Author Info for Allen Matkins

William Ahern

California Voters Narrowly Reject Split-Roll Initiative, but Approve Changes to Property Tax Exemptions; San Francisco Voters Approve Higher Taxes on Businesses

On November 3, 2020, voters across the State of California were asked to consider various state and local ballot measures. The hardest fought campaign, Proposition 15, asked voters whether to rescind property-tax rules… more

Ballot Measures, California, Commercial Property Owners, Election Results, Property Tax

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Margaret Akerblom

Sustainable Development and Land Use Update 7.31.25

The budget reconciliation bill signed into law on July 4 (also known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill”) adds a new provision to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) that allows project sponsors/applicants to pay for… more

Affordable Housing, Environmental Impact Statements, Environmental Policies, Expedited Approval Process, Groundwater

See all updates »

Grant Alexander

ICE Inspections in the Workplace: What Employers Need to Know

With the increasing activity by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), employers should be aware of their responsibilities and how to interact with ICE agents. Generally, ICE agents may inspect a business for workplace… more

Compliance, Employee Rights, Employer Responsibilities, Employment Policies, Form I-9

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John Allen

New Proposition 65 Regulation Intended to Assist Residential Rental Property Owners Offers a Mixed Bag

The California Office of Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA), the agency charged with carrying out the Safe Drinking Water and Toxics Enforcement Act of 1986 (aka Proposition 65), recently finalized regulations which take effect on… more

OEHHA, Proposition 65, Residential Property Owners, Warning Labels

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Korinna Anderson

2025 Land Use, Environmental & Natural Resources Update

California stands at a pivotal juncture in 2025, confronting an array of environmental and housing challenges. As usual, the California State Legislature is considering numerous strategies to address these issues. This year’s… more

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), Affordable Housing, California, California Coastal Commission, California Endangered Species Act

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Jacob Aronson

Project Applicants Can Now Pay for Expedited Federal Environmental Review Under NEPA

The budget reconciliation bill signed into law on July 4 (also known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill”) adds a new provision to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) that allows project sponsors/applicants to pay for… more

CEQ, Compliance, Deadlines, Energy Projects, Environmental Assessments

See all updates »

Melissa Bell

2025 Labor & Employment Law Update for California Employers

The Allen Matkins Labor & Employment Practice provides annual updates to California law on amended discrimination laws, captive audience bans, freelance worker protections, and updated leave requirements… more

California, Crime Victims, Driver's Licenses, Employment Discrimination, Fair Chance Act

See all updates »

Michael Betz

Test Your Insurance Policy for Potential Relief from the COVID-19 Pandemic

With the recent emergence of COVID-19, many businesses may already have started to feel the effects of a slowdown or interruption in their business operations. To curtail those concerns, businesses should check their insurance… more

Business Interruption, Commercial Insurance Policies, Coronavirus/COVID-19, Insurance Industry

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David Blackwell

California Appellate Court Determines Agreement Between City and Developer is Subject to Referendum

On March 6, 2024, the First Appellate District held that a city council resolution approving an agreement between the City of Livermore and an affordable housing developer was legislative in nature and thus subject to a… more

Affordable Housing, California, Construction Project, Housing Developers, Real Estate Development

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Stuart Block

California Environmental Law & Policy Update 8.8.25

On July 23, 2025, the White House issued an Executive Order titled “Accelerating Federal Permitting of Data Center Infrastructure.” Released alongside “America’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Plan,” the Order reflects a… more

California, CERCLA, Civil Monetary Penalty, Data Centers, Drinking Water

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Amarveer Brar

Sustainable Development and Land Use Update 7.31.25

The budget reconciliation bill signed into law on July 4 (also known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill”) adds a new provision to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) that allows project sponsors/applicants to pay for… more

Affordable Housing, Environmental Impact Statements, Environmental Policies, Expedited Approval Process, Groundwater

See all updates »

Patrick Breen

California Building Owners and Contractors: Act before January 1, 2018, to Minimize Risks of Non-Paying Subcontractors

This past weekend Governor Brown signed AB 1701, a bill that requires direct contractors to pay any wages, fringe benefits, or other benefit payments or contributions owed by a defaulting subcontractor, plus interest. This new… more

Construction Contracts, Governor Brown, Property Owners, Subcontractors

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Andrew Bronstein

Bonus Depreciation Is Back! And Other Big Beautiful Taxes

On Friday, July 4, 2025, President Trump signed into law the Reconciliation Bill commonly known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). Broadly speaking, the OBBBA extends and makes permanent many provisions enacted by the… more

Bonus Depreciation, Business Taxes, Depreciation, Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), Internal Revenue Code (IRC)

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Benjamin Brown

2025 Land Use, Environmental & Natural Resources Update

California stands at a pivotal juncture in 2025, confronting an array of environmental and housing challenges. As usual, the California State Legislature is considering numerous strategies to address these issues. This year’s… more

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), Affordable Housing, California, California Coastal Commission, California Endangered Species Act

See all updates »

Marshall Brozost

What kinds of assets are investors targeting in today’s shifting political and economic climate?

