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Constituent Services and Resources

My capitol staff can help you:

  • Express an Opinion
  • Propose a New Law
  • Ask for Copies, Summaries, and Information on Bills
  • Get Involved in Legislative Process
  • Find Information on How a Bill Becomes a Law
  • Be Notified of Legislative Hearings
  • Report Agency Misconduct

They can also help direct you to other community resources:

  • Housing/Utilities
  • Family/ Community Support
  • Food/ Meals
  • Legal/ Consumer/ Public Safety
  • Health Care
  • Income Support/ Assistance
  • Clothing/ Personal/ Household
  • Mental Health/ Addictions
  • Employment

My district staff can assist you with state-related matters, such as:

  • Department of Motor Vehicles
  • Foreclosure Prevention Programs
  • Consumer Complaints
  • Veterans' Benefits
  • Unemployment and Disability Insurance
  • State Taxes
  • Professional Conduct or Licensing Complaints
  • Medi-Cal and Covered California

For assistance, please contact me online or call my Capitol office at (916) 319-2030 or call one of my district offices at (805) 549-3001 (San Luis Obispo) or (831) 649-2832 (Monterey).

Veterans Resources

California is home to nearly 2 million veterans. Veterans deserve the care they were promised and the benefits that they have earned in service to our country. Thank you for your service to our nation.

The following links highlight a number of critical resources that are available to veterans.

Special Driver's Licenses and Identification Cards

Through their service to our country, veterans have earned a wide range of benefits.

However, it can be difficult to verify their service in order to acquire those benefits. In fact, not having proof of military service is one of the biggest obstacles veterans face gaining access to resources, benefits, and services. As such, a new law that I had the privilege of supporting is fixing this problem by adding the word "veteran" to California identification cards.

Veterans can easily prove their eligibility to receive state and federal veterans benefits without having to carry inconvenient and inefficient papers.

Applying for the veteran driver's license and ID is easy:

  1. Simply find your military discharge certificate (DD214). If you need help obtaining your
    military records, then contact your local County Veteran Service Officer (CVSO).
  2. Stop by your local CVSO with your DD214 for verification.
  3. Go to www.dmv.ca.gov, or call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133, to make an appointment. Bring your verified application form, and a small application fee.

You must complete all applicable requirements. The application form certifies the veteran applying for the veteran ID card is from the active armed forces, and was discharged under honorable circumstances.

My staff and I are always ready to offer assistance on any state issues that you may have. Please do not hesitate to call my office to speak with a representative.

Homeowners Insurance FAQs

The non-renewal notice from your current insurer must arrive 75 days in advance of the non-renewal date and must identify the specific reason for the non-renewal (California Insurance Code Section 678). If you can remedy the cause of the non-renewal before the expiration of your current policy, you should immediately contact your agent or insurer to indicate that the issue has been corrected. If the insurer does not then rescind the non-renewal, contact the Department of Insurance at its 800 number: 800-927-4357.

The Insurance Commissioner does not have the authorization to make any insurance company cover any individual or business. Homeowners should reach out to the Consumer Hotline at 800-927-4357 to file a complaint and ensure that your non-renewal was compliant with the law.

Whether or not you believe you can resolve the cause of the non-renewal, you should immediately begin shopping for replacement coverage. Because the current insurance market is so challenging, you may need to contact multiple agents or insurers before you find new coverage. Make sure you do a thorough search of the market before settling for coverage with the California FAIR Plan - the very expensive “insurer of last resort” for those who can't find coverage elsewhere. Be aware that if you do end up with a FAIR Plan policy, you will need to purchase a separate “Difference in Conditions” policy, sometimes referred to as a “DIC” or “wraparound,” to achieve coverage approximating a homeowners policy.

