resource & referral guide · the california department of consumer affairs (dca) is pleased to...
TRANSCRIPT
ResouRce & RefeRRal Guide
1625 NoRth maRket boulevaRd | sacRameNto, ca | 95834 | www.dca.ca.Gov
The California Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) is pleased to present this 2011 edition of the Consumer Resource and Referral Guide. The Guide has tips, infor-mation, and references on health, money, housing, recreation, children, pets, and more. It is part of DCA’s commitment to give consumers the tools to make smart, informed decisions in a complex and changing marketplace. We hope you will find it useful.
The 2011 Consumer Resource and Referral Guide was compiled, edited, and designed by DCA’s Office of Publications, Design & Editing. If you have suggestions or updates, please contact us. e-mail: [email protected]: 916.574.8654 toll free: 866.320.8652
If you have additional questions or concerns, please contact DCA’s Consumer Information Center. Phone assistance is available in English or Spanish. Consumer assistance is also available in more than 170 other languages.
call: 800.952.5210 (TDD: 800.326.2297)e-mail: [email protected]: Consumer Information Center 1625 North Market Blvd., Suite N-112 Sacramento, CA 95834
Keep up with DCA on the following sites:
twitter: www.twitter.com/dcanewsmyspace: www.myspace.com/451326626Youtube: www.youtube.com/califdcafacebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Sacramento-CA/California-Department-of- Consumer-Affairs/124128876018
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tips for consumersBuying Goods and Services ................................................................................................. 10Ask Before You Buy ................................................................................................................. 10Extended Warranties and Service Contracts .................................................................. 10DCA Professional and Occupational Licenses ............................................................... 10Other State Licensing Entities .............................................................................................. 12How to Handle Complaints ................................................................................................... 12Formal Complaints ................................................................................................................... 13Dispute Resolution ................................................................................................................... 13Legal Help .................................................................................................................................. 13Cyber Safety .............................................................................................................................. 14Privacy Protection and Identity Theft ................................................................................. 14Take Charge, California! ......................................................................................................... 15Other Resources ...................................................................................................................... 15Donating to Charities .............................................................................................................. 16 Other Resources Clearinghouses ...................................................................................... 17Contacting Elected Officials ................................................................................................. 17
PaRt ii coNsumeR toPics
cars and driversAuto Safety ................................................................................................................................20Buying, Selling a Vehicle ......................................................................................................20Car Alarms, Car Stereos ........................................................................................................20Car Safety Seats for Children ...............................................................................................21Cell Phones and Driving ........................................................................................................21Collisions .....................................................................................................................................21Driver Licenses, Driving Records .......................................................................................22Driving Schools ........................................................................................................................22Gas Prices ..................................................................................................................................22Green Vehicles ........................................................................................................................22Insurance ...................................................................................................................................22Lemon Law ................................................................................................................................23Maintenance, Repairs ............................................................................................................23Motorcycles ...............................................................................................................................23Off-Highway Vehicles ............................................................................................................23Renting, Leasing a Vehicle ...................................................................................................24Repossession, Impound, Towing .......................................................................................24Road/Traffic Conditions .........................................................................................................24Senior Drivers ...........................................................................................................................25Smog Check .............................................................................................................................25Summer Driving .......................................................................................................................26Teen Drivers .............................................................................................................................. 27Traffic Violator School ............................................................................................................ 27Vehicle Arbitration ..................................................................................................................28Vehicle Registration ................................................................................................................28Winter Driving Tips .................................................................................................................28
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children and teensAdoption ....................................................................................................................................29Child Abuse/Neglect ..............................................................................................................29Child Care ..................................................................................................................................29Child Support ............................................................................................................................30Foster Care ...............................................................................................................................30Missing Children ......................................................................................................................30Missing Adults ..........................................................................................................................30Playground Safety ...................................................................................................................30Safely Surrendered Baby Law ............................................................................................30Television Shows ...................................................................................................................... 31Video Games ............................................................................................................................. 31
contests, lotteries, and GamblingCard Rooms ..............................................................................................................................32Contests/Sweepstakes .........................................................................................................32Drawings/Jackpots ................................................................................................................. 33Horse Races/Wagering ......................................................................................................... 33Problem Gambling .................................................................................................................. 33State Lottery .............................................................................................................................. 33Tribal Casinos ........................................................................................................................... 33
crime and safetyAmber Alert ............................................................................................................................... 34Crime Prevention .................................................................................................................... 34Crime Rate/Statistics .............................................................................................................. 34Disaster Preparedness .......................................................................................................... 34Domestic Violence Resources ...........................................................................................35Fire Prevention/Safety ...........................................................................................................36Megan’s Law .............................................................................................................................36Next of Kin Registry ................................................................................................................36Private Security Services ......................................................................................................36Product Recalls ........................................................................................................................36Sexual Assault .......................................................................................................................... 37Victim Assistance .................................................................................................................... 37
educationAdult School..............................................................................................................................38Colleges and Universities ....................................................................................................38College Financial Aid .............................................................................................................38K-12 Charter Schools ..............................................................................................................39K-12 Home Schooling .............................................................................................................39K-12 Private Schools ...............................................................................................................39K-12 Public Schools .................................................................................................................40K-12 Teachers, Administrators .............................................................................................40Private Postsecondary Colleges ........................................................................................40
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employmentApprenticeships ........................................................................................................................ 41Career Planning ........................................................................................................................ 41 Federal Jobs .............................................................................................................................. 41Finding a Job ............................................................................................................................. 41State Government Jobs ........................................................................................................42Teen Workers ...........................................................................................................................42Unemployment ........................................................................................................................42Worker Discrimination ............................................................................................................42Worker Rights ...........................................................................................................................42Worker Safety ...........................................................................................................................42Worker’s Compensation........................................................................................................42
environmentAir Pollution ............................................................................................................................... 43Carbon Footprint ..................................................................................................................... 43Community Drinking Water .................................................................................................. 43Endangered Species ............................................................................................................. 44Geologists and Geophysicists ............................................................................................ 44Recycling .................................................................................................................................... 44
foodBottled Water ............................................................................................................................45Certified Farmers’ Markets ...................................................................................................45Eggs .............................................................................................................................................45Food Labels ..............................................................................................................................45Food Safety ...............................................................................................................................46Milk and Dairy Products ........................................................................................................46Organic Food ...........................................................................................................................46Pet Food .....................................................................................................................................46Restaurants/Health Inspections ..........................................................................................46School Nutrition Programs ................................................................................................... 47
funeralsCemeteries ................................................................................................................................48Cremations ................................................................................................................................48Eco-Burials .................................................................................................................................48Funeral Directors/Funeral Homes .....................................................................................48Veterans’ Cemeteries ............................................................................................................49
Gardens and YardsGardening Advice ...................................................................................................................50Landscape Architects ............................................................................................................50Landscape Contractors .........................................................................................................50Landscape Designers ............................................................................................................50Landscape Maintenance ......................................................................................................50Pest Control Outdoors ............................................................................................................51Swimming Pools .......................................................................................................................51Tree Trimmers ............................................................................................................................51
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health/medical careAcupuncture .............................................................................................................................52Advance Health Care Directives ........................................................................................52AIDS/HIV ....................................................................................................................................52Chiropractors ............................................................................................................................53Dental Hygienists ....................................................................................................................53Dentists .......................................................................................................................................53Doctors .......................................................................................................................................53Drug and Alcohol Addiction ................................................................................................53Health Plans ..............................................................................................................................54Hearing Aid Dispensers ........................................................................................................54Hospitals ....................................................................................................................................54Immunizations ..........................................................................................................................54Massage Therapists ...............................................................................................................55Midwives ....................................................................................................................................55Naturopathic Doctors .............................................................................................................55Nurses .........................................................................................................................................56Occupational Therapists .......................................................................................................56Optometrists .............................................................................................................................56Osteopathic Doctors .............................................................................................................. 57Patients Rights .......................................................................................................................... 57Pharmacists ............................................................................................................................... 57Physical Therapists ................................................................................................................. 57Physician Assistants ............................................................................................................... 57Podiatric Medicine, Doctors of ............................................................................................58Poison Control ..........................................................................................................................58Prescription Drugs ..................................................................................................................58Respiratory Therapists ...........................................................................................................59Smoking Cessation .................................................................................................................59Speech-Language Pathology ..............................................................................................59Telephone Medical Advice Services ................................................................................59
household Goods and servicesCable Television Rates and Service ..................................................................................60Carpet Cleaners ......................................................................................................................60Carpet Installers .......................................................................................................................60Car Stereos and Alarms ........................................................................................................60Cell Phones ...............................................................................................................................60E-Waste Recycling ....................................................................................................................61Home Appliances ....................................................................................................................61Home Electronics .....................................................................................................................61Locksmiths ..................................................................................................................................61Prepaid Phone Cards .............................................................................................................62Radio/Television Programming ...........................................................................................62Satellite Television Dishes ....................................................................................................62Service Contracts ....................................................................................................................62Telephone Service ..................................................................................................................62Upholstered Furniture and Bedding .................................................................................63
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housingAffordable Housing ................................................................................................................64Architects ...................................................................................................................................64Burglar Alarms ..........................................................................................................................65Buying or Selling a Home .....................................................................................................65Common Interest Developments .......................................................................................65Discrimination ...........................................................................................................................66Engineers ...................................................................................................................................66Home Inspectors .....................................................................................................................66Interior Decorators ..................................................................................................................66Land Surveyors ........................................................................................................................66Mechanics’ Liens .....................................................................................................................66Mobile Homes .......................................................................................................................... 67Movers ........................................................................................................................................ 67Pest Control .............................................................................................................................. 67Real Estate Appraisers ..........................................................................................................68Real Estate Salespersons and Brokers ............................................................................68Remodeling and Repairs ......................................................................................................68Renting or Leasing ..................................................................................................................68Utilities Gas and Electric .......................................................................................................68
insuranceAnnuities ....................................................................................................................................69Auto Insurance .........................................................................................................................69Disability Insurance .................................................................................................................69Earthquake Insurance ............................................................................................................69Flood Insurance .......................................................................................................................70Health Insurance .....................................................................................................................70Healthy Families ......................................................................................................................70Homeowners Insurance ........................................................................................................70Life Insurance ...........................................................................................................................70Long-Term Care Insurance ...................................................................................................70Medicare ..................................................................................................................................... 71Tenants (Renters) Insurance .................................................................................................. 71Title Insurance .......................................................................................................................... 72Travel Insurance ...................................................................................................................... 72
legal matters Bail Bonds .................................................................................................................................. 73Birth Certificates ...................................................................................................................... 73Court Reporters ....................................................................................................................... 73Courts .......................................................................................................................................... 73Death Certificates ................................................................................................................... 73Divorce Records ...................................................................................................................... 74Domestic Partnerships .......................................................................................................... 74Firearms...................................................................................................................................... 74Immigration ................................................................................................................................ 74Marriage Licenses ................................................................................................................... 74
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mental healthCounty Mental Health Services .......................................................................................... 76Educational Psychologists .................................................................................................... 76Licensed Clinical Social Workers ....................................................................................... 76Marriage and Family Therapists ......................................................................................... 76Mental Health Resources ..................................................................................................... 76Psychiatric Technicians...........................................................................................................77Psychiatrists ...............................................................................................................................77Psychologists .............................................................................................................................77
moneyAccountants .............................................................................................................................. 78Banks, Savings and Loans, Credit Unions ...................................................................... 78Commodity Futures Trading ................................................................................................ 79Credit ........................................................................................................................................... 79Credit Counseling ................................................................................................................... 79Credit Reports .......................................................................................................................... 79Debt Collectors ........................................................................................................................80Enrolled Agents .......................................................................................................................80Exchanging Currency .............................................................................................................80Fiduciaries .................................................................................................................................80Finance Companies ...............................................................................................................80Financial Planners .................................................................................................................... 81Home-Buying Assistance ...................................................................................................... 81Home Loans/Foreclosure ...................................................................................................... 81Home Loans/Mortgages ........................................................................................................ 81Military Servicemembers and Veterans ............................................................................ 81Money Orders, Travelers’ Checks, and Money Transmitters ..................................... 81Payday Loans ...........................................................................................................................82Reverse Mortgages ................................................................................................................82Seniors and Investment Fraud ............................................................................................82Stocks, Bonds, and Mutual Funds .....................................................................................82Tax Preparers ...........................................................................................................................83Vehicle Title Loans ..................................................................................................................83
Personal appearanceBarbers .......................................................................................................................................84Chemical Hair Processing ....................................................................................................84Clothing Care ...........................................................................................................................84Clothing Flammability.............................................................................................................84Cosmetologists ........................................................................................................................84Cosmetics ..................................................................................................................................85Dry Cleaners .............................................................................................................................85Electrolysis ................................................................................................................................85Estheticians ...............................................................................................................................85Hairstylists ..................................................................................................................................85Laser Hair Removal .................................................................................................................85Manicure/Pedicure ..................................................................................................................86Medical Spas ............................................................................................................................86Permanent Makeup ................................................................................................................86Tattoos ........................................................................................................................................86Piercing .......................................................................................................................................86Tanning Salons .........................................................................................................................86
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Pets and other animalsAnimal Control .......................................................................................................................... 87Disaster Preparedness for Pets .......................................................................................... 87Exotic or Wild Animals ........................................................................................................... 87Ferrets ......................................................................................................................................... 87Guide Dogs for the Blind ...................................................................................................... 87Lost Pets .....................................................................................................................................88Pet Adoptions ...........................................................................................................................88Pet Food .....................................................................................................................................88Pet Groomers and Kennels ..................................................................................................88Pet Health Insurance ..............................................................................................................88Pet Loss Support ....................................................................................................................88Spay/Neuter ..............................................................................................................................89Veterinary Care ........................................................................................................................89
RecreationAmusement Park Rides .........................................................................................................89Boating .......................................................................................................................................90Boat Registration .....................................................................................................................90Boat Taxes .................................................................................................................................90Camping .....................................................................................................................................90Hunting and Fishing ...............................................................................................................90Motorhomes and Recreational Vehicles...........................................................................91Off-Highway Vehicles .............................................................................................................91Parks .............................................................................................................................................91
seniorsAdult Day Health Care ...........................................................................................................92Alzheimer’s Disease ...............................................................................................................92Area Agencies on Aging ......................................................................................................92Benefits Check .........................................................................................................................92Convalescent Homes/Nursing Homes ............................................................................92Elder Abuse ..............................................................................................................................93Health Insurance Counseling ..............................................................................................93Home Modifications and Home Safety ............................................................................93Housing ......................................................................................................................................93In-Home Supportive Services .............................................................................................93Long-Term Care Ombudsman .............................................................................................94Nutrition Services ....................................................................................................................94Retirement Homes ..................................................................................................................94Senior California Consumer Resource Center ..............................................................94Senior Legal Hotline ...............................................................................................................94Senior Resources ....................................................................................................................94 Social Security ..........................................................................................................................94
social services211 .................................................................................................................................................95 CalWORKs .................................................................................................................................95Deaf Access Program ............................................................................................................95Developmental Disabilities ..................................................................................................95Food Banks and Rescue Programs ...................................................................................96Food Stamps .............................................................................................................................96Medi-Cal .....................................................................................................................................96
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Services for the Visually Impaired .....................................................................................96Veterans .....................................................................................................................................96Women, Infants, and Children Program ...........................................................................96Youth Crisis Hotlines ..............................................................................................................96
sportsBoxing ......................................................................................................................................... 97Martial Arts/Kickboxing .......................................................................................................... 97Sports Safety ............................................................................................................................ 97Winter Sports ............................................................................................................................ 97Youth Sports .............................................................................................................................. 97
travel and transportationAirline Delays, Canceled Flights, Overbooking ............................................................98Airport Security ........................................................................................................................98Airport Shuttles ........................................................................................................................98Air Travel Complaints .............................................................................................................98Bicycling .....................................................................................................................................98California Tourism ....................................................................................................................99Charter Buses ...........................................................................................................................99Crossing the U.S. Border ......................................................................................................99Cruises ........................................................................................................................................99Customs Inspections ..............................................................................................................99Limousines ................................................................................................................................99Passports ................................................................................................................................. 100Sellers of Travel ..................................................................................................................... 100Traveler Health and Warnings ........................................................................................... 100Trains ......................................................................................................................................... 100
votingRegistration ...............................................................................................................................101Voter Information Guide ........................................................................................................101
PaRt iii busiNesses
Resources for businessesBusiness Licenses ................................................................................................................ 102Corporation, Company, or Partnership Filings ............................................................. 102Governor’s Office of Economic Development ............................................................. 102Resale Certificates ................................................................................................................ 102State Small Business Certification and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise. 102Taxes ......................................................................................................................................... 103Business.gov ........................................................................................................................... 103Small Business Administration .......................................................................................... 103Small Business Development Centers ........................................................................... 103Small Business Taxes ........................................................................................................... 103
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DCA Boards, Bureaus, and Programs ............................................................................ 104Subject Matter Index ............................................................................................................ 104
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tips for consumers
The best way to protect yourself from fraud, scams, or problems is to be an informed consumer. Here are some tips:
buying Goods and services
• Decideinadvanceexactlywhatyouwantand whatyoucanafford.
• Don’tbuyonimpulseorunderpressure.Do yourresearchbeforebuyinganything.
• Askfamily,friends,andothersyoutrustfor advicebasedontheirexperience.
• Gatherinformationaboutboththesellerand theitemorserviceyouarebuying.
• Reviewproducttestresultsandother informationfromconsumerexperts.
• Getadviceandpricequotesfromseveral sellers.• Makesurethatthesellerhasaprofessional licenseifoneisrequired.Goonlineto www.dca.ca.govorcall800.952.5210 forinformationaboutprofessionalslicensed byDCA.
• Checkoutacompany’scomplaintrecord withtheBetterBusinessBureau.
• Getawrittencopyofguaranteesand warranties.Comparetheirfeatures.
• Gettheseller’srefund,return,and cancellationpolicies.Somestoreswillnot acceptreturnsifyouwaittoolong.Some storeswillnotacceptreturnsifyou’veopened thepackageorremovedthetags.ask before You buy
• Askwhomtocontactifyouhaveaquestionor problem.
• Readandunderstandanycontractorlegal documentyouareaskedtosign.Makesure therearenoblankspaces.Insistthatany extrasyouarepromisedbeputinwriting. Readallterms,especiallythoseinfineprint.
• Considerpayingbycreditcard.Ifyouhavea problem,youmaybeabletodisputeacharge madeonyourcreditcard.
• Saveallcontracts,salesreceipts,canceled checks,manuals,andwarrantydocumentsfor thewarrantyperiod.
• Readandfollowproductandserviceinstruc- tions.Thewayyouuseortakecareofa productcouldaffectyourwarrantyrights.
extended warranties and service contractsConsumerswhopurchaseelectronicandhomeappliancesareoftenaskediftheywanttopurchaseaservicecontract.
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HerearesometipsfromDCA’sBureauofElectronicandApplianceRepair,HomeFurnishingsandThermalInsulation:• Asktoseeacopyofthecontractbeforeyou purchaseit.
• Comparethemanufacturer’swarranty(which isincludedinthepurchasepriceandtypically laststhreemonthstooneyear)withthe servicecontract.Bycomparingthetwo,you canavoidpayingforduplicatecoverage.
• Keepacopyofanypaperworkreceived, includingoriginalreceiptandservicecontract, inasafeplace.
what to look for in a service contract:• Istheproductidentified?
• Isthecontracttransferabletoanotherowner?
• Isitclearwhenthecontractbeginsandends?
• Doesthecontractcoveronlycertainpartsor components?
• Willyouhavetopayanyfeesforservice?
• Istherealimitonthenumberofservice callsthatwillbecovered?
• Doesitcoverregularlyscheduled maintenance?
• Doesitlisttheaddresswheretheproduct maybetakenforserviceoratoll-free numbertocall?
• Istheseller’sbusinessnameandaddresson thecontract?
• Isthecontractadministeredbyadifferent companythantheonethatsoldthecontract?
TheBureauofElectronicandApplianceRepair,HomeFurnishingsandThermalInsulationregulatessellersanddealersofservicecontractsfortherepairofconsumerelectronicsandappli-ancesinCalifornia.Ifyouhaveaproblemwithaservicecontractyoubought,firsttrytoresolveitwiththecontractselleroradministrator,orthecompanyperformingtherepairs.Informationonfilingacomplaintisavailableonlineorbyphone.www.bearhfti.ca.gov800.952.5210
dca Professional and occupational licenses
TheDepartmentofConsumerAffairs(DCA)licensesandregulatesmorethan2.5millionCaliforniansin255professionsandoccupations,includingdoctors,nurses,barbers,contractors,funeraldirectors,securityguards,pharmacists,andmanicurists.Licensingbenefitsconsumerspayingforservices,anditbenefitsbusinessesandlicenseesconcernedaboutthehonestyandthequalityoftheirprofessions.AfulllistoftheDCAlicensesisavailableatthebackofthisGuide.
DCA’slicensingprocessincludesverifyingrequirededucationandexperience,screeningforcriminalbackgrounds,andmonitoringallcontinuingeducationrequirements.SomeinformationonthepeopleandbusinesseslicensedbyDCAisavailabletothepublic.SeetheDCAWebsiteforspecifics.
DCAinvestigatescomplaintsagainstlicenseholdersandmaytakedisciplinaryactionagainstthosewhoviolateStatelawsorregulations.Complaintsfromthepublicarewelcome.TheDCAWebsitehasinformationonhowtofileacomplaint.ConsumerscanalsocalltheConsumerInformationCentertohaveacomplaintformmailedtothem.www.dca.ca.gov800.952.5210
Inaddition,DCAmayinitiatelegalactionagainstpeopleworkingwithoutrequiredlicenses.Consumersareurgedtoverifylicensesofpeopletheyhireandtoreportpeoplewhoareworkingwithouttherequiredlicenses.ViolatorscanbereportedtoInquire Before You Hire,DCA’scampaigntostopunlicensedactivity.www.inquirebeforeYouHire.ca.gov877.sToP.ula or 877.786.7852
Inaddition,itisillegalforcontractorstoperformcontractingworkonanyprojectvaluedat$500ormoreinlaborandmaterials.Formoreinformationaboutlicensingrequirementsortoreportunli-censedcontractors,contacttheContractorsStateLicenseBoard.Complaintsmaybefiledonline.www.cslb.ca.gov800.321.cslb or 800.321.2752
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other state licensing entities
TheCaliforniaDepartmentofRealEstate,theOfficeofRealEstateAppraisers,theDepartmentofCorporations,andtheDepartmentofFinancialInstitutionsregulatemostoftherealestateandfinancialserviceindustriesandprofessionalsinCalifornia.Forlicensinginformationonallfouragencies,goonlinetowww.dre.ca.gov(ClickonReal Estate & Financial Services License Status Check.)
Professions and institutions licensed by the four entities include: •State-charteredbanks •Californiafinancelenders •Checksellers,billpayers,andproraters •Creditunions •Deferreddepositoriginators(paydaylenders) •Financialplanners •Foreignbanks •Independentescrowcompanies •Industrialbanks •Investmentadvisers •Issuersoftravelerschecks •Issuersofmoneyorders •Mineral,oil,andgasbrokers •Mortgagebrokers •Prepaidrentallistingservices •Realestateappraisers •Realestatesalespersonsandbrokers •Residentialmortgagelenders •Securitiesbroker-dealersandagents •Transmittersofmoneyabroad •Trustcompaniesanddepartments
Formoremoreinformationaboutfinancialenti-ties,includingfederallycharteredbanks,seetheMoneysectionofthisGuide.
how to handle complaints
Ifyouhaveaproblemwithaproductorservice,donotwaittocomplain.Thefirststepistocontactthebusinessthatsoldtheproductorperformedtheservice.Alettertothemanagerisoftenthemosteffectiveapproach.Theletter(seesampleatright)shouldoutlinetheproductpurchased,theproblem,andtheresolutionyouareseeking.Keepcopiesofallcorrespondence.
Ifyoupaidfortheitembycreditcard,youmayhavetherighttowithholdpayment.Checkwiththebankorfinancialinstitutionthatissuedyourcreditcard.
sample letter
DateYour NameYour AddressCity, State, Zip CodeAccount Number (if applicable)Your Phone Number
Name of Contact Person (if available)
Title (if available)
Company NameConsumer Complaint Division (if no contact person)
Mailing AddressCity, State, Zip Code
Dear (Contact Person),
On (date), I (purchased, leased, rented, or had repaired) a (name of the product, serial or model number or service performed) at (location, date, and other important details of the transaction).
Unfortunately, your product (or service) has not performed well (or the service was inadequate) because (state the problem). I am disappointed because (explain the problem; for example, the product does not work properly, the service was not performed correctly, I was billed the wrong amount, something was not disclosed clearly or was misrepresented, etc.).
To resolve the problem, I would appreciate (state the specific action you want – money back, credit on bank card, exchange, etc.).
I look forward to your reply and a resolution of this problem. I will wait until (set a time limit) before seeking help from a consumer protection agency or the Better Business Bureau. Please contact me at the address or phone number on this letter.
Sincerely, (Your signature)(Your printed name)
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formal complaintsIfalettertothemanagerdoesnotresolvetheproblem,youmaywanttocomplaintotheFederal,State,orlocalagencythatlicensesorregulatesthebusinessorprofession.
Throughitsentities,DCAissuesmorethan2.5millionlicenses,certificates,orapprovalsinap-proximately240classifications.EachDCAentityhasinformationonitsWebsitetoguideyouonfilingacomplaintagainstoneofitslicensees.Tofindtheentityyouneed,consultthelistatthebackofthisGuideorvisit:www.dca.ca.gov/online_services/complaints/ consumer_complaint.shtml.
CalltheDCAConsumerInformationCenterat800.952.5210tohaveacomplaintformmailedtoyou.
Forinformationonfilingacomplaintwithnon-DCAentities,seetheConsumerTopicssectionofthisGuide.
free Publication:Your Voice is Powerful! Learn What You Can Do to Resolve Complaints fromtheDepartmentofConsumerAffairs.Viewitonlineorcalltohaveacopymailedtoyouatnocharge.www.dca.ca.gov800.952.5210 or 866.320.8652
dispute Resolution
Manyconsumersandbusinessesusedisputeresolutionprograms–suchasmediationandarbitration–tosettleadisputewithoutgoingtocourt.Somebusinessesrequireconsumerstoarbitratetheirdisputes.Seeyourproduct’swarrantydocumentsforspecifics.Mediationinvolvesaneutralthirdparty–amediator–whohelpsyouandtheotherpartytrytoresolvetheproblem.Amediatorcanproposetermstosettletheconflict,buttheconsumerorbusinessdoesnothavetoagreetothemediator’sterms.Infor-mationonfindingamediatorisavailableontheDCAWebsite.www.dca.ca.gov/consumer
TheDCAComplaintResolutionProgramhelpsre-solveconsumercomplaintsfiledagainstmanyoftheindustriesDCAregulates.Complaintresolu-
tionservicesarefreeandareavailablethroughoutCalifornia.Formoreinformation,seethebrochureComplaint Resolution Progam: Bridging the Gap to Mutually Acceptable Resolution.Viewitonlineorcalltohaveacopymailedtoyouatnocharge.www.dca.ca.gov/publications800.952.5210 or 866.320.8652
the dca complaint Resolution Program has four offices:• 1625NorthMarketBlvd.,SuiteS-202, Sacramento,CA95834 916.574.7950• 1180DurfeeAve.,Suite125, SouthElMonte,CA91733 626.575.7037• 3737MainSt.,Suite650 Riverside,CA92501 951.782.4263• 22320FoothillBlvd.,Suite500 Hayward,CA94541 510.888.7062
legal helpsmall claims courtInmostCaliforniacounties,SmallClaimsCourtadvisoryservicesareavailableatnocharge.ASmallClaimsCourtadvisorcanhelpyouprepareyourcase.ThestaffoftheSmallClaimsCourtinyourcountycantellyouhowtocontacttheadvisoryservice.TheonlineCaliforniaCourtsSelf-HelpCenter,sponsoredbytheJudicialCouncilofCalifornia,hasinformationonSmallClaimsCourtsandadvisoryservices.www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp
FormoreinformationaboutSmallClaimsCourt,consulttheDCAhandbookThe Small Claims Court: A Guide to Its Practical Use.ThebookletisavailableinEnglishandSpanish.Viewitonlineorcalltohaveacopymailedtoyouatnocharge.www.dca.ca.gov/publications800.952.5210
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finding a lawyerTheStateBarofCaliforniamaintainsaLawyerReferralServicesDirectorythatcanhelpyoufindalawyertomeetyourneeds.Callorgoonlineforassistance.www.calbar.ca.gov866.442.2529
Locallawyerreferralservicesarealsolistedinyourphonedirectory.Legalaidreferralsandself-helpinformationareavailableonline.www.lawHelpcalifornia.org
TheCaliforniaCourtsOnlineSelf-HelpCenter,sponsoredbytheJudicialCouncilofCalifornia,hasalistofresourcesonfreeandlow-costlegalhelp.Thesitealsohasself-helpinformationandformsonSmallClaimsCourt;family,children,andseniorissues;protectionfromabuse;trafficinfor-mation;landlord-tenantmatters;andmore.www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp/
cyber safetyExpertssayoneinfivechildrenissexuallysolicitedonline,andoneinfourisexposedtopornographicmaterial.Childrenareoftenunawarethatpredators,skilledincultivatingtrust,maybeinafavoritechatroom.
Childrenarealsoprimetargetsfor“phishing”schemes.Theyareluredtosites,enticedby“freebies”or“instantwin”pop-upwindows.Oncethere,childrenarepersuadedtoprovideper-sonalinformationaboutthemselves,supposedlytoenteradrawingorclaimaprize.Bydoingso,theycanexposethemselvesandtheirfamiliestoidentitytheft,privacyinvasion,andmore.
TheStateofCaliforniasponsorsaWebsitethatofferssafetytipsandresourcesforparents,edu-cators,andlawenforcement,aswellaslinkstoindustryexperts.www.cybersafety.ca.gov here are some tips from the web site:• Keepachild’scomputerinanopenareaofthe housetomakeiteasiertomonitorwhatthe childisviewing.• Installfilteringsoftwareonthecomputeror usechild-friendlysearchengines.
• Useanti-virussoftwareandmakesureto updateitregularly.• Remindchildrennottogiveoutpersonal informationonlinetosomeonetheydonot know,andnottomeetinpersonwithsomeone theyfirstmetonline.
• Donotrespondtooffensiveordangerous e-mail.Encourageyourchildtofollowthree simplesteps:stop,block,andtell.Stopthe correspondenceimmediately;respondingcan makethesituationworse.Blocktheuserfrom sendingadditionale-mails.Tellaparentor trustedadultaboutthesituation.• Donotopenattachmentsfromunknown sources.Similarly,donotrespondtopop-ups onyourcomputer.
Privacy Protection and identity theftCaliforniaisthefirststateinthenationtohaveanofficededicatedtopromotingandprotectingtheprivacyrightsofconsumers.TheCaliforniaOfficeofPrivacyProtection(COPP)wascreatedbylegislationin2000andopenedin2001.Itsmis-sionistoidentifyconsumerproblemsinprivacyprotectionandencouragethedevelopmentoffairinformationpractices.
ContactCOPPforinformationonprivacyprotectionissues,includingwhattodoifyouareavictimofidentitytheft.www.privacy.ca.gov866.785-9663 916.651.1086
the california office of Privacy Protection offers these tips to protect yourself from identity theft:
• ProtectyourSocialSecuritynumber.Don’t carryyourSocialSecuritycardinyourwallet.• Fight“phishing”–don’ttakethebait.Scam artists“phish”forvictimsbypretendingtobe banks,stores,orgovernmentagencies.Don’t respondtoarequesttoverifyyouraccount numberorpassword.Legitimatecompanies donotrequestthiskindofinformationby e-mail.