“I am seeing continued enthusiasm for existing multifamily assets – particularly those with a value-add opportunity. Although renovations are expensive, the improvement of an existing multifamily asset provides investors with… more

Affordable Housing, California, Commercial Real Estate Market, Housing Market, Interest Rates

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Anthony Burney

Immediate Action Required: California Commercial Landlords Must Provide Accessibility Disclosures During Lease Negotiations

Assembly Bill No. 2093 is in effect.* It amended Civil Code Section 1938 to require landlords to provide prospective tenants with any report and/or disability access inspection certificate issued by a Certified Access Specialist… more

Accessibility Rules, CASp, Commercial Leases, Commercial Real Estate Market, Commercial Tenants

See all updates »

Joshua del Castillo

Legal and Business Strategies Regarding FDIC Takeover of Silicon Valley Bank

This alert is meant to supply some valuable information for landlords that currently hold tenant letters of credit from Silicon Valley Bank (“SVB”). SVB was closed this morning by the California Department of Financial… more

FDIC, Financial Institutions, FIRREA, Landlords, Letter of Credit

See all updates »

Caroline Guibert Chase

Sustainable Development and Land Use Update 7.31.25

The budget reconciliation bill signed into law on July 4 (also known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill”) adds a new provision to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) that allows project sponsors/applicants to pay for… more

Affordable Housing, Environmental Impact Statements, Environmental Policies, Expedited Approval Process, Groundwater

See all updates »

Ryan Chen

2025 Land Use, Environmental & Natural Resources Update

California stands at a pivotal juncture in 2025, confronting an array of environmental and housing challenges. As usual, the California State Legislature is considering numerous strategies to address these issues. This year’s… more

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), Affordable Housing, California, California Coastal Commission, California Endangered Species Act

See all updates »

Jeffrey Chine

Sustainable Development and Land Use Update 7.31.25

The budget reconciliation bill signed into law on July 4 (also known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill”) adds a new provision to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) that allows project sponsors/applicants to pay for… more

Affordable Housing, Environmental Impact Statements, Environmental Policies, Expedited Approval Process, Groundwater

See all updates »

Bridget Cho

California Environmental Law & Policy Update 4.25.25

Governor Gavin Newsom is pushing to lay the groundwork for building a $20-billion water tunnel in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta before his term expires, and state water regulators are considering whether to grant a key… more

California, Energy Projects, Environmental Litigation, Environmental Policies, Governor Newsom

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Gregory Clark

Will Your Indemnity Clauses be Unenforceable on January 1, 2013?

Amendments to California’s construction indemnity statutes will go into effect on January 1, 2013. Your commercial construction contracts may need to be modified or other strategies may need to be implemented or your indemnity… more

Contractors, Indemnity Agreements, Subcontractors

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Meghan Clark

2025 Land Use, Environmental & Natural Resources Update

California stands at a pivotal juncture in 2025, confronting an array of environmental and housing challenges. As usual, the California State Legislature is considering numerous strategies to address these issues. This year’s… more

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), Affordable Housing, California, California Coastal Commission, California Endangered Species Act

See all updates »

Shawn Cobb

California Environmental Law & Policy Update 8.8.25

On July 23, 2025, the White House issued an Executive Order titled “Accelerating Federal Permitting of Data Center Infrastructure.” Released alongside “America’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Plan,” the Order reflects a… more

California, CERCLA, Civil Monetary Penalty, Data Centers, Drinking Water

See all updates »

Daniella Cohensedgh

ICE Inspections in the Workplace: What Employers Need to Know

With the increasing activity by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), employers should be aware of their responsibilities and how to interact with ICE agents. Generally, ICE agents may inspect a business for workplace… more

Compliance, Employee Rights, Employer Responsibilities, Employment Policies, Form I-9

See all updates »

John Condas

What impacts are you seeing from California Assembly Bill 98 on the financing and development of industrial projects? How are developers adapting to the new design and siting requirements?

“We have represented several clients who are looking to acquire and reposition warehouse properties. Today, these properties are not being used for ‘logistics uses,’ the term used in AB 98. For example, one of our clients has… more

Business Licenses, California, Commercial Real Estate Market, Financing, Industrial Sector

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Molly Coyne

California’s Offshore Wind Power Industry Sets Sail

California is entering the new waters of offshore wind power. The unique challenges and potential of developing offshore wind power in California have spurred numerous federal and state cooperation efforts. While other U.S… more

BOEM, California, Department of Energy (DOE), Natural Resources, Offshore Wind

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Andrew Demirchyan

New Filing Fees in Connection with CFIUS Review of Foreign Participation in U.S. Real Estate Transactions

Real estate transactions subject to Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) review, including those involving foreign participation through investment, acquisition, or management of U.S. real property or… more

CFIUS, Comment Period, Cross-Border Transactions, Filing Fees, Filing Requirements

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Marissa Dennis

Landlord Primer Regarding Practical Recommendations for Reopening Office Buildings

The Shelter-in-Place orders issued by various state and local jurisdictions are being modified to allow businesses, other than just “Essential Businesses,” to open and operate. Although commercial office buildings have been… more

Commercial Property Owners, Coronavirus/COVID-19, Landlords, Office Closures, Popular

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Alexander Doherty

Special Water Supply Edition: California Environmental Law & Policy Update 7.25.25

Beginning January 1, 2025, the “Making Conservation a California Way of Life” regulatory framework requires urban retail water suppliers — not individual households or businesses — to adopt a series of “urban water use… more

California, Conservation, Drinking Water, Environmental Justice, Environmental Policies

See all updates »

Amanda Donson

California’s Retail Market Continues to Show Signs of a Strong Rebound

Despite concerns before and during the pandemic, the retail space market in California continues to rebound and shows remarkable signs of resiliency. El Warner, Vice Chair of Retail Capital Markets at Collier’s, and Amanda… more

California, Commercial Leases, Commercial Real Estate Market, Internet Retailers, Retailers

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Nicholas DuBroff

2025 Land Use, Environmental & Natural Resources Update

California stands at a pivotal juncture in 2025, confronting an array of environmental and housing challenges. As usual, the California State Legislature is considering numerous strategies to address these issues. This year’s… more

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), Affordable Housing, California, California Coastal Commission, California Endangered Species Act

See all updates »

