by California Casualty | Health, Helpful Tips |
If winter has you craving sunshine, energy, and a little spark of joy, you’re not alone. The good news? Beating the winter blues doesn’t require a plane ticket or a tropical forecast — just a few creative, mood-boosting ideas that bring warmth, fun, and fresh energy back into your days.
For many people, the winter blues are more than a passing slump. Reduced daylight can disrupt the body’s natural internal clock, affecting mood, energy, and motivation. Some experience this as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), with symptoms ranging from mild to more serious. If you’re feeling a little off this season, the good news is that small, intentional changes can make a big difference.
Think Like a Norwegian
In countries where winters are long and dark, people don’t fight the season; they embrace it. Try shifting your mindset from “getting through winter” to enjoying what makes it special. Cozy up with a warm drink, light a fire in the fireplace, or lean into winter activities like skating, skiing, sledding, or building snowmen. Make a simple list of the things you genuinely enjoy about winter and keep it handy for days when your mood dips.
Let the Light In
Light plays a powerful role in how we feel. Open your curtains as soon as you wake up and let natural light flood your space. Morning light is especially important for regulating mood and energy. If natural sunlight is limited, light therapy may help. A light therapy box mimics sunlight and is typically used for about 30 minutes in the morning. Before starting, check with your healthcare provider to be sure it’s right for you.
Create a Cozy, Mood-Boosting Environment
Your surroundings can have a surprising impact on how you feel. Brighten your space with warm lighting, flameless candles, or string lights to counteract dark winter days. Add soft textures like cozy throws or plush pillows and bring in cheerful colors or seasonal scents such as citrus, vanilla, or pine. Even small changes can make your home feel more inviting and energizing.
Move Your Body — Even a Little
Exercise is a natural mood booster. You don’t need an intense workout to feel the benefits. A short walk outside, especially during daylight hours, can lift your spirits and provide valuable light exposure. Indoors? Turn on your favorite music and dance it out. Movement plus music is a powerful combination.
Turn Winter into a Productivity Boost
When the cold makes staying under the covers tempting, remember that winter is also the perfect time to tackle projects at home. With fewer distractions pulling you outside, it’s often easier to focus and be productive. Knocking items off your to-do list — whether it’s organizing a closet, catching up on paperwork, or starting a long-postponed project — can be surprisingly energizing. That sense of accomplishment boosts your mood and helps turn a quiet winter day into a satisfying win.
Cook Up Some Comfort
Winter is the perfect time for nourishing comfort foods. Enjoy your favorites in moderation while keeping your meals balanced with fruits and vegetables. Homemade soups are a winter win — warm, satisfying, and packed with nutrients that support overall health.
Stay Hydrated
Cold weather can be dehydrating, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Drinking plenty of water helps support healthy skin and aids your body in flushing out toxins. Add slices of lemon or cucumber for a refreshing twist and a little extra motivation to sip throughout the day.
Be Mindful of Alcohol
While it may feel comforting in the moment, alcohol is a depressant and can worsen low moods. Limiting intake can help keep your energy and spirits more stable during the winter months.
Connect With Others
Social connection is one of the best antidotes to the winter blues. Get together with friends to play games, watch movies, or simply laugh and catch up. Even planning something to look forward to — a weekend getaway, dinner party, spa day, or favorite activity — can lift your mood before it even happens.
Try Something New
Winter can feel repetitive, which can contribute to low energy and motivation. Shake things up by learning something new. Try a new recipe, start a creative hobby, take an online class, or explore a winter-friendly activity you’ve never done before. Novelty stimulates the brain and can bring a welcome sense of excitement and accomplishment.
Prioritize Sleep
Quality sleep is essential for emotional well-being. Aim for 7–9 hours per night and try to maintain a consistent bedtime. Oversleeping can actually make fatigue and low mood worse. Practice good sleep hygiene by limiting caffeine in the afternoon and avoiding screens for at least an hour before bed.
Practice Mindfulness and Gratitude
Simple mindfulness practices — like meditation, journaling, or breathing exercises — can help ground you and ease stress. Take time to reflect on what you’re grateful for: people you love, meaningful experiences, or small daily pleasures that bring comfort and joy.
