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California Casualty Expands Homeowners Insurance Access for Community Heroes

California Casualty Expands Homeowners Insurance Access for Community Heroes

media contact: David Perry & Associates, Inc / (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com

24 September 2025 – San Mateo, CA: California Casualty Group, a trusted auto and home insurer serving California’s educators, peace officers, firefighters, and healthcare workers for over 110 years, is excited to announce a new initiative to help community heroes transition from California’s FAIR plan. This effort supports Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara’s Sustainable Insurance Strategy (SIS) and underscores California Casualty’s commitment to providing protection and peace of mind for community heroes by making insurance simple, trusted, affordable, and relevant.

Supporting Stability and Access:
California Casualty has submitted a rate filing for its California homeowners program based on the Sustainable Insurance Strategy developed by the California Department of Insurance. The filing requests a homeowners rate increase of 6.9% to address the growing number and intensifying impact of wildfires and other natural disasters. Approval of this filing, combined with the recent Financial Stability Rating® of “A, Exceptional”, received from Demotech, Inc., will enable California Casualty to actively increase the number of customers it serves in California and reduce reliance on the state’s high-cost, limited-coverage FAIR Plan.

“The Sustainable Insurance Strategy helps restore stability and access to California’s homeowners insurance market,” said Mark Pitchford, Chief Operating Officer at California Casualty Group. “We appreciate all the work being done by the Commissioner and the Department to make coverage more accessible to homeowners across the state.”

Commitment to California:
While some insurers have reduced their presence in the state, California Casualty has remained committed to California. The company continues to provide insurance in distressed areas where coverage is hardest to find. Today, California Casualty insures more homeowners in these communities than required under the SIS’s 85% threshold. The company plans to add California homeowners policies and maintain its commitment in distressed areas – helping to ease the insurance crisis and reduce reliance on the California FAIR Plan.

“We believe that people who commit to making a difference in our communities deserve financial protection with the highest levels of care, service, compassion, and understanding,” said Carl B. (Beau) Brown, President and Chief Executive Officer of California Casualty. “We remain committed to serving these community heroes throughout the state and investing in the long-term health of California’s insurance market.”

About California Casualty:
California Casualty Auto and Home Insurance is designed for community heroes and their families. In business since 1914, California Casualty is the endorsed auto and home insurance partner to education, higher education, public safety, and healthcare member/employee groups across seven western states. Since its founding, California Casualty has been led by four generations of Brown family members. Their dedication to California Casualty’s excellence is woven through the entire fabric of our organization. We know what it takes to deliver the value and peace of mind you deserve. Learn more at www.CalCas.com.

What’s New This Fall at the Presidio

What’s New This Fall at the Presidio

Fall has arrived at the Presidio, bringing a fresh lineup of events, seasonal experiences, and new ways to connect with nature—and each other—in the park.

Reserve the Outpost Meadow Picnic Pods

Reserve your picnic “pod” at the new Outpost Meadow at recreation.gov starting October 1 (available on a two-month rolling basis). Two picnic pods with 5-7 picnic tables each, including those that are accessible, are available to reserve, guaranteeing space for your next large gathering. One picnic pod contains two double BBQ grills, for a total of four grilling surfaces, and several have umbrellas for shade. The Outpost Meadow, adjacent to the Outpost playground, opened in July 2025 and has been a huge hit, especially for families coming to enjoy the nearby play space and waterfront.

Volunteer in the Park

The Presidio Trust and its partners, the National Park Service and Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, provide ongoing opportunities to help steward our parks, spend time outdoors, and meet other volunteers. See the website for weekly programs and consider participating in our bigger events—like planting season in December. Check out this page for updates and to register.

Fall Events – Just Announced!

The Presidio is pleased to partner with wonderful organizations to host entertainment and cultural festivals that welcome all.

Chuseok Festival 2025

When: Saturday, September 27, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Main Parade Lawn
Cost: Free

Link: https://presidio.gov/explore/events/chuseok-festival-2025

What: Join Korean Center Inc. for the 7th annual Chuseok Festival. This is the Bay Area’s largest public event celebrating Korean culture, community, and tradition. The vibrant cultural event brings bold flavors, rhythmic performances, and community connections honoring Korea’s cherished harvest holiday.

San Francisco Amateur Astronomers Star Party

When: Saturday, October 4, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday, November 1, 4, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Presidio Tunnel Tops, 210 Lincoln Boulevard, San Francisco, CA 94129
Cost: Free

Link: https://presidio.gov/explore/events/san-francisco-amateur-astronomers-star-parties-april/2025-10-04

What: Join the San Francisco Amateur Astronomers (SFAA) for free public stargazing of the Moon, planets, globular clusters, and more! Dress warmly as conditions can be windy or cold in the Presidio. Rain, heavy fog, or overcast skies cancel the event. Check the SFAA website for a cancellation notice before leaving for the star party.

