The health inspector arrived with bad news: no dogs on the outdoor patio.

It was an especially difficult moment for Chris Simms, founder of the Lazy Dog Cafe, who prided himself on offering a Fido-friendly atmosphere.

His menu caters to humans, but his chain of restaurants had long welcomed dogs — illegally in Los Angeles County, though he didn't know it.

But a chance encounter between one of Simms' managers and a customer, L.A. County Supervisor Don Knabe, dining in Cerritos, has resulted in new, relaxed public health rules announced Monday.

"I'm just ecstatic just to be able to have dogs out on our patio," Simms said. "It's going to make a lot of our guests very happy.... It gives you hope that the government is truly representing us."

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," said Dr. Jonathan Fielding, director of the county Department of Public Health.

"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 county rules allow each restaurant to decide whether to allow or continue banning canines from outdoor patios. County officials said patrons should ask the restaurants' permission before taking dogs 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.

Simms, the founder of the Lazy Dog Cafe chain, which first opened in 2003, said he has not had any problems inviting dogs to his outdoor patios in restaurants in Orange, Riverside and Ventura counties.

ron.lin@latimes.com

See the original post:
Dogs win a place on the patio at L.A. County restaurants

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.

ALSO:

School in mourning for 10-year-old girl who died after fight

Balloons, candles mark site where 10-year-old died after fight

Death of 10-year-old Long Beach girl after fight ruled homicide

-- 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

Follow this link:
L.A. County to allow dogs on restaurant patios

Measuring 2.5 feet wide 6 feet long and 2 feet high, the Kritter Kondo Deluxe is ideal for patios, courtyards, decks, yards and balconies. The patent pending pin release makes the Kondo super easy to set-up and pawsitively a breeze to take down. A carrying case with three pockets and a zipper pouch is included with the Kondo, which fits purr-fectly inside. Designed to be portable, easy to store and water resistant, the Kritter Kondos are offering kitty cats an alternative to being cooped up indoors.

Philadelphia, PA (PRWEB) February 27, 2012

Wanting to giver her customers and kitty cats (Madison and Abigail) a variety of colors to chose from, Lisa has been adding a color or two a year to the products at Kritter Kommunity. Rolling out the Red/White Deluxe in 2010, the Pink/Pink quickly followed and has been a purr on the catwalk for many. Continuing the product enhancements, the Kritter Kondo Konnectors were born in order to lengthen the Kritter Kondo Deluxes and offer the ability to make a cat run. After receiving much feedback from customers, Lisa is rolling out the next color in the Deluxe family; the Kritter Kondo Deluxe green is now available.

Measuring 2.5 feet wide 6 feet long and 2 feet high, the Kritter Kondo Deluxe is ideal for patios, courtyards, decks, yards and balconies. The patent pending pin release makes the Kondo super easy to set-up and pawsitively a breeze to take down. A carrying case with three pockets and a zipper pouch is included with the Kondo, which fits purr-fectly inside. Designed to be portable, easy to store and water resistant, the Kritter Kondos are offering kitty cats an alternative to being cooped up indoors.

When President and Founder of Kritter Kommunity, Lisa Illman is asked why all the words are spelled incorrectly with a K instead of a C, Lisa laughs and says “Well, cats can’t spell of course! And mine (Madison and Abigail) have been quite influential in the launch and continued success of Kritter Kommunity. I just let them spell it as they wish.”

A green Kritter Kondo Konnector 4 foot and 9 foot are expected to launch in 2013.

For more information about Kritter Kommunity, visit http://www.kritterkommunity.com, follow them on Twitter @KritterKondo or Fan them on Facebook, keyword search Kritter Kommunity.

About Kritter Kommunity:

Kritter Kommunity was founded in 2009 by cat owner, lover and rescuer, Lisa Illman. Living in a condo, Lisa was tired of looking at her rescue cats, Madi and Abi’s sad faces from indoors while she was outside enjoying the sunshine. Lisa designed the first Kritter Kondo for her kitties, and was overwhelmed with inquiries from passers by. Lisa was surprised by the overwhelming need for outdoor solutions for indoor pets and Kritter Kommunity was born. To learn more about Lisa, Madi, Abi and Kritter Kommunity, visit http://www.KrittersthatTwitter.com.

