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UCA Post
June 2008

If you do not wish to receive future updates from the UCA, please return this mailing and type OPT OUT in the subject box, thank you.

United Contractors Association invites you to our next meeting. Where Dennys Roseville off I-80 on Sunrise at Douglas Blvd. When Friday June 6th 2008 11 a.m.

For more than two years the UCA has been determined to find ways to improve the lot of licensed contractors that are forced to compete for a smaller share of the home improvement dollar against the growing ranks of unlicensed operators flooding the marketplace with false or misleading advertising. We believe that creating a strong network of local licensed contractors that promote each other will be a major asset to our members and the consumers who come to our site to find high quality tradesman.

On May 29th 2008 we attended an Industry Meeting at the Sac. offices of the CSLB. This was a private meeting to update Government Affairs officials, lobbyists, leaders representing California's largest building industry
Associations on current CSLB accomplishments and activities. Carrie Lopez the Director of the Department Consumer Affairs opened the meeting by making it clear that the DCA was dedicated to the effort of crushing the underground economy. The UCA is currently building a relationship with Consumer Affairs to assist in any way possible to see this happen.

Below are examples of current events that are not widely publicized to the building industry that were discussed at the Industry Meeting and issues we will review for our members at our meeting on June 6th.

The possibility that the CSLB will be dismantled at the conclusion of the Sunset (SB 963) date of January 2009.

Dave Fogt announced the targeted sting program for contractor associations. Increased focus on Owner Builder contractor issues at building departments (AB 2335).

Improved integration with legislative affairs firms relating to CSLB projects and administration. Discuss the draft of proposed goals and CSLB strategic enforcement plans.

Review of Assembly and Senate bills sponsored by the CSLB in the 2007-2008 Legislative Session. Proposed changes to 'Mechanics lien' civil action enacted under SB 1691.

Worth watching, This past spring, the House of Representative passed HR 660, the Association Health Plan Act. (AHP's) On the Senate side of Congress, companion legislation S.545 was introduced and sent to the Senate
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions for hearings. Even with bipartisan support, S.545 has yet to be heard and move out of the committee for a full Senate vote.

If passed, AHPs will provide small businesses the opportunity to band together through bona fide trade and professional associations to purchase affordable health benefits.

Advertising and Branding the UCA name. From talking to many of our members it has become very clear that advertising cost among other expenses of doing business have risen sharply without providing satisfactory results. In order to promote our members we are considering mass mailers to promote the UCA site containing the Find a Contractor page. The benefit will be increased traffic to the UCA site and greater exposure for our members.

The UCA has had meetings with the California State Licensing Schools in an effort to build a new member base. This development has the potential to allow the UCA to follow thru on one of its primary missions of ongoing Contractor support and education by helping foster higher standards in our industry and will benefit consumers and ultimately the scope of level business practice in California.

The UCA has defined several primary directives for 2008-2009. First, we have concluded that in order to promote the healthy growth of Contractor business, the amendment of Business and Professions Code 7027.2 must be sought.

This code dating back some 20 years thus-far has caused a logjam in our courts. In the effort to combat unlicensed contractor advertising, this loophole stands squarely between licensed and unlicensed contractors rights in advertising. Currently, the law states that it is ok to advertise for construction work as long as the advertisement states that the person is unlicensed. This is why nearly 90% of the cases brought by the CSLB before administrative law judges are thrown out allowing underground operators to continue and thrive. This is
absolutely UNacceptable. We took this position before the CSLB board members and those attending the recent meeting of industry leaders, lobbyists and Governmental Affairs reps. It seemed to come as some surprise that this loophole 7027.2 was even an issue, and that the UCA was leading the debate on how to resolve it. This clearly demonstrates the disconnect between Legislators and those of us on the front lines who deal daily with its impact.

Ultimately, this is a Consumer Safety issue. We believe that no one should be able to advertise for any kind of construction work in California, especially in private homes, without first having been fingerprinted and undergone a background check with the Dept. of Justice.

