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 ›
Doubts voiced on fracking oversight at California hearing
by Michael Mishak, Los Angeles Times
Some lawmakers say proposed rules don’t go far enough to require disclosure by oil companies using the extraction method. Read More ›
CFC releases 2012 Scorecard for State Legislators
The Consumer Federation of California released its 2012 Scorecard for State Legislators, which rates lawmakers on their votes cast on key consumer rights bills. Read More ›
Consumer Federation of California releases 2012 Scorecard for State Legislators
The Consumer Federation of California released its 2012 Scorecard for State Legislators, rating lawmakers on their votes cast on key consumer rights bills. Read More ›
California bill would ban teen drivers from using Smart car technology
by Torey Van Oot, Sacramento Bee
California minors are already banned from using their smartphones behind the wheel, even with a hands-free device. New legislation would expand those rules to include their use of new technology while driving. Read More ›
Online instruction destined to increase in California colleges
by Jim Sanders, Sacramento Bee
Gov. Brown and CA university officials say it’s inevitable. Targeting a tech-savvy generation, they are paving the way for more students to pass courses and obtain degrees without ever going to class. Read More ›
State lacks doctors to meet demand of national healthcare law
by Michael J. Mishak, Los Angeles Times
As the state moves to expand healthcare coverage to millions under President Obama’s healthcare law, it faces a major obstacle: There are not enough doctors to treat a crush of newly insured patients. Read More ›
Study: Errors found in as many as 26% of consumers’ credit reports
by Chris Morran, The Consumerist
Per the FTC, these alleged errors are in regard to information used to generate credit scores, including the number of collections accounts, the number of inquiries on a credit file, the number late or missed payments, among others. Read More ›
Legislature needs to clarify credit card law
California consumers shouldn’t have to reveal any more personal information than absolutely necessary, whether they’re shopping at a mall or at their computers. Read More ›
California unveils new flammability standard that avoids chemicals in furniture
by Brett Israel, Environmental Health News
The new draft is to improve fire safety while reducing exposure to toxic chemicals. Smoldering objects, rather than open flames, are the biggest source of household fires. Read More ›