East Bay Claims Association News Network - April 2016

March 2016

Since 1993 with East Bay!

Volume XXIV Number IV

w w w. EastBayAdjusters.org

Spark Your Interest

in Electronic Restoration

Join the EBCA for our next Luncheon Meeting of the New Year!

Wednesday

April 13, 2016

as we welcome guest speaker

Andrew Titley

Electronic Restoration Services at

Zio Fraedo’s 611 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 - see page 7

Plan Now To Attend These Upcoming Luncheon Meetings Wednesday, May 11, 2016

Steve Einhaus Einhaus Adjusting Services “Using Mindfulness As A Tool In Claims Adjusting”

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Sally Noma Grotefeld, Hoffmann, Schleiter, Gordon & Evinger, LLP

2

East Bay Claims Association News Network • March 2016 The East Bay Claims Association is a charitable and educational organization that is dedicated to the betterment of Insurance Claims Professionals, through: continuing education; industry knowledge and contacts; and a strong commitment to integrity and respect in networking.

2016 OFFICERS

President

Secretary

Vice President

Andrea Latimer

Gemma Houser

Michelle Windsor-Baughman

Paul Davis Restoration

CRDN

Alliance Environmental Group

(510) 803-7069

(925) 872-6333

(707) 673-3252

gemmahouser@hotmail.com

michelle.windsor@crdn.com

Im. Past President

Treasurer

Joe Baughman

John Ehlert

SRI Environmental

JR Structural

AndreaLatimer@alliance-enviro.com

(925) 469-8000

john@jrstructural.com

(925) 788-3875

jbaughman@srienviro.comm

As per the East Bay Claims Associaiton bylaws, 2016 Presdient Gemma Houser shall appoint her board of directors from the membership within the first month of office.

Save The Date!

for the 15th Annual

East Bay Claims Association

Golf Tournament

Friday, July 22, 2016 at Eagle Vines Golf Course in the Napa Valley 580 South Kelly Road

REGISTER SOON @

www.EastBayAdjusters.org

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East Bay Claims Association News Network • March 2016

EBCA Schedule of Upcoming Events

3

Association meetings held at: Zio Fraedo’s Restaurant 611 Gregory Lane Pleasant Hill, CA

Luncheon Meetings -

2nd Wednesdays of most months: FEBRUARY 2016

VOLUME XXIV . NUMBER II

EBCA Mission Statement:

The East Bay Claims Association is a charitable and educational organization that is dedicated to the betterment of Insurance Claims Professionals, through: continuing education; industry knowledge and contacts; and a strong commitment to integrity and respect in networking.

In order to accomplish this mission, the Association provides a forum and network for insurance claims professionals to meet and share information. This forum and fundraising events held by the group also help to connect insurance claims professionals in local communities and expands public awareness of the work performed by insurance claims professionals.

East Bay Claims Association 25A Crescent Drive, #266 Pleasant Hill, CA 94523

2 3 4 5

• 2016 EBCA Officers • EBCA 2016 Schedule of Upcoming Events • Using Mindfulness as a Tool In Claims Adjusting with Steve Einhaus at May 11 EBCA • BEYOND FIRE & WATER • New Year Already Flying By! EBCA 2016-’17 President Gemma Houser

6 • Pritten on Electrical Subrogation Issues 7 • Electronics Restoration Focus with Andrew Titley at April 13 EBCA 8 • 2016 EBCA Membership Application 9 • East Bay Claims A.N.N. Services Directory 10 • Association News Network Job Connection classifieds 11 • News From the Department of Insurance www.EastBayAdjusters.org

• APRIL 13, 2016 • MAY 11, 2016 • JUNE 8, 2016 • Friday, July 22, 2016

Annual EBCA Gold Tournament - Eagle Vines Golf Course, Napa

• SEPT 14-16, 2016

23rd Annual Claims Conference of N. California www.ClaimsConference.org

• OCT 12, 2016 • NOV 9, 2016 • DECEMBER, 2016

Holiday event tba

4

East Bay Claims Association News Network • March 2016

Using Mindfulness as a Tool In Claims Adjusting with Steve Einhaus at May 11 EBCA

Please join the East Bay Claims Association and our guest speaker Steve Einhaus as he discusses: Mindfulness as a Tool in Handling Claims at the May 11 EBCA luncheon meeting.

