California's Top Oil Regulator Resigning Amid Battle Over Oil Permits
By Joshua Yeager, KVPR - Los Angeles, CA
January 25, 2023
Click here to listen to the audio of this radio broadcast segment.
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Uduak-Joe Ntuk has resigned after three years of leading the Geologic Energy Management Division. But what does the departure of the state’s top oil regulator mean exactly for California? KVPR’s Joshua Yeager explains what one watchdog group is looking for.
Bid To Undo California Oil Drilling Ban Likely Headed To Ballot
By Anne C. Mulkern, CLIMATE WIRE
December 15, 2022
SAN DIEGO - The oil industry has likely succeeded in its bid to let voters decide whether to keep a new California law banning oil drilling near homes and schools.
Get Ready For A Massive SoCalGas Bill This Month, As Natural Gas Prices Soar
By Russ Mitchell & Rob Nikolewski, THE LOS ANGELES TIMES
January 6, 2023
The warning Southern California Gas Co. issued to its customers was unusually blunt: "There's no easy way to put this," the company said. "January bills are likely to be shockingly high."
Oil And Gas Industry Has Spent Over $30 Million In 2021-22 Session Lobbying CA Legislators
By Dan Bacher, ELK GROVE NEWS
December 12, 2022
http://www.elkgrovenews.net/2022/12/oil-and-gas-industry-has-spent-over-30.html
Flush with billions of dollars in record windfall profits, the oil and gas companies in California have been spending big money lately in an attempt to influence the California Legislature and voters and continue the systemic regulatory capture that has fouled California government for decades.
High Gas Costs Hurt California Drivers As Refiners Rake In Huge Profits. These Charts Explain
By Laurence Darmiento, Sean Greene, Vanessa Martínez, THE LOS ANGELES TIMES
December 11, 2022
Amid historically high California gas prices that have drained drivers' wallets, Gov. Gavin Newsom declared the state's oil industry an outlaw.
An Unusual Start To The Legislative Session
By Emily Hoeven, CAL MATTERS
December 5, 2022
https://calmatters.org/newsletters/whatmatters/2022/12/california-legislature-new-session-2/
Today is shaping up to be a pretty unusual day in Sacramento.
Column: At DWP, The Pay Is Good, The Benefits Are Better And The Deals Keep Getting Sweeter
By Steve Lopez, THE LOS ANGELES TIMES
December 3, 2022
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-12-03/lopez-column-la-dwp-deals-keep-getting-sweeter
More than once over the years, when people have complained about how hard it is to survive in a low-wage economy with such crippling healthcare costs, I've recommended they apply for work at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power.
‘Lying and Gouging’: Gov. Newsom Unveils Plan To Cap Oil Refiners’ Profits
By Eliyahu Kamisher, THE MERCURY NEWS
December 6, 2022
Gov. Gavin Newsom on Monday unveiled his plan to punish oil companies for reaping massive profits in California while drivers emptied their wallets at gas stations.
Prepare For More Gas Price Hikes. Here’s Why—And Who’s To Blame
By Russ Mitchell, THE LOS ANGELES TIMES
December 4, 2022
https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2022-12-04/california-gas-prices-decarbonization-plan
As California energetically attempts to decarbonize the state’s economy, some in Sacramento fear the plan faces a looming threat: astronomical gas prices that could fuel a massive public backlash.
KCBS-AM (Radio) - San Francisco, CA; Oil Company Profits Have Quadrupled Over Last Year
By Staff Reporters, KCBS-AM - San Francisco, CA
December 1, 2022
Click here to listen to the audio of this radio broadcast segment.
Jamie Court, President of Consumer Watchdog, says oil company profits have quadrupled over last year. They need to give that money back And the governor is going to bat and staking his reputation on this as the right thing to do because this legislature needs to deal with this issue.
Bickering Over Gas Prices
By Lara Korte, Jeremy B. White, Sakura Cannestra, and Owen Tucker-Smith, POLITICO
November 30, 2022
KNX - Los Angeles, CA; Consumer Watchdog President Jamie Court Weighs In On California Energy Commission Informational Hearing
By Emily Valdez, KNX - Los Angeles, CA
November 29, 2022
Click here to listen to the audio of this radio broadcast segment.
The California energy Commission is holding an informational hearing meaning no votes but Jamie court, President of Consumer Watchdog, hopes action will come from it. We're hoping this creates the record for the windfall profits cap that the governor is is proposing in the special session.
More Oil Companies Made Massive Profits as Californians Paid Higher Gas Prices
By The Office of Governor Gavin Newsom
November 1, 2022
California refiners Phillips 66 and Marathon reported profit increases up to 1243% higher than last year, while BP spent $2.5 billion on share buybacks
Gas Prices In The US: California Gov. Gavin Newsom Attacks Valero Over Surging Profits
By Janelle Williams, INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS TIMES
October 28, 2022
California Gov. Gavin Newsom said Tuesday in a press conference that Valero Energy Corp. has been "ripping off" Californians.
The comments come as Valero posted revenues of $44.45 billion for the quarter ended September 2022.
More Record Profits for Big Oil as Californians Get Charged More Per Gallon Than Any Other State
By The Office of Governor Gavin Newsom
October 27, 2022
Shell’s profits more than doubled, their second-highest quarterly profits ever, with $4 billion going toward stock buybacks that benefit Wall Street investors
Newsom Wants To Tackle High Gas Prices With A New Tax. Here's Why It Might Not Be Easy
By Maggie Angst, THE SACRAMENTO BEE
October 27, 2022
https://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article267851087.html
Nearly a month after California Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed a new tax on "greedy" oil companies charging high gas prices while enjoying unprecedented profits, his administration has shared few details about the plan.
KCRW-FM Los Angeles, CA: Valero's Nearly 3 billion Dollar Windfall In The Third Quarter Included Profits Of More Than 60 Cents A Gallon For Gas Produced In The State
By Staff Reporters, KCRW-FM Los Angeles, CA
October 26, 2022
Click here to listen to the audio of this radio broadcast segment.
Big Oil raised gas prices to record highs in quarter 3 despite crude costs going down. This came at the expense of Californians who paid an average of 6 dollars in 42 cents at the pump when prices peaked in early October.
California Might Levy A New Tax On Oil Companies. Here’s What To Know
By Grace Gedye, CAL MATTERS
October 26, 2022
https://calmatters.org/economy/2022/10/california-gas-tax/
Few things agitate drivers — and make politicians sweat — like rising prices at the pump.
State Windfall Profits Tax A Way To Prevent Gouging On Gas Prices
Op-Ed by Jamie Court, WALNUT CREEK JOURNAL
October 25, 2022
Ever since 2015, Californians have been on a roller-coaster ride with gasoline prices consistently a dollar higher than U.S. gas prices.
But the recent steep climb to $2.60 more per gallon than U.S. prices is so unprecedented that Gov. Gavin Newsom rightly called a special legislative session to enact a windfall profits tax.
Fire-stricken Rural New Mexico Warily Eyes Insurance Fight
By Susan Montoya Bryan, ASSOCIATED PRESS
October 24, 2022
Manuel and Marcy Silva combed through the charred rubble that used to be their home, searching for any salvageable bits in the wake of the largest wildfire in New Mexico history.
‘It’s So Blatant’: Oil Companies Are Pumping Money Into State Races Following Newsom’s Push To Tax Profits
By Sophia Bollag and Dustin Gardiner, SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE
October 24, 2022
https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/newsom-tax-oil-companies-17526178.php
After Gov. Gavin Newsom vowed to tax their windfall profits, oil companies have spent millions to convince voters to elect their chosen candidates to the Legislature, hoping to stack the deck in their favor.
KCBS-AM San Francisco CA; Windfall Profits Tax Might Be the Only Way to Reign Big Oil's Greed In CA
By Staff Reporters, KCBS-AM San Francisco, CA
October 20, 2022
Click here to listen to the audio of this radio broadcast segment.
Jamie Court with Consumer Watchdog says the State Legislature to reconvene to pass a windfall profits tax on greedy oil refiners ripping off Californians at the gas pump.
Editorial: Oil Drillers Want To Overturn California’s New Health Protections. Don’t Let Them
Editorial by The Los Angeles Times
October 20, 2022
https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2022-10-20/california-oil-drillin…
You might soon be approached outside your grocery store by signature gatherers urging you to sign a petition about lowering gas prices or stopping a so-called “energy shutdown.”
Here’s what it’s really about, and why Californians shouldn’t sign it.
KCRW 89.9FM Santa Monica, CA: Consumer Watchdog Says Merger Will Cause Loss Of Jobs
By Cherry Glazer, KCRW 89.9FM Santa Monica, CA
October 18, 2022
Click here to listen to the audio of this radio broadcast segment.
Jamie Court with Consumer Watchdog says mergers tend to lead to a loss of jobs in the community.
Letter To Editor - Do Better, Lara
Letter to the Editor - SACRAMENTO BEE
October 16, 2022
Do better, Lara
"This would be the most miserable choice on California's ballot -- if it were a choice," (sacbee.com, Oct. 10)
The Bee is justly critical of Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara's first term. But blaming the voters for making the office an elected post -- part of insurance reform Proposition 103 -- ignores history.
Opinion: A California Windfall Profits Tax Would Curb Gas-Price Gouging
The climb in the cost at the pump to $2.60 per gallon more than the rest of the United States is unprecedented
Op-Ed by Jamie Court , MERCURY NEWS / BAY AREA NEWS GROUP
October 15, 2022
The Mystery Lurking In California’s $8 Gas Prices
The Golden State has a ‘mystery gas surcharge.’ Some say it’s price gouging.
By Shannon Osaka, the Washington Post
October 15, 2022
The Observer: Way Past Time For Windfal Tax On Oil Companies
Editorial by Editorial Board, UKIAH DAILY JOURNAL
October 9, 2022
https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2022/10/09/the-observer-way-past-time…
You could say it’s about time but Gov. Gav Newsom finally on Friday, Sept. 30, called for a windfall tax on oil companies who’ve been ripping off Californians for decades, but especially in the past year.
CDI Orders Auto Insurers To Reveal Pandemic Profits
By Dave LaChance, REPAIRER DRIVEN NEWS
October 7, 2022
https://www.repairerdrivennews.com/2022/10/07/cdi-orders-auto-insurers-…
Maintaining that auto insurers still owe rebates to California drivers who were overcharged during the stay-at-home period of the pandemic, the state’s insurance commissioner has ordered 47 carriers to provide detailed information about their claim costs during that time.
Newsom Calls Special Session On California’s High Gas Prices
By Dustin Gardiner, SAN FRANCSICO CHRONICLE
October 7, 2022
https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/Newsom-calls-special-sessi…
Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Friday that he plans to call a special legislative session to confront California’s high gas prices, including his proposal to create a windfall tax on the profits of oil companies.
KNX 1070AM Los Angeles, CA: Consumer Watchdog Urges Gov Newsom To Follow Through On Windfall Profits Tax On Oil Refiners
By Staff Reporters, KNX 1070AM Los Angeles, CA
October 6, 2022
Click here to listen to the audio of this radio broadcast segment.
Jamie Court with Consumer Watchdog urges Governor Newsom to follow through and push the State Legislature to reconvene to pass a windfall profits tax on greedy oil refiners ripping off Californians at the gas pump.
KQED 88.5 FM San Francisco, CA: Calls Grow For Special Session of CA Legislature To Pass Windfall Profits Tax On Big Oil
By Tara Siler, KQED 88.5 FM San Francisco, CA
October 6, 2022
Click here to listen to the audio of this radio broadcast segment.
Jamie Court with Consumer Watchdog urges Gov Newsom to call the CA State Legislature back for a special session to pass a windfall profits tax on Big Oil.
Gov. Newsom Considers Special Legislative Session In Response To Rising Gas Prices
By Ashley Zavala, KCRA NBC TV-3 Sacramento, CA
October 6, 2022
https://www.kcra.com/article/gov-newsom-considers-special-legislative-s…
SAN FRANCISCO — Gov. Gavin Newsom is considering calling state lawmakers back to Sacramento for a special session in response to rising gas prices.
California Gas Prices Hit Record Highs. But Relief May Be Coming. Here's Why
By Janet Wilson, THE DESERT SUN
October 5, 2022
https://www.desertsun.com/story/news/2022/10/05/california-gas-pump-pri…
Gas prices at the pump hit record highs in many parts of California on Wednesday, with greater Los Angeles seeing an unprecedented average of $6.49 per gallon for regular. Prices at some Southern California locations hit more than $8 per gallon.
Supply Squeeze Prompts Record Gas Prices
By Matthew Hall, SANTA MONICA DAILY PRESS
October 4, 2022
https://smdp.com/2022/10/04/supply-squeeze-prompts-record-gas-prices/
Average gasoline prices in Los Angeles have risen 63.4 cents per gallon in the last week, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 2,135 stations in Los Angeles. Prices in Los Angeles are $1.08 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and stand $1.93 per gallon higher than a year ago.
Oil Company Extortion in California as Consumers Pay Twice as Much Per Gallon as the Rest of the Country
By Ian Masters, BACKGROUND BRIEFING
October 3, 2022
Click here to listen to this podcast.
Then with consumers in California paying twice as much per gallon as the rest of the country because refineries are producing less without explaining why, we look into what Governor Newsom is describing as extortion with the five refiners ripping off the public while making more money for delivering less product.
KOGO 600AM, San Diego, CA: Consumer Watchdog Calls For Windfall Profits Tax On Big Oil In CA
By Staff Reporters, KOGO 600AM San Diego, CA
October 3, 2022
Click here to listen to the audio of this radio broadcast segment.
Jamie Court with Consumer Watchdog calls for a windfall profits tax on Big Oil's price gouging of Californians at the gas pump.
Novice Republican Or Democrat Embroiled In Controversy? Voters To Pick Next Insurance Commissioner
By Melody Gutierrez, LOS ANGELES TIMES
October 3, 2022
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-10-03/voters-to-decide-ne…
SACRAMENTO — California voters will decide this November who will lead a state agency that wields significant power over home, auto and other insurance policies, selecting between an incumbent Democrat embroiled in controversy and his novice Republican challenger.
KNBC TV-4 Los Angeles, CA: Southern California Gas Prices are Breaking Records — Again
By John Cadiz Klemack and Maggie More, KNBC TV-4 Los Angeles, CA
October 3, 2022
https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/southern-california-gas-prices…
It's a record that drivers in Southern California were hoping would stay unbroken: gas prices are now at all-time highs in Los Angeles County and Riverside County.
San Diego Gas Prices Hit Record High. You’re Paying $2 More Than A Year Ago
Gov. Newsom wants Legislature to impose a windfall profits tax on oil companies.
By Rob Nikolewski, SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE
October 3, 2022
https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/story/2022-10-03/san-dieg…
KPCC 89.3FM Pasadena, CA: Consumer Advocate Calls For Big Oil To Pay Windfall Profits Tax In CA
By Julia Paskin, KPCC 89.3FM Pasadena, CA
October 2, 2022
Click here to listen to the audio of this radio broadcast segment.
Consumer Advocate Jamie Court calls for the CA State Legislature to pass a windfall profits tax bill that will ra
About Those Painful Prices At California Gas Pumps
By Nate Perez, LAIST.COM
October 2, 2022
https://laist.com/news/transportation/about-those-painful-prices-at-cal…
Drivers in the Los Angeles area are now paying $6.45 on average for a gallon of regular — Orange and Ventura counties are nearly as pricey and Riverside and San Bernardino counties are little over $6.30 a gallon. The average price of a gallon nationwide is just under $3.80.
