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June 2012THECALIFORNIAMOVING&STORAGEASSOCIATIONCMSA Attends Meetingwith New Commanding General of SDDCBy: CMSA President Steve Weitekampaide Captain Devito and SDDC staffer JohnJohnson. CMSA extends a special thanks toChuck White of IAM contributed to this article.IAM President Head for his efforts in facilitatingCMSA's invitation to this meeting. CMSA memOn Thursday, May 24, CMSA Presidentbers have always strongly agreed with his posiSteve Weitekamp was a participant in the retion that the Agents need a seat at the table,cent meeting in Alexandria, Va., between Indus- and that CMSA is well-positioned to be thattry represenvoice.tatives and"SinceSDDC leadSteve repreership. Thissents themeeting waslargest statethe first timeassociation inthat CMSA orthe U.S. asany state aswell as beingsociation hasa board membeen askedber of the Nato be a parttional Councilof the meetof Moving Asings that IAMsociationsand AMSA(NCMA), hehave historiseemed to becally conthe perfectducted withchoice to repFrom left to right: John Johnson, branch chief of SDDC’s Personal resent thethe SDDCCommander Property Directorate; IAM President Terry Head; Maj. Gen. Thoagent permas J. Richardson; AMSA President and CEO Linda Bauer Darr,and staff.spective,"Other par- CMSA President Steve Weitekamp, AMSA V.P. of Military andWhite t&Militicipants insoned.the meeting tary Relations Charles “Chuck” White.White hadwere IAMreviewed thePresident Terry Head, IAM Director of Govern- following IAM issues with the SDDC leadership:ment & Military Relations Chuck White, AMSABCA/Outsourcing – General RichardsonPresident & CEO Linda Bauer Darr and AMSAindicated that he told the Honorable AlanVice President of Military & Government AffairsScott Michael as well as SDDC Commander(SDDC Meeting cont. on page 6)Maj. Gen. Thomas Richardson, the General'sPUBLISHED MONTHLY BY THE CALIFORNIA MOVING AND STORAGE ASSOCIATION10900 E. 183rd Street, Suite 300, Cerritos, CA 90703 800-672-1415 562-865-2900 Fax 562-865-2944 www.thecmsa.org
Chairman’s CornerBy: Rick HoseaNormally this time ofyear, folks are busy working to prepare for anotherpeak moving season, but itappears that someoneunlocked and opened thefloodgates earlier thanmost have expected. Ican tell you that for manyof our members, capacity remains by far thebiggest challenge we face. Ordinarily, in May,we see that volumes begin to rise a bit, which isour first indicator that our busiest time is rightaround the corner. This year, volumes havebeen greater than most of us anticipated. Thishas prompted many to carefully place volumerestrictions both at the van lines and the agencylevels. As we watch our van operator numberscontinue to slump, it is clear that we must findcreative solutions to handle the business opportunities, which there will be for many of us.Those with a well-defined plan will have a clearadvantage to increase revenues this peak season, and those without will simply miss out onthe potential market share available due to astronger economy.Memorial Day is in some ways a precursorto movers that it’s time to tighten our seatbeltsand hang on for a roller-coaster ride of activitywith peaks on particular days of each summermonth. This year may turn out to be one longpeak season with volumes growing well intoJuly, and even into August. We must not onlybook the business, but also be prepared to service it, since our van lines will be of little help asthey continue to struggle with already high volumes. Most van lines are reaching their saturation points; with the increase in 409 (military)business, they are doing all they can to manageregistered shipment volumes. I have a greatdeal of faith that we will make it through thisseason having to lean on our own networks, bethem through our respective van lines agencyfamilies, our industry organizations such as theCMSA or other colleagues in our business. It isthose relationships which we will look for leverage to insure the best service to our customersthis summer, for without them, we would besomewhat limited. I truly cherish those(Chairman’s Corner cont. on page 4)2
President’s CommentsBy: Steve WeitekampThe California PublicUtilities Commission hasrecently undergonechanges in leadership atmultiple levels including:Commissioner, Director andEnforcement Supervisors. Acore value of our Association is to endeavor to maintain an open line of communication with industryregulators and to share with them the issues andchallenges that impact our membership as aregulated industry. To that end, individual meetings were conducted in May with CommissionersMark Ferron and Michel Florio.As a representative for the legal and permittedcarriers of the state, CMSA shared with the Commissioners its concern with the current state ofthe agency’s enforcement strategy in support ofMAX4 regulations and consumer protections. Ourperception is of a system that has minimal impacton illegal movers and whose last big initiative wasto advance a resolution related to the