Economy
California’s next insurance commissioner will have ‘brutal’ balancing act
Ricardo Lara’s successor will have a full plate. Insurance premiums are rising; fire survivors are struggling; the FAIR Plan is still growing.
Ricardo Lara
Environment
Residents of a polluted California town pinned hopes on new state rules. They’re still waiting
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.
Commentary
Here’s why L.A. fire survivors want Ricardo Lara’s resignation
Los Angeles area fire victims say Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara has let insurers drop coverage, raise rates and delay or deny claims.
Economy
‘We feel alone’: L.A. fire survivors call for California’s insurance commissioner to resign
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.
Economy
Ricardo Lara proposes insurance rule that critics call ‘revenge’
California’s insurance commissioner has sparred with Consumer Watchdog, which says his proposed rule is retaliatory.
Economy
California’s insurer of last resort would face more scrutiny under bill heading to Newsom’s desk
The FAIR Plan faces accusations of denying smoke-damage claims and more. Can California lawmakers keep the insurer of last resort accountable?
Commentary
Los Angeles wildfires intensify political jousting over home insurance premiums
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.
Commentary
Can new state regulations resolve California’s existential insurance crisis?
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.
Elections
‘Notoriously slow:’ Lengthy investigations into California politicians leave voters in the dark
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.
Economy
Why Ricardo Lara says his plan to fix California’s insurance crisis will work
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.