There are certain buzz words that you hear continually these days. With food it’s Kale. With exercise it’s yoga. And with our well-being you hear: mindfulness.

This word has made the cover of Time magazine, has been featured on 60 Minutes and mindfulness techniques have been implemented at Google and Twitter.

So just what is mindfulness? And what is not mindfulness? And how can it assist us in handling claims in a way that makes us not only more productive, but also creates less stress in our lives?

During our luncheon time together we will go over recent fascinating discoveries about the brain, it’s evolution and the wondrous possibilities in unlocking it’s potential.

In particular we will discuss tools we can use to reduce stress and get better results at work.

We’ll discuss the brain’s feel good chemicals like oxytocin and do-

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pamine. and how to reduce stress related chemicals like cortisol.

We will also touch on the connection between the brain and the emotions, and the importance of emotional intelligence in strengthening our relationships at work and all interpersonal

relationships.

Sign up now. Non-members pay slightly more for lunch. So, why not JOIN NOW for 2016?! Please purchase your entry here or make a reservation with 2016 EBCA Secretary Andrea Latimer, 707673-3252.

BEYOND FIRE & WATER

Subrogation Trends to Increase Recovery at June 8th EBCA

Please join the East Bay Claims Association Wednesday, June 8, 2016 as we welcome our guest speaker, Ms. Sally Noma, of the San Francisco law offices of Grotefeld, Hoffmann, Schleiter, Gordon & Evinger, LLP. Ms. Noma, who is well versed in numerous areas of insurance defense law, will present for our group “Beyond Fire and Water Subrogation Trends to Increase

Recovery”.

Sally Noma is a litigator in the subrogation and insurance coverage department. Since receiving her law degree from University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law in 2009, Ms. Noma has focused on matters of subrogation, insurance coverage and insurance defense.

Ms. Noma has also represented plaintiffs including business owners, individual homeowners, and public entities for uninsured property losses involving matters of contractor negligence, product liability, and governmental takings.

Prior to earning her law degree, Ms. Noma spent five years workBeyond continues on pg 5

5

East Bay Claims Association News Network • March 2016

New Year Already Flying By

I hope everyone had a lovely Easter! I really can’t believe we are already heading into April. I have some sad news to share with anyone who has been to the Paul Davis office, and had the pleausre of meeting our receptionist/HR Lady, Thelma.

April Message from 2016 EBCA President Gemma Houser

After a battle with cancer, Thelma passed away on March 17th.

She leaves behind her husband, Ed, and her son, Shawn. Many of you knew Thelma and her spunky vibrant personality. I had the pleasure of working with her for 7.5 years. I got to spend some time with her before she passed and I feel so blessed to have had her in my life. I, along with many others, will miss her dearly and our office won’t be the same without her running the show.

RIP sweet Thelma.

A big thank you to Ken Pritton for speaking at our March luncheon, and to our centerpiece sponsor Emergency Packout. We had a great turn out and I hope you all enjoyed the meeting as much as I did.

Coming up in April, our own EBCA member Andrew Titley, from Electronic Restoration Services, is going to “Spark Your Interest in Electronic Restoration”. I am excited to hear

his presentation because I have heard great things about his services and how beneficial they are. Information and registration for the event is posted on our website.

The EBCA Board is working on putting together a bowling tournament that will take place on June 23rd. It will be a great social event - fun for all.

Jennifer Pinney and Amaya Fine will have more information as well as sponsorship opportunities available soon.

