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California Casualty Indemnity Exchange Earns Financial Stability Rating® of A, Exceptional

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Media contact: 

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

California Casualty Indemnity Exchange Earns Financial Stability Rating® of A, Exceptional, From Demotech, Inc.

California Casualty reaffirms its commitment to provide financial protection for those that serve our communities in seven western states, as they have for over 100 years 

28 April 2025 – San Mateo, California:  California Casualty, the endorsed auto and home insurance partner to education, higher education, public safety, and healthcare member/employee groups across seven western states, today announces that its lead insurer, California Casualty Indemnity Exchange, has earned a Financial Stability Rating® (FSR) of A, Exceptional, from Demotech, Inc. This FSR reflects the strength of California Casualty’s commitment to be there for customers in their time of need, both now and into the future.

California Casualty serves customers in seven western states, including California, Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Oregon, and Wyoming. With almost 80% of their business in their home state of California, California Casualty has remained committed to serving customers during an extremely difficult period for the California property insurance market. They have weathered the winter storms of 2023 and early 2024 and the Southern California fires this January and remain committed to serving those who serve our communities (educators, peace officers, firefighters, and healthcare workers), providing them with the high-quality financial protection that they deserve.

Mark Pitchford, Chief Operating Officer at California Casualty, shared: “We are pleased that the team at Demotech has recognized the hard work we have done over the past few years to focus on serving customers and affinity groups in our core states as we right-sized the company to ensure that we have the financial strength to continue serving them well into the future.”

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.

About Demotech, Inc.
Established in 1985, Demotech, Inc. is a financial analysis firm located in Columbus, Ohio. Demotech has served the insurance industry by providing objective and independent Financial Stability Ratings® (FSRs) for Property & Casualty insurance companies, Life & Health insurance companies, and Title underwriters, among others. As the first company to have its rating process formally reviewed and accepted by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and HUD, Demotech has been leveling the playing field by offering FSRs to insurers of all sizes. As of July 11, 2022, Demotech is registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as a nationally recognized statistical rating organization (NRSRO) in the class of ratings for insurance companies. Visit www.demotech.com for additional information.

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Nor Cal Carpenters Union and BuildOUT California/BuildIT announce historic collaboration

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Media contacts:David Perry / (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.comPaul Pendergast / (415) 290-7780 / paul@pendergastconsultinggroup.com

WHO: Nor Cal Carpenters Union and BuildOUT California/BuildIT

WHAT: Press Conference to announce historic collaboration 

WHEN: Tuesday, April 29, 2025 (8:30am – 9:30am)

WHERE: 420 23rd Street, San Francisco:  site of the Power Station Project
WEB: https://www.build-it.world/

WHY: It is estimated that by 2030 the construction industry will have a workforce shortage of nearly 3 million people. Challenges of this scale call for bold action. The leadership of the Nor Cal Carpenters Union and BuildIT and BuildOUT California invite you to join us for the historic launch of their new partnership dedicated to recruitment and training in the construction industry that is all inclusive and leaves no one out of the opportunity to build a great family supporting career.  This program will become the ‘model of success’ to be replicated across the United States and beyond.

Speakers at this event to include:

  • Rafael Mandelman, President, San Francisco Board of Supervisors
  • Jay Bradshaw, Executive Officer, Nor Cal Carpenters Union
  • Paul Pendergast, President, BuildIT/BuildOUT California
  • Peter Tateishi, CEO, Associated General Contractors of California (AGC of CA)
  • Emily Cohen, Executive Vice President, United Contractors (UCON)
  • Lori Dunn-Guion, Senior Vice President, Swinerton
  • Nick and Danielle Colina, Anco Iron & Construction

BuildOUT California/BuildIT is the world’s largest industry association dedicated to the sustainable development of LGBT/Allied businesses, professionals, and tradespeople in architecture, engineering, construction and large-scale redevelopment. BuildOUT/BuildIT are engaged with 8,588 businesses and individuals on a weekly basis The Nor Cal Carpenters Union (NCCU) is a large regional council of the Unite Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America (UBC) representing over 37,000 skilled craftspeople in Northern California. It comprises 22 affiliated Local Unions and focuses on advocating for its members through organizing, political engagement, contract enforcement, and training. The NCCU also emphasizes the importance of partnerships with signatory employers and provides various resources and support for its members.

Trump’s Nativism vs. Native Americans

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Trump’s Nativism vs. Native Americans

— by David Eugene Perry

“Undeclaring” Indigenous Peoples Day is so typical of Trump’s mono dimensional thinking, and of course, a slap not only against First Peoples, but also a middle finger to Joe Biden. It’s also a back of the hand to everyone in Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley and our rich Indigenous heritage. Literally, our city was built on Tribal Land.

