Articles written by Avery Stone

Avery Stone, Observer Staff Writer|Updated May 29, 2026

As California voters head to the polls on June 2, Santa Monica's own Ben Allen is positioned as the frontrunner in the crowded race for state Insurance Commissioner, bringing a record of legislative experience and personal connection to the state's ongoing insurance and wildfire crises. Often called the "Steady Hand in a Burning House" by supporters for his measured yet determined approach to complex policy challenges, the third-term Democratic state senator has emerged as a...