GARAMENDI ANNOUNCES BAUM AS TRANSITION LEADER

California Insurance Commissioner-Elect John Garamendi announced that Rick Baum, former Chief Deputy Insurance Commissioner during Garamendi’s first administration, will head the Garamendi transition team. “I am very pleased that Rick Baum will be leading our transition efforts,” said Garamendi. “Rick was instrumental in helping me create the nation’s best consumer protection agency during my first term. His knowledge and experience will allow me to begin rebuilding the Department of Insurance to once again be the national leader.” Garamendi was elected Insurance Commissioner Nov. 5, as California voters returned him to the office that he held from 1991-95. Garamendi will take office on Jan. 6, 2003.