California Department of Insurance

Op-Ed: Black-Owned Businesses Deserve Support

For the past several decades, I have been an active pastor in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, serving fourteen congregations across Los Angeles County. It is impossible to overstate the importance of Black-owned businesses in these communities. They are the lifeblood of local commerce, but more than that, they are a means to local organization and empowerment. I have seen firsthand the struggles of these business owners to succeed—to meet their payrolls, to support their families, to always be there for their customers. It’s not always easy, especially in the wake of a year-long pandemic, and every dollar matters. That’s

Public Adjuster Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Embezzling from Fire Victims

An Orange County public adjuster was sentenced to 10 years in state prison today for pocketing more than $1.2 million from fire victims’ insurance payouts, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced. Jose Villa (dob 3/8/56) of San Clemente pleaded no contest to eight felony counts of diverting construction funds exceeding $2,350, Deputy District Attorney Jeffrey Stodel of the White Collar Crime Division said. Villa also admitted to sentencing enhancement allegations of excessive taking of property and aggravated white collar crime. Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Michael E. Pastor immediately sentenced Villa to prison. The judge also imposed