The Central Coast has always been resilient, but the past few months have reminded all of us how quickly conditions can change. Between heavy winter rains, localized flooding, ongoing road closures, and shifting wildfire risks, residents and businesses across Aptos, Watsonville, and the greater Monterey region have faced another season of unpredictable weather.
At Scurich Insurance Services, our roots in this community run deep. We’ve helped families, farms, and small businesses navigate these challenges for decades — and we want to share a quick update on what’s happening locally and how you can stay protected.
Recent Local Conditions Worth Noting
1. Heavy Rains & Flooding Concerns (Especially in Low-Lying Watsonville Areas)
Recent storm systems brought saturated soils and rising creek levels across the Pajaro Valley. While major flooding has been limited compared to past years, several rural roads saw pooling, and the potential remains when additional storms roll through.
Insurance Tip:
Review your homeowner’s or business policy for flood exclusions. Standard policies do not cover groundwater or floodwater damage. Flood insurance must be purchased separately and often carries a waiting period.
2. Coastal Impacts in Aptos
High surf advisories and bluff erosion have once again affected coastal roads and properties in Aptos. Even residents inland are feeling the effects through road impacts, power outages, or delayed services.
Insurance Tip:
If you live near the coast or own a rental home there, consider reviewing:
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Extended replacement cost coverage
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Earth movement/landslide endorsements
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Loss of use or rental income coverage
These small additions can make a big difference during storm season.
3. Monterey County Agriculture Still Recovering
The storms have continued to impact farm access, equipment storage, and seasonal planting schedules. Operators across Watsonville, Salinas, and Monterey County are recalibrating for 2025.
Insurance Tip:
Agribusiness owners should take time now to review:
Unexpected downtime is one of the largest financial risks a farming operation faces.
4. Wildfire Preparations Restart Soon
Although winter moisture reduces immediate fire danger, spring and summer wildfire planning begins now. Many insurance carriers are updating underwriting standards in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties.
Insurance Tip:
If you received a non-renewal or premium increase, reach out early — options exist, but they fill up fast as the season approaches.
How Scurich Insurance Services Can Help Today
As your local, independent insurance partner, we offer:
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Free policy reviews for homeowners, renters, farms, and businesses
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Flood insurance and excess flood options
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Access to multiple carriers (not just one) so we can shop for the best rate
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Guidance on disaster documentation and preparedness
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Claims support you can rely on when it matters most
Whether you live near the coast in Aptos, operate a business in Watsonville, or manage a property anywhere in Santa Cruz or Monterey counties, we’re here to help you stay protected through every season.
Have Questions About Your Coverage?
We’re local, we’re here, and we’re ready to help.
Contact Scurich Insurance Services today.
Phone: (831) 722-3541
Website: www.scurichinsurance.com
Stay safe — and thank you for trusting us to protect what matters most.
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As we gather with family and friends this holiday season, we hope your table is full, your home is warm, and your heart is grateful. To help you enjoy all the delicious traditions of Thanksgiving—while still taking care of your health—here are six simple tips to keep in mind.
1. Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps you feel fuller and can prevent overeating. Keep a glass nearby as you cook, watch football, or enjoy time with loved ones.
2. Load Up on Vegetables
Colorful veggies make great appetizers and sides. Start your meal with a salad or a plate from the veggie tray—nutritious, filling, and perfect for balancing out richer dishes.
3. Sneak Extra Veggies Into Your Recipes
Give your traditional favorites a healthy twist. Try mixing cauliflower into your mashed potatoes, adding shredded carrots to meat dishes, or boosting your stuffing with extra celery, squash, or carrots. It’s an easy way to lighten things up without sacrificing flavor.
4. Ask for the Recipe
If you love a certain Thanksgiving dish, ask the chef for the recipe. Making it throughout the year can curb the urge to overindulge on the holiday itself.
5. Choose Fruit-Forward Desserts
Not every sweet treat needs to be heavy on sugar. Incorporate fresh fruit, frozen fruit bowls, or smoothies to add healthier options to your dessert spread.
6. Make Memories—Not Just Plates
Thanksgiving is about connection. Spend time playing games, taking a walk, looking through old photos, or simply sharing stories. Focusing on family fun keeps the day meaningful and helps shift attention away from overeating.
