Christopher B. Dolan

  • 233 Stories | 
  • Page 1 of 12
Trucking companies and truck drivers must comply with extensive U.S. Department of Transportation laws pertaining to safety. (Shutterstock)

Laws ensure safety measures for cyclists, truck drivers

Regulations also address recovery in event of accident

Trucking companies and truck drivers must comply with extensive U.S. Department of Transportation laws pertaining to safety. (Shutterstock)
Under the 25th Amendment, Vice President Mike Pence, right, could replace President Donald Trump.<ins> (Shutterstock)</ins>

What is the 25th Amendment?

A look at the mechanism for removing a U.S. president from office

Under the 25th Amendment, Vice President Mike Pence, right, could replace President Donald Trump.<ins> (Shutterstock)</ins>
Workers with health issues that aren’t related to COVID may qualify for medical leave under the California Family Rights Act.<ins> (Shutterstock photo)</ins>

Medical leave coverage expanded for state workers

Employees needing time off for health care are protected during pandemic

Workers with health issues that aren’t related to COVID may qualify for medical leave under the California Family Rights Act.<ins> (Shutterstock photo)</ins>
Employees in offices not following social distancing protocols may be putting their coworkers at risk for COVID-19.<ins> (Shutterstock)</ins>

Workers’ compensation could cover COVID exposure

Employees may claim benefits under certain criteria

Employees in offices not following social distancing protocols may be putting their coworkers at risk for COVID-19.<ins> (Shutterstock)</ins>
Harassment based on race, national origin and disability is prohibited in the workplace.<ins> (Shutterstock photo)</ins>

Workers should know their employment rights during COVID-19

Discrimination is prohibited under state and federal law

Harassment based on race, national origin and disability is prohibited in the workplace.<ins> (Shutterstock photo)</ins>
General Services Administrator Emily Murphy, whose job is to determine “the apparent successful candidate” for president, did not authorize the transition process for the president-elect until 16 days after Joe Biden was widely accepted as the winner. <ins>(Courtesy General Services Administration)</ins>

Ascertainment: A closer look at the presidential transition of power

General Services Administration head determines ‘apparent successful candidate’

General Services Administrator Emily Murphy, whose job is to determine “the apparent successful candidate” for president, did not authorize the transition process for the president-elect until 16 days after Joe Biden was widely accepted as the winner. <ins>(Courtesy General Services Administration)</ins>
California drivers using cell phones will face greater consequences under a bill passed unanimously by legislators and signed by the governor in October. (Shutterstock photo)

Assembly Bill 47 increases penalties for distracted drivers

Law puts citation to same status as violations for speeding or running a red light

California drivers using cell phones will face greater consequences under a bill passed unanimously by legislators and signed by the governor in October. (Shutterstock photo)
Donald Trump’s refusal to concede the 2020 presidential election marks a first in U.S. history. (Shutterstock photo)

What happens when a president loses re-election and won’t concede?

Trump is breaking long tradition of peacefully turning power over to his successor

Donald Trump’s refusal to concede the 2020 presidential election marks a first in U.S. history. (Shutterstock photo)
There are ways to determine the authenticity of California ballot boxes that are being used in the November 2020 election. (Courtesy photo)

Be sure to use an official ballot drop box when voting

California’s Secretary of State offers an online list of locations

There are ways to determine the authenticity of California ballot boxes that are being used in the November 2020 election. (Courtesy photo)
While it’s not legally required that voters in California wear masks at polling places, officials highly encourage the practice. <ins>(Courtesy photo)</ins>

Health and safety measures at the voting booth

Voters and poll workers should wear masks, social distance and sanitze hands

While it’s not legally required that voters in California wear masks at polling places, officials highly encourage the practice. <ins>(Courtesy photo)</ins>
George W. Bush was elected to the U.S. presidency twice, but won the popular vote once. (Courtesy photo)

What is the Electoral College and why do we have one?

It’s not representative of the actual electorate, nor was it designed to be when it was formed over 200 years ago

George W. Bush was elected to the U.S. presidency twice, but won the popular vote once. (Courtesy photo)
A new law strives to eliminate discrimination surrounding sentencing related to California’s sex offender registry that has harmed LGBTQ+ youth. (Courtesy photo)

Inching toward equality for LGBTQ+

Reactions to SB 145 are marred with personal biases and fear mongering

A new law strives to eliminate discrimination surrounding sentencing related to California’s sex offender registry that has harmed LGBTQ+ youth. (Courtesy photo)
Under state law, negligent jet ski operators may be liable for damage resulting from accidents they cause. (Courtesy photo)

People boating under the influence may be held responsible

California law requires watercraft operators to be sober

Under state law, negligent jet ski operators may be liable for damage resulting from accidents they cause. (Courtesy photo)
Californians who are registered have the option to vote by mail in the upcoming election. Courtesy photo

With Election Day coming, here’s how to vote in California

Due to COVID-19, aspects of the 2020 general election are unprecedented

Californians who are registered have the option to vote by mail in the upcoming election. Courtesy photo
There are places where Northern California residents evacuated due to wildfires can turn for help. (Courtesy photo)

Resources for those affected by California’s wildfires

People can reach out to local, state and federal agencies for assistance

There are places where Northern California residents evacuated due to wildfires can turn for help. (Courtesy photo)
There are limits on the ways federal police may deal with peaceful protesters. (Courtesy photo)

Can the federal government deploy federal police to states?

Officers must have probable cause when detaining people at peaceful rallies

There are limits on the ways federal police may deal with peaceful protesters. (Courtesy photo)
Families of youngsters who are abused online by classmates may pursue legal options. (Courtesy photo)

There are ways to deal with cyberbullying in school

California has enacted laws to protect children from being abused online

Families of youngsters who are abused online by classmates may pursue legal options. (Courtesy photo)
The U.S. Senate has introduced legislation requiring federal law enforcement officers to identify themselves when apprehending people participating in peaceful demonstrations. (Courtesy photo)

Are federal law enforcement officers required to identify themselves when arresting individuals engaging in protests?

Proposed legislation addresses rights of peaceful demonstrators

The U.S. Senate has introduced legislation requiring federal law enforcement officers to identify themselves when apprehending people participating in peaceful demonstrations. (Courtesy photo)
California law states that drivers must stay at least three feet away from bicyclists traveling in same direction. (Courtesy photo)

California law addresses safety for bicyclists

Cars must stay at least 3 feet away from people on bikes

California law states that drivers must stay at least three feet away from bicyclists traveling in same direction. (Courtesy photo)
Parents who must stay at home with their children during the pandemic may be eligible for financial assistance under a federal law that went into effect in April. (Courtesy photo)

Family First Coronavirus Response Act offers childcare help

Expanded Family Medical Leave Act accommodates working parents’ needs

Parents who must stay at home with their children during the pandemic may be eligible for financial assistance under a federal law that went into effect in April. (Courtesy photo)