UC Santa Cruz Protests Spark Controversy: Student’s Phone Seized Amid Legal Battle over Campus Police Actions

Students at UC Santa Cruz faced a turbulent atmosphere in early 2024 as protests supporting Palestine led to arrests and student bans, sparking controversy around civil rights and campus police actions. Among the key figures affected was former student Lila Irshad, whose phone was confiscated by campus authorities under a search warrant issued during a routine fire drill. This incident occurred shortly after she filed a lawsuit against the university police regarding their treatment of protesters. A recent court ruling significantly pared down the search parameters for Irshad’s phone from ten years to six months. … Read more

Santa Clara Court Orders End to VTA Strike, Immediate Return to Work for Transit Employees

San Jose, Calif. – A Santa Clara County Superior Court has mandated an end to the strike by the Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) workers, issuing an injunction that demands the immediate return of bus and light rail services disrupted by the weeks-long industrial action. The court’s decision came after the VTA argued that the strike breached a contractual no-strike clause, a claim contested by the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 265, which believes the contract has expired. The striking scenario had seen the transit system in a major standstill, causing significant disruption across Silicon Valley. … Read more

Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer Announces Retirement after 15-Year Tenure in Santa Fe, Reflects on a Career of Public Service and High-Profile Trials

Santa Fe, N.M. – District Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer announced she will retire at the end of May after dedicating 15 years to the First Judicial District Court. Her departure marks the end of a significant chapter in New Mexico’s judicial history, punctuated by her leadership through challenging times including the COVID-19 pandemic. Reflecting on her career, Marlowe Sommer expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve, emphasizing the importance of delivering fair and timely justice within the legal system. “It has been an honor and privilege to serve the people of New Mexico,” she stated, … Read more

Santa Clarita’s Reape-Rickett Law Firm Celebrates a Decade as Ultimate Family Lawyers, Continues to Champion Client Rights

Santa Clarita, CA – The Reape-Rickett Law Firm, a cornerstone of the Santa Clarita Valley, has been voted as the Ultimate Family Lawyers by élite Magazine readers for the tenth consecutive year. This prestigious accolade underscores the firm’s dedication to providing exceptional legal services to families amidst their most challenging times. Founded in 1992, The Reape-Rickett Law Firm has established itself as a beacon of hope and guidance for individuals navigating the complexities of family law. With a commitment to the highest standards of practice, the firm has consistently delivered tailored strategies to protect the … Read more