The best way to avoid violating California's wage and hour laws is to become a charter county! OK, you might need an amendment to the constitution, but it may be worth it. In Dimon v. County of L.A. (here), the plaintiffs brought a meal and rest period class action on behalf of deputy probation officers. The trial court dismissed the case on the ground that California statutes governing meal and rest periods were inapplicable to Los Angeles County, because it is a charter county. The court of appeal agreed. This case is similar to Curcini v. Alameda County, which we discussed here.
DGV