Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Kara Mann, an interior designer with offices in New York and Chicago, describes herself as a punk-rock classicist. Two years ago, she launched a furniture collection with Baker/Milling Road, and recently completed the renovation of Chicagos Talbott Hotel. Shes also currently working on two properties in Californiaa single-family home in Napa and one in Palm Springs, as well as a traditional estate on the lake in Winnetka, a suburb of Chicago.

Ms. Mann has also recently been named interior designer and interior architect for 1000M, an upcoming 350-unit skyscraper coming to Chicago.

She started her career first as a fine artist and then as a fashion and interiors stylist, opening her interiors firm in Chicago in 2005 at the request of several clients.

More:Beautiful Homes Pop Up in Some of the Most Unexpected Places, Says Daniel Libeskind

We caught up with Ms. Mann to discuss her happy real estate accident, her go-to advice for others looking for their dream homes and much more.

Mansion Global: Describe your dream property.

Kara Mann: It would definitely be a beautiful, old historic house with great proportions and great views. Thered be integrity to start and then I could maybe make modifications if needed. Im kind of a nomad so I could live many places. I cant narrow it down to one dream spot.

MG: Do you have a real estate property that got away?

KM: I walked away from a deal in Chicago on closing, because there was a problem with the seller. But I took a walk and happened upon a place thats been my home now for 10 years. Im happy that one got away.

More:Miami-Based Architect Is Not Afraid to Build on Stilts

MG: What does luxury mean to you?

KM: For me, its not necessarily about a palatial house, but a home thats built with interest, integrity, restraint and a strong sense of design. Something with soul. It has to have the necessities of life in a well edited way and a beautiful way.

MG: Where are the best luxury homes in the world and why?

KM: Anywhere thats connected to a really vibrant city, and people will always want to live there. Or reversely, somewhere thats completely remote with access to great amenities. Those are two extremes that fit the bill.

MG: Whats your favorite part of your home?

KM: I love my apartment. Its unique architecturally. Its in a 1920s building, and was like a jewel box. There was so much architectural integrity when I bought it, and then I made minor changes that were thoughtful. Its very unique, and almost feels castle-like.

More:Architect Helmut Jahn on the Need for Innovation and Boldness

MG: What best describes the theme to your home and why?

KM: Simple elegance. Its not over designed. I like a simplicity of life and thats how I live.

MG: Whats the most valuable thing in your home?

KM: Ive started a great art collectiona chair by Rick Owens; a collection of rugs. And I cant forget my clothes, of course. But honestly, the most valuable things are the moments I have there with my family and friends. Everything else are just objects.

MG: Whats the most valuable amenity to have in a home right now?

KM: An amazing location or a really killer view. Thats the first step to get you into a space.

More:Click to Read More Luxury Real Estate Professionals Share Their Insights

MG: Whats your best piece of real estate advice?

KM: Follow your gut. Environments evoke emotions. Listen to what your gut is telling you. When you walk into a space and you just know it, tune into that. Its always worth a stretch, even.

MG: If you had a choice of living in a new development or a prime resale property, which would you choose and why?

KM: Im a sucker for old and historic spaces, so thats what I would tend to gravitate toward. But you need to be willing to make changes. You need both time and money for that.

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Chicago-Based Interior Designer Says Nothing Beats a 'Killer View' - Mansion Global

Local residents may have noticed some construction taking place on the campus of MacMurray College.

The City of Jacksonville, with help from Hutchison Engineering, is finalizing a streets and sidewalks project on South Clay between College and State using motor fuel tax funds.

Vice President of Hutchison Engineering Jim Burke serves as the Project Manager for the citys Transportation and Municipal Services Department. Burke explains the type of work being done at the location.

The proposed project includes the removal and re-installation of existing curb and gutter. The curb that was there had dilapidated to a point that it wasnt serviceable anymore, so were removing it and installing new curb and gutter. Behind that curb and gutter, we will be replacing handicap ramps and some sidewalk. At the completion of that work, then there will be milling and overlaying South Clay Avenue from College to State Street, says Burke.

