Los Angeles County will now allow pet dogs to sit with their owners on restaurant patios, officials said Monday.

The old rules banned dogs from outdoor restaurant patios enclosed by a fence, but dogs were allowed to sit near sidewalk tables.

"This is good news for both pets and owners," Dr. Jonathan Fielding, director of the county Department of Public Health, told The Times.

"This empowers restaurant owners" to invite dogs onto outdoor patios, he said. "I think it's going to mean enhanced business for some restaurants."

He added: "I'm hoping my dog will invite me out for lunch."

The new rules were cheered by the Lazy Dog Cafe, a canine-themed restaurant chain in Southern California that had always wanted to allow dogs on their outdoor patios in L.A. County but were prevented by the previous strict health regulations.

"Now man's best friend can lounge alongside his owner," Lazy Dog Cafe founder Chris Simms said in a statement.

"This new policy presents benefits to both small business and the community," county Supervisor Don Knabe said in a statement.

The new county rules allow each restaurant to decide whether to allow or continue banning canines from their outdoor patios. County officials said patrons should ask permission from the restaurant before bringing their dog onto the patio.

They also suggested that dogs be walked before entering the restaurant so they will be relaxed while the owner is dining.

The county said pet dogs must enter the patio through an outdoor gate and not be taken inside the establishment. Dogs will not be allowed on chairs, seats or tables.

The new rules go into effect immediately throughout Los Angeles County except in the cities of Long Beach, Pasadena and Vernon, which have their own public health agencies.

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-- Rong-Gong Lin II

Photo: In this 2008 file photo, Sebastian John of Monrovia walks his dog Bat Girl along Myrtle Street in the city's Old Town near an eatery with sidewalk tables. Credit: Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times

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L.A. County to allow dogs on restaurant patios

When you think about home remodelling and interior decorating, the popular cable channel, Home and Garden Television (HGTV), may come to mind. But, what if you could get the same professional services right here at home? Members of the Association of Qualified Interior Decorators of T&T (AQIDOTT) say they’re up for the challenge. Founded in 2009 by president/director, Lestra Henry, AQIDOTT comprises 25 members, and is a non-profit organisation which acts as a support system for decorators under its membership, and by extension the general public. Henry also teaches the tricks of the trade through her company, Lestra’s Cottage—School of Interior Decorating, at Palm Plaza, Arima.

Secretary and graduate of the school, Helen Alexander, said the association was currently on a mission to promote the field in T&T and was in talks with the National Training Agency of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Tertiary Education to get the green light to award graduates with a diploma level certification, known as the Caricom Vocational Qualification (CVQ). “We are also awaiting word from the ministry for the courses to be Gate approved. Our courses are tailor-made for Caricom areas yet it’s up to international standards.” Alexander said the association—the first of its kind in the Caribbean—was also calling on both corporate and private T&T to assist AQIDOTT to further promote the industry, which she said had “real potential for growth.”

Stating that more people were beginning to consider interior decorating as a lucrative career option, Alexander added, “Thanks to television, people are more willing to say ‘yes, I’ll pay a decorator to make this look good.’ “Sometimes people have a house for sale on the market for a long while and wonder why it’s not selling. They don’t realise that it could simply be due to the way it’s laid out. It takes a professional to see that and guide them through it.” Alexander knows what she’s talking about. The well-spoken entrepreneur is the master-mind behind Decorate For You, an interior decorating company she launched at her Arouca home in 2009.

When it comes to decorating, Alexander, who honed her skills through years of helping friends decorate for weddings and other special events, assured that her services were not limited. From home and office consultations to de-cluttering—she can do it all. “People tend to think of a house and the inside of a house whenever they hear the words “interior decorating.” However, it really means the inside of any space. “You can even decorate something like a garden, because that’s also a space and so the same rule applies. It’s such a great field to be in.”

• For more details on AQIDOTT contact Alexander via aqidott_decorators@gmail.tt.com or Henry at 749-6851.

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By MICHAEL CIGNOLI
mcignoli@saratogian.com
Twitter.com/MCSaratogian

MALTA — When ground was broken on a $17.5 million urgent-care center at Northway Exit 12 last fall, officials said there were no immediate plans to construct additional medical buildings at the site.

