[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6331325,"mediaKeyId","2311789-5a3c1b321bd44a20557a3e8c7bf5e941","parentId",2311789,"title","Board hears draft report on cosmetology apprenticeship program; staff, members call for changes","audioSeconds",804,"startMs",3680150,"endMs",4484725,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2311789-5a3c1b321bd44a20557a3e8c7bf5e941&start=3680&end=4484","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2311789-5a3c1b321bd44a20557a3e8c7bf5e941/thumbnail_3680150.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6331325/California/Board-hears-draft-report-on-cosmetology-apprenticeship-program-staff-members-call-for-changes","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6331325-89056ac008d0cc6bdca309473c8fc752/orig.mp4?Expires=1771157186&Signature=duVlIyqEt9jTAotknF0fcmvHYT-Wn9QSIPwG7aDhLmCSWx8mgno42SnQTb9E4rF4gzD3vIyF1rz7qycGY6YpV6DIKXpWAF8-kwHhd5yFxMSoZTzuFUuTmTqIM4XFNesN6vQzItF0~XYVqFsS4b54E8I3GR1AHQOWNpr~Js41QdlbDWl~hCw99AKriHg3myVABOtCCuMx5dJczGlJ-Tbnstpp7U6JyACl4dy~utkNIEV1VU~wyM1lqwsNlxBzHUAdrYa0SuBgegZtDwLUzfNYAL6L7KNr41KMDlu2~KgdoX0Og7tWdZevp-TP96FG~ChdMGtmfBRzTbdplZDF6A1eeA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","California Board of Barbering Cosmetology","date","2025-02-12T21:25:54Z","article","Board staff presented a draft report on the state’s cosmetology and barbering apprenticeship program at the Feb. 10 meeting, describing systemic problems staff said require regulatory and legislative attention.

Why it matters: Apprenticeships are a state-supported pathway into licensing designed to allow training while earning pay. The board’s report identified gaps in oversight that, staff and board members said, put apprentices at risk of high fees, inadequate training and poor workplace protections. The findings have implications for a 2026 sunset review and potential legislative changes.

What staff reported: The board presented data showing low overall pass rates for apprentices and particularly low pass rates for Spanish-language test takers in 2024 (approximately 22% pass rate reported for cosmetology Spanish-language examinees in apprenticeship pathways). Staff described several recurring problems:
- High tuition and fees charged by some apprenticeship sponsors or third-party training facilities (staff reported averages around $7,000 and instances substantially higher), and additional administrative and penalty fees charged directly to apprentices.
- “Franchising” of related‑training: entities not approved as program sponsors advertising apprenticeships and charging large fees while operating under the sponsor/affiliate label; staff identified about 76 training facilities with roughly 40% appearing to enroll apprentices under their own business name.
- Weak oversight of related training and instructors: no statutory requirement that instructors meet specified qualifications or that Spanish‑language students be provided Spanish-language instruction or approved Spanish-language textbooks tied to the exam.
- On-the-job training shortfalls: apprentices sometimes left unsupervised or treated like employees, with incomplete or backfilled training logs and deficient completion forms when candidates seek the exam.
- Wage and workers’ compensation problems: reports that apprentices are paid on commission, sometimes “under the table,” or asked to obtain their own workers’ compensation rather than being covered by the employer.

Staff noted federal and state funding sources might be available for apprenticeship programs but said the report’s funding section was not complete and further analysis was forthcoming. Staff also confirmed the board currently spends significant staff time on apprenticeship-related complaints and investigations; the board’s licensing unit sees a high share of deficient applications from apprentices, which increases processing burden.

Board and stakeholder response: Board members across the ideological mix voiced concern, called the report “timely,” and urged fast action. Member Kelly Funk and others urged the board to press for clear accountability — for sponsors, for related-training facilities, and for Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) that affiliate with sponsors for classroom instruction. Several commenters urged regulatory fixes plus legislative action through the board’s forthcoming sunset report, which offers a formal opportunity to request statute changes.

Public commenters included representatives from LEAs and trade groups. John Simadeh of the San Joaquin County Office of Education (an LEA) offered historical context and pledged local-agency cooperation. Fred Jones of the Professional Beauty Federation urged stakeholders to convene and warned that industry structure (many independent contractors and small employers) complicates classic apprenticeship models. A local salon owner urged the board to develop clear, practical guidance for employers who are asked to be apprenticeship mentors.

