Nota del editor: Este informacion fue distribuido por la Oficina de Servicios de Emergencia del Gobernador de California (Cal OES). Visite el sitio web de Cal OES: https://www.caloes.ca.gov.
Otra tormenta se avecina y por ello la Oficina de Servicios de Emergencia del Gobernador de California (Cal OES) les recuerda algunos consejos básicos para estar preparados.
Cuando una tormenta invernal afecta a nuestras comunidades, Cal OES encabeza las labores de ayuda para asegurarse que todos los gobiernos locales cuenten con lo necesario para proteger a los californianos, como generadores, refugios y artículos básicos como cobijas.
El Servicio Nacional de meteorología emitió una Advertencia de tormenta invernal para gran parte del estado, destacando la advertencia de ventisca que prevalece en los condados de Los Ángeles y Ventura. Por favor asegúrese que usted y sus seres queridos estén preparados para enfrentar posibles jornadas con lluvia, mucha nieve, bajas temperaturas y fuertes vientos. De igual manera tenga en cuenta que los fuertes vientos podrían generar interrupción del servicio eléctrico.
Consejos principales de preparación:
- Tenga a la mano una mochila lista con lo más indispensable, en caso de que tenga que evacuar su casa inmediatamente. Puede incluir:
- Documentos importantes
- Dinero en efectivo
- Medicamentos
- Comida no perecedera, agua y ropa.
- Alimento para sus mascotas
- Este preparado para posibles apagones con lamparas de mano y sus dispositivos cargados con anticipación.
- Así que no olvide estar siempre preparado. Tenga en su auto un kit de emergencia con comida, agua y cobertores. No olvide cargar la batería de su auto y tener el tanque lleno de gasolina.
- Si cuenta con un generador, manténgalo fuera de casa.
- Comuníquese con su familia, amigos y vecinos, para saber si están bien o necesitan ayuda.
- Visite y regístrese en la página CalAlerts.org para recibir alertas de emergencias que se registren o vayan a ocurrir en su ciudad o Condado.
- Si tiene que conducir, descargue la aplicación de Caltrans, QuickMap o visite la página de QuickMap.dot.ca.gov para conocer las condiciones que prevalecen en los caminos, como posibles cierres y la necesidad de utilizar cadenas en las montañas.
En caso de Cortes de suministro eléctrico:
- Mantenga cerrados refrigeradores y congeladores
- Utilice un generador, pero nunca en interiores.
- No utilice la estufa o el horno para calentar su hogar.
- Para evitar que se dañen, desconecte todos los electrodomésticos.
- Prepare un plan para poder utilizar dispositivos médicos y refrigerar las medicinas.
Los generadores portátiles de respaldo producen monóxido de carbono (CO), El CO es un gas inodoro e incoloro que es venenoso. Cobra la vida de cientos de personas cada año y enferma a miles de personas. Siga los siguientes pasos para mantener a su familia segura.
- Nunca los use en el interior del hogar, aunque sea en la cochera ó aunque haya abierto puertas y ventanas.
- Solo utilice los generadores afuera, a unos 20 pies de la casa, puertas y ventanas.
- No utilice los generadores cuando esté lloviendo
- Comuníquese con familiares, amigos y vecinos, para asegurarse si saben como poner en marcha un generador.
- Si se termina el combustible y tiene que llenar nuevamente el tanque, apague el generador y deje que se enfríe por espacio de 15 a 20 minutos.
- Tenga a la mano un extinguidor.
- Asegúrese que las alarmas contra incendios y los detectores de monóxido de carbono funcionan en su hogar.
- No utilice generadoras durante la lluvia.
- No conectes el generador en el enchufe de la pared; Para conectar electrodomésticos a los generadores, utiliza un cable de extensión resistente para exteriores.
Contar con la cantidad suficientes de comida no perecedera, así como agua, para que los miembros de una familia pueden subsistir durante un periodo de tres días. Tras un apagón, los refrigeradores pueden mantener la comida fria por espacio de 4 horas, por ello solo ábralos cuando sea necesario. Ahora bien, en un congelador los alimentos se pueden conservar en buen estado por espacio de 2 días. Realice periódicamente con un termómetro, la condición de los alimentos. No consuma comida con una temperatura de 40 grados o más.
Consejos principales de preparación:
- Visite y regístrese en la página CalAlerts.org para recibir alertas de emergencias que se registren o vayan a ocurrir en su ciudad o Condado.
- Si tiene que conducir, descargue la aplicación de Caltrans, QuickMap o visite la página de QuickMap.dot.ca.gov
- para conocer las condiciones que prevalecen en los caminos, como posibles cierres y la necesidad de utilizar cadenas en las montañas.