Safety: Do not leave your pets outdoors unattended. This outdoor cat enclosure is meant as a temporary setting only. It cannot protect your pets from predators. As with any outdoor pet product supervision of your pet when in use is recommended. These products are not toys and should not be used by infants or children, for domestic cats & dogs only, not for hybrids, ferals, wild animals or pets that chew.

###

Lisa Illman
Kritter Kommunications
267 441 0167
Email Information

Original post:
Kitty Cats Blend in with the Grass, Kritter Kommunity Sdds a Green Kritter Kondo Deluxe to their Product Line

ESPJ Construction Specializing in Concrete and Masonry Services for Patios, Pool Decks, Driveways, and Walkways Explains Why Decorative Concrete is Such a Hot Trend in 2012

Northern Jersey, NJ (PRWEB) February 26, 2012

In the last several years, the use of concrete has drastically changed. Decorative concrete has definitely become a hot design trend for patios, entryways, driveways, and pool decks. Today, ESPJ Construction announced the benefits to adding decorative concrete to a home.

“Unlike pavers or natural stone, cement offers a wide range of options since it can be shaped, imprinted, textured, and colored to achieve any look,” says owner Giovani Espjo. “Even though concrete is a less expensive alternative than natural stone, its quality, durability, and strength are second to none.”

Here are just a few reasons decorative concrete is becoming so popular:

Increased resale value of property

The authentic-looking textures and appearances offer the beauty of natural surfaces without all the added expense. Stamped and colored concrete turns driveways, borders, walkways, patios, steps, and pool decks into beautiful works of art and adds instant curb appeal and aesthetic value to a property.

Ability to create custom looks

Color is yet another design option. Some companies such as ESPJ Construction offer a vast palette of color choices and even multi-colors to compliment any home’s exterior. In addition, homeowners can add simple or complex designs to concrete including borders, logos, names, numbers, or other motifs.

Requires less maintenance

Stamped concrete requires minimal maintenance compared to natural stone and other paving materials which saves money and time. In addition, concrete never needs resetting or replacing.

ESPJ Construction is an innovative company specializing in concrete stamping as well as pool copings, pool decks, retaining walls, patios, sidewalks, driveways, fountains, curbs, stairs, steps, waterfalls, and other custom projects. Their staff regularly attends seminars and conventions to stay up-to-date on all the newest products available.

With 17 years experience and an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, their innovative design capabilities have earned them a reputation as one of the top concrete specialists in Northern New Jersey.

For more information about this state-of-the-art company, please visit their website http://www.espjconstruction.com.

About ESPJ Construction

ESPJ Construction and Concrete offers specialty concrete and masonry services perfect for patios, walkways, pool decks, driveways, retaining walls, home exteriors, entrances, and more. They serve New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut.

###

Giovani Espjo
ESPJ Construction Corporation
(908) 925-4220
Email Information

See more here:
Top Morristown Concrete Contractor Announces the Benefits to Adding Decorative Concrete to a Home

As you plan your garden for spring and perhaps start from plants or from seed, consider this: Container gardening is growing smaller.

Suppliers are downsizing this season with easier-to-use trough planters, raised beds, pots or bags. It?s an effective way to produce edibles or blooms in tight spaces.

One of the leaders in this less-is-better concept is EarthBox, a Scranton, Pa., manufacturer of self-watering plant containers. A half-size version designed for growing herbs and salad greens outdoors on deck railings, patios, rooftops and fire escapes, or indoors from kitchen windowsills, was introduced in January.

?It was a consumer-driven product,? says Frank DiPaolo, EarthBox?s general manager. ?People told us they were interested in using self-watering technology for leafy greens and herbs and for growing them inside. For that purpose, the original EarthBox might have been too big.?

Like the EarthBox original, the compact ?Junior? has a water reservoir that wicks moisture to plant roots, reducing the need for daily watering while boosting yields. Junior measures just 23 by 7.25 by 9.5 inches, compared to the original?s 29 by 14 by 11 inches.

