Category: News

Starting in January, new landlord-tenant laws will take effect in California. Here is information about some of these laws. Rental Units Must Have Refrigerators and Stoves California has a law that requires that rental units be habitable. Up to now, to be considered habitable, a rental unit needed to have effective roofs, walls, windows, and doors, plumbing with hot and cold water, electricity, hearing, adequate places to dispose of garbage, and a private mailbox that can be locked. Starting on

What: Contra Costa Senior Legal Services is starting a free Elder Abuse Self-Help Restraining Order Clinic. The clinic will launch on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. When: Every Tuesday (note that there will be no clinic on December 30th and holidays). Time: 8:30am – 11:30 am (note that you must arrive by 11am to receive assistance. If you arrive after 11am, we may not be able to assist you). Where: The clinic will be held at 1026 Escobar Street, Martinez, CA

Please see the interactive Food Distribution Map on Contra Costa and Solano County Food Bank’s website, which is searchable by zip code or city, to find additional resources for food support.

Domestic violence cuts across all ages, socio-economic statuses, and cultural backgrounds. While we may think of it as abuse by a partner, sometimes other family members are the abusers. Victims of domestic violence may have spent a lifetime with their abusers, staying due to financial, cultural, and family pressure. In some cases, victims may not recognize they are being abused because it has become a familiar part of their lives. As people age, they may be reluctant to leave their

A common question we hear from clients is, “Who should I choose to be my agent for my Durable Power of Attorney and Advanced Healthcare Directive?” This is an important decision, yet many people fail to take the time to consider it or discuss it in detail with the potential agent. This can lead to unpleasant consequences down the line. So how do you choose an agent? A Durable Power of Attorney grants your chosen agent the authority to make

September is National Senior Center Month.  Senior centers provide an important venue for elders to socialize, eat a meal, and access important services. Many Contra Costa County cities have seniors centers that host a wide variety of programs. Contra Costa Senior Legal Services understands the important role that senior centers play in the lives of elders. For this reason, we hold many programs at senior centers. Our programs at senior centers include legal clinics and know your rights presentations. Legal

What are they and how do you make them? What is a Reasonable Accommodation request? A reasonable accommodation is: 1)          an exception, 2)          change, 3)          or adjustment to a rule, policy, practice, or service because of a disability. The purpose is to provide tenants with an equal opportunity to use and enjoy the dwelling. See 42 U.S.C. §3604(f)(3)(B); Cal. Gov’t Code § 12927(c)(1). Who can make a Reasonable Accommodation request? A tenant with one or more disabilities; or Any person,

Starting January 1, 2026, significant changes are coming to Medi-Cal asset limits, which will impact how Medi-Cal eligibility is determined for many people. If you or a loved one is navigating long-term care or applying for Medi-Cal, it is crucial to stay informed about these upcoming adjustments. What is changing? Starting January 1, 2026, Medi-Cal will consider assets (what you own) when reviewing eligibility for older adults and people with disabilities as part of the application and renewal process. The

We’re thrilled to welcome Eliot Adelson as the new President of the CCSLS Board of Directors. A partner in Morrison Foerster’s Antitrust Litigation practice, Eliot brings a wealth of legal expertise and a deep commitment to justice. He began his career as a Deputy District Attorney for Alameda County and has continued to serve the public good throughout his career. Eliot has been a dedicated volunteer at our San Ramon Clinic, offering his time and talent to support older adults

July is Disability Pride Month, a time to honor the strength, resilience, and diversity of people with disabilities. It’s a month to celebrate identity, challenge stereotypes, and promote inclusion and accessibility. It also commemorates the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, 1990—a landmark law that affirmed the civil rights of millions. Ways to Celebrate Watch for disability-led stories in the news, such as Good Housekeeping, USA Today, and PBS NewsHour. Learn about key moments in