enforcement of judgments against Permitted Carrierswhere a judicial system already exists. The underground economy for moving is huge. A formerCPUC enforcement supervisor of movers reviewed the movers listed on Craig’s List for theSan Francisco Bay area and found that just over50 percent of the service providers listed did sowithout a CPUC permit, and were therefore operating illegally. These illegal operators fail to abideby the law in many ways; areas that were reviewed with the Commissioners, but based onyour familiarity, do not need to be described inthis column.The old CPUC enforcement strategy of phonedisconnects for unlicensed movers isn’t working.A phone disconnect action, without linkage to anexpensive traditional phone book advertisement,and with the ability of the illegal mover to changea phone number on a website before leaving aCPUC Hearing Room is an inconvenience andnot a penalty. This type of action imposes agreater financial penalty on the regulator, buildingand presenting a case, than on the illegal operator who has a phone disconnected. We should(President’s Comments cont. on page 5)3
and grandfather are buried there along with somany military heroes.connections because it is just as gratifying toFor many of us, summer represents a timehelp another agent as it is to be helped by them. we will spend away from our families, working inA quick update on AB 2118: It continues toour offices, warehouses or in trucks, and caringmove forward without opposition. We are hop- for the needs of our relocating public. It is a timeing to see it become law sometime this summer. of sacrifice for us and our families, but we doEach time AB 2118 has been presented to com- this proudly for this is the common passion wemittee, it has passed through unanimously. It is share as movers. Each year you might think,on pace to be sent to the full Senate, where it“Not another summer!”, and yet here we arewill hopefully have the same type of favorableagain doing the things we need to do in order tooutcome.get the job done. You are not alone; you are inMemorial Day was a great time to reflect on great company with other professional moversthe sacrifices which were made by so many ofwho, like you, will do what they must in order toour men and women in our Armed Forces. I at- fulfill their commitments toward their customers.tended a Memorial Day event this year at theI salute you all for the hard work you will do thisGolden Gate Memorial Cemetery in San Bruno, summer.CA; it was a great experience for both my wifeI wish you all my very best this peak season,Claret and me. We watched 40 men andand remember you have a huge network of seawomen from Fort Campbell Kentuckysoned professionals to call on should you need(Screaming Eagles) as they marched proudly inhelp or advice this time of year. Good Luck!formation following the presentation of the colors. Boy Scouts from around the Bay Areaplaced small American flags on more than 33 116,000 graves in observance of Memorial Day.It was a great satisfaction and pride to witnessthis special ceremony because both my father(Chairman’s Corner cont. from page 2) 4
and recently appointed Southern California enforcement supervisor, Adrianne Johnson, tomake a presentation to her team. I was pleasedtherefore work together to develop a strategythat will benefit all: the moving public, the regu- to have the opportunity to spend two hoursspeaking directly with those who are tasked withlated industry and the taxpayers of California.enforcing CPUC regulations. We spoke aboutWe believe that successful enforcement callsfor action that addresses illegal movers’ Internet CMSA's efforts in reporting illegal operators tothe CPUC, and our desire to collect any addimarketing and use of social media. CMSAtional data that they would find helpful in buildstands ready to be a partner in a move towarding cases against non-permitted operators.impactful enforcement against illegal moversCongratulations to Johnson for her efforts towho refuse to follow the laws of the state, andcontinue a long-standing dialog between thetherefore have a competitive advantage in themarketplace. Their advantage is based on sev- CPUC and CMSA and to ensure that her staff,eral factors including: a failure to comply withsome new to the job, was included in that dislaws related to consumer protections, safetycussion. I challenged them to take the more difregulations and employment laws such as work- ficult, yet more impactful road in their mission toers’ compensation insurance for their own work- protect the moving public, asking them to seekers.out the illegal unlicensed operator who is doingSubsequent to our visits with the Commisdamage to the three important entities previsioners, I was invited by longtime CPUC staffer ously identified.(President’s Comments cont. from page 3)Calendar of EventsFri., October 5, 2012Monterey Bay ChapterGolf & Bocce Ball TourneyWed., March 13, 2013San Diego ChapterGolf Tournament5May 14-19, 2013CMSA ConventionSanta Barbara, Calif.
