CONSUMER - RELATED PUBLICATIONS HOMEOWNER ASSOCIATION FORECLOSURE: DOES THE PUNISHMENT FIT THE OFFENSE? - Recent news reports have highlighted the powers of homeowner associations to foreclose on individual homeowners for unpaid assessments. While homeowner associations must have the ability to collect assessments owed them, they do have a variety of collection tools at their disposal, ranging from small claims court to judicial foreclosure to non judicial foreclosure. Given that the loss of one's home and equity is a very high price to pay for missing payments to the homeowners association, the question is raised: Is foreclosure an appropriate tool for homeowners associations to use to collect debts? Or should the association be treated like the majority of other creditors that do not have immediate access to foreclosure? The purpose of this hearing was to hear from persons who have lost their homes to foreclosure and engage stakeholders on possible legislative reforms. (Stock #1252-S; $5.93 - includes tax and s/h) (2/04) CALIFORNIA'S UNFAIR COMPETITION LAW: WHY IS THIS ONE OF CALIFORNIA'S LANDMARK CONSUMER PROTECTION LAWS, AND IS THE UCL BEING ABUSED? - The purpose of this informational hearing held by the Senate & Assembly Judiciary Committees is to explore whether the UCL has been abused by the filing of recent actions against numerous small business. If the demands for restitution and attorneys' fees in some of these cases is of doubtful validity, such facts may reflect inexperience or competence problems on the part of the plaintiffs' attorneys. Or, they may signal abuse. Although the State Bar has been asked to investigate the ethical issues involved, legislation may be appropriate to eliminate any incentive to use the UCL as an extortion tool. (Stock #1246-S; $7.27 - includes tax s/h) (1/03) INTEGRITY & ACCOUNTABILITY: EXPLORING SPECIAL DISTRICTS' GOVERNANCE - What statutory reforms would improve special districts' ethical behavior, directors' compensation practices, and auditing procedures? The Senate Local Government Committee has published the results of its hearing held in Orangevale on November 24, 2003 in this report. Senator Ortiz asked the Committee to hold this hearing after articles about the Sacramento Suburban Water District appeared in the Sacramento Bee. This new report summarizes what 22 speakers told the legislators. The summary report also reprints the background policy paper, plus all of the written materials that the speakers gave the legislators. Special districts' officials and watchdog groups can use this summary report when reviewing bills that the legislators may author in 2004. (Stock #1240-S; $6.47 - includes tax s/h) (11/03) BIOTECHNOLOGY, INTERNATIONAL TRADE POLICY, AND THE RISKS TO CALIFORNIA LEGISLATIVE POWER - This hearing explores the growing relevance of biotechnology as it relates to California's unique agricultural economy, the appropriate role of the state of California in the monitoring and oversight of agricultural biotechnology, and an examination of related international trade rules. (Stock #1227-S; $8.08 - includes tax s/h) (6/03) REVIEW OF ISO TESTIMONY GIVEN TO SELECT COMMITTEE TO INVESTIGATE PRICE MANIPULATION OF THE WHOLESALE ENERGY MARKET (DRIVON PRATT PASCHAL FLORIO KAHN) - A hearing held by the Senate Committee on Energy, Utilities and Communications. It is the continued investigation of price manipulation of the energy market with questions to ISO employees who previously testified in past hearings. (Stock #1223-S; $4.04 - includes tax s/h) (9/03) ISO REVIEW OF VARIOUS INVESTIGATIONS (ENERGY) (2/5/03 SACRAMENTO CA) - BIBB ROBINSON DETMERS ALAYWAN ROSTKER MCINTOSH LAZIC LEE JORDAN BRAUN GERBER - A follow up on the hearing on 1/21/03. Issues include to finish up on C66 protocol discussion, the fictitious load, touch upon Perot Systems, and the MD02 update. (Stock #1207-S; $9.16 - includes tax s/h) (2/03) ISO REVIEW OF VARIOUS INVESTIGATIONS (1/21/03, SACRAMENTO, CA) - ROBINSON HILDEBRANDT POWERS BIBB DETMERS - Testimony from Eric Hildebrandt regarding a recent report that's been discussed between the Committee and Cal-ISO. The C66 issue of protocol/capacity benefit