SAN FRANCISCO – Attorney General Kamala D. Harris on Wednesday issued a consumer alert to Californians regarding home improvement scams.

As summer approaches, many consumers may consider home remodeling, repair, and maintenance projects.

Unfortunately, not all contractors are legitimate and the unwary may fall victim to home improvement scams, which peak during the summer.

Consumers should be aware of their rights under California laws governing home improvement contracts.

This consumer alert provides some helpful tips for selecting reputable contractors, and provides an overview of homeowners’ rights in the event they encounter a home improvement scam.
       
What to look out for

The attorney general offers California consumers the following tips to help them select reputable contractors, and to understand their legal rights.

When selecting a contractor, be wary of unsolicited visits by contractors who claim to just “happen to be in the neighborhood” working on a nearby property or who promise large discounts because they have extra materials left over from other jobs.

Often, these contractors are not licensed, take large amounts of money upfront, and then fail to finish a job or do any work at all.

Instead, seek out contractors recommended by trusted friends or family members. It is wise to shop around, get at least three written quotes, and call all references.

Once you have selected a contractor, check to make sure they are licensed. You can find this information on the Contractors State License Board’s (CSLB) Web site at http://www.cslb.ca.gov/ or www.CheckTheLicenseFirst.com .

You also can check the Better Business Bureau’s Web site at http://www.bbb.org/ for any complaints about the contractor. A contractor’s license is required for all jobs except minor work totaling less than $500; this minor work cannot be part of a larger project. (Bus. & Prof. Code section 7048.)

If you feel pressured into signing a home improvement contract, California’s Home Solicitation Sales Act (Bus. & Prof. Code sections 1688 to 1693) allows you to cancel the contract within three days.

However, be aware that this law does not apply to contracts for emergency repairs or to contracts signed in the contractor’s place of business.

Always insist on a written contract. Under California law, all home improvement contracts over $500 must be in writing. California also requires contract terms to be legible, easy to understand, and to inform you of the right to cancel the contract. The contract must also require any change orders to be in writing and must include a warning regarding mechanic’s liens. (Bus. & Prof. Code section 7159.)

Make sure that the contractor carries the appropriate insurance. Contractors should have personal liability, worker’s compensation (if they have employees), and property insurance. Confirm that insurance is addressed in the contract and ask for copies of insurance certificates if you have any concerns.

Make sure that the contract clearly states that the contractor is responsible for obtaining all necessary permits for the work and that the contractor will comply with all local permitting, building, and zoning laws.

Never pay large amounts of money upfront. In fact, California law generally prohibits contractors from requiring down payments of more than $1,000 or 10 percent of the total contract price, whichever is less. (Bus. & Prof. Code section 7159.) Don’t pay the full contract price until the job is complete and you are satisfied with the work.

In the event that you have a dispute with your contractor, you have four years to file a complaint with the CSLB.

The CSLB administers two arbitration programs for claims against licensed contractors: a mandatory program for claims of $12,5000 or less, and a voluntary program for claims between $12,500 and $50,000.

More information about the complaint process can be found on CSLB’s Web site, http://www.cslb.ca.gov/ .

Helpful resources

To learn more about home improvement scams in general, visit the Federal Trade Commission’s Web page on home improvement scams, https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0242-hiring-contractor .

The BBB has also published an article with other helpful tips, “Scam Alert – This Home Improvement Deal is Really a Scam: Summer Contracting Scam Tricks Homeowners.”

What to do if you have a problem with a home improvement contractor

If you are unable to resolve a dispute with a home improvement contractor, CSLB provides information on how to file a consumer complaint and its arbitration program.

The Better Business Bureau also provides information on how to file consumer complaints about a particular company.

Finally, the California Department of Justice protects the rights of consumers and collects complaints on scams in order to identify patterns of wrongful activity.

To submit a complaint to the California Department of Justice regarding a home improvement scam, use the following complaint form: https://oag.ca.gov/contact/consumer-complaint-against-business-or-company .

KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – The Lake County California Women for Agriculture group held its Spring Social on May 25 at the Ely Stage Stop barn.

This year they honored and celebrated two- and three-generation members. Those who are no longer living were honored in memoriam.

President Diane Henderson, herself a two-generation member, introduced her mother, Carolyn Henderson-Rohner and then three-generation members Marilyn Holdenried, mother-in-law Jean Holdenried in memoriam, and daughter-in law Debbi Holdenried.

