Claims Procedure for Contractors on Public Works Projects

April 17, 2017 I. Summary Public works contracts entered into between January 1, 2017 and January 1, 2020 must incorporate the newly enacted contractor claims procedures that are set forth in Public Contract Code Section 9204 (“Section 9204”).  Assembly Bill 626 (“AB 626”) enacted Section 9204 and requires a public entity to respond to a contractor’s […]

Vol. 32 No. 7 CALIFORNIA SUPREME COURT TO WEIGH IN ON PENSION FORMULA DISPUTE

In November 2016, the California Supreme Court granted review of Marin Association of Public Employees v. Marin County Employees’ Retirement Association, 2 Cal. App. 5th 674 (1st Dist. 2016) (“Marin Association”).  However, in granting review, the Supreme Court indicated that it would defer action in the matter pending the decision of the First District Court […]

California Supreme Court Holds that Writings Contained in Public Employees’ Personal Accounts May be Subject to Disclosure under the California Public Records Act

SUMMARY On March 2, 2017, the California Supreme Court, in City of San Jose v. Superior Court of Santa Clara County (Smith),[1] held that “when a city employee uses a personal account to communicate about the conduct of public business, the writings may be subject to disclosure under the California Public Records Act (CPRA or […]

Vol. 32 No. 3 UNITED STATES SUPREME COURT REVERSES DENIAL OF QUALIFIED IMMUNITY

On January 9, 2017, in the case White v. Pauly, the United States Supreme Court unanimously reversed a decision by the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals denying qualified immunity for an officer. Specifically, the U.S. Supreme Court held that the lower court had erred in concluding that the officer was not entitled to qualified immunity […]

Vol. 32. No 1A MARTIN J. MAYER’S CELEBRATION OF LIFE

Martin J. Mayer’s “Celebration of Life” service will be held on Saturday, March 4, 2017 at 10:00 AM at the Rose Center Theatre, located at 14140 All American Way, Westminster, CA 92683. Reception to follow at the same location. *In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Orange County Chapter of ALS […]