Author Archives: CSLS

About CSLS

Contractors State License Service (CSLS) is the largest school in California devoted to the Construction professional. For over 23 years, CSLS has helped its students pass the exam to become licensed contractors in the State of California, licensing more students than any other school. From our main offices in Southern California, CSLS operates over 25 locations with full-service support and classrooms. We have grown to this extent by providing quality, professional services. In comparison, this provides 7 times the number of convenient locations than the second largest contractor school. Contractors State License Services is one of the only contractor schools in the state that is run by educators, not lawyers or people mostly interested in the bonding and insurance business. Contractors State License Services formerly operated under the oversight of the State of California's Bureau for Private Post Secondary and Vocational Education. As of January 1 2010, the new Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE) came into existence replacing the BPPVE. CSLS now operates under the provisions of the California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009 (CPPEA), Article 4 Section 94874(f). Our Mission is simple; We can help you pass your California Contractors License Exam. Celebrating our 25th year, CSLS has helped over 120,000 students pass the California contractor licensing exam to become licensed contractors in the State of California. Additionally, we offer complete home study and online contractor’s license programs to help you pass your California contractors license exam. CSLS offers licensing classes for all types of contractor licenses, including General Engineering Contractor, General Building Contractor, Specialty Contractor, Insulation and Acoustical Contractor, Framing and Rough Carpentry Contractor, Cabinet, Millwork and Finish Carpentry Contractor, Concrete Contractor, Drywall Contractor, Electrical Contractor, Elevator Contractor, Landscaping Contractor, Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning Contractor, and many others. For a complete list of contractor licenses, visit www.MakeMeAContractor.com and tuned for more informative posts.

CARLSBAD: Kelly Elementary hero construction workers get scholarships

Kelly Construction workers receiving information on CSLS Programs

Five men working at Kelly during shooting to get $1,000 for classes

By STACY BRANDT – [email protected] | Posted: Saturday, January 8, 2011 6:00 am

The construction workers who tackled a gunman at Kelly Elementary School in October will be able to further their own education soon with some help from a statewide contractors training program.

Contractors State License Services, a private vocational school, has offered the men —- Mario Contreras, Steven Kane, Carlos Partida, Toby Wiest and Edward Dominguez —- free tuition and materials for one of its courses, up to $1,000.

Most of the men said they want to study to get a state contractors license and the scholarship would cover the cost of that course, or another course offered by the school.

The men, who work for San Diego-based Randall Construction, said the offer was appreciated, especially because they haven’t had steady work since the job at Kelly Elementary ended in October. Becoming licensed contractors will help them get more work or branch out on their own, they said.

The class to prepare them for taking the contractors test can take anywhere from six weeks to four months to finish, depending on how quickly they do the work.

In the end, the school will help them get their license, set up a business name and help process paperwork, said Alex Avelar, state license consultant for the Van Nuys-based school.

The five men were pouring concrete at the school the day 41-year-old Brendan O’Rourke allegedly opened fire on children in the playground. Contreras and Kane chased after the gunman on foot while Partida clipped him with his truck.

Kane returned to work the same day with Dominguez and Wiest, while Partida and Contreras took a few days off. Partida said he wanted to collect his thoughts before returning to work, and Contreras was nursing his hand, which he broke during the scuffle.

The school offered the scholarships to reward the workers for their heroism, said Cyndi Beaver, marketing coordinator at the school.

“It was an opportunity for us to kind of give back,” she said.

O’Rourke allegedly shot two second-grade girls in the arm before the men chased him out of the playground. Both children recovered and returned to school quickly, school officials said.

Kane said he was overwhelmed initially by all of the attention the men got after the incident, but now it feels as if it happened long ago. More importantly, he said, he’s thankful that nobody was more seriously hurt.

Call staff writer Stacy Brandt at 760-901-4009 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              760-901-4009      end_of_the_skype_highlighting.

CSLS Honors San Diego Area Super Heroes with Contractors Scholarships.

Recipients of CSLS Scholarship: Steven Kane, Toby Wiest, Alex Avalar (CSLS License Advisor), Carlos Partida, Eddie Dominguez, Mario Contreras

 As part of our monthly John Baker Contractor Scholarship offerings, CSLS is honoring each of these super heroes with a scholarship for a CSLS program of their choice to help them in their future careers in the construction industry.

Last October when Carlos Partida, Eddie Dominguez, Steven Kane, Mario Contreras and Toby Wiest were working a job at Kelly Elementary School in Carlsbad California, a shooter opened fire at school children on the playground.  When the gunman stopped shooting to reload his firearm, Carlos Partida knocked the man over with his truck and the other four workers apprehended and detained Brendan O’Rourke, the alleged shooter, until the police arrived. Two children were injured on that day and are recovering but if it hadn’t been for this group’s quick reactions to bring down this shooter, the situation could have escalated to far more devastating consequences. 

