Acton — Alan Kimble Fahey shows off the high desert home he has been working on for decades.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times

Acton — Fahey has kept journals recording the construction of his home over the years. Code enforcers have cited him numerous times for violations.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times

Acton — Fahey stands in front of the partially finished structure, which code enforcers ordered him to stop working on.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times

Acton — Fahey and his wife, Pat, walk across a bridge into their home. There are several structures in the compound, built in part with telephone poles.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times

Acton — Fahey's son Noah carries brother Leo over his shoulder at Phonehenge West.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times

Acton — The Faheys' kitchen lacks cupboards, so plates are stacked on shelves; pots and mugs hang from hooks. Fahey stockpiles food.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times

Acton — Vintage collectibles share the space throughout Phonehenge West.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times

Acton — Pat Fahey carries a jug of iced tea through the kitchen of their home, which is filled with collectibles, canned goods and 20,000 books.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times

Acton — Neighbor Danny Clark checks out the view from an unfinished portion of Phonehenge West. Some neighbors like the place, but the county says some have complained, calling it an eyesore.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times

Acton — Fahey has opted to go to trial rather than obey code enforcers' demands to tear down much of Phonehenge West.

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times

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Habitable sculpture in Acton draws ire of county code enforcers

Posted By: Marc Martin
Posted On: 8:08 p.m. | May 25, 2011

Alan Kimble Fahey has spent decades turning his Acton property into a habitable sculpture he calls “Phonehenge West,” in reference to his 30 years as a phone service technician.

The structure is made of wood, iron and other discarded items Fahey has collected.

Read Ann M. Simmons story.

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73 Comments

May 26, 2011, 6:36 am

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That's not sculpture – it's a mess. I sure wouldn't want him for a neighbor.

By: Diego Rivera
May 26, 2011, 8:53 am

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It seems the comparison to Simon Rodia & the Watts Towers is a fair one, along with Claude Bell, who built the Dinosaurs in Cabazon not too far away from Mr. Fahey's place in Acton. Having grown up in an ancient adobe in Anaheim in the middle of orange groves only to watch it become surrounded by mindless tract houses and now gone forever, I can sympathize with his situation. There was a time when the 'Inland Empire' was an Outland Desert Territory far removed from the wheels of progress. One needs only to look at those poor prehistoric Cabazon Dinosaurs these days surrounded by fast food restaurants and outlet stores. Parts of California just aren't the Paradise they used to be ~ sad but true. Buena Suerte Fahey Familia

By: federicodecalifornia
May 26, 2011, 9:24 am

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and this project is harming who ?????? go find something important to apply your rules and codes to.

By: richardandal@msn.com
May 26, 2011, 9:41 am

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I guess the county code enforcement team could not get him to pass over an envelope of cash, so now they abuse their powers. And people wonder why even liberals hate government.

By: lime
May 26, 2011, 12:40 pm

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First, hats off toe Genero Molina for the excellent photos. The structures/site is truly art and Mr. Molina caught it. The family has an almost a Norman Rockwell look and Mr. Molina caught that too in a clever manner.____Next, I want to agree with the other commenter's remarks about a comparison to the Watts Tower. This is truly a work of art, it is a sculpture. I understand the need to public safety in terms of structural and electrical hazards, but there should be relief from ANY prosecution or monetary penalities.____An engineering school Professor of Civil/Structural Engineering should donate their time to analyize issues related to public safety and the County should work out a deal that yields no prizon time or monetary fines.__

By: James
May 26, 2011, 12:41 pm

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I agree 100%. And whatever is worked out, should not punish this artist or his family. He should be thanked for this work of art.

By: James
May 26, 2011, 12:57 pm

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I wouldn't let kids on that thing.

By: rickcain
May 26, 2011, 4:12 pm

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Having grown up in this small horse community; this family's home is truly a work of art. Acton is home to several families who work their hardest just live in a place where they can raise their kids, livestock and enjoy the simple things of a "rancher's" life. Unfortunately code enforcement loves to pester the people of Acton from livestock to building code violations a tad too often in my opinion. It would be an absolute shame to see someone's dream demolished because a rule book doesn't see it fit within the lines.