An estimated 17 percent of gardeners ? or about 20 million households ? do their growing in containers, often in restricted spaces, says Bruce Butterfield, market research director for the National Gardening Association.

Many people don?t have the need or the urge to grow eight or 10 herb plants, DiPaolo says. ?Going downsized gives them a chance to grow just a couple of things they desire. Then they can free up their standard-size boxes for tomatoes and larger plants like that.?

Containers come in all shapes and sizes and are particularly popular with urban gardeners. They are portable, easy to reach across, and absorb more of the sun?s heat for faster plant growth than in-ground gardens do.

?They?re also good season extenders,? DiPaolo says. ?I have mine sitting on the edge of the driveway. If I have tomatoes that are still bearing in late fall, I simply roll them into the garage overnight to protect them from frost, and then roll them back out again in the morning for some sun.?

(Page 2 of 2)

Tiered planters, window boxes, hanging baskets and grow bags also qualify as small space planters.

?Bags can easily be stored from season to season if you live in an urban area,? says Maree Gaetani, a spokeswoman for Gardener?s Supply Co., in Burlington, Vt. ?We have raised beds (kits) now that you can set right on your patio.?

Most common garden vegetables can be container-grown, although plant breeders have developed some new dwarf varieties that produce uncommonly high yields. Shallow-root edibles that perform well in pots include lettuces, peppers, onions, carrots, radishes and herbs.

?What really matters when you?re growing vegetables in containers is making sure you fertilize,? Gaetani says. ?It also matters what kinds of soils you use so they aerate properly. Growing the right kinds of plants, giving them the right amount of water and finding locations that provide at least five hours of sun per day also are important.?

Using the smaller, lighter containers makes it a great deal easier to move them there.

Originally posted here:
Garden containers downsizing

A proposal to ban smoking on bar and restaurant patios is proving controversial — not just among smoking and non-smoking patrons but also among bar owners as well.

The community and protective service committee approved new bylaws Wednesday that will ban smoking on city property — including beaches and parks — and on bar and restaurant patios.

If council approves the ban, it will start in April with a probationary period, then take full effect July 2.

Ban supporter Toni Naje owns two local bars, the Firkin & Flyer on Riverside Drive and the Firkin & Knight on Merrivale Road. Both have had non-smoking patios since opening because Naje has asthma.

Business has always been good but not everyone is happy with the policy, he said.

“Right now a lot people won’t go to us because they have a choice to go anywhere else to smoke,” he said. “I have a lot of patrons who call me prejudiced, and they swear and yell and scream and say that I’m out to piss them off, have no respect for them or I’m trying to tell them how to live their lives.”

Bell’s Corners Business Improvement Area head Alex Lewis said bar owners in his area strongly oppose the tougher bylaw, not because they support smoking but because they want to make their own decisions.

“What our BIA is advocating for is the ability to practise private enterprise,” he said. “The world would be a much better place if everybody would butt out. The world would be a much better place as well if the government would butt out of business.”

Not all BIAs agree. Jasna Jennings, the ByWard Market BIA’s executive director,  told the committee her group supports the new bylaws as long as they’re enforced equally.

Here is the original post:
Local bar owners butt heads over butting out

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- Birmingham City Council members considering a tough anti-smoking ordinance will evaluate the comments from dozens of people who appeared at a public hearing today before making a recommendation.

The council chamber was nearly filled as the public safety committee listened to residents, business owners and health advocates on both sides of the issue.

The proposed ordinance bans smoking nearly everywhere in the city besides private residences. Smoking outside is restricted to 30 feet away from buildings.

Several bar owners called the distance requirement too restrictive, saying it essentially bans smoking altogether and puts them at a disadvantage to other nearby cities that continue to allow smoking on patios. Health advocates however urged the committee to maintain its original proposals.

Councilman Johnathan Austin, the committee chairman, said the distance requirement should be reviewed.

"We want to strike a good balance between the business and the citizens," he said. "We know you all have made a big investment and want you to stay here. Hopefully we'll have an ordinance that everyone will be comfortable with."