That’s still the case, an attorney representing Saratoga Hospital said Monday, but the hospital is seeking some Town Code amendments related to Saratoga Medical Park at Malta’s long-term plans.

The Town Board in 2009 conceptually approved a 140-acre former horse farm at the northwest corner of the interchange for a large-scale medical complex that could eventually include a nursing facility, mixed-use retail and office space and another hospital, should a future need for one arise.

Attorney Matthew Jones appeared before the Town Board Monday night and requested four “technical amendments” to the local law that approved the project.

They wouldn’t change its scope or nature, he said, but they would lay the groundwork for future growth.

As an example, Jones said, the site plan for the medical park’s first building — the urgent care center — includes a “heli-stop,” which is essentially a concrete slab where helicopters can take off and land.

The heli-stop has been approved, but Saratoga Hospital is contemplating changing that heli-stop into a medevac heliport, which can include auxiliary facilities for maintenance and refueling.

That’s not allowed under current zoning law, but the change is designed to give the hospital the option to build one.

Zoning amendments — like the heli-stop — fall under the Town Board’s jurisdiction, but that particular one would also require Planning Board and Federal Aviation Administration approval if the hospital elects to pursue one.

“We won’t do that for quite some time,” Jones said, “but we may at some point.” Continued...

The Town Board will vote on whether to accept the application during its meeting next Monday. It’ll then head to the town and county planning boards, which will offer their recommendations before it returns to the Town Board for final approval.

The process is expected to take between one and three months.

Town Supervisor Paul Sausville said it looked like a “routine cleanup” of the legislation, but said “there could be some issues at the Planning Board level.”

Other amendments include a wording correction that would allow the hospital to build a parking garage adjacent to its urgent-care facility, something that is currently only permitted if the structures are erected concurrently.

Another amendment covers the hospital’s payment for fire protection services and requires Saratoga Hospital to negotiate a new payment formula when it seeks to move forward with a hospital at the site, though there’s no timetable for that.

The final change deals with Saratoga Hospital’s plans to lease the plot the urgent-care center sits on to Columbia LLC.

The developer will own the building, then lease it back to Saratoga Hospital and Albany Medical Center, which will staff the urgent-care center with emergency-trained physicians 24/7.

Crews have been installing water and sewer lines at the 60,000-square-foot, two-story facility that will rival a hospital emergency room.

A building permit for the site should be issued within the next couple of weeks, Building and Planning Coordinator Anthony Tozzi said.

It could open by December or January.

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Saratoga Hospital wants to leave the door open for additions to its planned urgent-care facility in Malta

Coswick Hardwood is pleased to announce that its hardwood flooring collections are now available under extra-durable commercial aluminum oxide finish. Lacquer CosNanoTech++ is an innovative hardwood finish distinguished by high wear resistance. Coswick commercial finish is intended for use in public interiors, such as hotels, restaurants, offices, clubs, show-rooms or boutiques.

Mississauga, ON (PRWEB) February 27, 2012

Coswick Hardwood is pleased to announce that its hardwood flooring collections are now available under extra-durable commercial aluminum oxide finish. Lacquer CosNanoTech++ is an innovative hardwood finish distinguished by high wear resistance. Coswick commercial finish is intended for use in public interiors, such as hotels, restaurants, offices, clubs, show-rooms or boutiques.

Commercial lacquer CosNanoTech++ is a factory applied finish, created using UV-cured polymers with specially configured corundum particles. Due to its strength, corundum is otherwise known as an artificial diamond. Top layer of lacquer CosNanoTech++ finish uses innovative new generation technologies: polymers with cross-linked nanoparticles increase finish elasticity and wear resistance. This technology allows to extend the life of lacquer finish even under the heaviest traffic conditions.

“Aside from being very durable, Coswick commercial lacquer finish has a soft matte sheen. The obvious benefit of a matte floor surface is that it disguises dust, small dents and scratches, as well as conceals footprints and other signs of wear,” stated Pavel Shishkovich, head engineer at Coswick Hardwood.

“In addition, CosNanoTech++ commercial finish is free from harmful VOC emissions,” said Mr. Shishkovich.