This may well be accomplished by creating a new classification of license. For example, in order to advertise in California for construction valued at less than $500 the individual must include a registration or certificate number provided by the CSLB. When a consumer looks up the registration number at the CSLB site, the page will display a Handyman Registration Number including information on dollar limits, and clearly summarize the responsibilities and liabilities associated with hiring this person. Additionally, instructions to provide workers comp and liability insurance should be displayed. This page should al;so include a photo ID of the person holding the registration or certification number. There should be ZERO tolerance for advertising without either a valid State Contractor License or a Handyman Registration Number. Those who use business license numbers to advertise will be notified of the new laws if successful.

In order for any changes of the B&PC to have the desired result, there must be clearly defined consequences to breaking them. The UCA is adamant about consolidating the necessary support to see that these arguments are heard by our legislators who are responsible for an amendments implementation. We are familiarizing ourselves with the Legislative process and are determined to lead the charge to amend 7027.2 This is a two year process at best, longer if it faces opposition in either the Assembly (80 members) or the Senate (40 members)

There is a lot more on the table, if you are interested in helping us grow the UCA and developing the UCA brand-name, show up at the meeting and let us know. The UCA is a not for profit Association and tax deductible donations are accepted. Pay-Pal has been added to our web site to make the process of joining with the UCA as a premium member ($245 per year prorated) or donating as a corporation simple.

If you agree with us and recognize that unless our Association raises the issue nothing will be done, support us and yourself by telling others.

I look forward to seeing you at our next meeting. If you are planning to attend for the first time, rest assured that we are not a stuffy board meeting with tons of structure and a big gavel. We are loose knit and informal, you can order a lunch, hear and be heard by other professionals who may or may not share your opinion. We do have some structure, but remain keenly aware of the mood and discourse of our members.

Till then,

Scott Day
UNITED CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT

THE UCA POST - MAY 2008

On April 3-08 UCA board members attended the Legislative and Enforcement committee meeting at the Sac offices of the CSLB. Prior to the meeting that included CSLB board and staff members and industry association leaders, the UCA was recognized by David Fogt for having a direct impact on new policy and procedures being adopted and implemented within the agencies enforcement division. We were also instrumental in the effort to support a key piece of legislation in the form of a bill destined for the senate.

Bill Number AB 2412 is being considered in the Assembly Business and Professions Committee. The Los Angeles City Attorney sponsored this bill. Subject: Unlicensed Contractors "Penalties and Restitution. Author (D) Eng. The CSLB has endorsed this bill and has afforded a 'Support' recommendation for its passage. This Bill changes the definition of a ruling that has stood for over 40 years challenged and successful.

Current law in the Business and Professions Code directs that a person acting in the capacity of a contractor without being properly licensed, charged with a first offense is punishable by imprisonment for no more than 6 months, or by fine not exceeding $1000.00 or both. The new law under consideration (AB 2412) would make the first conviction for contracting without a license punishable by a fine of up to $5,000.00 or by imprisonment as specified or both.

This bill has gained the attention of local district and regional District Attorney Offices that have a vested interest in securing additional revenue streams. The proverbial carrot and stick approach make prosecution more lucrative and you will find an increased focus on this type of criminal activity. The resulting domino effect from passage of this good legislation will add to the arsenal of tools the licensed board has at its disposal in the fight against unlicensed contractor activity.

Other Bills under consideration and pending, threaten to increase regulation on an already overburdened construction industry. Some of these bills are on our watch list. You should be aware of pending legislation that will have a direct impact on your livelihood in order to oppose them. The UCA intends to monitor bad legislation and keep our members informed, and suggest action.

The License Board has conceded that a special unit be established to deal solely with unlicensed contractors in print advertising. This was a major success for the UCA. We now have access to a team of investigators who are charged with identification and prosecution of illegal advertisers. Advertising Penny Saver circular for those who break California Laws by listing for construction work over $500.00 have been receiving 'warning' notices. If these tracked individuals continue to solicit, they are served with a citation to appear in court. Craig's list has also gained rank in the monitoring status.