In San Francisco and other cities with historic roots in Italy, Columbus Day is a huge celebration, known as Italian Heritage Day. Also, for Spain — who launched Columbus’ voyages of discovery — it marks that country’s national day: also a point of pride. I take part in both observances, but am also acutely aware of the dichotomies. History is not a pop-up book of only pretty pictures.

However, to also note the contributions of, and suppression of, Native Peoples by additionally making it Indigenous Peoples Day allows for something this administration seems hell bent on destroying: the truthful, and yes often painful discussion of our history— as a world, a hemisphere, a country, a nation. It IS possible for education to walk and chew gum at the same time. We can hold two facts together in our brains without our cerebrums exploding.

Trump’s action has nothing to do with “saluting the rich heritage of Italian Americans”, and everything to do with his insatiable appetite for revenge on a diet of ignorance and nastiness. It’s his only menu.

For 1492, the case can be made of a world unbridged by discovery, cultural diversity and education. For 2025, and a planet spanned by centuries of experience and education, we have no excuse. Trump’s only span is a short attention one, and the only thing he does with bridges, is burn them.

https://apnews.com/article/trump-columbus-indigenous-peoples-day-biden-ee34f1873a9af8ea85ac732b9edf82fc

Trump Presidential Approval Worst in 80 Years

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Trump Presidential Approval Worst in 80 Years

As of April 2025, President Donald Trump holds the lowest 100-day approval rating of any U.S. president in the past 80 years. A recent ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll reports his approval at just 39%, down from 45% in February. This surpasses his own previous low of 42% during his first term in 2017, which was the lowest recorded at that time since World War II .

Prior to Trump, no president since the advent of modern polling had a lower 100-day approval rating. For context, President Joe Biden’s approval stood at 57% at the 100-day mark in 2021, while Barack Obama enjoyed 63% in 2009 . 

Trump’s historically low approval ratings are attributed to widespread public dissatisfaction with his policies, including recent tariff implementations and concerns over economic instability. Despite strong support among Republicans, his approval among independents and younger demographics has significantly declined.

When they say “Trump has the lowest first-term polling in 80 years,” it means you have to go back about 80 years — around 1945— to find anyone close to as low.

The president back then (in 1945) was Harry S. Truman, who became president when FDR died in April 1945.

At the start of his presidency, Truman was actually quite popular because of the end of WWII.

However, by 1946-1947, Truman’s popularity plummeted — especially because of postwar inflation, labor strikes, and economic uncertainty.

In fact:

• In 1946, Truman’s approval rating dropped as low as 32% according to Gallup.
• That is lower than Trump’s current 39%, but Truman’s collapse happened later, not right at the start of his presidency.

At the 100-day mark, Truman was still relatively popular.
So technically: no president at the 100-day mark in the past 80 years was lower than Trump.

Summary:

• Trump now has the lowest 100-day first-term approval in 80 years.
• Truman (80 years ago) eventually fell lower (into the 30s), but not at the beginning.
• No one at the 100-day mark had a lower number until now.

Palm Springs Young Playwrights Festival Announces 2025 Winners

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Media Contact:
David Perry / (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com

“The Play’s the Thing”
Palm Springs Young Playwrights Festival Announces 2025 Winners
www.psypf.org

Winning Plays to Be Performed June 8 at Palm Springs Cultural Center

23 April 2025 – Palm Springs, CA:  “Never be afraid to sit a while and think.” The words of playwright Lorraine Hansberry remind us of the quiet power of reflection and storytelling. This spirit of thoughtful, bold creativity comes to life again as the Palm Springs Young Playwrights Festival (PSYPF) announces the two winning playwrights for its 2025 season: Kayla McCarty of Ramona High School for her play Seven, and Peyton Taylor of Valley View High School for The Kellogg Murders.

“Seven”, written by Kayla McCarty (18), Ramona High School, Riverside, explores the haunting stillness of purgatory, where seven souls must confront the weight of their sins. Only one can rise toward grace; the others descend into darkness.

“I’m honored to be participating in the 2025 Palm Springs Playwright Festival,” said McCarty, an incoming Acting BFA student at Carnegie Mellon University. “Being recognized for my work as a playwright, after years in musical theatre, is incredibly meaningful. ‘Seven’ came from a place of deep reflection—and I’m grateful for the chance to share it.”