Rate Reasonableness – [IAM] laid out whythis was a driver for artificial rate levels dueto always having the possibility of the caplooming over rate determinations. [The General] promised to discuss this more with hispeople, but made no promises to remove it.(SDDC Meeting cont. from page 1)Estevez, Assistant Secretary of Defense(Logistics & Material Readiness), in no uncertain terms, that he was not in favor of theBCA findings. He said he felt “SDDC is already a 3PL,” and he didn’t feel another entity taking the business away from SDDCand the PPSOs would be the prudent moveto make. He was concerned with takingaway the “touch points” that the DOD ITOsoffer for the [service members], and he alsofelt that the report was a bit disingenuous inindicating that all of the current positionscould be replaced by contractors. The current positions in many ITOs handle muchmore than just personal property. That maybe only one aspect of a person’s job andthus not nearly as many jobs would come offof the rolls as the BCA may [have] indicated.White believes this was an excellent interaction with the SDDC leadership, but has doubtsof movers’ issues being of high priority to theGeneral.“I think this was a good first step, but I feelthe General will be focused on the movement oftroops and material out of Afghanistan, and personal property will only hit his radar for criticalissues like the BCA and DP3/DPS future direction,” White said.Due to time constraints of the meeting andwith the CMSA Military Affairs Committee’s input, it was determined that DP3, Base AccessTwo-Way Interface – [IAM] gave [the Gen- and CARB Regulations were the important iseral] the history of this issue and tried to em- sues that should be brought to the Commander’s attention. The consensus was thatphasize how the lack of the interface is acost driver for the industry. [IAM] asked him these issues had a significant impact on Califorto advocate for it as it does not appear to be nia movers and could be most easily understood by the Commander whom was new to theon the radar for the next DPS contract.(SDDC Meeting cont. on page 7)6
(SDDC Meeting cont. from page 6)position and did not come from a militaryhousehold goods movement background.CMSA shared with the General that with theimplementation of DP3, many Agents have feltdisenfranchised and that they lack a voice in theprocess. Many Agents have been concernedabout their place in this important part of theirbusiness mix as the traditional relationship between military carriers and agents has changedto one that has far less linkage. CMSA, throughits Military Affairs Committee activity, has increased its involvement, becoming more of avoice for our membership in matters related tomilitary moving.Weitekamp spoke of the financial impact ofthe economy and the DP3 program on Agentsand informed the General of the importance ofAgents as the actual service providers that control the assets (labor, trucks and warehouses) inthe moving process.Weitekamp also shared the members’ concerns and general dissatisfaction with the baseaccess program, Rapid Gate. Agents are concerned with its high costs and limited use, withan additional fee to access multiple bases – a7reality for many military movers. We also spokeof inconsistencies in access within the systemand of the possibility that access, in somecases, is even impacted by Flex Fridays. At thesuggestion of the Military Affairs Committee,CMSA addressed the benefits of TSA Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWICCard). The TWIC Card is used for port entryand has a significantly lower cost, based on thefact that it only needs to be renewed every fiveyears, and is accepted at ports all around thecountry. The General appeared to be interestedin a program that would reduce costs and simplify the process for the industry.CMSA also brought up the increased coststhat service providers handling shipments thattouch California are required to bear as a resultof CARB Diesel Engine Regulations. Membersbelieve that this issue will impact Agent costsand Carrier capacity related to shipments withorigins and/or destinations in California. Thiswas an interesting discussion, and was the firsttime that the issue regarding a possible solutionto surcharge, similar to the one for fuel, hadbeen discussed.The General was personable and informed(SDDC Meeting cont. on page 11)
