User prior to posting any information or material on Social Media Sites. Consideration will be given to the overall nature and theme of the site, and its suitability for City use. Any and all Social Media Sites and information posted or created on behalf of the City must:
(1) Directly pertain to the City and its official business. (2) Indicate that the posting is associated with the City and has the City's contact information prominently displayed.
(3) Adhere to all applicable state, federal, and local laws, rules, regulations, and City policies including, but not limited to, copyright, fair use, anti- harassment, public records, document retention/destruction and use of technology. (4) Maintain content of posting for the required retention period in a format that preserves the integrity of the original record. Note, however, if posts are copies of records already retained pursuant to the department retention schedule (i.e., links to publications, memos, and documents), then the post may be considered a secondary copy and retention is not necessary since the primary document/content is being retained according to the document retention schedule.
(5) Contain information that is freely available to the public and that is not proprietary or made confidential by City policies or any local, state, or federal law. (6) Not contain any personal information except the names of those employees whose job duties include being available for contact by the public. (7) Not include language of a nature that is unlawful.
(8) Be created using the Authorized User's City email address or a City email address the Authorized User has access to. Personal email addresses cannot be used to create or moderate City Social Media Sites.

H. Moderation of Content
The City's Digital Communications are generally Nonpublic Forums for use to disseminate Government Speech, or if specifically authorized by the City, a Limited Public Forum. The

51 City reserves the right to refrain from posting or to remove any content that is not consistent with this Policy and other City policies or that is in violation of applicable law(s).

Such administration shall also include ensuring compliance by the City with all applicable federal, state, county, and local laws, regulations, and policies. If it is determined that any use of Digital Communications needs to be corrected, amended, or clarified, the City Manager, Department Head, or other Authorized User will determine what modification or supplement to the earlier social media communication is needed. Employees seeking a correction should raise any concern with the City Manager, Department Head, or other Authorized User.

I. Right to Terminate City Social Media Sites
The City Manager shall have the authority, and reserves the right, to terminate City Digital Communications at any time without notice. If the City Manager terminates a City Digital Communication that has broad usage and/or has been used by the City for multiple years, the City Manager shall report said termination of use and the reasons therefor to the City Council at its next Regular Meeting.

J. Retention of User Information
The Communications and Marketing Manager shall maintain a list of all City Digital Communications and Social Media Sites that are approved and operating. Login information, including user identification information and passwords, must be provided to Authorized User. Social Media shall be treated as correspondence for purposes of record retention. The policies and procedures of the City's Records Management Policy and corresponding Records Retention Schedule shall be followed when destroying printed or electronic records related to Digital Communications.

K. Disclaimer
Use of Digital Communications by the City is not intended to create any contract with anyone at any time or in any way, nor is any use of Digital Communications by the City intended to create any expectation of action to be taken by the City. The public is hereby on notice that there is no reasonable expectation that the City, nor any emergency services of the City, will respond to any Digital Communication posting. The public is hereby on notice that the use of any Digital Communications, including Social Media Sites, attaches no reasonable expectation of privacy or that any such Digital Communications are protected by any local, state, or federal privacy laws. The City's use of Digital Communications is not intended to, nor does it create, nor may they be relied upon to create any rights enforceable by law by any party in a civil or criminal action, nor do they create any obligation or duty of care.

The following disclaimer shall be prominently posted on the City's Social Media Sites' primary account information page, and by a hyperlink directing a user to the same, wherever reasonably possible:
"This account is intended to be for communication by the City of Cerritos to members of the public about specific topics. The City of Cerritos reserves the right to remove inappropriate comments that are prohibitive in accordance with this policy (Chapter 3, Section A) including but not limited to, content that may contain information that compromises safety and security, that relates to confidential, private, or proprietary information, and that contains specific or imminent threats to people or property. Any content posted may be subject to public disclosure upon request. Activity on this account is

52 subject to all applicable federal, state, and local laws regulations and policies."
L. Compliance with the California Public Records Act
The City's Digital Communications are subject to the California Public Records Act. Any content maintained on an official City Digital Communication platform that is related to agency business - including a list of subscribers, posted communications, and communications submitted for posting - may be considered a public record and subject to public disclosure. California Public Records Act requests for the production of Digital Communications content shall be referred to the City Clerk's Office for review and further processing in accordance with City policies and procedures.

3.06.070 APPROVAL OF POLICY
This policy was approved by the City Council on February 9, 2023. Said Policy was updated and approved by City Council Resolution No. 2025-17 on June 12, 2025. This Policy was subsequently amended by City Council Resolution No. 2026-XX on September 28, 2026 and became effective immediately thereon.

Signed: Date:

Lynda Provido Johnson, Mayor
Signed: Date:

Robert A. Lopez, City Manager