Most employers throughout the nation conduct background checks on all potential candidates to avoid making bad hires. The Fair Credit Reporting Act dictates what employers may and may not include in such a check, as well as a job seekers rights throughout the process.

Fortunately for job seekers in California, the FCRA Plus was adopted in 2001 in order to allow job seekers and employees greater access to the same information a potential employer may see when conducting a background check, as well as a better chance of finding inaccurate information.

A California employment background check is called an "investigative consumer report" and is regulated by the Investigative Consumer Reporting Agencies Act, whereas a federal ICR is limited to interviews with friends, neighbors or business associates.

Another difference is that the California ICR does not include a credit report, and any employer wanting to see a job applicant's credit report as part of a background check is governed by the CCRAA, according to the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse.

As with the FCRA, the California law covers third-party employment screeners, but unlike the national law, it also covers employers who conduct their own internal background checks.

Job seekers or employees undergoing a California background check by an outside company are given more extensive notice than under the FCRA. You'll receive a notice stating the purpose of the report; the name, address and telephone number of the screening company; a summary of your rights to see a copy of the report; and the option to obtain a copy of the report.

If you opt to see the results of your background check, you should receive a copy of the report within three days after the employer receives it. Those undergoing California background checks conducted by an employer will ask for your consent or include a clause in your job application or other documents.

Pacific Gas and Electric recently announced that it will open the company's "Bridge to Utility Equipment Mechanic" program to veterans that have at least four years of journey-level mechanic experience. The program provides free energy-sector job training, and will teach mechanics how to service and repair hybrid and electric vehicles.

"There's a demand for energy mechanics in the utility industry, and PG&E has a long history of supporting veterans," PG&E Spokesman Brian Swanson told The Sacramento Bee.

Offered through PG&E's PowerPathway program, the "Bridge to Utility Equipment Mechanic" course will take place on Saturdays this summer at American River College. The class, which is only open to 25 people, will begin in June and those interested must apply by June 1.

This round of classes will focus on how to repair the GMC Silverado and Ford Escape hybrid vehicles. Graduates of the program will become pre-qualified for jobs at PG&E and other utility providers.

The PowerPathway program was started in 2008 in order to create a pool of talented utility workers specializing in energy industries and to help skilled mechanics and other workers advance their training and careers.

Another reason PG&E created the program is to deal with an aging workforce that will leave jobs open. In fact, the company expects to have 25 job openings during the next six to 12 months. Journey-level mechanics start out earning $41 per hour plus benefits.

"Over 50 percent of our existing staff is retirement-eligible," Keith Lovgren, senior manager for workplace development at PG&E, said. "We service 12,000 vehicles. We know we have a need to hire. We have to replace the people who will leave.

"This (program) will make them more competitive," he added.. "We'll look at people who complete the program for possible employment."

Check out this recruiting video for PG&E:

The National University System Institute for Policy Research recently released a study that found the local tech industry has continued to fare well during the economic downturn. The tech industry includes everything from clean-tech companies to telecommunications firms to biotechnology labs to software developers and government contractors.

The report found that employment among tech companies decreased by 3 percent during the past 21 months, which is much lower than the 9 percent decrease in employment experienced by all industries. And despite the small decline in workers, the local tech industry is continuing to grow in most cases.

The number of biotech and pharmaceutical workers in San Diego County has increased by 1,600, or 9 percent, from 2008. In addition, the report found, the number of software developers and technical consulting services are currently close to their pre-recession levels.

"That's important because tech jobs tend to pay more than other jobs and therefore have a larger rippling effect in the economy," Economist Kelly Cunningham, who compiled the report, told The San Diego Union-Tribune. "When people earn more money, they tend to spend more, and that has an impact on people who work in other industries."

The average pay among local tech firms is $85,800, which is almost twice as much as the overall average salary in San Diego County of $47,400, the report notes. While tech companies make up 11.2 percent of the jobs in the county, with 140,400 workers, they generate 25.6 percent of payrolls, or $3 billion.

