Rich Peters News
First Amendment Coalition seeking government transparency as newspaper industry falters
LOS ANGELES – As newspapers around the state, country and globe continue to struggle, the industry’s plummeting bottom lines are leading to less government transparency due to the costly price of obtaining public records.
Newsom's emergency order allowing civil justice system to function electronically lauded in legal community
LOS ANGELES – Governor Gavin Newsom's emergency order that will allow the state’s civil justice system to function electronically during the COVID-19 crisis has been broadly welcomed by court users.
Gov. Newsom gives renters a break amid COVID-19 pandemic
LOS ANGELES – Gov. Gavin Newsom has given California renters -- specifically those who are losing income due to the new coronavirus pandemic -- 60 days to figure out how to pay their rent.
Endorsement contract lawsuits expected with U.S. sports shutdown
LOS ANGELES – One of many potential consequences due to the COVID-19 pandemic is a potential wave of sporting event-related lawsuits involving season tickets, broadcast rights, real estate issues and even athlete endorsements.
Instacart continues to battle against Assembly Bill 5, City of San Diego
SAN DIEGO – In the midst of numerous Assembly Bill 5 lawsuits being litigated throughout the state, a San Diego Superior Court judge recently issued a preliminary injunction enjoining and restraining a company that's in high demand due to the coronavirus emergency from failing “to comply with California employment law” regarding a category of individuals within the City of San Diego, despite the fact that the litigation is pending.
Poway Unified latest district to sue JUUL vaping company
SAN DIEGO – The Poway Unified School District is the latest California school district to file a lawsuit against vaping company JUUL, alleging that the company has created a public nuisance within their community.
PAGA lawsuits targeting Pasadena immigrant and minority-owned business
Small immigrant and minority-owned businesses have been the targets of Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) lawsuits in the Pasadena area, according to Paul Little, president of the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce.
Hospitals' litigation and workers' compensation costs could soar if bill passes, say opponents
SACRAMENTO – Industry leaders are speaking out against a proposal that would reshape workers’ compensation benefits for hospital employees throughout the state. Opponents of the bill are fearful of both the rising costs and lawsuits that it would bring.
Business group pans 'cherry-picked' report extolling success of PAGA
The state of California collected $88 million in penalties from employers last year in cases brought under the Private Attorney General Act (PAGA), a unique law allowing workers to sue on behalf of the state – nearly three times as much as in 2018 – according to a new report from the UCLA Labor Center.
No injunction against Assembly Bill 5 for Uber, Postmates
LOS ANGELES – A U.S. district judge has declined to grant two "gig economy" companies a preliminary injunction against the effects of Assembly Bill 5, which limits businesses' ability to classify workers as independent contractors.
Caltech announces elimination of SAT score in admission requirements, cites 'unnecessary barrier'
SAN DIEGO – Last December, a civil rights coalition opposing the University of California's use of the SAT/ACT standardized tests for admissions filed a lawsuit against the school system. Now, other colleges throughout the state are announcing their intention to voluntarily part ways with the tests.
SoCal company hit with PAGA lawsuit: 'Purely a shakedown on businesses'
CHATSWORTH – The chief financial officer of Dytran Instruments, a maker of pressure sensors and accelerometers in Chatsworth, recently said that settling Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) lawsuit with a "disgruntled worker" both hurt the company and its employees.
South Pasadena School District, others change election format following letters from law firm
SOUTH PASADENA – The South Pasadena School District Board has voted to change a district policy from at-large to district-based trustee elections by 2022.
CALA: Businesses are 'very concerned' over blind and deaf Californians suing over website accessibility
SACRAMENTO – In a new wave of lawsuits, blind and deaf Californians are suing companies because their websites are not accessible, citing alleged violations of the Americans With Disabilities Act and the state's Unruh Civil Rights Act.
Nunes not holding back in defamation suit against CNN; More action against challenger and colleague may be on the way, report says
LOS ANGELES – Will conservative California Congressman Devin Nunes have similar success as did a Kentucky teenager in defamation claims against CNN?
Attorney: Freelance journalists are 'losing work each day AB 5 remains in effect'
SACRAMENTO – The Pacific Legal Foundation says freelance journalists in the state are losing work because of Assembly Bill 5, which sets limits on the definition of independent contractors.
Pacific Legal Foundation files Hollister Ranch beach access lawsuit fighting new bill
LOS ANGELES – The owners of Hollister Ranch in Santa Barbara County filed a federal lawsuit Jan. 16 challenging provisions of a new law, Assembly Bill 1680, that gives state officials the right to search private coastal property without permission or warrant. This case is another in a long-running battle in California about the right to beach access for the public.
State judge says gig economy law does not apply to California truck drivers
LOS ANGELES – A California state judge has ruled in favor of independent truckers across the state, temporarily halting a gig economy law that took effect at the turn of the year.
Supreme Court declines to hear homeless case, Bellflower plans to build more shelters
BELLFLOWER – A lawsuit out of the state of Idaho regarding the way cities across the country can enforce sleeping in public was declined to be heard by U.S. Supreme Court, opening up more questions and concerns for municipalities dealing with sprawling homeless populations.
Attorney with California Employment Law Counsel predicts ruling that blocked anti-arbitration legislation will be appealed to 9th Circuit
SACRAMENTO – A U.S. district judge has temporarily blocked a new anti-arbitration bill before it was set to go into effect on Jan. 1, but a legal battle is likely to continue.