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by Joyia Emard
Decorative Purposes

 

State Now Home to World’s Only Retirement Benefit
for MMA Fighters, Professional Boxers

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The California Department of Consumer Affairs’ California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) will establish the world’s first retirement benefit fund for mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters under the requirements of Assembly Bill 1136 (AB 1136), signed into law Sunday, October 8, 2023, by Governor Gavin Newsom. The bill was authored by Assembly Member Matt Haney of San Francisco.

“On behalf of the California State Athletic Commission, I would like to extend my gratitude to Governor Newsom, Assembly Member Haney, and the Legislature for making the MMA benefit fund a reality,” said CSAC Chair Peter Villegas. “These fighters have dedicated years of their lives to the sport undergoing intense training and tough battles, while entertaining fans and inspiring future fighters. When these fighters step away from the cage and enter their later years, we want them to have that retirement check in their hands—they literally fought and earned it.”

With the new law in place, CSAC will begin outlining details surrounding the bill’s implementation in the coming months. Beginning in 2024, MMA fighters that fought in at least 39 scheduled rounds in a CSAC-sanctioned professional mixed martial art contest held in the state would be entitled to distribution of the funds when they are at least 50 years of age, with exceptions. Funding for the MMA retirement fund will be generated through multiple sources, including assessments on ticket sales. The fund does not receive any General Fund monies. CSAC also will refer to its experience with and partnerships established through the California Professional Boxer’s Pension Fund, which it has administered since 1982.

“MMA promotions have seen immense growth in the past three decades, and those fighters who came to California to compete deserve compensation in retirement,” said CSAC Executive Officer Andy Foster. “It is time MMA fighters get their share.”

For information about the retirement benefit fund for MMA fighters, and to learn more about CSAC, visit www.dca.ca.gov/csac.

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ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA STATE ATHLETIC COMMISSION: The California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) regulates professional and amateur boxing, kickboxing, and mixed martial arts throughout California by licensing all participants and supervising the events. CSAC constantly seeks methods to make combat sports safer by focusing on techniques to lessen traumatic brain injuries, educating athletes about the adverse effects of the practice of dehydration and weight cutting, regular training of inspectors and officials, and careful and thoughtful approval of professional and amateur matches. Learn more at www.dca.ca.gov/csac.

 ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS: The California Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) protects consumers through oversight, enforcement, and licensure of professions, and helps consumers learn how to protect themselves from unscrupulous and unqualified individuals. Consumers can verify a license and file a complaint against a licensee online at www.dca.ca.gov or by phone at (800) 952-5210.

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In 1989, Title XI of the federal Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act was adopted by Congress mandating states to license and certify real estate appraisers who appraise property for federally related transactions. The federal law was enacted as a result of the savings and loan crisis.

In response to the federal mandate, the California Legislature enacted the Real Estate Appraisers Licensing and Certification Law in 1990 (AB 527, Chapter 491, Statutes of 1990). The Office of Real Estate Appraisers (OREA) was established within the Business, Transportation and Housing Agency, and charged with developing and implementing a real estate appraiser licensing and certification program compliant with the federal mandate.

In 2012, Governor Brown submitted a reorganization plan to the Legislature. As a result, on July 1, 2013, OREA became the Bureau of Real Estate Appraisers within the Department of Consumer Affairs. The Bureau, which is entirely funded by licensing fees, is a single program comprised of two core components, licensing, and enforcement. The Licensing Unit implements the minimum requirements for licensure, according to criteria established by the federal government and California law, to ensure that only qualified persons are licensed to conduct appraisals in federally related real estate transactions.

Applicants must meet minimum education and experience requirements and successfully complete a nationally approved examination. The Licensing Unit also registers Appraisal Management Companies (AMC) in compliance with California law. The Enforcement Unit investigates the background of applicants, licensees, and AMC registrants to ensure they meet the standards for licensure.

The Enforcement Unit also investigates complaints of violations of California law and national appraisal standards fled against licensed appraisers and registered AMCs.

