By Nia Calleja Philippine Daily Inquirer

PHOTO BY ARNOLD ALMACEN

Garbage in, garden delights out.

The Marikina City government since Monday has been churning out hundreds of paving blocks out of used styrofoam packaging and plastic wastes, in a project that shows how recycling can both protect and beautify the environment.

It only takes two workers, a shredder, and a styro-plastic densifier (a three-meter-high piece of equipment fed with raw materials through a cylindrical mouth), to turn trash into two-inch thick blocks durable enough for parks, indoor flooring, or sidewalks.

Apart from providing the city government with an alternative source of construction materials, the project can help reduce Marikinas garbage output and its P30-million annual budget for collecting and hauling household waste to a landfill in Rodriguez, Rizal province.

The shredder and densifier were acquired by the city government for P400,000 under a project dubbed From Wastes to Landscape.

The savings the city will get and the benefits to the environment will definitely surpass the cost of acquiring the technology, according to Oliver Villamena, the assistant city environmental officer.

PHOTO BY ARNOLD ALMACEN

The recipe is quite simple: For every 20 kilos of styrofoam and a corresponding amount of used cooking oil, the machines can produce at least 21 blocks.

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Marikina turns junk styros into patios

In todays Weekend section, one of the Posts foreign correspondents, Emily Wax, is your guide to the areas many markets selling international food and products. She found everything from bamboo salt toothpaste to authentic naan at store shelves near you.

Our picks for the best events this weekend include a Parisian market in Georgetown, the Sweetlife Food and Music Festival and the annual croquet match between St. Johns College and the Naval Academy.

Speaking of the Sweetlife Food and Music Festival, one of the headliners, Avicii, is one of the biggest stars in electronic dance music, which places him amongst the worlds biggest rock stars these days. Read about his rise to the top. Also see record reviews of rockabilly singer Nanci Griffith, bluegrass group Dailey & Vincent, indie-folkers Good Old War and progressive bluegrass group Punch Brothers.

Also in todays issue of Weekend:

Fritz Hahn takes a look at the new Town Hall, which features a biggger dining room, bigger kitchen, bigger bar and a new courtyard patio.

If the idea of sitting out and enjoying a nice meal or a drink on a patio is enticing, see our picks for the best patios for a long lunch.

What happens when you mix a blue singer with no theater experience and Shakespeare? You get an Old West take on The Taming of the Shrew, beginning Tuesday at Folger Theatre.

D.O.L.L.: DIWO OPNSRC LMFAO LHOOQ, the acronym-heavy exhibit at Artisphere, features interactive and high-tech art that ranges from brilliant to banal.

Get the latest movie reviews, including the new Jason Segel romantic comedy The Five-Year Engagement and John Cusack as Edgar Allan Poe in The Raven.

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International markets, Avicii at Sweetlife and best patios for a long lunch: Weekend update

The patio at Lias in Friendship Heights is the kind of place where its tempting to stretch a long lunch to an early dinner. (Marvin Joseph/The Washington Post) Its patio season, and while happy hours often get the bulk of alfresco weather attention in these parts, dont overlook using those blue skies and mild temperatures as an excuse for a long lunch. Here are a few of our favorite daytime dining spots with destination patios.

Arlington Rooftop Bar and Grill

This relatively new Court House restaurant represents a specific type of outdoor dining destination with which we are all familiar: a menu of American bar-and-grill classics that holds no surprises. But the sweeping panoramic view of Arlington and the District visible from the rooftop tables makes it worth a visit.

Barcode

L Street NW has plenty of patios, from Black Rooster to Mackeys to Post Pub, but none are as comfortable or roomy as the plentiful outdoor seating at Barcode. Its more of an international lounge with bottle service and $12 cocktails on the weekend, but stop by in the middle of your weekday for decent pizza, pasta and American small plates.

Blue Duck Tavern

Slightly recessed and separated from the corner of 24th and M streets NW by a handsome, planter-lined brick wall and a bubbling fountain, Blue Duck Tavern boasts one of the citys most attractive patios. One of the highlights is a massive 12-seat communal table made from a single enormous plank of ancient swamp Kauri wood. Its the perfect environment in which to enjoy the restaurants elegant American cooking.