What's next? Hundreds of contractors have responded to our 'Contractors Stand Survey' the summary report will be presented in July this year to Consumer Affairs and the CSLB board of directors. The UCA holds that 22 investigators for the entire state of California is unacceptable. The fact that these few are spread out to cover thousands of violators daily is patently ludicrous. We believe that state investigators should be more than doubled to 50. We want to see photo ID cards for contractors, and a follow up TV campaign to inform consumers to 'look for the license'.

Building Departments need to revise the application process for those seeking a business license number with the intent on using it to advertise as a contractor.

Our Association needs your support. $$ Would help but more importantly, we need to show regulators that we are many. I have asked John Nunes, a member of the board who serves as the UCA Secretary to contact all of the contractors who have shown an interest in our mission to get them listed for free on our ?find a contractor page?
We would like to see over 100 by July listed on our site. This will serve a dual purpose, first it will help establish the UCA and its directive in large numbers to those in government who doubt that the consensus of contractors can in any way be a determining factor in consideration of new law or industry regulation. Secondly, as we vehemently believe that in house networking is a fundamental no brainer if we are going to grow into a cohesive Association that values respects and promotes our members.

We have a long road ahead, and we are confident that we are opening the doors to the possibilities that must be addressed in order to maintain our standards, our respect and our industry.

I look forward to seeing or meeting you at our next scheduled UCA General Meeting on Friday May 2nd. @ 11:00 Denny's in Roseville off I-80 Douglas and Sunrise.

Scott Day
United Contractors Association President

NEWS: Media Links to recent news on local municipal utilities company employees doing side jobs as unlicensed contractors while working on taxpayer time:

http://www.kcra.com/video/15988038/index.html?taf=sac

http://www.cbs13.com/video/?id=32731@kovr.dayport.com

http://www.cbs13.com/video/?id=32711@kovr.dayport.com

http://www.cbs13.com/video/?id=32415@kovr.dayport.com

http://www.cbs13.com/video/?id=32452@kovr.dayport.com

http://www.cbs13.com/video/?id=32424@kovr.dayport.com

UCA POST
April 2008

Upcoming United Contractors Association Meeting

Where: Denny's Roseville off I-80 @ Sunrise and Douglas When: 11:00 a.m. Friday April 4th.

We will be discussing strategy for the UCA in 2008 and how we can improve our position of pressure on illegal advertisers and the cost of doing nothing. Also, recent progress reports from Dave Fogt on the pilot programs that the UCA cosponsored with the CSLB in early 2007.

We will also be addressing the importance of being listed on our 'Find a contractor' page at http://www.gouca.org

If you have not completed one of the important 'Contractors Stand Surveys' we will have plenty of forms there, and we will review why this document is so critical.

Hope to see you there,

Scott Day
UCA President

UCA POST
February 2008

Next UCA Meeting: Where: Denny's Roseville, Sunrise & Douglas off I-80 When: 11:00 a.m.

The UCA board, J. Papa, Roger Holme, Steven Styles and I would like to thank our premium members for the financial means needed to move forward with our Mailing campaign. We are gathering data from the returns, will keep you updated.

Why become a UCA member? The UCA relies on member dues to fund projects like the one outlined below.
If we manage to gain the support of at least 5 new members, we will have paid for the mailing.

As you know, we have secured Not for Profit status from the state, but in order for us to gain 'Tax Free Status' we need to pay the state $300. What this means for our members and industry grantors, is that any donations or member dues will be 'tax deductible'. Adding two new members would gain us this status.

We have talked with dozens of contractors this month, many respected our shared position and determination to move the culture of lax code enforcement into the here and now as it relates to unlicensed contracting and advertising law violation. Too many have said strait up that times are so bad that even finding $25 for a
donation would further strain already tight budget. One said, 'That's $15 dollars in gas and a gallon of milk?.

