Got burned by an unlicensed guy, now I need a real pro in Palo Alto

[cressidarosevear]

I'm based in Abu Dhabi and I've been managing my mom's old house in Palo Alto from here for a couple years now. Last summer I hired someone off a recommendation to redo the guest bathroom and it turned into a total mess. He wasn't licensed, did a terrible job on the shower pan, and then stopped answering my calls. Now I'm trying to find a licensed bathroom remodeling contractor in Palo Alto because I can't go through that again. I need someone who pulls permits and actually knows California code. The problem is I can't meet anyone in person until I fly back in December. How do you verify a license from overseas? Is there a state board website I should check? And does anyone have experience with a company that handles remote clients well? I'm not looking for the cheapest option, just someone reliable who won't leave me with a leaking shower and a headache.