Exception to mobile billboard ordinance for “authorized vehicles” is likely an invalid content-based restriction on free speech.

Summary A city ordinance that prohibited mobile billboards except for “authorized vehicles” including emergency vehicles and construction/maintenance vehicles is a content-based restriction on free speech and presumptively invalid. Discussion In 2016, the City of Simi Valley (“City”) adopted an ordinance that prohibits the parking or standing of mobile billboard advertising displays on city streets. The […]

Effective Affordable Housing Strategies for California Municipalities

California’s affordable housing crisis is among the most pressing governance challenges for state and local governments. Our state is not alone: major cities around the country are grappling with how to create policies that will ensure access to quality housing for all residents, not just those in the upper income brackets. Tackling the affordable housing […]

Partner James Touchstone Publishes Article in California Police Chief Magazine

Jones & Mayer partner James Touchstone is proud to have his most recent article published in the Winter 2020 issue of California Police Chief Magazine, published by the California Police Chiefs Association (CPCA). The article, titled “Leadership in a time of Legal Uncertainty,” can be found on page 8 of the latest issue, accessible by […]

Local Policies Restricting Advertising Must Walk a Fine Line

Regulating outdoor advertising has been a controversial topic for cities ever since billboards gained popularity in the 1870s. Balancing a property owner’s use rights, the free speech rights of individuals and organizations, and the public’s interest in maintaining their hometown’s appearance has created a patchwork of legal frameworks throughout the country. A recent case before […]

Can California Public Agencies Mandate COVID-19 Vaccines for Employees?

The long-anticipated arrival of vaccines has moved the COVID-19 pandemic into a new chapter. The phased rollout of vaccines is expected to take months. As adoption of the vaccine becomes widespread, society will hopefully return to normalcy, including returning to in-person work. Public sector employers in California are beginning to study their policy positions regarding […]

Vol. 36 No. 2 VOLUNTARY VACCINE AND WORKERS’ COMPENSATION

While the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine is advancing our effort to recover from the pandemic, one significant limitation is the degree of acceptance and level of trust placed in the vaccine and fear of an adverse reaction.  This uncertainty has clear implications for law enforcement agencies. The purpose of this client alert is to […]

Bruce Lindsay to Present at Upcoming League of California Cities Meeting

On February 25, Jones & Mayer Senior Associate Bruce Lindsay will join John Harris of Casso & Sparks, LLP at a webinar sponsored by the League of California Cities to discuss recent developments in the law of storm water permitting. In a recent ruling, the Orange County Superior Court for the first time invalidated requirements […]

Lawful Engagement of Contractors by Local Government Agencies Under California’s AB-5

California Assembly Bill 5, or AB-5, went into effect a year ago. Employers throughout the state and beyond are still grappling with how to lawfully engage independent contractors under the law. AB-5’s applicability to public agencies has been the subject of considerable debate among California lawyers. In September 2020 the California Legislature modified provisions of […]

Partner James Touchstone Provides Testimony to the California State Assembly

On Friday, December 18, Jones & Mayer partner James Touchstone offered his insights at a hearing of the California Assembly Select Committee on Police Reform. Drawing on his experience as General Counsel of the California Police Chiefs Association, the California State Sheriffs’ Association, and the California Police Officers’ Association, James used his time to share […]