On Thursday, Jan 6th we met with the group of local heroes at the Contractors State License Services San Marcos location where Alex Avelar presented the program options and assisted in their enrollments.  We at CSLS feel fortunate to be able to give something of continued value to this group which not only will benefit them individually but also their families and community.  Best of luck guys and thank you for stepping forward to protect our community’s children!

San Diego Tribune Reports on CSLS Scholarship for local heroes

Free tuition offered to Kelly school heroes

By Aaron Burgin

Thursday, January 6, 2011 at 6:13 p.m.

SAN MARCOS — The Kelly Elementary School construction-worker heroes are going back to school, and the school is picking up the tab.

Carlos Partida, Eddie Dominguez, Steven Kane, Mario Contreras and Toby Wiest helped subdue Brendan Liam O’Rourke, who is accused of opening fire at Kelly Elementary School in Carlsbad in October, wounding two second-grade girls. The workers chased after him after he stopped to reload. Partida knocked him to the ground with a truck and helped hold him until police arrived.

Contreras suffered a broken hand when he punched O’Rourke.

Van Nuys-based Contractors State License Services, a private vocational school in San Marcos, is giving $1,000 scholarships to each man. The scholarships will pay for the workers to take one course, such as for contractor’s license examination preparation, blue print reading or contract estimating.

The school stepped in to offer the scholarships after learning about the heroics displayed by the workers, which garnered national attention. Days before the shooting, the school offered Victor Perez, a Fresno construction worker who rescued an 8-year-old girl who had been kidnapped, a similar scholarship.

“We were kind of on a hero thing,” Cyndi Beaver, the school’s marketing coordinator, said Thursday during a ceremony. “We just wanted to acknowledge our heroes in the construction industry.”

The timing of the scholarships couldn’t have been better, the men said. They are all currently unemployed. For most of them, the contract at Kelly Elementary, a renovation of the school’s kitchen, was their last job.

“We’re looking,” Partida said. “There’s just not much out there right now.”

Four of the five men said they would use the scholarship to get their Class B state contractor’s license, which would enable them to find more work or potentially start a business themselves.

The men say they have been overwhelmed by the adulation they have received.

“We still get the ‘you’re a hero’ response,” Kane said. “It’s been really nice.”

www.MakeMeAContractor.com 

CSLS San Marcos Location

CSLS San Diego Location

California County News reports a bit of good news for the CA Construction Industry!

Back in Business? Construction Jobs in CA See Largest Increase Among All States for Oct-Nov.
California’s construction jobs were particularly hit hard by the recession and the poor economy. But there is good news to be had, as the industry has posted a job gain of 7,800 positions over October and November. In fact, such a job gain has helped to boost the state’s overall employment levels and California has posted a construction increase that topped all other states during the same time period. The Associated General Contractors of America released the analysis and Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist, stated that “It is encouraging that the number of states adding jobs year-over-year was higher in November than at any time since February 2008. However, the data also make clear that these gains are as spotty as they are tenuous.” Notably, while California had positive gains, it also had the largest 12-month drop—36,900 jobs, or 6.4 percent. A press released about the association’s analysis states:
“In all, 36 states lost construction jobs over the past 12 months, while construction employment was unchanged in Massachusetts. Association officials cautioned that construction employment figures were likely to fluctuate and possibly drop over the coming months as many stimulus-funded projects begin to wind down and private-sector demand remains weak. They added that newly passed legislation that prevented steep tax increases, including for many small construction firms, will help boost overall economic activity and could drive new demand for construction later next year. ‘The tax bill is a step in the right direction because it will revitalize the economy and help boost private-sector construction demand,’ said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association’s chief executive officer. ‘But Congress still needs to act on long-delayed infrastructure bills and provide businesses with relief from an increasingly costly regulatory burden.’”

Important CSLB Bulletin: New Year Brings New Protection for California Homeowners

SACRAMENTO — New California construction laws and regulations passed during the 2009-2010 legislative session take effect January 1, 2011.

A key consumer protection law regarding mechanics liens (a claim on property that could force its foreclosure and sale to satisfy unpaid contractor or supplier debts) becomes effective on January 1, 2011. The result of Contractors State License Board (CSLB)-sponsored Assembly Bill 457 (Monning), the new law, signed in 2009, requires contractors, subcontractors or materials suppliers who intend to file a mechanics lien to serve aNotice of Mechanics Lien on the property owner. In addition to the notice, the person serving the mechanics lien must also provide a proof of service affidavit or the lien will be unenforceable. Mechanics liens are recorded with the county. Many times homeowners are unaware that a lien has even been placed on their property. Awareness of a lien is important because even if a mechanics lien is not used to foreclose on the property, its presence on the title can potentially prevent borrowing against, refinancing or selling the property.

