Sarah Downey News
New lawsuit, analysis examine affordability of California energy options
With power grid and energy source reliability at the forefront of California concerns, questions persist about the state’s current efforts at sustaining supply to meet demand.
Split Ninth Circuit panel partially upholds California statute banning arbitration
A federal appellate court in a 2-1 decision has held that particular segments of a California law (AB 51) that prohibits mandatory arbitration cannot be preempted by the Federal Arbitration Act (FAA).
California appellate court rules on manageability of Private Attorneys General Act claims
An appellate court has upheld a lower court’s ruling that Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) claims must be deemed manageable by the court in order to proceed to trial.
California State Auditor report urges action to meet rental assistance distribution deadline
A new report from California State Auditor (CSA) Elaine Howle has designated as high-risk the state’s management of emergency rental assistance funds, possibly jeopardizing additional federal funding if more of the original funds aren’t distributed by Sept. 30.
Exemption from Private Attorneys General Act awaits Gov. Newsom’s veto or signature
A janitorial corporation that has faced numerous PAGA lawsuits is supporting a bill, SB 646, that was gutted in the final weeks of the legislative session to exempt certain unionized janitorial workers from the controversial statute.
Following California's gubernatorial recall election, campaigns prep for 2022
With the gubernatorial recall now behind Californians, questions remain about how the outcome will impact policy on homelessness, housing, crime, wildfires, water storage and schools, and what it all means for the 2022 election.
California businesses seek answers about future workplace vaccine requirements
With new data showing California leading other states in COVID-19 litigation filed against small businesses, it’s raising questions about how they will be impacted as new federal workplace vaccine mandates take effect.
California State Controller ordered to comply with further briefing in lawsuit seeking public records
A Sacramento County Superior Court Judge has ordered further briefing in a lawsuit filed against the office of State Controller Betty Yee, which seeks the production of state spending records under the California Public Records Act (PRA).
Newsom record largely absent in final stretch appearances ahead of recall
With national figures flying in to campaign for Gov. Gavin Newsom in the lead up to the recall, it’s raising questions about the impact on the election outcome and how public education, homelessness, wildfires, and other issues that have led to the recall will be addressed.
AB 5 case may be acted on by U.S. Supreme Court; Truckers argue for exemption
In what could be the first U.S. Supreme Court decision on AB 5, the California Trucking Association (CTA) has asked the high court to review its case to exempt interstate motor carriers, arguing federal preemption supersedes the state law, from which dozens of professions have received exemptions.
California school choice advocates submit ballot initiative for November 2022 general election
As Covid has heightened concerns about the impact of closed schools on children’s long-term development, a grassroots group is now working to put a School Choice ballot initiative before California voters in the November 2022 election
Newsom administration wildfire, water policy facing criticism amid worsening fire season
With the Dixie, Caldor, and several other fires causing California residents to evacuate, questions continue about what the state’s water storage goals are, and why an oversight hearing and wildfire legislation has been stalled.
California lawmakers work to advance new bills in last days of legislative session
With the legislative session heading into its final days, questions remain about the impact of potential bills on residents, businesses, and California’s economic recovery.
Business coalition protests Alameda County Superior Court ruling on Prop 22
A judge’s decision overturning the voter-backed Proposition 22 ballot measure has raised questions about the immediate impact on app-based drivers, what will happen during the appeals process, and its far-reaching effect on other worker classification litigation.
Education, homelessness policy emerge as key factors in California recall election
With the gubernatorial recall election around the corner, it’s raising questions about how many voters in the deep blue state could be disenchanted by one-party rule, leading to a vote against retaining Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Business community calls for relief as legislative session enters final weeks
With lawmakers preparing to act on bills left open before the summer recess, concerns continue about additional mandates on businesses trying to stay open amid the new surge in coronavirus cases.
Judge rules against litigation challenging constitutionality of California recall election
A federal judge on Friday denied a legal challenge that sought to change or cancel the upcoming gubernatorial recall election, stating there is “no chance” the plaintiffs could prevail on the merits because their “federal constitutional rights simply are not violated.”
California lawmakers react to late August delay of EDD reform measures
At a time when the California Employment Development Department (EDD) experiences more delays in claims processing, state lawmakers have both delayed hearings on state Auditor recommendations for reforming the department and postponed action on EDD reform bills that had received bipartisan unanimous support.
Appeal expected in overturn of voter-approved Proposition 22
An Alameda County Superior Court judge has found the Prop 22 ballot initiative unconstitutional, “because it limits the power of future legislature to define app-based drivers as workers subject to workers’ compensation law,” according to the Aug. 20 ruling.
New lawsuit seeks to change upcoming gubernatorial recall election
New litigation challenging the gubernatorial recall as unconstitutional is raising questions about why it was filed weeks before the election.