Thousands of Licensed California Contractors are having a hard enough time making ends meet in these difficult economic times?the fact that we are being out bid, out advertised, and out maneuvered leaving too many small business owners to face the possibility of scanning the classified section seeking an employer.

If we do nothing, who will? The severe and systematic deconstruction of small and struggling business is on the rise. This is why the UCA exists. Contractor networking, public awareness, legislative accountability and a membership determined to promote Code Enforcement that's not all 'hat' and no 'cattle'.

We also encourage you to advertise your business on our 'find a Contractor' page. Whenever a homeowner asks me for a recommendation, without hesitation I direct them to our site. It is a free deal, and we can link your listing to any web site you may have. We would further hope that should you list your business on the UCA site, consider dropping a donation into our pay-pal account to help us manage our Association. Of coarse, if you know of any corporate sponsors, we would consider accepting a few million?

Membership dues are being used to send the Introduction Page, Contractor Stand Survey, Legal Defense Fund, and a Member Application form to 1,000 licensed active contractors in the Sacramento and Placer counties.
This involved securing a post office box. This is our new address for any UCA correspondence.

P.O. Box 13416
Sacramento, Ca. 95813
Headquarters 916. 749-5333

Next we purchased 1,000 postage stamps, envelopes, labels, and a rubber stamp with the UCA logo and mailing address. We printed two pages both double sided. The first page is the Intro Page and the reverse is the Legal Defense Fund info. Page two is the 'Contractors Stand Survey' and the reverse is the Membership Application form.

I have included links to all four pages along w/ full versions in the UCA Post email for your review. We ask that all of the contractors that are listed on our site and have not yet filled out a membership form consider joining the UCA in the effort to promote change in our industry by sending a check along with a completed membership application and the Contractor Survey to us at the above address complete online application is available at the UCA website. We have provided a 'Donate' button on our 'Become A Member' page managed by Pay-Pal. We also accept donations (min. $25 recommended).

We expect that returns from this mailing of 1,000 will bring the funds needed to reach a much larger number of Licensed Contractors in Sacramento and further into the Bay Area, for starters. As the UCA grows we will be able to afford radio and television advertising to warn consumers about the responsibilities of hiring unlicensed workers for work over $500 and the dangerous and illegal nature of the underground economy. It is also our intent to continue our partnership with the CSLB in an effort to combat unlicensed contractor activity, including but not limited to: photo identification cards issued to all licensed contractors that renew their licenses, and to all new licensees beginning January of 2009. (Followed by a TV spot to inform consumers to look for the photo id as an added layer of security)

California Legislators and the Governor in their great wisdom, have scaled back on funding for the CSLB in attempt to reduce the debt. We believe that a reduction in the pursuit and enforcement capabilities of the CSLB creates an atmosphere by default that allows a large contingency of unlicensed contractors to advertise and gain unfair business advantage over Licensed California Contractors by breaking the law with impunity. (impunity
noun the lawsuit attempts to fight the impunity that these people have enjoyed for far too long immunity, indemnity, exemption (from punishment), freedom from liability, nonliability, license; amnesty, dispensation, reprieve, pardon, exoneration; stay of execution; privilege, favoritism, special treatment, carte
blanch).

The B&P code section 7027.1 clearly allows fines for misleading advertising be no less than $1000.00 and an issuance of a citation by the registrar of the CSLB Mr. Steve Sands if he believes that an unlicensed individual is in violation advertising law. (see section 7027.1. (c)-(d)) on our site.

The license board needs additional staff, funding, and support from Consumer Affairs and State Finance Committees to aggressively protect consumers from unscrupulous unlicensed operators, enforce advertising law, and help contractors regain the ability to grow their businesses by encouraging ramped up prosecution of unlicensed contractors by District Attorneys. We urge you to fill out the 'Contractors Stand' and return it to us, it is our voice in government. Further, consider becoming a member or donating $25 and up to fuel this and
upcoming campaigns.

