Press Room

2013 News Releases

• Prop 8 update: Monday Morning Update on U.S. Supreme Court decisions: none of the decisions issued today related to Prop 8 or DOMA; next day to expect rulings is Thursday, June 20 (June 17, 2013)
• Prop 8 update: City Attorney Herrera issues formal memorandum entitled "Hollingsworth v. Perry: Possible Outcomes and Next Steps" to the Assessor-Recorder, County Clerk and other City officials (June 12, 2013)
• Herrera sues over high-capacity ammo gun 'repair kits' intended to skirt California law; Three gun accessories companies, gun show promoter named in suit for attempting 'clever end-run' by selling disassembled but fully functional high-capacity magazines (June 10, 2013)
• Prop 8 update: getting ready for likely June ruling; A summary for journalists, editors and interested parties about timing, possible scenarios, and a brief discussion of legal issues (June 5, 2013)
• Herrera seeks dismissal of Monster Energy's lawsuit to block S.F. City Attorney investigation; S.F. City Attorney blasts Monster's 'frivolous' attempt to 'avoid accountability for recklessly targeting children' in marketing drinks known to pose health risks (June 3, 2013)
• Deputy City Attorneys Stewart, Delventhal receive top honors for distinguished work; Herrera congratulates deputies on earning ‘two of the legal profession’s most prestigious awards’ from the American Bar Association, State Bar of California (May 14, 2013)
• Restaurant workers net $844K restitution in 19 surcharge enforcement settlements so far; Herrera praises good faith efforts by restaurants 'to do right by their employees'; announces 'clean bills of health' for 12 other establishments targeted in investigation (May 8, 2013)
• San Francisco sues Monster Energy for marketing to kids despite grave health dangers; 'Significant morbidity in adolescents' -- including severe cardiac events, brain seizures -- risked by highly-caffeinated drinks, according to pediatricians, scientists (May 6, 2013)
• FDA's investigation into safety of caffeine for children, adolescents wins praise from Herrera; Federal regulators' announcement comes days after Monster Energy sued to halt Herrera's investigation into marketing of potentially unsafe products to children (May 3, 2013)
• Herrera blasts Monster Energy's lawsuit over unlawful marketing to youth, product safety; Pre-emptive litigation aims to halt City Attorney's investigation into allegations that Monster Energy markets potentially unsafe products to children (April 30, 2013)
• Proposed ethics reforms target lobbyists, city contracting practices for greater transparency; Board President and City Attorney jointly author legislation to enhance disclosure requirements, tighten reporting loopholes, expand accountability and access
• Herrera launches investigation into Nevada's psychiatric 'patient dumping'; S.F. health and homeless services providers invited to assist in gathering evidence from others victimized by practice, which bused 1,500 patients out of Nevada in five years (April 22, 2013)
• City Attorney's new UP2CODE smartphone app eases reporting of code violations; City Attorney's Code Enforcement Team developed innovative app to empower neighborhood groups, individuals and merchants (April 2, 2013)
• Herrera hails Ted Olson following arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court against Prop 8; S.F. City Attorney who served as co-counsel is ‘confident that this case will produce one of American history’s great landmarks for equal justice under the laws' (March 26, 2013)
• Herrera, 18 scientists urge FDA action on Monster, other caffeinated energy drinks; City Attorney calls letters an 'important step we can take at the national level,' while City's investigation of Monster Energy Drinks' business practices continues (March 19, 2013)
• Herrera's battle with NRA over S.F.'s gun safety laws moves to Ninth Circuit; Controversial gun lobby seeks to immediately halt City's enforcement of firearm safe-storage law, ban on the sale of enhanced-lethality bullets (March 7, 2013)
