June 2026 Meeting -
"Do I Have to Pay My Employees for That?" Common Wage & Hour Mistakes
PRESENTER: Jonathan Fraser Light, Managing Partner at LightGabler LLP
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Join us for a practical, high-impact seminar designed to help employers avoid costly wage and hour mistakes before they turn into audits, penalties, or lawsuits. This session is ideal for business owners, HR professionals, payroll administrators, and anyone responsible for compensation and compliance.
This program will break down the most common compliance missteps and clarify exactly what employers are legally required to pay for, where risks often arise, and how to strengthen your payroll practices. Walk away with clear, actionable guidance that can help you protect your organization, reduce exposure, and ensure compliant pay practices.
Objectives:
• Recognize the liabilities associated with misclassifying employees
• Identify the nine categories of pay stub requirements
• Determine the correct way to calculate bonuses and commissions, vacation, sick time, and PTO
Employment law attorney Jonathan Fraser Light will discuss some of the basic rules regarding when employees do and do not have to be paid as part of their work, including valuable tips employers can use to avoid lawsuits on these issues. Discussion points will include: meal and rest breaks; exempt v. non-exempt employees v. independent contractors; vacation, sick time, PTO, among others.
About Jonathan Light:
With over 40 years of experience, Jon has multiple successful employment law jury trials under his belt. He and his team provide day-to-day employment law counsel to thousands of employers of all sizes over virtually all industries. Jon is the Managing Partner and a Founding Partner of LightGabler LLP, focused exclusively on representing management in employment law issues. He speaks over 40 times a year on a multitude of issues to help ensure protection for employers.
Lunch Menu Options:
Entrees:
- Italian Lasagna
- Vegetarian Lasagna
Dessert:
- Berry Cobbler
Meeting Location:
Madonna Inn
100 Madonna Rd., San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
(805) 543-3000
Spotlight Speaker
Speaker: Cal Poly SLO HRMA Club
The student leadership of Cal Poly Human Resource Management Association will join us for a spotlight presentation highlighting the club’s presence on the SLO campus, along with upcoming events and opportunities for local HR professionals to connect with HRM students. Learn more about Cal Poly HRMA here: https://now.calpoly.edu/organization/hrma
About the Speakers:
Lindsey Rydell serves as President of HRMA and is a third-year Organizational Sociology student in the College of Liberal Arts.
Ileanna Salinas serves as Vice President and Treasurer of HRMA and is a second-year Human Resource Management student in the Orfalea College of Business.
Register: Click Here
July 2026 Meeting -
Claim vs. Defense: Navigating the Work Comp Litigation Process
PRESENTER: Joseph Menapace, Partner at Hanna, Brophy, MacLean, McAleer & Jensen, LLP
Tuesday, July 14, 2026
11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Workers’ compensation claims don’t become costly overnight—but without the right strategy, they can escalate quickly into complex, expensive litigation. This highly practical session is designed to give employers the insight and tools needed to prevent claims from spiraling—and to confidently navigate the litigation process when they do.
Join us for an engaging and informative discussion from the defense perspective, featuring real-world case studies, common employer missteps, and proven strategies to reduce exposure and control outcomes. Whether you’re managing claims internally or partnering with outside counsel, this session will provide actionable guidance to strengthen your approach at every stage of a claim. You will gain a clearer understanding of the workers’ compensation process and court system, including how claims progress, key decision points, and what to expect at each stage of litigation.
Objectives:
• Identify common employer actions and supervisor missteps that trigger litigation
• Understand proactive steps to prevent claims from escalating
• Learn documentation best practices that support a strong defense
• Explore strategies to reduce settlement costs and move cases toward resolution
• How to effectively partner with defense counsel to improve outcomes
Attendees will walk away with clear “do’s and don’ts” of workers’ compensation litigation, practical tools for managing complex claims, and insight into handling challenging scenarios such as preexisting conditions, remote work injuries, and potentially fraudulent or predatory claims.
