(a) For the purposes of this chapter, the following activities shall not be considered Lobbying, and the performance of such activities shall not be considered in determining whether a Person is a Lobbyist:
(1) Any actions taken by a public official acting in his or her official capacity or acting within the scope of his or her employment or appointment;
(2) Any actions taken by a Person hired by the City for work performed on behalf of the City, or a Person who prepares documents for consideration by the City under the California Environmental Quality Act, when acting in that capacity;
(3) With respect only to Persons who do not otherwise qualify as Lobbyists, appearing at or submitting testimony for any public meeting held by the City or any of its agencies, offices, or departments, as long as the communications thereto are public records available for public review;
(4) Providing oral or written information pursuant to a subpoena or otherwise compelled by law or regulation, or in response to an official request;
(5) Communicating with City Officials in connection with the administration of an existing contract or agreement between the Person (or its employer) and the City;
(6) Meeting with the City Attorney, or City staff regarding any claim or litigation matter, negotiation of any agreements or contracts where the City is a party, or the requirements or interpretation of this chapter;
(7) Communications by designated representatives of a recognized employee Organization to City Officials or their representatives regarding (A) wages, hours and other terms or conditions of employment, or (B) the administration, implementation or interpretation of an existing employment agreement;
(8) Submitting bids or responding to requests for proposals while directly communicating with the official or department specifically designated to receive such information;
(9) For purposes of the definition of Organization Lobbyist, actions taken by the owners or employees of a business seeking to obtain a permit or other entitlement, license, or similar Administrative Action generally available to qualifying members of the public. This exemption shall not apply to actions taken on behalf of, or for the benefit of, a Client by a Contract Lobbyist;
(10) For purposes of the definition of Organization Lobbyist, actions taken by the Media in the ordinary course of news gathering, reporting, or editorial activity, as generally carried out by members of the professional or amateur press. "Media" shall mean the publishers of newspapers or any other regularly published periodical or newsletter, a radio or television station or network, and Persons who publish information on the Internet. This exemption shall not apply to actions taken on behalf of, or for the benefit of, a Client by a Contract Lobbyist;
(11) Communications by individuals who are professionally licensed by a State licensing Organization pursuant to the California Business and Professions Code, including, but not limited to, attorneys, architects and engineers, and whose communications are made in the course of professional activity under such license;
(12) Actions taken by individuals whose only Compensation for the actions is reimbursement of their own reasonable travel, meals, or incidental expenses; and
(13) Actions taken by a nonprofit Organization, or its officers or employees.
(Ord. 23-2249, Att. A (part), 2023)