I contacted CLSB for the names of contractors, while time consuming you can search the site yourself

I have contacted the CLSB Information Officer  about why the contractors in the Eureka undercover sting were not named. The above screenshots are from the CLSB site.

My initial contact did not respond. So, I did a follow up and reached out to Ms. Katherine White, CLSB Chief of Public Affairs and she responded. 

"Records of complaints and investigations conducted by or on behalf of the Board are exempt from disclosure pursuant to California Government Code section 7923.600 (formerly section 6254(f)). In addition, pursuant to California Government Code section 7927.705, which incorporates California Evidence Code section 1040, the necessity for preserving the confidentiality of investigative materials outweighs the necessity for disclosure. See also California Government Code section 7922.000. To release complaints and investigative materials to the public would unnecessarily impede the ability of the Board in carrying out its oversight and regulatory functions and likely chill consumer reporting of unlawful activity. The Board has a legitimate interest in the disruptive and chilling effect that disclosure of its investigative materials would have on both its complaint handling process and the effective enforcement of the laws under its jurisdiction," said Ms. White.

This is a small community and that information is already circulating. While time consuming, there are ways to research that information. I just did one simple search and it generated 26 General Engineering contractors. All licenses are active, assuming that list has been updated. 

CSLB Press Release (2/13/24): 

The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) joined forces with the Humboldt County District Attorney's Office in a recent undercover operation targeting unlicensed contractors.  The sting operation was conducted in the Eureka area during severe storms in early February. It resulted in four individuals receiving a Notice to Appear in criminal court for allegedly conducting contracting activities without the required license. They now face fines and possible jail time. 

CSLB and law enforcement officials cited the four individuals for submitting bids that exceeded the legal limit of $500. The bids ranged from $1,400 for an interior paint project to $12,000 for deck work. 

According to California law, if unlicensed individuals advertise for construction contracting services, they must clearly state they are unlicensed and cannot bid on a contract for work valued at more than $500, including labor and materials.  

“It’s important to hire licensed contractors for any home improvement project, especially after a storm when unlicensed contractors may take advantage of consumers looking to repair their homes,” said David Fogt, CSLB Registrar. “That’s why CSLB educates consumers on how to protect themselves by hiring a licensed contractor – it takes just a few minutes to find a licensed contractor in California.” 

After this sting operation, one individual faces an additional recommended obstruction of justice charge. Investigators say this person posted information about the sting operation on social media right after leaving the sting after leaving the sting site despite being told not to do so.