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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
The meeting will be from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the California Department of Food and Agriculture, 1220 N St. – Main Auditorium, Sacramento.
“Last year demonstrated that even with the best science, data and preventive measures in place – E.coli outbreaks in the produce sector continue, ” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “Food safety is paramount and collaboration among growers, regulatory officials and universities on continuously improving and preventing future outbreaks remains a shared priority of all involved.”
Invited speakers include Assemblymember Susan Talamantes Eggman, chair of the Agriculture Committee; Scott Horsfall, California Leafy Green Marketing Agreement; Natalie Krout-Greenberg, CDFA; Nick Anicich, CDFA Office of Farm to Fork; and Sonya Logman, California Census 2020.
“A new year brings opportunities to California’s farmers and ranchers,” said President Don Cameron, California State Board of Food and Agriculture. “We look forward to exploring innovations and new markets while providing greater transparency and engagement with consumers. Farm to school programs – local food in local schools – is one opportunity that we can expand and grow.”
The California State Board of Food and Agriculture advises the governor and the CDFA secretary on agricultural issues and consumer needs.
The state board conducts forums that bring together local, state and federal government officials, agricultural representatives and citizens to discuss current issues of concern to California agriculture.
All meetings are open to the public and attendance is welcome.
Follow the board on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Cafood_agboard.
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- Written by: California Department of Insurance
Several other consumer protection laws will take effect later in the year.
“We won many victories for California consumers last year, and secured more protections for homeowners, motorists, seniors, and diverse businesses,” said Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara. “I am looking forward to a new year creating additional new protections for consumers, including those affected by catastrophic wildfires. We will continue working with our partners, the Legislature, and the Governor to make a better California for all in 2020.”
Auto insurance
Beginning Jan. 1, consumers now have the right to choose a cash payment in lieu of repairing a damaged vehicle under an automobile insurance policy thanks to Assembly Bill 1538 authored by Assemblymember Shirley Weber.
This new law helps protect low income drivers, allowing policyholders to collect an insurance claim even if they choose not to repair the vehicle.
The California Low Cost Automobile Insurance Program, which helps provide auto liability insurance to new drivers in underserved consumers, has been extended to January 1, 2025, as a result of Senate Bill 570 authored by Senator Susan Rubio.
Among other things, this new law also extended eligibility to students if they reside at the same address where they are claimed as a dependent.
Economic empowerment of diverse small businesses
Senate Bill 534 authored by Sen. Steven Bradford encourages the $310 billion insurance industry to use its buying power to benefit diverse small businesses.
SB 534 extends innovative programs that bring increased transparency and opportunities for partnership between the nation’s largest insurance market and woman-, minority-, LGBT- and veteran-owned businesses.
Investment in underserved communities
This year, the California Organized Investment Network, or COIN, will continue thanks to Assembly Bill 1099 authored by Assembly Member Ian Calderon.
The new law will allow this important program at the Department to continue its mission in investing into California’s underserved communities and helping the economic development of the state.
The COIN program encourages insurers to be supportive of investments that promote social, economic, and environmental benefits.
Pet insurance
Pet owners will also see greater protections with their pet insurance policies as Assembly Bill 1535 authored by Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo takes effect. This new law requires pet insurers to disclose the contact information for the underwriting insurer, the agent or broker, and the Department of Insurance to consumers that hold pet insurance policies.
The law will provide consumers with greater transparency and help streamline the line of communication between pet owners and their pet insurance carriers so that insurers cannot hide behind confusing brand names to avoid claims or complaints.
Health and long-term care
Senate Bill 784 authored by the Senate Committee on Health conforms state law to both recent federal statutory changes and adopted National Association of Insurance Commissioners Model Regulations made to the Medicare program and, specifically, Medicare Supplement policies issued on or after Jan. 1, 2020, in order to ensure compliance with the federal Medicare Access and Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act.
Two additional commissioner-sponsored consumer protection laws are set to take effect beginning July 1, 2020, including:
Senate Bill 740, authored by Senator Holly Mitchell, will require insurers to identify deceased individuals whose deaths may require insurers to pay benefits or proceeds to beneficiaries in accordance with the terms of life insurance policies, annuity contracts, or retained asset accounts.
Under this new landmark law, insurers are now required to attempt to locate beneficiaries of the deceased individuals and provide appropriate claims forms or instructions to the beneficiaries to make a claim.
This new law follows up on nearly a decade of market conduct exams and enforcement actions conducted by the Department against life insurers as part of a nationwide effort.
Senate Bill 508, authored by Senator Connie Leyva, will place residents of mobile homes, condominiums and rental housing on equal footing with homeowners when it comes to knowing about their rights under California law by requiring insurers to provide the Residential Property Insurance Disclosure statement and the California Residential Property Insurance Bill of Rights Disclosure.
In addition, Commissioner Lara supported Assembly Bill 1816, authored by Assemblymember Tom Daly, which will require insurers to provide at least a 75-day notice when they nonrenew a homeowners’ policy for a policy that expires on or after July 1, 2020. This additional time will give homeowners a chance to shop for a new policy and consider their options.
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
Hours are Friday, noon to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The event is open to the public. Admission of $7 is valid for the entire weekend.
Exhibitors from all over the world will be on site with the largest selection of fine jewelry, crystals, gemstones, beads, minerals, fossils and much more.
Take advantage of buying direct from the importers and wholesalers. From loose gems, raw minerals and millions of bead strands, to finished jewelry, fashion accessories, supplies and tools, find them all under one roof.
Jewelry repair, cleaning and ring sizing service is available while you shop. Free door prize drawings are conducted every hour throughout the weekend.
For more information, visit www.gemfaire.com or contact Gem Faire Inc. at 503-252-8300 or
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
“Illegal sports betting is widespread, and it’s critical that we bring it out of the shadows to make it safer and generate funds for education,” Sen. Dodd said. “I look forward to hearing from all stakeholders at this key hearing as we analyze and develop the best approach. The Legislature’s job is to stand up for the public interest and ensure California adopts the best possible model.”
Sen. Dodd and Assemblymember Gray each introduced legislation in June to amend the California Constitution to authorize and regulate sports wagering. They chair their chambers’ respective governmental organization committees, which oversee gaming regulation, among other things.
The matching constitutional amendments would require any legalization effort in California to achieve two-thirds approval in the Legislature before being placed on the ballot for majority approval by voters.
The effort follows last year’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling overturning the federal ban on sports betting. The decision did not legalize sports wagering nationwide, but permitted the activity to be regulated on a state-by-state basis.
The Joint Informational Hearing on Sports Betting will begin at 1 p.m. in State Capitol Room 4202.