He says that the work currently being done near MacMurrays campus will wrap up the South Clay project.

This is actually the final piece of the Clay Avenue project to connect Morton up to State Street. A number of years ago, we did the section of Clay Avenue from Morton up to College, and this small section was remaining. So this project finalizes that out and improves some safety concerns for MacMurray with students crossing Clay Avenue mid-block, and upgrading the facility for better parking, better road quality, Burke explains.

As for a timetable for the project, Burke says it work will continue for the next few weeks, but that its scheduled for completion before MacMurray kicks off the 2017-18 school year in mid-August.

Continued here:
City putting finishing touches on South Clay project - WLDS-WEAI News

The front of the Way Station in Greenville provides an example of the need for rehabilitation, with unsafe and uneven sidewalks and lack of proper wheelchair access. Photo by Maggie Wells

Downtown Greenville is in it for the long haul. The Highway 89 Rehabilitation Project is in full swing and the projected completion date has moved from July to fall.

For some in the downtown area, the construction is seen as a spur-of-the-moment intrusion on what has always been. Theres been plenty of talk at neighborhood hangouts of, If it aint broke, dont fix it. But for those following along at home, the project is not a Johnny-come-lately attempt to have pretty sidewalks and streetscaping, but a decades old process with plenty of opportunity for public input.

Three weeks ago, an independent contractor was called in to assess the corner of Main Street and Hwy 89. There was concern that water tanks and other large vehicles would not be able to make a left turn toward the county barn and that logging trucks would not be able to maneuver turns onto North Valley Road. Proponents of the current Rehabilitation project pointed out that loaded logging trucks dont normally make turns onto North Valley Road as they are headed instead to the mill.

But the plan, with the backing of a former resident with influence, has now changed the design on the corner of Main and Hwy 89 to accommodate such use. The plan revision will extend construction into the fall. Opponents of the project had hoped an independent assessment would halt construction. Some have also voiced concern that the public was not consulted in the process.

The plan for the Highway 89 Rehabilitation Project is a few hundred pages and addresses the failing infrastructure of over a hundred years of changing building codes, uneven sidewalks, disintegrating pipes and culverts, and poor drainage.

The plan for the project has changed over time, taking into consideration public comments combined with available funding. In 2010, for example then Feather Publishing staff writer Alicia Knadler reported that the project would sport native accent trees along the continuous sidewalks and plenty of bike lanes and parking with a left-turn lane by the high school. She reported on an open community forum night hosted by Caltrans that week in 2010.

In a Caltrans document from July 2010, titled Greenville Drainage and Streetscape Project, the purpose of the project was spelled out and made available to the public.

Some of the existing problems addressed in that report included drainage facilities that failed to capture runoff and convey it to its natural drainage and that many areas lack curb and gutter installation. Problems that have not gotten any better in the seven years since the document was compiled. The floods of spring 2017 speak to the need for drainage improvements.

Driving issues were a concern in the 2010 document including intersections with limited sight distance and vehicles, including logging trucks, speeding through downtown.

The lack of two-way turn lane limits traffic operations and increases delays along the route was also a concern spelled out in that report, especially in front of the high school.

Finally, it was acknowledged then that none of downtown was ADA compliant and provided minimum mobility for the elderly and wheelchair bound.

The final plan as executed in 2017 seems to be a combination of the three design options listed in the July 2010 document. The roads have had seven years to deteriorate further.

A Regional Transportation Plan dated January 2010 describes the collaboration between the county, its transportation commission, Caltrans, the board of supervisors, the streetscape committee and public comments in addressing factors and concerns of the public and businesses in downtown Greenville.

But the plan didnt start in 2010. In 2008, a Department of Public Works schedule indicated that ADA consultants would be called in to address the lack of accessibility of much of downtown to wheelchair access.

Also, a side note in the schedule addresses the lack of knowledge anyone at the time had as to the extent of sewer repairs that might be in order.