Thank you,

Scott Day, UCA President

JANUARY 2008

If you do not wish to receive future updates from the UCA, please return this mailing and type 'OPT OUT' in the subject box, thank you.

UCA Members Meeting - Where: Denny's Roseville on Sunrise @ Douglas just off I-80

January 2008 marks the beginning of our second year as an association. We have designed and built the foundation for Licensed California Contractors across all trades to focus on networking with other trade professionals, raising public awareness about the dangers of hiring unlicensed uninsured individuals for home improvement projects that far exceed the $500 limit, and putting pressure by consent on policy makers who have apparently abandoned the enforcement of laws designed to protect small businesses.

There is no 'magic bullet' to address the many issues relating to this crisis, but one thing is certain, if we as an industry do nothing and stand idly by, hoping that thing will get better on their own, we are sadly mistaken. We have spoken with hundreds of Licensed Contractors from across California in the last 12 months and found that there is a seething disgust with growing numbers of unlicensed people, day labor, business license holders and laid off union workers flooding print and online advertising to compete with Legitimate Contractors for work over $500.

Handyman companies are getting more organized with online tools to build franchise type outfits. The ?Rent A Husband? franchise showcased on CNN has opened new branches across the mid west and are starting to carve up territories in our state, last year they showed a 4.8 million dollar profit while employing out of work handymen, mixed with some licensed contractors have gained support and sponsorship from ACE Hardware stores across America. This practice of organizing handyman armies will slowly erode all that we have earned by chipping away at the foundation of the construction industry.

It is not a question of feeding our families or just paying the bills, we are forced into a price war with tens of thousands of people that have no interest in playing by the rules and effectively thriving buy exploiting an unfair business advantage much the same way that a food vendor with a push cart would have by selling food outside the front of a restaurant. The CSLB has had to develop new strategies to combat this growing threat to Licensed Contractors even though budget cuts have forced the agency to scale back growth in the
enforcement division.

Our Legislators and state representatives have assumed the position that false and misleading advertising by illegal contractors is not a topic that merits any attention. There are after all more important things to deal with. Our position is that we are fighting for our businesses. We want the laws in the B&P codes enforced. We want district attorneys to pursue and prosecute operators who flaunt the law. Senator Dave Cox told us that there would not be any movement to support any issue related to our mission because we did not have any voice, and therefore no traction as an Association. No one individual lawmaker will hear us unless we apply pressure in numbers.

We have decided to use member funds to place an ad in the Sac Bee to target thousands of Licensed Contractors who are unaware of the UCA and direct them to our website. They will find an important ?CONTRACTORS STAND SURVEY? This important document will be added to thousands of others and taken to the Capitol, Consumer Affairs, and the CSLB. We will make this document available at our member meeting on Friday Feb. 1st and online in late Feb. We urge you to make copies of this survey and get it into the hands of as many Contractors as possible. We are asking our members to take an active charge in getting the word out. We need to build steam and cannot do it alone. We need boots on the ground. I hope to see you at our meeting this Friday.

United We Stand, Divided We Fall.

Scott Day
UCA President

December 2007

Dave Fogt is the Chief Enforcement Officer at the CSLB and is responsible for recognizing the United Contractors Association as an Industry Partner in the fight against Unlicensed Contractor activity. The UCA has worked closely with the CSLB over 2007 to create pilot programs aimed at Illegal advertising, reducing Unlicensed contractor activity and public awareness.

Mr. Fogt has accepted our invitation to speak at the Friday afternoon meeting. If you have ever wondered what the CSLB is doing about the underground economy, this is a must attend meeting.

We would like to show the CSLB that we are growing as an association, and that we have a vested interest, and support their agencies continued enforcement in dealing with the underground economy and public education.

We have had several UCA meetings where 10-15 members attend, we need every able bodied Contractor who filled out an application for Membership in the UCA to attend this meeting.
Looking forward to seeing our members at this meeting and any new Contractor guests that you can round up.

The UCA wishes you and yours a Happy and Safe Holiday season, and a prosperous new year ahead.