The average pay for tech jobs in San Diego County is:

• Communications/equipment manufacturing - $101,900
• Computers and electronics - $98,000
• Software - $85,000
• Biotech and pharmaceuticals - $82,100
• Defense, transportation - $79,400
• Clean tech - $78,100

Although employment in the industry declined during the fall of 2008, along with employment in most other industries, hiring began to increase again by the middle of 2009. And that growth should continue during the near future, as Beacon Economics recently forecast that San Diego County "will see faster growth than its neighbors owing to its concentration in the high-tech and biotech industries."

Much of that growth is coming from the government, as research grants from federal agencies continue to increase, thanks to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Defense Department spending and federal investments in clean tech also have helped spur growth in the tech industry.

Any government entities or other local companies that are looking to hire tech workers may benefit from using an applicant tracking system (Click here), which will allow for a more specialized and effective hiring process.

Today Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger plans to launch Operation Welcome Home. The outreach campaign will use $20 million in one-time special funds from the Employment Development Department to hire 325 combat veterans to personally connect with newly-discharged service members in need of job assistance.

As part of the new initiative, Schwarzenegger will ask for more coordination among state agencies to help organize nine regional outreach teams in an effort to more effectively connect veterans with local offers, such as jobs in Los Angeles. In addition, he will ask cities, counties and nonprofit groups to increase cooperation and communication as they serve veterans.

In order to determine whether Operation Welcome Home succeeds, state officials will monitor: if the unemployment and homelessness rates among veterans eventually drop; whether more veterans enroll in college; and whether more veterans are screened and treated for mental illness related to combat.

According to an article by The San Diego Union-Tribune, California currently has more than 2 million veterans, and about 30,000 troops return from a combat tour each year. Operation Welcome Home reportedly came about after Schwarzenegger visited Camp Victory in Baghdad during November 2009.

"California has more returning veterans than any other state," he said. "So our state, as well as the federal government, has a special responsibility. We have a fundamental obligation to anyone who has shed or risked blood for this country."

Although veterans generally have high rates of unemployment, homelessness, substance abuse and mental health problems, as well as a higher tendency to commit suicide, they also return from combat with an education and other skills that are useful in civilian jobs.

In the future, Schwarzenegger plans to recruit 1,000 volunteers as part of a CalVet Corps to expand outreach for housing, healthcare and other services for veterans. The volunteers would help veterans access services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs, municipal governments and professional organizations and charities, as well as stay in touch with veterans to monitor their progress.

There is currently no lack of competition for jobs in Los Angeles, even though the area has managed to see an increase in employment as of late.

During October, the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale area's unemployment rate stayed flat at 12.6 percent, following an increase from 12.5 percent during September. The area's current rate is higher than the national unemployment rate at the time of 10.2 percent.

The Los Angeles area had a total non-farm employment of 3,910,100 workers during October, according to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is up from 3,873,500 workers during September, but a 3.7 percent decrease from last year.

The problem for job seekers in Los Angeles, according to an article by Young & Successful, is that the majority of people there want to snag flexible jobs so they can spend a good amount of free time interacting with the rest of the city, where everyone seems to have flexible work schedules.

"One of the hardest things about living in Los Angeles and going to the office every morning is that no one else seems to have to work," the article notes. "There are always people who are just 'hanging out' any time of day: sitting in coffee shops, reading the newspaper, walking their dog, surfing, working out at the gym, shopping ... you name it. People of all ages ... and I’m pretty good at picking out the tourists. So, I always find myself wondering, 'What do they do for a living?'"

