Legal Updates
California’s New bizfile Online Access Rules: What Business Owners Need to Know
Effective August 1, 2026, a user must have authorized access to a business’s online record before filing a Statement of Information through bizfile Online. Below, we explain what changed, how to establish access, and how to authorize an attorney, accountant, employee, or other third party to file on your company’s…
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Proposition 45: CEQA and Streamlined Processing of Essential Projects
The State of California November ballot includes several propositions for voters to consider. Among them, Proposition 45, the Building an Affordable California Act (Prop 45), stands out because it proposes changes to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The initiative seeks to streamline the permitting process for designated “essential projects.”
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Noisy Neighbors in San Benito County? Legal Options for Barking Dogs, Loud Parties, and Ongoing Noise Problems
Dealing with loud neighbors, barking dogs, or late-night parties in San Benito County? Learn your legal rights, noise complaint options, and when a nuisance lawsuit may help.
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City of Salinas Just Cause Eviction and Tenant Protection Ordinance (Ordinance No. 2682)
On September 24, 2024, the Salinas City Council adopted comprehensive tenant protection ordinances consisting of the following four (4) ordinances, which became operative on January 1, 2025. In this article, we will review the Just Cause Eviction and Tenant Protection Ordinance (“Ordinance 2682”) and look at the key differences between…
Continue reading »City of Salinas Just Cause Rent Stabilization Ordinance (Ordinance No. 2681)
Peter D. Brazil, Partner, Business, Real Estate, Landlord Tenant Law On September 24, 2024, the Salinas City Council adopted comprehensive tenant protection ordinances consisting of the following four (4) ordinances, which became operative on January 1, 2025: The City developed these ordinances as an integrated package, purportedly to address rising…
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Home Purchases: Just Because Someone Is on Title Does Not Always Mean They Are the Owner
Home Purchases: Just Because Someone Is on Title Does Not Always Mean They Are the Owner By S. Craig Cox, Partner and Hollister Branch Manager When Another Individual Is Added to the Loan and Title While risky (and sometimes illegal or prohibited by loan terms), it is fairly common in…
Continue reading »Status and Future of City of Salinas Residential Rental Ordinances
In late 2024 the City of Salinas enacted four (4) interrelated residential rental ordinances that together regulate rent levels, eviction standards, landlord conduct, and administrative oversight. These ordinances became enforceable and operational on January 1, 2025.
Continue reading »California Laws Affecting Licensed Contractors Beginning in 2026
Whether you are a licensed contractor or someone hiring a licensed contractor, there are several changes to the California laws that took effect in January 2026 that affect licensed contractors and their businesses. While some changes in the law are largely administrative, others may require immediate updates to contracts in…
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Billboard Lawyers – Quality vs. Quantity
We have all been drawn to the flashy billboards with catchy lawyers’ names and phrases staring down at us as we drive down the highway. These “Billboard Lawyers” advertise themselves as the best “Personal Injury Lawyers” out there, touting themselves as highly successful and having recovered huge sums of money…
Continue reading »What’s Next for Battery Storage in Monterey County?
The battery fire at Moss Landing in January made headlines and raised many questions regarding the history an of battery storage in Monterey County and the State of California. Following the January 2025 battery storage fire at the Moss Landing power plant, lawmakers, regulatory agencies, and citizens have been actively…
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