Helpful information that you can check out online include United Policyholders website:
Dropped by Your Home Insurer? Don't Panic, Try Our Tips

And this webpage from the Department of Insurance website:
Top Ten Tips for Finding Residential Insurance

The best ways to avoid non-renewal are to do all the things that are within your control to lower your risk of loss. That means maintaining the structure by making sure your roof is not deteriorating and that your plumbing is not leaking, that your electrical system is up to date, and that your air conditioning and furnace are regularly serviced. Locks, lighting and alarm systems are also important crime deterrents. Keep good communication with your neighbors to look out for each other.

Because much of the recent concern is about the risk of wildfire, you should do everything reasonably within your control to maintain your landscape to be consistent with either the Safer from Wildfires standards or the Wildfire Prepared Home standards. Consider joining a Firewise Community if one exists nearby.

With respect to escalating rates, there is not a whole lot that the insured can control. However, you should ask your agent or insurer what discounts are available. And note that every admitted insurer and the California FAIR Plan will give you discounts for Safer from Wildfire mitigation actions.

Another important consideration should be raising your deductible. It's not a good idea to make small claims anyway so it's best to raise your deductible to an amount where you are able to reasonably sustain the loss without filing a claim. For every policyholder that may be a different amount but deductibles of $5,000 or $10,000 (or more) can have a notable impact on reducing the premium.

There may be some other options to reduce certain coverages in your policy; discuss with your agent what options may be available to you.

And remember, additional information is always available (for free) at uphelp.org!

Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara is addressing both short and long-term factors to create lasting solutions for consumers, including:

Safer from Wildfire Regulations: Commissioner Lara, in partnership with the emergency response and readiness agencies in Governor Newsom's administration, has mandated insurance companies to recognize and reward wildfire safety and mitigation efforts made by homeowners and businesses. This new regulation requires insurance companies to submit new rates that recognize the benefit of safety measures such as upgraded roofs and windows, defensible space, and memberships in community-wide programs such as Firewise USA and the Fire Risk Reduction Community designation developed by the state's Board of Forestry and Fire Protection. It further requires insurance companies to provide discounts to consumers that meet various elements of the Safer from Wildfires framework and to provide consumers with their property's “wildfire risk score,” including a right for consumers to appeal that score.

Sustainable Insurance Strategy: Commissioner Lara's Strategy is a comprehensive initiative aimed at modernizing the state's insurance market to ensure accessible insurance for all Californians, create a resilient insurance marketplace, and protect consumers and communities from the adverse impacts of climate change.   The strategy consists of several components to enhance insurance access, fairness and resilience for both the market and consumers.

  • Streamlining the rate application process
  • Introducing risk management tools such as catastrophe modeling and net cost of reinsurance, with a commitment from insurance companies to write at least 85% of the homes and business in distressed area
  • And strengthening the FAIR Plan

Proactive Outreach to Insurance Companies: Commissioner Lara continues to proactively outreach to insurance companies to write more business in California so consumers continue to have available coverage options in the face of continued climate change. These discussions are on-going.

Rate Filing Approvals and Market Conduct Reviews: The Department experts closely review insurers' submitted rate filings to ensure any approved rates are justified and to make sure consumers are not paying more than necessary for their coverage. These reviews promote fairness, transparency, and accountability within the insurance marketplace. Commissioner Lara unveils first wave of proposed regulatory reforms to help safeguard the integrity of the state's insurance market.

FAIR Plan Reforms: Commissioner Lara is reforming the FAIR Plan to expand its coverage options and ensure affordability for policyholders, including expanding residential and commercial coverage limits for the first time in 25 years to keep pace with increased costs. His agreement with the FAIR Plan increases its commercial coverage limit to $20 million for businesses unable to find coverage in the normal insurance marketplace.

Moratorium on Non-renewals and Cancellations: Under Senate Bill 824 (2018), authored by then-Senator Lara, the Commissioner has protected more than 4 million people statewide since 2019 through mandatory one-year moratoriums on insurance companies cancelling or non-renewing residential insurance policies in certain areas within or adjacent to a fire perimeter after a declared state of emergency is issued by the Governor.