The Bureau is responsible for the accreditation of educational courses and providers for real estate appraisers. The Bureau has reviewed and approved over 1,800 pre-licensing and continuing education courses. In addition to the real estate appraisal related courses offered by California’s community colleges and universities, the Bureau accredits approximately 70 proprietary schools that provide appraisal education.

Mission: Safeguard public trust by promoting professionalism in the real estate appraisal industry through licensing, education, and enforcement.

Vision: Empowering real estate appraisal excellence.

Values:

  • Accountability: We take ownership and responsibility for our performance.
  • Excellence: We strive for quality, innovation, and continuous improvement of our programs, services, and processes.
  • Fairness: We treat everyone equally and make impartial, unbiased decisions.
  • Integrity: We are honest, dependable, respectful, and ethical.

Visit the BREA Website https://www.brea.ca.gov/ or connect on Facebook and Twitter.

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No degree? No problem. A career in consumer protection is still within reach. Connect with recruiters from the California Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) at the Work for California “No Degree Required” Job Fair Tuesday, October 3 at the Sacramento Employment and Training Agency. DCA offers many entry-level career opportunities that do not require a college degree. Here are just a few:

  • INVESTIGATOR – Four years of experience performing investigative work in a public or private agency or in the armed services.
  • OFFICE ASSISTANT – Completion of 12th grade or completion of a business school curriculum.
  • OFFICE TECHNICIAN – Two years of clerical experience.
  • PROGRAM REPRESENTATIVE I – Four years of experience performing automotive mechanical or collision repair or automotive mechanical or collision inspection duties.
    Job Fair flyer

    Click to view full size

What: Work for California “No Degree Required” Job Fair, hosted by CalHR

When: Tuesday, October 3, 2023, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: Sacramento Employment and Training Agency

925 Del Paso Blvd, Ste 100, Sacramento

What to Expect:

  • Live Booths: drop in at any time to ask all the questions you might have about DCA.
  • Sessions: deep-dive into the work and day-to-day tasks of DCA employees, and ask human resources representatives all the questions you might have.

Click here to register for this free event. For more information, contact Recruitments@dca.ca.gov.

About the California Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA):

DCA is made up of 36 different entities that license and regulate more than three million licensees in more than 280 different license types to protect consumers across the state. DCA is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in carrying out its consumer protection mission. Our diverse workforce reflects the populations we serve across the state. DCA ensures every employee receives fair opportunities to succeed by providing access to tools, resources, information, and equipment to assist career development.

For current opportunities with DCA, visit our careers page at: https://www.dca.ca.gov/about_us/jobs/careers.shtml

 

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The Veterinary Medical Board (VMB) has been regulating veterinary medicine in the State of California since 1848. The VMB is a governmental agency whose mission is the protection of California consumers and their animals through the regulation of veterinary medicine.

VMB fulfills its mission by developing, maintaining, and enforcing professional standards including licensing veterinarians, registered veterinary technicians (RVTs), veterinary assistant-controlled substances permit holders (VACSPs) and veterinary premises.

An eight-member board serves as the decision-making body for VMB that includes four veterinarians, one RVT and three public members. Additionally, VMB’s Multidisciplinary Advisory Committee (MDC) assists, advises, and make recommendations on various VMB laws and policies. Both VMB and MDC meet at least four times per calendar year in meetings open to the public. VMB staff handle day-to-day functions of VMB, that includes consumer outreach, licensing, enforcement, and veterinary premises inspections.

Mission: To protect consumers and animals by regulating licensees, promoting professional standards, and diligent enforcement of the California Veterinary Medicine Practice Act.

Vision: To be the premier consumer protection agency leading the effort to advance high-quality veterinary medical care.

Values:

  • Consumer protection
  • Integrity
  • Professionalism
  • Responsiveness
  • Transparency
  • Efficiency

Visit the VMB Website https://www.vmb.ca.gov/ or connect on Facebook and Twitter.

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The Bureau of Household Goods and Services (BHGS) can trace its roots to the year 1911, when the Bureau of Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation was established in response to unscrupulous manufacturing in the mattress industry, which contributed to fires following the1906 earthquake.

