Christopher B. Dolan

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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)
Data indicates that most bicyclist fatalities occur on multi-lane, traffic-filled roads.<ins> (Shutterstock)</ins>

Cyclist deaths remain high during COVID-19

More bikers hit the road for transit, physical benefits

Data indicates that most bicyclist fatalities occur on multi-lane, traffic-filled roads.<ins> (Shutterstock)</ins>
Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas famously used the filibuster, for 21 hours, trying to block the passage of a national health care law in 2013. <ins>(Shutterstock)</ins>

It’s time to eliminate the filibuster

U.S. legislature should be liberated from the will of the minority

Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas famously used the filibuster, for 21 hours, trying to block the passage of a national health care law in 2013. <ins>(Shutterstock)</ins>
It’s legal for places of business to require patrons to wear a mask during the pandemic. (Shutterstock)

No shoes, no shirt, no mask equals no service

Public health mandates do not violate individuals’ liberty

It’s legal for places of business to require patrons to wear a mask during the pandemic. (Shutterstock)
Starting in July, penalties in California will increase for people cited for texting while driving. <ins>(Shutterstock)</ins>

A look at some of California’s new laws

Changes affect wages, criminal justice, workplace protections and more

Starting in July, penalties in California will increase for people cited for texting while driving. <ins>(Shutterstock)</ins>
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)