WESTERN NEWS (572)
California, Arizona and Nevada
Autobody News Western print edition is mailed to 8,500 body shops monthly
Valley-Ventura CAA Presents ‘Got a Good Lawyer?’ May 29
Written by staffThe Valley-Ventura chapter of the California Autobody Association will present “Got a Good Lawyer?” on May 29. Body shop managers and owners are invited to hear featured guest speaker Cory King, parter of the San Diego firm of Fine, Boggs & Perkins. His employment law practice focuses on both the prevention side of employment claims, as well as litigating all types of employment matters. King will give an update on the recent case law regarding wage and hour compliance. The program begins at 5:30 p.m. RSVP to Cindy Shillito, southern California CAA representative, at (714) 944-4028.
On March 31, 2013, the new Insurance Regulation, Subchapter 7.5, Article 1, Fair Claims Settlement Practices Regulation, Amended Section 2695.8, took effect.
This regulation addresses the issues that were discussed with the Department of Insurance by the California Autobody Association when the Insurance Commissioner took office. The CAA has been working with the department to assist in clarifying the areas of aftermarket parts usage and claims settlement. This regulation addresses a number of issues for the collision repair industry. The regulations:
A Yucaipa auto body shop is preparing to give away a car this summer to a local family in need.
Ben Clymer’s The Body Shop has partnered with Auto Club of Southern California, Spreen Honda, Yucaipa Mayor Denise Hoyt, Martin Auto Colors, PPG and Community Connect to provide one family the gift of a car.
The gift will come complete with one year of registration and insurance, a trunk full of groceries and possibly car seats.
Community Connect will be collecting the applications and making a recommendation for the recipient selection. The staff at Ben Clymer’s will make the final selection from the applicant who most demonstrates the need and life change that a car would bring to their family. Applications can be submitted by potential recipients, a friend or family member or an agency. Applications must be received no later than 5 p.m. on May 17.
The car will be given in a presentation set for June 19 at 11 a.m. at Ben Clymer’s The Body Shop, located at 32247 Dunlap Blvd., Yucaipa.
CDI Uncovers Elaborate Workers’ Comp Insurance Fraud in 4-Year Investigation
Written by CDIThe California Department of Insurance (CDI) arrested Robinson Yang, 44, Roland Yang, 43, and Sotheany “Teny” Hul, 42, of Diamond Bar, CA, on multiple counts of theft, fraud and forgery.
The three suspects are accused of producing and selling hundreds of false certificates of insurance for workers’ compensation insurance. All three were booked between March 22 and April 3, 2013 and are being held pending bail hearings.
The CDI said, after a four-year investigation, the counterfeit workers’ compensation insurance leaves injured workers without benefits, hundreds of victims in 19 states and losses exceeding $700,000.
Top California Collision Repair Students Compete at SkillsUSA in San Diego
Written by Melanie AndersonThe top 29 California collision repair and auto refinishing students competed at the 46th annual SkillsUSA California State Leadership and Skills Conference in San Diego April 4–7.
These top 29 students came from both northern and southern California high school and post secondary schools to showcase their skills at Mossy Toyota’s collision repair shop off Lovelock Street in San Diego.
SkillsUSA is the largest competition for career and technical education students. The California event involved over 2,100 student, educator and business and industry representatives. Students showcased their skills and abilities through competition and live demonstrations of their technical trade, including automotive, construction, cosmetology, culinary, drafting, electronics, firefighting, graphic communications, health, manufacturing and leadership. These students are the future of America’s workforce.
A special trade show and evening of training for advance vehicle technology repairs will be held in Cerritos, CA, for Southern California shops on Wednesday, June 26. The event will be held at the Sheraton of Cerritos, 12725 Towne Center Drive in Cerritos, from 2–6 p.m. with dinner from 6–7 p.m. The OEM training sessions will be held from 7–9 p.m.
According to organizers Lillian Maimone and Toby Chess, 400 shops will attend and 50 vendors will display. In all, they expect about 500 people to participate. Attendees will include vendors, single-owned shops, MSOs, consolidators, franchises, insurance field appraisers, OEMs (Toyota, Audi, Porsche, BMW have signed up so far).
Cost for attendees is $25 per person and cost for a trade show booth is $500 per 6-foot display. Attendees MUST book and pay by credit card in advance. Tickets are not available at the door. Register and pay at
http://collisiontradeshow2013.eventbrite.com/# or email to collisiontradeshow2013 @gmail.com.
Companies reserved so far include LKQ, Kent, Prospot, D'Angelos Matrix One, Complete Plus, Dent Fix, Hertz, Chief, 1-800-Radiator, Keystone, AkzoNobel, PPG, Infratech, FinishMaster, Annex, Car-O-Liner, Dent Fix Equipment, Reliable Automotive Equipment, Sims Welding Supply, and Automotive Solutions Equipment.
The San Diego chapter of the California Autobody Association will hold its 19th annual golf tournament on Saturday, June 8, at Twin Oaks Golf Course in San Marcos, CA.
Registration starts at 6:30 a.m. with a shotgun start at 8 a.m.
Player cost is $120 for CAA members or $140 for non members. A foursome is $450 for CAA members or $525 for non members.
CAA Chapter Presents Blueprinting Meeting and Fundraiser for Linda Holcomb
Written by staffTHIS MEETING HAS BEEN RE-SCHEDULED FOR JUNE 12
The Glendale/Foothill/Pasadena chapter of the California Autobody Association will meet May 15 to discuss blueprinting, what is is and how it can help improve your business. Guest speaker is Daniel Panduro, of J&L Body and Paint Shop, who uses blueprinting in his shop to improve cycle times and his bottom line.
CAWA Chair of the Board, Ed Jimenez , has appointed Traci Quick of Star Distributing in Phoenix to the CAWA Board of Directors. Ms. Quick is the Director of Sales & Marketing for the warehouse distributor. Traci’s background covers 20 plus years in the aftermarket as a manager and service writer at a repair facility and nearly all departments of an independent warehouse distributor. She serves on the Education Committee for the Automotive Aftermarket Parts Alliance and served as the Executive Secretary for the Automotive Wholesalers of Arizona.
BASF Sponsors East Valley Institute of Technology in Arizona
Written by BASF staffBASF recently announced its sponsorship of the East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT) in Mesa, AZ, and the official opening of its newest National Training Center.
California Autobody Association to Co-Host Lobby Day April 16
Written by staffThe California Autobody Association (CAA) and the Automotive Service Councils of California (ASCCA) will once again jointly host a Legislative Day at the California State Capitol in Sacramento.
On April 18, the day will offer an opportunity for association members to travel to Sacramento to talk with their local legislators about issues they see in the collision industry. Attendees will have an opportunity to meet with local legislators and hear from various guest speakers.
This year's featured speakers include California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) Chief John Wallauch joined by Doug Balatti, Assistant Chief of the BAR; and Pat Dorais, Deputy Chief.
A legislative review will be provided by Jack Molodanof, CAA/ASCCA legislative advocate and the luncheon speaker will be special guest Betty Jo Toccoli, California Small Business Association. Following her presentation Assembly Member Ben Hueso will address the audience prior to the afternoon agenda of meetings with legislators and attending legislative committee meetings.
The day's schedule will begin at 8:00 a.m. with a welcome breakfast.