By: amn
May 26, 2011, 8:49 pm

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There is no way that this structure should be torn down. The county officials should be setting their eyes on the corruption going on within their own Gov. agencies. As an art teacher and trained artist who supports creativity I recognize a labor of love when I see one. If anything Acton should provide a grant that would pay for the services of an engineer that would work with the artist to strengthen the structure.

By: sxr6464@lausd.net
May 27, 2011, 6:35 am

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Beautiful piece of art! Alan Fahey has obviously got a real creative vision, and I think it's really neat what he's done. At the same time, opening it to the public … That gets into all sorts of risk management nightmares when you're talking about a structure that was built in unconventional ways with found objects. Personally, I would love to visit the place. But if someone else tripped and fell on something, it would probably be the end of Phonehenge. Perhaps if there were an insurance company that would hire a few experts to inspect the place and give him $20 million of liability insurance. Otherwise, I would be afraid it would destroy the man if someone bumped their head something and sued the bejeezus out of him for "unsafe building practices". All that being said, let the guy do his thing and make some art if he's not hurting anyone! God knows the world needs more adventurous creativity, not less!

By: photofanatic
May 27, 2011, 8:11 am

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Take it from someone who has been there many times and seen his construction practices in action. His property is so over engineered, it's ridiculous. All of his structures are easily double the strength of any track house or McMantion you wouldn't think twice about setting foot in.

By: Son In Law
May 27, 2011, 10:26 am

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Individualism is dead in this country. If it doesn't fit the norm, they try to find a way to stifle.

By: Ron
May 27, 2011, 11:07 am

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I love it…I'd be happy living there myself. Great design, great colors!

By: Gero
May 27, 2011, 11:41 am

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If some high end architect designed this for some rich person people wouldn't being saying anyhting. It would probably be in some magazine and praised for it's uniqueness. But some regular guy/artist designs something you all call it an eysore intested of giving hime the praise and admiration for his work of art. As for code enforcement we all now it is just for the city to get more money out of people to get a bunch of "BS" permits. People have been building homes for centuries that have stood longer then the ones build to "code". Leave the man alone, let him create his art.

By: CarlosRagas
May 27, 2011, 7:50 pm

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It would be ironic if there was a large earthquake or very strong wind, and the only structure left standing in the area was his building. Then the court would have to convene there to hold his trial inside the very structure the government is complaining about.

By: dlee@lalaw1.com
May 28, 2011, 9:56 am

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Individuals in this vast country intentionally move out to such remote and sparsely populated places to pursue their visions. They would never be found in a community where, say, clothes lines weren’t permitted, or a picket fence, because it wouldn’t conform to “community standards” set by the home-owners committee. An area like Acton has no such standards. Before “In God We Trust” was on our coins it used to read, “Mind Your Business”.

By: John Teeple
May 29, 2011, 8:52 am

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LOVE IT< LOVE IT< LOVE IT!!!!! He can build me one right next door! That's my kind of freedom….freedom of expression that says so much!

By: dotwchino
May 29, 2011, 8:53 am

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I am with you! It is awesome!

By: dotwchino12
May 30, 2011, 9:13 am

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It reminds me of “Rubel’s Castle” built by Mike Rubel in the city of Glendora over a period of decades. Oh how the city hated that place, and hassled him all the time. When Mike died, he left the Castle to the Glendora Historical Society, and now the city brags about it’s uniqueness, as if they thought it up themselves.

By: Beth Glover
May 30, 2011, 9:21 am

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Then don't move there. If you where living there when he started would'nt notice!

By: Lyle Kellogg
May 30, 2011, 11:21 am

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Kim Fahey is a visionary artist. He does not look at things like everybody else. When an artist who is a sculptor looks at a block of marble, he does not see a rough misshapen mass of stone, he sees what no one else sees, he sees the object hidden within it, and he will painstakingly hammer and chisel away at the stone to liberate his vision, at which point everyone will say, "Ahhhhh, now I see what it is you were looking at."

