13 Unlicensed Contractors Cited In Sting Operation

OAKMONT - A sting operation conducted jointly by the Contractors State License Board and the Sonoma County District Attorney's Office on Tuesday and Wednesday revealed several unlicensed contractors unlawfully trying to obtain contracting work in Oakmont, according to the District Attorney's office.

Prosecutors said the operation was held at two locations in Oakmont after CSLB inspectors contacted contractors in response to their advertisements.

Thirteen of the suspects were cited after appearing at the locations and giving construction bids without revealing a license and or that they were unlicensed, according to the District Attorney's office.

District Attorney Jill Ravitch said in a statement, " To protect consumers, all contractors must be licensed if they wish to perform work valued at $500 or more and they advertise."

The law requires contractors to be licensed when any work to be performed, including materials, exceeds $500.

If the contractor advertises to perform work under $500, the law permits the contractor to do so, but the contractor must let the consumer know that they are unlicensed, according to prosecutors.

-By Bay City News Service, image via ShutterStock