“The Kellogg Murders”, by Peyton Taylor (17), Valley View High School, Moreno Valley, is a dark comedy in which jealous cereal mascots Corn Flakes and Wheaties embark on a revenge-fueled spree against their sugary competitors—until a determined investigator begins connecting the crumbs. Packed with outrageous characters and whip-smart satire, the play skewers brand culture and nostalgia with tongue firmly in cheek.

“I’ve loved every minute of theatre during my high school years, and experimenting with playwriting has been one of the most exciting parts,” said Taylor. “Even as I head to UCR to major in psychology, I never want to lose my connection to the stage. I’m so grateful to PSYPF for this opportunity.”

Each winner receives a $500 scholarship to support their artistic education, as well as professional mentorship from acclaimed writer and director Jack Kenny. Palm Springs resident and Hollywood veteran, Kenny brings a wealth of experience from Hollywood and Broadway to guide the young playwrights.

“These two young writers embody the fearless creativity and insight that define PSYPF,” said David Youse, Founder and Executive Director of the Festival. “Both ‘Seven’ and ‘The Kellogg Murders’ are wildly different yet equally compelling. One offers profound psychological and spiritual introspection. The other, a biting and hilarious satire. It’s thrilling to provide Kayla and Peyton with a platform—and a community—that will nurture their artistic growth.”

​A seasoned actor and producer, Youse has rich background in television and theater. He has guest-starred in over 30 television series, including recurring roles on Chicago Hope, The Days of Our Lives, Beverly Hills 90210, The Adventures of Brisco County Jr., and The Young and the Restless. He is notably remembered for his appearance on Criminal Minds, one of the highest-rated episodes of the series. His other television credits include Southland, Torchwood, Without a Trace, and Star Trek: Enterprise. In film, he is best remembered for The Broken Hearts Club, directed by Greg Berlanti.​

As a producer, Youse founded Four Things Productions, aiming to raise awareness and funds for various non-profit organizations through theater. His premiere production was a celebrity-driven staged reading of Larry Kramer’s The Normal Heart, directed by Academy Award winner Joel Grey, which inspired the 2010 Broadway revival. Other notable productions include Charles Busch as Katharine Hepburn in Matthew Lombardo’s Tea at Five and Robert Harling’s Steel Magnolias, directed by Judith Ivey. These productions have raised significant funds for charities such as The Ali Forney Center, The Goodman Special Care Clinic, The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and The Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center

Returning this year as a mentor is Jack Kenny, a name synonymous with storytelling across stage and screen. With a distinguished career that includes creating NBC’s The Book of Daniel and FOX’s Titus, running the hit Syfy series Warehouse 13, and writing for fan-favorites like Marvel’s Jessica Jones and Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist, Kenny brings a wealth of experience from Hollywood’s frontlines. Kenny’s extensive Broadway and Off-Broadway acting experience, including performances in Fiddler on the Roof and The Normal Heart, combined with his Juilliard training and decades of television writing and directing, provides festival participants with mentorship that bridges every dimension of the theatrical arts.

“Theatre demands truth—immediate and unfiltered,” said Kenny. “Mentoring these young playwrights isn’t just about shaping their scripts; it’s about helping them find and trust their voice.”

The 2025 Palm Springs Young Playwrights Festival takes place Sunday, June 8, at 12:00 PM at the Palm Springs Cultural Center (2300 East Baristo Rd., Palm Springs, CA 92262). Tickets are $10 for general admission. Students admitted free. Tickets available at: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/6581051

The festival will be co-hosted by three past winners: Abigail Alldredge, Anthony Banuelos, and Erik Evans, continuing the festival’s tradition of fostering alumni engagement and mentorship.

The Palm Springs Young Playwrights Festival is dedicated to promoting creative writing in the theatrical form among elementary, middle, and high school students in Riverside County, CA. By offering mentorship, scholarships, and the opportunity for public staged readings, PSYPF invests in the next generation of storytellers, ensuring that diverse and fresh perspectives continue to enrich the world of theatre. For more information, submissions, and tickets, visit: www.psypf.org

Sponsors and Community Support:
The 2025 Premier Sponsor of PSYPF is The Cherry Lane Alternative. Leading sponsors include:

  • Rowan Kimpton Hotel, Palm Springs – Peggy Trott, General Manager
  • The Palm Springs Cultural Center
  • City of Palm Springs
  • The Riverside County Office of Education
  • Paul Reid and Tom Hartnett
  • Scott Poland and Eddie Nestlebush
  • Jason Smith and Tom Valach

Instagram: @PSYPF