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• Keepyouridentityfrombeingtrashed.Shred paperswithpersonalinformationbeforeyou throwthemaway.Shredcreditcardoffersand “conveniencechecks”thatyoudon’tuse.• Don’tclickonlinksinpop-upwindowsoron linksinspame-mail.• Clickwithcaution.Whenshoppingonline, checkoutaWebsitebeforeenteringyour creditcardnumberorotherpersonal information.Enterpersonalinformationonly onsecureWebpageswith“https”inthe addressbarandayellowpadlocksymbolin thebrowserwindowframe.• Checkyourbillsandbankstatements regularly.Lookforanyunauthorizedcharges orwithdrawalsandreportthemimmediately. Callifbillsdon’tarriveontime.
• Stopmostpre-approvedcreditcardoffers. Theyaretemptingtargetforidentitythieves whostealyourmail.Tohaveyourname removedfromcreditbureaumarketinglists, call888.5.oPTouT (888.567.8688).• Checkyourcreditreportsforfree.Youcanget onefreecreditreporteveryyearfromeachof thethreenationalcreditbureaus:Equifax, Experian,andTransUnion.Orderyourfree annualcreditreportsbyphone,toll-free,at 877.322.8228,oronlineat www.annualcreditreport.com.
take charge! california
InMarchof2009,theDepartmentofConsumerAffairslaunchedanewpublicawarenesscam-paigntohelpconsumerswhoarefacingfinancialstrugglesinthiseconomicdownturn.
Take Charge! Californiaurgesconsumersto“BeSmart,BeSafe,andBeHeard.”Itofferseasyaccesstoinformationandresourcesneededtomakesmartchoiceswhenhiringaprofessionalortradesperson.
ThecenterpieceofthecampaignistheTake Charge! CaliforniaWebsite,whichprovidesinfor-mationandresourcesonavarietyoftopics.
the web site includes:• Tipsongettingthemostforyourmoneywhen shopping.• Alertsonthelatestconsumerscamsandfraud.• Adviceonhowtoresolveacomplaintifyou aredissatisfiedwithaproductorservice.• Aneasywaytocheckthelicensesof professionalsyouhire.• Freeandlow-costservicestohelpstretch yourbudget.• Tipsheetscoveringtopicsrangingfrom acupuncturetovisioncare.TheWebsitealsoincludesanoutreacheffortcalled“TakeChargeofYourHealth.”Ithasinformationandtipsonhealthcareproviders,healthinsurance,medicines,mentalhealth,healthfraudandscams,andyourhealthcareprivacyrights.Clickon“ConsumerOutreachCampaigns”tofindit.www.takechargeca.ca.gov [email protected]
other Resources
better business bureauBetterBusinessBureaus(BBBs)arenonprofitserviceorganizationssupportedbybusinesses,whichstresscompliancewithethicalstandardsofmarketplaceconduct.TheBBBoffersconsum-ersavarietyofeducationalmaterialsandperfor-mancereportsonindividualcompanies.
BBBmaybeabletoarbitrateconsumerbusinessdisputesinformallyandprivatelyiftheconsumerandbusinesscannotresolveanissue.Bothpar-tiesmustagreetothearbitrationdecision,whichisfinalandbinding.EachBBBhasitsownpolicyaboutreportinginformationandmayormaynottelltheconsumerthenatureofthecomplaintagainstabusiness,butallofficeswilltellaconsumerifacomplainthasbeenregistered.
Remember,theBBBdoesnotendorse,recommend,ordisapproveofanyproduct,service,orcompany.
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the bbb can:• Assistconsumersindisputeswithbusinesses. Thecomplaintmustbemadebytheperson involved.Nothird-partyinvolvementor representationisallowed.
• Providereportsonthepastmarketplace performanceoflocalandnationalcompanies.
• Providefreepamphletsandgeneralreportsfor consumersonmorethan150topics.• Monitorandevaluateadvertisingfortruthand accuracy.
• Providereportsoncharitableorganizations.
• Offerfree,disputeresolutionformarketplace disputes.
contact the bbb office in your area.Gotowww.bbb.orgorcontactoneofthefollowing:
Central California/Bakersfieldhttp://bakersfield.bbb.orginfo@bbbcencal.org661.322.2074661.322.83181601HSt.,Suite101Bakersfield,CA93301Central California/Fresnohttp://fresno.bbb.orginfo@bbbcencal.org559.222.8111559.228.65184201WestShawAve.,Suite107Fresno,CA93722Golden Gate and Northern Californiagoldengate.bbb.orginfo@goldengate.bbb.org510.844.20001000Broadway,Suite625Oakland,CA94607Northeast Californiahttp://[email protected].,WestSacramento,CA95691
Northern San Joaquin Valley and Mother Lodehttp://[email protected].,Suite803Stockton,CA95202-3202San Diegohttp://sandiego.bbb.orginfo@sandiego.bbb.org858.496.21315050MurphyCanyonRoad,Suite110SanDiego,CA92123Silicon Valleyhttp://[email protected],Suite110SanJose,CA95128Southlandhttp://[email protected],CA92324-2927Tri-Countieshttp://santabarbara.bbb.orginfo@santabarbara.bbb.org805.963.8657213SantaBarbaraSt.SantaBarbara,CA93101
donating to charitiesthe better business bureau offers these tips to help ensure that your donation to charity does the greatest good.
• Whenindoubt,checkitout.Whenan unfamiliarorganizationasksyoufora donation,don’tcontributewithout gatheringdetailsaboutthecharity,the natureofitsprograms,anditsuseoffunds. VisittheBBBWebsite(www.bbb.org)foran accountabilityreport.
• Thinkbeforeyougive.Ifyouaresolicitedat themalloronthestreet,takeaminuteortwo tothink.Askforthecharity’snameand address.Getfullidentificationfromthe
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solicitorandreviewitcarefully.Ifyoudecide todonate,don’tgivecash.Writeacheckmade payabletothecharitableorganization.
• Unorderedmerchandiseisfree.Ifacharity sendsyougreetingcards,addresslabels,or othermerchandisewithanappealfor donations,youarenotobligatedtopayforthe items.These“free”itemsarefundedoutofthe contributionsreceivedfromdonors.
• Watchoutforcharityfraud.Legitimate charitieswillinglyprovidewritten informationabouttheirprograms,finances, orhowdonationsareused;andtheynever insistyouprovideyourcreditcardnumber, bankaccountnumber,oranyotherpersonal information.
• Verifytheorganization’sFederaltax-exempt statusonlineatwww.irs.gov/charities.
office of the attorney General
California’sOfficeoftheAttorneyGeneraloffersguidesforcharitablegivingandsearchabledatabasestolearnaboutspecificcharitiesandcommercialfund-raisersintheState.CalifornialawrequirescharitiesandcommercialfundraiserstoregisterwiththeOfficeoftheAttorneyGeneralandtofilefinancialdisclosurereports.ViewtheRegistryofCharitableTrustsandfilecomplaintsonline.http://ag.ca.gov/charities/index.php
charity NavigatorCharityNavigator,anonprofitorganizationthatprovidesinformationonmorethan5,000charitiesnationwide,usesseveralcriteria,includingpro-gramexpenses,fund-raisingandadministrativecosts,andexecutivecompensationtoevaluatethefinancialhealthofthecharities.Informationisavailableonline.www.charitynavigator.org
online Resource clearinghouses
consumer.govThisFederalgovernmentsiteisaWeblinktoabroadrangeofonlineFederalinformationresources.Informationisarrangedbycategory−suchasfood,health,productsafety,money,andtransportation–andeachcategory
hassubcategorieswithlinkstoFederalWebsiteswithrelatedinformation.www.consumer.gov800.fed.info or 800.333.4636
consumer services centerTheStateofCaliforniaWebsiteconnectsconsumerstoavarietyofinformationofferedbyStateandFederalagenciesandrespectednonprofitorganizations.UserscanlocateentitiesthroughouttheStatethathandleprofessionalandoccupationallicensing.Thesitealsohasnewsitemsonconsumertopics.www.consumerservices.ca.gov
federal citizen information centerTheCenter,sponsoredbytheU.S.GeneralServicesAdministration,hasinformationandpublicationsonavarietyofconsumertopics.Mostpublicationsarefreeorlowcost.TheCenteralsosponsorstheConsumerInformationCatalog.www.consumeraction.gov888.878.3256.
federal Reserve boardTheFederalReserveBoardWebsitehaspubli-cationsandconsumerinformationonfinancialtopicsrangingfrombankaccounts,identitytheft,mortgagesandmore.www.federalreserve.gov
healthfinder.govThisFederalgovernmentWebsite,developedbytheU.S.DepartmentofHealthandHumanSer-vices,containsconsumerguides,ahealthlibrary,andextensiveresourceslist.www.healthfinder.gov
mymoney.gov ThisFederalgovernmentWebsite,dedicatedtofinancialeducation,hasfinancialinformationfrom20Federalgovernmentagencies.www.mymoney.gov
contacting elected officials
CityCheckyourphonedirectoryforthenamesofcitycouncilmembersorthemayororcitymanagerinyourcity.Cityservicesmayincludeparks;landuseplanningandzoning;water,trash,andsew-
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ageservices;buildinginspection;fireandpoliceprotection;andbusinesslicenses.for a list of california cities and contact information, visit:
• TheLeagueofCaliforniaCities www.cacities.org• StateofCalifornia www.ca.gov Click on About CA, then Local Government
CountyCheckyourphonedirectoryfortheboardofsu-pervisors,sheriff,districtattorney,countyclerk,taxassessor,andtaxcollector.Countyofficialsareresponsibleforhealthandsocialservices,countyjails,propertytaxassessmentandcollection,andsupervisionoflocalelections. for a list of california counties and links, visit:california state association of countieswww.csac.counties.org
• StateofCalifornia www.ca.gov.Click on About CA
State MembersoftheCaliforniaStateAssemblyandStateSenateareresponsibleforStatelaws,theStatebudget,andmanyStategovernmentservicesandprograms.Tofindthenamesandaddressesoftheelectedofficialsrepresentingyourareagoonlineto:
CaliforniaStateLegislaturewww.legislature.ca.gov
CaliforniaStateSenatewww.sen.ca.gov
CaliforniaStateAssemblywww.assembly.ca.gov
LegislativeCounselofCaliforniawww.leginfo.ca.gov
FederalMembersoftheU.S.HouseofRepresentativesandU.S.SenateareresponsibleforFederallaws,thenationalbudget,andmanygovernmentalser-vicesandprograms.ForthenamesandaddressesofmembersoftheHouseandSenaterepresentingyourarea,goonlineto:
U.S.HouseofRepresentativeswww.house.gov
U.S.Senatewww.senate.gov
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how to use this ResouRce aNd RefeRRal Guide
This handbook is part of a continuing effort to enhance consumer access to services and resources. Most of the information listed here comes from state and federal agencies, but some outside groups and organizations are included as a convenience to consumers.
The entries are grouped by topic, and most are cross-referenced. consult the table of con-tents or browse the topic categories to find the subject that interests you. each entry contains basic information on the service or benefit and guidance on how to contact the entity that provides it.
information in this Resource and Referral Guide may be copied for noncommercial use if the text is not changed or misrepresented, if credit is given to the department of consumer affairs, and if the information is distributed at no charge.
although the dca strives for accuracy in its publications, any publication may contain er-rors. consumers should contact each entity directly to verify the information. References and links to commercial sources are for conve-nience only and do not constitute an endorse-ment by the department of consumer affairs.The dca Web site has a variety of consumer publications available to the public at no charge. The full list of available publications, and instructions on how to order by mail, are available online. www.dca.ca.gov
bulk copies of this and all dca publications are available to consumer groups, nonprofit organizations, and government entities at no charge. Quantities may be limited.
to oRdeR:call: 866.320.8652fax: 916.574.8654e-mail: [email protected]
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auto-safety
Safercar.gov,aWebsiteoftheNationalHigh-wayTrafficSafetyAdministration,coverscrashtests,five-starsafetyratings,safetyfeatures,andrecalls.Theagencyalsomaintainsatoll-freeVehicleSafetyHotlinetoreceivecomplaintsandprovideinformationonvehiclesafetyrecalls.
• www.safercar.gov 888.327.4236 or TTY 800.424.9153
buying, selling a vehicle
Forgeneraladviceonbuyingandsellingavehicle,consultthefollowing:
• U.S.FederalTradeCommission, www.ftc.gov/bcp/menus/consumer/autos/buy. shtm
• ConsumerReportsmagazine www.consumerreports.org
Herearesomeothersourcesofinformationonnewandusedcars:• Edmunds.Inc. www.edmunds.com
•MotorTrendMagazine www.motortrend.com
•J.D.PowerandAssociates www.jdpower.com
•Carfaxvehiclehistoryreports www.carfax.com
•KellyBlueBook,carvaluesandprices www.kbb.com
California’sCarBuyer’sBillofRightsaffectsretailvehiclesaleshandledbylicensedcardealersinCalifornia.Thelawcoverscancellationoptions,itemizedpricelists,certifiedusedcars,financing,odometerreading,andothermattersrelatedtobuyingavehicle.MoreinformationisavailablefromtheDepartmentofMotorVehicles.www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/billrights_top.htm800.777.0133
TheDepartmentofMotorVehicles(DMV)hasformsandinformationonbuyingavehiclefromaprivatepartyorsellingavehicleonyourown.ASmogCheckmaybeneeded.TheDMV’sNoticeofTransferandReleaseofLiabilitywillprotectyoufromliabilitywhenbuyingorsellingyourcar.Theformcanbefilledoutandsubmittedonline.www.dmv.ca.gov800.777.0133
car alarms, car stereos
Businessesthatrepair,service,ormaintaincarstereosandcaranti-theftalarmsmustbelicensedbytheBureauofElectronicandApplianceRepair,HomeFurnishingsandThermalInsulation.Goon-lineorcalltoverifyalicenseortofileacomplaint.www.bearbhfti.com800.952.5210
Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair, Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation3485OrangeGroveAve.,SuiteANorthHighlands,CA95660
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free publication: Consumer Guide to Electronic and Appliance Repairisavailableonline.Viewitonlineorcalltohaveacopymailedtoyouatnocharge.www.bearhfti.com800.952.5210916.574.2069
Tip:Installingananti-theftdeviceinyourvehiclemaysaveyoumoneyonyourcarinsur-ance.Checkwithyourinsurancecompany.
car safety seats for children
TheNationalHighwayTrafficSafetyAdministra-tion(NHTSA)sponsorssafetyinspectionstations,whereexpertswillinspectyourchild’scarseatandshowyouhowtoinstallanduseitcorrectly.Goonlinetofindaninspectionstationnearyou.www.nhtsa.dot.gov
NHTSAalsorecommendsparentsregistertheirchild’ssafetyseatwithitsmanufacturerincasetheseatisincludedinarecall.Moreinformationaboutchildsafetyseatsisavailableonline.www.safercar.gov888.327.4236 or TTY 800.424.9153
• CaliforniaHighwayPatrol www.chp.ca.gov
• CaliforniaOfficeofTrafficSafety www.ots.ca.gov
• DepartmentofMotorVehicles www.dmv.ca.gov
• SafeKidsUSA www.usa.safekids.org
cell Phones and driving
Statelawprohibitsdriversover18fromusingacellphonewhiledrivingamotorvehicle,unlessthephoneisequippedwithahands-freeear-piece.Driversunder18maynotuseacellphone,evenwithahands-freedevice,whiledriving.Sending,receiving,orreadingtextmessageswhiledrivingisprohibitedforallagesofdrivers.
DetailsonthelawsareavailableonlinefromtheDepartmentofMotorVehicles.www.dmv.ca.gov
collisions
DoyouknowwhattodoifyouareinvolvedinancollisioninCalifornia?HerearesometipsfromtheCaliforniaDepartmentofInsurance.
• Stopatthescene,butinasafelocation.
• Call911ifthereareinjuries.
• Getasmuchinformationatthesceneasyou can,includingthenames,addresses,phone numbers,anddriverlicensenumbersofany driversinvolved;themakes,models,and licensenumbersofvehiclesinvolved;andthe names,addresses,andphonenumbersof passengersandwitnesses.
• Takephotographsofthedamage,theposition ofthecars,andthecollisionscene.
• Leaveanotewiththenames,addresses,and phonenumbersofthedriversandownersof thecarsinvolvedifadamagedcarisnot occupied.
• Notifyyourinsurancecompanyimmediately.
Ifanyoneisinjuredorthevehicledamageismorethan$750,youmustreportthecollisiontotheCaliforniaDepartmentofMotorVehicles(DMV)within10days.ReportformsareavailableonlineoratDMVoffices.www.dmv.ca.gov800.777.0133
free publication: So You’ve Had an Accident. What’s Next? fromtheCaliforniaDepartmentofInsuranceisavailableonline.Fromthemainpage,clickonConsumers,thenInformationGuides,AutomobileSeries.www.insurance.ca.gov800.927.4357
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driver licenses, driving Records
TheDepartmentofMotorVehicles(DMV)issuesallCaliforniadriverlicenses,includinglicensesfortruckersandothercommercialdrivers.Moreinformation,includingaddressesofDMVofficesinyourarea,isavailableonline.www.dmv.ca.gov
Tip:Youmaybeeligibletorenewyourlicenseonlineandpaytherenewalfeebycreditcard.CheckwiththeDMVfordetails.
ForinformationonhowtogetacopyofyourdrivingrecordfromtheDepartmentofMotorVe-hicles,goonline,call,orvisitalocaloffice.Ifyouchoosetovisitalocaloffice,DMVrecommendsmakinganappointmentonlineforfasterservice.DMVofficesarelistedonline.www.dmv.ca.gov800.777.0133
driving schools
PrivatedrivingschoolsanddrivinginstructorsarelicensedbytheDepartmentofMotorVehicles.Licensescanbeverifiedonline.www.dmv.ca.gov
TheDrivingSchoolAssociationofCaliforniaalsohasinformationaboutdrivingschoolsonitsWebsite.www.dsac.com
Gas Prices
for help finding the lowest gas prices:• GasBuddy.Com www.gasbuddy.com
• GasPriceWatch www.gaspricewatch.com
• AAA www.aaa.com
Tip:TheCaliforniaEnergyCommissionsaysgasmileageusuallydropsrapidlyatspeedsabove55mph.
Green vehicles
TheCaliforniaAirResourcesBoardhasanonlineguidetozero-emissionsandnear-zero-emissionsvehicles,includingelectric,hybrid,alternativefuel,andgasvehicles.www.driveclean.ca.gov
fuel efficiency
for tips on saving gas and improving mileage:• U.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgency www.epa.gov
• U.S.FederalTradeCommission www.ftc.gov• AAA www.aaa.com
for information on fuel-efficient vehicles: • CaliforniaDepartmentofEnergy www.energy.ca.gov
• U.S.DepartmentofEnergy www.fueleconomy.gov
insurance
AllvehiclesdrivenonCaliforniaroadsmusthaveliabilityinsurancetocoveranydamageorinjurycausedbyacollision.DetailsoninsurancerequirementsareavailablefromtheDepartmentofMotorVehicles.www.dmv.ca.gov800.777.0133
TheDepartmentofInsurancehasalow-costinsuranceprogramforqualifieddriverswholiveincertainCaliforniacounties.Informationisavailableonlineorbyphone.www.insurance.ca.gov 866.60.auTo.1 or 866.602.8861
Tip:TheDepartmentofInsurancehasanonlinetooltoestimateandcompareinsuranceratesfrommultiplecompanies.Thetooloffersgeneralinformationbasedoninformationyousubmit;itdoesnothavespecificinsurancequotes.www.insurance.ca.gov
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lemon law
California’sLemonLawprotectsconsumersfromseriouswarrantydefectsthatthevehicledealerormanufacturercannotrepair.Insomecases,youmaybeentitledtoarefundorareplacementvehicle.Ifyouthinkyourvehiclemaybealemon,youcansubmityourcomplainttoaqualifiedthird-partydisputeresolutionprogramforarbitration.MoreinformationonCalifornia’sLemonLawandarbitrationisavailablefromtheDepartmentofConsumerAffairs’ArbitrationCertificationProgram.www.dca.ca.gov/acp 800.952.5210 or 916.574.7350
free publication:Lemon-Aid for Consumers,fromtheDepartmentofConsumerAffairs,isavailableinEnglish,Spanish,andCantonese.Viewitonlineorcalltohaveacopymailedtoyou.www.dca.ca.gov800.952.5210
maintenance, Repairs
TheBureauofAutomotiveRepair(BAR),whichlicensesandregulatesautorepairshopsinCali-fornia,hastipsonhowtoselectanautorepairshopandwhattodoifyouhaveaproblemwithanautomotiverepairdealer.www.autorepair.ca.gov800.952.5210
free publications: A Consumer’s Guide to Auto Repair in California andHow to Select a Quality Auto Body Repair ShopareavailableontheBureauofAutomotiveRepairWebsite.Calltoordercopiesbymail.www.autorepair.ca.gov 800.952.5210
Tip:TheBureauofAutomotiveRepair’sAutoBodyInspectionProgramcanreviewcertainrepairsmadeonyourvehicletoverifythattheyweredoneproperly.Thereisnochargefortheinspection.ContacttheBureaufordetailsortoscheduleanappointment.www.autorepair.ca.gov800.952.5210
motorcycles
Thefollowingagencieshaveinformationavailableonlineonsafetyrulesandlicensesformotorcycleriders.•DepartmentofMotorVehicleswww.dmv.ca.gov
•CaliforniaHighwayPatrol www.chp.ca.govInformationonamotorcycleridereducationcourseofferedbytheCaliforniaMotorcyclistSafetyProgramisavailableonlineorbyphone.www.ca-msp.org877.Ride.411 (877.743.3411)
Tip:Special-interestlicenseplatesareavailableformotorcyclesfromtheDMVforafee.Formsareavailableonline.www.dmv.ca.gov
off-highway vehicles
CaliforniaStateParksoverseesState-designatedOff-HighwayVehicleparks.Licensingrequire-ments,noiserestrictions,permits,fees,andloca-tionsofoff-highwayareasthroughoutCaliforniaareavailablefromtheOff-HighwayMotorVehicleRecreationDivisionofCaliforniaStateParks.www.parks.ca.gov916.324.4442
oHMvR division HeadquartersP.o. box 942896sacramento, ca 94296-0001
Racingmotorcycles,trailbikes,mini-bikes,dunebuggies,all-terrainvehicles,andsnowmo-bilesmayneedanidentificationplateordeviceissuedbytheDepartmentofMotorVehicles.InformationisavailablefromtheDMV.www.dmv.ca.gov800.777.0133
TheU.S.BureauofLandManagementhasinfor-mationonFederaloff-roadparksinCalifornia.www.blm.gov
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Renting, leasing a vehicle
TheAmericanSocietyofTravelAgentshasadviceandtipsonrentingacarforleisuretravel.www.travelsense.orgClickon“Traveltip”.
TheFederalTradeCommissionalsohasinforma-tiononterminology,fees,insurance,andothermattersrelatingtorentalcars.www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/autos/aut07.shtm
some online resources on leasing:• www.leaseguide.com• www.leasecompare.com• www.Leasesource.com
free publication: Keys to Vehicle Leasing bytheFederalReserveBank.Viewitonlineorcalltoorderacopy.www.federalReserve.gov/consumers.htm202.452.3245
Tip:FederalandStatelawscoverconsumerleas-ingofavehicleforlongerthanfourmonths.Ifyoubelievefraudulentbusinesspracticesarebeingused,contactthefollowingagencies:
• CaliforniaDepartmentofMotorVehicles www.dmv.ca.gov 800.777.0133
• TheNewMotorVehicleBoard www.nmvb.ca.gov 916.445.1888
• DistrictAttorney’sOffice:Checkyourlocal phonedirectoryunderCountyGovernment OfficesfortheDistrictAttorney’sOfficeinyour county.
Repossession, impound, towing
Ifyourvehiclehasbeenimpoundedbythepolice,contactthenearestpolicedepartmentorsheriff’sofficeforinformationonhowtogetitback.
Ifyourcar,truck,motorcycle,recreationalvehicle,orboathasbeenrepossessedbecauseofdelin-quentloanpayments,youmustbenotified.The
BureauofSecurityandInvestigativeServices,whichlicensesandregulatesrepossessors,hasinformationonconsumerrightsinarepossession.Moreinformationisavailableonlineorbyphone.www.bsis.ca.gov800.952.5210 or916.322.4000
free publication:Consumers Guide to Reposses-sion PracticesisavailablefromtheBureauofSecurityandInvestigativeServices.Viewitonlineorcalltohaveacopymailedtoyou.www.bsis.ca.gov800.952.5210 or866.320.8652
Tip:Youmaystillberesponsiblefortheloanpayments,evenifyourvehicleisrepossessed.Checkwithyourlenderforspecifics.
Ifyouhaveacomplaintaboutatowingcompanynotinvolvedinrepossession,youcancontacttheBetterBusinessBureau.LocalofficesarelistedinyourphonedirectoryorintheIntroductiontothisGuide.
Road/traffic conditions
RoadandtrafficinformationforStatehighwaysisavailablefromtheCaliforniaDepartmentofTransportation(Caltrans).Real-timetrafficinformationisavailableonline.Recordedinformationisavailablebyphone.www.dot.ca.gov800.427.Road or 800.427.7623
TheCaliforniaHighwayPatrolprovidesinstantupdatesoftrafficincidentsthroughouttheStateonitsWebsite.http://cad.chp.ca.gov
Travelerinformationnationwideisavailablebycalling511.Inurbanareas,511hasbus-transitandtrainscheduleswithon-timestatusandinformationonothertravelchoices.TheCaliforniaSmartTravelerisastatewideWebversionof511.
California Smart Traveler http://caltrans511.dot.ca.gov 511
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Fordetailsonamobilephoneapplicationwithreal-timetrafficconditions,goonlinetohttp:/m.chp.ca.gov.
senior drivers
TheDepartmentofMotorVehicles(DMV)willnotre-examineaperson’sabilitytodrivesolelybe-causeofhisorherage.However,policeofficers,medicalpersonnel,familymembers,andothersmayrequestare-examinationbasedonspecificobservations.Requestscanbeanonymous.DMVhasinformationforseniordrivers,includingaself-assessmenttohelpdriversdeterminetheirlimitations.www.dmv.ca.gov
free publication:Senior Guide for Safe DrivingisavailableonlinefromDMV.www.dmv.ca.gov800.777.0133
free publication: Safer Driving for Mature Drivers isavailablefromtheDepartmentofInsurance.www.insurance.ca.gov800.927.HelP (800.927-4357)Tdd 800.482.4833
AARPhasinformationforolderdrivers,plusdetailsonlocaldriversafetyclasses.www.aarp.org/family888.aaRP.noW or 888.227.7669
TheFederalNationalHighwayTrafficSafetyAdministrationhasresourceguidesandotherreferencematerialsonseniordrivingsafetyissues.www.nhtsa.dot.gov
AAAFoundationforTrafficSafetyhasinforma-tionaboutandforolderdrivers.AlinkonitsWebsitetakesyoutoacomprehensivelistofsenior-friendlycarsandfeatures.www.seniordrivers.org
Tip:Ifyouareolderthan55,yourinsurancecom-panymayofferadiscountifyoucompleteadriversafetyclass.Checkwithyourinsuranceagentforspecifics.
smog check
Mostvehiclesmorethansixyearsoldarere-quiredtohaveaSmogCheckeverytwoyearsunderCalifornia’sSmogCheckProgram,whichisoverseenbytheBureauofAutomotiveRepair(BAR).TheConsumerAssistanceProgramfromBARmaybeabletohelpyouifyourcarfailsitsSmogCheck.Qualifiedcarownersmaybeeligibleforupto$500topayforsmog-relatedrepairs.Carownersmustsubmitanapplicationtobeacceptedfortheprogram.
TheConsumerAssistanceProgramalsooffersavehicleretirementoptionthatwillpayyou$1,000toretireyourvehicle.Interestedcarownersmustsubmitanapplicationtobeacceptedfortheprogram.
Applicationsandinformationareavailableonline,oryoucancalltohaveanapplicationmailedtoyou.www.smogcheck.ca.gov800.952.5210
ContactaBARfieldofficeformoreinformation.
Bakersfield3331N.SillectAve.Bakersfield,CA93308661.335.7400
Culver City6035BristolParkway,Suite100CulverCity,CA90330310.410.0024
Fresno4152W.SwiftAve.,Suite104Fresno,CA93722559.445.5015
Oceanside1310UnionPlazaCourt,Suite100Oceanside,CA92054760.439.0942
Placentia701KimberlyAve.,Suite120Placentia,CA92870714.961.7940
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Richmond3260BlumeDrive,Suite340Richmond,CA94806510.243.9410Riverside3737MainSt.,Suite850Riverside,CA92501951.782.4250
Sacramento10220SystemsParkwaySacramento,CA95827916.255.4200San Jose1361S.WinchesterBlvd.,Suite206SanJose,CA95128408.277.1860South El Monte1180DurfeeAve.,Suite120SouthElMonte,CA91733626.575.6934South San Francisco395OysterPoint,Suite102,SouthSanFrancisco,CA94080650.827.2074Valencia27202TurnberryLane,Suite250Valencia,CA91355661.702.6600
Tip:Acar’sSmogCheckhistoryisavailableonlineusingthecar’slicenseplatenumberorvehicleidentificationnumber.www.smogcheck.ca.gov.
driveHealthy.com,aconsumeroutreachcampaignfromtheBureauofAutomotiveRepairurgescarownerstokeeptheirvehiclesproperlymain-tainedtosavegasandhelpcleantheair.Simplestepssuchaskeepingtiresproperlyinflatedwillimprovemileageandsaveuptoeightcentspergallon.Moretipsandinformationareavailableonline.www.driveHealthy.com
Complaintsaboutpollutingvehiclesmaybereportedbyphone.800.end-sMoG or 800.363.7664Cellphone(inmostareas),#SMOGor#7664
free Publication:Some Things You Need to Know About Smog Check in California.Viewitonlineorcalltohaveacopymailedtoyouatnocharge.www.dca.ca.gov800.952.5210
summer driving
TheBureauofAutomotiveRepair(BAR)recommendsthatyoumakesureyourcarisreadyfortherigorsofhotweatherdrivingbeforeheadingoutonasummerroadtrip.
here are some suggestions from baR:• Considerapre-tripinspectionbya qualifiedmechanic.• Testtheairconditioning.• Inspectthebatteryandbatterycablesfor corrosion,cracksanddirt.• Havealicensedbrakeadjusterinspectthe brakepadsandliningsforwear.• Changetheoilandfilteraccordingtothe manufacturer’srecommendations.
• Makesurealltires(includingthespare)are inflatedproperly.• Testthecar’sinteriorandexteriorlights.• Changetheairfilteraccordingtothe manufacturer’srecommendation.• Havetheradiatorandhosescheckedforleaks andwear.
www.autorepair.ca.gov800.952.5210
free publication:Summer Driving: Tips for Getting Your Car in Shape.Viewitonlineorcalltohaveacopymailedtoyouatnocharge.www.dca.ca.gov800.952.5210
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teen drivers
Newdriversunder18yearsoldareissuedaProvisionalLicense,whichrestrictswhentheycandriveandwhentheycanhavepassengers.Driversunder18maynotuseacellphone,evenwithahands-freedevice,whiledriving.Sending,receiving,orreadingtextmessageswhiledrivingisalsoprohibited.
