It was a sad day for California Prospectors today.  On August 22, 2016 the California Supreme Court ruled 7-0 that federal law does not preempt the California moratorium on suction dredging, thus reversing the prior favorable Appellate Court Decision and upholding the Superior Court Judgment against Brandon Rinehart.  It is unknown at this time whether a Writ of Certiorari will be sought in the U.S. Supreme Court by Mr. Rinehart. Today's ruling will have a binding effect upon the San Bernardino Superior Court in the consolidated dredge litigation pending there as to the issue of federal preemption.