Julie Zigoris

At a time when Downtown continues to struggle and many worry about creatives fleeing San Francisco, the California College of the Arts is digging in.&nbsp;

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At a time when Downtown continues to struggle and many worry about creatives fleeing San Francisco, the California College of the Arts is digging in.&nbsp;

The 115-year-old art school in the Design District is launching a major expansion. The project provides <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/sfs-art-scene-isnt-dead-just-because-two-prominent-galleries-left/">more evidence that the arts are alive and well</a> in the city and that the pandemic, while closing some doors, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/north-beach-jazz-club-opens-after-pandemic-disruption-leads-to-opportunity/">has also opened new pathways for artists</a> here.&nbsp;

The 115-year-old art school in the Design District is launching a major expansion. The project provides <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/sfs-art-scene-isnt-dead-just-because-two-prominent-galleries-left/">more evidence that the arts are alive and well</a> in the city and that the pandemic, while closing some doors, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/north-beach-jazz-club-opens-after-pandemic-disruption-leads-to-opportunity/">has also opened new pathways for artists</a> here.&nbsp;

Stakeholders broke ground Tuesday on the school’s expansion, which will add 90,000 square feet to the college and create an indoor-outdoor connected campus that the school touts as a “creative ecosystem.” The expansion also adds affordable housing for some 750 students.&nbsp;

Stakeholders broke ground Tuesday on the school’s expansion, which will add 90,000 square feet to the college and create an indoor-outdoor connected campus that the school touts as a “creative ecosystem.” The expansion also adds affordable housing for some 750 students.&nbsp;

“We&#8217;re poised to have the most exciting urban park design college campus anywhere in the country—in a region of social innovation and creativity,” said Stephen Beal, who started as the school’s provost in 1997, became its president in 2008 and called the city a “petri dish for innovation.”&nbsp;

“We're poised to have the most exciting urban park design college campus anywhere in the country—in a region of social innovation and creativity,” said Stephen Beal, who started as the school’s provost in 1997, became its president in 2008 and called the city a “petri dish for innovation.”&nbsp;

“We&#8217;re poised to have the most exciting urban park design college campus anywhere in the country—in a region of social innovation and creativity,” said Stephen Beal, who started as the school’s provost in 1997, became its president in 2008 and called the city a “petri dish for innovation.”&nbsp;

Beal had the dream of uniting the school’s programs and faculty on a single campus since he began working at the <a href="https://www.cca.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">California College of the Arts</a> 25 years ago, and his excitement is contagious. Beal frames the project within a larger moment in which many arts and cultural organizations are reimagining how they can be part of the city.

Beal had the dream of uniting the school’s programs and faculty on a single campus since he began working at the <a href="https://www.cca.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">California College of the Arts</a> 25 years ago, and his excitement is contagious. Beal frames the project within a larger moment in which many arts and cultural organizations are reimagining how they can be part of the city.

San Francisco has witnessed its fair share of collapsing programs—most notably the <a href="https://sfai.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">closure of the San Francisco Art Institute</a> and the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/education/sf-city-college-is-free-but-classes-are-being-axed-teachers-cut-and-enrollment-is-down-%ef%bf%bc/">continued shrinking of City College of San Francisco</a>.

San Francisco has witnessed its fair share of collapsing programs—most notably the <a href="https://sfai.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">closure of the San Francisco Art Institute</a> and the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/education/sf-city-college-is-free-but-classes-are-being-axed-teachers-cut-and-enrollment-is-down-%ef%bf%bc/">continued shrinking of City College of San Francisco</a>.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/NLB_4-27-2019_-1758-1-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-93840"/><figcaption>Students at California College of the Arts | Courtesy of CCA </figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/NLB_4-27-2019_-1758-1-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-93840"/><figcaption>Students at California College of the Arts | Courtesy of CCA </figcaption></figure>

“One of the keys to CCA is our campus, which provides for adjacency between programs,” Beal said, explaining that artists in different fields—from fashion design to graphic design, from painters to ceramicists to architects—have the opportunity to be exposed to one another. “Instead of being siloed, you&#8217;re exposed to a variety of ways of working,” he said.&nbsp;

“One of the keys to CCA is our campus, which provides for adjacency between programs,” Beal said, explaining that artists in different fields—from fashion design to graphic design, from painters to ceramicists to architects—have the opportunity to be exposed to one another. “Instead of being siloed, you're exposed to a variety of ways of working,” he said.&nbsp;

