QUAKE BILL HEADS TO GOV.’S DESK

SB 1899, a bill that could give thousands of Northridge earthquake victims another chance to file damage claims, is on its way to Gov. Davis. The bill, approved 21-7 on Aug. 25 by the California Senate, was prompted by the Quackenbush scandal earlier this year. Quackenbush allegedly allowed numerous insurers accused of mishandling the 1994 earthquake claims to escape paying fines by giving money to a fund he created. Gov. Davis has not decided whether he will sign the bill, which will give many property owners who say their insurance companies have not compensated them another year to file claims. The bill would not, however, cover property owners who did not contact their insurers about potential quake damage before this year.