We Were On A Boat: Self-Care in the Time of a Global Pandemic.

The COVID-19 Pandemic can feel overwhelming.  Employees who have been classified as “essential” have been placed in situations where they not only have to work their regular assignment, but may have incurred additional hours, on top of caring for family, providing educational opportunities and support to children, and dealing with their own feelings all while in an ever-changing climate of...

FMLA ELIGIBLE? WHO KNOWS.

The FMLA, at Section 102 (a) (1) (C) [Act], establishes that eligibility for leave under the Act must meet certain criteria.  One criterion is to care for a seriously ill family member who is a “spouse, or a son, daughter, or parent…” of the employee.  In other words, the person being cared for must have a biological or legal relationship...

Mandatory Face Covering Requirement

Pursuant to the California Department of Public Health updated guidance for the use of face coverings which was announced at approximately noon on June 18, 2020.Please Note:  Executive Order N-60-20, issued on May 4, 2020, ordered that “All residents are directed to continue to obey State public health directives” (emphasis added).  This mandate is issued by the California Department of...

Stay Out of It – Inmates Have No Standing to Sue About Phone Bills

Many of our county clients maintain contracts with private service providers for a variety of municipal needs. In a recent case, several California counties were sued by a group of inmates, organized by the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, claiming that fees for telecommunications service in jails were an unlawful tax, requiring voter approval under Proposition 26.  The fees for use...

Staff Spotlight- Gretchen Dugan

Mrs. Gretchen Dugan has worked with the law firm of Prentice|LONG PC for nearly fifteen months.  Her calm and friendly demeanor provide superior customer assistance when answering phone lines and working with clients.  She helps to manage the firm’s calendar and works as Lead File Clerk, in addition to her many duties as Legal Assistant to multiple attorneys.  “Gretchen has...

CALIFORNIA SUPREME COURT UP ENDS THE APPLE CART ON PUBLIC RECORDS REQUEST COSTS

The California Supreme Court just issued a decision reversing a lower appellate court on the issue of redaction costs associated with electronic records.  In National Lawyers Guild v. City of Hayward, Supreme Court Opinion S252445 (May 28, 2020) the Court reversed a decision by the Court of Appeal that had construed the Public Records Act (PRA) as allowing the City...