By: Frank N. Beans
May 30, 2011, 11:22 am

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Beginning in 1921, for 34 years Simon Rodia worked tirelessly, painstakingly assembling his "vision" resulting in Watts Towers in Watts, California. It is now hailed as an artistic triumph, and has been designated by the City of Los Angeles as a protected artistic cultural landmark. Today, people come from all over the world to view, and photograph Mr. Rodia's artistic triumph, and it is a focal point of pride in Watts.

By: Frank N. Beans
May 30, 2011, 11:22 am

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In Simi Valley, California Grandma Prisby worked at her artistic vision for twenty-five years, using cement, and eveyday discarded objects that she found at the junk yard to create "Bottle Village". In 1979 Bottle Village was named a Ventura County Cultural Landmark. In 1981 it was declared a California State Historical Landmark National Register.
Los Angeles County, does not like or appreciate people with vision, they like to have everything status quo, cookie cutter sameness, and if something does not involve back door politics, with large amounts of money finding it's way into the pockets of the local politicians, they put an end to it, without hesitation.

By: Frank N. Beans
May 30, 2011, 11:23 am

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Two visionary artists that just wanted to create something from nothing, for no one else but themselves, and it just so happened in their cases, the public, and then their respective cities, bowing to pressure from the public agreed.

By: Frank N. Beans
May 30, 2011, 11:23 am

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Kim Fahey has a vision that he wants to make visible through his artistic talent, LA County hates it that he doesn't bow down asking them for their blessings, LA County hates that Kim Fahey's artistic journey won't result in them getting any credit or publicity, LA County hates that Kim Fahey's creation won't generate them any "MONEY."

By: Frank N. Beans
May 30, 2011, 11:23 am

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So what does LA County do? They spend "our" money, (yours and mine), on lawsuit after lawsuit trying to squash Kim Fahey, and his dream, trying to finally put and end once and for all to individualistic thinking, trying to save face and to win at all costs, a victory against an individual, who didn't play exactly by their rules.

By: Frank N. Beans
May 30, 2011, 11:24 am

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Just think how dull, routine and boreing things would be if Los Angeles County had done this to Simon Rodia, or Grandma Prisby, our lives would be a little less special without them, or their artistic gifts that they have given us.

By: Frank N. Beans
May 30, 2011, 12:53 pm

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"Can't we all just get along?"

-Rodney King

By: Frank N. Beans
May 30, 2011, 2:52 pm

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Lets see, They want to put him in jail for 7 years fvor something that may never happen, yet some mexican gang banger can just about kill someone and be out in a year or so.

By: krystalcane
May 30, 2011, 10:04 pm

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love this place. it is art. the builder should get a medal. I want one!__Code enforcement needs to GET A LIFE. Codes are necessary but have a code for Art Buildings and Folk Art. Bottle Village, Nit Wit Ridge in Cambria come to mind. This could be a good thing for Acton.

By: leelarose
May 31, 2011, 12:00 pm

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If you don’t want to look at his house, don’t build close to him…Leave him alone..

By: Karen
May 31, 2011, 12:08 pm

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Isn't this typical of the California Liberal mentality: if it does not conform to Liberal ideals then it HAS to be wrong and should come down. These Liberals believe they are right, any other point of view is wrong and they will not accept a thought outside their doctrine. Is this habitat harming anyone? Is it not safe? Where were the code enforcers back when it was being started? Who actually owns the land. Cities like Los Angeles believe that the city owns ALL the land and you just reside there for the sole purpose of paying taxes.

By: kimdo01mdi01
May 31, 2011, 12:24 pm

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I have this "thing" about clutter…and that picture of their kitchen made me wish I still had a script for Xanax for anxiety. Can't imagine…..

