City of Scotts Valley hosts wildfire preparedness, homeowners insurance workshop Tuesday

City of Scotts Valley is hosting a free community Wildfire Preparedness and Homeowners Insurance Workshop on Tuesday, May 14, from 6-8pm at the Scotts Valley Cultural and Performing Arts Center, 251 Kings Village Road.

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 Capt. 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 homeowner’s insurance crisis impacting local residents. The California Insurance Commissioner’s 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, led by Vice Mayor Derek Timm, will address pressing insurance-related questions to Richie Sayavong from the California Department of Insurance, Edan Cassidy and Kami Cady from Cassidy Insurance Brokers, 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 homeowner’s insurance is canceled 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.

Educational booths offering informative materials will be available in the lobby before and after the workshop.

Residents are also encouraged to attend the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors meeting on May 14 at 9am at the County Governmental Building, 701 Ocean St., in Santa Cruz, where Supervisor Zach Friend has invited the Department of Insurance representative to appear.