The most effective cities often share key traits in common. Among these is a solid history and practice of clearly defined and well-understood roles for the key players on the city’s team. When staff and elected officials...more
6/22/2018
/ Best Management Practices ,
Best Practices ,
Board Meetings ,
Board of Directors ,
City Councils ,
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Duties & Responsibilities ,
Government Officials ,
Hiring & Firing ,
Leadership ,
Municipal Employees ,
Public Entities ,
Public Officials ,
Salaried Employees ,
Special Districts ,
Wage and Hour
Mi casa es su casa is a good rule of thumb in a close, tight-knit community, and welcoming friends and neighbors into the fold for celebrations and gatherings is ingrained in many peoples’ DNA. Nevertheless, when it comes to...more
As the national political climate heated up recently, some local governments are facing spillover effects, with local and sometimes even out-of-town activists and provocateurs attending city council, school board and other...more
3/6/2017
/ Board of Education ,
City Councils ,
Content-Based Restrictions ,
First Amendment ,
Free Speech ,
Immigration Reform ,
Protests ,
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Ralph M. Brown Act ,
State and Local Government ,
State Legislatures
Decision Expected Soon from California Supreme Court -
Public agencies in California should prepare for the likelihood that communications on officials’ and employees’ private devices related to the agency’s “conduct of...more
Once, when I had put a lot of time and attention into arranging the particulars of social engagement, an old acquaintance called me a “detallista.” At the time, I think she may have meant it more as a slight than a...more
Ah, summertime. Beaches, BBQs, visits with familia, ethics developments, balmy nights …
Wait – ethics? Yes, it’s true. The world of ethics and conflicts of interest es muy caliente this summer, with a couple of...more
Fifth in a series by BB&K Partner Ruben Duran for the Southern California Latino Policy Center Newsletter -
Summer’s approach often brings thoughts of travel. Whether with family or friends, by train, bus, car or plane,...more
Fourth in a series by BB&K Partner Ruben Duran for the Southern California Latino Policy Center Newsletter*
Sometimes, it just happens. Tragedy strikes. Disaster hits. Whether self-inflicted or supernaturally caused,...more
Fourth in a series by BB&K Partner Ruben Duran for the Southern California Latino Policy Center Newsletter*
Congratulations, Ms. or Mr. Newly-Elected Public Official, and welcome to the world of local government and...more
Most cities in California (an overwhelming 97 percent) operate under the “Council-Manager form of government,” under which the elected councilmembers directly hire and oversee one top-level employee (the city manager) to...more
As a public official in California, whether elected or appointed, volunteer or employee, you need to be aware of the rules regarding your receipt and reporting of gifts, as well as the traps for the unwary that can lead to...more
Second in a series by BB&K Partner Ruben Duran for the Southern California Latino Policy Center Newsletter*
¡Aguas con el Tech!
While the use of technology by elected officials in California may not exactly be...more
“No estés chillando, C@#$0n.”
Loosely translated, and with the recipient of that message “BLEEP-ed” to make it G-rated, the quote above means “Don’t be such a crybaby!” Or, as George Lopez might ask: “Why you...more