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.

Contractors State License Services (CSLS) introduces home inspection training course, BPI Energy Audit training course, NAPCEP Solar PV Photovoltaic Installer training course, and Locksmithing training course.

VAN NUYS, March 08, 2011— Contractors State License Services adds Home Industry training classes its course offerings for the Spring semester.

Students can elect to be trained in one or all of these in-demand professions.  Home inspectors earn an average of $76,000* per year.  The average inspection takes two to three hours.  Energy Auditors are used to establish Home Efficiency and can earn an average of $58,257** per year.  Solar PV Photovoltaic installers make an average of $61,000* per year.  Demand for Locksmiths is projected to increase by 25% in the next 4 years*.

 These courses will provide a great experience for anyone who has an interest in homes and has an eye for detail. 

 This first-time offering was created in partnership with American Home Inspectors Training (AHIT), a national leader in home industry training and based in Waukesha, Wisconsin. AHIT is the largest provider of professional home industry training in North America and has been training for over 15 years.   The class can be taken online or in a traditional classroom setting.  Tuition costs include course materials and tips on how to start your own home industry business.

* Department of Labor Statistics   **Matchcollege.com

CSLB Press Release: Repeat Offender Caught in CSLB Tehama County Undercover Sting

Revoked licensee could face 90 days in jail after continuing to disregard law

SACRAMENTO – Tuesday, February 8, 2011, was not a good day for Randy Wade Dueck. The 50-year-old from Red Bluff was again caught contracting without a license and arrested during an undercover operation conducted by the Contractors State License Board’s (CSLB) Statewide Investigative Fraud Team (SWIFT), this time in downtown Red Bluff.  The sting was conducted in cooperation with the Tehama County District Attorney’s Office and California Department of Industrial Relations.

            SWIFT investigators posed as owners of a commercial property near the Sacramento River, seeking painting, flooring, and tile work. A total of eight unlicensed operators who bid more than $500 for labor and materials were arrested and received a Notice to Appear (NTA) in Tehama County Superior Court to face misdemeanor charges of contracting without a license (Business & Professions Code 7028). Six will face an additional charge for illegal advertising (Business & Professions Code 7027.1). A ninth person was not arrested, but did receive a $3,000 citation from the Department of Industrial Relations for employing two people without having workers’ compensation insurance (Labor Code 3722).

“We cannot stress enough how important it is to make sure the people you hire to work in and around your home are properly license by the state of California,” said CSLB Registrar Steve Sands.  “It’s a level of protection that can keep you from becoming a victim of fraud.”

Dueck is no stranger to CSLB investigators.  His painting license (#589514) was revoked in 1995 after failing to comply with terms of two administrative citations and failing to pay back claims against his license bond. Dueck was cited by CSLB in 2000 after a consumer complaint and also failed to pay the $1,500 citation.  Last April, Dueck was arrested in an undercover sting and plead guilty to a charge of contracting without a license.  He was on probation at the time of his arrest this week and even told the undercover investigator before he was arrested that he was nervous about being caught again.

CSLB will ask the Tehama County District Attorney’s Office to charge Dueck for violating Business & Professions Code 7028c, which raises the penalties for a second offense of contracting without a license to a $5,000 fine and 90 days in jail.

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 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.  License bond information is available when checking the status of a contractor license.

CSLB urges all California consumers to follow these tips before hiring a home improvement contractor:

  • Verify the contractor’s license online at www.cslb.ca.gov, or via CSLB’s automated phone system at 1-800-321-CSLB (2752).
  • Ask to see a photo identification to verify the contractor’s identity.
  • Don’t pay more than 10% down or $1,000, whichever is less.  There is an exception to this rule for about two dozen contractors who purchase special bonds and are noted on CSLB’s website.
  • Don’t pay in cash, and don’t let the payments get ahead of the work.
  • Get at least three bids and insist on a written contract before your project begins.

           

            The Contractors State License Board operates under the umbrella of the California Department of Consumer Affairs.  More information and publications about hiring contractors are available on the CSLB website or by calling 800-321-CSLB (2752).  You can also sign up for CSLB e-mail alerts, and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.  CSLB licenses and regulates California’s more than 300,000 contractors, and is regarded as one of the leading consumer protection agencies in the United States.  In fiscal year 2009-10, CSLB helped recover nearly $42 million in ordered restitution for consumers.

