Banks keep pulling from bag of tricks

by David Lazarus, Los Angeles Times

The latest is Chase making credit card customers who had previously opted out from receiving offers to do so again under the guise of ‘updating our customers’ preferences.’ Read More ›

Supreme Court to Hear GPS Tracking Case

by Zack Kaldveer, Consumer Federation of California, Privacy Revolt

I think its important to consider this case in the larger context of an increasingly unjust economic system (AND Judicial system) that’s leading people, literally, to the streets in protest. We must…stand firm against the ever encroaching and watchful eye of both government and corporate interests. Read More ›

Editorial: Time to say ‘no’ to payday loan sharks

by Editorial , Sacramento Bee

While Calderon’s concern for people of marginal means is commendable, it can’t be ignored that he, his brother and other lawmakers have raked in campaign contributions from the payday loan industry. Read More ›

California issues draft rules on toxics in food

by Rick Daysog, Sacramento Bee

The new rules create a list of 3,000 toxic chemicals found in consumer items as diverse as personal care products, children’s toys, automobiles and even computers. Read More ›

Mercury News editorial: If state won’t ban predatory payday lending, cities and counties must restrict it

by Editorial, San Jose Mercury News

It’s not surprising that California lawmakers do the bidding of their biggest contributors. But even for them, the latest move to expand predatory payday lending — detailed in Karen de Sa’s front-page story today — is remarkably brazen. Read More ›

PG&E denies using ‘junked’ pipe in natural gas lines

by Steve Johnson, San Jose Mercury News

Documents made public Monday show that PG&E moved salvaged pipe in and around the South Bay and Peninsula over the years, but the company insisted that it didn’t reuse “scrap” or “junk,” as claimed by state regulators. Read More ›

Major PG&E gas line ruptures during hydro test

by Jaxon Van Derbeken, San Francisco Chronicle

A major Pacific Gas and Electric Co. gas transmission line serving the Bay Area ruptured during a pressure test Monday south of Bakersfield, just as the company was planning to boost gas levels on the pipeline to meet winter demand. Read More ›

California leads way in putting Amazon in its place

by Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times

A key mechanism of Amazon’s business model, which was to exploit the price advantage it gained by not collecting sales tax, is beginning to come apart, in no small degree because of California.
Read More ›

As Occupy Wall Street Protests Grow We Should Revisit the Patriot Act

by Zack Kaldveer, CFC Communications Director, Privacy Revolt

In light of the growing worldwide Occupy Wall Street protests we would do well to revisit how the Patriot Act has been abused by government, not to catch terrorists, but to stifle dissent and consolidate power. Read More ›

Anthem pulls switch on Medicare Advantage subscribers

by David Lazarus, Los Angeles Times

A pair of letters to the health insurer’s California customers sparks confusion. Anthem, it turns out, is replacing its California Medicare Advantage plan with 13 regional variations that allow it to set premiums and benefits according to local conditions. Read More ›

A Near Privacy Sweep in California

by Zack Kaldveer, CFC Communications Director, Privacy Revolt

It was a near legislative sweep for privacy advocates this year as Governor Brown signed all but one of the key privacy bills that reached his desk. Read More ›

California Diminished by Tax Revolt of 1978 Shows How U.S. Invites Decline

by Christopher Palmeri , Bloomberg

California voters approved Proposition 13 to rein in property taxes that had doubled in 10 years. More than three decades later, that rebellion has mortgaged the state’s future, saddling it with the nation’s highest debt and lowest credit rating. Read More ›

Consumers Get a Breath of Fresh Air from Jerry Brown

by Richard Holober, CFC Executive Director, California Progress Report

On issues ranging from household toxics to food safety to elder abuse to personal privacy, Governor Jerry Brown has demonstrated much greater empathy with consumer protection than his predecessor. Read More ›

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