The Court of Appeal for this district, in a case that harks to a fatal accident in 2016 and spawned a 2023 California Supreme Court opinion, has affirmed a 2024 summary judgment in favor of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, holding that a failure to warn of a danger defeats the defense of design immunity only if there is a complete absence of a cautioning.

Div. Four of the First District Court of Appeal held yesterday that a Labor Code section prohibiting retaliation against employees for making a report to law enforcement or regulatory authorities about alleged violations in the workplace does not provide for personal liability on the part of supervisors even if the law, by its terms, applies to “any person acting on behalf of the employer.”

(Subscription required) After spending much of his 17 years on the bench in criminal court, San Diego County Superior Court Judge Evan P. Kirvin has embraced the challenge of managing a sprawling civil docket while bringing a deep appreciation for juries and the rule of law to the courtroom. 

After two years of construction, Lakeport’s new courthouse has opened its doors for business. The new facility is located at 675 Lakeport Blvd. The Judicial Council of California built the $83.8 million building on 5.74 acres with state court fees, a funding stream established through 2008 legislation to support construction, renovation, and operation of court facilities.