Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network - January 2018

Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network

January 2018

www.MidValleyClaims.org

Volume XXV • Number I

Serving MVCA Since 1994

MVCA Board Election at February 16 Luncheon

Join Your Mid-Valley Claims Association for the first Luncheon meeting of the new year

Officer/Board Elections and a speaker to be announced

Friday, February 16, 2018 see page 5

DOI Fair Claims Regs Recertification at March 16 MVCA Christine Reed, of Low Ball & Lynch, to present luncheon seminar

Secure your spot now for the annual MVCA DOI Fair Claims Regulations Recertification

Friday, March 16, 2018 Special guest speaker

Christine Reed

Join Mid-Valley Claims Association for 2018 Now! www.MidValleyClaims.org

Low Ball & Lynch see page 5

- see page 7

MVCA Honors Local Hero Organizations at Dec 15 Luncheon

Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network • January 2018

2

Insurance Commissioner Jones releases report addressing fire insurance availability issues

Nearly half of California counties have housing rated at high or very high fire risk SACRAMENTO, Calif. - California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones today released a report on the growing problem of homeowners’ fire insurance availability and affordability in many areas throughout the state. The report recommends needed changes in law-the legislature should enact to effectively address the growing problem, which is likely to get worse as a result of last year’s devastating fires.

Over the past two decades, wildfires have caused significant insured damage in what is called the wildland-urban interface where an estimated 3.6 million California homes are located and more than one million are identified as being at high or very high fire risk.

"Californians are facing more severe, more unpredictable and more frequent wildfires," said Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones. "Add to the equation, increasing development in areas more vulnerable to fire and you can see why wildfires are now an everyday threat to life and property for Californians."

The devastating risk and cost of wildfires was brought home in late 2017 when wildfires, driven by high winds, destroyed and damaged more than 21,000 homes in the North Bay and tragically killed 44 people. The nightmare continued into December, as a stubborn high-pressure ridge, record temperatures and Santa Ana winds fueled deadly fires from San Diego and Los Angeles to Ventura and Santa Barbara, again destroying thousands of homes and structures and killing two people, including Cal Fire equipment engineer Cory Iverson. The Thomas Fire, which is near

full containment, is going down in history as the state's largest wildfire, charring more than 280,000 acres in December.

The California Department of Insurance is seeing an increasing number of complaints, feedback and other evidence from policyholders, consumer groups, public officials, and other stakeholders that homeowners' insurance coverage in the wildland-urban interface is increasingly difficult to obtain and, if available, is unaffordable for many. The inability to obtain affordable homeowners' insurance coverage creates great risk to the financial security of individual homeowners and the economy.

"Insurers are increasingly using computer models to assess the risk of fires for individual homes and deciding that homes in some areas face too high a risk," said Jones. "In the wake of last year's wildfires, we may see more areas of the state where insurers decline to write. The Legislature has given insurers broad latitude to decide whether and where to write fire insurance, therefore we are recommending new laws to improve fire insurance availability."

Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones directed the department to undertake its own in-depth analysis of the scope of the availability and affordability issue and develop proposed solutions to mitigate or solve these problems. This analysis includes an extensive review of consumer complaints and feedback from stakeholders, and also included an indepth analysis of the two major wildfire-risk models.

2017 MVCA OFFICERS

PRESIDENT

Sherry Wenograd Frontier Adjusters (209) 478-1422

Centralcalclaims@aol.com

VICE PRESIDENT

SECRETARY

TREASURER

Golden Bear Insurance

Retired

Frontier Adjusters

Mary Parker

Katie Howard

Staci Moreno

(209) 870-2990

(209) 603-5006

mary@goldenbear.com

smoreno@frontieradjusters.com

2017 BOARD MEMBERS Bryan Harrison

Association News Network

Tom Shefchick, PE Shefchick Assocates

John Tucker

York Risk Services Group

MVCA CCNC REP: Katie Howard

Marvin Wenograd Frontier Adjusters

Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network • January 2018 Luncheon meetings are at Dave Wong’s Restaurant & Bar 2828 West March Lane., Stockton, except where indicated. www.MidValleyClaims.org

MVCA

Upcoming Events

Happy New Year!

Next up...

Friday, February 16, 2018 Luncheon Meeting MVCA Board Election & Speaker tba - see page 5

Friday, March 16, 2018

Luncheon Meeting California DOI “Fair Claims Settlement Practices Act” Regulations Recertification featuring guest presenter

Christine Reed, of Low Ball & Lynch - see page 5

3

No January Luncheon - Elections & More Starting February 16 January 2018 Message from MVCA President Sherry Wenograd

Dear Mid-Valley Members: I want to send out a big “Thank You” to all of you who made our December Holiday Luncheon so special. That includes our Mid Valley Heroes from Haven of Peace, Rotary Basket Brigade and Case for Kids.