• Herrera hails Obama Administration's U.S. Supreme Court brief in Prop 8 case; 'Federal, state and local governments are united in recognizing that marriage equality's time has finally come,' S.F. City Attorney says (Feb. 28, 2013)
• Herrera files Prop 8 brief in U.S. Supreme Court, capping 9-year legal battle for marriage equality; Ballot measure's overriding purpose of 'asserting the inferiority of same-sex couples' renders it discriminatory, unconstitutional (Feb. 21, 2013)
• 'Less Miserable' parody video showcases S.F. City Attorney's Check 'n Go refund drive; Viral video strategy pays homage to Oscar(r)-nominated film, hopes to reach California borrowers eligible for restitution of up to $4.3 million (Feb. 20, 2013)
• Online parody ads leverage social media as Check 'n Go refund push enters final 60 days; $4.3 million refund drive continues approach S.F. City Attorney used with 'Pay Me Maybe' viral video to reach eligible claimants (Feb. 6, 2013)
• S.F.’s public nudity ban upheld in Federal Court; City Attorney prevails in move to dismiss nudism advocates’ lawsuit, which argued that public nudity is a Constitutionally-protected right (Jan. 29, 2013)
• Restaurant surcharge fraud crackdown includes one-time amnesty, enforcement; Illegal business practices of 'relative handful' of worst-offenders require tough enforcement initiative, Herrera says (Jan. 25, 2013)
• Herrera responds to Prop 8 backers' opening brief in U.S. Supreme Court case; 'Same arguments used to perpetuate bans on interracial marriage nearly 50 years ago' are defending Prop 8 today, City Attorney says (Jan. 22, 2013)
• Patxi's Chicago Pizza settlement secures $320K for worker benefits, enforcement; Voluntary agreement avoids litigation over compliance with 'Healthy San Francisco,' surcharge that didn't fund benefits (Jan. 13, 2013)
• Charlie Lives; Embattled pit bull's euthanization sentence is commuted, as owner agrees to surrender custody for placement in qualified sanctuary (Jan. 11, 2013)
• U.S. Supreme Court sets Prop 8 oral argument date for March 26; DOMA challenge scheduled for the next day, setting the stage for back-to-back showdown over LGBT civil rights (Jan. 7, 2013)

2012 News Releases

• Herrera kicks off $4.3 million refund drive for Check 'n Go borrowers over next three months; Statewide outreach effort seeking to ID eligible claimants seeks to mirror success of similar program for Money Mart borrowers
• Herrera opposes nudists' move to block enforcement of S.F.'s public nudity ban; Preliminary injunction requires plaintiffs to show they are 'likely to suffer irreparable harm' unless enforcement of ban is immediately halted (Dec. 20, 2012)
• Herrera calls on SFERS to examine investments, divest from gun companies; Call follows major announcement by equity firm this morning, responding to pressure from State Treasurer Lockyer, state employee retirement systems (Dec. 18, 2012)
• Herrera seeks dismissal of legal challenge to S.F.'s public nudity ban; Ironically, plaintiffs' equal protection claim seeks to undermine exceptions allowing nudity at permitted events like Bay to Breakers, Folsom Street Fair (Dec. 13, 2012)
• Clarification on Charlie, the subject of Vicious and Dangerous Dog Hearing; Facebook comments suggest confusion about provisions of City law, role of various City departments (Dec. 10, 2012)
• U.S. Supreme Court grants review in federal challenge to Proposition 8; Herrera confident that high court will reach 'decision that reaffirms our Constitution's promise of equal protection' (Dec. 7, 2012)
• Prop 8 Update: U.S. Supreme Court's Friday conference (Dec. 6, 2012)
• Herrera sues defiant auto shop and landlord for code violations, illegal business practices; Flouting repeated notices and orders, Brother's Auto Body owner 'found new laws to violate, and new ways to victimize neighbors and tenants' (Dec 6, 2012)
• Appellate Court unanimously upholds injunction against predatory immigration law practice;  attorney Christopher Stender, Immigration Practice Group linked to one of City's 'most notorious predators' must stop misleading legal clients (Dec. 5, 2012)
