Joel R. Glucksman
Partner
201-896-7095 jglucksman@sh-law.comFirm Insights
CalPERS to Appeal San Bernardino's Bankruptcy Eligibility
Author: Joel R. Glucksman
Date: October 31, 2013
Key Contacts
Back
The California Public Employees’ Retirement System (“CalPERS”) announced its plans to appeal a decision handed down by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, which affirmed San Bernardino’s eligibility to seek Chapter 9 municipal bankruptcy.
CalPERS, California’s largest pension fund, argues that the city did not seek out other alternatives to alleviate its financial struggles before seeking relief under bankruptcy law. The group also claims that the city failed to file its bankruptcy petition in good faith and did not provide accurate financial information.
“The California voters placed provisions in our Constitution to ensure the employees’ pensions would be protected by CalPERS as their fiduciary and trustee,” said Anne Stausboll, CalPERS CEO. “This appeal affirms our commitment to support and defend the integrity of the system and our members’ vested rights, in accordance with the laws of the land and our obligations under the federal and State constitutions.”
At present, more than 1,700 retirees formerly employed by the city of San Bernardino currently receive a pension from CalPERS, and the municipality currently owes roughly $17 million in overdue payments to the fund.
It is unclear whether the appeal will be successful, as the pension fund tried to block the city’s bankruptcy eligibility in August with no success. U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Meredith Jury, who overruled the fund’s initial objections, said the city needed “breathing space” under bankruptcy protection to renegotiate its debts, according to Bloomberg. She also said in her ruling that all of the city’s 10,000 creditors would be best served through bankruptcy proceedings. However, CalPERS has historically argued that pension funds should not be treated like other creditors.
At roughly $260 billion, CalPERS is the biggest pension fund in the country and is San Bernardino’s largest creditor.
San Bernardino sought Chapter 9 bankruptcy protection last summer, citing severe budgetary shortfalls and pension obligations that resulted in more than $1 billion in debt.
- Practices: Corporate Transactions & Business, Bankruptcy & Creditors' Rights, Bankruptcy Litigation
- Locations: Red Bank, NJ, New York City, Little Falls, NJ
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Related Posts
See all
When Are New Jersey Business Owners Personally Liable for Corporate Debt?
New Jersey personal guaranty liability is a critical issue for business owners who regularly sign contracts on behalf of their companies. A recent New Jersey Supreme Court decision provides valuable guidance on when a business owner can be held personally responsible for a company’s debt. Under the Court’s decision in Extech Building Materials, Inc. v. […]
Author: Charles H. Friedrich
Commercial Real Estate Trends to Watch in 2026
Commercial real estate trends in 2026 are being shaped by shifting economic conditions, technological innovation, and evolving tenant demands. As the market adjusts to changing interest rates, capital flows, and workplace models, investors, owners, tenants, and developers must understand how these trends are influencing opportunities and risk in the year ahead. Overall Outlook for Commercial […]
Author: Michael J. Willner
One Big Beautiful Bill: New Tip Income Tax Rules Employers & Workers Need to Know
Part 2 – Tips Excluded from Income Certain employees and independent contractors may be eligible to deduct tips from their income for tax years 2025 through 2028 under provisions included in the One Big Beautiful Bill. The deduction is capped at $25,000 per year and begins to phase out at $150,000 of modified adjusted gross […]
Author: Scott H. Novak
One Big Beautiful Bill: New Overtime Tax Rules Employers and Employees Need to Know
Part 1 – Overtime Pay and Income Tax Treatment Overview This Firm Insights post summarizes one provision of the “One Big Beautiful Bill” related to the tax treatment of overtime compensation and related employer wage reporting obligations. Overtime Pay and Employee Tax Treatment The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) generally requires that overtime be paid […]
Author: Scott H. Novak
New York’s FAIR Business Practices Act: What the New Consumer Protection Measure Means for Your Business
In 2025, New York enacted one of the most consequential updates to its consumer protection framework in decades. The Fostering Affordability and Integrity through Reasonable Business Practices Act (FAIR Act) significantly expands the scope and strength of New York’s long-standing consumer protection statute, General Business Law § 349, and alters the compliance landscape for New York […]
Author: Dan Brecher
How to Reduce Legal Risk as Your New Jersey Business Grows in 2026
For many New Jersey businesses, growth is a primary objective for the New Year. However, it is important to recognize that growth involves both opportunity and risk. For example, business expansion often results in complex contracts, an increased workforce, new regulatory requirements, and heightened exposure to disputes. Without proactive planning, even routine growth can lead […]
Author: Ken Hollenbeck
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!
Explore What Matters Most to You.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.