One of the things I have enjoyed most about this comic series is how closely it has mirrored our real journey.

This week, Joe Ferret acquires the most powerful artifact in the bureaucratic universe.

The Auryn

Except Joe's version doesn't say, "Do What You Wish."

It says:
"PRA Request."

If you've been following our lawsuit, you probably understand why that made me laugh.

When we first began asking questions, we were repeatedly told there were no responsive records.

Then more Public Records Act requests were filed.

• Meeting notes appeared.
• Tracking spreadsheets appeared.
• Internal emails appeared.
• Records discussing petitions appeared.

The Search Continues

Our latest Public Records Act request remains officially "In Progress."

The Commission has already produced tracking spreadsheets, emails, meeting notes and petition records.

But it also told us that it is still searching for additional responsive documents.

The important words are: "identified thus far."

Maybe there are more documents. Maybe there aren't. Either way, the search isn't over yet.

The Road to October 2

The lawsuit has reached one of those quiet stages.

• The briefs have been filed.
• The legal arguments are on the record.
• Now we wait for our October 2 hearing in Sacramento Superior Court.

That means the Commission has no scheduled opportunity to address our petition before the October 2 court hearing.

Unless something highly unusual happens, the situation should remain exactly where it is today.

The Commission has not issued the written decision we requested. The state's legal arguments have been filed. The court will be looking at the same record that now exists.

One More Chapter

Next week, we'll conclude our eight-part NeverEnding Story comic series.

Joe Ferret has come a long way.

So have we.