California Rocks performed some cement work for me eight years ago and did a fine job. Marshall was patient, had some good ideas and I was pleased with the finished product and price. I even referred him to a friend who had him lay cement for a good-sized patio slab. Recently, about mid April, 2021, I needed some fairly simple masonry work done so called CR again and expected the same patient, skilled, and efficient service. Marshall came by with his daughter, to whom he is teaching the business, and was his usual friendly and helpful self. He gave me a ballpark estimate and said that he'd soon have a firm price for me. The next time we made contact he told me he'd come by so we could sign the contract. He made it sound as if I didn't sign it that day, I'd be put at the end of his project list and I wouldn't get the work done for several months--probably until the end of Summer. This was undue pressure that made me uncomfortable. We signed the contract on April 23 and I asked him when he could start the project. He wrote on the contract "May 14th or sooner."
May 14 came and went and Marshall made no contact. I finally called him over a week later, and on May 24 he came by and was hesitant about the project and said that he was considering not doing it because he had too many things going on; despite the fact that we had a signed contract. He said that he needed to bring his foreman to the site to see if they could do it. I told him that if he didn't I would be back at "Square One" in terms of getting my project done and I'd endure a major delay. I asked if he could at least recommend someone else and he said "no," that everyone he knew was unlicensed and it would be a problem if something went wrong. Then I told him that although my project was relatively small, I hoped that he could fit me in his schedule and complete it. I also asked him that if he couldn't do my job, perhaps his daughter to whom he is "showing the business" could oversee my project. I don't recall what he specifically said but the bottom line was "no." He promised to send a text to me that evening after bringing his foreman by. As far as I can tell, he did not bring his foreman to my job site. In his text he said that he and his foreman met and decided that they wouldn't do my job and would refund my deposit the next day. He didn't refund my deposit the next day so I texted him and reminded him. I did receive the deposit on the second day.
I suppose that I may have some recourse for his failure, as we did in fact have a signed contract, but I'm sure it's not worth pursuing. I'm intensely disappointed with Mr. Noriega and his company. We're now in the first week of June and my project should have been completed by now but I'm still in the process of finding a qualified contractor. In my opinion, the arbitrary and capricious cancelling of my project by Marshall is inconsiderate, rude and unacceptable business practice. I know that his reviews are full of five star comments but something has dramatically changed with this man's customer service and attitude. Therefore, I offer this documentation to you so you'll be aware of the change in his business paradigm. Thank you. read more