Board direction and next steps: Staff said this is a draft and more analysis will follow. Members signaled support for including apprenticeship-related reforms in the board’s 2026 sunset report and for exploring regulatory and statutory options — for example, clarifying sponsor and training-provider responsibilities, setting instructor or curriculum standards, and requiring evidence that apprentices received approved materials or instruction in the language of test administration. Staff will prepare further details and potential regulatory or legislative language to present to the board in future meetings.

Ending: Members and stakeholders urged rapid follow-up. Staff committed to further analysis and to presenting refined recommendations — including funding and enforcement implications — at the next meeting or in a dedicated follow-up session.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology Meeting - February 10, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Board staff delivered a draft report on Feb. 10 identifying low exam pass rates for apprenticeship pathways, high tuition/fee practices by some training providers, and weak oversight of related training and on‑the‑job supervision.","taxTitle","Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, Other State Agencies, Executive, California","taxId",15986,"location","California","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6331326,"Two petitions for license reinstatement heard; board closes record, will decide later",4525,51605,4577270,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2311789-5a3c1b321bd44a20557a3e8c7bf5e941&start=51&end=4577","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2311789-5a3c1b321bd44a20557a3e8c7bf5e941/thumbnail_51605.jpg","/articles/6331326/California/Two-petitions-for-license-reinstatement-heard-board-closes-record-will-decide-later","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6331326-aee47d319e4686c7efcb682dea758d3b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771157186&Signature=J8pLoD6wMH0s0rwcOugtShPUpUc6b~ADE8-64mMMm5nRMBdi~BOXNZ1dKEJAj8eaF8kxC1kwZfcvwZANK5hr~Pm3Y-LsOrJGY9hSUkiinB~CN41P-2QQrfwjMfieqLIfqY8n4bBqJQ~0wCONhFb59ce8Oy4moiCxN396H6SOAvgr9YfsCBrD4vJN4~lOeblgvGh9xIJBcAkrBsr4iLW-UyoGNodWXoioJ2uOpItulM5S2~h-y9CXwtWmFdsVWoMNWucRWWRwayrwOILi4CfCjYd~IiJ45opnKbdx2e9Ri~WdLu1OdCxU80GvtyFiTnsslWJucz0OfCzhBwdWz149BA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Board of Barbering and Cosmetology heard two petitions for reinstatement during its Feb. 10, 2025 meeting and accepted testimony before closing the record to deliberate at a later date.

Administrative Law Judge Patrice Huber opened both hearings. Deputy Attorneys General presented the state’s records in each case; petitioners gave sworn testimony and submitted supporting documents. After receiving evidence and asking questions, the board members closed the record in both matters and will issue written decisions later.

Why it matters: Reinstatement hearings determine whether a revoked cosmetology license may be returned. The board’s determinations affect public-safety oversight of personal-care services and the professional futures of the petitioners.

Athena Bullock petitioned to reinstate cosmetologist license No. 533783, revoked following a default decision that found she performed a relaxer touch-up in 2012 that caused substantial hair loss for a client. Deputy Attorney General Megan Bright summarized the accusation and the prior default decision, and presented six exhibits including the prior decision and Bullock’s petition filed Oct. 2, 2024. Bullock testified under oath that she had been a newly licensed cosmetologist in 2012 and described the incident: she said the client told her a commercial product (“high color”) had been used rather than bleach, and Bullock “took her word for what she said.” She described what she now would do differently, telling the board she would perform a strand test and give more thorough consultations, and said she is open to probation if the board grants reinstatement. Bullock testified she has worked in hospice and holds CNA credentials, and that she has not performed chemical services since the revocation.

In the hearing record, the accusation alleged a 2012 service resulted in “approximately 90 percent” of the client’s hair “melting or burning and falling off”; the board issued a default decision revoking Bullock’s license effective July 17, 2014. Bullock submitted three letters of reference and certificates of completion as supporting exhibits. After questioning from the deputy attorney general and board members — who emphasized supervision, mentorship and the importance of strand testing — Bullock’s matter was submitted and the record closed. No decision was made at the hearing.

