Above: Sorry We Are Open should be displayed at some of the local businesses up here in the mountains.

You know we locals bi**h about a lot of things ’round these parts–and one major complaint is about the Big Bear businesses–and their staff. Isn’t it funny that we keep hearing “shop local” but then when you do you many times the only thing you get the opportunity to do is pay high prices, purchase marginal products, and get lousy service.

I started surveying locals on this matter. Sugarloaf Sharon complained about the long commute into town only to find places closed. Some seem to rotate the days they are closed without a warning.

You know, the more I talked to people the more I realized that I have plenty of stories myself and this is a good chance to rant. If anyone wants to go out of business in record time–take notes and do everything I’ve included in this post–except for the good stuff.

Let me start with the story of a long awaited restaurant. The place was a refreshing change from the meat and potatoes staple diet around these parts. The first experience was amazing. The food was great–even though the prices were high–we thought it was worth it.

The second time we went by the place was closed. Okay, we noted the hours and days they were open.

THEN we tried again, closed. Geez, the sign said they were open…which was a flat out lie because the door was locked and when we pressed our noses against the glass door–we noticed the lights were out and no staff was to be seen. Needless to say our saliva glands dried up with annoyance before we could leave a pool on the ground outside the door to give the owner a hint.

So the NEXT time we called to make sure they would be open. We called early in the day and yes, the recording said it was a day they were going to be open. However when we made the long commute (no lie–one drove from Irwin Lake and the other from Fawnskin–okay, okay–I suppose it is all relative) the place was locked up tight. $#^*!

Another day we were wandering down Village Drive and thought we would hit one of the restaurants for dinner. One, two, three in a row were closed.

Geezzzuhs! Doesn’t anyone want to make any money ’round these parts?

BTW, did I mention that the same cafe was one of the closed businesses?

So, we tried again…shop local, support our pals, neighbors, and even the enemies cuz we all are in the same boat trying to make a living…closed again.

And again…and then we hit the place about 4pm one day and walked in the door only to be told we could not be served…they were changing over to dinner. Worse yet, they turned down the party of 15 behind us.

Duh, how about making money when you are open?

We informed the person who was turning us away just how unhappy we were, and told her our woes. Her reply? They had a change in staff.

Okay, FINE. How about, “We are sorry to hear that–is there anything we can do to make you happy or come back?”

Yes, guess I was dreaming…not a chance of that happening around here.

The cherry on top (now don’t think poorly of me I am NOT stupid–usually it is two strikes and you are out in my book BUT my handsome man had a hankering for this place) was the day we went to eat and they FORGOT to turn in our order.

How do you forget to turn in an order? Hmm, guess six tables is way too much to handle. Puh-leese!

Did I mention the owner was there and didn’t even bother to come out and chat to us or apologize for the 70 minute delay? No sir, too busy being the sociable guy to his pals. Our waiter sent the waitress out to deal with us…no guts…no tip…no more business.

I know, I know–we shoulda walked…we were busy visiting during our date night. BTW Handsome Man, do you get I won’t go along with you on these matters again?

Okay, during ANOTHER one of these dating adventures we drove to different restaurant–and you know I find it funny that no matter how many times we have been there (on a weekly basis) the surly attitude of the wait staff and lousy service never changes.

My theory is that many of the local places rely on the tourists thinking that it doesn’t matter. Now there are some savvy business owners up here–they know that most of the visitors come back every year and if they get the locals they have it made. Those businesses are like the energizer bunny–they keep going and going.

In fact, last night we walked into a place we hadn’t been in a while–in addition to greeting us, they were really happy to see us and actually thanked us for coming when we were leaving–saying also that they hoped we wouldn’t stay away so long the next time!

I know a few owners that take the time to chat with the locals. We locals WANT that–it is what sets us apart from the homogeneous big box, franchise world. Have you ever noticed how well those businesses that do cater to you actually do?

