Data Privacy Day is January 28, 2021 and is an international effort to empower people to protect their personal data and privacy, particularly online. According to Cybint, a global cyber security educator, 95 percent of cybersecurity breaches are caused by human error. The practices that help protect individuals’ security online will also help protect businesses, so on this day let’s review the most powerful and simple steps everyone can take to secure their own data and that of their customers who entrust them with it.

The Governor’s Office announced this morning that the Regional Stay At Home orders are now lifted in all regions across the state. This means that retailers should return to operating under the Governor’s Blueprint for a Safer economy that currently allows up to 25 percent capacity in stores in most counties.

Scali Rasmussen Founder and Managing Shareholder Christian Scali has been elected to the Board of Governors of the Italian American Lawyers Association (IALA). The IALA, a Los Angeles-based bar association, was founded in 1977 as an organization of Italian American lawyers through a generous donation from Frank Sinatra. They are known for outstanding speakers, authentic Italian meals, and an energy that is unique to the IALA.

Wards Auto looked to Scali Rasmussen shareholder Monica Baumann for the latest information on COVID-19 compliance. Her article, How California dealers can meet COVID-19 compliance in 2021, is featured in the Dealers section of their website.

Scali Rasmussen PC announces today it has bolstered its litigation capabilities with two additions: Colleen O’Brien, a veteran trial lawyer and former military prosecutor, and Barbara R. Adams, a civil litigator and trial attorney. O’Brien and Adams each join the litigation and trial powerhouse firm as Principal: O’Brien in the Los Angeles office and Adams in Oakland. The firm’s growing bench of trial attorneys includes recognized courtroom advocates who have litigated and tried multimillion, “bet the company” lawsuits.

The federal government, State of California and local jurisdictions have all adopted and modified laws relating to COVID-19 in the last several months to respond to the spike in COVID-19 cases. This article reviews these recent laws to provide dealers in California with a complete picture of how to comply with COVID-19 in 2021.

Congress passed a new spending bill, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 (“Spending Bill”) this week that includes multiple provisions to address the ongoing economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis. President Trump is expected to sign the bill. This update summarizes changes applicable to our clients and suggests best practices going forward in 2021.

State officials announced today, Saturday, December 5, 2020 that the new Regional Stay Home Order will go into effect in the Regions of Southern California and San Joaquin Valley at 11:59 PM on Sunday, December 6. That means dealerships opening on Monday, December 7 will need to comply with the Order.

At a joint press conference today, December 4, 2020, Health Officers for the Counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, and Santa Clara as well as the City of Berkeley announced that they are adopting the Governor’s Regional Stay Home Order ahead of schedule. While the Bay Area region is estimated to reach the 15% Intensive Care Unit (ICU) capacity later in December than all other regions in the state, these specific Health Directors stated that they think now is the time to act.

Over the last 24 hours, state and local governments have issued new guidance for residents and businesses to prevent the continued spread of COVID-19 in the state. Here is an overview of the most recent guidance and its likely impact on dealership operations.