New Ownership. Renewed Purpose.

October 14, 2025 – Fresno, California

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Following the conclusion of a state investigation first announced on October 17, 2024, P. Steve Ramirez Vocational Training Centers confirms that all legal matters involving its former owner, Mr. P. Steve Ramirez, have been fully and permanently resolved.

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P. Steve Ramirez Vocational Training Centers issues this statement to clarify and formally address the allegations made, concerning Mr. Ramirez, the founder of our institution. We take these matters seriously and believe it is essential that our students, alumni, and community partners have accurate and complete information.

 

Clarification of Legal Proceedings

​Mr. Ramirez began his career as a counselor, driven by a deep commitment to helping injured workers identify and secure suitable, gainful employment. Over the years, he grew increasingly frustrated with referring clients to vocational schools that failed to deliver effective training or meaningful job placements. Determined to make a difference, he ultimately established his own vocational school—one that has successfully helped hundreds of industrially injured workers return to the workforce. Through his efforts, Mr. Ramirez has not only transformed countless lives but also saved the State of California millions of dollars in workers’ compensation costs.

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As of date, there is no law prohibiting a counselor from referring clients to their own school. However, he was originally charged under the assumption that such referrals were improper.

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The State of California had originally charged Mr. Ramirez under Labor Code §139.32, related to Prohibited Referral for Services similar to the case on December 22, 2023, where the California Court of Appeal declared Labor Code §139.32(b) unconstitutional due to vagueness. https://www.friedmanlawoffices.com/2024/01/nobody-noticed-a-60-second-seminar-in-workers-compensation-claims-handling/

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There have been allegations suggesting that Mr. Ramirez was convicted of a felony; however, these claims are false. Mr. Ramirez has never been convicted of any felony offense. While a no contest plea was entered during the legal process, the case was dismissed with prejudice, meaning it was permanently closed and resulted in no conviction.

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It is important to note that a no contest plea is not an admission of guilt; it simply allows a legal matter to be resolved without proceeding to trial. Although Mr. Ramirez was temporarily suspended from his professional role in the workers’ compensation field, he was never found guilty of any charges by the court related to the case. Mr. Ramirez is taking the necessary steps through the appeals process to restore and affirm his good professional standing in the workers’ compensation field, where he has maintained a respected reputation for decades.

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Clarifying Misreported Information​

The charges brought against Mr. Ramirez appear to have arisen from the assumption that he was classified as a provider.

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In California workers’ compensation, a provider refers to any licensed medical professional or facility that delivers treatment, evaluation, or related services to an injured worker under the state’s workers’ compensation system.

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Definition

A workers’ compensation provider is a doctor, clinic, hospital, or other healthcare entity that is authorized to treat employees injured on the job. This includes:

• Physicians (medical doctors and osteopaths)

• Chiropractors

• Physical therapists

• Occupational therapists

• Psychologists or psychiatrists

• Diagnostic facilities (for X-rays, MRIs, etc.)

• Pharmacies and medical equipment suppliers

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As a result, he was categorized similarly to a service provider and not as a counselor. 

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Proposed Regulatory Change Context

As of date, there is a proposed SJDB regulatory change  —  preventing Vocational & Return-to-Work Counselors (VRTWCs) from holding a financial interest in entities receiving voucher proceeds — is, as of now, just a proposal.

 

If counselors (like VRTWCs) were already legally defined as providers under workers’ compensation law, this new rule would not be necessary—because existing provider conflict-of-interest rules would already apply. It is evident that counselors are not currently considered providers hence the proposed legislation.

But since they are not currently defined as such, a separate regulation is being proposed to cover them explicitly.

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Until it becomes finalized and effective through the rulemaking process (which includes public notice, comment, and adoption, it cannot legally be enforced against current or past conduct.

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Constitutional Basis

• Article I, Section 9 (for Congress) and Section 10 (for states) of the U.S. Constitution explicitly forbid ex post facto laws.

• This means no one can be charged or penalized for conduct that was legal at the time it occurred, nor can penalties be increased retroactively.

 

Application to Mr. Ramirez’s Case

If Mr. Ramirez was being charged or disciplined based on a rule or regulation that was not yet in effect when his conduct occurred, that could indeed raise an ex post facto issue — or, at least, a due process concern.
 

Regulations, just like statutes, cannot be applied retroactively to impose penalties or restrictions for prior actions unless the law explicitly allows it (and even then, not in a criminal or punitive sense).

