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Miguel Angel Fragoso-Hernandez sets goal of medical career in Watsonville WATSONVILLE >> At Pajaro Valley High School, Miguel Angel Fragoso-Hernandez is known as Nino, or Kid, a nickname bestowed during his freshman year, when, a year younger than most students after skipping first grade, he was the smallest player on the junior varsity soccer team. But Fragoso-Hernandez, now a 17-year-old graduating senior and class valedictorian, has another title in mind: doctor. He'll take a step toward achieving his career goal when he enrolls at UC Berkeley in the fall to study biology or biochemistry. At a graduation ceremony Thursday, he plans to remind his classmates how they reached this point in their lives. "It's not like you did it on your own. Your teachers helped you. Your parents helped you all through your life," Fragoso-Hernandez said. "At the same time, (the graduates) sit here because they worked for it." Fragoso-Hernandez will speak from experience. His parents, Martin Fragoso and Julia Hernandez, emigrated from Santiago Tulantepec in Hidalgo, Mexico, to the U.S. in their teens. They were very poor, Fragoso-Hernandez said. His father scrounged from garbage cans to get enough to eat. His mother, living on a rural ranch, watched two siblings die in childhood. Here, they worked in the fields at first, but later Miguel's father became an auto mechanic and eventually bought the business from his boss. After volunteering at Freedom Elementary School, his mother was hired to supervise students at recess. As the family's income improved, they were able to move from a series of crowded garages into a three-bedroom apartment in a Holohan Road complex. Though he was only 7 at the time, Fragoso-Hernandez recalls his amazement at the space and the fact that the apartment had its own kitchen. Growing up, he watched his father work two jobs at times, and his mother devote herself to work and raising three sons. But he didn't understand what they were trying to accomplish until high school. "I thought they came to find a better life for themselves," Fragoso-Hernandez said. "I didn't realize until my sophomore year that the ultimate goal was to have a better life for their children." Though neither Fragoso nor Hernandez went to school past the sixth grade, they knew education was the key to reaching that goal, and they instilled that value in their children. Fragoso-Hernandez said math and science captured his interest at any early age. He paid attention as his older brother did his homework, and by the end of kindergarten he had mastered multiplication. He finishes high school with a 4.24 grade point average. In addition, he was a forward on the varsity soccer team for three years, and has worked as a math tutor in an after-school program for elementary students since he was 14. His father's struggles with poor health led him to decide on a medical career, either as a general practitioner or a surgeon. "I grew up seeing him with all these problems, and I wanted to be able to do something but I couldn't," he said. "I want to be able to do something for someone in the same situation." When Fragoso-Hernandez was in middle school, the family moved to Gilroy, but he and his two brothers, Eric, a sophomore at Cal State Monterey Bay, and Marco, a seventh-grader at Lakeview Middle School, elected to commute each day so they could remain in Watsonville schools. The three brothers were born in Watsonville, and Fragoso-Hernandez considers the city home. Once he earns his medical degree, he plans to return. "Without Watsonville, I wouldn't be where I am today," he said. "I want to give back to this community." Content provided by http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/education/ci_25899165/valedictorian-credits-immigrant-parents-providing-opportunity

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — After 17 years on the force, San Jose Police officer Huan Ngyuen had learned not to get emotionally involved in his work. But then one got through. On May 6, a road rage slaying in his Little Saigon neighborhood, on the streets where he grew up and now patrols, took the life of a Vietnamese immigrant like himself. The victim was a 37-year-old bus driver who left behind a widow and two young children, one with severe autism. "We try not to get emotional, but sometimes these things really affect me," Nguyen said. "It kind of hit the soft core of my body." Ngyuen and his colleagues sent texts to friends and family asking if they could help the widow. Then, at his friends' urging, he launched a website, hoping to raise a few thousand dollars. Word spread quickly: Now, less than three weeks since the murder, nearly $100,000 has poured in from the local Vietnamese community and far beyond, including Houston, Boston, New York, even London. "I'm very thankful, and I'm very surprised," said widow Dieu Huynh, a limited English speaker whose husband's cremated remains were buried last weekend. Sinking into her couch with her 4- and 7-year-old sons, she fought back tears, telling Ngyuen in Vietnamese how her youngest son, Steven, keeps asking her to call his father. Her older son, Henry, can't talk, but hugs and kisses her. Unable to function independently, Henry dashes out the door into the street if left unattended, has seizures, and will need a