Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Now and then a home comes along with everything you want like location at the end of a cul de sac near town center and commuter routes an abundance of living space almost 2,000 square feet of it and looks, of course.

ADDRESS: 5 Hart Circle, Georgetown

BEDROOMS: 3

BATHROOMS: 2 full; 1 half

LIVING SAPCE: 1,940 sq. ft.

PRICE: $489,900

Now and then a home comes along with everything you want like location at the end of a cul de sac near town center and commuter routes an abundance of living space almost 2,000 square feet of it and looks, of course.

Lets toss in privacy and wonderful outdoor play space: a spacious yard with a fire pit, a sweet storage shed with double doors and a gazebo buffered by trees. Theres a small brook, too.

It all comes together in this mid-century Ranch, which is positively pristine. Definitely one of those rare finds.

The rest of the story

Ready for todays lifestyle preferences, this gem has a brilliantly designed open floor plan with discrete rooms that include the living room, dining room and kitchen and, wait for it does it without walls. Now this is a well-planned home.

Still, its the details that command attention, such as sparkling, refinished oak flooring throughout the entire house, even in the bedrooms.

The spacious living room has an extra-wide brick front fireplace with a wood mantel and the bright bay area in this room has four long casement windows. A matching bay window area is in the spacious dining area that seats six to eight (or more) easily.

The kitchen is another excellent example of thoughtful design both for looks and function that is everywhere throughout the house. Granite countertops in the U-shaped working section are accented with a striking glass tile backsplash. Under cabinet lighting adds a dash of sparkle and ensures that shadows and dark corners are non-existent.

Time to sleep

Bedrooms are separated from the main living area by a long corridor that ensures privacy. Two bedrooms, which are almost identically sized, are also nicely proportioned making furniture placement easy and, better yet, flexible. Each has a double closet, too. A substantial amount of natural light is another plus: one bedroom has two exposures; the other two double-hung, side-by-side windows.

The master suite is equally as bright with three windows and two exposures. An extra-wide and extra-deep double closet is quite the bonus but the en suite bathroom takes top billing.

With a jetted tub accented by a tile surround with decorative inserts and tile flooring (and a commode, of course), this loo is both pretty and practical. Yet, thats only half the story literally.

A pocket door opens into a second bathroom with a fully tiled step-in shower that includes the ceiling and another sink and commode. The result of this clever layout is two full bathrooms (with privacy for all) on a compact footprint. Talk about a good use of space

Oh, the second bathroom opens to the hallway thus ensuring easy access.

Dont overlook

The finished lower level has something for everyone and it all looks wonderful.

Like the main floor, this oasis is a well-planned multipurpose space. Its also big. A large media/family room, which is carpeted, is adjacent to a sizable wet bar with a step-down countertop, stainless steel sink and oodles of storage that includes a built-in bookcase. Tile flooring keeps maintenance to a minimum.

A roomy workout area (or not) it could also be office space either enclosed or open is tucked into its own corner. Large format floor tile is not only attractive but also creates a very contemporary vibe.

Practicality is also addressed and, with a touch of good looks. The large utility/storage room and thats in addition to a super-sized closet under the stairs for example, has tile flooring as does a dedicated laundry room with a side-by-side washer and dryer plus a sink. This also has walk-out access to the yard. Nice.

But theres more. An even larger workshop is right around the corner. Built-in open shelving and closed metal cabinetry makes staying organized and neat quite easy.

Did I mention that this level also has a half bathroom with a pedestal sink?

Contact Dennis Marks of Keller Williams Realty at 978-337-6196 or by email: dennismarks@kw.com.

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HOME PROFILE: Ranch home has everything you want - Wicked Local Ipswich

According to rental site Zumper, median rents for a one bedroom in Long Beach are hovering around $1,550. But how does the low-end pricing on a Long Beach rental look these days and what might you get for your money?

We took a look at local listings for studios and one-bedroom apartments from Zumper and Apartment Guide to find out what price-conscious apartment seekers can expect to find.

Read on for the cheapest listings available right now. (Note: Prices and availability are subject to change.)

Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in this article may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions.

Listed at $1,150/month, this 400-square-foot studio apartment, located at 1536 Locust Ave. in Long Beach, is 17.8 percent less than the median rent for a studio in Long Beach, which is currently estimated at around $1,399/month.

The building offers on-site laundry; in the unit, the listing promises carpeted floors and a dishwasher. Cats and dogs are not allowed. Look out for a $1,150 deposit.

