You are on page 1of 24

.

Response to City of
Carmel-by-the-Sea
RFQ 16-17-11
"'o ~~

City of carmeH1y .. w<J~"'"' 0

\!till~ 1. (J '!llil

Legal Services

March 10, 2017

Joint Proposal
Submitted by:

, . . The Grunsk.y Law Firm PC


'-.~ Ren!Je Sloan Ho~zman Sakai LLP ~ Serving 111e Community Since 1945
...,.., Public Law Group"

Alan J. Smith
Allyson Hauck
240 Westgate Drive
11 Seascape Village
Watsonville, CA 95076
Aptos, CA 95003
(831 )722-2444
(415) 678-3800
www.grunskylaw.com
www.publiclawgroup.com
,;" Renne Sloan Hottzman Sakai LLP
1{f, Public Law Group
11 Seascape Village
Aptos, CA 95076
p: 415.690.5863
f: 415.678.3838

Allyson Hauck
(415) 848-7212
ahauck@publiclawgroup.com

March 10,2017

Chip Rerig
City Administrator
City of Carmel-by-the-Sea
City Hall
POBoxCC
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921

Re: Proposal in Response to City of Carmel-by-the-Sea RFQfor Legal Services

Dear Mr. Rerig:

Renne Sloan Holtzman Sakai LLP, Public Law Group, is pleased to provide the enclosed
response to the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea's Request for Qualifications. We have thoroughly
reviewed the City's request and believe that we are very well-suited to provide legal services for
the City. For this proposal, RSHS will be partnering with the Grunsky Law Firm PC to provide
comprehensive legal services

Together, RSHS and the Grunsky Law Firm advise and represent public agencies, including
many cities, counties, the State of California, the University of California, California State
University, and special districts including joint powers authorities, as well as school and
community college districts. We have extensive experience advising and representing public
agencies in all areas of government law, including constitutional law, land use law,
environmental law, and labor and employment law (including POBR, FOBR, disciplinary
appeals and appeals before CalPERS). We also have extensive experience in providing legal
advice and representation on areas of general governmental concerns, including the Brown Act,
Public Records Act, CEQA, Political Reform Act, and environmental and ADA Compliance
issues (both facilities and employment). The services required from the City are consistent with
services we provide to existing clients.

Our proposal combines attorneys from RSHS' Central Coast Office located in Aptos with the
Grunsky Law with offices throughout the Central Coast. In addition, RSHS has attorneys located
,;~ Renne Sloan Ho~zman Sakai LLP
'if.r Public Law Group'

throughout the state with expertise in all areas of government law. This combination would
provide the City with extraordinary depth of bench while maintaining a regional team.

Alan J. Smith would act as City Attorney, in coordination with Melissa Shaw. Tori Anthony and
I, in addition to other RSHS attorneys will be available provide any necessary support to Ms.
Shaw, especially in the areas of litigation advice, election law, land use, employee relations and
benefits law, and workers' compensation.

Our contact information is below:

Firm Contact Information Lead Attorney Contact Information


Renne Sloan Holtzman Sakai LLP Alan J. Smith (831) 722-2444
II Seascape Village Allyson Hauck (415) 690-5863
Aptos, CA 95003
(415) 678-3800 (main)
(415) 848- 7212 (direct dial)
(415) 690-5 863 (cell)
(415) 678-3838 (fax)

Grunsky Law Firm PC


240 Westgate Drive
Watsonville, CA 95076
(831) 722-2444 (main)
(831) 722-6153 (fax)

We affirm that we possess the knowledge, experience and ability to provide the services
requested, and that all of the statements contained herein are true and accurate. We look forward
to the City's consideration of our proposal and our qualifications.

Partner
'~ Renne Sloan Ho~zman Sakai LLP The Grunsky Law FirmPc
liif..r Public Law Group" Serving The CommlmilySitJcc 1945

Table of Contents

I. INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................. 1

A. Background - RSHS ......................................................................................................... 1


B. Background- Grunsky Law Firm .................................................................................... 3
II. Qualifications .......................................................................................................................... 3

Ill. Scope of Services ......................................................... ,....................................................... 5

A. Presence at Meetings and Office ...................................................................................... 5


B. Working Relationship ...................................................................................................... 5
C. Legal Research ................................................................................................................. 6
D. Representation in Litigation and Managing Outside Counsel ......................................... 6
E. Request for Proposals ....................................................................................................... 7
F. Negotiations ......................................................................................................................... 7
N. Conflicts oflnterest. ............................................................................................................. 7

V. References ............................................................................................................................... 8

VI. FEE SCHEDULE AND ENGAGEMENT LETTER .......................................................... 8

ATTACHMENT A: Resumes of Proposed Counsel

ATTACHMENT B: List of Clients


,;~ Renne Sloan Ho~zman Sakai LLP
~if,. Public Law Group"

I. INTRODUCTION

Renne Sloan Holtzman Sakai LLP, Public Law Group (RSHS) provides a broad array of legal
and consulting services to public agencies and non-profits. Founding Partner and Chair Louise
Renne established RSHS to provide local public agencies an end-to-end solution for needs as
diverse as labor, employment, personnel, ADA facilities compliance, land use, redevelopment,
operational consulting, ethics, government, Brown Act, and elections law. With collective
experience in nearly every area of public sector law, our attorneys are skilled and effective
counselors and advocates for local governments.