Commercial lacquer CosNanoTech++ finish is completely transparent, which means that the grain texture, depth and beauty of a natural wood surface are not obstructed. Aside from regular care, commercial lacquer finish does not require any special maintenance or renewal.

Coswick manufacturing program includes solid, 2-layer tongue-and-groove, as well as 3-layer click engineered flooring– an innovative technology that is becoming increasingly popular due to its dimensional stability and ease of installation. Commercial CosNanoTech++ finish is available for all solid and engineered Coswick floors.

Lacquer CosNanoTech++ finish is recommended for use both in residential and public areas, and comes with a superior finish warranty (extended 35 year warranty for residential, 3 years for public interiors). In addition, all solid and engineered Coswick floors come with a lifetime structural warranty, which guarantees that flooring will keep its structural integrity for a lifetime.

About Coswick Hardwood:

Coswick Hardwood is a Canadian manufacturer of high end solid and engineered hardwood flooring from oak, ash, American walnut. First presented on the market in 1995, Coswick soon earned a great reputation for quality and innovation of its flooring products. Coswick flooring is available in over 70 distinct designer styles, colors and surface finishes.Coswick dealer network spans globally and includes Canada and USA, EU, Russia, the Baltic Region, Central Asia, as well as countries of the Persian Gulf. To learn more about Coswick flooring, please visit http://www.coswick.com

###

Liliya Ianovskaia
Coswick Hardwood Inc
1-905-569-3389
Email Information

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Coswick Hardwood Flooring With Extra-durable Commercial Finish is Now Available in North America

C-City Blogger

Presenting Chester City's news and views to Delco Times web visitors who want to know more of what's going on in the City besides the stories they read in the paper.

Fun Things To Do With Kids In Delaware County

Promotes family friendly events and activities held in and around Delco on a weekly basis.

Cliff's Notes

Cliff Wilson served as chairman of the Delaware County Democratic Party for 16 years (1994-2010). He will write on politics and other issues he feels strongly about.

Destination Koehler

Eric Koehler is the pastor at ValleyPoint Church in Glen Mills. A father of six, husband and teacher, he uses his site to share a mixture of insight on life, family, culture and the church.

Animal Coalition of Delaware County

Offers timely health advice for pets, behavioral tricks of the trade, follow-up success stories, and more. Updated regularly by ACDC's all-volunteer staff that includes long-time foster parents and pet owners who have years of experience.

Media, PA News

Kent Davidson covers local politics, events, and goings-on in the borough of Media, PA.

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Aston awards flooring contract

Following extensive renovations, Thomas Keller’s Bouchon Bakery and Ad Hoc restaurants are reopening this week.

The popular Yountville bakery opened on Sunday, with Ad Hoc to follow Thursday.

The bakery remodeling follows an attic fire that caused considerable damage to the structure last fall.

The retail section of Bouchon Bakery has been redesigned to have distinct entrance and exit doors to ease the flow of foot traffic.

Nearby at Ad Hoc, the renovations include a revamp of the current kitchen, featuring state-of-the-art Viking cooking equipment, in line with the kitchen standards that Keller strives to provide his culinary teams. The dining room has also been upgraded with a reception area and a private dining alcove that seats up to 18 guests.

To celebrate Bouchon Bakery’s reopening, its version of the venerable “ho-hos” — previously only available at its sibling locations in New York City — will debut in Yountville. Both properties will also host one-of-a-kind offers on their respective social media pages.

The bakery is also introducing a new dedicated phone line, 707-754-4272, for customers who prefer to place their sandwich orders in advance.

“It’s all about streamlining,” explained bakery manager Marie Betts. “We are always looking for ways to improve our guests’ experience. Once we decided to renovate, we put all our ideas on the table. We hope everyone appreciates the new systems we are putting in place.”

Chef Keller opened his third Yountville outpost, Bouchon Bakery, in July 2003. In the style of classic boulangeries, the bakery features a selection of artisanal breads and a wide array of classic French desserts.