Know When to Ask for Help
If your winter mood feels overwhelming or persistent, you’re not alone — and help is available. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor or a local mental health professional for support.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
by California Casualty | Auto Insurance Info, Helpful Tips, Safety |
Whether you’re driving down a dark back road, navigating a rain-soaked highway, or flashing your brights to warn another driver, your headlights are doing far more than simply lighting the way. They’re keeping you safe, visible and aware of everything ahead. From classic halogen bulbs to cutting-edge LED, today’s vehicle headlights come in a variety of types — each designed to improve your driving experience in different conditions.
Before we get into the specifics, let’s break down the components that create that important illumination. Headlights are generally defined by three core factors:
- Halogen, HID, LED, or laser: the source of the light
- Reflector or projector housings: the architecture that shapes and directs the beam
- Adaptive systems: the intelligence that moves the light as you drive
Each layer plays a different role, and together they determine how confidently you can read the road ahead — and how clearly other drivers can see you coming.
The Light Source
Halogen Headlights (about 700 lumens)
How they work: When electricity flows through a tiny metal wire inside the bulb, the wire gets extremely hot. Because the bulb is filled with halogen gas, the heat makes the wire glow brightly, creating the light you see from a halogen headlight.
Halogen headlights are the most traditional type and are still common in older vehicles and budget-friendly cars. In setups that use separate bulbs for low and high beams, halogens are often the choice for high beams. Their main advantage is cost — they’re inexpensive to produce and replace. However, they use more energy and don’t last as long as newer lighting technologies.
High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Headlights (about 3,000 lumens)
How they work: HID headlights don’t use a wire to make light. Instead, they create a tiny electrical spark between two metal points inside a bulb filled with special gas. That spark glows extremely bright, producing a strong, efficient beam of light.
HID headlights — often referred to as Xenon headlights if they use Xenon gas — deliver a bright, intense light that makes nighttime driving noticeably clearer. Their distinctive bluish-white glow has made them a popular aftermarket upgrade.
LED Headlights (about 2,000-4,000 lumens)
How they work: LED headlights use tiny electronic components called diodes. When electricity flows through them, the movement of electrons creates light instead of heat. By grouping many of these small LEDs together, manufacturers can produce a bright, efficient, and tightly focused beam for the road.
LED headlights have become the go‑to choice for many modern vehicles—and for good reason. They’re extremely energy‑efficient, long‑lasting, and adaptable. Although they can be more expensive to replace, LEDs typically outlast halogen and HID bulbs by several years, which helps offset the cost.
One of their biggest strengths is flexibility. LEDs can be arranged in complex matrix patterns, allowing both low and high beams to be built into the same housing. Individual sections can brighten or dim independently, working seamlessly with automatic high‑beam assist systems that rely on forward‑facing cameras.
Laser Headlights (Advanced/Limited-Use Technology)
How they work: Laser headlights don’t shine lasers onto the road. Instead, tiny laser diodes fire into a phosphor material, which then produces a very bright white light.
Laser headlights represent the cutting edge of automotive lighting, but their high cost and limited availability mean they’re mostly found in luxury and performance vehicles. Because they generate such an intense beam, they’re usually paired with LED systems and often activate only at higher speeds to extend high‑beam range.
The Shape and Direction
While the bulb creates the light, the housing determines how that light is shaped and aimed.
- Reflector Headlights: Reflector headlights are the old-school standard. Early designs featured a bulb placed inside a reflective steel bowl, covered by a glass or plastic lens. The bowl spread the light, while the lens helped direct it forward. Over time, mirrored surfaces improved beam control and made it possible to replace just the bulb instead of the entire unit.
- Projector Headlights: Projector headlights take things a step further. In addition to the bowl, mirrors, and bulb, they include a magnifying lens that increases brightness and precision. A built-in shield directs the light downward, reducing glare for oncoming drivers. Projector housings can accommodate halogen, HID and LED bulbs, making them a common choice in modern vehicles.
The Intelligence
Adaptive Headlights
Adaptive headlights represent the most advanced lighting systems on the road today. These headlights can adjust brightness, direction, and beam pattern based on steering angle, speed, road conditions, and surrounding traffic. As you turn the steering wheel, the headlights swivel to illuminate curves and corners more effectively — improving visibility while helping to reduce glare for oncoming drivers.
A Word About Headlight Alignment
Even the best headlights won’t perform well if they’re not aimed correctly. Over time, bumps, vibrations, and normal wear can knock them out of alignment, reducing how far and how evenly they illuminate the road.
How to check alignment:
- Park within 5 feet of a wall or garage door.
- Mark the center of each beam with painter’s tape in a cross shape.
- Back up 20–25 feet.