“One of the keys to CCA is our campus, which provides for adjacency between programs,” Beal said, explaining that artists in different fields—from fashion design to graphic design, from painters to ceramicists to architects—have the opportunity to be exposed to one another. “Instead of being siloed, you&#8217;re exposed to a variety of ways of working,” he said.&nbsp;

Beal credited CCA’s survival to the diversity of its programs and the generosity of its board—as well as the flexibility of the private nonprofit model, which makes it the only independent and privately endowed arts school in Northern California. It’s also the only art school in the U.S. to offer a master’s of business administration, according to Beal.&nbsp;

Beal credited CCA’s survival to the diversity of its programs and the generosity of its board—as well as the flexibility of the private nonprofit model, which makes it the only independent and privately endowed arts school in Northern California. It’s also the only art school in the U.S. to offer a master’s of business administration, according to Beal.&nbsp;

The expansion, which is projected to cost $123 million, has already raised $118 million, thanks to contributions by board members and community leaders. The school hopes to close the final $5 million gap with the public launch of its fundraiser, the Maker/Meets/Future campaign, and open the new campus in fall of 2024.&nbsp;

The expansion, which is projected to cost $123 million, has already raised $118 million, thanks to contributions by board members and community leaders. The school hopes to close the final $5 million gap with the public launch of its fundraiser, the Maker/Meets/Future campaign, and open the new campus in fall of 2024.&nbsp;

<a href="https://studiogang.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Studio Gang</a>, an architecture and urban design practice helmed by MacArthur Award-winning architect Jeanne Gang, designed the expansion project, which comprises flexible studios, labs and classrooms, as well as space for exhibitions and gatherings.

<a href="https://studiogang.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Studio Gang</a>, an architecture and urban design practice helmed by MacArthur Award-winning architect Jeanne Gang, designed the expansion project, which comprises flexible studios, labs and classrooms, as well as space for exhibitions and gatherings.

The California College of the Arts was founded in 1907 and enrolls approximately 1,550 students and employs around 500 faculty and 300 staff. Its Oakland campus closed after the spring semester in preparation for the unification project.&nbsp;

The California College of the Arts was founded in 1907 and enrolls approximately 1,550 students and employs around 500 faculty and 300 staff. Its Oakland campus closed after the spring semester in preparation for the unification project.&nbsp;

“Our campus will be the most dynamic urban art and design college in the country,” Beal said. “A great city deserves a great art school.”&nbsp;

“Our campus will be the most dynamic urban art and design college in the country,” Beal said. “A great city deserves a great art school.”&nbsp;

Defying concerns of creative exodus, SF arts college kicks off major expansion

Matthew Kupfer

On Thursday, Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order calling for swift action to expand insurance coverage options for consumers. Hours later, California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/21/california-insurance-crisis-newsom-orders-prompt-regulatory-action-after-insurers-retreat/">outlined what he termed “the largest insurance reform” in decades</a>.

Insurance crisis: Newsom orders action that could raise rates

On Thursday, Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order calling for swift action to expand insurance coverage options for consumers. Hours later, California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/21/california-insurance-crisis-newsom-orders-prompt-regulatory-action-after-insurers-retreat/">outlined what he termed “the largest insurance reform” in decades</a>.

The regulation, to be drafted by the end of 2024, would allow insurance companies to use controversial forward-looking modeling in setting rates in return for covering more Californians living in areas with the most wildfire risk.

The regulation, to be drafted by the end of 2024, would allow insurance companies to use controversial forward-looking modeling in setting rates in return for covering more Californians living in areas with the most wildfire risk.

The strategy took direct aim at a rapidly growing problem in the state and a serious liability for political leaders: dwindling access to homeowners insurance.

The strategy took direct aim at a rapidly growing problem in the state and a serious liability for political leaders: dwindling access to homeowners insurance.

Seven of the 12 largest writers of homeowners insurance—including <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/01/state-farm-asks-california-for-huge-insurance-rate-hike-as-home-coverage-halts/">State Farm</a>, Allstate, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/07/farmers-insurance-state-farm-allstate-california/">Farmers</a>, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/31/insurance-crisis-another-major-home-insurer-to-limit-business-in-california/">USAA</a> and others—have limited business in California or pulled out of the state entirely, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/17/in-california-insurance-crisis-puts-homeownership-further-out-of-reach/">shrinking home insurance availability</a>.

