Senior Legal Hotline A free legal service, by phone and email, for California seniors aged 60+. It seeks in particular to serve low-income seniors, although you do not have to be low-income to receive services. The Hotline has links to other services listed by California county.
On the Commons A national weekly radio show hosted by Shu Bartholomew, who examines CID issues by interviewing stakeholders: industry spokesmen, homeowner advocates, legislators. Her website has an archive of past interviews which can be heard on the Internet using MediaPlayer.
The California Channel C-Span for State Government. This channel broadcasts many legislative and other public hearings.
The State Bar of California The State Bar of California hosts a website listing legal services for low-income persons. It also lists special events for the general public, for example, San Mateo Community Law Night on September 14. You can link from this page to a law librarian to ask a realtime question online.
National Democratic Institute The Institute works with democrats around the world to build civic and political organizations, to safeguard elections, and to promote citizen participation, openness, and accountability in government.
Oakland “Lawyers in the Library” Many public libraries offer “Lawyers in the Library” programs sponsored by county bar associations. Check with your local public library to see if a program is offered in your community.
CalAware Supports and defends open government, an inquiring press, and a citizenry that is free to exchange facts and opinions without fear of punishment or loss.
Community Dispute Resolution Programs Mediation programs provide an alternative method of resolving complaints without having to go to court. Through the mediation process, the individuals involved in a dispute work out their own solutions with the help of a mediator. The mediator does not enforce a decision on the individuals, but helps guide them in reaching a solution. Since the individuals involved in the dispute play active roles in resolving the program, they usually are comfortable and supportive of the solution.
