Message from the Managing Editor

Allison Post Harris

The first of the year is upon us, and we have a storm of new legislation and case law that is destined to keep us all on our toes! Since our authors and editors crafted this issue, the world has been rocked by the COVID-19 pandemic. Our hearts go out to all who have suffered in this crisis. Our nation and every state have been under a state of emergency, with laws changing daily that have affected real estate in unprecedented ways. While this issue does not address the orders or loan programs implemented since the COVID-19 crisis began, we hope this issue serves as a valuable resource on the new laws impacting the California real estate industry as of January 1, 2020.

In this issue, Robert McCormick and Michael Maurer elucidate the most significant new real estate legislation for us, and Star Lightner presents the ten most impactful real estate cases from 2019, with several honorable mentions. Narrowing both lists presented a significant challenge this year.

As of January 1, 2020, California implemented revolutionary energy legislation that requires new residences to have solar power systems on site or to provide access to community solar systems. Ted Senet provides a thorough exploration of this new law.