For this proposal, RSHS is pleased to partner with the Grunsky Law Firm. For over 70 years,
Grunsky, Ebey, Farrar & Howell, also known as The Grunsky Law Firm PC, has been dedicated
to providing the highest quality legal representation to a diverse array of clients in Santa Cruz,
Monterey and San Benito counties, and throughout the Central California Coast. Their diverse
law firm has provided quality legal representation since its inception in 1945. The Grunsky Law
Firm has grown into one of the region's largest legal service providers, and as Hollister and the
surrounding Central Coast community have continued to expand and develop, the firm has
evolved to serve the needs of our clients.

A. Background - RSHS

RSHS provides effective, efficient, and creative legal services to meet the distinctive needs of
public agencies, including cities, counties, school districts and special districts. Our philosophy is
to provide legal advice and representation that allows policy makers to achieve their goals while
minimizing legal risk.
We serve as counsel to, or have represented, many public agency clients, which include:
Cities of Brisbane, Sacramento, Richmond, Oakland, Morgan Hill, Modesto, Benicia,
Concord
East Bay Regional Park District
Sanitary District No. 5 of Marin
San Francisco Zoological Society
Bay Area Air Quality Management District
Department of Water Resources
County of Sacramento

Our practice areas include general government and public agency law and litigation,
administrative law, constitutional law, ethics law, land use and CEQA law, labor law and labor
relations, employment law and litigation, ADA accessibility compliance, and public interest
litigation for government agencies. With collective experience in almost every area of public

Proposal for Legal Services March 10,2017


City of Carmel-By-The-Sea
Page I
,;;~ Renne Sloan Ho~zman Sakai LLP Law FirmPc
,..:, Public Law Group" 1945

sector law, our attorneys are skilled and effective counselors and advocates for local
governments.

Collectively, our general government law team offers:

Extensive experience in the practice of government agency law, including the Brown Act,
Public Records Act, Political Reform Act, and related conflict of interest laws, public
contracting laws, CEQA and related land use and environmental laws, and the other areas
of legal expertise sought by the City;
Expertise in litigation and appellate advocacy in state and federal courts, and effectively
managing outside counsel;
Extensive experience appearing before and advising legislative and administrative
bodies;
Significant experience in land use and redevelopment law;
Proven ability to develop and maintain productive relationships with political bodies,
including city councils, boards of supervisors, other boards and commissions.
Adding to our expertise as well as our cost effectiveness is the Firm's Public Management
Group (PMG). PMG offers a myriad of management consulting services that are fully
integrated with RSHS 's legal services team; these services include negotiations, management
oversight and staff development, human resource management oversight and staff
development, promotional testing, executive recruitment, and classification and
compensation studies. The pairing of PMG's non-attorney consultants alongside our
seasoned legal services team enables RSHS to offer a uniquely cost-effective approach to our
clients.

We maintain offices in San Francisco, Berkeley, Sacramento, Central Coast, and Anaheim .

... . . . . . . .; .. . . .
Anaheim
San FranciS.co Berkeley . . Sacramento Central. Coast I
. ..
350 Sansome Street, 1220 Seventh Street, 555 Capitol Mall, II Seascape 2400 E. Katella,
Ste 300 Ste 300 Ste 600 Village Suite 800
San Francisco, CA Berkeley, CA 94 710 Sacramento, CA Aptos, CA 95003 Anaheim, CA
94104 T: 510.995.5800 95814 T: 415.848.7212 92806
T: 415.678.3800 F: 415.678.3838 T: 916.258.8800 F: 415.678.3838 T: 714.598.0654
F: 415.678.3838 F: 916.258.8801 F: 415.678.3838

Proposal for Legal Services March 10,2017


City of Carmel-By-The-Sea
Page2
,;~ Renne Sloan Ho~zman Sakai LLP The Grunsky Law Firm Pc
~if, Public Law Group" Serving 1hc CommuuitySiucc 1945

B. Background - Grunsky Law Firm

For this Proposal, we are pleased to partner with Alan J. Smith from the Grunsky Law Firm to
provide City Attorney Services. Ms. Shaw would act as Deputy City Attorney. Mr. Smith's
longstanding regional experience and practice area expertise make him the perfect partner for
this project. He would have the support of both the RSHS and Grunsky Law Firm in providing
City Attorney services.

Since 1945, the Grunsky Law Firm has represented clients throughout the Central Coast counties
of Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Benito in a variety of legal matters across numerous areas of
civil law, including real estate, transactional and general governmental law. The Grunsky Law
Firm has a substantial government law practice.

Municipal and government law is a very complex area of the law which demands the ability to
work with both public and private entities. Mr. Smith and his team understand the rules and
operation of these different agencies. Combined with their extensive experience in business and
commercial litigation, they have the knowledge to effectively represent governmental agencies,
both as City Attorney and in other matters concerning zoning, land use, eminent domain,
annexation and public construction. The firm also has a wide range of relevant experience in
transactional, legislative and regulatory matters.

II. Qualifications

Although we work as a team, providing a network oflegal and consulting support for our public
sector clients across all of our practice areas, we are pleased to propose Alan J. Smith, Melissa
Shaw, Allyson Hauck, and Tori Anthony as the proposed team for the City. Mr. Smith would
serve as City Attorney, and Ms. Smith would serve as his Deputy City Attorney. Ms. Hauck and
Ms. Anthony would provide support in the areas of personnel, workers' compensation, employee
relations, CaiPERS and other employee benefits, and negotiations. We also propose a number of
other attorneys to provide additional support, including James Libien, who focuses on workers
compensation advice, including the establishment of workers compensation carve outs, and
Nancy Miller, who provides general counsel and land use advice and representation to local
public agencies across California.

