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
Area activist has hand in patient-rights guide
Linda Roberts-Ross of Yucaipa says the booklet she helped write will be sent to libraries and doctors.The Press-Enterprise (Riverside, CA.) Health-care activist…
Jun 12, 2001Who’ll pay billions in PG&E debt? Consumers, taxpayers and asset sales are among the options
Sacramento Bee A judge's decision not to meddle with electric rates has left open the biggest question in the Pacific Gas and…
Jun 11, 2001Review Boards Siding With HMOs So Far
Study is state's first look at new process of handling disputes. The industry and consumer advocates disagree on significance.Los Angeles Times Using…
Jun 11, 2001Officials, advocates say California HMO law should be national model
Associated Press A new state law allowing patients to sue health maintenance organizations has not resulted in a flood of lawsuits as…
Jun 11, 2001New law bypasses PUC rate review; Change in process alarms consumers
The San Diego Union-Tribune SDG&E customers begin treading a path today to two rate increases likely to raise their bills 35 percent,…
Jun 11, 2001Data dilemmas
Standardization urged for Calif.'s Medi-Cal providersModern Healthcare Data exchange for California's Medicaid managed-care programs is so complex that it may be difficult…
Jun 11, 2001CA Statistics Show Deterrent Effect From First Year Of CA HMO Reform Laws;
State Agencies, Consumer Group, Physicians Unveil Free California Patient Guide California patients facing problems with their HMO, concerns over their medical privacy,…
Jun 11, 2001Tier-able Rate Hike
New power bills based on a tier system are hitting PG&E and Southern California Edison customers.The Fresno Bee The latest bad news…
Jun 9, 2001Paying for Power a Struggle for Some
Consumers on tight budgets face crises. Requests for aid flood agencies, but many of those eligible for discount programs are not signing…
Jun 8, 2001Legislators considered acquisition of PG&E
Plan also included buying Edison firmThe San Francisco Chronicle State lawmakers quietly circulated a proposal last month that California's government buy Pacific…
Jun 8, 2001Bailout Watch #52 – Jun 07, 2001
BAILOUT WATCH: Keeping an eye on the energy industry and the politicians Bailout Watch #52 - Jun 07, 2001 Supply and Demand…
Jun 7, 2001Power crisis generating lots of heat
Probes Pursuing allegations of price-fixing and other misdeeds produces frustration, friction.The Orange County Register Detectives would seem to be tripping over each…
Jun 7, 2001Power Is Assured, Buyers Insist
Runaway market coming under control, they say, with 43% of daily need accounted for. They now can turn down offers they deem…
Jun 7, 2001Increased hydropower behind price drop
The San Diego Union-Tribune Experts say state electricity prices are falling because of a surprising level of hydropower, cooler weather, increased supplies…
Jun 7, 2001Group Praises Calif. Car Insurance System
Consumer Federation Credits Proposition Passed in 1988; Insurers DisagreeWashington Post Proposition 103, the 1988 California voter initiative that insurers said would be…
Jun 7, 2001Cost of Auto Insurance Declines in California, Survey Shows
Los Angeles Daily News While Californians are paying dearly for gasoline, the cost of car insurance has shown a long-term decline while…
Jun 7, 2001California electricity prices fall, but still high
Copley News Service Experts say state electricity prices are falling because of a surprising level of hydropower, cooler weather, increased supplies and…
Jun 7, 2001