Two-generation members were Toni Scully and daughter-in-law Michelle Scully; Wilda Shock and mother Jane Barnes in memoriam; Muffie Panella and mother Janice Stokes; Lori McGuire and mother Bernice Thomas in memoriam; Margaret Eutenier and daughter-in-law Kristine Eutenier; Karen Hook and mother-in-law Lucy Hook in memoriam; Jill Jensen and mother Ellen Heath in memoriam.

Unable to attend but also recognized were Sara Dorn and daughter Nellie Dorn; Karen Jones and daughter Lindee Jones; Dena Keithly, mother-in-law Loris Keithly in memoriam and daughter Jennifer Keithly; Mary O'Meara and mother Lois Suchan; Colleen Rentsch and mother Frances Seely in memoriam; and Pam Scully, another daughter-in-law of Toni Scully.

Each member was presented with a commemorative name tag listing the generations, attached to a lovely rose and garden ornament.

Husbands and friends in attendance included Toni Scully's special guest, Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, and 2016 scholarship recipients Carson Holdenried and Wyatt Jones.

The group thanked Suzanne Scholz and the Ely Stage Stop crew for preparing their venue for this lovely social.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – With epic wartime storytelling at its most vibrant and satisfying, “The Bridge on the River Kwai,” starring William Holden, Alec Guinness and Sessue Hayakawa, screens at the Soper Reese Theatre in Lakeport on Tuesday, July 26, at 1 and 6 p.m.

Made in 1957 and directed by David Lean, the story pits the Japanese commander of a World War II camp in Burma against his prisoner, a British colonel who has been ordered to build a bridge for transport of Japanese munitions.

The film won seven Academy Awards including best picture, actor and director.

The movie is sponsored by Jim Dvorak, Jim’s Back Flow Service. The film is rated PG with run time of 2 hours and 42 minutes.

Entry to the film is by donation.

The Soper Reese Theatre is located at 275 S. Main St., Lakeport, 707-263-0577, www.soperreesetheatre.com . 

KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – Ed Groves of Kelseyville passed away at home on July 10, 2016,after a brief illness. He was 91.

He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Janice, and a number of nieces and nephews.

Groves was an avid fisherman and hunter and he and Janice traveled throughout the West seeking trophy trout and wild game.

He owned several businesses in Ukiah before settling in Soda Bay on Clear Lake in 1995 on property that his family purchased in 1939.

Groves was a Navy fighter pilot during World War II and the Korean War.

He was a member of Lakeport Yacht Club and served two terms as the commodore. In addition, he served a number of years on the Lake County Fish and Wildlife Advisory Committee. He also was a member of the research team that explored the caves on Mount Konocti in 1992 and 1993.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Join the Clear Lake/Callayomi Masonic Lodge No. 183 on Sunday, July 17, for the “Best Breakfast in Lake County.”

The full, sitdown breakfast is served from 8 to 11 a.m. at the Masonic Center, located at 7100 South Center Drive in Clearlake.

Choose your breakfast from a large menu including, eggs (any style), omelets, hash browns, biscuits and gravy, hot cakes, breakfast meat, toast, juice and coffee.

The cost is $8 for adults, $4 for children ages 6-12. Children under age 6 may eat for free and are served a special “kids breakfast.”

LAKEPORT, Calif. – Record-sized crowds enjoyed the third annual Californio Days at Rancho de la Fuente on June 12.

Thanks to the generous support of key sponsors Balius Farm Miniature Sport Horses, Highland Springs Equestrian Center, Hooves and Wheels Carriage Club, RB Peters, and Williamson Hay Co., and additional contributions from the California Dressage Society Lake County Chapter, the Lake County Wine Studio, Rancho Californio and Rainbow Ag, this unique historical-education event remains free to the public and is enjoyed by people from all over Lake County and beyond.

Festivities kicked off with the Fiesta of the Horse, an exciting, action-and-comedy-packed two hours of fun under the sun.

There were a dozen different acts this year, including returning favorites like the Hooves & Wheels Quadrille, Lago Claro Peruvian Pasos, Cowboy Mounted Shooting and the Bennett Family Gypsy Horses, plus new additions from the California Dressage Society and White Dog Ranch in Potter Valley.

This fiesta marks the debut performance from Lake County's newest drill team, Random Chaos – a group that proves we are never too old to fulfill our dreams and have fun.

Singer Irma Lopez entertained throughout the fiesta, and following the show, the audience enjoyed good food from Suzie Q's and visited with traditional craftspeople and historic experts such as Bill Eaton of the California Map Society.

