Blumenthal’s Uniforms and Equipment opens a 5.11 Tactical Select Store

Next week, Sacramento will be home to a new Blumenthal’s Uniform and Equipment, 5.11 Tactical Select Store, one of only two 5.11 Tactical Select stores carrying the full line of 5.11 Tactical products. The really interesting news is the interactive shopping experience for tactical gear in Sacramento.

After opening a 5.11 Tactical Select Store in Portland, Oregon, and seeing how successful it was, it was an obvious move to remodel the Sacramento store and provide the same interaction.

“5.11 Tactical products have so many features that consumers want to see, feel and interact with our products”
- Tom Davin, CEO of 5.11 Tactical

Opening on December 14, 2011, the store is expected to draw a good crowd, looking for anything from cargo pants to outerwear to concealed carry clothing. 5.11 Tactical products were previously only sold online and through retail public safety uniform dealers. After the first Signature Store opened in Fresno, CA in May this year, the company knew the tactical shopping experience was changed.

Blumenthal’s began in Seattle, Washington, in 1948, by Joe Blumenthal and now has five stores in the Northwest. The business is now run by brothers Mitch and Mark Blumenthal and their partner Roger Heldman.

After closing for a remodel, and the addition of the full line of over 700 product styles from 5.11 Tactical, the Sacramento Grand Reopening celebration takes place December 14 at Blumenthal’s, 3133 Arden Way.

The first 25 people in the door each day receive a gift and there will be prize drawings, snacks, and 20% off all 5.11 Tactical in-store purchases at the Arden Way location.

Heldman says customers love 5.11 Tactical, which revolutionized the industry by introducing the ‘tactical wear’ category, and Blumenthal’s will carry over 700 styles offered by 5.11 Tactical. It is an opportunity for all Americans to see, feel, and purchase products originally intended for high-intensity situations.

Blumenthal’s supports several charities, including “Shop For A Cause,” “Woulded Warrior Project,” “COPS,” “Breast Cancer,” “Fallen Firefighters,” and “September 11 Families.”

Popularity: 33% [?]

Statewide Taxable Sales Rose 5% in Q3 2010

George Runner, Second District Member of the California State Board of Equalization (BOE), today announced that taxable sales in California totaled $121.3 billion in third quarter 2010, up $5.8 billion (or 5 percent) from the same quarter the previous year. Personal income kept pace with taxable sales, increasing 5.0 percent over the same period (Editors: see chart below comparing taxable sales and personal income).

Additionally, more recent data indicate that a pronounced recovery in taxable sales continued into the third quarter of 2011. BOE’s estimate of statewide taxable sales for the third quarter of 2011, based on cash receipts, shows that taxable sales are estimated to have risen 8 percent over the same period a year earlier.

“It’s encouraging to see the sustained steady growth in retail sales,” said Senator Runner. “Hopefully sooner rather than later it will translate into more jobs for out-of-work Californians.”

Third quarter 2010 taxable sales in BOE Second District rose $1.3 billion (or 4.8 percent) over the third quarter a year ago. The Sacramento area gained $194 million (or 2.7 percent), the San Joaquin Valley region gained $705 million (or 6.7 percent). The City of Fresno, the State’s fifth most populous city, gained $34 million (or 2.4 percent) over the same quarter the year before.

In constant dollar terms, taxable sales increased 4.2 percent in third quarter 2010 from the same quarter the previous year. The California Taxable Sales Deflator, which measures the rate of change of all taxable sales in the State, was up 0.7 percent in third quarter 2010. In comparison, the California Consumer Price Index, which measures the rate of change of common consumer goods, was up 0.9 percent in third quarter 2010.

California gasoline stations sales in third quarter 2010 dominated the other major industries in growth, increasing $955 million, or 8.7 percent over the same quarter last year. With consumption growing slowly and a modest 3.1 percent increase in the price per gallon of gasoline, an analysis of these accounts indicates this growth was due to an increase in sales at these establishments of items other than fuel.

