Ricardo Lara

Ricardo Lara’s successor will have a full plate. Insurance premiums are rising; fire survivors are struggling; the FAIR Plan is still growing.

A 2015 law required the state Department of Toxic Substances Control to overhaul its permitting process to consider how multiple sources of pollution impacts health. Advocates now say the overdue rules aren’t protective enough.

Los Angeles area fire victims say Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara has let insurers drop coverage, raise rates and delay or deny claims.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom is also facing pressure to oust Commissioner Ricardo Lara as insurance policyholders struggle with delayed and denied claims months after the Los Angeles fires.

California’s insurance commissioner has sparred with Consumer Watchdog, which says his proposed rule is retaliatory.

The FAIR Plan faces accusations of denying smoke-damage claims and more. Can California lawmakers keep the insurer of last resort accountable?

If nothing else, the Los Angeles fires underscored the absolutely vital role of a healthy insurance market — not only in protecting the investments that Californians have in their homes and businesses, but as a key component for buying and selling real estate.

The state's elected insurance commissioner formally unveiled a large chunk of his plan to stem the exodus of insurers from California. Adoption of the plans may result in premium hikes, but maintaining a viable market is vital to the state's economy.

A CalMatters analysis shows that California’s campaign finance watchdog has sometimes taken years to resolve cases, sometimes after politicians have won election or left office.

At a CalMatters event, California’s insurance commissioner says the changes he’s making will help homeowners and business owners. One idea: A state grant for those who spend money to protect their property from wildfires.