San Francisco, CA Attorneys, Lawyers and Law Firms

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.

A high-speed pursuit unfolded along Highway 101 in Coos County, Oregon, as Sgt. A. Slater attempted to stop 27-year-old Clarissa M. Castro, who fled in a suspicious vehicle without plates. The dramatic chase ended when Castro crashed in Port Orford, leading to her arrest for DUI and other charges, including reckless driving. Meanwhile, a separate incident involved Christine M. Saxon, 25, who falsely reported a chase while under the influence, prompting her arrest for outstanding warrants. Both cases highlight ongoing traffic law enforcement challenges in the region.

The Ohio Third Frontier Commission unveiled $1.8 million in funding to support nine startups, with nearly $400,000 allocated to Northeast Ohio businesses. This initiative aims to enhance the commercialization of innovative technologies in health, science, and military sectors, primarily owned by institutions like universities. Key figures in the initiative include Ohio's elected officials and local entrepreneurs in Cleveland, who are crucial in advancing IP and technology law in the region. The grants foster a robust ecosystem for burgeoning tech enterprises.

Senator Elizabeth Warren, alongside colleagues like Bernie Sanders and Cory Booker, has introduced the Stop Corporate Capture Act (SCCA) to counter the Supreme Court's recent annulment of the Chevron doctrine. This legislation aims to reinstate federal agency authority in interpreting ambiguous laws, crucial for safeguarding worker protections, environmental standards, and corporate regulations. Rep. Pramila Jayapal emphasizes the need for "scientific and public integrity" over corporate influence, hoping to foster equitable regulation processes. The act could also mitigate aggressive immigration enforcement by not constraining courts to agency interpretations, while enhancing local public participation in rulemaking. Legal experts and advocates in Cleveland support reforms targeting transparency and accountability in business operations.

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.

CrowdStrike has announced that a software glitch in its Falcon platform triggered a worldwide tech outage, affecting thousands of businesses and causing chaos in places like New Orleans. During the incident, problematic content data was inadvertently deployed, leading to widespread system crashes, including flights and hospital services. Lawmakers and regulators now demand further clarification on the implications for cybersecurity and technology law compliance. CrowdStrike is enhancing internal testing protocols and introducing staggered updates to prevent future occurrences. A thorough investigation is underway to provide clarity on the disruption’s root cause.

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.

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.

Connecticut's Clean Slate Promise: 10% of Eligible Records Erased Amidst Technical Issues and Frustration"

**Summary:**

In Connecticut, only 13,000 of the 130,000 eligible records have been erased under the "Clean Slate" law, which was passed to automatically erase misdemeanors after seven years. Technical issues with computer infrastructure have resulted in a temporary freeze on erasures, leaving advocates frustrated and concerned about the impact on residents waiting for their records to be cleared. Despite Governor Ned Lamont's commitment to getting the program done right, many are still waiting, including Adam Osmond who was convicted of a misdemeanor 16 years ago and is one of those affected.

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.