Joseph Dzida

What California Landlords Need to Know about Senate Bill 1103

Senate Bill 1103 (also known as the Commercial Tenant Protection Act) (SB 1103) introduces substantive changes affecting commercial leasing practices in California. Signed into law by Governor Newsom on September 30, 2024, and… more

California, Civil Code, Commercial Leases, Commercial Tenants, Documentation

See all updates »

Lee Edlund

While Still Pessimistic, Retail Outlook Begins to Rebound

Following a continued decline into pessimism, retail may be coming back from the bottom of the cycle, according to the latest Allen Matkins/UCLA Anderson Forecast California Commercial Real Estate Survey. The current view is… more

Brick-and-Mortar Stores, Commercial Leases, Commercial Real Estate Market, Commercial Tenants, Coronavirus/COVID-19

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Bryce Ellis

FinCEN Exempts U.S. Companies and U.S. Persons from Beneficial Ownership Reporting Requirements

An interim final rule issued by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), makes the following significant changes to beneficial ownership information reporting (BOIR) requirements: defines a “reporting company” subject… more

Beneficial Owner, Corporate Transparency Act, Exemptions, Filing Deadlines, Final Rules

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Barry Epstein

Renewable Energy Update 8.1.25

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has approved a new set of reliability standards designed to ensure the stability of the U.S. electric grid as more wind and solar resources come online. The standards, developed by… more

Batteries, BOEM, Energy Projects, Energy Storage, FERC

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Matthew Ertman

New SEC Rules Will Increase the Regulation of Private Fund Advisers

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) recently adopted new rules and rule amendments under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the Advisers Act) that will increase the regulation of private fund… more

Audits, Books & Records, Conflicts of Interest, Final Rules, Governance Standards

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Michael Farrell

Lenders and Insurance: Are Your Bases Covered? A Checklist for Confirming Lenders' Rights in Borrowers' Insurance Proceeds

The economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly the impacts arising from federal, state and local shelter-in-place restrictions, have caused numerous affected parties to submit claims under their insurance policies… more

Business Interruption, Civil Authority Coverage, Commercial Insurance Policies, Coronavirus/COVID-19, Infectious Diseases

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Ted Fates

Ninth Circuit Decides Issue of First Impression Regarding Referral Fees Paid from a Ponzi Scheme

The Ninth Circuit recently issued an unpublished decision in Hoffman v. Markowitz, Case No. 17-56290 (C.D. Cal., Dec. 24, 2018), holding that referral fees paid from a Ponzi scheme are subject to avoidance under the California… more

First Impression, Investors, Ponzi Scheme, Referral Fees, Uniform Voidable Transactions Act (UVTA)

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Matthew Fogt

2025 Land Use, Environmental & Natural Resources Update

California stands at a pivotal juncture in 2025, confronting an array of environmental and housing challenges. As usual, the California State Legislature is considering numerous strategies to address these issues. This year’s… more

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), Affordable Housing, California, California Coastal Commission, California Endangered Species Act

See all updates »

Nancy Fong

2025 Labor & Employment Law Update for California Employers

The Allen Matkins Labor & Employment Practice provides annual updates to California law on amended discrimination laws, captive audience bans, freelance worker protections, and updated leave requirements… more

California, Crime Victims, Driver's Licenses, Employment Discrimination, Fair Chance Act

See all updates »

Kathryn Garcin

Top Ten Ways That the New CPRA Law Will Change the Privacy Landscape

On Election Day, California voters approved Proposition 24, which enacts the California Privacy Rights Act of 2020 (CPRA). The CPRA amends and expands California’s landmark consumer privacy legislation, the California Consumer… more

California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA), Consumer Privacy Rights, Cybersecurity, Data Collection, Data Privacy

See all updates »

Ivan Gold

Legal and Business Strategies Regarding FDIC Takeover of Silicon Valley Bank

This alert is meant to supply some valuable information for landlords that currently hold tenant letters of credit from Silicon Valley Bank (“SVB”). SVB was closed this morning by the California Department of Financial… more

FDIC, Financial Institutions, FIRREA, Landlords, Letter of Credit

See all updates »

Paige H. Gosney

2025 Land Use, Environmental & Natural Resources Update

California stands at a pivotal juncture in 2025, confronting an array of environmental and housing challenges. As usual, the California State Legislature is considering numerous strategies to address these issues. This year’s… more

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), Affordable Housing, California, California Coastal Commission, California Endangered Species Act

See all updates »

Lee Gotshall-Maxon

Commercial Landlords in San Francisco Beware

Chapter 38 of the San Francisco Administrative Code imposes new requirements on commercial leasing activities (both new leases and amendments of existing leases) in San Francisco where the leased premises contain 7,500 square… more

Accessibility Rules, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Commercial Leases, Landlords, Notice Requirements

See all updates »

Susan Graham

What can borrowers navigating loan renewals do to reach favorable solutions with lenders in the face of high refinancing costs?

