Melora Garrison

2 weeks ago | nolo.com | Melora Garrison

In recent years, "captive audience" laws have emerged as a significant battleground in American labor relations. These laws address a common workplace dynamic where employers require employees to attend meetings about unionization, politics, or religious matters without allowing them to leave or express opposing views. Several states have passed laws prohibiting such meetings.

1 month ago | nolo.com | Melora Garrison

Workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs have become increasingly controversial in recent years, with some employers rolling back their DEI initiatives due to increased scrutiny and others maintaining that DEI is essential to their business success. But what does the law say about DEI? Recent social and political debates aside, well-designed DEI programs have long been legal under federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination.

Sep 25, 2024 | fodors.com | Melora Garrison

It’s part of a larger battle that could permanently alter tourism in the Golden State. With over 1,000 miles of coastline, California boasts a seemingly endless array of stunning public beaches. But if you’ve spent any time on the California coast in recent years, you can tell that something’s changing. Rent a beachfront vacation home in Oceanside, just north of San Diego, and you’ll find the yard full of giant boulders—and no beach.

Sep 22, 2024 | fodors.com | Melora Garrison

From luxury hotels to a hipster café, these picturesque spots were once home to cults and controversial new-age churches. California and cults—it’s definitely a thing. Theories abound as to why so many cults have been drawn to the Golden State. Was it the lack of established religion during California’s early days? The presence of hippies and Hollywood celebrities willing to buy what cults were selling? Or maybe it was simply what’s always brought people to California: the weather.

Jul 30, 2024 | nolo.com | Melora Garrison

Under the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA), California employees have long been able to file lawsuits against their employers on behalf of themselves, other employees, and the state for a wide range of labor and employment law violations. But the law, enacted in 2004, was always controversial. On the one hand, PAGA empowered employees to act as private attorneys general to pursue penalties without having to rely on state enforcement of labor laws.