Per Walk Score ratings, the area around this address is friendly for those on foot, is quite bikeable and offers many nearby public transportation options.

(See the complete listing here.)

Next, this studio apartment, situated at 730 Magnolia Ave. in Long Beach, is listed for $1,295/month.

In the unit, expect to find hardwood flooring, granite countertops and a ceiling fan. The building offers on-site laundry. Pets are not allowed. Look out for a $35 application fee and $100 processing fee.

According to Walk Score, the surrounding area is quite walkable, is quite bikeable and offers many nearby public transportation options.

(See the complete listing here.)

Finally, over at 636 Chestnut Ave., there's this studio apartment, also going for $1,295/month.

In the unit, expect a ceiling fan, granite countertops and a renovated kitchen. Neither cats nor dogs are permitted. Expect a $100 processing fee.

According to Walk Score, the area around this address is extremely walkable, is convenient for biking and offers many nearby public transportation options.

(View the listing here.)

This story was created automatically using local real estate data from Zumper and Apartment Guide, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Additionally, read on for five marketing tips for real estate agents to showcase local market expertise.

Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.

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Renting in Long Beach: What's the cheapest apartment available right now? - Hoodline

The ACLU and NAACP Legal Defense Fund have renewed and expanded their arguments for a federal court order to improve health conditions for state prison inmates during the coronavirus crisis, including preventing infected employees or those with symptoms from entering prisons.

The suit was filed on behalf of inmates at four units, including the Cummins prison, where more than 900 inmates and workers have been infected.

Federal Judge Kristine Baker turned down a request for a temporary restraining order early this week but held a further hearing Thursday at which more evidence was presented by plaintiffs, including allegations of use of non-EPA approved cleaning supplies, masks cleaned with eye irritants and general allegations of inadequate cleaning, testing and medical care.

The plaintiffs, also represented by the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, filed Friday a 50-page request for relief, summarizing arguments and testimony in the hearings.

The filing asks that a special master be appointed to come up with a plan for spacing inmates and to identify inmates at risk because of age or health condition so that they might be released or transferred to home detention.

The filing also asks that the judge issue an order to:

1. Ensure that each incarcerated individual receives EPA-registered disinfectants that are effective against COVID-19 infection, without costs;

2. Ensure that all incarcerated individuals have access to hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol in specific locations or under the appropriate supervision of Arkansas Department of Corrections staff;

3. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, including but not limited to doorknobs, light switches, sink handles, countertops, toilets, toilet handles, recreation equipment, kiosks, and telephones, at least three times a day with EPA-registered disinfectants that are effective against the virus that causes COVID-19, as appropriate for the surface;

4. Conduct immediate testing for anyone displaying known symptoms of COVID-19 or upon request;

5. Ensure that individuals identified as having COVID-19 or having been exposed to COVID-19 are properly quarantined in a non-punitive setting, with continued access to showers, recreation, mental health services, hot meals during appropriate times, reading materials, commissary, phone and video visitation with loved ones, communication with counsel, and personal property;

6. Prohibit Arkansas Department of Corrections employees from entering Arkansas Department of Corrections facilities if they test positive for COVID-19 and/or exhibit symptoms of having contracted COVID-19;

7. Substantially comply with CDC guidance in all other respects, unless Defendants identify a specific reason why circumstances in one or more Arkansas Department of Corrections facilities render such substantial compliance unreasonable; and

8. Permit any Court-appointed special master or expert to freely visit Arkansas Department of Corrections facilities without advanced notice; to freely access relevant records maintained by the Arkansas Department of Corrections, including medical records of persons in custody provided the person whose medical records are accessed authorizes such access and inspection; and to freely contact, call, visit, and/or interview any person in the custody of the Arkansas Department of Correction facility within 24-hour notice.

Heres the full filing.

More:
Lawsuit continues to press for better care for state prisoners threatened by virus - Arkansas Times

Photo credit: Design by Jillian Lare

From House Beautiful

The cost of a renovation will vary depending on the overall size and scope of the project, the materials you choose, and the types of labor required to implement the plan. An Ikea kitchen renovation is no different: The amount youll ultimately shell out will depend in part on your choice of styles and materials and the level of work youre willing to do yourself versus hire out. (Plus, incorporating third-party elementscustom fronts, for instance, or high-end countertops and applianceswill cause costs to fluctuate further.)