margin, death star projects, & phantom congestion. Discussion regarding the fictitious load incidents. Issues relating to Perot Systems and Taipower. Also an update on the MD02. (Stock #1204-S; $5.39 - includes tax s/h) (1/03) NATURAL GAS INVESTIGATION UPDATE (11/18/02 SACRAMENTO, CA) ROMERO CARPENTER O'LOUGHLIN HORNER JULIAN MARKEY KIRTLAND - This hearing includes three panels of discussion. Manipulation of natural gas supply and price, and examination of refund case pending at FERC by the Brattle Group, Cambridge, Massachusetts. The Public Utilities Commission regarding gas price indexing in more detail and its importance. Testimony from Michele Markey on how gas price indexes were created and manipulated. (Stock #1197-S; $8.89 - includes tax s/h) (11/02) UPDATE OF VARIOUS INVESTIGATIONS INTO CALIFORNIA'S ELECTRICITY CRISIS (9/17/02, SACRAMENTO, CA) LYNCH COHEN CHASET ZIERING MCCULLOUGH - Continuous investigations by the Senate Select Committee to Investigate Price Manipulation of the Wholesale Energy Market. Testimony taken from two individuals. President of the California Public Utilities Commission, Loretta Lynch, and Robert McCullough. Both testimonies are related to times there were blackouts and service interruptions in California during our energy crisis, and whether in fact the blackouts and service interruptions were if fact necessary or warranted given the circumstances upon a review of much of the evidence. (Stock #1178-S; $3.77 - includes tax s/h) (9/02) PRIVATE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN PUBLIC RECORDS: ISSUES RAISED BY SAN DIEGO DEFENDER'S POLICY OF DATA COLLECTION ON LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL - Informational hearing held by Senator Steve Peace and the Senate Committee on Privacy. (Stock #1171-S; $4.31 - includes tax s/h) (4/02) REVIEW PEROT SYSTEMS' ROLE IN CALIFORNIA'S ENERGY CRISIS - TESTIMONY OF ROSS PEROT, DR. PAUL GRIBIK, DR. DARIUSH SHIRMOHAMMADI, TERRY WINTER (ISO), WILLIAM HELLER & LEWIS HASHIMOTO (EMS), AND ERIC WOYCHIK (STRATEGY INTERGRATION) - The continued investigation by the Senate Select Committee to Investigate Price Manipulation on the Wholesale Energy Market. They are trying to gain a full understanding of what occurred in the California energy crisis so that they can make recommendations to the full Legislature about how they may be able to prevent it from occurring in the future. (Stock #1166-S; $10.78 - includes tax s/h) (7/02) REVIEW OF LADWP'S COMPLIANCE (SACRAMENTO, CA) WIGGS SHINER KUROWSKI DAMINE OF LOS ANGELES DEPT OF WATER & POWER - Continued investigations by the Senate Select Committee to Investigate Price Manipulation of the Wholesale Energy Market. (Stock #1165-S; $3.77 - includes tax s/h) (7/02) REVIEW OF ENRON COMPLIANCE - This hearing held by the Senate Select Committee to Investigate Price Manipulation of the Wholesale Energy Market was scheduled as a result of a series of productions, by Enron in which, upon a brief review, some questions were raised as to potential altering, changing, of electronic data within Enron's files. Some of those who testify are Larry Drivon, special counsel to the committee and Gary Furges, outside legal counsel for Enron. (Stock #1159-S; $3.23 - includes tax s/h) (7/02) REVIEW THE MANIPULATION OF ELECTRONIC DATA BY ENRON, REVIEW OF COMPLIANCE WITH SUBPOENA BY SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON, EXAMINATION OF RESPONSES TO INTERROGATORIES BY WILLIAMS & LADWP, AND RESPONSES FROM NCPA & CITY OF REDDING TO PREVIOUS COMMITTEE TESTIMONY - Continuing hearings by the Senate Select Committee to Investigate Price Manipulation of the Wholesale Energy Market. (Stock #1158-S; $6.47 - includes tax s/h) (6/02) REVIEW OF COMPLIANCE WITH SUBPOENAS BY SMUD, LA DEPT OF WATER & POWER, CITY OF BURBANK, CITY OF GLENDALE (SACRAMENTO, CA 3/4/02) TRACY ORCHARD NOYES SNYDER THARP FLETCHER STEVENSON DOLAN LINS - All four of these munis sold power to the state at levels comparable to or above power sold by the private generators. Both SMUD and LADWP are the largest municipals in the state, and their operations are therefore more complex and sophisticated than the others. Burbank and Glendale