by Derek P. Cole on October 2, 2016
posted in Inverse Condemnation, Recent Court Decisions,
In what can only be described as a classic example of a “First World problem,” a Beverly Hills couple sued their city for ruining their beautiful views. From their hilltop estate, the coupled had for years enjoyed unobstructed views of Beverly Hills, Continue Reading
by Derek P. Cole on August 23, 2016
posted in Legislative Updates, Meetings, Uncategorised,
On August 23, 2016, Governor Brown signed SB 1436 (Bates), which mandates that local agencies report out certain information before changing the compensation or benefits of their “executives.” Under this new law, legislative bodies (e.g., city councils, Continue Reading
by Derek P. Cole on August 15, 2016
posted in Meetings, Recent Court Decisions,
When a person raises an issue not on a meeting agenda, how much can council or board members discuss the issue without running afoul of the Brown Act? A recent court case provides some helpful guidance. In Cruz v. Culver City, a California appellate Continue Reading
by Derek P. Cole on August 1, 2016
posted in Public Records Act,
In its July 25, 2016 edition, the Daily Journal published our article, Making Effective Public Records Requests. The article discusses city attorney Derek Cole’s perspective on how to streamline the records-request process and obtain records Continue Reading
by Derek P. Cole on July 25, 2016
posted in Medical Marijuana, Proposition 215,
When cities tax medical marijuana dispensaries, does the requirement that dispensary operators pay the taxes violate the constitutional privilege against self-incrimination? No, says a California appellate court. In City of San Jose v. Medimarts, Inc., Continue Reading