Aetna's Ex-Settlement Admin Cuts Deal To End Privacy Case
By Dorothy Atkins, LAW 360
April 20, 2020
https://www.law360.com/insurance/articles/1265146/aetna-s-ex-settlement…
Law360 (April 20, 2020, 3:04 PM EDT) -- Aetna Inc. has reached a deal to resolve its lawsuit alleging a settlement administrator revealed the HIV status of more than 10,000 Aetna members through a bungled class action settlement mailing, according to filings in California federal court.
Should Newsom Ban Fracking?
By Andrew Sheeler and Hannah Wiley, SACRAMENTO BEE - CAPITOL ALERT
April 16, 2020
https://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article24…
Five dozen climate, health and environmental organizations have sent a letter to Gov. Newsom, urging him “to reject the efforts by the oil industry to exploit this emergency as an excuse to roll back regulatory oversight.”
Here's How to Figure out the Amount of Homeowners Insurance You Should Actually Buy
By Chris Taylor, MONEY
April 13, 2020
https://money.com/heres-how-to-figure-out-the-amount-of-homeowners-insu…
Here’s some advice for new homeowners figuring out how much insurance coverage to buy: Think back to the popular childhood fable, and keep the Goldilocks Principle in mind: Not too much, not too little, but just right.
Coalition Slams Newsom Administration For Approving 24 New Fracking Permits
By Dan Bacher, SF INDYBAY MEDIA
April 11, 2020
https://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2020/04/11/18832287.php
The issuing of new fracking permits took place less than two months after Consumer Watchdog and the FracTracker Alliance reported that the total number of oil and gas well permits issued in 2019 under the Newsom Administration rivals the number issued during the last year in office of former Governor Jerry Brown.
Transamerica Settles Class-Action Suit Worth Up to $88 Million in Credits
By Timothy Darragh, BEST WIRE
April 8, 2020
Transamerica Life Insurance Co. has agreed to settle a class-action lawsuit filed by policyholders who alleged it improperly increased monthly charges on their universal life insurance policies.
According to the settlement agreement in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles, Transamerica will pay up to $88 million in account value credits to policies in effect and those for which death claims were pending as of Dec. 31, 2019.
Watchdog Says Car Insurance Companies Should Reduce Premiums
By Randy Mac, KNBC TV-4 Los Angeles, CA
April 7, 2020
https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/watchdog-says-car-insurance-companie…
On Monday Allstate insurance announced it’s issuing partial refunds to its car insurance customers due to “stay at home” orders. But consumer advocates say the entire industry needs to step up.
The once clogged freeways in the LA region are mostly empty.
Plaintiffs Say Transamerica Settles Lawsuit Over Universal Life Policy Charges
By Staff Writers, CITY NEWS SERVICE (LA)
April 7, 2020
LOS ANGELES (CNS) - Transamerica Life Insurance Co. has agreed to settle a class-action lawsuit filed in Los Angeles, alleging that the company improperly increased the monthly charges of holders of universal life policies, the plaintiffs' attorneys announced today.
California Issues First New Fracking Permits Since July
By Adam Beam, ASSOCIATED PRESS
April 4, 2020
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/california-issues-first-new-fracking-…
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California issued 24 hydraulic fracturing permits on Friday, authorizing the first new oil wells in the state since July of last year and angering environmental groups who have been pressuring the state to ban the procedure known as fracking.
Fracking In California Gets Green Light After 9-Month Pause; Aera Energy Receives Permits
By Janet Wilson, THE DESERT SUN
April 3, 2020
https://www.desertsun.com/story/news/environment/2020/04/03/calgem-appr…
California regulators on Friday issued fracking permits for the first time in nine months, saying federal scientists had given clearance for 24 permits to Aera Energy for oil well stimulation in Kern County.
Coronavirus Halts California Ballot Measure Signature-Gathering In Its Tracks
By John Wildermuth, SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE
March 23, 2020
https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/Coronavirus-halts-Californ…
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s stay-at-home order will not only keep people off the streets, but also could keep some initiative measures off the November ballot.
Washington's New Tone: Help Us, Silicon Valley
Policymakers have disparaged tech companies over issues like data privacy, market competition and online misinformation. Now, they need the industry's help to combat coronavirus.
By Steven Overly, POLITICO
March 18, 2020
https://www.politico.com/news/2020/03/18/washington-tech-industry-coron…
'No One Has Ever Seen This’: Coronavirus Rattles California Ballot Campaigns
By Jeremy B. White, POLITICO
March 18, 2020
https://www.politico.com/states/california/story/2020/03/18/no-one-has-…
SAN FRANCISCO — As Californians raided hand sanitizer and wipes to battle the spread of the coronavirus last week, Fred Kimball pivoted to make a different kind of bulk purchase: 300,000 pens.
Connected Cars Are Cool, But Are They Safe?
Research suggests your internet-connected vehicle could be easily manipulated by crafty hackers. Cyber threat intelligence experts Brian DeMuth and Bryson Bort explain how to protect high-end vehicles for the future.