Funds raised will go to The Wounded Warrior Project. So plan to come out and support this amazing organization.

Our Membership Drive for 2016 is ongoing. Our association depends on our members so please make sure to renew/join now. You can go to our website www.eastbayadjusters.org to become a member or feel free to contact our Membership chair Lynna Harrison or call her at (925) 785-7021 for more information.

I encourage you to bring new people to our meetings. We are doing a quarterly competition for our members. Every time you bring someone new to the luncheon your name goes in for a drawing.

So bring people so you can be entered.

Please do not forget to respond to our Evite or call Andrea Latimer at (408) 829-5807. It’s simple to purchase your lunch now on-line at www.eastbayadjusters.org.

I look forward to seeing you at the April meeting. Please don’t forget to pay on-line and RSVP. Respectfully,

Gemma

Gemma Houser 2016-’17 President, EBCA Paul Davis Restoration (510) 803-7069 gemmahouser@hotmail.com

Beyond Fire & Water continued from pg 4

ing for a large property and casualty insurance company. She served as a claims adjuster, and later as an education consultant, in which capacity she trained employees in Department of Insurance policies

Complete Rebuild Plans for Insurance Repair Projects

(Architectural, Structural, Title 24, Etc.)

and procedures as well as coverage provisions. Ms. Noma has provided coverage opinions and litigated commercial general liability coverage matters in various jurisdictions including California,

600 Valley Main Street, Suite K E 3942 Ave., Suite Pleasanton, CA 94566

925.469.8000

www.JRStructural.com

Structural Evaluations & Reports Residential Remodels, Additions, & New Homes

Arizona, Nevada, Montana, Oregon and Michigan.

Ms. Noma’s vast insurance background gives her unique insight to understand the needs of her clients. She often develops and delivers training to claims professionals concerning issues specific to subrogation and coverage provisions. She also values working closely with insurer clients to evaluate and improve internal processes.

Ms. Noma earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from the University of the Pacific, where she was Captain of the Pacific Speech and Debate Team.

She graduated as Order of the Barristers from University of the

Pacific, McGeorge School of Law in 2009.

In 2016, she achieved an AV Preeminent Martindale-Hubbell rating, the highest possible rating for an attorney for both ethical standards and legal ability.

Recent Publications Sally Noma and Amy Hammond, An Expert Divided: A Cautionary Tale of Joint Retention of Experts in Property Subrogation Claims, Subrogator, Fall 2015, at 78.

Sign up now. Non-members pay slightly more for lunch. So, why not JOIN NOW for 2016?! Please purchase your entry here or make a reservation with 2016 EBCA Secretary Andrea Latimer, 707673-3252.

6

East Bay Claims Association News Network • March 2016

Pritten on Electrical Subrogation Issues

By Lynna Harrison

The East Bay Claims Association presented Mr. Ken Pritten, PE from Pritten Engineering as their guest speaker at the March 9, 2016 Luncheon Meeting.

A High Voltage engineer for many years at PG&E, Pritten started his own Forensic Engineering business last fall.

"What is Subrogation?,” Ken queried. "It is the right for Insurance Companies to recover their loss. Webster's dictionary says ‘the substitution of one creditor for another, along with a transference of the claims and rights of the old creditor’,” he explained.

Pritten’s presentation outlined numerous Electrical Anomalies or abnormalities that can cause damage and fires. He talk-

ed about electric utility high-voltage, wires wrapped around tree branches, and other causes.

All utility companies, he said, are required to patrol their area for trees. Some of the issues they encounter, he explained, can include undersized connectors, trees that rub electrical lines, and sometimes corroded connectors.

Pritten advised the importance of calling Pacific Gas and Electric out if you have problems. They will check your voltage at no charge to you.

Other issues that could be encountered, he said, include design defects, such as if/when a contractor did not put in enough electrical outlets to meet code, or service.

He also advised claims people to investigate surge protectors at a fire scene.