• Prop 8 Update: No action on Prop 8 (again) from U.S. Supreme Court (Dec. 3, 2012)
• Prop 8 Update: Upcoming News and Historical Timeline (Nov. 29, 2012)
• Prop 8 Update: Letter to Ninth Circuit regarding possible issuance of mandate (Nov. 28, 2012)
• NRA's bid to halt enforcement of S.F. gun laws rejected by federal judge; Herrera hails 'thoughtful and persuasive ruling that affirms our position that San Francisco's gun laws protect public safety' (Nov. 27, 2012)
• Herrera demands answers on safety, marketing claims of Monster Energy Drinks; City Attorney employs tough consumer protection provision of California law to seek substantiation for health-based claims (Nov. 2, 2012)
• Herrera will aggressively litigate against vandals who damage City property; Hooligans who mar Giants' World Series celebrations to be a top target of City Attorney's Office in civil lawsuits, collections (Oct. 30, 2012)
• San Bruno PG&E Blast: DLA Piper, Sen. Mitchell Urged to Resign CPUC Settlement Negotiations for Conflict of Interests, Confidentiality Breach (Oct. 23, 2012)
• Herrera: mediator from utilities' law firm risks legitimacy of CPUC's PG&E proceeding; U.S. Sen. George Mitchell's firm, DLA Piper, is adverse to S.F. in litigation, claims several utilities among its clients (Oct. 17, 2012)
• Herrera's 245 Leavenworth St. settlement helps tenants, denies base to 'Cambodian Crips' Gang; Owner agrees to pay $135K in civil penalties and sell building after litigation results from serious code violations, security issues (Oct. 2, 2012)
• Herrera's Geary Courtyard settlement saves low-income tenants from rent hike, secures $95K; Litigation arose over disputed provision in 1988 tax exempt bond agreement that financed construction of Geary Street complex (Sept. 13, 2012)
• Judge upholds S.F.'s plastic bag law, clears way for ban, 10-cent charge starting Oct. 1; Court rejects arguments by plastic bag manufacturers, distributors about inadequate environmental review, state pre-emption (Sept. 12, 2012)
• City Attorney Dennis Herrera filed San Francisco’s opposition to a move by sponsors of Proposition 8 for U.S. Supreme Court review of the decision striking down Proposition 8, the controversial ballot measure that eliminated marriage rights for same-sex couples in California. Prop 8’s backers petitioned for Supreme Court review on July 31. (August 24, 2012)
• On eve of key Ninth Circuit hearing, GAO raises questions about cell phone safety; Oral arguments in wireless industry challenge to City Cell Phone Ordinance: Thursday at 9 a.m., 9th Circuit Courthouse, 95 7th Street (Aug 7, 2012)
• Push to find consumers owed $7.5 million by Money Mart, Loan Mart to enter final 60-days; City, community, labor leaders unite in statewide bid to maximize restitution to borrowers victimized by fraudulent lending practices (July 26, 2012)
• Herrera secures $30,000 penalty, tough injunctions in Tenderloin market drug case; Barah's Market is the second of two stores to settle for operating a 'safe haven' for drug dealing, trafficking in stolen merchandise (July 16, 2012)
• Herrera kicks off 3-month push to refund $7.5 million to borrowers from payday lenders; Settlement with Money Mart/Loan Mart requires restitution to customers statewide over fraudulent lending, marketing practices (July 9, 2012)
• Tower Car Wash settlement secures $500,000 in back wages, interest for underpaid workers; Joint lawsuit by Herrera, La Raza Centro Legal also achieves key improvements to working conditions, health care benefits (July 6, 2012)
• Herrera applauds U.S. Supreme Court ruling on national health care reform; Though San Francisco's health care ordinances unaffected, Affordable Care Act should eventually relieve local financial burdens (June 28, 2012)
• Herrera, Cohen hail tough five-year injunction to protect renters, secure $800,000 civil penalty; Community engagement was key to identifying, addressing code violations that were more widespread than originally known (June 26, 2012)
• Herrera defends local regulation of medical marijuana dispensaries in Supreme Court brief; Legal validity of local ordinances at stake in potentially landmark California Supreme Court case, Pack v. City of Long Beach (June 18, 2012)