- If the beam no longer lines up with the tape marks, the headlights need adjustment.
For the most accurate results, have a professional handle the alignment.
When to Replace Your Headlights
Halogen bulbs typically last around five years, though this varies with use. Consider replacing or testing your headlights if you notice:
- Dimming or reduced visibility
- Flickering or inconsistent brightness (may point to electrical issues, not just worn bulbs)
- One bulb burning out (the other is usually close behind)
Note that cloudy or yellowed headlight lenses can sometimes be restored with cleaning or polishing kits.
And while proper maintenance goes a long way, having the right insurance adds an extra layer of confidence every time you drive. Safe travels from all of us at California Casualty.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
by California Casualty | Helpful Tips, Homeowners Insurance Info, Safety |
From curling irons to coffee makers, it’s tempting to plug just about everything into your power strip. But not all devices are meant to share that space. In fact, plugging the wrong items into a power strip can quietly overload your system and increase the risk of damage or even fire. Before you add one more cord, here’s what you need to know.
Power Strips vs. Surge Protectors: What’s the Difference?
Power strips are simply electrical outlets attached to a cord. They plug into a wall outlet to give you more places to plug things in.
Surge protectors, on the other hand, are power strips with a built-in safety feature. If there’s a sudden spike in electricity — such as during a lightning storm or a brief power fluctuation — they redirect excess voltage away from your devices to help prevent damage.
While surge protectors add a layer of protection, neither power strips nor surge protectors are designed to handle high-wattage appliances.
What Happens When You Overload a Power Strip?
Every device pulls a certain amount of electricity. When the combined demand of everything plugged into a power strip exceeds what it’s rated for, a power strip can overload. That overload can cause:
- Overheating
- Melted wiring or outlets
- Sparks
- Electrical fires
- Permanent damage to appliances
Most household power strips are rated for 15 amps at 120 volts, which equals 1,800 watts total. You can usually find this information printed on the strip’s label. Before plugging in any device, make sure its wattage keeps the total below this limit. As you add more devices, keep a running total to avoid exceeding the strip’s capacity.
Avoid Plugging in These Items
Just because a plug fits in a power strip doesn’t mean it belongs there. The items below use a lot of electricity — often in sudden bursts — which can overload a power strip and create serious safety risks.
1. Air Conditioners: Air conditioners cycle on and off, creating power spikes. Their continuous high electrical draw can overheat a power strip and melt internal wiring.
2. Air Fryers: Air fryers use short bursts of extremely high wattage. These surges can overwhelm a power strip and damage both the strip and your appliance.
3. Blenders: Blenders have powerful motors that draw a high amount of wattage, especially at startup—far more than a power strip can safely handle.
4. Curling Irons & Flat Irons: Hair styling tools heat quickly and often draw over 1,500 watts, pushing most power strips to their limit.
5. Coffee Makers: Coffee makers rely on heating elements that require intense bursts of power, increasing the risk of overheating or electrical damage.
6. Dehumidifiers: Like air conditioners, dehumidifiers use compressors that cycle on and off, causing power surges and sustained electrical loads.
7. Electric Blankets: These blankets contain heating elements that draw significant wattage for long periods, making them unsafe for power strips.
8. Extension Cords: Never plug an extension cord into a power strip. This practice, known as daisy chaining, is a well-known fire hazard.
9. Hair Dryers: Hair dryers frequently pull 1,500 watts or more, making them one of the most common causes of overloaded strips.
10. Microwaves: Microwaves draw between 1,000 and 1,500 watts and use powerful motors, which far exceeds what a standard power strip can handle.
11. Power Tools: Table saws, circular saws, chop saws, and air compressors all have high startup amperage surges that can overload a strip instantly.
12. Refrigerators: Refrigerators use compressors that cycle repeatedly, pulling a high current each time they start — something power strips aren’t built for.
13. Space Heaters: Drawing around 1,500 watts, space heaters push power strips to their absolute limit. Their constant cycling makes them especially dangerous.
14. Toaster Ovens: With powerful heating elements and rapid bursts of high wattage, toaster ovens should always be plugged directly into a wall outlet.
15. Washing Machines & Dryers: These appliances require high-current loads and, in many cases, 240-volt outlets. Power strips are never appropriate for them.
Warning Signs Your Power Strip Is Overloaded
Power strips don’t always fail dramatically. Often, they give subtle warning signs first. Knowing what to look for can help you catch a problem early and prevent damage or fire risk.
