Certification time for small businesses cut from 6 months to one day

As part of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's promise to give California's small businesses and disabled veteran business enterprises (DVBEs) better access to the $9 billion annually in state contracts, Rosario Marin, Secretary of the State and Consumer Services Agency today introduced online certification for state contracting. This online process will dramatically reduce the time needed to certify small businesses and DVBEs for access to the bidding process. Previously, the process could take as long as six months. Now, it just takes one day for small businesses (SBs).

Southern California Gas Co. (The Gas Company) is encouraging customers to "call before they dig" to avoid hidden natural gas lines when pursuing projects in their yard, such as putting up a new wall or fence, planting or re-working landscaping, putting in a swimming pool, or other yard renovations.
"During the warmer months, many homeowners begin projects which require digging on their property," said Hal Snyder, vice president of gas transmission and distribution for The Gas Company. "Since gas lines that serve their home are located underground and out of sight, we urge homeowners to make a quick phone call to Underground Service Alert to have utilities marked. This will help them avoid unnecessary and costly damage, possible injury or service interruption."

Having a problem with your contractor? Do you know if the contractor’s license is valid? The Better Business Bureau (BBB) of the San Joaquin Valley found dozens of local unlicensed conducting work over the states limit.

Over several weeks, the BBB found unlicensed contractors soliciting for jobs that require a state license in local newspapers, magazines, and thrift books. The California State Contracting Board (CSLB) verified these contractors have no active license to conduct work over the states’ limit of $500. Any work over $500 needs to be performed by a licensed contractor to ensure they’re knowledgeable in their field, bonded, and have the proper insurance coverage if required.

EXPERIENCE YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK IN TWO AMAZING WAYS

Have you always wanted to experience Yosemite but have been put off by the usual travel worries like packing up the kids, long hours in the car or the rising price of gas? Well this summer, enjoy calm and hassle-free getaways by using Amtrak California to experience Yosemite in not one, but two fun and educational ways! First, ride the Amtrak San Joaquin train to Oakland and visit the Oakland Museum of California’s special art exhibition, Yosemite: Art of an American Icon. The exhibition, which was organized by the Museum of the American West, Autry National Center in Los Angeles, will be at the museum from May 19 through Aug. 26, 2007. Then, for a first hand experience, use the Amtrak San Joaquin train service to take you to the real thing, one of the California’s natural crown jewels-Yosemite National Park.