Declarations – West

Extreme Fire Weather

“As the weather becomes more extreme across the nation, so does the threat of fire.”

—Joe Dougherty, spokesman for the Utah Division of Emergency Management, said state officials already are preparing for another busy wildfire season in Utah amid growing concern over the cost to battle them.

Venti Macchiato

“Just to put it in perspective it’s a venti caramel macchiato with an extra shot.”

—California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones compared a 10 percent fee increase on insurance licenses that amounts to roughly $6 a year to the price of a popular coffee beverage. However, Jones said it was a cost-driven decision that wasn’t made lightly by the department.

Mercury V. Jones

“Mercury’s insurance rates are among the most competitive in California — as exemplified by our 97 percent renewal rate on homeowner’s policies.”

—A statement from Mercury Casualty Co., which has filed a lawsuit opposing California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones’ decision providing for an 8.18 percent rate reduction in homeowners insurance, expressed disappointment in that decision.

Paying for Addiction

“They know the person can get addicted to the drug so they should pay for the process of them getting off it.”

—Said Nevada state Sen. Tick Segerblom, D-Las Vegas, the sponsor of Senate Bill 75, which would allow patients addicted to prescription drugs to sue the doctors who prescribed the medication — and the drug’s makers.