Dirty dozen: 2013 list of most pesticide-heavy fruits and veggies
Unless it’s smothered in caramel or part of a sugary pie, we can’t think of many times when an apple isn’t good for you. But the ever-nutritious fruit once again tops a bad-news list that might make you consider it in a different light.
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California PUC says it’s making changes
by Steven Harmon, San Jose Mercury News
A week after it was excoriated for its lax safety and regulatory culture, the CPUC claimed to have made strides in turning things around in a report it filed with a legislative committee. Read More ›
Employer health premiums rose 170% in California in last decade
by Chad Terhune, Los Angeles Times
Premiums for employer health insurance in California jumped 170% over the last decade, more than five times the 32% increase in the state’s inflation rate. Read More ›
Foreclosure-relief funds earmarked for California mostly unspent
by E. Scott Reckard, Los Angeles Times
Only about a sixth of the $2 billion available to help troubled homeowners in the state has been tapped. But officials say the money will begin to flow soon. Read More ›
Travelers likely to face delays at Sacramento airport and others this summer
by Tony Bizjak, Sacramento Bee
The old adage “pack your patience” may be more true than ever this summer at Sacramento International Airport and other airports nationally – the result of federal budgets cutbacks that went into effect this week. Read More ›
DMV ponders how to regulate driverless cars
by Gary Richards, San Jose Mercury News
Google, which has been testing driverless cars for years in the Bay Area, and automakers say: Don’t stifle us with too many regulations. Meanwhile, safety advocates plead for caution.
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Silicon Valley companies quietly try to kill Internet privacy bill
by Steven Harmon, San Jose Mercury News
Silicon Valley tech, banks and other powerful industries are mounting a quiet but forceful campaign to kill an Internet privacy bill that would give consumers the right to know how their personal information is being used. Read More ›
Auditor: CA special license plate money not collected, misspent
by Torey Van Oot, Sacramento Bee
California’s state auditor found shortcomings in management and oversight of special license plate programs meant to provide funding for causes like Lake Tahoe, anti-terrorism efforts and state parks. Read More ›
Payday lenders win again in the state Legislature – no new industry curbs on horizon
by Karen de Sa, San Jose Mercury News
Although short-term loans with triple-digit annual interest rates have been deemed predatory and barred in 17 other states, attempts to regulate payday lending in California have not made it very far. Read More ›
Lawmakers demand PUC leadership change
by Wyatt Buchanan , San Francisco Chronicle
Lawmakers grilled the executive director of the CPUC, saying they see no progress on safety issues since the deadly San Bruno blast, and called for a change in leadership at the agency. Read More ›
PUC report blasts agency’s ‘anti-safety attitude’
by Torey Van Oot, Sacramento Bee
State lawmakers are poised to blast the CPUC after a scathing report that questions the agency’s commitment to safety. Read More ›
2013 HIPAA Omnibus Rule
In early 2013, the HHS added new scope to HIPAA, which provides individuals new rights to their health information, and strengthens the government’s ability to enforce the law. The changes provide consumers with increased protection and control of personal health information. The 2013 HIPAA Omnibus Rule expands … Read More ›
Concerns with HIPAA
There are concerns that consent is not required for a long list of legal and administrative purposes that include law enforcement and public health. That means that if you have been a victim of a HIPAA violation, you have no legal recourse. Instead, only the HHS and … Read More ›