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The California Legislature has approved a measure from Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, in partnership with California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, that would add consumer protections for people investing in annuities, including many vulnerable seniors, to ensure they are not misled or steered into inappropriate products by unscrupulous insurance agents.
“My bill is about doing what’s right for people who can least afford to be ripped off,” said Sen. Dodd. “Annuities can be important investment tools but too often, there is incentive for abuse or exploitation. That’s why I’m glad to partner with Commissioner Ricardo Lara on my latest consumer protection bill, which requires insurance agents to put the best interests of their clients first — ahead of any sales incentives they might make. If they know an annuity is a bad fit, they will not be able to sell it.”
Senate Bill 263 is the latest consumer protection proposal from Sen. Dodd. Sen. Dodd is also authoring SB 278, which would hold financial institutions accountable for not protecting seniors when they are victims of fraud.
Also last year he introduced SB 478, which would outlaw hidden fees in an array of transactions, including banking.
In his continuing effort to protect our state’s most vulnerable, Sen. Dodd introduced SB 263, which would require insurance producers and insurance companies to strengthen suitability standards for the sale of annuities.
The bill would ensure California meets federal and national model standards, while providing additional consumer protections. The goal is to prevent the sale of these financial products to people who do not understand them or would not benefit from them.
The bill is sponsored by Insurance Commissioner Lara and supported by consumer advocates. It heads next to Gov. Gavin Newsom for a signature.
“Consumers’ best interests must always come ahead of insurance company sales,” said Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, who is sponsoring SB 263. “SB 263 will protect consumers, especially vulnerable populations like our seniors, by requiring all sales of annuities be based first and foremost on the facts of their individual insurance needs, financial situation and goals. I commend Sen. Dodd for authoring this common-sense consumer protection bill.”
Dodd represents the Third Senate District, which includes all or portions of Napa, Solano, Yolo, Sonoma, Contra Costa, and Sacramento counties.
“My bill is about doing what’s right for people who can least afford to be ripped off,” said Sen. Dodd. “Annuities can be important investment tools but too often, there is incentive for abuse or exploitation. That’s why I’m glad to partner with Commissioner Ricardo Lara on my latest consumer protection bill, which requires insurance agents to put the best interests of their clients first — ahead of any sales incentives they might make. If they know an annuity is a bad fit, they will not be able to sell it.”
Senate Bill 263 is the latest consumer protection proposal from Sen. Dodd. Sen. Dodd is also authoring SB 278, which would hold financial institutions accountable for not protecting seniors when they are victims of fraud.
Also last year he introduced SB 478, which would outlaw hidden fees in an array of transactions, including banking.
In his continuing effort to protect our state’s most vulnerable, Sen. Dodd introduced SB 263, which would require insurance producers and insurance companies to strengthen suitability standards for the sale of annuities.
The bill would ensure California meets federal and national model standards, while providing additional consumer protections. The goal is to prevent the sale of these financial products to people who do not understand them or would not benefit from them.
The bill is sponsored by Insurance Commissioner Lara and supported by consumer advocates. It heads next to Gov. Gavin Newsom for a signature.
“Consumers’ best interests must always come ahead of insurance company sales,” said Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, who is sponsoring SB 263. “SB 263 will protect consumers, especially vulnerable populations like our seniors, by requiring all sales of annuities be based first and foremost on the facts of their individual insurance needs, financial situation and goals. I commend Sen. Dodd for authoring this common-sense consumer protection bill.”
Dodd represents the Third Senate District, which includes all or portions of Napa, Solano, Yolo, Sonoma, Contra Costa, and Sacramento counties.
- Details
- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
KELSEYVILLE, Calif. — The Kelseyville Father-Daughter Dance Committee announced the triumphant conclusion of its 20th anniversary celebration, held on Saturday, Feb. 17.
This milestone event, open to participants of all ages, surpassed expectations and provided an enchanting evening dedicated to fostering and celebrating the cherished bonds between generations.