lifetime of constant care. "When I met this family, I could see they were going to need help," said Ngyuen, himself a father of two. "It really, really got to me." National Center for Victims of Crime Executive Director Mai Fernandez said online, crowd-sourced fundraisers are increasingly common for crime victims, but usually it's friends or family who launch them. "I've never heard of a police officer stepping in like this. This sounds like a really special person," she said. "When there's a tragedy out there, there are a lot of heroes who step up. It's amazing to see the outpouring of generosity of the public. Humankind really does care about each other." Ngyuen, who sought approval before reaching out publicly and has the full support of San Jose Police Chief Larry Esquivel, said he's shy about being in the spotlight. "But this isn't about me at all," he said. "My job is to help others. No amount of money can replace their dad, but this can help those boys as they grow up." Ngyuen also is keeping an eye out on his patrols for the suspect who shot Huynh's husband, Phuoc Lam. That morning, with a rare few hours free, Lam and Huynh were doing errands for her upcoming birthday party. Suddenly Lam slammed on his brakes to avoid hitting two men in a Volkswagen Jetta who pulled out of a mobile home park driveway in front of him, police said. Lam climbed out of the driver's side to survey the scene. Words were exchanged, and as Huynh was stepping out to see what was going on, her husband was shot. Police said she told them she saw Lam fall. Huynh doesn't speak of it in front of her children. But at that moment her life crumbled. Read the entire story here. Content provided by http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/05/26/san-jose-police-officer-raises-money_n_5393027.html?utm_hp_ref=good-news

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Allstar Underwriters, a division of Allstar Financial Group, offers a comprehensive Product Liability Insurance program designed to help agents and brokers place complex and non-standard risks. Whether your client is a manufacturer, importer, distributor, or startup, we can tailor coverage to meet their unique liability exposures. Ideal Accounts and Appetite We provide flexible solutions for a wide range of businesses involved in the production, distribution, or sale of physical products. Accounts that are a strong fit for our product liability program include: Manufacturers Importers Repackagers Sellers Distributors We are also open to unique and challenging submissions, including: Start-up companies Businesses with prior claims activity Non-renewed or hard-to-place risks Coverage Highlights and Advantages Our program offers Primary and Excess coverage options, with both Claims-Made and Occurrence forms available. Coverage types include: Product Liability Insurance only Product Liability with General Liability Coverage with vendors and product recall expense Excess Product Liability Worldwide coverage options Target industries include Food, Nutraceuticals, Pharmaceuticals, Chemicals, Medical Devices, Automotive Parts, Toys, Sporting Goods, and Raw Materials. Underwriting Flexibility Allstar Underwriters has the ability to handle complex and non-standard risks. We work with multiple carriers across both admitted and non-admitted markets, allowing us to find creative solutions for unusual or distressed accounts. Our underwriting team is experienced in reviewing challenging submissions and can structure terms to meet your client's requirements. Territories and Availability This product liability program is currently available in the following states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. We offer access to both admitted and non-admitted markets, depending on the risk profile and carrier availability. Why Work With Allstar Financial Group? Allstar Financial Group is a trusted Managing General Agency and Excess & Surplus Lines Broker with deep expertise in specialty and hard-to-place risks. Our Product Liability program is built to serve the needs of agents and brokers seeking flexible, responsive underwriting and access to top carriers. We offer fast turnaround and personalized service to help you win and retain business. Give one of our underwriters a call today for more information. Frequently Asked Questions What types of accounts are a good fit for this program?This program is ideal for manufacturers, importers, distributors, repackagers, and sellers of consumer products—especially in industries like food, medical devices, automotive parts, toys, and chemicals. Can you consider start-ups or businesses with prior claims?Yes, Allstar Underwriters welcomes submissions for start-up businesses, as well as accounts with claims history or non-renewed coverage. What coverage options are available?We offer Primary and Excess Product Liability coverage, with options including standalone liability, general liability bundles, vendor coverage, recall expense, and worldwide protection. Is this program admitted or non-admitted?We work with both admitted and non-admitted markets to meet the specific needs of each account and state jurisdiction. Which states is this program available in?The program is currently offered in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. Need help placing an account? Connect with a market specialist.

