Ponderosa Telephone [Archive] - Yosemite Area Forums

shansard

Oct 08, 2004, 08:58 AM

Anybody know anything about Ponderosa Telephone? My husband has an interview there next week and we REALLY need him to get this job. Right now he's working in Bakersfield four days a week so he's only home three nights a week. It is horrible. Is Ponderosa a good company to work for?

Raider

Oct 08, 2004, 10:20 AM

Can you say "Monopoly". http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/yes.gif

shansard

Oct 08, 2004, 11:22 AM

Does that mean PT is a bad employer?

MtnEagle

Oct 08, 2004, 12:03 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Originally posted by shansard:
Does that mean PT is a bad employer? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Judging by the turnover rate of the position he's probably trying for (the on in the Star?), I'd say there must be some issues going on there. That ad has been in the Star several times over the course of the last year.

It's my understanding that Harry Baker (SierraTel / STI) owns or has a controlling ownership of Ponderosa Telephone.

Because of the Monopoly that Raider refered to earlier it is hard to get beyond the problems at these places both as an employee and as a customer.

Competition is the cure, but also ruins the small town nature of the area.

Jimi

Oct 08, 2004, 03:25 PM

What Job ?????

And progress is change .... maybe they need to open up to it .... SBC is dying to get here ...DSL at least....

shansard

Oct 08, 2004, 03:45 PM

Yes, it is the job that has been in the Star. I'm hoping that perhaps there are several positions and that is why it has been in the Star several times. At this point he'd really take just about anything up here. As I said he works in Bakersfield during the week and it is very hard on us to be apart. He also has applications in at UC Merced and a few places in Fresno.

Jimi

Oct 08, 2004, 03:48 PM

just an outsiders point here .... I know we say hire local ... but to try and get some one as even a helper local is hard ... Skill jobs is lacking manpower... so if your husband is some what skilled in what they are hiring for ....ya never know

shansard

Oct 08, 2004, 03:51 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Originally posted by Jimi:
just an outsiders point here .... I know we say hire local ... but to try and get some one as even a helper local is hard ... Skill jobs is lacking manpower... so if your husband is some what skilled in what they are hiring for ....ya never know <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

He is definitely qualified for the job, and he has a great work ethic. I hope being a local on top of his qualifications gets him the job. We love living up here and plan on raising our kids (when we have them) here. If he gets it and loves it we can start our family! Yay!

MtnEagle

Oct 08, 2004, 04:10 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Originally posted by shansard:
He is definitely qualified for the job, and he has a great work ethic. I hope being a local on top of his qualifications gets him the job. We love living up here and plan on raising our kids (when we have them) here. If he gets it and loves it we can start our family! Yay! <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

The only thing I'd caution is basing starting a family on a local job.

I started working at Sierra On-Line here in 1991. A job I thought I'd have for 20+ years. A lot changes in 10 years, including ownership and continued operation of a business. Kids are a 20 year commitment, so I'd think a little more on that family thing...

http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/wink2.gif

cosmo

Oct 09, 2004, 04:58 AM

I may be wrong here, but it is my understanding that Ponerosa Telephone is owned by the women of the Bigelow family. I do not believe Harry Baker is the owner of that phone company.

Jimi

Oct 09, 2004, 05:13 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Originally posted by cosmo:
I may be wrong here, but it is my understanding that Ponerosa Telephone is owned by the women of the Bigelow family. I do not believe Harry Baker is the owner of that phone company. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

That is what I understood too .... last I talked to Frank ....but maybe Harry owns part too ....I will ask ...

Goddesschyyld

Oct 09, 2004, 07:46 AM

Frank Bigelow and Luanne Silkwood (also part of the Bigelow family) own Ponderosa Telephone.

Jimi

Oct 09, 2004, 08:56 AM

that's what I thought he told me .....

He had to recuse himself from a few different votes down at the BOS..... and well..... I asked why ...

Neat family history here .... one of the first stage lines was the Bigelow stage company

MtnEagle

Oct 10, 2004, 04:43 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Originally posted by Goddesschyyld:
Frank Bigelow and Luanne Silkwood (also part of the Bigelow family) own Ponderosa Telephone. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Thanks for the correction. Someone had told me in passing that Ponderosa also part of HB's holdings.

http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/wink2.gif

shansard

Oct 19, 2004, 11:07 AM

Not that any of you will be excited over this, but my hubby was offered the job at Ponderosa Telephone!! He's been contracting down in Bakersfield for about six months, so this is really great. He can finally live at home and I can go to sleep next to him and wake up and cuddle every morning!

