Proposition 45 proposes to give the California insurance commissioner the right to approve changes to health insurance rates or “anything else affecting the charges associated with health insurance,” according to the proposition. It provides for public notice, disclosure and hearings on health insurance rate changes as well as subsequent judicial review. It also requires sworn…
By Tom Paulek Editor’s note: Tom Paulek of Idyllwild was a California Department of Fish and Game wildlife biologist for 28 years. During that time for 17 years, he was the San Jacinto Wildlife Area manager. He retired in 2006. This article is from the Friends of the San Jacinto Valley September 2014 newsletter. Last…
On Sept. 25, the Riverside County Registrar of Voters began mailing about 876,000 sample ballots and information pamphlets. Voters will have these in advance of the general election on Nov. 4. If voters do not receive an informational guide in the mail, it is available at www.voteinfo.net. Voters also may call the registrar’s office at…
As October arrives, the expectation of Santa Ana winds — powerful, hot, dry winds that can turn a spark into a wildfire — rises throughout Southern California and especially on the Hill. Beginning this month, the public will not only be alerted of impending Santa Ana or Red Flag events, but a collaboration among the…
U.S. Rep. Raul Ruiz and Assemblyman Brian Nestande have agreed to a televised debate. The one-hour event will be held at 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, the night before the first votes will be cast in the 36th Congressional race. Because of the television studio size, there will be no live audience. Instead, the political…
Editor’s note: Over the next few weeks before the general election, the Town Crier will review the propositions and local elections on the ballots. California Proposition 1, the Water Bond, targets and proposes to revamp state water supply infrastructure. If passed by voters, $7.12 billion in bonds would be issued to fund a variety of…
On Sept. 16, Gov. Edmund Brown Jr. signed the Healthy Workplaces, Healthy Families Act of 2014. While existing law authorizes employers to provide their employees paid sick leave, this law provides millions of Californians not currently eligible with paid sick leave. This legislation authorizes a rate of accrual of no less than one hour for…
From Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, everyone with health coverage through Medicare can change their Medicare health plan and prescription drug coverage for 2015. Health needs change from year to year. And, health plans may change their benefits and costs each year, too. That’s why it’s important to review Medicare choices each fall. Individuals should…
Last week, Gov. Edmund Brown Jr. signed legislation to strengthen protections of groundwater use in California. The three bills establish a framework for local groundwater management and set timetables to begin implementation. Emphasis will be placed on groundwater basins, which are high or medium priority. Each water basin’s priority must be identified by Jan. 31,…
This week, Riverside County supervisors approved a final budget for fiscal year 2014-15 (which began July 1) totaling $637.4 million, $13.9 million more than the preliminary budget approved in June. “Updated fiscal data used to develop final budget recommendations continues to support economists’ optimistic forecasts of long-term economic growth for the county,” wrote Executive Officer…