TheDepartmentofMotorVehicleshasaWebsitespecificallyforteendrivers.www.dmv.ca.gov/teenweb free publication:The Parent-Teen Training Guide isavailablefromtheDMV.Viewitonlineorcalltohaveacopymailedtoyou.www.dmv.ca.gov800.777.0133
Otherinformationforandaboutteendriversisavailableonlineat:
• AAA www.aaa.com
• DrivingSchoolAssociationofCalifornia www.dsac.com
Tip:DMVhasaselectionofvideosonlineatYouTube.comondrivingtopics.www.youtube.com/profile?user=californiadMv
traffic violator school
Ifyouarecitedbythepoliceforcertaintypesoftrafficviolations,youmaybeabletoattendaneight-hourtrafficviolatorschooltoavoidhavingtheviolationappearonyourdrivingrecord.Someschoolsofferonlineinstruction,butcheckwithyourlocaltrafficcourtbeforeyouenrolltobesurethecourtacceptsaparticularcourse.Youwillhavetopaythecostofthetrafficticket,thefeeforattendingthetrafficschool,andpossiblyacourtadministrativefee.SchoolsarelicensedbytheDepartmentofMotorVehicles.Verifyaschool’slicenseandviewalistoflicensedschoolsonline.www.dmv.ca.gov
GeneralinformationontrafficcitationsandyourrightsisavailableonlinefromtheCaliforniaCourtsSelf-HelpCenter.www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp
Youmaybeabletopayyourtrafficcitationonlineifyouresideincertaincounties.Finddetailsonline.www.ca.gov/Homefamily/driving/drivinginca/Rules/Trafficfines.html.
Tip:Youmaybeallowedtoattendtrafficviolatorschoolasanalternativetoacitationonlyoncein18months.Checkwiththetrafficcourtthathasjurisdictioninyourarea.
vehicle arbitration
TheArbitrationCertificationProgram(ACP)certifiesandmonitorsarbitrationprogramsofparticipatingautomanufacturerstomakesuretheycomplywithCalifornialawsgoverningvehiclewarrantydisputes.Thereisnochargetoparticipateintheprogram.www.dca.ca.gov/acp800.952.5210 or 916.574.7350
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Arbitration Certification Program1625NorthMarketBlvd.,SuiteN-112Sacramento,CA95834
some of the advantages of vehicle arbitration are:
• State-certifiedarbitrationprogramsalloworal presentations,whichareopentoobservers.• Decisionsaremadewithin40daysafterthe programreceivesyourapplication.• Decisionsarebindingonthemanufacturer, butnottheconsumer.Aconsumercanreject thedecisionandpursuethematterincourt. applying for arbitrationContacttheState-certifiedarbitrationprogramlistedbelowthatcoversyourparticularvehicle.
• California Dispute Settlement Program 888.300.6237 CoversToyota(includingScion).
• Consumer Arbitration Program for Motor Vehicles(CAP-Motors) 800.279.5343 CoversPorsche.
• Better Business Bureau Auto Line 800.955.5100 CoversAMGeneral(Hummer),AstonMartin, Bentley,BMW(includesMiniCooper),Ford (includesLincoln,Mercury,Fordmotorhome chassis),GeneralMotors(includesBuick, Cadillac,Chevrolet,GMC,Geo,Oldsmobile, Pontiac,andSaab),Honda/Acura,Hyundai, Isuzu,Kia,Lamborghini,LandRover,Lotus, Mazda,Nissan/Infiniti,Saturn,Volkswagen Audi,WorkhorseCustomChassis(some models).
• Consumer Arbitration Program for Recreational Vehicles (CAP-RV) 800.279.5343 CoversAirstreamInc.,ThorMotorCoachInc., andWinnebagoIndustries,Inc.(excepttow- ablesandFordChassis).
Ifthereisnocertifiedarbitrationprogramlistedforyourvehicle,theNewMotorVehicleBoardmaybeabletohelp.www.nmvb.ca.gov 916.445.1888
vehicle loansSeeMoney.
vehicle Registration
TheCaliforniaDepartmentofMotorVehicles(DMV)handlesregistrationofcars,trucks,motor-cycles,andothervehicles.Manyvehicleregistra-tiontaskscanbehandledonline.IfyoumustgotoaDMVofficeinperson,makeanappointmentonlinetosavetime.www.dmv.ca.gov
Tip:DMVhasanonlinecalculatortoestimateacar’svehiclelicensefee.www.dmv.ca.gov.
winter driving tips
TheCaliforniaHighwayPatrolrecommendsdriverscarrythefollowingitemsduringwinterroadtrips:• Tirechainsandtighteners.• Flashlightwithbatteries,flares.• Smallshovelandwindshieldscraper.• Blanketsandwaterproof,warmclothing.• Snacksanddrinkingwater.• Cellphonewithbackuppowersource.
Tip:Ifyou’redrivingindensefog,drivewithyourlightsonlowbeamandkeepthedriver’ssidewindowpartiallydowntohelpyouseeandhearothercarsontheroad.
free publication:Get Winterized: Tips to Prepare for Winter Driving, fromtheBureauofAutomotiveRepair.Viewitonlineorcalltohaveacopymailedtoyouatnocharge.www.dca.ca.gov 800.952.5210
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adoption
TheCaliforniaDepartmentofSocialServices’AdoptionsServicesBureauhasinformationonagencyadoption,independentadoption,andintercountryadoption.Detailsareavailableonlineorbyphone.TheWebsitealsohasalistofprivateadoptionagencies.www.childsworld.ca.gov800.Kids.4.us or 800.543.7487
CaliforniaKidsConnectionisanonlinedatabaseofchildreninCaliforniawhoareavailableforadoption.www.cakidsconnection.com
TheStateDepartmentofSocialServices(DSS)maybeabletohelpadultadopteesfindtheirbirthparentsorsiblings.DSSmayalsobeabletohelpbirthparentsfindinformationaboutachildplacedforadoption.www.childsworld.ca.gov 916.651.8088
amber alertSeeCrimeandSafety.
child abuse/Neglect
Toreportsuspectedchildabuseorneglect,contactChildProtectiveServicesinyourcounty.YoucanfindthenumberunderCountyGovernmentinyourphonedirectory.Alistofofficesinall58Californiacountiesisavailableonline.www.childsworld.ca.gov.
child abuse prevention resources:• DSS’OfficeofChildAbusePrevention www.dss.cahwnet.gov
• ChildAbusePreventionCouncil www.cattacenter.org• PreventChildAbuseCalifornia www.pca-ca.org• ChildWelfareInformationGateway www.childwelfare.gov
child care
TrustLineisanonlinedatabaseofin-homecaregivers,nannies,andbaby-sitterswhohaveclearedcriminalbackgroundchecksinCalifornia.TheCaliforniaDepartmentofSocialServicesadministerstheprogram.http://trustline.org800.822.8490
DSS’CommunityCareLicensingDivisionlicensesfamilychildcarehomes,childcarecen-ters,andpreschools.Informationonparents’rights,whattoexpect,andhowtocomplainisavailableonline.www.ccld.ca.gov
CaliforniaChildCareResourceandReferralGuidehasanextensivelistofchildcarefacilitiesandhomesthroughouttheState.www.rrnetwork.org800.543.7793
CaliforniaDepartmentofSocialServices’ChildrenandFamilyServicesDivisionhasresourcemateri-alsonchildandfamilyservicesavailableonline.www.childsworld.ca.gov
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child support
California’sChildSupportProgramhasinforma-tiononhowtocollectorpaychildsupport,locateaparent,establishpaternity,andcreateormodifyacourtorderforchildsupportorhealthinsurance.www.childsup.cahwnet.gov866.249.0773
cyber safetySeeIntroduction.
foster care
Fostercareishandledbycountyagencies.SeeCountyGovernmentinyourphonedirectoryforcontactinformation.InformationonbecomingafosterparentisavailablefromtheCaliforniaDe-partmentofSocialServices.www.childsworld.ca.gov/PG1335.htm800.Kids.4.us or 800 543.7487
TheStateFosterCareOmbudsmansponsorsaWebsiteforfosteryouthtogatherinformation,obtainservices,orfileacomplaint.AnewStatelawhasexpandedtherangeoftransitionalser-vicesavailabletofosteryouthages18to21.www.fosteryouthhelp.ca.gov877.846.1602
CaliforniaYouthConnectionadvocatesforcurrentandformerfosteryouthages14to24.Theorgani-zationhaschaptersthroughoutCalifornia.www.calyouthconn.org800.397.8236
immunizationsSeeHealth.
megan’s lawSeeCrimeandSafety.
missing adultsSeeCrimeandSafety.
missing children
Toreportamissingchild,contactyourlocallawenforcementagency.Thereisnowaitingperiod.Moreinformation,includingadatabaseofmiss-ingchildren,isavailableonlinefromtheOfficeoftheAttorneyGeneral.http://caag.state.ca.us/missing
TheCaliforniaMissingChildrenClearinghousehasinformationonmissingchildrenonlineorthroughits24-hourtoll-freehotline.http://caag.state.ca.us/missing/content/clearinghouse.php800.222.find or 800.222.3463
TheNationalCenterforMissingandExploitedChildrenmaintainsaWebsiteanda24-hourhotlinetoreportinformationaboutmissingchildren.TheWebsitealsohasinformationonprotectingchildren.www.missingkids.com800.THe.losT or 800.843.5678
Playground safety
Toreporthazardsorplaygroundinjuries,ortoobtainpublicationsonplaygroundsafety,contacttheU.S.ConsumerProductSafetyCommission.www.cpsc.gov800.638.2772
TheNationalProgramforPlaygroundSafetyhasinformationonsafetyforschool,public,andhomeplaygroundequipment.www.playgroundsafety.org800.554.PlaY or 800.554.7529
safely surrendered baby law
California’sSafelySurrenderedBabyLaw,alsocalledSafeHaven,allowsapersonwithlawfulcustodytosurrenderababyanonymouslywithinthreedaysofbirthwithoutfearofprosecutionforchildabandonment.Thebabymustbetakentoapublicorprivatehospitalemergencyroom,a
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designatedfirestation,orotherSafeSurrendersite.Aparentorpersonwithlawfulcustodyhasupto14daysfromthetimeofsurrendertoreclaimthebaby.Publicationsanddetailsontheprogramareavailableonline.www.babysafe.ca.gov
teen driversSeeCarsandDrivers.
teen workersSeeEmployment.
television shows
Complaintsaboutobscenity,indecency,orviolenceontelevisionprogramsmaybefiledwiththeFederalCommunicationsCommission(FCC)EnforcementBureau.FileacomplaintonlineordownloadaformfromtheWebsitetomailin.www.fcc.gov888.call.fcc or 888.225.5322Tdd 888.Tell.fcc or 888.835.5322
Informationforparentsonchildren’sTVprogramming,ratings,V-chips,andmoreisavailableonlinefromtheFCC.www.fcc.gov/parents
video Games
TheEntertainmentSoftwareRatingBoard(ESRB),setupbytheentertainmentsoftwareindustry’stradeassociation,hasalistofgamesonlinewithinformationonratingsandcontent.www.ersb.org
Youth crisis hotlinesSeeSocialServices.
Youth sportsSeeSports.
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TheformcanbereturnedtoyourlocalpostofficeormailedtotheInspectionServiceSupportGroup.www.usps.com800.372.8347
Inspection Service Support Group222S.RiversidePlazaSuite1250Chicago,IL60606-6100
Ifyoufeelanadvertisementforacontestwasmisleadingoramethodofpromotionwasdeceptive,youmayfileacomplaintwiththeFederalTradeCommissiononlineorbyphone.YoucanalsosendacomplaintletterwithacopyoftheadvertisementordeceptivepromotionalmaterialtotheFTC.www.ftc.gov877.fTc.HelP or 877.382.4357
Federal Trade Commission901MarketSt.,Suite570SanFrancisco,CA94103-1798ORFederal Trade Commission10877WilshireBlvd.,Suite700LosAngeles,CA90024
Tip:Bylaw,contestentrymaterialscannotsayapersonhasalreadywonaprizeunlessthatpersonhasactuallywonaprize.
free publications: FromtheDepartmentofConsumerAffairs.• BeSmartBuySmart:Sweepstakes,Contests and Lotteries• LegalGuide:RulesforPromotionalGiveaways• LegalGuides:RulesProhibitingLotteries• LegalGuides:RulesforOperationofContests• LegalGuides:RulesonConditionalOfferof Gifts or Prizes
Viewthepublicationsonlineorcalltohavecopiesmailedtoyouatnocharge.www.dca.ca.gov/publications866.320.8652
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card RoomsTheCaliforniaGamblingControlCommissionregulatescardroomsbysettingpolicy,establishingregulations,issuinglicenses,andmore.Complaintsmustbeinwriting.www.cgcc.ca.gov916.263.0700
California Gambling Control Commission2399GatewayOaksDrive,Suite100Sacramento,CA95833-4231
contests/sweepstakesComplaintsaboutcontestswhichweresenttoyouthroughthemailcanbefiledwiththeU.S.PostalServiceInspectionService.Tofileacom-plaintinwriting,usePSForm8165,MailFraudQuestionnaire,availableatyourlocalpostoffice.
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drawings/Jackpots
Allcontrolledgamesandgamingactivities,suchasjackpots,bonuses,anddrawings,includingthoseconductedforcharity,mustbeapprovedinwritingbytheCaliforniaOfficeoftheAttorneyGeneral’sDivisionofGamblingControlandmustcomplywithlocalgamingordinances.InformationonregulationsandapplicationsisavailablefromtheOfficeoftheAttorneyGeneralonlineorbyphone.Complaintsmustbesubmittedinwriting.www.ag.ca.gov800.952.5225
Office of the Attorney GeneralPublicInquiryUnitP.O.Box944255Sacramento,CA94244-2550
horse Races/wagering
TheCaliforniaHorseRacingBoardregulatesauthorizedCaliforniahorseracesthatinvolvepari-mutuelwagering,andissuesoccupationallicensesforindividualsassociatedwiththehorseracingindustry.TheBoardacceptscomplaintsabouttheoperationofanyauthorizedrace.www.chrb.ca.gov916.263.6000
California Horse Racing Board1010HurleyWay,Suite300Sacramento,CA95825Problem GamblingCaliforniaDepartmentofAlcoholandDrugPro-grams,OfficeofProblemGambling,hasreferralandresourceinformationavailableinmultiplelanguagesforproblemgamblers.TheWebsiteincludesanonlineself-testtoseeifyou’reatrisk.www.problemgambling.ca.gov800.GaMbleR or 800.426.2537
TheCaliforniaLotteryhasinformationonhowtoplayresponsibly.www.calottery.com888.277.3115
state lotteryTheLotteryCommissionhandlesallCaliforniaLotterygamesandhasinformationongames,winningnumbers,andrelatedmatters.www.calottery.com800.568.8379
California State Lottery600North10thSt.Sacramento,CA95811
tribal casinosTheCaliforniaGamblingControlCommissionregulatesgamblingactivitiesintribalcasinos.Complaintsmustbeinwriting.www.cgcc.ca.gov916.263.0700
California Gambling Control Commission2399GatewayOaksDrive,Suite220Sacramento,CA95833-4231
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amber alert
TheCaliforniaHighwayPatrolisresponsibleforstatewidecoordinationoftheAmberAlertEmergencyAlertSystemandtheotheremergencyresponseactivitiesassociatedwithchildabduction.StatelawdictateswhenanAmberAlertcanbeissued.IfyouseeachildwhoisthesubjectofanAmberAlert,callthenumberonthealertorcontactyournearestlawenforce-mentoffice.
burglar alarmsSeeHousing.
child abuse/NeglectSeeChildren.
crime PreventionTheNationalCrimePreventionCouncilhasavarietyoffreepublicationsandmaterialsforconsumers.www.ncpc.org202.466.6272
National Crime Prevention Council2345CrystalDrive,Suite500Arlington,VA22202-4801
NeighborhoodWatchprograms,inwhichneighborsjoinforcestohelppreventcrime,canbesetupinindividualneighborhoods.Fordetails,contactyourlocalpolicedepartmentorsheriff’soffice.
crime Rate/statistics
Yourlocalpolicedepartmentorsheriff’sofficehasinformationoncrimeinyourcommunity.Checkyourphonedirectoryforthenon-emergencyphonenumberorcall311.CrimestatisticsarealsoavailableonlinefromtheFederalBureauofInvestigation.www.fbi.gov
cyber safetySeeIntroduction.
disaster Preparedness
TheU.S.DepartmentofHomelandSecurity(DHS)recommendsthefollowingitemsbeincludedinabasicemergencysupplykit:
• Athree-daysupplyofwater(threegallonsper person).
• Athree-daysupplyofnonperishablefood, plusacanopenerforcannedfood.• Abattery-poweredorhand-crankradioanda NOAAWeatherRadiowithtonealertand extrabatteriesforboth.• Aflashlightandextrabatteries.• Afirst-aidkit.• Awhistletosignalforhelp.
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• Dustmasks,plasticsheeting,andducttape.
• Moisttowelettes,garbagebags,andplastic tiesforpersonalsanitation.
• Awrenchorplierstoturnoffhomeutilities.• Localmaps.
TheDepartmentofHomelandSecurityhasadisasterpreparednessguideandrelatedmaterialsavailabletothepublic.FinddetailsontheDHSWebsite.www.Ready.gov
TheFederalEmergencyManagementAgency(FEMA)hasasearchable,Web-basedcollectionofemergencypreparednessinformation.www.fema.gov800.480.2520
FEMA Distribution CenterP.O.Box20128231StaytonDriveJessup,MD20794-2012
LocalchaptersoftheAmericanRedCrosshaveinformationondisasterresponseandprepared-ness.Checkyourphonebookforachapterinyourarea.Informationisalsoavailableonline.www.redcross.org
TheGovernor’sOfficeofEmergencyServices(OES)supportslocalgovernmentbycoordinatingoverallStateagencyresponsetomajordisasters.OEShasavarietyofdisasterpreparednessinfor-mationavailableinmultiplelanguages.www.oes.ca.gov800.550.5234
TheStateofCaliforniahasaWebsitewithinfor-mationtohelpyoupreparefordisasterssuchasearthquake,wildfire,mudslide,pandemicflu,bio-terrorism,chemicalemergencies,andmore.Factsheetsareavailableinmultiplelanguages.www.bePreparedcalifornia.ca.gov916.650.6416
TheStateDepartmentofWaterResources’Divi-sionofFloodManagementhasavarietyofpubli-cationsandfactsheetsonflooding.www.dfm.water.ca.gov916.574.2619
Division of Flood ManagementFloodOperationsBranchP.O.Box2190003310ElCaminoAve.Sacramento,CA95821
domestic violence Resources
TheCaliforniaCourtsSelf-HelpCenterhasonlineinformationondomesticviolenceprotectionin-cludingrestrainingordersandthecriminaljusticesystem,andresourcesforassistance.www.courtinfo.ca.gov
TheNationalDomesticViolenceHotlinehelpsvictimsofdomesticviolencefindshelters,legalaid,andsocialserviceprograms.Callsareanswered24hoursaday,andhelpisavailableinmorethan100languages.www.ndvh.org800.799.safe or 800.799.7233Tdd 800.787.3224
California’sFamilyandDomesticViolenceRefer-ralDirectoryhasinformationonprogramsandservicesthroughouttheState,includingwomen’sshelters,domesticviolenceprograms,victim-wit-nessassistanceprograms,counselingservicesforvictimsofdomesticviolence,andcrisishotlines.www.dhs.ca.gov/ps/cdic/epic/fvrefer/default.htm
Ifyouareavictimofdomesticviolence,stalking,orsexualassault,theSafeatHomeprogamfromtheCaliforniaSecretaryofState’sOfficemaybeabletohelpyoukeepyournameandaddresscon-fidentialonpublicrecordsorfileforaconfidentialnamechange.www.casafeatHome.org877.322.5227
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elder abuseSeeSeniors.
fire Prevention/safety
TheCaliforniaDepartmentofForestryandFireProtectionhasfiresafetytipsandotherinformationforconsumers.www.fire.ca.gov
TheOfficeoftheStateFireMarshalregulatessafeandsanefireworksandhazardousliquidpipelines,reviewsregulationsandbuildingstan-dards,andprovidestrainingandeducationinfireprotectionmethodsandresponsibilities.http://osfm.fire.ca.gov916.445.8200
State Fire MarshalP.O.Box944246Sacramento,CA94244-2460916.445.8200
State Fire Marshal’s Office602EastHuntingtonDrive,SuiteAMonrovia,CA91016626.305.1908
other online resources on fire prevention:•CaliforniaFireSafeCouncil www.firesafecouncil.org
•SmokeyBear www.smokeybear.com
•U.S.FireAdministrationFireSafetyEducationResourceDirectory www.usfa.dhs.gov/applications/fserd
identity theftSeeIntroduction.
locksmithsSeeHouseholdGoodsandServices.
megan’s lawTheCaliforniaDepartmentofJusticemaintainstheMegan’sLawdatabasethatincludesinforma-tiononmorethan63,000peoplewhoarerequiredtoregisterinCaliforniaassexoffenders.www.Meganslaw.ca.gov
missing adultsToreportamissingadult,contactyourlocallawenforcementagency.Thereisnowaitingperiod.Moreinformation,includingadatabaseofmiss-ingpersons,isavailableonlinefromtheOfficeoftheAttorneyGeneral.http://caag.state.ca.us/missing
missing childrenSeeChildrenandTeens
Next of kin RegistryTheNationalNextofKinRegistryisanemergencysystemtocontactrelativesifyouorafamilymemberismissing,criticallyinjured,ordead.AformisavailableontheWebsiteformailorfaxregistration.www.nokr.org
Privacy ProtectionSeeIntroduction.
Private security services
TheBureauofSecurityandInvestigativeServices(BSIS)licensesandregulatesprivatesecurityprofessionalsinCalifornia,includingsecurityguards,privatepatroloperators,burglaralarmcompanies,andlocksmiths.Licenseverificationandpublicationsareavailableonlineorbyphone.www.dca.ca.gov/bsis800.952.5210
Bureau of Security and Investigative Services2420DelPasoRoad,Suite270Sacramento,CA95834
Product Recalls
Informationonunsafe,hazardous,ordefectiveproductsisavaibleonlinefromtheFederalgovernment.ConsumerscanusetheWebsitetosearchforFederalrecallsofspecificproducts.TheWebsitecoversconsumergoods,motorvehicles,boats,food,medicine,cosmetics,andenvironmentalproducts.www.Recalls.gov
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sexual assault
TheCaliforniaCoalitionAgainstSexualAssault(CalCASA)helpssurvivorsandvictimsofsexualviolenceandworkstopreventsexualassault.AlistofcrisiscentersthroughoutCaliforniaisavailableonline.www.calcasa.org916.446.2520
CalCASA1215KSt,Suite1100,EsquirePlazaSacramento,CA95814
TheRapeAbuseIncestNationalNetwork(RAINN)hasanationwidehotlinetoassistvictims.www.rainn.org800.656.HoPe or 800.656.4673
victim assistanceTheCaliforniaVictimCompensationandGovern-mentClaimsBoardassistsvictimsofcrime.www.victimcompensation.ca.gov800.777.9229
California Victim Compensation andGovernment Claims BoardP.O.Box3036Sacramento,CA95812-3036
TheAttorneyGeneral’sOfficeofVictims’Serviceshasinformationandreferencematerialonprogramstohelpvictimsofcrime.http://ag.ca.gov/victimservices877.433.9069
Office of the Attorney GeneralOffice of Victims’ Services1300ISt.P.O.Box944255Sacramento,CA95814
TheVictimsofCrimeResourceCenterprovidesinformationandreferraltovictims,theirfamilies,victimserviceproviders,andvictimadvocates.Topicscoveredincludethecriminaljusticesys-tem,victimrestitution,civilrights,andmoreforvictimsofdomesticviolence,elderabuse,childabuse,andabuseagainstthedisabled.Callorgoonlineformoreinformation.800.vicTiMs or 800.842.8467
Victims of Crime Resource CenterUniversityofthePacific,McGeorgeSchoolofLaw3200FifthAve.Sacramento,CA95817
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adult schoolAdulteducationprogramsservestudentsover18throughpublicadultschools,communitycolleges,libraries,community-andfaith-basedorganizations,andcorrectionalinstitutions.Programsincludeadultliteracy;highschooldiplomas;Englishasasecondlanguage;citizenship;careerandtechnicalprograms;parenting,family,andconsumerawareness;andprogramsforadultswithdisabilitiesandforseniors.Resources,information,andadirectoryofschoolsareavailablefromtheCaliforniaDepartmentofEducation.www.cde.ca.gov/sp/ae/
Adult Education OfficeCalifornia Department of Education1430NSt.Sacramento,CA95814-5901916.322.2175
colleges and universitiesCalifornia’smorethan100communitycollegesprovidelow-costeducationalandtrainingoppor-tunitiesthroughouttheState.Generalinformationoncoursesofstudy,admission,fees,financialaid,etc.,isavailablefromtheCaliforniaCommunityCollegesChancellor’sOffice.www.cccco.edu 916.445.8752
California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office1102QSt.Sacramento,CA95814
California Colleges and Universities Guide,bytheCaliforniaPostsecondaryEducationCom-mission,hasinformationon505degree-grantingcollegesanduniversitiesinCalifornia,includingpublicandprivatecolleges.Theguideisavailableonline.www.cpec.ca.gov
AState-sponsoredWebsite,www.californiacolleges.edu,isaone-stopsourcethatcanhelpyou:
• Discoverthecollegesanduniversitiesin California.
• Matchschoolswithyourcareerinterests.
• Seewhichhighschoolclassesareneededto meetadmissionrequirements.
• Learnaboutwaystopayforcollege.
• Createapersonalportfoliototrackyourcollege planning.
• Gatherinformationabouttheadmission requirementsatallCaliforniacollegesand universities.
• Applyonlinetomanyofthecollegesand universitiesinCalifornia.
college financial aidTheCaliforniaStudentAidCommissionoffersfinancialaidforeducationbeyondhighschool,includingtheCalGrantsProgram.CalGrantsare
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fundedbytheStateofCaliforniaanddonothavetobepaidback.Foreligibilityanddetails,seeyourhighschoolorcollegecounselor,goonline,orcall.www.calGrants.org888.ca.GRanT or 888.224.7268
CashforCollegeWorkshopstohelpstudentsandfamiliesexplorewaystopayforcollegeareheldthroughoutCaliforniainJanuaryorFebruaryofeachyear.Callorgoonlinefordetails.www.calgrants.org888.ca.GRanT, or 888.224.7268
California Cash for College Statewide Coordinator, California Student Aid CommissionP.O.Box419026RanchoCordova,CA95741-9026
AWebsitesponsoredbyCaliforniaCommunityCollegeshasdetailsonfinancialaidprograms.www.icanaffordcollege.comInformationaboutFederalstudentaidprograms,helpincompletingtheFreeApplicationforFeder-alStudentAid(FAFSA),andtechnicalassistanceforFAFSAontheWebareavailablethroughtheFederalStudentAidInformationCenter.www.federalstudentaid.ed.gov800.4fed.aid or800.433.3243Tdd 800.730.8913
other resources for information on college financial aid:• www.CaliforniaColleges.edu• www.StudentAid.ed.gov• www.EdFund.org• www.ScholarShare.com• www.Students.gov
free publication: Fund Your Futurehascomprehensiveinformationonfinancialaid.Copiesareavailableatmostlocallibraries.
k-12 charter schools
Acharterschoolisusuallycreatedororganizedbyagroupofteach-ers,parents,communityleaders,oracommunity-basedorganization,andisauthorizedbyanexistinglocal
publicschoolboard,countyboardofeducation,ortheStateBoardofEducation.InformationandadirectoryofCaliforniacharterschoolsforkinder-gartenthrough12thgradeareavailableontheCaliforniaDepartmentofEducation’sWebsite.www.cde.ca.gov/ds/si/cs916.319.0800 or TTY/Tdd 916.445.4556
k-12 home schooling
TheCaliforniaDepartmentofEducationhasdetailsonStaterequirementsforeducatingchildrenoutsideofthetraditional,site-basedschoolsetting.www.cde.ca.gov
k-12 Private schools
TheCaliforniaDepartmentofEducation(CDE)hasadatabaseofstatisticsonprivateschoolsinCalifornia.Thedirectory,whichincludescontactinformation,isavailableonline.www.cde.ca.gov/ds/si/ps/
TheWesternAssociationofSchoolsandColleges(WASC),aprivate,nongovernmentalbody,accreditsschools.Goonlineorcallformoreinformation.www.wascweb.org650.696.1060
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ComprehensiveprofilesofindividualK-12privateschoolsareavailableonline.www.Greatschools.net
k-12 Public schools
TheCaliforniaDepartmentofEducationleadsandsupportsthecontinuousimprovementofstudentachievementwithaspecificfocusonclosingachievementgaps.Keyareasofresponsibilityincludecurriculumandinstruction,studenttestingandaccountability,andprofessionaldevelopmentforteachers.www.cde.ca.gov916.319.0800 or TTY/Tdd 916.445.4556
California Department of Education1430NSt.Sacramento,CA95814-5901
TheCaliforniaDepartmentofEducationhasanextensivecollectionofprintedmaterialsforparentsandeducators.Acatalogisavailableonline,oryoucancallforaprintedcopy.Thereisachargeforsomepublications.www.cde.ca.gov800.995.4099 or 916.319.0800
California Department of Education1430NSt.Sacramento,CA95814-5901
TheWesternAssociationofSchoolsandColleges(WASC),aprivate,nongovernmentalbody,accreditspublicschools.Goonlineorcallformoreinformation.www.wascweb.org650.696.1060
TheU.S.DepartmentofEducationhasonlinematerials,resources,andinformationforstudentsandtheirparents.www.ed.gov
ProfilesofK-12individualpublicschoolsareavailableonline.www.Greatschools.net
CaliforniaSchoolFinderisState-sponsoredWebsitethatprovidesavarietyofdataonCalifornia’spublicschools.Userscancompareschoolsside-by-sidewiththelatestschoolrankings,courseofferings,andotherinformationfromtheCaliforniaDepartmentofEducation.www.schoolfinder.ca.gov
k-12 teachers, administrators
ElementaryandsecondarypublicschoolteachersemployedinCaliforniapublicschoolsmustbecertifiedbytheCaliforniaCommissiononTeacherCredentialing.AdulteducationinstructorsandpreschoolteachersinState-fundedprogramsalsomustbecertifiedbytheCommission.Toverifyaneducator’scredentials,goonlineorcall.www.ctc.ca.gov888.921.2682
California Commission on Teacher Credentialing1900CapitolAve.Sacramento,CA95811
Private Postsecondarycolleges
TheBureauforPrivatePostsecondaryEducation(BPPE)overseesmostprivatepostsecondarycollegesoperatinginCalifornia.FormoreinformationandadirectoryofBPPE-approvedschools,contactBPPE.www.bppe.ca.gov888.370.7589 or 916.431.6959
Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education2535CapitolOaksDrive,Suite400Sacramento,CA95833
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Paidapprenticeshipsareavailableinthebuildingtrades,especiallyforpeopleinterestedinworkingascarpenters,ironworkers,laborers,operatingengineers,orcementmasons.AnyhighschoolgraduateinCaliforniamaybeeligibleforthetrainingprogram.Detailsareavailableonline.www.ibuiltit.org
career Planning
TheCaliforniaEmploymentDevelopmentDepartmenthaslabormarketandcareerplanningtipsavailableonline.www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov
TheCareerVoyagesWebsitehasinformationonhigh-growth,high-demandoccupationsandtheskillsandeducationneededtogetthosejobs.www.careervoyages.gov
CaliforniaCareerZoneisanonlinetooltoexplorejobsandoccupationsinCalifornia.TheWebsitecovers900occupations.www.cacareerzone.org
disability insuranceSeeInsurance.
