Trail Improvement and Joint Use Agreement
On behalf of the City of Cupertino, the firm negotiated an agreement between the City and the Santa Clara Valley Water District for the improvement and joint use of a pedestrian and bike path along Regnart Creek.
Complex Construction Project Negotiations
The firm is assisting the Transbay Joint Powers Authority (TJPA) in negotiations with an adjoining landowner and its design professionals and construction contractors to relocate the ventilation system for the underground levels of the Salesforce Transit Center to accommodate a high rise building project adjacent to the Transit Center. Funds received will support construction of […]
SMW Defends Sign Ordinance
The Ninth Circuit rejects a billboard developer’s challenge to Alameda County’s sign ordinance and upholds a rare award of attorneys’ fees to a prevailing defendant on the grounds that the lawsuit was frivolous. (Citizens for Free Speech, LLC v. County of Alameda, 953 F.3d 655 (9th Cir. 2020).)
Successful Construction Defect Litigation Settlement
On behalf of the City of Half Moon Bay, the firm successfully settled a construction defect litigation case regarding a cracked pedestrian trail/bike path. The City recovered close to $500,000 from its public works and construction management contractor and its construction contractor’s surety to fund repair and reconstruction of the trail.
Property Purchase, Bridge Provide Needed Link Between State and Regional Parks In Alameda County
After assisting the Tri-Valley Conservancy (TVC) in 2009 in acquiring a key linkage between Del Valle State Park and Sycamore Grove Park in Livermore, the firm advises TVC in 2019 with funding, contracting, and construction of a bridge crossing to provide critical and accessible outdoor recreational opportunities to Livermore and Alameda County residents.
Non-Profit Compliance with Public Contracting Laws
The firm provides ongoing advice to California Trout regarding compliance with public contracting and labor and wage laws for state-funded restoration projects.
Best Practices Updates
The firm updates various cities’ template contracts to reflect updates to California’s public contracting law and best practices. The firm provides training to City staff on negotiating and entering contracts.
SMW Becomes General Counsel to RecycleSmart
In 2019, the firm is selected to serve as the General Counsel to the Central Contra Costa Solid Waste Authority (RecycleSmart), administering franchise agreements for recycling, compost, and solid waste diversion and disposal for five cities and a portion of the County.
Public On-Demand Shuttle Service Fills Transit Gaps in Cupertino
The firm assists the City of Cupertino in launching an on-demand shuttle service in 2019 to provide transportation anywhere in Cupertino and to nearby mass transit, thereby reducing the use of single-occupancy automobiles.
All-Electric Reach Code Reduces New Construction’s Carbon Footprint in Cupertino
In 2019 the firm drafts, and advises the City of Cupertino in adopting, one of the first all-electric reach codes, dramatically reducing the carbon footprint of new construction that might otherwise be served by natural gas.