CALPASC And Law-Abiding Contractors Hail The Contractors State License Board And California Department Of Industrial Relations' Friday Announcement

SACRAMENTO, Calif., April 14, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) and the California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) distributed a press release last Friday, April 11, announcing a halt to the construction of a $150 million project—the 45-story Pinnacle Towers—in San Diego due to the failure of subcontractor Clayton Wall & Ceiling Systems Inc.'s (CWCS) to be properly licensed in California. The unannounced inspection of the construction site by investigators of CSLB, DIR and the San Diego District Attorney's Office led to $79,000 in citations to the Kelowna, British Columbia subcontractor for performing services without a state contractor's license. CSLB Registrar Steve Sands made it clear "there's no gray area" when it comes to contracting for work or actually performing any work without a license, and California Labor Commissioner Julie Su emphasized that "state agencies are sharing information and finding violations that might have previously been overlooked" and "it's important to protect honest businesses from being put at a competitive disadvantage." With its license application on hold, CWCS will be unable to work on this project or any projects in California until the fines are paid or an appeal is heard.

In response to the release, Bruce Wick, Director of Risk Management, California Professional Association of Specialty Contractors (CALPASC), issued the following comments:

"We commend the efforts of the San Diego District Attorney's office, CSLB and DIR in working swiftly to respond to a tip about a noncompliant contractor operating without a California contractor's license.

"The law is explicit in cases like these, and California's law-abiding contractors look to local and state agencies to aggressively target nonconforming contractors who put compliant contractors at a disadvantage.

"CALPASC questions prime contractors who allow subcontractors who are not licensed in California to begin work on projects, particularly when most contracts clearly identify the parties as well as their state contractor's license numbers."

The following comment can be attributed to CALPASC President and President of Pro Wall Lath & Plaster, Inc. Mary Kathawa:

"California's law-abiding contractors are relying on state and local agencies to continue their enforcement efforts and send the message that there will be zero tolerance for those who intentionally skirt the law."

SOURCE California Professional Association of Specialty Contractors (CALPASC)