Wage and hour cases in Costa Mesa at a glance
Employers in Costa Mesa account for 98 concluded Wage and Hour Division investigations since 2004, 70 of which found violations (71%). Employers agreed to pay $1,271,146 in back wages to 1,279 workers, and $45,742 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 Wholesale Trade ($207,621), Health Care and Social Assistance ($195,939), Administrative and Support and Waste Management Services ($165,341).
All cases, newest first
98 cases.
| Employer | Case closed | Findings | Back wages | Workers paid | Penalties |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hadley Tow Hadley Towing Equipment Inc. | Aug 31, 2025 | 2 violations repeat | 0 | 0 | $2,515 |
| Elixir Tea Bar | Apr 2, 2025 | 15 violations repeat | $7,430 | 14 | $1,381 |
| Bayside Cottages | Feb 15, 2025 | 7 violations repeat | $53,055 | 6 | $4,224 |
| Lazy Dog Restaurant LLC | Jul 13, 2024 | no violations found | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| ABC Builders, LLC | Oct 4, 2023 | 4 violations repeat | $7,041 | 3 | $1,995 |
| Cozy Inn Sartaj Hospitality LLC | Aug 7, 2023 | 5 violations repeat | $10,011 | 3 | $1,995 |
| Navitas Navitas Utility Corporation | Aug 2, 2023 | no violations found | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| ANGELA'S RESIDENTIAL CARE | May 10, 2023 | 5 violations repeat | $17,424 | 4 | $2,744 |
| Top Nails | Mar 15, 2023 | 7 violations | $14,802 | 6 | 0 |
| Care Partners At Home Post-Acute Care Partners, Inc | Apr 2, 2022 | 98 violations repeat | $125,460 | 98 | $18,031 |
| Sunterra Sunterra Produce Traders, Inc | Mar 19, 2022 | 3 violations | 0 | 0 | $7,395 |
| MKB Home Design | Nov 20, 2021 | 8 violations | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Pacific Auto Center | May 26, 2020 | 2 violations | $2,000 | 1 | 0 |
| Newport Heights Manor | Aug 13, 2019 | no violations found | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Star Pro Security Patrol, Inc. | Feb 12, 2019 | 63 violations | $43,567 | 63 | 0 |
| El Toro Bravo Meat Market | Feb 12, 2019 | 1 violation | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| El Toro Bravo Tortilleria Cecilio Romero Murrieta-El Toro Bravo Tortill | Feb 5, 2019 | 4 violations repeat | $23,563 | 3 | 0 |
| El Toro Bravo El Toro Bravo Ahutentic Mexican Foo | Jan 18, 2019 | 23 violations | $37,812 | 22 | 0 |
| California Southern University | May 27, 2018 | 58 violations | $33,148 | 57 | 0 |
| Verde Kitchen | Apr 14, 2018 | 1 violation | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Keegan's Concrete Inc. | Dec 31, 2017 | 38 violations | $24,963 | 37 | 0 |
| BEACH HOMES | Sep 5, 2017 | no violations found | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| NEWPORT SENIOR LIVING II | Sep 5, 2017 | no violations found | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| TBSdelivers Transportation Brokerage Specialists, Inc. | Jun 29, 2017 | 2 violations | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Product Solutions | Oct 4, 2016 | 7 violations | $35,830 | 4 | $1,150 |
| Lucy Love Holly Sharp Co. Inc. | Apr 17, 2016 | 2 violations | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| El Toro Bravo El Toro Bravo Tortilleria | Dec 21, 2015 | 21 violations repeat | $81,396 | 14 | $4,312 |
| Bablot Investments | Dec 15, 2015 | no violations found | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Prorailing Metal Works, Inc | Nov 6, 2015 | 33 violations | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Sure Shine Services | Sep 30, 2015 | 50 violations | $112,540 | 50 | 0 |
| Jack in the Bo | Mar 4, 2015 | 1 violation | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fairview Developmental Center | Nov 3, 2014 | 6 violations | $1,748 | 5 | 0 |
| M.J.D. Holdings, Inc. | Aug 17, 2014 | 5 violations | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Caliente Southwest Grille | Jun 11, 2014 | 10 violations | $13,769 | 8 | 0 |
| Ralphs Ralphs Grocery Company | Mar 19, 2014 | 2 violations | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Vitamin A Vitamin A Enterprises, Inc. | Mar 9, 2014 | 1 violation | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Avila's El Ranchito Restaurant | Dec 11, 2013 | 4 violations | $764 | 4 | 0 |