“AB 457 provides vital protection for California property owners, plus, CSLB provides many resources and tips that consumers can easily review before a construction contract is signed to avoid the possibility of a mechanics lien altogether,” said CSLB Registrar Steve Sands

A CSLB-sponsored bill passed this year provides a valuable tool to help combat the states underground economy. Senate Bill 1254 (Leno) will enable CSLB to issue a stop work order to any licensed or unlicensed contractor who fails to carry workers compensation insurance coverage for all of his or her employees. The new law gives CSLB unprecedented authority in allowing the Boards enforcement representatives to more effectively stop unlicensed, uninsured activity, and aid in the states efforts to ensure a level playing field for licensees who follow workers compensation laws. A stop order takes effect immediately and can be appealed. Employees who lose pay due to a work stoppage will be entitled to up to 10 days pay for time lost. Failure to comply with a stop work order will be a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 60 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $10,000.
Following are additional construction-related laws that take effect January 1, 2011, unless otherwise noted:

Other Workers Compensation
SB 313 (DeSaulnier) Labor Code Section 3722 amended
This bill, signed in 2009, increases the potential penalty for failure to have a workers compensation policy from $1,000 to $1,500 for each employee not covered. Fines are administered by the director of the Department of Industrial Relations. (Amended Stats 2009 ch 640 § 1)

AB 2305 (Knight) Business and Professions Code Section 7125 and Insurance Code Section 11665 amended
The bill extends the requirement for C-39 Roofing contractors to carry a workers compensation policy, even if he or she has no employees until 2013. (Amended Stats 2010 ch 423 §1, 2 and 3)

Environmental
AB 1343 (Huffman) Public Resources Code Chapter 5 added to Part 7, Division 30
Effective April 1, 2012, contractor outreach and education will begin regarding recycling of architectural paint. Implementation of this recycling program could include an assessment on the future sale of paint. (Amended Stats 2010 ch 420 § 1 and 2)

AB 2398 (John A. PÃrez) Public Resources Code Section Chapter 20 added to Part 3, Division 30 and Section 42980 repealed
Beginning on July 1, 2011, carpet manufacturers must charge an additional one-half cent sales tax per square yard of product purchased to pay for a carpet recycling program. (Amended Stats 2010 ch 681 § 1 and 2)

Criminal
AB 2372 (Ammiano) Penal Code Section 487 amended
This law changes the threshold from $400 to $950 to charge the crime of grand theft for stealing money, labor, real or personal property. (Amended Stats 2010 ch 693 § 1 and 2)

CSLB/Consumer Protection Boards
SB 294 (Negrete McLeod) Business and Professions Code Sections 7000.5 and 7011 amended
This bill extends CSLBs existence as a consumer protection board from January 1, 2011 to January 1, 2012. (Amended Stats 2010 ch 695 §37 and 38)

SB 392 (Florez) Business and Professions Code Sections 7025, 7028.5, 7029, 7065, 7065.1, 7065.5, 7068, 7068.1, ;7068.2, 7069, 7071, 7071.1, 7071.8, 7071.9, 7071.11, 7071.17, 7072.5, 7075.1, 7076, 7076.2, 7085.6, 7090, 7090.1, 7096, 7121, 7121.1, 7121.5, 7121.6, 7122, 7122.1, 7122.2, 7122.5, 7137, 7138, 7152, 7159 and 7159.10 and 7071.6.5 and 7071.19 added; Corporations Code Section 22037amended
This bill authorizes the issuance of a contractor license to a Limited Liability Corporation (LLC) beginning January 1, 2012. Prior to passage of this law, LLCs were not able to be licensed in California. The LLC would be required to maintain liability insurance of between $1,000,000 and $5,000,000 and post a $100,000 surety bond, in addition to the $12,500 bond already required of all licensees. (Amended Stats 2010 ch 698 §1 through 43)

SB 1491 (Committee on Business, Professions and Economic Development) Business and Professions Code Sections 7028.6, 7028.7, 7028.9 and 7058.5 amended
This bill requires that a citation for acting as a contractor or salesperson without a license or registration be issued within four years, or 18 months of a complaint for the violation, whichever is later. The bill also allows for contractors applying for an original license to complete and return the required open book exam about asbestos electronically. (Amended Stats 2010 ch 415 §17,18 and 19)