State Farm asks California for huge insurance rate hike as home coverage halts

After State Farm&#8217;s and Allstate’s exits, Farmers Insurance sets limits in California

Insurance crisis: Another major home insurer to limit business in California

California insurance crisis: Housing costs likely to surge as companies retreat

Seven of the 12 largest writers of homeowners insurance—including <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/01/state-farm-asks-california-for-huge-insurance-rate-hike-as-home-coverage-halts/">State Farm</a>, Allstate, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/07/farmers-insurance-state-farm-allstate-california/">Farmers</a>, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/31/insurance-crisis-another-major-home-insurer-to-limit-business-in-california/">USAA</a> and others—have limited business in California or pulled out of the state entirely, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/17/in-california-insurance-crisis-puts-homeownership-further-out-of-reach/">shrinking home insurance availability</a>.

“Can consumers get the insurance they need? Can they get it today?” Lara asked on Thursday. “And the answer, in all honesty, is no.”

“Can consumers get the insurance they need? Can they get it today?” Lara asked on Thursday. “And the answer, in all honesty, is no.”

But Lara’s reform—which is currently more of an outline or plan—won’t thrill all policyholders: Insurance rates are expected to increase as a result.

But Lara’s reform—which is currently more of an outline or plan—won’t thrill all policyholders: Insurance rates are expected to increase as a result.

That isn’t the only controversy.&nbsp;

Newsom took executive action after <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/12/california-insurance-crisis-lawmakers-fail-to-pass-bill-aimed-at-luring-insurers-back/">an 11th-hour bill to alleviate the state’s insurance woes died in the legislature</a> earlier this month.

California insurance crisis: Bill to lure insurance companies dies before vote

Newsom took executive action after <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/12/california-insurance-crisis-lawmakers-fail-to-pass-bill-aimed-at-luring-insurers-back/">an 11th-hour bill to alleviate the state’s insurance woes died in the legislature</a> earlier this month.

But the new strategy unveiled by Lara cannot legally alter California’s regulatory framework: Proposition 103, a powerful law passed by voters in 1988 that has governed insurance for over three decades. But it may undermine it.

But the new strategy unveiled by Lara cannot legally alter California’s regulatory framework: Proposition 103, a powerful law passed by voters in 1988 that has governed insurance for over three decades. But it may undermine it.

Insurance companies say that Prop. 103 has made it too difficult to increase rates and factor the effects of climate change into them.

Insurance companies say that Prop. 103 has made it too difficult to increase rates and factor the effects of climate change into them.

The law’s supporters say it has kept rates affordable and has given California likely the strongest protections for insurance consumers in the country.&nbsp;

The law’s supporters say it has kept rates affordable and has given California likely the strongest protections for insurance consumers in the country.&nbsp;

But even some of them are starting to have their doubts.

But even some of them are starting to have their doubts.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-consumer-struggle-to-law">From Consumer Struggle to Law</h2>

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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-consumer-struggle-to-law">From Consumer Struggle to Law</h2>

Prop. 103 emerged from a period in the late 1980s that looked a lot like today: Insurance coverage was hard to find, premiums were out of control and consumers were frustrated.

Prop. 103 emerged from a period in the late 1980s that looked a lot like today: Insurance coverage was hard to find, premiums were out of control and consumers were frustrated.

California required drivers to have auto insurance, but people of color struggled to obtain it due to discrimination, according to Harvey Rosenfield, the founder of Consumer Watchdog.

California required drivers to have auto insurance, but people of color struggled to obtain it due to discrimination, according to Harvey Rosenfield, the founder of Consumer Watchdog.

“It was a full-fledged crisis, just like today,” he said.

“It was a full-fledged crisis, just like today,” he said.

That drove Rosenfield, then a young lawyer and protegé of consumer advocate and later presidential candidate Ralph Nader, to write the bill and lead a campaign for its passage.

That drove Rosenfield, then a young lawyer and protegé of consumer advocate and later presidential candidate Ralph Nader, to write the bill and lead a campaign for its passage.

Despite intense opposition from the insurance industry, the proposition passed in November 1988 with support from 51% of voters.

Despite intense opposition from the insurance industry, the proposition passed in November 1988 with support from 51% of voters.

