June 5, 2022

US Attorney Rachael Rollins opens probe of racism in Everett city government

The investigation comes as allegations of racism have placed Everett under a spotlight. Though the city — just across the Mystic River from Boston — has a majority of Black and Latino residents, its politics don’t reflect that change. An entrenched — and virtually all-white power structure runs the city with little more than lip service to notions of equity and inclusion.

In one frequently cited example, former councilor Anthony DiPierro, came under attack for using racial slurs in conversations he had described as friendly banter. He refused to step down for months, while DeMaria defended his continued presence in office.

In her letter to DeMaria announcing the inquiry, Rollins made it clear that she believes the recent resignations in DeMaria’s inner circle are indicative of deeper problems in the city.

“Although your relative on the Everett City Council (Anthony DiPierro) and your Communications Director both resigned abruptly last week, that only occurred after months of outrage and public criticism by increasingly large numbers of your constituents,” Rollins wrote. “Former City Councilor DiPierro recently posted a message on his social media appearing

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California Earthquake Insurance: Requirements, Coverage, Cost

  • While earthquake insurance is optional in California, home insurers must offer it to new homebuyers. 
  • Earthquake insurance covers your dwelling, personal property, and provides loss-of-use coverage.
  • You can purchase earthquake insurance through your homeowners insurance provider. 

California has a well-earned reputation as the earthquake capital of the US. Yet only 10% of California residents have earthquake insurance, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Many homeowners are underprepared for financial losses associated with earthquakes, which are not covered by standard


homeowners insurance

policies. If you’re a Californian living near a major fault line, you can protect yourself with earthquake insurance.

Is earthquake insurance required in California?

California homeowners are not legally obligated to buy earthquake insurance, and


mortgage lenders

don’t require it, says Glenn Pomeroy, chief executive officer of the California Earthquake Authority (CEA), the nation’s largest earthquake insurance provider. However, California law makes it mandatory for providers like State Farm and Allstate to proactively offer earthquake insurance in conjunction with a homeowners insurance policy to new homebuyers, according to Pomeroy.

Homeowners insurance will not cover earthquakes. You must purchase a separate policy to get coverage. Given the large number of damage-causing

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Law Firm NautaDutilh Appoints New Managing Partners

NautaDutilh has appointed new managing partners.

Lieke van der Velden, head of the firm’s corporate M&A group, and Sjoerd Meijer, head of the dispute resolution group, have been appointed as managing partners of NautaDutilh effective June 1, the firm has announced.

The two are joining Chris Warner on the board of management. The NautaDutilh board doesn’t have a chairman, instead operating as a collective.

Lieke van Der Velden joined the firm back in 1995, and was made a partner in 2005. She specialises in  the financial sector, advising on international and domestic mergers and acquisitions. In 2016, she played an important role in the Vodafone and Liberty Global Netherlands merger,

Sjoerd Meijer joined NautaDutilh in 2008, and also became a partner in 2005. He advises and litigates in the areas of class action insurance and professional liability law, a practice which has seen exponential growth in the Netherlands over recent months.

Their predecessors, Jaap Jan Trommel and Petra Zijp who were appointed alongside Warner in 2017, will return to practice on a full-time basis.

In a statement by the firm, Chris Warner, congratulating the two on their appointment, said: “They are both leaders in their fields and genuinely nice

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