Orange County Reporter

GUEST COLUMNS

Kids are dying and it's time to hold big tech accountable

Devastated parents and bipartisan leaders are calling for urgent reform of Section 230, as Big Tech continues to hide behind the outdated law while their platforms target, addict, and endanger kids -- with deadly consequences.

Everything old is new again as voracious GenAI systems turn to 600-year-old texts for training

Generative AI platforms are turning to centuries-old public domain documents to train their systems and sidestep billion-dollar legal battles over the use of protected works.

When the military meets the streets it's a dangerous step toward autocracy

The deployment of military forces to Los Angeles amid peaceful protests lacks constitutional or statutory justification and raises serious concerns about potential autocratic overreach.

Judge Breyer got it exactly right

In a powerful and meticulously reasoned opinion, Judge Charles Breyer correctly ruled that President Trump's unprecedented federalization of the California National Guard to suppress protests in Los Angeles violated federal law, underscoring the critical importance of judicial oversight in preventing unchecked presidential authority and the unlawful militarization of domestic affairs.

Does the 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act' violate the Byrd Rule?

The Trump administration's sweeping "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" may be doomed to fail because it illegally stuffs non-budgetary provisions--from AI regulation bans to court enforcement restrictions--into a fast-track budget process that's supposed to handle only fiscal matters.

Balancing the basin: Mono Lake's legal legacy and California's water future

National Audubon reframed water rights as conditional privileges, establishing that environmental values are core criteria--not secondary considerations--in California's ongoing water governance.

The shape of our state: Built by immigrants, broken by amnesia

What is happening in Los Angeles today is not unprecedented--and if we ignore the lessons of our past, including the vital role immigrants have played in building our state and sustaining our economy, we risk repeating the injustices we once rose up to resist.

The quiet revival of denaturalization in America

President Trump's second-term immigration agenda marks a sharp escalation from his first, with an aggressive revival of civil denaturalization efforts that put not only naturalized citizens--but also their spouses and children--at risk of losing U.S. citizenship based on past omissions or alleged misstatements, no matter how minor.

Who represents the future of Los Angeles?

In the aftermath of devastating wildfires and mounting litigation, Los Angeles faces a critical need for accelerated legal resolution to protect its financial future and public interests--especially ahead of global events--raising the urgent question of who will lead the city forward.

Rebuilding after wildfire means knowing the tax rules

Wildfire victims may be able to reduce, delay, or avoid paying taxes on insurance or settlement proceeds--especially if the fire is classified as a federally declared disaster, which unlocks key tax relief options like casualty loss deductions and Section 1033 deferrals.

Trump tariffs face a judicial reality check

A recent decision by the U.S. Court of International Trade held that President Trump exceeded his authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act by imposing sweeping tariffs, ruling the measures unconstitutional and enjoining their enforcement--setting the stage for ongoing appellate battles that could ultimately reach the Supreme Court.

State Supreme Court clarifies statute of limitations for non-client claims against attorneys

The California Supreme Court in Escamilla v. Vannucci clarified that the one-year statute of limitations under Code of Civil Procedure § 340.6 applies only to claims by clients or intended beneficiaries against attorneys, while claims by non-clients--such as third-party malicious prosecution actions--are governed by the statute of limitations for the underlying cause of action.

NEPA narrowed: Clearing the tracks for focused environmental reviews

The U.S. Supreme Court clarified that under the federal National Environmental Policy Act, agencies are not required to assess the environmental effects of separate, future, or geographically distinct projects beyond their control, thereby affirming agency discretion in defining the act's scope.

Milking change: Partnerships for a healthier Central Valley

Dairy farming in California's Central Valley, long a cornerstone of the region's economy but also a source of serious environmental and public health challenges, now stands at a crossroads--where collaboration between traditional dairies and lab-grown milk innovators offers a promising path toward sustainability, economic resilience, and community well-being.

New tax reconciliation bill in the making

In response to the impending expiration of key Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provisions, the House has advanced a sweeping tax proposal that includes major changes to Opportunity Zones, pass-through deductions, SALT caps, R&D expensing, and estate tax exemptions--signaling a pivotal moment for tax planning ahead of 2026.

Homeowner who wins against swimming pool contractor gets splash of cold water

In Lee v. Cardiff, a homeowner recovered over $475,000 after a contractor violated licensing laws on a high-end pool and landscaping project, but was denied attorneys' fees when the court ruled that most of the claims didn't arise solely from swimming pool construction as required by statute.

Let them eat scorpions: The legal and moral problems with gamifying citizenship

Though not without precedent, an immigration-based competition show would confront substantial regulatory and ethical barriers.

Fair Workweek rules take effect in LA on July 1: What retail employers need to know

Large Los Angeles County retailers will be required to give workers 14 days' notice of their schedules starting July 1 under an ordinance approved by county supervisors.

What every litigator should know about California real estate law

California real estate law is a complex mix of statutes, local regulations, and historical nuances that can challenge even seasoned litigators, making a solid understanding of fundamental concepts--like zoning, title, partition, and disclosure--essential for effective case strategy and resolution.

The AI temptation that lawyers must resist

Generative AI promises to revolutionize legal practice, but attorneys risk losing their essential human skills and judgment if they become too dependent on this powerful technology.

The fight for wheelchair-accessible transportation services

A recently filed class action complaint against SuperShuttle highlights the ongoing battle for wheelchair-accessible transportation services, despite this year marking the 35th anniversary of the ADA's passage.

From disruption to resolution: How mediation protects the bottom line and brand reputation

Forward-thinking CEOs are increasingly turning to mediation as a strategic conflict resolution tool to reduce legal costs, protect corporate culture, manage risk, and preserve critical business relationships in today's complex and competitive environment.

Demurrers on deadline: Goebner clarifies procedural timing in probate litigation

The Court of Appeal's decision in Goebner v. Superior Court clarifies that objections in probate proceedings--including demurrers--are governed by Probate Code § 1043 rather than the 30-day deadline in the Code of Civil Procedure.

10 lessons from an employment mediator: What I wish I knew all along

From evidence gathering to negotiation tactics, these tips could help reshape your approach to case resolution.

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