The Streetscape Committee in a final report in 2008 titled Greenville Streetscape and Revitalization Plan makes its recommendations in a document prepared by Integrated Infrastructures. While much of the document addresses beautification (planters, better lighting), the bulk of the recommendations are pragmatic and an obvious attempt to make the streets safer for pedestrians, children and the elderly.

Cars stack up by the high school and slow down the highway. Kids need to cross the highway safely. Weve watched elderly women crossing from Hot Springs Road with shopping carts and fast cars whizzing by, said one streetscape committee member.

We need better visibility. Safe sidewalks that all people can use. This will encourage movement, said another.

In October 2001, there was a public workshop where area residents came to give input to Caltrans as to what theyd like to see in downtown Greenville.

In July 2000, a Plumas County Regional Transportation Plan documented the need to fix downtown Greenville as well as other areas of the county and draws up potential costs for each aspect of the project.

For some involved in the project, they remember meetings and public comment since before the 2000s. Each time people have met over the issue the same concerns arise: safety of pedestrians, accessibility for the elderly and disabled, steadier flow of traffic. As time goes by, the drainage and unevenness of the streets have become even bigger issues.

The project, according to all documents of public record, was a long time coming.

The rest is here:
Highway rehabilitation project has been decades in the making - Plumas County Newspapers

The city of Onalaska has on its radar a potential street improvement project at the Holiday Heights neighborhood, east of Hwy. 16 and south of Valley View Mall.

The Board of Public Works Thursday night discussed the potential project, which would widen over a mile of city street and provide curb and gutter to areas with recurrent drainage issues, including East and West Young drives.

The pavement in that neighborhood ranges from 24-26 feet wide, and a typical street, per city code, is supposed to be 37 feet wide. On top of drainage issues, this is causing tight squeezes between cars when both sides are parked on, according to City Engineer Jarrod Holter.

But before anything moves forward with the project, the board decided it best to set up a public meeting to allow the folks living in the neighborhood to ask questions or express any concerns they might have.

We dont want to jam anything down anybodys throat, Onalaska Mayor Joe Chilsen said.

Holter said that he thought people could be hesitant of the project, but added: From a staff standpoint, I think curb and gutter would really help this neighborhood ... It would help us clean it up and it would help with the drainage of the streets.

The date and time of the public meeting with the neighborhood werent nailed down Thursday night.

The project could cost as much as $1.4 million, and was outlined in the citys 2017 Capital Improvements budget.

Four flashing crossing beacons are going to be installed on Sand Lake Road at the cross streets of Quincy and Well.

The 10-foot-high posts will allow pedestrians to notify drivers that they want to cross the street by pushing a button that flashes a crosswalk sign. The city of Onalaska installed them on East Main Street three years ago and city officials say the structures work well and are holding up nicely.

With traffic picking up on Sand Lake Road, and expected to increase with current and future development, public concern brought this item onto the June 29 Board of Public Works agenda.

All four crossing beacons (two at each intersection), will cost $22,000 with installation.

State law requires drivers stop for any pedestrian at a crosswalk, flashing beacons or not.

The city of Onalaska doesnt seem to have a problem paying a little bit more per-capita for a household hazardous materials program run by La Crosse County.

The county-run program has been operating since 2004, but because of growth, La Crosse County asked all 18 of its municipalities for a little help bringing the program out of a deficit, which its been operating at for three years.

The quarter per-capita increase will cost the city of Onalaska an additional $913 a year, which the city of Onalaskas finance director Fred Buehler said shouldnt be a problem for the city to cover.

Smaller municipalities in the area appeared hesitant of the fee-increase when the county proposed it a few months ago.

See original here:
Onalaska's Holiday Heights could see $1.4 million street project - La Crosse Tribune

My family (my wife, me and three grown sons) bought our cabin, two hours north of the Twin Cities off Hwy. 169, in 2000. The lake cabin was a combination of a new three-car garage with a spacious unfinished loft above and a tumbling down 1950s, two-bedroom/one bath example of a rustic Americana lakeshore retreat.