federal JobsTheU.S.OfficeofPersonnelManagementhasaWebsitethatservesasaone-stopresourceforFederaljobsandemploymentinformation.www.usajobs.gov
finding a Job
California’sEmploymentDevelopmentDepart-ment(EDD)isadirectlinktojobplacementandreferrals,training,andmore.EDDalsomaintainsajobbankandrésumédatabase.Callorgoonlinefordetails.www.calJobs.ca.gov800.758.0398
TheCaliforniaEmploymentDevelopmentDepartment(EDD)sponsorsjobandresourcefairsthroughouttheState.Someofthefairsrecruitforspecificindustriesoremployers.Detailsareavailableonline.www.edd.ca.gov
WorkSmartisaStateWebsitethatoffersjobseekersinformationtoassisttheminobtainingemployment.www.worksmart.ca.gov
California’sOne-StopCareerCenterSystemisastatewidenetworkofcentersthatprovideem-ployment,education,andtrainingservices,allinoneplace.Servicesvarybylocation.Alistoflocationsisavailableonline.www.edd.ca.gov
TheAmerica’sJobBankWebsite,developedbytheU.S.DepartmentofLabor,listsjobsthrough-outtheUnitedStates.Jobseekerscanposttheirrésumésandsearchforjobopeningsautomati-cally.Employerscanpostjoblistings,createcustomizedjoborders,andsearchrésumésautomatically.www.jobbankinfo.org
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state Government Jobs
DetailsontheStatehiringprocess,testing,eligibility,salaries,andothermattersisavailableonlinefromtheStatePersonnelBoard.www.jobs.ca.gov
teen workers
TheStateEmploymentDevelopmentDepart-mentoffersavarietyofprogramsandservicesforyoungworkers,includingassistancewithfindingajob,writingaresume,exploringacareer,andmore.Detailsareonline.www.edd.ca.gov
TheCaliforniaResourceNetworkforYoungWorkerHealthandSafetysponsorsaWebsitecoveringhealthandsafetyissuesforworkersunderage18.www.YoungWorkers.org
Childrenunder18aresubjecttoCalifornia’schildlaborprotectionsandmusthaveapermittowork,inmostcases.Permitsareavailablethroughthechild’sschool.MoreinformationisavailablefromtheDepartmentofIndustrialRelations’DivisionofLaborStandardsEnforcement.www.dir.ca.gov
unemployment
TheEmploymentDevelopmentDepartment’sUnemploymentInsuranceProgramprovidesassistancetopeoplewhohavelosttheirjobsthroughnofaultoftheirown.Applyforbenefitsonline.www.edd.ca.gov
worker discrimination
Employeeswhofeelthattheyhavebeendiscriminatedagainstorharassedonthejobbecauseoftheirrace,religion,sex,color,sexualorientation,nationalorigin,ancestry,physicalormentaldisability,medicalcondition,maritalstatus,age(over40),orrequestforfamilyleave,
shouldcontacttheCaliforniaDepartmentofFairEmploymentandHousing.www.dfeh.ca.gov800.884.1684
EmployeescancontacttheFederalEqualEmploymentOpportunityCommission(EEOC)withquestionsorcomplaintsaboutworkerdiscriminationinhiring,promotion,pay,andothermatters.www.eeoc.gov800.669.4000Tdd 800.669.6820
worker Rights
PrerecordedinformationonyourrightsasaworkerisavailablefromtheStateDepartmentofIndustrialRelations.www.dir.ca.gov866.924.9757
worker safety
Toreportsafetyhazardsatyourworkplace,contacttheDivisionofOccupationalSafetyandHealth(CalOSHA)EnforcementUnit.ContacttheCalOSHADistrictOfficenearesttheplacewherethehazardsexist.OfficesarelistedontheDepartmentofIndustrialRelationsWebsite.www.dir.ca.gov
workers’ compensation
WorkerswhoareinjuredonthejobarecoveredbytheState’sWorker’sCompensationProgram,whichishandledbytheStateDepartmentofIndustrialRelations.Forinformation,goonlineorcall.www.dir.ca.gov800.736.7401
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air Pollution
TheCaliforniaAirResourcesBoardestablishesstandardstoidentifyairpollutionlevelsthatareconsideredsafeforthepublic.Fordata,researchreports,andeducationalmaterials,contactARB.www.arb.ca.gov800.242.4450 or 916.322.2990
California Air Resources Board Headquarters1001ISt.P.O.Box2815Sacramento,CA95812
ARB’sSmokingVehicleComplaintPrograminvestigatesairpollutioncomplaintsfromalloverCalifornia.Toreportpollutionfromvehicles,call800.end.sMoG or 800.363.7664
Bycellphone(inmostareas)to#SMOGor#7664.Toreportothertypesofairpollution,includingopenburning,factoryemissions,orrestaurantemissions,call800.952.5588.
carbon footprintcoolcalifornia.orgisaWebsitethathastipsonhowCalifornianscanreducetheircarbonfoot-print.Itprovidesemissionsestimatesforpersonaltransportation,housing,food,goods,andservic-es,aswellasresourcestohelpusersmakemoreclimatefriendlychoices.ThesiteissponsoredbyStategovernmententities,universities,andanonprofitorganization.www.coolcalifornia.org
TheU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgencyhasanonlinecalculatortohelpyouestimateyourownoryourfamily’sgreenhousegasemissions.www.epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/ind_ calculator.html
PacificGasandElectricCo.’scarbonfootprintcalculatorcanhelpyouseehowyourdailyactivitiesmaycontributetoclimatechange.www.pge.com/myhome/environment/calculator
community drinking water
TheCaliforniaDepartmentofPublicHealth’sDrinkingWaterProgramregulatespublicdrinkingwatersystemsinCaliforniatoensurethattheymeetFederalandStatestandards.www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/Pages/dWP.aspx916.558.1784
California Department of Public HealthDivision of Drinking Water and Environmental ManagementP.O.Box997377,MS7408Sacramento,CA95899-7377
TheU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgency(EPA)hasinformationondrinkingwaterstandardsandsafety,pluslinkstoreportsontheState’sdrinkingwater.http://water.epa.gov/drink/local/ca.cfm800.426.4791
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free publication:Water on Tap: What You Need to Know,fromtheU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgency,answersbasicquestionsaboutdrinkingwaterandwhereitcomesfrom.Viewthebookletonlineorcalltohaveacopymailedtoyou.ThepublicationisavailableinEnglish,Spanish,andChinese.http://water.epa.gov/drink/guide800.490.9198 endangered species
TheStateDepartmentofFishandGameoverseesrare,threatened,orendangeredplantsandanimalsinCalifornia.Finddetailsonline.www.dfg.ca.gov/hcpb/index.shtml
InformationonendangeredspeciesisalsoavailablefromtheU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgency.www.epa.gov/espp
TheFederalEndangeredSpeciesProtectionProgram’sdatabaseisavailableonline.www.epa.gov/espp/database.htm
exotic or wild animalsSeePetsandOtherAnimals.
Geologists and Geophysicists
TheBoardforProfessionalEngineers,LandSurveyors,andGeologistslicenses,regulates,andinvestigatescomplaintsagainstgeologistsandgeophysicists.ContacttheBoardtofileacomplaint,checkageologist’sorgeo-physicist’slicense,orobtainmoreinformation.www.geology.ca.gov866.780.5370 or 916.572-Geo1 or [email protected]
Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists2535CapitolOaksDrive,Suite300Sacramento,CA95833-2944
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RecyclingCalifornia’srecyclingeffortsarehandledbytheCaliforniaDepartmentofResourcesRecyclingandRecovery(CalRecycle).TheWebsitehasin-formationofhowtorecycleavarietyofitemsandwheretopurchaseconsumergoodsmadeoutofrecycledmaterials.www.calRecycle.ca.gov800.RecYcle or 800.732.9253916.322.4027
Department of Recycling and Resource Recovery801KSt.Sacramento,CA95814
to find a recycling center near you, go online or callwww.bottlesandcans.comwww.earth911.com800.RecYcle or 800.732.9253800.clean.uP or 800.253.2687
Forinformationonrecyclingelectronics(e-waste),goonlinetowww.erecycle.org.
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bottled water
TheCaliforniaDepartmentofPublicHealth’sFoodandDrugBranchhasjurisdictionoverthequalityandsafetyofbottledandvendedwater.www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/Pages/fdbbvW.aspx800.495.3232
certified farmers’ markets
ACaliforniaCertifiedFarmers’Marketisaloca-tionapprovedbyacounty’sAgriculturalCom-missionerwherefarmerssellproducetheygrowthemselves.CaliforniaCertifiedFarmers’MarketsareoperatedunderregulationsestablishedbytheCaliforniaDepartmentofFoodandAgriculture.www.cdfa.ca.gov
TheCaliforniaFederationofCertifiedFarmers’Marketshasmoreinformationaboutfarmers’marketsandalistofcertifiedmarketsthroughouttheState.www.cafarmersmarkets.com530.753.9999
California Federation of Certified Farmers’ MarketsP.O.Box1813Davis,CA95617
eggs
TheCaliforniaDepartmentofFoodandAgricul-ture’s(CDFA)ShellEggQualityControlProgrammonitorseggqualityatproduction,wholesale,andretaillevels.Inspectionsareconductedbyeachcounty.www.cdfa.ca.gov916.445.4243
Ifyouhaveconcernsaboutthesafetyofeggproducts,calltheU.S.DepartmentofAgriculture’sMeatandPoultryHotline.888.MP.HoTline or888.674.6854 food banksSeeSocialServices.
food labels
TheU.S.FoodandDrugAdministration,theU.S.DepartmentofAgriculture,andtheCaliforniaDepartmentofPublicHealth’sFoodandDrugBranchrequiremeat,milk,andinfantformulatohaveexpirationdatesontheirlabels.Somemanufacturersvoluntarilyincludesell-bydate,packingdate,etc.ontheirlabels.MoreinformationaboutmeatandpoultrylabelingisavailablefromtheU.S.CenterforFoodSafetyandAppliedNutrition.www.foodsafety.gov888.safe.food or 888.723.3366
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food stampsSeeSocialServices.
milk and dairy Products
TheMilkandDairyFoodSafetyBranchoftheCaliforniaDepartmentofFoodandAgricultureisresponsibleforensuringthatmilkproductsaresafeandproperlylabeled.www.cdfa.ca.gov
organic food
TheCaliforniaDepartmentofFoodandAgricul-ture’sStateOrganicProgramenforceslabelinglawsrelatingtoorganicclaimsforfreshagricul-turalproducts.Detailsareavailableonline.www.cdfa.ca.gov
Moreinformationonorganicfoods(freshandprocessed)isavailablefromtheU.S.DepartmentofAgriculture’sNationalOrganicProgram.www.ams.usda.gov/nop202.720.3252
Pet food
ComplaintsaboutpetfoodandpettreatsmaybesubmittedtotheU.S.FoodandDrugAdministra-tion.Complaintsmaybefiledonline.www.fda.gov510.337.6741 northern california949.608.3530 southern california
Restaurants/health inspections
Ifyouhaveconcernsaboutthesafetyofrestau-rantfood,contactthehealthdepartmentinthecityorcountywheretherestaurantislocated.Consultyourphonedirectoryforthecityorcountyhealthdepartmentinyourarea.Somecitiesorcountiespostrestaurantinspectionreportsonline.AlistofCaliforniacountiesandcontactinformationisavailableonline.www.ca.gov/about/government/local
food safety
Ifyouthinksomethingyouatemadeyousickorinjuredyou,youshouldcontactyourlocalcityorcountyenvironmentalhealthdepartment.Checkyourphonedirectoryundercityorcountygovern-mentforcontactinformation.
ComplaintsaboutfoodproductsthatdonotinvolveillnessorinjuryshouldbedirectedtotheCaliforniaDepartmentofPublicHealth’sFoodandDrugBranch.www.dhs.ca.gov/fdb800.495.3232 or 916.650.6500
California Department of Public HealthFood and Drug Branch1500CapitolAve,MS7602P.O.Box997435Sacramento,CA95899-7435
Ifyouhaveconcernsaboutthesafetyofmeat,poultry,oreggproducts,youcancalltheU.S.DepartmentofAgriculture’sMeatandPoultryHotline.888.MPHoTline or 888.674.6854Forcomplaintsaboutfoodproductswhichdonotcontainmeatorpoultry,contacttheU.S.FoodandDrugAdministration.510.337.6741 northern california949.608.3530 southern california
MoreinformationaboutfoodsafetyisavailablefromtheCenterforFoodSafetyandAppliedNutrition.www.foodsafety.gov888.safe.food, 888.723.3366
ThenonprofitPartnershipforFoodSafetyEducation,acoalitionofconsumerorganizations,foodindustryprofessionals,andothers,sponsors“FightBAC,”acampaigntopromotesafefoodhandlingandreducetheriskoffoodborneillness.Informationandmaterialsareavailableonline.www.fightbac.org202.220.0651
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TheCaliforniaDepartmentofEducationadminis-tersStateandFederalschoolnutritionprograms,includingtheNationalSchoolLunchProgramforkindergartenthrough12thgradepublicschools.Informationisavailableonline.www.cde.ca.gov/ls/nu
Questionsorcomplaintsaboutanindividualschool’smealprogramormenushouldbedirectedtotheschoolorschooldistrictoffice.
BackgroundinformationontheNationalSchoolLunchProgramisavailablefromtheU.S.DepartmentofFoodandAgriculture,FoodandNutritionServices.www.fns.usda.gov
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cemeteries
TheCemeteryandFuneralBureau(CFB)licenses,regulates,andinvestigatescomplaintsagainstCaliforniacemeterybrokers,cemeterysalesper-sons,crematedremainsdisposers,crematories,andthenearly200licensedcemeteriesintheState.ContacttheBureautofileacomplaintortoverifythattheprivatecemeteryyouaredealingwithislicensedbytheState.www.cfb.ca.gov800.952.5210 or 916.574.7870
cemetery and funeral bureau1625NorthMarketBlvd.,SuiteS-208Sacramento,CA95834
Tip:TheCemeteryandFuneralBureaulicensesandregulatesprivateandfraternalcemeteriesonly.Ithasnojurisdictionovercemeteriesoper-atedbyreligiousorganizations,cities,counties,
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cemeterydistricts,themilitary,orNativeAmeri-cantribalorganizations.Ifyoudonotknowwhichentityregulatesthecemeteryyouareinterestedin,askthecemeterymanager.
cemetery brokers/salespersonsSeeCemeteries.
cremations
UnderCalifornialaw,crematedremainsmaybehandledinanyofthefollowingways:• Placetheminacolumbariumormausoleum.• Burytheminaplotinacemetery.• Keepthematyourhome.• Storetheminahouseofworshiporreligious shrineiflocalzoninglawsallow.
UnderCalifornialaw,crematedremainsmaybescatteredinthefollowingplaces:• AreasofCaliforniawherenolocalprohibition existsandwithwrittenpermissionofthe propertyownerorgoverningagency.• Inacemeteryscatteringgarden.• Atsea,atleast500yardsfromshore.
Crematedremainsmaybescatteredbyalicensedcemetery,cemeterybroker,crematory,registeredcrematedremainsdisposer,funeralestablish-mentstaffmember,orbyfamilymembersofthedeceased.
eco-burials
Inaneco-burialor“natural”burial,thebodyisnotembalmedandisburiedinabiodegradablecasketorburialshroud.Moreinformationabouteco-burialandthecemeteriesthatofferitisavailableonline.www.greenburials.orgwww.greenburialcouncil.org
funeral directors/funeral homes
TheCemeteryandFuneralBureau(CFB)licenses,regulates,andinvestigatescomplaintsagainstCaliforniafuneralestablishments,funeraldirectors,embalmers,andapprenticeembalmers.ContacttheBureautofileacomplaintortoverify
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lsthatthefuneraldirectorandfuneralhomeyouaredealingwithislicensedbytheStateandisingoodstanding.www.cfb.ca.gov800.952.5210 or916.574.7870 cemetery and funeral bureau1625NorthMarketBlvd.,SuiteS-208Sacramento,CA95834
free publication:Consumer Guide to Funeral and Cemetery Purchases isavailablefromtheCemeteryandFuneralBureau.Viewitonlineorcalltohaveacopymailedtoyouatnocharge.www.cfb.ca.gov800.952.5210
TheFederalTradeCommissionhasinformationforconsumersonselectingfuneralgoodsandservices.Publicationsareavailableonlineorbyphone.www.ftc.gov/funerals 877.fTc.HelP or 877.382.4357
veterans’ cemeteries
TheNorthernCaliforniaVeterans’CemeteryisthefirstState-ownedandoperatedveterans’cemeteryinCalifornia.ItislocatednearReddingandservesresidentsof18NorthernCaliforniacounties.www.cdva.ca.gov/cemetery/default.aspx866.777.4533
Northern California Veterans’ CemeteryP.O.Box76,11800GasPointRoadIgo,CA96047-0076
Thereareeightnationalveterans’cemeteriesinCalifornia:FortRosecrans(SanDiego),GoldenGate(SanBruno),LosAngeles,Riverside,SacramentoValley(Dixon),SanFrancisco,Bakersfield,andSanJoaquinValley(SantaNella).DetailsareavailablefromtheU.S.DepartmentofVeterans’Affairs.www.cem.va.gov800.827.1000
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Gardening advice
TheUniversityofCaliforniaMasterGardenersProgramoffersfreeadvicetoconsumersonhomegardensandlandscaping.MasterGardenerscanbereachedthroughtheUniversityofCaliforniaCooperativeExtensionofficesinvariouscounties.Checkyourphonedirectoryundercountygovern-mentforalocationinyourareaorgoonline.http://ucanr.org/ce.cfm
landscape architects
Landscapearchitectsprepareplansforlandscapingoncommercialandresidentialproperties.LandscapearchitectsarelicensedandregulatedbytheLandscapeArchitectsTechnicalCommittee(LATC).Formoreinformationonlandscapearchitects,tocheckalicense,fileacomplaint,orreportunlicensedactivity,contactLATC.www.latc.ca.gov916.575.7230
landscape architects technical committee2420DelPasoRoad,Suite105Sacramento,CA95834
landscape contractors
InCalifornia,anyonewhoinstallslandscapesystemssuchasgardens,lawns,sprinklersystems,walkways,patios,fencing,andlandscapelightingvaluedat$500ormoreforlaborandmaterialsmustbelicensedbytheContractorsStateLicenseBoardasalandscapecontractor.ContactCSLBformoreinformationonlandscapecontractors,tocheckalicense,fileacomplaint,orreportunlicensedactivity.www.cslb.ca.gov800.321.cslb or 800.321.2752
Contractors State License Board9821BusinessParkDriveSacramentoCA95827
free publication:Choosing the Right LandscaperisavailablefromCSLB.Viewitonlineorcalltohaveacopymailedtoyouatnocharge.www.cslb.ca.gov800.321.cslb or 800.321.2752
landscape designers
LandscapedesignersarenotlicensedorregulatedbytheStateofCalifornia,althoughtheymaybelicensedbylocalgovernmententities.Theyprepareplansforplants,walkways,andotherlandscapefeaturesforsingle-familydwellings.landscape maintenance
Peoplewhodolawnorgardenmaintenance(mowing,edging,trimming,etc.)donotneedalicensefromtheContractorsStateLicenseBoard,althoughotherlicenses,includingabusinesslicense,mayberequiredbylocalgovernmententities.
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Pest control indoorsSeeHousing.
Pest control outdoorsIfyouhiresomeonetoapplypestcontrolproductsinyouryard,thatpersonorcompanymustbelicensedbytheCaliforniaDepartmentofPesticideRegulation.Formoreinformation,tocheckalicense,orfileacomplaint,goonlineorcall.www.cdpr.ca.gov877.378.5463 or 916.324.4100
Note:TheDepartmentofPesticideRegulationhasavarietyofconsumerfactsheetsonsafewaytocontrolpestsinyourhomeandgarden.Factsheetsareavailableonline.www.cdpr.ca.gov
swimming Pools SwimmingpoolbuildersmustbelicensedbytheContractorsStateLicenseBoard.Tocheckalicense,fileacomplaint,orreportunlicensedactivity,contactCSLB.www.cslb.ca.gov 800.321.cslb or 800.321.2752
free publication:Before You Dive into Swimming Pool Construction,fromtheContractorsStateLicenseBoard,offerstipsandadviceonhiringapoolbuilder.ViewitonlineorcallCSLBtohaveacopymailedtoyouatnocharge.
here are some of the tips from cslb:
• Hireonlylicensedcontractors.• Verifythecontractor’slicensenumberonline atwww.cslb.ca.govorbycalling800.321.cslb or800.321.2752.• Obtainthreereferencesandreviewpastwork.• Obtainatleastthreebids.• Obtainawrittencontractanddon’tsign anythinguntilyoucompletelyunderstand theterms.• Paytwopercentor$200down,whicheveris less,forswimmingpoolprojects.
• Donotletyourpaymentstothecontractorget aheadofthework.• Donotmakethefinalpaymentuntil completionofthefinalplasteringphaseof construction,anduntiltheinstallationor constructionofequipment,decking,orfencing requiredbythecontracthasbeencompleted.• Donotpaycash.• Keepafileofallpapersrelatedtoyourproject. tree trimmers
TreetrimmersmustbelicensedbytheContrac-torsStateLicenseBoardtoperformjobsvaluedatmorethan$500(forlaborandmaterials).ContactCSLBtocheckalicense,fileacomplaint,orreportunlicensedactivity.www.cslb.ca.gov800.321.cslb or 800.321.2752
contractors state license board9821BusinessParkDriveSacramento,CA95827
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health aNd medical caReacupuncture
TheAcupunctureBoardlicensesandregulatesacupuncturepractitionersinCalifornia.Formoreinformation,toverifylicenses,fileacomplaint,orreportunlicensedactivity,contacttheBoard.www.acupuncture.ca.gov916.445.3021
Acupuncture Board444North3rdSt.,Suite260Sacramento,CA95814-0226
free Publication:A Consumer’s Guide to Acupuncture & Asian MedicinefromtheAcupunctureBoard.Viewitonlineorcalltohaveacopymailedtoyou. www.acupuncture.ca.gov866.320.8652
advance health care directives
Californialawprovidesconsumersawaytohavetheirhealthcarewishesknowniftheyareunabletomakedecisionsthemselves.TheCaliforniaMedicalAssociationpublishesanAdvanceHealthCareDirectivekitwhichincludesformsandwalletcards.Detailsonthekitareavailableonlineorbyphone.www.cmanet.org800.882.1cMa or 800.882.1262
ApersonwhohasexecutedanAdvanceHealthCareDirectivemayregisterthatinformationwiththeCaliforniaSecretaryofState.Theinformationisgiventotheregistrant’shealthcareprovider,publicguardian,orlegalrepresentativeuponrequest.www.sos.ca.gov/ahcdr
MoreinformationaboutAdvanceHealthCareDirectivesisavailablefromtheCaliforniaAttorneyGeneral’sOfficeonline.www.ag.ca.gov/consumers/general/adv_hc_dir.htm
aids/hiv
TheCaliforniaDepartmentofPublicHealth,OfficeofAIDScoordinatesStateprograms,services,andactivitiesrelatingtoAIDSandHIV.www.cdph.ca.gov916.449.5900
Department of Public HealthOfficeofAIDSMS7700,P.O.Box997426Sacramento,CA95899-7426
ForconfidentialinformationonHIVtesting,transmission,trends,andtreatments,calltheAIDS/HIVHotline.800.367.aids or 800.367.2437
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chiropractors
TheCaliforniaBoardofChiropracticExaminerslicenseschiropractorsinCaliforniaandhasinformationonhowtocheckalicense,fileacomplaint,andothermatters.www.chiro.ca.gov866.543.1311 or 916.263.5355
Board of Chiropractic Examiners2525NatomasParkDrive,Suite260Sacramento,CA95833-2931
dental hygienists
TheDentalHygieneCommitteeofCalifornialicensesandregulatesdentalhygienists.Forgen-eralinformationandlicenseverification,contacttheCommittee.www.dhcc.ca.gov916.263.1978
Dental Hygiene Committee of California 2005EvergreenSt.,Suite1050Sacramento,CA95825
dentists
TheDentalBoardofCalifornialicensesdentistsinCalifornia,includingthefollowingspecialties:orthodontics,pediatricdentistry,oralsurgery,periodontics,prosthodontics,endodontics,andoralandmaxillofacialsurgery.ContacttheBoardforgeneralinformation,licenseverification,andcomplaintforms.www.dbc.ca.gov877.729.7789 or916.263.2300
Dental Board of California2005EvergreenSt.,Suite1550Sacramento,CA95825
doctors
TheMedicalBoardofCalifornialicensesanddisciplinesmedicaldoctors.ContacttheBoardforinformationaboutadoctor’slicenseanddisciplinehistory,ortofileacomplaint.www.mbc.ca.gov 800.633.2322 or 916.263.2424Tdd 916.263.0935
drug and alcohol addiction
California’sDepartmentofAlcoholandDrugPrograms(ADP)develops,administers,andsupportsprevention,treatment,andrecoveryprogramsforCalifornianswhohaveproblemswithalcoholanddrugaddiction.Fortreatmentandpreventioninformation,contacttheADPResourceCenter.www.adp.ca.gov800.879.2772 or [email protected]
Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs1700KSt.,FirstFloorSacramento,CA95811-4037
ThePartnershipforaDrug-FreeAmericaisanon-profitcoalitionofcommunication,health,medical,andeducationalprofessionalsworkingtoreduceillicitdruguseandtohelppeoplelivehealthy,drug-freelives.Thecoalitionoffersinformationandresourcesondrugabuse,includingabuseofover-the-countermedications.www.drugfree.org212.922.1560
Partnership for a drug-free america405LexingtonAve.,Suite1601NewYork,NY10174
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TheDepartmentofAlcoholandDrugPrograms’OfficeofPerinatalSubstanceAbuseoverseesastatewidenetworkofabout300publiclyfundedalcoholanddrugtreatmentprogramsforpregnantandparentingwomen.www.adp.ca.gov 800.879.2772 or 916.327.3728 [email protected] Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs1700KSt.,FirstFloorSacramento,CA95814-4037
health insuranceSeeInsurance.
health Plans
Ifyouhaveaproblemwithyourhealthplanorhealthmaintenanceorganization(HMO),youshouldcontactyourhealthplanfirst.Ifyouhavenotreceivedaresponsetoyourcomplaintwithin30days(withinthreedaysiftheproblemisurgent),orifyouarenotsatisfiedwithyourhealthplan’sdecision,contacttheHelpCenterattheCaliforniaDepartmentofManagedHealthCare,whichlicensesandregulatesCaliforniahealthplans.www.healthhelp.ca.gov 888.HMo.2219or 888.466.2219Tdd 877.688.9891
InformationonyourrightsandwhattodoifyouhaveaproblemisalsoavailablefromtheState’sOfficeofthePatientAdvocate.www.opa.ca.gov866.466.8900 Tdd 866.499.0858
Free,printedcopiesoftheHealthcare Quality Report CardareavailableinEnglish,Spanish,Chinese,Vietnamese,andKorean.California’s HMO Guide,andCalifornia’s HMO Guide for SeniorsareavailableinEnglishandSpanish.Viewthepublicationsonlineorcalltohavecopiesmailedtoyouatnocharge.www.opa.ca.gov866.466.8900Tdd 866.499.0858
hearing aid dispensers
HearingaiddispensersarelicensedandregulatedbytheSpeech-LanguagePathologyandAudiol-ogyandHearingAidDispensersBoard.ContacttheBoardforinformation,tochecklicenses,fileacomplaint,orreportunlicensedactivity.www.speechandhearing.ca.gov800.952.5210 or 916.574.7990Tdd 916.322.1700
Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers BoardP.O.Box980490WestSacramento,CA95798-0490 hiv/aids. SeeAIDS/HIV
hospitals
Consumerswhohavedisputeswithhospitalsaboutmedicalcare,billingpractices,orchargescantrytoresolveproblemsbyconsultingwiththehospital’smanagementcareconsultantorpatientadvocate.
two state agencies may be able to help you:• The Department of Managed Health Care Help Center www.healthhelp.ca.gov 888.HMo.2219 or 888.466.2219 Tdd 877.688.9891
• The Office of the Patient Advocate www.opa.ca.gov 866.466.8900 Tdd 866.499.0858 TheCaliforniaHealthcareFoundationhasratingsandinformationaboutthequalityofCaliforniahospitalsavailableonline.www.calhospitalcompare.org
immunizations
TheImmunizationBranchoftheCaliforniaDepartmentofPublicHealthhasinformationonimmunizationsforinfants,children,andadults.
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Theonlinematerialincludesguidanceonshotsforinfants,shotschildrenneedbeforeenteringschool,immunizationsforahealthpregnancy,vaccinesforadultsover50,andmore.www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/immunize/Pages/ MeandMyfamily.aspx
California Department of Public Health Immunization Branch850MarinaBayParkwayRichmond,CA94804510.620.3737
TheU.S.CentersforDiseaseControlandPreven-tionhasonlineinformationonvaccines,includingrecommendedimmunizations,schoolrequire-ments,vaccinesafety,andmore.www.cdc.gov/vaccines/default.htm800.232.4636
Note:TheCDChasprintableimmunizationschedulesforinfants,children,andadults.Downloadthematwww.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/ schedules/default.htm
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration offers A Parent’s Guide to Kids Vaccines(inEnglishandSpanish).ViewitonlineinEnglishorSpanish.www.fda.gov/forconsumers/consumerupdates/ucm048750.htm888.info.fda or 888.463.6332
massage therapists
UnderStatelaw,massagetherapistsmaybecertifiedbytheCaliforniaMassageTherapyCouncil.Certificationisvoluntary,butincludesbackgroundchecksandminimumstandardsofeducationandtraining.Formoreinformationortocheckamassagetherapist’scertification,goonlineorcall.www.camtc.org916.669.5336California Massage Therapy CouncilOneCapitolMall,Suite320Sacramento,CA95814
Note:Citiesandcountiesmayhavetheirownlawsgoverningmassagetherapistsandmassagetherapybusinesses.
midwives
MidwivesarelicensedbytheMedicalBoardofCalifornia.Underthesupervisionofalicensedphysicianandsurgeon,alicensedmidwifecanattendanormalchildbirthinanysetting,includingahomeorbirthingclinic.Alicensedmidwifemayalsoprovideotherservicesincludingprenatalcareandfamilyplanning.Tocheckamidwife’sprofessionallicensinganddisciplinaryhistory,ortofileacomplaint,contacttheMedicalBoardofCalifornia.www.mbc.ca.gov800.633.2322 or 916.263.2424Tdd 916.263.0935
The Medical Board of California2005EvergreenSt.,Suite1200Sacramento,CA95825
Acertifiednurse-midwifeislicensedbytheBoardofRegisteredNursingtoworkinlicensedhospitalsandbirthingcentersunderphysiciansupervision.Forgeneralinformation,tofileacomplaint,ortoverifyacertifiednurse-midwife’slicense,contacttheBoardofRegisteredNursing.www.rn.ca.gov800.838.6828 or 916.322.3350
Board of Registered Nursing1625NorthMarketBlvd.,SuiteN-217Sacramento,CA95834
Naturopathic doctors
TheNaturopathicMedicineCommitteelicensesandregulatesnaturopathicdoctorsinCalifornia.Forgeneralinformation,toverifyalicense,fileacomplaint,orreportunlicensedactivity,contacttheCommittee.www.naturopathic.ca.gov916.928.4785
Naturopathic Medicine CommitteeP.O.Box980490WestSacramento,CA95798-0490
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Nurses
TheBoardofRegisteredNursinglicensesandregulatesregisterednurses,nurseanesthetists,certifiednursemidwives,clinicalnursespecial-ists,criticalcarenurses,nursepractitioners,andpublichealthnurses.Toverifyalicense,fileacomplaint,orobtaingeneralinformationaboutregisterednursing,contacttheBoardofRegisteredNursing.www.rn.ca.gov916.322.3350
Board of Registered Nursing1625NorthMarketBlvd.,SuiteN-217Sacramento,CA95834
TheBoardofVocationalNursingandPsychiat-ricTechnicianslicensesandregulateslicensedvocationalnursesandpsychiatrictechnicians.Toverifyalicense,fileacomplaint,orobtaingeneralinformation,contacttheBoard.www.bvnpt.ca.gov916.263.7800 or 916.263.7827
Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians2535CapitolOaksDrive,Suite205Sacramento,CA95833
occupational therapistsOccupationaltherapistshelppeoplewithdis-abilitiestodevelop,improve,orrestorefunctionaldailylivingskills.OccupationaltherapistsarelicensedandregulatedbytheCaliforniaBoardofOccupationalTherapy.ContacttheBoardtoverifyalicense,fileacomplaint,reportunlicensedactivity,orobtaininformation.www.bot.ca.gov 800.952.5210 or 916.322.3394
California Board of Occupational Therapy2005EvergreenSt.,Suite2050Sacramento,CA95815
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optometrists
TheCaliforniaBoardofOptometrylicensesandregulatesoptometristsinCalifornia.Tocheckalicense,fileacomplaint,orobtainmoreinforma-tion,contacttheBoard.www.optometry.ca.gov866.585.2666 or 916.575.7170
California Board of Optometry2420DelPasoRoad,Suite255Sacramento,CA95834
types of licensed eye care professionals:• Optometristsscreenforeye-relateddiseases andprescribecorrectivelenses.Theyare licensedbytheCaliforniaBoardofOptometry.
