As California deals with destructive wildfires and an insurance crisis, Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara is under fire for his extravagant spending habits.

An investigation by The San Francisco Standard reveals that Lara has been using a campaign committee, ostensibly for a lieutenant governor run, to fund nearly $30,000 in meals and drinks at high-end restaurants.

One instance occurred on January 15, 2024, when Lara and a guest dined at San Laurel, a prestigious restaurant in Los Angeles. The $700 meal, which included expensive wines and delicacies, was partially charged to his campaign committee. The guest, believed to be Raul Vargas, CEO of Farmers Insurance Group, covered the remainder of the bill.

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New Questions About Lara’s Relationship With Insurers

This news definitely raises some questions about Lara’s relationship with the insurance industry, especially given his past promise to avoid courting the sector for campaign support. Carmen Balber of Consumer Watchdog commented, “It sounds like he’s mixing regulation and politics once more.”

The investigation uncovered multiple instances of lavish spending, including a $1,002 dinner for eight at Piatti in Sacramento and several visits to Baar Baar, a high-end Indian restaurant in Los Angeles. These expenses come at a time when California faces severe challenges in the insurance market, with companies canceling policies and leaving the state.

Critics argue that Lara’s actions demonstrate a misuse of campaign funds and a disconnect from the pressing issues facing Californians. David Latterman, a political analyst, stated, “Lara is not serious. It was always a game to him. And now insurers are leaving. People are being priced out; they can’t get insurance.”

Read more at The San Francisco Standard