By S.C. Stuart, PC MAGAZINE (AUSTRALIA)
March 9, 2020
https://au.pcmag.com/security/65910/connected-cars-are-cool-but-are-the…
How Auto Insurers Use Your Nondriving Habits To Raise Prices
By Kayda Norman, ASSOCIATED PRESS / NERD WALLET
February 26, 2020
https://www.thetelegraph.com/business/article/How-auto-insurers-use-you…
You expect your car insurance rates to increase after you buy a new vehicle, cause a crash or add a young driver to your policy. But some insurers jack up prices based on seemingly unrelated data - like your magazine subscriptions or what groceries you buy.
Firefox Starts Encrypting Domain Names
By Wendy Davis, MEDIA POST RAW
February 25, 2020
https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/347580/firefox-starts-en…
Mozilla's Firefox browser on Tuesday began encrypting domain names by default for U.S. users.
The move will help prevent internet service providers like Comcast and AT&T from using subscribers' personal data for commercial purposes, Mozilla told Congress two months ago.
Rally At State Of The State Calls On Newsom To Phase Out Oil Production
By Dan Bacher, INDY BAY MEDIA
February 22, 2020
https://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2020/02/22/18830901.php
On the morning of February 19, activists from groups affiliated with the Last Chance Alliance held a spirited rally on the sidewalk outside the west steps of the Capitol just before Governor Newsom delivered his State of the State address.
Consumer Group Sues California DOI, Commissioner Over Records
By Timothy Darragh, BESTWIRE
February 19, 2020
http://news.ambest.com/newscontent.aspx?altsrc=108&refnum=223495
A consumer group has sued the California Department of Insurance and Commissioner Ricardo Lara, saying they failed to comply with a state records request seeking documentation of Lara's meetings and communications with campaign contributors.
State Insurance Commissioner Sued, Accused Of Withholding Requested Records
Lawsuit also accuses Ricardo Lara’s office of creating records for public release that excluded key information
By Jeff McDonald, THE SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE
February 19, 2020
https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/watchdog/story/2020-02-19/sta…
If You’ve Found It Impossible to Recycle in California, You’re Not the Only One
By Lolita Lopez, KNBC TV-4 Los Angeles, CA
February 19, 2020
https://www.nbclosangeles.com/investigations/recycling-centers-closed-c…
Many Californians are having a tough time recycling bottles and cans and getting back deposits as hundreds of recycling centers shutter throughout the state -- but something else is going on behind the scenes that is making it even worse.
Here’s how it’s supposed to work:
Group Sues California Commissioner Over Public Records Of Dealings With Insurance Executives
By Staff Writers, INSURANCE JOURNAL
February 18, 2020
https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/west/2020/02/18/558731.htm
A non-profit consumer group announced on Tuesday it has filed a lawsuit to compel California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara and the California Department of Insurance to hand over records of Lara’s meetings and communications with insurance companies.
CalRecycle Approves Two CRV Pilot Projects
California is exploring new models to boost consumer access to California Redemption Value (CRV) bottles and cans.
By Megan Smalley, RECYCLING TODAY
February 17, 2020
https://www.recyclingtoday.com/article/calrecycle-approves-two-crv-pilo…
U.S. Senator Says Tesla Should Change 'Autopilot' Name
Sen. Ed Markey alleges Tesla drivers are confused by the name and capabilities of Autopilot.
By David A. Wood, CARCOMPLAINTS.COM
February 4, 2020
https://www.carcomplaints.com/news/2020/tesla-should-change-autopilot-n…
The Tesla "Autopilot" name allegedly should be changed to clarify the technology isn't fully autonomous and it requires a driver to stay fully engaged with the vehicle and its surroundings.
Another Top California Oil Regulator Will Step Down Amid Continued Probes
By Janet Wilson, THE DESERT SUN
January 31, 2020
https://www.desertsun.com/story/tech/science/energy/2020/01/31/californ…
Jason Marshall, one of California's top oil and gas regulators, is stepping down.
Bill Requiring Beverage Makers To Handle Recycling Dies
By Don Thompson, AP - THE SANTA ROSA PRESS-DEMOCRAT
January 30, 2020
https://www.pressdemocrat.com/news/10652542-181/bill-requiring-beverage…
SACRAMENTO — A California state senator on Thursday ended his effort to pass a bill requiring beverage distributors to create a new system to take back their own containers, though advocates said they will keep pushing the issue this year.
Bay Area Legislator’s Bill Requiring Beverage Makers to Handle Recycling Dies
By Staff Writers, ASSOCIATED PRESS - KPIX CBS TV-5 San Francisco, CA
January 30, 2020
https://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2020/01/30/bay-area-legislator-bill-r…
SACRAMENTO (AP) — A California state senator on Thursday ended his effort to pass a bill requiring beverage distributors to create a new system to take back their own containers, though advocates said they will keep pushing the issue this year.