Also, our own Bob Archuleta, who shared about their giving efforts. You are awesome people who make this world just a little better every day!!! I also want to thank Dave Wong’s for a wonderful “on the heated patio” luncheon. The food and the service were terrific!

We will not be having a January luncheon. As we move forward, we will be planning for a February luncheon and a March luncheon, at this time. We hope to have a presentation by an attorney (person and topic to be announced) on February 16th. We are honored to once again have Christine Reed of Low Ball and Lynch as our guest speaker on March 16th, when she will present our annual Certification Class on the California DOI Fair Claims Practices Regs.

We will also plan to feature our board/officer elections at the February 16th luncheon. We are again reaching out to our membership for names of those individuals you would like to nominate for the Board of Directors. Please contact either myself or Staci Moreno or Bryan Harrison with those names, as soon as possible.

Let me take this opportunity to wish all of you and your families and your loved ones a happy and healthy and prosperous New Year.

Here’s to a great 2018!!!!!

Respectfully submitted,

Sherry L. Wenograd 2017 Mid-Valley Claims Association President

Sherry L. Wenograd Frontier Adjusters (800) 262-4067 • wenograd@frontieradjusters.com

Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network • January 2018

4

MVCA Honors Local Hero Organizations at Dec 15 Luncheon

By Bryan Harrison

Above: Case For Kids founder, Lori Souza, addressed the December MVCA.

Right: Rotary Club of Mountain House Basket Brigade leaders, Christina Oh, near right, and Sainthavi Vinodh, with MVCA Pres. Sherry Wenograd

MVCA member, Bob Archuleta, shared his non-profit efforts Haven of Peace Pres., Ms. Olga, with Pres. Sherry

The December 15, 2017 MVCA Holiday Luncheon Party, held on the outside patio at Dave Wong’s, paid tribute to some community leaders and non-profit efforts being done within San Joaquin County.

Lori Souza, founder of the nonprofit organization Case For Kids, works to lessen the blow for children entering the foster-care system. Her organization provides customized cases of personal care items and a receptacle for belongings.

A social worker by profession, Ms. Souza explained that she has seen too many kids throw all their belongings into a big black trash bag as they get pulled from their home and put in the system at some stranger’s house.

“It’s a hard-enough situation these kids are forced to deal with, at no fault of their own,” she explained.

“I came to realize we could at least provide some sense of dignity to the whole endeavor by providing a case for their stuff.”

The Foster-Care system in San Joaquin County, she went on to explain,

MVCA Board member, Bryan Harrison, with Pres. Sherry Wenograd MVCA donated much needed supplies to Case For Kids

Residential & Commercial Reconstruction 24 hour emergency service

MARK SCOTT

construction, inc.

Lic. #682814

Stockton t: 209-982-0502 Pleasant Hill - Main t: 925-944-0502 Fairfield t: 707-864-8880 msconstruction.com

Sherry Wenograd with Lori Souza

has grown in numbers to nearly the same levels as Alameda County - a much larger demographic. Stanislaus County, where Souza works by day as a Social Worker, by contrast, has drastically lower numbers.

“This,” she said, “is primarily due to the policies of each county. In Stanislaus, she explained, “we try to everything we can to keep families together and work through their issues. San Joaquin is quick to pull children from a troubled home.

She explained that a big problem with that is that parents are not able to practice in real time the education they receive on best practices for discipline, and such. “By the time the kids are allowed back home, the lessens learned are gone.”

MVCA also recognized the efforts of the Mountain House Rotary Club this past Thanksgiving. The start-up Rotarians orchestrated their 2nd annual Basket Brigade effort.

Working with non-profits in the area, and their own community, they were able to garner donations and support enough to provide 61 families with complete, ready-to-

Faithful raffle winners, Sherry & Marv Wenograd

BRANDING/VISIBILITY Association News Network

Print Publications • Online Sponsorships

W H O ’s ou?