Copies of resumes for Mr. Smith, Ms. Hauck, and Ms. Anthony are included as Attachment A.

Alan J. Smith is a shareholder with the Grunsky Law Firm. He completed his undergraduate
work at the University of California, Los Angeles and Chapman University, and received his JD
from University of the Pacific's McGeorge School of Law in 1979. Mr. Smith has served as the
City Attorney for the City of Watsonville since December 1995. Between 1996 and 1999, he
served on the Community Service Policy Committee of the League of California Cities and was

Proposal for Legal Services March 10,2017


City of Carmel-By-The-Sea
Page 3
,;~ Renne Sloan Ho~zman Sakai LLP
liit.ll" Public Law Group"

a member of the League's City Attorney's Department Legislative Committee in 1998 and 1999.
In 2009 he began a two year term as Monterey Bay Division representative to the League of
Cities Legal Advocacy Committee.

Melissa Shaw is a new associate with the Grunsky Law Firm. Prior to joining the Grunsky Law
Firm, Ms. Shaw worked at Anglin, Flewelling, Rasmussen, Campbell & Trytten LLP
(AFRCT) and Epport, Richman & Robbins, LLP, where she provided full-service legal advice on
business law and handled various bankruptcy matters, receiverships, and collections. Melissa
also worked for a small downtown firm where she practiced labor law and specialized in wage
and hour litigation. Melissa graduated from Loyola Law School, Los Angeles in 2004. During
law school, Melissa was involved with the Center for Conflict Resolution, which provides
mediation, conciliation, and facilitation services to members of the community. Melissa received
her Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Development with a minor in Political Science from
University of California, San Diego in 200 I. Melissa is admitted to practice in California and in
the Northern, Central, Eastern, and Southern Districts of California.

Allyson Hauck practices in the areas of Labor Relations and Labor Law, focusing on collective
bargaining issues, contract negotiations, unfair labor practice charges and fact-finding hearings.
She has significant experience handling complex labor negotiations addressing municipalities in
fiscal distress and has achieved significant structural changes to address these fiscal challenges.
Ms. Hauck also provides trainings to clients on a variety of topics, including AB 1825 Sexual
Harassment, Discrimination and Bullying Prevention, Integrated Disability Management
(FMLA, CFRA, PDL, ADA), Labor Negotiations and Fact-finding, Contracting Out Services,
and Drafting Employment Contracts and Services Agreements.

In addition to the Firm's public entity clients, Ms. Hauck represents many of the Firm's non-
profit clients, providing employment advice, negotiating labor contracts, as well as advising on a
variety of legal issues unique to non-profit organizations. Ms. Hauck earned her J.D. from the
Northeastern School of Law and a Master's in Public Health from Tufts School of Medicine. Ms.
Hauck is based out of Aptos.

Tori Anthony is an Associate in the Firm; she specializes in labor relations, labor law, and
employment litigation. Ms. Anthony has experience working on collective bargaining issues,
contract negotiations, mediations, fact-finding hearings comprehensive compensation studies.
Ms. Anthony joined the firm in 2016 after graduating from Santa Clara University, School of
Law. Ms. Anthony is based out of Aptos.

Proposal for Legal Services March 10,2017


City of Carmel-By-The-Sea
Page4
~~ Renne Sloan Ho~zman Sakai LLP
, . , Public Law Group"

III. Scope of Services

As noted above, Mr. Smith would be the designated City Attorney for the City, with support
from Ms. Shaw. In addition, Ms. Hauck and Ms. Anthony would provide support as necessary,
particularly with respect to personnel, labor, and employment matters.

This team provides a particular depth that is not available through an individual City Attorney or
from most single law firms. Together, we have decades of experience representing public
agencies in all areas, from Brown Act and Public Records Act compliance, to CEQA, land use
and California Coastal Act questions to labor and employment advice and representation,
including employee discipline, EEO, CalPERS, OPEB and PERB advice and litigation.

A. Presence at Meetings and Office

We have special expertise on all aspects of the rules governing public meetings (Brown Act) and
public disclosure (Public Records Act). Mr. Smith has served as City Attorney for Watsonville
for nearly twenty years and RSHS has served as General Counsel and/or City Attorney for the
City of Santa Rosa, City of Brisbane, City of Richmond, and Kensington Police Protection and
Community Services District.

Mr. Smith would be available to attend all City Council meetings, including closed sessions. As
discussed in this proposal, the attorneys proposed to provide services to the City are very
experienced attorneys who are able to provide immediate service to the Council and City staff.

B. Working Relationship

Our preferred working relationship with the City Council, City Manager and City staff is based
on excellent communication, understanding and respect for the differing policy and operational
roles of the Council and staff, mutual trust and confidence that the best and most professional
legal advice is being provided. We work as a team to enable City decision-makers to accomplish
their goals while minimizing legal risk.

We recognize that City Council members exercise their authority as constituent members of a
deliberative body, and that the Council, rather than any individual council member, provides
direction to the City Attorney and City staff. It is the Council's prerogative to determine how,
and under what circumstances, individual council members could call upon the City Attorney for
legal advice regarding City matters.

We understand that responding in a timely fashion to questions from the City Council and City
Manager is critically important. We attempt to respond to Council member inquiries either
immediately, if available, or as quickly as possible depending on the complexity of the issue,

Proposal for Legal Services March 10,2017


City of Carmel-By-The-Sea
Page 5
,;;~ Renne Sloan Ho~zman Sakai LLP
lijf, Public Law Group"

with similar response times to the City Manager. RSHS understands the importance of having
the City Attorney available for any critical incidents that occur and will provide immediate legal
assistance for any matter that arises. In this respect, the value of our team approach is that your
legal staff can expand and contract based upon need.

