Christopher B. Dolan

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Under California emergency temporary standards issued on June 17, employees who are vaccinated do not have to wear a mask in indoor workplaces, but those who are not vaccinated must wear one. (Shutterstock)

Guidelines for safely returning to work in an office

Employers are required to maintain a healthy site

Under California emergency temporary standards issued on June 17, employees who are vaccinated do not have to wear a mask in indoor workplaces, but those who are not vaccinated must wear one. (Shutterstock)
Some people, including folks in West Portal on July 20, have stopped wearing masks, particularly if they’re outdoors — but others haven’t. <ins>(Kevin N. Hume/The Examiner)</ins>

California lifts mask mandate — but what does it mean?

Vaccinated folks aren’t legally required to keep covered, but it’s a good idea for safety

Some people, including folks in West Portal on July 20, have stopped wearing masks, particularly if they’re outdoors — but others haven’t. <ins>(Kevin N. Hume/The Examiner)</ins>
Under California law, dogs are viewed as property, and people who suffer as a result of a violent dog may file insurance claims for possible financial reimbursement. (Shutterstock)

Financial compensation may be possible in wake of dog attack

Insurance company could pay medical expenses, or for emotional distress

Under California law, dogs are viewed as property, and people who suffer as a result of a violent dog may file insurance claims for possible financial reimbursement. (Shutterstock)
People injured in a collision resulting from another’s negligent driving have the right to seek compensation for damages. <ins>(Shutterstock)</ins>

What do I do? This is my first auto accident

Exchange information with drivers involved, obtain police report

People injured in a collision resulting from another’s negligent driving have the right to seek compensation for damages. <ins>(Shutterstock)</ins>
The loss of Ruth Bader Ginsburg has moved the balance in favor of conservative views on the U.S. Supreme Court. (Shutterstock)

U.S. Supreme Court shifts on LGBTQ+ issues

Case pitting discrimination against religious freedom shows impact of Trump appointments

The loss of Ruth Bader Ginsburg has moved the balance in favor of conservative views on the U.S. Supreme Court. (Shutterstock)
Car rental companies sell insurance that may be supplemental to coverage drivers have with their own personal policies. <ins>(Shutterstock)</ins>

Things to know when purchasing rental car insurance

Avoid potential pitfalls by understanding types of coverage available

Car rental companies sell insurance that may be supplemental to coverage drivers have with their own personal policies. <ins>(Shutterstock)</ins>
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee has signed a bill that would require schools to notify parents before providing students with instruction about sexual orientation or gender identity. (Courtesy photo)

Don’t mess with California: Supreme Court tells Texas to sit down

State takes action against anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in the South

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee has signed a bill that would require schools to notify parents before providing students with instruction about sexual orientation or gender identity. (Courtesy photo)
A person accused of electronic harassment could face misdemeanor charges in California. (Shutterstock)

Workplace violence is increasing: how to stay safe (Part 2)

Employees may obtain restraining orders to protect themselves against harassment, stalking

A person accused of electronic harassment could face misdemeanor charges in California. (Shutterstock)
Angry and argumentative behavior may be a sign of impending violence in the workplace. (Shutterstock)

Workplace shootings are increasing: how to stay safe

Employers may obtain temporary restraining orders against threatening people

Angry and argumentative behavior may be a sign of impending violence in the workplace. (Shutterstock)
Employers may be able to make allowances for people returning to the workplace who have pandemic-related mental health challenges. <ins>(Shutterstock)</ins>

There are options for pandemic-stressed workers

Employees may seek mental health accommodations post-COVID

Employers may be able to make allowances for people returning to the workplace who have pandemic-related mental health challenges. <ins>(Shutterstock)</ins>
Major League Baseball teams, including the San Francisco Giants, have safety netting and screening to protect fans in lower-level seats from errant balls. (Chris Victorio/Special to S.F. Examiner)

If you’re in the stands, keep your eye on the ball

MLB fans sitting in unprotected seats assume legal risk of injury

Major League Baseball teams, including the San Francisco Giants, have safety netting and screening to protect fans in lower-level seats from errant balls. (Chris Victorio/Special to S.F. Examiner)
Under California law, there are certain cases in which employers may have to accommodate workers who don’t want to be vaccinated. (Kevin N. Hume/S.F. Examiner)

Employers may require COVID-19 vaccines in the workplace

Exemptions may be granted on religious grounds, or for people with disabilities

Under California law, there are certain cases in which employers may have to accommodate workers who don’t want to be vaccinated. (Kevin N. Hume/S.F. Examiner)
Extensive safety preparations were made as San Francisco Unified School District reopened classrooms in April. <ins>(Kevin N. Hume/S.F. Examiner)</ins>

How to safely reopen schools during the pandemic: The debate continues

Progress being made in ensuring vaccinations for teachers

Extensive safety preparations were made as San Francisco Unified School District reopened classrooms in April. <ins>(Kevin N. Hume/S.F. Examiner)</ins>
A woman who didn’t wear a mask in a Starbucks claims that a photo of her posted online without her permission violated her privacy. <ins>(Shutterstock)</ins>

Can you post pictures of someone on social media without their consent?

Right to privacy comes up against First Amendment concerns in Starbucks case

A woman who didn’t wear a mask in a Starbucks claims that a photo of her posted online without her permission violated her privacy. <ins>(Shutterstock)</ins>
A kit to build an AR-15 costs less than $350. (Shutterstock)

What’s the impact of Biden’s executive actions in the wake of mass shootings?

Circulation and use of ghost guns should decrease in California

A kit to build an AR-15 costs less than $350. (Shutterstock)
Some people have viewed less-crowded roads during the pandemic as an invitation to speed. <ins>(Shutterstock)</ins>

Reckless driving has increased since pandemic

With fewer cars on the road, speeding still can be deadly

Some people have viewed less-crowded roads during the pandemic as an invitation to speed. <ins>(Shutterstock)</ins>
Distance learning has been difficult for some students during the 2020-21 school year. <ins>(Shutterstock)</ins>

What are parents’ rights regarding children’s education during COVID?

State laws offer little detailed guidance for unprecedented times

Distance learning has been difficult for some students during the 2020-21 school year. <ins>(Shutterstock)</ins>
Demonstrators have rallied In light of recent increased reports of anti-Asian hate crimes in the Bay Area. (Ekevara Kitpowsong/S.F. Examiner file photo)

What to do about hate crimes increasing in the Bay Area

By Christopher Dolan and Mari Bandoma Callado This week’s question from Lin…

Demonstrators have rallied In light of recent increased reports of anti-Asian hate crimes in the Bay Area. (Ekevara Kitpowsong/S.F. Examiner file photo)
Electric bikes have a battery-powered motor that enables riders to travel at speeds that are significantly higher than that of standard bicycles.<ins> (Shutterstock)</ins>

Have fun and stay safe on an electric bike

With increased speed comes increased danger of severe injury

Electric bikes have a battery-powered motor that enables riders to travel at speeds that are significantly higher than that of standard bicycles.<ins> (Shutterstock)</ins>
A court case involving a defective hoverboard maintains that Amazon sells products, and is more than a platform for buyers and sellers. (Shutterstock)

Amazon should be liable for product-related damages

Online giant should purchase insurance so innocent consumers aren’t left devastated

A court case involving a defective hoverboard maintains that Amazon sells products, and is more than a platform for buyers and sellers. (Shutterstock)