By: AnxiousinKS
May 31, 2011, 1:21 pm

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I started to say that if Alan Fahey is a veteran and he does not win his case in court by a jury and his story is put in front of the jury with facts and not any fast lawyer tricks and is ordered to have to destory his home that this should be one of the places that myself and a lot of veterans should arm ourselves and put out the call to arms for all to take a stand against this so called government and laws that are not for the people or by the peopleIt does not matter after I gave it a second thought Alan Fahey is a vet because he is what we as vets did and still do give our time and as so many have done there lives or a foot a leg a arm or a eye so that a man who worked can have a vision can be free so let them have there day in court but jusdt on the grounds of the code enforcement not doing there job for over thirty years it should not even been allowed to gone this far(meaning as far as a judge letting this go to trial and wasting tax payers money ) i ask why now all of a sudden is this a problem? who wants to get their hands on you land Mr Alan Fahey is what you should be also looking at!!!… Just a thing to think on when the fathers of this great country said this is all we are going to put up with they hide behind trees when the fighting started the only differents now would be its not trees but it would be telephone poles This is one vet that is sick of just this type of crap that is going on in this country and would once again be glad to put my life on the line to stop this its coming people it is coming if you have any comments or feel the same about this here is my email address please send them freedom of speach is one of our last freedoms so any and all emails good or bad are welcome …VAKENNA@GMAIL.com Aproud disabled vet!!GOD BLESS ALAN FAHEY AND HIS FAMILY GIVE HIM THE STRENGTH TO STAND AGAINST THIS WRONG BLESSING HIM LORD IS BLESSING AMERICA THIS IS WHAT THIS COUNTRY IS ALL ABOUT AMEN !!!

By: vvakenna@gmail.com
May 31, 2011, 1:37 pm

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this is not about you and your problem with clutter but here one for you to IMAGINE the fighting in your back yard when the people get tried of this hows that for ANXIETY dont be so shallow please!!but do feel free to comment it is your right just like it is Alan Fahey to have his clutter !!

By: vakenna@gmail.com
May 31, 2011, 2:00 pm

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You probably don't know much about art than.

By: Nicolle Rubino
May 31, 2011, 2:52 pm

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obviously this guy has gone over and beyond any safety requirements- it is an amazing structure- as usual, the powers that be are irritated that their endless codes and processes to "protect" were somehow avoided- the usual extraction of $$$ didn't occur. The people who are after this guy should be ashamed of themselves- I can only imagine the stress involved for him. I hope they leave the structure and allow him to continue living there- what a disgusting, low attack on someone who is clearly beyond most of us both in vision and determination.

By: dan
May 31, 2011, 3:05 pm

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If some did there job in the begining this would not have gotten this far. I think Now its to late to waste our tacx payer dollars on such crap. Leave the man and his family along. If you wanted this down it should have happened 30 yrs ago not now. Why dont you spend our tax dollard putting away sex affenders.

By: you@yahoo.com
May 31, 2011, 3:42 pm

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Check your map again…Cabazon is two hours away from Acton, in a totally different part of the state. And before forming opinions about the validity of the claims, it is important to know about the potential violations. Is the building safe? (especially since that area is subject to high winds).

By: wintermomceo
May 31, 2011, 4:26 pm

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He's worked pretty hard for a long time. Just leave him alone. Personally, it's a thing of beauty.

By: Marc
May 31, 2011, 5:31 pm

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go worry about something else. this guy has some mad vision and obviously awesome skills. if the city is going to do anything, support it. that way they would be able to attractmore people and take some of the credit for it. but unfortunately, about 90% of the gov dont use their brains. Rock on kimble fahey!

By: luke
May 31, 2011, 5:37 pm

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I think a man should be able to do what he wants to with his own land and home, if it doesn't harm anybody, so let him be, I don't see anything wrong with it., what about the winchester mystery house in San Jose? donbrunson70@yahoo.com

By: donbrunson
May 31, 2011, 6:07 pm

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Has anyone read the building code? I would like to know what licensed architects and structural engineers think of this.

By: Nate
May 31, 2011, 6:09 pm

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Why not find something more humane or worthy for the community to do with the money and effort they are spending just to harm or disrespecting someones lifelong dream and achievement. I honestly think the home is very nice. I live near a large city that has alot of structures that are unsitely and unsafe and other big city problems such as,homelessnes, unemployment etc. If this was my neighbor I would be by his side supporting him and helping protect his home. This is simply some city bigcheese with mission to crush a American Dreamers Hard work. We as a country need to stand up for each others rights,before it,s to late. This is a story worth reading andcommenting on. Who really gives a crap about all the drama and attention seeking lil hollywood spoiled brats get!!! I hate seeing rehab crackheads getting frontpage news. This is an issue we need to open ours eyes and hearts to,and possibly our rifle and gunracks to .

