On his first visit to my home, Mr. Cone showed me how GENERAL PLUMBING had been ripping me off for years. I thank him for that. A couple years passed before I needed help again from Mr. Cone, to unclog a pipe leading to my septic tank. Mr. Cone left me with a pipe that clogged again within two days after he left. I left him many messages saying my problem was unresolved, but he did not return a single call. He also cashed the check I'd written him, which constitutes theft. I had to report Mr. Cone to the California Licensing Board to get a response from him, and during my conversations with the board, it came out that Mr. Cone was in violation of not one, but two of the board's regulations. This has caused problems for Mr. Cone, for which he apparently blames me. He has badmouthed me to his sewing circle of fellow plumbers, and made it unlikely that the plumber who promised to get back to me will ever really do that. Mr. Cone refunded my money only after the board twice instructed him to do so. Roto-Rooter has resolved my plumbing issue. It's a shame that some of our local contractors think they can get away with treating us like the stuff that came out of my pipe, but fortunately we can report their violations to those who license them, insure them, and handle their bonds. Scott S., in Bodfish.