each made arrangements with private entities to handle some of their energy sales at the wholesale levels, thereby creating some complications in terms of document production. This hearing will help determine the degree of compliance or lack thereof. (Stock #1135-S; $4.48 - includes tax s/h) (3/02) REVIEW OF ENRON'S COMPLIANCE WITH SUBPOENAS - ENERGY (SACRAMENTO, CA 2/12/02) - DUNN BOWEN KUEHL MORROW SHER PEACE DRIVON PRATT MORALES PASCHAL MONTGOMERY - This hearing discusses three specific issues concerning Enron. The first is the potential inadequacy of Enron's actual production of documents to their depository in Sacramento. Second, Enron's failure to produce any witness at last week's deposition regarding the issue of the destruction of documents. And third, to review the potential destruction of documents and its relationship to the subpoena that was served on Enron last June. (Stock #1026-S; $3.77 - includes tax s/h) (2/02) REVIEW OF COMPLIANCE WITH SUBPOENAS AND CURRENT OPERATION OF ISO MARKETS (SACRAMENTO, CA 11/13/01) STARBIRD BITTMAN HAYES KEBLER STEVENS HOULIHAN FORMANEK GARRIS ROBINSON YOUNG DETMERS WINTER RUBY ABERNATHY CHIPPONERI PARK VANDERHOVEN - Continuing investigations by the Senate Select Committee to Investigate Price Manipulation of the Wholesale Energy Market. Looking at the behavior of all market participants and those with some other stake in the wholesale electricity market in California and try to come to a complete understanding of how we got into the situation that we have found ourselves this year and last. (Stock #1120-S; $5.93 - includes tax s/h) (11/01) VOTE RE: TERMINATION OF CONTEMPT FINDINGS FOR RELIANT & ENRON (SACRAMENTO, CA 9/14/01) - Motion to terminate contempt process on Reliant and Enron. Voted on by the members of the Senate Select Committee to Investigate Prices Manipulation of the Wholesale Energy Market. (Stock #1110-S; $3.23 - includes s/h) (9/01) REVIEW OF CONTEMPT FINDINGS AS TO RELIANT, CONTINUED COMPLIANCE WITH SUBPOENAS BY AES DUKE DYNEGY NRG WILLIAMS & DOCUMENTATION SERVING ISO ORDER (SACRAMENTO, CA 9/6/01) DETMERS BURNS COOK - The Senate Select Committee to Investigate Price Manipulation of the Wholesale Energy Market covers 4 topics in this hearing. Number one, review of the status re: Reliant. Second, the review of the remainder of the market participants who are in the process of producing documents in Sacramento depositories. Third, is the joint memorandum that was signed by four market participants and submitted by Enron to the Court. Fourth, ISO Representatives are present to help the committee to better understand what documents they need to review what occurred on any given day with any generating facility. (Stock #1109-S; $3.49 - includes tax s/h) (9/01) REVIEWING COMPLIANCE WITH SUBPOENAS FOR DUKE, DYNEGY, RELIANT, AES, NRG, & WILLIAMS (SACRAMENTO, CA 7/28/01) PEACE PRATT STEVENS - The sole purpose of this hearing was to review compliance with legislative subpoenas as to the market participants that received service of the June subpoena, with the exception of Mirant. Their review of compliance will be continued in August or September. (Stock #1102-S; $4.04 - includes tax s/h) (7/01) REPORT TO THE FULL SENATE REGARDING CONTEMPT FINDINGS FOR ENRON & MIRANT (SACRAMENTO, CA 7/11/01) PEACE PRATT ZIRKLE KIRBY FERGUS - Continuing investigations by the Senate Select Committee to Investigate Prices Manipulation of the Wholesale Energy Market. (Stock #1100-S; $4.58 - includes tax s/h) (7/01) HEARING WITH REGARDS TO SUBPOENA COMPLIANCE (SACRAMENTO, CA 6/28/01) DRIVON KLEINMAN LARREA - Confidentiality of documents submitted to the Senate Select Committee to Investigate price Manipulation of the Wholesale Energy Market are discussed in this hearing. The companies who submitted documents (not included in transcript) are Cal-ISO, Duke, Dynergy, Mirant, Reliant, Williams and Enron. (Stock #1099-S; $4.58 - includes tax s/h) (6/01) OPERATION & MAINTENANCE OF GENERATION FACILITIES (SACRAMENTO, CA 6/22/01) - EDWARDS JOHNSON OLKJER - Continued investigations by the Senate Select Committee to Investigate Price Manipulation of the Wholesale Energy Market. Three witnesses testify