By Camille Von Kaenel, POLITICO
https://www.politico.com/newsletters/california-climate/2025/06/30/how-enviros-lost-ceqa-00434609
INSURANCE INSULT: Former Insurance Commissioner and current Rep. John Garamendi had some words for Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara’s handling of the Los Angeles wildfires at Consumer Watchdog’s 40th anniversary gala on Saturday in Beverly Hills.
“The current insurance commissioner doesn’t have the courage to stand up to the insurance companies and hold them accountable,” he said.
“I am disappointed, the consumers of California are disappointed. The commissioner has by law, by Prop 103 and the regulations, the power to hold insurance companies accountable to pay fully on their claims … and make sure they don’t get a rate increase when they’re doing badly on paying their claims.”
In response, Lara’s office sent us prepared prepared remarks he made in May at an insurance conference held by the Capitol Weekly. In them, Lara hit back, naming Garamendi as one of the members of Congress who was unable to pass the federal funds for home hardening he had requested.“I’m the clean up guy,” Lara said. “Past Commissioners left a mess and they have the gall to tell me I missed a spot.” —DK, CvK
