A Contractors State License Board (CSLB) sting in Southwest Bakersfield ended with 16 people being cited for unlicensed contracting, 10 of whom did not have workers’ compensation (WC) coverage required by California law.
Of the people cited, 15 face an additional misdemeanor charge of illegal advertising for failing to state in their advertising that they were not licensed.
Most of the unlicensed contractors were found from online advertising site Craigslist.
“For home repair jobs that typically take more than one person, it’s critical that consumers check CSLB’s website for the presence of a license, but also proof that the contractor has a WC policy,” CSLB Registrar Cindi Christenson said in a release. “Otherwise, the homeowner could be on the hook for the medical bills if someone gets hurt on the job.”
The CSLB is hoping last week’s sting highlights the importance of checking for a contractor license and verifying if they carry WC insurance if they bring someone to help them.
WC insurance must be taken out by a licensed contractor if they bring an employee, day laborer, or friend to assist them on the job site, CSLB said. The policy provides medical coverage in case someone on the job is injured.
This is a full list of the suspects and their license classification:
- Louie Ray Rojas - Fencing
- Timothy Phillip Miguel - Tree Service
- Brian Aguirre - Tree Service
- Chandon Shane Martinez - Painting and Decorating
- Alberto Najera Ramirez - Tree Service and Concrete
- Greg Julian Jasso - Painting and Decorating
- Wulfrano Briviesca Lopez - Painting and Decorating
- Nick Vasquez - Fencing
- Sebastian Anthony Munoz - Painting and Decorating
- Rodrigo Almejo Ornelas - Landscaping
- Salvador Hernandez Chavarin Jr. - Tree Service
- Joseph Ernest Gonzales - Painting and Decorating
- Sonja Maria Lopez - Fencing
- Fulvio Arturo Guillen Saravia - Tree Service
- Joel Alfredo Castro - Floor and Floor Coverings
- Martin Lopez - Fencing