in regards to DUKE, SDG&E, South Bay & other facilities. (Stock #1094-S; $7.00 - includes tax s/h) (6/01) OVERVIEW OF INVESTIGATIONS, STUDIES, AND REPORTS REGARDING THE ENERGY CRISIS (SACRAMENTO, CA 6/14/01) – COY BAIRD - This is the fifth & final hearing on this subject held on June 14, 2001 in Sacramento, CA by the Senate Select Committee to Investigate Price Manipulation of the Wholesale Energy Market. The role of the committee is to figure out how to stop high electricity prices and not how to finance these price increases. (Stock #1093-S; $3.77 - includes tax s/h) (5/01) MOBILEHOME PARK UTILITY & BILLING PROBLEMS - The purpose of this hearing was to provide a forum for testimony and comment from mobilehome owners, park operators, governmental agencies, and others on mobilehome park utility & billing problems. The Senate Select Committee on Mobile & Manufactured Homes has had some complaints about mobilehome park utility issues for years but since last summer has experienced a large increase in complaints, mostly from park residents, about the failure of parks to pass through PUC-mandated refunds, failure to post rates, overcharges, surcharges and accessibility to low-income utility assistance programs, among other concerns. (Stock #1092-S; $5.93 - includes tax s/h) (4/01) OVERVIEW OF INVESTIGATIONS, STUDIES, AND REPORTS REGARDING THE ENERGY CRISIS – This is the fourth hearing held on May 31, 2001 in Sacramento, CA by the Senate Select Committee to Investigate Price Manipulation of the Wholesale Energy Market. The role of the committee is to figure out how to stop high electricity prices and not how to finance these price increases. (Stock #1091-S; $5.93 – includes tax s/h) (5/01) OVERVIEW OF INVESTIGATIONS, STUDIES, AND REPORTS REGARDING THE ENERGY CRISIS – This is the third hearing held on May 18, 2001 in Irvine, CA by the Senate Select Committee to Investigate Price Manipulation of the Wholesale Energy Market. The role of the committee is to figure out how to stop high electricity prices and not how to finance these price increases. (Stock #1090-S; $7.27 – includes tax s/h) (5/01) OVERVIEW OF INVESTIGATIONS, STUDIES, AND REPORTS REGARDING THE ENERGY CRISIS – This is the second hearing held on April 26, 2001 in Sacramento, CA by the Senate Select Committee to Investigate Price Manipulation of the Wholesale Energy Market. The role of the committee is to figure out how to stop high electricity prices and not how to finance these price increases. (Stock #1083- S; $5.39 – includes tax s/h) (4/01) OVERVIEW OF INVESTIGATIONS, STUDIES, AND REPORTS REGARDING THE ENERGY CRISIS – This is the first hearing held on April 18, 2001 in Sacramento, CA by the Senate Select Committee to Investigate Price Manipulation of the Wholesale Energy Market. The role of the committee is to figure out how to stop high electricity prices and not how to finance these price increases. (Stock #1082-S; $5.93 – includes tax s/h) (4/01) EFFECTS OF THE ENERGY CRISIS ON FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS AND THEIR CUSTOMERS – The potential short-term and long-term impacts of the energy crisis on our state’s economic health are just the beginning to be more broadly discussed. The purpose of this informational hearing is to determine: 1) What Edison and PG&E owe our financial institutions; 2) What these two utilities owe California businesses (and investors worldwide) – including alternative energy companies, and large and small vendors that provide goods and services to the utilities; 3) What could happen to our financial institutions and their customers if one or both of the utility companies goes bankrupt; and 4) The impact of a “credit crunch” on our state’s economy and its businesses and citizens. (Stock #1077-S; $5.66 – includes tax s/h) (2/01) HOW CAN THE STATE PROTECT SENIOR CITIZENS FROM DWINDLING PRESCRIPTION DRUG BENEFITS? – Prescription medications cost too much. Seniors need help now as HMO prescription benefits are being decreased. Other states have passed legislation to help seniors. The types of legislation being used or considered are discounted price (SB 393 in California), state bulk purchasing and state