L o o k in g fo r Y Call

209-229-8240

www.AssociationNewsNetwork.com

Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network • January 2018

MVCA Board Election at February 16 Luncheon Event speaker to be announced, as well

5

Join Your Mid-Valley Claims Association for the first Luncheon meeting of the new year

Officer/Board Elections and a speaker to be announced

Friday, February 16, 2018 Register now to attend at: www.MidValleyClaims.org or make reservations with MVCA Treasurer, Staci Moreno: 209-603-5006, or by email: midvalleyclaims@gmail.com

@ Dave Wong's Restaurant 2828 W. March Lane Stockton, CA

DOI Fair Claims Regs Recertification at March 16 MVCA Christine Reed, of Low Ball & Lynch, to present luncheon seminar

The Mid-Valley Claims Association is pleased to present our annual Fair Claims Regs Recertification Friday, March 16, 2018, as we welcome Ms. Christine Reed, of Low, Ball & Lynch, as our presenter.

Secure your spot now for the annual Christine Balbo Reed joined the firm in 2003. She practices in the areas of employment, personal injury, premises liability, construction defect and public entity defense. Ms. Reed specializes in the representation of civil litigation defendants throughout Northern and Central California. She is admitted to practice in the State of California, before the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, and in the Northern, Central, and Eastern Districts of the Federal Courts.

Christine handles all aspects of litigation, including arbitration, jury and court trials in state and federal court. Her most recent trial experience occurred in Alameda County in October, 2016, in which she received a defense verdict after a 9 day jury trial in a personal injury and property damage matter defending corporate client, Aaron’s.

Her practice also includes appellate work, with the most recent decision published in 2015 in conjunction with Guy Stilson, Valdez v. Santa Lucia Preserve Co. CA6 (H040685) (unpublished), reversing a denied motion to compel arbitration in employment class action matter. Published decisions include Trend Homes Inc. v. Azperren 131 Cal.App.4th 950 regarding judicial reference in 2005, and again in conjunction with Guy Stilson

in 2010, in Sacramento Suncreek Apartment, MVCA DOI Fair Claims Regulations Recertification LLC, et al. v. Cambridge Advantaged Properties II L.P., et al. 187 Cal. App. 4th 1, regarding proper service of out of state parties for California jurisdiction.

Christine is a regular presenter at various claims asSpecial guest speaker sociation organizations and PARMA and organizes Low, Ball and Lynch’s annual SacLow Ball & Lynch ramento Seminar/Webinar at conducted for all LBL clients Dave Wong’s Restaurant & Bar nationwide.

She was born in Torrance, 2828 West March Lane, Stockton California and raised on the Monterey Peninsula.

11:30 a.m. check-in She was admitted to the bar in 1995, after graduNoon - 1:00 p.m. luncheon ating from the University of California, Berkeley Just $22 for all paid 2018 in 1991 with a degree in Legal Studies and from Monterey College of Law in 1995, where she Members earned the David Sabih Scholarship Award. $28 for Non-Members/guests or Ms. Reed is a member of the California Bar AsThose with No Reservations sociation, Monterey County Bar Association, and Join or Renew your Monterey County Women Lawyers Association MVCA Membership Now! and Insurance Professionals of the Monterey www.MidValleyClaims.org Peninsula.

Dave Wong’s requires a head count, so Christine is a fourth generation Monterey Peninplease make your reservations now with sula resident currently living in Carmel with her MVCA Treasurer Staci Moreno: husband and two children. She enjoys swimming, 209-603-5006, officiating swim meets for Pacific Swimming, or midvalleyclaims@gmail.com yoga, skiing, hiking, cooking, and traveling.

Friday, March 16, 2018 Christine Reed

Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network • January 2018

6

Mid-Valley Claims AssnNewsNet Services Directory Thanks to all our Paid Listing Sponsors CONTRACTORS - ASBESTOS/LEAD/MOLD REMEDIATION ENGINEERS - FORENSIC 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. - Barry Metcalf 2965 Ramco Street.

Barry.Metcalf@atirestoration.com • (916) 388-2440 West Sacramento, Ca 95691 Fax (916) 388-2445 BELFOR USA - Grant Cody 3132 Dwight Rd Ste 300 (209) 339-4301 • Fax (209) 339-4302 Elk Grove, CA 95758 grant.cody@us.belfor.com 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. - Jason Kettlehut 1588 Santa Ana Ave. www.pwstephensinc.com • (916) 565-1700 Sacramento, CA 95838 www.pwsei.com • jasonk@pwsei.com

COMPLERE ENGINEERING GROUP, INC. - Gene Wilkins, P.E. Fire C&O, Property Liability, Thermography, Structural, Combustion Safeguards 4230 Kiernan Av., Suite 210 wilkins@complere.com • (209) 545-8165 Modesto, CA 95356 www.complere.com • Fax (209) 545-8170 UNIFIED INVESTIGATIONS & SCIENCES - Michael OConnor, P.E. Civil, Structural, Electrical, (916) 640-0640 Mechanical, Fire O&C, Repair Plans www.uis-usa.com