C. Legal Research

Being on top of legal developments helps Firm attorneys from both firms advise clients before
problems arise. The Firm has a continuing commitment to professional development and staying
current on legal developments. Many of our attorneys contribute to various legal publications,
writing articles and bulletins on developments and analyzing their practical impacts on public
agencies. RSHS attorney Jeff Sloan is a co-author of the popular public sector labor law treatise,
California Public Sector Labor Relations (Lexis-Nexis). He authors a monthly column on public
sector labor law issues, published in California Labor Law Letter (HRHero.com, a division of
BLR). Additionally, RSHS attorneys and consultants often publish "white papers" that provide
an extensive analysis on a particular topic and provides recommendations for implementation or
avoidance. 1 RSHS attorneys also write articles for various public sector periodicals including
CPER, the California Labor & Employment Law Review, and the California Labor &
Employment Law Bulletin. Also, Tim Yeung, a partner with the Firm, has one of the most
popular blogs on labor relations, the California PERB blog. He frequently updates the PERB
blog with decisions and commentary describing their impact on labor relations and he regularly
tracks PERB 's progress through its docket. All of these articles can be found at no cost on the
Firm's website (http://www.publiclawgroup.com/articles).

D. Representation in Litigation and Managing Outside Counsel

Our Firms provide vigorous and effective representation of our clients before federal and state
courts, and administrative agencies. We have extensive experience at both the trial court and
appellate stages of litigation. We have represented clients on a broad range of government law
and constitutional issues, including but not limited to First Amendment matters, labor and
employment issues, government transparency matters, and contract disputes.

RSHS attorneys include many former city attorneys, including Louise Renne, Judith Propp and
Randy Riddle who have managed outside counsel contracts for litigation and specialized
transactional matters. RSHS understands the City's need to obtain and monitor outside legal
services when necessary through a fair selection process and at reasonable negotiated rates.

1
Recent topics for the Finn's "white papers" include a progressive and economical alternative to traditional
workers' compensation, 2014 changes to statutes administered by PERB, Fact Finding uoder AB 646, a guide to
pension reform and AB 340 and AB 197, and an executive summary on AB 506.

Proposal for Legal Services March 10,2017


City of Carmel-By-The-Sea
Page 6
,;~ Renne Sloan Ho~zman Sakai LLP
,..., Public Law Group"

When it is appropriate and efficient, and RSHS has the expertise for particular litigation matters
not generally handled in house by the city attorney staff, RSHS may be considered for
assignment of cases. Other law firms who have expertise in specific areas of the law should also
be considered when the need arises.

E. Request for Proposals

The Firm has extensive experience with the issuance, review and awarding contracts through the
counties highly regulated RFP process and have provided advice to public agencies on such
matters currently.

F. Negotiations

RSHS conducts labor negotiations and provides personnel and employment advice throughout
the state. Ms. Hauck and Ms. Anthony provide these services for clients throughout the state,
including: City of Monterey, City of Watsonville, City of Capitola, City of Morgan Hill, Town
of Los Gatos, City of Palo Alto, HalfMoon Bay, Santa Cruz County, Monterey County, and San
Benito County. RSHS professionals have worked extensively with labor organizations
representing every type and level of public sector employees and covering all critical issues,
from simple compensation issues to pension and healthcare reform.

IV. Conflicts oflnterest

The Firm has not made any political contributions of money, in-kind services, or loans to any
member of the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea within in the last five years.

Please see attachment B for a complete list of our clients

If retained by the City, the proposed team will commit to providing the necessary availability and
time to address the City's legal support requirements. The Firm maintains full offices in San
Francisco, Berkeley, Sacramento, Orange County, and the Central Coast and the Firm's attorneys
have the resources of each office available. Currently and in the foreseeable future, we do not
anticipate any issues that would prevent us from providing services to the City.

Proposal for Legal Services March 10,2017


City of Carmel-By-The-Sea
Page 7
,;" Renne Sloan Ho~zman Sakai LLP ~ The Grunsky Law FirmPc
'ijf, Public Law Group" ~ Scrv/ug7heCcmummitySiuccl945

V. References

RSHS REFERENCES: GRUNSKY REFERENCES:


Nathalie Manning Charles Montoya
Assistant City Manager City Manager
City of Watsonville City of Watsonville
831-789-3020 831-768-3010

Laurel Prevetti Don Freeman


Town Manager City Attorney
Town of Los Gatos City of Carmel
408-354-6832 831-624-5339 ext. 1!

VI. FEE SCHEDULE AND ENGAGEMENT LETTER

The Firm's regular public sector billing rates for our team are as follows:

Attorneys 2017 Hourly Rate


Alan Smith $3!5
Melissa Smith $215
Allyson Hauck $305
Tori Anthony $2!5

The above rates will be subject to increase of no more than 5% annually effective on or after July
I, 2018.

Travel time will be limited to 1.5 hours per round trip travel.

Billing is done in Ill Oth of an hour increments.

We bill on a monthly basis for services performed and costs incurred. Payment is due within 30
days of the date an invoice is rendered. Past due amounts will be shown on the invoice.

We would be pleased to provide an estimate of costs for the negotiations upon learning more
about the scope of the assignment.