Newsom Relaxes Refinery Rules As California Gas Prices Soar
By Kathleen Ronanyne, ASSOCIATED PRESS
September 30, 2022
https://apnews.com/article/business-california-gavin-newsom-prices-clim…
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Friday announced that oil refineries could start selling more polluting winter-blend gasoline ahead of schedule to ease soaring fuel prices, directly contradicting his own goals for reducing climate pollutants.
Empty Wine and Liquor Bottles Will Be Worth 10 Cents Each In California, Under New Recycling Law
Newsom signs measure environmental groups have urged since 1980s to reduce litter
By Paul Rogers, BAY AREA NEWS GROUP
September 28, 2022
https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2022/09/28/empty-wine-and-liquor-bottles-w…
Just polished off a nice Chardonnay? A glass of Pinot with dinner? A mango margarita even?
KCRW 89.9FM NPR Santa Monica, CA: High Gas Prices In CA Are Caused By Oil Refiners Causing Outages
By Cherry Glazer, KCRW 89.9FM NPR Santa Monica, CA
September 28, 2022
Click here to listen to the audio of this radio broadcast segment.
Consumer Watchdog's Jamie Court explains how the huge difference in CA gas prices vs the rest of the country is due to oil refiners causing outages so they can raise prices artificially.
KNX 1070AM Los Angeles, CA: Oil Refiners Are Causing Outages So They Can Raise Gas Prices
By Staff Reporters, KNX 1070AM Los Angeles, CA
September 28, 2022
Click here to listen to the audio of this radio broadcast segment.
Jamie Court with Consumer Watchdog tells KNX how the big 5 oil refiners who own 90% of business in California are purposely causing outages so they can jack up gas prices.
CONSUMER WATCHDOG ASKS NEWSOM FOR A SPECIAL SESSION ON GAS PRICES
By Andrew Sheeler, SACRAMENTO BEE - CAPITOL ALERT
September 28, 2022
https://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article26…
As California continues to struggle with high gas prices, one advocacy group is calling on the governor to convene a special session on the subject.
Newly Signed Law to Expand Statewide Recycling Rebate Program Loaded With Pork
‘The amended bill added $400 millions in grants ‘for major corporations that don’t need it’
By Evan Symon, CALIFORNIA GLOBE
September 29, 2022
https://californiaglobe.com/articles/newly-signed-law-to-expand-statewi…
KNX 1070AM Los Angeles, CA: Big Oil Is Price Gouging California
By Staff Reporters, KNX 1070AM Los Angeles, CA
September 27, 2022
Click here to listen the audio of this radio broadcast segment.
Jamie Court says Big Oil must be held accountable for greedily price gouging Californians at the gas pump.
Insurers Say California's Inaction Threatens Auto Policies
By Don Thompson, ASSOCIATED PRESS
September 26, 2022
https://apnews.com/article/health-california-covid-traffic-02c6d9215243…
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Top U.S. insurance companies and associations say California is risking a crisis in the nation’s largest automobile insurance market by refusing to approve any rate increases for more than two years, since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.
KNX 1070AM Los Angeles, CA: Insurance Companies Are Using Your Private Information To Raise Your Rates
By Emily Valdes, KNX 1070AM Los Angeles, CA
September 25, 2022
Click here to listen to the audio of this radio broadcast segment.
Harvey Rosenfield, author of Proposition 103 from 1988, tells KNX how insurance companies are using AI and online tracking to collect our private information without our consent and in violation of Prop 103.
Consumer Watchdog Says California Drivers Need Protections Against Misuse Of Technology By Insurers
By Dave LaChance, REPAIRER DRIVEN NEWS
September 23, 2022
https://www.repairerdrivennews.com/2022/09/23/consumer-watchdog-says-ca…
Consumer protection organization Consumer Watchdog is urging California’s insurance commissioner to protect the state’s residents against the misuse of computer algorithms and artificial intelligence (AI) by insurers.
Editorial: Californians Deserve Better Than Ricardo Lara and Robert Howell For Insurance Commissioner
Editorial by SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA NEWS GROUP EDITORIAL BOARD
September 21, 2022
https://www.dailynews.com/2022/09/21/californians-deserve-better-than-r…
Our editorial board interviews candidates for public office with the goal of helping voters gain the greatest possible understanding of the offices, the issues and the options before them.
California’s Net-Zero Roadmap Is Being Shaped by Regulators-Turned-Lobbyists
Former officials push strategies on behalf of fossil fuel clients, threatening climate and communities, say critics.
By Aaron Cantu, CAPITAL & MAIN
September 14, 2022
https://reporterwings.com/news/health/californias-net-zero-roadmap-is-b…
Lauded Federal Data Privacy Bill Has A Carveout For Government Surveillance
By Ben Zeisloft, THE DAILY WIRE
September 9, 2022
https://www.dailywire.com/news/lauded-federal-data-privacy-bill-has-a-c…
The American Data Privacy and Protection Act, a key piece of federal online privacy legislation, appears to have a carveout for organizations gathering data for the government.
Will New Regulations Do Enough To Keep Homeowners From Losing Fire Insurance?
By Michael Finney & Randall Yip, KGO ABC TV-7 San Francisco, CA
September 9, 2022
https://abc7news.com/fire-insurance-home-risk-score-danger/12213902/
SAN RAFAEL, Calif. (KGO) -- Homeowners in California who live in a high-risk fire zones could find it easier to get their home policies renewed. That's if new state regulations work as intended. Not everyone is convinced it will work.
Proposed California Recycling Bill Includes Glass Bottles
By Shawnte Passmore, KMAX CBS TV Sacramento, CA
September 6, 2022
https://www.cbsnews.com/sacramento/news/bottle-recycling-bill-includes-…
SACRAMENTO - Lawmakers are hoping the governor signs a bill to expand the state's recycling program.
The goal is to increase glass recycling.
You know you can recycle your cans and bottles. But wine drinkers may also be able to cash in their bottles of red and white wine.
New Legislation Will Force California Refineries to Reveal Profit Margins
By JW August, TIMES OF SAN DIEGO
September 1, 2022
https://timesofsandiego.com/business/2022/09/01/new-legislation-will-fo…
Gas prices may be tumbling now but history has shown that once there’s any disturbance in the market, the prices will start climbing yet again.
Opinion: California’s Failed Bottle Deposit System
Opinion column by Jim Shields, MENDOCINO BEACON
September 1, 2022
I’ve always thought California’s preeminent citizens’ advocacy organization is Consumer Watchdog (“CW”).
This week, the group urged Governor Newsom to reform a hopelessly shattered bottle deposit system via a budget trailer bill as the group unveiled its top 10 signs of the system’s collapse.
They’ve got a lot of work to do though because there’s two weeks left in the legislative year.
Amendments To Calif. Bottle Expansion Bill Bring Big Changes
By Marissa Heffernan, PLASTICS RECYCLING UPDATE
August 31, 2022
https://resource-recycling.com/plastics/2022/08/31/amendments-to-calif-…
Last-minute amendments to California bottle bill expansion legislation would remove the daily fee opt-out for retailers and instead require them to either accept containers or join a dealer cooperative to coordinate collection, along with several other changes.
A Last-Minute Twist In Effort To Expand California Bottle Bill
By Melissa Heffernan, RESOURCE RECYCLING
August 29, 2022
https://resource-recycling.com/recycling/2022/08/29/a-last-minute-twist…
Just days before the end of the legislative session, lengthy amendments were tacked on to California bottle bill expansion legislation, greatly increasing the cost of the program. In response, some previous backers rescinded their support.
CA Wildfire Insurance 'Loophole' Impacting Bay Area Survivors Dropped From Carriers
By Stephanie Sierra, KGO ABC TV-7 San Francisco, CA
August 27, 2022
https://abc7news.com/california-fair-plan-wildfire-insurance-commission…
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- A state regulation aimed to help Californians access affordable wildfire insurance is being used as a potential loophole, impacting Bay Area residents living in high-risk areas.
Can California Redeem Its Landfill Crisis Despite Declining Recycling Rates?
By Cari Spencer, KCET PBS-TV Southern California
August 16, 2022
https://www.kcet.org/news-community/can-california-redeem-its-landfill-…
Last year, Californians sent 4.2 billion more cans and bottles to landfills than they did in 2016, according to data from CalRecycle. That’s an 89% increase.
California Lawmakers Use Secretive Process To Kill Would-Be Laws: ‘Where Good Bills Go To Die’
By Andrew Sheeler, Lindsey Holden, and Stephen Hobbs, SACRAMENTO BEE - CAPITOL ALERT
August 16, 2022
https://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article26…
Assemblyman Jordan Cunningham, R-San Luis Obispo, went into the last month of California’s legislative session somewhat hopeful about prospects for his biggest bill.
California State Agencies Free To Delete Emails After Legislators Kill Retention Bill
By Wes Venteicher, SACRAMENTO BEE
August 15, 2022
https://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/the-state-worker/articl…
California state agencies will be able to keep deleting emails and other documents as soon as officials see fit after legislators killed a records retention bill on Thursday.
Another Sonoma County Recycling Center Is Closing, Leaving Consumers With Even Fewer Local Options To Redeem Bottles And Cans
By Marisa Endicott, SANTA ROSA PRESS-DEMOCRAT
August 13, 2022
https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/news/another-sonoma-county-recycl…
It soon will get even harder to score a bit of extra cash in Sonoma County for turning inbottles and cans.
CSAA Faces Lawsuit Over Claims It Overcharged Auto Insurance Policyholders $150 Million
By Lyle Adriano, INSURANCE BUSINESS AMERICA
August 11, 2022
https://www.insurancebusinessmag.com/us/news/breaking-news/csaa-faces-l…
A lawsuit filed in Alameda County Superior Court claims that CSAA – California’s seventh-largest auto insurance company – overcharged customers during the COVID-19 pandemic by at least $150 million.
Social Media Addiction Bill Fails In California Legislature
By Adam Beam, ASSOCIATED PRESS
August 11, 2022
https://apnews.com/article/social-media-california-legislature-f5fd4c8a…
California lawmakers on Thursday rejected a proposal that could have forced some popular social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok to pay fines for using features they know can harm children.
California Commissioner Withholds Auto Insurance Rate Approvals, Rattles Market
By Renée Kiriluk-Hill, BESTWIRE
August 10. 2022
https://news.ambest.com/NewsContent.aspx?&refnum=243607
California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara is pumping the brakes on private passenger auto rate hike requests from carriers, including Geico, which he said overcharged policyholders during COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns, according to spokesperson Gabriel Sanchez.
Edison Tells Some Utility Customers A New Rate Plan Is More Expensive Than Advertised
By Kiera Feldman, LOS ANGELES TIMES
August 9, 2022
https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2022-08-09/edison-tells-utility-…
As electricity bills rise with the temperature, some Southern California Edison customers are getting an extra jolt starting this month — and it’s one they didn’t see coming.
CVS Can't Escape HIV Patients' Disability Bias Suit
By Patrick Hoff, LAW 360
August 8, 2022
https://www.law360.com/health/articles/1518877/cvs-can-t-escape-hiv-patients-disability-bias-suit
CVS Pharmacy can't avoid a proposed class action alleging its prescription drug benefits program discriminates against people with HIV and AIDS, as a California federal judge said the company's separate corporate entities can't shield it from federal health care law.
Castaic Residents See 1000% Increase In Fire Insurance
By Trevor Morgan, SANTA CLARITA VALLEY SIGNAL
August 5, 2022
https://signalscv.com/2022/08/castaic-residents-see-1000-increase-in-fi…
Residents of a Castaic condominium complex are wondering why an estimated 1000% increase to their fire insurance rates would happen in as little as three years, but say answers to this question are hard to come by.
As Auto Insurance Rates Increase, Legislative & Nonprofit Actions Crop Up
By Lurah Lowery, REPAIRER DRIVEN NEWS
August 4, 2022
https://www.repairerdrivennews.com/2022/08/04/as-auto-insurance-rates-i…
There have been recent legislative and nonprofit actions announced in California and Illinois regarding high auto insurance rates as news of June rate increases by GEICO and State Farm are just a couple of many that don’t seem to be going away any time soon.
Elias: Oil, Gas Costing Us More Than We Thought
Column by Thomas Elias, THE COAST NEWS
August 3, 2022
https://thecoastnews.com/elias-oil-gas-costing-us-more-than-we-thought/
The idea that oil companies and gasoline refiners could gouge Californians — and other Americans to a lesser degree — by as much as 100% of the previous price of gasoline seemed utterly preposterous until February.
GEICO Closes California Offices, Ends Telephone Sales Here
By Carolyn Said, SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE
August 2, 2022
GEICO, the nation's second-largest auto insurer, is limiting its physical presence in California and eliminating telephone sales of new policies here.
LexisNexis Survey Shows Strong Interest In Connected Services Among Vehicle Buyers
By Dave LaChance, REPAIRER DRIVEN NEWS
July 27, 2022
https://www.repairerdrivennews.com/2022/07/27/lexisnexis-survey-shows-s…
Nearly 8 in 10 car buyers signed up for a free trial of their vehicle’s connected services when it was offered by a dealer, and nearly half converted to a paid subscription when their free trial ended, according to a LexisNexis Risk Solutions survey published Tuesday.
Your Job and Education Could Be Determining Your Car Insurance Rate
By Marisa Endicott, SANTA ROSA PRESS DEMOCRAT
July 24, 2022
https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/news/your-job-and-education-could…
I went online last week to get a car insurance quote from Mercury Insurance. I went through the process twice, once listing my occupation as engineer.
New Criminal Charges Filed Against Bonita Plastic Surgeon
By Jennifer Kastner, KGTV ABC TV-10 San Diego, CA
July 20, 2022
https://www.10news.com/news/local-news/san-diego-news/new-criminal-char…
SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - New criminal charges have been filed against the embattled Bonita plastic surgeon who's already charged in a patient's death and who’s facing multiple lawsuits.
Yes, Your Grocery Bill Has Gone Up In The Past Year. Here’s Just How Much In The Bay Area
By Kellie Hwang, SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE
July 20, 2022
https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/consumer-price-index-grocer…
It’s no mystery that everything costs more these days, with the inflation rate soaring to 9.1% year-over-year in June, the largest increase in more than 40 years.
For Environmentalists, Sacramento Is Ground Zero In Battle Over California’s Air, Coastlines And Climate Future
Buzz around Newsom’s presidential hopes hampered by what state’s conservationists think of his policies and performance
By Dan Bacher, SACRAMENTO NEWS & REVIEW
July 19, 2022
https://sacramento.newsreview.com/2022/07/19/for-environmentalists-sacr…
KCRW 89.9FM NPR Santa Monica, CA: Consumer Watchdog Report Shows New Recycling Program Is Not Cutting it
By Tara Atrian, KCRW 89.9FM NPR Santa Monica, CA
July 18, 2022
Click here to listen to the audio of this radio broadcast segment.
Consumer Watchdog's new report shows California's new recycling program is not cutting it.
Insurers, Consumer Groups Telling Different Stories About Smoke Damage Claims
By Staff Reporters, CLAIMS JOURNAL
July 18, 2022
https://www.claimsjournal.com/news/national/2022/07/18/311619.htm
Insurers and consumer advocates are conveying conflicting messages as both try to focus public attention on smoke damage claims.
