Workers clear debris from a home destroyed in the Palisades Fire in Pacific Palisades on April 15, 2025. Photo by Genaro Molina, Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
I’m CalMatters reporter Ryan Sabalow, and I’m subbing in for Lynn today.
Between the natural disasters and the rising cost of living, it’s not easy presiding over many of the state’s insurance dilemmas.
Just ask Democratic U.S. Rep. John Garamendi. He’s been insurance commissioner twice.
He called it “the second-hardest job in the state behind the governor.”
Yet that hasn’t stopped a bunch of candidates from asking voters this year to put them in charge of regulating one of the state’s most difficult industries at a time when climbing premiums are hitting the pocketbooks of Californians who fear it’s getting too expensive to live here.
The next commissioner will have their hands full.
CalMatters reporter Levi Sumagaysay breaks down the insurance commissioner’s role, how the current commissioner is leaving the agency and just what the commissioner’s office does. Did you know it regulates pet insurance?
Read more about the job and what’s at stake here.
Focus on Inland Empire: Each Wednesday, CalMatters Inland Empire reporter Aidan McGloin surveys the big stories from that part of California. Read his newsletter and sign up here to receive it.
Other Stories You Should Know
Homeless people likely to suffer due to Trump work requirements
Dr. Mathew Beare examines a patients foot at a meeting area near the Kern River on March 16, 2023. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local
Those living among California’s massive homeless population often suffer from some serious illnesses and other medical issues. Street medicine providers who provide their care fear that President Donald Trump’s work requirements in his budget bill will soon make those health problems worse.
That’s because, beginning in 2027, Trump’s law will require states to verify that able-bodied adults younger than 65 without dependent children are performing 80 hours or more of work each month in order to qualify for Medicaid.
Learn more about the issue here.
New retirement perks for CHP and Cal Fire?
The California Highway Patrol hosts a swearing-in ceremony for more than 100 new officers at the CHP Academy in Sacramento on Sept. 13, 2024. Photo by Florence Middleton, CalMatters
Former Gov. Jerry Brown got what seemed like the final word on California pensions 14 years ago when he signed a law that reduced benefits and increased how much workers paid toward their retirement.
This year, unions representing California Highway Patrol officers and Cal Fire fighters are backing legislation that would add benefits for the first time since then.
One measure would open a deferred retirement plan to CHP officers and Cal Fire fighters. It’s a kind of savings plan that would lead to a one-time payout at the end of their careers. That one doesn’t necessarily increase costs to the state.
The second would allow new pension formulas for public safety employees, allowing them to retire earlier.
Both measures passed the Assembly in January.
Check out more here.
And lastly: Students getting jobs
DJ Nunley in Albany on Feb. 27, 2026. DJ attends UC Berkeley and serves as a College Corps fellow. He tutors and mentors incarcerated youth at the Alameda County Juvenile Hall Detention Center. Photo by Manuel Orbegozo for CalMatters
A popular state program offers college students a job that fits their academic schedules and the opportunity to make a difference in their communities. Find out more about the state College Corps here.
California Voices
CalMatters columnist Dan Walters: Can the reforms that created California’s “top-two” primary system survive the possibility of Democrats not having a candidate for governor in the general election?
CalMatters contributor Jim Newton: Los Angeles voters deserve the chance to decide whether the city should have a larger council, one whose members serve significantly smaller districts.
Other things worth your time:
His animal rescue owed millions to a former worker. Rather than pay, feds say he hatched a plan to kidnap her // The Los Angeles Times
What are federal workers’ free speech rights? Yosemite ranger sues after firing // The Fresno Bee
Paramount-Warner deal promises to shake up streaming // The New York Times
Apartments approved for Anaheim Hills, where residents said they fear wildfires // Southern California News Group
Alameda health system layoffs deferred while county explores options // KQED
Winter rains turn Death Valley National Park into fields of golden blooms // The Riverside Press Enterprise
State lawmakers launch children’s caucus // The Sacramento Observer
LA County pays $4.9M to settle lawsuits stemming from Sheriff’s Department car crashes // LAist
Mt. Shasta fire captain arrested on felony charges // KRCR TV.
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Lynn La is the newsletter writer for CalMatters, focusing on California’s top political, policy and Capitol stories every weekday. She produces and curates WhatMatters, CalMatters’ flagship daily newsletter…
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