The FAWNSKIN FLYER
Volume 1 Issue 9
August 26, 2005
Not Necessarily News for Fawnskin, California
Priceless when posted! Otherwise .25¢

Inside This Issue
Fawnskin Flyer Contributors
August & September Events
Getting Too Old…
Bad Behavior
Submit your comments online!

Fawnskin Flyer
Many of you might have missed the Mountain Peeves column over the past two weeks. I need a break after this week’s marathon work load so you’ll find her column and TWO items in Bad Behavior this week.

BTW (By the way) the flyer has received a few calls and emails regarding content. Some people are proud to be featured but others who make it in the flyer are not always happy. We report what we find–so if you are not happy–clean up your act and you won’t make it in the rag!

View the Fawnskin Flyer online at http://www.fawnskinflyer.com.

I am accepting sponsors for the printed issue or you can buy advertising for the daily issue online, it won’t be anything fancy, but it is cheap! Just give Guerrero Ink a call (800) 818-7387 if you are interested–or write a check!

Please call the tip line (760) 875-6874 or email from the site to keep us informed of the latest, greatest scuttlebutt and news around town.

Remember, we won’t be malicious–but we will be interesting. This rag isn’t meant to be taken seriously but just to be fun and useful to all.

Get the Fawnskin Flyer for .25 cents at the exclusive distributor, the Fawnskin Market.

Thanks for your support!
Diana L. Guerrero

TOWN TIPS
Public restrooms are located in the triangle area of town. Look for the deer statues and you’ll find the facilities in the building nearby.

Necessary Numbers:
All are (909) area code unless listed otherwise.
Fire Station 49 866-4878
Arson Line (800) 468-4408
Forestry Officer 866-3437 x2810
Fish & Game Tips (888) 334-2258
Solar Observatory 866-5791
Discovery Center 866-3437
Camp Whittle 866-3000
Serrano Campground 866-8550
Fishing Licenses 866-9464
Fawnskin Market (Bait & Adventure Passes) 866-9543
Moose Lodge 2085 866-3013
Post Office 866-3245

Fawnskin Flyer Tip Line:
1-760- 875-6874
Fawnskin Flyer Sponsorship:

Fawnskin Events
There is a whole lot going on here in Fawnskin. Visit the online issue for links to a more complete list with additional details/times.

August 27, 2005
Summer Picnic at Fawn Harbor

August 27-28, 2005
Seda Demo Days at North Shore Trading Company

September 3, 2005
WOTM Bake Sale Fundraiser

September 12, 2005
NSIA Community Potluck

September 14, 2005
Joseph’s Table Dinner

September 16, 2005
Memorial Golf Tournament at Bear Mountain Golf Course

September 17, 2005
Moose Lodge Luau

September 25, 2005
Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament

Getting Too Old For This Crap…Ouch
Mountain Peeves by Colleen Nuzzo
I rolled out of bed this morning. (Yes, literally rolled.) Every muscle in my body groaned in pain. A simple paint job has reduced my body to a hobbling wreck, and my painting partner is in no better shape. We are exhausted by 2 p.m. The worst part? We haven’t put one drop of paint on the house yet!

This week I have moved contractors to the top of my hit list. Being married to a licensed (and I stress licensed) contractor, I am in a position to see the work of those who have absolutely no clue of what they are doing or they do not care. Sometimes it’s obvious; most of the time we don’t see the chaos and shoddy workmanship until we open up a wall (or try to remove paint.) Many times the culprit is a Home Depot do-it-yourselfer, but there are times when you know who did the deed.

Since pain is foremost in my mind, I will comment on the job this week. Now, two women in their 40s, who have had a bit of wear and tear on their bodies, but have done physical labor during their work careers, should be able to handle prepping and painting a house that is basically a garage with an extra story on only two sides. Not!

Instead of replacing siding in poor condition, the painter used what seems to be bondo–you know–that stuff they use to fill holes on cars that are too damaged. On the surface, the paint job appeared to be professionally done, so I feel that a painting contractor did it. Which leaves me with a few pointers.

Homeowners, do it right! If you need to hire out work on your home, have a licensed contractor do the work. This not only protects you legally in case of shoddy workmanship (you have recourse in case of problems,) but it is also illegal for a homeowner to use unlicensed contractors. Paying by the hour doesn’t cut it unless you are taking out taxes! I know too many people who have cut corners by hiring a guy they have run into at a coffee shop and have been stuck with a huge mess on their hands, and it costs more in the long run to have the work redone properly.

If you cannot afford all the work done that you want, talk to several contractors, and a creative one will come up with a suitable compromise to get the job done within your budget. And, if one price is significantly lower than other bids, beware, you are setting yourself up for problems. An under priced bid means that the work cannot be done in a proper manner. To do it right, there is a reason for the higher price.

Be aware: there are sting operations in the valley and not only is the unlicensed worker fined, but so is the homeowner. Most of have been plagued by the serious lack of good help in the valley, and it seems construction is the worst. My husband has landed work just for returning calls and showing up on time. It is sometimes better to wait a bit for a good contractor, than to take someone who is available “now.” If someone can show up for a job tomorrow, chances are that person is available for a not-so-good reason.

My parting shot: Shame on you if you let someone cut corners just to sell a property! The person that comes in behind the shoddy job will hate you, and may have grounds to sue. Big Bear is so inundated with this practice that is a contributing factor to the higher prices on remodeling. You never know what you are going to find under the surface!

Bad Behavior
I got a call to “stop the press” and the news is not good. Apparently campers showed up in town at 1am this morning and banged on the fire station door for help. After about an hour delay, a deputy arrived and arrested the campground host at Hanna Flats. The sheriff log doesn’t have anything listed but my source said the charges, if filed, will be pretty serious. Keep your eye out for the online update on this story.

BTW: Remember the contractor in the first issue? I just got word that some of his guys quit working for him because their checks started bouncing. Apparently they were made good–but that’s bad behavior!

The Fawnskin Flyer chronicles life in the small mountain town of Fawnskin, California.

Popularity: 2%

Just a quick note to remind you to say “Congrats” to Loni & Dave who celebrated seven years of blissful union yesterday. Still in the honeymoon phase…

August 25th is Bernie’s birthday so drop by the lodge and visit her tomorrow. Her shift starts at 5pm.

Finally, I cracked up at all the comments people have been making about the gator in Harbor City.
Check them out.

Popularity: 1%

Moose Horseshoe Tournament Results
First Place: Joey & Gene
Second Place: Greg & Al
Third Place: Ron & Wayne
Last Place: Cindy & Kendall
Longest Games: Cindy & Kendall, Steve & Whoever-he-could-get
Most Wood: Mike & Dave

The Toyota mystery at the Post Office is solved. The owner of the car snuck out and left a tasteless (and rude) note for Cynthia.

So, let me just say that if you were the host of the visitor–get a note of apology for Cynthia and have a chat with your guest about bad behavior. The car was NOT towed but should have been.

Did you know that it is illegal to leave a car parked in the post office lot? Due to the risk of bombs and other terrorist threats, most government agencies and buildings IMMEDIATELY call in inspectors and authorities to deal with any suspicious vehicles or packages.

In this case, many people, especially Cynthia, were worried about this inconsiderate and rude individual’s health and safety…and although the safe return is a relief, the person’s bad behavior leaves a nasty impression.

Popularity: 2%