I met Urban when I relocated to the Shelter Creek Condo complex in San Bruno, CA.
Almost immediately, I began having plumbing problems and contacted a high school friend who referred me to Urban. Urban told me that although he has a full time job as a union plumber (Local 38, San Francisco), he does side work at $40/hr. Cash.
Urban had me get the disposal to keep my cost down. Urban did do a good job installing the disposal but played me like a fool. He told me at the time that he specifically caters to women and would someday like to go into business for himself (after becoming licensed) under the name "Maximus Plumbing."
Initially, Urban comes across as sincere and very friendly. He is very proud of the fact that he has been clean and sober for over 6 1/2 years. He realizes in his trade that women are vulnerable. I certainly was as I had previously contacted someone who had an ad in the local free paper under "general handyman". A man and his son came over, and by the time they left, I had no disposal and my bathroom vanity leaked.
Urban and I began going out. Escrow had fallen through on my studio. Urban used this to his advantage and offered for me to stay at the house he rents fairly close by. I agreed to pay 1/2 rent although he makes substantially more money than I; I work 16 hours a week as a legal secretary.
I gave Urban's son, between $2,500 to $3,000 worth of furniture (free), and paid him $15/hr. Cash to help me box and index my possesions.
On the day of the physical move, 1/5/03, I paid for rental of a truck, Urban's son and my son-in-law $15/hr each to assist me with my move.
I moved out of Urban's three days later, 1/9/03 because Urban physically abused me. When I returned to my studio I had nothing because everything was at Urban's.
For three weeks I slept on the floor in a sleeping bag and ate off plastic plates using plastic spoons, knives and forks.
Urban finally deliverd my bed in pieces over three weeks later; he refused to help me assemble it when I asked (he had all my tools) saying "sleep on a mattress on the floor."
My father who is 79 drove 70 miles RT to help me assemble my bed.
It took me over two months to get my property.in the meantime, I had to make all the arrangements. Urban took no responsibility nor did he help. Considering the fact that I gave his son almost all my furniture, paid him rent when I lived in the house for only three days, the guy made out.
When it was apparent Urban would not cooperate I had an attorney friend write him a letter. The letter was written in January. Urban told my lawyer he would return my property and my rent money. He never did.
On 1/17/03 Urban told my mother over the phone that he would return my property himself. He never did.
I have written two letters and placed numerous phone calls to Urban requesting my property. The calls were never social; strictly to get my property. Whenever I spoke with Urban he began calling
me "bitch", "slut", "pig", and "retard."
It took me two months to retrieve a majority of my property. The largest remaining items were my: wardrobe, computer desk, and twin size bed. The bulk of my possessions had been placed in 30 gallon storage containers. Urban has a truck and could have easily returned my property in no more than two trips.
On 3/14/03 tired of having my computer sit on my kitchen counter, I phoned Urban, and told him I was coming down to get my desk. Urban phoned the police telling him he had given me all my belongings. I asked the police to check his kitchen. Urban emerges with four crystal glasses and a Pottery Barn plate.
The following week, 3/21/03, Urban had me personally served at work with a restraining order for "constant harassment." The complaint omits that I contacted him to get my property.
I need to take time off from work w/o pay to attend the hearing. I have sought legal representation which will cost me additional money.
I would have had Urban served with a restraining order months ago but how would I get my property? The police were of little help and said that in order to get my property that was in his house, that they would need a court order.
Please beware should you ever decide to contact a plumber doing business as Maximus Plumbing, especially if you are a woman.
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