• Herrera praises US Court of Appeals order denying rehearing of Prop 8 case 
• Arbitron Settlement with Calif., L.A. and S.F. Assures Fairness for Minority Broadcasters; A.G. Harris, City Attorneys Trutanich and Herrera alleged that new ratings scheme undercounted minority audiences in violation of state law (March 26, 2012)
• Herrera secures court-ordered closure, $80,000 penalty from Tenderloin market; Razan Deli one of two markets targeted for operating 'safe haven' for drug dealing, trafficking in stolen merchandise, violent incidents (March 5, 2012)
• Herrera hails appointment of Chad Griffin to lead Human Rights Campaign; Co-counsel in federal Prop 8 challenge calls Griffin 'a visionary leader, a brilliant strategist, and a remarkably effective consensus-builder' (March 1, 2012)
• Herrera files City's brief opposing 9th Circuit re-hearing on Proposition 8; City Attorney calls same-sex marriage ban 'peculiarly irrational and inexplicable by anything other than prejudice' (March 1, 2012)
• Herrera sues feds for failing to enforce gas pipeline safety standards before and after San Bruno blast; PHMSA 'still asleep at the switch,' City Attorney says, after ignoring S.F.'s concerns, recommendations of federal investigators (Feb. 14, 2012)
• Prop 8 violates U.S. Constitution, Ninth Circuit panel affirms; Citing key City arguments about California's strong legal guarantees for same-sex couples, majority opinion upholds lower court ruling (Feb. 7, 2012)
• Herrera to host City Hall news conference at 11 a.m. on Ninth Circuit's Prop 8 ruling; City Hall's South Light Court will play host to news conference after the federal appellate court rules on the merits of challenge (Feb. 6, 2012)
• Herrera expresses disappointment with ruling on Prop 8 trial video; 'Public trial records-including video records-should serve to inform our national debates, not be withheld from them,' Herrera says (Feb. 2, 2012)
• Herrera, SFPD target illicit drug trafficking, nuisances at two Tenderloin markets; Lawsuits seek one-year closure, thousands in penalties for operating 'safe haven' for drug dealers in proximity to schools, senior centers (Jan. 30, 2012)
• Deputy City Attorney Christine Van Aken named to Daily Journal's prestigious '20-Under-40' list; Recognition among California's top young lawyers brings to three the number so honored in the S.F. City Attorney's Office in last decade (Jan. 18, 2012)
• Apple Moth Lawsuit Opening Brief: State's Analysis Gives License to Spray Pesticides Indefinitely without Studying Health Effects; Attorneys for cities and citizen groups say flawed state environmental analysis should start over (Jan. 3, 2012)

2011 News Releases

• Herrera praises Court's decision to deny donors of Prop 8 anonymity (Nov. 04, 2011)
• Herrera secures two major settlements, rebates of loan fees for consumers; Settlements tackle predatory financial schemes of Money Mart and National Arbitration Forum (Oct. 19, 2011)
• Herrera blasts wireless phone industry's attempt to take away San Francisco consumers' right to know (Oct. 4, 2011)
• Legislation by Chiu, Wiener, and Herrera takes on security issues at parking garages and lots; Proposed amendment to SF Police Code seeks to improve the safety of patrons of San Francisco's vibrant entertainment industry and the surrounding neighborhoods. (Sept. 29, 2011)
• Herrera says NTSB hearing on San Bruno blast offers 'devastating indictment' against PG&E, regulators; Findings strongly support Herrera's July 14 notice of intent to sue CPUC, PHMSA regulators (Aug. 30, 2011)
• Hearing on release of Prop 8 trial video, U.S. District Court, Monday at 9 a.m.; Judge James Ware to hear oral arguments on whether video recordings trial can be released to the public (Aug. 26, 2011)
• Herrera secures $5 million settlement, consumer safeguards against BofA credit card subsidiary; Three-and-a-half-year-old case continues to win industry reforms nationwide to protect credit card holders in debt disputes (Aug. 22, 2011)
