Enforcement Actions

LOS ANGELES—The LATC issued a two-count administrative citation that included a $3,000 fine to Tina Bishop, an unlicensed individual, for alleged violations of Business and Professions Code (BPC) section 5640 (Unlicensed Person Engaging in Practice—Sanctions). The action alleged that Bishop executed a written "Agreement for Professional Services" with a client to provide treatment recommendations for a project in Los Angeles. The project is not an exempt project as described in BPC section 5641. Bishop paid the civil penalty, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on September 9, 2014.

PALO ALTO—The Board issued a citation that included a $1,000 administrative fine to Bonnie Brock, an unlicensed individual, for alleged violations of BPC section 5640 (Unlicensed Person Engaging in Practice—Sanctions). The action alleged that Brock provided services for a project in Menlo Park which is not an exempt project as described in BPC section 5641. Brock paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on October 10, 2016.

STOCKTON–The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $1,000 administrative fine to Danny Cannistraci, dba Cannistraci Landscape Design, an unlicensed individual, for alleged violations of Business and Professions Code (BPC) section 5640 (Unlicensed Person Engaging in Practice – Sanctions). The action alleged that Cannistraci’s company website, cannislands.com, is advertised as a “Landscape Architecture and Maintenance” company without Cannistraci being licensed as a landscape architect. The citation became final on May 6, 2019.

CORONA DEL MAR—The Board issued a two-count citation that included a $2,000 administrative fine to Eric Fenmore, unlicensed, for alleged violations of BPC section 5640 (Unlicensed Person Engaging in Practice—Sanctions). The citation alleged that Fenmore provided services for a project not described in BPC section 5641 (Chapter Exceptions, Exemptions) as an exempt project without a valid, unrevoked license. The citation became final on February 16, 2016 and has been paid.

PALO ALTO—The Board issued a two-count citation that included a $250 administrative fine to Julianne Frizzell, landscape architect license number LA 4077, for alleged violations of Business and Professions Code section 5616 (Landscape Architecture Contract-Contents, Notice Requirements) and California Code of Regulations, title 16, section 2670, subsection (d)(5) (Rules of Professional Conduct – Conflict of Interest). The action alleged that Frizzell failed to include all requirements in the executed contract for a project and did not secure faithful performance of all parties to the construction contract. Frizzell paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on November 2, 2022.

WOODLAND HILLS—The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $1,000 administrative fine to Michele Garzon, an unlicensed individual, for alleged violations of Business and Professions Code (BPC) section 5640 (Unlicensed Person Engaging in Practice - Sanctions). The action alleged that Garzon provided services for a project in Glendale, which is not an exempt project as described in BPC section 5641 (Chapter Exceptions, Exemptions). Garzon paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on July 13, 2020.

OCEANSIDE—The California Architects Board, Landscape Architects Technical Committee issued a four-count citation that included a $16,000 administrative fine to Baxter Martin, expired landscape architect license number LA 4092, for multiple alleged violations of Business and Professions Code section 5640 (Unlicensed Person Engaging in Practice - Sanctions). The action alleged that in 2013 and 2015, Martin prepared landscape design plans and/or landscape construction drawings for multiple residences in San Diego and Rancho Santa Fe, and the plans and construction drawings contained stamps that represented or implied that Martin was licensed. The action also alleged that Martin executed an agreement to provide landscape design services and represented to the public on his website that he was licensed to engage in the practice of landscape architecture. The citation became final on May 15, 2017.

VENICE—The Board issued a two-count citation that included a $1,000 administrative fine to Scott Martin, landscape architect license number LA 6061, for alleged violations of Business and Professions Code section 5616 (Landscape Architecture Contract-Contents, Notice Requirements) and California Code of Regulations section 2670, subsection (a)(2) (Rules of Professional Conduct-Competence). The action alleged that Martin failed to execute a contract prior to commencing work on a project and knowingly provided, and submitted, plans with incorrect measurements. Martin paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on December 23, 2019.