We turned the garage loft into a very comfortable getaway for us, with the boys and their friends sharing the old cabin.

Years went by, and our family expanded with three wonderful daughters-in-law and a bunch of beautiful, bright grandchildren. The dwellings were bursting at the seams. Something had to be done. We looked for a year for a suitable existing cabin on our beloved hard-bottom, clear lake. With four families now involved, we could not all agree that any of the properties we looked at were better than what we already had.

The rest is here:
Cabin project has taken considerable work, but jack hammer days are forgotten - Minneapolis Star Tribune

Given all the attention the MoPac Boulevard toll lanes are getting, perhaps some of you think its the only transportation game in town right now.

Not true. Not at all.

Construction is actually moving along on schedule (at least for now) on a number of huge and meaningful projects. With that in mind, heres a midsummer look at the status of those projects. And, what the heck, MoPac, too.

RELATED: With wit and taunts, @EvilMopacATX taps Austin commuters pain

183 South. Thats what the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority calls this $743 million addition of six toll lanes and at least four frontage lanes, although it really involves what most of us would think of as the eastern leg of U.S. 183. Anyway, construction is about 20 percent complete, the mobility authority says, with overpass construction, creek bridges, miscellaneous earth-moving and new Colorado River bridge columns evident throughout the eight miles of the project from Springdale Road to Texas 71 near the airport.

The mobility authority, which seemingly learned from its unfortunate MoPac express lane experience and chose not to take the lowest bid on this project, says that the first phase (from Springdale to south of Technicenter Drive) is on track to finish by fall 2019. The south section, from Technicenter to Texas 71, should be open by fall 2020. Both dates are far away, and thus subject to change, of course.

Texas 45 Southwest. After decades of environmental resistance and court fights, including a last-minute flurry of pleas to U.S. District Judge Lee Yeakel and an appellate court last fall, clearing for the $76 million construction project began in November near FM 1626. Work has moved quickly since then on what will be a 3.6-mile, four-lane tollway connecting FM 1626 near Bliss Spillar Road to South MoPacs south end.

RELATED: Federal judge clears the path for Texas 45 Southwest construction

Go to either of those spots and the work is obvious. But based on reports and photos from the mobility authority, the most progress has occurred in the middle of the construction at Bear Creek. Both vertical columns and horizontal bridge supports are already in place there. The mobility authority says the project is 24 percent done, and should be complete by late 2019.

The lawsuit to prevent the construction or, now, operation of the completed toll road remains pending after a March 22 trial. Yeakel has not yet issued a ruling.

Expanding MetroRail. The capacity of the 32-mile commuter line from downtown Austin to Leander has been limited since its March 2010 opening by a paucity of rail cars, insufficient passing sidings on what is primarily a single-track rail line and a temporary, cramped downtown station. Although many of the north and south runs of the trains have few passengers, the morning and afternoon rush hour runs limited to 30-minute frequency by equipment and track design are usually standing-room-only.

THE BACK STORY: MetroRail poised for a makeover

Capital Metro, using state and federal grants and some of its own tax dollars, is working on essentially doubling the rush-hour capacity to have trains leave every 15 minutes. The agency had four more cars built by its Swiss manufacturer and those cars have been undergoing testing for several months. Capital Metro expects to have them carrying passengers by early next year.

The addition of siding track near the Crestview, Howard Lane and Lakeline stations should begin this fall, the agency says, and take a year to complete.

As for the station expansion downtown, thats murkier. Capital Metro and the city of Austin, after an attenuated negotiation, signed an agreement in June for that project, which will cause the city to make some street changes near the station at East Fourth and Trinity streets. And the station design is not yet at the 60 percent level, the agency says. So, no forecast yet about when the station will be done, and thus when the fully expanded service would be in place.

