Big Bear Lake, CA 10/07/2014 – Investigators for the Contractors State License Board recently worked as undercover homeowners in the Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead area to uncover illegal construction activity. They received assistance from local Sheriff Deputies and the San Bernardino County DA’s Office to contact suspected unlicensed contractors. As part of this sting, members of the Contractors State Board requested bids on painting, tree removal, roofing, and flooring. All but one of the suspects was contacted through ads in a local newspaper. Five men received misdemeanor citations for contracting without a license. Two of which reside in the Big Bear Valley.
Laws in California require that all home improvement jobs which total $500.00 or more, must be conducted by a company or person with a contractors license. In addition state law requires contractors place their license number in all advertisements. Those workers without a license can advertise and accept for jobs which cost less that $500.00. Suspects George Patrick Edwards, John Bryant Carpenter, Miguel Gonzalez Campa, Sten Arne Svensson and Adam Thorson Joens are scheduled to face charges at the San Bernardino County Superior Court on November 11th . The State Contractors License Board suggests to homeowners “Be on guard for dishonest people masquerading as licensed, skilled workers just waiting to be part of your home improvement nightmare. Get three bids and check the contractors license before you sign anything.”