Suit Seeks Release of CDI Meeting Records In California ‘Pay To Play’ Lawsuit
By Dave LaChance, REPAIRER DRIVEN NEWS
July 18, 2022
https://www.repairerdrivennews.com/2022/07/18/suit-seeks-release-of-cdi…
A California consumer rights organization is asking a court to order Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara’s office to disclose records of all meetings with representatives of insurance companies involved in what it calls the office’s “pay-to-play scandal.”
Californians Should Decide Whether Its OK For Their Cars Spy On Them
Op-Ed Commentary by Justin Kloczko, Consumer Watchdog for CALMATTERS
Appeared in: Mercury News, Marin Independent Journal, East Bay Times, Santa Ynez Valley News, Lompoc Record, Santa Maria Times, San Francisco Examiner, The Desert Sun, Ventura County Star, Davis Enterprise, Akron Beacon Journal, The Daily Oklahoman, Abilene Reporter-News, South Bend Tribune, Corpus Christi Caller-Times, Arizona Daily Star
July 18, 2022
Report: Pilot ‘Mobile Recycling’ Programs Aren’t Fix for California’s Crumbling System
By Brooke Staggs, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Appeared in: Los Angeles Daily News, San Gabriel Valley Tribune, Pasadena Star-News, Whittier Daily News, Long Beach Press-Telegram, Torrance Daily Breeze
July 15, 2022
https://www.ocregister.com/2022/07/15/report-pilot-mobile-recycling-pro…
The concept sounds promising.
KNX 1070AM Los Angeles, CA: Consumer Group's Report Details Illegal Denying of Wildfire Claims
By Staff Reporters, KNX 1070AM Los Angeles, CA
July 13, 2022
Click here to listen to the audio of this radio broadcast segment.
Harvey Rosenfield with Consumer Watchdog details how their new report shows insurance companies illegally inserting language to allow them to deny wildfire claims.
KCBS 740AM San Francisco, CA: Insurance Companies Denying Wildfire Insurance Claims Illegally Says Consumer Watchdog
By Staff Reporters, KCBS 740AM San Francisco, CA
July 13, 2022
Click here to listen to the audio of this radio broadcast segment.
Consumer Watchdog says insurance companies are illegally inserting language into policies to deny wildfire claims.
Amazon Prime Day Deals Include Big Companies' Products Mislabeled As Small-Business Items
By Jeff Elder, SAN FRANCISCO EXAMINER
July 13, 2022
https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/amazon-prime-day-deals-include-big-comp…
Amazon says it is helping small businesses take part in its biggest sales event of the year.
Report: California Insurers Are Lowballing Or Denying Wildfire Coverage
The California Department of Insurance says the report "contains demonstrably false claims"
By Kevin Smith, SAN BERNARDINO SUN
July 12, 2022
https://www.sbsun.com/2022/07/12/report-california-insurers-are-lowball…
If you own a home that suffered smoke damage from a wildfire, don’t be surprised if your insurance coverage falls short — or is denied.
Brewers Need Cans. California’s Broken Recycling System Is Making Them Hard To Find
By Sofia Fernandez, LOS ANGELES TIMES
July 12, 2022
https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2022-07-12/california-beer-brewe…
Cindy Le, the operations director at Almanac Beer Co. in Alameda, had customers lining up for her Black Magic IPA and Peaceful Pils this spring. She was just running out of ways to sell it.
Should There Be a Higher Bar to Call Products ‘Sustainable’?
As the FTC updates its guidance on green marketing, some advocates are pushing it to provide clarity on commonly used (and abused) terms.
By Saijel Kishan, BLOOMBERG NEWS
July 7, 2022
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-07-07/what-makes-a-product…
The Observer: Proposed Law Requiring Oil Refiners To Disclose Profits Is Only First Step
Opinion Column by Jim Shields, THE WILLITS NEWS
July 2, 2022
https://www.willitsnews.com/2022/07/02/the-observer-proposed-law-requir…
As I reported to you last month, there’s a proposed law that would require oil refiners to disclose their per gallon profits on a monthly basis. The bill recently already passed out of the California Senate by a vote of 22-4.
KCRW 89.9FM NPR Southern California: $100 To Fill Gas Tank In LA: Are Oil Companies Taking Advantage?
Greater L.A. Program - written by Amy Ta, produced by Jenna Kagel, KCRW 89.9FM NPR Southern California
June 29, 2022
https://www.kcrw.com/news/shows/greater-la/gasoline-womens-pro-soccer/g…
Click here to listen to the audio of this radio broadcast segment.
California State Senator Pushes For New Bill Requiring Oil Refineries To Disclose Profits
By Tom Wait, KCBS TV-2 Los Angeles, CA
June 28, 2022
https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/california-state-senator-pushes…
With oil companies raking in record profits, one state senator is pushing a new law that would require refiners to disclose how much they make on every gallon of gas they sell.
58 California Legislators Have Taken Over $10,000 In 'Dirty Donations'
By Dan Bacher, INDYBAY
June 12, 2022
https://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2022/06/12/18850413.php
A May 2022 update to its Tracking the Dirty Dollars Project by Sierra Club California provides some clarity why California’s environmental policies don't live up to the “green” words of the state’s politicians. This update reveals that only 15 legislators have not received campaign contributions from polluters and their allies since January 1, 2021.
Maternal Health Fair Highlights Need For Outreach
By Ishani Desai, THE BAKERSFIELD CALIFORNIAN
June 11, 2022
https://www.bakersfield.com/news/maternal-health-fair-highlights-need-f…
5th District Supervisor Leticia Perez said she was embarrassed to acknowledge how little she knew about maternal health care during her own pregnancies.
KPFA 94.1FM Pacifica Radio - Berkeley, CA: Consumer Watchdog Files Complaint Against Insurance Commissioner Lara For Not Disclosing Source Of Campaign Funds
By KPFA 94.1FM Pacifica Radio - Berkeley, CA
June 8, 2022
Click here to listen to the audio of this radio broadcast segment.
Carmen Balber with Consumer Watchdog explains why the group filed a complaint with the FPPC regarding the CA Insurance Commissioner's failure to disclose the source of certain funding to his campaign for re-election.
In California, A Secret Insurance Effort To Boost A Corporate Dem?
Ricardo Lara is fighting to keep his post as the state’s insurance watchdog, while critics say he’s benefiting from the industry he’s charged with regulating.
By Sam Mellins, THE LEVER
June 7, 2022
https://www.levernews.com/in-california-a-secret-insurance-effort-to-bo…
California Primary 2022: Incumbent Ricardo Lara, 8 Others Vie For Insurance Commissioner
By Shad Powers, THE DESERT SUN
June 7, 2022
https://www.desertsun.com/story/news/2022/06/07/california-primary-elec…
Incumbent California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara is facing eight challengers in Tuesday's primary.
Cost to Californians $10 Trillion by 2045 From Oil And Gas, Consumer Watchdog Reveals in New Report
By Dan Bacher, ELK GROVE NEWS
June 3, 2022
http://www.elkgrovenews.net/2022/06/cost-to-californians-10-trillion-by…
Los Angeles, CA—A new report released today by Consumer Watchdog reveals that the true cost to the public of California’s oil and gas production and combustion is estimated to reach $10 trillion by 2045.
Oil Execs Cash Out Like Crazy While Gas Prices Soak Americans
The optics of the C-suite selloff aren’t great, given the pain at the pump for the average consumer.
By Noah Kirsch, THE DAILY BEAST
June 3, 2022
https://www.thedailybeast.com/oil-executives-sell-stock-like-crazy-whil…
California Commission Investigating Insurance Commissioner's Campaign Funding
By Timothy Darragh, BEST WIRE
May 31, 2022
https://news.ambest.com/NewsContent.aspx?refnum=241834&altsrc=23
SACRAMENTO, CA -- A California commission on campaigns and finance has opened a money laundering investigation into the campaign of Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, days before his fight to retain his office in the Democratic primary race.
California Wants To Force Insurers To Reward Homeowners For Fireproofing Homes
By Grace Gedye, CAL MATTERS
May 26, 2022
https://calmatters.org/economy/2022/05/fire-insurance-rules/
IN SUMMARY
New rules proposed by California’s Department of Insurance would require insurers to take homeowners’ efforts to reduce wildfire risk into account when setting premiums. But they would still allow non-renewals.
The Dilemma Of Property Insurance On The Hill
By David Jerome, IDYLWILD TOWN CRIER
May 25, 2022
The California Department of Insurance (CDI) is rolling out new regulations mandating that insurers in the state offer discounts to policyholders who undertake fire hazard mitigation and structure "hardening." The rules are intended to make decisions about rate and risk more transparent and more tuned to the specific risk of an individual property, as opposed to just the zone it is in.
Bill Requiring Refiners To Disclose Monthly Profits Passes Out OF California Senate
By Ian Taylor, BUNKERSPOT
May 25, 2022
https://www.bunkerspot.com/americas/56310-americas-bill-requiring-refin…
SB 1322 (Allen) – a bill that would require oil refiners to disclose their profits on a monthly basis – has passed out of the California Senate by a vote of 22 to 4 and will now be heard in the California Assembly.
Malpractice Damage Limit To Rise
By Bob Egelko, SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE
May 24, 2022
https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/Newsom-signs-compromise-law…
California's $250,000 limit on damages for pain and suffering caused by medical malpractice, a ceiling enacted by lawmakers in 1975 at the insistence of doctors and insurers, will be lifted next year.
Newsom Signs Bill Reforming Medical Malpractice Awards
By Madison Hirneisen, THE CENTER SQUARE
May 23, 2022
https://www.thecentersquare.com/california/newsom-signs-bill-reforming-…
(The Center Square) – Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill into law on Monday that raises limits on the amount of money patients can win in some medical malpractice cases, avoiding a likely ballot initiative in November.
California Gets New Rules Covering Medical Malpractice Payments. Here’s What Will Change
By Melody Gutierrez, LOS ANGELES TIMES
May 23, 2022
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-05-23/california-new-rule…
SACRAMENTO — Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill Monday to raise the amount of money that patients can receive in medical malpractice cases, increasing pain and suffering payments for the first time since lawmakers placed a cap on monetary damages nearly five decades ago.
California To Raise Medical Malpractice Caps After 47 Years
By Victoria Colliver, POLITICO PRO
May 23, 2022
Gavin Newsom on Monday signed a bill to update California's medical malpractice damage cap, ending a long-fought battle to adjust the pain-and-suffering limit that has remained unchanged for 47 years.
"After decades on negotiations, legislators, patient groups, and medical professionals have reached a consensus that protects patients and the stability of our health care system," Newsom said in a statement following the bill's signing, which was not public.
Advocates and Victims' Families Look Forward To Gov. Newsom Signing Med Mal Cap Reform Bill
By Staff Reports, KCRW 89.9FM Santa Monica, CA
May 19, 2022
Click here to listen to the audio of this radio news broadcast segment.
Advocates and victims' families look forward to Governor Newsom signing AB 35 into law to raise the cap on medical malpractice damages in California after nearly 50 years.
KNX 1070AM Los Angeles, CA: Raising of Med Mal Damages Cap Applauded
By Emily Valdez, KNX 1070AM Los Angeles, CA
May 18, 2022
Click here to listen to the audio of this radio broadcast segment.
Victims' families and consumer advocates applauded the raising of the medical malpractice damages cap in California.
KCBS 740AM San Francisco, CA: Consumer Advocates and Victims' Families Approve of Raising of Med Mal Cap
By Staff Reports, KCBS 740AM San Francisco, CA
May 18, 2022
Click here to listen to the audio of this radio broadcast segment.
Consumer Advocates and victims' families approve of the passage of AB 35 which will raise the cap on medical malpractice damages for the first time in nearly 50 years.
California Focus: Doubt Removed; Oil Refiners Gouging Us
Column by Tom Elias, CHICO ENTERRISE-RECORD
May 17, 2022
https://www.chicoer.com/2022/05/17/doubt-removed-oil-refiners-gouging-u…
There was some room for doubt back in February, when gasoline prices rose precipitously: Until the oil companies who refine most California gas unveiled their first-quarter profits, it would be impossible to be sure the spike stemmed from price gouging.
Privacy Battle Over Connected Cars Takes An Interesting Turn In California
By Steve Tengler, FORBES
May 17, 2022
https://www.forbes.com/sites/stevetengler/2022/05/17/privacy-battle-ove…
So goes California, and so typically goes the country. And the North American automotive industry along with it.
That's possibly the case with California and its battle over data.
California Lawmakers Raise Awards For Malpractice Lawsuits
By Adam Beam, ASSOCIATED PRESS
May 13, 2022
https://apnews.com/article/health-lawsuits-california-legislature-gavin…
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — The California Legislature on Thursday agreed to increase how much money people can win in medical malpractice lawsuits, resolving one of the thorniest disputes in state politics by raising a cap on damages for the first time in 47 years.
Kern County Supervisors Raise Alarm About Maternal Mortality Alongside Bereaved Family Members
The Latinx families lost young mothers due to complications during pregnancy and childbirth.
By Kerry Klein, KVPR NPR Central California
May 12, 2022
https://www.kvpr.org/health/2022-05-12/kern-county-supervisors-raise-al…
KFI 640AM Los Angeles, CA: Big Oil Treating CA Like An ATM
By Staff Reports, KFI 640AM Los Angeles, CA
May 12, 2022
Click here to listen to the audio of this radio broadcast segment.
Consumer Watchdog shows how Big Oil refiners are artificially jacking up gas prices to double their profits in CA.
KFBK 1530AM Sacramento, CA: Oil Refiners Double Profits By Price Gouging In CA
By Staff Reports, KFBK 1530AM Sacramento, CA
May 12, 2022
Click here to listen to the audio of this radio broadcast segment.
Consumer Watchdog's new report shows price gouging by Big Oil refiners at the CA pump.
KCRW 89.9FM NPR Santa Monica, CA: Californians Struggling To Afford Artificially High Gas Prices
By Staff Reports, KCRW 89.9FM NPR Santa Monica, CA
May 12, 2022
Click here to listen to the audio of this radio broadcast segment.
Jamie Court with Consumer Watchdog explains the group's new report showing Big Oil refiners gouging Californians at the pump and doubling their profits.
KOGO 600AM San Diego, CA: Big Oil Doubling Profits While Price Gouging
By Staff Reports, KOGO 600AM San Diego, CA
May 11, 2022
Click here to listen to the audio of this radio broadcast segment.
Consumer Watchdog puts out new report showing price gouging by Big Oil.
Consumer Group Claims California Refineries Exploiting Ukraine Crisis
By JW August, THE TIMES OF SAN DIEGO
May 11, 2022
https://timesofsandiego.com/business/2022/05/11/consumer-group-claims-c…
San Diego drivers are paying high prices in part because of “unprecedented profits from refining oil into gasoline” in California, a consumer advocacy group charged on Wednesday.
KNX 1070AM Los Angeles, CA: Oil Companies Gouging Californians
By Staff Reports, KNX 1070AM Los Angeles, CA
May 11, 2022
Click here to listen to the audio of this radio broadcast segment.
Jamie Court of Consumer Watchdog shows how Big Oil is gouging Californians at the pump.
KABC 790AM Los Angeles, CA: Here's Why You're Paying $6 A Gallon For Gas
By John Phillips, KABC 790AM Los Angeles, CA
May 11, 2022
Click here to listen to the audio of this radio broadcast segment.