But in comparison to a fully custom kitchenwhich, according to Seattle designer Katie Hackworth, can run anywhere from $60,000 to $400,000theres no denying the cost savings of opting for IKEA. For an idea of how much you could potentially save, consider this: Lets say cabinetry accounts for 20% of the budget in a custom kitchen renovation. That means youd reserve $12,000 for cabinets in a $60,000 kitchen and $80,000 in a $400,000 kitchen. Ikea cabinetry for a sample 10 x 10 kitchen layout ranges from $1,149 to $3,599.

This begs the question: How is it possible that Ikea can be so much cheaperespecially when so many swear by its quality and durability? One answer lies in Ikeas approach to pricing: The company decides on the cost of a product first, then produces that product so that it can be marketed at that projected price tag. Below, three other reasons youll end up spending less:

Solid wood cabinets, esteemed for their strength and good looks, can quickly run up a five-figure price tag. IKEA cabinet units, on the other hand, are made from a cheaper melamine-clad medium-density fiberboard (or MDF), a type of engineered wood. Most millworkers would say that MDF is not as high-quality as plywood construction, Space Exploration designer Kevin Greenberg says. But it has its upsides, too: Its less weather-sensitive and less prone to warping than solid wood. In other areas, however, IKEA cabinetry bears surprising similarities to its higher-end counterparts: Its internal hardware, made by a brand called Blum, is the same youd find in many costly custom options.

Story continues

IKEA products are mass-produced in a fixed range of styles, colors, and sizes, which makes them an affordable alternative to small-batch or made-to-order options. The pros of mass production include lower price tags, limited lead times, and the relative ease of replacing lost or broken parts. The downsides? Less character, one-size-fits-all details (those pre-drilled holes that allow for adjustable shelving makes the product look cheap, Greenberg says), and, in the case of cabinet interiors, a certain ubiquity that leads everyone and their mother to know: You got that at IKEA!

Because IKEA products come disassembled and flat-boxed, their prices dont need to account for significant storage space, transportation costs, or the labor required to put them together. (Of course, if you prefer, you can have your products assembled for you, for an additional fee.) Custom solid wood cabinets, on the other hand, are one-of-a-kind products made by skilled mill workerson top of materials, youre paying for their time, labor, knowledge of construction, and artistic ability.

Despite the savings potential, renovators with larger budgets may wonder, when is it worth going custom? The answer: It depends. If this is the home youre planning to spend the rest of your life in, it may be worth investing in a perfectly tailored kitchen that youve had a hand in designing yourself. Or, if your renovation needs to accommodate an unusual layout or highly specific cooking requirements (specially sized drawers, say, or countertops of a particular height), custom cabinetry and detailing can ensure your needs are met. Rest assured, however, theres no need for FOMO if your budget is limited. For the average person, Greenberg says, a simple, modified IKEA kitchen is a good option to consider. Most people dont have to go far beyond that.

Additional reporting by Samantha Weiss-Hills.

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Why Buying an Ikea Kitchen Will Save You So Much Money - Yahoo Lifestyle

But remember, we also have nursing homes, we also have these developmentally disabled homes and so many other areas that also need testing. So again, it takes a lot more testing than we have today, he said during his televised press conference Monday, in response to a question from The Southern.

IDOC spokeswoman Lindsey Hess said the agency is conducting targeted and deliberate testing based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the most recent evidence available.

Hess said the goal with testing is properly and adequately responding to results and providing the best care possible within a correctional health care environment.

If an offender becomes symptomatic with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing (influenza like illness) they are assumed to be at high risk for COVID-19, Hess said in an emailed response to the newspaper. Pursuant to CDC and IDPH (Illinois Department of Public Health) guidelines, these individuals are isolated and tested. Exposed asymptomatic offenders are quarantined and monitored for symptoms.

The biggest known outbreak in an Illinois prison has been at Stateville in upstate Will County. There, 121 prisoners have tested positive, and more than 1,300 were quarantined, according to a spreadsheet that IDOC provided to lawmakers. The vast majority of those who tested positive have recovered, and 11 have died at Stateville.

Read more:
Illinois has tested fewer than 2% of inmates for COVID-19 - The Southern

On Thursday, officials from NASCAR announced they would return to racing at Darlington Raceway on May 17.

