the earth unstopped by mountains or rivers.
They are able to imagine flying and therefore
to reach the Isles of Immortals."
~ P'ao-Pou Tseu
August 29, 1997
|
"Those that are able to walk on stilts can roam the earth unstopped by mountains or rivers. They are able to imagine flying and therefore to reach the Isles of Immortals." ~ P'ao-Pou Tseu |
| Fairs Year-round Information | F.Y.I. Volume 7, Issue 18 August 29, 1997 |
| IN FOCUS |
Commitment to Excellence Prompts CFSA to Seek CAJPA Accreditation
In an effort to help CFSA staff and management more efficiently measure the effectiveness of the agency's services and programs, and to build confidence in CFSA's risk-sharing pools and operations, CFSA has applied for accreditation with the California Association of Joint Powers Authorities (CAJPA). CAJPA's accreditation program establishes the benchmark — a high level of professionalism — by which many of California's JPAs measure their performance. Accreditation will also help:
The accreditation process includes a thorough review of CFSA's operations and management procedures by CAJPA, including documents such as CFSA's bylaws and mission statement, board of directors and agency committee meeting agendas and minutes, financial statements, policy statements and major service provider contracts, annual reports, newsletters and strategic plans. CFSA's goal is to have the review completed and the accreditation certificate in hand by the end of October 1997. F.Y.I. will keep you posted on CFSA's accreditation progress. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please call Donna Bardaro, 916/921-2213.
| CFSA Randomly Selected for a Workers’ Comp Claims Audit by the State |
The Audit Unit of California’s Division of Workers’ Compensation is currently conducting a random audit of CFSA’s workers’ compensation claims files. In California, everyone responsible for the administration of workers’ compensation benefits is subject to an audit by the state — with at least 50 percent of the audit subjects selected at random. The purpose of the audits is to ensure that California’s injured employees have promptly and accurately received the compensation they are entitled to according to California’s workers’ compensation laws. Last year, the state audited 18 insurers, 15 self-insured employers and 22 third-party administrators located throughout California. From the audits, 9,030 regulatory violations were identified, the majority for late payments to injured workers and injured workers not being told about benefits for which they were qualified.
During CFSA’s audit, 50 denied claims, 83 indemnity and 83 medical-only claims for the 1995/1996 claims period will be reviewed. Each file will be reviewed for compliance on: timeliness of payments, documentation of claim files including DWC1, employer reports, doctor reports, all benefit notices, medical records, rehabilitation notices, and orders and awards by the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board. CFSA’s benefit payments will also be reviewed, including those in the areas of temporary disability, permanent disability, rehabilitation, medical treatment and mileage. The audit began on August 18 and will take 24 days. Watch F.Y.I. for how CFSA does on the audit.
| Been to the Surplus Warehouse Lately? It’s Like a New Store Every Week |
And if you can’t find what you need at the warehouse, just let Graeme Stewart, the surplus program’s buyer know. He’ll keep an eye out for what you want while on his weekly buying trips. In the last few months, the warehouse has had everything from refrigerators to shade cloth. Here’s a list of items currently on hand:
For more information on these and other great buys, or if you’d like to arrange a tour of the South Sacramento surplus warehouse or accompany the buyer on a visit to a surplus yard, call Graeme Stewart at 916/765-3673.
Please Note: CFSA’s Surplus Purchasing Program is only authorized to obtain surplus property for California’s fairs.
| Let's Go To The Fair |
The news is good! At the Santa Clara County Fair, CEO Ray Lueckeman noted the positive reception of the fair’s later opening on weekdays — the gates opened at 2 p.m. instead of 11 a.m. Total paid attendance was up 11.5 percent with 323,226 visitors, compared to 289,725 last year. As the Humboldt County Fair celebrated its 101st anniversary, records were falling fast and furious. CEO Stuart Titus reports paid attendance was up 8 percent, racing handle up 46 percent and track attendance up 17 percent, in addition to 6 percent and 4 percent increases in carnival and concessions sales respectively. The junior livestock auction ended with a 14 percent increase.
Paid attendance at the Yuba-Sutter Fair was up 7.4 percent, says CEO “Skip” King. The fair welcomed 32,811 visitors compared to 30,545 in 1996. A Family Fair Discount Pass offered on opening day, in addition to high participation in the Ag in the Classroom program, a demolition derby and the second annual La Familia Day, along with ideal weather, were credited for the increase.
Participation was high at the Valley Fair too. Staff reports an impressive 23 percent increase in competitive exhibits — 33 percent in livestock and 7 percent in livestock auction gross sales.
With 30 fairs reporting in with their paid attendances, here’s how the numbers add up:
| "A Day at the Races" |
Here’s how this year’s handle adds up after 12 days of racing at the San Mateo County Fair, the fifth stop on the summer fair horse racing circuit:
F.Y.I. invites and encourages all fairs to contribute articles and article ideas for the
Fair Exchange column. We’ll even write the article for you. For details, call Melissa
Thurber at 916/263-6178 or Joan Bartosik at 916/663-9256.
To add F.Y.I. to your press release mailing list, send or fax releases to:
F.Y.I. is published by CFSA in partnership with CARF, CCA, F&E and WFA
Copyright ©1997, California Fair Services Authority