AB 1659 (Huber) Government Code Section 9147.7 added
This law abolishes the Joint Committee on Boards, Commissions and Consumer Protection and replaces it with the Joint Sunset Review Committee. CSLBs sunset review process remains unchanged. (Amended Stats 2010 ch 666 § 1)

AB 2130 (Huber) Business and Professions Code Section 22 amended and Section 101.1 and Division 1.2 repealed
This law is a companion bill to AB 1659, replacing the Joint Committee on Boards, Commissions and Consumer Protection and replacing it with the Joint Sunset Review Committee. (Amended Stats 2010 ch 670 § 1 through 3)

AB 2500 (Hagman) Business and Professions Code Section 114 amended and Section114.5 repealed
The bill amends current law allowing people licensed by Department of Consumer Affairs boards and bureaus to reinstate their license without examination or penalty if serving in the California National Guard or United States Military during a period of war. The new law repeals the section defining war and extends the reinstatement provision for licensees who can prove they were serving on active, military duty. Requests must come not more than one year after discharge or the end of active duty. (Amended Stats 2010 ch 389 §1 and 2)

Changes to existing regulations that would increase contractor licensing fees (PDF) received final approval from the Office of Administrative Law, effective December 18, 2010. Fee increases begin on July 1, 2011 for those applying for or changing their contractor license. Renewal fees for licenses that expire on or after July 1, 2011, will also be increased. CSLB fees have remained at their current level since 1993, and the additional revenue will assure CSLB upholds its mandated protection of California consumers and the integrity of the construction industry

Important CSLB Bulletin: Contractors State License Board Encourages Vigilance as Winter Storms Hit State

SACRAMENTO — In the wake of heavy rain, mudslides, flooding and their aftermath, the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) reminds California property owners to stay vigilant when it comes to contracting for clean-up or repairs. Sometimes what appears to be the cheapest solution to remove a fallen tree, fix a downed fence, or patch a leaky roof may not be the wisest choice.

Consumers can use CSLB™s online resources to check the license status of the contractor they plan to hire, and to get tips on home repair and improvement choices. Any construction job valued at $500 or more in labor and materials must be done by a state-licensed contractor. California Business & Professions Code requires all licensees to carry workers compensation insurance coverage for their employees and to purchase a contractor license bond.

Now that Governor Schwarzenegger has declared a State of Emergency in several coastal, Central Valley, and Southern California counties, anyone caught contracting without a California contractor license can potentially be charged with a felony and subject to up to $10,000 in fines and three years in state prison (Business and Professions Code section 7028.16). In areas that are not state or federally-declared disaster areas, penalties are generally misdemeanors.

“A state-licensed contractor is the right choice when looking for a legitimate, qualified home repairperson”especially in an urgent situation,” said CSLB Registrar Steve Sands. “A CSLB-licensed contractor who is skilled in the specific trade you are seeking is not likely to leave you in the lurch when it comes to properly completing the job at a fair price.”

For tree trimming and removal jobs where the tree is 15 feet or higher and the job is more than $500, the contractor must be state-licensed. Business & Professions Code allows a gardener to do incidental pruning on trees less than 15 feet and under a cost of $500 without a CSLB license.

CSLB urges consumers to follow these tips when soliciting bids from a home improvement contractor:

• Hire only licensed contractors, and ask to see the license and photo identification to make sure the person is who they claim to be.
• Dont rush into repairs, no matter how badly they are needed.

Contractors State License Services has School Locations Near CSLB Testing Facilities

CSLB Facility Sacramento

CSLS has school locations conveniently located near each of the CSLB testing facilities. We can assist you with license exam preparation, live scan fingerprint services, bonding services, corporation set-ups and more. See our locations on www.MakeMeAContractor.com to connect with a License Consultant who can assist you with your licensing needs.

Testing facilities and times are assigned by the Contractors State License Board. Verify your scheduled testing facility on your Notification of Test Date letter you receive from the Board following acceptance of your test application.

CSLB Testing Facilities

Fresno
1277 E Alluvial Avenue, Suite 106
Fresno, CA 93720

Norwalk
12501 East Imperial Hwy, Suite 630
Norwalk, CA 90650

Oxnard
1901 N Rice Avenue, Suite 210
Oxnard, CA 93036

San Bernardino
1845 Business Center Drive, Suite 214
San Bernardino, CA 92408

San Diego
9246 Lightwave Avenue
San Diego, CA 92123

San Jose
100 Paseo De San Antonio, Suite 103
San Jose, CA 95113

Sacramento
9821 Business Park Drive
Sacramento, CA 95827

San Jose Operation Snags More Than One Dozen Unlicensed Operators


Important CSLB Bulletin: SACRAMENTO — The Contractors State License Boards (CSLB) Statewide Investigative Fraud Team (SWIFT) netted 14 suspects in a San Jose undercover sting operation this week. The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s office assisted in the December 7, 2010 sting and a sweep of construction sites on December 8, which resulted in one citation for contracting with an expired license and another for failure to carry workers compensation insurance.