NEW! Oktoberfest in the Presidio

When: Every Thursday throughout October (10/9, 10/16, 10/23, and 10/30) from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Picnic Pavilion at Presidio Tunnel Tops, 215 Lincoln Boulevard, San Francisco, CA 94129
Cost: Food and beverages for purchase

What: Il Parco and Fort Point team up to bring you a month of Oktoberfest festivities in the Picnic Pavilion at Presidio Tunnel Tops. Enjoy German food specials by Il Parco, draft beer poured by Fort Point, and live music on Thursdays in October.Stop by for a post-work happy hour or fun family afternoon – lederhosen encouraged!

Fleet Week: 191st Army Reserve Rock Band Concert

When: Friday, October 10, 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Where: Presidio Tunnel Tops, 210 Lincoln Boulevard, San Francisco, CA 94129
Cost: Free

Link: https://presidio.gov/explore/events/fleet-week-concert

What: Kick off Fleet Week at the Presidio with the 191st Army Reserve Rock Band, which brings high-energy rock and pop hits to Presidio Tunnel Tops. Pack a picnic, grab a blanket, and enjoy an afternoon of live music with the Golden Gate Bridge as your backdrop.

Sundown Cinema: Edward Scissorhands

When: Thursday, October 23, 6 p.m.
Where: Civil War Parade Ground, Graham Street, San Francisco, CA 94129
Cost: Free

Link: https://sfstandard.com/2025/09/09/sundown-cinema/

What: Enjoy cinema under the stars! Edward Scissorhands (PG-13) is a modern-day suburban fairy tale starring Johnny Depp. Edward’s unconventional charm shines through as he styles hair, reimagines gardens, and grooms dogs with shears of metal where his fingers should have been. Presented by the San Francisco Standard.

Birds by the Bay: San Francisco’s World Migratory Bird Day Celebration

When: Saturday, October 25, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Where: Fort Scott Parade Ground, 1388 Storey Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94129
Cost: Free

Link: https://presidio.gov/explore/events/birds-by-the-bay-san-franciscos-world-migratory-bird-day-celebration

What: This event highlights the incredible journeys of migratory birds and the importance of creating bird-friendly cities and communities. The all-ages activity is designed to engage families, bird enthusiasts, and community members alike. Presented by the Presidio Trust and the Urban Bird Treaty partnership, it will feature:

  • Volunteer habitat restoration projects led by Presidio Trust Natural Resources (check back for a sign-up link)
  • Guided bird walks by Golden Gate Bird Alliance for all skill levels.
  • Interactive partner tables with fun, family-friendly activities and information about how to support bird conservation at home and in the city.

Community Arts Market

When: Saturday/Sunday October 25 & 26, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Where: Presidio Tunnel Tops, 210 Lincoln Boulvard, San Francisco, CA 94129
Cost: Free

Link:  https://presidio.gov/explore/events/community-arts-market/2025-10-25

What: With a focus on building new cultural infrastructure, Community Arts Market (CAM) supports artists while transforming how public space is used for joy, justice, and economic opportunity. From handcrafted goods to cultural storytelling, the family-friendly CAM event showcases the richness and resilience of the Bay Area’s creative communities. Presented by Arts.Co.Lab and hosted by the Presidio.

  • 20+ artists, makers, and wellness vendors
  • Live music, poetry, and spoken word on a curated stage
  • Community gathering Wellness activations and healing spaces
  • Accessibility-centered programming and layout

Día de los Muertos & Diwali in the Parks

When: Saturday, November 1, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: Presidio Tunnel Tops, 210 Lincoln Boulevard, San Francisco, CA 94129
Cost: Free

Link: https://presidio.gov/explore/events

Celebrate cultural holidays Día de los Muertos & the Diwali Festival of Lights in the Presidio! Enjoy arts and crafts, face painting, henna tattoos, planting native plants and more as we come together to honor ancestral traditions in the park. Visitors can bring a photo of their loved ones to contribute to the Tree of Life Ofrenda in the Presidio Visitor Center.

Ongoing: See the events calendar at www.presidio.gov/events for information on Park Ranger Campfire Talks, History Talks, and Park Overviews. Visit the Black Gold: Stories Untold exhibition at Fort Point through November 2, by FOR-SITE in partnership with the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy. The Walt Disney Family Museum and Presidio Theatre, the Interfaith Center at the Presidio, also present fall events. Check their websites for details.