More and more ABIA. With passenger traffic at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport breaking records year after year, airport officials have been in expansion mode more or less full-time for years. Just in the past year or so, the East Infill project to add security gates and other improvements, a renovated South Terminal for smaller airlines, a second hotel on the airport grounds, an added parking garage/rental car facility and a new privately operated surface lot near Texas 71 (with a dog kennel, no less) have opened.

RELATED: What to expect from the Austin airport expansion

But the $350 million expansion of the main terminals east end and the apron area for airplanes is the centerpiece of all this activity. That addition of nine gates bringing the 18-year-old airport to 33 and the expanded apron should be done by summer 2019, airport officials say.

Meanwhile, yet another parking garage is under construction just north of the original garages west end and should be done by winter 2018. And a retail center, with a convenience store, gasoline pumps and other stores, should open by December.

The added gates would bring the airports capacity to about 15 million passengers arriving or departing a day, and just in time. Passenger traffic through the first five months of the year was up 8.5 percent over the record 12.4 million for 2016. At that pace, the airport would be seeing 15 million boardings and deboardings by 2019.

South I-35. A project to replace the Slaughter Creek overpass on Interstate 35 should be done in a few weeks, TxDOT says. Major expansion projects, including bridge replacements, lane additions and ramp changes, are also underway at two other spots: the William Cannon Drive and Stassney Lane stretch, and near Oltorf Street. The $79 million Cannon/Stassney project is 34 percent complete and the $42.6 million Oltorf job is 14 percent done, TxDOT says.

Neither will be done before the end of 2019 or early 2020, the department says.

And, oh yes, MoPac. You may have noticed final paving occurring in sections between Far West Lane and RM 2222, and that the underpasses south of Enfield Road increasingly look more or less done. The agency still says the rest of northbound toll lane (the northern section came on line last October) should be open for business by mid-September, with the southbound lane following a couple of weeks later. So, real hope.

Someday, these four years of MoPac construction will be a funny story you tell your grand kids. Probably.

See the rest here:
Austin construction update: Planes, trains and automobiles - MyStatesman.com

North Dakota's multimillionaire Republican Gov. Doug Burgum has tapped a personal friend and professional fundraiser from Chicago to help get donations for the state's new governor's mansion, even though a committee says it needs no help.

North Dakota's multimillionaire Republican Gov. Doug Burgum has tapped a personal friend and professional fundraiser from Chicago to help get donations for the state's new governor's mansion, even though a committee says it needs no help.

But while Burgum might be instrumental in helping the project reach its financial goal, some worry his involvement also creates the potential for donors who might think they'll get something in return.

Burgum spokesman Mike Nowatzki said the governor asked Pam Kinsey of PKL Consulting to volunteer to help raise the money, fearing private donations necessary to finish the project may not be met.

"The governor essentially is trying to save taxpayers from footing the bill for the balance," Nowatzki said.

Kinsey worked on Burgum's successful campaign and the governor's inauguration, where $215,000 was raised mostly from oil-related and energy companies, and where two oil company officials got to sit next to the new governor at a dinner for $25,000 each.

Kinsey called Burgum a close personal friend.

"I support anything he wants to do for the state," she said. "There is nothing in it personally for me."

Kinsey said she wants to work with the committee, not apart from it. She said she had not made any calls seeking donations yet.

"I'm just trying to be value-added to what they are doing," she said.

The Legislature two years ago approved construction of a new $5 million governor's home, stipulating that $1 million be private donations. Construction on the 13,500-square-foot home began last September, with completion scheduled by this Thanksgiving. The Legislature did not set a deadline on when the balance must be achieved, Capitol Facilities Manager John Boyle said. Jim Poolman, a former GOP legislator and state insurance commissioner and Bismarck businessman, and Rep. Pamela Anderson, a retired banker from Fargo, have headed a group to raise private money. Poolman said the group has raised more than $650,000, and he's confident the balance would be raised by the time the new mansion is complete without Kinsey's help.