Ken Pritten’s presentation covered a lot of ground in a short time, giving those in attendance information they can use in the field.

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East Bay Claims Association News Network • March 2016

Electronics Restoration Focus with Andrew Titley at April 13 EBCA

Join the East Bay Claims Association for our next luncheon meeting of the new year, Wednesday, April 13, 2016, as we welcome East Bay Claims member Andrew Titley, owner of Electronic Restoration Services. Mr. Titley will be presenting his talk entitled “Spark Your Interest In Electronic Restoration”.

Andrew Titley, Owner/President of ERS San Francisco Bay Area, brings his background in High Tech Sales to a new service in our area.

Andrew tells us, ERS handles “Restoration of both commercial and consumer electronics and appliances. Document freeze dry services.”

Additionally, he says, ERS provides “Full pack-out and delivery, including large appliances. We also do music instruments, exercise equipment, arcade games, etc. We restore at 38% or less of replacement value.” And, he says they offer a “One-year warranty on our services”.

Serving primarily the Greater San Francisco Bay Area, Andrew says that actually includes as far south as Monterey, North to Petaluma, and east to Stockton and Sacramento.

Andrew spent some time fully evaluating business opportunities before deciding on ERS. Being local to the San Francisco Bay Area , and ERS seeking a franchisee in this market, made for a great fit.

First starting this past July, he says, “We continue to be referred by both our partners and customers”. And, as a note of the level of expertise with which they work, he tells us “we have restored an entire professional music studio, with over 80 electronics”.

“Andrew brings both business and technical knowledge along with great enthusiasm and detail orientation to his business. A great asset to the ERS team,” is the word from ERS home-base.

Outside of his work world, Andrew says he enjoys “Cycling, skiing, travel and coaching my childrens’ teams.”

Non-members pay slightly more for lunch. So, why not JOIN NOW for 2016?! Please purchase your entry here or make a reservation with 2016 EBCA Secretary Andrea Latimer, 707-673-3252.

Join the EBCA for the next Luncheon Meeting of the Year!

Wednesday

April 13, 2016

as we welcome guest speaker

Andrew Titley Electronic Restoration Services at

Zio Fraedo’s 611 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 11:15am Check-in Luncheon 12:00 noon - 1:00pm

FREE to 2016 Adjuster Members Adjusters Now Join for FREE

(suggested $10 donation to the EBCA Charitable Fund) $45 Non-Members/Guests or No Reservations

$35 for current paid 2016 Associate Members Purchase your lunch online, at:

www.EastBayAdjusters.org

Otherwise, for payment by cash or check at the door, please make reservations now with

2016 EBCA Secretary, Andrea Latimer:

707-673-3252 • andreaLatimer@alliance-enviro.com

The Finest Name in Safe Overspray Removal

1-800-345-1269

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East Bay Claims Association News Network • March 2016

2016 EBCA Membership Application MISSION STATEMENT: The East Bay Claims Association is a charitable and educational organization that is dedicated to the betterment of Insurance Claims Professionals, through: continuing education; industry knowledge and contacts; and a strong commitment to integrity and respect in networking.

In order to accomplish this mission, the Association provides a forum and network for insurance claims professionals to meet and share information. This forum and fundraising events held by the group also help to connect insurance claims professionals in local communities and expands public awareness of the work performed by insurance claims professionals.

JOIN NOW for 2016

Adjusters Join FREE!

Membership Eligibility: Terms of Eligibility for Membership - Section 2.03 of EBCA Bylaws Membership in East Bay Claims Association shall be open to the following categories: Insurance Company Claims Adjusters, Independent Claims Adjusters, Insurance Defense Attorneys, and Associate members. Associate Members include claims industry service providers. The Board of Directors shall review each membership application received for approval, insuring the above criteria have been met. East Bay Claims Association does not consider public adjusters and plaintiffs attorneys to be claims service providers and therefore they do not meet the aforementioned eligibility criteria.