LOS ANGELES—The Board issued a two-count citation that included a $2,000 administrative fine to Kathleen McKernin, landscape architect license number LA 5630, for alleged violations of Business and Professions Code section 5616 (Landscape Architecture Contract-Contents, Notice Requirements) and California Code of Regulations, title 16, section 2670, subsection (a)(2) (Rules of Professional Conduct-Competence). The action alleged that McKernin failed to include all requirements in the executed contract for a project and provided design plans that did not comply with City laws, codes, and/or regulations potentially causing monetary damage to the client. McKernin paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on September 19, 2022.

THOUSAND OAKS—The Board issued a two-count citation that included a $2,000 administrative fine to John Montgomery, unlicensed, for alleged violations of BPC section 5640 (Unlicensed Person Engaging in Practice—Sanctions). The citation alleged that Montgomery was advertising to provide landscape architecture services without a valid, unrevoked license. The citation became final on January 29, 2016.

On June 2, 2014, the LATC issued a modified citation against Brad Morton that included a $750 administrative fine for an alleged violation of BPC section 5640 (Unlicensed Person Engaging in Practice—Sanctions). The citation became final on July 2, 2014 and has been paid.

SANTA BARBARA—The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $1,000 administrative fine to David Niles, landscape architect license number LA 4206, for an alleged violation of BPC section 5616(a) (Landscape Architecture Contract—Contents, Notice Requirements). The action alleged that Niles failed to execute a contract prior to commencing work on a project. Niles paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on January 12, 2016.

CULVER CITY–The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $1,000 administrative fine to Jake Patton, an unlicensed individual, for alleged violations of Business and Professions Code (BPC) section 5640 (Unlicensed Person Engaging in Practice - Sanctions). The action alleged that Patton provided services for a project not described in BPC section 5641 (Chapter Exceptions, Exemptions) as an exempt project without a valid, unrevoked license. The citation became final on July 7, 2022.

HAWTHORNE–The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $1,000 administrative fine to Paykan Corporation for alleged violations of Business and Professions Code (BPC) section 5640 (Unlicensed Person Engaging in Practice - Sanctions). The action alleged that Paykan Corporation used the stamp of a licensed landscape architect without permission for a project requiring landscape architectural plans. Paykan Corporation paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on June 27, 2022.

On May 29, 2014, the LATC issued a citation against Lori Pullman that included a $1,000 administrative fine for an alleged violation of BPC section 5640 (Unlicensed Person Engaging in Practice—Sanctions). The citation became final on June 29, 2014 and has been paid.

CRESTLINE – The Board issued a one-count citation that included a $750 administrative fine to Joseph Sturgeon, dba Sturgeon Construction Company, an unlicensed individual, for alleged violations of BPC section 5640 (Unlicensed Person Engaging in Practice – Sanctions). The action alleged that Sturgeon placed a title block on landscape design plans identifying Sturgeon Construction Company as a landscape architectural firm without Sturgeon being licensed as a landscape architect. The citation became final on December 28, 2018.

SAN RAFAEL—The LATC issued an administrative citation that included a $1,250 fine to Mary Te Selle, an unlicensed individual, for alleged violations of Business and Professions Code (BPC) section 5640 (Unlicensed Person Engaging in Practice—Sanctions). The action alleged that Te Selle provided services for a project in Crockett, which is not an exempt project as described in BPC section 5641. The citation became final on August 25, 2016 and has been paid.

CORONA DEL MAR—The Board issued a two-count citation that included a $2,500 administrative fine to Ware, landscape architect license number LA 6113, for alleged violations of BPC section 5640 (Unlicensed Person Engaging in Practice—Sanctions) and CCR section 2670(b)(2) (Willful Misconduct). The action alleged that Ware had used the protected title "landscape architect" prior to being licensed as well as failed to respond to a request for information and/or evidence for a Board investigation within 30 days of the date mailed. The citation became final on June 6, 2016.

STOCKTON—The Board issued a two-count citation that included a $750 administrative fine to Justin Ware, landscape architect license number LA 5033, for alleged violations of Business and Professions Code section 5616 (Landscape Architecture Contract-Contents, Notice Requirements) and California Code of Regulations, title 16, section 2670, subsection (b) (Rules of Professional Conduct—Standard of Care). The action alleged that Ware failed to include all requirements in the executed contract for a project and did not provide accurate and complete construction documents as agreed upon within the executed contract. Ware paid the fine, satisfying the citation. The citation became final on September 14, 2023.