More than 50 years later, a separate regulatory body, the Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair, was established in 1963 in response to fraud and negligence in the television repair industry.

The two Bureaus were merged in 2009 as the Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair, Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation (BEARHFTI). In 2018, regulation of the household moving industry was transferred from the California Public Utility Commission to BEARHFTI.

In recognition of the Bureau’s expanded role, Senate Bill 1483 changed the name of the Bureau to its current name, effective January 1, 2019.

Today, the Bureau holds jurisdictional authority over the following industries:

  • Household Movers
  • Appliance Service Dealers
  • Furniture and Bedding Wholesalers
  • Furniture and Bedding Retailers
  • Bedding Sanitizers
  • Thermal Insulation Manufacturers
  • Service Contract Administrators
  • Electronic Service Dealers
  • Furniture and Bedding Manufacturers
  • Furniture and Bedding Importers
  • Custom Upholsterers
  • Supply Dealers
  • Service Contract Sellers
  • Service Contract

 

Mission: The Bureau of Household Goods and Services’ mission is to protect and serve consumers while ensuring a fair and competitive market.

Vision: The Bureau of Household Goods and Services’ vision is to be an efficient organization that effectively protects consumers and improves the marketplace through quality customer service, prompt licensing, and enforcing the law.

Values:

  •  Accountability
  • Consumer Protection
  • Effectiveness
  • Integrity
  • Professionalism
  • Service
  • Education

 

Visit the BHGS Website at https://bhgs.dca.ca.gov/. or connect on Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin.

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 ABOUT THE BOARD:

  • 1891: Licensing for land surveyors (first in nation) was enacted on March 31, 1891 by the Legislature, which also established the State Surveyor General.
  • 1920s: The Board was created by the Legislature. Registration was for civil engineers only.
  • 1930s: Structural Engineer license was added by the Legislature.  State Surveyor General’s office was abolished and Land Surveyor licensing authority was transferred to the Board by the Legislature.
  • 1940s: The Legislature added restrictions on use of engineering titles (this began the creation of the “title acts”) for the branches of professional engineering in the fields of chemical, electrical, mechanical, and petroleum engineering.
  • 1960s: The Legislature added restrictions on use of engineering titles for the branch of metallurgical engineering. The Legislature added restrictions on the practices of electrical and mechanical engineering (change in status from “title act” to “practice act”) and on use of engineering titles for the branch of industrial engineering. The Legislature delegated authority to the Board to create new title acts. The Legislature created the Board of Registration for Geologists under the Geologist Act to regulate the practice of geology.
  • 1970s: The first Professional Geologist license and the first Certified Engineering Geologist title authority license were issued. o Professional Geophysicist licensure and regulation of the practice of geophysics were added by the Legislature. he Board held hearings and created nine additional title act branches of engineering: agricultural, control systems, corrosion, fire protection, manufacturing, nuclear, quality, safety, and traffic.
  • 1980s: The Geotechnical Engineer license was added by the Legislature. The Board’s authority to create new title act branches of engineering was eliminated by the Legislature at the Board’s request. The requirement for testing of all civil engineering applicants on engineering surveying principles and seismic principles was added by the Legislature.
  • 1990s: The Legislature created the sunset review process for all licensing boards under the Department of Consumer Affairs. The Board adopted regulations to create the title authority license of Certified Hydrogeologist for Professional Geologists.
  • 2000s: Laws requiring licensees to execute written contracts for professional services were enacted. Legislation was enacted that eliminated the Board for Geologists and Geophysicists and transferred all of the duties, powers, purposes, responsibilities, and jurisdiction to regulate the practices of geology and geophysics to the Board for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors.
  • 2010s: Effective January 1, 2011, the name of the Board was changed to the Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists. The Board began administering its state-specific licensing examinations via computer-based testing (CBT). The Board implemented online licensure renewals via credit card payment. The Legislature authorized the Board to collect fingerprints from applicants for the purpose of a criminal history record check to further its mission of public protection. The Board conducted a review of its operational processes and procedures and, based on that review, reorganized into four functional units: Administrative Services, Enforcement, Examination Development, and Licensing. The Board transitioned all eight of its state-specific licensing examinations to computer-based testing (CBT) format, allowing for more testing opportunities.
  • 2020s: Working with a vendor and the Department of Consumer Affairs’ Office of Information Services, the Board developed and launched its BPELSG Connect system, a licensing and enforcement monitoring system that allows submission of applications, renewals, and complaints through an online portal.

