Orange County Reporter
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
GUEST COLUMNS

Monday, February 10, 2025

Think you're safe from IRS audits after three years? Think again - a single missing form or signature could give tax collectors more time to dig through your returns.
In California divorces involving minor children, courts require parents to address health insurance coverage, ensuring continuity of care through employer-sponsored plans, COBRA, Covered California, or Medi-Cal, while also establishing cost-sharing arrangements and procedures for medical expenses.

Friday, February 7, 2025

Lawyers are among the professions most vulnerable to alcoholism and mental health issues, with one in five lawyers having an alcohol problem and high rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.
A voter ID requirement in California is unlikely to come from the legislature but could be decided by voters through a ballot initiative.

Thursday, February 6, 2025

U.S. District Judge Clay D. Land dismissed the National Ranger Memorial Foundation's lawsuit, stating that Congress has the authority to decide whether Colonel John Singleton Mosby should be memorialized and that the Department of Defense properly implemented the decision.

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

California's fast-food industry faces significant pushback against Assembly Bill 1228, which raised the minimum wage to $20 per hour for workers, as local restaurant owners cite increased operational costs, reduced profitability, and community impact.
Analyzing Gov. Newsom's Executive Order N-7-25: Protecting fire victims or overstepping boundaries?

Monday, February 3, 2025

California's 2nd District Court of Appeal delivers a blow to "headless" PAGA actions in Leeper v. Shipt Inc. while carefully distinguishing--but not disturbing-- a key holding in Balderas.
New York Times v. Sullivan protects free speech by requiring public figures to prove "actual malice" in defamation cases--essential for democracy, though critics now challenge its relevance in the digital age.

Friday, January 31, 2025

In the wake of the Los Angeles fires, California's price-gouging protections are making property owners think twice about offering rentals, even as displaced residents desperately search for housing.
Ending birthright citizenship could leave people without legal protections, disrupt immigration policy, and cut federal funding to states, impacting services for residents.

Wednesday, January 29, 2025

Los Angeles wildfires have destroyed thousands of homes, giving residents the option to rebuild or relocate using insurance funds, but affordability, rising costs, and emotional strain make the decision difficult.
Observations and lessons at the one-year anniversary of the rules' implementation.

Monday, January 27, 2025

Navigating the tax implications of insurance proceeds after a wildfire can be complex, but there are mechanisms in place--like exclusions, deductions, and deferrals--that can help minimize the tax burden for homeowners, especially when considering future lawsuit recoveries and the new federal tax law.

Friday, January 24, 2025

In a year that reshaped California trust and estate law, five pivotal cases from 2024 delivered significant changes with far-reaching implications for practitioners and clients alike.
Recent class action lawsuits targeting chocolate products revive questions about the use of embedded Proposition 65 allegations.

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Despite efforts by Attorney General Rob Bonta and Secretary of State Shirley Weber to overturn Huntington Beach's voter identification law, the city may prevail due to its authority as a charter city to manage its own elections.
When representing a client while accepting payment from a third party, CRPC Rule 1.8.6 requires informed written consent, preservation of confidentiality, and unwavering commitment to the client's best interests to avoid ethical pitfalls and ensure compliance.

Friday, January 17, 2025

In the aftermath of recent fires, disaster victims face a flood of lawyer advertisements and events, highlighting both the vital role attorneys play in pursuing justice and the need for ethical, transparent, and well-resourced legal representation to truly prioritize victims' interests.
Jimmy Carter's legacy blends groundbreaking humanitarian efforts, like the Camp David Accords, with controversial positions on Israel, creating complex impact.

Wednesday, January 15, 2025

In the wake of the Southern California wildfires, property owners filing insurance claims should know California laws offer expanded coverage options, including combined dwelling/structure limits, relaxed personal property documentation, extended loss-of-use benefits, and protection against policy cancellations, with state and federal aid available for those uninsured or underinsured.
With financial fraud on the rise, consumers and legislators are expecting more from banks.