subsidy. This hearing explores what needs to be done from the perspective of patients, providers, HMOs, pharmaceutical companies and public agencies. (Stock #1076-S; $5.12 – includes tax s/h) (11/00) KEEP OUT!: THE FAILURE OF THE CALIFORNIA PUBLIC RECORDS ACT – This report is the result of the experience of the Joint Legislative Staff Task Force on Government Oversight in requesting and obtaining information from state government agencies. The conclusion drawn from this experience is that the CPRA, as currently written, is of little value to the public and will remain so until it is revised to provide simple and effective recourse in cases of noncompliance. (Stock #1068-S; $4.31 – includes tax, s/h) (7/98) INPLICATIONS OF GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE – The objective of this hearing is to provide information to committee members, the Senate overall, and the general public on this timely issue that will likely be subject to public policy review in the coming months and years. The purpose is informational: to collect information so that more enlightened public policy choices may be crafted by elected officials in the future. (Stock #1049-S; $5.93 – includes tax s/h) (4/00) NUTRITIONAL STANDARDS OF CALIFORNIA MILK: COST VS. PUBLIC HEALTH BENEFITS – The purpose of this hearing was to determine the nutritional differences between various types of milk made according to either federal standards and made according to California standards. Also, are there any public health benefits of the California standard and, whether it is worth the cost. (Stock # 1037-S; $6.47 – includes tax s/h) (12/99) DO CELL PHONES MICROWAVE THE BRAIN? THE CASE FOR CONSUMER PRECAUTION – Twenty five thousand cell phones are being sold every day in America, a total of 80 million altogether. Yet independent, reliable health studies and consumer protections lag far behind the market penetration. Senator Tom Hayden has introduced SB 1699 to bring public scrutiny to the industry’s claims and promote better consumer awareness. (Stock #1031-S; $3.50 – includes tax s/h) (4/00) CALIFORNIA: DEMOCRACY, WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION (WTO) AND THE NORTH AMERICAN FREE TRADE AGREEMENT (NAFTA) – This informative report by Robert Stumberg of Georgetown University Law School highlights a serious challenge to California arising from the trade policies of the WTO and NAFTA. This publication is designed for both legislators and civil society in hopes that the information will stimulate public wider involvement in this historic debate over California’s future. (Stock # 1030-S; $3.23 – includes tax s/h) (3/00) CONSUMERS ON SHAKY GROUND: AN ASSESSMENT OF THE CALIFORNIA EARTHQUAKE AUTHORITY – This report represents the results of an interim hearing by the Senate Insurance Committee as well as subsequent research by committee staff. Many of the recommendations for change to the California Earthquake Authority set forth in the report will require legislation. The CEA is the product of a threatened boycott of California homeowners by insurance companies, in the aftermath of the Northridge earthquake. Its intent is to provide homeowners with financial protection against losses due to an earthquake. This report details how the CEA is in jeopardy of failing in its mission, and what should be done to improve the CEA policy as a product. (Stock #1027-S; $5.66 – includes tax s/h) (3/00) U.S. SENATE BILL 900: NEW FEDERAL BANKING SECURITIES AND INSURANCE RESTRUCTURING ACT (GRAMM-LEACH-BLILEY) – Because this new law has direct impact upon consumers, financial institutions, and the security industry, the Senate Finance, Investment & International Trade Committee feels it would be useful to hear about the act and its impact upon citizens of the state. (Stock #1025-S; $4.58 – includes tax s/h) (1/00) LABELING GENETICALLY ENGINEERED FOODS: THE PUBLIC RIGHT TO KNOW – The purpose of this document is to inform and liven the public and legislative debate about proposals to place labels on genetically altered food. The Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Wildlife has produced this background information in hopes it will shed light on an