Consumer Watchdog
Providing an effective voice for American consumers in an era when special interests dominate public discourse, government and politics. Non-partisan.
Articles by Consumer Watchdog
Kaiser reports income boost
Inside Bay Area (California) A consumer advocate said the financial results show that Kaiser premiums are too high. "They're bringing in that…
Aug 4, 2007
Even a $400,000 Salary Can’t Woo Stem-Cell Chief to Golden State
WIRED Magazine Hiring a CEO to run the organization is "the single most important" task currently facing its directors, said CIRM watchdog…
Aug 3, 2007Support for quake fund in dispute;
Companies want to cut their obligations to the state authority that provides coverage for 755,000 homeowners.Los Angeles Times Consumer activists are irate.…
Aug 3, 2007The Secret Ingredient:
Your credit usage may be to blame for high home and auto premiumsMoney Magazine August 2007 Issue In concurrent cases against GEICO…
Aug 1, 2007She’s hip to health insurance reform
Los Angeles Times Jerry Flanagan of the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights is drafting an initiative that would give voters a…
Aug 1, 2007
At Your Service
Will Consumers Emerge The Winner When Telecos Duke It Out?Comstock's Magazine "If buildout is not fully required and robustly enforced, which it…
Jul 31, 2007Chevron’s profit soars in quarter
THE SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE (California) Consumer advocates have long suspected oil companies of manipulating prices, and this spring was no exception. The…
Jul 30, 2007Experts wonder if cancer initiative promises too much;
Texans will be asked to OK funding $3 billion over 10 years for centerHouston Chronicle John Simpson of the California-based Foundation for…
Jul 29, 2007Chevron profit hits $5.4 billion
Los Angeles Times Oil company critic Judy Dugan was quick to condemn the higher refining profits. "Chevron and the other major oil…
Jul 28, 2007Still no answers on contamination of local firm’s onions
Ventura County Star (California) From the consumer's standpoint, the lack of information is disconcerting considering the number of food frights that have…
Jul 28, 2007When California Assembly member’s car is damaged, taxpayers pay to fix it
San Jose Mercury News (California) "That's the sort of thing that happens when you have absolutely no skin in the game, none…
Jul 27, 2007Gov. Schwarzenegger’s Global Warming Act Called Hot Air;
Governor Fires Sawyer Then Denies ItRandom Lengths Mary Nichols, like Gov. Schwarzenegger, has a mixed record, as highlighted in an article by…
Jul 27, 2007ExxonMobil makes $10 billion on record gas prices
But profit falls from last year on lower natural gas sales and doesn't top its previous record quarter.CNNMoney.com "Oil companies are making…
Jul 26, 2007Stem cell patent skeptics also filed: Pair made claims like those under scrutiny
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (Wisconsin) The scientists' past patent applications are not relevant to whether WARF's patents are valid, said John M.…
Jul 26, 2007Kaiser probed again;
More patient dumping alleged in Los Angeles areaModern Healthcare Patient advocates said it's unclear whether the issue is isolated to the Los…
Jul 23, 2007Stem cell board aims for speed;
Backers say 'enemies' are hoping for misstepsSan Francisco Business Times CIRM's citizen boards are pressing forward on grant awards quickly and yet,…
Jul 20, 2007Lawmaker wants documents behind “flex-fuel” program;
CONTRACTS BENEFITED GOVERNOR'S ALLY GMSan Jose Mercury News, (California) The Foundation for Taxpayers and Consumers Rights, a Santa Monica-based watchdog group, asked…
Jul 20, 2007