Proposal for Legal Services March 10,2017


City of Carmel-By-The-Sea
Page 8
4
'lf,
Renne Sloan Hottzman Sakai LLP
Public Law Group'

ATTACHMENT A:

Resumes of Proposed Team


Alan J. Smith
Trusted legal advisor to local government, business and agriculture.

Summary
I worked before law school for economic reasons and to make me be a better lawyer after. I am fond of the
saying seek first to understand, then to be understood. So I worked in manufacturing and service jobs. I then
served in the US Army Military Police at Fort Ord, CA, West Point, NY and Long Binh, VietNam for two
years, honorably discharged as a "Buck" Sergeant, E-5. I was a title officer for a nationwide title company
ih several San Francisco Bay Area counties for two years before attending law school. While in law school I
worked for "good guy" lobbyists in Sacramento, the United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of
California and as an administrative hearing office for the State of California.

Like Clint Eastwood, I was drawn to the Monterey Bay Area while stationed at Ft. Ord and moved here to live
after law school and never left. I was drawn to Watsonville. I tell those lucky enough to be born here that I
chose to come here to live.

I volunteer in my community. My son and I agree: to whom much is given, much is required. I chaired the
Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors for 15 months after the Lorna Prieta Earthquake,
leading the re-financing and re-construction ofthe Chamber's building on Main Street, Watsonville. I have
been elected five times and served 22 years on the Cabrillo College Governing Board, four of those years
as elected Board Chair. I chaired the committee that selected the College's interim president in 2013 and the
current college president in 2014. I am a 1997-98 graduate of Leadership Santa Cruz County and a 2000
graduate of Agri-Culture's Focus Agriculture program. I also currently serve on the Boards ofthe Santa Cruz
County Law Library and the Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce.

Experience
City Attorney at City of Watsonville
December 1995 - Present (21 years 4 months)
The City Attorney represents and advises the Council and all City officers in all matters of law
pertaining to their offices; represents and appears for the City in any or all actions and proceedings in which
the City is concerned or is a party, and represents and appears for any City officer or employee or fonner
City officer or employee in any or all actions and proceedings in which any such City officer or employee is
concerned or is a party, for any action arising out of employment or by
reason of his official capacity; attends all meetings of the Council and gives advice or opinion in writing
whenever requested to do so by the Council or by any of the boards or officers ofthe City; approves the form
of all bonds given to and all contracts made by the City, endorsing approval in writing; prepares all proposed
ordinances, contracts and other legal instruments for the City; prosecutes on behalf of the City all cases for

Pagel
violation of the Charter, City ordinances and other City laws and regulations; and perfonns such other legal
duties consistent with the Charter as may be required by the Council.

Attorney at The Grunsky Law Firm, P. C.


August 1982 - Present (34 years 8 months)
I am a shareholder/owner of the finn. My practice emphasizes business, local government, real estate, and
agricultural law. I also supervise the firm's technology.

Attorney at Noland, Hamerly, Etienne & Hoss


October 1979 - August 1982 (2 years II months)
Associate attorney emphasizing civil litigation, especially real estate, commercial and business litigation.

Paralegal Technician at National Park Service


July 1977 - September 1979 (2 years 3 months)
Prosecuted Constitutional criminal Petty Offenses before US Magistrate Donald W. Pitts in US Magistrate's
Court in Yosemite Valley, California

Legislative Intern at California Rural Legal Assistance, Inc.


1974 - 1976 (2 years)
Review all bills coming out of the State Legislature on a daily basis and detern1ined relevancy to mission of
CRLA and Senior Citizens Law Center. CRLA was following agricultural pesticide, bi-lingual education,
migrant worker rights and similar issues

Legislative Intern at Western Center On Law and Poverty


1974 - 1976 (2 years)
Review all bills coming out of the State Legislature on a daily basis and detennined relevancy to mission of
WCLP. WCLP was following consumer rights, used car warranties, urban education, consumer financing
code and similar issues.

Title Officer at Safeco Insurance


1972 - 1974 (2 years)
Title Officer and Foreclosure Officer at Security Title Insurance Company, a subsidiary of Safeco Insurance
Company. Worked primarily in Solano and Contra Costa counties .. I also researched special project tideland
issues in Napa and San Joaquin counties.

General Laborer at Thunderbird Irrigation


Aprill971 - May 1972 (I year 2 months)
I worked as a general laborer at the company's then headquarters in Santa Ana California. I operated drill
presses, grinders, fork lifts and loaded and unloaded trucks.

Sergeant, E-5 at US Army


January 1969 - November 1970 (I year 11 months)

Page2
Basic training at Fort Ord, CA. Advanced Military Police Training at US Army Military Police School, Fort
Stewart, GA. Stationed at 57th Military Police Company, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY
and Security Guard Company, US Army Depot, Long Binh, Republic of VietNam. Honorable Discharge as
Sargeant, E-5. Soldier of Month, Security Guard Company. Soldier of Month, US Army Depot, Long Binh,
VietNam. Soldier of Quarter, US Army Depot, Long Binh, VietNam, Finalist, Soldier of Quarter, Saigon
Support Command, VietNam. Honorably discharged as Sergeant E-5, aka "Buck Sergeant".