Fall Hours of Operation Through November 1

Presidio Pop Up (mobile food): Daily, weekends from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; weekdays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Outpost Nature Play Area: 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., daily

Field Station: Wednesday – Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday – Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed Monday and Tuesday)

Presidio Visitor Center: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily

Presidio Officers’ Club History Galleries: Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

For details on transportation to the park visit https://www.presidio.gov/transportation 

About the Presidio and the Presidio Trust

The Presidio is one of America’s most visited national park sites, located within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Spanning 1,500 acres next to San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, the Presidio is among the most biologically diverse parks in America. Historically a home to native peoples and a military post under three flags, its facilities have been reinvented as museums, restaurants, hotels, homes, and offices. The Presidio Trust is the federal agency that stewards the Presidio, in partnership with the National Park Service and with support from the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy. The Trust sustains the Presidio by leasing homes and workplaces and offering visitor amenities. More at presidio.gov.

Media Contact:

Lisa Petrie, lpetrie@presidiotrust.gov;
415-264-7787 (m)

“Upon This Rock” at Bar Duomo Orvieto

“Upon This Rock” at Bar Duomo Orvieto“

Upon This Rock” upon Bar Duomo: a favorite spot for David Eugene Perry, award-winning author of the critically-acclaimed mystery thriller set in Orvieto.

Currently in screenplay development and now in its second printing as the best-selling title ever for Pace Press / Quilldriver Books, this “elegant, twisty thriller” (Armistead Maupin) is “giddy with assassins, terrorists, shady priests, human trafficking, and megawatt conspiracies” (Kay Kudukis, Palm Springs Life) with “two detectives as sharp as Sam Spade and with the wit of Nick and Nora Charles” (Will Snyder, Bay Area Reporter). “Upon This Rock is fabulous. I can’t wait for the movie” (Jan Wahl, Emmy Award Winning Hollywood Reporter).

WINNER: Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA)
WINNER: San Francisco Book Festival

Get your copy — instant ebook for Kindle — or print at the link in our bio.

https://www.amazon.com/Upon-This-David-Eugene-Perry/dp/0941936066?nodl=1&dplnkId=f6bad9df-d64c-4aa2-b315-d0bd8ba896d2

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California Coastal Cleanup Day

California Coastal Cleanup Day

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Join volunteers at San Francisco’s Presidio tomorrow: Saturday, September 20, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. to celebrate the 41st annual California Coastal Clean-up Day – the statewide movement that has removed more than 26,700,000 pounds of trash from our coastlines and inland waterways since 1984! This is a fun, family-friendly opportunity. Volunteers of all ages are welcome; registration is required at the link below:

https://www.parksconservancy.org/volunteer/coastal-clean-day-2025?

Portola Pre-Party at John’s Grill

Portola Pre-Party at John’s Grill

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media contacts: Lee Housekeeper
newsservice@aol.com

Ellis Street Becomes the Epicenter of San Francisco Nightlife with the Official Portola 2025 Pre-Party Featuring DJ Jazzy
Event part of the Ellis Street Entertainment Zone, an initiative aimed at further revitalizing downtown San Francisco

San Francisco, CA—John’s Grill, The MidwayPortola Festival, are teaming up to present an unforgettable Portola 2025 Pre-Party today, transforming the Zero Block of Ellis Street into a world-class entertainment zone. Headlined by DJ Jazzy, the evening will be a free outdoor celebration for the community with music, food, and culture at its core, and will be the first event of a regular “Third Thursdays on Ellis” activation.

The event will take place from 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. tonight on the Zero Block of Ellis Street in downtown San Francisco. Jazzy, the headliner, will begin her performance at 8 p.m. RSVP details and more information about the event is available here.

“Partnering with Portola Festival and The Midway means we’re bringing global energy to a local street,” said John Konstin Jr., owner of John’s Grill and founder of the Ellis Street Entertainment Zone. ““This moment has been years in the making. John’s Grill has always been a San Francisco destination—a gathering place for locals, visitors, and celebrities alike. For decades, we’ve been part of the heartbeat of the city, from dinners that turned into late night celebrations to block parties that take over Ellis Street. The Ellis Street Entertainment Zone is my way of reimagining what a downtown block can mean: a stage for music, art, and culture that unites generations.”

This landmark event on Thursday is part of San Francisco’s growing Ellis Street Entertainment Zone, an initiative dedicated to revitalizing downtown with immersive nightlife experiences that blend live music, culinary excellence, and street culture.“Third Thursdays on Ellis” is part of that initiative, with the block between Stockton and Powell streets transformed into a party featuring new music and acts each month.

“We are so excited for the ongoing renewal of Ellis Street, which has always been such an important part of the Union Square District,” said Union Square Alliance CEO Marisa Rodriguez. “There’s nothing better than great music and great food, and that’s exactly what people can expect to experience when they comes to John’s Grill tonight for this special event.”

Media interested in interviewing John Konstin, Jr and other involved parties should contact Lee Housekeeper by emailing newsservice@aol.com or calling him at 415-654-9141.