The second petition concerned Blooming Couture Nails LLC and licensee Phuong (spelled at hearing as P-h-u-o-n-g) Tong, whose cosmetology license was revoked by default after multiple inspections, citations and a consumer complaint alleging unsanitary conditions at her establishment. Deputy Attorney General Adriana Lazark presented nine exhibits including inspection reports, citation letters, the default decision entered July 17, 2023 (effective Aug. 17, 2023) and the petitioner’s reinstatement request filed Dec. 30, 2024. The state’s presentation described repeated failed inspection attempts, citation fines that remain unpaid, and a consumer complaint alleging an animal on the premises.

Tong testified under oath that she had owned Blooming Couture Nails and that she left the business in 2018 to care for an ill family member. She told the board she sold the business around Aug. 1, 2018, to an individual she identified as Kim Nguyen and later discovered the buyer apparently never completed an ownership transfer. Tong said she did not receive the board’s notices and that tracking numbers show some mailings were returned; she acknowledged citations remain unpaid and said she lacks receipts for money orders she believed she provided. Board members questioned Tong about repeated citations related to sanitation, display of license, and worker supervision; Tong said she planned to run a single-operator salon if granted reinstatement and cited childcare and caregiving duties that interrupted business oversight. After questions from staff and board members, Tong’s matter was also submitted and the record closed. The board will deliberate and issue written decisions at a later date.

Both proceedings were conducted with a court reporter present and followed the Office of Administrative Hearings process. No final board actions were taken at the meeting; both petitions were submitted and the administrative record closed.

What’s next: The board will deliberate and issue written decisions on each petition; the transcript and exhibits will be part of the administrative record.","The Board of Barbering and Cosmetology held hearings on petitions to reinstate two cosmetology-related licenses. Petitioners Athena Bullock and Phuong (Phuong) Tong testified; both matters were submitted and the record closed for later board deliberation.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6331315,"Board advances pre‑apprentice rulemaking, interpreter rule text and conducts officer elections",264,7200725,7465185,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2311789-5a3c1b321bd44a20557a3e8c7bf5e941&start=7200&end=7465","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2311789-5a3c1b321bd44a20557a3e8c7bf5e941/thumbnail_7200725.jpg","/articles/6331315/California/Board-advances-preapprentice-rulemaking-interpreter-rule-text-and-conducts-officer-elections","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6331315-36133e057ed111ee8e7fb21268e87674/orig.mp4?Expires=1771157186&Signature=ELi2qu1cvsvFs8H6kd9PsRJcdcpe76t3cWmNYUtEtrr~ca2b6MhSB-8Y0TL0a76uf70n1gIYwwl9c7T-TXu24G-LJ2wjY6NUVxCORhSEX10KHdJdqmZjeCKBN0sIe5wnRoD7iHof2aGwoTsqfuCJjr8dG67tMBWX5s6AOg-NSQVR5rKQ71n002WJdLsKhWER5cM6OH7KKpIZbK6mMerwsEF3DyT4oOxLNkW3A6nafL1rSeyCt5ep6sFk8EjEe4~pAMrmhWD805ObLzipkEi8lI7yPeO6G6OxqhFeWe8p0O8EchlOE4AJ9j9BMowto2OLEA~v4eFKi6y6iiY2qtC4KQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At its Feb. 10, 2025 meeting the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology approved several administrative and rulemaking steps and completed officer elections.

Pre‑apprentice regulation: The board reviewed public comments submitted during the 45‑day comment period for a proposed regulation implementing pre‑apprentice training (adopted under prior policy direction). After reviewing 69 comment submissions and staff’s proposed responses, the board directed staff to reject the comments as specified in the meeting materials and to proceed with the rulemaking package as noticed. The board authorized the executive officer to make non‑substantive changes and to file the final rulemaking package with the Office of Administrative Law.

Interpreter regulation: The board rescinded a prior motion from Feb. 26, 2024 and reauthorized the initial rulemaking to change interpreter participation limits for licensing exams. The proposed text reduces the period an individual is barred from serving as an interpreter (previously two years) to a one‑year restriction; the board directed staff to route the text for standard internal review and to proceed with the 45‑day comment process.