Primary Member/Contact Name:____________________________________________________ Company:_____________________________________________________________________ Address:______________________________________________________________________ City/St/Zip:_____________________________________________________________________ Telephone:_____________________________________________________________________ Email:_________________________________________________________________________ Additional Corp Member Name: ____________________________________________________

Please complete and submit form for our records. Donation to Email:_________________________________________________________________________ the EBCA Charitable Fund appreciated but not necessary to join.

o Individual Membership

$54.95 per person

o Corporate Membership

(up to 3 persons) - $109.95

Please include your Email address. You will receive meeting E-vite notices, member-only events announcements, CCNC updates, and the monthly Association News Network E-News edition. Our commitment is to maintain the security of your information. Neither EBCA nor Association News Network, Inc. will ever make your name available to any other list or organization without your expressed permission.

Third Corp Member Name: ________________________________________________________ Email:_________________________________________________________________________

As many as three (3) people from the same business entity may join together with a Corporate Membership. Each will receive their own free copy of the monthly East Bay Claims Association News Network publication, as well as all other membership benefits.

For more than three (3) members, multiple “corporate memberships” may be purchased at the same Early-Bird discounted rate of $90.ºº each (regularly $110ºº).

Your payment by credit card is preferred. Please go to: www.EastBayAdjusters.org For payment by check, please make your check(s) payable to East Bay Claims Association, and submit by mail to:

Total Amount Enclosed: $ ________

EBCA Membership

25A Crescent Drive, #266, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 or just bring it with you to a luncheon.

To Pay by Credit Card, go to: www.EastBayAdjusters.org

EBCA Designated Charitable Beneficiaries Include: 3 Bay Area Crisis Nursery 3 Childrens’ Hospital Oakland 3 Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation 3 Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano Counties

3 American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

3 Shelter, Inc. - Contra Costa

9

East Bay Claims Association News Network • March 2016

East Bay Claims AssociationNewsNetwork Services Directory

Paid Sponsorship listings directory - for info on being included, call 925-785-7021, or email: lynna@AssociationNewsNetwork.com

ACCIDENT RECONSTRUCTIONISTS

ENGINEERS - FORENSIC

CONTRACTORS-ASBESTOS/LEAD/MOLD REMEDIATION

ENGINEERS - STRUCTURAL

BOSTER, KOBAYASHI & ASSOCIATES - Michael Kreutzelman Serving the United States 24 hr. (925) 963-9653 • (925) 447-6495 and Overseas Fax (925) 447-6589 ALLIANCE ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP - Ed Work 1250 Campbell Avenue www.alliance-enviro.com • (408) 830-9700 San Jose, CA 95126 info@alliance-enviro.com • Fax(408) 980-9749 AMERICAN TECHNOLOGIES, INC. - Kyle Pickett 30911 Wiegman Road kpickett@amer-tech.com • (510) 429-5000 Hayward, CA 94544 Fax (510) 429-5010 JM ENVIRONMENTAL, INC. - John Moore & the JM Team PO Box 2189 www.jmenvironmental.net • (916) 726-0304 Granite Bay, CA 95746-2189 Fax (916) 726-0340 P.W. STEPHENS ENVIRONMENTAL, INC. - Steve MacFarlane/Kim MacFarlane 4047 Clipper Court www.pwstephensinc.com • (510) 651-9506 Fremont, CA 94538 Fax (510) 651-7702

CONTRACTORS - ELECTRICAL

TUCKNOTT ELECTRIC CO. - Robert A. Tucknott, CFLC Forensic Electrical Expert bob@tucknott.com • (925) 931-0800

www.Tucknott.com • Fax (925) 931-0817

CONTRACTORS - GENERAL/RESTORATION

BELFOR USA - Dave Warters/Lisa Schwichtenberg 2365 Industrial Pkwy West (888) 543-3473 • Fax (510) 887-9110 Hayward, CA 94545 david.warters@us.belfor.com COAST CONSTRUCTION - Steve Mink/Jodi DeVillier 718 Kennedy St www.CoastConstruction.net • (510) 533-7168 Oakland, CA 94606 24 Hr Em: (510) 773-6379 K2GC GENERAL CONTRACTOR, INC. - Ken Turnage We treat your home as if it were our own, www.K2GCinc.com • (925)754-5232 and value your time as we do our own.

