When the trial court has weighed the evidence in a bench trial, we review
whether the court's findings of fact are supported by substantial evidence and, if
so, whether the findings support the conclusions of law. Panorama Vill.
Homeowners Ass'n v. Golden Rule Roofing, Inc., 102 Wn. App. 422, 425, 10
P.3d 417(2000); Zink v. City of Mesa, 140 Wn. App. 328, 337, 166 P.3d 738
(2007). Whether the findings of fact support the conclusions of law is a question
of law that we review de novo. Sunnyside Valley Irr. Dist. v. Dickie, 149 Wn.2d
873, 880, 73 P.3d 369(2003). The City bears the burden to establish that it
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responded adequately to record requests.' Block v. City of Gold Bar, 189 Wn.
App. 262, 270, 355 P.3d 266(2015) rev. denied, 184 Wn.2d 1037 (2016).
Government agencies must disclose public records upon request.
The PRA is a strongly worded mandate for broad disclosure of
public records. Passed by popular initiative, it stands for the
proposition that 'full access to information concerning the conduct
of government on every level must be assured as a fundamental
and necessary precondition to the sound governance of a free
society.' Agencies are required to disclose any public record on
request unless it falls within a specific, enumerated exemption.
Neighborhood Alliance of Spokane County v. County of Spokane, 172 Wn.2d
702, 714-15, 261 P.3d 119(2011)(quoting Progressive Animal Welfare Soc'y v.
Univ. of Wash., 125 Wn.2d 243, 251, 884 P.2d 592(1994)(citations omitted)). To
adequately disclose documents, the agency must conduct an adequate search
for records.