Education
Chapman University
BA, 1971 - 1972
Activities and Societies: Big Brothers -Big Sisters of Orange County
University ofthe Pacific- McGeorge School of Law
J.D.
Activities and Societies: Traynor Honorary Society, Finalist Best Oral Moot Court Advocacy, Finalist Best
Written Moot Court Advocacy

Volunteer Experience
Webmaster at Monterey Bay Area Council Boy Scouts of America Provisional Troop 634
November 2009 - August 2010
I was webmaster to the District Wide provisional troop attending the National Boy Scout Jamboree at Fort
A.P. Hill, Virginia from July 26 to August 4, 2010

Elected Trustee, District 6 at Cabrillo College


November 1994 - Present
For over 20 years I have served the Cabrillo Community College District as the elected representative of
Trustee District 6, serving three terms as chair of the Board and Chair of the Board's 2013 Colllege President
Search Committee.

Member of the Board of Directors at Santa Cruz Chamber of Commerce


December 2015 - Present

Page3
The La.w Firn:1 PC

Melissa Shaw
Melissa Shaw just recently joined the Grunsky Law Firm. Her practice area will include
Government Law.

Prior to joining the Grunsky law firm, Ms. Shaw was recently an associate at Anglin, Flewelling,
Rasmussen, Campbell & Trytten LLP (AFRCT) in the litigation department. Melissa's significant cases
include Gorton v. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., 2013 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 86006 (C.D. Cal. June 3, 2013) (one of the
first case holding that the Home Owners' Bill of Rights is preempted by the Home Owners' Loan Act); Omega
v. Wells Fargo & Co., 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 28081 (N.D. Cal., Mar. 2, 2012) (denial of a motion to remand
which was based on a nominal party argument); Omega v. Wells Fargo & Co., 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 83110
(N.D. Cal., June 15, 2012) (recommendations that attorneys' fees be awarded against plaintiffs' counsel);
and Knowles v. Lieberg, eta!., Los Angeles County Superior Court, Case No. BC454759 (Successfully
litigated a partnership dissolution up through a court trial). Prior to joining AFRCT, Melissa worked at Epport,
Richman & Robbins, LLP, where she represented First Federal Bank of California and handled bankruptcy
matters, receiverships, and collections. Melissa also worked for a small downtown firm where she practiced
labor law and specialized in wage and hour litigation.

Melissa graduated from Loyola Law School, Los Angeles in 2004. During law school, Melissa was involved
with the Center for Conflict Resolution, which provides mediation, conciliation, and facilitation services to
members of the community. Melissa received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Development with a
minor in Political Science from University of California, San Diego in 2001. Melissa is admitted to practice in
California and in the Northern, Central, Eastern, and Southern Districts of California.
,;~ Renne Sloan Ho~zman Sakai LLP
l{f, Public Law Group"

Allyson Hauck
Partner
EXPERIENCE
Allyson Hauck is a partner with Renne Sloan Holtzman Sakai LLP. Allyson joined
the firm in 2007 to represent public and non-profit entities in labor and
employment matters. She practices in the areas of Labor Relations and Labor
Law, focusing on collective bargaining issues, contract negotiations, unfair labor
practice charges and fact-finding hearings. She has significant experience
CENTRAL COAST OFFICE handling complex labor negotiations addressing municipalities in fiscal distress
t: 415.848.7212 and has achieved significant structural changes to address these fiscal
challenges.
f: 415.678.3838
Allyson also focuses her practice on personnel matters, providing advice and
ahauck@publiclawgroup.com
counsel regarding employer's obligations under the Fair Employment and
Housing Act (FEHA), Title VII, Family Medical Leave Act, the California Family
PRACTICE AREAS Rights Act (CFRA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as well as the
numerous California leave laws.
Employment Law & Litigation
In addition to her labor and employment practice, Allyson is trained to conduct
Labor Relations & Labor Law
Title IX investigations involving sexual violence and harassment allegations on
college campuses. She has previously provided representation to Universities
during the hearing process on these matters. Related to this representation, Ms.
BAR ADMISSION
Hauck completed the Northeastern University Domestic Violence Clinic during law
California school, receiving training in trauma-focused representation and assisting victims
Massachusetts of domestic violence in restraining order and harassment order cases, as well as
providing legal guidance to victims of sexual assault and domestic violence at the
Boston Medical Center emergency room. Following law school, Ms. Hauck
EDUCATION provided volunteer and pro-bono assistance to victims of sexual assault at the
Boston Area Rape Crisis Center and the Victim Rights Law Center.
Northeastern School of Law, JD
Tufts School of Medicine, MPH Allyson also provides trainings to clients on a variety of matters including AB 1825
Harassment and Abusive Conduct Prevention, Pregnancy-related Disability Leave
University of CA, Santa Barbara, BA
and Accommodation, and Negotiations 101 for Public Entities and Non-Profits.
Allyson began her legal career working at a litigation firm in Boston,
Massachusetts on public interest issues that included lead paint, pharmaceutical
and toxic exposure litigation. She also has a background in policy and
government, working on alcohol, tobacco and drug policy for a national public
health research organization, and working on staff for United States Senator
Dianne Feinstein and then California State Senator Jackie Speier. During law
school, Allyson worked as a clerk for the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals and as a
legal intern for Union-side labor law firm in New York City.

350 Sansome Street, 555 Capitol Mall 1220 Seventh Street, 2400 E. Katella
11 Seascape Village
Suite 300 Suite 600 Suite 300 Suite 800
Aptos, CA 95003 Anaheim, CA 92806
San Francisco, CA 94104 Sacramento, CA 95814 Berkeley, CA 94710
~~ Renne Sloan Ho~zman Sakai LLP
. , Public Law Group 0

Presentations and Publications


Integrated Disability Management, National Emergency Number Association, California Chapter Annual Conference,
San Diego, 2017.

