Joel Rivera appeared Oct. 1 to petition the Structural Pest Control Board to reinstate his field representative’s license (No. 57321, Branch 2) and an applicator license that were revoked after an accusation stemming from a criminal conviction. Administrative Law Judge Christopher Dietrich presided; Deputy Attorney General Stephanie Lee summarized the case history. Lee said Rivera sustained a substantially related conviction in Los Angeles County on Aug. 12, 2021 (penal code section 273.5), was sentenced to five years’ probation, served time in custody and was ordered to complete a 12‑month residential treatment program and a 52‑week domestic‑violence batterers program; a criminal protective order issued in the case. Rivera told the board he accepts responsibility for the conduct, described multiple treatment programs — two residential stints, one court‑ordered — and said his probation has ended (he stated probation ended in July of the current year). He reported a stated sobriety date of July 15, 2025 and said he has a sponsor and attends meetings irregularly.

Lee noted the underlying accusation resulted in a default revocation effective April 28, 2022, and that the board’s cost memorandum lists outstanding cost recovery of “$16.18 dollars and 75¢” (as stated on the record). Rivera said he is working part time assisting a company called Walworth and Sons and has also worked in temporary warehouse jobs; he said he aspires to return to pest control employment (and that Walworth may employ him full time if licensed). Rivera submitted certificates showing completion of required treatment and counseling. The petitioner was sworn, questioned by the DAG and board members about treatment completion, probation transfer and a 2023 probation violation related to protective‑order communication, and the petitioner said there are no pending charges and he accepts responsibility. The matter was submitted and the record closed; the board will mail a written decision.