Of course, he got a call from UC Merced wanting to schedule a follow up interview a week from Friday, and he'd much rather have that job, so now we have a dilemma. Take the PT job and quit if the UCM one is offered? Or turn down PT and wait for UCM? I think the former is the more desirable option, though they both suck!

shansard

Oct 19, 2004, 11:07 AM

Mibrew

Oct 19, 2004, 11:14 AM

I know you wont like it but I'd take the P.T. job and go to the follow up interview At UC Merced, and if he is considered @ Merced I'd take it....

C I knew you wouldnt like it http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/no.gif

shansard

Oct 19, 2004, 11:59 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Originally posted by Mibrew:
I know you wont like it but I'd take the P.T. job and go to the follow up interview At UC Merced, and if he is considered @ Merced I'd take it....

C I knew you wouldnt like it http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/no.gif <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

That's okay. I know that he'll end up doing exactly what you said! It makes the most sense financially and in terms of future job growth, there are more opportunities for him at UCM.

MtnEagle

Oct 19, 2004, 12:44 PM

You have to do what you have to do... You have to look out for youself.

Most companies and corporations aren't looking out for you, they're looking out for their needs first. If it happens to benefit you well that's just a good timing.

I just love how Corporations these days itch about loyalty and what not, but yet they are outsourcing, or worse closing divisions in the USA and giving the work to people on other continents.

They lay you off, and a few months later after you've been left hanging in dispair and stress for where the money is going to come from, they call back as though nothing happened...

You need to be proactive about your own position and don't apologize for thinking of yourself and your family.

http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/wink2.gif

Choco-chick

Oct 19, 2004, 12:54 PM

Shansard,
Congratulations on your husband being offered a job in the Mountain Area! The one at UC Merced sounds better though. I work in Oakhurst and live in Fresno and I am thinking of finding a place up here just during the week. So I will soon know the feeling of being apart from my husband http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/sad2.gif but I know that one day my sacrifice will pay off. I will pray that your husband gets which ever job is best for your family.

Jimi

Oct 19, 2004, 01:12 PM

besides he may like the PT job ... and stick with it ... the drive to Merced is no great or easy thing

MtnEagle

Oct 19, 2004, 04:01 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Originally posted by Jimi:
besides he may like the PT job ... and stick with it ... the drive to Merced is no great or easy thing <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

That is very true!

http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/wink2.gif

shansard

Oct 19, 2004, 04:54 PM

Well, in a dream world we would move to Catheys Valley and I'd be a stay at home mom until the kids are in kindergarten, then we'd be hobby winemakers and make wine.

Hehehe.

In reality...who knows?

Choco-chick, being apart is AWFUL! He works four 10 hour days, he leaves here Monday mornings and returns Friday nights, he stays with his aunt in Visalia, so he has an hour commute down to Bakersfield from there. I live up here and commute to Fresno every day. The drive isn't bad, except for the other drivers!

shansard

Oct 19, 2004, 04:55 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Originally posted by Jimi:
besides he may like the PT job ... and stick with it ... the drive to Merced is no great or easy thing <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
He currently has an approximately one hour commute, so he is used to driving, granted the drive to Merced is a little more treacherous than his current commute....

Choco-chick

Oct 19, 2004, 06:01 PM

"I live up here and commute to Fresno every day. The drive isn't bad, except for the other drivers!"

Shansard, have you made the drive to and from Fresno in the winter months? I am really scared to continue the commute, I will miss my husband but I think the drive is too much, I am going to look at a place tomorrow.

Jimi

Oct 19, 2004, 07:25 PM

The Schools are better in Oakhurst then Cathays Valley

shansard

Oct 20, 2004, 05:42 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Originally posted by Choco-chick:
"I live up here and commute to Fresno every day. The drive isn't bad, except for the other drivers!"

Shansard, have you made the drive to and from Fresno in the winter months? I am really scared to continue the commute, I will miss my husband but I think the drive is too much, I am going to look at a place tomorrow. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Nope, just moved up here 9/1, so the current weather is as far into winter as I've gotten!

How about I come live with your husband during the week and you can live with mine? We can swap. Mine likes to cook.

Jimi

Oct 20, 2004, 07:05 AM

Choco ... move to Coarsegold.... and be home every night ...... we have the best places to live ... and best Rattlers

Jimi

Oct 20, 2004, 07:06 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Originally posted by shansard:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Originally posted by Jimi:
besides he may like the PT job ... and stick with it ... the drive to Merced is no great or easy thing <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
He currently has an approximately one hour commute, so he is used to driving, granted the drive to Merced is a little more treacherous than his current commute.... <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
wow he drives fast .... I live in YLP and it takes me an hour to get to Visalia ....

shansard

Oct 20, 2004, 07:17 AM

Yeah, he drives a little fast I guess, plus he'd be commuting at odd hours with little or no traffic.