Dukem

Dukem is a U Street Ethiopian institution, and the covered patio makes for a nice, leisurely lunch hour. The vegetable combination is a colorful, flavorful plate, and the fiery kitfo (spicy beef tartare) is a favorite with the restaurants Ethiopian patrons for a reason. Not your typical turkey-on-rye kind of lunch, which makes for an extra special midday treat.

Lias

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Long lunches find a home on these patios

Patio restrictions dead for now as restaurants volunteer changes

By Nick Halter

City Council Member Meg Tuthills proposed restrictions for outdoor patios is dead for now, as restaurant owners in Uptown have volunteered to try a few other methods for curbing late night noise.

Tuthill had proposed cutting outdoor music at 10 p.m., requiring patio bars to serve wait staff, not customers, and enforcing stricter capacity limits. After backlash from her colleagues on the council, the Ward 10 councilwoman instead convened a taskforce of neighbors, city regulatory staff and restaurant owners to come up with solutions.

That group came up with a list of ideas for mitigating noise: a hush program that is already being used and reminds patrons theyre in a neighborhood and to keep their voices down; voluntarily reducing hours of amplified music; promoting the new parking facility at MoZaic and increased police patrols.

The plan also has a couple broader initiatives, such as increased management of outdoor patios and enhanced communications with patrons and neighborhoods.

I have confidence that this is going to be a real positive move for our community, Tuthill said.

The real test will come when warm weather hits and the school year ends, Tuthill said. Even though her patio ordinance is dead, she said she could still author a new one.

If it doesnt work, were going to have to look at other solutions, which I know will be issues the businesses and a lot of the community not so much the community, but the people who come to Uptown wont be happy with, she said. But Im going to take a positive note, and Im going to count on this working.

A few changes are already underway, which Tuthill says have already helped with noise issues. In addition to the hush program, the city has opened up several taxi stations that help get patrons out of Uptown at bar close, instead of having the patrons walk around when neighbors are trying to sleep.

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Patio restrictions dead for now as restaurants volunteer changes

MARTINEZ -- The outdoor dining trend sweeping the Bay Area could reach downtown Martinez as early as this summer.

Currently, places to eat or drink in dedicated spaces on the street are limited to a smattering of tables outside Starbucks and the brick patios in the 500 block of Main Street.

The idea for a "flex space" program emerged last year from a series of workshops designed to develop a vision for a thriving downtown. At a public meeting last week, consultant Susan Moeller, who led the workshops, said a growing number of cities are promoting outdoor dining as a way to draw more people and activity to neglected city centers.

The draft policy would allow downtown Martinez restaurants, ice cream parlors, delis, and wine bars and pubs that serve food to use up to two parking spots for outdoor dining space. Both the landlord and the business owner would have to submit an application for the space.

Under the proposal, the city would remove the platforms in November and replace them at the end of the rainy season, typically at the beginning of April. Given the fickle Bay Area weather -- this winter, of course, was unseasonably dry -- several people at the meeting advocated leaving the dining platforms in place year round.

Sonja Snavely, who has owned clothing store Noodles for Kids on Main Street for 20 years, said that in Paris and in her native Sweden restaurants use heat lamps and enclose outdoor dining spaces during

Dave Scola, Martinez public works director, said seasonal use of the platforms would minimize the possibility of flooding.

"Taking them out those five months is foolproof," he said. "Is it necessary? Even I'm willing to say we need to take another look at it."

Four interlocking panels forming a platform 7 feet wide and 16 feet long will take up a single parking space.

City staffers have recommended using brushed aluminum panels, but a variety of finishes are available -- including vinyl and carpet -- so business owners could customize their space. Each platform must have a guardrail along the street side and at each end and may include an optional railing on the sidewalk side. In each block, a maximum of four spaces on each side of the street could be used for dining.

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Martinez seeks to expand outdoor dining downtown

Q. Our board has established a committee to devise a policy to allow our members to add patios to the first-floor units. In past years, the members had voted down any plans to allow patios. It seems like each year the board keeps bringing up the same question and it is coming up again this year. How many times can the board present the question to the members to vote? Can we put an end to this amendment that keeps coming up?

