Financial loss from identity theft increasing, report says
by Anika Anand, California Watch
Fewer people were victims of identity theft last year than in 2010, but each person lost substantially more money, according to a new report by the California Public Interest Research Group. Read More ›
Chemicals in furniture target of Calif. lawmakers
by Victoria Colliver, San Francisco Chronicle
California can set the tone for a new furniture fire-safety standard to replace the decades-old requirement that had led to the use of toxic flame retardants in couches, chairs and baby product sold throughout North America. Read More ›
Voters Guide to California’s November Ballot Initiatives
by Lucy Ma, IVN.us
The Automobile Insurance Prices Based on History of Insurance Coverage Act will allow insurers to provide new customers with discounts if they can prove continuous coverage by other licensed insurers over the course of the past 5 years. Read More ›
Agency questions culinary school’s job placement rates
by Erica Perez, California Watch
One of the agencies that accredits San Francisco’s California Culinary Academy is questioning the veracity of the college’s reported job placement rates – ordering the school’s parent company to provide audited placement data by September in order to maintain its accreditation status. Read More ›
Call Kurtis: How Do I Get Through To A Supervisor?
by Kurtis Ming, CBS Channel 13 Sacramento
“This is an outrage,” said Richard Holober, executive director of the Consumer Federation of California. Holober says when customers cannot get results, they should make as much noise as possible. Read More ›
Protect Your Medical Privacy ‘ No on AB 439 (Skinner)
The Consumer Federation of California opposes AB 439 (Skinner) as amended on June 15, 2012. The bill would create numerous loopholes in the Confidentiality of Medical Information Act, placing patients at risk of repeated unauthorized release of confidential health information on a massive scale. Read More ›
Study: Lack of health insurance causes thousands of Californians to die prematurely
by Stephanie O'Neill, 89.3 KPCC
As the nation awaits the historic Supreme Court ruling on the Obama administration’s health care law, a new report released Wednesday says California leads the nation in the number of premature deaths caused primarily by lack of health insurance. Read More ›
Californians should be doing a slow burn on toxic flame retardants
by Editorial, San Jose Mercury News
Smoke should be pouring out of Californians’ ears since the recent, damning revelations about flame retardants that the chemical industry uses in sofas and easy chairs. Reputable scientists say the concoctions are highly toxic and dangerous to people, especially children.
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AB 2149 Will Ban Gag Clauses from Elder Abuse Settlements
AB 2149 (Butler) would create a statewide policy against non-cooperation in settlement agreements in any cases alleging a violation of the Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act. Read More ›
SB 1170 Protects Senior Veterans Involved in the Aid and Attendance Program
SB 1171 (Leno) would ensure the Federal Aid and Attendance Program for low-income veterans is not manipulated by unscrupulous financial agents looking for a high commission sale. Read More ›
California’s Made-in-USA bill involves small parts, but it’s no small matter
by Dan Walters, Sacramento Bee
…the bill is stalled in the Senate Judiciary Committee due to opposition from the Consumer Federation of California, which says it would create “a vague standard that invites mislabeling,” and Consumer Attorneys of California, which contends that California is best served by having its own, higher standard. Read More ›
SB 1538 Improves Breast Cancer Detection Information Following Mammograms
SB 1538 (Simitian) provides a simple notification requirement that ensures that a woman is aware of her breast density so she can make informed decisions about her healthcare. Read More ›
AB 40 Mandates Elder Abuse is Reported to Ombudsman and Local Law Enforcement
AB 40 (Yamada) would help deter individuals from abusing the elderly and dependent adults by mandating that cases of abuse are reported to both the local Long-Term Care Ombudsman and the local law enforcement. Read More ›