Standard Post with Image

Appellate Court Finds That Solar Energy Project Was Not Exempt From City's Zoning Ordinance

A recent California appellate court ruling has clarified the requirements for a local agency's compliance with city or county zoning ordinances.

Read More
Standard Post with Image

The United States Supreme Court Again Confronts The Reach Of The Establishment Clause

In American Legion, et al. v. American Humanist Association, et al., the United States Supreme Court, by split decision, ruled that a World War I memorial in Prince George's County, Maryland, consisting of a cross, did not violate the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, which prohibits the government from establishing an official religion or favo

Read More
Standard Post with Image

The California Court of Appeal Has Spoken, Not Just Anyone Can Be Elected County Sheriff--So Says County Clerk

In 2017, basketball Hall-of-Famer Shaquille O'Neil was sworn in as a deputy sheriff of Henry County, Georgia. The momentous occasion concluded with a moment levity at the end of the swearing-in ceremony when Mr. O'Neil announced his candidacy for County Sheriff in 2020.

Read More
Standard Post with Image

PERB Decision Provides Guidance Addressing "Public Hearing" Requirement

In a recent decision, the Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) addressed the public hearing requirement an agency must satisfy before implementing its last, best, and final offer (LBFO), after completing applicable impasse procedures. In City of Yuba City (2018) PERB Dec. No. 2603-M, PERB upheld an administrative law judge decision dismissing an unfair practice charge brought against

Read More
Standard Post with Image

Brown Act's "Committee Exception" Does Not Apply To Special Meetings

A California appellate court has focused on the distinction between a regular meeting and a special meeting of the local legislative body when considering an exception to public comment under the Ralph M. Brown Act (Brown Act).

Read More
Standard Post with Image

Supreme Court To Decide Whether Local Agencies Can Recover Costs Associated With Redacting Video Footage Under The Public Records Act

Rarely are state and local government agencies permitted to charge for the labor that goes into responding to a California Public Records Act (CPRA) request.

Read More