The Insurance Department considers counties distressed if more than 20% of homes, condos, mobile homes and dwellings with fewer than five units are classified as high risk or very high risk.
State legislator says the shell of the black abalone, an endangered marine snail, is the ideal choice — to represent the threat of climate change and to honor its history with Native American tribes.
The debate centered over making it easier for board members to participate — or giving Californians the chance to address public officials face to face.