Getting to Yes, Negotiating Labor Contracts, 2016 CALPELRA Annual Conference.

The Most Important Relationship You'll Even Have: HR and Finance, 2015 CALPELRA Annual Conference.

AB 1522 Sick Leave for All, 2015 CPAAC Annual Spring Conference.
It's All In The Numbers: Using Financial Information In Bargaining And Factfinding, 2014 CALPELRA Annual
Conference.

The Affordable Care Act, Impacts at the Negotiations Table, 2014 California Bar Labor and Employment
Conference.

Tools for Productive Labor Negotiations, 2013 Municipal Management Association of Northern California
Conference.

Contracting Out, 2013 County Personnel Administrators Association of California Fall Conference.

Factfinding in the Post-AB 646 Era, 2013 NCCIPMA-HR Workshop

Retiree Health Coverage: Leveraging the Affordable Care Act in the City of Modesto (co-author Eugene Parks),
Bender's California Labor & Employment Bulletin, (October 2014)

Lessons Learned from a City's Move Towards Bankruptcy: First Look at AB 506 in Action (co-author with Genevieve
Ng), Bender's California Labor & Employment Bulletin, Volume 2013 No. 9 (September 2013)

When Firmly Held Religious Beliefs Conflict With the Right to Wedded Bliss (co-author with Emily Prescott and Dana
Barton), California Public Employee Relations Journal, Issue 191 (August 2008)

350 Sansome Street, 555 Capitol Mall 1220 Seventh Street, 2400 E. Katella
11 Seascape Village
Suite 300 Suite 600 Suite 300 Suite 800
Aptos, CA 95003
San Francisco, CA 941 04 Sacramento, CA 95814 Berkeley, CA 94710 Anaheim, CA 92806
,;;~ Renne Sloan Ho~zman Sakai LLP
~, Public Law Group''

Tori Anthony
Associate
EXPERIENCE
Tori Anthony is an associate specializing in labor relations, labor law, and
employment litigation. Ms. Anthony joined the firm in 2016 after graduating from
Santa Clara University, School of Law.

APTOS OFFICE RELATED EXPERIENCE


t: 415-678-3812 Prior to joining Renne Sloan Holtzman Sakai full time, Ms. Anthony worked as a
law clerk for Renne Sloan Holtzman Sakai for two summers during law school.
f: 415-678-3838
During these summers Ms. Anthony worked on collective bargaining issues,
tanthony@publiclawgroup.com contract negotiations, mediations, fact-finding hearings comprehensive
compensation studies. Ms. Anthony also interned with Santa Clara County
Counsel in the Labor and Employment Section assisting with personnel board
PRACTICE AREAS hearings, researching and drafting responses to employment and labor matters.
Labor Relations & Labor Law
During law school, Ms. Anthony worked as a research fellow at the Panetta
Employment Law & Litigation Institute for Public Policy for two semesters where she wrote policy papers, and
BAR ADMISSION researched and summarized current affairs for Secretary Panetta's annual lecture
series. Ms. Anthony was also a comments editor on the Santa Clara Law Review.
California
Prior to law school, Ms. Anthony worked for the City of Palo Alto as a management
EDUCATION analyst in the human resources department, where she worked on labor contracts,
Santa Clara University, School of Law, compensations studies, and hiring practices.
JD, Magna Cum Laude

University of California, Los Angeles, BA

350 Sansome Street, 555 Ca itol Mall 1220 Seventh Street, 2400 E. Katella
Suite 300 11 Seascape Village Suite 800
Suit 600 Suite 300
Aptos, CA 95003
San Francisco, CA 94104 Sacramento, CA 95814 Berkeley, CA 94710 Anaheim, CA 92806
~~ Renne Sloan Hottzman Sakai LLP The Grunsky Law Firm PC
lijf,. Public Law Group' Scrvilrg The ComrmmitySltrcc 1945

ATTACHMENT B:

List of Clients
,;;" Renne Sloan Hottzman Sakai LLP
~JII' Public Law Groupe

Attachment B

Full Client List

4CCOUNCIL BURBANK DEPTOFWATERRES


50+1 STRATEGIES BURLINGAME DESERT HOT SPRINGS
AFRICAN AMERICAN ART CASTATEBAR DIAL
& CULTURAL CENTER CA STATE SENATE DOGPATCHNWPHGBD
ABC SECURITY CALAVERAS CO DROBOT
ACTRANSIT CALTRANS DSH
ACCLAMATION INS EAST PALO ALTO
CAPITOLA
ACTION NOW CA AIR RESOURCES EBMUD
AJWinc BOARD EDC
ALAMEDA CITY CARTER WEST EDUCATION MATTERS
ALAMEDA COUNTY CASPER EL BETHEL BAPTIST
ALAMEDACTC CCPOA ELDORADO CTC
ALAMEDA HEALTH CENTER LAW ENFORCE ELDORADO CWA
ALLIANCE HEALTH CENTRAL CONTRA CSD ELDORADO
ARGICULTURAL LABOR CENTRAL MARKET CBD ELDER ABUSE
RELATIONS BOARD CERRITOS EMERYVILLE OVERSIGHT
ALUMROCKCC CA FAIR FINANCING ENCOMPASS
AMADORCTC AUTHORITY
ENVISION EDUCATION
AMMEL PARK HOMES CFSA
EQUITY OFFICE
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE CHAC
OF THE COURTS ETHAN CONRAD
CHINESE CHAMBER OF
APTOS LA SELVA FPD COMMERCES FAIRFIELD
ARNOLD PORTER LLP CIRM FDCCD
ASIAN HEALTH CIVIC PIT STOP FOLEY-SCOTT, R
AUTO PARTS LIT CONCORD FOSTER CITY
BAAQMD CONNECTOR JPA FREMONT CITY
BAY AREA COUNCIL CONTRA COSTA CO FRESNO CITY
BAY AREA RAPID TR COOPERATIVE AG SS FUTTERMAN DUPREE
BEAUMONT CORTE MADERA GGBHT DISTRICT
BELMONT CSAC GILROY
BENICIA CUPERTINO GLENN CO
BERKELEY cusc GMA INVESTORS
BIZZ JOHNSON HWY JP A DALY CITY GOLDEN STATE
BRENTWOOD DAVIS GRHCBD
BRISBANE DEPT OF JUSTICE GSWARRIORS