• Herrera, La Raza seek to recover $3 million for workers of Tower Car Wash for wage theft; Employees are required to endure hours of unpaid waiting during scheduled shifts-losing wages, overtime pay, other labor rights (Aug. 17, 2011)
• Cohen, Herrera take on S.F. 'crisis pregnancy centers' for deceptive marketing tactics; Proposed ordinance, City Attorney demand letter target misleading advertising by centers that push hidden agenda for 'abortion free world' (Aug. 2, 2011)
• Herrera to sue CBS Outdoor advertising over $100K in paint damage to MUNI vehicles; Damage caused by defiant advertising giant has gone unaddressed for months, despite clear contract provision requiring reimbursement (July 17, 2011)
• Federal judge dismisses challenge to San Francisco tobacco ordinance; Court accepts agrees with arguments by Herrera, CMA that City's ban on tobacco sales by stores with pharmacies promotes public health (July 15, 2011)
• Herrera moves to sue CPUC, feds for failing to enforce gas pipeline safety standards; Revelations from San Bruno tragedy lead San Francisco to seek federal court order compelling regulators to strictly enforce U.S. safety standards (July 14, 2011)
• Wage theft lawsuit seeks to recover $440K in back pay, interest for cheated workers; Dick Lee Pastry paid well below minimum wage, demanded long hours with no overtime, falsified payroll records, retaliated against workers (July 12, 2011)
• Circumcision ban unconstitutional if court exempts medical professionals, City argues; Narrowing application to religious practices, disturbing campaign materials would clearly violate U.S. Constitution's Free Exercise Clause (June 30, 2011)
• Public entities receive $8.7 million in settlement funds from bankrupt defendant in lead paint litigation; Court overrules defendants' demurrer in ongoing litigation against remaining defendant (June 23, 2011)
• Herrera's Statement on US District Court Chief Judge James Ware denying a motion made by Proponents of Proposition 8 to vacate the district court's judgment striking down Proposition 8 on the ground that Chief Judge Vaughn Walker was biased
• Herrera settles smoke shops litigation with tough injunctions, penalties; Injunction subjects the shop operators to heightened scrutiny and provides the City with a swift and severe remedy should future violations occur (June 14, 2011)
• Herrera calls for transparency and swiftness as CPUC considers new regulations for
  natural gas pipelines; City Attorney's additional recommendations support Representative Jackie Speier's recent proposal to the California Public Utilities Commission (May 27, 2011)
• Herrera sues Blue Cross, Health Net for underpaying SFGH for emergency services; Medical insurers ‘shortchanging public hospitals, and sticking taxpayers with the bill,’ according to City Attorney’s lawsuit (May 25, 2011)
• City Attorney spokesman Matt Dorsey's statement in response to Public Defender Jeff Adachi's a press release and letter (May 23, 2011)
• Herrera assails marriage equality foes’ attack on Judge Walker as "offensive," "baseless"; City argues Proponents of Prop 8's motion to vacate ruling applies a double standard to gay judges (May 12, 2011)
• Herrera blasts marriage equality foes’ legal standing to defend discriminatory Prop 8; Constitution has never vested initiative proponents with legal authority to defend initiatives to after their enactment, brief argues (May 9, 2011)
• City Attorney Dennis Herrera's statement on TWU Local 250A's authorization to strike (April 22, 2011)
• Herrera joins 17 AGs in blasting 'Blast,' a new youth-targeted, supersized 'binge-in-a-can'; A single can of Pabst Co.'s 12 percent alcohol, 23.5-ounce, fruit-flavored 'alcopop' meets national standard for 'binge drinking' (April 21, 2011)
• Herrera fights move by Prop 8 proponents to seal trial video; Latest legal skirmish over marriage equality raises 'larger issue of whether the trial video...should be kept secret at all' (April 15, 2011)