- Tenga a la mano una mochila lista con lo más indispensable, en caso de que tenga que evacuar su casa inmediatamente. Puede incluir:
- Documentos importantes
- Dinero en efectivo
- Medicamentos
- Comida no perecedera, agua y ropa.
- Alimento para sus mascotas
- Este preparado para posibles apagones con lamparas de mano y sus dispositivos cargados con anticipación.
- Así que no olvide estar siempre preparado. Tenga en su auto un kit de emergencia con comida, agua y cobertores. No olvide cargar la batería de su auto y tener el tanque lleno de gasolina.
- Si cuenta con un generador, manténgalo fuera de casa.
- Asegúrese que sus familiares y amigos se encuentren bien y cuenten con lo necesario para enfrentar la tormenta.
Apagones
Haz un inventario de los artículos que necesita de la electricidad. Cuente con baterías suficientes, así como con otras fuentes de energía como un cargador portátil, linternas de mano para cada miembro del hogar. Carga tus teléfonos celulares con anticipación y ten presente cuánto tiempo durará la batería de respaldo, para qué de esa forma, lo uses solo cuando sea necesario.
Conoce tus necesidades médicas
Platique con su proveedor de servicios médicos para saber cómo proteger su medicina, en caso de que se registre un apagón. Aprenda cómo puede guardar en un lugar seguro, la medicina que es vital para usted o sus familiares.
RECURSOS
Editor’s note: this information was provided by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES). Visit the Cal OES website at https://www.caloes.ca.gov.
With significant winter weather continuing to impact California, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) would like to remind Californians about steps they can take to be adequately prepared.
When winter weather impacts California, Cal OES leads the effort to ensure local governments have the resources they need to keep Californians safe.
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for much of the state with parts of Los Angeles and Ventura Counties under a Blizzard Warning. Please ensure you and your loved ones are prepared for multiple rounds of rain, heavy snow, freezing temperatures and gusty winds. Due to multiple wind gusts, power outages are likely to occur.
To aid local government partners, Cal OES coordinates any necessary response and provides resources to communities such as generators, comfort kits, or other necessities to ensure that residents stay safe.
Winter Storm Preparedness Tips:
- Have a go-bag ready in case you need to leave your home in a hurry.
- Important documents
- Cash
- Medications
- Food, water and clothing
- Pet supplies
- Be prepared for a potential power outage by gathering flashlights and charging devices early.
- Have a full tank of gas or your car fully charged and carry an emergency pack that includes a blanket, water, and food.
- If using a generator, keep it outside of your home.
- Check in with family, friends and neighbors who might need help.
- Go to CalAlerts.org to sign up to receive emergency alerts from your local officials.
- If you must drive, download the Caltrans QuickMap app or visit QuickMap.dot.ca.gov to learn up-to-the minute road information on traffic, closures, chain control, and more.
Power Outage:
- Keep freezers and refrigerators closed.
- Use a generator, but only outdoors and away from outdoors.
- Do not use a gas stove or oven to heat your home.
- Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges.
- Have alternate plans for refrigerating medicines or using power-dependent medical devices.
Generator Safety:
- Do not use generators indoors or in confined areas. Keep them outside away from buildings and anything flammable.
- Place generators at least 20 feet away from your home
- Check with neighbors and family to ensure they are aware of the risk of operating generators.
- Before refueling generators, turn them off and let them cool for 15-20 minutes.
- Never power the house wiring by plugging the generator into the wall outlet; instead use a heavy-duty, outdoor extension cord to plug appliances into generators.
- Do not use generators in rain or wet conditions.
- Place a fire extinguisher nearby.
- Make sure your home has operating fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
Food Storage
Have enough nonperishable food and water for every member of your household for three days. Open freezers and refrigerators only when necessary. Your refrigerator can keep food cold for four hours. A full freezer will maintain temperature for two days. Use coolers with ice if necessary.
Safety Steps for Any Disaster
- Get alerts to know what to do.
- Sign up to get your county alerts. Go to CalAlerts.org
- Make a plan to protect your people.
- Think about who you want to connect with during an emergency.
- Write down their names and contact information.
- Pick one person outside the area who won’t be affected by your local disaster.
- You and your contacts can check in as safe with them.
- Pack a Go Bag with things you need.
- Most disasters are unexpected and happen fast.
- Pack up important items for each member of your household.
- Build a Stay Box for when you can’t leave.
- In some cases, it may be safer to stay home.
- Add items to a Stay Box to prepare for at least 3 days without electricity.
- Pack water, food and trash bags.