CONTRACTORS - ELECTRICAL

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

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 - Grant Cody 3132 Dwight Rd Ste 300 (209) 339-4301 • Fax (209) 339-4302 Elk Grove, CA 95758 grant.cody@us.belfor.com MARK SCOTT CONSTRUCTION 241 Frank West Cir. www.MSConstruction.com • (209) 982-0502 Stockton, CA 95206 info@msconstruction.com WINGARD CONSTRUCTION - Bror Wingard 24 Hr. Em (925) 383-5618 One-Call Contractor for all your Lodi office: (209) 368-2464 reconstruction needs email@wingardconstruction.com • Concord: (925) 689-9322

CONTRACTORS-MICROBIAL REMEDIATION

AMERICAN TECHNOLOGIES, INC. - Barry Metcalf 2965 Ramco Street.

Barry.Metcalf@atirestoration.com • (916) 388-2440 West Sacramento, Ca 95691 Fax (916) 388-2445 BELFOR USA - Grant Cody 3132 Dwight Rd Ste 300 (209) 339-4301 • Fax (209) 339-4302 Elk Grove, CA 95758 grant.cody@us.belfor.com P.W. STEPHENS ENVIRONMENTAL, INC. - Jason Kettlehut 1588 Santa Ana Ave. www.pwstephensinc.com • (916) 565-1700 Sacramento, CA 95838 www.pwsei.com • jasonk@pwsei.com

Have Info to share? Submit it for consideration: bryan@associationnewsnetwork.com Deadline for submissions is January 26, 2018

ENVIRONMENTAL TESTING & CONSULTING

SIERRA ENVIRONMENTAL TESTING & CONSULTING, INC. Anthony Miller: Operations/Lab Mgr. CSST, CMI, CDPH Lead Sampling Tech PO Box 1563 Email: anthony@sierraenviro.com • Cell:209-625-6221 Woodbridge, CA 95258 Fax 866-612-8294

FIRE INVESTIGATORS

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 SPECIALIST

Bright Leaf Cleaners - Liza Wisecarver Servicing all BrightleafCleaners.com • cell (925) 406-9889 of Northern CA liza@blcleaners.com • office (925) 455-6000

PROPERTY RESTORATION/CONTENTS

AMERICAN TECHNOLOGIES, INC. - Barry Metcalf 2965 Ramco Street.

Barry.Metcalf@atirestoration.com • (916) 388-2440 West Sacramento, Ca 95691 Fax (916) 388-2445 BELFOR USA - Grant Cody 3132 Dwight Rd Ste 300 (209) 339-4301 • Fax (209) 339-4302 Elk Grove, CA 95758 grant.cody@us.belfor.com MS VITAL RESTORATION, INC. (a division of Mark Scott Construction, Inc.) 241 Frank West Cir. 1-800-944-0502 Stockton, CA 95206 Info@MSVitalRestoration.com

PUBLICATION ADVERTISING SERVICES

ASSOCIATION NEWS NETWORK, INC. - Bryan Harrison 2455 Naglee Rd. bryan@associationnewsnetwork.com • (209) 229-8240 Tracy, CA 95304 www.AssociationNewsNetwork.com

Happy 2018!

The Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network© is a production of Association News Network, Inc. Published monthly as a free service to the MVCA 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 MVCA. We 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. We reserve 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.MidValleyClaims.org Please email articles for consideration to: Bryan Harrison, President/Publisher

For Advertising opportunities and info, contact: Lynna Harrison, Customer Service Manager

Bryan@AssociationNewsNetwork.com Lynna@AssociationNewsNetwork.com 925.708.5569 925.785.7021 © 1994-2018, all rights reserved • Association News Network, Inc. • www.AssociationNewsNetwork.com 2455 Naglee Rd. #263 . Tracy, CA 95304 • 209.229.8240

Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network • January 2018

7

POSITIONS AVAILABLE 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.

OFFICE/ADMIN MANAGER FOR SMALL BUSINESS Units East Bay, in Livermore, seeks a leader to help manage fast-growth moving & storage company. Are you someone who would thrive in an independent environment where you would be responsible for generating new business, making current customers huge fans, and managing the behind-the-scenes business operations? Basically, are you ready to run a small business?

