Consumer Connection Magazine

Right now, according to COVID-19.ca.gov, more than 41,000 Californians have lost their lives to the pandemic. And, although the numbers of new cases have started to drop slightly, we are still facing an uphill battle with new variants and sporadic vaccination shipments and schedules. But how about some good news?…

The newest tagline on the television news is “[fill in the blank] is going to look different this year…” Well, guess what: Everything looks different this year, thanks to the pandemic. In the fall issue of DCA’s Consumer Connection magazine, the writers take a look at what’s become different in…

Question: I’ve been having trouble hearing, so I went online and bought a set of hearing aids. They don’t help. What did I do wrong? Answer: Today’s hearing aids are designed to be programmed in a way that customizes their response for each individual’s hearing loss. When purchasing hearing aids…

Question: I found evidence of termites in my house. Does the whole house need to be fumigated? Answer: A licensed pest control company must identify the presence of termites and then recommend, in writing, how to solve the problem. Fumigation is not always required, depending on the pest and the…

Question: ‘My elderly neighbor doesn’t have family nearby and I’m concerned for his well-being. How can I make sure he is looked after?’ Answer: A professional fiduciary, licensed by the Professional Fiduciaries Bureau (PFB), can be hired by independent, productive people who anticipate a future need in making sound financial,…

DCA’s summer 2020 issue of the Consumer Connection magazine is hot off the virtual press with consumer news, ideas, and information! Here’s what’s inside this issue: Get answers to your consumer-protection questions. Meet California State Board of Pharmacy Executive Officer Anne Sodergren. Learn ways to talk to your child about…

Article authored by Matt Woodcheke, Consumer Connection staff Question: I want to make my funeral arrangements in advance, but I’m not sure if I should pay in advance. Can you help? Answer: Prepaying spares your survivors the burden of arranging payment while planning your funeral. It also keeps you in…

Spring Cleaning Is a Good Time to Prevent Potential Health Hazards Article authored by Lana K. Wilson-Combs, Consumer Connection staff After a cold, dreary, dark, and damp winter, most people are eager for the arrival of spring. Many insects are, too. As the weather gets warmer, pests begin to come…

Article authored by Matt Woodcheke, Consumer Connection staff Question: My car needs expensive repairs to pass Smog Check and I don’t know if I should put money into it or cut my losses. What do you recommend? Answer: The Bureau of Automotive Repair’s (BAR) Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) offers a…

Article authored by Matt Woodcheke, Consumer Connection staff Question: I’m having my kitchen redone at home, but I’m not sure what kind of contractor I should hire. Answer: If your job is valued at $500 or more in both materials and labor, you’ll want to make sure the person you hire…