"I'm proud of our committee's work and I'm proud of the non-political way we are going about our business," Poolman said. The group raised $10,000 in the past week from one corporate donor, Poolman said. Donations include $10,000 each from former governors John Hoeven and Jack Dalrymple, and from Burgum. He is the ninth chief executive to reside in the current 57-year-old dwelling that officials say has security issues, is not accessible for people with disabilities and likely contains lead paint, mold and asbestos.

GOP Sen. Rich Wardner, the Senate majority leader, called it bad optics for the governor to ask someone from outside North Dakota to help raise money for what is often referred to as "the people's house."

"With an outfit outside of the state, you just wonder if there are strings attached?" Wardner said.

Lawmakers defeated measures to build a new mansion in two successive legislative sessions before finally agreeing. The requirement that part of the money come from private sources was seen as a way to gauge public interest.

Rep. Tracy Boe, a Democrat from Mylo, was among the most outspoken critics of using private donations to build the home. He said it takes dollars from other charities and "gives the illusion the governor's mansion is for sale."

Anderson, the Democratic lawmaker who serves on the fundraising committee, said she doesn't mind Kinsey's help.

"If she's willing to do some help, I don't think that's a bad thing," Anderson said. "I'm proud of what we've accomplished so far." Burgum, who was elected in November, earlier tried to pay himself for additions such as a heated garage floor. Lawmakers criticized the move, saying the new governor doesn't get to change anything just because he's willing to pay for it.

House Majority Leader Al Carlson said he doesn't feel strongly about Kinsey's involvement. He said she would likely provide some fundraising horsepower because big donors associate her with the governor.

"It's really hard for people to say no when governor asks for something," Carlson said. "That's the way politics works. If he hits the goal, I'm OK with that."

Continue reading here:
North Dakota Gov. Burgum asks friend to help fundraise for new governor's mansion - Crookston Daily Times

The Asheville Museum of Science (AMOS) has camps and exhibits for children of all ages, including adults. One of the newest additions, a STEM lab, encourages kids to get hands-on with some exciting experiments. (Photo credit: WLOS Staff)

Summer fun for the kids just got a little more out of this world.

The Asheville Museum of Science (AMOS) has new camps and exhibits for children of all ages to enjoy -- including adults.

One of the newest additions, a STEM lab, encourages kids to get hands-on with some exciting experiments.

"My favorite exhibit is the Southern Appalachian Forest exhibit. That's what I'm really excited for," Cory Van Auken said.

AMOS has settled into its new location that first opened in 2016. Admission is $6 for adults and $5.25 for kids.

The museum will also host a festival celebrating the solar eclipse on August 21.

View original post here:
New Asheville Museum of Science camps, exhibits offer something for everyone - WLOS

Josh Kmak's new(ish) Creepseed project lands on San Diego's best rock/pop releases of 2017...so far.

Since we're halfway through the year, what better time than now to take a look back at the great rock/pop releases San Diego's music community has pumped out in 2017 thus far? While there seems to be a scarcity of actual full-length albums coming out 'round these parts these days, here are some good additions to your playlists.

Creepseed, "The Loneliest Man You'll Ever See" EP (released May 16): The solo project of former Shady Francos frontman Josh Kmak offers up more of the glam-fueled garage-rock he delivered on last year's "The Undertone" album -- oh, and enlisting the Schizophonics as his rhythm section for live shows is just what the creepy doctor ordered. See 'em in action at the Belly Up on Aug. 9. [Listen/download it for free]

Hideout, "So Many Hoops/So Little Time" (released via Small Plates Records on Feb. 3): Not gonna lie, Hideout's 2014 "Rookie" was my favorite San Diego album of that year. With their second record, the group's mastermind, Gabe Rodriguez, has yet again crafted a dense, mesmerizing record of folk, psychedelia, art-pop and good ol' fashioned rock & roll that has remained in constant rotation on my turntable. [Watch the video for "I Got Your Message" andlisten/buy the LP]