• Medical association backs Herrera's bid to extinguish tobacco ban suit by Safeway; California Medical Association strongly supports City's law as 'consistent with the conclusions of the medical and public health community' (April 15, 2011)
• Herrera partners with city agencies to launch Let's Do It SF! ; Initiative utilizes smart phone technology to report illegal dumping and graffiti in neighborhoods (April 13, 2011)
• Herrera praises 9th Circuit ruling blocking key provisions of Arizona immigration law; San Francisco had joined with other cities, counties last year in urging federal courts to halt Arizona's draconian SB 1070 law (April 11, 2011)
• City urges PG&E gas line testing, upgrades in tomorrow's CPUC hearing on $3 million fine; 'The real outrage' is lack of safety improvements to transmission lines seven months after San Bruno tragedy, Herrera argues (April 10, 2011)
• Herrera sues con artist 'chef' for cooking school fraud, wage violation scam; dozens of Chinese immigrants defrauded of thousands for tuition, exploited for free labor by phony 'Academie de Cuisine' (April 5, 2011)
• Herrera settles CitiApartments litigation with tough injunctions, up to $10 million penalty; 88-page settlement, Court approved order comprise 'toughest, most detailed injunction to protect tenants in San Francisco history' (March 30, 2011)
• Herrera blasts PG&E's deal for $3 million fine, asks CPUC to urgently protect public safety; Penalty 'disregards the risks to human life and safety,' provides 'no incentive for PG&E to take its responsibilities seriously' (March 28, 2011)
• Herrera's statement on Ninth Circuit's decision to not lift the stay; same-sex couples will not be allowed to marry while Proposition 8 appeal is pending (Mar. 21, 2011)
• Herrera secures preliminary injunction against predatory immigration law practice; Judge orders Immigration Practice Group, Stender to stop misleading clients, alert them of Martin Guajardo’s deceptive practices
  (Mar. 21, 2011)
• Herrera, Fire Chiefs Hayes-White and Price introduce life-saving smart phone technology; launch of smart phone application development empowers everyday citizens trained in CPR to provide immediate onsite life-saving assistance to victims of sudden cardiac arrest (Mar. 16, 2011)
• Media Advisory: Herrera, Hayes-White, Price on hand to introduce the development of life-saving smart phone technology; phone app empowers everyday citizens trained in CPR to provide immediate assistance to victims of sudden cardiac arrest (Mar. 15, 2011)
• Herrera sues to curb rampant illegal dumping in Bayview Hunters Point;
  City Attorney announces lawsuit seeking maximum civil penalties and damages against Bayview dumper, proposes local legislation (Mar. 1, 2011)
• Media Advisory: Herrera announces lawsuit, targeting ongoing illegal dumping in Bayview/Hunter's Point. (Feb. 28, 2011)
• Press Statement: Herrera hails President Obama's recognition of DOMA as 'unconstitutional'(Feb. 23, 2011)
• Herrera, SFPD target illicit cocaine, meth paraphernalia in neighborhood smoke shops; defiant shopkeepers ignored police warnings and community pleas by marketing wares intended for hard drug abusers, dealers (Feb. 17, 2011)
• Media Advisory: Herrera, SFPD target illegal hard drug paraphernalia in neighborhood smoke shops (Feb. 16, 2011)
• Herrera secures injunction to protect Marina District; Owners of the Bridge Motel now under court order to comply with nuisance laws, pay the City $156,000
   (Feb. 11, 2011)
• Herrera praises CPUC decision to open public proceeding into gas line safety; City Attorney, TURN petitioned yesterday for a 'thorough, transparent investigation' by the commission regulating California's utilities (Jan. 27, 2011)
• Herrera urges CPUC to investigate deadly San Bruno gas line explosion; City Attorney joins TURN in calling for a 'thorough, transparent investigation' by the commission that regulates California's utilities (Jan. 26, 2011)
• Herrera praises Gascón as a 'stellar choice' for District Attorney of San Francisco; City Attorney had hailed SFPD Chief as key to civil gang injunctions' success, is certain he'll be a continuing ally as District Attorney (Jan. 9, 2011)

2010 News Releases