• Ophthalmologistsdiagnosediseasesofthe eye,andmayprescribecorrectivelenses. TheyarelicensedbytheMedicalBoardof California.
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Tip:Optometristsandophthalmologistsarerequiredbylawtogiveyouacopyofyourcorrectivelensprescriptionifyouaskforit.
osteopathic doctors TheOsteopathicMedicalBoardofCalifornialicensesandregulatesosteopathicdoctorsinCalifornia.Formoreinformation,toverifyalicense,reportunlicensedactivity,orfileacomplaint,contacttheBoard.www.ombc.ca.gov916.928.8390
Osteopathic Medical Board of California 1300NationalDrive,Suite150Sacramento,CA95834-1991
Patients Rights
TheDepartmentofManagedHealthCarehasinformationonyourrightswhendealingwithhealthplans.Yourrightsinclude:
• Therighttoreceivecarewhenyouneedit.• Therighttochooseyourowndoctorwithin yourplan.• Therighttoseeyourmedicalrecords.• Therighttokeepyourmedicalinformation private.• Therighttogetasecondopinion.• Therighttofileacomplaint.Formoreinformation,goonlineorcalltheDepartmentofManagedHealthCare.www.dmhc.ca.gov888.466.2219
Pharmacists
TheCaliforniaBoardofPharmacylicensesandregulatespharmacistsandotherswhodistributeordispenseprescriptiondrugs.Formoreinfor-mation,toverifyalicense,ortofileacomplaint,contacttheBoard.www.pharmacy.ca.gov916.574.7900
Board of Pharmacy1625NorthMarketBlvd.,SuiteN-219Sacramento,CA95834
Physical therapists
PhysicaltherapistsarelicensedandregulatedbythePhysicalTherapyBoardofCalifornia.Toverifyalicense,fileacomplaint,orreportunlicensedactivity,contacttheBoard.www.ptbc.ca.gov916.561.8200Tdd 800.326.2297
Physical Therapy Board of California2005EvergreenSt.,Suite1350Sacramento,CA95815
Physician assistants
ThePhysicianAssistantCommitteelicensesandregulatesphysicianassistantsandapprovesphysicianassistanttrainingprograms.Physicianassistantsmustbesupervisedbyaphysician.Formoreinformationortoverifyalicense,orreportunlicensedactivity,contacttheCommittee.www.pac.ca.gov800.555.8038 or916.561.8780
Physician Assistant Committee1424HoweAve.,Suite35Sacramento,CA95825-3217
TheMedicalBoardofCaliforniahandlescomplaintsaboutphysicianassistants.ContacttheBoardtoverifyalicenseorfileacomplaint.www.mbc.ca.gov800.633.2322 or 916.263.2424 Tdd 916.263.0935
The Medical Board of California2005EvergreenSt.,Suite1200Sacramento,CA95825
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Poison control
TheCaliforniaPoisonControlSystemisthestatewideprovideroffree,experttreatment,advice,andassistanceincaseofexposuretopoisonous,hazardousortoxicsubstances.Forimmediatehelp,callthe24-hourCaliforniaPoisonActionLine.800.222.1222www.calpoison.org
Prescription drugs
California’sMedicareDiscountProgramhelpsMedicarerecipientssaveupto40percentonthecostofprescriptionsnotavailableunderMedicarePartD.MedicarerecipientswhopayoutofpocketshouldshowtheirMedicarecardatparticipatingpharmaciestopurchasedrugsatMedi-Calprices.Fordetails,checkwithyourlocalpharmacyoroneofthefollowing:
Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP)800.434.0222
California Health Advocateswww.cahealthadvocates.org
free publication: Drug Discount Programs,fromtheCaliforniaBoardofPharmacy,isavailableonline.www.pharmacy.ca.gov
RxHelpForCaliforniansisaWebsitetohelplow-income,uninsuredCaliforniaresidentsgetfreeordiscountedbrand-namemedicines.www.rxhelpforca.org877.777.7815free publication:What You Should Know Before Buying Prescription Drugs on the Internet andBringing Prescription Drugs into the U.S. From Foreign Countries areavailableonlinefromtheBoardofPharmacy.Calltohavecopiesmailedtoyouatnocharge.www.pharmacy.ca.gov916.574.7900
Podiatric medicine, doctors ofTheBoardofPodiatricMedicinelicensesandregulatespodiatricmedicinephysicians.Formoreinformation,tocheckalicense,orreportunlicensedactivity,contacttheBoard.www.bpm.ca.gov916.263.2647
Board of Podiatric Medicine 2005EvergreenSt.,Suite1300Sacramento,CA95815
TheMedicalBoardofCaliforniahandlescomplaintsaboutdoctorsofpodiatricmedicine.ContacttheBoardforinformationaboutadoctor’sprofessionallicensinganddisciplinehistory,ortofileacomplaint.www.mbc.ca.gov800.633.2322 or916.263.2424 Tdd 916.263.0935
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Prescription drugs, abuse ofSeeDrugandAlcoholAddiction.
Respiratory therapists
TheRespiratoryCareBoardofCalifornialicensesandregulatesrespiratorytherapistsinCalifornia.Forgeneralinformation,licenseverification,com-plaints,ordisciplinaryactions,contacttheBoard.www.rcb.ca.gov866.375.0386 or 916.323.9983
Respiratory Care Board of California444North3rdSt.,Suite270Sacramento,CA95814
smoking cessation
TheCaliforniaSmokers’Helplineisaprogramthatcanhelpyouquitsmoking.Servicesarefree,andtheprogramisfundedbytheCaliforniaDepartmentofHealthServices.www.californiasmokershelpline.org800.no.buTTs or 800.662.8887
speech-language Pathology
TheSpeech-LanguagePathologyandAudiologyandHearingAidDispensersBoardlicensesandregulatesspeech-languagepathologists,audiologists,speech-languagepathologyassistants,andspeech-languagepathologyandaudiologyaideswhoworkinschools,clinics,hospitals,andinprivatepractice.
Forinformation,tofileacomplaint,verifyalicense,orreportunlicensedactivity,contacttheBoard.www.speechandhearing.ca.gov 800.952.5210 or 916.263.2666
Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board2005EvergreenSt.,Suite2100Sacramento,CA95815
telephone medical advice services
AnybusinessthatprovidesmedicaladvicebytelephonetoCaliforniaresidentsmustregisterwiththeCaliforniaTelephoneMedicalAdviceServicesBureau.
entities that may be required to register with the bureau include:
• Healthmanagementorganizations• Physicianhospitalorganizations• Practicemanagementcompanies• Managementserviceorganizations• Preferredproviderorganizations• Independentpracticeassociations• Physiciangroups• Hospitals• Disabilityinsurers• Diseasemanagementservices• Employeeassistanceprograms• Casemanagementservices• Wellnessorganizations• Eldercare/childcareassistanceorganizations
Formoreinformationortofileacomplaint,contacttheBureau.www.dca.ca.gov/tmas800.952.5210 or 916.574.7992Tdd 916.322.1700
Telephone Medical Advice Services Bureau1625NorthMarketBlvd.,SuiteN-112Sacramento,CA95834
TheBureauisalicensingandregulatoryentityonly;itdoesnotprovidemedicaladvice.
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household Goods aNdseRvices
beddingSeeUpholsteredFurnitureandBedding.
cable television ProgrammingSeeRadio/TelevisionProgramming.cable television Rates and service
Alocalfranchisingauthority–municipal,county,orothergovernmentorganization–regulatescer-tainaspectsofthecabletelevisionindustry.Thenameofthefranchisingauthorityisusuallylistedonyourcablebill.Iftheinformationisnotonyourbill,contactyourcablecompanyoryourlocaltownorcityhall.Complaintsaboutserviceorbill-ingshouldbedirectedtoyourcablecompanyorlocalfranchiseauthority.
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carpet cleaners
CarpetcleanersarenotlicensedbyanyStateagency.ConsumerswhocannotresolveacomplaintwithacarpetcleaningbusinessmaywishtocontacttheBetterBusinessBureauforassistance.ConsultyourphonedirectoryforaBBBofficeinyourarea,orgoonline.www.bbb.org
carpet installers
CarpetinstallersmustbelicensedbytheContractorsStateLicensingBoard.Toverifyalicense,fileacomplaint,orreportunlicensedactivity,contacttheCSLB.www.cslb.ca.gov800.321.cslb or 800.321.2752
Contractors State License Board9821BusinessParkDriveSacramento,CA95827
car stereos and alarmsTheBureauofElectronicandApplianceRepair,HomeFurnishingsandThermalInsulationregulatesbusinessesandindividualswhoinstall,service,orrepaircarstereosandcaralarms.Formoreinformation,tocheckalicense,ortofileacomplaint,contacttheBureau.www.bearhfti.ca.gov800.952.5210 or 916.574.2069
Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair, Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation3485OrangeGroveAve.,SuiteANorthHighlands,CA95660
cell Phones
CalPhoneInfoisaconsumerinformationWebsitesponsoredbytheCaliforniaPublicUtilitiesCom-missionincollaborationwithconsumergroupsandtelephonecompanies.Thesitehasinforma-tioninvariouslanguagesaboutcellphoneserviceandcosts.www.calphoneinfo.com
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computersSeeHomeElectronics.
e-waste Recycling
Unneededcomputers,monitors,televisions,VCRs,stereos,copiers,cellphones,faxmachines,andotherelectronicproductscanberecycled.Informationonhowtorecycleyourhomeelectronics–includingbatteriesandflourescenttubing–isavailableonline.www.eRecycle.org
furnitureSeeUpholsteredFurniture/Bedding.
home appliances
TheBureauofElectronicandApplianceRepair,HomeFurnishingsandThermalInsulationregulatesservicedealerswho,forafee,providerepairs,service,ormaintenanceofmajorhomeappliancesincludingrefrigerators,freezers,roomairconditioners,washers,dryers,dishwashers,ranges,microwaves,orconventionalovens.Formoreinformation,tocheckalicense,ortofileacomplaint,contacttheBureau.www.bearhfti.ca.gov800.952.5210 or 916.574.2069
Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair,Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation3485OrangeGroveAve.,SuiteANorthHighlands,CA95660
home electronics
TheBureauofElectronicandApplianceRepair,HomeFurnishingsandThermalInsulationregulatesservicedealerswho,forafee,providerepairs,service,ormaintenanceofpersonalorhomeelectronicitemsincludingpersonalcom-puters,televisions,radios,audioorvideorecord-ersorplaybackequipment,videocameras,videogames,videomonitors,antennas(includingsatel-liteequipment),photocopiers,andfaxmachines.Formoreinformation,tocheckalicense,ortofileacomplaint,contacttheBureau.www.bearhfti.ca.gov800.952.5210 or 916.574.2069
Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair, Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation3485OrangeGroveAve.,SuiteANorthHighlands,CA95660locksmiths
TheBureauofSecurityandInvestigativeServiceslicensesandregulateslocksmithcompaniesandlocksmiths.Alocksmithinstalls,repairs,opens,ormodifieslocks,ormakeskeysforlocks.Formoreinformation,tocheckalicense,ortofileacomplaint,contacttheBureau.www.bsis.ca.gov 800.952.5210 or 916.322.4000
Bureau of Security and Investigative Services2420DelPasoRoad,Suite270Sacramento,CA95834
Tip:Apersonwhomakescopiesofkeysfromblankstockdoesnotneedalocksmithlicense.
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Prepaidphonecardsareusedtomakelongdistancephonecalls.Thecardscanbepurchasedatmanyretaillocationsoronline.Ifyoupurchaseacardthatdoesnotwork,youshouldreturnitforarefund.Ifyouhaveanyotherproblems,callthetoll-freecustomerservicenumberonthebackofthecard.Ifyoucannotresolvetheproblemwiththecallingcardfirm,youcanfileacomplaintonlinewiththeCaliforniaPublicUtilitiesCommission’sConsumerAffairsBranch.www.calphoneinfo.com800.649.7570
Radio/television Programming
TheFederalCommunicationsCommission(FCC)acceptspublicinquiries,complaints,andquestionsregardingcable,radio,satellite,telephone,television,andwirelessservices.www.fcc.gov/cgb888.callfcc or 888.225.5322Tdd 888.835.5322
Federal Communications CommissionConsumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau44512thSt.,SWWashington,D.C.20554
satellite television dishes
TheBureauofElectronicandApplianceRepair,HomeFurnishingsandThermalInsulationregulatesbusinessesandindividualswhoinstall,service,orrepairsatelliteTVdishes.Formoreinformation,tocheckalicense,orfileacomplaint,contactBEARHFTI.www.bearhfti.ca.gov800.952.5210916.574.2069
Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair, Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation3485OrangeGroveAve.,SuiteANorthHighlands,CA95660
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service contracts
TheBureauofElectronicandApplianceRepair,HomeFurnishingsandThermalInsulationregu-latessellersofservicecontracts(alsocalledex-tendedwarranties)forthemaintenance,replace-ment,orrepairofconsumerelectronicequipment,furniture,andotherconsumerproductsinCali-fornia.Ifyouarehavingaproblemgettingyourproductrepairedunderaservicecontract,firsttrytoresolveitwiththeretaileroradministrator.Formoreinformation,tocheckalicense,orfileacomplaint,contactBEARHFTI.www.bearhfti.ca.gov800.952.5210916.574.2069
Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair, Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation3485OrangeGroveAve.,SuiteANorthHighlands,CA95660
television ProgrammingSeeRadio/TelevisionProgramming.
telephone service
TheFederalCommunicationsCommissionhasjurisdictionoverlong-distancetelephonecompanies.Forinformationortofileacomplaint,contacttheConsumerandGovernmentalAffairsBureau.www.fcc.gov/cgb888.callfcc or 888.225.5322Tdd 888.835.5322
Federal Communications CommissionConsumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau44512thSt.,SWWashington,D.C.20554
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upholstered furniture and bedding
TheBureauofElectronicandApplianceRepair,HomeFurnishingsandThermalInsulationregulatesthelicensingandinspectionofbusi-nessesthatmanufactureandsellupholsteredfurniture,beddingproductswithconcealedfillingmaterials(mattresses,pillows,comforters,mat-tresspads,etc.),fillingmaterials(cottonbatting,polyurethanefoam,featheranddown,etc.),andthermalinsulation.Toverifyalicenseorfileacomplaint,contacttheBureau.www.bearhfti.ca.gov800.952.5210 or 916.574.2041
Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair, Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation3485OrangeGroveAve.,SuiteANorthHighlands,CA95660
wireless PhonesSeeCellPhones.
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affordable housing
Forinformationonhousingassistanceprogramsforlow-andmoderate-incomehouseholds,contactthecityorcountyplanning,communitydevelopment,orhousingdepartmentinyourcommunity.Checkyourlocalphonebookforcontactinformation.
TheCaliforniaDepartmentofHousingandCom-munityDevelopmentmaintainsalistofaffordablerentalhousingdevelopmentsonitsWebsite.Thesitealsohaslinkstoothersourcesofinformationonaffordablehousing.www.hcd.ca.gov/fa/affrdble-housng.html
TheU.S.DepartmentofHousingandUrbanDevelopment(HUD)hasinformationonsubsidizedhousinginCalifornia.www.hud.gov 800.call.fHa or 800.225.5342Tdd 877.Tdd.2Hud or 877.833.2483
ContactaHUDofficeformoreinformationaboutHUDservicesandprograms.TheCaliforniaofficesare:
Department of Housing and Urban Development 855MSt.Fresno,CA93721559.487.5033
Department of Housing and Urban Development AT&TBuilding611WestSixthSt.,Suite800LosAngeles,CA90017213.894.8000
Department of Housing and Urban Development JohnE.MossFederalBuilding650CapitolMall,Room4-200Sacramento,CA95814916.498.5220
Department of Housing and Urban Development SymphonyTowers750BSt.,Suite1600SanDiego,CA92101-8131619.557.5305
Department of Housing and Urban Development600HarrisonSt.,ThirdFloorSanFrancisco,CA94107-1300415.489.6400
Department of Housing and Urban DevelopmentSantaAnaFederalBuilding34CivicCenterPlaza,Room7015SantaAna,CA92701-4003714.796.5577
architects
TheCaliforniaArchitectsBoardlicensesandregulatesarchitects.Toverifyalicenseorfileacomplaint,contacttheBoard.www.cab.ca.gov916.574.7220
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Tip:Beforeyouhiresomeonetodesignanewstructureorremodelanexistingstructure,consultabuildingofficialinyourcityorcountybuildingdepartment.Thebuildingofficialcantellyouifplansandspecificationsmustbesubmittedbyalicensedarchitect.burglar alarms
Abusinessthatsells,installs,monitors,maintains,orserviceshomeburglaralarmsmustbelicensedbytheBureauofSecurityandInvestigativeServices.Formoreinformation,tocheckalicense,orfileacomplaint,contacttheBureau.www.bsis.ca.gov800.952.5210 or 916.322.4000
Bureau of Security and Investigative Services2420DelPasoRoad,Suite270Sacramento,CA95834
buying or selling a home
TheCaliforniaDepartmentofRealEstate(DRE)enforcesrealestatelawstoprotectconsumersinthesaleofrealproperty.DREqualifiesapplicantsforrealestatelicenses,promotesprofessionalandethicalstandardsinrealestatebrokerage,andregulatesthesaleorleaseofsubdividedpropertyandpropertysecurities.Itinvestigatescomplaintsinvolvingunlicensedactivitiesorunlawfulactivitiesofrealestatelicenseesandlandsubdividers.Toverifyalicense,fileacomplaint,orobtainconsumerinformation,contactDRE.www.dre.ca.gov916.227.0864
Department of Real Estate2201BroadwaySacramento,CA95818-2500916.227.0864
Department of Real Estate2550MariposaMall,Room3070Fresno,CA93721-2273559.445.5009
Department of Real Estate320West4thSt.,Suite350LosAngeles,CA90013-1105213.620.2072
Department of Real Estate2201BroadwaySacramento,CA95818-2500916.227.0864
Department of Real Estate1515ClaySt.,Suite702Oakland,CA94612-1462510.622.2552
Department of Real Estate1350FrontSt.,Suite3064SanDiego,CA92101-3687619.525.4192
carpet cleanersSeeHouseholdGoods/Services.
carpet installersSeeHouseholdGoods/Services.
common interest developments
NoStateagencydirectlyregulateshomeowners’associationsincommoninterestdevelopmentsinCalifornia.Herearesomeresourcesformoreinfor-mationonlawsgoverninghomeowners’associations:
• TheDepartmentofRealEstate www.dre.ca.gov/pub_re39.html
• TheDepartmentofConsumerAffairs www.dca.ca.gov/publications/condo_consumer. shtml
• TheCenterforCaliforniaHomeowner AssociationLaw www.calhomelaw.org
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discrimination
ComplaintsaboutdiscriminationwhenbuyingorrentingahouseorapartmentarehandledbytheCaliforniaDepartmentofFairEmploymentandHousing.ContacttheDepartmenttofileacomplaint.www.dfeh.ca.gov800.233.3212 Tdd 800.700.2320
Housingdiscriminationbasedonyourrace,color,nationalorigin,religion,sex,familystatus,ordisabilityisillegalunderFederallaw.Ifyouhavebeentryingtobuyorrentahomeorapartmentandyoubelieveyourrightshavebeenviolated,youcanfileafairhousingcomplaintwiththeU.S.DepartmentofHousingandUrbanDevelopment.Complaintscanbefiledonline,bymail,orbyphone.www.hud.gov800.669.9777
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development600HarrisonSt.,ThirdFloorSanFrancisco,CA94107-1387415.489.6524800.347.3739 TTY 415.436.6594
engineers
Civilengineers,electricalengineers,mechanicalengineers,geotechnicalengineers,soilsengi-neers,andstructuralengineersarealllicensedbytheBoardforProfessionalEngineers,LandSurveyors,andGeologists.Formoreinformation,tocheckalicense,orfileacomplaint,contacttheBoard.www.pels.ca.gov866.780.5370 or 916.263.2222
Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists2535CapitolOaksDrive,Suite300Sacramento,CA95833-2944
foreclosureSeeMoney.
home inspectors
HomeinspectorsarenotlicensedorregulatedbyanygovernmentagencyinCalifornia,althoughspecificStatelawsgovernhomeinspections.Mostinspectorshaveexperienceinconstruction,engineering,orarchitectureandmayhaveaStatecontractor’slicenseinoneoftheseareas.Acerti-fiedhomeinspectorisonewhohasbeencertifiedbyanindustryorganization.
home mortgage/loanSeeMoney.
interior decorators
Aninteriordecoratororinteriordesignerplansandexecutesthelayoutanddecorationofanhome,office,orbusiness.InteriordecoratorsordesignersarenotlicensedbyanyStateagency,butmaybecertifiedbyanindustryorganization.
land surveyors
LandsurveyorsarelicensedbytheBoardforProfessionalEngineers,LandSurveyors,andGeologists.Formoreinformation,tocheckalicense,orfileacomplaint,contacttheBoard.www.pels.ca.gov 866.780.5370 or 916.263.2222
Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists2535CapitolOaksDrive,Suite300Sacramento,CA95833-2944
mechanic’s liens
CalifornialawstatesthatanyonewhoprovideslaborormaterialstoworkonahouseyouowncanrecordaClaimofLienoraMechanic’sLienagainstyourhomeifheorsheisnotpaid.Thisputsyourhomeatrisk.Evenifyoupayyourcontractorontime,yourhomemaystillbeat
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riskifthecontractorfailstopayanyotherpersonwhoperformedworkorsuppliedmaterialsinconnectionwithyourproject.Thiscouldresultinyouhavingtopayabilltwicetoprotectyourhome.
here are some suggestions from the contractors state license board on how to protect your home from a mechanic’s lien:
• Specifyinthewrittencontractthatyour contractormustobtainlienreleases fromeachofthesubcontractorsandmaterials suppliers.• Inyourwrittencontract,requirethatyour contractorobtainapaymentbondtoassure youthatnoliensforlaborandmaterialwillbe filedagainstyourproperty.• Makepaymentstoyourcontractorintheform ofajointchecktoyourcontractorandtothe personorcompanyprovidinglaboror materials.• Stateinyourwrittencontractthatyouwill usealicensedescrowcompanythat specializesinhandlingfundsforconstruction jobs.Insteadofgivingthemoneytoyour contractor,yougiveittotheescrowcompany, whichthenmakespaymentstoyour contractor,subcontractors,andsuppliers. Escrowcompaniesarelicensedbythe CaliforniaDepartmentofCorporations. (Seewww.corp.ca.gov.)
free publication: A Homeowner’s Guide to Preventing Mechanic’s Liens isavailablefromtheContractorsStateLicenseBoard.Viewitonlineorcalltohaveacopymailedtoyou.www.cslb.ca.gov 800.321.cslb or 800.321.2752
mobile homes
TheStateOfficeoftheMobileHomeOmbudsmanhandlescomplaintsrelatedtolivinginmanufac-turedhomesandmobilehomes.www.hcd.ca.gov 800.952.5275 or 916.323.9801Tdd 800.735.2929
movers
CompaniesandindividualswhomovehouseholdgoodsforafeeareregulatedbyaStateorFederalagency,dependingonwhetherthegoodsaretransportedwithinCaliforniaoracrossstatelines.
WhenhouseholdgoodsaremovedwithinCali-fornia,theregulatingauthorityistheCaliforniaPublicUtilitiesCommission(CPUC).www.cpuc.ca.gov800.877.8867800.366.4782(tofileacomplaint)
Whenhouseholdgoodsaremovedacrossstatelines,theregulatingauthorityistheFederalMotorCarrierSafetyAdministration.www.protectyourmove.gov800.832.5660
Pest control
CompaniesandindividualswhoapplypestcontrolproductsinsideahomeorsomeotherstructureareregulatedbytheDepartmentofPesticideRegulation.Thatincludesfumigation,generalhouseholdpestcontrol,andtreatmentfortermitesandotherwood-destroyingorganisms.MostlendinginstitutionsrequirethathomesinCaliforniabeinspectedforwood-destroyingpestsandorganismsbeforetheyaresold.InspectionreportsarefiledwiththeDepartment.Forinformation,tocheckalicense,fileacomplaint,orreportunlicensedactivity,contacttheDepartment.
Department of Pesticide Regulationwww.cdpr.ca.gov877.378.5463 or916.324.4100
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Real estate appraisers
RealestateappraisersarelicensedbytheCali-forniaOfficeofRealEstateAppraisers.Formoreinformationaboutrealestateappraisers,toverifyalicense,orfileacomplaint,contacttheOffice.www.orea.ca.gov916.552.9000
Office of Real Estate AppraisersEnforcementUnit1102QSt.,Suite4100Sacramento,CA95814
Real estate salespersons and brokers
TheCaliforniaDepartmentofRealEstate(DRE)licensesandregulatesrealestatesalespersonsandbrokers.Toverifyalicense,fileacomplaint,orobtainconsumerinformation,contactDRE.www.dre.ca.gov916.227.0864
Department of Real Estate2201BroadwaySacramento,CA95818-2500916.227.0864
Department of Real Estate2550MariposaMall,Room3070Fresno,CA93721-2273559.445.5009
Department of Real Estate320WestFourthSt.,Suite350LosAngeles,CA90013-1105213.620.2072
Department of Real Estate2201BroadwaySacramento,CA95818-2500916.227.0864
Department of Real Estate1515ClaySt.,Suite702Oakland,CA94612-1462510.622.2552
Department of Real Estate1350FrontSt.,Suite3064SanDiego,CA92101-3687619.525.4192
Remodeling and Repairs
Anyonehiredtodoworkonyourhometotal-ing$500ormoreforlaborandmaterialsmustbelicensedbytheContractorsStateLicenseBoard(CSLB).Therearemorethan40typesofcon-tractorlicenses,includinggeneralandspecialtycontractors.Toverifyalicense,fileacomplaint,orreportunlicensedcontractors,contactCSLB.www.cslb.ca.gov800.321.cslb or 800.321.2752
Renting or leasing
Mostproblemsbetweenalandlordandaten-antarecivilmatters.Thismeansthatthepartiesmusteitherresolvetheproblembetweenthem-selvesorseekaresolutionincourt.TheDepart-mentofConsumerAffairs’handbookCalifornia Tenants: A Guide to Residential Tenants’ and Landlords’ Rights and Responsibilitieshastipsandinformation,includingalistofresourcesforassistance.Viewthehandbookonlineorcalltohaveacopymailedtoyouatnocharge.ThehandbookisalsoavailableinSpanish.www.dca.ca.gov866.320.8652
utilities, Gas and electric
Homegasandelectricityareunderthejurisdic-tionoftheCaliforniaPublicUtilitiesCommission.Formoreinformation,contacttheCommission.www.cpuc.ca.gov800.649.7570
California Public Utilities CommissionConsumer Affairs Branch505VanNessAve.SanFrancisco,CA94102-3298
Cityanddistrict-ownedgasandelectriccompaniesarenotregulatedbyanyStateagency.Ifacustomerisnotsatisfiedwiththeassistancereceivedfromthecompany’scomplaintdepartment,thenextstepwouldbetocontactthecitycouncil,countyboardofsupervisors,utility’sboardofdirectors,oralocalconsumerprotectionagency.