- The strip feels warm or hot to the touch
- The circuit breaker trips frequently
- Devices shut off unexpectedly
If you notice any of these signs, unplug devices immediately and move high-powered items to a wall outlet.
The Safer Rule of Thumb
If an appliance:
- Produces heat
- Has a motor
- Uses a compressor
- Or draws a lot of power
…it belongs directly in a wall outlet, not a power strip.
Finally, make sure to fully protect your home with the right insurance. If despite your best efforts to follow all the safety rules, a fire was to happen, your policy can provide added peace of mind.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
by California Casualty | Educators, In Your Community, News |
Congratulations to all of the recipients of the 2025 California Casualty Music & Arts Grants! Our field team had the privilege to connect both in-person and virtually with many of the grant recipients to present them with a check for $300 to put towards supporting their schools’ music or arts program.
Check out the awardee spotlights and see the full list of recipients below.
Jessica Bennett – 2025 Music & Arts Grant Awardee Spotlight
Diablo Vista Elementary, Antioch, California
Jessica Bennett, California Teachers Association (CTA)
Grade Level Art Program
Jessica wrote on her application: “From my 18 years of experience, all extracurricular programs are always in jeopardy and often the first ones impacted by budget cuts in the education system. We currently do not have any art classes or curriculum at my school, and I am unaware of any within the district. Therefore, this grant would at minimum provide my 4th grade team with the ability to introduce more art into our classroom by purchasing the expensive and needed materials that our very small budgets can’t such as paints, pastels, paper, clay, etc. With these materials we would be able to provide more hands on art experiences for our 4th grade students.
Jessica says…” I am excited to purchase all of the new art supplies for my kids. First up on my list is the necessary clay and paint for our art projects.”
Pictured: Principal Bonny Bausola, Awardee Jessica Bennett, and Angie Rajczyk, Sr. Account Development Manager for California Casualty
Danielle Jensen – 2025 Music & Arts Grant Awardee Spotlight
Stoneman Elementary School, Pittsburg, California
Danielle Jensen, California Teachers Association (CTA)
Elementary Visual Arts Program
Danielle wrote in her application: “I teach in a Title One school with over 81% of our scholars receiving free or reduced lunch. The 2023-24 school year was the first year of our elementary visual arts program, and the district allotted each EVAP teacher with a (one-time) $1,500 budget per site to purchase art supplies from the district-approved company (Southwest). There were many items I was unable to purchase for my art students that I want to get this year to give them more varied art experiences. Specifically, they have been asking for opportunities to sculpt with clay and weave with yarn. Budgets have not yet been formalized for the 24-25 school year, so I am unsure how much EVAP funding there will be. Receiving this grant will help ensure that my 200+ art students at Stoneman get to experience sculpture and the fiber arts, most for the very first time, regardless of anticipated budget constraints”
Danielle says on winning the award.…” I am looking forward to purchasing the necessary materials to teach my kids how to use yarn and weave, a beautiful artistic skill to have.”
Pictured: Art Teacher Makaela Huntsinger, Awardee Danielle Jensen, and Angie Rajczyk, Sr. Account Development Manager for California Casualty
Jessica Fitzsimmons – 2025 Music & Arts Grant Awardee Spotlight
Wilson Elementary, Medford, Oregon
Jessica Fitzsimmons, Oregon Education Association (OEA)
Feeling in Art
Jessica wrote in her application: “With all of the uncertainty in education right now, I am unsure if this program will be affected by budget cuts. I will use this money to buy Play-Doh and clay and tools to go with those for students to have a creative outlet anytime they are having big feelings. Students are much more apt to express their feelings non-verbally while they are regulating. It would be used with students K-5.”
Pictured: Principal Nicole Lavelle, Awardee Jessica Fitzsimmons. Dee Dee Templeton, Sr. Account Development Manager for California Casualty
Michelle Orgon – 2025 Music & Arts Grant Awardee Spotlight
Clyde W. Needham, Lodi, California
Michelle Orgon, California Teachers Association (CTA)
Classroom Art
Michelle wrote on her application: “An art enrichment program, choice by students. The students are socio-economically disadvantaged. They will choose a multi-week course. This will teach specific skills for students to develop skills and learn techniques for developing art through a project by age. They will learn about different artists and apply similar concepts to art they create on their own. This will give them a creative opportunities and develop artist understanding and appreciation”
Michelle Orgon says: “I am so grateful to California Casualty to help support students and classroom teachers with this grant. This grant will afford my students with additional art opportunities.”
