As a result of the state budget crisis and resulting 25% budget cuts which resulted in the closing of many the regional offices, the California Secretary of State business entity filing times have dramatically increased since 2009. While this office for over 10 years has been able to file and/or retrieve a document within 3 days without the payment of any additional fees to the Secretary of State, today hand delivered documents and requests presented to Sacramento have average delays of 6-8 weeks absent the remittance of the $350/$750 expedited filing fee. [...]

In California, all employers must meet workplace posting obligations. Workplace postings (employee notices) are usually available at no cost from the requiring state or federal agency. By the October 8, 2010 deadline all California employers must meet the following new workers' compensation posting requirements:

1. ALL California employers MUST post in a conspicuous place frequented by employees (e.g. break room) a new workers' compensation notice titled, [...]

On March 18, 2010, President Barack Obama signed into law the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment Act (HIRE Act). The HIRE Act provides both immediate and deferred tax benefits to employers who hire certain previously unemployed workers (“qualified employees”).

Who is a Qualified Employer?

As stated above, a qualified employer is any employer, other than a federal or state governmental entity.

Who is a Qualified Employee?

A [...]

UPDATE 4-15-2010:
65% COBRA subsidy for up to 15 months extended again through May 31, 2010.

In Mid December of 2009, President Obama signed the 2010 Defense Appropriations Bill, which included an extension of the 65% COBRA Subsidy provision originally enacted last February in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 ("Stimulus [...]

On October 11, 2009, the Governor signed Assembly Bill 1046, which increases California’s statutory homestead exemptions by $25,000. Effective January 1, 2010, the base homestead exemption is $75,000 for a single person, $100,000 for a member of a family unit, and $175,000 for a person who is (1) 65 years of age or older, (2) physically or mentally disabled and unable to work, or (3) 55 years of age or older with a gross annual income of $15,000 or less (or $20,000 or less if married). See, California Code of [...]