Highlights from Bouchon Bakery’s menu include traditional items such as baguettes, campagne and brioche loaves. Pastry choices include an array of classic Viennoiserie, such as croissants and pain au chocolat, and seasonal dessert options. The bakery also offers daily sandwich selections, soup, salads and its own Bouchon Blend coffee.

Bouchon Bakery’s hours of operation are from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. The main phone number is 944-BAKE.

The proprietor of The French Laundry and Bouchon restaurants opened his fourth venue on Yountville’s Washington Street, Ad Hoc, in September 2006. Ad Hoc, which literally means “for this purpose,” is Keller’s long-desired restaurant from which he serves dishes inspired by the comfort food he enjoyed growing up, such as fried chicken, pot roast and beef stroganoff.

Originally intended to be temporary, Keller decided to keep Ad Hoc open as a permanent fixture in Yountville due to its popularity with both local residents and visitors alike. With a family-style menu designed to change daily, Ad Hoc features a handwritten chalkboard heralding each day’s four courses.

Ad Hoc is open Thursdays through Mondays for dinner from 5 to 10 p.m. and serves Sunday brunch from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Reservations can be made by calling 944-2487.

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Bouchon Bakery, Ad Hoc reopen after renovations

Acuity Brands Lighting
1 Lithonia Way
Conyers, GA, 30012
USA

Press release date: February 16, 2012

Camelback Toyota focuses on innovative lighting control system to highlight new facility.

Auto dealerships, like most high profile retail businesses today, are fighting an uncertain economy and pulling out all the stops to service existing customers and attract potential buyers. In many cases an extreme makeover is the only viable solution to create a truly attractive and efficient selling environment.

Camelback Toyota (Phoenix, AZ) is one such dealership. The company recently built a new facility and leaned heavily on technology to help it achieve a competitive advantage. The result - from the indoor showroom to the outdoor lot - is a modern facility that is contemporary, attractive and efficient.

New and exciting features range from a high-end solar roof and iPads to Starbucks coffee and massage chairs. But the most visible and measurable change at Camelback is the network of more than 100 metal halide lighting fixtures featuring a state-of-the-art control solution that not only shines a spotlight on the 9.6-acre facility, but gives the ownership unprecedented control over its lighting.

Brent Tally, Director of Construction for the Van Tuyl Group - the largest privately held automotive group in the U.S. - was given the challenge to effectively manage the lighting fixtures that showcase the dealership.

"Outdoor lighting is a critical design and cost element for the dealership," Tally explained, "so we consulted with our local Acuity Brands representative, R.C. Lurie Co., to address our need for a lighting system that delivers both quality light and efficient performance."

R.C. Lurie recommended the Remote Operations Asset Management (ROAM) system by Acuity Brands Controls to achieve enhanced efficiency, dramatic energy savings and enhanced lot security.

Smart, Simple and Powerful
ROAM provides Camelback Toyota outdoor luminaire monitoring and control through smart photocontrols (nodes) that diagnose fixture malfunctions and wirelessly communicate information to a central collection point or gateway. Data is transmitted to a Network Operations Center (NOC) via cellular uplink or Ethernet, with system owners/operators able to access luminaire information through a secure web portal from the Internet.

Michael Spector, Facilities/Inventory Director for Camelback Toyota, says there is no need to continuously check on the lighting fixtures or pay an auditing service person to confirm they are operational or require maintenance. "The ROAM system allows us to control lighting fixtures through a secure web portal rather than relying on inflexible control panels located in boxes installed throughout the parking lot," explained Spector.

Customer Friendly
From the web-based portal, Spector and his team have complete flexibility for scheduling, controlling and reporting. Andy Dickert, Deployment Manager for Acuity Brands Controls explains, "By design, the Camelback Toyota system is divided into two simple lighting groups, one that consists of twenty four, 400-watt lights in the front of the property and a second that comprises seventy-seven, 750-watt fixtures throughout the rest of the lot. This scheme gives Camelback the ability to manage lighting in relationship to its needs and desires."

Tally explains, "Many Arizona residents, especially during the summer, wait until sunset for outdoor activities to take advantage of the cooler temperatures. The ROAM system enables Camelback Toyota to schedule the appropriate lighting when and where it is needed in order to showcase its inventory and to ensure safety."