- Help friends and neighbors get ready.
- Think about who around you may be able to help during an emergency.
- Discuss with them about each other’s needs to ensure everyone gets through the disaster safely.
RESOURCES
The latest issue of the Department of Consumer Affairs’ Consumer Connection magazine has arrived, containing news, tips, and information you need to be an informed consumer. Here is what’s inside:
- COVER STORY: Expanding Support to Communities Through Licensing—Resources Available for U.S. Military Members and Their Families as well as Refugees, Asylees, and Holders of Special Immigrant Visas.
- California Psychiatric Technicians: Upholding High Standards in Direct-Care Services.
- Land Surveyors: Laying the Groundwork for Precise, Safe Construction.
- Are Mobile Hair, Makeup, and Nail Services Legal?
- Shift Gears to 50 Years: Bureau of Automotive Repair Celebrates Golden Anniversary.
- Go With Your Gut: Gastrointestinal Health Is Vital to Holistic Wellness.
- Be Sure Your Landscape Project Goes Smoothly.
- Repo Ramp Up: Low Car-Market Inventory Fuels More Seizure Actions.
- And much more.
To read the current issue, or to read back issues of Consumer Connection magazine, visit DCA’s website. Email consumerconnection@dca.ca.gov to be put on our free mailing list.
Inspired by trailblazing black architect Paul R. Williams, Robert Kennard began his own firm in the 1950s.
Robert Kennard was born in Los Angeles and graduated from USC where he earned an architectural degree. He was a role model for young people of color aspiring to become architects and active in numerous community organizations, including both the Los Angeles and California chapters of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). In 1957, he established Kennard Design Group (KDG) Architecture and Planning, noted as the oldest Black-owned and operated architecture firm in Los Angeles.
Van Nuys State Building
In the early 1960s, Kennard designed 40 residences including his first home known as the Zeiger Residence which today is designated as a cultural-historic monument in Los Angeles. During the mid-1960s he began focusing his practice on public work. Some of his most notable projects are the City of Carson City Hall and Community Center, the Van Nuys State Building that he designed with architect Harold Williams, the City of Los Angeles 77th Street Police Headquarters in which the community room is named in his honor, and parking structures Nos. 1, 3 and 4 at the Los Angeles International Airport.
City of Carson City Hall
Kennard has earned many recognitions and awards throughout his career. In 1991, he was recognized as the USC School of Architecture alumnus of the year. That same year, he received the Whitney M. Young Jr. Citation from the AIA for his dedication and contributions to the architectural profession.
Kennard died in 1995. Today, the Los Angeles chapter of the AIA awards the Robert Kennard, FAIA Award for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity in his honor.
To become a licensed California architect, or to find out more about the profession and its services, visit www.cab.ca.gov. If you are interested in hiring an architect, check out CAB’s “Consumer’s Guide to Hiring and Architect” and check the professional’s license at https://search.dca.ca.gov.
California Board of Architects Logo
Important Reminder: Following the anticipated termination of California’s COVID-19 State of Emergency on February 28, 2023, health care providers licensed out-of-state who received the Emergency Medical Services Authority’s (EMSA) authorization to practice in the state without a license issued by the pertinent California licensing Board will no longer be permitted to practice pursuant to that authorization after that date. Health care providers who have not received California licensure and wish to continue practicing, should check with the specific licensing Board for information on how to obtain licensure in California and/or temporary licensure options.
Please note, individuals wishing to continue to practice in California should submit an application and the necessary documentation for licensure immediately as the EMSA out-of-state medical personnel authorization approval concludes on February 28, 2023, and no further practice pursuant to that authorization will be permitted.
Proby served on the California State Board of Architectural Examiners for eight years
Architect Vincent J. Proby was born in Wichita, Texas in 1928. Proby, as a child, moved to Los Angeles where he attended public school before majoring in architecture at the University of Southern California.
Proby helped design many prominent buildings in Los Angeles before starting his own firm.
California African American Museum (CAAM)
One of his most notable projects is the iconic 44,000-square-foot California African American Museum (CAAM), designed alongside African American architect Jack W. Haywood.
CAAM is in Exposition Park, south of downtown Los Angeles. The facility is home to prominent exhibit galleries, sculpture court, historical artifacts and memorabilia that represent the contributions of African Americans.
California African American Museum (CAAM)
His work also includes buildings on the campus of UCLA, Los Angeles City College, and the design of the A C Bilbrew Public Library in Los Angeles, completed in 1974. Proby is credited with designing the mosaic-like cement, stained glass artwork located in the entrance foyer of the building.
