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 ›
Toxic nap mats draw suit in Oakland
by Stephanie Lee, San Francisco Chronicle
An Oakland watchdog group said it is suing manufacturers and retailers, including Target and Amazon.com, for selling nap mats made with a toxic flame retardant that is a known carcinogen. Read More ›
States worry about rate shock during shift to new health law
by Noam N. Levey, Los Angeles Times
Even states that back Obama’s healthcare law worry about a jump in some insurance premiums as it takes effect. Read More ›
California energy customers could get $1.6 billion in refunds
by Dale Kasler, Sacramento Bee
California electricity consumers could get refunds totaling $1.6 billion because of excessive rates charged during the initial phase of the energy crisis, the Public Utilities Commission said today. Read More ›
Anthem Blue Cross rolls back rate increase
by Chad Terhune, Los Angeles Times
Health insurer Anthem Blue Cross agrees to reduce the average increase to 14% from 18% in response to regulators’ criticism.
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California health exchange rolls out coverage options
by Jeremy White, Sacramento Bee
Millions of uninsured Californians will soon be required to buy health insurance or face a penalty, and Wednesday morning they got a glimpse of what to expect. Read More ›
Foreclosures drop 75% following passage of homeowners bill of rights
by Rebecca Band, California Progress Report
A lot can change in a year, and a new report released this week has found the number of foreclosures in California has dropped dramatically. Read More ›