With that in mind, the blog compiled a list of the top 10 possible flex jobs in Los Angeles:

1. Anything in show business - actors, singers, producers, directors
2. Anything related to sales - real estate agents, sales representatives, telemarketers, stuffing envelopes
3. Domestic services - nannies, dog walkers, housekeepers, butlers, yacht captains
4. Entrepreneurs - online and offline business owners, selling things on eBay
5. Anything related to nightlife - bartenders, servers, cocktail waitresses, club promoters, security guards, DJs
6. Independent contractors - writers, editors, construction, personal trainers
7. Anything with a "three days on, four days off" schedule - firefighters, police officers, nurses, doctors
8. Anything related to the travel industry - flight attendants, pilots, travel agents, tour operators
9. Anything related to reviews - film and restaurant critics, secret shoppers
10. Seasonal employees - amusement park workers, ski instructors, sailing instructors, summer camp operators

The background check effort came about after Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger claimed that California's In-Home Supportive Services program is too vulnerable to potential fraud. That $5.5 billion program, which is funded by the government, is meant to provide a cost-effective alternative to nursing homes and other out-of-home care.

Under the effort, all new applicants for home health aide jobs would have to undergo background checks beginning this week. In addition, the 376,000 home health aides who already have jobs in the state would have to undergo new background checks by June, according to an article by the Los Angeles Times.

A debate has been brewing about the new background check rules, as some advocates for the elderly and disabled claim the administration's rush to begin the checks is actually an effort to dissuade new patients from participating in the state's home healthcare program.

For one, the program provides a lot of growth for labor unions, which have traditionally been opposed by Republican officials such as Schwarzenegger. On top of that, the governor previously fought to cut aid to 90 percent of the program's participants, but lost that effort.

Some counties - many who claim they have not yet received new enrollment forms - also are concerned with the rules surrounding the background check effort. One such rule requires prospective home healthcare aides to take an orientation session, which will require counties to hire new staff.

Lastly, because counties throughout the state receive more than 4,000 new applications for home healthcare jobs each month, many people are worried that the inability to approve new providers will cause a hardship for those who use the program.

Following 20 years of operation, officials from the Honeywell facility in Folsom recently announced plans to close the operation by the end of January 2010. That measure will result in nearly 30 employees losing their jobs at the facility, which manufactures civil and military avionics and aerospace products.

"Twenty eight employees are being affected by this,” James Green, a Honeywell business communications leader, told The Folsom Telegraph, adding that any displaced employees would receive severance pay and outplacement assistance in accordance with the company's plan.

Of the displaced employees, five will be offered jobs in Sacramento at the Honeywell plant there. Any functions currently performed at the Folsom facility will be transitioned to company facilities in New York, India and China.

Officials from Honeywell said they regularly evaluate "operations to simplify processes and increase competitiveness to better meet the needs of customers. Our decision to transition work from our Folsom location will help us achieve greater efficiencies and growth for the business over the long term."

Honeywell, which is based in New Jersey, produces a variety of consumer products, engineering services and aerospace systems. The company is most famous for its home thermostats and automotive products sold under the Prestone, Fram and Autolite brands.

The lost jobs will only add to California's declining economy, which has continued to lose jobs, despite the fact that the state's unemployment rate recently declined.

During September, California saw its unemployment rate decrease from 12.3 percent to 12.2 percent, following an increase from 11.9 percent during August. However, the state's current rate was still higher than the national unemployment rate at the time of 9.8 percent.

The state had a total non-farm employment of 14,200,400 workers during September, according to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is down from 14,239,700 workers during August and a 4.9 percent decrease from last year.

A new report from CollegeRecruiter.com found that California leads the nation in the number of available entry level jobs and internships being advertised on the site. Employers in the state had 13,760 entry level jobs available during November, an increase of 252 jobs from October. There were 1,899 internships available during November, an increase of 136 from October.

"We were quite happy but not surprised to see the significantly higher number of job openings advertised on CollegeRecruiter.com," Steven Rothberg, president and founder of CollegeRecruiter.com, said. "Many of our employer clients have been telling us that they are or soon will be hiring again and not just one person here and there but dozens, hundreds, and even thousands of people."