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False and Unsupported Allegations

Certain reports have falsely claimed that Mr. Ramirez fraudulently collected SJDB voucher funds related to 37 students over a three-year period, billed insurance companies for unqualified students, or engaged in prohibited referrals. These allegations are untrue and unsupported by the final legal record.

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The claims were based on the incorrect assumption that certain students failed to meet Ability-to-Benefit (ATB) testing standards. These claims have since been discredited, ruled unconstitutional, and rendered inapplicable to schools, resulting in these allegations to P. Steve Ramirez being ultimately dropped.

https://cdn.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastore/opinions/2020/06/10/18-15840.pdf

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Notably, Mr. Ramirez was charged under a provision that was not yet legally in force, as well as on allegations concerning the Ability-to-Benefit (ATB) testing requirements—standards that have since been declared unconstitutional and are no longer in effect. While there is currently a proposed rule which aims to prevent counselors from maintaining financial interests in entities benefiting from the Supplemental Job Displacement Benefit (SJDB) voucher program, to date, this provision has not been formally enacted or recognized as law. Regardless of the proposed legislation, the institution’s new ownership holds no such interests and does not serve as a Vocational Return-to-Work Counselor (VRTWC).

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Ultimately the basis for those allegations was invalidated, the charges against Mr. Ramirez were dropped. The case resulted in no findings of fraud, theft, or intentional misconduct. No evidence was ever presented to show that Mr. Ramirez knowingly or unlawfully collected funds, or that students were improperly enrolled or referred. Restitution was paid in good faith and in agreement with all parties.

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Mr. Ramirez was advised by his legal counsel that he would likely prevail and win his case should the matter proceed to trial; however, the litigation process could take several years to reach a final resolution. He chose a different path to spare the school from prolonged strain and disruption. In order to protect students and staff and bring closure to the matter, he entered into a reduced,  settlement agreement and fulfilled all restitution obligations in good faith. Mr. Ramirez accepted a lesser charge of reckless disregard—not fraud or financial misconduct. The case was subsequently dismissed with prejudice, meaning it was permanently closed and legally resolved.

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Character and Legacy

Beyond the legal process, it is important to pause and express our deep gratitude for the opportunity to continue the legacy of this institution under new ownership. Although Mr. Ramirez has zero involvement in the institution’s current operations, administration, or
governance, we are profoundly thankful for Mr. Ramirez’s vision, dedication, and unwavering commitment that built the foundation of this school.

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As the founder, Mr. Ramirez has inspired hundreds of students and left an enduring mark on the community. Although he is no longer associated with the ownership or management of the institution in any capacity, he continues to be a man of faith with continued devotion to his church, a cancer survivor, and a lifelong advocate for helping others overcome barriers and achieve their goals. His resilience and compassion have touched the lives of countless individuals, motivating them to persevere through adversity and pursue meaningful personal and professional growth.

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We view this transition not merely as a change in ownership, but as an opportunity to uphold the school’s legacy by carrying forward his commitment to help people get jobs and the conviction that vocational education provides the means to put food on the tables of families.

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Commitment Under New Ownership

Under new ownership, P. Steve Ramirez Vocational Training Centers remains fully committed to integrity, transparency, and the highest standards of vocational education. We continue to operate in active standing with the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE), in  compliance with state regulations, and with an unwavering dedication to student success.

We deeply appreciate the trust our students, employers, and community members place in us. We reaffirm our commitment to delivering high-quality vocational training that empowers individuals to gain meaningful employment and build rewarding careers.

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Although the former owner, Mr. Ramirez entered in agreement, made full restitution, and the case was formally dismissed with prejudice, we want to assure all students and partners that this matter is now fully and permanently resolved.

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​Through physical hardship and the triumph over cancer, Mr. Ramirez has devoted his life to God, his calling and the relentless pursuit of growth, opportunity and excellence. Though this case has cast a dark shadow on a reputation built over decades, he continues forward with faith, courage, and unwavering purpose. The challenges he has faced were undeniably unjust, yet his resilience stands as a testament to his steadfast faith and determination. These trials do not mark an end—they signify a new beginning. Life does not punish; it refines us, shaping our strength and guiding us toward greater purpose and possibility. The torch has been passed, and we now carry it forward—continuing his mission to providing hope & light (Psalm 119:105).

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With the change in ownership and the court’s official dismissal order, this chapter has now reached a clear and final resolution—one that requires no further action and opens the door for a continued devotion to helping people overcome.

Official Dismissal Order