NASCAR will run seven events in three series at Darlington and Charlotte Motor Speedway. The Cup Series will begin on Sunday, May 17, with a 3:30 p.m. start time, and will follow that race with another Cup Series Race on Wednesday, May 20, again at Darlington with the midweek race beginning at 7:30 p.m.

The Cup Series will then move to Charlotte Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 24, and will run the famous Coca Cola 600 starting at 6 p.m. On Wednesday, May 24, the Cup Series will race at Charlotte again with an 8 p.m. start time.

The Xfinity Series will race at Darlington on Tuesday, May 19, and in Charlotte on Monday, May 25. The Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series will race in Charlotte on Tuesday, May 26.

This is NASCARs start to the schedule, and they are continuing to work to secure races to complete the season as it was scheduled.

On Thursday, NASCAR Executive Vice President and Chief Racing Development Officer Steve ODonnell and John Bobo, vice president of racing operations, held a teleconference with media to discuss the specifics of the decisions to begin live racing again.

The race will not have fans in attendance, and there also will be several precautions taken by NASCAR to ensure the health and safety of those that will be in attendance.

Bobo explained those steps in detail. To start, they are asking the teams, and other organizations that are coming to the race to self-monitor people for five days for symptoms before arrival. NASCAR also is asking them to fill out questionnaires before arrival and to have an initial screening of their temperature.

Additional screening will be done for essential personnel. Bobo said NASCAR has been working with the teams to try and limit the events to who can attend, and they are doing that by trying to move any operations off-site that they can.

Any personnel going into the infield will be required to wear cloth masks, and since there will be no spectators allowed they will be able to use the entire infield to spread out and adhere to social distancing. The drivers motor coaches will be in the infield but will be spread out much more than usual. They also are going to have one-way walkways, and Bobo said that anyone who does not comply with their rules for masks and social distancing would be removed from the premises.

They also will be monitoring the traffic coming into the garage area and making sure it is limited to essential personnel as well. The situation on pit road will be similar to the rest of the track, with all over-the-wall competitors required to wear fireproof sock masks or use the face screen.

Spotters will be spaced out with at least 6 to 10 feet between them. Temperatures also will be taken at random throughout the events as needed, and all symptomatic patients will be removed and given medical attention as needed. In that case they will be focusing on contact tracing and asking teams to keep logs of who theyve interacted with throughout the course of the day so they will be able to find out who theyve had direct exposure to in the case of a positive test.

NASCAR has taken tremendous steps to ensure the health and safety of all of those that will be participating in the events, and with them being the first major sports organization to go back to live events, all eyes will be on NASCAR and who they handle the situation.

As for what is next for NASCAR when it comes to where they will be headed is a work in progress. ODonnell said that they wanted to have events that were in driving distance for the employees and that Darlington and Charlotte worked out. Once they can get these races under their belt they are hoping that other states will ease restrictions and allow them to race at tracks at further distances.

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Void of vans, NASCAR season set to start on May 17 with stepped up precautions in place - YourGV.com

Despite all of the potential hazards around a house from electrical issues to fire hazards to carbon monoxide, the National Home Security Alliance says that falls are the leading cause of death due to home accidents.

Falls are responsible for one-third of all home-related fatalities. Although seniors are the group most affected by falls, these types of accidents can affect anyone.

A broken bone may be a minor inconvenience for young people, but fractures are more serious for the elderly. As a result, seniors must take measures to protect themselves against falls. These steps can minimize risk at home.

1. Remove tripping hazards. Examine rooms and hallways for potential hazards, such as slippery throw rugs, floorboards that stick up, loose carpeting, or furniture that blocks walking paths. Remedy these hazards as soon as possible. Address loose floorboards and/or place nonslip materials beneath rugs.

2. Install grab bars or railings. Install grab bars in certain locations for extra stability or where someone may need leverage getting up from a seated position. They are particularly helpful near toilets and bathtubs and in stairways and hallways.

3. Stick to sensible shoes. Sensible shoes fit properly and have sturdy, nonskid soles. Avoid walking around in slippers or even in stocking feet, which are much more slippery.

4. Store items within reach. Store items that are used frequently, such as dishes, in easily accessible cabinets and other locations. This prevents having to climb or reach for them.

5. Install more lighting. Poor visibility can contribute to falls. Lighting in hallways, stairways, bathrooms, and bedrooms - even if it is a small night light can be enough to light the way.