Pictured: Angie Rajczyk, Sr. Account Development Manager for California Casualty, Awardee and former LEA President Michelle Orgon, and Principal Charalee Cunninghan.
Jocelyn Babb – 2025 Music & Arts Grant Awardee Spotlight
Berkshire Elementary School, Bakersfield , California
Jocelyn Babb, California Teachers Association (CTA)
Transitional Kindergarten Art Program
Upon receiving the award, Jocelyn stated: “This grant from California Casualty will make such a meaningful difference in my Transitional Kindergarten classroom by allowing us to add more hands-on art and creative experiences to our daily learning. These funds will support process art, fine motor activities, and open-ended projects that help students build confidence, communication skills, and a true love of learning. For many of my students, school is their main place to explore art materials, so this gift truly expands what’s possible for them. I am incredibly thankful for the opportunity to give my students more ways to create, explore, and express themselves.”
Pictured: Awardee Jocelyn Babb
Micah Brandt – 2025 Music & Arts Grant Awardee Spotlight
Wheatland Middle School, Wheatland , Wyoming
Micah Brandt, Wyoming Education Association (WEA)
Middle School Art: Ceramics Program
Micah Brandt wrote in her application: ”I have $700 budget per year and 120 students. $5.80 isn’t much to educate a student for five months. $1.40 per student per month. One of my pottery wheels just broke and this would be enough to order a new pottery wheel motor for $125 and purchase new clay tools…”
Pictured: Greg Herold, UniServ Director, Jolie Spence, Sr. Account Development Manager California Casualty, Awardee Micah Brandt, Leslie Harlan, Platte County EA President.
Erica Seago – 2025 Music & Arts Grant Awardee Spotlight
Arrowhead Middle School, Kansas City, Kansas
Erica Seago, NEA
Instrumental Music
Erica Seago wrote in her application: Our school district has a fine arts department that is being impacted by overall school budget cuts. Each year a smaller percentage of the budget is allocated for the fine arts department despite growing numbers enrolled. Our school district is an urban Title 1 district and this money would be able to help provide things like tuners for band and orchestra, binders for music, and some instrument supplies for basic maintenance.
Pictured: Awardee Erica Seago
Alexis Mauser – 2025 Music & Arts Grant Awardee Spotlight
Henderson Elementary, Henderson, Colorado
Alexis Mauser, Colorado Education Association (CEA)
Henderson Elementary Art Program
Alexis Mauser applied for the grant on behalf of Art Teacher Amanda Jensen. On the application she wrote: “We are the only school in the district that only has 2 specials – they cut music last year and replaced it with art. Since replacing it, we have relied on donations for supplies in the art room. I think our school really gets overlooked and it’s not fair for the teachers to be the ones to have to make up for it.”
Pictured: Jolie Spence, Sr. Account Development Manager California Casualty, Kathey Ruybal, BEA President, Alexis Mauser, Applicant and Art Teacher Amanda Jensen
Danielle Luby – 2025 Music & Arts Grant Awardee Spotlight
Lee Elementary School, Salem, Oregon
Danielle Luby, Oregon Education Association (OEA)
Classroom Art Supplies
Dee Dee Templeton, Sr. Account Development Manager, shared the news with Danielle about her application being selected for a Music & Arts Grant. Dee Dee mentioned that Danielle was overjoyed to receive the award and that the moment was made even more special by including her entire 2nd-grade class in the presentation. The kids were bursting with excitement and questions. They were so engaged and curious, which made the whole experience truly unforgettable. Seeing the students’ enthusiasm and joy was incredibly heartwarming.
Ms. Luby has fantastic plans for the grant funds, including several creative projects like parade floats and a fun tie-dye activity.
Pictured: Kristin Ross-Patchin, AVP Strategic Account Manager at California Casualty, Awardee Danielle Luby, Dee Dee Templeton, Sr. Account Development Manager for California Casualty
Abby Blakeney – 2025 Music & Arts Grant Awardee Spotlight
Abraham Lincoln High School, Denver, Colorado
Abby Blakeney, Colorado Education Association (CEA)
Instrumental Music Program: Band, Guitar, and Peer-to-Peer Music
Abby wrote in her application: “These grant funds would be used to purchase music and curriculum that better fits our student population (including our Special Needs music makers) and provide extra playing materials such as reeds and guitar picks that our students are always in need of.”
