Last updated 9 months ago
The dailybreeze.com reports that local Simon’s Banquet Center in San Pedro has closed their doors and filed for bankruptcy.
“The company has filed for bankruptcy amid entanglements with the state over unpaid sales taxes. The restaurant closed its doors on Sunday, leaving couples like Walter Parada and fiancee Rocio Diaz, both of Wilmington, out of money as well as a wedding venue.
The couple, who plan to marry next year, said they placed their first deposit on Sept. 28, just weeks before the bankruptcy became known.
They said they believe the company knew it was going under yet chose to solicit their business anyway.
"I think they're crooks," Parada said. "We're taking $1,000 loss and we're working on a budget. That was a lot of money for us to have saved and now we have to start from scratch."
To read the rest of the article, click here—
Insurance Center Associates offers Wedding Insurance, for financial protection and peace of mind. Insurance may not top the list of pre-wedding priorities, but financial protection for your special day, new jewelry, gifts, and other belongings is a good idea. When planning a financially secure future together there are numerous decisions you need to discuss. Our Wedding Insurance and Special Events page offers you advice on what insurance questions you may want to consider.
Contact us today for more information at (310) 817-6413.
Last updated 9 months ago
Plaza Automotive Center has 7 safe weather tips for fall and winter:
“If Southern Californians ever knew how to drive in the rain, they forget during the six to nine dry months of the year. Autumn is upon us, and with winter rapidly approaching, it's important to once again stress the dangers of driving under wet conditions on the roads in Southern California.
With cars slipping and sliding auto accidents occur frequently in the wet weather. Here are some tips to keep you safe.
1. Slow Down. Be Patient
We all know the dangers of crossing running water. But what about stopping your car when it is sliding in the water? Hydroplaning is common on our hilly terrain.
Allow for more travel time. You should plan to drive at a slower pace than normal when the roads are wet. Quite often traffic is moving slower as well. Around LA flooding is quite common as well. Whatever the case, rushing equals higher risk.”
To read the rest of Plaza Automotive Center’s article and safe weather tips, Click here--
Last updated 10 months ago
As the holiday season arrives, the smell of fresh baked goods and newly trimmed pine trees fill the air just as California's roadways fill with packed cars going to and from holiday gatherings. The California Department of Motor Vehicles encourages motorists to practice safe driving especially during this season of celebration, and reminds them of the consequences of driving under the influence.
In 2009, there were 26,058 alcohol-involved injuries in California. There were 1,263 fatal traffic collisions in California as a result of alcohol or other drugs, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety. These injuries and deaths could have been easily prevented if the driver of the vehicle would have passed their keys on to a designated driver.
Under California law, any driver in the state must consent to a breath, blood or under certain circumstances, a urine test, if you are arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both. If you are under 21 and get pulled over, it is illegal to test over a 0.01 percent blood alcohol (BAC) level. If your BAC level is over the limit, you are subject to having your license revoked. You will be issued a temporary license for 30 days maximum and have an order of suspension for one year. After the proper paperwork has been processed, it will be determined whether to release you from the custody of the police, turn you over to juvenile authorities, or contact your parents or guardians. If you are 21 or older and convicted of driving while under the influence of either alcohol, drugs or both, and you have an excessive BAC level (higher than 0.08 percent), you may be sentenced to serve up to six months in jail and pay fines and penalty assessments up to $5,000 the first time you are convicted. Your vehicle may also be impounded, and would then be subject to storage fees.
If you wish to apply for a restricted license after being convicted of a DUI, you must complete a DUI program, file a California Insurance Proof Certificate, and pay all fees incurred. The restricted license will allow you to drive to and from work and the DUI program only. If the court decides that you are a risk to others on the road, your request for a restricted license can be denied. The consequences of driving under the influence can follow you for years on job applications, credit applications and be an emotional burden for you and your family.
A DUI is considered a two-point violation, which will be reflected on your driving record for 10 years. If you receive a total of four points in a 12 month period, your license will be revoked, so take extra caution if you already have existing points on your driving record. Be responsible designate a sober driver ahead of time if you plan on consuming alcoholic beverages. The Designated Driver Program is an anti-DUI effort endorsed by the DMV that encourages one individual in your group to abstain from consuming alcoholic beverages during an outing, so they can be responsible for transporting themselves, and the rest of their friends, home safely.
When you and your friends establish a designated sober driver, everyone can relax, have fun, and know that they've all done their part to ensure a safe trip home. If a designated sober driver is not available, call a taxi. The cost of a taxi ride is far less than the costs associated with a DUI conviction. Not only are you saving yourself the substantial cost of a DUI but you are potentially saving lives by planning ahead and making smart choices.
To participate as a designated driver, an individual must:
- Possess a valid driver license
- Be part of a group of two or more persons and verbally identify himself or herself as the designated driver to the server
- Identify himself or herself to the group of friends as the designated sober driver for the evening
- Abstain from consuming alcoholic beverages for the duration of the outing
- Not be an otherwise impaired driver
The California Department of Motor Vehicles urges you to please consider these facts as you gear up for the holiday season. If you suspect someone is driving under the influence, please do not hesitate to call 911. For more information on the Designated Driver Program, safe driving tips and the consequences of driving under the influence, please visit www.DMV.ca.gov.
Last updated 10 months ago
From the DailyBreeze.com, “L.A. considers shifting sidewalk repair responsibility to property owners.” Written by Rick Orlov this Tuesday October 19th 2011, the article presents an interesting situation. The city of Los Angeles is debating on shifting sidewalk damage responsibility and legal liability to property owners rather than the city.
“Under current city and state law, property owners are already responsible for some sidewalk damage, but the city takes care of tree roots - one of the biggest problems. One of the proposals before two council committees on Wednesday would close that loophole.
Homeowners also would take legal liability for trip-and-fall claims filed because of damaged sidewalks. Along with that was the possibility of stepped- up enforcement, with inspectors hitting the streets to check sidewalks, write citations and order repairs to begin within 90 days.”
To read the rest of this article, click here.
Last updated 10 months ago
If you’d like more information about the topics addressed in our recent blog posts, then check out the following for more details on homeowners, health, and automobile insurance. If you still have questions, know that you can call Insurance Center Associates at (310) 817-6413 today!
- Find out more about car insurance coverage levels and get advice on how to find out how much coverage you need in this eHow.com Money post.
- To learn more about the state requirements regarding car insurance minimums, see this Insure.com entry.
- If you’d like to know more about homeowners insurance and how much coverage you need, see this Insurance Information Institute overview.
- To learn more about the difference between replacement cost or actual cash value reimbursement as it relates to homeowners insurance, check out this Bankrate.com chapter.
- Gain a better understanding of what is not typically covered by a homeowners insurance policy in this Natural Disasters post on FindLaw.com.
- Do you have more questions about whether or not you are required to have homeowners insurance? See this FAQs page on LawInfo.com for answers to these and other related questions.
- Get a general overview of homeowners insurance and more tips on how to decide the level of coverage you need in this SmartMoney article, courtesy of the Wall Street Journal.
- Learn more about United States legislation concerning health insurance and healthcare reform on HealthCare.gov.
- Are you looking for a motivational health insurance resource geared toward young adults? See this pamphlet provided by GettingCovered.org.
- If you’d like access to several articles relating to health insurance coverage, visit HealthInsurance.org online library.