Clothing and accessories stores showed an increase in third quarter 2010 taxable sales of $402.4 million, up 6.5 percent over the same quarter the year before. General merchandise, which represents the largest non-durable retail category, had an overall increase of 5.5 percent (or $561.3 million) in third quarter 2010.

Motor vehicle parts and dealer sales were flat in third quarter 2010, posting only a 0.1 percent gain. Sales were buoyed by used car dealer sales, which increased 12.3 percent, but held back by losses in new car dealers (-1.9 percent) and other motor vehicle dealer sales (which include RVs, motorcycles, boats, and aircraft), decreased by 5.6 percent.

Sales for “All Other Outlets”, which represents manufacture and wholesale, grew by $2.6 billion, a gain of 7.1 percent in third quarter 2010 over the same quarter last year. This sector was buoyed by manufacturing, growing 9.9 percent, and wholesale trade, growing at 7.4 percent. Pulling down this sector were finance and insurance, decreasing 10.6 percent, and healthcare and social assistance, decreasing 6.4 percent.

Taxable Sales in California is a quarterly report on retail sales activity in California, as measured by transactions subject to sales and use tax. It includes data about statewide taxable sales by type of business, as well as data about taxable sales in all California cities and counties. To view all taxable sales in California, visit: www.boe.ca.gov/news/tsalescont.htm.

See 2010 Q3 taxable sales in California, at www.boe.ca.gov/news/tsalescont10.htm.

Popularity: 17% [?]

Second Year of Opinion Survey Yields Changes, Trends

In a dramatic turnaround, California drivers ranked cell phone talking and texting as the biggest safety problems on the road in 2011, decisively moving past the top problems of 2010, which were speeding and aggressive driving.  These and other opinions of driving habits are included in the results of the second annual Traffic Safety Survey, released today by the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS).

In 2010, 21.5 percent of drivers thought that speeding and aggressive driving were the biggest problems, followed by cell phone talking and texting, which totaled 18.3 percent combined.  In the latest 2011 results, speeding and aggressive driving dropped to 17.6 percent, while those worried about drivers using cell phones more than doubled to 38.8 percent. Drunk driving was next on the list, replacing last year’s “bad roads,” with 12.6 percent of respondents considering it most dangerous.

“This second year of surveying the opinions and habits of California’s drivers shows how quickly they react to the real problems we all face on the road. This information provides us with unique insight into the concerns of Californians.  It is very telling that we’ve seen such a shift in opinions on cell phone use in just one year.”

- Christopher J. Murphy, OTS Director

In the most distracting category, combined cell phone talking and texting jumped from 75 percent to 84 percent.  Those who say they still use handheld phones for either talking or texting dropped from last year, while those who say that they have been hit or nearly hit by someone talking or texting on a cell phone increased.

Drivers are a bit more aware of the anti-drunk driving message, with more actually saying that they aren’t drinking at all. In addition, drivers are more aware of DUI checkpoints, and at a high 88 percent approval rate, the vast majority of California drivers support them as well.  More people are also aware of the Click It or Ticket seat belt campaign and buckle up because of it.

The statewide survey was fielded in late summer and 1,801 drivers age 18 and over were interviewed at gas stations in 15 counties throughout California.  The results will help the California Office of Traffic Safety and those involved in the Strategic Highway Safety Plan better identify and track driver attitudes, self-reported driving behavior, awareness of high visibility enforcement efforts and safety communications.

“Having this second year of results is very helpful,” said Murphy.  “It has validated what we took from the first year and is beginning to show trends.  It is providing valuable data for our planning, particularly in distracted driving programs and the emerging drugged driving problem.”