Pictured: Jolie Spence, Sr. Account Development Manager California Casualty, Awardee Abby Blakeney – dressed as Sally Brown from Peanuts for a staff costume contest.
Jenny Hall – 2025 Music & Arts Grant Awardee Spotlight
Antelope Trails Elementary School, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Jenny Hall, Colorado Education Association (CEA)
Antelope Trails Elementary School Music Classrom
Jenny wrote in her application: “These funds will be used to buy instruments and musical equipment for the music room. The $250 grant would almost double my classroom budget for the entire year. Since I teach the entire school, over 300 students will benefit from this grant.”
Pictured: Awardee Jenny Hall, Jolie Spence, Sr. Account Development Manager California Casualty
Shantelle Gillis – 2025 Music & Arts Grant Awardee Spotlight
Northside Elementary, Sandpoint, Idaho
Shantelle Gillis, Idaho Education Association (IEA)
Arts Integration
In her application, Shantelle wrote: “Because we are a small and rural school, we are not provided with an art teacher like other schools in our district are. But we know how important art is to our students so the grant money provides us with an art parapro and budget for supplies needed to offer this to all our students each school year.”
Pictured: Awardee Shantelle Gillis, Art Paraprofessional Janice Riley.
Adam Smith – 2025 Music & Arts Grant Awardee Spotlight
Fort Hall Elementary, Pocatello, Idaho
Adam Smith, Idaho Education Association (IEA)
5th Grade Native American Art Project
Dee Dee Templeton, Sr. Account Development Manager with California Casualty shared that Mr. Smith applied for the grant for his class to purchase additional art supplies to create projects that are culturally relevant to their Native American students.
Pictured: Awardee Adam Smith, Principal Debbie Steele.
William Brewer – 2025 Music & Arts Grant Awardee Spotlight
F.L. Schlagle High School, Kansas City, Kansas
William Brewer, Kansas National Education Association (KNEA)
Vocal Music Program
William wrote in his application: “The grant funds will aid in the purchase of a djembe drum, a 5-piece full size drum set, and a conga drum set, culturally relevant instruments for school heritage assemblies and performances.”
Pictured: Awardee William Brewer
Janina Tabor – 2025 Music & Arts Grant Awardee Spotlight
Harvey Clarke Elementary, Forest Grove, Oregon
Janina Tabor, Oregon Education Association (OEA)
Classroom Art Supplies
Dee Dee Templeton, Sr. Account Development Manager with California Casualty shared that Janina plans to use the grant funds to purchase art supplies. She would like to add watercolors, tempura cakes, and watercolor paper for a classroom project. Janina mentioned she buys all her classroom supplies out of her own pocket.
Pictured: Dee Dee Templeton, Sr. Account Development Manager with California Casualty, Awardee Janina Tabor
Yvette Cortes – 2025 Music & Arts Grant Awardee Spotlight
Sierra Vista Elementary , Madera, California
Yvette Cortes, California Teachers Association (CTA)
2nd Grade Art Program
On her application, Yvette wrote: “Sierra Vista is a Title I school. The grant would be allocated in the 2nd grade level which consists of 4 classes. Art is not taught with a big emphasis as students get older and I believe our students would benefit greatly from art funds so that they can learn to express themselves through their creativity. This grant will us to have funds for supplies such as paint, construction paper, clay, etc.”
Pictured: Awardee Yvette Cortes
Kristin King – 2025 Music & Arts Grant Awardee Spotlight
Echo Shaw Elementary School , Cornelius , Oregon
Kristin King, Oregon Education Association (OEA)
Classroom Art Supplies
Dee Dee Templeton, Sr. Account Development Manager with California Casualty, had the pleasure of delivering the grant to Ms. King and her entire 3rd grade class. Both she and her students were thrilled to win the award.
Ms. King plans to use the grant funds to purchase art supplies and to take her students on a field trip to the Portland Youth Philharmonic. She also shared that she has several exciting art projects planned for January.
Pictured: Principal Laura Mannen, Awardee Kristen King.
Erica Rutledge – 2025 Music & Arts Grant Awardee Spotlight
Frye Elementary, Chandler, Arizona
Erica Rutledge, Arizona Education Association (AEA)
Frye Elementary School Disney Musical
Erica included on her application: “We never have received funding in support of our musical. We depend on parent donation and thrifting to get our costumes and props. This grant will go to helping us build our prop and costume closet and towards set pieces we share with other title I schools. This is our 3rd year in the musical program and it is completely up to us to pay for the license, scripts and score.”