Low Points, "Feels" EP (released via Bleeding Gold Records on March 3): Helmed by frontman/songwriter Kevin Vega, Low Points' debut EP might be San Diego's go-to summer tunes of 2017 -- based on the springy, sloppy, garage-surf/rock gem "Life Goes On" [watch the video] alone. Luckily for us, the other three tracks on "Feels" are equally unstoppable, mightily infectious, and next-level fun. [Listen/buy it]

The Schizophonics, "Ooga Booga" EP (released via Pig Baby Records on March 28): OK, so we all know these kids got some serious onstage theatrics -- but their studio recordings are criminally underloved (albeit too few and far between if we're keeping it real). But that's where "Ooga Booga" comes in: Now you can enjoy the band's somersault/splits energy without getting pelted in the head by a wayward instrument. Word on the street is they're releasing a new 45 at the Casbah on July 14. Be there. [Listen/buy the EP]

Sights and Sages, "doubleplus" (released June 30): To be honest, I'm still digging into this one. These seven tracks are a rather dense collection of experimental indie-rock in the vein of Alt-J, Radiohead and, dare I say, Pinback. It's no surprise they were tapped to open Switchfoot's latest Bro-Am festival, and with one listen to the smoldering leadoff single "Aghori" [watch the video], you'll understand why. See 'em at the Casbah on July 29. [Listen to the record]

Elise Trouw, "Unraveling" (released May 7): Trouw, who just turned 18 the day this album (her first) dropped, already sounds like a seasoned industry veteran. On "Unraveling" [watch the video for the title track], she wrote, played and recorded the entire thing herself -- and the resulting 10 songs already display a mastery of precision rhythms and complex melodies that'd be impressive by musicians even 10 years her senior. San Diego's next big thing? Hey, she's got the numbers to back it up. [Buy the LP]

The Thens, "Lessons in Being Late" (released via Postmark Records on April 14): When Max Greenhalgh's not busy workin' the Inspired and the Sleep machine, he moonlights in this indie-pop/rock bass/drum duo with his buddy Ryan Mack. Turns out the dude can't write a bad tune, no matter who he's playing with. See them at SOMA on July 8. [Listen/buy the LP]

Trouble in the Wind, "Pineapple Moon" EP (released July 4): Squeezed in right before I finished writing this up, these North County lads dropped this surprise five-song EP of Americana/pop/rock ear candy on Fourth of July -- right in time for it to hit my BBQ playlist. Let's just say it made more than a fine addition. See them at 91x's BeerX festival on Aug. 12 at Waterfront Park. [Listen/download the EP for free]

Dustin Lothspeichbooks The Merrow,plays in Diamond Lakes,and runs the music equipment-worshipping blog Gear and Loathing in San Diego. Follow his updates on Twitter or contact him directly.

Published at 2:03 PM PDT on Jul 7, 2017

Original post:
8 of SD's Best Pop/Rock Albums of 2017 (So Far) - NBC 7 San Diego (blog)

JRD Windshield Repair owner Jeremy Driscoll decided to step up by offering free car window replacement and installation to anyone who breaks a vehicles window to save a dog or other animal.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, the temperature inside a vehicle can increase by 20 degrees in 10 minutes. As the Texas summer gets hotter, people and animals are more at risk of heat exhaustion.

The state Good Samaritan law protects anyone who smashes a car window to save a child, but Texas does not protect those smashing windows to save animals.

Driscoll first decided to offer the service in 2015 after Tennessee passed House Bill 537 that amended the state immunity law for damaging vehicles to includethose incurring damages while rescuing animals. A post on the company Facebook page described the out-of-state law and made the free offer to replace windows broken to save dogs.

The offer was posted again in June, asking followers to call JRD Windshield Repair with the make, model and year of the vehicle being damaged, and the companys staff would get the new window ready.

JRD is located at2105 S. Congress Ave., Bldg. 2, Austin, and is open Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

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Break the car window, save the dog in distress and this Austin-based windshield repair company will pay for it - Community Impact Newspaper