Jamie Court with Consumer Watchdog explains the group's new report showing price gouging by Big Oil companies.
'Oil Refiners Exploited The Crisis': Report Shows Oil Refiners Are Gouging California Drivers
By Alexi Chidbachian, KTTV FOX TV-11 Los Angeles, CA
May 11, 2022
https://www.foxla.com/news/oil-refiners-exploited-the-crisis-report-sho…
LOS ANGELES - A recent investor profits report shows that California oil refiners are gouging Californians as they earn more than double the number of other refiners.
Could California Officially Ban Offshore Oil Drilling?
A bill to ban offshore drilling in state waters, Senate Bill 953, passed out of the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Water on April 26.
By Dan Bacher, RED, GREEN & BLUE
May 10, 2022
http://redgreenandblue.org/2022/05/10/california-officially-ban-offshor…
Column: Everyone Wins In Compromise To Increase Malpractice Payouts — Especially Victims
Column by George Skelton, LOS ANGELES TIMES
May 9, 2022
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-05-09/skelton-malpractice…
SACRAMENTO — It’s being called the Sacramento equivalent of the Berlin Wall falling. Or a Middle East peace pact.
Long-warring enemies have suddenly negotiated a historic compromise over how much money medical malpractice victims can be awarded for pain and suffering.
Marc Levine Could Restore Trust As CA Insurance Commissioner
California needs an insurance commissioner with ethics. This candidate could restore trust
EDITORIAL BY THE SACRAMENTO BEE EDITORIAL BOARD
May 8, 2022
https://www.sacbee.com/opinion/election-endorsements/article261075437.h…
Bill Gradually Raising California Medical Malpractice Awards As High As $1 Million Advances
By Madison Hirneisen, THE CENTER SQUARE
May 6, 2022
https://www.thecentersquare.com/california/bill-gradually-raising-calif…
(The Center Square) – Legislation to raise limits on types of California malpractice lawsuits advanced to the State Assembly after Senate lawmakers approved it Thursday.
Western States Petroleum Association Spent $17.5 Million On CA Lobbying Over 3 Years, $952,367 In 2022
By Dan Bacher, DAILY KOS
May 6, 2022
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2022/5/6/2096432/-Western-States-Petro…
Deep regulatory capture by Big Oil is thriving in California, despite continual boasting by politicians that the state is the nation's "green" and "progressive" leader.
How Lawmakers Are Stonewalling Clean Energy Legislation in Sacramento This Year
23 California legislators who failed to support clean energy bills have taken a combined $1.58 million from the oil and gas industry.
By Aaron Cantu, CAPITAL & MAIN
May 4, 2022
https://capitalandmain.com/how-lawmakers-are-stonewalling-clean-energy-…
California Bill Seeks to Raise Cap on Medical Malpractice Damages for First Time in Nearly 50 Years
In 1975, the state of California capped medical malpractice damages for pain and suffering to $250,000 and that’s where it's stayed for 47 years.
By Alexis Rivas, KNSD NBC TV-7 San Diego, CA
May 2, 2022
https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/california-bill-seeks-to-raise-c…
How California’s Failed Recycling Program Has Hurt Local Consumers
By Marisa Endicott, THE SANTA ROSA PRESS-DEMOCRAT
April 30, 2022
https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/news/how-californias-failed-recyc…
Frustrated readers have written me that it's become increasingly hard to turn in bottles and cans for cash as recycling redemption centers have seemed to disappear.
Editorial: Elect Levine To End Lara's Insurance Commissioner Scandals
California needs consumer protection, not partying, dining and cozying up with industry lobbyists and executives
By The MERCURY NEWS and EAST BAY TIMES Editorial Boards
April 28, 2022
https://www.mercurynews.com/2022/04/28/editorial-elect-marc-levine-to-e…
California needs a new insurance commissioner - one that voters can feel confident represents their interests.
ELECTION 2022: An Independent Regulator - Marc Levine Would Be An Insurance Commissioner For The People — And The Planet.
By The LOS ANGELES TIMES Editorial Board
April 28, 2022
https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2022-04-28/marc-levine-endorsemen…
Ricardo Lara’s first year as California insurance commissioner — the elected office charged with regulating the state’s $310-billion insurance industry — was an ethical disaster.
Victims of Medical Malpractice Could Win More In Damages Under New Deal Reached By California Lawmaker
By Bob Egelko, SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE
April 27, 2022
https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/Victims-of-medical-malpract…
Consumer advocates, physicians and legislative leaders announced a long-sought agreement Wednesday to rewrite change a 1975 California law that placed a $250,000 limit on damages for pain and suffering caused by medical malpractice.
Sacramento Reaches MICRA Deal
By Victoria Colliver, POLITICO PRO
April 27, 2022
California’s nearly 50-year-old medical malpractice compensation limits may soon be increased as part of a deal announced Wednesday that could end a decadeslong fight that’s pitted doctors and insurance companies against patients and families seeking justice in the courtroom for wrongful injuries or deaths.
California’s Malpractice Payouts Would Rise Under A Deal To Avoid A Costly Ballot Fight
By Melody Gutierrez, LOS ANGELES TIMES
April 27, 2022
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-04-27/california-malpract…
SACRAMENTO — Cash payments in California medical malpractice cases would go up for the first time in nearly five decades under a deal between rival interest groups announced Wednesday that avoids a costly battle at the ballot box in November.
US Gas Prices Are Over $4 A Gallon. These Oil CEOs Took Home Over $20 Million
Oil and gas CEOs received nearly $45m more in combined total compensation in 2021 compared to 2020 amid a spike in prices
By Iffah Kitchlew, THE GUARDIAN UK
April 25, 2022
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/apr/25/us-gas-prices-oil-c…
While gas prices soar for consumers, one group of people isn’t faring so badly.
California Bill Setting Greater Disclosures on Insurance Department Bottled Up in Committee
By Timothy Darragh, BestWire
April 22, 2022
A bill requiring greater disclosure between California Department of Insurance personnel and insurance companies and other measures failed to get out of a state House committee, virtually dooming them for this legislative session.
The California House Insurance Committee held AB 2323 without a recommendation.
Lara and Levine Spar Over Fossil Fuel Disclosures
By Colby Bermel, POLITICO PRO
April 18, 2022
https://subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2022/04/lara-and-levine-spar…
A new fossil fuel investments disclosure tool unveiled Monday by Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara won out over a competing legislative proposal from his primary challenger, fellow Democrat Marc Levine, who accused Lara's staff of working against the bill.
Inflation Means A Bay Area Resident Will Spend $4,400 More For The Same Stuff This Year
By Kellie Hwang, SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE
April 12, 2022
https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/san-francisco-inflation-170…
Buying pretty much anything in the Bay Area is generally more expensive, but adding rising inflation into the mix has made things even harder.
Just the thought of filling up the gas tank at $6 a gallon can induce anxiety.
Inspector General Hired To Monitor LADWP, Amid FBI Corruption Probe
The role is being filled nearly three years after FBI raid at LADWP headquarters and other offices.
By Elizabeth Chou, THE DAILY BREEZE
April 11, 2022
https://www.dailybreeze.com/2022/04/11/inspector-general-hired-to-monit…
New Lawsuit Against SD Plastic Surgeon Charged In Patient's Death
By Jennifer Kastner, KGTV ABC TV-10 San Diego, CA
April 7, 2022
https://www.10news.com/news/team-10/new-lawsuit-against-sd-plastic-surg…
SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — A Bonita plastic surgeon who's charged with involuntary manslaughter in a patient's death is coming under fire again. This time it's over a different patient. He's still allowed to practice without notifying patients.
Newsom Unveils Bottle Recycling Plan
By Dustin Gardiner, SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE
April 6, 2022
https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/Newsom-proposal-California…
SACRAMENTO -- Gov. Gavin Newsom's administration unveiled a $330 million proposal Friday that aims to breathe new life into California's ailing bottle deposit program by opening up thousands more locations where consumers can redeem empty bottles and cans for their nickel and dime deposits.
Ex-LA City Attorney’s Office Lawyer Pleads Guilty In DWP Billing Case
By City News Service, THE DAILY NEWS OF LOS ANGELES
April 5, 2022
https://www.dailynews.com/2022/04/05/ex-la-city-attorneys-office-lawyer…
LOS ANGELES — A former senior lawyer in the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office pleaded guilty Tuesday to a federal charge connected to lawsuits involving the 2014 Department of Water and Power billing system debacle.
KNX 1070 AM Los Angeles, CA: LADWP Billing Scandal Meeting Report Implicates City Attorney Mike Feuer's Involvement
By Natalie Savidian, KNX 1070 AM Los Angeles, CA
April 5, 2022
Click here to listen to the audio of this radio broadcast segment.
Jamie Court with Consumer Watchdog calls for Mike Feuer to explain why he shouldn't resign after the explosive report implicating him as present in an LADWP extortion scandal meeting.
S.F. Bottle Recycling Program Draws Ire Of Advocacy Groups
By Dustin Gardiner and J.D. Morris, SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE
April 5, 2022
https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/sf-bottle-recycling-170525…
When San Francisco launched its mobile recycling program at the start of the year, city officials hailed the "first-of-its-kind" effort as a way to make recycling easier for consumers struggling to redeem their empty cans and bottles for 5- and 10-cent deposits.
DWP Scandal: What Did the LA City Attorney Know?
Federal prosecutors allege a key discussion about the extortion took place during a Dec. 1, 2017 meeting.
By Eric Leonard, KNBC TV-4, Los Angeles, CA
April 4, 2022
https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/dwp-scandal-what-did-the-la-ci…
California Plans To Invest In CRV Program
Gov. Newsom's budget calls for investing $155 million to expand mobile recycling and reverse vending machine locations.
By DeAnne Toto, RECYCLING TODAY
April 4, 2022
https://www.recyclingtoday.com/article/california-budget-crv-program-in…
California Has $600M In Unclaimed Can, Bottle Deposits
By Don Thomson, ASSOCIATED PRESS
April 2, 2022
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/california-has-600m-in-unclaime…
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California is sitting on a $600 million pile of unclaimed nickel and dime deposits on recyclable cans and bottles and now wants to give some of that back to consumers.
Consumer Watchdog To Crack Down On Connected Car Tech In California
By Jonathan Lopez, GM AUTHORITY
April 1, 2022
https://gmauthority.com/blog/2022/04/consumer-watchdog-to-crack-down-on…
As modern passenger vehicles adopt the latest in connected vehicle technologies, there is a growing concern that new connected car tech may be used to unfairly target consumers and breach citizens’ right to privacy, as outlined in a new report from the non-profit organization Consumer Watchdog.
Expert Calls San Mateo County's Report On Massive $10 Million PPE Mistake 'Terrible'
The report doesn't reveal why the county failed to bring the PPE back inside, even though Fiesta Hall was vacant.
By Dan Noyes, KGO ABC TV-7 San Francisco, CA
March 31, 2022
https://abc7news.com/san-mateo-county-ppe-covid-equipment-investigation…
KNX 1070 AM Los Angeles, CA: New Report Shows Your Car Might Be Spying On You
By Rob Archer, KNX 1070 AM Los Angeles, CA
March 30, 2022
Click here to listen to the audio of this radio broadcast segment.
Justin Kloczko with Consumer Watchdog talks about his new report focusing on how "connected cars" might be spying on you and how you should be able to opt out of the tracking.
SPYING CARS
By Susannah Luthi, POLITICO PRO
March 30, 2022
SPYING CARS: According to a new report from Consumer Watchdog, car companies are collecting and sharing a growing amount of drivers' personal data, Luthi writes.
KCBS AM, San Francisco, CA: Connected Cars May Be Violating Your Digital Privacy
By Mike DeWald, KCBS 740 AM, San Francisco, CA
March 30, 2022
Click here to listen to the audio of this radio broadcast segment.
Consumer Watchdog's Justin Kloczko explains how connected cars are mining consumers' private data.
Emails Obtained By I-Team Reveal 'Blatant Lie' From San Mateo Co. In Viral PPE Controversy
The e-mails obtained under the California Public Records Act show multiple things the county tried to hide about the major mishap.
By Dan Noyes, KGO ABC TV-7 San Francisco, CA
March 30, 2022
https://abc7news.com/ppe-equipment-san-mateo-county-emails-event-center…
KGO 810 AM San Francisco, CA: Are Cars Spying On Us?
Host: Pat Thurston, KGO 810 AM San Francisco, CA
March 30, 2022
Click here to listen to the audio of this radio broadcast segment.
Consumer Watchdog's Jamie Court joins Pat to talk about the dangers of geolocation tracking in vehicles and how consumers should demand protection of their privacy.
How To Stop Insurance Companies and Automakers From Stealing California Driver’s Privacy
By Lynn Walford, AUTO CONNECTED CAR NEWS
March 30, 2022
https://www.autoconnectedcar.com/2022/03/how-to-stop-insurance-companie…
Jamie Court from Consumer Watch dog writes, carmakers and auto insurance companies are trying to track your every movement in your car and use that information against you. Now Californians have a chance to stop them.
Report from California Watchdog Group Calls for Privacy Protections from Connected Cars
By Staff Reporters, INSURANCE JOURNAL
March 30, 2022
https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/west/2022/03/30/660471.htm
A new report from a consumer group calls out what it says are privacy problems posed for consumers from connected cars and it points to new rules to be developed in California as a potential model across the country.
Auto-Delete State Workers’ Emails? Some Departments Scrap Records In As Little As 90 Days
By Wes Venteicher, SACRAMENTO BEE
March 23, 2022
https://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/the-state-worker/articl…
When the California Department of Insurance announced a plan to start deleting employees’ emails automatically after 180 days, an employee raised concerns that had nothing to do with scandals at the top of the department.
Californians Still Paying 'Mystery Surcharge' With Gas Prices
On Monday, Californians paid $1.60 more per gallon than the national average.
By Morgan Rynor, KXTV ABC TV-10 Sacramento, CA
March 21, 2022
https://www.abc10.com/article/traffic/gas-prices/california-gas-prices/…
KNX 1070 AM Los Angeles, CA: Consumer Watchdog Says Oil Refiners Need To Open Their Books
By Mike Simpson and Charles Feldman - IN DEPTH - KNX 1070 AM Los Angeles, CA
March 18, 2022
Click here to listen to the audio of this radio broadcast segment.
Jamie Court with Consumer Watchdog explains how the big 5 oil refiners who own 96% of the market are profiteering on California consumers and should have to open their books.
Class Action Lawsuit Filed In San Diego Federal Court Over Chrysler Minivans' Recall, Fire Risk Defect
By Staff Reporters, KGTV ABC TV-10 San Diego, CA
March 22, 2022
https://www.10news.com/news/local-news/class-action-lawsuit-filed-in-sa…
SAN DIEGO (CNS) - A class action lawsuit was filed in San Diego federal court against Chrysler regarding a defect that allegedly causes its Pacifica minivans to catch fire and explode.
Getting Answers: How Would Forcing Oil Companies To Publicly Disclose Profits Help Consumers?
By Staff Reporters, GOOD DAY SACRAMENTO, KOVR CBS TV-13, Sacramento, CA
March 16, 2022
https://gooddaysacramento.cbslocal.com/2022/03/16/mystery-gas-surcharge/
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — Gas prices continue to skyrocket, and Sacramento and Modesto hit new all-time highs again on Wednesday.