| Cameo Homes - Turtle Rock II | Oct 15, 2013 | 5 violations | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fairview Developmental Center | Sep 30, 2013 | 1 violation | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Daphne's California Greek - Rancho Santa Marg | Jul 23, 2013 | no violations found | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| The Heathers - Seaside Cottage I | Mar 15, 2013 | 1 violation | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| The Heathers - Seaside Cottage I | Mar 15, 2013 | 1 violation | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| The Heathers - Seaside Cottage I | Mar 15, 2013 | 1 violation | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| The Heathers - Seaside Cottage I | Mar 15, 2013 | 1 violation | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| The Heathers - Seaside Cottage I | Mar 15, 2013 | 1 violation | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| The Heathers - Seaside Cottage I | Mar 15, 2013 | 1 violation | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| The Heathers - Seaside Cottage I | Mar 15, 2013 | 1 violation | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fixtures Living | Mar 13, 2013 | no violations found | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Clark/McCarthy, A Joint Venture | Feb 11, 2013 | no violations found | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Baja Fish Tacos | Jan 20, 2013 | 4 violations | $1,421 | 3 | 0 |
| S. J. Amoroso Construction Co., Inc. | May 15, 2012 | no violations found | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| The Party Staff, Inc. | May 4, 2012 | no violations found | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Ayres Hotel Company | Mar 7, 2012 | no violations found | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Jose Yanez Tree Service Jose Yanez Gardening and Tree Services | Mar 5, 2012 | no violations found | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Wyndham Hotel Orange County | Feb 26, 2012 | 1 violation | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Robinson Pharma Inc. | Jan 1, 2012 | 12 violations | $17,421 | 11 | 0 |
| Valhalla Table | Sep 5, 2011 | 7 violations | $1,591 | 7 | 0 |
| Eller's Tree Service | Jun 17, 2011 | 14 violations | $9,234 | 7 | 0 |
| Lucy Love Apparel | Dec 7, 2010 | 1 violation | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Saunders Construction | Sep 11, 2010 | 51 violations | $74,247 | 50 | 0 |
| Commercial Cleaning Systems, Inc. | Aug 8, 2010 | 1 violation | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Santouka Ramen | Jul 24, 2010 | 2 violations | $3,229 | 1 | 0 |
| Boardwalk Fresh Burgers & Fries | Mar 31, 2010 | 8 violations | $720 | 7 | 0 |
| Lucky Craft, Inc. | Sep 30, 2009 | 8 violations | $27,107 | 4 | 0 |
| Central Market | Sep 10, 2009 | no violations found | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Mitusuwa Market Place | Feb 22, 2009 | no violations found | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Minute King Market | Aug 3, 2008 | no violations found | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Produce and Meat Market | Jul 31, 2008 | 1 violation | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Ganahl Lumber Company | Apr 25, 2008 | no violations found | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Dharma Construction Services | Apr 19, 2008 | no violations found | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Jimmy's Hand Car Wash and Detailing | Jul 22, 2007 | no violations found | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| South Pacific Car Wash | Jul 19, 2007 | 85 violations | $39,183 | 56 | 0 |
| Beacon Bay Enterprises, Inc. | Jul 12, 2007 | 12 violations | $3,135 | 11 | 0 |
| Unocal Newport 76 Carwash | Jun 15, 2007 | no violations found | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Mesa Verde Car Wash | Jun 6, 2007 | no violations found | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Carwash of America | May 15, 2007 | 11 violations | $4,097 | 9 | 0 |
| Classic Hand Car Wash | May 14, 2007 | no violations found | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Metro Car Wash- Costa Mesa Metro California Business Enterprises | Apr 24, 2007 | 40 violations | $16,448 | 40 | 0 |