Additional results include:

• Drunk driving was the biggest safety concern of the 18-24 year old age group, at30.3 percent, up from 11.5 percent in 2010. This age group also lead in those who report that they have recently had too much alcohol to drive safely.
• A larger percentage of drivers (40.4 percent) say they talk less on their phones while driving than last year (34.5 percent) because of the hands-free law.
• 45.8 percent say that they have made driving mistakes while talking on cell phones. 60.1 percent say that they have been hit or nearly hit by other drivers who were talking or texting.
• A higher percentage of 18-24 year olds than any other age group think that texting while driving is a serious distraction, yet more of them actually do text and drive than any other age group.
• There are differences between what Northern and Southern Californians think are the biggest problems.  33.2 percent of Southern Californians think texting ranks high, while 25.7 percent of Northern Californians think so.  Similarly, 25.6 percent in the southland think drunk driving is the biggest problem while 15.2 percent in the north rank it at the top.
• 25-44 year olds lead in hands-free cell phone talking, even though it is no more safe than hand-held talking.
• 71.9 percent think that the Report Drunk Drivers – Call 911 campaign has helped police make more DUI arrests.
• 88.3 percent support the use of DUI checkpoints

For full survey results, visit www.ots.ca.gov.

Popularity: 11% [?]

The officers involved in the pepper-spray attacks on UC Davis students Friday should be immediately arrested because they’ve violated federal and state laws, said one of the lawyers from Occupy Sacramento in a letter to Gov. Brown, Attorney General Kamala Harris and other law enforcement officials.

“Physical attacks on persons violate California Penal Code 242 (Battery) and such violence perpetrated by those in uniform is a criminal violation of Federal civil rights law 18 USC 242,” said Jeff Kravitz, a constitutional rights attorney.

Kravitz suggested the state, through AG Harris, as well as Yolo District Attorney Jeff Reisig and US Attorney Benjamin Wagner should make the arrests of the UC Davis officers immediately.

“It is imperative that proper action be taken by County, State and Federal authorities… initiating criminal proceedings including the arrest of those who committed the acts of violence. or bringing the issues before a grand jury. Leaving he matter solely in the hands of the University is not a reasonable option,” said Kravitz.

He added that the University of California’s promised investigation is “clearly self-serving and bears resemblance to the investigation conducted by Penn State into the allegations of sex crimes by Jerry Sandusky…an investigation used to protect the university and not the victims.”

The students had been told, a minute before, that they would be shot if they did not move. The students began chanting ?Don?t shoot students, Don?t shoot students.? Then, as the police officers shook pepper spray cans, the students chanted ?Don?t shoot children.? Another person warned the students to close and protect their eyes.
- NewsInSacramento.com

See: Occupy Sacramento Caravan To Support Pepper-Sprayed UC Davis Students

Previously published at NewsBlaze.com Current News – Sacramento

Popularity: 18% [?]

Occupy Sacramento said today it will sends its occupiers to UC Davis on Monday. The aim is to support Occupy UC Davis students, who were brutally pepper-sprayed and violently assaulted on Friday by, University of California police.

The rally at UC Davis is scheduled to start at High Noon, Monday.

The Occupy group says their caravan is set to leave Cesar Chavez Park just after 11 a.m. Monday.

An Occupy Sacramento spokesperson told NewsInSacramento, “We feel it is a necessity to support and assist our friends at UC Davis in their time of need. This kind of brutality as seen by the citizen videos circulating the world needs to stop. When someone next asks ‘why’ is there an Occupy, we only need to point to this example of the 1 percent ordering their public servants to punish – without trial – peaceful, non-violent demonstrators.”

“The Occupy movement will not stand for it,” said Cres Vellucci, an ACLU board member in Sacramento, and Legal Team coordinator for Occupy Sacramento.

There have been 84 arrests at Occupy Sacramento since Oct. 6; Last week, 31 cases were dismissed “in the interest of justice” by the City of Sacramento, which is pursuing charges against 25 others. The District Attorney refused to prosecute the nonviolent occupiers, forcing the City to proceed.

One of the US Davis Police officers sprayed the student protestors with pepper spray, even though they were protesting non-violently, and were not causing harm to anyone.

The students had been told, a minute before, that they would be shot if they did not move. The students began chanting “Don’t shoot students, Don’t shoot students.” Then, as the police officers shook pepper spray cans, the students chanted “Don’t shoot children.” Another person warned the students to close and protect their eyes.

There is a petition asking for the resignation of the Chancellor and Lt. Pike, the officer who sprayed the students with pepper spray.

Popularity: 13% [?]