About Joseph Menapace:
Joseph Menapace joined Hanna Brophy in 2012. He defends insurance carriers and self-insured employers in all areas of workers’ compensation. Joseph graduated from the University of California, Davis with a B.S. degree in biotechnology with a minor in political science. While at UC Davis, he interned for the American Bar Association’s Commission on Mental and Physical Disability Law (now Commission on Disability Rights) in Washington D.C.
In 2011, he was admitted to the California State Bar after obtaining a Juris Doctor from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law, where he served as a senior articles editor for the UC Hastings Communications and Entertainment Law Journal. Joseph also had the pleasure of serving as a judicial extern to the Honorable Richard A. Kramer of the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco where he gained invaluable experience and insight into the judicial process.
Professional Activities
• Senior articles editor for the UC Hastings Communications and Entertainment Law Journal
• Judicial extern to the Honorable Richard A. Kramer of the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco
Lunch Menu Options:
Entrees:
- Chicken Florentine
- Ravioli (Vegetarian/Gluten-Free)
Dessert:
- Raspberry Delight
Meeting Location:
Madonna Inn
100 Madonna Rd., San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
(805) 543-3000
Spotlight Speaker
Speaker: Cuesta College Career Services
As our July Spotlight Speaker, Cuesta College will join us to share more about Career Services and the Cougar Career Closet. The presentation will highlight the range of services available to support student career readiness, strengthen employer connections, and advance workforce development in our community. Attendees will gain insight into how local employers can partner with the Career Center to build talent pipelines and support student success.
In conjunction with this presentation, HRCC will host a donation drive benefiting the Cougar Closet—an on-campus resource that provides students with access to professional attire for interviews, internships, and career opportunities—offering members a meaningful way to give back while supporting the next generation of professionals.
Register: Click Here
August 2026 Meeting -
Civil Rights at Work
PRESENTER: Christina Teixeira, Attorney, California Civil Rights Division
Tuesday, August 11, 2026
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Gain valuable insight into workplace civil rights under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act in this timely and informative presentation from the State of California Civil Rights Department. Attendees will learn about recent legislative updates, key definitions of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, and practical guidance on employer responsibilities and employee protections. The session will also provide an overview of important protections for individuals with criminal histories and people with disabilities, helping organizations foster compliant, inclusive, and respectful workplaces.
About Christina Teixeira
Christina Teixeira (she/her) grew up in California, as the daughter and granddaughter of Portuguese immigrants. Christina studied Political Science and Women’s Studies at San Francisco State University and received her law degree from the Dale E. Fowler School of Law. Thereafter, Christina worked with California Rural Legal Assistance, Inc as a legal services attorney before beginning state service as the California Department of Social Services Civil Rights Unit Manager. Christina joined the Civil Rights Department Community Conflict Resolution Team in October 2022, and the Outreach and Education Team in October 2024.
Lunch Menu Options:
Entrees:
- Croissant Sandwich
- Veggie Sandwich (Vegetarian)
Dessert:
- Banana Nut Cake
Meeting Location:
Madonna Inn
100 Madonna Road, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
(805) 543-3000
Register: Click Here
September 2026 Meeting -
Building a Smarter Benefits Strategy for 2027
Tuesday, September 8, 2026
11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Employee benefits remain one of the most meaningful investments employers make in their people, culture, and long-term business success. As the benefits landscape continues to evolve, HR leaders have an opportunity to make informed, strategic decisions that support both their workforce and their organization’s financial goals.
Join Morris & Garritano Sr. Benefit Advisors Ben Hoover and Dave Morgan for a forward-looking view of the trends shaping benefits planning for 2027, including medical and pharmacy trends, the impact of high-cost claims, legislative activity, provider dynamics, and compliance considerations. The discussion will also highlight practical strategies for strengthening benefits programs, such as contribution and plan design approaches, funding alternatives, trust-based solutions, and optimization of employer-sponsored and voluntary benefits.
Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of the current benefits environment, the forces influencing future renewals, and actionable considerations for building a sustainable, competitive, and employee-centered benefits strategy.