Pictured: Chandler EA President Laurel Miller, Awardee Erica Rutledge, AEA Organizational Consultant Katie Nash
Alice Wilson – 2025 Music & Arts Grant Awardee Spotlight
Coronado Village Elementary School, Coronado, California
Alice Wilson, Association of Coronado Teachers
Third Grade Art Programs
Inez Morales, Sr. Account Development Manager at California Casualty had the pleasure of awarding Ms. Wilson with the grant award, which she was thrilled to receive. She stated that the funds will allow her to purchase crayons, markers, and erasers for every 3rd‑grade student, with a little extra left over for additional art supplies.
Pictured: Awardee Alice Wilson
Evangelina Felix Osuna – 2025 Music & Arts Grant Awardee Spotlight
Amelia Earhart Elementary School, Indio, California
Evangelina Felix Osuna, California Teachers Association (CTA)
Inez Morales, Sr. Account Development Manager at California Casualty, presented Ms. Osuna with the award and adds that upon receiving it she was completely shocked. Ms. Osuna learned about the grant at the New Educator Conference. The funds will help her purchase specialty supplies for their new program.
Pictured: Trina Alesi, Desert Sands TA President, Awardee Evangelina Osuna
Erica Holloway – 2025 Music & Arts Grant Awardee Spotlight
Charles Bursch Elementary, Baldwin Park, California
Erica Holloway, Baldwin Park Teachers Association
Performing Arts & Dance
Ms. Holloway wrote in her application: “Although we have received some grant money for the visual arts, I personally teach an afterschool program for the performing arts where I teach dance to students in grades 1-5. Last year, my class enrollment doubled to 28 and I anticipate it doubling again. I work in a low income area where our families do not have the extra money to send their children to a studio. The funds would be to purchase costumes for the students to wear.”
Pictured: Principal Ofelia Romero, Jana Charles, Sr. Account Development Manager with California Casualty, Awardee Erica Holloway
Vanessa Van Dyck – 2025 Music & Arts Grant Awardee Spotlight
Jefferson Leadership Academy, Long Beach, California
Vanessa Van Dyck, Teachers Association of Long Beach
Introductory, Intermediate, Advanced Art
On her application, Ms. Van Dyck wrote: “Funds for our Visual Arts Program are shared with our Music Program. Allocated funds include teacher pay as well as a supply budget per CA Prop. 28.
Money from this grant will support funding of consumable art supplies which will be used across the three levels of art – introductory, intermediate, and advanced. The projects affected by this grant will be multicultural, inclusive, and support scaffolding for English Learners and students with special needs. Thank you for this opportunity!”
Pictured: Jana Charles, Sr. Account Development Manager with California Casualty, Awardee Vanessa Van Dyck
The complete list of 2025 Grant recipients are:
- SuJenna Griner, Vacaville High School, Vacaville, California, VAPA – Printmaking Supplies
- Marisa Finlayson, Pioneer High School, Woodland California, Music & Jazz Band
- Kristin Wells, Bowman Charter School, Auburn, California, Band Program
- Jessica Bennett , Diablo Vista Elementary , Antioch, California, Grade-level Art Program
- Danielle Jensen, Stoneman Elementary School, Pittsburg, California, Elementary Visual Arts Program
- Michelle Orgon, Clyde W. Needham, Lodi, California, Classroom Art
- Adam Smith, Fort Hall Elementary, Pocatello, Idaho, 5th Grade Native American Art Project
- Shantelle Gillis, Northside Elementary, Sandpoint, Idaho, Arts Integration
- Jessica Fitzsimmons, Wilson Elementary, Medford, Oregon, Feeling in Art
- Janina Tabor, Harvey Clarke Elementary, Forest Grove, Oregon, Classroom Art Supplies
- Danielle Luby, Lee Elementary School, Salem, Oregon, Classroom Art Supplies
- Kristin King, Echo Shaw Elementary School, Cornelius, Oregon, Classroom Art Supplies
- Lauren Pomrantz, Del Mar Elementary, Santa Cruz, California, Annual First Grade Musical
- Jocelyn Babb, Berkshire Elementary School, Bakersfield, California, Transitional Kindergarten Art Program
- Yvette Cortes, Sierra Vista Elementary, Madera, California, 2nd Grade Art
- Erica Rutledge, Frye Elementary, Chandler, Arizona, Our yearly Disney Musical, Finding Nemo
- Amanda Sabados, Silver Gate Elementary, San Diego, California, Special Education Music Enrichment Program
- Alice Wilson, Coronado Village Elementary School, Coronado, California, Third Grade Art Programs
- Marisa Primacio, Clear View Elementary School, Chula Vista, California, Dance Program
- Evangelina Felix Osuna, Amelia Earhart Elementary School, Indio, California, Elementary Visual Arts
