Article XIV — MISCELLANEOUS

Section 1. - General laws.

All general laws of the state applicable to municipal corporations, now or thereafter enacted and which are not in conflict with the provisions of this Charter or with ordinances, or resolutions adopted in pursuance of this Charter, shall be applicable to the city when such general laws are accepted by the city council by ordinance or resolution.

Section 2. - Continuity of rights and liabilities.

All vested rights of the city shall continue and shall not in any manner be affected by the adoption of this Charter, nor shall any right, liability, pending suit or prosecution, either on behalf of or against the city, be affected by the adoption of this Charter, unless otherwise herein expressly provided. All contracts entered into by the city for its benefit prior to the taking effect of this Charter shall be continued and perfected hereunder.

Section 3. - Invalidity.

If any section or part of a section of this Charter is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, that determination shall not invalidate or impair the validity of any other section or part of a section, unless it clearly appears that such other section or part of a section is dependent for its operation upon the section or part of a section invalidated.

Section 4. - Discrimination.

No person in, or applicant to, the service of the City of Grass Valley shall be discriminated against because of his or her political or religious opinions or affiliations, or on account of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, or other unlawful basis.

Section 5. - Personal in contracts.

Any willful violation of California Government Code § 1090 or other applicable laws regarding conflicts of interest by an official of the city shall be grounds for removal from office pursuant to California Government Code § 3060 in addition to any other penalty established by law for the offense.

Section 6. - Forfeiture of office.

(a)

Forfeiture of Office for Fraud: Every officer who shall willfully approve, allow or pay any demand on the treasury not authorized by law, shall be liable to the city individually and on his or her official bond for the amount of the demand and shall forfeit office and be forever disqualified from holding any position in the service of the city.

(b)

Forfeiture of Office for Other Causes: An elective office becomes vacant when the incumbent thereof is adjudged insane, convicted of felony, or of an offense involving a violation of his official duties, or ceases to be a resident of the city, or neglects to qualify within the time prescribed by the provisions of this Charter or ordinance.

Section 7. - Public records.

City books and records shall be open to inspection as provided by the general laws of the state.

Section 8. - Existing ordinances.

All ordinances and resolutions in force at the time this Charter takes effect and not inconsistent therewith shall continue in full force until amended or repealed.

Section 9. - Amendment of Charter.

This Charter may be amended in the manner provided by state law.

Section 10. - Property.

All property of the city, both real and personal, may be acquired, purchased, leased, sold, or exchanged in the manner provided for the acquisition, purchase, lease, sale, or exchange of public property by the laws

of the State of California for general law cities.

Section 11. - Violations of Charter or ordinances.

The violation of any provision of this Charter or any ordinance of the city shall be deemed a misdemeanor unless by ordinance it is made an infraction. Such violation may be prosecuted in the name of the People of the State of California or redressed by civil action. The maximum fine or penalty for a misdemeanor or infraction shall be the same as established by the general laws, unless a contrary intention is expressed in this Charter or an ordinance.