Speaker Bios:
Ben Hoover, Sr. Benefits Advisor, Practice Leader
Ben Hoover takes great pride in designing programs that seamlessly and strategically work in line with the objectives, goals, and organizational culture of his clients. Since 2010, he has worked with Morris & Garritano playing a vital role leading agency strategy, promoting growth goals, and supporting new producers.
Leveraging his background in healthcare consulting, Ben is passionate about building meaningful relationships with clients and supporting them through the industry with service insight and advocacy.
A Central Coast native, Ben graduated Cum Laude earning his degree in Business Administration from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. After a few years living and working in the Bay Area, he is happy to be back in SLO County where he operates his own 30-acre vineyard and enjoys winemaking projects at home.
Ben is heavily involved in the wine community partnering with prestigious charity auctions across the U.S. and localized organizations such as the Heritage Foundation with the California Mid-State Fair. Additionally, he volunteers with his kids’ local sports teams.
Outside the office, Ben enjoys fishing along with various outdoor, water, and snow sports with his wife and two kids. Together they like spending time out in the mountains or on the lake.
Dave Morgan, Sr. Benefits Advisor
Senior Employee Benefits Advisor Dave Morgan has been with Morris & Garritano for over 25 years. He graduated from the University of California, Berkeley with high honors and earned his master’s degree at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Dedicated to the insurance industry and his ongoing professional development, Dave is a member of the National Association of Health Underwriters and the International Society of Certified Employee Benefits Specialists.
Dave’s extensive list of achievements includes the Chartered Healthcare Consultant (ChHC™) and Registered Health Underwriter (RHU®) designations from The American College, the Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) designation through The Wharton School and the International Foundation of Employee Benefits Plans, the Group Benefits Disability Specialist (GBDS) designation from National Underwriter, multiple certifications in Self-Funding and Wellness from the National Association of Health Underwriters, and The American College’s Certificate in Healthcare Reform Studies.
Throughout his career, Dave has been engaged in the local community, contributing his time and leadership to organizations such as Rotary, the Mission College Preparatory Board of Regents, the Human Resources Association of the Central Coast, and the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce Business Council. He is also a graduate of Leadership SLO Class XII.
Outside of work, Dave enjoys spending time with his family, surfing, camping, and watching Cal football. He is also a longtime member of the Este.ro Bay Surf Club
Lunch Menu Options:
Entrees:
- Thyme & Basil Chicken
- Grilled Portabella Mushroom (Vegetarian)
Dessert:
- Peach Cobbler
Meeting Location:
Madonna Inn
100 Madonna Rd., San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
(805) 543-3000
Spotlight Speaker
Speaker: Joel Diringer, JD, MPH, Founder and Principal, Diringer & Associates
Join Joel Diringer, principal of Diringer and Associates and author of The Fabric of SLO County, for a discussion exploring the history, demographics, and socioeconomic characteristics of San Luis Obispo County's immigrant population. Building on the report's findings, Joel will share additional research, updated data, and insights that can help HR professionals better understand the evolving communities and workforce that shape our region.
About Joel:
Joel Diringer, JD, MPH, is the founder and principal of Diringer and Associates, a California-based health policy consulting firm specializing in research, program development, and evaluation. For more than 30 years, Joel has worked across the nonprofit, government, health care, and philanthropic sectors, focusing on issues including health coverage access, farmworker and rural health, oral health, multicultural populations, and community development. His work has helped nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and foundations better understand and address the needs of underserved communities throughout California. Prior to founding his firm in 2001, he served as a senior staff member at The California Endowment and as an attorney and health policy advocate for California Rural Legal Assistance. Joel holds a Master of Public Health degree from Harvard University and a law degree from the University of California, Davis School of Law.
Register: Click Here
October 2026 Meeting -
Save the Date! More Information Coming Soon
Tuesday, October 13, 2026
11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Register: Click Here
November 2026 Meeting -
Save the Date! More Information Coming Soon
Tuesday, November 10, 2026
11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Register: Click Here
December 2026 Meeting -
Save the Date! More Information Coming Soon
Tuesday, December 8, 2026
11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Register: Click Here