Video

KTTV 11 LA – CA AG’s Office Files Suit Against Pollution Violators

January 2, 2013  ·  Daniel Palay

<p>Attorney General Kamala Harris didn't waste any time getting down to business this year.<br /> <br /> Fox 11 investigative producer Heidi Cuda reports that the state is suing two California companies for allegedly violating the state's hazardous waste laws.<br /> <br /> The lawsuit, filed by the AG's office, make some serious allegations: That since 2006, the companies neglected proper maintenance of underground storage tanks.</p>

KPIX-TV CBS-5 SF – Are MPG Claims Just Window Dressing?

December 25, 2012  ·  Daniel Palay

<p>CBS-SF's ConsumerWatch investigates our long standing claims that car makers are fixing their MPG claims.  Now that the EPA has forced Hyundai and Kia to reissue MPG claims on models like the Elantra, ConsumerWatch takes a look at the Ford C-Max Hybrid.</p>

KNBC-TV 4 LA – Add-On Allows Web Users to Track Prying Eyes

December 21, 2012  ·  John M. Simpson

<p>If you're reading this article and think no one knows what you are doing because you're alone, think again.</p> <p>"Most people don't really understand the extent to which their web activities are tracked when they go online or on the Internet to different websites," said John Simpson of consumerwatchdog.org.</p> <p>Simpson demonstrated how one visit to the Los Angeles Times website generated a lot of interest by third-party tracking sites. Using a software add-on called Collusion, Simpson was able to spy on the spies.</p>

KNBC-TV 4 LA – Dynamic Pricing In Online Shopping

December 18, 2012  ·  Daniel Palay

<p>Online shoppers looking to save money may want to change their web browser settings to avoid "dynamic pricing," a common practice among web retailers looking to maximize revenue.<br />  </p> <p>Retailers track spending habits through "browser cookies," small files automatically downloaded from websites. Previous behavior could be an indicator of what someone is willing to spend: a consumer who shops at high-end retail websites may be willing to spend more than a discount shopper.</p>

KCAL-TV 9 LA – US Senators Join Call for Investigation Into Cause Of $5 Gas Prices

November 28, 2012  ·  Daniel Palay

<p>Two Democratic U.S. Senators from California were among a group of lawmakers who called on the Justice Department to investigate whether oil refineries faked a supply shortage during a sharp increase in gas prices earlier this year. Lawmakers contend that West Coast refineries were producing gasoline when they were reportedly shut down during May and October and that inventories remained stable during a stretch when pump prices jumped over 19 cents in one night.</p>

KGO-TV ABC 7 SF – Privacy Advocates Protest The FTC’s $22.5 Million Fine Of Google

November 18, 2012  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p>Consumer Watchdog has lost its fight to make Google face a stiffer penalty for sidestepping privacy settings in Apple's web browser. The ruling comes amid growing concern that web companies know too much about what we do online.</p>

KNB-TV 4 LA – Study: California Refineries Operated During Periods Blamed for Gas Price Spikes

November 15, 2012  ·  Daniel Palay

<p>The October spike, which mostly affected California, was found to be about 66 cents higher per gallon of gasoline than should have been the case based on historical patterns of oil prices and gasoline inventories.</p>

KGO-TV ABC 7 SF – Is The Prop 33 Discount Really A Discount?

November 3, 2012  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p>On Election Day, California voters will decide on Proposition 33 which would change the way insurance companies charge for their auto policies although maybe not the way you think.<br /> <br /> People have been stopping 7 On Your Side's Michael Finney on the street and asking him about their discounts for staying with one insurance company. They ask, if Prop 33 passes, how do the consumers move their discounts? The short answer is they can't. Here's the long answer.</p>

KNBC-TV 4 LA – Hyundai Busted Lying About Their Fuel Economy Following CW Complaint to EPA

November 3, 2012  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p>Following Consumer Watchdog's letters to the EPA and the White House, the EPA found Hyundai incorrectly tested many of its vehicles, including the Elantra, and came up with inflated window sticker MPG claims. </p>

KTLA TV-5 LA – Prop 33 Hikes Rates For Good Drivers

November 2, 2012  ·  Carmen Balber

<p>Consumer Watchdog's Carmen Balber answers the insurance industry's spin by reminding voters to follow the money: "When was the last time an insurance executive spent millions of dollars to save you money?" Prop 33 is about one insurance company trying to buy the vote.</p>

Zombie Props 32 and 33 Attack! Vote For Your Lives!

October 30, 2012  ·  Mark Reback

<p>These zombie propositions by two California billionaires just won’t die! Propositions 32 and 33 are repeat attempts by two super-rich individuals to take money and power from working people.</p>

KGO TV-7 SF – Calif.’s Prop. 33 Could Change Car Insurance Rates

October 27, 2012  ·  Harvey Rosenfield

<p>Should the rules be changed for auto insurance companies doing business in California? That is the central question voters are being asked with Proposition 33. And the measure is complex.</p> <p>Harvey Rosenfield wrote and shepherded the passage of Prop. 103, while George Joseph is the founder and chairman of Mercury Insurance. The two have been adversaries for decades, and the fight has been joined again, this time over Proposition 33 where Joseph is the major financial backer.</p>