Consumer advocate Ralph Nader points to a document as he testifies on California's insurance reform Proposition 103 before a House subcommittee on consumer protection on Capitol Hill, Tuesday, Dec. 6, 1988 in Washington. Looking on is Harvey Rosenfield, author of the proposition. They suggested that Congress enact a program of federal insurance reform.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1651" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/AP8812060294.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-201760"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Consumer advocate Ralph Nader points to a document as he testifies on California&#8217;s Proposition 103 before a House subcommittee on consumer protection on Capitol Hill in Washington on Dec. 6, 1988. Looking on is Harvey Rosenfield, author of the proposition.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/AP8812060294.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-201760"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Consumer advocate Ralph Nader points to a document as he testifies on California's Proposition 103 before a House subcommittee on consumer protection on Capitol Hill in Washington on Dec. 6, 1988. Looking on is Harvey Rosenfield, author of the proposition.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/AP8812060294.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-201760"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Consumer advocate Ralph Nader points to a document as he testifies on California&#8217;s Proposition 103 before a House subcommittee on consumer protection on Capitol Hill in Washington on Dec. 6, 1988. Looking on is Harvey Rosenfield, author of the proposition.</figcaption></figure>

The law had several key features: It required insurance companies to roll back rates by 20%, made the insurance commissioner an elected official and obligated auto insurers to offer consumers a “good driver” discount.

The law had several key features: It required insurance companies to roll back rates by 20%, made the insurance commissioner an elected official and obligated auto insurers to offer consumers a “good driver” discount.

It also required insurance companies to get prior approval from the California Department of Insurance before raising rates and mandated a public hearing for rate requests above a certain level.

It also required insurance companies to get prior approval from the California Department of Insurance before raising rates and mandated a public hearing for rate requests above a certain level.

That wasn’t even the most contentious part of the law.

That wasn’t even the most contentious part of the law.

“I knew when I wrote [Prop.] 103 that it doesn’t make a difference how good a law is,” Rosenfield said.&nbsp; “If it can’t be enforced or isn’t enforced, it’s useless.”&nbsp;

“I knew when I wrote [Prop.] 103 that it doesn’t make a difference how good a law is,” Rosenfield said.&nbsp; “If it can’t be enforced or isn’t enforced, it’s useless.”&nbsp;

So Rosenfield wrote in a provision unique to California.

So Rosenfield wrote in a provision unique to California.

That provision allows consumers or their representatives—termed “interveners”—to participate in rate hearings, independently scrutinize and challenge unjustified rates, and go to court to sue insurance companies. It also allows the interveners to get the costs of their participation paid by the insurance companies.

That provision allows consumers or their representatives—termed “interveners”—to participate in rate hearings, independently scrutinize and challenge unjustified rates, and go to court to sue insurance companies. It also allows the interveners to get the costs of their participation paid by the insurance companies.

To say that Prop. 103 is unpopular with insurance companies would be an understatement. But the latest moves by Newsom and Lara suggest they, too, believe the regulatory system is out-of-date.

To say that Prop. 103 is unpopular with insurance companies would be an understatement. But the latest moves by Newsom and Lara suggest they, too, believe the regulatory system is out-of-date.

Insurance companies argue that climate change contributed to more extreme wildfires, yet the law requires them to calculate risk based upon the past 20 years, not future projections. The cost of home and auto repairs has skyrocketed, increasing their costs.

Insurance companies argue that climate change contributed to more extreme wildfires, yet the law requires them to calculate risk based upon the past 20 years, not future projections. The cost of home and auto repairs has skyrocketed, increasing their costs.

And high inflation since 2021 has meant that, once an insurance company gets a rate increase approved, they often already need another one, according to Rex Frazier, president of the Personal Insurance Federation of California, an industry lobbying group.

And high inflation since 2021 has meant that, once an insurance company gets a rate increase approved, they often already need another one, according to Rex Frazier, president of the Personal Insurance Federation of California, an industry lobbying group.

“The pricing system we have can function in a low-inflation environment, but the deficiencies of strict price controls become very evident when there’s significant inflation,” Frazier told The Standard in July.

“The pricing system we have can function in a low-inflation environment, but the deficiencies of strict price controls become very evident when there’s significant inflation,” Frazier told The Standard in July.