As California gas prices continue to reach those record highs, frustration is growing from drivers.
KPFA 94.1 FM SF Bay Area, CA: Gas Prices Surge
By Cat Brooks and Brian Edwards-Tiekert, UPFRONT - KPFA 94.1 FM, SF Bay Area, CA
March 15, 2022
https://kpfa.org/episode/upfront-march-15-2022/
Click here to listen to the audio of this radio broadcast segment.
KCBS 740 AM San Francisco, CA: Big Oil Refiners Continue "The Golden State Gouge" at the Gas Pump
By Mike Dewald, KCBS 740 AM San Francisco, CA
March 14, 2022
Click here to listen to the audio of this radio broadcast segment.
Fresh calls for big oil refiners to open their books to prove they're not artificially fleecing CA consumers at the pump.
KCRW 89.9 FM Santa Monica, CA: Proposed Legislation To Force Transparency On Big Oil Refiners
By Cherry Glazer, KCRW 89.9FM Santa Monica, CA
March 14, 2022
Click here to listen to the audio of this radio broadcast segment.
CA State Senator Ben Allen is introducing a new bill that would force big oil refiners to open their financial books.
KQED 88.5 FM San Francisco, CA: Californians Deserve Transparency By Oil Refiners
By Brian Watt, KQED 88.9 FM San Francisco, CA
March 14, 2022
Click here to listen to the audio of this radio broadcast segment.
Jamie Court with Consumer Watchdog explains why big oil refiners should be forced to open their books.
KPCC 89.3 FM SoCal Public Radio: Push For Transparency On Big Oil's Profits
By Staff Reporters, KPCC 89.3FM SoCal Public Radio
March 14, 2022
Click here to listen to the audio of this radio broadcast segment.
Public advocates are supporting CA State Senator Ben Allen's new proposed legislation to force big oil refiners to open their books to see if they are indeed profiteering off California consumers.
KXJZ-FM Capitol Public Radio, Sacramento, CA: New Bill Aims To Force Oil Refiners To Open Books
By Staff Reporters, KXJZ-FM Capitol Public Radio, Sacramento, CA
March 14, 2022
Click here to listen to the audio of this radio broadcast segment.
Consumer advocates support CA State Senator Ben Allen's new bill to force the big oil refiners to open their books to determine if they are artificially boosting prices.
SF BottleBank Reports Low Collection Numbers As Advocates Say It Favors Grocers, Not Consumers
By Michael Finney, KGO ABC TV-7 San Francisco, CA
March 14, 2022
https://abc7news.com/sf-bottlebank-mobile-recycling-san-francisco-crv-a…
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- There are only two recycling centers set up by the San Francisco BottleBank mobile recycling program. So how are they doing?
Why California Gas Prices Are So High and Vary So Widely: ‘Mystery Surcharge’ and More
By Connor Sheets, LOS ANGELES TIMES
March 14, 2022
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-03-14/gas-prices-vary-fro…
You’re filling up your Toyota Camry at a gas station in Los Angeles County — home to six oil refineries that pump out more than a million barrels a day, nearly 60% of the refinery capacity in California. With so much oil so close to home, you might think gasoline would be pretty cheap.
New Bill Seeks to Make Oil Refiners’ Profits Very Transparent
By Nate Gartrell, THE EAST COUNTY GAZETTE
March 13, 2022
https://theeastcountygazette.com/new-bill-seeks-to-make-oil-refiners-pr…
A local lawmaker is seeking to know why California gas prices are so much higher than the rest of the country in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
New Senate Bill Would Force California Refineries to Reveal Profits on Gasoline
By JW August, THE TIMES OF SAN DIEGO
March 11, 2022
https://timesofsandiego.com/business/2022/03/11/new-senate-bill-would-f…
Just how much do oil refiners make in California? Only the owners of the five refineries in the state know.
KNX 1070 AM Los Angeles, CA: Consumer Advocates Support New Proposed Bill To Rein In Oil Refiner Profiteering
By Margaret Carrero, KNX 1070 AM, Los Angeles, CA
March 11, 2022
Click here to listen to the audio of this radio broadcast segment.
CA State Senator Ben Allen and Consumer Watchdog unveiled new transparency legislation that would open the books on the big oil refiners who are profiteering at the gas pump right now.
KGO 810 AM San Francisco, CA: Price Gouging At The Pump in CA?
By Nikki Medoro, KGO 810 AM San Francisco, CA
March 11, 2020
Click here to listen to the audio of this radio broadcast segment.
Jamie Court with Consumer Watchdog talks about new legislation introduced to help reign in oil refiners' profiteering.
KNX 1070 AM Los Angeles, CA: Oil Refiners Are Laughing All The Way To The Bank
By Staff Reporters, KNX 1070 AM Los Angeles, CA
March 11, 2022
Click here to listen to the audio of this radio broadcast segment.
Jamie Court with Consumer Watchdog tells how CA State Senator Ben Allen is introducing a bill to reign in oil refiners who are artificially jacking up gas prices in CA and laughing all the way to the bank.
Bill Looks To 'Open Books' Of Oil Refineries
By Eliyahu Kamisher, BAY AREA NEWS GROUP
March 11, 2022
https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2022/03/11/bill-looks-to-open-books-of-oil…
While Californians watch their average gas prices surge to over $5.70 a gallon, consumer advocates are demanding new disclosures to reveal how much oil refiners are profiting off your latest fill up at the pump.
Bill Seeks Profit Transparency From California Oil Refiners
By Kevin Smith, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
March 11, 2022
https://www.ocregister.com/2022/03/11/bill-seeks-profit-transparancy-fr…
Russia’s invasion into Ukraine has pushed California’s already high gas prices to record levels, but a local lawmaker wants to know why Golden State prices are routinely so much higher than the rest of the nation.
KCRW 89.9 FM Santa Monica, CA: What Can Be Done About High Gas Prices in CA?
By Madeline Brand, PRESS PLAY - KCRW 89.9FM Santa Monica, CA
March 9, 2022
Click here to listen to the audio of this radio broadcast segment.
Consumer Watchdog's Jamie Court explains why California's gas prices are so much higher than the rest of the nation and what should be done about it.
Newsom Proposes Gas Rebate As Prices Exceed $5/Gallon. Why So High?
By Amy Ta, produced by Brian Hardzinsk, KCRW 89.9FM - Press Play
March 9, 2022
https://www.kcrw.com/news/shows/press-play-with-madeleine-brand/oil-ukr…
A gallon of gas in California today averages $5.57, according to AAA, and that’s the highest in the nation. Governor Gavin Newsom on Tuesday proposed a rebate aiming to ease fuel costs, though details are scant.
Environmental Groups Are United In California Rooftop Solar Fight, with One Notable Exception
NRDC’s stance on rooftop solar shows differences in strategy and worldview.
By Dan Gearino and Anne Marshall-Chalmers, INSIDE CLIMATE NEWS
March 7, 2022
https://insideclimatenews.org/news/07032022/california-rooftop-solar-nr…
Secret Bounties Can Net Consultants Millions to Influence California Officials
By Sophia Bollag, SACRAMENTO BEE
March 1, 2022
https://www.sacbee.com/article258526768.html
Fabian Núñez and Rusty Areias had a job to do.
The former lawmakers who left public service for private consulting were hired by a workers compensation company to convince the Department of Insurance to allow an acquisition deal to proceed. If they succeeded, they say they were promised a $2 million bounty fee.
Marin Candidate For Insurance Commissioner Duels With Incumbent
By Richard Halstead, MARIN INDEPENDENT JOURNAL
February 28, 2022
https://www.marinij.com/2022/02/26/marin-candidate-for-insurance-commis…
It appears the gloves are off in Assemblyman Marc Levine’s bid to unseat state Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara in the June 7 primary.
Demi Dominguez’s Mother Calls for California Medical Board Reform
By Jose Franco, KGET NBC-TV, Bakersfield, CA
February 24, 2022
https://www.kget.com/news/local-news/demi-dominguezs-mother-calls-for-c…
LOS ANGELES — Bakersfield’s Tracy Dominguez is calling for reform of the Medical Board of California.
Domnguez lost her daughter, Demi Dominguez and premature grandson Malakhi in 2019, due to Demi’s undiagnosed pre-eclampsia.
KNX 1070 AM Los Angeles, CA: Victims of Medical Malpractice Need More Rights In California, Say Advocates
By Craig Fiegner, KNX 1070 AM Los Angeles, CA
February 24, 2022
Click here to listen to the audio of this radio broadcast segment.
Carmen Balber with Consumer Watchdog says victims of medical malpractice need an independent Medical Board in California, not controlled by doctors as it currently stands.
California Insurance Commissioner Candidate Introduces Bills Addressing Alleged Ethical Lapse at Regulatory Office
By Timothy Darragh, BESTWIRE
February 24, 2022
https://news.ambest.com/newscontent.aspx?altsrc=108&refnum=239981
A California lawmaker running for insurance commissioner has proposed a pair of bills to address what he said is a lack of transparency and ethics in the office.
KNX 1070 AM Los Angeles, CA: Consumer Advocate Says Big Oil Fleecing Californians At The Pump Again
By Charles Feldman & Mike Simpson, KNX 1070AM LA
February 17, 2022
Click here to listen to the audio of this radio broadcast segment.
Consumer Watchdog's Jamie Court explains how Big Oil is fleecing California consumers at the pump again by artificially raising prices.
State Senator Lena Gonzalez Introduces Fossil Fuel Divestment Bill in CA Legislature
By Dan Bacher, DAILYKOS
February 17, 2022
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2022/2/17/2080895/-State-Senator-Lena-…
On February 17, Sen. Lena Gonzalez (D-Long Beach) introduced a bill in the California Legislature that would mandate that California’s public pension funds stop investing in fossil fuel companies.
Column: Businesses Have Been Ripping Off Consumers For 50 Years. Here’s How We Can Strike Back
Column by Michael Hiltzik, LOS ANGELES TIMES
February 17, 2022
https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2022-02-17/businesses-have-been-…
Raise your hand if something like this has happened to you:
— You booked a hotel room, and discovered when you checked in — or checked out — that the hotel added an undisclosed daily “resort fee” to your bill, for services you never would or did use.
State Farm Doesn’t Have To Refund $100 Million To Homeowners, State Supreme Court Rules
By Bob Egelko, SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE
February 9, 2022
https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/State-Farm-doesn-t-have-to-…
State Farm Insurance will not have to refund $100 million to homeowners after the state Supreme Court denied appeals Wednesday by California's insurance commissioner and a consumer organization, which both contended the customers had been overcharged.
State Senator Dave Min Introduces Bill To Ban Offshore Drilling In California Waters
By Dan Bacher, DAILY KOS
February 9, 2022
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2022/2/9/2079471/-State-Senator-Dave-M…
SACRAMENTO, CA — In a major challenge to the powerful oil industry in California, Senator Dave Min (D-Irvine) today introduced a bill to ban offshore drilling in state ocean waters, including oil production under current lease agreements.
Allstate Price Optimization Hearing in California Scheduled for May
By Timothy Darragh, BESTWIRE
February 8, 2022
https://news.ambest.com/newscontent.aspx?altsrc=108&refnum=239697
Sacramento, CA -- A California administrative law judge has set a date of May 10 for an evidentiary hearing and possible motion for sanctions in a long-running case involving Allstate Insurance Co. and Allstate Indemnity Co. and allegations of price optimizing costing drivers an extra $1 billion.
“What If I Can’t Insure My Home At All?”
By Sam Mellins, THE DAILY POSTER
February 7, 2022
https://www.dailyposter.com/what-if-i-cant-insure-my-home-at-all/
Major insurance companies are choosing to protect the fossil fuel industry while abandoning homeowners whose safety and livelihoods are being threatened by the industry’s carbon emissions.
Allstate Financial Results Take A Hit
By Lyle Adriano, INSURANCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE
February 3, 2022
https://www.insurancebusinessmag.com/us/news/breaking-news/allstate-fin…
Allstate Insurance’s results for Q4 2021 marked the second straight quarter that the insurer missed estimates – as record inflation drives up the costs of both insuring and repairing vehicles.
Patients Could Get a Voice in Disciplinary Hearings for Doctors
By Melody Gutierrez, Brittny Mejia and Jack Dolan, LOS ANGELES TIMES
February 3, 2022
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-02-03/california-lawmaker…
SACRAMENTO — Tracy Dominguez has often thought about standing in the lobby of the Medical Board of California and shouting. Maybe then she would be heard, she said.
Western States Petroleum Association Spent $17.5 Million Lobbying CA Officials Past 3 Years
By Dan Bacher, DAILY KOS
February 2, 2022
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2022/2/2/2078099/-Western-States-Petro…
The Western States Petroleum Association (WSPA), the largest and most powerful corporate lobbying group in Sacramento, has spent over $17.5 million lobbying the California Legislature and other state officials over the past three years.
Florida and California Consider Changes That Could 'Decimate The Rooftop Solar Market,' Experts Say
By Ben Adler, YAHOO NEWS
February 2, 2022
https://www.yahoo.com/news/florida-and-california-consider-changes-that…
California and Florida are considering revoking a policy that has encouraged homeowners to install rooftop solar panels — causing fear among solar panel owners and installers, and creating divisions in the environmental community.
Newly Public Documents Allege Allstate Overcharged Loyal California Customers $1 Billion
By Aaron Sankin, THE MARKUP
February 1, 2022
https://themarkup.org/allstates-algorithm/2022/02/01/newly-public-docum…
A pair of newly public documents filed with a California administrative law judge show experts accusing the company of systematically overcharging customers it believed to be the most loyal around $1 billion over the past decade.
Column: There’s A Battle Brewing Over Changes To California Solar Incentives. Newsom Is In The Middle
Column by George Skelton, LOS ANGELES TIMES
January 31, 2022
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-01-31/skelton-rooftop-sol…
SACRAMENTO — Rooftop solar is generating intense heat on Gov. Gavin Newsom. And he’s quietly trying to cool it down.
He’s doing that by pressuring warring interest groups and the California Public Utilities Commission.
Column: Two Statewide Races To Watch This Year
Column by Dan Walters, CALMATTERS
January 30, 2022
https://calmatters.org/commentary/2022/01/two-statewide-races-to-watch-…
We can pretty much assume that Gavin Newsom will be re-elected this year to a second term as California’s governor.
Newsom’s Big Choice: Single Payer Or His Insurance Donors?
California’s governor is caught between his campaign pledge and the health care companies that bankroll him.
By Walker Bragman , THE DAILY POSTER
January 28, 2022
https://www.dailyposter.com/newsoms-big-choice-single-payer-or-his-insu…
New Analysis Reveals Fossil Fuel Industry's Job Claims Are 'Wildly Inaccurate' In California, U.S.
By Dan Bacher, ELK GROVE NEWS
January 27, 2022
http://www.elkgrovenews.net/2022/01/new-analysis-reveals-fossil-fuel.html
The Western States Petroleum Association (WSPA), the most powerful corporate lobbying group in Sacramento, claims that there are 368,000 jobs in the oil industry in California.
Editorial: California Must Do More To Get Bad Doctors Out Of The Profession
By THE LOS ANGELES TIMES EDITORIAL BOARD
January 25, 2022
https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2022-01-25/editorial-california-m…
California’s system for getting bad doctors out of the profession is obviously not working.
