News
California Supreme Court Clarifies Scope of California Voting Rights Act
The 2001 California Voting Rights Act (“CVRA”) made it easier for minority groups to prove that local electoral systems undermine their voting power. Appellate courts have adopted different interpretations of what constitutes minority vote dilution. In Pico Neighborhood Ass’n v. City of Santa Monica (Aug. 24, 2023), the California Supreme Court found that vote dilution under the CVRA requires more than racially polarized voting.
Partner Jon Holtzman and Director of Government Affairs Sharon Gonsalves to present at the League of California Cities Annual Conference
Renne Public Law Group (RPLG) Founding Partner Jon Holtzman and Renne Public Policy Group (RPPG) Director of Government Affairs Sharon Gonsalves will be presenting at the League of California Cities Annual Conference and Expo, September 20-22 in Sacramento.
Court of Appeal Upholds San Francisco’s Noncitizen Voting Program
On August 8, 2023, in Lacy v. City and County of San Francisco (Aug. 8, 2023, A165899) Cal.App.5th, the California Court of Appeal for the First District upheld San Francisco’s Charter provision permitting noncitizen parents or guardians of children to vote in San Francisco school board elections.
RPLG Partner Ryan McGinley-Stempel Recognized as Certified Appellate Specialist by the State Bar of California
RPLG is thrilled to announce that Partner Ryan McGinley-Stempel has achieved a significant milestone in his legal career. He has been certified by the State Bar of California as a Specialist in Appellate Law. This prestigious recognition underscores Ryan's exceptional dedication and expertise in the field of appellate law.
Court of Appeal Rules that Cities Cannot Tow Cars for Unpaid Parking Tickets
On July 21, 2023, the California Court of Appeal for the First District, in Coalition on Homelessness v. City and County of San Francisco, 93 Cal.App.5th 928 (2023), held that San Francisco cannot tow safely and lawfully parked vehicles, without a warrant, solely because of unpaid parking tickets.
Proposed State Ballot Measure Would Make Sweeping Changes to Public Records Act
On August 2, 2023, Consumer Watchdog, a nonprofit organization focusing on consumer advocacy, submitted a proposed November 2024 ballot measure to the California Attorney General that would, among other amendments, make numerous changes to the California Public Records Act (CPRA). According to news reports, Consumer Watchdog has budgeted $5 million to support the qualification of the measure for the fall 2024 ballot.
RPLG Partner Art Hartinger Named 2023 Top Labor and Employment Lawyer by the Daily Journal
Art Hartinger, Founding Partner at Renne Public Law Group, has been recognized by the Daily Journal as a 2023 Top Labor and Employment Lawyer in California. This distinction underscores Art's ability to skillfully represent both public and private sector clients in litigation and advisory matters pertaining to labor and employment issues.
Ninth Circuit Strikes Down California Law Restricting Campaign Fundraising by Local Government Employees
On July 19, 2023, in Progressive Democrats for Social Justice vs. Bonta, the Ninth Circuit ruled that California Government Code Section 3205—which prohibits local government employees from soliciting campaign contributions from their co-workers—violates the First Amendment.
EEOC Provides Guidance on Assessing the Adverse Impact of Artificial Intelligence in Employment Selection Procedures
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recently issued guidance regarding the use of software, algorithms and artificial intelligence (AI) in employers’ “selection procedures,” in other words, employment decisions related to hiring, promotion and firing. Learn more from RPLG Senior Counsel Spencer Wilson and Associate Anastasia Bondarchuk.
Renne Public Management Group Welcomes Former City Manager June Catalano
Renne Public Management Group (RPMG), a division of Renne Public Law Group (RPLG), is excited to announce the addition of June Catalano as its newest consultant. June recently retired from the City of Pleasant Hill after 17 years as city manager. Prior to that, she was city manager of the City of Martinez for five years. She has served as community development director in a wide range of cities, from Santa Ana to Laguna Beach to San Leandro.