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Shiree Dolman Wins Grand PrizeDonated by DEWITT Cos. at 2012 ConventionShiree Dolman of California Relocation Ser- nation spot, it also happens to be where shevices was announced the lucky winner of a trip and Brandon celebrated their honeymoon 10to Maui, which includedyears ago!two (2) first-class round“I am so excited and-trip tickets anywhereappreciative to win thisin California to Mauitrip,” says Dolman, “Iand a 2,000 Marriottam so thankful toGift Card. The doorDEWITT Cos. for thisprize was generouslywonderful prize!”donated by DEWITTDEWITT CompaCos./Royal Hawaiiannies’ services include,Movers, and given outbut are not limited to,that the 94 CMSA AnHousehold Moves,nual Convention heldCommercial Moves,at John Ascuaga’sMilitary Moves andNugget in Sparks, Nev.Corporate Relocation.from April 10-15, 2012.While specializing inShiree, who wasHawaii, Alaska, andNewly Elected Associate Board Member Jeffthe envy of all the Con- Nadeau of DEWITT Cos./Royal Hawaiian Mov- Guam, DEWITT Comvention attendees,ers (left) poses with grand prize winner Shiree panies has become anplans to take her hus- Dolman of California Relocation Services.integral part of the doband, Brandon Dolmestic and internationalman, to Maui to celebrate their 10-year wedding moving industry.anniversary. Not only is Maui a beautiful desti-9
CMSA Members Still Must SubmitInterim Access Agreementto Pass through Richardson GroveWith the summer season approaching,CMSA wants to remind its movermembers that the Interim AccessAgreement must still be completedin order for drivers to pass throughthe Richardson Grove area in Humboldt County.This agreement allows permittedHousehold Goods Carriers to passthrough Richardson Grove, a redwood state park in HumboldtCounty, without being ticketed andred-tagged on this narrow section ofHighway 101, and avoid taking alternate routes that could add up to600 miles to their trip.The “Interim Access Agreement” as it iscalled was created in March 2009 through thenegotiating efforts of CMSA President StephenWeitekamp and several CMSAmembers. The Agreement was negotiated with the California Department of Transportation (CalTrans)and the California Department ofHighway Patrol (CHP). It was originally meant to be used during the“interim” prior to the completion of aHighway 101 improvement projectthrough Richardson Grove that wasexpected to last through 2010. However, due to a federal lawsuit filedby environmental groups, the improvement project was neverstarted and may never be started.Subsequent to the negotiation of that(Access Agreement cont. on page 11)BEFORECampy Cabfor CampolindoTalk about team spirit. No one pulls forthe local favorite quite like Macy Movers.When Campolindo High School advancedto the California state football championship, the Atlas agency provided transportation for the team’s gear, along with a special perk, just for the occasion.“We had recently purchased a red tractor,” says President Mark Macy. “Since wehad to paint it white, we decided to let theteam give it a temporary paint job for thebig game.” Mark’s brother, Kevin, coachesthe Campolindo team, which came within atouchdown of victory against WashingtonHigh.AFTER10
(Access Agreement cont. from page 10)(SDDC Meeting cont. from page 7)agreement, Weitekamp became a member of an assessment team, which included representatives ofCHP and Caltrans, to review the success of theAgreement. Members of the team were pleased withthe cooperative spirit of both permitted carriers andthe CHP, and the fact that there has been no negative incidents during the access period.It is important that the protocol for the Interim Access Agreement be followed to ensure this accessthrough Richard Grove remain available to permittedcarriers.Carriers must complete the Interim AccessAgreement Form with copies to CalTrans and CHPno less than 72 hours prior to travel; they must alsonotify CHP, and request an escort no less than 24hours prior to passing through the area. Visitwww.thecmsa.org for more information or callCMSA at (562) 865-2900.the group that he had moved 35 times withmilitary-arranged moves, both as a child ofa military member and during his service toour country.Weitekamp feels that this meeting wasa step in the right direction.“I believe that there was significantvalue in CMSA's participation in this meeting,” Weitekamp said. “While the intent ofthe meeting was to introduce the playersand get an overview of our industry, wewere able to take advantage of the opportunity to speak with the Commander insome detail on issues of importance toCMSA members and the larger Agent community.”MEMORIAL BULLETINDianaCornwellRichard LeeDeWitt1948-20121941-2012Diana Cornwellpassed away on Friday, May 18, 2012, after asix-month battle with a very aggressive braintumor.Diana Cornwell was born on September 12,1948, in Bloomsburg, Pa.Cornwell raised horses at one time, lovedher “bumble-bee” motorcycle and riding“Quads” with her husband and friends. The girlhad no fear! And she was a fabulouscook. She and her husband, Scott, recentlybought a beautiful home in Franktown, Colo.Cornwell is survived by her husband, Scott;her mother, Betty; two daughters; five grandchildren and one great-grandson.Richard Lee DeWittpassed away on Tuesday, May 22, 2012, surrounded by his friends and family following afive-month battle with cancer.Richard was the owner of Approved Forwarders, Approved Freight Forwarders, RoyalHawaiian Movers, DeWitt Moving and StorageGuam, DeWitt Companies and Royal AlaskanMovers.DeWitt was also the son of Woodrow“Woody” DeWitt, one of the founding membersof the International Association of Movers. He issurvived by his wife Annalee; six children John,Nannette, Suzanne, Jeannette, Michael, Jacqueline and 11 grandchildren.11