Column: This ‘Cost Recovery Fee’ Seems More Like Double Dipping
By Staff Writers, ATLANTA BUSINESS JOURNAL
January 20, 2022
https://www.atlantabusinessjournal.com/column-this-cost-recovery-fee-se…
If there’s a single business you should be able to trust implicitly to watch over you and protect you, it’s home security.
After all, these are companies you pay each month to keep you safe from unwanted intrusions.
Consumer Group Alleges California DOI Hid Open Records Evidence
By Timothy Darragh, BESTWIRE
January 19, 2022
https://news.ambest.com/newscontent.aspx?altsrc=108&refnum=239255
A consumer group is charging new evidence shows the California Department of Insurance has improperly withheld communications with representatives of a company linked to a 2019 fundraising scandal.
Investigators Warn Of Potentially Unlicensed Testing Companies
By Staff Reporters, KMVU FOX TV-26, Medford, OR
January 12, 2022
https://www.fox26medford.com/investigators-warn-of-potentially-unlicens…
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – At first glance, a pop-up COVID testing site nestled outside the 16th Street BART station in San Francisco’s Mission District looks like a convenient way to score a free COVID test.
Critics Say Newsom's Proposed 2022-23 Budget 'Falls Short' on Confronting Fossil Fuels
By Dan Bacher, DAILY KOS
January 11, 2022
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2022/1/11/2073926/-Critics-Say-Newsom-…
SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom on January 10 unveiled his 2022-23 state budget proposal including a $45.7 billion budget surplus, receiving both criticism and praise from environmental and climate advocates.
Big Oil's California Connection
State insurance commissioner Ricardo Lara has taken campaign money and gifts from fossil fuel interests and “done almost nothing” to address climate change.
By Sam Mellins, THE DAILY POSTER
January 12, 2022
https://www.dailyposter.com/why-is-california-backtracking-on-climate-r…
It’s Time To Make CA’s Fraudulent Recycling Run Properly: Consumer Watchdog
Host - Steve Chiotakis, Guest - Liza Tucker, Consumer Watchdog - Greater LA, KCRW 89.9FM
January 10, 2022
Click here to listen to the audio of this radio broadcast segment: https://www.kcrw.com/news/shows/greater-la/covid-recycle/recycling-fraud
Opinion: California's Recycling Scandal Isn't Just 'Nickel And Dime' Fraud. It's Millions Of Dollars
Opinion By Thomas Elias, THE DESERT SUN
January 10, 2022
https://www.desertsun.com/story/opinion/2022/01/10/californias-recyclin…
In California’s recycling program, nickel and dime deposits add about $1.5 billion a year. But at least $200 million of that goes to criminals, according to a new report from the usually reliable Consumer Watchdog advocacy group.
Recycling Fraud Costing Californians Up To $200 Million Annually, Report Says
Consumer Watchdog supports a California bill that would make producers responsible for the materials' entire life cycle.
By Kevin Smith, LOS ANGELES DAILY NEWS
January 6, 2022
https://www.dailynews.com/2022/01/06/recycling-fraud-costs-california-c…
California Is Sitting On $350 Million In Unclaimed Bottle Deposit Funds, Thanks To ‘Recycling Deserts’
By Dustin Gardener, SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE
January 4, 2022
https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/California-is-sitting-on-3…
SACRAMENTO — Every time Californians purchase a bottle of beer or can of soda, they pay an extra nickel or dime — a deposit they can theoretically get back if the container is returned to a recycling center.
California Continues To Face Wildfire Risks. Insurers Think They Have An Answer
By Debra Kahn, POLITICO PRO
December 30, 2021
SAN FRANCISCO — California is struggling to prevent wildfires from decimating communities each year. Now insurers wonder if they can accomplish what politicians can’t.
Watchdog Says California’s Recycling System Is Sorely Lacking, Despite 7 New Recycling Laws Going Into Effect In 2022
By Staff Reporters, KPFA Radio 94.1FM, SF Bay Area, CA
December 30, 2021
Listen to the audio of this radio broadcast segment here: https://kpfa.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/RECYCLING-QA.mp3
Appeals Court Tries to Gut Tough Consumer Law
By Thomas Elias, SANTA MARIA TIMES
December 21, 2021
https://santamariatimes.com/opinion/columnists/appeals-court-tries-to-g…
California’s ballot initiative process has never been more effective or beneficial to voters (who are also utility customers) than since the strongly consumerist Proposition 103 passed handily in 1988.
Consumer Group Slams Delay in San Francisco Recycling Effort
By Staff Writers, ASSOCIATED PRESS
December 20, 2021
https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/california/articles/2021-12-20/…
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A prominent advocacy group has labeled San Francisco “the poster child” of California's troubled bottle and can recycling program, saying not a single grocery store in the city is required to refund nickel-or-dime deposits.
Bakersfield Doctor With Repeat Offenses Surrenders License To Practice
By Ishani Desai, The BAKERSFIELD CALIFORNIAN
December 18, 2021
https://californianewstimes.com/bakersfield-doctor-with-repeat-offenses…
A local mother said Friday her deceased pregnant daughter was denied justice when the Medical Board of California decided to forgo an administrative hearing for a Bakersfield doctor accused of negligence in her death and agreed to let him surrender his license.
Doctor Surrenders Medical License Following Accusations Of Neglect In The Death Of Demi Dominguez
By Anthony Wright, ABC TV-23 Bakersfield, CA
December 16, 2021
https://www.turnto23.com/news/local-news/doctor-surrenders-medical-lice…
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — Bakersfield OB-GYN Dr. Arthur Park has agreed to surrender his medical license in an agreement with the Medical Board of California. Park was accused of negligence in the death of Demi Dominguez in 2019.
Former Doctor Of Demi Dominguez Agrees To Surrender Medical License
By David Kaplan, BAKERSFIELD NOW
December 16, 2021
https://bakersfieldnow.com/news/local/former-doctor-of-demi-dominguez-a…
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — A Bakersfield OB-GYN has agreed to surrender his license to the Medical Board of California. This comes after being accused of medical negligence in the death of 23-year-old Demi Dominguez.
Appeals Court Tries To Gut Tough Consumer Law
By Thomas Elias, TAFT MIDWAY DRILLER
December 6, 2021
https://www.taftmidwaydriller.com/newsletter/appeals-court-tries-to-gut…
California’s ballot initiative process has never been more effective or beneficial to voters (who are also utility customers) than since the strongly consumerist Proposition 103 passed handily in 1988.
Bottles And Cans
By Debrah Kahn, POLITICO PRO
December 6, 2021
California's dropping recycling rate is increasing its greenhouse gas footprint, according to a new analysis commissioned by the group Consumer Watchdog.
The state's recycling rate for containers was 58 percent last year, far below its goal of 80 percent, POLITICO's Debra Kahn reports. That means some 13.4 billion bottles and cans went unrecycled.
Who Knew What And When In LADWP Scandal?
Opinion Column By Susan Shelley, THE DAILY NEWS OF Los Angeles
December 3, 3021
https://www.dailynews.com/2021/12/03/who-knew-what-and-when-in-ladwp-sc…
Remember back in July 2019 when the FBI raided City Attorney Mike Feuer’s office and the offices of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power?
Column: Continuing DWP Scandal A Black Mark On L.A. Leaders, An Insult To Ratepayers
By Steve Lopez, LOS ANGELES TIMES
December 1, 2021
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-12-01/lopez-column-contin…
In the carnival of avarice and corruption that is Los Angeles, we are not resting on our laurels.
Second stringers settle for bronze or silver; champions go for gold.
Former DWP Board Member ‘Acted Honorably,’ Attorney Says
By Dakota Smith, LOS ANGELES TIMES
December 1, 2021
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-12-01/former-dwp-board-me…
An attorney for a former Los Angeles Department of Water and Power board member linked to an alleged bribery scheme defended his client Tuesday.
Newsom Names Energy Adviser As State's Top Utility Regulator
By Kathleen Ronayne, ASSOCIATED PRESS
November 22, 2021
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/newsom-names-energy-adviser-as-state-…
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California Gov. Gavin Newsom has named his senior adviser on energy policy as the next president of the powerful state body that regulates utilities.
Californians Casting Suspicious Eyes At State's Few Refineries As Gas Prices Rise
By JW August, TIMES OF SAN DIEGO
November 21, 2021
https://patch.com/california/san-diego/californians-casting-suspicious-…
You might be asking yourself, why are we paying on average $4.70 for a gallon of gasoline in California, while the cost for the rest of the country is more than a dollar less?
Roseville Wastewater Assistant Director Accused Of Using Public Funds To Pay For Employee’s Law School Tuition
By Jeannie Nguyen and Connor Malone, FOX TV-40 Sacramento, CA
November 18, 2021
https://fox40.com/news/local-news/roseville-wastewater-assistant-direct…
ROSEVILLE, Calif. (KTXL) — A Roseville city employee has been arrested after investigators said he was caught spending public money that he wasn’t authorized to use. Now, he’s facing felony charges.
Inflation Is Spiking In The U.S. Here’s What Goods Are Getting Pricier In The Bay Area
By Kellie Hwang and Nami Sumida, SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE
November 18, 2021
https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/As-inflation-rises-across-t…
It's no mystery to anyone living here that pretty much everything is pricier in the Bay Area.
Thanksgiving Travel Is ExpectedTo Make A Major Rebound In The Bay Area. Here’s How To Prepare
By Kellie Hwang, SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE
November 19, 2021
https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/Thanksgiving-travel-is-expe…
After a dramatic downsizing last year due to the COVID pandemic, Thanksgiving travel is poised to make a near-total turnaround in the Bay Area and U.S., according to airport officials and industry experts.
Whistleblower Or Flamethrower? California Medical Board Member Calls Out His Colleagues
By Melody Gutierrez, LOS ANGELES TIMES
November 17, 2021
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-11-17/california-medical-…
SACRAMENTO — The pleas for help find him. They arrive by email or seep into his social media account. One showed up in a tightly sealed letter to his home. After years of feeling ignored by the Medical Board of California, the writers hope he’ll finally be the one who hears them.
California Gas Prices: How To Save Money While At The Pump
By Christina Gonzalez, KTTV FOX TV-11 Los Angeles, CA
November 17, 2021
https://www.foxla.com/news/how-to-save-money-on-gas-in-california
LOS ANGELES - Is cheaper gas the same quality as high-end brands? It depends on who you ask, but there are some basic things that can save you money.
DRUGSTORE DRAMA
By Victoria Colliver, POLITICO PRO
November 12, 2021
Coalition Forms To Champion Medical Negligence Cap Initiative
By Andrew Sheeler, SACRAMENTO BEE - CAPITOL ALERT
November 11, 2021
https://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article25…
In 2022, California voters will decide whether to raise the $250,000 cap on payouts in medical negligence lawsuit payouts, indexing it for inflation and empowering judges and juries to decide compensation in cases involving catastrophic injury or death.
Appeals Court Rejects California Home Insurance Refund Order
By Don Thompson, ASSOCIATED PRESS
November 3, 2021
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Consumer advocates said Tuesday that they will ask the California Supreme Court to overturn an appeals court ruling they said undermines the state's ability to order billions of dollars in insurance company refunds.
Appeals Court Sides With State Farm Over Rates, $100 Million in Proposed Refunds
By Frank Klimko, BESTWEEK
November 3, 2021
A California appeals court ruled in favor of State Farm General Insurance Co., rejecting the authority of the state insurance commissioner in ordering the carrier to reduce dwelling insurance rates by 7% that could have meant refunds of $100 million.
Court: State Farm Needn’t Pay Refunds Ordered In 2016
By Bob Egelko, SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE
November 3, 2021
A state appeals court says California's insurance commissioner wrongly ordered State Farm to cut homeowners' rates by 7% in 2016 and should not have told the company to pay $100 million in refunds to its policyholders.
US Backs Patients In High Court CVS Disability Bias Case
By Rachel Stone, LAW 360
October 29, 2021
https://www.law360.com/articles/1435636?scroll=1&related=1
Law360 (October 29, 2021, 8:19 PM EDT) -- The U.S. threw its support behind a group of people living with HIV who urged the U.S. Supreme Court to hold that federal law covers their discrimination claims against CVS, alleging their health plans' prohibition on getting specialty medication from local pharmacies unfairly affected them.
California Moves To Ban New Oil Wells Within Half-Mile Of Homes, Schools
By Nick Visser and Mollie Reilly, HUFFPOST
October 21, 2021
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/california-oil-well-3200-feet_n_6170cc0d…
California is seeking to dramatically expand protections for communities near oil drilling operations following a large oil spill off the coast of Southern California earlier this month.
Grocery Shoppers Feel The Hit As Food Prices Skyrocket Nationwide
By Koco McAboy, FOX TV-11 Los Angeles, CA
October 20, 2021
https://www.foxla.com/news/grocery-shoppers-feel-the-hit-as-food-prices…
LOS ANGELES - Food prices have risen astronomically this year compared to last year, according to statistics, and shoppers are feeling the hit when they go to the grocery store.
KGO AM SF, CA: Consumer Advocates Call Out CA Medical Board For Lack Of Discipline On Dangerous Doctors
‘Ground Zero For Pollution’ - In This L.A. Neighborhood Surrounded By Oil Refineries, Residents Grapple With Health Issues
By Emma Newburger, CNBC
October 9, 2021
https://www.cnbc.com/2021/10/09/oil-wells-in-la-nearby-residents-grappl…
LOS ANGELES, CALIF. — Stepping out of a coffee shop near Interstate 110 in the Wilmington neighborhood of Los Angeles, you’re immediately hit by a foul odor.
Calif. Orders Allstate, Mercury, CSAA To Refund Excess Profits To Drivers
By Dave LaChance, REPAIRER DRIVEN NEWS
October 8, 2021
https://www.repairerdrivennews.com/2021/10/08/calif-orders-allstate-mer…
California’s insurance commissioner has ordered Allstate, Mercury and CSAA to return to drivers more of the excess profits collected from them during the pandemic, or face legal action.
Editorial: Marc Levine versus Ricardo Lara
EDITORIAL by the Editorial Board of the Southern California NEWS GROUP
October 6, 2021
https://www.pe.com/2021/10/06/marc-levine-versus-ricardo-lara/
A game of political musical chairs is underway in California as Democrats grapple with the problem of too many office-holders and not enough offices.
KNX 1070 AM LA: Calls Grow To End Oil Drilling In California
By Staff Reporters, KNX 1070 AM Los Angeles, CA
October 6, 2021
Click here to listen to the audio of this radio broadcast segment.
Liza Tucker with Consumer Watchdog calls for an end to approval of any oil drilling permits in California.
KGO AM San Francisco, CA: Consumer Watchdog Calls On Newsom To End Oil Drilling
By Chip Franklin (Host), KGO AM San Francisco, CA
October 4, 2021
Click here to listen to the audio of this radio broadcast segment.
Consumer Watchdog's Liza Tucker talks with Chip about what Governor Newsom must do to stop any future oil spills in and off the coast of California.
PG&E Charged In Last Year’s Deadly Zogg Fire
By Jeannie Nguyen, ASSOCIATED PRESS
September 24, 2021
https://apnews.com/article/business-fires-environment-and-nature-crime-…
REDDING, Calif. (AP) — Pacific Gas & Electric has been charged with manslaughter and other crimes in a Northern California wildfire last year that killed four people and destroyed hundreds of homes.
