CAL-ACCESS overview
Includes explanations of the flow of information into the CAL-ACCESS database and an appendix of campaign and lobbyist disclosure forms. Last updated Sept. 27, 2010.
CAL-ACCESS README
An incomplete list of data files included in the nightly export of CAL-ACCESS files. Careful readers will note that the expected format of the data files is wrong. The state provides files in TSV format, not CSV. Last updated Sept. 27, 2010.
CAL-ACCESS FAQ
A list of answers to frequently asked questions about the CAL-ACCESS database. Last updated Sept. 27, 2010.
CAL-ACCESS tables, columns, indexes
The closest thing to a comprehensive record layout for CAL-ACCESS, this document includes a list of tables as well as column and index lists for each table. Last updated on April 18 2002.
This document was apparently produced using PowerDesigner, an enterprise modeling and metadata management tool developed by SyBase, a subsidary of SAP since 2010.
This is a good starting point for researching specific tables and fields. But beware. Since this is one of the older available documents, some of its content is outdated.
More complete documentation can be found in our independent documentation of CAL-ACCESS files.
.CAL README
Much of what ends up in CAL-ACCESS is submitted in an electronic file format known as .CAL, which is specifically designed to interface with CAL-ACCESS.
The non-proprietary electronic file format used by third-party software vendors to submit electronic disclosure filings on behalf of their clients, California campaigns and lobbyists.
These .CAL specifications, along with the required campaign and lobbyist disclosure forms, are also helpful in understanding the lifecycle of information flowing into CAL-ACCESS. Last updated April 25, 2002.
.CAL to CAL-ACCESS mapping
A mapping of the .CAL file format fields to CAL-ACCESS database fields. Last updated April 25, 2002.
.CAL v2.01 release notes
Describes changes to the .CAL file format, including changes to look-up code values, that came about in version 2.01, which we believe to be the current version. Last updated November 5, 2001.
.CAL v1.05.02 release notes
Describes changes to the .CAL file format, including changes to look-up code values, that came about in version 1.05.02. Last updated May 10, 2000.