Board business and elections: The board approved its 2025 Board Member Guidelines & Procedures Manual, with one minor edit requested to clarify “under the direction of board staff” when outside contractors prepare minutes. The board also approved the Nov. 4, 2024 meeting minutes. The board then elected a slate for officers: Tanya Fairley was nominated and elected president; Kelly Funk was nominated, accepted and elected vice president. The motion to approve the slate passed on a roll-call vote. Several members thanked outgoing officers and welcomed new and reappointed members.

What this means: The approved rulemaking steps advance regulation of pre‑apprentice training and interpreter eligibility; final adoption will follow the administrative rulemaking timetable and depend on public comment and Office of Administrative Law review. The officer elections set leadership for the coming year.

Ending: Staff will file the pre‑apprentice rulemaking package and proceed with the interpreter‑rule notice; the board will consider comments and final adoption in later meetings.","The board directed staff to proceed with pre‑apprentice regulation as noticed, reauthorized initial interpreter rule text (reducing the non‑participation window), approved board guidelines and minutes, and elected Tanya Fairley as president and Kelly Funk as vice president.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6331320,"Board pilots mobile inspection system: inspectors to use iPads, digital reports and photos",286,6305340,6591835,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2311789-5a3c1b321bd44a20557a3e8c7bf5e941&start=6305&end=6591","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2311789-5a3c1b321bd44a20557a3e8c7bf5e941/thumbnail_6305340.jpg","/articles/6331320/California/Board-pilots-mobile-inspection-system-inspectors-to-use-iPads-digital-reports-and-photos","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6331320-eb5edf83615a9ac32ef5941e367abbe8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771157186&Signature=E-Uw51AxVNZx0zyF5FfvPZGGSlsuinYEjHPonlUfYcRWEfx8cLbKKYm~AGLKNFwfbkcmQpsMNmQDIPWPHNUB6WI31~AsGRTJvz6LSAZ09wq5AjtmP4oXtVkiliCkn14LkG9Z9RHB2r3p6TYTTt~j5MwIWQpNhzmEPMIs5EMr3mX4KHVWAIK3ai9x2tsat6bVx09NpZsLjiL9oBjCwShbl7dXDwAY-0gGJOlidi-QhfJ-P7OAa18oKJaR9sgA0h~CYUoyMUHD9Cps0A0AXyy5kiY8wJtY743jYzcEVxwadzGRIQEqjaQqmi7QxvplhzZS-C4ei0zwuFBHO8iQD7t86g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Board of Barbering and Cosmetology previewed a new mobile inspection platform at its Feb. 10 meeting that replaces paper inspection reports with an electronic workflow for inspectors and immediate emailed reports for establishments.

Why it matters: The new system will speed processing, reduce paper scanning and provide licensees immediate photo evidence of violations. Inspectors and staff said the digital records should improve transparency and aid enforcement and appeals.

What the system does: Carrie Harris (board staff) and colleagues developed the mobile inspection application in collaboration with the Veterinary Medical Board and the Department of Technology. Inspectors will receive assignments on an iPad, fill out structured site details (stations, services observed, operator counts, interpreter used), mark compliance items against a checklist of Business & Professions Code and regulatory requirements, and take photos tied to specific violations. Reports will be generated automatically and emailed to the licensee and to inspectors; the files will also flow into the board’s back-office system for processing and enforcement.

Pilot and timeline: Staff reported a pilot of 217 inspections in November–December. Several inspectors are in phased training and the board expects to expand use; staff said they plan to place all inspectors and special investigators on the system by June 2025, with existing paper forms retained as backups. Maintenance costs after grant funding were estimated by staff at approximately $50,000 per year.

Related outreach and enforcement discussion: Board members used the agenda discussion on outreach to raise concerns about vendors selling devices at trade shows that can cause practitioners to perform procedures outside their legal scope (for example, devices that implicate medical practice). Members urged stepped-up outreach advising licensees to verify scope of practice before purchasing or using machines, and discussed producing a standing banner for trade-show booths to warn buyers to check scope-of-practice rules. Staff said they would pursue social-media advisories and explore a durable sign for outreach events.