Advocates Say Governor Newsom's $15 Billion Climate Package Fails to Deliver Action on Fossil Fuels
By Dan Backer, ELK GROVE NEWS
September 24, 2021
http://www.elkgrovenews.net/2021/09/advocates-say-governor-newsoms-15.h…
Sacramento, CA -- Against a backdrop of trees at the site of the KNP Complex Fire in Sequoia National Park as wildfires rage across California, Governor Gavin Newsom signed the California Comeback Plan’s $15 billion climate package — the largest of its kind in the country.
KABC 790AM LA: CA Recycling Revamp Bill Dies in Legislature
By Frank Mottek, KABC 790AM LA
September 9, 2021
Frank chats with Consumer Watchdog's Jamie Court on why California's latest attempt to revamp it's broken bottle and can recycling system failed due to lobbying from the industry. Click here to listen to the audio of this radio broadcast segment.
Auto Insurers Scored Windfall Profits From Pandemic Lockdowns
By Staff Reporters, REPAIR DRIVEN NEWS
September 6, 2021
https://www.repairerdrivennews.com/2021/09/06/auto-insurers-scored-wind…
Consumer groups analyzing insurers’ underwriting performance from 2020 have concluded that auto insurers reaped billions of dollars in excess profits due to reduced accidents during the lockdowns, and say consumers are still owed billions in additional refunds.
U.S. Launches Broad Investigation Into Tesla Autopilot Over Numerous Crashes
By Alan Ohnsman, FORBES
August 16, 2021
https://www.forbes.com/sites/alanohnsman/2021/08/16/us-launches-broad-i…
U.S. regulators have opened up the biggest review of Tesla’s Autopilot since the driving-assistance feature was introduced, centered around a string of collisions with emergency vehicles that resulted in numerous injuries and at least one fatality.
Sleek, New Credit Apps Target A Young Generation Already Drowning In Debt
By Sasha Hupka, LOS ANGELES TIMES
August 11, 2021
https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2021-08-11/sleek-new-credit-apps…
WASHINGTON — Alana Voechting, a 27-year-old nursing student, had never heard of Klarna when she noticed its bright pink logo while checking out at Sephora.com with $165 in skincare products.
Some California Homeowners In Fire-Prone Areas Face Steep Insurance Increase
By Adam Raskin, KGTV ABC TV-10 San Diego, CA
July 30 2021
https://www.10news.com/news/in-depth/some-california-homeowners-in-fire…
San Diego (KGTV) — Throughout the state, homeowners are preparing for what could be another long wildfire season.
Oil Well Permit Approvals Dropped Dramatically This Year, Group Says
By Andrew Sheeler, CAPITOL ALERT - SACRAMENTO BEE
July 27, 2021
https://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article25…
Advocacy group Consumer Watchdog reports that permit approvals for new or reworked oil wells dropped by 64% in the first six months of 2021, while the number of permit applications from oil and gas companies fell by 52%.
PG&E Will Bury Some Power Lines
By J. D. Morris, SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE
July 22, 2021
https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/PG-E-says-it-will-bury-10-0…
Pacific Gas and Electric Co. said Wednesday that it wants to bury 10,000 miles of its power lines in the coming years, hoping that such a far-reaching and expensive effort will finally turn the company's disastrous track record around.
California's Largest Utility Aims To Bury 10K Miles Of Power Lines to Prevent Fires
By Kyle Barnett, UNITED PRESS INTERNATIONAL
July 22, 2021
The largest utility in California is planning to bury 10,000 miles of power lines in an effort to prevent fires in the drought-stricken state.
Pacific Gas & Electric said the move is intended to "further harden its system" to prevent accidental outbreaks of wildfires. Several fires in California have been attributed to PG&E equipment over the years.
PG&E’s Plan To Bury Thousands Of Miles Of Lines For Fire Prevention Could Exceed $15 Billion
By Sonseeahary Tonsall, Eric Rucker, Ian McDonald, KXTL FOX TV-40, Sacramento, CA
July 21, 2021
https://fox40.com/news/wildfire-watch/pge-announces-plan-to-bury-thousa…
CHICO, Calif. (KTXL) — Pacific Gas and Electric announced on Wednesday that it plans to bury 10,000 miles of lines in parts of the state with higher fire danger.
Medical Malpractice Firm Kicks In $5M To Fight California MICRA Initiative
By Victoria Colliver, POLITICO PRO
July 19, 2021
A medical malpractice company based in Napa dropped $5 million into the fight against a November 2022 ballot measure to increase California’s medical malpractice compensation cap.
Will DaVita’s Indictment Alter Its Big Political Spending In California?
By Barbara Feder Ostrov, CALMATTERS
July 19 2021
https://calmatters.org/health/2021/07/dialysis-california-davita/
Federal conspiracy charges against dialysis giant DaVita and its former CEO have cast one of Sacramento’s biggest political spenders in an unflattering light.
Bar To Review Special Master's Report On LA Water Bill Attorneys
By Blaise Scemama, THE DAILY JOURNAL
July 16, 2021
The report released this week named prominent attorneys it said had "violated the ethical rules against dishonesty, deceit, and collusion and violated their ethical duties to ... the court in violation of Rules of Professional Conduct."
Striking USC Nurses Demand More Staff and Training, Cite ‘Profound Patient Safety Issues’
By Carly Olson, LOS ANGELES TIMES
July 14, 2021
https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2021-07-14/usc-keck-norris-cance…
Nurses at two USC hospitals that handle some of the country’s most challenging medical cases are protesting working conditions they say put both medical staff and hospital-goers at risk, the latest in a series of strikes by nurses nationwide that have spotlighted hospital safety.
California Under Flex Alert, But An Energy Watchdog Says It Doesn't Have To Be This Way
Consumer Watchdog says California needs to build its own infrastructure and not rely on outside power companies
By Kurt Rivera, KXTV ABC TV-10 Sacramento, CA
July 12, 2021
https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/california/flex-alert-watchdog…
In Big First, California’s Oil and Gas Regulatory Agency Denies All 21 Aera Energy Fracking Permit Applications
By Dan Bacher, RED GREEN & BLUE
July 10, 2021
http://redgreenandblue.org/2021/07/10/big-first-californias-oil-gas-reg…
“This is the first permit denial of this scale for reasons related to public health and climate,” according to a statement from the Food and Water Watch.
Supreme Court to Hear HIV Case Involving CVS Pharmacy Program
By Trenton Straube, POZ
July 7, 2021
https://www.poz.com/article/supreme-court-hear-hiv-case-involving-cvs-p…
Can health plans force clients to get HIV meds via mail or at a specific pharmacy in order to keep discounts?
CVS Persuades Justices To Review HIV Bias Case
By Alexis Shanes, LAW 360
July 2, 2021
https://www.law360.com/retail/articles/1399999/cvs-persuades-justices-t…
Law360 (July 2, 2021, 2:17 PM EDT) -- The U.S. Supreme Court said Friday it will review the revival of an Affordable Care Act case alleging CVS Pharmacy's mail-delivery drug program discriminates against HIV and AIDS patients.
KNX 1070 AM LA: Insurers On The Hook For Billions More In CA Auto Insurance Refunds
By Craig Fiegener, KNX 1070 AM Los Angeles, CA
July 1, 2021
Click here to listen to the audio of this radio broadcast segment.
Carmen Balber with Consumer Watchdog explains how insurance companies still owe Californians refunds due to the pandemic.
Should Homeowners Pay For Climate Change?
By Miranda Green, CALMATTERS
June 30, 2021
https://calmatters.org/economy/2021/06/california-wildfire-insurance-cl…
In hard-hit Napa Valley, which has burned multiple times this last decade, successful winemakers and longtime residents are weighing their options to rebuild or move out entirely simply by looking at their property insurance policies.
KNX 1070 AM LA: Bloom's Bill Bad for Recycling Bottles and Cans
By Emily Valdes, KNX 1070 AM Los Angeles, CA
June 29, 2021
Click here to listen to the audio of this radio broadcast segment.
Consumer Watchdog's Jamie Court explains how West LA's Richard Bloom has a bill in the state Assembly that is bad for consumers trying to recycle their bottles and cans.
KCBS AM SF, CA: Insurers Owe Californians More Covid Refunds
By Mike DeWald, KCBS AM, San Francisco, CA
June 29, 2021
Click here to listen to the audio of this radio broadcast segment.
Consumer Watchdog's Carmen Balber explains how insurance companies have not fully refund the amount they are legally required to return to consumers after the Covid pandemic.
Consumer Report Claims Insurers Overcharged California Motorists $5.5B During First Year of Pandemic
By Staff Reporters, INSURANCE JOURNAL
June 29, 2021
https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/west/2021/06/29/620665.htm
Most California insurance companies continued to charge pre-pandemic auto insurance rates despite a vast majority of Californians driving far less last year, according to an analysis by Consumer Watchdog on Tuesday.
The report shows auto insurers reaped “a windfall of about $5.5 billion.”
Doctors’ Lobby Scores ‘Major Victory’ on Bill to Hold Physicians Accountable
By Samantha Young, CALIFORNIA HEALTHLINE
June 25, 2021
https://californiahealthline.org/news/article/doctors-lobby-scores-majo…
SACRAMENTO — The board that licenses and disciplines doctors in California is failing to hold bad actors accountable, endangering patients in the process.
We Pay CRV, But Where Can We Get Our Money Back?
By Zarina Khairzada, SPECTRUM NEWS 1 LA
June 22, 2021
https://spectrumnews1.com/ca/la-west/news/2021/06/22/crv-costs-turn-int…
LOS ANGELES — Dozens of bags filled with plastic, glass and aluminum beverage containers have been piling up in Nancy Hannickel’s backyard in West Los Angeles.
Hannickel is not happy about it and can’t find somewhere to get the full CRV refund that had been paid for them.
California Wildfire Victims Face Their Toughest Foe: Insurance Companies
By Dale Kasler, SACRAMENTO BEE
June 21, 2021
https://www.sacbee.com/article251430658.html
They held a potluck picnic on Sunnyside Road a few weeks ago. It was more like group therapy with a side of chicken wings.
How Much Fracking Is There In California? Newsom, State Regulators Can’t Tell
By Colby Bermel, POLITICO
June 17, 2021
https://www.politico.com/states/california/story/2021/06/17/how-much-fr…
SACRAMENTO — Gov. Gavin Newsom has repeatedly said that fracking accounts for less than 2 percent of California oil production, but he appears to have vastly underestimated its use as the state prepares to ban the technique by 2024.
California “Extreme Heat” Reinsurance Pool, Cat Model Pivot Pushed
Progressive consumer groups are already pushing back on catastrophe model recommendations.
By Staff Writers, RISK MARKET NEWS
June 14, 2021
https://www.riskmarketnews.com/california-extreme-heat-reinsurance-pool…
Bottle Deposit Bill
By Pat Thurston, KGO 810 AM San Francisco, CA
June 14, 2021
Click here to listen to Consumer Watchdog's President and Chairman, Jaime Court join Pat Thurston to discuss SB 38 the Bottle Deposit Bill: https://omny.fm/shows/the-pat-thurston-show/june-14-2021-bottle-deposit-bill#description
California Insurance Commissioner’s Plan for Managing Climate Change Risks Draws Criticism
By JW August, TIMES OF SAN DIEGO
June 11, 2021
https://timesofsandiego.com/politics/2021/06/11/california-insurance-co…
Given a time of fast-moving climate change, wouldn’t you like to know what the chances are of your house being in the path of a wildfire?
Is This Medical Board Headed for a Shake Up?
By Cheryl Clark, MEDPAGE TODAY
June 4, 2021
https://www.medpagetoday.com/special-reports/exclusives/92924?xid=fb_o&…
The agency that licenses 152,000 California physicians is facing a crisis of public confidence, with the voices of several lawmakers joining those of angry patients who say it shields bad doctors far too often.
Tensions Mount Over Bill To Revamp The Medical Board of California
By Victoria Colliver, POLITICO PRO
June 2, 2021
Patient advocates lambasted last-minute amendments made to a bill concerning the Medical Board of California, including the gutting of a provision to remake the panel with a public-member majority.
What happened: An earlier version of CA SB806 (21R), by Sen. Richard Roth (D-Riverside), increased the size of the board from 15 to 17 members, allowing for eight physicians and nine public representatives. But amendments made late last week eliminated that proposal from the bill.
Maryland and New Mexico Launch Hotlines So People Can Report If They've Been Charged For Shots That Are Supposed To Be Free
By Mansur Shaheen, THE DAILY MAIL UK
May 28, 2021
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-9631213/Maryland-New-Mexico-…
States are setting up hotlines amid reports that some Americans are being charged for the COVID-19 vaccine, which is supposed to be free.
If COVID-19 Vaccines Are Free, Why Are Some People Getting Bills?
The Department of Health and Human Services said to report any vaccine fees.
By Adisa Hargett-Robinson, ABC NEWS
May 28, 2021
https://abcnews.go.com/Health/covid-19-vaccines-free-people-bills/story…
KNX 1070 AM LA: California's Bottle and Can Redemption System Must Be Reformed
By Staff Reporters, KNX 1070 AM LA
May 27, 2021
Click here to listen to the audio of this radio news broadcast segment.
Consumer Watchdog's Jamie Court explains why Californian's are demanding changes to the state's broken bottle and can redemption system.
Undercover Video Shows Consumers Not Being Reimbursed For Recycling Bottles, Cans
By CBSLA Staff, KCBS TV-2 LA
May 26, 2021
https://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2021/05/26/bottles-cans-recycling-crv/
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) – Consumers in California pay five or ten cent deposits for almost every beverage in a bottle or can, but new reports show many are not getting their money back at recycling centers.
Opinion: California Air Board Should Force Tesla Divestment Of Bitcoin
Opinion By Jamie Court for THE MERCURY NEWS
May 25, 2021
https://www.mercurynews.com/2021/05/25/opinion-california-air-board-sho…
When Elon Musk joked on Saturday Night Live that cryptocurrency was a “hustle,” he unwittingly summed up the strategy by which Tesla has fleeced the state of California.
Letter To The Editor: Dysfunctional System
Letter to the Editor
San Francisco Chronicle
May 22, 2021 Saturday
Dysfunctional System
Regarding "How California can redeem bottle recycling" (Editorial, May 19): Recycling means creating convenient redemption, not subsidizing waste haulers.
Biden, Unlike Trump, Thinks Businesses Shouldn’t Be Free To Abuse Consumers
By David Lazarus, LOS ANGELES TIMES
May 21, 2021
https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2021-05-21/column-rohit-chopra-c…
Rohit Chopra is expected to receive the U.S. Senate’s blessing any day now to become the new head of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. His job will be to restore credibility to a watchdog agency that was largely sidelined during the Trump administration.
CA Lawmaker Proposes Bill To Make Getting A CRV Refund Easier For Recyclers
By Staff Reporters, KPIX CBS TV-5 San Francisco, CA
May 3, 2021
https://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2021/05/03/ca-lawmaker-proposes-bill-…
SAN FRANCISCO (KPIX) — It’s been a year since KPIX first uncovered systemic troubles with California’s bottle and can recycling program. During the pandemic things just got worse. Now lawmakers are looking for a fix.
7 On Your Side's Michael Finney Celebrates 30 Years With ABC7 News
By Simone Chavoor, KGO ABC TV-7 San Francisco, CA
April 29, 2021
https://abc7news.com/michael-finney-7-on-your-side-seven-day/10561200/
San Francisco Mayor London Breed marked the occasion by issuing a proclamation declaring April 29 "Michael Finney Day" in the the City and County of San Francisco.