Scott Day
President UNITED CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION

November 2007

If you caught the MSNBC Special "House Breakers" last week, you witnessed the first 1 hour special co-produced by the CSLB in an effort to break new ground in raising public awareness about Unlicensed Contractors. This was one of the issues that The United Contractors Association had strongly perused in meetings earlier this yeas with top CSLB enforcement officials.

A great deal of work lies ahead in the fight against illegal advertising and unlicensed contracting practices. For this reason, the UCA remains committed to alerting our public officials, industry leaders and code enforcement agencies to the dangers, consequences and responsibilities of not doing enough to achieve compliance with the License laws that pertain to advertising and contracting.

We are seeking any suggestions or topics that you may have for the next meetings agenda. The CSLB has a new look and feel on their updated website. Refresh your browser and have a look. You will find a new section with photos of the "Most Wanted" repeat offenders of licensing laws, and a 'Find a Contractor' page... sound familiar? It should, that was one of our ideas and has been featured on the UCA site for almost a year. There are enough changes to make it worth stopping by, including updated license information pages. Quick link from the UCA site, click 'Check License Number' on the home-page.p://www.gouca.org

At our next meeting will be discussing UCA direction in 2008, the importance of growing our Association, and the impact we need to have on legislation.

The UCA will be accepting dues at our next meeting for 2008 Membership. Deadline for dues will be Friday December 7th. 2007. We are looking forward to seeing our fellow members, and meeting any new ones
that show.

Thank you for being a part of the UCA and doing your part to affect changes in the construction industry, your businesses, and our futures.

Scott Day
President United Contractors Association

Oct 2007

THE UCA POST

Our next meeting is Friday October 5th.

Steve will be bringing the UCA Tee Shirts ordered at our last meeting. If you did not attend our last meeting in September, you can go to this link and download a survey form and bring it with you friday. The survey is a way to help us understand your interest in the UCA and help determine policy that will
affect our Association as it grows.

Be sure to Visit the UCA site if you haven't lately, we have added many new members, if you have filled out an online form, and don't see your business listed on our 'Find a Licensed Contractor' page, let us know.
tp://gouca.org/
The UCA, is growing in numbers, and the word is going out that we intend to effect change in our industry. We recently attended a sting operation in Sacramento.

Craigs List, UCA tips and various printed media were sources that the CSLB used to target and arrest some of the 15 illegitimate Contractors. Mr. Richard Rios, was one of the big Fish... he is the bane of any Licensed Electrician, and a real danger to any one who hired him. It will be some time before he is back at it.

This is the e-mail we received from the CSLB:

The lead provided by the United Contractors Association resulted in the arrest and release of Mr. Richard Rios dba: City Lights on September 19, 2007. Mr. Rios provided a bid in the amount of $1,100.00 for C-10 electrical work. In addition to a Notice to Appear in criminal court, the investigator issued an administrative citation. Rios did make it clear this bid was for his unlicensed company "City Lights".

Thank you for your continued assistance.

DAVID FOGT, Chief
Enforcement Division
(end)

Reminder:

We are accepting 2008 UCA Membership dues from October 5th. until Dec. 30 2007. We are also working to move the UCA into NON Profit status, this should occur after Jan. 1, 2008 and may provide a better tax deduction for your Business, and give more control of the Association's direction to it's members.
More on that move to come. Looking forward to seeing you all on friday, and hoping to meet some new members.

Sep 2007

UCA POST:

We will update our members regarding the Aug. 3rd Board Meeting we attended at the CSLB, and the follow up meeting we requested with Dave Fougt the Chief Enforcement Officer @ the CSLB.

We will also pass out a survey questionnaire to help determine UCA direction and policy by better understanding our members needs and expectations.

One of the things we would like to do is allow each of our members to introduce themselves and tell us a little about themselves and their businesses.

There is also an opportunity to video a pitch for your business and a few words about your expertise, working range, etc. we can talk after the meeting, wear your company shirt if you wish! These video spots will wind up on your web page listed on our site.

