In the News | Consumer Watchdog

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.

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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.

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CSAA Sued For Continuing To Charge ‘Excessive’ Premiums Throughout Pandemic

By Lurah Lowery, REPAIRER DRIVEN NEWS

August 15, 2022

https://www.repairerdrivennews.com/2022/08/15/csaa-sued-for-continuing-…

Read more about CSAA Sued For Continuing To Charge ‘Excessive’ Premiums Throughout Pandemic

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.

Read more about Another Sonoma County Recycling Center Is Closing, Leaving Consumers With Even Fewer Local Options To Redeem Bottles And Cans

Legislature "Suspends" Bill Triggered by Insurance Commissioner Scandal

By Staff Reporters, WORKERS COMPENSATION

August 12, 2022

https://www.workerscompensation.com/news_read.php?id=41708

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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.

Read more about CSAA Faces Lawsuit Over Claims It Overcharged Auto Insurance Policyholders $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.

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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.

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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.

Read more about Edison Tells Some Utility Customers A New Rate Plan Is More Expensive Than Advertised

CVS Units Must Face HIV Bias Suit Over Medication Distribution

By Jacklyn Will, BLOOMBERG LAW

August 8, 2022

https://news.bloomberglaw.com/class-action/cvs-units-must-face-hiv-bias…

Read more about CVS Units Must Face HIV Bias Suit Over Medication Distribution

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.

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'Pure Capitalism': Republicans Nix Insulin Price Caps On Private Insurance In Blow To Democrats

By Katherine Swartz, USA TODAY

August 8, 2022

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2022/08/08/senate-republic…

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Mercury Insurance Accused Of Overcharging ‘Good Drivers’ In California

By Kevin Smith, MERCURY NEWS

August 2, 2022

https://www.mercurynews.com/2022/08/02/mercury-insurance-accused-of-overcharging-good-drivers/

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GEICO Closes California Offices, Ends Telephone Sales Here

By Carolyn Said, SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE

August 2, 2022

https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/GEICO-closes-California-offices-ends-telephone-17347208.php

GEICO, the nation's second-largest auto insurer, is limiting its physical presence in California and eliminating telephone sales of new policies here.

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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.

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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.

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KCBS 740AM San Francisco, CA: Transportation and Supply Issues Adding to Inflation for Groceries

By Jim Taylor, KCBS 740AM, San Francisco, CA

July 21, 2022

Click here to listen to the audio of this radio broadcast segment.

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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.

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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.

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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…

Read more about For Environmentalists, Sacramento Is Ground Zero In Battle Over California’s Air, Coastlines And Climate Future

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.

Read more about KCRW 89.9FM NPR Santa Monica, CA: Consumer Watchdog Report Shows 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.

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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.”

Read more about Suit Seeks Release of CDI Meeting Records In California ‘Pay To Play’ Lawsuit

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

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Their Homes Survived California Wildfires. But Insurers Refused To Cover Sickening Smoke Damage

By Carolyn Said, SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE

July 15, 2022

https://www.sfchronicle.com/california-wildfires/article/home-smoke-damage-17306521.php

Where there’s fire, there’s smoke.

Read more about Their Homes Survived California Wildfires. But Insurers Refused To Cover Sickening Smoke Damage

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.

Read more about Report: Pilot ‘Mobile Recycling’ Programs Aren’t Fix for California’s Crumbling System

Second Quarter Permits To Fix Oil Wells Skyrocket As Groups Protest Leaking Oil Wells at CalGEM

By Dan Bacher, DAILY KOS

July 14, 2022

https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2022/7/14/2110208/-Second-Quarter-Perm…

Read more about Second Quarter Permits To Fix Oil Wells Skyrocket As Groups Protest Leaking Oil Wells at CalGEM

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.

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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.

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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.

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California's 'insurer of Last Resort' Accused of Wrongly Denying Wildfire Claims

By Ethan Varian, MERCURY NEWS

July 13, 2022

https://www.mercurynews.com/2022/07/13/californias-insurer-of-last-reso…

Read more about California's 'insurer of Last Resort' Accused of Wrongly Denying Wildfire Claims

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.

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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.

Read more about Brewers Need Cans. California’s Broken Recycling System Is Making Them Hard To Find

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…

Read more about Should There Be a Higher Bar to Call Products ‘Sustainable’?

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.

Read more about The Observer: Proposed Law Requiring Oil Refiners To Disclose Profits Is Only First Step

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.

Read more about KCRW 89.9FM NPR Southern California: $100 To Fill Gas Tank In LA: Are Oil Companies Taking Advantage?

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.

Read more about California State Senator Pushes For New Bill Requiring Oil Refineries To Disclose Profits

Oil Industry Stops Bill Banning Oil Drilling In CA Waters From Moving Forward

By Dan Bacher, INDYBAY

June 12, 2022

https://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2022/06/12/18850414.php

Read more about Oil Industry Stops Bill Banning Oil Drilling In CA Waters From Moving Forward

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.

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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.

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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.

Read more about KPFA 94.1FM Pacifica Radio - Berkeley, CA: Consumer Watchdog Files Complaint Against Insurance Commissioner Lara For Not Disclosing Source Of Campaign Funds

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…

Read more about In California, A Secret Insurance Effort To Boost A Corporate Dem?

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.

Read more about California Primary 2022: Incumbent Ricardo Lara, 8 Others Vie For Insurance Commissioner

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.

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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…

Read more about Oil Execs Cash Out Like Crazy While Gas Prices Soak Americans

Number Of Oil Wells Leaking Methane Near California Homes Climbs To 21

By Janet Wilson, THE DESERT SUN

June 2, 2022

https://www.desertsun.com/story/news/environment/2022/06/02/number-oil-…

A total of 21 oil wells have been found to be leaking methane in or near two Bakersfield neighborhoods, and more than two dozen are being tested by state and regional air regulators.