The Sacramento Black Chamber of Commerce has named the individuals to be honored at the Installation and Awards Banquet on December 1, 2011 at the Radisson Hotel in Sacramento.

The honorees are true testaments to this year’s theme – “The Road to Prosperity”.

Honorees include Zoritha Thompson owner of Goree & Thompson Real Estate. Zoritha will receive the Small Business of the Year Award. Mel Assagai has again proven to be a strong advocate for the SBCC and its member businesses. Mr. Assagai will receive the Advocate of the Year Award. Lawrence Garcia donated countless hours to the SBCC in 2011 assuring that the amendments made to its bylaws were legally and professionally complete. The amended bylaws were ratified by the SBCC membership at the All Member meeting held in October. Mr. Garcia will be awarded the Chairman’s Award by board Chair, Larry Carr. And last but certainly not least, Ms. Wendy Petko will receive the Community Service Award for the excellent work she’s provided the community tirelessly through the Center for Community Health and Well Being. You may know this organization by the name The Birthing Project.

The annual dinner allows the Sacramento Black Chamber of Commerce Foundation to provide programs and services that assist in bolstering the long-term economic strength and quality of life of the African American business community. Receiving the President’s Award and the Keynote Speaker for this year’s event will be Senator Curren Price.

Keynote Speaker, Senator Curren Price

Curren Price was elected to the California Legislature in 2006 to represent the 51st Assembly District, and was re- elected by an overwhelming margin to a second term in 2008. In May 2009, he won a special election, and in November 2010, he won in the general election with 83% of the vote in the 26th Senate District.

Senator Price is an influential voice in California advocating for small business enterprises. His mission is to protect innovative small businesses and advance policies to support small business start-ups, job-creation, expansion, investment and entrepreneurship. In recognition of his advocacy, Senator Price has been honored by a cross section of state and local organizations representing business, labor and consumer advocates. He was a small business owner, and a consultant with the SBA’s Small Business Development Center.

Senate President pro Tem Darrell Steinberg appointed Senator Price to chair the Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee. The Committee has jurisdiction over legislation related to business and professional services, practices and regulations, and international trade.
In 2006, Mr. Price established and chaired the Assembly Select Committee on Procurement. Mr. Price will continue to chair the Select Committee on Procurement, which ensures that small businesses fully participate in state contracting and procurement opportunities. During his tenure, these two Committees have held six informational hearings on a diverse range of topics. He also chairs the Legislative Black Caucus, vowing to push for improvements in education, health and jobs.

This year, the Senator is authoring bills that will: put into state code the 25% small business participation rate for state contracts (SB 67); increase opportunities for small businesses seeking contracts with the High Speed Rail Authority (SB 733, and SB 734); promote contracting opportunities for emerging investment managers (SB 294); create an international advisory committee to protect California’s port activity (SB 460); declare May as Small Business Month (SCR 24), and raise the visibility for the U.S. EB-5 Visa Program (SCR 33).

The Senator’s passion to service constituents, the public, and California small businesses leads him to host many events. He hosted a Small Business Access to Capital and International Trade Forum as well as an event to explore opportunities and disparities in State Contracting, including the multi-billion dollar major California High Speed Rail project. In prior years, he held a Small Business Empowerment Expo of key business leaders to discuss the survival of small businesses; a series of town hall meetings on major issues impacting the state, and hosted one of the largest regional job fairs in the state, with over 3,000 attendees, including more than 50 employers offering several hundred jobs.

Radisson Hotel December 1, 2011 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.

Popularity: 17% [?]

Occupy Sacramento lawyers say they will make a major announcement regarding the upcoming prosecutions of more than 60 people arrested at Cesar Chavez Park since Oct. 6. Wednesday at 8:15 a.m. at Superior Court (9th St. side at 720 9th St.).

Although no details are available, the announcements may involve some dismissals.

Many motions have been filed in Superior Court calling for the dismissal of all charges on the grounds that the law used by the City of Sacramento is vague, arbitrary and “chilling” to free speech.

Josh Kaizuka, one of 36 volunteer lawyers assisting on the case, says a hearing has been tentatively scheduled for Nov. 22.