6. Reinforce your home's exterior. Falls do not only occur inside. Inspect the perimeter of a property for uneven turf, holes or cracked or uneven patches of walkways. Make sure lighting is working at entryways, and check that exterior handrails are secure.

Falls can cause serious injury or death, particularly for aging men and women. Simple fixes around the house can make things more secure and reduce the risk for falls.

Continued here:
Senior Life: 6 ways to prevent falls around the house - Main Line

As long as Southern Californians remain close to home and wear masks outdoors, they can still exercise outdoors at many parks and beaches without violating Gov. Gavin Newsoms stay-at-home order. And as the fight against the pandemic evolves and summer nears, the rules are changing almost every day.

Garcetti cautioned that people shouldnt congregate in groups larger than a single household, and that the usual other pandemic requirements remain in place.

You have to maintain a physical distance. You have to wear a face covering, Garcetti said. This is not some sort of green light to slack off.

Conflicts between cautious state officials and restless local leaders came to a head Thursday, when Newsom overruled local Orange County officials to close beaches in Huntington Beach and Newport Beach after they drew substantial weekend crowds.

L.A. Countys beaches are still closed through May 15 under the countys Safer at Home order, and local, state and federal agencies throughout the region are severely limiting access to hundreds of beaches, parks, trails and forests.

Ventura and San Diego counties have been gradually opening their beaches. In both of those counties, as in Orange County, officials have closed beach-adjacent parking lots, hoping to encourage people to stay within their own walking neighborhoods.

This list is designed to help readers keep track of beach restrictions.

Heres an update on whats happening where. If you do go outside for a walk, remember these tips for keeping safe. Local and state officials stress the need to take greater care in maintaining a distance of at least 6 feet from others.

City Recreation and Parks officials say most most park areas remain open for walking and running. But they are enforcing a range of restrictions. Among them: All public hiking trails and trailheads in the city of Los Angeles have been closed since March 27.

Also closed are all public beaches, public beach parking lots, beach bathrooms, piers, beach access points and the Venice Boardwalk and Ocean Front Walk (with limited access to essential businesses).

All recreation centers, aquatic facilities, golf courses, skate parks, tennis courts, playgrounds, baseball fields, soccer fields and basketball courts are also closed, as are other indoor and outdoor sport amenities.

In Griffith Park, authorities have close facilities including the Observatory, Travel Town, train rides, the pony rides, the merry-go-round and some roads.

Elsewhere, the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium in San Pedro remains closed, as is the Sherman Oaks Castle, the Expo Center in Exposition Park; and the Silver Lake Meadow. Since April 11, walkers and joggers have been required to travel counterclockwise on the 2.2-mile loop trail around the Silver Lake and Ivanhoe reservoirs.

Visitors practice social distancing at the beach in Ventura on Saturday.

(Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times)

About 24 farmers markets remain open in the city, including the Sunday Hollywood Farmers Market, after the city tightened safety and social-distancing requirements in early April.

Henry Brown, 42, exercises in MacArthur Park in the Westlake District of L.A. on March 31.

(Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

Since March 27, L.A. County officials have enforced the closure of beaches and other public lands. (This list details closures.) All of the countys park play and sports amenities, including golf courses, are also closed.

Los Angeles Countys beaches, piers, beach bike paths, beach access points, public trails, trailheads and tennis courts are also closed, under an order that covers beaches in every coastal city and unincorporated area of the county.

Parks officials noted on their website that you can still enjoy time outdoors at your local park for passive use, such as walking, jogging, or leisure time outdoors for individuals or families. Social distancing is still required, and group gatherings are prohibited by the health order.

In Santa Monica, city beaches, the beach bike path and Ocean Front Walk closed March 27 as part of the countywide order to shut down beaches. The citys Palisades Park, which overlooks the beach and pier, is also closed.

In Hermosa Beach, the pier, Strand and beach itself are closed as part of the countywide beach closure.

In Redondo Beach the pier, Strand and beach also are closed. City officials closed the Esplanade area; Veterans Park and nearby parking areas; all public walkways, stairways, ramps and paths to the beach; and a coastal bluff trail between Knob Hill Avenue and George Freeth Way.

On Catalina Island, the Catalina Chamber of Commerce is urging non-residents to stay away. The Catalina Express, which usually runs boats to the islands Avalon and Two Harbors landings from Long Beach, San Pedro and Dana Point, has cut back its service to two round trips a day between Long Beach and Avalon. At the Catalina Flyer, which normally offers one departure daily from Newport Beach to Avalon, a phone recording warned that the boat has suspended service until further notice. The Catalina Island Conservancy has closed its visitor facilities, services and trails.

