Supporters of the $15 minimum wage at a 2015 rally in Los Angeles. (Photo: Dan Holm, via Shutterstock)Minimum-wage workers in the Golden State will get an hourly pay raise in the new year. Under California law, the state minimum wage rises to $15 per hour for employers with 26 or more workers and to $14 hourly for employers with 25 or less employees on Jan. 1, 2022.
A young inmate is escorted through a detention facility. (Photo: Thomas Andre Fure, via Shuterstock)California sought to reform its juvenile justice system by housing young people closer to their communities in facilities that are intended to replace the youth prisons run by the Department of Juvenile Justice. If Los Angeles County’s experience is any indication, making that shift is more difficult than expected.
A woman and her pet on an errand in LA. (Photo: oneinchpunch, via Shutterstock)California judges can now consider what is in the best interests of a pet when deciding animal custody cases in divorce disputes. A new law that went into effect Jan. 1 is intended to elevate pets above other community property like furniture or cars.
Photo illustration, political cash on the move: IQoncept, via ShutterstockThe Disclose Act, which Gov. Jerry Brown signed earlier this month, passed the Legislature after years of negotiations with labor unions and other interest groups. Supporters call it the strongest campaign money transparency law in the nation, but others say interest groups had too much sway over the bill.
Local homebrew festivals are back on tap for California in 2015. A law approved by the Legislature and signed by the governor this week makes it legal, once again, for homebrewing associations to host homebrew events in California.
A Yorkshire terrier prepares to dine. (Photo: Olesia Bilkei via Shutterstock)Fido and Fluffy will soon be able to join you for dinner at your favorite restaurant — legally. The governor signed legislation Thursday that allows people to take their dogs with them to the patios and outdoor sections of restaurants — something that many eateries already are doing but which has been illegal and carries penalties for violators.