issue where consumers have been kept in the dark too long. (Stock #1022-S; $3.23 – includes tax s/h) (2/00) A REVIEW OF THE TIED-HOUSE LAWS THAT IMPINGE ON THE STATE’S WINE INDUSTRY AND THE STATUS OF DIRECT SHIPMENT REGULATIONS NATIONWIDE – One September 22, 1999 the Senate Committee on Governmental Organization and the Senate Select Committee on California’s Wine Industry held a joint hearing. They discuss the present California regulations and hear how those laws affect the wine industry’s ability to compete in the global marketplace of the 21st Century. (Stock #1020-S; $5.39 – includes tax, s/h) (9/99) ELECTRONIC BANKING AND TRADING OF SECURITIES – The primary purpose of this hearing is to provide information on the latest electronic services being offered to consumers by the financial institutions industry and the securities industry. These services include Automated Teller Machines, point of purchase transactions, electronic bill payments, and electronic trading of securities. The Senate Finance, Investment and International Trade Committee will be particularly interested in what these industries and their respective regulators are doing to assure customer security and privacy when using these new electronic services. (Stock #999-S; $3.50 – includes tax s/h) (3/99) UPDATE ON BANKS SELLING CUSTOMERS’ PERSONAL INFORMATION TO TELEMARKETING FIRMS – On Wednesday, July 14, 1999, the Senate Finance, Investment and International Trade Committee conducted an informational hearing on banks selling customers’ personal information to telemarketing firms. The report summarizes those proceedings. (Stock #995-S; $4.31 – includes tax s/h) (7/99) SURVEY RESULTS: QUESTIONNAIRE ON THE PREPAREDNESS OF CALIFORNIA INDUSTRY FOR THE YEAR 2000 BUG -- A report prepared by the Senate Select Committee on Procurement, Expenditures & Information Technology. Includes Year 2000 computing problem summary, conclusions from responses received, responses received, list of survey respondents and questionaire. (Stock #931-S; $3.77 -- includes tax, s/h) (12/97) BURGLAR BARS: COMMON SENSE & COMMUNITY SAFETY -- The Senate Housing and Land Use Committee held a special hearing to review efforts to promote public education about the dangers of illegal burglar bars. Legislators learned from community activists, professional firefighters, and property owners. The summary report describes the results of the oversight hearing, including the 10 findings and 15 recommendations. (Stock #926-S; $4.58 -- includes tax, s/h) (10/97) DEVELOPMENTAL CENTER DOWNSIZING: THE IMPACT ON CONSUMER QUALITY OF LIFE -- Oversight hearing of the Senate Select Committee on Developmental Disabilities and Mental Health including research, state department and constituency group responses and public comments. (Stock #912-S; $23.44 -- includes tax, s/h) (2/97) THE KENNEDY KASSEBAUM ACT AND ITS IMPACT ON LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE IN CALIFORNIA: WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE? -- Joint hearing of the Senate Health and Human Services Subcommittee on Aging and Long-Term Care and the Senate Insurance Subcommittee on Health Care Reform. (Stock #911-S; $4.58 -- includes tax, s/h) (4/97) ATM SURCHARGES: BUSINESS PRACTICES, CONSUMER PROTECTION AND STATE REGULATORY POLICY -- On Wednesday, February 19, 1997, the Senate Finance, Investment and International Trade Committee conducted a two-hour information hearing on ATM surcharges. This report summarizes those proceedings. (Stock #902-S; $5.12 -- includes tax, s/h) (2/97) THE DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE CONSUMER SERVICES DIVISION: BUDGET, LAYOFFS AND THE IMPACT ON SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC -- The purpose of this hearing of the Senate Insurance Committee is to identify the basis for staff reductions in the Consumer Services Division, to assess the impact of these layoffs on DOI’s ability to serve consumers who have complaints against the insurance industry, and to identify approaches to preserve CSD to avoid consequences which are adverse to the interests of the insurance-consuming public. (Stock #892-S; $6.47 -- includes tax, s/h) (10/96)