I was interested in the history of open government legislation in California. Open government is a bit broad, so specifically, I'm interested in legislation pertaining to open meetings, access to public records, limitations on openness, and participation.

California Public Records Act http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California%27s_Public_Records_Act

Brown Act http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Ralph_M._Brown_Act

Bagley-Keane Act http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bagley-Keane_Act

Prop 59 An amendment to California's Constitution, Prop 59 was passed in 2004, acknowledging the public right to information.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_Proposition_59_(2004)

Resources http://www.leginfo.ca.gov - The official legislation page from the State of California your local agency's websites your local agency's public meetings (often online)