Updates and Articles
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...
Read MoreRancho Jamul Land Exchange Defeated
SMW and its client Endangered Habitats League scores a major victory in 2020 in its battle to save the Proctor Valley in San Diego County. The Wildlife...
Read MoreSuccessful Short-Term Rental Regulations: It is Possible!
December 2020 Short-term home rentals have become increasingly popular in recent years, and have continued to thrive even during the COVID-19 pandemic....
Read More5 Considerations for Preparation of Administrative Records
December 2020 The administrative record is the heart of any administrative mandamus proceeding, including under the California Environmental Quality Act...
Read MoreUsing Solar & Energy Storage To Build Resilient Communities
December 2020 In the late summer and fall in recent years, the power has been going out more often in California. Utilities are turning off residents’...
Read MoreRefinery Shifts from Petroleum to Renewable Fuels
In 2016 the firm successfully represents Rodeo residents in opposing the expansion of the Phillips 66 refinery for failure to adequately evaluate and...
Read MoreInnovative Clean Fleet Rules Upheld
From the district court to the U.S. Supreme Court, the firm defends the South Coast Air Quality Management District's innovative “Clean Fleet Rules” against...
Read MoreQuarry Expansion Requires Thorough Environmental Review
The firm prevails in litigation challenging Sonoma County's environmental review of a rock quarry expansion project near the small town of Forestville....
Read MoreA New Home For Redwood National and State Park Visitor Center
Working closely with the State Coastal Conservancy and environmental consultants, the firm in 2020 helps secure the approval of the Redwood National and...
Read MoreSMW Represents CFROG Through General Plan Update Process
With the Firm's help, Climate First: Replacing Oil and Gas (CFROG) successfully advocates in 2020 for Ventura County General Plan policies establishing some...
Read MoreProtecting Urban Public Lands & Elevating Community Voices
The firm represents Orange County Communities for Responsible Development, a community-labor alliance, in a challenge to the City of Santa Ana's sale of...
Read MoreSMW 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...
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