From everyone at Scurich Insurance, we wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with joy, gratitude, and good health. If you have questions about staying healthy this season or need guidance on your health insurance options, we’re always here to help.
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Valued at $46.2 million, the Graff Pink diamond is one of the most expensive pieces of jewelry in the world. Your jewelry box might not hold anything that priceless, but you certainly want to insure your valuable or sentimental pieces, including the diamond cufflinks you wore at your wedding or your grandmother’s ruby brooch. November is Real Jewelry Month and the perfect time to make sure your necklaces, bracelets, rings and other real jewelry are insured.
1. Hire an Independent Appraiser
An independent appraiser will carefully and thoroughly inspect each piece of jewelry you own, and he or she will then determine the exact value of your works of art. Be sure to obtain a signed document that includes a detailed description and appraiser’s value for each piece.
2. Check Your Current Insurance Policy
Most homeowner or renter insurance policies include cash value or replacement coverage for personal belongings. As long as that figure is high enough to cover everything you own, including your real jewelry, you’re set.
3. Purchase a Rider
If your current policy does not cover your valuable gems, purchase a rider. It offers additional coverage for your precious collection.
4. Take Pictures of all Your Pieces
The police need detailed descriptions of your jewelry if a piece is lost or stolen. Take detailed pictures of each piece to increase the likelihood of recovery.
5. Update Your Inventory Regularly
Once you’re sure your jewelry is adequately insured, mark your calendar for an annual inventory review. Add new pieces you recently purchased and remove pieces you sold or gave away to ensure your collection is completely covered.
6. Inspect Your Jewelry
As part of your annual review; take your jewelry for an inspection. The jeweler will look for loose settings, chips or scratches. Take new pictures after any needed repairs are made.
7. Store Your Jewelry in a Safe Place
Insurance will replace your real jewelry if it’s lost, stolen or damaged, but don’t take chances. A fireproof safe hidden in your home or a safety deposit box at the bank protects your gems, especially if you own expensive pieces that you wear only on rare occasions.
You do not want to file a claim for stolen jewelry and find out it wasn’t insured. Follow these tips and talk to your insurance agent today as you protect your valuable collection and celebrate Real Jewelry Month.
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October, Adopt a Shelter Dog month, is a great time to add a dog to your family. Be careful which breed you adopt, though. Insurance companies use data from insurance claims and public health studies to create a high risk dog breed list, and your homeowners insurance premiums can increase based on the type of dog you adopt. You can save money when you choose a dog that’s not on the high risk list.
Working Breed Dogs
Agile, powerful and intelligent, Akitas, Alaskan Malamutes, Doberman Pinschers, Rottweilers and Siberian Huskies are also fiercely protective. If they’re not trained properly, these breeds could be potentially dangerous, especially to young children and small pets.
Terrier Breeds
Loyal and protective, American Pitbull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers have been bred to hunt. These traits mean they can become aggressive and tenacious if they’re cornered or frightened by one of your family members or guests.
German Shepherds
Police departments, military personnel and ranch hands appreciate this breed because the dogs are intelligent, hard-working and powerful. They’re also suspicious of strangers and won’t back down, which makes them a challenging breed for inexperienced owners to handle.
Chow Chows
Independent and strong Chow Chows are often kept as companions. These fluffy dogs can be aloof and stubborn, though, and should only be adopted by experienced dog owners.
Miscellaneous Breeds
Wolf Hybrid and Presa Canarios dogs exhibit strength and protective characteristics. However, they can also be unpredictable and quick to attack, making them potentially dangerous breeds. Friendly and docile Great Danes are listed on the high risk list, too, because of their size.
A dog adds fun and companionship to your home and family, and adopting a shelter dog is socially responsible. Before you choose a new pet, though, consider whether or not it will increase your homeowners insurance cost. If so, you may choose a different breed or reduce your home insurance premiums by installing a dog fence or raising your deductible.
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10 months ago
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Erin Carlson ·
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Around 65 million Americans have high cholesterol, a condition that can affect anyone from young kids to senior adults. September is Cholesterol Education Month, and you can improve your health when you understand the definition of cholesterol and the best ways to prevent high cholesterol. 
