Pasadena, CA Attorneys, Lawyers and Law Firms

In the week of July 15-21, Mentor led the Lake County housing market with its top sale of $553,500 for a property on Pilgrim Drive. Other notable transactions included a $550,000 residence in Waite Hill Village and a $505,000 condominium in Concord Township. The real estate transactions recorded varied widely, with an average sale price of $276,635 across 46 properties. These significant deals reflect a robust trend in the local housing economy, attracting attention from both investors and prospective homeowners in Cleveland and surrounding areas.

Bridget McDermott, a former inmate at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility in Oregon, was wrongly imprisoned for an additional 21 months due to a clerical error by the Oregon Department of Corrections. Initially expecting to be released on October 4, 2024, McDermott’s release was recalculated to July 5, 2022, revealing the chaotic nature of recent prison releases. Sarah Bieri, an attorney for the Oregon Justice Resource Center’s Women’s Justice Project, is exploring potential legal avenues for her client, who now seeks employment as a counselor. The transitions from prison have proven challenging for McDermott, who aims to reintegrate into society amidst significant changes.

In a significant move for Multnomah County, DA Mike Schmidt has introduced a revised jury selection policy specifically for misdemeanor trials, aimed at enhancing jury diversity and reflecting equity in the legal process. This policy eliminates the use of “peremptory challenges” in misdemeanor cases, which Schmidt argues have historically contributed to ethnic exclusion in juror selection. The change raises questions about its timing, as newly elected DA Nathan Vasquez voices concerns over employment implications for local legal professionals. Schmidt has clarified that domestic violence cases will be exempt from this new rule. Local officials emphasize the importance of creating a fairer judicial system in Oregon.

Oregon has released updated wildfire risk maps after significant public outcry over earlier versions. The revised drafts aim to classify properties for potential regulations on defensible space and stricter building codes in wildfire-prone areas. Andy McEvoy from Oregon State University emphasized the urgency due to increasing fire danger from climate change. Former State Rep. Lily Morgan raised concerns about property classifications, highlighting inconsistencies. With public feedback invited until August 18, the maps are part of Oregon's broader strategy to mitigate wildfire risks and ensure long-term real estate stability.

The NAACP Legal Defense Fund is petitioning a federal judge to ensure the relocation of Fifth Ward Elementary students in Reserve, near New Orleans, from a school dangerously close to the Denka chemical plant. Victor Jones, a prominent attorney in this civil litigation case, argues that exposure to toxic emissions violates a federal desegregation order aimed at maintaining safe environments for Black children. Local health experts warn that the ongoing pollution from chloroprene poses significant risks to the young students' health. As the school district delays action despite community concerns, the legal fight intensifies to safeguard these children.

A week-long crackdown by the Hartford Police Department has led to the arrest of 32 individuals and the seizure of multiple caches of illicit drugs, including fentanyl, cocaine, and MDMA, as well as 24 guns, including "ghost" rifles. The operation, which involved over 10 search warrants, also yielded $23,240 in cash. Hartford police said the effort is part of a broader push to combat crime in the city. Local lawyer Mark Sherman and State Senator Matthew Lesser were not directly involved in the operation but have called for increased funding for law enforcement. The arrests bring attention to the ongoing struggle with substance abuse and traffic-related offenses in the region surrounding Hartford, CT.

A new nonprofit organization has been established in New Haven, Connecticut, to convert blighted properties into affordable housing units. The New Haven Land Bank will be led by Serena Neal-Sanjurjo, former director of the city's anti-blight Livable City Initiative, and will work with local officials including Mayor Justin Elicker to address the city's shortage of affordable housing. With an initial $5 million in funding from the state's Urban Act Grant, the Land Bank aims to purchase dilapidated buildings, fund their redevelopment into housing, and transfer the properties to local housing nonprofits. The move is a step towards addressing New Haven's civil litigation surrounding affordable housing issues.

The nearly $3 billion Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion project in New Orleans has ignited debates over its economic implications, as stakeholders weigh the benefits against community concerns. Proponents like Simone Maloz emphasize the expected job creation and tax revenue, while critics, including oysterman Mitch Jurisich, raise alarms about potential long-term damage to local industries. As legal challenges threaten the project's progress, local officials seek resolutions that balance restoration needs with environmental safety. The outcome may significantly impact real estate values and civil litigation in the region.

The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is seeking public input on a proposed ban of motor vehicle access to two beach areas near Pacific City, Oregon, specifically Tierra Del Mar and Cape Kiwanda, citing safety and preservation concerns. OPRD is promoting this initiative to improve beach quality and reduce risks associated with vehicle traffic, particularly during shorebird nesting seasons. Public comments can be submitted until 5 p.m., February 12, 2021. This move may resonate with residents and legal professionals involved in civil litigation and real estate law, as it impacts coastal access rights. Comments can be made online or at an upcoming virtual hearing on January 28, 2021.

Recent tragedies along the Oregon coast highlight critical safety issues for residents and visitors. Two traffic-related deaths occurred on Highway 6 and Highway 18, as Gene Carlson, 66, and a 21-year-old Dayton man lost their lives in separate accidents, raising concerns over driving risks. Additionally, a California man, Steve Allen, was presumed dead after a surfing mishap at the Devil's Churn near Yachats, Oregon, emphasizing the dangers of recreational activities. Oregon State Police urge heightened awareness in both personal injury law and traffic regulations, particularly as summer crowds decrease. Community members are encouraged to prioritize safety while navigating the beautiful but perilous Oregon coastline.