[Keen To Be Green] Reducing Our Recyclables
By Meher McArthur, LOZ FELIZ LEDGER
January 30, 2020
https://www.losfelizledger.com/keen-to-be-green-reducing-our-recyclable…
Last year, California lost almost 300 recycling centers when the recycling center chain RePlanet closed in August, citing decreasing prices for aluminum and PET plastic and rising operating costs and wages.
Consumer Group Objects as Mercury General Proposes 5% Auto Rate Hike in California
By Timothy Darragh, BESTWIRE
January 29, 2020
http://news.ambest.com/newscontent.aspx?altsrc=108&refnum=223140
Mercury Insurance Co. subsidiary California Auto Insurance Co. is seeking a 5% rate hike for drivers in the state, which has a consumer group up in arms.
California Department of Insurance records show CAIC issued its request for an increase Dec. 6.
Advocacy Group Urges California Regulator To Reject Proposed Auto Rate Spike
By Duffie Osental, INSURANCE BUSINESS AMERICA
January 28, 2020
https://www.insurancebusinessmag.com/us/news/breaking-news/advocacy-gro…
Advocacy group Consumer Watchdog has urged California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara to reject a proposed 5% auto insurance rate increase by Mercury Insurance Company that “discriminates against lower income, less-educated drivers.”
Column: Oil Industry Subpoenas Aim To Harass And Intimidate, Consumer Group Says
By Michael Hiltzik, LOS ANGELES TIMES
January 23, 2020
https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2020-01-23/chevron-and-exxon-con…
Litigation is nobody’s idea of fun (except, perhaps, lawyers), and that’s certainly true for anyone dragged into a lawsuit without being either a plaintiff or defendant.
California Senate Advances EPR Changes For Struggling Bottle Bill
Beverage distributors would be required to form a product stewardship organization for container collection. The state's container redemption program has experienced mounting financial strain.
By Katie Pyzyk, WASTE DIVE
January 22, 2020
https://www.wastedive.com/news/california-senate-advances-epr-changes-s…
How Auto Insurers Use Your Nondriving Habits to Raise Prices
Safe, loyal drivers aren't always rewarded with cheaper rates.
By Kayda Norman, NERDWALLET
January 21, 2010
https://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/insurance/price-optimization/
You expect your car insurance rates to increase after you buy a new vehicle, cause a crash or add a young driver to your policy. But some insurers jack up prices based on seemingly unrelated data — like your magazine subscriptions or what groceries you buy.
California May Put Onus On Industry For Bottle Bill
By Steve Toloken, PLASTICS NEWS
January 20, 2020
https://www.plasticsnews.com/news/california-may-put-onus-industry-run-…
California is looking next door to Oregon for how it can fix its container recycling system, potentially shifting toward one that would put the onus on the bottling industry to design and operate.
Autonomous Rules to Remain Voluntary in the U.S.
By Paul Eisenstein, RIDE TECH BLOG
January 17, 2020
https://ride.tech/mobility-lifestyle/us-dot-sec-unveils-voluntary-av-gu…
The White House has announced plans regarding public testing of autonomous vehicles.
California Shaping Up As Beverage Container Recycling Battleground
Golden State legislature being lobbied for bottle bill reform while national trade groups propose national framework.
By Brian Taylor, WASTE TODAY
January 16, 2020
https://www.wastetodaymagazine.com/article/california-crv-bottle-can-re…
Central Coast Winemakers React To New CA Bill Proposing Industry-Run Bottle Recycling Program
By Anikka Abbott, KCOY CBS TV-12 /KEYT ABC TV-7 / KKFX FOX TV-11 Santa Barbara, CA
January 15, 2020
https://keyt.com/lifestyle/food/2020/01/15/central-coast-winemakers-rea…
SANTA MARIA, Calif. - Senate Bill 372, The Beverage Container Recycling Act of 2020, passed the state senate Environmental Quality Committee Wednesday.
To Improve Recycling, State Legislature Wants Beverage Companies To Take Back Their Own Containers
By Madeleine Brand, PRESS PLAY - KCRW 89.9FM SANTA MONICA, CA
January 15, 2020
Click here to listen to the audio of this radio broadcast segment: https://www.kcrw.com/news/shows/press-play-with-madeleine-brand/impeach…
Lawmakers Consider Overhaul To California's Bottle And Can Recycling Program
Advocates say CRV isn't working
By Derek Staahl, KGTV ABC-10 NEWS, SAN DIEGO, CA
January 15, 2020
https://www.10news.com/news/lawmakers-consider-overhaul-to-californias-…
SAN DIEGO (KGTV) -- State lawmakers are considering an overhaul to the CRV recycling program on bottles and cans that would make drink-makers responsible for setting up a system to collect the containers they produce.
Watchdog, Legislator Offer Plans To Overhaul California’s Recycling Program
By Kevin Smith, LOS ANGELES DAILY NEWS
January 14, 2020
https://www.dailynews.com/2020/01/14/watchdog-legislator-offer-plans-to…
California lawmakers will consider legislation Wednesday, Jan. 15 to revamp the state’s struggling recycling program for bottles and cans — a program Consumer Watchdog fears may collapse unless significant changes are made.
