FAIRFIELD, CA - A landscape contractor who said unlicensed landscapers are driving him out of business may actually help get some of them arrested.
Contractors State License Board spokesman Rick Lopes confirmed authorities are putting together a sting operation in Solano County as a result of multiple complaints lodged by Robert Acevedo, the sole proprietor of True Nature Landscape.
Lopes said a statewide hiring freeze has hampered enforcement of unlicensed activity.
Out of a total of 59 vacancies at the CSLB, half are in the enforcement division, according to Lopes. CSLB operations are funded by licensing fees and get no money from the state's general fund.
Lopes said the CSLB has been focusing its limited resources on busting the most egregious violators who are not just working without a license, but are also ripping off consumers.
Acevedo contacted News10 because he felt the state wasn't doing enough to protect licensed contractors from their unlicensed competitors.
Lopes watched the interview and was sympathetic to Acevedo's concerns.
"Part of our challenge is trying to keep the playing field level for the licensed, legitimate contractors," Lopes said. "Our eyes are open to what's happening in Solano County."
Lopes said several law enforcement agencies will join the CSLB in working with Acevedo to arrange a sting, who was delighted when notifed by News10 that his persistent complaints would pay off.
"That's great news," Acevedo said. "Wonderful."
By George Warren, gwarren@news10.net
News10/KXTV