Looking forward to visiting again with our members and welcoming new ones.

Scott Day
Governing Board Member UCA
Director of Public Relations
916. 749-5222

Our site has been updated, and UCA membership is free until Jan. 1 2008

WWW.GOUCA.ORG

August 2007

Homeowners: If you are thinking of hiring an unlicensd contractor, please think again. Many unlicensed contractors are ex-cons and felons, drug addicts and thieves. Do not let them into your home around your children and valuables. If something goes wrong on the job you have no recourse; by hiring them you take on a great risk to you, your money and more importantly, your family.

Click here to watch joint CSLB/ MSNBC video on stings to catch unlicensed contractors:

HIRE ONLY LICENSED CONTACTORS; check license numbers with the State, at the CSLB website: www.cslb.ca.gov

UCA Addresses the Sacramento City Council Tuesday May 8th. 2007

Speech Text: The United Contractors Association was founded by Contractors, for Contractors. Our purpose therefore is to further the interest of our members in achieving and maintaining the highest standard of work ethics and professionalism in our respective trades. We have used the media to help raise public awareness about the ever-growing dangers of allowing non-licensed uninsured individuals into their homes and businesses. Our research shows that there are aprox 350,000 licensed contractors doing business in California, and more than 1.5 million Unlicensed individuals working in the construction and home improvement industry in our state. Left unchecked, this underground economy daily threatens our public safety and the health of our industry.

One of our goals is to pursue and expose un-licensed contractors using any legal means available. We have organized public awareness campaigns, including an upcoming rally on the West steps of our state capitol June 22nd 2007 to promote changes in the construction industry with an eye on 'accountability in advertising' reform, and increased enforcement of laws currently on the books
pertaining to contracting without a valid contractors license. We are seeking the support of our representatives, council members, legislators, elected officials, and the CSLB to further this agenda.

The CSLB is overwhelmed daily from hundreds of complaints filed by unsuspecting consumers that have been ripped off. Most have paid for work that was not completed, or are seeking damages for substandard work by unlicensed individuals, and tradesmen passing themselves off as Licensed Bonded and Insured Contractors. This type of activity causes millions of dollars in damage annually to personal, commercial and residential property. We are actively seeking ways to assist the CSLB's increasing efforts in the use of the S.W.I.F.T. Fraud Team. They need assistance from local law
enforcement to more aggressively pursue and apprehend unlicensed individuals, and from local district attorneys to be willing to prosecute.

As an Association, we hold that current laws on 'the books' which pertain, but are not limited to, cracking down on fraudulent advertising, home improvement scams, hiring day labor without providing required workers comp, using nonexistent license numbers and contracting for work over $500.00, whereby effectively lowering the Industry Standard of quality craftsmanship, and fostering a distrust of the Tradesman in general.

Here are some ideas for your consideration:

A) Allow Sacramento to be the first in the nation to issue photo ID Contractor License cards. This would allow Consumers to verify the Identification of Licensed Contractors before they are allowed into business and private residence.

B) Empower our District Attorneys to increase fines and penalties for serious and re-peat offenders from misdemeanors to felony?s. Consider seizing communication equipment, computers, vehicles and tools used by repeat offenders and felons who advertise to our public as Licensed Contractors using either non existent, revoked, or stolen license numbers, putting our public and sadly many
of our senior citizens at great personal and financial risk.

C) Require 'Disclaimers' in bold print be placed directly below Main headers in all local newspapers, weekly circulars and phone books in sections that allow contractors to publicize or advertise their services. The wording should include 'If a consumer uses a Non-Licensed individual for construction or home improvement work over $500 and a complaint occurs, the only remedy may be in civil court, and you may be liable for damages arising out of any injures to the non-licensed individual and their employees.' By law it is mandatory to state in print within any advertisement for construction, whether you are 'Licensed or Unlicensed' this law is widely ignored by all major
publications, most commonly in electronic 'Lists' or classified directories.

