In Berkeley People’s Alliance v. City of Berkeley, published September 30, 2025, the First District Court of Appeal, Division 4 reversed the dismissal on demurrer of an action alleging violations of the Brown Act at three city council meetings. At each meeting, the mayor determined that the city council was unable to conduct business due…
In Mary's Kitchen v. City of Orange, published October 25, 2023, the Fourth District Court of Appeal, Division 3 affirmed a trial court decision denying the defendant city's special motion to strike under anti-SLAPP law. The plaintiff provides homeless services in the defendant city. The city manager terminated the plaintiff's business license, citing safety concerns. At…
In Julian Volunteer Fire Company Association v. Julian-Cuyamaca Fire Protection District (County of San Diego), published March 30, 2021, the Fourth District Court of Appeal, Division 1 affirmed a judgment against the petitioner association in a Brown Act lawsuit. The association provided fire prevention and emergency services through a local fire district. The district voted to…
In New Livable California v. Association of Bay Area Governments, published January 6, 2021, the First District Court of Appeal, Division 3 reversed dismissal, on demurrer, of a petition for writ of mandate and an action for declaratory and injunctive relief. The plaintiff association alleged that the Association, a joint powers authority, violated the Brown Act…
In Fowler v. City of Lafayette, published February 10, 2020, the First District Court of Appeal, Division 4 affirmed judgment in favor of the defendant city in a lawsuit that contended that a decision affirming construction should be nullified due to an alleged violation of the Ralph M. Brown open-meetings act. The defendant city's council held…
In Transparentgov Novato v. City of Novato, published April 10, 2019, the First District Court of Appeal, Division 1 affirmed an order denying a petition for writ of mandate and for declaratory relief against the defendant city. At a city council meeting, the councilmembers discussed putting discussion of a public works project on a future agenda…
In Preven v. City of Los Angeles, published March 4, 2019, the Second District Court of Appeal, Division 1 revsrsed a trial court order dismissing after demurrer a writ petition and declaratory relief action brought to enforce the Brown Act. During the public comment portion of an open committee meeting concerning a proposed real estate development…