# # #

CSLB Press Release on Ridgecrest Undercover Sting

CSLB Identifies Phony Contractors in Ridgecrest Undercover Sting
Undercover operation nets eight for contracting without a license and related violations

 

SACRAMENTO – The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) wants consumers in smaller communities and rural areas of the state to know that they’re especially vulnerable to becoming victimized by unlicensed contractors. Last week CSLB’s Statewide Investigative Fraud Team (SWIFT) investigators teamed with the Kern County Sheriffs and District Attorney Offices, and the Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement to conduct a sting in the city of Ridgecrest.

The operation, conducted on February 3, 2011, led to the arrest of eight suspected unlicensed operators.  CSLB investigators posed as homeowners and invited suspected phony contractors to a newly constructed home near Pearson Park.  Investigators asked for bids that included landscaping, fencing, and painting.  If the bid totaled more than $500 in labor and materials and the suspect was not state-licensed, they were arrested.  Eight were given a Notice to Appear (NTA) in court to face misdemeanor charges of contracting without a license; some also face charges of illegal advertising, and soliciting an excessive down payment, also misdemeanors.  All eight will face a charge of failing to secure workers’ compensation insurance for employees.  They are scheduled to appear in Kern County Superior Court in Ridgecrest on March 29, 2011.

“This sting is a perfect example of why homeowners need to make sure the contractor they hire is properly licensed and insured.  It only takes a minute to check information on the CSLB website at www.cslb.ca.gov or www.CheckTheLicenseFirst.com,” said CSLB Registrar Steve Sands.  “If someone working on your property is injured and is not covered by workers’ compensation insurance, they could turn around and sue you for their medical bills.”

By law, anyone performing home improvement services that total more than $500 in material and labor must be licensed by the state of California.  Contractors must include their CSLB license number in all advertisements and contracts.  Those who are not licensed can only perform jobs valued at $500 or less.  Their ad must state that they are not licensed.

CSLB received critical support for this operation from one of its legitimate licensed contractors. Four of the eight arrested during last week’s sting operation were the result of leads from that licensee.

Licensees face the difficult task of competing against those who break the law by operating in the multi-billion dollar underground economy.  In addition, the loss of tax revenue takes money away from schools and law enforcement. 

“Homeowners should also know that they have little recourse against an unlicensed operator if something goes wrong with a project,” added Sands.  “That’s especially true if you give them a big down payment and they never show up to start the job.”  CSLB offers a variety of free services, including mediation and arbitration, for consumers who have a problem with their licensed contractor.

CSLB urges all California consumers to follow these tips before hiring a home improvement contractor:

  • Be especially hesitant when approached by someone offering home improvement services door-to-door.
  • Verify the contractor’s license online at www.cslb.ca.gov or www.CheckTheLicenseFirst.com, or via CSLB’s automated phone system at 1-800-321-CSLB (2752).
  • Ask to see a photo identification to verify the contractor’s identity.
  • Don’t pay more than 10% down or $1,000, whichever is less.  There is an exception to this rule for about two dozen contractors who purchase special bonds and are noted on CSLB’s website.
  • Don’t pay in cash, and don’t let the payments get ahead of the work.
  • Get at least three bids and insist on a written contract before your project begins.

Thousands of Jobs! TOSGA Presents Seminars on How You Can Connect with Private & Goverment Jobs!

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 another set of 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
San Diego Feb 3, 5:30pm-6:30pm 619-283-2011
San Marcos Feb 2, 5:30pm-6:30pm 760-744-4334
Riverside Feb 2, 6:00pm-7:00pm 951-781-6161
Central District
Van Nuys Feb 3 6:00pm-7:00pm 818-901-6330
Northern District
Concord Feb 2, 6:00pm-7:00pm 925-686-8393
Modesto Feb 3, 6:00pm-7:00pm 209-526-8091
Sacramento Feb 17, 5:30pm-6:00pm 916-363-2784
San Jose Feb 15, 5:30pm-6:00pm 408-247-1242
Or visit the CSLS website for more details and directions http://www.contractorslicensingschools.com/contractor-education-events.cfm

CSLB Press Release 1/13/2011 : Monterey Residents Face Criminal Charges for Fraudulently Using Contractor License Numbers

Suspects using business names “Window Design” and “Fresh Paint” arraigned on 146 counts

SACRAMENTO —Daniel Kenneth Furness, 58, and Colleen Gsell, 55, pleaded not guilty in Monterey County Superior Court on January 10, 2011, to 146 criminal charges relating to fraudulent use of other contractors’ license numbers, and adverting and contracting without their own license. The charges were filed following an investigation by the Contractors State License Board’s (CSLB) Central Valley Statewide Investigative Fraud Team (SWIFT), Monterey County District Attorney’s Office, and the Monterey and Marina Police Departments.

