An investigation by ABC7 News Bay Area has triggered an investigation by The Fair Political Practices Commission. They’re reviewing a state complaint against California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara over tax-payer funded travel. 7 On Your Side uncovered at least a dozen taxpayer-funded international trips, many lacking clear business purposes and coinciding with missed key state insurance meetings.
Of 48 trips since 2019, only seven had documented business reasons, and records for many remain incomplete or missing. Expenses included luxury accommodations, upgraded flights, private security, and events unrelated to insurance, such as a PrideFest trip costing over $11,600 and featuring a rooftop party with a DJ.
Some trips, including an African safari and a Dubai resort stay, were significantly more expensive than previously reported, raising concerns about misuse of public funds.