By: vcvc8080@yahoo.com
May 31, 2011, 7:15 pm

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This is what the powers that be do so well. They get all us yokels in an uproar about some poor shlub neighbor's house where he lives with his wife meanwhile they're building absolute terror and armegedon in the form of nuclear power plants, hydrofracking for natural gas, deep sea oil drilling, chemical and weapons manufacturing, mountain top removal coal mining, slurry lagoons, genetically modified foods, unregulated financial derivitives and CDS markets, dark pools of liquidity and HFT, and on and on.
I just want to throw on my tin foil hat and go meet this fine, proud real Amercian!

By: Foilerspoiler
May 31, 2011, 8:07 pm

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If the neighbors don’t like it, MOVE. I live in what used to be a small community in the Sierra foothills. We had a racetrack at the fairgrounds where everyone went on summer nights and got to visit with our neighbors while we got covered in mud from the cars. A bunch of flatlanders moved into our community right next to the racetrack then complained until it was closed down. That’s like moving next to an airport then complaining about the noise.

This is about CA being broke, and also someone in authority in code enforcement who has control issues. They can’t handle this family defying them so they will try to destroy them. That person needs to lose his/her job. Looking at the quality of workmanship I believe that if there is a legitimate safety issue then the Faheys will fix it. They don’t need threats. The right person in the government job will easily see a compromise. Code enforcement has egg on their faces over this. End it.

Besides, what about the Winchester House? That lady was nuts but her home was well made and now charges 35.00+ for tours. GET A LIFE!

By: Californiamama
May 31, 2011, 9:26 pm

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dont tear it down its a personal expression of his pursuit to happines under that thing that loca and state officials forget about, the constitutio of the U.S.

By: raybertz
May 31, 2011, 9:35 pm

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Here we have a situation that is all too common. The Peter Principal is at work within a local government body. The Federal government recognizes architecture as a design art. Architecture is composed of three dimensional, 3D constructs to communicate a message that is visual and tactile. As such, it is speech and is therefore protected regardless of what any other person believes or dislikes with regard to its message. This speech of form, color, balance, texture and rhythm is as much speech in 3D as words on paper and does not require a degree in architecture to hold true, as the written speech does not require the writer to have a degree in English. In this work, the color correlation of similar elements, the textural character of forms crossing at harmonious angles, of green space and reclaimed materials, the continuity of language, of expression in the cultural-aesthetic aura of what California was striving to become as a state of freedom, to live life to the limits, it is expression of ideas and thus is speech. Stupidity is as well protected. The elected officials, having a lack of knowledge about such issues as design integrity, fall back on codes to render their lack of capacity in the design arts to the world, showing all who will listen that we still have totally unqualified people sitting in chairs making stupid decisions and costing taxpayers untold billions of dollars. If those elected officials had a brain, they would give him a tax break and offer such incentives to anyone who would live in that county and create innovative works of architectural art. Can you say ….. tourist destination? I think jealousy is the word. I am an industrial designer with a B.I.D. from Auburn University, College of Architecture, Design and Construction.

By: Lloyd
June 1, 2011, 12:16 am

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Quite frankly, I love it, its a work of art.

By: riteonglor@yahoo.com
June 1, 2011, 3:35 am

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To rickcain that said “I wouldn’t let kids on that thing.”

You obviously don’t know a thing about construction. That “thing” is probably safer and more secure than the house YOU live in.

Oh yeah and by the way, why not move to Russia, I hear that they have some really “safe” houses there.