A wildfire threatens a home in Ventura on Dec. 5, 2017.
New California data shows insurance companies declined to renew nearly 350,000 home insurance policies in areas at high risk for wildfire since the state began collecting data in 2015. Data released this week shows nearly 33,000 policies were not renewed by insurers in zip codes affected by major wildfires in 2015 and 2017. Insurance officials say many people likely found coverage elsewhere, though potentially at higher cost.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/INLINED_Prop103Insurance.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-203963"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A wildfire threatens a home in Ventura on Dec. 5, 2017.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/INLINED_Prop103Insurance.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-203963"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A wildfire threatens a home in Ventura on Dec. 5, 2017.</figcaption></figure>

The rate hearings also can force insurers to reveal proprietary information to the public and their competitors, said Karl Susman, president of the Susman Insurance Agency in Los Angeles and a commentator on insurance issues.

The rate hearings also can force insurers to reveal proprietary information to the public and their competitors, said Karl Susman, president of the Susman Insurance Agency in Los Angeles and a commentator on insurance issues.

“That would be like telling McDonald’s and Burger King: You’ve got to sit down at the table and show us your secret sauces,” he told The Standard.

“That would be like telling McDonald’s and Burger King: You’ve got to sit down at the table and show us your secret sauces,” he told The Standard.

But these assessments of the problem are not universal.&nbsp;

But these assessments of the problem are not universal.&nbsp;

Rosenfield said he attributes the delays in rate approval not to the review process but to understaffing at the Department of Insurance and actions of insurance companies. He isn’t sympathetic to concerns about insurers having to share their “secret sauce.”

Rosenfield said he attributes the delays in rate approval not to the review process but to understaffing at the Department of Insurance and actions of insurance companies. He isn’t sympathetic to concerns about insurers having to share their “secret sauce.”

“I say, ‘too bad,’” he said. “That’s what the voters decided.”

“I say, ‘too bad,’” he said. “That’s what the voters decided.”

Consumer advocate Harvey Rosenfield speaks out against the actions of Insurance Commissioner Chuck Quackenbush's actions during a morning press conference on Thursday, May 4, 2000 in Devnoshire Village Condominiums in Northridge.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/GettyImages-569123917.jpg?w=1728" alt="" class="wp-image-201739"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Consumer advocate Harvey Rosenfield speaks at a morning press conference on May 4, 2000, in Devonshire Village Condominiums in Northridge, California.</figcaption></figure>

There is one other complaint about Prop. 103 that both insurance professionals and Lara himself have vocalized.

There is one other complaint about Prop. 103 that both insurance professionals and Lara himself have vocalized.

In recent years, Consumer Watchdog has become the main intervener during rate hearings. That means the nonprofit has been able to receive millions of dollars in compensation, usually from the insurer, for its in-house expenses and the costs of bringing in outside witnesses.

In recent years, Consumer Watchdog has become the main intervener during rate hearings. That means the nonprofit has been able to receive millions of dollars in compensation, usually from the insurer, for its in-house expenses and the costs of bringing in outside witnesses.

Although he did not name Consumer Watchdog directly, Lara said on Thursday that the organization was “materially benefiting from a process that is meant for a broader public participation.”

Although he did not name Consumer Watchdog directly, Lara said on Thursday that the organization was “materially benefiting from a process that is meant for a broader public participation.”

Rosenfield called that “demonstrably false” and said efforts by a previous insurance commissioner to not pay interveners led to many others having to pull out of the process.

Rosenfield called that “demonstrably false” and said efforts by a previous insurance commissioner to not pay interveners led to many others having to pull out of the process.

He said Consumer Watchdog’s participation has led to $3.5 billion in savings for consumers since 2003.

He said Consumer Watchdog’s participation has led to $3.5 billion in savings for consumers since 2003.

“That’s money that we’ve kept in consumers’ pockets that would be in the industry’s pocket,” Rosenfield said. “The industry hates that.”

“That’s money that we’ve kept in consumers’ pockets that would be in the industry’s pocket,” Rosenfield said. “The industry hates that.”

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-change-needed">Change Needed?</h2>

Despite Rosenfield’s full-throated defense of Prop. 103, both industry representatives and, increasingly, politicians seem to believe something needs to change.

Despite Rosenfield’s full-throated defense of Prop. 103, both industry representatives and, increasingly, politicians seem to believe something needs to change.