Mission:  We protect the public’s safety and property by promoting standards for competence and integrity through licensing and regulating the Board’s professions.

Vision:  A safe and resilient California with confidence in the integrity and work of the Board’s licensed professionals.

Values:

  • Accountability
  • Competence
  • Consumer Protection
  • Equity
  • Fairness
  • Integrity
  • Professionalism

Visit the BPELSG Website at www.bpelsg.ca.gov or connect on Facebook.

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The California State Athletic Commission (Commission/CSAC) is responsible for protecting the health and safety of its licensees: boxers, kickboxers, and other martial arts athletes. Concerned with athlete injuries and death, the public established the Commission by initiative in 1924.

The Commission is responsible for implementation and enforcement of the Federal Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act (Federal Boxing Act) and the California Boxing Act or State Athletic Commission Act (State Act). The Commission has four main functions: licensing, enforcement, regulating events, and administering the Professional Boxers’ Pension Fund (Pension Plan).

Specifically, the Commission establishes requirements for licensure, issues and renews licenses, approves and regulates events, assigns ringside officials, investigates complaints received, and enforces applicable laws by issuing fines and suspending or revoking licenses.

The Professional Boxer’s Pension Fund, administered by the Commission, is holding thousands of dollars for certain eligible boxers. For information about the fund and to see if you qualify, visit the Pension Plan Information page on the Commission’s website.

Mission: The California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) regulates professional and amateur boxing, kickboxing and mixed martial arts throughout the State by licensing all participants and supervising the events. The Commission is dedicated to the health, safety and welfare of the participants in regulated competitive sporting events, through ethical and professional service. California is the premier model for the safety and fairness of regulated sporting events.

Vision: California is the premier model for the safety and fairness of regulated combat sporting events.

Values/Strategic Goals:

  • Health And Safety: The Commission fosters a safe and healthy environment for participants in regulated combat sporting events.
  • Licensing: The Commission is an international leader in promoting licensing standards for participants in regulated combat sporting events.
  • Enforcement: The Commission protects consumers by preventing violations and effectively enforcing laws and regulations when violations occur.
  • Legislation, Regulation and Policy: The Commission pursues statutes, regulations, policies and procedures that strengthen and support their mandate and mission.
  • Organizational Effectiveness:  The Commission builds an excellent organization through proper governance, effective leadership and responsible management.
  • Pension Plan:  The Commission effectively manages the California Professional Boxers Pension Fund.
  • Outreach: The Commission proactively communicates its mission, vision and goals to stakeholders

Visit The Athletic Commission’s website at https://www.dca.ca.gov/csac/ or connect on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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The Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) is a state governmental agency established by law to protect the public by regulating the practice of registered nurses. BRN is responsible for implementation and enforcement of the Nursing Practice Act: the laws related to nursing education, licensure, practice, and discipline.  BRN regulates California registered nurses. There are more than 500,000 registered nurses in California providing health care services in a variety of settings.

BRN performs a variety of activities in its mission to protect consumers, including:

  • Setting RN Educational Standards: BRN sets educational standards for nursing programs which prepare individuals to become licensed as registered nurses.
  • Approving California Nursing Programs: There are over 140 prelicensure nursing programs and over 50 advanced practice programs which have been approved because they meet BRN educational standards.
  • Evaluating Licensure Applications: Applications are evaluated to determine whether the applicant meets all licensure requirements. To be licensed the applicant must: Complete the educational requirements. Pass a national licensing examination and be cleared through a background check for conviction of any crime which might make the applicant ineligible for licensure.
  • Issuing and Renewing Licenses: Registered Nursing licenses are issued to applicants who meet the licensing requirements. The license must be renewed every two years.
  • Issuing Certificates: BRN issues certificates to eligible public health nurses, nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and clinical nurse specialists. The BRN also maintains a list of eligible psychiatric/mental health nurse specialists.