Charged For Your Free COVID Vaccine? Federal Gov't Wants You To Report It
By Samantha Chatman, WLS ABC TV-7 Chicago, IL
April 29, 2021
https://abc7chicago.com/health/charged-for-a-free-covid-vaccine-feds-wa…
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Some people are frustrated after they said they were charged for their COVID-19 vaccines. The federal government has made it clear that these shots are 100% free to consumers. So why are people still being billed?
Frack Reax
By Andrew Sheeler, SACRAMENTO BEE - CAPITOL ALERT
April 26, 2021
https://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article25…
California Gov. Gavin Newsom made big waves on Friday when he announced plans for the state to phase out fracking by 2024, and oil drilling by 2045.
Climate Activists Applaud Gov. Newsom's Fracking Ban But Caution It Still A ‘Half-Measure’
By Staff Reporters, PRESS TV
April 24, 2021
https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2021/04/24/650179/Climate-change-Califor…
Climate action advocates have cautiously praised California Governor Gavin Newsom's plan to ban hydraulic fracturing by 2024, but stressed that the move is still a half-measure as it allows continued oil drilling for the next two-and-a-half years.
Should San Jose Require Nonprofits To Disclose Lobbying?
By Lloyd Alaban, SAN JOSE SPOTLIGHT
April 23, 2021
https://sanjosespotlight.com/should-san-jose-require-nonprofits-to-disc…
More than 50 individuals, companies and advocacy groups legally lobby San Jose each year about subjects including Google developments and cannabis.
California's New Fossil Fuel Pledge 'Significant' But Still a 'Half-Measure,' Say Climate Advocates
By Kenny Stencil and Jessica Corbett , COMMON DREAMS
April 23, 2021
https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/04/23/californias-new-fossil-fue…
Climate campaigners on Friday cautiously applauded California Gov. Gavin Newsom's moves to cut off new hydraulic fracturing permits by 2024 and evaluate phasing out oil production by 2045, while also stressing that the timeline still needs to be accelerated.
Two Years Since Childbirth Tragedy By Alleged Medical Negligence
By Staff Reporters, KGET NBC TV-17 Bakersfield, CA
April 19, 2021
https://www.kget.com/news/local-news/two-years-since-childbirth-tragedy…
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Today marks two years since the death of Demi Dominguez and her son Malakhi De Leon.
No Initiatives On California Recall Ballot, Campaigns Say
By Jeremy B. White, Debra Kahn, POLITICO PRO
April 8, 2021
Pending state ballot initiatives will go before voters in 2022 as planned rather than during a likely 2021 recall election, according to campaign representatives who have heard from elections officials.
Pressure Intensifies On Auto Insurers To Provide Bigger Refunds
By Mark Rosanes, INSURANCE BUSINESS
March 31, 2021
https://www.insurancebusinessmag.com/us/news/commercial-auto/pressure-i…
Auto insurance providers are facing mounting pressure from clients and various consumer groups, who are demanding bigger refunds amid a significant reduction in claims during the pandemic, according to a Forbes report.
Scrutiny Intensifies Over Auto Insurance Pandemic Refunds
By John Egan and Jason Metz, FORBES
March 30, 2021
https://www.forbes.com/advisor/car-insurance/pandemic-refunds-criticize…
Auto insurance companies have been criticized for their refunds to customers that were based on the reduction in driving (and claims) during the pandemic. Now they’re feeling even more heat over their handling of auto insurance premiums.
Plenty To Blame for California's High Gas Prices
Here's why California gas prices are so high compared to other states
By Chase DiFeliciantonio, SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE
March 27, 2021
https://www.sfchronicle.com/local/article/Here-s-why-California-gas-pri…
South Shore Woman Gets COVID Vaccine Bill From Jackson Park Hospital After Free Shot
By Samantha Chapman, WSL ABC TV-7 Chicago, IL
March 25, 2021
https://abc7chicago.com/chicago-covid-vaccine-near-me-illinois-jackson-…
CHICAGO (WLS) -- The ABC7 I-Team has learned that a Chicago hospital is charging patients after getting their free COVID-19 vaccine after a South Shore woman reached out after receiving a bill from Jackson Park Hospital.
Gas Prices Continue To Rise In Southern California, Hitting Nearly $5
By Stephanie Stanton, FOX TV-11 LA
March 24, 2021
https://www.foxla.com/news/gas-prices-continue-to-rise-in-southern-cali…
LOS ANGELES - Once again prices at the pump in Southern California continue to rise. After a pandemic pause in 2020, gas prices are now hitting their highest levels since November of 2019.
Property Owners May Sue Over Title Insurance Technicality. 500,000 Customers Affected
By Bob Egelko, SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE
March 19, 2021
Property owners can sue title insurers who charged them rates without first filing them with the state insurance commissioner, the state Supreme Court ruled Thursday in a case that could affect millions of Californians.
Verkada Breach Spotlights Ongoing Concerns Over Surveillance Firms' Security
By Sean Lyngaas, CYBERSCOOP
March 19, 2021
https://www.cyberscoop.com/verkada-breach-surveillance-facial-recogniti…
Even for Elisa Costante, who studies vulnerabilities in surveillance devices for a living, the breach at the security-camera startup Verkada was startling.
State Senator Plans To Ask California Medical Board Tough Questions To Protect Central Valley
By Iliana Capellan, KGET NBC TV-17 Bakersfield, CA
March 19, 2021
https://www.kget.com/news/local-news/state-senator-plans-to-ask-califor…
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Last week we told you about the fight the Dominguez family continues to battle for justice for Demi Dominguez and her son Malakhi De Leon, both of who died in 2019.
Carmakers Strive to Stay Ahead of Hackers
The effects of a breach of a car, or fleet, could be devastating. Auto manufacturers and suppliers have aggressive plans, and a lot of firewalls.
By Eric A. Taub, THE NEW YORK TIMES
March 18, 2021
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/18/business/hacking-cars-cybersecurity…
California Bill To Make Beverage Industry Responsible For Bottle Deposits Moves Forward
By Staff Writers, VENDING TIMES
March 18, 2021
https://www.vendingtimes.com/news/california-bill-to-make-beverage-indu…
A bill to put the responsibility for recycling empty CRV containers onto the beverage industry passed California's senate environmental quality committee, according to a press release.
Figuring Out An Easier Way To Return Bottles
State has nearly $140 million of unredeemed bottle deposits
By Stephanie Melchior, MONTEREY HERALD
March 13, 2021
https://www.montereyherald.com/2021/03/13/figuring-out-an-easier-way-to…
Family of Demi Dominguez Speaking Out Regarding Pending Revocation of Doctor's License
By Lezla Gooden, KERO ABC TV-23, Bakersfield, CA
March 12, 2021
https://www.turnto23.com/news/local-news/family-of-demi-dominguez-speak…
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — Two years after her death, the family of Demi Dominguez is speaking out after it was announced the Medical Board of California is seeking to revoke the license of one of her doctors.
Family’s Fight for Justice Continues for Young Mother and Baby
Attorney General Files Negligence Accusation
By Ilyana Capellan, KEGT NBC TV-17, Bakersfield, CA
March 12, 2021
https://www.kget.com/news/familys-fight-for-justice-continues-for-young…
California Drivers Owed More Pandemic Refunds From Insurers, State Regulator Says
By Staff Reporters, ASSOCIATED PRESS
March 11, 2021
https://ktla.com/news/california/california-drivers-owed-more-pandemic-…
Auto insurers shortchanged California drivers on refunds ordered last year as crashes dropped during the coronavirus pandemic, the state’s insurance regulator said Thursday.
Suspected Wrongdoing at the DWP and City Attorney’s Office Is Uncovered
By Sue Pasco, CIRCLING THE NEWS
March 10, 2021
https://www.circlingthenews.com/suspected-wrongdoing-at-the-dwp-and-cit…
The following tale, which has more turns than a mystery novel, involves the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, misconduct at the City Attorney’s Office and the increasingly high utility rates paid by residents.
Los Angeles; Mike Feuer and the Costly Fallout of LADWP Lawsuit
By Susan Shelley, LOS ANGELES DAILY NEWS
March 10, 2021
https://www.dailynews.com/2021/03/10/mike-feuer-and-the-fallout-of-the-…
There are political scandals, and there are corruption scandals, and then there’s the level of scandal that becomes a movie starring Jack Nicholson.
Groups Call On Gov to Modernize Bottle Bill
By Andrew Sheeler, SACRAMENTO BEE - CAPITOL ALERT
March 8, 2021
https://www.sacbee.com/article249724333.html
Representatives from 10 groups have written a letter to Gov. Gavin Newsom urging him to modernize California’s beverage recycling program.
'I Can't Afford This' | Variable Rate Electricity Customers In Disbelief At Massive Power Bills After Winter Storm
“I was saving money with (the) variable rate, but after this, in case this happens again in the future, I'm sticking with the fixed rate.”
By Anastasiya Bolton, KHOU TV-11 Houston, TX
February 23, 2021
https://www.khou.com/article/news/deep-dive-texas/variable-rate-electri…
This Year’s Winter Storm Could Become The Costliest Weather Event In Texas History
By Kyle Arnold, THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS
February 19, 2021
https://www.bakersfield.com/ap/national/this-year-s-winter-storm-could-…
DALLAS — The deep freeze and snowfall that paralyzed Texas this week could be the costliest weather event in state history as home and auto claims start to pour in, insurance industry officials warn.
Black Lives Matter On Medical Care
By Andrew Sheeler, SACRAMENTO BEE
February 15, 2021
https://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article24…
MARCH FOR RACIAL JUSTICE AND MALPRACTICE REFORM
Marchers Call For Systemic Reform After Young Black Father-To-Be Dies Following Some 8 Hours In Manteca ER
By Scott Linesburgh, THE STOCKTON RECORD
February 13, 2021
https://www.recordnet.com/story/news/local/2021/02/13/this-shouldnt-hav…
MANTECA – Sharon Washington-Barnes led a group of more than 40 people on a 1.5-mile march through southwest Manteca, visiting each of the medical facilities they felt failed her late brother, Shawn Washington II.
USAA Accused Of Discrimination Against Enlisted Personnel
By Daniel Wilson, LAW360
February 5, 2021
A pair of veterans have hit USAA with a putative class action in California federal court alleging the insurer, which only insures military members, veterans and their families, discriminates against enlisted service members by charging them higher rates than officers.
Op-Ed: Compromising A Medical Board
Op-Ed Commentary by Greer Levin, for HOSPITAL WATCHDOG
January 29, 2021
https://hospitalwatchdog.org/op-ed/
Doctors’ Lobby Protect Their Own At Medical Board
Governor Newsom appointed Dr. Richard Thorp to the Medical Board of California in July of 2019. His controversial appointment raises a glaring red flag for health care quality across the state.
Earthworks Report Reveals California Fails To Safely Manage Toxic Oil And Gas Waste (That’s Also Radioactive)
A new report released by Earthworks, along with allies VISION California and Center for Biological Diversity, reveals that California, often portrayed by the state’s politicians and national media as the nation’s “green” leader, is actually one of the worst states in the U.S. when it comes to regulating the oil and gas industry’s waste.
By Dan Bacher, RED GREEN & BLUE
January 28, 2021
Permission Slips
By Debra Kahn, Politico California Pro Newsletter
January 19, 2021
Elected Watchdogs in Scandal-Plagued Cities Show How SF Might Avert Future Corruption
By Max Pringle, SAN FRANCISCO PUBLIC PRESS
January 13, 2021
https://www.sfpublicpress.org/elected-watchdogs-in-scandal-plagued-citi…
This article is part of a project examining ways to use the ballot to hold local government accountable. It was supported by the Solutions Journalism Network’s Renewing Democracy program.
Two Years Later, Newsom Has Failed on Climate
Despite bold promises, our Governor has continuously sided with oil and gas.
By Alexandra Nagy, KNOCK LA
January 12, 2021
https://knock-la.com/newsom-oil-and-gas-fracking-2021-48d3c44b015f
Opinion: Gavin Newsom’s cronyism threatens families like mine
French Laundry debacle, appointment of top aide raise serious questions about who the governor really represents
Op-Ed commentary by Charles Johnson, MERCURY NEWS
December 17, 2020
https://www.mercurynews.com/2020/12/17/opinion-gavin-newsoms-cronyism-threatens-families-like-mine/
HIV Patients CVS Lawsuit Reinstated; Suit That Claims AIDS Patients Lost Medical Information, Guidance May Proceed, Court Rules
By Bob Egelko, SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE
December 10, 2020
https://www.sfchronicle.com/news/article/Suit-that-claims-AIDS-patients…
HIV/AIDS patients who said they lost access to potentially vital medical information when their health plans started requiring them to obtain their medications from CVS pharmacies can sue for discrimination, a federal appeals court ruled Wednesday.
CVS Caremark, Others Must Face HIV Patients' Claims Over Pharmacy Program
By Brendan Pierson, REUTERS LEGAL
December 9, 2020
(Reuters) - A federal appeals court has revived a proposed class action by California HIV/AIDS patients alleging that pharmacy benefit manager CVS Caremark discriminated against them by requiring them to use its own specialty pharmacy in order to benefit from in-network rates through their employer-sponsored health plans.
Surgeon Refused to Operate Because Patient Had HIV, Claims Lawsuit
“Everyone deserves health care without judgement,” says the plaintiff.
By Trenton Straube, POZ MAGAZINE
December 2, 2020
https://www.poz.com/article/surgeon-refused-operate-patient-hiv-claims-…
California Appoints New Director Of CalRecycle
Rachel Wagoner will lead California’s Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery.
By Megan Smalley, WASTE TODAY
November 30, 2020
https://www.wastetodaymagazine.com/article/california-governor-appoints…
California Gov. Gavin Newsom has appointed Rachel Wagoner as the state’s new director of the Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle).
Former Gov. Newsom Leg Secretary Named New Head of CalRecycle
Rachel Wagoner has much support, may face questions over helping kill wildfire mitigation bills
By Evan Symon, CALIFORNIA GLOBE
November 28, 2020
https://californiaglobe.com/section-2/former-gov-newsom-appointee-is-ne…
New CalRecycle Leader Eyes Overhaul Of Deposit-Refund System
By Adam Beam, ASSOCIATED PRESS
November 27, 2020
https://www.mercurynews.com/2020/11/27/calrecycle-chief-eyes-overhaul-o…
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California Gov. Gavin Newsom has appointed a new head of the state's troubled recycling agency, who has pledged to overhaul its troubled bottle deposit system that has worsened during the pandemic.
California Oil Regulators Issued Hundreds Of Improper Permits, Audit Finds
By Janet Wilson, PALM SPRINGS DESERT SUN
November 26, 2020
https://www.desertsun.com/story/news/environment/2020/11/26/audit-calge…
California oil regulators ignored their own regulations and issued improper permits for hundreds of new wells last year, according to an audit by the state Department of Finance that was finalized this week.
Newsom's French Laundry Dinner Shows How Lobbyists Get Access To Power In Sacramento
By Alexei Koseff, SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE
November 23, 2020
https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/Newsom-s-French-Laundry-di…
SACRAMENTO - When he dined at the French Laundry in Yountville this month, Gov. Gavin Newsom enjoyed not only fine cuisine at a three-star Michelin restaurant, but also the company of several influential figures with regular business before his administration.