“Be honest and forthcoming with your existing lender about your needs and your specific plan for the project. Offer cost-cutting measures and explain how you will reduce leverage over time. Be responsive to lender requests for… more

Borrowers, Commercial Loans, Commercial Mortgages, Commercial Real Estate Market, Lenders

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Michael Greger

Legal and Business Strategies Regarding FDIC Takeover of Silicon Valley Bank

This alert is meant to supply some valuable information for landlords that currently hold tenant letters of credit from Silicon Valley Bank (“SVB”). SVB was closed this morning by the California Department of Financial… more

FDIC, Financial Institutions, FIRREA, Landlords, Letter of Credit

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Peter Griffin

2023 Labor & Employment Law Update for California Employers

2022 was again a busy year for the California Legislature's enactment of new laws affecting California employers in 2023. Below you will find our annual Employment Law Update. CALIFORNIA EXPANDS EMPLOYER PAY SCALE DISCLOSURE AND… more

Adverse Employment Action, Bereavement Leave, California, California Family Rights Act (CFRA), Coronavirus/COVID-19

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Mark Hartney

Special Water Supply Edition: California Environmental Law & Policy Update 7.25.25

Beginning January 1, 2025, the “Making Conservation a California Way of Life” regulatory framework requires urban retail water suppliers — not individual households or businesses — to adopt a series of “urban water use… more

California, Conservation, Drinking Water, Environmental Justice, Environmental Policies

See all updates »

Alan Hearty

What You Need to Know about the California Fair Access to Insurance Requirements Plan (FAIR Plan)

This alert begins our series discussing legal issues related to the Southern California wildfires. We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. Due to the high risk of wildfires in California, many… more

Bad Faith, California, Class Action, Denial of Insurance Coverage, Homeowner's Insurance

See all updates »

Julie Hoffman

What is the outlook for the office sector right now?

“The 'flight to quality' continues. Office building landlords with space available in upscale buildings (with state-of-the-art amenities) located in hot submarkets are very active right now. Most companies have realized… more

Commercial Leases, Commercial Real Estate Market, Coronavirus/COVID-19, Investors, Landlords

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Michael Holmes

Immediate Action Required: California Commercial Landlords Must Provide Accessibility Disclosures During Lease Negotiations

Assembly Bill No. 2093 is in effect.* It amended Civil Code Section 1938 to require landlords to provide prospective tenants with any report and/or disability access inspection certificate issued by a Certified Access Specialist… more

Accessibility Rules, CASp, Commercial Leases, Commercial Real Estate Market, Commercial Tenants

See all updates »

Valentine Hoy

California Supreme Court Affirms SB800 as Sole Remedy for Construction Defect Claims without Personal Injury

On January 18, 2018, the California Supreme Court affirmed an earlier appellate court decision holding that SB800 (Civil Code sections 895 through 945.5, the “Right to Repair Act”) is the "virtually exclusive remedy" available… more

CA Supreme Court, Construction Defects, Right to Repair, SB800

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Tim Hsu

Allen Matkins Partners Scott Leipzig and Tim Hsu Prevail in Arbitration Concerning a Buyer’s Right to Terminate a Purchase Agreement and Recover its Deposit Following COVID-19 Disruptions

Last week, an arbitrator ruled that the purchaser of a commercial real estate property could terminate its purchase agreement and recover its non-refundable deposit, even though it had previously waived all contingencies, based… more

Arbitration, Arbitration Agreements, Commercial Real Estate Contracts, Contract Terms, Coronavirus/COVID-19

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William Huckins

California Court of Appeal Clarifies a Judgment Creditor's Right to Third Party Discovery in Aid of Enforcement of Judgment

In Yolanda's, Inc. v. Kahl & Goveia Commercial Real Estate, 11 Cal. App. 5th 509 (2017), the California Court of Appeal recently affirmed a judgment creditor's right to seek third party discovery in aid of enforcement of a… more

Appeals, Cal Code of Civil Procedure, Creditors, Discovery, Third-Party

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Timothy Hutter

2025 Land Use, Environmental & Natural Resources Update

California stands at a pivotal juncture in 2025, confronting an array of environmental and housing challenges. As usual, the California State Legislature is considering numerous strategies to address these issues. This year’s… more

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), Affordable Housing, California, California Coastal Commission, California Endangered Species Act

See all updates »

Sandra Jacobson

Doubling Down on Retail

With vacancy rates somewhat stable across the state, retail, residential, and other commercial functions are blending together, driven by consumer demand for convenience and offerings beyond traditional shopping. While malls and… more

Commercial Leases, Commercial Property Owners, Commercial Real Estate Market, Landlords, Property Owners

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Garrett Jansma

White House Aims To Accelerate Environmental Permitting For Data Centers

On July 23, 2025, the White House issued an Executive Order titled “Accelerating Federal Permitting of Data Center Infrastructure.” Released alongside “America’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Plan,” the Order reflects a… more

Artificial Intelligence, CEQ, Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Data Centers

See all updates »

Charles Jarrell

California Judicial Council Adopts Emergency Rules Affecting Unlawful Detainer Actions and More

The Judicial Council of California adopted 11 temporary emergency rules in response to the COVID-19 pandemic affecting eviction proceedings, judicial foreclosures, and statutes of limitations for civil causes of actions, among… more

Coronavirus/COVID-19, Emergency Rule, Eviction, Judicial Foreclosure Process, Judicial Proceedings

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Kamran Javandel

EPA Takes Sweeping Actions to Regulate PFAS, California Makes Targeted Moves - 2024 Land Use, Environmental & Natural Resources Update

As Americans are becoming increasingly aware, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of thousands of manufactured chemicals that have been used in industry and consumer products since the 1940s. PFAS have unique… more

California, CERCLA, Drinking Water, Environmental Policies, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

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Jennifer Jeffers

White House Aims To Accelerate Environmental Permitting For Data Centers

On July 23, 2025, the White House issued an Executive Order titled “Accelerating Federal Permitting of Data Center Infrastructure.” Released alongside “America’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Plan,” the Order reflects a… more

Artificial Intelligence, CEQ, Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Data Centers

See all updates »

Spencer Kallick

Industrial’s Positive Momentum

Across California, the industrial sector is moving in a positive direction, with demand growing faster than supply in both Northern and Southern California. Even tariffs or the threat of tariffs have not dampened enthusiasm,… more

California, Commercial Real Estate Market, Data Centers, E-Commerce, Imports

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Jared Kassan

Tax Information for Those Impacted by the Los Angeles County Wildfires

As a Los Angeles-based firm, we are deeply saddened by the devastation caused by the recent wildfires. We remain committed to supporting our clients and friends during this time and are hopeful that the general tax information… more

California, FEMA, Income Taxes, IRS, Property Tax

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Lauren R. Keller

Tax Information for Those Impacted by the Los Angeles County Wildfires

As a Los Angeles-based firm, we are deeply saddened by the devastation caused by the recent wildfires. We remain committed to supporting our clients and friends during this time and are hopeful that the general tax information… more

California, FEMA, Income Taxes, IRS, Property Tax

See all updates »

Timothy Kelly

What investment trends are you seeing among family offices? Are there special considerations for family offices navigating the market today?