Kaizuka represents Cres Vellucci, vice-chair of the ACLU Board of Directors in Sacramento. Velluci was arrested Oct. 6 for being at Cesar Chavez Park beyond a curfew.

Kaizuka’s filing says, “(T)here is no doubt that Defendant was participating in an organized meeting intended to vocalize a community’s disapproval of our nation’s distribution of wealth. This dissent was a political statement, and was, by all accounts, conducted in a peaceful manner … defendant was vocalizing his dissent at precisely the place where we, as a community, would expect: the town square.”

He said, in the “Demurrer,” that  by arresting Vellucci and 83 others since Oct. 6 at Cesar Chavez Park, city officials and police “impermissibly interfered with constitutionally protected speech, at a place that for over 150 years has been the  platform to protest for the right of speech and assembly. Cesar Chavez Plaza, in fact, is built on the location of the original California State Capitol Building site.” Kaizuka called the charges “vague,” and asked the court to throw out the case.

See the full brief. (PDF)

Popularity: 43% [?]

Average retail gasoline prices in Sacramento have fallen 2.1 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $3.71/g yesterday. This compares with the national average that has fallen 1.1 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.43/g, according to gasoline price website SactoGasPrices.com.

Including the change in gas prices in Sacramento during the past week, prices yesterday were 59.6 cents per gallon higher than the same day one year ago and are 4.3 cents per gallon lower than a month ago. The national average has decreased 4.4 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 54.4 cents per gallon higher than this day one year ago.

“Even as crude oil comes close to $100/bbl, retail gasoline prices have held their ground and spot prices for gasoline have given up gains,” said Patrick DeHaan, GasBuddy.com Senior Petroleum Analyst. “We certainly have some shifts going on in the market as diesel production is favored over gasoline, meaning refiners will boost production of distillate at the cost of gasoline production. Diesel and middle distillate demand remains strong while gasoline demand is somewhat weak, causing gasoline to seemingly disconnect from the upward trend of the crude oil and distillate market,” DeHaan added.

GasBuddy.com operates over 200 live gasoline price-tracking websites, including SactoGasPrices.com. GasBuddy.com was named one of Time magazine’s 50 best websites and to PC World’s 100 most useful websites of 2008.

Popularity: 12% [?]

In this day and age there are many companies, not to mention people, having an extremely difficult time keeping their heads above water.  The financial issues we are all facing on a daily basis have become somewhat ‘suffocating.’  Every day we are attempting to figure out the next steps to solidify our industries, businesses, employment and – most importantly – how to save money for our children’s future, so that the next generation can be ‘placed’ into a world with the knowledge necessary to have a bright and financially stable life.  There are few businesses that are still offering their employees great healthcare plans, stock, 529 plans, and IRAs – and the ‘worry’ has taken over in more than one household.

However, there is one brilliant spot in the economy at this moment in time, and it is a company that has been able to put together a way for all families – no matter what their financial status – to be able to save funds for their children’s education.  529 plans are savings accounts that can be opened when your child arrives in the world.  From day one, you can begin to plan for the high prices that will be in place when your child heads off to college.

Mission Tuition is a brand new company that was formed so that all children would be given the resources to further their education by building just such an account.  All children deserve the chance to go to college, and parents and families are truly doing their best to learn and research the various ways of saving money for the next generation.  Mission Tuition was put together in order for parents, without putting a strain on their income, to save those much-needed funds far in advance, so that when college-age approaches the money will be there.

Mission Tuition is a truly amazing company that has taken 529 plans one step further, by providing a simple and FREE way for parents to begin saving. A truly easy savings plan is offered, where family members sign up with Mission Tuition who manage an “educational savings account” that is located at Wells Fargo bank, and you use the benefits of Mission Tuition to not only save money but also to help coordinate a fantastic 529 plan for your child’s future.  After becoming a part of Mission Tuition, everyday spending can and will help YOU save for college. They offer one of the largest merchant coalition in America to provide parents and families with the widest array of savings opportunities possible. Simply put, when you shop for your everyday needs, you save for your child’s education.