Birmingham passed its current rules on smoking in 2005, making it illegal to smoke in several public places, including bus stops, elevators and restaurants. Bars, lounges and outdoor restaurant patios are exempt from that ban, but would be included in the new one.

The committee also discussed some changes to the proposed rules, including possible consideration for cigar lounges.

Committee members Jay Roberson and Valerie Abbott also agreed to review their notes before reconvening.

Austin said the committee would meet again March 7 to make recommendation on a draft to present to the full council.

"As we move forward in this process it was very important that we heard from you," Roberson told the group. "We have to compromise and establish good policy. Your voices were heard today on both sides."

Visit link:
Birmingham council members listen to packed house on proposed smoking ban

Hoping to amend the city's new ban on smoking for on and around outdoor patios, smokers, bar owners and their supporters have gathered 1,083 signatures to give to the City Council this evening.

After seeing the council's close 4-3 vote in favor of the new ban, regular Molly McGee's patron and cigar smoker Jim Neal was inspired to circulate the petition in the city's bars. He hopes to sway at least one member of the City Council this evening to amend the ordinance during its required second reading.

If the council votes to approve the ordinance for a second time this evening, the new ban goes into effect in 90 days and prohibits smoking within 25 feet of outdoor patios, windows or doors of workplaces, restaurants and any publicly accessible building where smoking is already banned. That covers wide swaths of the city, including most of Castro Street, where smoking would only be allowed for those walking from one destination to another. Neal said he wants the city continue to allow smoking in outdoor patios attached to bars.

Neal and signers of the petition argue that the ban will force bar patrons to go out into the street or dark parking lots to smoke, which could be dangerous for female smokers, while increasing cigarette litter and the likelihood that smokers would get cited by police for being drunk in public.

"You got adults only, 21 years old, and plus, at night time," said Rob Graham, co-owner of Sports Page, a bar on North Shoreline Boulevard. "These people are not going to stop smoking."

Graham is convinced that he will lose business that comes from visitors to local tech companies from locales where smoking is more acceptable, citing a study in Beverly Hills where smoking bans reduced customer traffic to businesses frequented by tourists. He says he has a 6,000-square-foot patio that will be completely off-limits to smokers, even though portions are more than 25 feet from the building.

"There's nothing here that will reduce exposure to second-hand smoke," Graham said, echoing Neal's assertions. "The reason most people have patios in first place is the 1998 ordinance which prohibited smoking in restaurants. All it does is move people from existing outdoor smoking areas."

While council member Jac Siegel said he based his decision to approve the ban on the effects of second-hand smoke on the employees of business, whom he said had little choice. But Graham claims that his employees do not have to go out into his patio to breathe second-hand smoke, and his customers don't either.

Neal claims that 47 percent of his petition signers were non-smokers, and 37 percent of the bar employees who signed it were non-smokers. The petition was circulated at St. Stephen Green, Fred's Place, Bert's Alibi bar, Francesca's, Sports Page and Molly McGee's.

Are you receiving Express, our free daily e-mail edition? See a sample and sign-up for Express.

Read the rest here:
Tonight: smokers hope to overturn smoking ban for bar patios

Container gardening is growing smaller.

Suppliers are downsizing this season with easier-to-use trough planters, raised beds, pots or bags. It's an effective way to produce edibles or blooms in tight spaces.

One of the leaders in this less-is-better concept is EarthBox, a Scranton, Pa., manufacturer of self-watering plant containers. A half-size version designed for growing herbs and salad greens outdoors on deck railings, patios, rooftops and fire escapes, or indoors from kitchen windowsills, was introduced in January.

"It was a consumer-driven product," said Frank DiPaolo, EarthBox's general manager. "People told us they were interested in using self-watering technology for leafy greens and herbs and for growing them inside. For that purpose, the original EarthBox might have been too big."

Like the EarthBox original, the compact "Junior" has a water reservoir that wicks moisture to plant roots, reducing the need for daily watering while boosting yields. Junior measures just 23 by 7.25 by 9.5 inches, compared to the original's 29 by 14 by 11 inches.

