05/10/2024
The City of Scotts Valley is hosting a free community Wildfire Preparedness and Homeowners Insurance Workshop on May 14th, 2024, from 6pm- 8pm at the Scotts Valley Cultural & Performing Arts Center.
This event is dedicated to educating the public on crucial measures they can take to prepare their households, properties, and families for fire season as well as education on the changing insurance market.
The first half of the evening will feature presentations from CAL FIRE Captain, Scott Kenny, Firewise Coach, Sally Mack and Scotts Valley Fire Department Battalion Chief, Chris Stubendorff. They will educate attendees on: how to make their properties safe and fire-resilient; preparing household evacuation plans; and identifying evacuation routes.
The second half of the evening will focus on the current homeowners insurance crisis impacting local residents. The California Insurance Commissionerโs office will provide an overview covering the history and context of the current insurance climate and will outline a sustainable insurance strategy.
A panel discussion lead by Vice Mayor Derek Timm will address pressing insurance related questions to Richie Sayavong from the CA Department of Insurance, Edan Cassidy and Kami Cady from Cassidy Insurance Agency, Joel Laucher from United Policy Holders and Maggie Barr from the Association of Realtors. Key topics for discussion will include actions to take if your homeowners insurance is cancelled or not renewed, available alternative coverage options, understanding the California Fair Plan, projections for future insurance rates, and navigating real estate transactions amidst insurance market challenges.