Brian Turlington Joins
Monterey County Film Commission Board
Brian Turlington has joined the Board of Directors of the Monterey County Film Commission, a non-profit organization that promotes Monterey County as a location for the production of motion pictures, television productions, commercials, and other similar works. The Monterey County Film Commission's goal is to stimulate the local economy by bringing film production crews to the area. According to the Monterey County Film Commission, film production contributes an average of $4 million annually to the area's economy.
Jay Menchaca and Sheryl Ainsworth Appointed to
Monterey County Bar Executive Committee
Jay Menchaca has been appointed Secretary to the MCBA Executive Committee. He has served on the Committee for two years as a representative of La Raza Lawyers. Sheryl is serving for the first time. Appointments are annual.
Sheryl Ainsworth Elected to Board of Watsonville Law Center
Sheryl Ainsworth has been elected to the Board of the Watsonville Law Center, which provides free legal services to low-income individuals, primarily through advice clinics. She will serve for a minimum of three years.
Troy Kingshaven Joins Fenton & Keller
Troy A. Kingshaven has joined the law firm of Fenton & Keller. Mr. Kingshaven serves the firm’s clients in all areas of business and transactional law, including real estate law and forming and advising corporations, partnerships, and limited liability companies. Mr. Kingshaven also provides individual and business clients with sophisticated tax planning advice and represents clients in tax controversies involving the Internal Revenue Service, Franchise Tax Board, Board of Equalization and County Assessor.
Before joining Fenton & Keller, Mr. Kingshaven practiced law as an associate with the San Diego law of Seltzer Caplan McMahon Vitek before opening his own law firm in 2004.
Mr. Kingshaven is a 1997 graduate of the University of California, Davis King Hall School of Law. He received his postdoctoral degree (L.L.M.) in Taxation in 1998 from the University of San Diego, where he was a Graduate Law Merit Scholar. Mr. Kingshaven attended Carmel High School and is a 1993 graduate of the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he was a Regents Scholar.
Pajaro Valley USD: Verdict Affirmed
Fenton & Keller represented the Pajaro Valley Unified School District in a case that went to trial in February of 2006. The case involved "negligent supervision" and "negligent discipline" claims against the Ohlone Elementary School. Fenton & Keller was successful in the trial, with the jury finding that there was no negligence. The plaintiff thereafter appealed the verdict of the jury to the Sixth District Court of Appeal. The Court of Appeal affirmed the verdict in favor of the District.
Land Use Team Prevails in Appeal of
Major Land Use/CEQA Case
On June 13, 2007, the California Supreme Court let stand the Sixth District Court of Appeal’s decision in LandWatch v. County of Monterey by denying a petition for review filed by LandWatch Monterey County. The Court of Appeal had held that the County of Monterey complied with CEQA in adopting a mitigated negative declaration, instead of an environmental impact report, for a 28-lot subdivision in North Monterey County, an area with recognized and well-documented groundwater supply issues. The subdivision included engineered retention ponds and percolation pits to enhance groundwater recharge. The Court of Appeal ruled that, given the highly technical nature of groundwater supply questions, generalized conditions of aquifer overdraft, non-expert staff opinion, and lay anecdotal testimony were insufficient to refute project-specific hydrogeological studies, expert opinions, and other technical information. The Court concluded that extensive technical information in the administrative record supported the County’s determination that the subdivision would not have a significant adverse environmental impact on groundwater resources. The Supreme Court also ordered the Court of Appeal’s opinion depublished.
The case was closely watched by statewide industry groups. Fenton & Keller attorneys John Bridges, David Sweigert and Mark Cameron handled the appeal on behalf of the subdivider.
Sharilyn Payne and Amber Passno serve on the Board of
Central Coast Human Resources Association
Sharilyn Payne currently serves as past president of Central Coast Human Resources Association (CCHRA) a local, nonprofit organization serving California's Central Coast human resource professionals with members from the Monterey Peninsula, Salinas, and surrounding communities.
Amber Passno is serving in her second year as the Legislative Director of CCHRA. Amber monitors and evaluates pending legislation that affects management of human resources, communicate developments to the membership, and assist with providing input to legislators on business and employment related topics.
Jackie McManus and the Advisory Board of
Central Coast Human Resources Association
Jackie is a member of the Advisory Board of Central Coast Human Resources Association (CCHRA). Jackie previously served as CCHRA President and Legislative Director.