| Lucy Love Holly Sharp Company, Inc. | Apr 24, 2007 | 1 violation | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Lucy Love Holly Sharp Company, Inc. | Apr 24, 2007 | 1 violation | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Lucy Love Holly Sharp Co., Inc. | Apr 17, 2007 | 1 violation | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Grand Prix Car Wash | Apr 13, 2007 | no violations found | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Beach Cities Car Wash | Apr 6, 2007 | no violations found | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Anita G., Inc. | Feb 11, 2007 | 1 violation | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Dharma Construction Services | Apr 26, 2006 | 19 violations | $18,607 | 19 | 0 |
| Mitsuwa Marketplace | Sep 15, 2005 | no violations found | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Jimmy's Hand Car Wash and Detailing | Jul 19, 2005 | 32 violations | $6,457 | 17 | 0 |
| Mocean Crossport Mocean | Jun 2, 2005 | 1 violation | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Team Color, Inc | Apr 20, 2005 | 5 violations | $17,689 | 4 | 0 |
| Enterprise Collision Center | Apr 8, 2005 | no violations found | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Acapulco Restaurant | Dec 26, 2004 | no violations found | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Toes On the Nose | Dec 1, 2004 | 1 violation | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Ganahl Lumber Company | May 6, 2004 | 506 violations | $207,621 | 505 | 0 |
| Meyers Group Meyers Real Estate Information Inc. | Feb 29, 2004 | 44 violations | $59,219 | 44 | 0 |
| Inspection Engineering Construction | Nov 15, 2003 | 8 violations | $11,173 | 8 | 0 |
| Air Resources Helicopters, Inc. | Nov 8, 2003 | 6 violations | $5,264 | 4 | 0 |
| Lighting Technology Services Inc. (LTS) | Oct 4, 2002 | 83 violations | $100,960 | 70 | 0 |
| Financial Partners Credit Union | not stated | no violations found | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Largest back-wage records in Costa Mesa
| Employer | Cases | Back wages | Workers paid | Latest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ganahl Lumber Company | 2 | $207,621 | 505 | Apr 25, 2008 |
| Care Partners At Home | 1 | $125,460 | 98 | Apr 2, 2022 |
| El Toro Bravo | 2 | $119,208 | 36 | Jan 18, 2019 |
| Sure Shine Services | 1 | $112,540 | 50 | Sep 30, 2015 |
| Lighting Technology Services Inc. (LTS) | 1 | $100,960 | 70 | Oct 4, 2002 |
| Saunders Construction | 1 | $74,247 | 50 | Sep 11, 2010 |
| Meyers Group | 1 | $59,219 | 44 | Feb 29, 2004 |
| Bayside Cottages | 1 | $53,055 | 6 | Feb 15, 2025 |
| Star Pro Security Patrol, Inc. | 1 | $43,567 | 63 | Feb 12, 2019 |
| South Pacific Car Wash | 1 | $39,183 | 56 | Jul 19, 2007 |
| Product Solutions | 1 | $35,830 | 4 | Oct 4, 2016 |
| California Southern University | 1 | $33,148 | 57 | May 27, 2018 |
| Lucky Craft, Inc. | 1 | $27,107 | 4 | Sep 30, 2009 |
| Keegan's Concrete Inc. | 1 | $24,963 | 37 | Dec 31, 2017 |
| El Toro Bravo Tortilleria | 1 | $23,563 | 3 | Feb 5, 2019 |
| Dharma Construction Services | 2 | $18,607 | 19 | Apr 19, 2008 |
| Team Color, Inc | 1 | $17,689 | 4 | Apr 20, 2005 |
| ANGELA'S RESIDENTIAL CARE | 1 | $17,424 | 4 | May 10, 2023 |
| Robinson Pharma Inc. | 1 | $17,421 | 11 | Jan 1, 2012 |
| Metro Car Wash- Costa Mesa | 1 | $16,448 | 40 | Apr 24, 2007 |
By year closed
| Year | Cases | With violations | Back wages | Workers paid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 3 | 3 | $60,485 | 20 |
| 2024 | 1 | 0 | $0 | 0 |
| 2023 | 5 | 4 | $49,278 | 16 |
| 2022 | 2 | 2 | $125,460 | 98 |
| 2021 | 1 | 1 | $0 | 0 |
| 2020 | 1 | 1 | $2,000 | 1 |
| 2019 | 5 | 4 | $104,942 | 88 |
| 2018 | 2 | 2 | $33,148 | 57 |
| 2017 | 4 | 2 | $24,963 | 37 |
| 2016 | 2 | 2 | $35,830 | 4 |
| 2015 | 5 | 4 | $193,936 | 64 |
| 2014 | 5 | 5 | $15,517 | 13 |
| 2013 | 14 | 11 | $2,185 | 7 |
| 2012 | 6 | 2 | $17,421 | 11 |
| 2011 | 2 | 2 | $10,825 | 14 |
| 2010 | 5 | 5 | $78,196 | 58 |
| 2009 | 3 | 1 | $27,107 | 4 |
| 2008 | 4 | 1 | $0 | 0 |
| 2007 | 14 | 8 | $62,863 | 116 |
| 2006 | 1 | 1 | $18,607 | 19 |
| 2005 | 5 | 3 | $24,146 | 21 |
| 2004 | 4 | 3 | $266,840 | 549 |
Your rights in Costa Mesa
The federal file stops at $7.25 and weekly overtime. California workers in Costa Mesa 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. Our Costa Mesa employment law page covers the local offices and deadlines. 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.