CPUC Investigations Result in Enforcement Actionsand Fines Imposed on Various Moving CompaniesSAN FRANCISCO – The California PublicUtilities Commission (CPUC), in its ongoingcommitment to consumer protection, has recently taken a number of actions to protect consumers from illegally operating moving companies.During the fourth quarter of 2011 and thefirst quarter of 2012, CPUC staff took the following enforcement actions against moving companies for violations of the Public Utilities Codeand CPUC rules and regulations, includingMaximum Rate Tariff 4 (MAX 4), which containsmaximum rates that carriers must observe aswell as rules and regulations governing intrastate moves.2.3.4.5.6.Administrative CitationsRoyal Moving Services, Inc. dba CarefulMovers (MTR 190156) based in San Carlos,Calif., was fined 6,000 for the following violations:7.8.dence of workers’ compensation insurance coverage in effect and on file withthe CPUC;Issued Estimated Cost of Services without performing visual inspections;Failed to issue a Change Order for Services to justify exceeding the EstimatedCost of Services or the Not to Exceedprice;Failed to provide the Important NoticeAbout Your Move document at least threedays prior to the move date;Failed to provide the “Important Information for Persons Moving HouseholdGoods” booklet;Failed to charge distance rates on movesthat exceed 100 constructive miles;Deviated from the units of measurementspecified in Maximum Rate Tariff 4; and,Issued incomplete moving documents.Ori Van Lines, Inc. (MTR 190576) based in1. Engaged four employees without evi(CPUC Investigations cont. on page 13)12
(CPUC Investigations cont. from page 12)San Jose, Calif., was fined 2,000 for the following violations:1. Issued incomplete moving documents;2. Failed to provide Important NoticeAbout Your Move;3. Failed to perform a visual inspectionwhen issuing estimates;4. Overcharges;5. Failed to issue Change Order of Services;6. Failed to maintain a Claims Register;7. Failed to note times when performinghourly moves;8. Issued a release of liability in violationof Public Utilities Code;9. Underreported revenue; and,10. Failed to obtain weigh master’s certificate.1. Operated during suspension; and,2. Failed to provide shippers the ImportantNotice About Your Move document.Zhiyuan Zhang dba Express Moving Services,(MTR 189756) based in Union City, Calif.,was fined 2,000 for the following violations:1. Operated after suspension and revocation of permit;2. Failed to provide the Important NoticeAbout Your Move document at leastthree days prior to the move date;3. Failed to provide the Important Information for Persons Moving HouseholdGoods booklet;4. Failed to state valuation rates; and,5. Issued incomplete moving documents.SM&S Relocation, Inc., dba Speedee Movers(MTR 190474) based in San Jose, Calif., wasfined 3,500 for the following violations:The company was ordered to pay back feesand restitution to customer.1. Failed to provide the Important NoticeAbout Your Move document at leastCoast 2 Coast Movers, LLC, (MTR 190686)based in Los Angeles was fined 1,000 forthe following violations:(CPUC Investigations cont. on page 14)13
(CPUC Investigations cont. from page 13)in the business of transporting used householdgoods, notwithstanding CPUC staff directives tothree days prior to the move date;immediately cease and desist unlawful acts and2. Failed to provide the Important Informa- to obtain a household goods permit.tion for Persons Moving Household1. Mutunga Maithya, dba Central ValleyGoods booklet;Movers, Modesto, Calif. (Unlicensed):3. Failed to charge distance rates onThe company advertised and offeredmoves that exceed 100 constructivehousehold goods moving services on themilesInternet. The advertisements listed one4. Failed to apply correct charges basedphone number. Despite CPUC staff’son weight certificates;cease and desist letters directing the5. Failed to disclose all charges and willcompany to immediately halt all unlawfulfully quoted a lower rate knowing theadvertisements and operations, the comactual charge will be more than thepany continued to violate the law as eviquote;denced by reviews appearing on the6. Under-reported gross revenue and unInternet. On October 12, 2011, CPUCderpaid fees;staff obtained a Finding of Probable7. Issued incomplete moving documents;Cause signed by a Stanislaus County Su8. Failed to state valuation rates; and,perior Court Judge. The Finding orders9. Other Max 4 tariff violations.disconnection of telephone service to thenumber advertised and used by the comPhone Disconnectionspany.As part of its ongoing efforts to clamp downon illegal moving companies, the CPUC had2. Tyson Mol dba All Care Moving Comtelephone service shut off to four moving company, Santa Clara, Calif. (MTR 189681):panies operating in California without a houseAfter CPUC staff obtained a court orderhold goods permit. These companies continuedto advertise and hold themselves out to engage(CPUC Investigations cont. on page 15)14