- Erica Holloway, Charles Bursch Elementary, Baldwin Park, California, Performing Arts & Dance
- Vanessa Van Dyck, Jefferson Leadership Academy, Long Beach, California, Introductory, Intermediate, Advanced Art
- Bill Estrada Gallimore, Glendale High School, Glendale, California, Instrumental Music
- Amber Garcia, Centennial School District R-1, San Luis, Colorado, Art and Music Department
- Abby Blakeney, Abraham Lincoln High School, Denver, Colorado, Instrumental Music Program: Band, Guitar, and Peer-to-Peer Music
- Jenny Hall, Antelope Trails Elementary School, Colorado Springs, Colorado, Music classroom at ATE
- Alexis Mauser, Henderson Elementary, Henderson, Colorado, Art
- William Brewer, F.L. Schlagle High School, Kansas City, Kansas, Vocal Music Program
- Erica Seago, Arrowhead Middle School, Kansas City, Kansas, Instrumental Music
- Micah Brandt, Wheatland Middle School, Wheatland , Wyoming, Middle School Art: Ceramics Program
by California Casualty | Educators, News |
Seventy-five years is more than a milestone… it is a legacy built on trust, shared purpose, and a promise kept to generations of California educators. What began in 1951 as a simple idea to provide California Teachers Association (CTA) members with affordable auto insurance has grown into one of the longest-standing, and most-utilized member-benefit programs. Together, CTA and California Casualty have helped protect the people who make California’s public schools strong.
Over the decades, our partnership has focused on one core belief: educators deserve peace of mind so they can focus on their students and communities without being distracted by life’s unexpected events. Today, CTA members rely on auto and home/renters coverage designed around their daily realities, from busy schedules to tight budgets. Group rates, flexible payment options, and personalized service are all part of a program shaped specifically for educators and their families.
Service That Shows Up in Everyday Moments
While major disasters often highlight the strength of our partnership, most members experience California Casualty through the everyday challenges that come with owning a car or a home. A cracked windshield before a morning commute. A fender-bender in the school parking lot. A roof leak at home during parent-teacher conference week. In these moments (large or small) our representatives work quickly, personally, and compassionately to resolve issues so educators can stay focused on what matters most. Reliability in the everyday is one of the quiet ways this 75-year partnership truly comes to life.
Standing Strong When It Matters Most
The real test of any partnership, however, is revealed when everyday protection must rise to meet extraordinary events. When wildfires and other catastrophic events disrupted the lives of educators across California, California Casualty was there in neighborhoods, schools, and community centers offering hands-on support, listening, and helping members navigate sudden loss.
From the Oakland fire to the Camp and Woolsey fires to the challenging 2025 fire season, our team has shown up with calling efforts to potentially affected policyholders, on-site Claims assistance, immediate solutions, and corporate giving to disaster-relief funds. We continually refine procedures and policies to ensure CTA members receive priority attention when they need it most.
Investing in Classrooms and Communities
Our commitment extends far beyond insurance coverage. Through programs such as Classroom Makeover Grants, Music and Arts and Athletic Grants, Impact Teen Drivers, educator recognition efforts, and various giveaways, California Casualty invests directly in the experiences of students and the well-being of those who serve them. These are not symbolic gestures… they are meaningful investments grounded in the belief that educators deserve partners who champion their work.
Relationships That Last
Much of this impact is delivered through our California Casualty advocates, who travel to school sites, attend CTA events, and meet one-on-one with members. Their presence ensures that CTA educators always have a trusted guide to turn to, whether they need help understanding coverage or navigating a claim. Relationships built over time keep this partnership personal, accessible, and deeply rooted in the school communities we serve.
A Future Built on Trust
As the demands on educators grow, strong partners matter more than ever. CTA continues to champion the resources, protections, and advocacy educators need to thrive. California Casualty continues to safeguard what matters most at home. After 75 years, this partnership remains a living legacy… one grounded in service, strengthened by trust, and ready for whatever comes next.