By: wizarddrummer
June 1, 2011, 5:43 am

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As a society we have laws and the laws are here to protect us. first the people suing this guy should be fired for not doing this when he broke ground.

second, they should go up and tell him what he is in violation of and give him an amount of time to fix it.

third, if he doesn’t fix it in a timely manner they should condem it and tear it down. there I just saved the tax payers of acton and the surrounding areas alot of money. Just goes to show you that any moron can build a piece of crap and call it art

By: James
June 1, 2011, 6:57 am

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Question, was this building being built before these so called 'codes' were put into the ordinances? If so, grandfather clause should factor in, they cannot change that! Second of all, one mans art is a treasure to the world, and that is very artistic. He is recycling used items and putting them to good use, people should be happy he is recycling things and able to live a comfortable life in it, there is nothing wrong with that! It is his home, how can they bulldoze a home that a man and his family lives in? What are they going to do, bulldoze them too and bury them in it? Some people are not happy unless they can bring misery to someone else! Come on now, complaining two decades after starting to build it and never a word before then? Some people do need to get a life! Keep fighting, I can tell you, from a distance away, I am backing you! Keep up the good work!

By: tiggerlady_99
June 1, 2011, 7:13 am

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Your opinion is duly noted. However, I WOULD enjoy this fellow as a neighbor and I'd appreciate him.

…do you live in a gated community with a HOA? Do you expect others to align themselves with your own viewpoint of what is and is not "acceptable"? If you had your way, would YOU force this man to tear down his home?

What happens when someone else in a position of authority comes along and decides they do not much care for you or your own viewpoints?

…who would champion YOU?

What IS art? Who decides? You?

By: tony u
June 1, 2011, 9:39 am

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My goodness. Why can't government, whether it be local, state, federal – wherever, just leave the hard working, tax paying American landowners alone? Why do they always have to screw around with the lives of such people? What happened here? Did some rich, preppie, suit and tie wearing, briefcase carrying person move into the area and decide this isn't the way their neighborhood should be? Wasn't this poor man there first? I say leave him and his family alone. If they aren't breaking any real laws, hurting anyone and minding their own business, LEAVE THEM ALONE. As long as they pay their taxes and spend their money on the local economy and even bring in people from all over (that also puts money into the local economy) just to see this magnificent home that was built out of love and not just building materials, I repeat, LEAVE THEM ALONE! Go find some other real problem to solve that the taxpayers finance. Maybe it's time to replace the Code Enforcement Officers and other government officials with individuals who care about the taxpayers and not just their own paychecks.

By: heathergen57
June 1, 2011, 2:25 pm

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A-MEN!!!!

By: MERRIE JO
June 1, 2011, 2:52 pm

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The days of real property rights are long gone. The liberal progressive collectivism long ago began robbing man of his true liberty. Property rights should be sacred as they are one of the cornerstones of our country's founding. Progressives are a cancer and must be removed. Before a progressive starting whining on here about how "the structure might hurt someone, *sniff*" or "it could be dangerous for others", try to remember that there are legal remedies for these things and the responsibility lies solely on the property owner, not the state. California is so screwed up that their is just no saving it. We should auction off the state and pay down some of our debt.

By: Bella Rising
June 1, 2011, 4:37 pm

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The difference here being that if some high end architect designed this for some rich person, the permits would have been pulled and the code would have been met.

Whether you like a law or not are the grounds of its validity. One cannot pick and choose which laws they would like to follow.

If you are building a house (which what this essentially is, no matter what he calls it) then you should follow the laws laid out for such a structure. period.

If they want to preserve it strictly as art, then move out of it and allow it to remain as a sculpture only.

By: fruitloopgirl
June 1, 2011, 4:38 pm

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I wonder if he could work together with a contractor (maybe someone who could volunteer) to bring it up to code?!?!

By: fruitloopgirl
June 1, 2011, 6:00 pm

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LET FREEDOM RING!

By: Karro
June 2, 2011, 8:47 pm

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Simple solution: Don't let your kids on it.

By: Brittney
June 8, 2011, 10:30 am

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I agree with James and lime:

First, hats off toe Genero Molina for the excellent photos. The structures/site is truly art and Mr. Molina caught it. The family has an almost a Norman Rockwell look and Mr. Molina caught that too in a clever manner.____Next, I want to agree with the other commenter’s remarks about a comparison to the Watts Tower. This is truly a work of art, it is a sculpture. I understand the need to public safety in terms of structural and electrical hazards, but there should be relief from ANY prosecution or monetary penalities.____An engineering school Professor of Civil/Structural Engineering should donate their time to analyize issues related to public safety and the County should work out a deal that yields no prizon time or monetary fines.__

By: James

I agree 100%. And whatever is worked out, should not punish this artist or his family. He should be thanked for this work of art.