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annuities
Anannuityisacontractinwhichaninsurancecompanymakesaseriesofpaymentstoyouatregularintervalsinreturnforapremium.Annui-tiescanprovideyouwithanincomeforlife,orforaspecifiedperiodoftime.InsuranceagentsandbrokerswhosellannuitiesmustbelicensedbytheStateDepartmentofInsurance.Toverifyalicenseorobtainmoreinformation,contacttheDepartment.www.insurance.ca.gov 800.927.HelP or 800.927.4357Tdd 800.482.4833
Department of InsuranceConsumerServicesDivision300SouthSpringSt.,SouthTowerLosAngeles,CA90013
auto insuranceUnderCalifornialaw,vehiclesdrivenonCaliforniaroadsmusthaveliabilityinsurancetocoveranydamageorinjurycausedbyatrafficcollision.Forinformationguidesonautoinsuranceortofileacomplaint,goonlineorcalltheconsumerhotline.www.insurance.ca.gov866.60.auTo.1 or 866.602.8861 Tdd 800.482.4833
Tip:TheDepartmentofInsurancehasalow-costcarinsuranceprogramforqualifieddrivers.Goonlineorcallfordetails.
disability insurance
TheStateEmploymentDevelopmentDepart-ment’sdisabilityinsuranceprogramprovidesas-sistancetoeligiblepeoplewhoareunabletoworkbecauseofsickness,injury,orpregnancy.Formsandinformationaboutdisabilityinsuranceandpaidfamilyleaveareavailableonlineorbyphone.www.edd.ca.gov800.480.3287
earthquake insurance
Moststandardhomeownersorrentersinsurancepoliciesdonotcoverearthquakedamage.Earth-quakecoveragemustbepurchasedseparately.ThelawrequiresinsurersthatsellresidentialpropertyinsuranceinCaliforniatoofferearth-quakecoveragetotheirpolicyholders.ContactyourinsuranceagentortheCaliforniaEarthquakeAuthorityfordetails.www.earthquakeauthority.com877.797.4300 or 916.325.3800
California Earthquake Authority801KSt.,Suite1000Sacramento,CA95814
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flood insurance
Informationonfloodinsurance,includinghowtofindafloodinsuranceagentinyourarea,isavailablethroughtheNationalFloodInsuranceProgram.www.floodsmart.gov888.435.6637
health care Reform
TheStateofCaliforniahasaWebsitewithinfor-mationontheFederalhealthcareactandhowitappliestoCaliforniaresidents.ThesiteincludeslinkstothePre-ExistingConditionInsurancePlanwhichcoverspeoplewhohavebeendeniedhealthinsurancecoveragebecauseofpre-exist-ingconditions.www.healthcare.ca.gov
health insurance
TheCaliforniaDepartmentofInsurancehasavarietyofconsumerinformationguidesonhealthinsurancetopics.Forinformation,contacttheDepartment.www.insurance.ca.gov800.927.HelP or 800.927.4357Tdd 800.482.4833
Department of InsuranceConsumer Services Division300SouthSpringSt.,SouthTowerLosAngeles,CA90013
health PlansSeeHealth&MedicalCare.
healthy families
HealthyFamiliesislow-costhealthinsuranceplanforchildrenandteensinCalifornia.Itprovideshealth,dental,andvisioncarecoveragetochildrenwhodonothaveinsuranceanddonotqualifyforfreeMedi-Cal.Informationisavailableonlineorbyphone.www.healthyfamilies.ca.gov800.880.5305
homeowners insurance
Homeownersinsuranceisapackagepolicyconsistingofcoverageforahouseanditscontents,additionallivingexpenses,personalliabilityclaimsagainstthepolicyholder,andmedicalpaymentstoothers.ContacttheCaliforniaDepartmentofInsuranceforconsumerinformationguidesandassistance,ortofileacomplaint.www.insurance.ca.gov800.927.HelP or 800.927.4357Tdd 800.482.4833
Department of InsuranceConsumerServicesDivision300SouthSpringSt.,SouthTowerLosAngeles,CA90013
life insurance
ContacttheCaliforniaDepartmentofInsuranceforconsumerinformationguidesandassistanceonlifeinsurance,ortofileacomplaint.www.insurance.ca.gov800.927.HelP or 800.927.4357Tdd 800.482.4833
Department of InsuranceConsumerServicesDivision300SouthSpringSt.,SouthTowerLosAngeles,CA90013
long-term care insurance
Long-termcareinsuranceisdesignedtocoversomeofthecostsofassistanceyoumayneedfor“activitiesofdailyliving”suchasbathing,dressing,ormovingfromabedtoachair.TheCaliforniaDepartmentofInsurancehasextensiveconsumerinformationonlong-termcareinsurance,includingaconsumerrateguidethatexplainsthetypesofbenefitsandpolicies.www.insurance.ca.gov 800.927.HelP or 800.927.4357Tdd 800.482.4833
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eDepartment of InsuranceConsumerServicesDivision300SouthSpringSt.,SouthTowerLosAngeles,CA90013
TheCaliforniaPartnershipforLong-TermCarehasinformationforconsumers.www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/ltc/Pages/cPlTc.aspx916.552.8990
California Department of Health Care ServicesCalifornia Partnership for Long-Term CareMailStop4100P.O.Box997413Sacramento,CA95899-7413
Ifyouhavequestionsaboutlong-termcareinsurance,youcangetpersonalassistancefromtheState’sHealthInsuranceCounselingandAdvocacyProgram(HICAP).IndependentcounselorsfromHICAPcanexplainhowlong-termcareinsuranceworks,andhelpyoucomparebenefitsandfeaturesofseveralpolicies.HICAPservicesarefree,andcounselorsdonotsell,recommend,orendorseanyinsuranceproductorcompany.Calltomakeanappointmentwithacounselor.800.434.0222
TheNationalClearinghouseforLong-TermCareInformationhasawiderangeofinformationtohelpconsumersunderstand,planfor,andpayforlong-termcare.Materialsareavailableonline.www.longtermcare.gov
free publication:Taking Care of Tomorrow, A Consumers Guide to Long-Term CareisavailablefromtheCaliforniaDepartmentofAging.DownloadacopyfromtheWebsite.www.aging.ca.gov
A Shopper’s Guide to Long-Term Care Insurance,fromtheNationalAssociationofInsuranceCommissioners,isavailablefromtheCaliforniaDepartmentofInsurance.800.927.HelP or 800.927.4357
medi-calSeeSocialServices.
medicare
MedicareisaFederalhealthcareprogramthatcoversmostpeopleage65orolder,somepeopleyoungerthan65withdisabilities,andpeoplewithend-stagerenaldisease.Generalinforma-tionabouttheprogramandbenefits(includingprescriptiondrugcoverage)isavailableonlineorbyphone.800.MedicaRe or 800.633.4227www.medicare.gov
CaliforniaHealthAdvocateshasimpartialinformationaboutMedicarebenefits(includingMedicareSupplementprograms)forCaliforniaresidents.www.cahealthadvocates.org
Free,personalassistancewithMedicareorotherhealthcareissuesisavailablefromtheState’sHealthInsuranceCounselingandAdvocacyProgram(HICAP).ServicesareavailablethroughouttheState.Counselorscanmakehousecallsforthehome-bound.800.434.0222
Pet health insuranceSeePetsandOtherAnimals.
tenants (Renters) insurance
Tenants(renters)insuranceisforpeoplewholiveinrentalhousing.Itcoversthelossofpersonalpropertyandmayincludeliabilityandmedicalpaymentscoverage.MoreinformationisavailablefromtheDepartmentofInsurance.www.insurance.ca.gov800.927.HelP or 800.927.4357Tdd 800.482.4833
Department of InsuranceConsumerServicesDivision300SouthSpringSt.,SouthTowerLosAngeles,CA90013
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title insurance
Titleinsuranceprotectsagainstlossesresultingfromvarioustypesofdefectsthatmayexistinthetitleofapieceofrealproperty.Bothbuyersandsellersinarealestatetransactionusuallyneedtitleinsurance.Forinformation,contacttheDepartmentofInsurance.www.insurance.ca.gov800.927.HelP or 800.927.4357Tdd 800.482.4833
Department of InsuranceConsumerServicesDivision300SouthSpringSt.,SouthTowerLosAngeles,CA90013
TheCaliforniaLandTitleAssocationhasaWebsitetohelpconsumersfindtitleinsuranceandcomparetitlecompaniesandrates.www.clta.titlewizard.com/default.aspx
travel insurance
Travelinsurance,alsoknownastripinsurance,cancoverarangeofsituations,includingtripcancellation,medicalemergencies,lostbaggage,andtripinterruption.Sometravelagenciesofferpolicies,oryoucanpurchaseoneonyourown.
TheU.S.TravelInsuranceAssociation,whichrepresentstravelinsuranceorganizations,hastipsonhowtoshopfortravelinsurance.www.ustia.org800.224.6164
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advance health care directiveSeeHealthandMedicalCare.
arbitration/mediationSeeIntroduction.
bail bonds
Bailbondsareissuedbybailagents,andbailagentsarelicensedbytheCaliforniaDepartmentofInsurance.Formoreinformationortofileacomplaint,contacttheDepartmentofInsurance.www.insurance.ca.gov800.927.HelP or 800.927.4357Tdd 800.482.4833
Department of InsuranceConsumerServicesDivision300SouthSpringSt.,SouthTowerLosAngeles,CA90013
birth certificatesBirthcertificatesforpeopleborninCaliforniaarekeptbythecountythepersonwasborninandbytheState.MoreinformationisavailablefromtheCaliforniaDepartmentofPublicHealth.www.cdph.ca.gov916.445.2684
California Department of Public HealthOffice of Vital Records MS 5103P.O.Box997410Sacramento,CA95899-7410
Tip:LinkstocountyofficesareontheCaliforniaDepartmentofPublicHealth’sWebsite.
court Reporters
TheCourtReportersBoardofCalifornialicensesandregulatescourtreportersinCalifornia.Forinformationoncourtreporters,tocheckalicense,ortofileacomplaint,contacttheBoard.www.courtreportersboard.ca.gov916.263.3660
Court Reporters Board of California2535CapitolOaksDrive,Suite230Sacramento,CA95833
courts
Foraddressesofcourtsnearyou,consultyourlocaltelephonebook.TheJudicialCouncilofCalifornia’sWebsitehasdetailsaboutStatecourtsandcontactinformation.www.courtinfo.ca.gov
death certificates
DeathcertificatesforpeoplewhodiedinCaliforniaarekeptbythecountythepersondiedinandbytheState.MoreinformationisavailablefromtheCaliforniaDepartmentofPublicHealth.www.cdph.ca.gov916.445.2684
California Department of Public HealthOfficeofVitalRecordsMS5103P.O.Box997410Sacramento,CA95899-7410
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Tip:LinkstocountyofficesareontheCaliforniaDepartmentofPublicHealth’sWebsite.divorce Records
Forinformationonobtainingcopiesofdivorcerecords,contacttheSuperiorCourtinthecountywherethedivorcewasfiled.Seeyourphonedirectoryforcourtofficesinyourarea.TheJudicialCouncilofCalifornia’sWebsitehaslocations,phonenumbers,andWebsitesforCaliforniaSuperiorCourts.www.courtinfo.ca.govdomestic Partnerships
DomesticpartnershipsareregisteredwiththeCaliforniaSecretaryofState’sOffice.Amongtherequirementsfordomesticpartnershipsarethatthepartnersareinacommittedsame-sexrelationshiporinacommittedopposite-sexrelationshipinwhichonepartnerisatleast62yearsold,andthattheyshareacommonresidence.ApplicationformsandadditionaldetailsareavailablefromtheSecretaryofState’sOffice.www.sos.ca.gov/dpregistry916.653.3984
Secretary of StateDomesticPartnershipsP.O.Box942877Sacramento,CA94277-0001
firearms
TheCaliforniaDepartmentofJustice’sBureauofFirearmsoverseesthemanufacture,sales,own-ership,safetytraining,andtransferoffirearms.MoreinformationisavailablefromtheBureau.www.ag.ca.gov/firearms
identity theft
TheCaliforniaOfficeofPrivacyProtectionhasinformationsheetsandresourcesonidentitytheft,includingfactsheetsonCaliforniaIdentityTheftVictim’sRights.www.privacy.ca.gov866.785.9663 or 916.651.1086
TheFederalTradeCommissionhasaWebsitewithlinkstoresourcesandinformationaboutpreventingidentitytheftandwhattodoifyourpersonalinformationhasbeenstolen.SeeIntroductionatthebeginningofthisGuideformoretips.www.ftc.gov
immigration
U.S.CitizenshipandImmigrationServices(USCIS)hasinformationonimmigrationandcitizenshipavailableonlineorbyphone.Manyimmigrationformscanbefiledonline.www.uscis.gov800.375.5283(EnglishorSpanish)Tdd 800.767.1833
U.S.CitizenshipandImmigrationServiceshasseveralofficesinCalifornia.Appointmentsareneededformanyservices.Goonlinetoscheduleanappointment.http://infopass.uscis.gov/
lawyersFindingalawyer;seeIntroduction.
marriage licenses
MarriagelicensesforpeoplemarriedinCaliforniaarekeptbythecountywherethemarriagetookplaceinandbytheState.Amarriagelicensemaybeobtainedfromthecountyclerk’sofficeinanyCaliforniacounty,butitmustbereturnedtothesamecounty.MoreinformationaboutmarriagelicensesisavailablefromtheStateDepartmentofPublicHealth,OfficeofVitalRecords.www.cdph.ca.gov
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Forinformationonobtainingcopiesofcountymarriagerecords,consultyourphonedirectoryforcountyofficesinyourarea.
Next of kin RegistrySeeCrimeandSafety.
Privacy ProtectionSeeIntroduction.
small claims courtSeeIntroduction.
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county mental health services
Outpatientservicesareprovidedthroughcountyagenciesstatewide.ConsultyourphonebookunderCountyGovernmentorvisittheStateDepartmentofMentalHealthWebsite.www.dmh.ca.gov
educational Psychologists
TheDepartmentofConsumerAffairs’BoardofBehavioralScienceslicensesandregulateslicensededucationalpsychologists.Formoreinformation,tocheckalicense,orfileacomplaint,contacttheBoard.www.bbs.ca.gov916.574.7830
Board of Behavioral Sciences1625NorthMarketBlvd.,SuiteS-200Sacramento,CA95834
licensed clinical social workers
TheCaliforniaDepartmentofConsumerAffairs’BoardofBehavioralScienceslicensesandregu-lateslicensedclinicalsocialworkers.Formoreinformation,tocheckalicense,orfileacomplaint,contacttheBoard.www.bbs.ca.gov916.574.7830
Board of Behavioral Sciences1625NorthMarketBlvd.,SuiteS-200Sacramento,CA95834
marriage and family therapists
TheCaliforniaDepartmentofConsumerAffairs’BoardofBehavioralScienceslicensesandregu-latesmarriageandfamilytherapists.Formoreinformation,tocheckalicense,orfileacomplaint,contacttheBoard.www.bbs.ca.gov916.574.7830
Board of Behavioral Sciences1625NorthMarketBlvd.,SuiteS-200Sacramento,CA95834
free Publication:Self Empowerment: Choosing a Mental Health Professional in California.Viewitonlineorcalltohaveacopymailedtoyou.www.bbs.ca.gov800.952.5210 mental health Resources
TheCaliforniaDepartmentofMentalHealthhasinformationforconsumersseekingmentalhealthservices,includingalistofcrisishotlines.www.dmh.ca.gov800.896.4042 or916.654.2309
Department of Mental HealthOfficeofCommunityandConsumerRelations16009thSt.,Room151Sacramento,CA95814
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Psychiatric techniciansPsychiatrictechnicianspracticeunderaphysician,psychologist,registerednurse,socialworker,orotherrelatedprofessional.TheyworkatStatehospitals,daytreatmentcenters,andresidentialcarefacilities.TheyarelicensedandregulatedbytheBoardofVocationalNursingandPsychiatricTechnicians.www.bvnpt.ca.gov916.263.7800
Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians2535CapitolOaksDrive,Suite205Sacramento,CA95833
Psychiatrists
PsychiatristsaremedicaldoctorslicensedbytheMedicalBoardofCalifornia.Forinformationonverifyingalicenseorfilingacomplaint,seetheHealthsection,underDoctors.
Psychologists
TheCaliforniaBoardofPsychologylicensesandregulatespsychologists(excepteducationalpsychologists),psychologicalassistants,andregisteredpsychologists.Formoreinformationortocheckalicense,contacttheBoard.www.psychboard.ca.gov866.503.3221
Board of Psychology2005EvergreenSt.,Suite1400Sacramento,CA95815-3831
free Publication:For your Peace of Mind: Guide to Psychological Services isavailableinEnglish,Spanish,Chinese,Korean,Vietnamese,andRussian. Viewitonlineorcalltohaveacopymailedtoyou.www.psychboard.ca.gov866.503.3221
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accountants
TheCaliforniaBoardofAccountancylicensesandregulatescertifiedpublicaccountants,publicaccountants,accountancycorporations,andpartnerships.Formoreinformation,tocheckalicense,ortofileacomplaint,contacttheBoard.www.dca.ca.gov/cba916.263.3680 California Board of Accountancy2000EvergreenSt.,Suite250Sacramento,CA95815-3832
annuitiesSeeInsurance.
banks, savings and loans, credit unions
TheCaliforniaDepartmentofFinancialInstitutionslicensesandsupervisestheoperationsofState-regulatedfinancialinstitutionssuchasbanks,creditunions,industrialbanks,trustcompanies,andofficesofforeignbanks.Formoreinformation,contacttheDepartmentofFinancialInstitutions.ww.dfi.ca.gov800.622.0620 [email protected]
Department of Financial InstitutionsAttention:ConsumerInformationDesk181013thSt.SacramentoCA95811
TheNationalCreditUnionAdministration(NCUA)istheFederalagencythatcharters,supervisesandinsuressavingsinFederalcreditunionsacrossthecountry.Formoreinformationortofileacomplaint,contactNCUA.www.ncua.gov800.755.1030
National Credit Union Administration 1775DukeSt.Alexandria,VA22314-3428
TheOfficeoftheComptrolleroftheCurrency,partoftheU.S.TreasuryDepartment,hasinformationandhandlescomplaintsaboutnationalbanks.www.helpwithmybank.gov800.613.6743customer.assistance@occ.treas.gov
OCC Customer Assistance Group1301McKinneySt.,Ste.3450Houston,TX77010
TheU.S.OfficeofThriftSupervisionhasinforma-tionandhandlescomplaintsaboutnationalsav-ingsassociationsandtheirholdingcompanies.www.ots.treas.gov800.842.6929consumer.complaint@ots.treas.gov
Office of Thrift Supervision1700GSt.,NWWashington,DC20552
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college financial aidSeeEducation.
commodity futures tradingTheCommodityFuturesTradingCommissionregulatestheactivitiesofcommodityexchangemembers,publicbrokeragehouses(futurescommissionmerchants),commission-registeredfuturessalespeople,commoditytradingadvisers,andcommoditypooloperators.Formoreinforma-tion,contacttheCommission.www.cftc.gov866.366.2382
Commodity Futures Trading Commission3LafayetteCentre115521stSt.,NWWashington,D.C.20581
credit
TheU.S.FederalTradeCommissionhasinfor-mationonlineaboutbuilding,maintaining,andimprovingyourcredit.www.ftc.gov/gettingcredit/
credit counseling
Statelawrequirescreditcounselingorganizationsthatpaydebtsonyourbehalf–suchaspartofadebtmanagementoradebtsettlementplan–tobelicensedbytheDepartmentofCorporations.Qualifyingnonprofitorganizationsmaybeexemptfromthelicensingrequirements.Creditcoun-selorswhodonotpayyourdebtsorotherwisehandleyourmoneydonotneedtobelicensedbytheState.Tocheckalicenseorobtainmoreinformation,contacttheCaliforniaDepartmentofCorporations.www.corp.ca.gov800.asK.coRP or 800.275.2677
OrganizationsprovidingcreditcounselingunderFederalbankruptcylawmustbeapprovedbytheU.S.TrusteeProgram.AlistofFederallyapprovedcreditcounselingagenciesisavailableonline.www.usdoj.gov/ust/eo/bapcpa/ccde/cc_approved.htm
free publication:Facts for Consumers,fromtheFederalTradeCommission, isavailableonline.www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre26.shtm
ConsumerCreditCounselingServiceisanonprofitorganizationthatprovidescounselingandeducation.Ithelpsfamiliesandindividualsestablishbudgetsandsetupdebtrepaymentschedules.Servicesareavailableonline,byphone,orinpersonatofficesthroughouttheState.www.moneymanagement.org866.889.9347
debtadvice.orgisaWebsitedesignedtohelpconsumersunderstandthewiseuseofcreditandlocateatrained,certifiedcounselor.DebtAdvice.orgisaserviceprovidedbythemembersoftheNationalFoundationforCreditCounseling,mostofwhichareknownasConsumerCreditCounselingService.www.debtadvice.org 800.388.2227
credit Reports
Consumerscanrequestafreecreditreportonceevery12monthsfromeachofthenationwideconsumercreditreportingcompanies,Equifax,Experian,andTransUnion.Forinformationonobtainingafreecopyofyourcreditreport,goonlineorcall.www.annualcreditreport.com877.322.8228
the three nationwide credit reporting companies are:
• Equifax Credit Information Services 800.685.1111 www.equifax.com
• Experian 888.397.3742 www.experian.com
• TransUnion Corporation 800.916.8800 www.transunion.com
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TheCaliforniaOfficeoftheAttorneyGeneralhasinformationonhowtocorrectanerroronyourcreditreport.http://ag.ca.gov/consumers/general.php800.952.5225
TheFederalTradeCommissionhasinformationforconsumersonhowtoobtainafreecreditre-portsandtipsonavoiding“imposter”Websites.www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre34.shtm
Tip:TheFTCremindsconsumersthatonlyoneWebsiteisauthorizedtofillordersforthefreeannualcreditreportyouareentitledtounderlaw—www.annualcreditreport.com.
debt collectors
TheFederalTradeCommissionhasinformationonconsumer’srightsundertheFairDebtCollec-tionAct.www.ftc.gov877.fTc.HelP or 877.382.4357
TheCaliforniaAttorneyGeneral’sOfficehasinformationonwhattodoifyoubelieveyouarebeingharassedbyacollectionagency.http://ag.ca.gov/consumers/general.php800.952.5225
free publication: What To Do If You Receive a Demand for Payment From a Creditor or Debt Collection Agency isavailablefromtheDepart-mentofConsumerAffairs.Viewthepublicationonlineorcalltohaveacopymailedtoyou.www.dca.ca.gov/publications/legal_guides/index.shtml866.320.8652
enrolled agents
EnrolledagentsprepareStateandFederaltaxesandarerecognizedbytheInternalRevenueService.Moreinformationisavailableonline.www.irs.gov/taxpros/agents
YoucanlocateanenrolledagentnearyouthroughtheNationalAssociationofEnrolledAgents.www.naea.org800.424.4339
exchanging currency
Currencyexchangeratesvaryconsiderablyfromplacetoplaceanddaytoday.Banksandotherlegalmoneychangersusuallyofferthebestrates.ManytravelagentshaveinformationonwheretoexchangemoneybeforeyouleavetheUnitedStates.ChecktheYellowPagesofyourphonedirectoryforcurrencyexchangelocations.
Tip:Exchangeasmallamountofmoneybeforeyouleavehome,sothatyoucanavoidexchang-ingcurrencyattheairport,whereratesmaybehigher.
fiduciaries
TheProfessionalFiduciariesBureaulicensesandregulatesprivatefiduciaries,includingconservators,guardians,trustees,andagentsunderdurablepowerofattorneywhohandlehealthcareandfinancialmattersforadultswhocannothandletheirownaffairs.Forlicensinginformation,contacttheBureau.www.fiduciary.ca.gov916.574.7340
Professional Fiduciaries Bureau1625NorthMarketBlvd.,SuiteS-208Sacramento,CA95834
finance companies
Financecompaniesandmanymortgagebank-ersareregulatedbytheCaliforniaDepartmentofCorporations.Formoreinformationortofileacomplaintgoonlineorcall.www.corp.ca.gov800.asK.coRP or 800.275.2677
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financial Planners
TheDepartmentofCorporationshasinformationonhowtocheckoutyourfinancialplannerorinvestmentadvisor.www.corp.ca.gov800.asK.coRP or 800.275.2677
home-buying assistanceTheCaliforniaHousingFinanceAgency(CalHFA)helpspeopleincertainincomegroupspurchasetheirfirsthome.Additionalinformationonloans,otherservices,andeligibilityisavailableonlineorbyphone.www.calhfa.ca.gov877.9.calHfa or 877.922.5432
home and foreclosure
California’sConsumerHomeMortgageInforma-tionWebsitehasinformationandlinkstoassisthomeownerswhoarehavingdifficultiesmakingtheirloanpayments.www.yourhome.ca.gov www.sucasa.ca.gov(Spanish)
TheU.S.DepartmentofHousingandUrbanDevelopmentoffersinformationandadviceonhowyoucanavoidforeclosure.www.hud.gov/foreclosure
ThenonprofitHomeownershipPreservationFoundationoffershelptohomeownerswhoarestrugglingfinanciallyandatriskoflosingtheirhomes.Assistanceisavailableatnochargeon-lineorbyphone.www.995hope.org888.995.HoPe or 888.995.4673
home mortgages
TheCaliforniaDepartmentofRealEstatehasinformationonhomeloansandmortgages,includingaguideforfirst-timehomebuyers.Publicationsareavailableonline.www.dre.ca.gov military servicemembers and veterans
TroopsAgainstPredatoryScams(TAP$)isaCaliforniaprogramforservicemembersandtheirfamiliestohelpthemavoidfinancialscams.Forinformation,complaints,andafreecopyoftheDepartmentofCorporations’publicationProtect Youself and Your Family From Financial Fraud,goonlineorcall.www.corp.ca.gov866.asK.coRP866.275.2677 or Tdd 800.735.2922
MililitaryservicemembersandveteransmaybeeligibleforCalVetHomeLoans,whichofferbelow-marketinterestrateswithlittleornodownpayment.Cal-VethasofficesthroughouttheState.Forapplicationforms,informationoneligibility,andofficelocations,contactCalVetHomeLoans.www.cdva.ca.gov800.952.loan or 800.952.5626
money orders, traveler’s checks, and money transmitters
TheCaliforniaDepartmentofFinancialInstitutions(DFI)isresponsibleforlicensingandsupervisingissuersoftraveler’schecksandmoneyorders,andtransmittersofmoneyabroad.Forinformation,contactDFI.www.dfi.ca.gov/[email protected]
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Department of Financial InstitutionsAttention:ConsumerInformationDesk181013thSt.SacramentoCA95814
Payday loans
PaydayorcashadvancelendersmustbelicensedbytheDepartmentofCorporations.Toverifyalicenseorfileacomplaint,contacttheDepartment.www.corp.ca.gov866.asK.coRP or 866.275-2677Tdd 800.735.2922
Paydayloansoftencomewithhighinterestrates.Itisnotuncommontoseeamonthlyinterestrateof25percent,whichequals300percentannualpercentagerate(APR).MoreinformationonpaydayloansisavailablefromtheCenterforResponsibleLending.www.responsiblelending.org 510.379.5500
Center for Responsible Lending1330Broadway,Suite604Oakland,CA94612
Privacy ProtectionSeeIntroduction.
Refund anticipation loan
Theseareone-totwo-weekloansofferedbytaxpreparersthatallowyoutoborrowagainstyourtaxrefund.Consumergroupssaytheloanscomewithinterestchargesthatareequivalenttoanannualpercentagerate(APR)of100percentormore.
Reverse mortgages
Bylaw,areversemortgageisavailableonlytohomeowners62yearsofageorolder.
TheNationalReverseMortgageLendersAssociationhaspublicationsandinformationonitsWebsiteforconsumerswhowanttolearnmoreaboutreversemortgages.Thesitealsohasalinktolenders.www.reversemortgage.org.
TheStateDepartmentofRealEstatehasacon-sumerguidetoreversemortgages.Finditonline.www.dre.ca.gov/pdf_docs/reverse.pdf.
free publication:AARPhasafreebooklettitledHome Made Money: A Consumer’s Guide to Reverse Mortgages.Viewitonlineorcalltoobtainacopy.www.aarp.org800.209.8085
seniors and investment fraud
SeniorsAgainstInvestmentFraud(SAIF)isastatewideprogramtohelpseniorsavoidinvestmentortelemarketingfraud.Forinquiries,complaints,orrequestsforpresentations,contacttheDepartmentofCorporations.www.corp.ca.gov866.asK.coRP or 866.275.2677Tdd 800.735.2922
free publication: GoonlineorcallforacopyofProtect Yourself From Investment FraudfromtheDepartmentofCorporations.www.corp.ca.gov866.asK.coRP, 866.275.2677Tdd 800.735.2922
stocks, bonds, and mutual funds
ComplaintsaboutastockbrokermaybefiledwiththeU.S.SecuritiesandExchangeCommission.Youcanresearchindividualbrokersorfirmsonline.www.sec.gov800.sec.0330 or 202.551.6551
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Securities and Exchange CommissionOffice of Investor Education and Assistance4505thSt.,NW,MailStop11-2Washington,D.C.20549
TheNationalAssociationofSecuritiesDealers(NASD)hasasearchabledatabaseofinformationonsecuritiesdealers.Goonlineorcallforinformation.www.nasdbrokercheck.com800.289.9999
TheNationalAssociationofSecuritiesDealers(NASD)monitorsalltradingonNasdaqandselectedglobalmarkets.YoucansubmitacomplaintaboutanNASDsecuritiesdealeronlineorbymail.www.nasd.com
NASD Investor Complaint Center1735KST.,NWWashington,D.C.20006-1506
TheNasdaqcomputerizedtradingsystemhasavarietyofinvestortoolsonitsWebsite.www.nasdaq.com
tax PreparersIndividualswhoprepareFederalorStatetaxreturnsinCaliforniaforafee,orassistinprepar-ingreturns,mustregisterwiththeCaliforniaTaxEducationCouncilandmeetotherrequirements.ContacttheCouncilformoreinformation.www.ctec.org877.850.2832
California Tax Education CouncilP.O.Box2890Sacramento,CA95812-2890
vehicle loans
TheFederalTradeCommissionhasinformationtohelpconsumersunderstandvehiclefinancing.www.ftc.gov
bankRate.comhasonlineinformationtohelpyoucompareautoloanrates,calculatepayments,andothertasks.www.bankrate.com
Consumer Reportshastipsonshoppingforaloanandalternativestofinancing.www.consumerreports.org
vehicle title loans
Alsocalled“pinkslip”loans.Inthistypeofloan,youturnovertitleofyourcarinexchangeforashort-termloan.Consumergroupsadviseagainsttheseloansbecausetheyoftencomewithhighinterestrates.Itisnotuncommontoseeamonth-lyinterestrateof25percent,whichequals300percentAnnualPercentageRate(APR).Theloansareformorethan$2,500,whichmakesthemexemptfromCalifornia’spredatorylendinglaws.MoreinformationoncartitleloansisavailablefromtheCenterforResponsibleLending.www.responsiblelending.org 510.379.5500
Center for Responsible Lending1330Broadway,Suite604Oakland,CA94612
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barbers
TheBoardofBarberingandCosmetologylicensesandregulatesbarbersandbarbershops.ContacttheBoardformoreinformation,tocheckalicense,ortofileacomplaint.www.barbercosmo.ca.gov800.952.5210
Board of Barbering and Cosmetology2420DelPasoRoad,Suite100Sacramento,CA95834
chemical hair Processing
Onlylicensedcosmetologistsinalicensedshopcanperformservicessuchaswaving,straighten-ing,lightening,orcoloringhairforafee.