Prior to Newsom and Lara’s announcements, insurance agent Susman said climate change had fundamentally altered insurance and that reform was needed. To respond to the changing reality, there needs to be more trust between consumer advocates and the industry, he told The Standard.

Prior to Newsom and Lara’s announcements, insurance agent Susman said climate change had fundamentally altered insurance and that reform was needed. To respond to the changing reality, there needs to be more trust between consumer advocates and the industry, he told The Standard.

California Governor Gavin Newsom, left, speaks with Assistant Region Chief for Cal Fire Curtis Brown, right, in downtown Greenville, Calif. on August 7, 2021. The Dixie fire has now burned more than 430,000 acres and is the largest single fire in California state history.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/INLINED2_Prop103Insurance.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-203967"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Gov. Gavin Newsom, left, speaks with Assistant Region Chief for Cal Fire Curtis Brown amid the ruins of the Dixie Fire in downtown Greenville on Aug. 7, 2021.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/INLINED2_Prop103Insurance.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-203967"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Gov. Gavin Newsom, left, speaks with Assistant Region Chief for Cal Fire Curtis Brown amid the ruins of the Dixie Fire in downtown Greenville on Aug. 7, 2021.</figcaption></figure>

“We need to be at a place where, if an insurance company can show in math that a model makes sense, it’s nondiscriminatory, it can be justified by math and big numbers, it should be approved,” he said.

“We need to be at a place where, if an insurance company can show in math that a model makes sense, it’s nondiscriminatory, it can be justified by math and big numbers, it should be approved,” he said.

Lara’s reform appears to push the situation in that direction.

Lara’s reform appears to push the situation in that direction.

Last week, Newsom emphasized the gravity of California’s insurance crisis in a conversation with Politico.

Last week, Newsom emphasized the gravity of California’s insurance crisis in a conversation with Politico.

“This is not a yellow-flag issue,” he said during an event organized by the publication. “This is a waving red-flag issue.”&nbsp;

“This is not a yellow-flag issue,” he said during an event organized by the publication. “This is a waving red-flag issue.”&nbsp;

But Amy Bach, who leads the San Francisco-based nonprofit United Policyholders, said Prop. 103 has largely benefited consumers but there is no doubt that California faces big problems.

But Amy Bach, who leads the San Francisco-based nonprofit United Policyholders, said Prop. 103 has largely benefited consumers but there is no doubt that California faces big problems.

“From [Lara’s] perspective, he’s just trying to save the market here,” Bach said days before the announcement. “Competition is so weak right now. We have a very complicated problem on our hands.”

“From [Lara’s] perspective, he’s just trying to save the market here,” Bach said days before the announcement. “Competition is so weak right now. We have a very complicated problem on our hands.”

As for Rosenfield, he is waiting to see Lara and Newsom&#8217;s new strategy in writing to find out whether they will try to alter Prop. 103.

As for Rosenfield, he is waiting to see Lara and Newsom's new strategy in writing to find out whether they will try to alter Prop. 103.

As for Rosenfield, he is waiting to see Lara and Newsom&#8217;s new strategy in writing to find out whether they will try to alter Prop. 103.

“If they try,” he said, “we will sue them, and we will win.”

“If they try,” he said, “we will sue them, and we will win.”

California’s new home, auto insurance strategy is controversial. Here’s why

Kevin Truong

Mayor London Breed and a coalition of major San Francisco companies on Thursday announced a new initiative to bring employees back to in-office work starting this month.

Mayor London Breed and a coalition of major San Francisco companies on Thursday announced a new initiative to bring employees back to in-office work starting this month.

The program—dubbed “Welcome Back to SF”—will require city and county employees to return to the office in a mix of schedules starting March 7. Among the companies that have pledged to bring workers back to the office this month are Salesforce, Gap Inc., Visa, Wells Fargo and Blackrock.

The program—dubbed “Welcome Back to SF”—will require city and county employees to return to the office in a mix of schedules starting March 7. Among the companies that have pledged to bring workers back to the office this month are Salesforce, Gap Inc., Visa, Wells Fargo and Blackrock.

“We are excited to welcome people back to downtown to work, to dine, and to experience the arts and culture that make this city special,” Breed said in a statement. “This March is the start of a new beginning for this city, and I want to thank all the businesses and workers who are committed to supporting our city and our small businesses.”

