Andrew Shen | Renne Public Management Group

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.

Mia Valenzuela2023-09-28T14:40:04-07:00September 28th, 2023|

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.

Kendall Lowery2023-09-11T16:59:12-07:00September 11th, 2023|

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.

Kendall Lowery2023-08-22T20:38:47-07:00August 22nd, 2023|

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.

Kendall Lowery2023-08-22T20:36:10-07:00August 14th, 2023|

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.

Kendall Lowery2023-08-22T18:39:20-07:00August 2nd, 2023|

Court of Appeal Upholds One-Term Limit and Salary Cap for County Supervisors

In San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors v. Monell (2023) 91 Cal.App.5th 1248, the Court of Appeal upheld a voter initiative setting an unprecedented one-term limit and significant salary reduction for the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors. While courts have generally upheld term limits, this case tests the outer bounds of such laws.

Kendall Lowery2023-08-22T18:41:15-07:00June 23rd, 2023|

Court of Appeal Revisits Limits on Voter Initiatives

Voter initiatives permit voters to adopt a change in the law at the ballot box. In a recent decision in City of Oxnard v. Starr (2d Civ. No. B314601), the Court of Appeal set forth some limits on the initiative power.

Kendall Lowery2023-08-22T18:22:04-07:00February 3rd, 2023|

FPPC Guidance on New Campaign Contribution Restriction for Local Elected Officials

At its November meeting, the Fair Political Practices Commission (“FPPC”) voted not to apply SB 1439 to campaign contributions received in 2022, prior to SB 1439’s effective date. Recently enacted by the Legislature, SB 1439 sets new limits on campaign contributions solicited or received by local elected officials.

Charlie Mounts2023-02-27T12:02:28-08:00December 16th, 2022|

Increase in Annual Gift Limit for Form 700 Filers

The Fair Political Practices Commission (“FPPC”) has approved an increase in the annual gift limit for Form 700 filers from $520 to $590, effective January 1, 2023.

Charlie Mounts2022-12-16T15:11:53-08:00December 16th, 2022|