As the enormity of the damage caused by the Southern California fires began to be understood in the Golden State, California's elected officials started announcing to the public that they would use their authority to ensure that insurance companies did not duck their responsibilities to the state's homeowners.

The only reason they would do that is the insurance companies have a history of not paying off when there are major disasters. Consider the message the elected officials are sending. . . There hasn't been one peep out of the insurance companies about not paying claims, but it is assumed that this industry would not do what they are in business to do. Now that's a lousy reputation preceding you.

First, Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner, a Republican, said he would immediately enact emergency regulations so homeowners affected by the Southern California fires are not be prevented by insurance companies from obtaining or renewing their homeowne insurance policies. Then State Sen. Dean Florez, a Democrat, said he would author a bill that would protect homeowners from the insurance companies in future disasters.

The insurance companies haven't yet denied a claim or turned down a homeowner's insurance renewal, but they already are under attack for what everyone expects they will do.