The Mission Tuition program is simple to use:  sign up for the program (FREE), do your shopping at the top retailers in all areas of industry – from groceries to clothing – and save.  The everyday shopping you do already with retailers across the country will finally help pay for college expenses.

From companies such as Petco to Walgreens, Nordstrom to SEARS, Old Navy to Bass Pro Shops.  From food and wine companies to groceries and toys, computers to appliances, with Mission Tuition you can save! By shopping at your favorite retailers, you can pick up brands you know and trust, while at the same time getting money back to place into an account that will be unbelievably necessary for your child’s future.

Readers, I cannot stress enough that this process is absolutely free. The reason why?  Because nothing is free anymore that is THIS beneficial to our lives. Mission Tuition offers easy enrollment.  Then, you simply shop for products you already need, and the advertised rebates that show on Mission Tuition’s website go directly into the educational savings account. You can use any of your existing debit or credit cards to make purchases, too!  And if your favorite card happens to earn miles or points, you receive them as well, in addition to Mission Tuition’s cash rebates – doubling your benefits with every purchase.  And all of this is “on top of” the in-store discounts you already receive!

Not only will the “educational savings account” reside at Wells Fargo as you research what the best avenues of education are for your child, but Mission Tuition is also there to give instruction and information about 529 tax deferred college savings accounts for your child. When you’re ready to access your savings, you simply let Mission Tuition know and they take care of the rest. You can request a check to withdraw funds, or speak to the incredibly knowledgeable staff at Mission Tuition regarding the transferring of the money.  Only YOU have access to your money for the funding of your child‘s education. If you already have an active state 529 tax deferred college savings plan in place, you simply notify Mission Tuition and they will send a check immediately for deposit into your plan.

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Once you’ve become a member, savings is easy. Mission Tuition also offers valuable coupons for in-store discounts on dining, groceries, shopping and entertainment. Simply log in, select from YOUR favorite stores and start the savings. For even greater savings, you also have the option of applying for a new “Mission Tuition MasterCard” that will earn you additional cash rewards on all your purchases.

Over the next few weeks we are going to give you an in-depth look at this truly fantastic company that’s SO needed in this recession-wary day and age.  Everything is offered at Mission Tuition, from being able to inform customers and give them the ability to set goals, as well as information on how much you need to save for your child’s education.

They offer a calculator that can help you to better understand what the actual cost of tuition will be when your child is ready for college.  They teach you about saving early and the college tuition rates that increase every year. They talk about dedicating a small amount of your monthly budget to college savings and how THEY can help to offset the rising costs. And, most of all, Mission Tuition will help YOU to better understand and open that much-needed 529 College Savings Plan.

You can use the money you save in your 529 at any college or university, anywhere in the country. The plans differ from state to state, but all are free from federal tax. You might also consider a “Prepaid College Tuition Plan” to help lock in tuition rates now and avoid rising costs. Mission Tuition offers many links to show you how to plan for college and the responsibility that each member of your family shares. In fact, by including your children in the discussion, the whole family can understand the full cost of education and the value of planning for the future. Links are even available at the Mission Tuition site that contain information about paying for college in a format meant for your children to learn and understand.

To save enough money for your child’s college education you need to make a plan and start early – Mission Tuition can help you with both. When you sign up, they give you the flexibility to open a new 529 College Savings Account, deposit funds in an existing 529 account, or simply hold your savings in your Mission Tuition/Wells Fargo account as you continue to decide.  That way you are losing no time, and getting the refunds and benefits immediately.

Over the next few weeks we will be ‘opening up’ the educational landscape, and going over the many positives regarding 529 plans.  For a brief introduction to these particular savings routes: the 529 is a tax-advantaged investment plan that’s designed to encourage saving for a designated beneficiary’s future higher education expenses. The plans are administered by state agencies and organizations.  We will go over all aspects of the 529 savings plan and you will see that they are far better than a typical savings account.  One large reason for this is the fact that when you withdraw money for qualified education expenses from a 529, it is free from federal income tax.  Even better, many states also follow this rule, so you may not have to pay any state taxes either. But remember, as you learn and discover which 529 plan you would like to invest in, you can STILL utilize the Mission Tuition account to gather your rebates – you don’t miss a single day of reaping the benefits of this incredible system.