Board of Barbering and Cosmetology2420DelPasoRoad,Suite100Sacramento,CA95834
clothing care
TheU.S.FederalTradeCommission(FTC)requirescarelabelsonallclothingexceptgarmentsmadeprimarilyofsuedeorleather,footwear,gloves,orhats.AlthoughtheFTCcannotresolveaconsumer’sindividualproblem,theFTCwantstohearfromconsumersifgarmentshavenocarelabelattached(includethenameandaddressofthestoreandthemanufacturer).Formoreinformation,goonlineorcall.www.ftc.gov877.382.4357
clothing flammability
Flammabilitysafetystandardsforchildren’sclothingareenforcedbytheU.S.ConsumerProductSafetyCommission.Forquestions,concerns,ortoreportasafetyissue,goonlineorcall.www.cpsc.gov800.638.2772
cosmetologists
TheBoardofBarberingandCosmetologylicensesandregulatescosmetologists.Formoreinforma-tion,tocheckalicense,ortofileacomplaint,contacttheBoard.www.barbercosmo.ca.gov800.952.5210
Board of Barbering and Cosmetology2420DelPasoRoad,Suite100Sacramento,CA95834
free publication: Consumer Guide to Barbering and Cosmetology Services,abookletfromtheBoardofBarberingandCosmetologyisavailableonline.Calltohaveacopymailedtoyou.CopiesareavailableinEnglish,Spanish,andVietnamese.www.barbercosmo.ca.gov800.952.5210
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cosmetics
Consumerswhohaveabadreactiontofacepaint,noveltymakeup,oranyothercosmeticproductcanreportitonlineorbyphonetothenearestdistrictofficeoftheU.S.FoodandDrugAdminis-tration(FDA).www.fda.gov510.337.6741(NorthernCalifornia)949.608.3530(SouthernCalifornia)
dry cleaners
DrycleanersarenotregulatedbyanyStateagency.ConsumerswithacomplaintmaybeabletoseekresolutionthroughtheBetterBusinessBureau,orthesmallclaimscourt.MoreinformationisavailablefromtheCaliforniaDryCleanersAssociation.www.calcleaners.com916.239.4070
California Cleaners Association2520VentureOaksWay,Suite150Sacramento,CA95833
TheCaliforniaAirRescourcesBoardhasinfor-mationonenvironmentalregulationsrelatingtocleaningproductsusedbydrycleaners.www.arb.ca.gov/toxics/dryclean/dryclean.htm
electrolysis
TheBoardofBarberingandCosmetologylicensesandregulateselectrologists,whoremoveunwant-edfacialorbodyhairwithatinyelectricalprobe.Formoreinformation,tocheckalicense,ortofileacomplaint,contacttheBoard.www.barbercosmo.ca.gov800.952.5210
Board of Barbering and Cosmetology2420DelPasoRoad,Suite100
Sacramento,CA95834
estheticians
TheBoardofBarberingandCosmetologylicensesandregulatesestheticians,whogivefacials,applymakeup,giveskincare,orperformotherspecificservices.Formoreinformation,tocheckalicense,ortofileacomplaint,contacttheBoard.www.barbercosmo.ca.gov800.952.5210
Board of Barbering and Cosmetology2420DelPasoRoad,Suite100Sacramento,CA95834
hairstylists
TheBoardofBarberingandCosmetologylicensesandregulateshairstylistsandsalons.Formoreinformation,tocheckalicense,ortofileacomplaint,contacttheBoard.www.barbercosmo.ca.gov800.952.5210
Board of Barbering and Cosmetology2420DelPasoRoad,Suite100Sacramento,CA95834
laser hair Removal
Theuseofalaserorintensepulselightdevicetoremoveunwantedhaironthefaceorbodymustbedonebyalicensedphysician,orbyaphysicianassistantorregisterednurseunderaphysician’ssupervision,accordingtotheMedi-calBoardofCalifornia.Forinformationortofileacomplaint,contacttheMedicalBoard.www.mbc.ca.gov800.633.2322 or916.263.2424orwriteto:
Medical Board of CaliforniaCentralComplaintUnit2005EvergreenSt.,Suite1200
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Sacramento,CA95815manicure/Pedicure
TheBoardofBarberingandCosmetologylicensesandregulatesmanicuristsandnailsalons.Formoreinformation,tocheckalicense,ortofileacomplaint,contacttheBoard.www.barbercosmo.ca.gov800.952.5210
Board of Barbering and Cosmetology2420DelPasoRoad,Suite100Sacramento,CA95834
free Publication: Whirlpool Footspa Safety Fact Sheet isavailableonlineat www.barbercosmo.ca.gov
medical spas
Certainprocedures,suchasBotoxandcollageninjections,laserhairremoval,chemicalfacialpeels,lasertreatmentoflegveins,andmicrodermabrasion,mustbeperformedonlybylicensedmedicalpersonnelsuchasdoctorsornurses.Formoreinformationabouttheroleofdoctorsandnursesinprovidingmedicalspaservices,visittheWebsiteoftheMedicalBoardofCalifornia.Clickon“Consumers.”www.mbc.ca.gov
tattoos and Permanent makeup
PractitionerswhoapplytattoosorpermanentmakeupmustregisterwiththeircountyhealthdepartmentandcomplywithsanitationstandardsfromtheCaliforniaDepartmentofPublicHealth.Itisagainstthelawtoapplyatattootoapersonunder18.Thecommunicablediseaseofficeofyourcounty’shealthdepartmentwillinvestigatecomplaintsofunsanitaryconditions.Checkyourlocalphonebookunder“CountyGovernment”forcontactinformation.
Tip:ForguidanceonhowtoavoidHepatitisCwhengettingatattooorpiercing,goonlinetowww.besmartWithbodyart.org.
Piercing
PractitionersmustregisterwiththeircountyhealthdepartmentandcomplywithsanitationstandardsadoptedbytheCaliforniaDepartmentofPublicHealth.Apersonwhopiercesonlytheearlobemaybeexemptfromsomeoftheserequirements.Thecommunicablediseaseofficeofyourcounty’shealthdepartmenthasmoreinformationandmayinvestigatecomplaintsofunsanitaryconditions.CheckyourlocalphonebookunderCountyGovernmentforcontactinformation.
tanning salons TanningsalonsarenotregulatedbyanyStateagency.However,Statelawprohibitsanyoneunder14yearsofagefromusingtanningbedsinsalons,tanningparlors,andspas.Forminorsages14to18,aparentmustsignaconsentforminperson.
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animal controlAnimalcontrolservicesareprovidedbycityorcountygovernments.Checkyourphonedirectoryforofficesinyourarea.Theseofficesalsohaveinformationonpetadoptions,low-costvaccina-tionclinics,lostorfoundanimals,petlicenses,identificationmicrochips,andmore.
disaster Preparedness for Pets
BePreparedCalifornia,aWebsitefromtheCalifor-niaDepartmentofHealthServices,hasdisasterplanningtipsforpetowners.Ifyouhavetoleaveyourhome,officialsrecommendthatyoutakeyourpetswithyou.Mostemergencyshelterswillnottakepets,soyou’llneedtomakeotherarrangementsfortheircare.TheWebsitehasadviceanhowtosetupemergencycareforyourpets,andotherresources.www.bePreparedcalifornia.ca.gov916.650.6416
TheGovernor’sOfficeofEmergencyServiceshasinformationondisasterpreparednessforpets.www.oes.ca.gov800.550.5234TheCaliforniaDepartmentofFoodandAgricul-turehasinformationondisasterpreparednessfordomesticpets,livestock,birds,andhorses.www.cdfa.ca.gov916.654.1447
exotic or wild animals
Keep Me Wild,acampaignbytheStateDepartmentofFishandGame(DFG),offerstipsonlivingsafelyneardeer,coyotes,andmountainlions,andadviceonwhattodoifyouencounteroneoftheseanimals.www.KeepMeWild.org916.653.6420
TheDFGalsohasinformationonwhattodoaboutnuisance,injured,ordangerouswildlife.DFGissuespermitstoindependentfacilitiesforwildliferehabilitationandDFGurgesconsumerstoconsultanearbyfacilitybeforeremovingananimalfromthewild.NamesoffacilitiesareorontheDFGWebsite.www.dfg.ca.gov
ferrets
UnderStatelaw,domesticferretscannotbeimportedorkeptaspetsinCalifornia.MoreinformationaboutStatelawregardingferretsisavailablefromtheCaliforniaDepartmentofFishandGame.www.dfg.ca.gov916.445.0411
Guide dogs for the blind
TheBoardofGuideDogsfortheBlindlicensesandregulatesschoolsandpeopleinCaliforniawhotrainandsupplyguidedogsfortheblind.TheBoardalsooffersadviceandmediationservicesincasesofdiscriminationagainstguidedogusers.Formoreinformation,contacttheBoard.www.guidedogboard.ca.gov916.574.7825
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Board of Guide Dogs for the Blind1625NorthMarketBlvd.,SuiteS-202Sacramento,CA95834
lost Pets
Manycityorcountyentitiesoperateanimalshel-terswherelostpetsmaybelocated.Privateshel-tersareoftensponsoredbytheAmericanSocietyforthePreventionofCrueltytoAnimals(ASPCA)orbreedrescuegroups.VisittheAPSCAWebsiteforalistofareachapters,orcheckyourlocalphonedirectoryforanimalsheltersinyourarea.www.aspca.org
Pet adoptions
Manycitiesorcountiesoperateanimalsheltersthatofferanimalsforadoption.Othersourcesofinformationonsheltersandanimaladoptioninclude:
• AmericanSocietyforthePreventionofCruelty to animals www.aspca.org
• 1-800-Save-a-Pet www.adoptapet.com 800.728.3273
• Petfinders.org www.petfinders.org
Pet food
ComplaintsabouttaintedpetfoodandpettreatsmaybesubmittedtotheU.S.FoodandDrugAdministration.Complaintsmaybefiledonline.www.fda.gov 510.337.6741 northern california949.608.3530 southern california
Pet Groomers and kennels
Petgroomersandkennelsfallunderlocaljurisdic-tion.ConsumersmaycontacttheirlocalBetterBusinessBureauforarecordofcomplaintsbeforedoingbusinesswithaspecificgroomerorkennel.
Pet health insurance
Petinsurancecanhelpcoverthecostofyourpet’sveterinarycare.Inmostcases,youtakeyourpettoanylicensedveterinarianforcare,paythebill,andthenfileaclaimwiththeinsurancecom-panyforreimbursement.Insurancepremiumsandcoveragevary.Consumersshouldexaminepolicydocumentscarefullybeforesigningup.
Pet loss support
TheCenterforCompanionAnimalHealthattheUniversityofCalifornia,DavisSchoolofVeterinaryMedicine,sponsorsapetlosssupporthotlineandWebsite.www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/petloss/index.htm800.565.1526
SomelocalchaptersoftheAmericanSocietyforthePreventionofCrueltytoAnimals(ASPCA)sponsorsupportgroupsforpeoplewhosepetshavedied.Alistofareachapterscanbefoundonline.www.aspca.org
TheAmericanVeterinaryMedicalAssociationhasinformationonpetlossandrelatedothertopics.www.avma.org/care4pets
spay and Neuter
Localanimalsheltersandveterinarianshaveinformationonspayingandneuteringyourdogorcat.SpayUSAhasinformationonmorethan900affordablesterilizationprogramsfordogsandcats.www.spayusa.org800.248.sPaY or 800.248.7729
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TheVeterinaryMedicalBoardlicensesandregulatesveterinarians,registeredveterinarytechnicians,andveterinaryhospitals.Formoreinformation,tochecklicensesorregistration,ortofileacomplaint,contacttheBoard.www.vmb.ca.gov916.263.2610
Veterinary Medical Board2005EvergreenSt.,Suite2250Sacramento,CA95815-3831
free Publication:Protect Your Pet: Know Your Veterinary Healthcare Team.Viewitonlineorcalltohaveacopymailedtoyou.www.vmb.ca.gov866.320.8652
TheCaliforniaVeterinaryMedicalAssociationWebsitehasinformationonfindingaveterinarian,caringforyourpet,andotherrelatedtopics.www.itsaboutPets.net
RecReatioN
amusement Park Rides
TheStateDepartmentofIndustrialRelations’DivisionofOccupationalHealthandSafetyUnitisresponsibleforinspectingtemporaryorperma-nentamusementparkrides.www.dir.ca.gov/dosh
there are two amusement ride district offices in california:
Northern California Amusement Ride Office2424ArdenWay,Suite340Sacramento,CA95825916.263.3511Southern California Amusement Ride Office2000E.McFaddenAve.,Suite210SantaAna,CA92705714.567.7211
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boating
TheCaliforniaDepartmentofBoatingandWater-wayshasavarietyofinformationonboating.Freepublicationsandeducationalmaterialscoverac-cesstotherecreationalwaterwaysofCalifornia,aswellasboatingrulesandsafety.www.dbw.ca.gov888.326.2822
Department of Boating and Waterways2000EvergreenSt.,Suite100Sacramento,CA95815-3888
free publication:ABCs of the California Boating Law explainsStateboatinglawsandregulations.Viewacopyonlineorcalltohaveonemailedtoyou.www.dbw.ca.gov888.326.2822
TheU.S.CoastGuardhasinformationandpubli-cations,plusothertoolstohelppromoteboatingsafety.Materialsareavailableonline.www.uscgboating.org
InformationontheU.S.CoastGuardfreevesselsafetycheckprogramisavailableonline.www.vesselsafetycheck.org
TheNationalSafeBoatingCouncilhasnumerouspublicationsandresourcesonsafeboating.www.safeboatingcouncil.org703.361.4294
National Safe Boating CouncilP.O.Box509Bristow,VA20136
boat Registration
Allamphibiousvehicles,houseboats,motorboats,motorizedsailboats,andsailboatsovereightfeetlongwithoutU.S.CoastGuardmarinecertifi-cates,mustberegisteredwiththeCaliforniaDepartmentofMotorVehicles.Documentsneededwhensellingorpurchasingaregisteredboatareavailableonline.www.dmv.ca.gov/boatsinfo/boatreg.htm
boat taxes
VesselsregisteredinCaliforniaareassessedpropertytaxesbythecountytaxcollectorwherethevesselisstoredormoored.Contacttheappropriatecountytaxcollectorifyoudonotreceiveyourtaxbill.
camping
CaliforniaStateParkshasmapsandinforma-tionaboutcampgrounds,hikingtrails,andmore.Campsitereservationscanbemadeonline.www.parks.ca.gov800.777.0369
InformationaboutcampinginFederalforestsandparksisavailableonline.www.recreation.gov
hunting and fishing
TheDepartmentofFishandGameissueshuntingandfishinglicenses,whicharesoldthroughouttheStateatsportinggoodsstores,markets,anddrugstores.Tofindalocationnearyou,goonlineorcall.www.dfg.ca.gov/licensing/index.html916.928.5805
InformationonhuntingandfishingonFederallandsisavailableonline.www.recreation.gov
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ThecommonClassClicenseissuedbytheStateDepartmentofMotorVehiclesissufficientfordrivingmostmotorhomesandrecreationalvehicles.IfyourmotorhomeorRVisbetween40and45feetlong,anoncommercialClassBdriverlicensemayberequired,andtheremayberestrictionsontheroadsyoucanuse.for information on class b driver licenses:www.dmv.ca.gov
for information on 45-foot motorhomes and state roads: www.dot.ca.gov/hq/traffops/trucks
off-highway vehicles
Informationonregistrationrequirementsforoff-highwayvehicles,suchasracingmotorcycles,trailbikes,minibikes,dunebuggies,all-terrainvehicles,andsnowmobilesisavailablefromtheDepartmentofMotorVehicles.www.dmv.ca.gov/vr/offhighway.htm800.777.0133
CaliforniaStateParkshasoff-highwayvehicleparksthroughoutCalifornia.Locations,licensingrequirements,noiserestrictions,permits,andfees,areavailableonline.www.ohv.parks.ca.gov
Informationaboutoff-roadvehicleuseinFederalparksandnationalforestsinCaliforniaisavailableonline.www.recreation.gov
free publication:A Guide to California’s Off-Road Adventuresisavailableonlineatwww.ohv.parks.ca.gov.
Parks
“FindRecreation,”aWebsitecreatedinpartner-shipwiththeCaliforniaStateParksandotherorganizationshasinformationonpublicparkandrecreationlandsthroughouttheState.TheWebsitehasinteractivemapsthatallowyoutosearchforcampingfacilities,trails,andotherrecreationsitesfromneighborhoodplaygroundstonationalparksalloverCalifornia.www. findRecreation.parks.ca.gov
CaliforniaStateParkshasmapsandinforma-tionaboutcampgrounds,hikingtrails,[email protected] 800.777.0369
ForHearstCastletoursinformation,reservations,andtickets,goonlineorcall.www.hearstcastle.com/tours/index.asp800.444.4445
information about federal lands is available onlinewww.recreation.gov
Playground safetySeeChildren,Teens.
winter sportsSeeSports.
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AdultDayHealthCareisalicensed,community-baseddaycareprogramprovidingavarietyofhealth,therapeutic,andsocialservicesforseniorsandadultswithdisabilities.CentersarelicensedbytheCaliforniaDepartmentofPublicHealthandcertifiedforparticipationintheMedi-CalProgrambytheCaliforniaDepartmentofAging.Morethan300centersexistthroughouttheState.Goonlineorcalltofindacenternearyou.www.aging.ca.gov/programs/adhc/default.asp800.510.2020
alzheimer’s disease
TheCaliforniaCounciloftheAlzheimer’sAssocia-tionhasinformationandresourcesforcaregiversandotherscopingwithAlzheimer’sdisease.www.alz.org800.272.3900 or 916.447.2731
California Council of the Alzheimer’s Association92111thSt.,Suite601Sacramento,CA95814
TheAlzheimer’sAssociationCareFinderWebsitehasanonlinereferralandresourcedatabase.www.alz.org/carefinder/index.asp
area agencies on aging AreaAgenciesonAgingadministeravarietyofprogramstoassistseniors.TheCaliforniaAssociationofAreaAgenciesonAginghaslinkstolocalAreaAgenciesonAgingandotherservicesforseniors.www.c4a.info800.510.2020
benefits check
TheNationalCouncilonAgingmaintainsaben-efitscheckupWebsitetohelpolderadultsapplyforbenefitstheymaybeentitledto.www.benefitscheckup.org
convalescent homes/Nursing homes
Convalescenthomes(alsocallednursinghomes)arelicensedbytheCaliforniaDepartmentofPublicHealth,whichmaintainsHealthFacilitiesConsumerInformationSystem,anonlinedirec-torywithinformationonlong-termcarefacilitiesandhospitals.Complaintscanbefiledonline.http://hfcis.cdph.ca.gov800.236.9747
UnderanewStatelaw,nursinghomesinCali-forniaarerequiredtopubliclydisplayFederalratingsontheirqualityofcare.TheCentersforMedicareandMedicaidServicesratesnursinghomesnationwideonascaleofonetofivestars.Theratings,whicharealsoavailableonline,coverhealthinspections,staffing,andqualitymeasures.
www.medicare.gov/nhcompare/home.asp800 MedicaRe 800.633.4227
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elder abuse
EachcountyinCaliforniahasanAdultProtectiveServicesofficetohelpadultsover65whoareunabletomeettheirownneedsorarevictimsofabuse,neglect,orexploitation.Checkyourphonebookundercountygovernmentforthephonenumberoftheofficeinyourcounty.AlistofofficesthroughouttheStateisavailableonlinefromtheDepartmentofSocialServices.www.dss.cahwnet.gov/pdf/apscolist.pdf
free publication: Citizens Guide to Preventing and Reporting Elder Abuseoffersguidanceonwaysseniorsandtheircaretakerscanidentifythesignsofelderabuse.Thepublicationisavailableonline.http://ag.ca.gov/bmfea/pdfs/citizens_guide.pdf
fiduciariesSeeMoney.
health insurance counseling
TheCaliforniaDepartmentofAging’sHealthInsuranceCounselingandAdvocacyProgram(HICAP)providespersonalizedcounseling,communityeducation,andoutreachforMedicarebeneficiariesandtheirfamilies.Counselorscanhelpyouchooseorenrollinaprescriptiondrugplan,fileMedicareclaims,purchaselong-termcareinsurance,andmore.Theadviceisfreeandimpartial.Callformoreinformationortoscheduleaprivate,confidentialappointmentwithacounselor.800.434.0222www.aging.ca.gov/hicap
hearing aid dispensersSeeHealth.
home modifications and home safety
TheCaliforniaDepartmentofAginghasinforma-tiononhomemodificationsthatcanhelpseniorsremainsafeandindependentintheirhomes.www.aging.ca.gov/resources/home_housing/home_safety_and_housing.asp800.510.2020housing
TheU.S.DepartmentofHousingandUrbanDevelopmenthasinformationonaffordableseniorhousing.www.hud.gov
TheEldercareLocatorisanationwidedirec-toryassistanceservicetohelpolderpersonsandcaregiverslocateresources,includinghousingresourcesinyourarea.www.eldercare.gov/eldercare/Public/Home800.677.1116
AreaAgenciesonAging(AAA)haveinforma-tiononseniorhousing.GoonlineorcalltofindanAAAofficeinyourarea.www.aging.ca.gov/local_aaa/aaa_listing.asp800.510.2020
identity theftSeeIntroduction.
in-home supportive services
In-HomeSupportiveServicesmayhelppayforservicesprovidedtoseniorssotheycanremainsafelyintheirownhomes.Incomeandotherrestrictionsapply.Acountysocialworkerwillinterviewseniorsattheirhometodetermineeligibilityandneedforservices.Checkyourlocalphonedirectoryundercountygovernmentforyourcounty’ssocialservicesoffice.
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long-term care insuranceSeeInsurance.
long-term care ombudsman
TheCaliforniaStateLong-TermCareOmbuds-manPrograminvestigatesandtriestoresolvecomplaintsmadeby,oronbehalfof,individualresidentsinlong-termcarefacilities.Thesefacili-tiesincludenursinghomes,residentialcarefacili-tiesfortheelderly,andassisted-livingfacilities.Theprogramalsomaintainsacrisishotline.www.aging.ca.gov/programs/ombudsman.asp800.231.4024
medicareSeeInsurance.
Nutrition services
AreaAgenciesonAging(AAA)haveinforma-tiononfoodandnutritionservicesforseniors.GoonlineorcalltofindanAAAofficeinyourarea.www.aging.ca.gov/local_aaa/aaa_listing.asp800.510.2020
Prescription drugsSeeHealthandMedicalCare.
Retirement homes
Youcanfindtipsonhowtoselectaretirementhome(alsoknownasboardandcarehomes)andsearchforafacilityontheCaliforniaDepartmentofSocialServices’CommunityCareLicensingDivisionWebsite.www.ccld.ca.gov
senior california consumer Resource center
TheDepartmentofConsumerAffairssponsorstheonlineSeniorCaliforniaConsumerResourceCenter,whichofferslinkstoassistanceinforma-tionforseniorconsumers.www.dca.ca.gov/consumer/seniors/[email protected]
senior legal hotline
ThenonprofitSeniorLegalHotlineprovidesfree,confidentiallegaladvicebyphoneonconsumerissuesandothertopicsforCaliforniaresidentsover60.Thehotlinealsooffersmediationbyphone.Goonlineorcalltoscheduleanappointment.www.seniorlegalHotlineline.org800.222.1753 or 916.551.2140
senior ResourcesTheFederalgovernmentmaintainsaWebsitewithlinkstoavarietyofinformationandservicesforseniorsandthosewhocareforthem.www.usa.gov/Topics/seniors.shtml800.fedinfo or 800.333.4636
seniors and investment fraudSeeMoney.
social security
Informationonservices,programs,andeligibilityisavailableonlineorbyphone.IfyouneedtovisitaSocialSecurityofficeinperson,checkyourlocalphonedirectoryforanofficenearyou.www.socialsecurity.gov800.772.1213Tdd 800.325.0778
Tip:TheBenefitEligibilityScreeningToolontheSocialSecurityWebsitecanhelpyoufindoutifyoumaybeeligibleforSocialSecuritybenefits.Ifyouwouldliketoapplyforbenefitsafterviewingtheresultsofyourscreening,youcanfileanapplicationonline.
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Call211toconnectwithcommunityservicesnearyou–childcare,seniorservices,counseling,food,shelter,jobservices,andmore.Theserviceisavailableinmostcounties.Moreinformationabouttheserviceisavailableonline.www.ca.gov/211directory.html
adoptionSeeChildren.
adult Protective servicesSeeSeniors. aids/hiv ProgramsSeeHealthandMedicalCare.
calwoRks
TheCaliforniaWorkOpportunityandResponsibil-itytoKids(CalWORKs)isacashaidprogramthathelpslow-incomefamiliesmeettheirbasicneeds.Itprovideseducation,employment,andtrain-ingprogramstohelpfamiliesgetjobsandmovetowardself-sufficiency.Childcare,transportation,workexpenses,andcounselingareavailableforfamiliesparticipatingintheprogram.Findmoreinformationfromyourcountywelfaredepartment.Checkyourphonebookundercountygovernmentforcontactinformation.
deaf access Program
TheCaliforniaDepartmentofSocialServices’DeafAccessProgramhelpsmeetthecommunica-tionneedsofdeafandhearing-impairedchildren,adults,andfamilies.Servicesareavailablestatewidethrougheightregionalnonprofitorganizations.Formoreinformationandalistofproviders,goonline,call,orwrite.www.cdss.ca.gov/cdssweb/deafaccess_216.htm916.653.8320 or Tdd 916.653.7651
California Department of Social ServicesOfficeofDeafAccess744PSt.,MS11-91Sacramento,CA95814
developmental disabilities
TheCaliforniaDepartmentofDevelopmentalServicesprovidesservicestoindividualswithdevelopmentaldisabilitiesandtheirfamiliesthrough21RegionalCenterswithmorethan40officesthroughouttheState.Formoreinforma-tion,goonline,call,orwrite.www.dds.ca.gov/Rc/Home.cfm916.654.1690 or Tdd 916.654.2054
Department of Developmental Services1600NinthSt.P.O.Box944202Sacramento,CA94244-2020
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drug and alcohol addictionSeeHealthandMedicalCare.
food banks and Rescue ProgramsAlistoffoodbanksandrescueprogramsthrough-outCaliforniaisavailableonline.www.ciwmb.ca.gov/reuse/links/food.htm
TheCaliforniaAssociationofFoodBankshasinformationonfoodbanksthroughoutCalifornia.www.cafoodbanks.org
food stamps
TheFoodStampProgramisaFederalprogramthathelpslow-incomepeoplebuyhealthfulfood.Therearemorethan240foodstampofficesinCaliforniaoperatedbycountywelfaredepart-ments.Checkyourphonedirectoryundercountygovernmentforonofficeinyourarea.Generalinformationaboutfoodstampsisavailableonline.www.dss.cahwnet.gov/foodstamps/default.htm
foster careSeeChildren.
healthy families ProgramSeeInsurance.
medi-calMedi-Calpaysforhealthcareforpeopleonpublicassistanceandothermedicallyneedyindividu-alswholiveinCalifornia.Foreligibilityandotherinformation,consumersshouldcontacttheircounty’ssocialservicesoffice.SeeyourphonedirectoryunderCountyOfficesforcontactin-formation.Medi-CalconsistsofmanyseparateprogramsthatassistCaliforniansinvariousfamilyandmedicalsituations.WhenyouapplyforMedi-Cal,theinformationyouprovideandanyrequiredverificationwillbeusedtodeterminethepro-gramsyouqualifyforandwhichonesarebestforyouandyourfamily.
Problem GamblingSeeContests,Lotteries,andGambling.
services for visually impaired TheCaliforniaDepartmentofSocialServices’OfficeofServicestotheBlindprovidesinforma-tiononservices,programs,andproductshelpfultoindividualswhoareblindorvisuallyimpaired,theirfamilies,orserviceproviders.
www.cdss.ca.gov916.657.3327
Office of Services to the Blind744PSt.,MS11-94Sacramento,CA95814
free Publication:Handbook of Resources and Services for Persons Who Are Visually Impairedisacomprehensivedirectoryofsocial,financial,medical,andtechnologicalservicesandprod-uctsavailablethroughouttheState.Callforafreecopy.916.657.3327
veterans
TheCaliforniaDepartmentofVeteransAffairsassistsCaliforniaveteransandtheirfamiliesinobtainingbenefitsandservices.www.veterans.ca.gov800.952.5626Tdd 800.324.5966
victim assistance ProgramsSeeCrimeandSafety.
women, infants, and children Program
TheWomen,Infants,andChildren(WIC)Programisanutritionprogramthathelpslow-incomepregnantwomen,newmothersandyoungchil-dreneatwellandstayhealthy.CheckyourphonedirectoryundercountygovernmentfortheWICofficenearestyou.Forinformationoneligibilityandhowtoapplyforbenefitsgoonlineorcall.www.wicworks.ca.gov888.WicWoRKs or 888.942.9675
Youth crisis hotlines
California Coalition for Youth Crisis Line800.843.5200www.youthcrisisline.orgCovenant House Nineline800.999.9999www.covenanthouse.org
National Runaway Switchboard800.RunaWaY or 800.786.2929www.1800runaway.org
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boxing
TheCaliforniaStateAthleticCommission(CSAC)hasjurisdictionoverprofessionalandamateurboxinginCalifornia.CSAClicensesandregulatesboxers,referees,judges,trainers,matchmakers,andpromoters.Formoreinformation,contactCSAC.www.dca.ca.gov/csac916.263.2195
California State Athletic Commission2005EvergreenSt.,Suite2010Sacramento,CA95815
martial arts/kickboxing
TheCaliforniaStateAthleticCommission(CSAC)hasjurisdictionoverprofessionalandamateurmartialartsandkickboxinginCalifornia.CSAClicensesandregulatesathletes,referees,judges,trainers,matchmakers,andpromoters.
Formoreinformation,contactCSAC.www.dca.ca.gov/csac916.263.2195
California State Athletic Commission2005EvergreenSt.,Suite2010Sacramento,CA95815
sports safety
TheAmericanCollegeofSportsMedicinehastipsforyouthandadultsonstayingsafewhileplayingsportsandexercising.www.acsm.org317.637.9200
winter sports
TheCaliforniaTravelandTourismCommissionsponsorsaWebsitewithinformationonsnowsportsaroundtheState.www.visitcaliforniasnow.com
TheCaliforniaDepartmentofParksandRecre-ationoperates19SNO-PARKsitesthatprovidesnow-clearedparkinglotswithsanitationfacili-tiesandaccesstosnowplayareas,cross-countryskiing,andsnowmobiletrails.Permitsarerequired.AlistofvendorsandinformationonhowtopurchaseapermitbymailareavailableontheWebsite.www.ohv.parks.ca.gov916.324.1222
Youth sports
TheNationalYouthSportsSafetyFoundationhasanewsletterwithsafetytipsandfactsaboutsportsinjuryprevention.Foracopy,goonlinetowww.nyssf.org,call617.367.6677,orwriteto:
The National Youth Sports Safety FoundationOneBeaconSt.,Suite3333Boston,MA02108
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airline delays, canceled flights, and overbookingApublicationfromtheU.S.DepartmentofTrans-portationhasinformationforconsumersontheirrightswhentravelingoncommercialairlines.Fly Rights: A Consumer Guide to Air Travelhasbeenupdatedtoincludenewconsumerprotectionssuchasthethree-hourlimitontarmacdelaysfordomesticflights.Thepublicationisavailableonline.Toobtainaprintedcopy,sendane-mailorlettertotheDepartmentofTransportation.SpecifyitemnumberX0111A.http://airconsumer.dot.gov/publications/[email protected]
DOT Warehouse3341-Q75thAve.Lanham,MD20785
airport securityForinformationaboutairportsecurity,includ-ingprohibiteditems,howtopackanddresstostreamlinesecuritychecks,contacttheU.S.TransportationSecurityAdministration.TheWebsitehasinformationonaveragewaittimesatspecificairports.www.tsa.gov 866.289.9673
airport shuttles
TheCaliforniaPublicUtilitiesCommission(CPUC)issuespermitsorcertificatestoairportshuttlesthatoperateinCalifornia.CompaniesmustdisplaytheirCPUCfilenumberontheirvehiclesandinadvertisements.Toverifyalicense,orfileacomplaint,contacttheCPUC.www.cpuc.ca.gov800.894.9444
air travel complaints
ConsumerswithcomplaintsaboutairlineserviceshouldcontacttheU.S.DepartmentofTranspor-tation’sAviationConsumerProtectionDivision.http://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov202.366.0511
Consumerswithconcernsaboutairlinesafety,shouldcontacttheFederalAviationAdministration.www.faa.gov/passengers/travel_problems/con-sumer_hotline866.Tell.faa or 866.835.5322
Consumerswithconcernsaboutairlinesecurity,shouldcontacttheTransportationSecurityAd-ministration.www.tsa.gov/travelrs/customer/index.htm866.289.9673
bicycling
TheCaliforniaBicycleCoalitionisanonprofiteducationalandlobbyingorganizationworkingtoimprovebicyclingconditionsthroughoutCalifor-nia.TheCoalitionhasresourcesandinformationonbicyclingfortransportationandrecreation.www.calbike.org916.446.7558
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TheDepartmentofMotorVehicleshasinforma-tiononbicyclesafety,rulesandregulations.Findtheinformationonline.www.dmv.ca.gov/about/bicycle.htm
california tourism
TheCaliforniaTravelandTourismCommissionhasinformationandpublicationsontraveldestinations,drivingtours,andattractionsinCalifornia.www.visitcalifornia.com
charter buses
TheCaliforniaPublicUtilitiesCommission(CPUC)issuescertificatesorpermitstocharterbusesthatoperateinCalifornia.CompaniesmustdisplaytheirCPUCfilenumberontheirvehiclesandinadvertisements.Tocheckalicenseorfileacomplaint,contactCPUC.www.cpuc.ca.gov800.894.9444
crossing the u.s. border
Detailsontraveldocumentsrequiredtoenterorre-entertheUnitedStatesareavailablefromtheU.S.CustomsandBorderProtectionOffice.www.customs.ustreas.gov
U.S.CustomsandBorderProtectionOfficehasinformationonwaittimesatmajorU.S.airportsandbordercrossings.SpecificareavailableontheWebsite.www.cbp.gov
cruises
Ifyouhaveaproblemwhileonacruise,travelexpertsadvisecontactingthecruiseline’sonboardguestservicesdeskfirst.Keepinmindthatremediesofferedmaybecreditsforonboardservicesoradiscountonafuturecruise.
