Ross Trindle provides a unique blend of broad-based transactional and litigation experience to suit any challenge at every stage of a problem, dispute, or issue. He represents cities, counties, and special districts with extensive experience in state and federal court litigation from inception through trial and on appeal, and acts in the capacity of general counsel and transactional counsel, with emphases on water/wastewater, accessibility, public safety, cannabis, and government technology-body cameras, cybersecurity/electronic privacy, surveillance, unmanned aircraft systems (drones), and alternative energy.
Ross represents clients all over the state. His federal and state litigation practice encompasses complex code enforcement, substandard housing, short-term rentals, premises liability, cannabis regulation, public safety liability, and Government Claims Act matters, among other areas. He also has years of experience advising and advocating in administrative processes before state, county, and local hearing bodies and officers.
Transactional:
• Taxation/Proposition 218 – Assisted the only special district in California with the power to levy a Utility User Tax with a successful ballot tax measure providing much needed funding to a dynamic population of low income residents and college students.
• Accessibility – Lead advisor on accessibility issues under the Americans with Disabilities Act and California accessibility laws for a rapidly developing suburban city for the implementation of modern accessibility standards with building industry buy-in.
• Code Enforcement – Lead advisor on overhaul of client municipal codes and administrative procedures to update and modernize code enforcement and compliance for several cities, including criminal, civil, and administrative enforcement, and cost recovery/judgment enforcement
• Drones – Developed and implemented drone program policies and procedures, flight tracking, maintenance, and incident reporting for drone use for separate public relations and public works infrastructure monitoring programs
Litigation:
• City of Glendora v. Cao, et al. (Los Angeles County Superior Court, 20PSCV00566) – Successful code enforcement case to shut down illegal short-term rental host of “super spreader” party events featured in national media coverage, with recovery of client fees and costs.
• City of Madera v. Lopez, et al. (Madera County Superior Court, MCV086188) – Civil nuisance abatement case, including appointment of a Health & Safety Code receiver to rehabilitate nuisance property with multiple violations, including life-safety concerns, with recovery of client fees and costs.
• Brown v. County of San Bernardino, et al. (United States District Court, Central District of California, 5:20-CV-0116-MCS-SPx) – Summary judgment granted on alleged unlawful detention and use of force during traffic stop triggered by automated license plate reader (ALPR) technology.
• FH II v. City of Chino, et al. (San Bernardino County Superior Court, CIVDS1722359 [Lead Case]) – Successful resolution of multiple, consolidated developer complaints regarding accessibility compliance under the Americans with Disabilities Act and California accessibility laws.
• City of Perris v. Prezidential Meds, et al. (Riverside County Superior Court, RIC 1813363) – Successful resolution of case shutting down illegal cannabis dispensary, with recovery of client fees and costs.
• Mark La Bouef, et al. v. City of Hesperia, et al. (United States District Court, Central District of California, 5:17-CV-02230-JGB-SPx) – Successful resolution of civil rights claims arising from complex code enforcement and zoning issues, resulting in payment of fines, fees, and costs to client.
• City Prosecutor:Cypress, Glendora, Hesperia, Lompoc, Murrieta, Perris, San Dimas
• District Counsel: Isla Vista Community Services District, Los Olivos Community Services District, Palmdale Water District, Santa Maria Valley Water Conservation District, South Montebello Irrigation District
• District Counsel, Santa Rita Hills Community Services District
• Assistant City Attorney, Downey
• Assistant City Attorney, Covina
• Deputy City Attorney, Colton
• Deputy City Attorney, Corona
• Deputy City Attorney, Fontana
• Deputy City Attorney, San Jacinto
• Deputy City Attorney, Upland
• State Bar of California
• Supreme Court of the United States
• United States Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
• US District Court, Central District of CA
• US District Court, Southern District of CA
• Dougherty v. City of Covina, et al., 654 F.3d 892 (9th Cir. 2011), cert. denied 569 U.S. 904 (2013)
• League of California Cities – Early Lessons in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion materials contributor (September 2021)
• California Special Districts Association – UAV/UAS (Drones) model policy author (2020)
• “What Your City Should Know About E-Cigarettes,” Public CEO (2014)
• “‘Stay Put’ Seizure by Law Enforcement Clarified by the Court,” Public CEO (2014)
• “Regionalization and Consolidation of Law Enforcement Services,” Public CEO (2012)
• G. Ross Trindle, III selected as District Counsel for Palmdale Water District, succeeding prior counsel and A&W Partner Eric Dunn (2022)
• G. Ross Trindle, III selected as Special Counsel for Napa County for code enforcement services (2022)
• G. Ross Trindle, III selected as District Counsel for Santa Maria Valley Water Conservation District (2022)
• G. Ross Trindle, III selected as District Counsel for Los Olivos Community Services District (2019)
• G. Ross Trindle, III selected as District Counsel for Isla Vista Community Services District (2018)
• Certificate in High Technology Law: Santa Clara University School of Law (2003)
• Honors Moot Court Board Member
• Honors Moot Court Semi-Finalist
• Upland High School Mock Trial Attorney Coach (2003-2014)
• Claremont High School Mock Trial Attorney Coach (2010-2014)
• Constitutional Rights Foundation California Mock Trial Program: State Finals Scoring Attorney; Program Contributor
• NBI Seminars – Complex Police Liability and Lawsuits (May 2019)
• California Special Districts Association – Up in the Air: Drones for Special Districts (September 2018)
• Santa Clara University School of Law, JD, 2003
• University of California, Santa Barbara, BA, Criminal Justice, 2003