“We are excited to welcome people back to downtown to work, to dine, and to experience the arts and culture that make this city special,” Breed said in a statement. “This March is the start of a new beginning for this city, and I want to thank all the businesses and workers who are committed to supporting our city and our small businesses.”

Salesforce, the largest private employer in San Francisco, has around 10,600 workers in the city. Throughout the pandemic, business activity at its iconic tower, which functions as the company’s headquarters, has been largely muted. But leaders indicated Thursday that things are starting to change.&nbsp;

Salesforce, the largest private employer in San Francisco, has around 10,600 workers in the city. Throughout the pandemic, business activity at its iconic tower, which functions as the company’s headquarters, has been largely muted. But leaders indicated Thursday that things are starting to change.&nbsp;

“Our employees are looking for ways to safely connect in person, and we’re proud to welcome hundreds and soon-to-be thousands of employees to Salesforce Tower daily,” said Brent Hyder, the company’s president and chief people officer “As the largest private employer in San Francisco, we are deeply committed to the city and are excited our offices are buzzing again.”&nbsp;

“Our employees are looking for ways to safely connect in person, and we’re proud to welcome hundreds and soon-to-be thousands of employees to Salesforce Tower daily,” said Brent Hyder, the company’s president and chief people officer “As the largest private employer in San Francisco, we are deeply committed to the city and are excited our offices are buzzing again.”&nbsp;

Breed has made the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/downtown-revival-stunted-by-omicron-but-companies-poised-for-return/">economic recovery of downtown</a> a key part of her strategy for bringing San Francisco back from the pandemic downturn.&nbsp;

Breed has made the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/downtown-revival-stunted-by-omicron-but-companies-poised-for-return/">economic recovery of downtown</a> a key part of her strategy for bringing San Francisco back from the pandemic downturn.&nbsp;

That staggered return has had a number of downstream economic effects, according to Ted Egan, the city’s chief economist. These include less spending from office workers to support the businesses downtown, as well as the operations to run downtown offices themselves, including the supply chain around building maintenance, office supplies and furniture.

That staggered return has had a number of downstream economic effects, according to Ted Egan, the city’s chief economist. These include less spending from office workers to support the businesses downtown, as well as the operations to run downtown offices themselves, including the supply chain around building maintenance, office supplies and furniture.

At a San Francisco Business Times <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/breed-and-business-leaders-want-workers-back-but-employees-and-executives-have-differing-views/">event last month</a>, Breed said she was working with the Chamber of Commerce to target a specific date when workers were due to come back to offices, as well as specific days that workers on hybrid schedules would work in the office.

At a San Francisco Business Times <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/breed-and-business-leaders-want-workers-back-but-employees-and-executives-have-differing-views/">event last month</a>, Breed said she was working with the Chamber of Commerce to target a specific date when workers were due to come back to offices, as well as specific days that workers on hybrid schedules would work in the office.

Thursday’s announcement did not provide any guarantees, as officials instead said the “return to office policies may vary across companies” because of the widespread adoption of telecommuting.

Thursday’s announcement did not provide any guarantees, as officials instead said the “return to office policies may vary across companies” because of the widespread adoption of telecommuting.

San Francisco workers’ return to offices has lagged behind peer cities like New York, Los Angeles and Austin. According to the <a href="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Kastle_Back_to_Work_Barometer_DATA_2022-3-3.xlsx">Back to Work barometer</a> from access card company Kastle Systems, only 27.6% of San Francisco’s workers have returned to the office during the week of March 2.

San Francisco workers’ return to offices has lagged behind peer cities like New York, Los Angeles and Austin. According to the <a href="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Kastle_Back_to_Work_Barometer_DATA_2022-3-3.xlsx">Back to Work barometer</a> from access card company Kastle Systems, only 27.6% of San Francisco’s workers have returned to the office during the week of March 2.

There are signs of a potential turning point. Google <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2022/03/02/google-tells-employees-to-return-to-offices-in-april.html">told its employees</a> in the Bay Area and elsewhere that it expects them to begin returning to physical offices April 4, with most employees going in-person three days a week.

There are signs of a potential turning point. Google <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2022/03/02/google-tells-employees-to-return-to-offices-in-april.html">told its employees</a> in the Bay Area and elsewhere that it expects them to begin returning to physical offices April 4, with most employees going in-person three days a week.

