The Court of Appeal affirmed the trial court's order denying a petition for writ of mandate challenging respondent's adoption of a mitigated negative declaration regarding a project to replace an existing bridge. The Court of Appeal held that petitioners' framing of the fair argument test in terms of the project having "potentially significant impacts on resident safety and emergency evacuation" was erroneous. Read more
Ownership of real property comes with a bundle of rights. One of those rights, the ability to exclude others, is now on the forefront. It has been raised again by the United States Supreme Court in the case published on June 23, 2021: Cedar Point Nursery v. Hassid, No. 20-107 (S. Ct. June 23, 2021) . This decision is a major victory for property owners, particularly as it relates to access. It begins to answer the question, can a public agency regulate private property rights? Read more
The California Lawyers Association Real Property Section Executive Committee is sad to announce the passing of our beloved friend and colleague Bob McCormick. Read more
Stancil v. Super. Ct. (2021) _ Cal.5th _ , 2021 WL 1727612: The California Supreme Court affirmed the Court of Appeal ruling denying defendant writ relief from the trial court's order denying defendant's motion to quash service of summons under Code of Civil Procedure section 418.10 in an unlawful detainer case. Read more
A notice of pendency of action or lis pendens is a statutory procedure designed to give constructive notice of a lawsuit affecting real property. (Civ. Pro. C. § 405.2 et seq.) The recording of this notice is privileged if properly recorded. However, no privilege exists if the notice is improper such as when the action does not affect title or possession of real property or because the action is filed in the wrong court. Read more
As the Chair of the California Lawyers Association Real Property Law Section (RPLS), I want to first thank our amazing volunteers and CLA staff who help RPLS provide relevant and timely educational content, Real Property Journal articles, and monthly articles in the eNews. I encourage you to get involved with RPLS. Read more
ESA Management, LLC v. Jacob (2021) _ Cal.App.5th Supp. _ , 2021 WL 1723516: The Appellate Department of the San Diego Superior Court reversed the trial court's unlawful detainer judgment for plaintiff. Read more