“Family offices are continuing to actively allocate substantial funds to real estate as a core component of their overall investment strategy. There is continued preference for multi-family and industrial projects and increasing… more

Asset Management, Business Strategies, Commercial Real Estate Market, Family Offices, Investment

See all updates »

Jordan Klein

FinCEN’s Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting Requirements Are Now In Effect

Beginning on January 1, 2024, a new law, the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), requires certain business entities for the first time to disclose beneficial ownership information (BOI) to the U.S. Department of Treasury’s… more

Beneficial Owner, Business Ownership, CEOs, CFOs, Corporate Transparency Act

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Rachel Kramer

PropTech Update 10.16.23

“Build affordable housing.” Easier said than done. Build it where? Which surplus city properties would be good candidates for this kind of project? What types of policies do a better job of fostering housing development?… more

Affordable Housing, Antitrust Violations, Artificial Intelligence, Brokers, Commercial Real Estate Market

See all updates »

Baldwin Lee

2025 Labor & Employment Law Update for California Employers

The Allen Matkins Labor & Employment Practice provides annual updates to California law on amended discrimination laws, captive audience bans, freelance worker protections, and updated leave requirements… more

California, Crime Victims, Driver's Licenses, Employment Discrimination, Fair Chance Act

See all updates »

Jennie Lee

2025 Labor & Employment Law Update for California Employers

The Allen Matkins Labor & Employment Practice provides annual updates to California law on amended discrimination laws, captive audience bans, freelance worker protections, and updated leave requirements… more

California, Crime Victims, Driver's Licenses, Employment Discrimination, Fair Chance Act

See all updates »

Scott Leipzig

What You Need to Know about the California Fair Access to Insurance Requirements Plan (FAIR Plan)

This alert begins our series discussing legal issues related to the Southern California wildfires. We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. Due to the high risk of wildfires in California, many… more

Bad Faith, California, Class Action, Denial of Insurance Coverage, Homeowner's Insurance

See all updates »

Stephen Lieske

What will be the big trends in commercial real estate in 2025 related to financing and capital markets?

Real estate lending will continue to be impacted by elevated interest rates, limited borrowing capacities, and slow transaction volumes. Floating-rate debt will likely be the chosen option by borrowers. Additionally, borrowers… more

Borrowers, Capital Markets, Financial Institutions, Financing, Lenders

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Crystal Lofing

What investment trends are you seeing among family offices? Are there special considerations for family offices navigating the market today?

“Family offices are continuing to actively allocate substantial funds to real estate as a core component of their overall investment strategy. There is continued preference for multi-family and industrial projects and increasing… more

Asset Management, Business Strategies, Commercial Real Estate Market, Family Offices, Investment

See all updates »

Jonathan Lorenzen

Current Recession Creates More Challenges for Retail

During the previous economic expansion, retail faced an uphill battle. The current recession tripled down on that struggle. The current pessimistic view among panelists in the latest Allen Matkins/UCLA Anderson Forecast… more

Commercial Leases, Commercial Property Owners, Commercial Real Estate Market, Coronavirus/COVID-19, Housing Developers

See all updates »

Nancy Lundeen

Commercial Landlords in San Francisco Beware

Chapter 38 of the San Francisco Administrative Code imposes new requirements on commercial leasing activities (both new leases and amendments of existing leases) in San Francisco where the leased premises contain 7,500 square… more

Accessibility Rules, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Commercial Leases, Landlords, Notice Requirements

See all updates »

Matthew Marino

Top Ten Ways That the New CPRA Law Will Change the Privacy Landscape

On Election Day, California voters approved Proposition 24, which enacts the California Privacy Rights Act of 2020 (CPRA). The CPRA amends and expands California’s landmark consumer privacy legislation, the California Consumer… more

California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA), Consumer Privacy Rights, Cybersecurity, Data Collection, Data Privacy

See all updates »

Nicole Martin

California Environmental Law & Policy Update 8.8.25

On July 23, 2025, the White House issued an Executive Order titled “Accelerating Federal Permitting of Data Center Infrastructure.” Released alongside “America’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Plan,” the Order reflects a… more

California, CERCLA, Civil Monetary Penalty, Data Centers, Drinking Water

See all updates »

Eoin McCarron

Special Water Supply Edition: California Environmental Law & Policy Update 7.25.25

Beginning January 1, 2025, the “Making Conservation a California Way of Life” regulatory framework requires urban retail water suppliers — not individual households or businesses — to adopt a series of “urban water use… more

California, Conservation, Drinking Water, Environmental Justice, Environmental Policies

See all updates »

Bronte Mehdian

2025 Labor & Employment Law Update for California Employers

The Allen Matkins Labor & Employment Practice provides annual updates to California law on amended discrimination laws, captive audience bans, freelance worker protections, and updated leave requirements… more

California, Crime Victims, Driver's Licenses, Employment Discrimination, Fair Chance Act

See all updates »