For instance, we have one favorite place here in Fawnskin that has good food, good service (we love the sassy waitress) and a nice atmosphere. Staff and owners usually always at least say hello to the locals…

Now most of us know better than to expect to much when someone opens new doors or takes over a place. When I landed up here the first time I was flabbergasted when locals said, “We’ll see if you last a year and then maybe we will do business with you…” and now I understand.

Anyway, back to my story…I was told by Fred in Fawnskin that there was the bus boy who thought nothing of farting loudly in the dining room…or the waiter who thought his witty comments and accent would overshadow his lousy service and tendency towards laziness.

My, oh my! What stories do you have? Reminds me of a southern quote about Epossumondas–saying, “Why, you don’t have the sense you was born with…“

Oh and I forgot about the business owner that abused not only the consignment vendor that paid rent–but all the staff, locals helping out, and the vendors. I think that business was gone in a year–we all thought it would be belly up sooner. The next two business ventures the person opened went under in record time, too. Big surprise. (Sarcasm–in case you missed that.)

Now don’t think that some of non-restaurant businesses don’t have problems–they do. For instance, ever try to shop where a young teen is working? “Excuse me, but can you stop talking on the phone to take my money? Sorry to interrupt…”

Or how about the kid that won’t get off his or her butt to help you look for something? Maybe you get a grunt but sometimes you luck out and get a mumbled, “I dunno if we have any.”

Have you ever had to push your way through the teen crowd at the door or surrounding the counter of an establishment where their pal works? Not good for business, no sir-ee. I sure do hate when they smoke outside, too.

I noticed that the Thai place on Red Ant Hill finally closed. Its been years since I have been there–the food was good but the place was dirty and the hours were sporadic at best. We saw the building is now empty on our way to another place down the road just the other day.

The establishment we were headed too has been up here for years but I hadn’t been there in a while. It used to be a big local haunt which I frequented when I lived in Bear Lake. They used to have great baked goods (segue…we really need a good bakery up here) and German food. The family also provided a friendly atmosphere and entertainment. It recently sold, was remodeled, and so we thought it might be nice to visit and try something different for a change.

Anyway, we quickly realized that going there was a wrong move. After something like ten minutes we still had not receive menus or water. When we looked up we watched as one staff member took three glasses of water at a time to a party of 15 and guessed we had better get out while we could–since we didn’t want to wait an hour or more for our food–or service.

Guess I am bagging on the restaurants pretty heavily.

So how about the remodeled supermarket? Ever feel like you are going into a cave with the lack of lighting? First they took away our double coupons…when they started the perpetual remodel I got tired of stepping around stuff or not finding items I used to purchase regularly.

The result, I don’t go there much anymore. Now I shop at two smaller local places…I love the two markets in Bear City–they are always friendly and helpful but the place in Bear Lake…geez, try and get in there an hour before they close. The staff is busy packing everything up and I don’t feel welcomed. Why don’t they just close and use the time for stocking?

With the online shopping options and the weekly jaunts down the hill the motivation to shop local plummets. Some of you have been teasing me about going down to Running Springs–but you know what–I get welcomed by name and always get friendly service–even though I live outside of the town limits!

Personally, I’d rather support mom and pop shops…I still think we should all have secret shopper report cards that we leave in all the businesses we spend money in…but then how many will still be here next year?

Epossumondas–cute and the audio books have the southern accent:

Okay, so I forgot to announce the anniversary of the Fawnskin Flyer…I’ve been in an intensive internet class and sequestered away working. The official launch was July 1, 2005 and although I no longer publish a printed flyer, the readership is worldwide with 2445 unique visitors in June…go figure!

Visitors drop in regularly from Canada, Germany, Sweden, Poland, Australia, Mexico, France, Israel, Tartu, Uruguay, the Netherlands, Belgium, Japan, Brazil, Kuwait, Switzerland, Pakistan, Finland, Korea, the Ivory Coast, Argentina, and from around the United States.