Jimi

Oct 20, 2004, 07:34 AM

Mapquest says it is 156 miles from Oakhurst to Bakersfield .... he does drive fast

shansard

Oct 20, 2004, 07:55 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Originally posted by Jimi:
Mapquest says it is 156 miles from Oakhurst to Bakersfield .... he does drive fast <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

No no no, you misunderstood or didn't see a previous post. He lives in Visalia during the week and commutes to Bakersfield from there.

Jimi

Oct 20, 2004, 08:00 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Originally posted by shansard:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Originally posted by Jimi:
Mapquest says it is 156 miles from Oakhurst to Bakersfield .... he does drive fast <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

No no no, you misunderstood or didn't see a previous post. He lives in Visalia during the week and commutes to Bakersfield from there. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

sorry .......

he will love the commute from Oakhurst to O'Niels

shansard

Oct 20, 2004, 08:18 AM

Just to complicate matters, he has a second interview at UC Merced tomorrow and he said from what the HR person said, it is just a formality and he'll be getting an offer from them. Oh lord.

I forgot to mention why the UCM option is preferred, he worked at UC Santa Cruz for almost three years, so he's familiar with the UC system, and his retirement savings are still with the UC system.

But this is totally straying from the original topic.

Sorry.

Choco-chick

Oct 20, 2004, 01:07 PM

"How about I come live with your husband during the week and you can live with mine? We can swap. Mine likes to cook."

Mine likes to cook too, but I just found a place, Yea!!! It used to be a bed and breakfast and is in Coarsegold. I am soooo glad, I will not have to be driving all the way to and from Fresno during the week. http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/eusa_dance.gif

But, Shansard, I wish you and yours luck and I pray that it all works out for the best. http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/yes.gif

Jimi, no thanks on the rattlers http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/no.gif

Jimi

Oct 20, 2004, 01:10 PM

Quail Hill ???

Choco-chick

Oct 20, 2004, 01:13 PM

Maybe, why?

Jimi

Oct 20, 2004, 01:28 PM

i like the area and always wanted to stay there

Choco-chick

Oct 20, 2004, 01:35 PM

Yeah, that is it. I think it is a really beautiful area. And only about 16 miles from Oakhurst. I think it will be nice until my husband and I are able to buy a house up here.

Mibrew

Oct 20, 2004, 02:26 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Originally posted by Choco-chick:
Yeah, that is it. I think it is a really beautiful area. And only about 16 miles from Oakhurst. I think it will be nice until my husband and I are able to buy a house up here. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Thats great Chocko, are they used as rentals now?

Choco-chick

Oct 21, 2004, 06:23 AM

Yes, they are now rentals, not sure if they will eventually go back to b&b but for now this is good for me. http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/yes.gif

Jimi

Oct 21, 2004, 06:29 AM

http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/sad2.gif http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/bigcry.gif http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/sad2.gif

Choco-chick

Oct 21, 2004, 06:54 AM

http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/sad2.gif http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/bigcry.gif http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/sad2.gif

????? What is wrong?

Jimi

Oct 21, 2004, 07:23 AM

Oh I always wanted to stay there ....

when I had the money I didnt have the time ...

when I had the time I had no money ....

Yosemite_Wolf

Oct 21, 2004, 07:31 AM

Choco.... check out YLP.. the water is spendy... .but houseing prices are pretty good.

Choco-chick

Oct 21, 2004, 09:54 AM

Thanks Yosemite, My husband and I have driven around there and we like it, that is most likely where will buy after we sell our house in Fresno.

Jimi, I am sorry you never got to stay there, I think they might try to open it up again as a B&B but not sure when.

Yosemite_Wolf

Oct 21, 2004, 10:12 AM

choco....its a great location for those who have to work in Fresno... below the snow line....and only 25 min from fresno. i love my house here. even Jimi does, and so does beautiful mess.

Choco-chick

Oct 21, 2004, 10:26 AM

It sounds great, I am glad you said that about commuting to Fresno as my husband will still work there when we move. If/when we move to ylp I will let you know and I am now more motivated to get my house in order to sell. Thanks for the encouragement Yosemite http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/yes.gif

Choco-chick

Oct 21, 2004, 10:26 AM

Yosemite_Wolf

Oct 21, 2004, 10:35 AM

the politics here suck.. you have to pay this and that.. but its a price to bear to live out of the city. I love my house here..and there are many houses here for first time buyers.. 12-14oo sq feet. make sure you are selling with coldwell banker....they are the BEST! but i can give you an awesom broker to find ya a house here....

Choco-chick

Oct 21, 2004, 11:45 AM

Sure, Yosemite, that would be great. If you don't want to post the info here, do you want to e-mail it to me? Or what do you suggest?