“In today’s economy, it’s more important than ever for consumers to hire licensed and insured contractors,” said CSLB Registrar Steve Sands. “People put themselves and family members at risk when they hire unlicensed and uninsured individuals who can end up doing substandard work or never finish the job. They also cheat law-abiding licensees out of work.”

During the sting operation, SWIFT investigators posed as homeowners seeking bids for painting, landscaping, concrete, and roofing jobs. 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.
CSLB licensees must have at least four years of journey-level experience in their license classification and must pass exams pertaining to their trade and state contracting laws. State law requires that licensees purchase a license bond for consumer protection and that their employees have workers compensation coverage to shield homeowners from liability. Roofing contractors (C-39) must purchase workers compensation for themselves, even if they do not have employees.

CSLB Sting Snatches Nine Illegal Operators in Glendora

Important CSLB Bulletin:
SACRAMENTO — The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) Statewide Investigative Fraud Team (SWIFT) caught nine people for violating state home improvement contracting laws during an undercover sting on December 13, 2010. SWIFT was assisted by the California Highway Patrol and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’a Office.

During the sting operation at a Glendora home, SWIFT investigators posed as homeowners seeking bids for painting, fencing, flooring, and cabinetry projects. Suspects who bid more than $500 for labor and materials received a notice to appear (NTA) in court. “Homeowners need to be fully aware of who they are letting into their homes,” said CSLB Registrar Steve Sands. “This operation illustrates the importance of spending a couple of minutes on CSLB website to check the license before you hire a contractor to ensure you aren’t putting your family or your home at risk.”
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 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. State law prohibits solicitation of a down payment that is greater than 10 percent of the projects value or $1,000, whichever is less, for home improvement contracts. There is an exception for about two dozen licensed contractors who purchase special consumer protection bonds and are noted on CSLB’s website. State law also requires those selling home improvement services for licensed contractors to register with CSLB.
Since 2005, state law has required criminal background checks for anyone applying for a new license or adding a license classification. California law also requires contractors to have workers compensation coverage for all of their employees to protect homeowners from liability.

Thousands of Jobs, Contractors Needed


Ever wondered how to obtain the coveted Governement Contracts for your Contractors business or simply know how to gain more jobs? Look no more Contractors State License Services is hosting FREE seminars presented by TOSGA Global Alliance strategic Partner of CSLS. TOSGA offers services that assist small and minority businesses in connecting with Private and Government Sector jobs specifically for Contractors. There are thousands of construction jobs available in a variety of trades such as roofing, electrical, plumbing, painting, HVAC, concrete/paving and more!
Learn how you as licensed contractor can connect and bid on these profitable construction jobs. Presentations are filling quickly. Contact a location near you to reserve a seat!

LOCATION DATE TIME CALL
South District
Long Beach Dec 14 5:30pm-6:30pm 310-522-9258
Covina Dec 15 5:30pm-6:30pm 626-430-9212
Norwalk Dec 15 5:30pm-6:30pm 562-404-5508
Orange Dec 16 5:30pm-6:30pm 714-289-9105
Temecula Dec 16 5:30pm-6:30pm 951-587-2257
San Diego Dec 22 5:30pm-6:30pm 619-283-2011
San Marcos Dec 22 5:30pm-6:30pm 760-744-4334
Riverside Dec 23 5:30pm-6:30pm 951-781-6161
Central District
Van Nuys Dec 16 6:00pm-7:00pm 818-901-6330
Bakersfield Dec 29 6:00pm-7:00pm 661-321-3210
Northern District
Fresno Dec 14 6:00pm-7:00pm 559-229-2180
Concord Dec 15 6:00pm-7:00pm 925-686-8393
Modesto Dec 16 6:00pm-7:00pm 209-526-8091
Sacramento Dec 16 6:00pm-7:00pm 916-363-2784
San Jose Dec 21 6:00pm-7:00pm 408-247-1242
San Rafael Dec 21 6:00pm-7:00pm 415-456-4437
So San Francisco Dec 22 6:00pm-7:00pm 650-755-5582
Oakland Dec 23 6:00pm-7:00pm 510-382-9814

Or visit the CSLS website for more details and directions http://www.contractorslicensingschools.com/contractor-education-events.cfm