K2GC@comcast .net MARK SCOTT CONSTRUCTION, INC. - Troy Brincat/David Dickerson Residential & Commercial msconstruction.com • Pl. Hill: (925) 944-0502 24 Hour Em Service Fairfield: (707) 804-8880 • Stockton: (209) 982-0502 SPRINGS CONSTRUCTION - Jim Atkins 881 Hurlingame Ave. jim@springsconstruction.com • (650) 222-2850 Redwood City, CA 94063 www.SpringsConstruction.com WINGARD CONSTRUCTION - Bror Wingard 24 Hr. Em (800) 232-7150 One-Call Contractor for all your Corp. office: (925) 689-9322 reconstruction needs email@wingardconstruction.com • Lodi: (209) 368-2464

CONTRACTORS - MICROBIAL REMEDIATION

ALLIANCE ENVIRONMENTAL - Ed Work 1250 Campbell Avenue www.alliance-enviro.com • (408) 830-9700 San Jose, CA 95126 info@alliance-enviro.com • Fax(408) 980-9749 AMERICAN TECHNOLOGIES, INC. - Kyle Pickett 30911 Wiegman Road kpickett@amer-tech.com • (510) 429-5000 Hayward, CA 94544 Fax (510) 429-5010 BELFOR USA - Dave Warters/Lisa Schwichtenberg 2365 Industrial Pkwy West (888) 543-3473 • Fax (510) 887-9110 Hayward, CA 94545 david.warters@us.belfor.com P.W. STEPHENS ENVIRONMENTAL, INC. - Steve MacFarlane/Kim MacFarlane 4047 Clipper Court www.pwstephensinc.com • (510) 651-9506 Fremont, CA 94538 Fax (510) 651-7702

ELECTRONICS RESTORATION

ERS - ELECTRONICS RESTORATION SERVICE - Andrew Titley 8698 Thornton Ave. www.ers-us.com • (510 ) 775-1959 Newark, CA 94560 andrew.titley@ers-us.com

I-ENG-A® OF CENTRAL CALIFORNIA A Division of Pauli Engineering, Inc www.pauliengineering.com • (559) 237-4408 Cause & Origin Investigations, Plans for building reconstruction.

JR STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING, INC. - John Ehlert 3942 Valley Ave., Suite K www.JRStructural.com • (925) 469-8000 Pleasanton, CA 94566 john@jrstructural.com

ENVIRONMENTAL TESTING & CONSULTING

BLOCK ENVIRONMENTAL - David Block, PhD 2274 Tamarisk Ct. (925) 925-682-7200 • Fax: (925) 686-0399 Discovery Bay, CA 94505 dblock@blockenviron.com

FIRE INVESTIGATORS

FIRE CAUSE ANALYSIS - Ulises Castellon, CPCU Serving Clients (800) 726-5939 • Fax: (510) 649-3099 Nationwide! inquiry@fcafire.com

FLOOR COVERING

FLOOR COVERINGS INTERNATIONAL - Steve Taylor 5757 Sonoma Dr. (925) 426-8800 Pleasanton, CA 94566 steve.taylor@floorcoveringsinternational.com

LEAK DETECTION/PLUMBING

AMERICAN LEAK DETECTION - Hillel Salomon P.O. Box 438 (800) 353-LEAK (5325) Berkeley, CA 94701 www.AmericanLeakDetection.com BULL’S EYE LEAK DETECTION - Daniel Spatz P. O. Box 73114 www.BullsEyeLeak.com • (916) 760-8944 Davis, CA 95614 office@bullseyeleak.com • Fax (916) 760-8970