Ending: Staff will continue the phased rollout, expand inspector training, and return to the board with implementation milestones. Members encouraged staff to prioritize clear outreach language for trade-show attendees and licensees new to advanced devices.","The board demonstrated a new mobile inspection platform that will replace paper triplicate inspection forms with electronic reports, photos, and automated delivery to licensees; staff piloted the tool and expect wider rollout by June 2025.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6331323,"DCA announces wildfire fee deferral, Form 700 change and planned trainings at Board meeting",380,4728825,5109570,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2311789-5a3c1b321bd44a20557a3e8c7bf5e941&start=4728&end=5109","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2311789-5a3c1b321bd44a20557a3e8c7bf5e941/thumbnail_4728825.jpg","/articles/6331323/California/DCA-announces-wildfire-fee-deferral-Form-700-change-and-planned-trainings-at-Board-meeting","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6331323-ce5a1808e68c15ec5ee3fa2c8ea2a926/orig.mp4?Expires=1771157186&Signature=UAj6~fzbMF1vvIraYSNNpswL6KpaZs5rXXmZz~Ob1pHLY2gYpIJydRTtBqm7FMAvSkElvjC0qMnOQNSGgqggVn-jQ0i7V-HHeAkLHI~ca4eWnUPpPsH9e7d1OaWgY-losedyrdSD6hF0jL~BWt5BUV-JGLpKNULnnelUsNTaMqZ2e7cVQ-34Sr-uznoS~XvIN9qzkePxfUaXFSk0UfYbDJZm-euuBjlnvNBXGBWQ3iAMmTdQ6KLrLB0FwfJw7cipVR62vYmVEfoT55pUiCIWa3s1ct49qUlFob48~gY3R~Gm1y~J3hv8aWtUUAwliIMt6rhvpATmBLNw4NGA75m71g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Melissa Gere, deputy director for board and bureau relations at the Department of Consumer Affairs, gave a department update to the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology at the Feb. 10, 2025 meeting outlining disaster relief, administrative changes and training opportunities.

The governor’s Executive Order 1525: Gere said Governor Gavin Newsom’s Jan. 29 executive order (EO 1525) provides relief to licensees whose business or residence addresses fall within designated Los Angeles wildfire ZIP codes. Relief measures include: a one‑year deferral of renewal fees for license expirations between Jan. 1 and July 1, 2025; a one‑year waiver for duplicate/replacement licenses or wall certificates through Jan. 7, 2026; and suspension of delinquency fees through July 1, 2025 for impacted licensees. DCA has posted guidance on a disaster help center web page and established a toll-free hotline +1 800-998-314 and an email calcafires@dca.ca.gov for affected licensees.

Administrative and budget items: Gere summarized the governor’s proposed 2025–26 state budget highlights as they relate to DCA and its boards, including eight budget change proposals (BCPs) for boards and bureaus and ongoing vacancy-reduction and government‑efficiency planning. She said a proposed reorganization to create a dedicated California housing and homeless agency is under review and that DCA would update boards as the process moves forward. She also said AB 1170 requires that board members file Form 700 electronically through the California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) beginning Jan. 1, 2025; paper filings via the DCA Netfile portal will no longer be accepted. The annual Form 700 deadline remains April 1.

Training and outreach: Gere invited presidents and vice presidents to a Feb. 19 virtual president’s training and outlined Board Member Orientation/Training (BMOT) dates (Mar. 26, June 18, Oct. 22). She noted ongoing outreach work, including recently launched Vietnamese-language Facebook content about AB 5, and thanked staff and board members who participate in DCA training programs.

Personnel: Gere acknowledged leadership changes at DCA and welcomed newly reappointed board members and a new Board appointee. She encouraged the board to use DCA resources and to contact board-and-bureau relations for questions and registration for trainings.

Ending: The board thanked Gere for the update; members had no follow-up questions at the close of the briefing.","Deputy Director Melissa Gere briefed the Board on Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) actions including Governor’s Executive Order 1525 fee-deferral/waiver for licensees in wildfire-impacted ZIP codes, a disaster help center, Form 700 e-filing changes, and upcoming trainings and budget proposals.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board hears draft report on cosmetology apprenticeship program; staff, members call for changes

Two petitions for license reinstatement heard; board closes record, will decide later

Board advances pre‑apprentice rulemaking, interpreter rule text and conducts officer elections

Board pilots mobile inspection system: inspectors to use iPads, digital reports and photos

DCA announces wildfire fee deferral, Form 700 change and planned trainings at Board meeting