Wage and hour cases in Arcata at a glance
Employers in Arcata account for 9 concluded Wage and Hour Division investigations since 2004, 8 of which found violations (89%). Employers agreed to pay $486,993 in back wages to 462 workers, and $86,166 in civil money penalties was assessed. In the last 12 months 0 cases closed with $0 in back wages. The industries with the most back wages here are Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting ($365,851), Construction ($116,890), Accommodation and Food Services ($2,645).
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9 cases.
| Employer | Case closed | Findings | Back wages | Workers paid | Penalties |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Danco Builders Northwest | Jul 16, 2023 | 14 violations | $116,890 | 14 | 0 |
| The Sun Valley Group, Inc. | Dec 31, 2021 | 1,483 violations | $365,851 | 435 | $63,566 |
| Rip Tide Cafe | Nov 3, 2021 | 13 violations | $2,645 | 12 | 0 |
| Sun Valley Floral Farm | Feb 7, 2016 | 27 violations | 0 | 0 | $22,600 |
| Oriental Buffet Zhao & Wang Inc. dba Oriental Buffet | Jun 12, 2011 | 32 violations | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| United Indian Health Services, Inc. | Feb 28, 2011 | 1 violation | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| United Indian Health Services, Inc. | Jan 24, 2011 | 1 violation | $1,607 | 1 | 0 |
| The Sun Valley Group, Inc. | Mar 31, 2009 | 1 violation | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| The Sun Valley Group, Inc. | Mar 31, 2009 | no violations found | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Largest back-wage records in Arcata
| Employer | Cases | Back wages | Workers paid | Latest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Sun Valley Group, Inc. | 3 | $365,851 | 435 | Dec 31, 2021 |
| Danco Builders Northwest | 1 | $116,890 | 14 | Jul 16, 2023 |
| Rip Tide Cafe | 1 | $2,645 | 12 | Nov 3, 2021 |
| United Indian Health Services, Inc. | 2 | $1,607 | 1 | Feb 28, 2011 |
| Sun Valley Floral Farm | 1 | $0 | 0 | Feb 7, 2016 |
| Oriental Buffet | 1 | $0 | 0 | Jun 12, 2011 |
By year closed
| Year | Cases | With violations | Back wages | Workers paid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 1 | $116,890 | 14 |
| 2021 | 2 | 2 | $368,496 | 447 |
| 2016 | 1 | 1 | $0 | 0 |
| 2011 | 3 | 3 | $1,607 | 1 |
| 2009 | 2 | 1 | $0 | 0 |
Your rights in Arcata
The federal file stops at $7.25 and weekly overtime. California workers in Arcata are owed the state minimum wage of $16.90 in 2026 or the higher local rate, overtime after 8 hours in a day, an hour of pay for each missed meal or rest period, and up to 30 days of wages when final pay is late. Claims go to the Labor Commissioner or to Superior Court, three years back, four under the Unfair Competition Law. Free, confidential review: (800) 371-3088.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division enforcement database, California cases through Sep 6, 2026. County is assigned from the city on the case. Back to the wage theft tracker.
About this data: Cases come from the U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division enforcement database (WHD compliance actions concluded since fiscal year 2005, California employers only), published by the Department of Labor and reloaded here every month. "Back wages" are amounts the employer agreed to pay at the close of the investigation; "penalties" are civil money penalties assessed. An investigation that found no violation is listed as such. The database does not include California Labor Commissioner cases or private lawsuits. This page is general information, not legal advice about your situation.