OVERSPRAY REMOVAL

NATIONWIDE OVERSPRAY - Eric Gerencser Benicia, California

www.overspray.net • (925) 408-5909 Safe Overspray Removal eric@overspray.net • (800) 345-1269

PROPERTY RESTORATION - CLOTHING SPECIALISTS

BRIGHT LEAF CLEANERS - Robert Strong Garment Restoration - Bob@blcleaners.com • (925) 455-6000 Nobody CARES about you more Fax (925) 445-6002 CRDN - Steve Depper/Michelle Windsor 2094 Mt. Diablo Blvd.

(877) 939-1588 Walnut Creek, CA 94596 www.crdngba.com FRSTeam - Jim and Courtney Nicholas 3201A Investment Blvd 510-723-1000 Hayward, CA 94545 Natalie Lagorio: nlagorio@frsteam.com

PROPERTY RESTORATION/CONTENTS

AMERICAN TECHNOLOGIES, INC. - Kyle Pickett 30911 Wiegman Road kpickett@amer-tech.com • (510) 429-5000 Hayward, CA 94544 Fax (510) 429-5010 BELFOR USA - Dave Warters/Lisa Schwichtenberg 2365 Industrial Pkwy West (888) 543-3473 • Fax (510) 887-9110 Hayward, CA 94545 david.warters@us.belfor.com MS VITAL RESTORATION, INC. (a division of Mark Scott Construction, Inc.) 2835 Contra Costa Blvd 1-800-944-0502 Pleasant Hill 94523 Info@MSVitalRestoration.com SERVICEMASTER OF LIVERMORE/HAYWARD - Bassam Kneizeh/Kelly Banducci 1001 Shannon Ct. Ste C (925) 960-1377 Livermore, CA 94550 Fax (925) 960-1376

Deadline for all Submissions for the next issue is

April 22, 2016

info@AssociationNewsNetwork.com • 925-785-7021 continued next page

10

E.B.C.A.N.N. Services Directory

East Bay Claims Association News Network • March 2016

PROPERTY RESTORATION/CONTENTS - continued

SERVICEMASTER OF NAPA COUNTY, VALLEJO & BENICIA - Eric Larson/Lynn Fuller P. O. Box 6867 smnvb@interx.net • (800) 648-1608 Napa, CA 94581 Fax (707) 257-1608 SERVICEMASTER OF OAKLAND/ALAMEDA - Jean Hughes 14498 Wicks Blvd servicemastereastbay@comcast.net • (510) 351-0581 San Leandro, CA 94577-6712 Fax (510) 351-4704 SERVICEMASTER OF SAN MATEO/SAN FRANCISCO - David Decker 439 Eccles Ave. david@smsanfran.com • (650) 593-4700 S. San Francisco, CA 94080 Fax (650) 873-6334 SERVICEMASTER RESTORATION SERVICES - Robert Scott Serving Contra Costa rscott@sharjo.com • (800) 480-TIDY & Marin Counties www.svmcleaning-restoration.com

POSITIONS AVAILABLE

CASUALTY ADJUSTER Freese & Gianelli is looking for a part-time Casualty Adjuster with Casualty and Property experience. Service area throughout the Central Valley. Fax resumes to 209 527-8847.

CLAIMS INDUSTRY PLACEMENTS Gary E. Mingus, GEM Search Group provides both Temporary, Temp to Hire and Direct Hire placements in the Insurance Industry also, placing Vendors related to the Insurance Industry. Call Gary Mingus 866-9354426 or email to Gary@GEMSearchgroup.com. Serving the Insurance Industry since 1995.

Liability Claims Specialist CSAC Excess Insurance Authority is looking for a qualified Liability Claims Specialist. Candidates must have at least two years of GL exp. Visit our website at www.csac-eia.org to apply.