An estimated 17 percent of gardeners — or about 20 million households — do their growing in containers, often in restricted spaces, said Bruce Butterfield, market research director for the National Gardening Association.

Many people don't have the need or the urge to grow eight or 10 herb plants, DiPaolo said. "Going downsized gives them a chance to grow just a couple of things they desire. Then they can free up their standard-size boxes for tomatoes and larger plants like that."

Containers come in all shapes and sizes and are particularly popular with urban gardeners. They are portable, easy to reach across, and absorb more of the sun's heat for faster plant growth than in-ground gardens do.

"They're also good season extenders," DiPaolo said. "I have mine sitting on the edge of the driveway. If I have tomatoes that are still bearing in late fall, I simply roll them into the garage overnight to protect them from frost, and then roll them back out again in the morning for some sun."

Tiered planters, window boxes, hanging baskets and grow bags also qualify as small space planters.

"Bags can easily be stored from season to season if you live in an urban area," said Maree Gaetani, a spokeswoman for Gardener's Supply Co., in Burlington, Vt. "We have raised beds (kits) now that you can set right on your patio."

Most common garden vegetables can be container-grown, although plant breeders have developed some new dwarf varieties that produce uncommonly high yields. Shallow-root edibles that perform well in pots include lettuces, peppers, onions, carrots, radishes and herbs.

"What really matters when you're growing vegetables in containers is making sure you fertilize," Gaetani said. "It also matters what kinds of soils you use so they aerate properly. Growing the right kinds of plants, giving them the right amount of water and finding locations that provide at least five hours of sun per day also are important."

Using the smaller, lighter containers makes it a great deal easier to move them there.

___

Online:

For more information on growing vegetables in containers, try this North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service website:

http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/hil/hil-8105.html

You can contact Dean Fosdick at deanfosdick(at)netscape.net

Here is the original post:
Downsizing makes container gardening easier

In the summer time, when the suns temperature is it at its highest, it is essential that there are adequate areas of shade provided around the home`s exterior that will allow for some protection from the suns rays.

Small terraces and patios may benefit from a simple sun parasol, but the majority of homes will require much larger areas of shade to be provided that can accommodate seating areas to allow for alfresco eating with friends and family..

Increasing in popularity, one of the easiest ways to introduce shade around your home is to install sun awnings or patio awnings. With the increase in the awareness of skin diseases from over exposure to the harmful effects of the suns uv rays, it is no wonder homeowners are looking at ways of protecting their families health.

Sun awnings are ideal for home installations as the take up no space on the ground. They are fixed to the wall above head height and when not in use and are barely even noticeable. When the weather dictates, the awning can be easily retracted to provide as much or as little shade is necessary. For hotter climates or where the awning will be used frequently, electric sun awnings are normally specified. For only occasional use, a manually operated sun awning is generally more than adequate.

Sun awnings can be fully customised at the time of ordering. With endless fabric designs to choose from in a wide range of bespoke sizes, there are patio awnings available to meet any shading application. Awnings are such a versatile product that they can be installed into many locations including patios over windows and doorways etc.

Domestic sun awnings tend to fall into 3 categories

The cheapest form of awnings are open cassette awnings. This style is basic in that the fabric roll and mechanism is still visible when the awning is retracted. This means that an open cassette awning is not really suited to being left out over the winter months as the rain and frost can start to rot the fabric over a period of time.

Semi cassette awnings are slightly better at dealing with being left out for prolonged periods. Although still slightly exposed to the elements when closed, the awning fabric is at least protected from the elements.

The premium type of sun awning is the full cassette awning. The full cassette completely covers both the awning fabric and retractable arms from the elements and from view when not in use. Also because the cassette provides protection against the weather, a full cassette awning is ideal for automation using remote controls or wall switches. Full cassette  awnings can be left out throughout the year.

You can also now buy sun awnings direct from many online retailers that will be delivered to your door. So why wait, invest now.

Continued here:
Increasing in popularity, one of the easiest ways to introduce shade around your home is to install sun awnings