East Bay Claims Association News Network - August 2017

August 2017

Since 1993 with East Bay!

Volume XXV Number VIII

w w w. EastBayAdjusters.org

Celebrating our 25th year of publishing with East Bay

First Ever EBCA Paint Night Event!

Plan Now to Join-In with The East Bay Claims Association for a special event

Paint Night!!!

THURSDAY

AUGUST 10, 2017 6pm-9pm @ Zio Fraedo’s

611 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill, CA

Sign Up Now, at: www.EastBayClaims.org

East Bay Claims Golf Tourney Shines Board Game Theme scores big

Highlights page 5 - Complete photo gallery online, at:

www.EastBayClaims.org

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East Bay Claims Association News Network • August 2017

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(Architectural, Structural, Title 24, Etc.)

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Oakland/Alameda 510/351-0581

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East Bay Claims Association News Network • August 2017

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EBCA 2017 Schedule of Upcoming Events

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

• THURSDAY, AUGUST 10, 2017 AUGUST 2017

VOLUME XXV . NUMBER VIII

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.

First-Ever EBCA Paint Nite! @ Zio Fraedo’s • 6pm-9pm - See page 8

Paint Night!!!

• SEPTEMBER 13-15, 2017

No EBCA luncheon meeting 24th Annual Claims Conference or Northern California Register Now to Attend! www.ClaimsConference.org

• WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2017

EBCA - luncheon meeting Gregory T. Meath, Meath & Pereira

Latest on Cyber-Law: Guidelines for Use of Social Media in Investigations

• WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2017

No EBCA - luncheon meeting 2nd annual

EBCA Bowling Tournament

• WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2017

EBCA - holiday luncheon meeting

Charitable reps to receive EBCA donations

• WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2018

Fair Claims Settlement Practices Act Annual Recertification

Orange County | San Diego | Los Angeles | SF / Bay Area

Michelle Basto, Marketing/Sales Associate 2186 Paragon Drive, San Jose, CA. 95131

Cell 408-921-9490 | Office 408-452-9700 | Fax 408-638-0945 To schedule jobs via email - sjfieldservices@patriotlab.com

4

East Bay Claims Association News Network • August 2017

Board Game Golf to Paint Night - EBCA Rocks

August 2017 message from 2016-2017 EBCA President, Gemma Houser

2016-2017 EBCA President Gemma Houser

And just like that, it’s the end of summer!

My youngest daughter, Taylor, starts Kindergarten this month, and Jordyn is heading to third grade. It seems like just yesterday they were so little and now they are turning into such awesome girls. I hope you’ve had a great summer.

I want to say a big thank you to John Ehlert, Amaya Fine and Eric Gacutan for helping put on another great golf tournament! I had some wonderful feedback from people that attended.

It was a stunning day and everyone enjoyed their time out on the course. It takes so much hard work to put on this event and these guys did such a great job.

A big thank you to our sponsors because without you it wouldn’t be possible to host these events.

I’m excited for our first Paint Night on Thursday, August 10th, starting at 6pm. Jennifer Pinney has lined up a great evening of fun for us. There will be drinks and appetizers so come on out and join us. Please note: there is no luncheon meeting in August. Join us, instead, for Paint Night!

We have some other great speakers and topics planned for this year. Please check the website and newsletter for upcoming events.

Our Membership Drive for 2017 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, lynna@associationnewsnetwork.com, or call her at (925) 785-7021 for more information. I encourage you to bring new people to our meetings.

Please do not forget to respond to our Evite, its simple to purchase your lunch now on-line at www.eastbayadjusters.org.

I look forward to seeing you at Paint Night.

Respectfully,

Gemma Gemma Houser 2016-’17 President, EBCA Paul Davis Restoration 510-760-7571 ghouser@pdr-usa.net

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

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East Bay Claims Association News Network • August 2017

East Bay Claims Golf Tourney Shines Board Game Theme scores big

A good crowd turned out July 21, 2017 for what was a beautiful summer afternoon at Eagle Vines Golf Club in Napa, CA, as the East Bay Claims Association hosted their 16th annual Golf Tournament. A scramble format, with sponsored holes throughout most of the course, golfers were treated to a "Board Game" theme. From Scrabble to Battleship, Operation, and even a Pie in the Face hole, the day was filled with good times and laughs.

As is common in a best-ball scramble, the scores game in very low. The winning foursome was Kenny Turner and friends, of K2GC, at a net 60!

The lovely day was capped by a nicely done full buffet dinner at the clubhouse, complete with awards and door prizes. Net proceeds benefit the EBCA chosen charities, who will receive donations at the December holiday luncheon meeting.

EBCA Golf Co-Chairs, John Ehlert and Amaya Fine, orchestrated the raffle, along with EBCA President, Gemma Houser. A great day now in the books!