R.M., Clearwater

Thank you for understanding that my column is an educational resource and not to be accepted as legal solutions or legal opinions. My answers are intended as a source of information. There may be other answers that will solve the question, maybe better than my answer.

As to your question about voting over and over on the same motion, I have found over the years that some people will not accept one answer. Until you change the leadership in your association, my guess is that the matter will not go away.

The statutes clearly state that no owner can use the common areas exclusively unless it is approved by the members. Another minor problem is that any such addition must have proper permits. What that means is that the county records would have to be amended for the units that made additions. That would mean that their tax base should increase.

The condominium must also establish a maintenance responsibility and use policy. The board would most likely have to establish an architectural policy that defines size, material and construction details. I would also suggest that the association attorney become involved as to the wording and voting of the motion.Q. We are a HOA. For the past few years it has been very difficult to get any volunteers to serve on the board of directors. This year we were forced to reduce the number from seven directors to five directors. Would it be legal to have the members vote to exempt the directors from paying their fees? If this were feasible we think we would no longer have a shortage of volunteers. We feel that this would be cheaper than to hire a management company.

H.F., Inverness

FS 720.303 section 12 does not allow directors to be compensated for serving. That also means a forgiveness of any fees due would not be allowed, and that directors cannot receive any gain or special benefit. It is not the duty or responsibility of the directors to save money. It is their responsibility to properly operate, maintain, and spend the funds wisely; a fiduciary duty.

Here is what I suggest to get volunteers. Start with better communications. Go out and meet the members and ask them to help face to face. I call it knocking on doors and meeting your neighbors. Create a comfortable environment for volunteers. Face the facts: A director must volunteer to work and give time to the operations. Why not hire a manager to do the day-to-day work and assist the board? Saving money and giving your time is not a way to attract members to do day-to-day work. Explain to the members that if they volunteer and a manager does the daily work, all they would have to do is provide the guidance and oversight.

You need to explain that a failure to volunteer to serve your community will result in lower property values and can result in higher fees. As directors, you must think of operating a big business, not a mom-and-pop shop. Hire professionals to help provide guidance and labor and you will find that your association will operate better and increase the propertys value. It will also reduce the number of hours directors must work to manage the association.Q. Our HOA board of directors is currently considering a significant special assessment to compensate for nonpayment of monthly dues by many homeowners. It is unfair to impose this penalty on owners who always pay their dues. It is equally unfair to allow the delinquent owners to have their dues paid for them by others and let them get away without paying their fees.

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Can condo owners build patios?

Spring is a coveted time for locals in Summit County, because come April the fuss of ski season quiets down, the weather warms up and aprs moves outdoors.

But this year, with an abnormally warm March, spring has dawned early, extending the much-anticipated deck season.

Enjoying aprs outside, right off the slopes without feeling the need to curl into a ball by a fireplace or sink into a hot tub to defrost is liberating, so weekend afternoons on Summit County's best decks tend to have live music, a good mix of people and an unmistakable party atmosphere.

The Kickapoo Tavern at Keystone Resort leverages that atmosphere to the hilt in the spring. The big, open patio offers European-style seating at picnic tables overlooking Dercum Mountain from the edge of the River Run Village.

It's just a great location to sit back and drink beer after a long day on the mountain, manager Billy Wheat said. Or a short day. They don't even have to ski, we'll let them come in.

Happy hour includes beer specials and $1 off wells and wine. The tavern specializes in American pub food with Southwestern influences. Kickapoo is known for its nachos, getting rave reviews from nearby customers who heard us discussing them.

On Sundays, local rock and soul musician Arnie J. Green plays the Kickapoo deck and today the tavern's Kickafools patio party will pair mustache, best retro ski outfit and nacho eating contests with the live music. The parties will continue next weekend, when both Keystone and Kickapoo will wrap up the winter season.

In Frisco, a central Main Street deck at the Boatyard Grill opened earlier this season than it ever has thanks to the warm weather. The backyard deck is tucked away from Main Street, making for one of the quieter and more peaceful outdoor dining environments. Boatyard's deck offers great views of Mount Royal, which towers right above Frisco and, in the later spring and summer is ringed in flowers and greenery.

