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Board for Geologists and Geophysicists Wins Permanent Injunction
Against Self-Described "Water Witch" in Southern California
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 26, 2004
SACRAMENTO — The Board for Geologists and Geophysicists (BGG) has won a permanent injunction against a San Diego county man who has been illegally advising consumers in Southern California on where to drill for water.
Anthony Jamarillo, who describes himself as a "water witch," has been under a temporary restraining order since Nov. 19, 2003, when a San Diego County Superior Court Judge found that consumers could be at risk if Mr. Jamarillo continued his activities. In California, only state-licensed professionals can provide geological and geophysical services to consumers.
The court issued a permanent injunction on July 9.
"This strong action by the BGG highlights the Board's commitment to protecting consumers' interests," said Charlene Zettel, director of the California Department of Consumer Affairs.
"Whether it's the location of a well or another issue relating to geology and geophysics, consumers need the expertise and judgment that only a licensed professional can provide," said Paul Sweeney, Executive Officer of the BGG."Mr. Jamarillo is not licensed."
Mr. Jamarillo has been the subject of five complaints to the BGG: two from consumers, as well as complaints from a licensed geophysicist, and San Bernardino and San Diego counties.
Reacting to these complaints, the board cited Mr. Jamarillo in January 2003 for practicing geology and/or geophysics without a license and fined him $2,500. The board also ordered Mr. Jamarillo to cease his activities.
When Mr. Jamarillo appealed the board's ruling, the board asked the California Attorney's General's Office to seek the restraining order while the case was settled. On June 7, an Administrative Law Judge rejected Mr. Jamarillo's appeal and ordered him to pay the fine.
The case that led to the board's citation was one in which Mr. Jamarillo advised a consumer on where to drill a well on property in Anza, Calif.
The BGG, which is part of the California Department of Consumer Affairs, works to continually enhance the quality, significance and availability of geological and geophysical services to the people of the State of California through licensing and enforcement. For more information, visit the board's Web site at www.geology.ca.gov.
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