ROAM enables Camelback Toyota to attract customer attention while reducing its carbon emissions in a secure, well-lit environment," Spector said. "The system is efficient and easy to use. We wanted a secure, Internet-based system that we could easily access for control or information from any of our U.S. locations. ROAM gives us the flexibility to set routine schedules, but also to remotely override the system when necessary. If a storm rolls in, for example, we can turn the fixtures on early from a computer."

Reduced Energy Use, Carbon Emissions & Maintenance Costs
Camelback Toyota relies on ROAM to reduce energy consumption; 25-50 percent of its outdoor lighting fixtures, for example, are turned off after midnight. "We estimate Camelback Toyota is saving approximately $350 per month on electricity, based on a $0.15 KWH energy use and an estimated six hours when the lights are turned off from midnight to 6 a.m.," said Dickert.

The dealership also uses ROAM to alternate the lamps that burn, which boosts lamp and ballast life at least 25 percent. "And with the ROAM system, there is no need to continuously check on lighting fixtures or pay an auditing service person to confirm they are operational or require maintenance," said Spector. "In fact, since we moved to the new location, we reduced the need to replace burnt out bulbs by 90 percent. This lowers our overall carbon emissions because we don't have to use trucks to replace the bulbs as frequently as we did prior to installing the ROAM system."

ROAM not only meets all of the dealership's needs with a sustainable, state-of-the-art solution, it also delivers a genuine payback to the customers, the community and to the bottom-line. In its current configuration, the system will pay for itself in just three years. And while Spector recommends the ROAM system to others because of its efficiency and ease of use, Tally is going a step further. "We have decided this is the system we want to build our future with," said Tally. "We are doing our next ROAM system installs in Scottsdale, Arizona at Pinnacle Nissan, Gwinnett Place Ford in Atlanta and David Maus near Orlando, Florida. We made the right decision with ROAM and will use the system in all our facilities moving forward."

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Dealership Creatively Cuts Lighting Use, Maintenance Costs & Carbon Emissions

February 27, 2012 - American Institute of Architects (AIA) and National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) have signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) underscoring mutual interest in design, construction, operations, and maintenance of high-performance buildings and desire to collaborate on issues surrounding said topics. Upon signing this MOU, NIBS President Henry L. Green said, "We are very pleased to work with AIA on such an important effort."

National Institute of Building Sciences
1090 Vermont Avenue
Washington, DC, 20005-4905
USA

Press release date: February 23, 2012

The American Institute of Architects and the National Institute of Building Sciences Sign Agreement to Work Together on Promoting Building Industry Research and Knowledge

Robert Ivy, FAIA, Chief Executive Officer of The American Institute of Architects (AIA) and Henry L. Green, Hon. AIA, President of the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) are pleased to announce the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding underscoring the two organizations' mutual interest in the design, construction, operations and maintenance of high-performance buildings and the desire to collaborate on issues surrounding these topics.

"Through cooperation and coordination on the issues impacting the entire building community and the pursuit of high-performance buildings, the Institute and AIA can work towards improving our nation's buildings. We are very pleased to work with AIA on such an important effort," said Green upon signing.

One of the first projects the two organizations will work on collaboratively is the joint development of an on-line portal for building industry research and knowledge. Intended to be accessible to the public, this initiative will include the participation and contribution of a variety of building science and performance disciplines. NIBS and AIA anticipate this partnership will culminate in providing a centralized location for the knowledge and research efforts underway that are relevant to the building industry.

About the new partnership and the outline of work planned, Ivy said, "The AIA has long recognized the power of knowledge to inform design. For many years, the AIA Knowledge Communities have provided ample testimony to the value of that orientation. The AIA-NIBS research portal will enable practitioners to use knowledge creatively in ways for which they have impatiently hoped. Now the wait is over."

Later this year, NIBS and AIA will also collaborate on an industry summit bringing together leaders in the fields of architecture, construction and engineering. The summit will focus on elevating awareness and understanding of how design adds value to the building process, whether it's expressed through increased property value or the health, safety and welfare of the building's users.