10 y/o BBB A+ rated company. Great reviews online. Expectation: self-motivated, can-do attitude & 100% committed to driving continued success thru motivating employees, exceeding customer expectations, & forging new business partners.

Minimum Qualifications: Management experience motivating & building a strong team. Exp’d customer relations professional; both written and verbal skills (phone etiquette). Exp. in Truck driving with a clean driving record Ability to apply critical thinking/prioritize & manage multiple competing tasks. Flexible with rapidly changing priorities/business needs.

Job Duties include: Answering phones, handling challenging customer issues, managing daily delivery schedules, invoicing, collections, outside sales, business partnership development, customer data management, performance tracking, marketing and advertising.

Salary: Commensurate to experience ($55K-$75K). Please email resume to Owner@UnitsEastBay.com

Submit Your Job Connection ad to:

Choose from Four (4) Monthly Editions - Three Print + Online Edition: Up to 50 words just $45 (just 50¢/word thereafter)

Run Your Ad Network-Wide for a net rate of just $144/mo.

Next Deadline for submissions is Jan 26, 2018 call 209-229-8240 or email info@AssociationNewsNetwork.com

YOUR MEMBERSHIP INCLUDES:

- Priority eligibility to purchase special event tickets - Discount Luncheon Price (with reservations) - Invaluable continuing industry education, information, and networking - A free subscription to the monthly Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network newsletter

Annual Membership Dues Renewed by Calendar Year.

Memberships are accepted from Insurance Company Claims Adjusters, Independent Adjusters, Insurance Defense Attorneys.

Associates members include industry service providers.

After the application has been received, all memberships are pending, subject to Board approval.

Individual Membership Just $25 per person

Corporate Membership Just $100 - five (5) people or more

Join Now Online, at: www.MidValleyClaims.or/join.html To pay membership by check, please print this form complete, and mail with your check payable to MVCA: Mid-Valley Claims Association P.O. Box 7634 Stockton, CA 95267 Contact/Mbr Name: __________________________________________ Company: __________________________________________________ Mailing Address: ____________________________________________ City, State, Zip: ______________________________________________ Phone: _____________________ Cell: ____________________ Email: _____________________________________________________ Address where you’d like to receive newsletter (if different): __________________________________________________________ Additional Corporate Member Names:___________________________ __________________________________________________________

209-229-8240

Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network

SINCE 1994 WITH MVCA

TO: Association News Network, Inc.

2455 Naglee Rd #263 Tracy, CA 95304 Return Service Requested

AssociationNewsNetwork.com.org

MVCA Honors Local Heroes MVCA Upcoming Events Friday, February 16, 2018

continued from page 4

make, Thanksgiving meals. Lead event producer, Christina Oh, and coordinator on the day of the event, Sainthavi Vinodh, joined the MVCA to be recognized for their positive contribution to the community.

Olga Rodriguez, Executive Director at Haven Of Peace, was honored as well. Haven Of Peace provides shelter and support for women and children in crisis.

Ms. Olga gave an overview of the colorful history and growth of the Haven, and graciously accepted MVCA Toy Drive donations.

And, lastly, MVCA member, Bob Archuleta, shared a bit about the work his investigative company does to provide work for those in need who cannot afford their type of services. The event saw some new folks join-in, and everyone enjoyed the food and fellowship.

MVCA Luncheon Meeting - Election of Officers and more... see page 6

Friday, March 16, 2018

MVCA Luncheon Meeting - ReCertification of the California DOI "Fair Claims Settlement Practice" Regulations... see page 6

2018 Membership Drive is ON! JOIN TODAY!

Join Mid-Valley Claims Association Now!

www.MidValleyClaims.org

INSURING

PEACE OF MIND From water extraction to complete reconstruction, BELFOR has a solution to help you recover and get back to your life.

BELFOR ...

There When You Need Us.

FIRE • WATER • STORM DAMAGE • RECONSTRUCTION Site Containment Water Extraction Structural Drying Dehumidification Structural Cleaning Decontamination Mold Remediation Contents Restoration Document Recovery Vital Records Recovery Electronics Restoration www.belforcalifornia.com License #810553

Bakersfield • Fresno Lake Tahoe • Los Angeles Riverside • Sacramento San Francisco • San Diego San Jose • San Fernando

EMERGENCY HOTLINE

877.339.4301

COMMERICAL & RESIDENTIAL

Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration • Water Mitigation

• HazMat

• Mold Remediation • Sewage & Sanitizing • Moving & Storage

• Lead Abatement

24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE

1.800.944.0502