Submit Your Job Connection ad to:

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Run Your Ad Network-Wide for a net rate of just $180/mo.

Next Deadline for submissions is April 22, 2016 call 209-229-8240 or email info@AssociationNewsNetwork.com

The East Bay Claims Association News Network© is a production of Association News Network, Inc. Published monthly as a free service to the EBCA with a commitment and dedication to the promotion and betterment of this professional organization. The views and comments expressed within the articles herein do not necessarily reflect the views of A.N.N., Inc. or EBCA. Both the publisher and the association assume no responsibility for any opinions and/or statements offered by contributing authors to the publication. Acceptance of advertising material does not constitute endorsement of the products or services offered. A.N.N., Inc. reserves the right to reject any advertising copy or placement. We encourage industry support of this professional organization - its monthly newsletter publication and web site.

Go to: www.EastBayAdjusters.org Bryan Harrison, Publisher

Bryan@AssociationNewsNetwork.com • 925.708.5569

Lynna Harrison, Customer Serivces Manager

Lynna@AssociationNewsNetwork.com • 925.785.7021 © 1993-2016, all rights reserved • Association News Network, Inc. • www.AssociationNewsNetwork.com 2455 Naglee Rd. #263 . Tracy, CA 95304 • 209.229.8240

11

East Bay Claims Association News Network • March 2016

Former Los Angeles Agent Admits to Embezzling From Clients Pocketed clients’ insurance premiums for personal use, leaving clients without coverage LOS ANGELES, Calif. - Julie Diane Shinar, 44, of Long Beach was convicted of theft by embezzlement and sentenced on February 26 in Long Beach Superior. Shinar was ordered to serve three years formal probation and pay $29,158 in restitution to her victims.

Shinar received cash payments from clients and instead of remit-

ting the payments to the insurance carrier, used the funds for her own benefit between November 2011 and February 2013. Similar to a Ponzi scheme, Shinar used payments from some clients to cover the policy premiums for whose cash she embezzled. Clients who paid by check never received a policy and most clients were un-

aware of Shinar’s action. The embezzlement was discovered during a routine insurance company audit of Shinar’s trust account.

“Shinar violated her fiduciary responsibility as a trusted insurance broker to scam consumers,” said Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones. “Shinar’s theft left policyholders exposed to significant

financial risk, leaving them liable and without coverage.”

During the course of the insurance carrier’s investigation, Shinar admitted to keeping the policyholders’ premiums for her personal use.

The insurance company terminated Shinar and notified the department of the misappropriation of funds, which prompted this investigation.

Husband and Wife Insurance Agent Team Charged with Insurance Fraud Pair cheated insurer out of more than $130,000 SAN DIEGO, Calif. - Pablo Alvarez Espino, 36, and Josefina Garcia Espino, 34, both of San Marcos, were arrested following an investigation by the California Department of Insurance and face multiple felony counts of

insurance fraud.

The Espino’s were both appointed insurance agents by Farmers Insurance when they allegedly committed fraud by reinstating and backdating cancelled policies, adding coverages that did

not exist on the original policy in order to cover damages from crashes that occurred while uninsured.

“The Espino’s alleged crimes are part of a multi-billion dollar fraud problem in California that

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every consumer pays for through higher insurance premiums,” said Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones.

In a joint investigation by the California Department of Insurance Investigation Division and Fraud Division, investigators uncovered evidence that between 2007 and 2013, the Espino’s made changes to a number of policies for themselves and other relatives that resulted in Farmers paying on nine fraudulent claims totaling more than $130,000.

A Grand Jury indicted Pablo on 23 felony counts and indicted Josefina on 17 felony counts.

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in Electronic Restoration

Join the EBCA for our next Luncheon Meeting of the New Year!

Wednesday

April 13, 2016

as we welcome guest speaker

Andrew Titley

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