Consumer Watchdog

CELL-PHONE BILLS: How to decipher them

Consumer Reports - February 2005 Issue So what exactly are all those charges? Here's a quick guide to sorting out the fee…

Appeals Court Deals Blow to City

The LookOut (Santa Monica, CA) Voters approved the strongest conflict of interest initiative in the nation to fight corruption in four California…

Parents of Blind and Brain Damaged Child Hurt By Malpractice Cap Ask President Bush For Equal Time

Call for Non-Partisan Investigation Into "Malpractice Tax"

Nurses Take on the $50 Million Man

Governor Schwarzenegger told the LA Times Saturday that he would raise about $50 million for his 2005 special election ballot initiative campaigns…

Nation’s Strongest Conflict of Interest Initiative Upheld By Court Against Politicians’ Challenge

Landmark Voter-Approved Initiatives Ban Public Officials From Taking Campaign Cash, Gifts or Jobs from City Contractors

New RN TV Ad Hits Gov. Schwarzenegger’s Attack on Nurses as ‘Special Interest’;

Prominent Hollywood Director, Producers Volunteered to Create AdPR Newswire US The California Nurses Association today announced the launch of a television advertising…

Telecom bill of rights suspended – for now

RCR Wireless News "This is a 'cell-out' of the public by unelected political hacks who are beholden to the cell-phone companies," said…

Court rules city (Pasadena) must pay activist’s attorney fees

Pasadena Star-News (Pasadena, CA) A California Appeals Court ruled Friday that the city of Pasadena had no right to challenge the constitutionality…

Cell phone decision spurs fears of a shift at utility commission

Ventura County Star (California) Thursday's 3-1 vote to suspend the landmark Telecommunications Consumer Bill of Rights demonstrates that the commission is becoming…

Car Dealers in Capitol’s Fast Lane;

While Schwarzenegger declares war on 'special interests,' he has helped one of the state's most effective lobbies get showroom treatment.Los Angeles Times…

Schwarzenegger convenes meeting of consumer advocates to talk about drug purchasing plans

Political Pulse The fundamental rift, as of now, is that the administration believes the rate cuts should be voluntary. Advocates want the…

Missing out on a windfall

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (Wisconsin) In the midst of yet another budget deficit, the Doyle administration missed a chance to obtain perhaps tens…

Schwarzenegger Kills Consumer Protections Against Cell Phone Abuses

Nurse: Can I Have a Socket Wrench?

Arnold's head honcho on consumer issues said today that in order to save money, California should "cross-train" its consumer protection investigators. In…

President Bush Asked To Meet African American Doctor Forced To Close Clinics By Malpractice Insurer That Canceled Coverage Under Tort Reform

State OKs $80 Million in Tax Refunds to Companies;

None of the firms benefiting from a tax credit for equipment purchases paid state income taxes. Activists threaten lawsuit.Los Angeles Times The…

Taxpayer Groups Urge Board of Equalization Not to Give $80.6M in Tax Refunds to Companies that Paid No Income Taxes

"Corporate Welfare Queens" Seek Refunds Barred by State Law

Eighteen California companies win $80.8 million in tax refunds

Critics claim the companies recently paid no state income taxes.Associated Press The board awarded the refunds with little discussion and no public…