Geez, who would have known a little gossip rag that started as a joke would get so far in such a short time? Now do you wonder why I quit circulating the 50 or so local flyers and went online instead?

Besides, people were lifting the flyers and not leaving a quarter in the can…bad behavior that was NOT compensated by those who were leaving whole dollars in appreciation of all the hard work involved…but I digress.

I thought I would celebrate with some smart a** commentary (check tomorrow) but before I do I thought you might like to know a couple of things going on around town.

First, you might have heard about mama bear and the baby bears hanging out above Arapaho…dog man’s pack went after them and fortunately mama bear did not attack the dogs.

If you have not noticed, many of the animals have moved down near town to access the water. The drought and lack of precipitation only means that we will be seeing more critters. Use caution and common sense. Keep your trash locked up and sealed–if you have bird baths or dog bowls expect visitors of all types. Someone outside of Fawnskin recently reported a bear clawing open their wood fence to access the yard.

Ultimately, forget the Yogi Bear and Smokey the Bear stories–these critters are wild animals that should be respected and avoided. Most predators are crepuscular (active at dawn or dusk) or nocturnal (active at night). My raccoon buddies have been prowling around after an absence and they are NOT very happy based on their body language.

The Old Miller School House was hopping last night during the third session of the Cancer Project cooking classes. The classes are AWESOME! The food is great and kudos to Sol Foods Market for bringing it to our community.

If you missed this session be sure to sign up for the next one. We have and use a great cookbook/textbook, view informative videos, and snack under the guidance of Cobi.

Below are a few snaps: 1) Cobi of the Cancer Project, 2) Big Bear Valley students of the Cancer Project Food for Life class, 3) the food line up…yummy!

Above: Around these parts you know you have status when you have been given your own parking space! This official sign is now up at the Moose Lodge 2085 in honor of Don Easton–who remains active with the lodge but who is no longer the administrator.

I’ve been sticking close to home this weekend and that seems to have been a good choice since reports are that a ton of traffic fills the boulevard on the South shore. On this side, the Moose Lodge 2085 yard sale ends today–with a record fundraising for the weekend. It seems most of you cleared them out on Friday–me I missed most of the goodies as I ended up finishing some work on the East end of the valley instead but I did drop by yesterday and this am. Drop by for those last minute deals.

The scuttlebutt I heard this am at the NS Cafe was that many lodge owners are reporting that people have booked rooms from Tuesday through the next weekend. That would be great news for many of the business owners around here.

I’ve noticed that the water quality isn’t so hot this week. I have a red ring around my bathroom sink drain and the stuff smells. Anyone know if the well water level is down? I had another household report the same thing. Yuck…and yet another reason to protest the continued building around these parts–water.

Above: Volunteer Sharon spent long hours running the Moose Lodge 2085 yard sale which seems to be her labor of love. She has done this for the past three years (that I know of) in a row. Great Job! BUT watch out for her as she is a tough sales woman. The guys jokingly say she should have been a car salesperson.

People have been asking me about Fawn Park–quite frankly most of us have been over that issue for a LONG time. The park remains closed to locals and visitors despite the fact that the park owners are still soliciting funds.

Not too long ago locals didn’t appreciate being asked to come down to the park for appearances when a film crew came by to do a story on the place. Why support the story of a community park that really isn’t one?! I think the letter to the editor that appeared in the Grizzly where the author asked if she had “stupid” stamped on her forehead was a pretty good summary of how many people feel around these parts.

Speaking of parks…Old Miller Park looks great and is a nice respite, Dana Point Park is usually used by the visitors but you might not know that the Moose Lodge has been working on the Don Conroy Memorial Park.

The little place behind the Moose Lodge 2085 has horseshoe rings, tables, and a few trees so far. The Righteous Ones used it last week for their big biker run and after party.

Above: The Don Conroy Memorial Park sign.