Additionally, AIA and NIBS are working together on High Performance Buildings: Combining Field Experience with Innovation, the third Building Enclosure Science & Technology (BEST) Conference, April 2-4, 2012, in Atlanta. The Conference is part of the Building Enclosure Technology and Environment Council's (BETEC) mission to explore the advancement of energy efficiency of buildings as well as the durability of buildings as affected by moisture and the indoor environment. The AIA and NIBS have been partners in the Building Enclosure Councils since 2004.

About the National Institute of Building Sciences

The National Institute of Building Sciences, authorized by public law 93-383 in 1974, is a nonprofit, nongovernmental organization that brings together representatives of government, the professions, industry, labor and consumer interests to identify and resolve building process and facility performance problems. The Institute serves as an authoritative source of advice for both the private and public sectors with respect to the use of building science and technology. For more information, please visit http://www.nibs.org.

About The American Institute of Architects

For over 150 years, members of the American Institute of Architects have worked with each other and their communities to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings and cityscapes. Members adhere to a code of ethics and professional conduct to ensure the highest standards in professional practice. Embracing their responsibility to serve society, AIA members engage civic and government leaders and the public in helping find needed solutions to pressing issues facing our communities, institutions, nation and world. Visit http://www.aia.org.

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AIA and NIBS Sign Agreement to Promote Building Industry Research and Knowledge

A pair of NYC architects have submitted plans for a Kickstarter campaign that will allow them to build an underground park in an abandoned trolley terminal in the Lower East Side. Dan Barasch and James Ramsey of Raad Studio are hoping to convert the unoccupied Williamsburg Bridge Trolly Terminal into the city's first subterranean park. The plan is called Delancey Underground and has also been cleverly dubbed the "Lowline."

The space, which is about 60,000 square feet, will be lit using Ramsey and Barasch's self-devised remote sky lights. The remote sky light "concentrates natural sunlight at the surface, channels it underground and then redistributes it. It actually kicks off enough light to support photosynthesis so we can grow plants, tress, grass etc," said Ramsey in their Kickstart video. The video also features stunning renderings of the prospective park, which appears to be a synthesis of modern design and organic textures. 

The duo first presented their idea to their local community board in September, and then to the MTA, which owns the site. They have garnered a significant amount of public interest and will now need to produce a full-scale model that will serve as a demo for the city and potential investors. 

Ramsey and Barasch are aiming to raise $100,000 for the project. As of Monday, they have reached just over half of their goal. The project will only go through if they can reach their pledge by Friday, April 6. 

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NYC Architects Plan Exquisite Underground Park

The shell of a 91,146-square-foot retail building is rising on former farmland at 2200 N. Eagle Road, just north of Fairview and the still-unopened Big Al’s entertainment center.

California-based CenterCal, the owner of the project, won’t name the retailers committed to the space. One store will take up about 40,000 square feet, while four split the rest.

The building is valued at $360,000, according to a Meridian building permit.

About 25 stores and restaurants that are new to Idaho are planned for CenterCal's Meridian Town Center site, said CenterCal founder and CEO Fred Bruning.

The center will include water fountains, whimsical sculptures, children's play areas, interconnected streets and walkways with mature landscaping, Bruning said.

Burning says he has commitments from tenants for about 73 percent of the space. “That’s as well as we would have done before the recession,” he said.

By 2013, the company says, the project will add 400,000 square feet of new shopping, entertainment and eateries to the Treasure Valley. It is expected to be built out by 2014.

The first building to open at the center will be Big Al’s. It's a two-story, 66,000-square-foot bowling center, sports bar and arcade. It's been under construction since August and is set to open next August. Big Al's says the center will add 180 jobs to the Treasure Valley.

Immediately to the east of the CenterCal project, Meridian's $25 million Julius M. Kleiner Park is under construction, too. Designed to offer a peaceful urban retreat, the park will feature a plaza, band shell, amphitheater, arboretum and rose garden, ponds, public art, recreation complex, picnic areas, paths and open space.

A 14,000-square-foot senior center inside the park is nearing completion. It's scheduled to open this spring.

The park was once a dairy farm owned and operated by Julius Kleiner, who died in 1972.

Sandra Forester: 377-6464

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Retail building goes up at Meridian Town Center