Furness and Gsell are suspected of using contractor license numbers not held by them, instead of obtaining their own licenses from the Contractors State License Board. For example, they allegedly used license numbers belonging to other people whose business names are “Window Design” and “Fresh Paint.” Furness and Gsell have not been issued a contractor license in either of their individual names, or a license to do business in the name of a company.

“We encourage homeowners to check their contractor’s license number on the CSLB website before any work is done,” said CSLB Registrar Steve Sands. “Consumers should ask to see the state-issued pocket license and a photo identification to make sure the person they are dealing with is the person who holds the contractor license in the appropriate work classification.”

Furness and Gsell are also suspected of illegal advertising and taking excessive down payments. Contractors must display their license number when advertising for jobs valued at more than $500 for labor and materials. It is also illegal to take down payments greater than 10 percent or $1,000, whichever is less, for any home improvement project. There is an exception for about two dozen contractors who purchase special consumer protection bonds and are noted on CSLB’s website.

Even though a consumer is not legally responsible for payments to an unlicensed contractor for projects valued at $500 or more for labor and materials, Furness is charged with instituting litigation against a deceased client’s estate and making inaccurate statements in a claim of lien filed against this client’s property. A licensed contractor or material supplier is entitled to file a mechanic’s lien if the contract amount is not paid as stated in the signed contract. An unlicensed operator who has contracted for work valued at more than $500 for labor and materials has no legal standing to do so. Furness is also charged with committing perjury in an application filed with CSLB.

Furness is formally charged with three counts of perjury and three counts of filing a false document. Furness and Gsell are each charged with 54 counts of illegal use of a contractor license number not issued to them; 42 counts of contracting without a contractor license; 23 counts of illegal advertising; and 21 counts of charging an excessive down payment.

“Those contracting without a license should understand that CSLB and its partners in law enforcement will not tolerate behavior that is detrimental to homeowners and licensed contractors who are complying with state laws and regulations,” added Sands.

CSLB Zero-Tolerance Policy for C-10 Employee Certification Requirements Creating Buzz

This is an important notice for C-10 Electrical Contractors working in the state of California. Make sure you are following electrician certification requirements and avoid fines from the CSLB.

At a recent meeting of the CSLB Enforcement Committee (January 12, 2011) held at the Board’s new Valencia Investigative Center, Board enforcement staff reported over 30,000 licensees have received notice of the Board’s  Zero-Tolerance Policy for C-10 Electrical Contractors employing uncertified electricians.

Labor Compliance Officers and members of electrical worker unions have been aggressively reporting C-10 contractors who violate the electrician certification requirements established by the Labor Code Section 3099 and regulated by the Department of Industrial Relations Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DIR/DAS).  The Labor Code requires CSLB to investigate every report of a violation.  Board enforcement staff indicated investigations resulted in 10 citations in the last month alone.

Electricians are defined as all persons who engage in the connection of electrical devices for C-10 contractors. It is CSLB’s position that electrical work must be performed by a certified electrician or an approved apprentice. Trenching, concrete, framing, and other work that does not involve connecting electrical devices may be performed by noncertified workers. For more information about the Board’s Zero-Tolerance Policy for C-10 Employee Certification Requirements, visit the CSLB Industry Bulletin from 11/19/2010 for more information.

10 FOR 11 – CSLS Top Ten books for 2011

Our top 10 selection for 2011 reflects those books that are most popular through our in-school and online contractors bookstores. These books include important information for any contractor whether you’ve just gotten your contractor’s license or have been running your construction business for years. The cover general construction concepts such as estimating, print reading and how to run a successful construction business. In addition to these great books we have a wide selection of books that are specific to a variety of trade classifications including General B, C-36 Plumbing, C-39 Roofing, C-46 Solar, C-5 Carpentry and many more.  If you need construction reference books for your trade or are studying for your Trade License exam and need a little help, take a visit to the CSLS Online Bookstore or visit a school location near you.

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