On March 18, state parks officials closed all state campgrounds. On March 29, they tightened restrictions further, closing vehicle access to the entire state park system 280 parks, including off-road vehicle areas.

Since then, the state has fully closed dozens of parks, banning pedestrians as well as vehicles. Among them: The Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve; more than a dozen state parks and beaches in L.A. County; San Clemente State Beach in Orange County; seven state beaches in San Diego County; and four state beaches and parks in Ventura County.

But more recently, some parks have quietly reopened, while still keeping their roadways and parking lots closed to discourage visitors from outside the immediate area. On Monday morning, Carlsbad, South Carlsbad and Torrey Pines state beaches reopened that way, with visitors limited to active recreation and no group gatherings.

At Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area in the Baldwin Hills area of L.A., officials said in a statement that the park is closed to vehicular access but remains open for locals who wish to walk, hike and bike (in parks with bike trails) in the park, provided they practice social/physical distancing of 6 feet or more. This is not the time for a road trip to a destination park or beach.

In the first week of April, Pasadena city officials closed the Rose Bowl Loop, a popular 3.1-mile- walking path around the famed stadium.

The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens in San Marino is closed through at least May 15.

Descanso Gardens in La Caada Flintridge is closed until further notice. The L.A. Arboretum in Arcadia is open; reservations are required to prevent crowding.

The National Park Service has imposed weekend closures on all Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area trails, trailheads, restrooms, overlooks and pullouts in Ventura County. Authorities said those areas will remain open on weekdays, when crowds are thinner.

Those weekend closures begin at 2 p.m. Fridays and reopen at 6 a.m. Mondays until further notice, an NPS release said.

That policy covers Rancho Sierra Vista (including the Wendy Trailhead); Cheeseboro Canyon Trailhead; the Deer Creek area; and all trails within Circle X, which includes Sandstone Creek, Mishe Mokwa, the Grotto Trail, the trails and overlooks along Yerba Buena Road and the Backbone Trail along the spine of the Santa Monicas.

As part of the earlier L.A. County-wide closure of hiking trails, the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area had already shut down all of its trails and restrooms in L.A. County.

Also, the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority on March 23 closed all of its parklands, trail and facilities close to 75,000 acres of parkland, including all parks owned by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy.

The authoritys busiest parks, now closed, include Wilacre Park in Studio City; Temescal Gateway Park in Pacific Palisades; Franklin Canyon Park off Mulholland Drive, Beverly Hills; Ed Davis Park in Towsley Canyon, the Santa Clarita Valley; all the overlooks on Mulholland Drive; Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve at the west end of Victory Boulevard; and Escondido Canyon Park in Malibu.

Ventura County has allowed the opening of county-managed beaches, golf courses and bike shops among various modifications to its Stay Well at Home order. That order, which continues to close campgrounds, gyms, swimming pools and many other facilities, is effective through May 15.

The city of Ventura on April 20 reopened its beaches, pier, promenade and parks, subject to requirements that people keep their distance and dont linger.

The city of Port Hueneme, experimenting with a soft reopening, has reopened its beach (and a parking lot) to walking, running, biking and solo surfing and paddleboarding, but said it would discourage sunbathing or any stationary presence on the sand. Its pier, restrooms, playground and street parking remain closed.

On April 25 and 26, many of the countys shores, especially in Huntington Beach and Newport Beach, were so crowded that photographs alarmed many people. The governor was one of them, and he briefly shut all of Orange Countys beaches.

Since then, state officials have negotiated terms for reopening beaches in all of the countys coastal cities.

On Wednesday, after more than a week of tussling over beach access, state officials sent Newport Beachs City Council a letter approving the citys plan for reopening beaches with restrictions. The city laid out its new rules, which allow activities on beaches from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, on its website.

On Tuesday, Laguna Beach beaches opened after weeks of closure, but they will be open only from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. weekdays, for active use only, under a deal reached between local and state officials. They will remain closed on weekends.

In San Clemente too beaches reopened after an agreement between state and local leaders. In that case, the citys beaches will be open daily for active use only (no fishing or sunbathing). The citys pier reopened Tuesday with social distancing requirements. Beach restrooms and parking remain closed.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, state officials released letters authorizing Dana Point, Huntington Beach, Seal Beach and Newport Beach officials to open their beaches.

