APRIL 28 CAJPA LITL IN PERSON TRAINING
SESSION 1: ESSENTIALS OF THE GOVERNMENT CLAIMS ACT
SESSION 2: APPELLATE ISSUES IMPACTING PUBLIC ENTITIES
SESSION 3: MEDIA SAVVY: COMMUNICATING EFFECTIVELY WITH REPORTERS WITHOUT CREATING RISK
Tuesday, April 28, 2026 | 10:30 AM – 2:50 PM
TRAINING SCHEDULE:
10:25 am – 10:30 am – Welcome and Opening Remarks Bob Kretzmer – CAJPA LITL Committee Chair
10:30 am – 11:30 am – Daniel Barer – Essentials of the Government Claims Act
11:30 am – 12:20 pm – Lunch
12:20 pm – 12:30 pm – Sponsor Presentation by Cogent Legal
12:30 pm – 1:30 pm – Peder Batalden – Appellate Issues Impacting Public Entities
1:30 pm – 1:40 pm – Break
1:40 pm – 1:50 pm – Community Matters Presentation
1:50 pm – 2:50 pm – Darrell Smith - Media Savvy: Communicating Effectively with Reporters Without Creating Risk
SESSION DESCRIPTIONS:
Session 1: Essentials of The Government Claims Act
Daniel Barer, Attorney at Law, of Pollak, Vida & Barer, will provide attendees with a review of the most important features of the Government Code relative to claims filed against public entities. Mr. Barer will discuss what to look for when reviewing and responding to a Government Claim. Claims handlers and risk managers will appreciate hearing from Mr. Barer, who has over 35 years of experience practicing law and is certified by the State of California Board of Legal Specialization as an appellate specialist. A trusted advisor to many Joint Powers Authorities throughout the state, his experience includes having argued cases before the California Supreme Court and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Attendees will leave with a better understanding of key elements related to the claims handling process.
Session 2: Appellate Issues Impacting Public Entities
Peder Batalden, Attorney at Law, of Horvitz & Levy, will provide attendees with his insights into recently decided appellate cases as well as his thoughts on some important issues we may see before the appellate courts in the days ahead. Mr. Batalden has over 25 years of experience practicing law as well as years of experience defending public entities in actions brought under AB 218 and 42 U.S.C. section 1983. He has previously chaired the State Bar of California’s Standing Committee on the Federal Courts. Viewed as one of the most trusted appellate attorneys in the state, Mr. Batalden will address cases that will be of interest to the novice as well as the more experienced claims professionals.
Session 3: Media Savvy: Communicating Effectively with Reporters Without Creating Risk
Darrell Smith, Reporter at the Sacramento Bee, will lead this practical, one-hour session on navigating media inquiries when litigation makes headlines. Public agencies and JPAs often face tough questions, tight timelines, and high-stakes public scrutiny, and this session will provide guidance on responding confidently and responsibly. Participants will gain a clearer understanding of how to speak with reporters while protecting the integrity of pending matters and supporting long-term tort reform goals. Darrell will walk through key terminology and rules of engagement — including what “on the record,” “off the record,” and “background” really mean — along with common pitfalls to avoid. The session will also cover do’s and don’ts, message discipline, and how to communicate clearly, ethically, and effectively without creating unnecessary exposure.