Monday, January 13, 2025

In 2024, the California Supreme Court clarified key insurance law issues, rejecting COVID-19 property damage claims, addressing continuous injury coverage, and reinforcing rules on ambiguity and policyholder expectations.

Simon Khalaf (New York Times News Service)

NEWS

General News

Monday, February 10, 2025

A California walnut farmer and a German investment group compete for lead plaintiff in a Super Micro class action, raising questions about investment patterns and plaintiff suitability.
General News

Monday, February 10, 2025

President Donald Trump denounced California's bullet train for the project's delays and rising costs on Tuesday, and said his administration would investigate how billions of federal and state dollars have been spent.
General News

Monday, February 10, 2025

Patterson & O'Neill, after legal victories forcing Los Angeles to approve housing permits, open a new office in LA to tackle the city's housing crisis after recent wildfires.
General News

Friday, February 7, 2025

LA city attorney targets Blueground US Inc. and two individuals, accusing them of price gouging after the wildfires, alleging price hikes over 50%. Legal actions include criminal and civil complaints to curb exploitation during the emergency.
General News

Friday, February 7, 2025

Dozens of lawsuits have been filed against Southern California Edison over its suspected role in the Eaton Canyon wildfire that devastated Altadena. As cases continue to be stayed and assigned to Judge Laura A. Seigle, one firm moved swiftly to secure a temporary restraining order to prevent the destruction of key evidence.
General News

Friday, February 7, 2025

Sebastian Siemiatkowski, CEO of Klarna, a Swedish tech firm that helps consumers defer payment on purchases, has repeatedly talked up the amount of work his company has automated using generative AI.
General News

Thursday, February 6, 2025

While the Irvine City Council maintained panic button requirements for worker safety, it removed compensation rules that would have doubled pay for cleaning beyond set room quotas. The decision followed intense lobbying from the hotel industry, drawing sharp criticism from labor advocates.
General News

Thursday, February 6, 2025

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals will reconsider a decision on the Los Angeles school district's now-defunct vaccine mandate for employees, as the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stirs vaccine policy debates.
General News

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

If you were planning to use your tax refund to buy the paper version of inflation bonds, you're out of luck: That option has been eliminated.
General News

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

Stubbs Alderton & Markiles persuaded a federal judge in Riverside to restrain U.S. Legal Support's former employee and her new employers from using trade secrets she is alleged to have taken with her when she switched jobs.
General News

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

Santa Ana is considering reinstating an advisory group to strengthen immigrant protections. Meanwhile, Huntington Beach is taking the opposite approach, challenging California's sanctuary laws in federal court. The outcome could have significant implications for immigration enforcement across Orange County.
General News

Monday, February 3, 2025

L.A. City Council and officials were accused of using discussions on a settled lawsuit about homeless encampments as a ruse to avoid the state's open meetings law, a lawsuit claims.
General News

Monday, February 3, 2025

Attorneys who have lost their homes in the L.A. County fires have no specific latitude for lapses in representing their clients, but colleagues and judges can be considerate if requests are made upfront.
General News

Monday, February 3, 2025

Parents beware. The money-lusting billionaires in Silicon Valley who, through social media, have already caused unprecedented child suffering -- including depression, eating disorders, suicide, drug-related deaths, invasions of privacy and sex trafficking -- they have unleashed a new horror.
General News

Friday, January 31, 2025

Trumpologists -- those who specialize in deciphering President Trump -- generally advise examining his actions rather than his words.
General News

Friday, January 31, 2025

District Attorneys from four Southern California counties are calling on Gov. Gavin Newsom to extend emergency price gouging protections beyond Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Citing the housing crisis caused by wildfire displacement, the prosecutors argue that loopholes in current law leave vulnerable residents at risk of exploitation.
General News

Friday, January 31, 2025

Michael J. Libman, the only attorney in the Los Angeles water billing litigation scandal ordered to disgorge his fees, was recommended for disbarment.
General News

