Updates and Articles
All-Electric Reach Codes
In 2019 the Firm advises a number of local jurisdictions and NGOs, including the Building Decarbonization Coalition, the Rocky Mountain Institute, Redwood...
Read MoreWarehouse Approval in Residential Neighborhood Rescinded
After the firm files a CEQA lawsuit challenging the City of Fresno's approval of a large warehouse distribution center across the street from a residential...
Read MoreReducing Methane Emissions from Natural Gas Distribution
The firm represents the Environmental Defense Fund in proceedings before the California Public Utilities Commission, successfully advocating EDF's position...
Read MoreDeveloper Withdraws Plans for San Diego County Sprawl Project
Thanks in large part to the firm's advocacy on behalf of the Endangered Habitats League, in 2019 an applicant withdraws its plans to develop the Warner...
Read MoreProject Descriptions in CEQA: Too Much Flexibility Is a Bad Thing
In Stopthemilleniumhollywood.com v. City of Los Angeles, 39 Cal.App.5th 1 (2019), the Second District Court of Appeal provided further guidance regarding...
Read MoreTriannual State Building Code Update Presents an Opportunity for Local Governments to Decarbonize Homes and Buildings
As part of California’s effort to tackle climate change, local jurisdictions throughout the state are taking steps to reduce greenhouse gas (“GHG”)...
Read MoreDefending Agricultural Land Against Sprawl
The firm wins a victory in the court of appeal under the Subdivision Map Act. The court invalidates the approval of the Hoskings Ranch project, a luxury...
Read MoreSMW 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...
Read MorePublic 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...
Read MoreAll-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...
Read MoreSMW Serves as City Attorney for Cupertino
The firm begins serving as the City Attorney's Office for the City of Cupertino in February 2019 with Heather Minner serving as the City Attorney.
Read MoreState Approves Shoreline Park, Rejects Hotel, in Burlingame
In 2019 the firm represents the SPHERE Institute in defeating a waterfront hotel proposal on state public trust land and wins state approval for Burlingame...
Read More