This list covers the beaches city by city.

Parking lots at all county beaches, regional and wilderness parks remain closed as well. So are parking spaces at all trailheads; parking lots at Irvine Lake; parking along Black Star Canyon Road; pedestrian access points at Thousand Steps, Table Rock, West, Camel Point and Treasure Island beaches; restrooms; playgrounds; exercise equipment; shelters and trailheads. Pedestrians, cyclists and equestrians were permitted.

Orange County also banned vehicular traffic to Carbon Canyon, Clark, Craig, Irvine, Laguna Niguel, Mason, Mile Square, Tri-City and Yorba regional parks. Pedestrians, bicyclists and equestrians were permitted.

Orange Countys Supervisors have also cleared the way for public and private golf courses to open.

The Safer at Home order from Los Angeles County Public Health officials, issued March 21 and updated April 10, prohibits all public and private group events and gatherings through May 15. It also says that individuals and families are not prohibited from hiking, walking, biking or shopping at [e]ssential [b]usinesses, as long as they keep their distance from others.

The order also notes that if local entities (such as municipal governments) choose to impose stricter limits, the county order does not supersede them.

Los Angeles County has closed all indoor and outdoor playgrounds, along with indoor shopping centers and all swap meets and flea markets.

San Bernardino County on April 25 reopened county parks, lakes, rivers and recreation areas. Private and city-owned parks, trails, lakes and golf courses also opened on a limited basis, the L.A. Times Luke Money reports. Big Morongo Canyon Preserve and Mojave River Forks Regional Park are still closed.

Riverside County leaders on April 20 allowed golf courses to reopen, with restrictions. Hiking, bikes and horseback-riding on trails and in parks are also permitted under the countys health order.

San Diego County Board of Supervisors reopened county-run beaches there April 27 to swimming, surfing, kayaking and paddle-boarding but not group activities, sunbathing or boating.

City-by-city details are covered in this list.

Most of San Diego Countys parks and preserves have remained open for pedestrians, cyclists and equestrians, but their parking lots and many facilities and amenities are closed.

The U.S. Forest Service has closed campgrounds, picnic areas, bathrooms and other developed recreation sites in its California forests through May 15, leaving Southern Californias four forests Angeles, Cleveland, Los Padres and San Bernardino to make their own decisions on trail access and parking.

In the Angeles National Forest, authorities on April 3 closed 23 well-used San Gabriel mountain trails, four popular trailheads and 19 roads.

This map shows the affected areas. The closures include the Millard Canyon above Altadena, San Antonio Falls, Icehouse Canyon and North Devils Backbone trailheads.

The forest order shuts routes to Echo Mountain and Mt. Lowe, such as the Sam Merrill Trail, above Altadena, as well as others leading to Mt. Wilson, San Gabriel Peak, the Rim Trail and other routes in the San Gabriel Mountains.

In the San Bernardino National Forest, whose 680,000 acres include four mountain ranges in San Bernardino and Riverside counties, a spokesman said trails, trailheads, staging areas that function as trailheads and parking areas at trailheads remain open. Hikers should practice social distancing, sticking to wide fire roads instead of single-track trails that are too narrow, the spokesman said.

In Los Padres National Forest, which includes about 1.95 million acres reaching north from Ventura County into Central California, spokesman Andrew Madsen said trailhead parking and trails remain open, as do dispersed camp sites in the backcountry.

In Cleveland National Forest, which reaches into San Diego, Riverside and Orange counties, the list of sites closed includes all trails and picnic areas where an Adventure Pass is usually required.

In the forests Trabuco ranger district, closures include: El Cariso north/south picnic area; Hot Springs trailhead; San Juan loop trailhead; Tenaja trailhead; Trabuco creek picnic area; Wildomar staging area; Maple Springs day-use area.

In the forests Descanso Ranger District, closures include Agua Dulce; Bear Valley OHV (off-highway vehicle) area; and Corral Canyon.

In the forests Palomar Ranger District, closures include Crestline; Henshaw scenic vista; Inaja Memorial; Kica Mik Overlook; Palomar Mountain Interpretive Station; San Luis Rey Picnic Area; Fry Creek Trailhead; Observatory Trailhead; and Barker Valley Trailhead. The popular Cedar Creek Falls and Three Sisters Falls trails have been closed since March 21.