It is not feasible for the State of California to become an insurer. The FAIR Plan was created to be the insurer of last resort.

The FAIR Plan remains committed to ensuring all Californians have access to basic property coverage and the peace of mind they deserve. As an insurer of “last resort,” the FAIR Plan was established by statute to provide a temporary safety net for consumers who need fire insurance until coverage through the voluntary market is available.

The FAIR Plan, by statute, is required to charge actuarially sound rates to ensure that it has the capacity to pay claims. If the FAIR Plan is unable to pay claims and its operating expenses, by statute, and with the approval of the Insurance Commissioner, it is able to issue assessments to all carriers admitted in California who write property insurance.

The FAIR Plan covers a significantly higher concentration of high-fire risk properties than voluntary insurers and typically has higher rates due to its elevated risk exposure. The FAIR Plan provides insurance to property owners who are unable to obtain coverage in the voluntary or surplus lines markets.

The FAIR Plan is required by law to have actuarially sound rates which means that FAIR Plan rates must be sufficient to cover expenses and projected losses.

The FAIR Plan has experienced historic growth, and more Californians are continuing to turn to it for the coverage they need. The FAIR Plan supports efforts to improve the health of California's insurance marketplace so that consumers have choices when it comes to property insurance. The FAIR Plan is committed to ongoing collaboration with the California Department of Insurance, the Governor, the Legislature and other stakeholders to stabilize the market and depopulate the FAIR Plan, which are essential goals of the Insurance Commissioner's Sustainable Insurance Strategy.

All questions regarding a specific policy, whether home, auto, business, life or other insurance should be directed to our toll-free Consumer Hotline at 800-927-4357 or online at www.insurance.ca.gov.

The hotline is staffed by Compliance Officers who are the only Department of Insurance representatives that can answer specific questions about a particular policy.  If needed, you will be directed to fill-out a Request for Assistance (RFA) form.

If you would like to suggest ideas pertaining to California laws, you should contact your local legislative representatives.  If you want to suggest ideas to the California Department of Insurance please contact the Department's Consumer Hotline at 800-927-4357 or join one of the public workshops to provide public comment that pertains to the topic being discussed.  The process is transparent and welcomes public comments.  You can sign up for alerts to receive workshop notifications below.

Sign Up

Additional Resources

From the California Department of Insurance:

From United Policyholders:

Thanks again, and if you have any other questions or concerns regarding insurance in California or any other issue that is important to you, please don't hesitate to reach out to me.

District, State and National Resources for Members of the LGBTQ+ Community

LGBTQ Resources

District Resources

Central Coast Coalition and Inclusive Schools
Supports the development of safe and affirming school communities.
Facebook or Instagram

Central Coast Hotline
A free and confidential mental health guidance, crisis and suicide prevention hotline available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
(800) 783-0607 or website

CSU Monterey Bay Pride Otter Raft
Offers a safe environment to learn and have fun as a family with events and information sessions.
Instagram

Gala Pride & Diversity Center
Advocates the Central Coast's LGBTQ+ community while referring new residents and individuals to local connections, support services and economic opportunities.
(805) 541-4252 or Instagram

Lumina Alliance
Serves survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence in San Luis Obispo County through comprehensive programs and services.
(805) 545-8888 or Instagram

Monterey Peninsula Pride
Creates a celebratory and safe space for LGBTQ+ expression and allyship across the Monterey Peninsula.
Facebook or Instagram

Planned Parenthood – California Central Coast
Services patients across the Central Coast offering in-person care and telehealth visits.
(800) 230-7526 or website

Rainbow Speakers and Friends
Offers welcoming community events and information sessions both Website and in-person for individuals seeking guidance and support.
Facebook

Salinas Valley Pride
Creates spaces for LGBTQ+ people through social events, community partnerships and a scholarship program.
Website or Instagram