Ifyou’reconcernedabouthealthandsanitationonacruiseship,theU.S.CentersforDiseaseControl’sVesselSanitationProgramhasresultsofrecenthealthinspectionsonindividualcruiseshipsandinformationonhowtohelpstayhealthywhileonacruise.Informationisavailableonlineorbyphone.www.cdc.gov/travel800.cdc.info or 800.232.4636
to stay healthy while on a cruise, experts recommend that you:
• Ensurethatyourrecommended immunizationsareuptodate.
• Washyourhandsfrequentlyfor20seconds withsoapandwater.Ifthereisnosoapand wateravailable,useanalcohol-basedhand sanitizer,withatleast60percentalcohol,to cleanyourhands.
customs inspections
U.S.CustomsandBorderProtectionhandlesthescreeningoftravelersatairportsandbordercrossings.Whenyoutraveloutofthecountry,anythingyoubringbackwithyouthatyoudidnothavewhenyoulefttheUnitedStatesmustbedeclared.Detailsareavailableonline.www.customs.ustreas.gov
limousines
TheCaliforniaPublicUtilitiesCommission(CPUC)issuescertificatesandpermitstolimou-sinesthatoperateinCalifornia.CompaniesmustdisplaytheirCPUCfilenumberontheirvehiclesandinadvertisements.Tocheckapermitorfileacomplaint,contacttheCPUC.www.cpuc.ca.gov800.877.8867(tocheckapermit)800.894.9444(tofileacomplaint)
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off-highway vechiclesSeeRecreation.
Passports
PassportsareissuedbytheU.S.StateDepart-ment.Applicationsareavailableatmostpostoffices.Forinformationonpassportrequirements,andwheretoapplyforapassport,goonlineorcalltheNationalPassportInformationCenter.http://travel.state.gov877.4usa.PPT or 877.487.2778
RailroadsSeeTrains.
Renting or leasing a vehicleSeeCarsandDrivers.
Road/traffic conditionsSeeCarsandDrivers.
sellers of travel
Californialawrequiresallsellersoftraveltoregis-terwiththeOfficeoftheAttorneyGeneralandtodisplaytheregistrationnumberonalladvertising.Formoreinformation,toconfirmregistration,orfileacomplaint,contacttheOfficeoftheAttorneyGeneral.http://ag.ca.gov/travel213.897.8065
Seller of Travel Registration Unit300SouthSpringSt.LosAngeles,CA90013
traveler health and warnings
TheU.S.CentersforDiseaseControlandPreventionhasinformationonhealth-relatedissuesforspecificoverseasdestinations.Goonlinetowww.cdc.gov/travel orcall800.cdc.info or 800.232.4636 fortipsonhealthconcernsfortravelers.
health tips for travelers include the following:
• Ensurethatrecommendedimmunizationsare uptodate.
• Washyourhandsfrequentlyfor20seconds withsoapandwater.Ifthereisnosoapand wateravailable,useanalcohol-basedhand sanitizer,withatleast60percentalcohol,to cleanyourhands.
TravelwarningsareissuedwhentheU.S.StateDepartmentrecommendsthatU.S.citizensavoidacertaincountry.Thewarningsandconsularinformationsheetsareavailableonlineorbyphone.www.travel.state.gov888.407.4747
taxis
Taxicompaniesareregulatedbycitiesorcoun-ties.AlltaxicompaniesoperatinginCaliforniaarerequiredtoincludetheirtaxicertificate,license,andpermitnumberinanyadvertisement.Complaintsshouldbedirectedtotheregulatingagency.Herearesomeofthem:
• CityofLosAngelesTaxiServices www.taxicabsla.org 800.501.0999
• SanFranciscoMunicipalTransportation Agency www.sfmta.com 311 (within san francisco) or 415.701.2311 • SanDiegoMetropolitanTransitSystem www.sdmts.com 619.235.2650
travel insuranceSeeInsurance.
trainsForinformationaboutCaliforniaandnationalAmtrakroutes,goonlineorcallAmtrak.www.amtrakcalifornia.com or www.amtrak.com800.usa.Rail or 800.872.7245
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AccordingtotheCaliforniaSecretaryofState’sOffice,youmayregistertovoteinCaliforniaifyoumeetthefollowingcriteria:
• YouareaU.S.citizen.
• YouarearesidentofCalifornia.
• Youareatleast18yearsold(orwillbebythe dateofthenextelection).
• Youarenotinprisonoronparolefor convictionofafelony.
• Youhavenotbeenjudgedbyacourttobe mentallyincompetenttoregisterandvote.
Toregistertovote,youmustcompleteavoterregistrationform.Formsareavailableatpublic
libraries,postoffices,DepartmentofMotorVe-hiclesoffices,colleges,countyregistrarofvotersoffices,andotherpublicvenues.Thedeadlinetoregistertovoteis15daysbeforeeachlocalandstatewideElectionDay.Youwillhavetore-regis-tereachtimeyouchangeyouraddress.Registra-tioninformationisavailablefromtheSecretaryofState’sOffice.www.ss.ca.gov800.345.voTe or 800.345.8683
information is available in languages other than english, including the following:
Chinese..................................... 800.339.2857
Japanese................................... 800.339.2865
Korean....................................... 866.575.1558
Spanish...................................800.232.VOTA
Tagalog..................................... 800.339.2957
Vietnamese.............................. 800.339.8163
voter information Guides
OfficialVoterInformationGuidesarepreparedbytheSecretaryofState’sOffice.Guidesareavail-ableinmultiplelanguagesandinanaudioformat.www.voterguide.sos.ca.gov
TheLeagueofWomenVotersEducationFundprovidesnonpartisanelectioninformation,includ-ingaguidetocandidatesandballotpropositions.Informationisavailableinmultiplelanguages.www.smartvoter.orgwww.easyvoter.org888.870.8683
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business licenses
TheCaliforniaEnvironmentalProtectionAgencysponsorsacomputerdatabasecalledCalGOLDtohelpyoudeterminewhichpermitsorlicensesareneededforawidevarietyofbusinesses.Thedatabasehasinformationonagenciesthatadministerandissuebusinesspermits,licenses,andregistrationsfromalllevelsofStateandFederalgovernment.Itincludesdescriptionsoftherequirements,thenames,addresses,andtelephonenumbersoftheagenciesthathandlethoserequirementsand,inmostcases,adirectlinktotheagencies’Webpages.www.calgold.ca.gov
corporation, company, or Partnership filings
InformationonthetypesofbusinessfilingsandtheformsrequiredforeachisavailablefromtheSecretaryofState’sOffice.www.ss.ca.gov/business/business.htm
Governor’s office of economic development (Goed)
Governor’sOfficeofEconomicDevelopment(GoED),createdinApril2010,isaone-stopshoptohelpsmallandlargebusinesseswiththeinforma-tionandresourcestheyneedtoinvest,succeed,andexpandinCalifornia.Theofficecanhelpbusi-nessesnavigateStaterequirementsonlicenses,permits,taxes,andothermatters.Theofficealsohasinformationonmorethan100individualeco-nomicdevelopmentprogamsandservicesavail-abletobusinesses.www.business.ca.gov877.345.Goed or [email protected]
Resale certificatesInformationonresalecertificatesandseller’spermitsisavailablefromtheStateBoardofEqualization.www.boe.ca.gov/info/reg.htm800.400.7115
state small business certification and disabled veteran business enterprise
BusinessescertifiedunderCalifornia’sSmallBusi-nessCertificationandtheDisabledVeteranBusi-nessEnterpriseprogramsmaybeentitledtobidpreferencesorincentivesinStatecontractingopportunities.ApplicationsareavailableonlinefromtheDepartmentofGeneralServices.www.getcertified.dgs.ca.gov800.559.5529 or 916.375.4940
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Department of General ServicesOffice of Small Business and DVBE ServicesRoom1-400P.O.Box989052WestSacramento,CA95798-9052
taxes
TheonlineCaliforniaTaxServiceCenter,spon-soredbytheCaliforniaFedStatePartnership,hastaxinformationforbusinessesandindividuals.TheWebsitealsohasaSmallBusinessAssis-tanceCenterwithlinkstootherinformation.www.taxes.ca.gov
fedeRal
business.govAFederalgovernmentWebsitesponsoredbytheU.S.SmallBusinessAdministrationhaslinkstoinformationonbusinesslaws,governmentregula-tions,forms,greenbusinessresources,workplacesafety,andmore.www.business.gov
small business administration
TheU.S.SmallBusinessAdministration(SBA)hasmaterialstoassistbusinessownersorconsumersinterestedinstartingtheirownbusinesses.TheSBASmallBusinessPlannercoversallstagesofabusi-ness,fromplanningtoexiting.www.sba.gov/smallbusinessplanner/index.html 800.uasKsba or 800.827.5722
small business development centers
SmallBusinessDevelopmentCenters(SBDC)providefree,face-to-facebusinessconsulting,andat-costtrainingonwritingbusinessplans,accessingcapital,marketing,regulatorycompliance,internationaltrade,andmore.Therearemorethan40SBDCsinCalifornia.www.asbdc-us.org/index.htmlhttp://sbdcnet.org/sbdc.php800.689.1912
small business taxesInformation,forms,andresourcesonFederaltaxrequirementsforsmallbusinesses(includingself-employedpeople)areavailableonlinefromBusiness.govandtheInternalRevenueService(IRS).www.business.gov/manage/taxes/www.irs.gov800.829.1040
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dca boaRds, buReaus, aNd PRoGRams
California Board of Accountancy2000EvergreenSt.,Suite250Sacramento,CA95815www.dca.ca.gov/cba916.263.3680Acupuncture Board 444North3rdSt.,Suite260Sacramento,CA95811www.acupuncture.ca.gov916.445.3021
Arbitration Certification Program 1625NorthMarketBlvd.,SuiteN-112Sacramento,CA95834www.dca.ca.gov/acp800.952.5210or916.574.7350
California Architects Board2420DelPasoRoad,Suite105Sacramento,CA95834www.cab.ca.gov916.574.7220
California State Athletic Commission2005EvergreenSt.,Suite2010Sacramento,CA95815www.dca.ca.gov/csac916.263.2195
Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR)10240SystemsParkwaySacramento,CA95827www.smogcheck.ca.gov800.952.5210
BAR - Bakersfield3331NorthSillectAve.Bakersfield,CA93308661.335.7400
BAR - Culver City6035BristolParkway,Suite100CulverCity,CA92030310.410.0024
BAR - Fresno4152WestSwiftAve.,Suite104Fresno,CA93722559.445.5015
BAR - Hercules625AlfredNobelDrive,SuiteAHercules,CA94547510.964.3030
BAR - Placentia701KimberlyAve.,Suite120Placentia,CA92870714.961.7940
BAR - Riverside1450IowaAve.,Suite150Riverside,CA92507951.782.4250
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BAR - San Diego16855WestBernardoDrive,Suite112SanDiego,CA92127858.716.1025
BAR - San Jose1361SouthWinchesterBlvd.,Suite206SanJose,CA95128408.277.1860
BAR - South El Monte1180DurfeeAve.,Suite120SouthElMonte,CA91733626.575.6934
BAR - South San Francisco395OysterPoint,Suite102SouthSanFrancisco,CA94080650.827.2074
BAR - Valencia27202TurnberryLane,Suite250Valencia,CA91355661.702.6600
Complaint Resolution Program1625NorthMarketBlvd.,SuiteS-202Sacramento,CA95834916.574.7950
1180DurfeeAve.,Suite125SouthElMonte,CA91733626.575.7037
3737MainSt.,Suite650Riverside,CA92501951.782.4263
22320FoothillBlvd.,Suite500Hayward,CA94541510.888.7062
Board of Barbering and Cosmetology2420DelPasoRoad,Suite100Sacramento,CA95834www.barbercosmo.ca.gov800.952.5210or916.574.7570
Board of Behavioral Sciences1625NorthMarketBlvd.,SuiteS-200Sacramento,CA95834www.bbs.ca.gov916.574.7830
Cemetery and Funeral Bureau1625NorthMarketBlvd.,SuiteS-208Sacramento,CA95834www.cfb.ca.gov800.952.5210or916.574.7870
Contractors State License Board (CSLB)9821BusinessParkDriveSacramento,CA95827www.cslb.ca.gov800.321.2752or916.255.3900
CSLB - Fresno1277EastAlluvialAve.,Suite106Fresno,CA93720800.321.2752
CSLB - San Francisco301JuniperoSerraBlvd.,Suite206SanFrancisco,CA94127-2666800.321.2752
CSLB - Oakland1515ClaySt.,Suite1105Oakland,CA94612800.321.2752
CSLB - Santa Rosa50DSt.,Room400SantaRosa,CA95404800.321.2752
CSLB - Norwalk12501EastImperialHighway,Suite600Norwalk,CA90650800.321.2752
CSLB - San Bernardino1845BusinessCenterDrive,Suite206SanBernardino,CA92408800.321.2752
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CSLB - San Diego9246LightwaveAve.SanDiego,CA92123800.321.2752
CSLB - Valencia28480AvenueStanford,Suite120Valencia,CA91355800.321.2752
CSLB - West Covina100NorthBarrancaSt.,Suite300WestCovina,CA91791800.321.2752
Court Reporters Board of California2535CapitolOaksDrive,Suite230Sacramento,CA95833www.courtreportersboard.ca.gov877.3Ask.CRBor877.327.5272
Dental Board of California2005EvergreenSt.,Suite1550Sacramento,CA95815www.dbc.ca.gov877.729.7789or916.263.2300
Dental Hygiene Committee of California2005EvergreenSt.,Suite1050Sacramento,CA95815www.dhcc.ca.gov916.263.1978
Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair, Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation3485OrangeGroveAve.,SuiteANorthHighlands,CA95660www.bearhfti.com916.574.2069
Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists2535CapitolOaksDrive,Suite300Sacramento,CA95833www.pels.ca.gov866.780.5370
Professional Fiduciaries Bureau1625NorthMarketBlvd.,SuiteS-208Sacramento,CA95834www.fiduciary.ca.gov916.574.7340
State Board of Guide Dogs for the Blind1625NorthMarketBlvd.,SuiteS-202Sacramento,CA95834www.guidedogboard.ca.gov866.512.9103or916.574.7825
Landscape Architects Technical Committee2420DelPasoRoad,Suite105Sacramento,CA95834www.latc.ca.gov916.575.7230
Medical Board of California (MBC)2005EvergreenSt.,Suite1200Sacramento,CA95815www.mbc.ca.gov800.633.2322
MBC - Cerritos12750CenterCourtDriveSouth,Suite750Cerritos,CA90703562.402.4668
MBC - Fresno1277AlluvialAve.,Suite250FresnoCA93720559.447.3050
MBC - Glendale320ArdenAve.,Suite250Glendale,CA91203818.551.2117
MBC - Pleasant Hill3478Buskirk,Suite217PleasantHill,CA94523-4326925.937.1900
MBC - Rancho Cucamonga9166AnaheimPlace,Suite110RanchoCucamongaCA91730909.476.7146
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MBC - San Bernardino464West4thSt.,Suite429SanBernardino,CA92401909.383.4755
MBC - San Diego4995MurphyCanyonRoad,Suite203SanDiego,CA92123858.467.6830
MBC - San Dimas160ViaVerde,Suite230SanDimas,CA91773909.421.5800
MBC - San Jose1735TechnologyDrive,Suite800SanJose,CA95110-1313408.437.3680
MBC - Tustin15641RedhillAve.,Suite215Tustin,CA92780714.247.2126
MBC - Valencia27202TurnberryLane,Suite280Valencia,CA91355661.295.3397
Naturopathic Medicine Committee1300NationalDrive,Suite150Sacramento,CA95834www.naturopathic.ca.gov916.574.7991
California Board of Occupational Therapy2005EvergreenSt.,Suite2050Sacramento,CA95815www.bot.ca.gov916.263.2294
State Board of Optometry2420DelPasoRoad,Suite255Sacramento,CA95834www.optometry.ca.gov916.575.7170
Osteopathic Medical Board of California1300NationalDrive,Suite150Sacramento,CA95834-1991www.ombc.ca.gov916.928.8390
California State Board of Pharmacy1625NorthMarketBlvd.,SuiteN-219Sacramento,CA95834www.pharmacy.ca.gov916.574.7900
Physical Therapy Board of California2005EvergreenSt.Suite1350Sacramento,CA95815www.ptb.ca.gov916.561.8200
Physician Assistant Committee2005EvergreenSt.,Suite1100Sacramento,CA95815www.pac.ca.gov916.561.8780
California Board of Podiatric Medicine2005EvergreenSt.,Suite1300Sacramento,CA95815www.bpm.ca.gov916.263.2647
Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education2535CapitolOaksDrive,Suite400Sacramento,CA95833888.370.7589916.431.6959
California Board of Psychology2005EvergreenSt.,Suite1400Sacramento,CA95815www.psychboard.ca.gov916.263.2699
Board of Registered Nursing1625NorthMarketBlvd.,SuiteN-217Sacramento,CA95834-1924www.rn.ca.gov916.322.3350
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Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board2005EvergreenSt.,Suite2100Sacramento,CA95815www.speechandhearing.ca.gov916.263.2666
Respiratory Care Board of California444NorthThirdSt.,Suite270Sacramento,CA95811www.rcb.ca.gov866.375.0386or916.323.9983
Bureau of Security and Investigative Services2420DelPasoRoad,Suite270Sacramento,CA95834www.dca.ca.gov/bsis800.952.5210or916.322.4000
Telephone Medical Advice Services Bureau1625NorthMarketBlvd.,SuiteS-202Sacramento,CA95834www.dca.ca.gov/tmas916.574.7992
Veterinary Medical Board2005EvergreenSt.,Suite2250Sacramento,CA95815-3831www.vmb.ca.gov916.263.2610
Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians2535CapitolOaksDrive,Suite205Sacramento,CA95833www.bvnpt.ca.gov916.263.7800
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Accountants .............................................................................................................................California Board of Accountancy
Acupuncturists .................................................................................................................................................Acupuncture Board
Agricultural Engineers ........................................ Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists
Animal Health Technicians ...............Veterinary Medical Board and Registered Veterinary Technician Committee
Appliance Repair .............Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair, Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation
Appliance Service Contracts ..........................................................................Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair, Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation
Appliance Service Contract Dealers ..........................................................Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair, Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation
Arbitration ................................................................................................................................. Arbitration Certification Program
Arborists ....................................................................................................................................Contractors State License Board
Architects .............................................................................................................................................California Architects Board
Armored Car Guards ....................................................................................Bureau of Security and Investigative Services
Audiologists ................................Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board
Auto Body and Fender Repair Shops .....................................................................................Bureau of Automotive Repair
Automobile Lamp and Brake Inspection Stations and Adjusters ..................................Bureau of Automotive Repair
Automobile Painting .....................................................................................................................Bureau of Automotive Repair
Automotive Radio and Stereo Installation and Repair ...........................Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair,
Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation
Auto Repair Shops ........................................................................................................................Bureau of Automotive Repair
Auto Security System Installation and Repair ...........................................Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair, Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation
Barber Shops, Barbers .............................................................................................. Board of Barbering and Cosmetology
Beauty Salons .............................................................................................................. Board of Barbering and Cosmetology
Bedding Flammability .......................................................................................Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair,
Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation
Bedding Manufacturers, Retailers, and Wholesalers ..............................Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair, Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation
Bedding Renovators, and Sanitizers ............................................................Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair, Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation
Boiler, Hot Water, Heating, and Steam Fitting Contractors .......................................Contractors State License Board
Boxers (Professional and Amateur) ......................................................................... California State Athletic Commission
Boxing Clubs (Professional and Amateur) ............................................................. California State Athletic Commission
Boxing Managers, Promoters, Matchmakers ........................................................ California State Athletic Commission
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Boxing Referees, Judges, Timekeepers, and Ringside Physicians ............... California State Athletic Commission
Building Moving and Demolition Contractors ..............................................................Contractors State License Board
Burglar Alarm Company Operators, Managers, and Agents ..........Bureau of Security and Investigative Services
Cabinet and Mill Work Contractors ..................................................................................Contractors State License Board
Car Alarms Installation and Repair ................................................................Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair, Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation
Car Stereos Installation and Repairs ............................................................Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair, Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation
Carpet Installers ......................................................................................................................Contractors State License Board
Carpenters and Carpentry Contractors ..........................................................................Contractors State License Board
Cell Phone Repair ..............................................................................................Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair, Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation
Cemetery Trust Funds ............................................................................................................. Cemetery and Funeral Bureau
Certified Public Accountants ............................................................................................. California Board of Accountancy
Chemical Engineers ........................................... Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists
Chemical Hair Services ............................................................................................. Board of Barbering and Cosmetology
Civil Engineers ..................................................... Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists
Clinical Social Workers ............................................................................................................. Board of Behavioral Sciences
Complaint Mediation ................................................................................................................. Complaint Mediation Program
Concrete Contractors .......................................................................................................... Contractors State License Board
Construction Debris Cleanup ............................................................................................ Contractors State License Board
Consumer Assistance Program (for Smog Check) ............................................................ Bureau of Automotive Repair
Contact Lens Dispensers .............................................................................................................. Medical Board of California
Control System Engineers ............................... Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists
Cosmetologists ............................................................................................................Board of Barbering and Cosmetology
Court Reporters and Court Reporting Schools....................................................... Court Reporters Board of California
Cremations ...................................................................................................................................Cemetery and Funeral Bureau
Crematories, Crematory Managers, and Cremated Remains Disposers ................Cemetery and Funeral Bureau
Custom Upholsterers .......................................................................................Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair,
Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation
Dental Hygienists .................................................................................................. Dental Hygiene Committee of California
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Dispensing Opticians ...................................................................................................................... Medical Board of California
Doctors of Podiatric Medicine ............................................................................... California Board of Podiatric Medicine
Drywall Contractors ...............................................................................................................Contractors State License Board
Earthwork and Paving Contractors ...................................................................................Contractors State License Board
Educational Psychologists ...................................................................................................... Board of Behavioral Sciences
Electrical Contractors ...........................................................................................................Contractors State License Board
Electrical Engineers ............................................ Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists
Electrical Sign Contractors .................................................................................................Contractors State License Board
Electrologists .................................................................................................................Board of Barbering and Cosmetology
Electroneuromyographers ......................................................................................... Physical Therapy Board of California
Elevator Contractors ............................................................................................................State Contractors License Board
Embalmers ..................................................................................................................................Cemetery and Funeral Bureau
Engineering Geologists .................................... Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists
Estheticians ...................................................................................................................Board of Barbering and Cosmetology
Eyeglasses Prescribed by Optometrist ........................................................................................State Board of Optometry
Eye Exam and Treatment by Ophthalmologist ....................................................................... Medical Board of California
Fencing Contractors ............................................................................................................Contractors State License Board
Fire Protection Contractors ................................................................................................Contractors State License Board
Fire Protection Engineers ................................. Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists
Firearms and Batons, Training Facilities, and Instructors .................Bureau of Security and Investigative Services
Flooring and Floor Covering Contractors .....................................................................Contractors State License Board
Funeral Directors and Funeral Establishments ................................................................Cemetery and Funeral Bureau
Funeral Pre-need Trust Funds ..............................................................................................Cemetery and Funeral Bureau
Funeral Services .........................................................................................................................Cemetery and Funeral Bureau
Furniture Manufacturers, Retailers, and Wholesalers .............................Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair, Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation
General Building Contractors ............................................................................................State Contractors License Board
General Engineering Contractors ....................................................................................State Contractors License Board
General Manufactured Housing Contractors ................................................................State Contractors License Board
Geologists .............................................................. Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists
Geophysicists ........................................................ Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists
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Geotechnical Engineers ................................... Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists
Glaziers and Glazing Contractors ....................................................................................Contractors State License Board
Guide Dog Instructors and Guide Dog Training Schools ......................................Board of Guide Dogs for the Blind
Hair Stylists .....................................................................................................................Board of Barbering and Cosmetology
Hearing Aid Dispensers .........Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board
Home Appliance Repairs .................................................................................Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair, Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation
Home Entertainment Systems Repair ..........................................................Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair, Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation
Home Improvement Salesperson ....................................................................................Contractors State License Board
Home Office Electronics Repair ....................................................................Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair, Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation
Hydrogeologists .................................................. Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists
Hypodermic Needle and Syringe Distributors .......................................................California State Board of Pharmacy
Industrial Engineers ............................................ Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists
Insulation and Acoustical Contractors ............................................................................Contractors State License Board
Insulation Manufacturers ................................................................................Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair, Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation
Kickboxers (Professional and Amateur) ................................................................. California State Athletic Commission
Kinesiological Electromyographers ........................................................................ Physical Therapy Board of California
Land Surveyors ..................................................... Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists
Landscape Architects ......................................................................................Landscape Architects Technical Committee
Landscape Contractors .......................................................................................................Contractors State License Board
Lathing Contractors ...............................................................................................................Contractors State License Board
Lemon Law ......................................................................................................................................Bureau of Automotive Repair
Licensed Vocational Nurses ................................................ Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians
Locksmiths and Locksmith Companies .................................................Bureau of Security and Investigative Services
Low-Voltage Systems Contractors ....................................................................................Contractors State License Board
Major Home Appliance Repair .....................................................................Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair,
Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation
Manicurists ....................................................................................................................Board of Barbering and Cosmetology
Manufacturing Engineers ................................. Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists
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Marriage, Family, and Child Counselors; Therapists; Interns ....................................... Board of Behavioral Sciences
Martial Arts Fights........................................................................................................... California State Athletic Commission
Martial Arts Fighters (Professional and Amateur) ............................................... California State Athletic Commission
Masonry Contractors ...........................................................................................................Contractors State License Board
Mechanical Engineers ....................................... Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists
Medical Assistants .......................................................................................................................... Medical Board of California
Medical Doctors and Surgeons ................................................................................................... Medical Board of California
Metal Roofing Contractors .................................................................................................Contractors State License Board
Metallurgical Engineers .................................... Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists
Midwives ............................................................................................................................................ Medical Board of California
Mixed Martial Arts Fighters and Promoters ........................................................... California State Athletic Commission
Motorcycle Repairs .......................................................................................................................Bureau of Automotive Repair
Naturopathic Doctors ......................................................................................................Naturopathic Medicine Committee
Nuclear Engineers .............................................. Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists
Nurse Anesthetists ...................................................................................................................... Board of Registered Nursing
Nurse Midwives ............................................................................................................................ Board of Registered Nursing
Nurse Practitioners ...................................................................................................................... Board of Registered Nursing
Occupational Therapists .......................................................................................................Board of Occupational Therapy
Optometrists and Optometric Corporations ........................................................................................ Board of Optometry
Ophthalmologists ............................................................................................................................. Medical Board of California
Opticians ............................................................................................................................................. Medical Board of California
Oral Maxilliofacial Surgeons ............................................................................................................Dental Board of California
Ornamental Metal Contractors ..........................................................................................Contractors State License Board
Orthodontists ........................................................................................................................................Dental Board of California
Osteopathic Doctors ..............................................................................................Osteopathic Medical Board of California
Painting and Decorating Contractors ..............................................................................Contractors State License Board
Painters, Home Exterior and Interior ................................................................................Contractors State License Board
Parking and Highway Improvement Contractors .........................................................Contractors State License Board
Petroleum Engineers ......................................... Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists
Pharmaceutical Wholesalers ........................................................................................California State Board of Pharmacy
Pharmacies .........................................................................................................................California State Board of Pharmacy
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Pharmacists, Pharmacy Interns and Pharmacy Technicians ..............................California State Board of Pharmacy
Photogrammetric Engineers ............................ Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists
Physical Therapists ........................................................................................................ Physical Therapy Board of California
Physician Assistants ................................................................................................................. Physician Assistant Committee
Physicians and Surgeons .............................................................................................................. Medical Board of California
Pipeline Contractors ..............................................................................................................Contractors State License Board
Plastering Contractors ..........................................................................................................Contractors State License Board
Plumbers and Plumbing Contractors ...............................................................................Contractors State License Board
Private Cemeteries and Private Cemetery Salespeople .............................................Cemetery and Funeral Bureau
Private Investigators ....................................................................................Bureau of Security and Investigative Services
Private Patrol Operators ............................................................................Bureau of Security and Investigative Services
Private Postsecondary Schools ..................................................................Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education
Psychiatric Technicians ........................................................ Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurses ........................................................................................... Board of Registered Nursing
Psychiatrists ...................................................................................................................................... Medical Board of California
Psychological Assistants ..........................................................................................................................Board of Psychology
Psychologists ...............................................................................................................................................Board of Psychology
Public Accountants ..................................................................................................................................Board of Accountancy
Public Health Nurses ................................................................................................................. Board of Registered Nursing
Quality Engineers .............................................. Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists
Refrigeration Contractors ..................................................................................................Contractors State License Board
Registered Nurses ...................................................................................................................... Board of Registered Nursing
Registered Veterinary Technicians ...........................................................Registered Veterinary Technician Committee
Reinforcing Steel Contractors ......................................................................................Contractors State License Board
Repair Service Contract Administration and Sales .................................Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair, Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation
Repossession Companies, Managers, and Employees ...................Bureau of Security and Investigative Services
Research Psychoanalysts .............................................................................................................. Medical Board of California
Residential Antenna Installation and Repair ..............................................Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair, Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation
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Respiratory Therapists ........................................................................................................................... Respiratory Care Board
Roofing Contractors ..............................................................................................................Contractors State License Board
Sanitation Systems ...............................................................................................................Contractors State License Board
Satellite Television Installation and Repairs ...............................................Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair, Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation
Security Guards ..................................................................................................Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair, Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation
Security System Installers ....................................................................................................Contractors State License Board
Security Training Facilities and Instructors ...........................................Bureau of Security and Investigative Services
Sheet Metal Contractors ....................................................................................................Contractors State License Board
Smog Check Stations and Technicians ..................................................................................Bureau of Automotive Repair
Social Workers, Licensed Clinical .......................................................................................... Board of Behavioral Sciences
Solar Contractors ...................................................................................................................Contractors State License Board
Specialty Contractors ............................................................................................................Contractors State License Board
Spectacle Lens Dispensers .......................................................................................................... Medical Board of California Speech-Language Pathologists.............................................................................Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board
Structural Engineers ............................................ Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists
Structural Steel Contractors ................................................................................................Contractors State License Board
Surgeons ............................................................................................................................................. Medical Board of California
Swimming Pool Contractors, Installers, Builders ..........................................................Contractors State License Board
Telephone Medical Advice Businesses ....................................................Telephone Medical Advice Services Bureau
Television Repairs ..............................................................................................Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair, Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation
Tile (Ceramic and Mosaic) Contractors ...........................................................................Contractors State License Board
Traffic Engineers ................................................... Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists
Tree Trimmers ..........................................................................................................................Contractors State License Board
Upholstered Furniture ......................................................................................Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair, Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation
Veterinarians ..........................................................................................................................................Veterinary Medical Board
118 | ResouRce & RefeRRal Guide
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Veterinary Hospitals ............................................................................................................................Veterinary Medical Board
Wallpaper Installers ...............................................................................................................Contractors State License Board
Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning Contractors .........................Contractors State License Board
Water Conditioning Contractors ........................................................................................Contractors State License Board
Welders .....................................................................................................................................Contractors State License Board
Well Drilling (Water) ...............................................................................................................Contractors State License Board
Window Coverings Installer ................................................................................................Contractors State License Board
department of consumer affairs
1625 north Market boulevard
sacramento, ca 95834
www.dca.ca.gov
OPDE | 06-090HSA