The National Park Service closed Yosemite National Park on March 20; Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks on March 25; Joshua Tree National Park on March 31; and Death Valley National Park (except for California 190 and Daylight Pass) on April 4.

Charlton H. Bonham, Californias Department of Fish and Wildlife director, has postponed the start of trout season in Alpine, Inyo and Mono counties. Once set for April 25, the season is now set to open May 31.

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As of May 7: What's open and closed this weekend: Beaches, parks and trails in Southern California - Los Angeles Times

Britains economy can only restart when bosses ensure their workers are safe.If they fail, they face another lockdown and risk their staff never coming back.

John Allan, chairman of Barratt Developments and president of the CBI, listed steps his business is taking to reopen, in an online presentation to the business groups members.

Step one: social distancing.If workers can be kept apart, they are less likely to spreadcoronavirus.

Barratts, which hopes to restart on some sites next week, will begin with just half the usual number of workers. It will stagger their shift patterns to avoid a surge at rush hour. And the shape of the sites will change.

We are going to widen walkways on our sites the safe walkways people can use to get from one part of the site to another, says Allan.

They are normally quite narrow, probably about a metre wide. We are going to widen those, and when that is not possible were going to put refuges, passing places, so that people can pass safely.

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WW2-style gas masks and surprise inspections: how to re-open Britain's building sites - Telegraph.co.uk

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GAVA/MADRID, Spain (Reuters) Spaniards revelled in a second day of freedom on Sunday, heading outside in time-slots for age groups on the first weekend adults were allowed out since one of the worlds strictest coronavirus lockdowns was imposed in mid-March.

Though Spains appalling COVID-19 outbreak has shrouded the nation in mourning for more than 25,000 dead, there was much-needed relief on a sunny spring day as people at last headed back to the streets, hills and sea.

Surfer Sigrid Cervera, 44, yelled for joy as she jumped into the waves with her board in Gava, a town on the Mediterranean coast outside Barcelona. I have not been able to go surfing for ages so I am very excited, she said.

Joggers ruled the streets early on, before it was the elderly and then childrens turn all under orders to stay two metres apart under continued social distancing guidelines.

We can breathe, exulted one elderly resident of Madrid, Maria Jesus, enjoying a walk in the city centre.

At home, all you can do is open a window, and you open them every day, but it is not the same as being outdoors.

One of the worst-hit nations, Spains death toll climbed by 164 in the previous 24 hours to 25,264, while cases reached 217,466, according to latest health ministry data on Sunday.

But the declining pace of deaths and infections has led Spain to start unwinding its stay-at-home order, with children allowed out under supervision from last weekend, and adults given permission to exercise outdoors from Saturday.

WIFE HIDDEN IN CAR BOOT

Walks and sports are allowed from 6-10 a.m. and 8-11 p.m., while children have the afternoons, and the elderly are given late morning and early evening windows.

This is a great relief to me to get out and run again, said musician Jordi Jornet, 45, who went jogging along the shore in Gava on Sunday after a run in the mountains the previous evening.

Not all were following the rules though: in Logroo, northwestern Spain, police stopped a car driven by a man whose wife was hiding under a blanket in the boot, according to the Interior Ministry. He had said he was taking tools to an allotment.

To prevent overcrowding, Barcelonas city council barred entry to its urban beaches, so thousands converged instead on the beachfront boardwalk.

In the capital Madrid, where parks and other large public spaces remain closed, runners and walkers shared narrow pavements and walkways.

Government spokeswoman Maria Jesus Montero described the populations behaviour as exemplary.

But newspaper ABC said Madrid police broke up 29 groups of teenagers drinking on Saturday night, and Cadena Ser radio cited police sources as saying a record number of arrests were made for breaking confinement rules on Sunday.

Police did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The relaxation of exercise restrictions is one of the first steps in a four-phase plan to reopen Spain by the end of June.

From Monday, businesses that operate by appointment, such as hairdressers and beauty salons, will resume limited services.

In the next stage, outdoor areas of bars and restaurants can open at 50% occupancy, while groups of up to 10 people will be allowed in public places and in homes.

(Reporting by Graham Keeley in Gava; Nathan Allen, Julien Hennequin and Michael Gore in Madrid; Writing by Nathan Allen; Editing by David Goodman, Elaine Hardcastle and Andrew Cawthorne)

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Surfing and strolling, Spaniards reclaim the outdoors - Metro US