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California Civil Rights Department (CRD) Reaches Settlement Ending Novato Apartment Complex Ban on Section 8 Vouchers


During Fair Housing Month, we’re highlighting a new $35,000 settlement that will end a Marin County apartment complex’s alleged ban on Section 8 renters. 


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Civil Rights Council Secures Final Approval for Updates to Regulations Protecting Against Discrimination in State-Funded Programs


The Civil Rights Council’s regulations to help ensure state-funded programs are fair and inclusive are now approved. After extensive public hearings and comment, these changes, which go into effect in July, will help better protect the rights of all Californians.


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a teal and green gardient background with the words "california is for everyone. Report hate by calling 833-8-no-hate or visit cavshate.org."

Looking at California’s Hate Reporting Hotline One Year In


Our CA vs Hate team recently met with Ethnic Media Services to discuss CA vs Hate's work to combat hate. Since launching in May 2023, “we have received 823 reports of hate across 79% of the counties in California,” said Chantel Bermudez, senior manager of the hotline. 


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GET WEED WISE!

Debunking Myths About Cannabis Protections at Work

A cartoon cannabis leaf riding a skateboard with the words "Be weed wise. Debunking Myths about Cannabis Protections at Work."."

Did you know California's civil rights protections now protect most workers from being discriminated against for using cannabis on their time off? With 4/20 coming up, let's get into the weeds of the new law and debunk some myths about who's covered and what to look out for at work.

A brown briefcase with the words "Myth. The new cannabis law doesn't apply to my job."

Truth: The potential's high that you're protected by the new law. It applies to public employers like state jobs, plus most private companies with five or more staff. There are certain exceptions for the building or construction trades and jobs that require federal background checks.

A clipboard with a lab sample collection bottle and the words "Myth. Jobs can't drug test for cannabis."

Truth: Employers can still drug test. They just can’t discriminate against you if you test positive for the substances that stay in your system after the effect of THC has worn off. If your job uses a more sensitive test — like one that screens for active THC — and you test positive, your employer may be able to take action against you.

A baby blue cloud rollarblading with the words "The new cannabis law allows me to be high at work."

Truth: To be blunt, while the new cannabis law protects most workers’ right to use cannabis off the clock, employers still have the right to maintain a drug-free workplace. Some employers are even required by state or federal law to have drug-free policies. To be safe, light up at home and don't go to work high!  

Get the Cannabis Guide!

UPCOMING EVENTS

April Is Fair Housing & Second Chance Month

California Civil Rights Department outreach employee Alee smiles at the department's resource table at a Fresno event for Second Chance Month.

Our Outreach and Education team is excited to get into the community for Fair Housing & Second Chance Month! Our first stop this month was at CSU Bakersfield! If you're interested in learning more about how California's civil rights laws protect renters and people with criminal histories, we have several in person and virtual events planned. Check out the events below to find one near you! We also have all our factsheets and educational materials on the resources page of our website.

APRIL

16

Fair Housing for Californians with Disabilities Part 1

Virtual


Learn more about how fair housing laws protect people with disabilities from housing discrimination in part one of this webinar series for people with disabilities. Topics include reasonable accommodations, how to file a complaint with CRD, and other resources.


Event Information

APRIL

17

Fair Housing 101

Virtual


Join us for an interactive webinar for renters, landlords, property managers, and other housing providers. We'll go over rights and responsibilities related to housing discrimination, including protections related to disabilities, source of income, criminal history, and more.


Event Information

APRIL

18

Greater Bakersfield Legal Assistance 11th Annual Fair Housing Conference

Kern County

CRD will share information about how California's fair housing laws protect renters from discrimination at this conference in Bakersfield. Topics covered include support and service animals, gender identity protections, and more.


Event Information

APRIL

19

Making Moves & Making Money: Discovering Prosperity Unifying Black Workers in the High Desert

Virtual


CRD will share how California's civil rights laws can protect workers facing discrimination at this virtual event aimed at addressing systemic barriers and challenges faced by Black workers.


Event Information

APRIL

19

Senior Resource Fair

Sutter County


CRD will share information about how California's civil rights laws protect seniors at this Yuba City event, including source of income, age, and disability discrimination. There will also be other resources at the event including healthcare, nutrition, and caregiver support.


Event Information

APRIL

24

California Commission on the State of Hate Meeting

Virtual


Join the Commission on the State of Hate for its upcoming virtual meeting. Hear updates on the Commission’s efforts to stop hate and more. 


Event Information

APRIL

25

Fair Housing for Californians with Disabilities Part 2

Virtual


Learn more about source of income discrimination, harassment, reasonable modifications, criminal history, tenant disputes, and updates on new fair housing rights and resources in part two of this webinar series for people with disabilities.


Event Information

APRIL

25

Senior PRIDE LGBTQ+ Fair

Sacramento County


CRD will share resources on LGBTQ+ rights and age discrimination at this fair aimed at celebrating and supporting the needs of seniors in the LGBTQ+ community.


Event Information

WORK AT CRD!

Become An Investigator


Do you love gathering facts and evidence? Join our team of investigators and help combat discrimination! You'll investigate discrimination and harassment allegations by collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and helping resolve conflicts between workers, tenants, businesses, landlords, and more. People who are compassionate, multitaskers, and care about civil rights should apply! Click below to see our investigator openings, plus other job opportunities.

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View All CRD Openings
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