A Valentine's themed extravaganza turns memorable
The dance was adorned with the theme of love, friendship, and hearts — Valentines, creating an atmosphere of joy and connection.
Attendees reveled in the night filled with music, laughter and the creation of unforgettable memories.
The event featured dozens of prizes generously donated by local businesses, with Lake's Limos and Polka Dot Yogurt Shoppe (formerly known as Tutti Frutti) sponsoring a spectacular limo ride and frozen yogurt adventure for one lucky grand prize winner and seven of her friends.
Admission included a carnation flower for each child, a professional photo shoot with a souvenir photo, and a lavish box of sweet treats and refreshments. Tickets were in high demand and sold out quickly as eager participants secured their spots for this heartwarming celebration.
For those who missed this unforgettable event, mark your calendars now for the 2025 event on Feb. 15.
The Lake County Father-Daughter Dance takes place on the first Saturday of every Valentine's Day month. If you missed this year's celebration, make sure to catch us next year for another enchanting evening filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories.
Giving back to the community
The Father-Daughter Dance team is proud to share that 100% of the proceeds from this remarkable event will contribute to post-high school scholarships for students in Lake County. For inquiries or to make a donation, please contact Allison Panella at 707-483-2383.
The committee extends its heartfelt gratitude to the community for 20 years of unwavering support, making the 20th annual Lake County Father-Daughter Dance a resounding success.
They look forward to creating many more cherished memories over the decades to come.
This milestone event, open to participants of all ages, surpassed expectations and provided an enchanting evening dedicated to fostering and celebrating the cherished bonds between generations.
A Valentine's themed extravaganza turns memorable
The dance was adorned with the theme of love, friendship, and hearts — Valentines, creating an atmosphere of joy and connection.
Attendees reveled in the night filled with music, laughter and the creation of unforgettable memories.
The event featured dozens of prizes generously donated by local businesses, with Lake's Limos and Polka Dot Yogurt Shoppe (formerly known as Tutti Frutti) sponsoring a spectacular limo ride and frozen yogurt adventure for one lucky grand prize winner and seven of her friends.
Admission included a carnation flower for each child, a professional photo shoot with a souvenir photo, and a lavish box of sweet treats and refreshments. Tickets were in high demand and sold out quickly as eager participants secured their spots for this heartwarming celebration.
For those who missed this unforgettable event, mark your calendars now for the 2025 event on Feb. 15.
The Lake County Father-Daughter Dance takes place on the first Saturday of every Valentine's Day month. If you missed this year's celebration, make sure to catch us next year for another enchanting evening filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories.
Giving back to the community
The Father-Daughter Dance team is proud to share that 100% of the proceeds from this remarkable event will contribute to post-high school scholarships for students in Lake County. For inquiries or to make a donation, please contact Allison Panella at 707-483-2383.
The committee extends its heartfelt gratitude to the community for 20 years of unwavering support, making the 20th annual Lake County Father-Daughter Dance a resounding success.
They look forward to creating many more cherished memories over the decades to come.
- Details
- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The State Water Board hosted two public workshops in February to support compliance with the Clear Lake Information Order that has been sent to 1,300 county property owners.
The workshop presentation can be viewed here, Clear Lake Information Order Compliance Workshop, and on the Clear Lake Information Order website.
As a reminder, Feb. 29 is the certification deadline.
For help with certification, contact State Water Board Staff at 916-341-5355 orThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
The workshop presentation can be viewed here, Clear Lake Information Order Compliance Workshop, and on the Clear Lake Information Order website.
As a reminder, Feb. 29 is the certification deadline.
For help with certification, contact State Water Board Staff at 916-341-5355 or
- Details
- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
SACRAMENTO — State Treasurer Fiona Ma is sponsoring Senate Bill 1362 (SB 1362), authored by Senator Josh Newman (D-29), which would allow the California Achieving a Better Life Experience, or CalABLE, board to deposit $250 to each new CalABLE savings account for individuals with disabilities.