Mission: The Board of Registered Nursing protects the health, safety, and well-being of the public through the fair and consistent application of the statutes and regulations governing nursing practice and education in California.

Vision: A leader in the oversight of nursing practice and education by creating and administering regulatory practices that safeguard public health and ensure nursing care is equitable and accessible for all.

Values:

  • Effectiveness
  • Integrity
  • Transparency
  • Collaboration
  • Equity

Visit BRN’s website at www.rn.ca.gov/ or connect on Facebook and Linkedin.

 CONSUMER RESOURCES:

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If you’ve ever thought about applying for a state job, especially at the California Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA), there is an exciting opportunity happening September 7, 2023.

DCA is partnering with the Sacramento Employment and Training Agency (SETA) to host an in-person workshop in Sacramento where job seekers in attendance will receive hands-on assistance with navigating the state career website, job openings at DCA, and more!

There are many jobs DCA is actively recruiting for.  Budget analysts, program representatives, and supervising investigators are among the various vacancies, all part of California’s consumer protection team.

DCA Job Workshop Flyer

What: How to Get a State Job Workshop

Where: Sacramento Works AJCC-Florin (Inside the Highlands Success Center building)

3801 Florin Road, Ste. 107

Sacramento, CA 95823

When: Thursday, September 7, 2023, at 1:30 p.m.

Recruiters and computers will be available on-site. Attendees must create an account at http://www.caljobs.ca.gov prior to the workshop.

For more information, contact Recruitments@dca.ca.gov.

About the California Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA):

DCA is made up of 36 different entities that license and regulate more than three million licensees in more than 280 different license types to protect consumers across the state. DCA is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in carrying out its consumer protection mission. Our diverse workforce reflects the populations we serve across the state. DCA ensures every employee receives fair opportunities to succeed by providing access to tools, resources, information, and equipment to assist career development.

For current opportunities with DCA, visit our careers page at: https://www.dca.ca.gov/about_us/jobs/careers.shtml

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Developed more than 130 years ago by Andrew Taylor Still, M.D., D.O., osteopathic medicine brings a unique philosophy to traditional medicine. Osteopathic physicians (D.O.s) are fully licensed to prescribe medication and practice in all medical specialty areas including surgery, just like any physician, and they are also trained to consider the health of the whole person and use their hands to help diagnose and treat their patient.

D.O.s make up one of the fastest growing segments of health care professionals in the United States. California has the fourth largest osteopathic population in the United States. Business and Professions Code section 3600 (Osteopathic Initiative Act) and California Code of Regulations, title 16, “Professional and Vocational Regulations,” Division 16, section 1600 et. seq., authorize the Osteopathic Medical Board of California (OMBC) to license qualified osteopathic physicians and surgeons to practice osteopathic medicine, and to effectuate the enforcement of laws and regulations governing their practice (Medical Practice Act). The act provides that consumer protection is their highest priority in exercising its licensing, regulatory, and disciplinary functions.

OMBC is a fully functioning board within the Department of Consumer Affairs with the responsibility and sole authority to issue licenses to physicians and surgeons to practice osteopathic medicine in California. OMBC is also responsible for enforcing legal and professional standards to protect California consumers from incompetent, negligent, or unprofessional D.O.s. OMBC regulates D.O.s only.

     Mission:

To protect the public by requiring competency, accountability, and integrity in the safe practice of medicine by osteopathic physicians and surgeons.

     Vision:

The Osteopathic Medical Board upholds the highest standards of quality and care by our physicians; continuing to utilize technology and innovation to enhance and deliver an outstanding level of public protection.

     Values:

  • Collaborative
  • Health
  • Inclusion
  • Proactive
  • Diversity
  • Innovation
  • Professional

Visit the Osteopathic Board’s Website at: https://www.ombc.ca.gov/   or connect on Facebook and Twitter

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