Rich Peters News
California State Bar pushes back proposals to expand legal availability
SACRAMENTO – A recent report announced that the California State Bar has put the brakes on controversial proposals aimed at expanding the availability of legal help in the state, citing “political headwinds.”
Lyft says plaintiffs' lawyers are using crisis to 'obtain completely unprecedented relief'
SACRAMENTO – Lawsuits filed against the two leading ride-share firms allege Lyft and Uber are endangering California residents during the coronavirus emergency by not providing employees with paid sick leave, which is required by state law.
New lawsuit is challenging state DMV's censorship of personalized license plates
The Pacific Legal Foundation is legally challenging the California Department of Motor Vehicles personalized license plate program on behalf of five California residents, including Chris Ogilvie, on First Amendment grounds.
California attorney weighs in on high volume of bills filed to reform Assembly Bill 5
SACRAMENTO – No fewer than 30 bills have been filed in the California legislature to reform Assembly Bill 5, according to JDSupra.
Appeals court unanimously rules against Attorney General Becerra in police transparency lawsuit
SAN FRANCISCO – A state appeals court unanimously ruled against California Attorney General Xavier Becerra for his refusal to release records that his office acquired from law enforcement agencies pertaining to police shootings, use of force and officer misconduct in a longstanding fight to enforce a state transparency law that took effect last year.
Court affirms summary judgment for City of Newark in case against pedestrian
ALAMEDA – An appeals court has affirmed summary judgment in favor of the city of Newark, California, in its case against a pedestrian who was seriously injured after being hit by a car in an intersection crosswalk.
Magistrate judge grants company leave to amend complaint in construction dispute case
SAN FRANCISCO – A U.S. magistrate judge has granted plaintiffs leave to amend in the case of a construction dispute stemming from language surrounding structural and fire-rated glass.
Judge rules tech company's case against former employee to move forward
SAN JOSE – A U.S. District Court judge ruled that a tech company’s case against a former employee secretly compiling confidential information would move forward in part.
Judge denies attorney use of lodestar method in class action settlement against California-based company
SAN JOSE – A U.S. magistrate judge granted, in part, fees sought by attorneys who represented unsatisfied headphone buyers in a class action settlement against an electronics company, but denied the lodestar method which resulted in approximately $200,000 less than sought.
Newly elected San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin announces elimination of cash bail
SAN FRANCISCO – Prosecutors in San Francisco will no longer request payment as a condition for pretrial release, newly elected District Attorney Chesa Boudin recently announced.
Independent contractor bill likely to cause unintended consequences to retirement plans
One unintended effect of AB5, which makes it more difficult for businesses to classify employees as independent contractors, is that it may lead to reduced benefits for all workers, according to recent reports.
Sacramento hotels to require panic buttons for employees despite previous litigation
Several California cities, including Sacramento, have passed new requirements on hotels to better guard the safety of their employees.
UC Berkeley removes 'Boalt Hall' name from law school after discovering 1877 racist speech
BERKELEY – The University of California, Berkeley removed the words Boalt Hall from the facade of its main law school building last week after Charles Reichmann, a lecturer at the school, discovered a racist speech delivered in 1877 by the Bay Area lawyer John Henry Boalt.
Sun City Lincoln Hills sued over allegations of discrimination against hearing-impaired residents
SACRAMENTO – Sun City Lincoln Hills, a Sacramento-area development for those 55 and older, is facing a federal civil rights lawsuit filed by two residents who allege the community association has discriminated against them by failing to provide devices and services at its board meetings, theater and elsewhere to help individuals with hearing loss.
Judge denies SF Examiner's appeal in advertising case against SF Chronicle
SAN FRANCISCO – A California state appeals court shot down the appeal of a judgment in a lawsuit by the owner of the San Francisco Examiner that accused its direct competitor, the San Francisco Chronicle, of illegally selling advertising below actual cost to damage competition and sales numbers.
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CCPA: Publishers across the state and beyond methodically adapting to 'double edged sword'
The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) took effect at the turn of the year, reshaping the way online business is conducted throughout the state and beyond. Among those who have been forced to adapt are online publishers and media outlets, adjusting their marketing tactics in order to continue generating revenue – something that is already challenging in the world of journalism.
California needs 'broader fixes' for industries than new AB 5 law offers, reformer says
California’s newly enacted independent contractor law continues to draw backlash from businesses and organizations throughout the state as lawmakers are pushing for reform.
Another Roundup trial suspended minutes before opening arguments
Another Bay Area Roundup trial was suspended Friday as more reports have alluded to a potential global settlement in the thousands of Bayer AG/Monsanto Roundup cancer lawsuits pending throughout the country. Both sides have continued to remain quiet on any such settlement talks.
Prop 65 headaches: Tylenol, Theraflu, other acetaminophen products may soon carry cancer warnings
SACRAMENTO – The state of California will soon be weighing whether to list acetaminophen, one of the world’s most common over-the-counter drugs, as a carcinogen under the state’s Proposition 65.
California Republican lawmakers author new bill to repeal AB 5
SACRAMENTO – A group of California Republican lawmakers have authored a new bill to cure problems with Assembly Bill 5, which took effect on Jan. 1 and controversially reclassified independent contractors.