Proby was appointed to the California State Board of Architectural Examiners in 1978 (later renamed the California Architects Board) and served on the Board for eight years. He served as Secretary, Vice President, and President. He died at the age of 59 in 1987.
To become a licensed California architect, or to find out more about the profession and its services, visit www.cab.ca.gov. If you are interested in hiring an architect, check out CAB’s “Consumer’s Guide to Hiring and Architect” and check the professional’s license at search.dca.ca.gov.
California Board of Architects Logo
Watch for warning signs, get assistance, and file a complaint if you have concerns
Consumers: Professional therapy never includes sexual contact between a therapist and a client.
UNETHICAL, ILLEGAL, AND HARMFUL
Sexual contact of any kind between a therapist and a client is unethical and illegal in California. In addition, therapy never includes inappropriate sexual suggestions, or any other kind of sexual behavior between a therapist and a client. Sexual contact within two years after termination of therapy is also illegal and unethical.
It is always the responsibility of the therapist to ensure that sexual contact with a client—whether consensual or not—does not occur. Sexual behavior between a therapist and a client can harm the client. Harm may arise from the therapist’s exploitation of the client to fulfill their own needs or desires, and from the therapist’s loss of the objectivity necessary for effective therapy. All therapists are trained and educated to know that this kind of behavior is illegal and unethical.
Therapists are trusted and respected by their clients, and it is not uncommon for clients to admire and feel attracted to them. However, a therapist who accepts or encourages the expression of these feelings through sexual behavior with the client—or tells a client that sexual involvement is part of therapy—violates the therapeutic relationship and engages in conduct that may be illegal and unethical. This kind of abusive behavior can cause harmful, long-lasting, emotional, and psychological effects to the client.
WATCH FOR WARNING SIGNS
In most sexual misconduct cases, other inappropriate behavior comes first. While it may be subtle or confusing, it usually feels uncomfortable to the client. Some clues or warning signs are:
- Telling sexual jokes or stories.
- Sending obscene images or messages to the client.
- Unwanted physical contact.
- Excessive out-of-session communication (via text, phone, email, social media, etc.) not related to therapy.
- Inviting a client to lunch, dinner, or other social and professional activities.
- Changing the office’s business practices (like scheduling late appointments when no one is around, having sessions away from the office, etc.).
- Confiding in a client (such as about the therapist’s love life, work problems, loneliness, marital problems, etc.).
- Telling a client that they are special, or that the therapist loves them.
- Relying on a client for personal and emotional support.
- Giving or receiving significant gifts.
- Suggesting or supporting the client’s isolation from social support systems, increasing dependency on the therapist.
- Providing or using alcohol or drugs during sessions.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
If you are experiencing any of these warning signs or have other concerns, you have the right to file a complaint (also available in Spanish) with the appropriate Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) licensing board and consult with another therapist.
In California, there are four boards that license and regulate therapists:
- Board of Behavioral Sciences—This Board licenses and regulates marriage and family therapists and associates, clinical social workers and associates, educational psychologists, and professional clinical counselors and associates.
- Board of Psychology—This Board licenses and regulates psychologists and psychological associates.
- Medical Board of California—This Board licenses and regulates physicians and surgeons; licensed midwives, polysomnographic trainees, technicians, and technologists; research psychoanalysts; issues special faculty permits; and approves outpatient surgery setting accreditation agencies.
- Osteopathic Medical Board of California—This Board licenses and regulates osteopathic physicians and surgeons.
These licensing boards protect the health, safety, and welfare of consumers, and have the authority to discipline therapists through the administrative law process.
WHERE TO GET HELP
Therapy may be an important tool in your recovery. Before selecting a new therapist:
- Verify the status of the therapist’s license online anytime with DCA’s free search tool—https://search.dca.ca.gov—or call DCA’s Consumer Information Center toll-free Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.: (800) 952-5210 or (800) 326-2297 (TDD).
- Ask someone you know and trust for a referral.
- Search online for a local sexual assault center or crisis intervention service. These centers can refer you to therapists experienced in dealing with those who have suffered sexual misconduct by a therapist.
- Contact professional associations and ask for referrals to therapists who specialize in helping those who have suffered sexual misconduct by a therapist.
- Seek a referral from your primary care physician or insurance provider.
For more information, view and download the entire “Therapy Never Includes Sexual Behavior” booklet (also available in Spanish) or contact DCA’s Consumer Information Center.
Refereeing and judging at mixed martial arts (MMA) events are essential tasks carried out by officials guided by rules, criteria, and expertise. In California, the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) seeks to gives fighters and the public the best officials possible. CSAC licenses and regulates combat sports in California, including officials such as referees, judges, and timekeepers. For MMA events in the state, fight officials are mixed martial artists with considerable officiating experience. This combination helps the Commission carry out its responsibility of scoring fights accurately and consistently.