It's beautiful, owner Cindy Spaulding said of the deck. Frisco's a beautiful place and it takes advantage of all the views Frisco has to offer. Plus it comes with our great menu.

The grill's huge and diverse menu is a refreshing departure from the heavier slope-side pub fare, with a great selection of unique salads and a smattering of Asian and Mediterranean options.

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Eat, Drink, Play: Prime time patios

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) This weekend we have yet another chance to get out and enjoy Minnesota. Spring fever just wont stop.

Temperatures are expected to hit 72 and 79, respectively, on Saturday and Sunday. The warm weather means were able to enjoy activities wed usually have to wait weeks for.

I think people want us to be open, said Chris Weglinski, who co-owns Sea Salt next to Minnehaha Falls in Minneapolis. Our staff wants to work. I want to get back to work. The weathers nice.

Hes stocked up on calamari, shrimp and other food. Theres also plenty of beer on tap and wine for the season opener. It comes a full week earlier than usual. Sea Salt starts serving Friday.

People are just antsy to get outside, and if youre from Minnesota, you spend those Januarys and Februarys just twitching to do something fun, Weglinski said.

Fan favorites will make another comeback, including grilled fish tacos, crab cakes and much more.

I havent had this food in like five months, so Im kind of craving it, he said.

Minnesotans have been craving sun, and theyve been getting it in record doses.

This March will be the warmest on record every for a Minnesota March. Weve hit 70 degrees or warmer eight times this month.

Lord Fletchers on Lake Minnetonka is setting its own record too.

More here:
Bar Patios Opening Early With Warm Spring

by MORGAN CHESKY / KVUE News and photojournalist ROBERT MCMURREY

kvue.com

Posted on March 28, 2012 at 6:28 PM

Updated today at 6:41 PM

AUSTIN -- In downtown Austin, everyone's always heading somewhere. For Trisha Raglin, it was a show she was alreadyfive minutes late to.

"I like the parking meters now," smiled Raglin. "They're much easier to use." Not as easy is finding a place to park. The spot Raglin was lucky to find on Congress won't be around much longer. It's one of the two parking places in a pilot program with the City of Austin and Royal Blue Grocery.

"As the downtown area becomes more and more dense, parking is going to really dry up," said Royal Blue co-owner Craig Staley.The reality droveStaley to the City with a plan -- turn parking in front of the grocery into patio dining.

San Franciscois on the front edge ofthe idea. Decks and plants transform the space, making more room for patrons.

"We've got to find some other ways to get people in and out of the downtown area," explained Staley. "That's bikes, and it's walking, and it's mass transit, and all those other options." Advocates say by converting parking spots into patio space, it would bring much more foot traffic into downtown, but that's not the traffic local businesses are worried about.

"I just have to sit and watch them take my two parking places away," said Bill Koen.

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Controversy surrounds plan turning parking spots into patios

Thomas Grubba

The spacious living room features a skylight and fireplace, and tall sliding glass doors that open to one of several patios.

Twice a week, The Chronicle features a local home on the market that caught our eye for its architecture, history or character. See more photos at http://www.sfgate.com/ZHQD.

Address: 66 Alvarado Road, Berkeley

Asking price: $1.6 million

Description: This one-story contemporary has been updated for modern indoor/outdoor living. A brick path leads to the home's double-door entrance, which is draped with lush vegetation. The entryway opens to a spacious living room featuring skylights and a wood-burning fireplace. Tall sliding-glass doors in the living room open to one of several patios. Just off the living room is an open dining room and the kitchen, equipped with modern appliances, an island and circular-patterned wall tile. The kitchen and dining room have access to another patio. The master bedroom has his-and-her closets and an updated bathroom with tub. There are hardwood floors throughout. The home has four other bedrooms, any of which can be used as a home office or gym, and three additional full bathrooms.

Don't miss: The private, lush, landscaped yard featuring patios, a meditation garden and garden boxes with vegetables and herbs.

Built: 1941

Size: Five bedrooms, four bathrooms in 2,693 square feet of living space.

For more information: Leslie Avant, Pacific Union International Inc., (510) 338-1341, http://www.66Alvarado.com

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Open-plan Berkeley home with lush landscaped yard