Ricardo Lara

Several statewide officials’ policies are coming under scrutiny as California’s Nov. 8 general election inches closer, heightening the possible political implications. First up: Attorney General Rob Bonta was dealt a major blow Monday, when the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 8-3 that California must exclude private immigration detention centers from its 2019 law […]

Ahead of California’s November general election, some races are cooling off and others are heating up. Here’s a look at what went down Wednesday: The race for California insurance commissioner got a lot less exciting. Democratic Assemblymember Marc Levine of San Rafael conceded second place to Republican Robert Howell, who will now face off against […]

When it comes to California’s fire season, there’s no rest for the weary. Soon after PG&E began restoring power to the 24,000 customers hit with shutoffs amid Monday and Tuesday’s gusty winds, the utility warned another 29,000 customers could face blackouts starting Thursday morning, when a second round of powerful winds is expected to pummel […]

Good morning, California. It’s Tuesday, September 21. Big 2022 campaign issue Fires move fast, but politicians move faster. Early Monday, Assemblymember Marc Levine of San Rafael announced plans to challenge fellow Democrat and State Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara in 2022, charging that Lara hasn’t done enough to prevent Californians living in fire-prone areas from losing […]

Insurance companies want to factor climate change in calculating wildfire coverage, but consumer watchdogs worry California homeowners will end up with higher premiums. Lawmakers from fire-damaged districts say they are open to change because their constituents are already losing coverage.

Las compañías de seguros quieren tener en cuenta el cambio climático al calcular la cobertura de incendios forestales, pero los organismos de control de los consumidores temen que los propietarios de viviendas de California terminen con primas más altas. Los legisladores de los distritos dañados por el fuego dicen que están abiertos a cambios porque sus electores ya están perdiendo cobertura.

California faces a year-round threat of catastrophic wildfires. Two new studies suggest ways to deal with the peril.

The Department of Insurance proposal would eliminate the “affinity discount,” which affects millions in communities of color.

La propuesta del Departamento de Seguros eliminaría el "descuento por afinidad", lo que afectaría a millones en comunidades de color.

Good morning, California. It’s Friday, March 12. More vaccines, more reopenings Things are about to change big time in California. Today, the state is expected to reach its goal of administering 2 million vaccines in underserved communities, triggering a shift in reopening criteria that will make it easier for counties to move from the most […]