The Epicenter
Youth-led hub and organization that provides services to at-risk youth, including housing, health/wellness, education and employment opportunities.
Instagram or Facebook

YMCA Monterey County
Dedicated to empowerment and promoting peace, justice and dignity for all; the YMCA offers vital support services across Monterey County and offers the county's only 24-hour crisis hotline.
Instagram or crisis line (831) 372-6300

Statewide Resources

California Civil Rights Department
Provides services to protect individuals from employment, housing, and public accommodations discrimination.
(800) 884-1684, website or contact.center@calcivilrights.ca.gov

California Department of Public Health

  • Office of AIDS (OA)
    Collaborates with state agencies, universities, and organizations to combat the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
    (916) 449-5900, website or OfficeofAIDS@cdph.ca.gov​
  • OA: Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
    Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a highly effective HIV prevention strategy for eligible individuals. PrEP may be covered by private health insurance, Medicaid/Medicare and Medi-Cal. Financial assistance programs are available.
    website
  • OA: Syringe Services Programs (SSP) & Harm Reduction
    Harm reduction programs help people who use drugs to protect themselves from injury and infections. The OA provides a directory of California SSPs near you.
    website or sspinfo@cdph.ca.gov ​
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases Control Branch
    Provides information about sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Learn more about the different types of tests for STIs and how to get tested.
    website
  • Division of Communicable Disease Control: Mpox
    Monitors mpox transmission in California. Learn more about mpox, symptoms and prevention. Vaccination eligibility has expanded – find out if the JYNNEOS vaccine is right for you.
    website or mpoxadmin@cdph.ca.gov

CA vs. Hate
A non-emergency hate incident reporting system to report hate incidents and hate crimes. Assistance is available in over 200 languages. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
(833) 8-NO-HATE (833-866-4283) or website

Equality California
Offers educational resources on HIV/PrEP and MPOX as well as other programs on leadership, training, mentorship and HIV education.
(323) 848-9801 or website

Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Non-Emergency Treatment Referral Line
An automated non-emergency substance use disorder (SUD) treatment referral line for individuals seeking SUD treatment services in California. Offered in English and Spanish.
(800) 879-2772 or website

Statewide & National Sexual Health Resources
A list of statewide and national resources for students and teachers on clinical services, medically accurate sexuality information, and comprehensive sexual health education materials, including 24/7 emergency hotlines.
Website

Nationwide Resources

The Trevor Project
Provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for LGBTQ+ individuals under 25. Connect to a crisis counselor 24/7, 365 days a year via text, chat, or phone.
(866) 488-7386, text 678678 or website

Human Rights Campaign (HRC)
America's largest civil rights organization works to achieve LGBTQ+ equality. It provides resources, advocacy, and educational initiatives.
(800) 777-4723 or website

National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE)
Advocates for policy change to advance the equality of transgender people. Provides resources, advocacy, and support.
(202) 642-4542, website or ncte@transequality.org

GLMA (Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ+ Equality)
Committed to ensuring health equity for LGBTQ+ individuals and healthcare providers. Offers resources, education, and advocacy.
(833) 456-2202, website or info@glma.org

Lambda Legal
National legal organization committed to achieving full recognition of the civil rights of LGBTQ+ people and those living with HIV. Provides legal assistance, advocacy, and educational resources.
Website

PFLAG National
Provides support, education, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ people, their parents, families, and allies. Offers local and virtual support groups.
Website

Trans Lifeline
A hotline staffed by transgender people for transgender people. Provides support, resources, and crisis intervention.
(877) 565-8860 or website

National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network (NQTTCN)
A healing justice organization committed to transforming mental health for queer and trans people of color. Provides directories of therapists and mental health resources.
Website or info@nqttcn.com

National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR)
A national legal organization committed to advancing the civil and human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and their families. Provides free legal assistance to LGBTQ people and their legal advocates.
(415) 392-8442, website or Info@NCLRights.org

Bisexual Resource Center
Provides resources, support, and education about bisexuality.
website