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Operates automotive repair and smog check station licensing units and several programs related to automotive repair and vehicle emissions including the Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) which assists consumers needing Smog Check repairs to bring their vehicles into compliance with emissions standards. CAP allows qualified motorists to receive financial assistance for emissions-related repairs from the state. Eligible consumers can receive payment to retire their high-polluting vehicle. The Bureau of Automotive Repair takes complaints against auto repair shops and smoking vehicles; helps consumers to locate hard-to-find emissions parts, and offers a free auto body inspection program. Extensive information available online; see website for more information.

Provides licenses and regulates contractors in 43 license classifications, investigates complaints against contractors, works to eliminate the number of unlicensed contractors working in California and educates the public on how to hire a contractor. Consumers can call or check web site (www.cslb.ca.gov) for a contractor's license information.

Answers and responds to reports of suspected safety defects in vehicles, vehicle equipment, and child safety seats. Provides information about air bags, highway safety, and the proper use of child safety seats.

Licenses adult residential and adult day programs in SF Bay Area as well as child care centers including in-home centers, senior care residential facilities and board and care. Provides information on licensing and responds to complaints. A list of licensed facilities by zip code or city is online at the program's website.

Develops and enforces standards for a variety of consumer products. The agency does not have jurisdiction over automobiles (including tires, trucks and motorcycles), car seats protecting children in on-road vehicles, foods, medicines, cosmetics, and medical devices (CPSC has authority for child-resistant packaging), dissatisfaction with business practices and certain other products; website lists contact information for these products. A consumer can file a complaint online about an unsafe product or call. Recent recalls and contact information are on website.

Provides free, non-legal advice and referrals on a wide range of issues, complaint referrals, provides consumer resources/publications (online and by mail) in multiple languages, advocates for consumers in the media and before lawmakers, and provides current comparisons of credit cards, bank accounts and long distance services. Website has extensive information.

Licenses adult residential and adult day programs in SF Bay Area as well as child care centers including in-home centers, senior care residential facilities and board and care. Provides information on licensing and responds to complaints. A list of licensed facilities by zip code or city is online at the program's website.

Provides consumer information, education, and protection including maintaining files of verified information about businesses located in the counties of service, processes complaints and makes available reliability reports on companies and charitable or soliciting organizations. Website has listing of tips and alerts for consumers, videos and other resources for consumers and businesses. Provides a listing of charities and donors as well as taking complaints on charities. Provides a variety of services for businesses including dispute resolution services and accreditation information.

Operates automotive repair and smog check station licensing units and several programs related to automotive repair and vehicle emissions including the Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) which assists consumers needing Smog Check repairs to bring their vehicles into compliance with emissions standards. CAP allows qualified motorists to receive financial assistance for emissions-related repairs from the state. Eligible consumers can receive payment to retire their high-polluting vehicle. The Bureau of Automotive Repair takes complaints against auto repair shops and smoking vehicles; helps consumers to locate hard-to-find emissions parts, and offers a free auto body inspection program. Extensive information available online; see website for more information.

Licenses adult residential and adult day programs in SF Bay Area as well as child care centers including in-home centers, senior care residential facilities and board and care. Provides information on licensing and responds to complaints. A list of licensed facilities by zip code or city is online at the program's website.

Offers information, resources and assistance needed to learn consumer rights and responsibilities, learn how to make smart and safe consumer choices, and learn how to effectively complain when a consumer transaction goes wrong. DCA's consumer assistance hotline is staffed by friendly and knowledgeable agents who, through translation services, can speak to callers in over 140 languages. DCA's Take Charge California! consumer education Web site offers information about health, home, car, money, free and low-cost government and community services, scams, and much more. The site also offers detailed information to landlords and tenants.

Provides consumer information, education, and protection including maintaining files of verified information about businesses located in the counties of service, processes complaints and makes available reliability reports on companies and charitable or soliciting organizations. Website has listing of tips and alerts for consumers, videos and other resources for consumers and businesses. Provides a listing of charities and donors as well as taking complaints on charities. Provides a variety of services for businesses including dispute resolution services and accreditation information.

Provides information and assistance regarding hospital financial assistance programs, charity care, discount payment programs, and hospital billing rights. Investigates complaints related to hospital financial assistance and debt collection practices, maintains hospital financial assistance policy information, and helps eligible patients access resources to reduce or pay hospital medical bills.

Provides information and assistance for consumers regarding buying various types of insurance, filing complaints, reporting fraud, health issues and senior issues. Extensive information can be found online including forms and publications. Covers information on medical, automobile, residential and life insurance.

Licenses adult residential and adult day programs in SF Bay Area as well as child care centers including in-home centers, senior care residential facilities and board and care. Provides information on licensing and responds to complaints. A list of licensed facilities by zip code or city is online at the program's website.