The COVID-19 pandemic has created a looming fiscal crisis across California. As local agencies prepare to adopt their fiscal year 2020-21 budgets, some are eyeing the option of selling or leasing surplus property in order to generate funds to ease potential shortfalls.

In response to the coronavirus pandemic, the Governor has issued a series of executive orders, each addressing impacts of the pandemic.

It is sometimes difficult for elected officials to remain unbiased when considering controversial matters, while properly representing their constituents at the same time.

On May 6, 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Executive Order N-62-20, the latest in a series of Executive Orders expanding protections for workers during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Last fall, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill (AB) 1354 which creates new legal requirements for a county office of education and certain charter schools operating juvenile court schools.

A would-be plaintiff’s ability to obtain relief from the government claim presentation requirement (the Government Claims Act, Gov. Code, § 810, et seq.) has been limited by the California Court of Appeal.

The Ninth Circuit said it best: "Schools face the difficult task of navigating varying student (and parent) beliefs and interests in order to foster a safe and productive learning environment, free from discrimination that accommodates the needs of all students."

A recent decision out of the 5th District Court of Appeals chronicles the City of Visalia's code enforcement actions against property owner Delbert Beames over a zoning dispute that ultimately resulted in legal action against the City.

On May 4, 2020, the California Supreme Court clarified a juvenile court's jurisdiction over a minor in a formal wardship proceeding to declare the minor a habitual truant.