– Aug. 22, 2024 | San Clemente Times

Matthew Silver, Code Compliance Legal Counsel, told the council that the proposed ordinance, informed by the newest ruling, would remove the “all or nothing” component previously associated with enforcement. He added that he believes the city will continue to offer services and shelter to unhoused people through its Community Outreach Workers and partnership with other organizations.

– July 24, 2024 | California JPIA

In the recent Supreme Court ruling in Johnson v. Grants Pass, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) ruled that public agencies do not need to provide alternative shelter before enforcing laws on public camping, overnight vehicle camping and personal storage. The Court clarified that the U.S. Constitution’s 8th Amendment, which prohibits cruel and unusual punishment, was inapplicable and not violated by enforcement without alternative available shelter. However, SCOTUS mentioned that the defense of necessity might still be relevant in certain instances, although further detail was not provided in the ruling.

– May 6, 2024 | Cal Matters

Who is the flesh-and-blood landlord with a city-spanning portfolio of apartments concealed behind an obscurely-named limited liability company? Who is the proprietor of a local restaurant, hotel or regional car wash chain shrouded beneath a corporate veil?

Who actually owns what in California?

For three years a coalition of anti-eviction advocates, unions, legal aid organizations, affordable housing boosters, workers rights groups and pro-transparency activists have been demanding that the state make it easier to answer those questions.

– March 7, 2024 | Monterey County Now

In its heyday, the apartments at 359 Larkin St. in Monterey’s Old Town neighborhood were gems, two rows of cottage-like buildings built in 1932 with a neatly manicured lawn down the middle. Last fall, the complex was visibly falling apart from the outside while inside some units were filled with mold, broken heaters and other issues. City officials condemned apartments one by one beginning in December 2022, while trying to work with owner Leslie J. Flores to get them back up to code.

– January 1, 2024 | Western City

Like many other states, California is facing a mental health and substance use crisis. Gaps in systems of care have become more evident, which lawmakers hope to close with the Community Assistance, Recovery and Empowerment (CARE) Act. This new law aims to provide thousands of Californians suffering from untreated mental health and substance use disorders the support, treatment, and care they need. Every county must implement this new law by the end of 2024.

While behavioral health problems and substance use disorders impact all types of people, those experiencing homelessness are especially affected. California has 12% of the nation’s population, but is home to nearly a third of its homeless population. One in four of those people has a serious mental health illness.

– November 10, 2023 | Daily Journal

We are elated that Civica Law Group, APC, has been distinguished as a 2023 Top Boutique Law Firm by Daily Journal Magazine, the largest legal publication in California. This prominent accolade acknowledges our steadfast dedication to public service, excellence, and community advancement. This recognition was announced on November 1st and stands as a testament to our firm’s professional expertise and our underlying ethos: civic service.

– September 2023 | California JPIA

Homeless encampments are a pervasive and growing issue affecting communities across the United States. Following the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals’ ruling in Martin v. City of Boise that prohibited cities from criminally enforcing local public camping ordinances absent an alternative place to sleep, some public agencies looked to other means to enforce such ordinances and otherwise regulate public camping issues. Some approaches focused on administrative enforcement through fines, or regulating camping paraphernalia, such as pillows and blankets.

– June 13, 2023 | Local Matters Podcast

California Attorney Matthew Silver Founder, of Civica Law joins us to talk about the thing that generates more complaints to local government than almost anything else: Code Enforcement. We discuss what Code Enforcement is, the difference between Code of Enforcement and Law Enforcement, and when you need to call them.