What is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol circulates in your blood and resembles wax or fat. It supports metabolic processes, such as cell membrane stabilization, vitamin D formation, and steroid hormone and bile acid production. It While your body makes cholesterol naturally, it’s also found in food. If you make or consume more cholesterol than your body needs, the excess will accumulate in your arteries and narrow those passageways, which could increase your heart disease and stroke risk.
You have good cholesterol (HDL – high-density lipoprotein), bad cholesterol (LDL – low-density lipoprotein) and triglycerides. The lipoproteins carry cholesterol to and from your body’s cells.
- HDL – Removes bad cholesterol as it flows through your bloodstream.
- LDL – Becomes part of the plaque that lines your arteries.
Your cholesterol levels can depend on several factors, including a family history of heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure. Smoking, alcohol consumption, stress, and your weight can also affect cholesterol levels.
What are Normal Cholesterol Levels?
The ideal cholesterol level is under 170 mg/dL. Your LDL level should be under 110 mg/dL, and your HDL level should be over 35. Aim for a triglyceride level of under 150 mg/dL. While these numbers are confusing, your doctor can explain them and help you achieve healthy levels.
How do you know if you have High Cholesterol?
You might have high cholesterol and not know it. Visit your doctor for a blood test that shows your cholesterol levels. Typically, adults over the age of 20 should have their cholesterol checked every five years. High-risk children should have their cholesterol checked regularly, too.
How is High Cholesterol Treated?
Often, lifestyle changes can reduce your cholesterol levels. Your doctor may recommend exercise and dietary improvements, such as:
- Engage in two hours and 30 minutes of moderate exercise or one hour and 15 minutes of vigorous physical activity each week.
- Eat more high-fiber food, including fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
- Limit the amount of saturated fat and sugar in the foods and beverages you consume.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Quit smoking and lower your alcohol intake.
- Reduce stress.
Your doctor may prescribe medication, too. Statins reduce the amount of cholesterol your body makes and can lower your bad cholesterol levels.
This month, raise your cholesterol awareness levels. Visit your doctor for a cholesterol check, and discuss the steps you can take to achieve a healthy lifestyle that improves your health now and into the future
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12 months ago
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Erin Carlson ·
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Whether your employees are outdoors – on the job or at play this summer – or working indoors in a hot environment, they need to know how to cope with hot and humid conditions that can pose serious dangers to their health that the heat brings.
The human “cooling system” uses perspiration and blood vessels to regulate body temperature. However, when someone is working hard in the heat, especially when it’s also humid, this system can break down, raising the person’s temperature and heart rate. Although people who are past middle age or have health problems are especially vulnerable, the young and healthy can also suffer from heat-related conditions.
Overheating also affects the brain. A temperature hike as little as 2 degrees can impair mental functioning, which makes heat an underlying cause of job accidents, as diminished ability can lead workers to overlook hazards and make mistakes.
In order of seriousness, heat hazards — and their remedies — include:
- Heat rash — Can be irritating: Take a shower and use a little talcum powder.
- Heat stress — Symptoms include thirst, vision problems and/or feeling woozy or tired: Drink a cool, non-alcoholic beverage in a shady place.
- Heat cramp — Involves pain from twitching muscles caused by losing salt from perspiration: Get into the shade and take cool fluids.
- Heat exhaustion — Look for heavy perspiration, fatigue, queasy stomach, and chilly, clammy skin: Put the person in the shade, with their feet slightly elevated, provide a cooling beverage (unless the victim is nauseated), and be prepared to seek medical assistance.
- Heatstroke — Can be a fatal condition, characterized by a lack of sweating, a temperature elevated by up to five degrees, hot skin, mental confusion, and loss of coordination: Call paramedics immediately — and then get the victim to a shaded spot and keep him or her cooling down with cold water sponges or ice packs until help arrives.
To help keep your workers protected from the heat, we’d recommend that you advise them to: (1) Wear sunglasses for protection against exposure to UV rays; (2) Apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more to minimize the risk of cancer or sunburn: (3) Keep hydrated with plenty of cool — not cold — water and beverages free of alcohol or caffeine; (4) Minimize exposure to the sun by going indoors or staying in the shade during the heat of the day; and (5) Eat light meals with small servings of fruits and vegetables (which are rich in fluids).
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