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East Bay Claims Association News Network • August 2017

East Bay Claims Golf Tourney Shines Board Game Theme scores big continued from page 5

Complete photo gallery at

www.EastBayClaims.org

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East Bay Claims Association News Network • August 2017

First Ever EBCA Paint Night Event!

Plan Now to Join-In with The East Bay Claims Association for a special event

Paint Night!!!

THURSDAY

AUGUST 10, 2017 Members and guests may attend for just $40 per person or $65 per couple includes individual admission, painting canvas & supplies, one drink ticket per person, and sponsored hors d’oeuvres.

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EBCA Golf Tourney Shines Board Game Theme scores big continued from page 6

East Bay Claims Association News Network • August 2017

9

East Bay Claims Association News Network • August 2017

East Bay Claims AssociationNewsNetwork Services Directory

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

CONTRACTORS-ASBESTOS/LEAD/MOLD REMEDIATION

ALLIANCE ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP - Ed Work 4950 Fulton Drive, Suite E www.alliance-enviro.com • (707) 419-7638 Fairfield, CA 94534 info@alliance-enviro.com AMERICAN TECHNOLOGIES, INC. - DAN WARD 25000 Industrial Blvd. dan.ward@atirestoration.com • (510) 429-5000 Hayward, CA 94545 www.ATIrestoration.com • 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/Jackie Mezeul 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 CHAD SMITH CONSTRUCTION - Chad Smith 1820 Galindo St. Suite 230 www.chadsmithconstruction.com • (925) 566-8755 Concord, CA 94524 chad@chadsmithconstruction.com • Fax: (925) 566-8757 COAST CONSTRUCTION - Steve Mink/Jodi DeVillier 718 Kennedy St www.CoastConstruction.net • (510) 533-7168 Oakland, CA 94606 24 Hr Em: (510) 773-6379 MARK SCOTT CONSTRUCTION, INC. - Troy Brincat Residential & Commercial msconstruction.com • Pl. Hill: (925) 944-0502 24 Hour Em Service Fairfield: (707) 804-8880 • Stockton: (209) 982-0502 WINGARD CONSTRUCTION - Bror Wingard 24 Hr. Em (925) 383-5618 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 GROUP - Ed Work 4950 Fulton Drive, Suite E www.alliance-enviro.com • (707) 419-7638 Fairfield, CA 94534 info@alliance-enviro.com AMERICAN TECHNOLOGIES, INC. - DAN WARD 25000 Industrial Blvd. dan.ward@atirestoration.com • (510) 429-5000 Hayward, CA 94545 www.ATIrestoration.com • 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 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

ENGINEERS - FORENSIC

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.

UNIFIED INVESTIGATIONS & SCIENCES - Michael OConnor, P.E. Civil, Structural, Electrical, (916) 640-0640 Mechanical, Fire O&C, Repair Plans www.uis-usa.com

Thank you to all our paid listing subscribers, and all our publication advertising sponsors. Literally couldn’t do it without you!

ENGINEERS - STRUCTURAL

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

PATRIOT ENVIRONMENTAL LABORATORY SERVICES, INC. - Michelle Basto 2186 Paragon Drive mbasto@patriotlab.com • Office (408) 452-9700 San Jose, CA 95131 www.PatriotLab.com • Cell (408) 921-9490

FIRE INVESTIGATORS

FIRE CAUSE ANALYSIS - Ulises Castellon, CPCU Serving Clients (800) 726-5939 • Fax: (510) 649-3099 Nationwide! inquiry@fcafire.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 - Liza Wisecarver Servicing all BrightleafCleaners.com • cell (925) 406-9889 of Northern CA liza@blcleaners.com • office (925) 455-6000 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. - DAN WARD 25000 Industrial Blvd. dan.ward@atirestoration.com • (510) 429-5000 Hayward, CA 94545 www.ATIrestoration.com • 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 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 RESTORATION SERVICES - Robert Scott Serving Contra Costa rscott@sharjo.com • (800) 480-TIDY Santa Clara & Sonoma www.svmcleaning-restoration.com

Deadline for all Submissions for the next issue is

August 18, 2017

lynna@AssociationNewsNetwork.com • 925-785-7021

10

Around The Network

East Bay Claims Association News Network • August 2017

By Bryan Harrison

Association News Network Publisher

Summertime lightening strikes, in early August!

I remember years ago driving home from Labor Day weekends up near Mt. Lassen when such phenomenon was not unusual.

Never quite as early as we experienced the other night, however. You just never know what surprises might be in store.

The East Bay Claims Association, on the heals of the success of their 16th annual Golf Tournament in July, are shaking things up a bit. Foregoing the normal August luncheon, organizers have planned a special Thursday evening Paint Night! Should be a blast: Individual pricing, and a discount for couples, and very reasonable sponsorships. Sign up now at: www.EastBayClaims.org.

