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CSLB Reports: More Than One Dozen Phony Contractors Caught in San Rafael Sting

Undercover operation highlights importance of checking the license first
SACRAMENTO – Thirteen people will be in Marin County Court next month for arraignment on charges related to contracting without a license. These unlicensed operators were caught this week in a two-day undercover sting conducted by the Contractors State License Board’s (CSLB) Statewide Investigative Fraud Team (SWIFT), along with investigators from the Marin County District Attorney’s Office.
On November 9-10, 2010, SWIFT investigators posed as homeowners seeking bids for fencing, landscaping, concrete, painting, sheet metal, and drywall work at a home in San Rafael. Suspects who bid more than $500 for labor and materials received a Notice to Appear (NTA) in court. California law requires all home improvement jobs valued at more than $500 to be undertaken by a licensed contractor. Contractors also must place their state contractor license number in all advertisements. Unlicensed individuals may advertise and accept jobs valued at less than $500, but their ads must state that they are not a licensed contractor.
Fraudulent use of an incorrect license number (Business & Professions Code Section 7027.3) is punishable by fines of up to $10,000 and/or time in state prison or up to one year in county jail. Misdemeanor contracting without a license (B&P §7028) is punishable by up to $5,000 in fines and/or up to six months in county jail.
“This sting operation underscores the importance of consumers asking to see a contractor’s pocket license card and photo identification to make sure the license is issued to that individual,” said CSLB Registrar Steve Sands. “Consumers can check the license number or contractor or business name on the CSLB website or toll-free phone line to verify the status of the license and to assure the licensee has workers’ compensation insurance.
State law requires that licensees have workers’ compensation coverage to protect property owners from liability, unless they certify they have no employees and receive an exemption. The law requires roofing contractors to carry a workers’ compensation policy for themselves even if they do not have employees.
Suspects who received NTAs will be arraigned at Marin County Superior Court at 3501 Civic Center Drive on December 3, 2010.

CSLB urges consumers to remember the following tips when hiring a contractor:
• Verify the contractor’s license by checking online at www.cslb.ca.gov, or via CSLB’s automated phone system at 1-800-321-CSLB (2752).
• Ask to see the person’s identification to make sure you are dealing with the correct individual.
• Don’t pay more than 10% down or $1,000, whichever is less. There is an exception to this for about two dozen contractors who purchase special bonds that are noted on CSLB’s website.
• Don’t pay in cash, and don’t let the payments get ahead of the work.
• Check references, and get at least three bids and a written contract before your project begins.
• Make sure your contractor obtains the necessary building permits for any project. If you are unsure of these requirements, contact your local building department.

World’s largest solar project moves towards final approval for Blythe, CA

NewEnergyWorldNetwork.com reports California Energy Commission approves construction of world’s largest solar project at Blythe.

The California Energy Commission has approved the construction and operation of the project’s four solar-thermal power plants, with the full conclusion of the approval process expected to be reached in October when the US Bureau of Land Management (BLM) makes its final decision.

California’s Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger said, ‘I applaud the California Energy Commission’s decision to approve the construction of the Blythe Solar Power Project – the world’s largest.’
The Blythe project’s developers said the 1,000MW solar project has a generating capacity equal to the output of a nuclear power plant or a modern coal fired power plant.

Solar Millennium intends to begin the initial construction on two of the four plants that will make up the project, by the end of the year. The four power plants are slated to together supply an annual electricity volume of approximately 2,200GWh.
Thomas Mayer, spokesperson for Solar Millennium, said, ‘Once the first two plants are connected to the grid in 2013 and 2014, we will have implemented the Desertec idea in California: With solar power plants in the California desert, we will be able to supply Los Angeles and other metropolitan cities on the American west coast with environmentally friendly electricity.’
The financing for the first two solar power plants is due to come to close imminently, which will include loan guarantees and grants by the US government. ‘The investment volumes of more than $1bn per plant make this one of the largest infrastructure projects in the US at the moment,’ said Mayer. Power purchase agreements between Solar Millennium and US energy provider Southern California Edison for the first two 242MW solar plants were approved by the California Public Utilities Commission in July.
Solar Millennium is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Solar Trust of America, the US-American joint venture of Solar Millennium Group and Ferrostaal.