Wednesday, January 29, 2025

Apple and M. Night Shyamalan were found not liable for $81M in copyright claims in a case involving "Servant." A jury ruled no infringement on Francesca Gregorini's "The Truth About Emanuel" after a seven-day trial.
General News

Wednesday, January 29, 2025

Tax season opened Monday, and the IRS announced that it has expanded its free online system for filing 2024 returns directly with the federal government.
General News

Wednesday, January 29, 2025

Apple denies stealing Masimo's pulse oximetry tech in court. Masimo claims Apple poached an expert for secrets. The case hinges on whether Apple misused confidential information from a former Masimo employee.
General News

Monday, January 27, 2025

The Trump administration's decision to lift a ban on immigration enforcement in courthouses sets the stage for a potential confrontation with California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero. Guerrero has warned against actions that impair access to justice, echoing a long-standing conflict over sanctuary laws and federal immigration policy.
General News

Monday, January 27, 2025

President Donald Trump's energy agenda calls for drilling more oil and gas, something that could take years. But he took other actions last week that could more quickly affect the way the country prepares for and adapts to climate changes driven by the burning of fossil fuels.
General News

Monday, January 27, 2025

Closing arguments began after the last witness testified Thursday in the $81M lawsuit, arguing that superficial similarities between "Servant" and "The Truth About Emanuel" don't constitute copyright infringement when context is considered.
General News

Friday, January 24, 2025

Angry residents blamed Karen Bass for the fires not just in Pacific Palisades, which is part of her city, but Altadena, which isn't.
General News

Friday, January 24, 2025

Tustin City Councilman Lee K. Fink, who also chairs Brower Law Group's Business Litigation Department, pleaded guilty to misdemeanor battery after a heated altercation during a home tour. Captured on a Ring camera, the incident could lead to further professional scrutiny from the State Bar of California.
General News

Friday, January 24, 2025

The landlord is Greater Cornerstone Baptist Church, and the plaintiffs say they are its congregants. The lawsuit also names the pastor.
General News

Monday, February 10, 2025

Marqeta Inc. shareholders filed a lawsuit against CEO Simon Khalaf and other executives, claiming "gross mismanagement" caused a 42.5% stock drop after undisclosed regulatory risks surfaced in Q3 earnings.
General News

Friday, February 7, 2025

The lawsuit, led by the Center for Biological Diversity, claims federal agencies failed to account for environmental impacts and ignored public input.
General News

Thursday, February 6, 2025

A federal judge in Orange County reversed his tentative order, affirming a $71.5 million verdict for the OMG Girlz and T.I. against MGA Entertainment in a trade dress dispute over "L.O.L. Surprise! O.M.G." dolls.
General News

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals judges asked skeptical questions about the differences between Google and Epic Games.
General News

Monday, February 3, 2025

Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer is calling on the federal government to tighten restrictions on the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) visa waiver program, citing its role in enabling organized crime from Chile. House lawmakers have echoed his concerns, urging an evaluation of Chile's participation. Law enforcement officials warn that sophisticated burglary networks are exploiting the system to target homes across the U.S.
General News

Friday, January 31, 2025

Wisner Baum's clients have joined the dozens of lawsuits filed against Southern California Edison now that there is more evidence such as photos and video suggesting how the Eaton Fire might have ignited.
General News

Wednesday, January 29, 2025

Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order Monday directing the California Coastal Commission to suspend permitting requirements for property owners in fire-stricken Los Angeles and Ventura counties. The move seeks to fast-track rebuilding efforts while addressing a dispute over the Coastal Act's role in reconstruction.
General News

Monday, January 27, 2025

A week after finalizing a landmark consent decree in Orange County's jailhouse informant scandal, the Justice Department's new leadership has ordered a freeze on all civil rights litigation and paused further action on consent decree cases. The move casts uncertainty on reforms tied to the scandal, which revealed systemic misconduct by law enforcement and prosecutors in Orange County.
General News

Friday, January 24, 2025

The charges against Girardi relate to settlement money for relatives of people killed in an Indonesian plane crash.