Future water price, availability in question
by Michael Gardner, San Diego Union Tribune
In the coming months California will confront an unusual confluence of challenges that could determine the price and availability of water for decades to come. Read More ›
State political watchdog agency seeks to expand searchable online conflict of interest database
by Tracy Seipel, San Jose Mercury News
“It’s one-stop shopping for all this information on our website,” said Gary Winuk, chief of the FPPC’s enforcement division. “The idea is to hold people accountable.”
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Was Sen. Rubio auditioning for job at Chevron?
by Jamie Court , Consumer Watchdog
Rubio also supported, and may have encouraged, the governor’s firing of two state energy regulators in 2011 after oil lobby complaints about their tightening of oversight. Read More ›
FTC releases top 10 complaint categories for 2012
Identity theft tops list for 13th consecutive year in report of national consumer complaints. Read More ›
Sequestration cuts threaten California’s comeback
by Steve Smith, California Progress Report
These automatic spending cuts would sap $500 million in federal funding from California putting priorities like education, health care and public safety at risk. The cuts could cost California 225,000 jobs. Read More ›
California lawmaker introduces bill to provide more privacy for online purchases
by Nanette Miranda, ABC7/KGO
The bill would extend privacy protections to online stores, but still allow companies to detect credit card fraud. CFC’s Richard Holober: They can’t..develop all sorts of profiling about you as a consumer, your habits. Read More ›
Finally, toxic flame retardants aren’t a mandate
Consumers will see little, if any, savings. But there will be less of one unnecessary and likely toxic chemical in the environment. That will be a welcome step forward. Read More ›
Sen. Rubio’s exit draws complaints about Sacramento revolving door
by Patrick McGreevy, Los Angeles Times
The abrupt resignation of Sen. Michael Rubio to accept a government affairs job with Chevron sparked complaints by watchdogs about the revolving door between the public and private sector. Read More ›
California fire chief defends secret fund
by Kevin Yamamura , Sacramento Bee
California’s fire chief called his department’s off-books fund “an invaluable tool” and said he “will not apologize for using it to improve our cost recovery efforts.” Read More ›
With FDA approval near, “Frankenfish” opposed by tribal, environmental groups
by Dan Bacher, California Progress Report
FDA’s analysis fails to consider the risks these fish could pose to our natural environment, said an Earthjustice attorney. If they mix with wild salmon, the ecological harm could be devastating. Read More ›
Big bucks flowing to California home owners under mortgage settlement
by Pete Carey, San Jose Mercury News
Nearly 72,000 Californians have had their mortgages reduced or forgiven under terms of a multi-state mortgage settlement with six major banks, according to a report about banks’ compliance. Read More ›
California probe recommended into oversight of trillions of dollars in utility ratepayer money
by George Avalos , San Jose Mercury News
The state legislative analyst recommended that auditors probe whether regulators are properly overseeing accounts for utility projects totaling trillions of dollars. Read More ›
Blue Cross suspends mandatory HIV/AIDS drug mail order program
by Jerry Flanagan, Consumer Watchdog
In the face of overwhelming public outrage and consumer complaints, Blue Cross is suspending their controversial planned forced mail-order pharmacy program for HIV/AIDS patients. Read More ›