According to CSAC’s analysis, MMA officiating has improved considerably in the past decade. While improvement can always be obtained, judging at the highest level of mixed martial arts has surpassed boxing consistency levels overall.
Judging at the highest level of mixed martial arts has surpassed boxing consistency levels overall.
CSAC’s analysis of differences in judge’s scores is noteworthy [see graphic, above] because the score of 10-8 in boxing is almost always assessed based on the call of a “knockdown” by the referee. There is no such objective indicator in mixed martial arts.
In addition, MMA rounds are five minutes long, two minutes more than a professional boxing round. MMA judges also have up to three rounds to score in a standard fight and possibly five rounds in a title fight to determine the winner. If a judge misses a round in MMA, the chances of it impacting the fight are considerably higher than boxing matches that are regulated in 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 (in title fights) rounds.
Here is the list of CSAC officials for Bellator 290 in Los Angeles on February 4.
- Hadi Mohammad Ali
- Michael Bell
- Chris Crail
- Sal D’Amato
- Raphael Davis
- Herb Dean
- Blake Grice
- Eliot Kelly
- Chris Leben
- Felicia Oh
- John Marigliano
- Ron McCarthy
- Jonathan Romero
- Frank Trigg
- Wade Vierra
For more information and bios on CSAC officials, click CSAC officials.
For more information about CSAC, visit www.dca.ca.gov/csac.
The California Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) licenses and regulates over 3 million professionals in more than 280 license types including certificates, registrations and permits, from architects to accountants, dentists to nurses across its 36 entities.
DCA offers a variety of resources for consumers to stay informed about the department and its boards and bureaus. Consumers are encouraged to learn more about boards and bureaus by participating in public meetings. Our board and bureau public meeting calendar displays each upcoming meeting’s date, time, location, and other important details. Also available is a board and bureau meetings page which gives access to more detailed meeting information, as well as past and future meeting dates specific to each board and bureau.
Additionally, the DCA page offers upcoming board and bureau meetings that may be viewed via live webcast. A list of scheduled webcasts is available under “live webcasts”. For those who missed a meeting, the DCA has you covered. You can view all archived board and bureau meetings on DCA’s YouTube channel.
If you want to be notified when there is a live board or bureau meeting that you can tune into, be sure to follow DCA on Facebook and Twitter. On both social media platforms, we ensure upcoming public meeting information is available.
Empower yourself with the tools to be an informed consumer. Learn how to navigate DCA’s public meetings resources. The more informed you are, the more empowered you become.
The Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) and its boards and bureaus have information and resources to help consumers make informed decisions to protect themselves and their families.
The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) is one of the 36 regulatory boards within the DCA. CSLB was established in 1929 and today licenses nearly 300,000 contractors in the state in 44 different classifications.
CSLB provides consumers with tips on how to hire a licensed contractor. Resources are available on CSLB’s website to advise and help consumers navigate through the challenges they may encounter when hiring a contractor. Among the resources is a short 90-second video covering 10 things to remember when hiring a contractor.
In addition, CSLB’s Statewide Investigative Fraud Team (SWIFT) focuses on unlicensed contractors. SWIFT conducts proactive stings to help curtail illegal contracting and cites those who are not licensed. With the assistance of law enforcement partners, unlicensed contractors can also be arrested depending on the severity of the violation.
CSLB’s brochure “What Seniors Should Know Before Hiring a Contractor” also provides in-depth information for seniors who are often targeted with scams The brochure highlights how to select and work with a contractor, and it explains some of the most common scams to avoid. CSLB also conducts outreach with its Senior Scam Stopper seminars both virtually and in-person.
Through the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) License Search, consumers have around-the-clock access to 3.9 million licensees and can click with confidence at https://search.dca.ca.gov to verify if a profession/contractor is licensed by a DCA board or bureau. Each license record will reflect if a license is current, expired, or has been subject to disciplinary action such as suspension or revocation. On CSLB’s website, there is also the Check the License feature to specifically look at the status of contractors’ licenses.
Printed and electronic copies of consumer and licensee publications from all the board and bureaus and are available at www.dca.ca.gov under the “Publications” tab. To have limited copies mailed to you at no charge, fill out the order form at the top of the “Publications” page, or email pde@dca.ca.gov.
For more information on the Contractors State License Board, call (916) 255-3900, toll-free: (800) 321-2752, visit www.cslb.ca.gov or visit their office at 9821 Business Park Drive Sacramento, CA 95827.
