One Red Phone caller, disappointed with the service she received
from a local business, which she said ripped her off, asked the
Crimson Crusader for some advice. Although this isn’t a typical Red
Phone call, the Crimson Crusader decided to take the case. When it
comes to business in San Benito County, Chamber of Commerce
Director Liz Sparling knows just about everything.
One Red Phone caller, disappointed with the service she received from a local business, which she said ripped her off, asked the Crimson Crusader for some advice. Although this isn’t a typical Red Phone call, the Crimson Crusader decided to take the case. When it comes to business in San Benito County, Chamber of Commerce Director Liz Sparling knows just about everything.
The Chamber doesn’t handle complaints, but Sparling said the best thing to do would be to call the Better Business Bureau of Silicon Valley. The BBB is private, nonprofit organization that is dedicated to promoting fairness and honesty in the marketplace. The BBB can help resolve individual disputes between consumers and businesses. Call the BBB of Silicon Valley at 1-408-278-7400 or link to its Web site at www.bbbsilicon.org. However, in cases of outright fraud or theft, it may be better to contact the Hollister Police or San Benito County Sheriff’s Office. If the amount of money in question is more than $5,000, it may be appropriate to contact an attorney. If it is less than that, one can learn how to file a small claims case from the friendly staff at the San Benito County Superior Court Civil Division.
Dealing with a Dirty John
After a traumatic experience in an allegedly uncouth bathroom at the Hollister Municipal Airport, our next Red Phone caller asked the Crimson Crusader to find out who is responsible for cleaning the airport loo. He also asked the Crusader to make sure others won’t have to suffer the same experience in what he called a “barbaric” bathroom that didn’t have toilet paper.
Although no longer in the business of cleaning toilets, the Crimson Crusader was able to help by making a quick call to airport manager Bill Gere. Gere said that because the airport does not have a full-time maintenance staff, bathroom cleaning is done by the Parks Department. Gere also said our Red Phone caller may have exaggerated the condition of the bathroom. He said that sometimes staffing shortages at the Parks Department delay the replenishing of toilet paper. Gere hopes to get funding from the Hollister City Council this year to hire two – or at least one – full-time maintenance workers for the airport.