Newport Beach—Effective July 20, 2015, Mark Annerl’s landscape architect license number LA 3400, was revoked; however, the revocation was stayed and Annerl’s license was suspended for 30 days. He was placed on probation for five years with specific terms and conditions, including reimbursing the Board $3,603.75 for its investigative and prosecution costs. The action came after a stipulated settlement was negotiated and adopted by the Board.

On October 23, 2014, a Second Amended Accusation (PDF) was filed against Mark Annerl for alleged violations of Business and Professions Code (BPC) section 5671 (Negligence, Willful Misconduct in Practice) and/or of the California Code of Regulations (CCR) Title 16, section 2670 (Rules of Professional Conduct). The Accusation alleges that Annerl was negligent in preparation of plans for a residential project. The Board adopted the Stipulated Settlement and the Disciplinary Order (PDF) became final on July 20, 2015. In July 2020, Annerl successfully completed the terms and conditions of the Board’s disciplinary order.

Los Angeles—Effective July 13, 2016, Chad Crispin’s landscape architect license number LA 4636 was surrendered and he thereby loses all rights and privileges of a landscape architect in California. The action was a result of a Stipulated Surrender of License and Order, which was adopted by the Board. An Accusation (PDF)was filed against Crispin for alleged violations of BPC sections 5640 (Unlicensed Person Engaging in Practice—Sanctions), 5657 (Filing of Mailing Address—Requirement), 5666 (Practice in Violation of Chapter Provisions), and 5671 (Negligence, Willful Misconduct) in conjunction with CCR section 2670 (Rules of Professional Conduct). The Accusation alleged that in 2013, Crispin committed acts constituting negligence and/or willful misconduct by contracting to provide complete conceptual and construction drawings/plans for landscape architecture. At the time, Crispin had an expired license, and after taking a deposit from the client, abandoned the project without completing it. The Accusation further alleged that Crispin engaged in unlicensed practice of landscape architecture and failed to respond to the Board’s numerous requests for complete information and documents related to the project which was the subject of the case.

SAN DIEGO– Effective July 17, 2018, Robert Dean’s landscape architect license number LA 2322 was surrendered, and thereby he lost all rights and privileges as a landscape architect in California. The action was the result of a Stipulated Surrender of License and Order, which was adopted by the Board on June 13, 2018. An Accusationwas filed against Dean alleging cause for license discipline under Business and Professions Code section 490, subdivision (a) (conviction of crime substantially related to qualifications, functions, or duties of profession) following Dean’s February 16, 2017 convictions for felony hit-and-run causing serious injury or death and misdemeanor driving under the influence of alcohol.

RANCHO MIRAGE– Effective January 17, 2019, Thomas Doczi’s landscape architect license number LA 2370 was revoked; however, the revocation was stayed, and Doczi has been placed on probation for five years with specific terms and conditions, including requiring Doczi to notify current clients and provide such clients with a copy of the California Architect Board’s (Board) Decision and Order, and paying cost reimbursement to the Board in the amount of $4,517.50 for its investigative and prosecution costs. The action was the result of a Stipulated Settlement and Disciplinary Order, which was adopted by the Board on December 13, 2018. An Accusationwas filed against Doczi alleging cause for license discipline under Business and Professions Code section 490, subdivision (a) (conviction of crime substantially related to qualifications, functions, or duties of profession), following Doczi’s August 5, 2016 felony convictions for vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, driving under the influence of alcohol causing injury, and driving a vehicle while having .08 percent and more of alcohol in his blood and causing injuries.

San Diego—Effective August 8, 2016, Christopher Gustard’s landscape architect license was revoked and he thereby loses all rights and privileges of a landscape architect in California. The action was a result of a Proposed Decision (PDF), which was adopted by the Board on June 9, 2016. An Accusation (PDF)was filed against Gustard as a result of his pleading guilty to one felony count in United States District Court, was sentenced to 120 months in prison and required to register as a sex offender. On May 11, 2015, following notification of the plea of guilty and conviction, the Board filed the Accusation pursuant to Business and Professions Code section 5675 (Felon Conviction—Sanctions).