California’s E-Scooter Laws: What Every Rider Should Know

By Renee Nordstrand on September 24, 2025

erson wearing black high-top sneakers and rolled-up jeans standing on a black electric scooter on a paved path, with blooming purple flowers and greenery in the background

In recent years, electric scooters (e-scooters) have exploded in popularity across California, particularly in cities like Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, and San Diego.

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Posted in: Personal Injury

Santa Barbara Grand Jury Calls for More E-Bike Enforcement: What You Need to Know

By Renee Nordstrand on September 15, 2025

Row of electric bicycles with visible batteries parked indoors, illustrating e-bike use and safety considerations.

E-bike crashes in Santa Barbara have risen dramatically in recent years. With injuries piling up and widespread confusion about the rules, the Santa Barbara County Civil Grand Jury has taken the unusual step of publicly urging the Santa Barbara Police Department (SBPD) to act.

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Posted in: Bicycle Accident

Is Santa Barbara’s Bicycle Infrastructure Enough to Keep Cyclists Safe?

By Renee Nordstrand on September 14, 2025

Two people ride bicycles along a paved coastal path lined with palm trees, colorful flowers, and lush greenery at sunset. To the right, a beach and ocean stretch into the distance beneath a soft pastel sky, with mountains visible on the horizon

With its coastal views and pleasant climate, Santa Barbara is often considered a cycling haven. From leisure riders cruising Cabrillo Boulevard to commuters winding through downtown’s bike corridors, the city offers diverse cycling experiences.

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Posted in: Bicycle Accident

Riding with the Pack: Legal Tips for Santa Barbara Motorcycle Enthusiasts Attending Local Rides and Events

By Renee Nordstrand on September 7, 2025

A group of motorcyclists ride together on a multi-lane road during daytime, with riders wearing helmets and casual clothing. Trees line the background, and a few cars follow behind in the right lane under a clear blue sky

Santa Barbara offers some of the most scenic and rider-friendly roads on the Central Coast, so it is no surprise that the local motorcycle community is thriving.

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Posted in: Motorcycle Accident

Santa Barbara’s Efforts to Curb E-Bike Accidents

By Renee Nordstrand on September 3, 2025

Close-up view of a black electric bicycle captured from a low angle at sunset, highlighting the battery pack on the frame and handlebars against a clear blue sky

In recent years, electric bikes (e-bikes) have become a common sight on Santa Barbara’s streets, bike paths, and beachfront roads. These pedal-assisted, battery-powered bikes offer convenience, speed, and a greener way to commute or explore the city.

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Posted in: Bicycle Accident

Congratulations to the 2025 Reach the Summit Scholarship Winners!

By Renee Nordstrand on August 1, 2025

Photos of the five 2025 NorstrandBlack scholarship winners, Hope B., Daniel H., Nery E., Lillian R., and Adrienne G. set against a blue background. Above the photos it says: “Congratulations to Our Scholarship Winners!” Below the photos are the client logo, a picture of an open book, and the words: Reach for the Summit Scholarship 2025.

At NordstrandBlack PC, we are proud to advocate for the people of Santa Barbara both in the courtroom and in our community. One of the ways we support local youth is through the Reach the Summit Scholarship, an annual initiative designed to uplift students who show a commitment to leadership, critical thinking, and problem-solving. This year’s applicants went above and beyond, and we are thrilled to share the results of the 2025 competition.

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Posted in: Law Firm News

Announcing Our 2025 Reach the Summit Scholarship Finalists

By Renee Nordstrand on July 18, 2025

Graphic announcing the 2025 Reach the Summit Scholarship finalists, featuring names and states of selected students

At NordstrandBlack PC, we believe in supporting the next generation of problem solvers and changemakers. That is why we are proud to sponsor the Reach the Summit Scholarship, a contest designed to encourage students across the country to think creatively about local issues and present innovative, community-driven solutions. This year, we were deeply inspired by the thoughtful essays submitted in response to our essay prompt:

“Devise a plan of action and create a proposal to reduce child poverty in Santa Barbara County. The plan/proposal should be targeted at and addressed to an existing government or private entity. It should explain your idea and include a donation request or some other form of support to mitigate child poverty.”

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Posted in: Law Firm News

Announcing the NordstrandBlack PC 2025 “Reach the Summit” College Scholarship

By Renee Nordstrand on March 18, 2025

NordstrandBlack PC is thrilled to announce that we will be offering three college scholarships this year. Each of our Reach the Summit scholarships is for $750, and the contest is open to current college students and high school seniors who plan to pursue a four-year college degree. You can learn more about contest rules and details here.

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Posted in: Law Firm News

The Risk of Injury We Face on St. Patrick’s Day Weekend

By Renee Nordstrand on March 11, 2025

Men in green hats drinking in a bar. Saint Patricks day celebration.

It seems like everybody wants to be Irish on St. Patrick’s Day. There’s nothing wrong with going out and having some fun, but St. Patrick’s Day and the closest weekend to it is a time of increased injuries and fatalities. According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), 57 people were killed in alcohol-related automobile crashes during a recent St. Patrick’s Day weekend. 

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Posted in: Personal Injury

When Is It Too Late to Get a Lawyer for a Car Accident?

By Renee Nordstrand on December 20, 2024

A judges gavel on a desk.

Delaying the hiring of a car accident attorney can have serious repercussions on your case. Waiting too long can lead to the loss of vital evidence, compromised witness testimony, and manipulation by unsavory insurance agents. All of these factors will seriously weaken a car accident injury claim.

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Posted in: Car Accident