The bill would also allow CalABLE to make additional financial incentives available. Both provisions are subject to appropriation by the Legislature.
“SB 1262 would help boost a program that has already shown the ability to significantly impact the lives of thousands of individuals with disabilities, helping many avoid living in poverty. That’s a good deal for California,” said Treasurer Ma, chair of the CalABLE board. “Giving CalABLE the ability to incentivize accounts brings it in line with other state-sponsored savings programs and positions it for continued growth. I am thankful for Senator Newman authoring this important legislation.”
CalABLE is California’s savings and investment program for individuals with disabilities. Participants save for disability-related expenses by putting money in tax-advantaged investments, while protecting their eligibility for means-tested public benefits programs. After-tax contributions allow earnings to grow tax-deferred, and withdrawals, when used for a broad range of Qualified Disability Expenses, are federal and state tax-free.
“SB 1362 will encourage eligible Californians with qualifying disabilities to fully utilize the savings accounts to which they’re entitled.
This bill will encourage and assist disabled Californians to open a CalABLE account as a first step toward ensuring their long-term financial security.
By better ensuring the financial well-being of individuals with disabilities, we can create a more inclusive and prosperous California,” explains Senator Newman.
CalABLE currently has more than 10,000 accounts, with approximately $127 million in assets under management.
While these numbers are significant, it is estimated that it only represents less than 1% of the state’s eligible disabled population.
With passage of SB 1362, California could exponentially increase participation and empower millions of Californians with a path to financial security. It could also establish CalABLE as the most competitive choice for Californians, compared to out of state ABLE programs.
CalABLE is already poised to see significant growth as a result of state and federal legislation to expand eligibility for ABLE programs. Starting in 2026, the age of onset of disability will be raised from before age 26 to before age 46.
This expansion is believed to make an additional 6-8 million Americans eligible for ABLE programs nationwide, including 1 million military veterans. More Californians will be able to benefit from this savings program thanks to Treasurer Ma working continuously with the legislature.
The bill would also allow CalABLE to make additional financial incentives available. Both provisions are subject to appropriation by the Legislature.
“SB 1262 would help boost a program that has already shown the ability to significantly impact the lives of thousands of individuals with disabilities, helping many avoid living in poverty. That’s a good deal for California,” said Treasurer Ma, chair of the CalABLE board. “Giving CalABLE the ability to incentivize accounts brings it in line with other state-sponsored savings programs and positions it for continued growth. I am thankful for Senator Newman authoring this important legislation.”
CalABLE is California’s savings and investment program for individuals with disabilities. Participants save for disability-related expenses by putting money in tax-advantaged investments, while protecting their eligibility for means-tested public benefits programs. After-tax contributions allow earnings to grow tax-deferred, and withdrawals, when used for a broad range of Qualified Disability Expenses, are federal and state tax-free.
“SB 1362 will encourage eligible Californians with qualifying disabilities to fully utilize the savings accounts to which they’re entitled.
This bill will encourage and assist disabled Californians to open a CalABLE account as a first step toward ensuring their long-term financial security.
By better ensuring the financial well-being of individuals with disabilities, we can create a more inclusive and prosperous California,” explains Senator Newman.
CalABLE currently has more than 10,000 accounts, with approximately $127 million in assets under management.
While these numbers are significant, it is estimated that it only represents less than 1% of the state’s eligible disabled population.
With passage of SB 1362, California could exponentially increase participation and empower millions of Californians with a path to financial security. It could also establish CalABLE as the most competitive choice for Californians, compared to out of state ABLE programs.
CalABLE is already poised to see significant growth as a result of state and federal legislation to expand eligibility for ABLE programs. Starting in 2026, the age of onset of disability will be raised from before age 26 to before age 46.
This expansion is believed to make an additional 6-8 million Americans eligible for ABLE programs nationwide, including 1 million military veterans. More Californians will be able to benefit from this savings program thanks to Treasurer Ma working continuously with the legislature.
- Details
- Written by: Elizabeth Larson