Mark Mengelberg

Top 6 Takeaways from the Allen Matkins/ULI Capital Markets Roundtable

Allen Matkins and Urban Land Institute (ULI) recently held a Capital Markets Roundtable discussion, in two parts, that featured several industry leaders. They shared insights regarding the effect that COVID-19 has had on… more

Capital Markets, Commercial Real Estate Market, Coronavirus/COVID-19, Economic Downturn, Financial Institutions

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Madison Montague

2025 Land Use, Environmental & Natural Resources Update

California stands at a pivotal juncture in 2025, confronting an array of environmental and housing challenges. As usual, the California State Legislature is considering numerous strategies to address these issues. This year’s… more

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), Affordable Housing, California, California Coastal Commission, California Endangered Species Act

See all updates »

Erin Murphy

What California Landlords Need to Know about Senate Bill 1103

Senate Bill 1103 (also known as the Commercial Tenant Protection Act) (SB 1103) introduces substantive changes affecting commercial leasing practices in California. Signed into law by Governor Newsom on September 30, 2024, and… more

California, Civil Code, Commercial Leases, Commercial Tenants, Documentation

See all updates »

Emily Murray

U.S. Supreme Court Will Clarify the Constitutionality of Legislatively-Authorized Land Use Exaction Fees

The United States Supreme Court granted certiorari on September 29, 2023 in Sheetz v. County of El Dorado, a case that challenges the County of El Dorado’s requirement that a property owner pay a Traffic Impact Mitigation Fee… more

Fifth Amendment, Housing Developers, Impact Fees, Land Developers, Land Owners

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Paul Nash

PropTech Update 10.16.23

“Build affordable housing.” Easier said than done. Build it where? Which surplus city properties would be good candidates for this kind of project? What types of policies do a better job of fostering housing development?… more

Affordable Housing, Antitrust Violations, Artificial Intelligence, Brokers, Commercial Real Estate Market

See all updates »

Anton Natsis

Legal and Business Strategies Regarding FDIC Takeover of Silicon Valley Bank

This alert is meant to supply some valuable information for landlords that currently hold tenant letters of credit from Silicon Valley Bank (“SVB”). SVB was closed this morning by the California Department of Financial… more

FDIC, Financial Institutions, FIRREA, Landlords, Letter of Credit

See all updates »

Alexander Nestor

2025 Labor & Employment Law Update for California Employers

The Allen Matkins Labor & Employment Practice provides annual updates to California law on amended discrimination laws, captive audience bans, freelance worker protections, and updated leave requirements… more

California, Crime Victims, Driver's Licenses, Employment Discrimination, Fair Chance Act

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Matthew Nichols

2025 Land Use, Environmental & Natural Resources Update

California stands at a pivotal juncture in 2025, confronting an array of environmental and housing challenges. As usual, the California State Legislature is considering numerous strategies to address these issues. This year’s… more

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), Affordable Housing, California, California Coastal Commission, California Endangered Species Act

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Sandi Nichols

California Environmental Law & Policy Update 8.8.25

On July 23, 2025, the White House issued an Executive Order titled “Accelerating Federal Permitting of Data Center Infrastructure.” Released alongside “America’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Plan,” the Order reflects a… more

California, CERCLA, Civil Monetary Penalty, Data Centers, Drinking Water

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Mark Nicoletti

Los Angeles Wildfire Resources: What to do About Your Mortgage

As a Los Angeles-based firm, we are deeply saddened by the devastation caused by the recent wildfires. We remain committed to supporting our clients and friends during this time and are hopeful that the general steps related to… more

California, FEMA, Homeowners, Insurance Claims, Lenders

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Brad Nielsen

What is the outlook for the office sector right now?

“The 'flight to quality' continues. Office building landlords with space available in upscale buildings (with state-of-the-art amenities) located in hot submarkets are very active right now. Most companies have realized… more

Commercial Leases, Commercial Real Estate Market, Coronavirus/COVID-19, Investors, Landlords

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Paul Obico

Proposition 13 Overhaul Qualifies for November Ballot

California Secretary of State Alex Padilla announced on Friday, May 29, 2020, that the revised initiative entitled "The California Schools and Local Communities Act of 2020" officially qualified for the November ballot. If… more

Ballot Measures, Fair Market Value, Property Owners, Property Tax, Proposition 13

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David Osias

Special Water Supply Edition: California Environmental Law & Policy Update 7.25.25

Beginning January 1, 2025, the “Making Conservation a California Way of Life” regulatory framework requires urban retail water suppliers — not individual households or businesses — to adopt a series of “urban water use… more

California, Conservation, Drinking Water, Environmental Justice, Environmental Policies

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Dana Palmer

Renewable Energy Update 8.1.25

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has approved a new set of reliability standards designed to ensure the stability of the U.S. electric grid as more wind and solar resources come online. The standards, developed by… more

Batteries, BOEM, Energy Projects, Energy Storage, FERC

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Dean Pappas

What kinds of assets are investors targeting in today’s shifting political and economic climate?

“I am seeing continued enthusiasm for existing multifamily assets – particularly those with a value-add opportunity. Although renovations are expensive, the improvement of an existing multifamily asset provides investors with… more

Affordable Housing, California, Commercial Real Estate Market, Housing Market, Interest Rates

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Caroline Parks

2025 Land Use, Environmental & Natural Resources Update

California stands at a pivotal juncture in 2025, confronting an array of environmental and housing challenges. As usual, the California State Legislature is considering numerous strategies to address these issues. This year’s… more

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), Affordable Housing, California, California Coastal Commission, California Endangered Species Act

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Benjamin Patterson

What impacts are you seeing from California Assembly Bill 98 on the financing and development of industrial projects? How are developers adapting to the new design and siting requirements?