Package/Liquor Store Insurance Allstar Financial Group, a Managing General Underwriter and Excess & Surplus Lines broker, offers a focused insurance program for package and liquor store operations. Through our Small Business Solutions division, we provide a streamlined quoting and binding process so agents and brokers can move quickly on behalf of their clients. Whether the account is a single neighborhood liquor shop or a multi-location retail operator, this program addresses the primary exposures across property, casualty, liquor liability, and umbrella coverages. Ideal Accounts and Appetite This program is designed for a range of retailers in the packaged goods and beverage space. It is especially well-suited for: Independent liquor and package stores Package stores with refrigeration or cold-storage units Retail locations selling beer, wine, and spirits Multi-location operators (TIV up to $5M per location) We also consider related retail and wholesale risks and select classes in contractors, habitational, offices, institutional, and vacant properties depending on the coverage line. Coverage Highlights and Advantages Property Coverage Total Insured Value (TIV) up to $5 million per location Available as monoline or packaged policy No-coinsurance options where applicable Optional enhancements, including equipment breakdown coverage Casualty Coverage Available as monoline or as part of a package Minimum premiums starting at $500 (varies by risk) Primary general liability limits up to $5M / $5M Project-specific or location-specific forms available Options for coverage addressing uninsured subcontractors Available enhancements include: Blanket Additional Insured Waiver of Subrogation Primary & Non-Contributory wording Per Project / Location Aggregate Hired & Non-Owned Auto (class-specific) Miscellaneous Professional Liability (class-specific) Liquor Liability Limits from $100K/$100K up to $1M/$2M Assault & Battery coverage follows General Liability terms Liquor liability available in NC, SC, GA, TN, and VA Umbrella Coverage Limits up to $5 million Minimum premiums start at $750 (varies by risk) Available on a supported or unsupported basis Underlying carrier requirements: AM Best A-VI or better for GL/Auto; B++ or better for Employers Liability Underwriting Notes and Minimum Premiums Minimum premiums vary by coverage line; General Liability and Umbrella minimums begin at the levels noted above but are evaluated per risk. Allstar reviews each submission individually and can offer monoline or package solutions with optional enhancements to tailor coverage to a client’s operations and exposures. Territories and Availability This program is available in most states, with strong placement capabilities in AL, GA, LA, MS, NC, SC, TN, and VA. Liquor liability is currently offered in NC, SC, GA, TN, and VA. Most coverages are placed non-admitted through a panel of markets. Why Work With Allstar Financial Group? Allstar brings deep expertise in small business and specialty retail risks. Our underwriters understand the unique exposures liquor and package stores face—managing liquor liability, protecting high-value inventory, and ensuring appropriate umbrella limits. Agents benefit from competitive pricing, flexible forms, and quick turnaround through our Small Business Solutions workflow. You might have a client who just opened a liquor store in Georgia and needs bundled property, general liability, and liquor liability coverage—or a long-standing multi-location retailer seeking improved limits and broader umbrella protection. Allstar is set up to help you place those accounts efficiently. Frequently Asked Questions What types of accounts are a good fit for this program?This program is ideal for package and liquor stores, including single-location retailers and multi-location operators. Related retail and wholesale risks may also qualify depending on the coverage line. Is liquor liability available in all states?No. Liquor liability coverage is currently offered in NC, SC, GA, TN, and VA. Can I write monoline coverage, or does it have to be a package?You can place monoline or package policies. Allstar offers flexibility across property, casualty, and liquor liability lines to meet client needs. What is the minimum premium for this program?Minimum premiums vary by coverage type. General Liability minimums start around $500 and Umbrella minimums start around $750; however, final minimums depend on the specific risk and coverages selected. How quickly can I get a quote and bind coverage?Allstar Financial Group’s Small Business Solutions division is designed for fast turnarounds. Most submissions can be quoted and bound quickly once complete underwriting information is submitted. Need help placing an account? Connect with a market specialist.

