November, 2017 | Dolan Law Firm

California Has Laws To Protect Your Gift Cards

Kim M. from Pacific Heights asks: “I want to get my daughter a gift card for the holiday, but I have heard that they have fees and expiration dates that can result in the card losing most or all its value. What is the law regarding these gift cards?”

Gift cards can be good for the retailer and the receiver. The receiver can take advantage of the after-Christmas sales to get more for his or her money, and the retailers get cash upfront without reducing inventory. These cards used to be more of a benefit for retailers, but the California Legislature, in combination with certain consumer-rights groups, has enacted legislation designed to protect consumers.

Are Potential Employers Allowed To Ask About Your Salary History ?

This week’s question comes from Sharon H in Santa Rosa: “I am in the midst of a job search and I’m often asked for a salary history. As a woman, I feel uncomfortable with this question, as it seems to place me at an immediate disadvantage when negotiating my salary, especially in competing with male candidates. Are potential employers allowed to ask me that?”

How Are Autonomous Vehicle Manufacturers Being Regulated by The State And Federal Government

This week’s article is the second in my series on current and proposed regulation for autonomous and robot vehicles (AV). As I outlined last week, several agencies are moving forward with regulations — or in the case of the Federal Government, guidelines — designed to deal with this emerging technology, which is moving faster than the ability to regulate it. Let’s look at why this is so dangerous.

Pedestrian Fatally Struck In Hit & Run Near El Camino Real In South San Francisco

San Francisco, Ca ( November 11th 2017) – Teresa Gonzales, a South San Francisco resident was killed late Saturday night while crossing the street near the 200 block of El Camino Real. According to police reports, Ms. Gonzales was found lying unconscious in the street. Paramedics transported her to San Francisco General hospital, unfortunately she was pronounced dead upon arrival.

An Update On New Regulations Concerning Automated Vehicles

This week’s column covers recent developments in laws and regulations concerning automated vehicles, which you may know as “driverless cars” or “robot cars.”

The area of Automated Vehicle (AV) law and regulation is rapidly evolving. It is a complex process which involves elected legislative bodies, regulatory bodies, and vehicle manufacturers. There are countless human lives and billions, if not trillions, of dollars at stake as this technology develops and these vehicles enter our transportation infrastructure.

California’s Progressing The Rights Of The Elderly LGBTQ Community

This week’s question comes from Debbie D in the Castro who asks: “With all the hate coming out of Washington and the federal government trying to push back LGBTQ rights I heard that California is moving in the other direction. I’m glad I live in California. What is our State Government doing for us?”

What Is The Law On Pregnancy Accommodation In The Workplace?

This week’s question comes from Trish W in West Portal who asks; “I am pregnant and have never been in a situation where I have had to ask for any accommodation or time off for injury. I am having bad morning sickness but I go into work anyways so I don’t get in trouble. What are my rights, how much time can I take off, when can I take it off.”

Who’s Responsible For Maintaining Hazardous Conditions To Power Lines?

Today’s question comes from Tom M. in the Excelsior District who asks, “My parents own a home in Santa Rosa. It burned down in the fires last week. I have heard that PG&E may have known that there were dead branches or sparking transformers and that they didn’t care for their lines and that may have started the fire. What is my parent’s recourse if this is true.”