The Sacramento Claims Association hosted their annual SCA Family Night at the River Cats Baseball game at Raley Field July 28th. A strong showing of 50+ turned out to see Panda and the River Cats get shut down by the Round Rock Express, our of Texas. The evening included a nice BBQ dinner, and a great fireworks display after the game. Sacramento Claims has a board meeting in August, and encourages all members to attend the Claims Conference of N. California Sept 13-15, 2017.

For more on the SCA, go to: www.SacramentoClaims.org.

Mid-Valley Claims Association had a tremendous turnout to hear Mr. Don Perkins, founder of Fire Cause Analysis (and specialty wine vintner), as their featured luncheon guest speaker July 28, 2017. Don, along with attorney Ken Turner, shared a wealth of experience in dealing with large loss fire claims. See more at: www.MidValleyClaims.org.

Makes some sparks fly to complete your summer - maybe even get a pie in your face! It’s delicious!

Bryan

S u p p o r t Yo u r L o c a l C l a i m s A s s o c i a t i o n s

Hiring?

Seeking a new position?

Check the Job Connection listing on page 10

For information on posting in the Call

209-229-8240 or email

bryan@associationnewsnetwork.com www.EastBayAdjusters.org

www.MidValleyClaims.org

www.SacramentoClaims.org

Grow Your Business to the next level

POSITIONS AVAILABLE

Start an Ad Campaign with Association News Network

JM ENVIRONMENTAL SEEKS ESTIMATOR/PROJECT MANAGER

Be Seen • Be Real!

JM Environmental is looking for an Estimator/Project Manager in our Roseville office. Needs to be experienced in Xactimate for Commercial and Residential structures. Please call John Moore at 916-802-8035.

Call Bryan Harrison

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 866-935-4426 or email to Gary@GEMSearchgroup.com. Serving the Insurance Industry since 1995.

Submit Your Job Connection ad to:

Choose from Four (5) Monthly Editions - Four Print + Online Edition: Up to 50 words just $45 (just 50¢/word thereafter)

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

Next Deadline for submissions is August 18, 2017 call 209-229-8240 or email info@AssociationNewsNetwork.com

925-708-5569 (cell)

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WATER DAMAGE CLAIMS • Electronic Leak Detection & Repair • Sub-Slab Plumbing • Sewer Line Video Scans • Pools, Spas & Fountains

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East Bay Claims Association News Network • August 2017

Regulator takes legal action against Access Insurance to protect consumers SACRAMENTO, Calif. - The California Department of Insurance last week issued an Order to Show Cause, Accusation, and Notice of Noncompliance charging Access Insurance Company and some of its affiliates with engaging in improper claims handling and improper rating and underwriting practices in violation of the California Insurance Code and the Fair Claims Settlement Regulations.

“Consumers should have confidence that anyone selling them insurance in California is complying with our consumer protection laws,” said Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones. “Making sure insurance companies deliver on their promises to consumers is a critical part of the department’s mission.”

In response to numerous consumer complaints about Access’ business practices, the department launched an investigation that revealed over 40 different alleged statutory and regulatory violations. The alleged violations in the Order to Show Cause and Accusation include misrepresentation of pertinent facts to claimants, failure to acknowledge and act reasonably promptly, and failure to adopt and implement reasonable standards for the prompt investigation and processing of claims arising under insurance policies.

The Notice of Noncompliance alleges Access’s rating plans, rating systems, rates and underwriting guidelines, and their implementation by Access and its affiliates violated California law. These allegations include cancelling policies for reasons not permitted by law, failure to give appropriate discounts, and overcharging consumers for certain fees.

In addition to suspension of Access’s Certificate of Authority, the Order to Show Cause seeks monetary penalties against Access and its affiliates of up to $5,000 for each alleged violation, or if the act was willful, up to $10,000 and an order requiring Access to cease and desist from further engaging in methods, acts or practices that are unfair and deceptive within the meaning of the Unfair Practices Act and Fair Claims Settlement Regulations.

The Notice of Noncompliance requires Access to correct any unlawful practices within 10 days of receiving the notice. For each allegation, Access must also show proof of compliance or correction. If Access fails to comply within the allotted time the department will set a public hearing and if the commissioner finds Access to be in violation, he may order payment of monetary penalties and other appropriate corrective action.

www.pwsei.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 © 1993-2017, all rights reserved • Association News Network, Inc. • www.AssociationNewsNetwork.com 2455 Naglee Rd. #263 . Tracy, CA 95304 • 209.229.8240

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5

16th Annual EBCA Golf Tournament photo highlights

11 Regulator takes legal action against Access Insurance

EBCA Golf Tourney Shines

7

Thursday, August 10 First Ever EBCA

Paint Night!!! highlights start pg 5 - complete photo gallery at: www.EastBayClaims.org