By: James

I guess the county code enforcement team could not get him to pass over an envelope of cash, so now they abuse their powers. And people wonder why even liberals hate government.

By: lime

*********************************************

I live all the way over here in Oakland, CA, and I am amazed at what this man has done over the last 30 years to his gorgeous home. They should leave him alone.

At the most, if they are so concerned, get someone in there who’s a civil/structural engineer to work with the man and look at what he’s constructed for the safety of himself and his family. If there’s anything amiss, correct it, and that’s all. No fines, no jail, no evictions. Period.

By: Mary
June 8, 2011, 11:19 am

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This is a work of art and should be protected. The man has every right to live as he chooses and this house is clearly a labor of love. The comparisons of others here to striking landmark structures are accurate. When government intrudes on the rights of landowners like this, particularly in rural areas, our nation becomes less free. Surely there is a creative way to protect this property while ensuring public safety… most likely it would cost less than incarcerating an artist for pursuing his vision.

By: Sympathetic in WA
July 9, 2011, 11:12 am

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This sounds like a sane solution that both guarantees safety for residents and visitors ,while respecting the love , toil and creativity of the creators. Take a breath Big Brother, let some oxygen into your brain and do the sane thing.
Warren V

By: urbanicon@live.com
July 9, 2011, 1:26 pm

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He could always move to Houston where we have no zoning laws at all.

And he would be welcome here.
::
GP

By: GPackwood
July 9, 2011, 6:18 pm

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Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Daviann L. Mitchell should be fired or remove from the bench! Who the frack do he think he is, "GOD"?

By: emenot@yahoo.com
August 5, 2011, 2:54 pm

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That's a terrific idea– having someone qualified in the appropriate fields of engineering head out there and inspect the place. What a neat opportunity for engineering students, too. Destroying a work of art like this is barbaric and sad. Maintaining it and supporting it is something any community should leap at the chance to do!

By: behnnie
August 6, 2011, 10:03 am

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When is the government going to stop wasting our tax dollars trying to protect people from themselves, and let natural selection take over? I can understand protecting minors from their parents' stupidity (seatbelts, carseats, not leaving babies in 100 degree cars for 2 hours), but if an adult wants to ride a motorcycle without a helmet (like the guy who crashed and died during an "anti-helmet law" protest ride) then let them. Lower the population, improve the gene pool, set a few examples….sounds good to me.

By: useyerheds@msn.com
August 7, 2011, 7:49 pm

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This is just ONE place where government works against citizens. I have a friend in La Mirada, California – she is constantly being harassed by the "code enforcement" "people" – for having weeds in her lawn, cracks in her driveway, paint peeling on her house. She's poor. Her father left her the house, with a mortgage on it, and it's all they have. I wish we could collectively disband these code enforcement bureau's… I'd rather see people building phonehenges than live in the police state california has become.

By: Jack
August 15, 2011, 11:06 pm

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[...] PHOTOS: Phonehenge West [...]

By: Demolition begins at Phonehenge West « Women Born Transsexual
August 25, 2011, 4:36 pm

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I'm a little over three years into my vision and 'sculpture'. There have been no visits from code folks, but this crime against humanity has given me much to worry about.

By: JBnID
August 26, 2011, 11:45 am

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I wouldn't want you as a neighbor.

By: mycophe
October 30, 2011, 3:27 pm

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This mans structure is rock solid, he already know how to build. The pilings are sitting in massive amounts of concrete that extends above ground so that there is no chance of the wood ever rotting. He built it to last a 100+ years.

By: idiom21@yahoo.com
March 16, 2012, 8:22 pm

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Nicebeared man.

He’s worked pretty hard for a long time. Just leave him alone. Personally, it’s a thing of beauty.

By: Driveway paint

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