At 2 p.m., focus shifted to inside The Barn, where singers with the Red Voices Intertribal Drum provided a moving introduction to the afternoon program.

They were followed by traditional Pomo dancers from Big Valley, organized by Jojo MacLeod, who encouraged the entire audience to join the dance! It was a rare opportunity that was deeply appreciated by everyone who participated.

Dr. John Parker provided background notes for a special screening of the locally produced documentary, "A Walk Through Time, The Story of Anderson Marsh," which tells the fascinating history of 20,000 years of human habitation in the Clear Lake area.

Hundreds of photos from the June 12 event, both the morning and afternoon program, can be viewed at  www.californio.us .

The Intertribal and Pomo contributions greatly enhanced and expanded Californio Days' mission of providing "Edu-tainment" (history education and entertainment combined).

Event producer Deb Baumann looks forward to seeing Californio Days expand with involvement from more groups and individuals in Lake County that are devoted to California history, traditional arts and crafts, or agricultural heritage.

In fact, when asked if she would consider altering the event's name from "Californio" Days (a period of time in the 1800's) to "California" Days, Baumann gave an enthusiastic thumbs-up. "

Absolutely, yes!” she said. “My personal passion is the Californio period, but we want this event to showcase other aspects of California history and culture. If all it takes is changing one letter, to make the event feel more inclusive, count me in!"

LOCH LOMOND, Calif. – Marian Lynne Bunting entered into rest in Loch Lomond on Friday, July 1, 2016, at the age of 73.

Born in Louisiana and formerly of Cambria, Calif., Marian lived in Lake County for 34 years. She was a construction project manager.

Marian is survived by her loving brothers, Dale Bunting, Warren Bunting and John Bunting, and a sister, Patricia Masten.

Friends are warmly invited to attend graveside services at the Kelseyville Cemetery where Marian will be inurned on Monday, July 25, at 11 a.m.

Arrangements under the care of Jones & Lewis Clear Lake Memorial Chapel. Please share your loving memories of Marian by signing her online guestbook at www.jonesandlewis.com and www.legacy.com .

Marian’s family would appreciate memorial contributions to Save The Redwoods League, 111 Sutter St., 11th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94104.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Anderson Marsh Interpretive Association (AMIA) has selected both Tom McFarling and Barry Oselett as its 2016 “Volunteers of the Year.”

The two were recognized at the organization’s general membership meeting that is presented annually by AMIA to update members on the group’s activities and to introduce AMIA’s current board of directors.

“For years both Tom and Barry have always been the first to volunteer for everything from planting and watering oak trees to repairing and painting fences and the AMIA storage shed. They also have helped in cleaning up the Park and the creeks that run through it, and setting up the AMIA displays at many community events such as the County Fair, Earth Day and AMIA’s Christmas at the Ranch open house,” said AMIA President Roberta Lyons.

AMIA is an all-volunteer nonprofit association that cooperates with California State Parks in providing public education about the history of Native American and European habitation at Anderson Marsh State Historic Park.

The group also raises funds to help the State of California operate the park, leads field trips and hosts school groups.

For information about AMIA and its programs, go to www.andersonmarsh.org or contact AMIA at either This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 707-995-2658.

SACRAMENTO – The California Department of Food and Agriculture is announcing three vacancies on the Fertilizer Inspection Advisory Board.

The board advises the secretary on the department’s Fertilizing Materials Inspection Program, which works to ensure that consumers receive fertilizing materials that are safe, effective, and meet the quality guaranteed by the manufacturer.

As part of the Fertilizing Materials Inspection Program, inspectors and investigators located throughout the state conduct routine sampling and inspections; respond to consumer complaints; and enforce the laws and regulations that govern the manufacturing and distribution of fertilizing materials. The program is funded by fertilizer license fees and assessments.

Vacancies are available for two board positions and one public member. The term of office for board members is three years.

Members receive no compensation, but are entitled to payment of necessary traveling expenses in accordance with the rules of the Department of Personnel Administration.

The two board member applicants must hold a current fertilizing materials license or be a representative of a licensed firm; the public member vacancy is not subject to this requirement.

Individuals interested in being considered for a board appointment must submit a resume and a completed Prospective Member Appointment Questionnaire (available at www.cdfa.ca.gov/is/ffldrs ) This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by Aug. 31, 2016.

For further information on the Fertilizer Inspection Advisory Board and vacancies, you may contact program staff at 916-900-5022.