News from September 2024
Los Angeles Faces Legal Challenge Over Controversial Eldercare Facility Approval
A new eldercare facility on Wilshire Boulevard has sparked legal battles between local residents and city officials over environmental concerns and zoning laws compliance.
California attorney general joins federal lawsuit accusing software firm of fixing rental-housing prices
California has joined seven other states and the U.S. Department of Justice in a lawsuit that accuses a Texas-based revenue-management software company of keeping rental prices in Orange County, San Diego and other regions artificially high.
Appeals court: CA can ban guns in many 'sensitive places,' but not as many as lawmakers wanted
A federal appeals panel delivered a split decision on SB2, saying they believe Second Amendment lets California ban concealed carry in parks, restaurants, libraries, stadiums and amusement parks, but not necessarily public transit, churches or hospitals, by simply declaring public spaces 'sensitive'
Southwestern Law School’s Professor Andrea Freeman Publishes New Book on Food Politics
Andrea Freeman, Second Century Chair at Southwestern Law School and a recognized expert on the intersection of critical race theory, food policy, and health, has released a new book, Ruin Their Crops on the Ground: The Politics of Food in the United States, from the Trail of Tears to School Lunch.
Black Lives Matter can't advance class action over LAPD response to 2020 riots
A federal appeals panel said an L.A. federal judge was wrong to allow the class action to continue because such a suit on behalf of thousands of people who clashed with police or were arrested would sweep up proper police response with potential constitutional violations amid alleged excessive force
Attorney General Bonta Announces Nearly $2 Million Settlement with Mead Johnson Regarding Lead in Infant and Toddler Formula
California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced a settlement with Mead Johnson Nutrition Co. and Mead Johnson & Co., LLC (together, Mead Johnson), resolving allegations that Mead Johnson sold infant and toddler formulas without the required warnings for exposure to lead, a violation of Proposition 65 and the Unfair Competition Law.
Plaintiffs' petition: Santa Ana school district covered up 'antisemitic' ethnic studies program
Plaintiffs who have accused Santa Ana Unified School District officials of approving ethnic studies courses tainted by antisemitism have filed a petition in Orange County Superior Court that argues the district also violated state open-meeting laws.
California violated 1st Amend by trying to force X to turn over info on content moderation: Appeals court
California lawmakers said AB587 only about "transparency," but also hinted the law's reporting requirements could be used to force X Corp. to comply with state desires to censor "hate speech" and other kinds of controversial posts the state may find objectionable
Mediation Clinic students gain experience with youth in new collaboration
The USC Gould Mediation Clinic has started a new collaborative project in restorative justice.
'Under the radar' antisemitism: Santa Ana school district sued for allegedly creating anti-Jewish curriculum in secret
Jewish organizations have filed suit against an Orange County school district, accusing the Santa Ana Unified School District of allegedly allowing pro-Hamas leftwing activists to lead a secret committee to craft antisemitic and anti-Israel ethnic studies courses in violation of state law behind closed doors
Plaintiff Alleges Neighbors' Negligence Led to Severe Dog Attack Injuries
A Ventura County resident has sued his neighbors after being attacked by their American Bully Pitbulls despite previous assurances of safety measures following an earlier incident involving one of the dogs. The plaintiff seeks damages for physical injuries and emotional distress as well as punitive damages for alleged negligence.
Former Employee Alleges Labor Law Violations Against Convenience Store Chain
Brianna Lopez has filed a lawsuit against APRO LLC in Ventura Superior Court alleging multiple labor law violations including failure to pay overtime wages accurately and denial of lawful meal and rest periods during her employment at one of their locations.
Southwestern Law School Joins with Lawyers for America to Expand Legal Training and Public Service
Southwestern Law School has joined Lawyers for America (LfA), becoming only the second law school in the nation to participate in the Lawyers for America Fellowship Program®.
Defendant accused of misclassifying employment relationship
A recent ruling from California's Second Appellate District affirmed a lower court's judgment awarding $96,412 to Vicki Huff following disputes over whether she was employed as an on-call caregiver or merely assisting as a roommate under specific conditions set forth by Andrew and Sondra Santer.
California Resident Sues Volkswagen Over Alleged Breach Of Warranty And Unfair Practices
Eduardo D. Orozco has filed a lawsuit against Volkswagen Group of America in Ventura County Superior Court alleging breaches of both express and implied warranties along with unfair business practices related to his purchase of a defective Audi Q8 E-Tron.
Telecom Company Faces Renewed Legal Battle Over Wage Violations
A recent ruling by the California Court of Appeal has reignited a long-standing legal dispute between Telecom Network Specialists Inc., and its technicians over alleged wage-and-hour violations dating back to 2006.
Grocery Chain Accused of False Advertising in Delivery Service Dispute
A California appellate court ruled against The Kroger Co., affirming that their arbitration clause via Instacart does not apply in false advertising claims brought by consumer Payam Mahram over grocery pricing discrepancies.
Parking Lot Owner Accused of Negligence After Woman Trips on Loose Gravel
Latonya Dawson-Springfield has filed an appeal after her lawsuit against Mendi Co II LLC for negligence and premises liability was dismissed by a lower court. She claims she sustained severe injuries after tripping on loose gravel in their parking lot but both courts ruled any hazard was open and obvious.
Unlicensed Contractor Loses Appeal Against Former Romantic Partner Over Home Remodel Compensation
In an intricate case blending romance and renovation disputes, Scott Rosson lost his appeal against Kimberly Carr after being denied compensation for remodeling her home due to lacking a contractor's license. The court ruled that despite their personal relationship and alleged agreements about trust benefits; state laws barring unlicensed contractors from seeking payment prevailed.
Plaintiff alleges JAMS Inc.'s fraudulent business practices during Arbitration Process
Ryan Harper's legal battle against JAMS Inc., rooted in dissatisfaction with an arbitration process dating back to May 2015 has been dismissed by Los Angeles Superior Court citing arbitral immunity protections.