“We have represented several clients who are looking to acquire and reposition warehouse properties. Today, these properties are not being used for ‘logistics uses,’ the term used in AB 98. For example, one of our clients has… more

Business Licenses, California, Commercial Real Estate Market, Financing, Industrial Sector

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Tara Paul

Renewable Energy Update 8.1.25

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has approved a new set of reliability standards designed to ensure the stability of the U.S. electric grid as more wind and solar resources come online. The standards, developed by… more

Batteries, BOEM, Energy Projects, Energy Storage, FERC

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E. Bo Peterson

2025 Land Use, Environmental & Natural Resources Update

California stands at a pivotal juncture in 2025, confronting an array of environmental and housing challenges. As usual, the California State Legislature is considering numerous strategies to address these issues. This year’s… more

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), Affordable Housing, California, California Coastal Commission, California Endangered Species Act

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Eric C. Pettis

Is Bullock v. Rivian the Nail in the Coffin for California State 1933 Act Claims?

Last month in Bullock v. Rivian Automotive, California’s Fourth District Court of Appeal became the latest to enforce a federal forum provision (FFP) embedded in a Delaware corporation’s charter and affirmed dismissal of a… more

Appeals, California, Class Action, Delaware General Corporation Law, Forum Selection

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Alain R'bibo

What investment trends are you seeing among family offices? Are there special considerations for family offices navigating the market today?

“Family offices are continuing to actively allocate substantial funds to real estate as a core component of their overall investment strategy. There is continued preference for multi-family and industrial projects and increasing… more

Asset Management, Business Strategies, Commercial Real Estate Market, Family Offices, Investment

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Zachary Rego

Effective Immediately: CEQA Reform Legislation

On June 30, 2025, Governor Newsom signed two budget trailer bills into law: Assembly Bill 130 and Senate Bill 131, which reform the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) effective immediately. As explained by the Governor,… more

Affordable Housing, California, CEQA, CEQA Reform, Environmental Impact Report (EIR)

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Heather Riley

Strong Fundamentals Lead to Bullish Sentiment About Multi-Family Market

The multi-family panels participating in the Winter 2022 Allen Matkins/UCLA Anderson Forecast California Commercial Real Estate Survey predict interest rates will increase faster than inflation and anticipate drops in vacancy… more

CEQA, Commercial Property Owners, Commercial Real Estate Market, Housing Market, Multi-Family Development

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Annette Rittmuller

2025 Labor & Employment Law Update for California Employers

The Allen Matkins Labor & Employment Practice provides annual updates to California law on amended discrimination laws, captive audience bans, freelance worker protections, and updated leave requirements… more

California, Crime Victims, Driver's Licenses, Employment Discrimination, Fair Chance Act

See all updates »

Stephanie Roberts

Key Updates in 2024 For California Employers: Paid Sick Leave, Cannabis Protections, Reproductive Loss, Covenants, and COVID-19 Requirements

2024 brings crucial updates for California employers navigating the intricacies of workplace policies. In this alert, the Allen Matkins Labor & Employment Practice share key updates employers should make note of including:… more

California, Coronavirus/COVID-19, Employment Contract, FEHA, Marijuana

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Rachel Sanders

ADA Website Litigation Likely to Increase

There has been considerable confusion amongst business owners as to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as it relates to websites. The ADA requires, among other things, that places of "public… more

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Department of Justice (DOJ), Public Accommodation, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), Website Accessibility

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Ariel Shaeps

How are developers navigating uncertainty related to tariffs?

“Tariffs are only part of the uncertainty in the market right now. Many clients, even those with entitled projects, have told me over the past several months that they were pausing on new construction due to interest rate… more

Construction Contracts, Construction Disputes, Construction Industry, Construction Project, Contract Disputes

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Jonathan Shardlow

2025 Land Use, Environmental & Natural Resources Update

California stands at a pivotal juncture in 2025, confronting an array of environmental and housing challenges. As usual, the California State Legislature is considering numerous strategies to address these issues. This year’s… more

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), Affordable Housing, California, California Coastal Commission, California Endangered Species Act

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Eric Shelby

Landlord Primer Regarding Practical Recommendations for Reopening Office Buildings

The Shelter-in-Place orders issued by various state and local jurisdictions are being modified to allow businesses, other than just “Essential Businesses,” to open and operate. Although commercial office buildings have been… more

Commercial Property Owners, Coronavirus/COVID-19, Landlords, Office Closures, Popular

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Kelly Smith

How are developers navigating uncertainty related to tariffs?

“Tariffs are only part of the uncertainty in the market right now. Many clients, even those with entitled projects, have told me over the past several months that they were pausing on new construction due to interest rate… more

Construction Contracts, Construction Disputes, Construction Industry, Construction Project, Contract Disputes

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Shannon Snell

Tactics to Avoid Unanticipated Post-Closing Leasing Costs

Potential buyers and lenders evaluate existing leases of stabilized properties and anticipated lease income of value-add projects in determining which assets to acquire or finance. Rental income, whether existing or potential,… more

Commercial Leases, Construction Contracts, Contract Negotiations, Contract Terms, Landlords

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Ryan P. Snyder

What You Need to Know about the California Fair Access to Insurance Requirements Plan (FAIR Plan)

This alert begins our series discussing legal issues related to the Southern California wildfires. We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. Due to the high risk of wildfires in California, many… more

Bad Faith, California, Class Action, Denial of Insurance Coverage, Homeowner's Insurance

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Jennifer E. Sung

FinCEN Exempts U.S. Companies and U.S. Persons from Beneficial Ownership Reporting Requirements

An interim final rule issued by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), makes the following significant changes to beneficial ownership information reporting (BOIR) requirements: defines a “reporting company” subject… more