D) Require applicants for local city business licenses to sign a waiver agreeing not to use a business license number in any newspaper, weekly circular, or phone book to mislead consumers into thinking they are legitimate licensed contractor numbers, and further state in print that they are either licensed or unlicensed by the CSLB thus avoiding any confusion to the readers and consumers seeking a licensed contractor.

We have sent a letter to our Governor asking him to support our Licensed Contractors by addressing concerns in the construction industry, and providing ways to insure that our friends, families and neighbors can depend on our law enforcement officials to protect them from unscrupulous business practice.

We have organized and held a rally in front of the Penny Saver in Rancho Cordova to voice our opposition to the practice of allowing unlicensed contractors to skirt California?s Business & Profession Code laws regarding advertising and licensed status.

We have sent letters to many of California's leading homebuilders and developers informing them of the existence of the UCA and it's purpose, gaining widespread interest for this grass roots association.

We have been building a consensus from Licensed Contractors across all trades, and in every major metropolitan city in California. We are asking you for your support. We welcome any opportunity to further discuss the motivation, and mission of the United Contractors Association.

Thank you.

April 2007

Just a reminder...

Thank you for your interest in the UCA and filling out the contact info.

Our first UCA meeting is on Saturday April 14th. We will be introducing ourselves and talking about our plans, mission and the upcoming rally.

Subject: UNITED CONTRACTORS PROTEST PENNYSAVER info. Invite

PRESS RELEASE: CALIFORNIA CONTRACTORS PROTESTING MISLEADING ADVERTISING
IN LOCAL CIRCULAR(S)

Sponsored by the United Contractors Association, local, licensed contractors will be holding a 'Tailgate Safety Meeting' in front of The PennySaver office at 11311 White Rock Road in Rancho Cordova, Ca. 95742 on April 17th 2007 starting at Noon.

This will be the first of several protests sponsored by the UCA to help raise public awareness about the dangers of hiring UN-Licensed contractors/individuals.

"Too many of our Senior Citizens, friends and neighbors have fallen victim to scams by unscrupulous people who run adds in our local circulars 'claiming' to be contractors while using a business license number, license numbers that do not belong to them, expired or non-existent numbers. Most consumers are not aware that if an un-licensed and uninsured individuals sustain an injury while doing work in their home, that their homeowners insurance would have to pay for the injured persons rehabilitation."

Thousands of complaints are reported and filed annually with the California State License Board, BBB, and California Department of Consumer Affairs against Un-licensed individuals passing themselves off as Contractors and causing millions of dollars in damage to personal, commercial and residential property. If you hire an Un-Licensed person to do work in your home or business and the work may not to code or they might take your money and disappear, the CSLB will not be able to help you resolve the conflict.

Our goal is to prompt all local circulars and publications to practice 'due diligence' by adopting a policy REQUIRING Non Licensed advertisers to state that they are 'UNLICENSED' in their adds. Using a business license number, phony license numbers, expired or non existent license numbers are commonplace and often allowed and accepted by local circulars. Truth in advertising needs to be a standard, it is the law and we expect that our citizens can the right to select from reputable Licensed Contractors or un-licensed individuals without having to read the 'Fine Print.'

By Law, any person contracting to do work for over $500.00 must be licensed by the California State License Board and are required to include their License information in all forms of advertising. In addition, if the person posting an advertisement is not a legitimate licensed Contractor, they must state
'UNLICENSED' in the advertising according to the CSLB.

As Licensed Contractors, we feel that it is our responsibility to work with the CSLB, and the Better Business Bureau to raise awareness to the rapidly growing number of un-licensed persons who ignore the laws of our state and putting our citizens at risk.

For Further info, Contact:

Scott Day (916) 749-5333 UCA Director of Public Relations www.gouca.org

The United Contractors Association is a one-stop shop for consumers and contractors to check license numbers, BBB information, the CSLB/SWIFT fraud investigation form, as well as a host of news and information on un- licensed handyman on the Alert Page.