When this writer speaks about the fact that Mission Tuition has built up a coalition of thousands of merchants nationwide, this is no understatement. When you shop with the Mission Tuition merchants you SAVE, and your cash rebates are deposited into your educational savings account – no muss, no fuss. Several of these merchants offer savings opportunities of up to 15% of your total purchase. Also, when you shop in-person, you receive their advertised discount right there on the spot. So every time you shop – whether online or in-person – you can be sure that you’re preparing for your child’s future.

This is a truly outstanding company that offers the one thing that all parents need – a way to provide for their child’s future.

Until Next Time, Everybody.

For more information, go to:

http://www.missiontuition.com

Questions regarding Mission Tuition:

General Inquiries: info@missiontuition.com
Suggestions: suggestions@missiontuition.com
Member Support: support@missiontuition.com
Partnership Inquiries: partner@missiontuition.com

Company Information:

16255 Ventura Blvd.
Suite 525
Encino, CA 91436

(818) 783-2100

Popularity: 20% [?]

CALPASC Wants Insurers and State Enforcement Agencies to Call Contractors’ Practices into Question Before a Life is Lost

– The California Professional Association of Specialty Contractors (CALPASC) sees non-compliance of California laws as an indicator of more than the obvious. In the example of Jose Luis Guerrero, owner of a tree-trimming business in Southern California, this proved to be the case. Guerrero underreported his payroll by millions of dollars to the California State Compensation Insurance Fund, scamming hundreds of thousands of dollars in lower premiums. Guerrero’s unscrupulous behavior was discovered after he filed a workers’ compensation claim for an employee’s death in a wood chipper. Guerrero grossly underpaid his workers’ compensation premiums and expected to have full benefits paid to the unfortunate employee’s beneficiaries. Guerrero was arrested for workers’ compensation premium fraud. “Contractors like Guerrero, who cheat when competing with legitimate contractors and expect them to pay inflated workers’ compensation premiums to cover the cost of all claims, can’t have it both ways,” said CALPASC Risk Management Director Bruce Wick.

Contractors who intentionally purchase workers’ compensation insurance at lower premium rates than required or avoid purchasing insurance entirely create an unfair advantage when competing with law-abiding contractors. Cost-shifting from the illegitimate to the legitimate contractors makes it hard for lawful contractors to bid competitively in the construction industry.

“If a contractor isn’t willing to compete fairly, he/she shouldn’t be allowed to continue in business,” stressed Wick. “In this case, the workers’ compensation fraud could have been detected earlier by the insurance carrier, and the contractor could have been kept from continuing operations.”

Quality construction work requires training, continual use of proper safety practices and workers’ compensation coverage. Contractors who skirt the law and thrive in the underground economy ignore these requirements, and untold accidents occur that cause employees to be injured or lose their lives. In the case of someone like Guerrero, state taxes hadn’t been paid, and payroll had been significantly underreported for four years. According to media reports, “Employees were denied the benefits of state unemployment and disability insurance.”

To assist in this effort, CALPASC established the LEVEL Program, which encourages coordination among state agencies, other associations and legitimate contractors to shine a spotlight and clamp down on cheating contractors.

“Unfortunately, the efficiency and coordination of efforts between insurers and the various state enforcement agencies have been behind the times,” said CALPASC Executive Director Brad Diede. “We are encouraged by the efforts of agency chiefs to update their organizations and procedures to expedite enforcement against bad actor employers. Legitimate construction contractors and construction employees need these changes made and implemented as soon as possible.”

Diede further stressed, “Contractors who cut corners and ignore safety and insurance requirements need to be called into question immediately. By apprehending these violators early on in ‘their game,’ legitimate contractors won’t be disadvantaged, quality won’t suffer and, most importantly, we can most assuredly prevent injuries and save lives.”

Popularity: 11% [?]