Offices Insurance Allstar Financial Group’s Offices Insurance program through Allstar Underwriters is designed to help independent agents place property and casualty coverage for office-occupancy small businesses quickly and efficiently. Our underwriting team focuses on straightforward underwriting, flexible package or monoline options, and optional enhancements that make it easier to tailor terms for typical office risks and related occupancies. Use this program when you need an experienced MGA/E&S broker that can handle moderate-value office locations, package property and liability together, or place project-specific casualty limits with common contract endorsements. Ideal accounts and appetite Small to mid-size office buildings, professional suites, and multi-tenant office locations Related occupancies within the same risk profile: light retail, wholesale/showroom, institutional support spaces, and certain contractor or habitational adjuncts Accounts that require flexible limit structures, per-project or per-location aggregates, or common contractual coverages such as additional insured and waiver of subrogation Not typically intended for high-hazard manufacturing, heavy exposures, or large vacant-adapted redevelopment projects without prior approval Coverage highlights and advantages Property: Total Insurable Value (TIV) up to $5 million per location Monoline or packaged property/GL placements No coinsurance options available (subject to risk type) Optional property enhancements, including equipment breakdown Casualty: Primary limits up to $5M/$5M with minimum premiums starting around $500 and project-specific policy options Casualty optional endorsements: blanket additional insured, waiver of subrogation, primary/non-contributory wording, per-project/per-location aggregates, hired & non-owned auto (certain classes), and miscellaneous professional liability (certain classes) Umbrella: Limits up to $5 million; supported or unsupported umbrellas available with minimum premiums beginning near $750 Underwriting notes Allstar Underwriters works with multiple carrier partners and can place admitted or E&S paper depending on state and risk particulars. Typical underwriting considerations include occupancy details, tenant mix, property condition, loss history, and contract requirements. Common underwriting prerequisites include: AM Best-rated carriers for underlying limits (A-VI or better for auto/GL; B++ or better for employers liability where applicable) Typical GL underlying limits of $1M/$2M/$2M unless alternate structures are requested Minimum premiums can vary by product and state—refer to program guidelines for account-specific pricing Territories and availability This program is available through Allstar Financial Group in AL, GA, LA, MS, NC, SC, TN, and VA. Coverage form availability (admitted vs. non-admitted) may vary by state and carrier — please confirm state eligibility when submitting. Example accounts that fit well A local property management client with several 10,000–30,000 sq ft multi-tenant office locations seeking a package policy with equipment breakdown and per-location property limits. A regional contractor needing project-specific primary liability coverage for office build-outs where contract endorsements (additional insured, waiver of subrogation, and primary/non-contributory wording) are required. Why work with Allstar Financial Group on Offices Insurance Allstar combines dedicated small-business underwriting with the placement flexibility of an MGA and E&S broker. That means faster responses on mid-market office risks, tailored endorsements for contract-driven accounts, and access to multiple carrier platforms for admitted or non-admitted placements. Our Small Business Solutions underwriters are available to review submissions, suggest appropriate enhancements, and help structure limits to match your client’s contractual and operational needs. Ready to submit? Prepare loss runs, tenant/occupancy information, building values, and any contract wording requests to accelerate review. For complex or higher-value accounts, include photos and a description of risk mitigation measures (sprinklers, alarms, security) to improve placement options. Frequently Asked Questions What types of office accounts are a good fit for this program?Small to mid-size office buildings and multi-tenant professional suites with TIV up to $5M per location, plus related light retail, wholesale, and institutional occupancies. The program also supports contractor-related office build-outs and project-specific casualty placements. Can I get both property and liability in a single package?Yes. The program offers monoline or packaged property and casualty solutions. Package options are helpful when you want coordinated limits and endorsements across property and liability lines. Which endorsements and contractual coverages are available?Common optional enhancements include blanket additional insured, waiver of subrogation, primary/non-contributory wording, per-project/per-location aggregates, and hired & non-owned auto or miscellaneous professional liability for certain classes. What are the minimum premiums and limits I should expect?Minimum premiums vary by product and state. As a guideline from the program: casualty minimums start around $500 and umbrella minimums start around $750; property and umbrella limits are available up to $5M. Submit specifics for an accurate premium indication. Need help placing an account? Connect with a market specialist.