Beneficial Owner, Corporate Transparency Act, Exemptions, Filing Deadlines, Final Rules

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Lindsay Tabaian

2025 Land Use, Environmental & Natural Resources Update

California stands at a pivotal juncture in 2025, confronting an array of environmental and housing challenges. As usual, the California State Legislature is considering numerous strategies to address these issues. This year’s… more

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), Affordable Housing, California, California Coastal Commission, California Endangered Species Act

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Laura Tepper

Special Water Supply Edition: California Environmental Law & Policy Update 7.25.25

Beginning January 1, 2025, the “Making Conservation a California Way of Life” regulatory framework requires urban retail water suppliers — not individual households or businesses — to adopt a series of “urban water use… more

California, Conservation, Drinking Water, Environmental Justice, Environmental Policies

See all updates »

Allyson Thompson

2025 Land Use, Environmental & Natural Resources Update

California stands at a pivotal juncture in 2025, confronting an array of environmental and housing challenges. As usual, the California State Legislature is considering numerous strategies to address these issues. This year’s… more

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), Affordable Housing, California, California Coastal Commission, California Endangered Species Act

See all updates »

Elizabeth Thompson

What kinds of assets are investors targeting in today’s shifting political and economic climate?

“I am seeing continued enthusiasm for existing multifamily assets – particularly those with a value-add opportunity. Although renovations are expensive, the improvement of an existing multifamily asset provides investors with… more

Affordable Housing, California, Commercial Real Estate Market, Housing Market, Interest Rates

See all updates »

John Tipton

What is the outlook for the office sector right now?

“The 'flight to quality' continues. Office building landlords with space available in upscale buildings (with state-of-the-art amenities) located in hot submarkets are very active right now. Most companies have realized… more

Commercial Leases, Commercial Real Estate Market, Coronavirus/COVID-19, Investors, Landlords

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Martin Togni

Life Sciences Real Estate Update 10.16.23

Boston, the San Francisco Bay Area, and San Diego are once again the top markets for life sciences commercial real estate in the U.S., with plenty of opportunities for growth as biotech readies for a comeback, according to a new… more

Biotechnology, Commercial Real Estate Market, Construction Project, Emerging Growth Companies, Initial Public Offering (IPO)

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Nathaniel Touboul

Single-User Toilet Facilities in Any Business Establishment, Place of Public Accommodation, or Government Agency Must Be Identified as All-Gender

Assembly Bill No. 1732 (Ting, Chapter 818, Statutes of 2016) was signed into law on September 29, 2016, and went into effect on March 1, 2017. It added Section 118600 to Chapter 5 of Part 15 of Division 104 of the Health and… more

Building Codes, Gender Identity, Health and Safety, Restroom Legislation

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Christina Vier

Key Updates in 2024 For California Employers: Paid Sick Leave, Cannabis Protections, Reproductive Loss, Covenants, and COVID-19 Requirements

2024 brings crucial updates for California employers navigating the intricacies of workplace policies. In this alert, the Allen Matkins Labor & Employment Practice share key updates employers should make note of including:… more

California, Coronavirus/COVID-19, Employment Contract, FEHA, Marijuana

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Kenneth C. Wang

Bonus Depreciation Is Back! And Other Big Beautiful Taxes

On Friday, July 4, 2025, President Trump signed into law the Reconciliation Bill commonly known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). Broadly speaking, the OBBBA extends and makes permanent many provisions enacted by the… more

Bonus Depreciation, Business Taxes, Depreciation, Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), Internal Revenue Code (IRC)

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Daniel Warren

California's Construction General Permit and Industrial General Permit – 2024/2025 Annual Update

Regional Boards’ enforcement of the Construction General Permit (CGP) and Industrial General Permit (IGP) continues to yield high penalty figures; transition to 2022 CGP brings new requirements; and the forthcoming Commercial,… more

Best Management Practices, California, Clean Water Act, Construction Contracts, Construction Industry

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Elizabeth Wilgenburg

What California Landlords Need to Know about Senate Bill 1103

Senate Bill 1103 (also known as the Commercial Tenant Protection Act) (SB 1103) introduces substantive changes affecting commercial leasing practices in California. Signed into law by Governor Newsom on September 30, 2024, and… more

California, Civil Code, Commercial Leases, Commercial Tenants, Documentation

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Rebecca Williams

California’s Density Bonus Law Prevails with Recent Win in San Diego

Government Code section 65915, commonly referred to as the “Density Bonus Law,” (DBL) was first enacted in 1979 with the aim to address a housing shortage in California. Among other benefits, the DBL provides that developers who… more

Affordable Housing, Density Bonus, Housing Developers, Real Estate Development, Urban Planning & Development

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Sara Wolf

2025 Land Use, Environmental & Natural Resources Update

California stands at a pivotal juncture in 2025, confronting an array of environmental and housing challenges. As usual, the California State Legislature is considering numerous strategies to address these issues. This year’s… more

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), Affordable Housing, California, California Coastal Commission, California Endangered Species Act

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Jordan Wright

2025 Land Use, Environmental & Natural Resources Update

California stands at a pivotal juncture in 2025, confronting an array of environmental and housing challenges. As usual, the California State Legislature is considering numerous strategies to address these issues. This year’s… more

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), Affordable Housing, California, California Coastal Commission, California Endangered Species Act

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David Zaro

Los Angeles Wildfire Resources: What to do About Your Mortgage

As a Los Angeles-based firm, we are deeply saddened by the devastation caused by the recent wildfires. We remain committed to supporting our clients and friends during this time and are hopeful that the general steps related to… more

California, FEMA, Homeowners, Insurance Claims, Lenders

See all updates »