FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: PUC Press Office, 415.703.1366, news@cpuc.ca.gov
PUC INVESTIGATIONS RESULT IN ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS AND FINES IMPOSED ON VARIOUS MOVING COMPANIES
SAN FRANCISCO, October 11, 2007 - During the third quarter of 2007, the California Public Utilities Commission's (PUC) Consumer Protection and Safety Division, Transportation Enforcement Section, took the following enforcement actions against moving companies for violations of the Public Utilities Code, and PUC rules and regulations including Maximum Rate Tariff 4 (MAX 4).
Administrative Citation
Three companies were cited and fined (totaling $7,250) for violations ranging from:
1. Operating during suspension of permit
2. Engaging employees without evidence of workers' compensation insurance coverage
3. Failing to comply with consumer protection rules in MAX 4 including No Not to Exceed price on documentation.
4. Failing to issue the "Important Notice About Your Move" document
Companies cited are:
1. Rand Robert Gordon dba Gordon Moving Services, Inc., Lake Forest (MTR 190301)
2. Jill Suzanne Hickerson dba Movers For Less, Huntington Beach (MTR-189115)
3. Kings Van Lines, Inc. Van Nuys, (MTR 190,069).
Phone Disconnection
PUC staff obtained a court order and disconnected the telephone service of an unlicensed Los Angeles moving company. The court found that the two specified numbers (800 # and 323 area code #) were used by Jacob Binstok dba A Admiral/JB Moving to violate criminal laws of the State of California. CPSD obtained an order "Finding of Probable Cause" signed by a Superior Court Judge. Binstok advertised moving services in at least three AT&T Yellow Pages directories (Airport Area, Los Angeles West Side, and Culver City/Marina Del Rey).
Criminal Filings
As a result of consumer complaints, PUC staff conducted an investigation and submitted a report to the Los Angeles City Attorney's requesting a criminal complaint be filed against these two unlicensed companies:
1. Hassan Velashjerdi dba LA Transport Moving Company Tarzana (MTR-190257) (Update) Case # 6CA02485. As a result of CPSD filing of a misdemeanor with Los Angeles City Attorney's Office back in mid 2006, carrier pled "nolo contendere" to 2 counts operating without a permit and failure to complete Important Notice to Shipper document. Defendant was placed on 36 months summary probation, ordered to pay restitution and other costs, and performed 20 consecutive days of Caltrans service. On September 20, 2007, defendant appeared with his attorney and stated that during the latter part of April, 2007, he injured his back working and is not able to perform any Cal Trans service. The judge listened to arguments from both parties and set the matter for a probation violation hearing on October 25, 2007.
2. Carrie Luree Beets and Conrad Ortiz dba Move Now Moving Systems, Los Angeles (MTR-Unlicensed) Case # 7CA02543. CPSD submitted a report requesting Los Angeles City Attorney's Office to file a misdemeanor against carrier for operating after revocation of its permit. Carrier was charged with 1 count of operations without a permit. Both defendants were present at arraignment on September 6, 2007. Ortiz pled no contest, and sentencing is as follows:
a. Placed on 36 months summary probation.
b. Performed 100 hours of community service, however, 50 hours would be reduced if Ortiz pays $331.34 in consumer restitution by a specified date.
c. Pay $1,000 in PUC investigation cost. Summary probation would be reduced by 12 months if payment is made by a specified date.
d. Ordered to stay 100 yards from complainant and have no contact with complainant.
Beets' case was dismissed but the City Attorney placed her on 1 year probation.
Official Notice
Two companies were issued Official Notice for one or more of these violations: advertised with an incorrect CPUC permit number and company name in its yellow pages advertisements, failed to include a "Not to exceed price", not responding to loss and damage claims, and applying hourly rates to long distance moves. Companies cited are:
1. All American Moving and Storage, Inc., San Jose (MTR-189,335)
2. Hollywood Moving and Storage, Canoga Park (MTR-189467-Active).
Cease and Desist Notice
PUC staff issued 15 cease and desist notices to moving companies for operating and advertising without a valid permit. These companies are:
1. Aldolfo Alonso dba Superior Moving and Storage, Lakeport (MTR-190386-Pending).
2. Alex Herrera, Oroville (Unlicensed).
3. Arrow Flight Van Lines, Inc., Encino (MTR 190365)
4. Aurelio Jaimes dba JB's Deliveries, Cathedral City (Unlicensed)
5. Barry Wicklund dba Desert Empire Moving, Palm Springs (MTR 131397)
6. Behrouz Azarvand dba. Azars Moving and Hauling, Novato (Unlicensed)
7. George Elwell Trucking, Inc., San Francisco (MTR-163,885)
8. Golden Bear Moving and Storage, Inc. South San Francisco, (Unlicensed)
9. Ken Pavia dba NEXT Transportation, Carson (Unlicensed).
10. Marion Adkisson dba Adkisson Moving, Los Angeles (MTR 173519) .
11. Matt's Piano Moving, Redding (Unlicensed)
12. Paula Martin Shadden dba The Moving Connection Tri West LLC (MTR-190205-Active).
13. Richard D. Wilson dba Burton & Wilson, Scotts Valley (Unlicensed).
14. Robert Bellot dba B & P Moving & Cleaning, San Leandro (Unlicensed)
15. William M. Gavin dba Affordable Home & Apartment Movers (MTR-187559- Revoked).
For more information on the PUC, please visit www.cpuc.ca.gov.
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