To attract more workers downtown and activate surrounding neighborhoods, San Francisco is also partnering with commercial developers, retailers and business groups to launch a series of events across the last week of March.

To attract more workers downtown and activate surrounding neighborhoods, San Francisco is also partnering with commercial developers, retailers and business groups to launch a series of events across the last week of March.

Sonia Syngal, CEO of Gap Inc., said the company has spent the last year and a half redesigning its offices for hybrid work. The company plans to convert the ground floor of its headquarters at 2 Folsom St. into Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic and Athleta retail locations.&nbsp;

Sonia Syngal, CEO of Gap Inc., said the company has spent the last year and a half redesigning its offices for hybrid work. The company plans to convert the ground floor of its headquarters at 2 Folsom St. into Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic and Athleta retail locations.&nbsp;

Put the sweatpants away: SF’s big return to in-office work is almost here

Maryann Jones Thompson

Mixed emotions greet the return of drivers to the streets of San Francisco:&nbsp; Once welcomed as a sign that life might be returning to normal, jammed roadways are quickly becoming as frustrating as ever.

Mixed emotions greet the return of drivers to the streets of San Francisco:&nbsp; Once welcomed as a sign that life might be returning to normal, jammed roadways are quickly becoming as frustrating as ever.

Two girls were injured in a shooting late on New Year's Day, police said.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/trafic.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-48113"/><figcaption>Cars pass through Potrero Hill on March 3, 2022. | Camille Cohen</figcaption></figure>

A roundup of the latest indicators show that traffic is indeed back.&nbsp;

A roundup of the latest indicators show that traffic is indeed back.&nbsp;

Highway speeds around the city have slowed down to what they were before the shutdown, according to the <a href="https://covid-congestion.sfcta.org/">San Francisco County Transportation Authority.</a> In March, evening rush hour drives dropped to an average of 25.9 miles-per-hour, nearing the 25.2 mph speeds recorded prior to the March 2020 shutdown.

Highway speeds around the city have slowed down to what they were before the shutdown, according to the <a href="https://covid-congestion.sfcta.org/">San Francisco County Transportation Authority.</a> In March, evening rush hour drives dropped to an average of 25.9 miles-per-hour, nearing the 25.2 mph speeds recorded prior to the March 2020 shutdown.

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Commuters returning to the city are choosing to drive across a bridge, leading to much of the slowdown. Because of Covid-related concerns, many long-distance commuter buses are still offline. The increased number of drivers pushed the total of <a href="https://mtc.ca.gov/tools-resources/data-tools/monthly-transportation-statistics">Bay Bridge</a> and <a href="https://www.goldengate.org/bridge/history-research/statistics-data/monthly-traffic-crossings/">Golden Gate</a> crossings to near 5.1 million in March, a level just shy of the 5.2 million drivers that crossed in February 2020.

Commuters returning to the city are choosing to drive across a bridge, leading to much of the slowdown. Because of Covid-related concerns, many long-distance commuter buses are still offline. The increased number of drivers pushed the total of <a href="https://mtc.ca.gov/tools-resources/data-tools/monthly-transportation-statistics">Bay Bridge</a> and <a href="https://www.goldengate.org/bridge/history-research/statistics-data/monthly-traffic-crossings/">Golden Gate</a> crossings to near 5.1 million in March, a level just shy of the 5.2 million drivers that crossed in February 2020.

Commuters may be turning to public transport for relief. <a href="https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2020/news20200225">BART served upwards of 150,000 riders</a> on Wednesday, the most since March 2020 and up to 37% of a pre-pandemic April workday.&nbsp;

Commuters may be turning to public transport for relief. <a href="https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2020/news20200225">BART served upwards of 150,000 riders</a> on Wednesday, the most since March 2020 and up to 37% of a pre-pandemic April workday.&nbsp;

Defying concerns of creative exodus, SF arts college kicks off major expansion

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Put the sweatpants away: SF’s big return to in-office work is almost here

Slow jammed: Is SF traffic getting back to normal?

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Defying concerns of creative exodus, SF arts college kicks off major expansion

California’s new home, auto insurance strategy is controversial. Here’s why

Put the sweatpants away: SF’s big return to in-office work is almost here

Slow jammed: Is SF traffic getting back to normal?

Why SF companies are moving to four-day workweeks