1 of3
,;~ Renne Sloan Ho~zman Sakai LLP
. , . Public Law Group 0

Attachment B

Full Client List

HALF MOON BAY MARJNWOOD PALO ALTO


HANFORD CITY MARSH INSURANCE PARATRANSIT INC
HANSON BRIDGETT MENLO PARK PARENTS ED
HEALDSBURG METROLINK PASADENA AREA CCD
HOT ITALIAN METROPOLITAN TC PERALTA
HOUSING AUTH MEYERS NAVE PETALUMA OVERSIGHT
MONTEREY
MILLER & OWEN PG&E
HPSJ MILPITAS PINOLE
INDIAN WELLS PITTSBURG
MODESTO, CITY
JAPAN CENTER MODOCCTC PLACER COUNTY TPA
JCC LEADERSHIP MONTEREY CITY PORT OF OAK
JUDGE JOHNSON
MONTEREY CO PORTOLA VALLEY
KENSINGTON PURISSIMA HILLS
MORGAN HILL OB
KERMAN RALPH ANDERSEN
MORGAN HILL
KERN COUNTY MOUNTAIN HOUSE RAY, JENNIFER
KID ANGO MOUNTAIN VIEW REDDING
KING CITY OVERSIGHT
MTA REDWOODCEA
LA CLINICA DE LA RAZA NAPA CO FAIR ASSN RICHMOND
LA COUNTY COUNSEL NAPA COUNTY RJP FRAMING Inc
LA FAMILIA
NAPALAFCO ROCKLIN
LALAFCO
NAPA ROSEVILLE
LANCASTER ROSS COMMUNICATIONS
NCCTINC
LASSEN CO NEVADACTC ROSS SANITARY
LATHROP RPAL
NEW MEXICO
LEAGUE OF CA CITIES NEW YORK CITY RUBICON GSA
LIVERMORE
NEWARK RUTTER PROJECT
LOS ALTOS CITY NEWHALL COUNTY WD S. SAN FRAN
LOS ANGELES
NEWPORT BEACH SACLAFCO
LOS GATOS
NVTA SACRASAOB
LYCEE FRANCAIS
OAKLAND SACRAMENTO AREA COG
MADERA COUNTY SACRAMENTO KINGS
ORANGE CO
MARIN COUNTY SACRAMENTO METRO
OROVILLE CITY
MARIN MUNICIPAL AQMD
OWENS, JEANNETTE
MARIN ROWING
OXNARD

2 of3
1. Renne Sloan Ho~zman Sakai LLP
'I Public Law Groupo
Attachment B

Full Client List

SACRAMENTO SF ZOOLOGICAL TRANSBAY JPA


PLACERVILLE TC TRUTH ABOUT OAK
SFCCD
SACRAMENTO SUPR TULARE
SFHA
SACRAMENTO SFUSD TUOLUMNE CO
SALINAS SIERRA CLUB SF UCDAVIS
SALUDPLG CHAPTER UCEDP
SAN BENITO SIERRA CLUB UCREGENTS
SAN BERNARDINO CO SMG MGMT, INC. UNITY COUNCIL
SAN BRUNO SMUD URBAN FUTURES
SAN DIEGO SOLANO CO URBAN PLANNING
SAN FRANCISCO SONOMA CO VALLEJO
SAN GABRIEL SOUTH PLACER RTA VII PAC SHORES
SAN JOAQUIN SOUTH PLACER WA VTS
SAN JOSE SPARGER TECH WATSONVILLE
SAN LUIS OBISPO CITY STANISLAUS CO OB WESTSIDE COMMUNITY
SAN LUIS OBISPO STANISLAUS WHEELER
SAN PABLO STANTON, S WILSON ELSER
SANTA BARBARA CO STATEFEDERALCWA WOODLAND
SANTA CLARA CITY STOCKTON WU YEE CHILDRENS
SANTA CLARA CO SUCCESSOR AGENCY YBCA
SANTA CLARA VTA SUNNYVALE YBCBD
SANTA CLARA VWD SUTTER CO YUBA CITY
SANTA CRUZ CITY SUTTON LAW FIRM YUBA CO
SANTA CRUZ CO SWCCD ZAREH ASSOCIATES
SANTA CRUZ IHSS TAYLORS MARKET
SANTA MONICA TEHAMA
OVERSIGHT
TELISCHAK & CO
SANTA ROSA TEMPESTA,E
SAUSALITO TENDERLOIN CBD
SBCOE THIRD BAPTIST GRDN
SCOTTS VALLEY THIRD BAPTIST
SF CLEAN CITY TIBURCIO VASQUEZ/
SFLAFCO TLCSINC
SF SUPERIOR COURT TRACY

3 of3

You might also like