(CPUC Investigations cont. from page 14)on March 26, 2010, directing the disconnection of telephone numbers, the company obtained a new telephone numberand willfully continued to advertise hisunlicensed business on the Internet offering household goods moves after revocation of his permit. On October 14, 2011,CPUC staff obtained a second Finding ofProbable Cause signed by a Santa ClaraCounty Superior Court Judge. The orderfinds that telephone service at the number advertised was being used to violatecriminal laws of the State of Californiaand orders disconnection of the number.3. Dustan Bartlett and/or Tom Brouillette,acting as individuals or in concert, dbaSultans of Schlep, San Francisco(Unlicensed): The company advertisedand offered household goods movingservices on the Internet. The advertisements listed three phone numbers. Thecompany continued to violate the law after receiving written and oral communications from CPUC staff to cease and de-sist. The court Finding obtained byCPUC staff orders disconnection of telephone service to the three telephonenumbers advertised and used by thecompany.4. Juan G. Diaz Hernandez dba CompleteMoving Service Company, Aromas, Calif.(Unlicensed): The company advertisedhousehold goods moving services on theside of a truck. The company failed toremove the sign on the truck after beingdirected to do so by CPUC staff. A courtorder was obtained authorizing the disconnection of the advertised phone number.5. Jason Yu (dba) Pro Moving Express,Mountain View (Unlicensed). This company advertised and offered householdgoods moving services on the Internet.The advertisements listed five phonenumbers. Notwithstanding CPUC staffcease and desist letters and oral communication directing the company to immediately cease all unlawful advertisementsand operations, the company continued(CPUC Investigations cont. on page 16)15
(CPUC Investigations cont. from page 15)and exorbitant moving charges. The company did not have a valid household goodscarrier permit to conduct these moves.to violate the law. On January 19, 2012,Based on the complaints received andthe CPUC obtained a Finding of Probablesting operations, the District Attorney’s ofCause signed by a Santa Clara Superiorfice filed a felony complaint charging EdanCourt Judge. The Finding orders disconElbaz and Mellisa Gisselle Jimenez (salesnection of telephone service to the fiveperson) with 12 counts of conspiracy withtelephone numbers advertised and usedothers to commit a crime, a violation of Peby the company to violate criminal laws innal Code section 484-487(a) (Grand Theft).the State of California.Warrants for their arrest were issued. Ms.Criminal FilingsJimenez was booked and released onFollowing is an update on two criminal cases 150,000 bail. The whereabouts of Elbazpreviously filed:is unknown. UPDATE: Ms. Jimenez pled1. Duncan and Elbaz, Inc. dba Worldwide Reno contest to one count of grand theft andlocations, Worldwide Moving, Moving USone count of conspiracy. She was senMoving &Storage, Marten Transport, Martenced to 5 years of probation and 480ten Movers, Atlas Van Lines and S Vanhours of community service. Her plea alLines, and its President Edan Elbaz, Santalows consideration of all the other chargesClara (MTR190482-Denied): In conjuncwhen determining restitution. Restitutiontion with the Moving Companies Taskwill be determined by the probation departForce, CPUC staff had been providing thement.Santa Clara County District Attorney’s of2. MTF Relocation, Inc. dba Best Local Relofice with copies of consumer complaintscation, San Jose (MTR 190354-Revoked):filed with the CPUC. In addition, CPUCCPUC staff participated in a multiagencystaff submitted a report on two consumertaskforce along with the Santa Claracomplaints alleging goods held hostage(CPUC Investigations cont. on page 17)16
(CPUC Investigations cont. from page 16)2.District Attorney’s office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department ofTransportation, Immigration and CustomsEnforcement, Weights and Measures, andother agencies targeting problem movingcompanies in Santa Clara County. Asearch warrant was executed on MTF’splace of business. Oren Avitan, owner ofMTF, was not present and fled the country.Employee Rodney Duque was arrested andcharged with 32 counts of conspiracy andgrand theft. UPDATE: A preliminary hearing was held in November 2011 in the Superior Court of Santa Clara County for Duque. Five charges were dropped due to theinability to locate some of the victims. Duque was held to answer on 26 of the 27 remaining counts.Official NoticeThe following seven companies were issuedan Official Notice for advertising and operatingwithout a permit.1. J
SDDC lead-ership. This meeting was the first time that CMSA or any state as-sociation has been asked to be a part of the meet-ings that IAM and AMSA have histori-cally con-ducted with the SDDC Commander and staff. Other par-ticipants in the meeting were IAM President Terry Head, IAM Director