Following California with the most entry level jobs listed during November was Texas with a 5 percent increase to 8,550 jobs; New York with a 7 percent decrease to 6,824 jobs; Florida with a 4 percent increase to 6,053 jobs; and Pennsylvania with a .2 percent increase to 5,149 jobs.

Regardless of the report, California's economy is still struggling. The state continued to lose jobs during September - the latest month for which labor market statistics are available - despite the fact that the unemployment rate dropped.

During September, California saw its unemployment rate decrease from 12.3 percent to 12.2 percent, following an increase from 11.9 percent during August. However, the state's current rate was still higher than the national unemployment rate at the time of 9.8 percent.

The state had a total non-farm employment of 14,200,400 workers during September, according to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is down from 14,239,700 workers during August and a 4.9 percent decrease from last year.

According to the California Employment Development Department, the number of available jobs for accountants and auditors in Los Angeles County is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations, increasing by 12.1 percent, or 5,990 jobs, between 2006 and 2016. Employment for accountants and auditors throughout California is expected to increase by 23.3 percent, or 33,200 jobs, between 2006 and 2016.

Accountants and auditors work to ensure that firms are run more efficiently, public records are kept more accurately and taxes are paid properly and on time. They are responsible for examining, analyzing and interpreting accounting records in order to give advice or prepare financial statements.

Accountants must be able to use a variety of computer programs, including accounting, compliance, financial analysis and tax preparation software. Most accountants work in offices, while those who are self-employed may work from home and those employed by public accounting firms or government agencies may travel frequently to perform audits.

Anyone who likes to work independently, performs well under pressure, comprehends information quickly and has good analytical and communication skills should do well in an accounting position.

Most employers require accountants or auditors to have a bachelor's degree with a major in accounting or a related field. Those wishing to become a certified public accountant must qualify for and pass a multi-part exam administered by the California Board of Accountancy.

The current median wage for accountants and auditors in Los Angeles County is $31.16 per hour or $64,812 per year. The current median wage for accountants and auditors in California is $31.46 per hour or $65,433 per year. The salary you will receive often depends on where you work, with CPAs at large firms often earning more than $100,000 per year.

Most accountants receive benefits such as vacation, sick leave, group health insurance, retirement plans and profit-sharing plans. CPA firms often pay for CPA exams, continuing education courses and professional society membership dues.

Officials recently announced that schools, cities and universities throughout San Diego County will receive $154.6 million for solar installations from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The funding will increase the area's solar capacity by 40 percent.

"It means more green jobs and more renewable power for the people of San Diego," Lisa Bicker, chief executive of CleanTECH San Diego, a nonprofit group that coordinated some of the applications, told The San Diego Union-Tribune.

The funding slated for institutions in San Diego County represents about 20 percent of the $800 million handed out throughout the country. The money will come in the form of bonds, and although the federal government will pay most of the interest through tax credits to buyers, agencies will still be responsible for paying back the money they borrow.

The region worked together to quickly submit applications that met federal guidelines. Agencies throughout San Diego County split up their requests into about 300 applications, knowing the Internal Revenue Service would allocate funds from the smallest application to the largest.

For the application process: students at the University of California San Diego developed software to use aerial images from Google to estimate the solar capacity of rooftops; a local firm designed a financial model to determine what applications would result in cost savings; and local engineers completed an independent analysis to make sure the applications met federal specifications.

The following agencies are on tap to receive bond funding:

• San Diego Unified School District - $74.3 million for 111 projects
• City of Chula Vista - $29.7 million for 34 projects
• Santee School District - $20. 6 million for 15 projects
• University of California San Diego - $15 million for 15 projects
• San Dieguito Union High School District - $8.3 million for 6 projects
• City of Santee - 3.1 million for 7 projects
• San Diego State University - $2.4 million for 1 project
• City of Lemon Grove - $1 million for 2 projects
• Fallbrook Public Utility District - $292,091 for 1 project