California Labor Commissioner’s Office (LCO) has cited a Canoga Park-based home care agency and its mother-son owners more than $4.4 million for treating 144 caregivers as independent contractors.

Governor Gavin Newsom has announced an important regulatory update that all employers in California, particularly those pursuing state contracts, need to consider immediately.

In this post, we break down why these outcomes matter, their ripple effects on enforcement, key insights from lead attorney Eric A. Boyajian, and how today’s wins become the legal precedents that protect tomorrow’s workers.

The Inland Empire, especially Riverside and San Bernardino counties, has long been a hub for transportation and warehousing jobs. This sector once thrived due to its proximity to major ports like Long Beach and Los Angeles. However, as of early 2026, the region faces a wave of layoffs that is reshaping the local economy and affecting thousands of workers.

In California, where employment laws are among the nation's strictest, these tactics aren't just unethical, they're often illegal.

Understanding the role of a California employment attorney is the first step toward standing up for ourselves in the workplace.