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- Written by: California Department of Insurance
"The department's Rate Regulation Branch staff reviewed CEA's rate filing and determined that the proposed rates should be lowered," said Jones. "Department staff worked with CEA staff to arrive at approved rates that will result in an estimated total premium savings of $16.3 million to California consumers over a three-year period. Once again, Californians have benefited from the insurance commissioner's rate regulation authority."
The initial proposal in CEA's rate filing was for a 0.4 percent increase. However, following the department's actuarial review and recommendations, CEA submitted an amended filing, requesting a rate reduction of 1.7 percent. The proposed effective date is July 1, 2019.
The rate reduction is for CEA's residential earthquake policy that can cover your home up to a certain amount, personal items in your home, such as furniture, TVs, and computers, and temporary and extra costs to live somewhere else while your area is evacuated or your home is being repaired.
Since Commissioner Jones took office in 2011, the department has reviewed more than 54,000 rate filings and saved consumers and businesses over $3.4 billion through rate reductions. Whether a particular policyholder as a result of this rate filing approval receives a rate reduction and how much, depends on their individual policy and CEA territory.
To make a home more earthquake resistant, the department encourages California homeowners to consider retrofitting their home.
A verified retrofit may also allow homeowners to receive additional discounts on their homeowners and earthquake insurance policies.
The California Residential Mitigation Program, or CRMP, was established in 2011 to help Californians strengthen their homes against damage from earthquakes.
CRMP established Earthquake Brace + Bolt to offer up to $3,000 to help California homeowners retrofit their house to reduce potential damage from earthquakes.
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- Written by: California Department of Insurance
The volume of claims associated with the catastrophic Camp fire-the deadliest and most destructive fire in California history-has overwhelmed the small insurer to the point of insolvency.
"California law gives us the authority to take over insurance companies that face insolvency. Protecting Camp Fire policyholders who have already suffered through so much was my first consideration," said Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones. "We are moving aggressively to take the necessary legal action to take control of the company and to trigger the state law enabling the California Insurance Guarantee Association to immediately begin the process of evaluating losses and paying claims."
This afternoon the department filed with the Merced County Superior Court an expedited request for an order enabling the takeover of the company.
The California Insurance Department's Conservation and Liquidation Office, established by law to handle the liquidation of failing insurance companies, is managing the transfer of the company's claims handling to CIGA.
While current insurance policies remain in-force for 30 days, anyone insured with Merced Property & Casualty Company should seek coverage with another insurer immediately.
Once the court issues the requested order, the Conservation and Liquidation Office will notify policyholders about where and how to file a claim with CIGA for insured losses or the return of any unearned premium on their policy.
Given the unprecedented scale of recent wildfires, Jones directed the department to conduct additional detailed reviews of every property insurer domiciled in California to make sure they are properly managing their exposures.
The department has received no reports of other insurers in a similar situation.
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- Written by: California Department of Food and Agriculture
The board is comprised of seven members who are seed labelers, two members that may be seed dealers, and two public members.
The term of office for board members is three years. Members typically meet twice a year but can meet more frequently if needed.
Board members receive no compensation, but are entitled to payment of necessary traveling expenses in accordance with the rules of the Department of Personnel Administration.
The vacant position is for one ag seed labeler or dealer from the central coastal or southern California region.
The successful candidate will be appointed to serve a three year term that expires March 31, 2022.
Funded by the seed industry and implemented by the Seed Services Program at CDFA, enforcement of the California Seed Law ensures an orderly market of high quality seeds in California.
The Seed Advisory Board makes recommendations to the CDFA secretary on all matters pertaining to seed law and regulations, enforcement, seed laboratory diagnostics and annual budgets required to accomplish the purposes of the California Seed Law.
Individuals interested in being considered for this board appointment should send a brief letter of interest, a resume, and a completed Prospective Member Appointment Questionnaire to the California Department of Food and Agriculture, Pest Exclusion Branch, 1220 N St., Suite 344, Sacramento, California 95814, Attention: Seed Services Program.
The deadline is Jan. 30, 2019.
For additional information, and a Prospective Member Appointment Questionnaire, visit the Seed Services Program Web page or contact Joshua Kress, program manager, Nursery, Seed, and Cotton Program, 916-403-6667, by fax at 916-651-1207, or e-mail
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Malcolm Dunshee, retired home builder and former general contractor, has joined Realty 360 Wine Country.
Mary Benson, broker of the Lower Lake realty firm, said, “I am so happy that Malcolm has joined us. His experience in home construction adds a valuable dimension for our clients.”
Dunshee got his general contractor’s license in 1984, and was a home builder and remodeler in Lake County for many years before going into the wholesale cabinetry business during the economic downturn.
“My contacts in the cabinetry business can get you a free CAD (Computer Assisted Design) kitchen remodel,” Dunshee explained. “When I look at homes with clients, I am looking at the construction, the finishes, the overall quality of the house. Sometimes I can suggest a simple change to transform a room. I have seen kitchens that just don’t work well, and just moving a doorway can create more counter and cabinet space.”
Dunshee continued, “With CAD, we can change the layout of your kitchen, over and over, until we get the optimal layout.”
“When we work for you, we only have 1 job,” Benson said. “If you are listing your home, we are working to get you as much money as possible. If you are buying a home, we are working to get you to pay as little as possible. For this reason, we will not represent both buyer and seller in the same deal. We work for you, and for you alone.”
Mary Benson worked as a mortgage broker for 10 years at Day Mortgage in Lower Lake before specializing in selling real estate in 2014.