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A man who wreaked havoc on two households two years ago this month now heads to prison. Joshua Jermaine Plumber pleaded guilty to two charges rather than stand trial. There were about ten charges against him but he pleaded guilty tohome invasion and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; The charges stem from an attack on his former girlfriend in the presence of her two small children.

"He arrived shortly before the police did. He actually did fire several shots in the neighborhood and there were several witnesses who heard those gunshots. He kicked in the door to her apartment, charged in and found her hiding in a closet with her two young children. And he used the handgun that he had to beat her with it. She calls it being pistol whipped and she did suffer very serious injuries as a result of the beating she took," said prosecutor Tara Hawkins.

Other charges stemmed from Plumber's allegedly running from police and hiding out at a second house nearby.

"He ended up having about a four and a half hour standoff with law enforcement officers, Lake Charles Police Department," said Plumber.

Most of those charges have now been dismissed. Still, Hawkins says avoiding the ordeal of a trial is easier on the victim and witnesses.

"This was a relationship gone bad.The battered victim sometimes hesitates on coming forward, they have feelings of guilt or just concerns about coming forward and testifying against a former love interest," said Hawkins.

Judge Mike Canaday sentenced Plumber to twenty years in prison. Hawkins says such cases often escalates to severe injury or death. She encourages victims to report domestic violence.

"I do believe the offices is very concerned about the escalation in violence. So, we are certainly focused on pursuing those charges even with a victim makes it difficult for us to do so," said Hawkins.

Plumber has spent two years in jail so he's likely eligible for parole in about fifteen years.

Plumber is 27 years old so he'll likely be around 42 when he gets out of prison.

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Plumber pleads guilty to home invasion & weapons charge

LOS ANGELES (KABC) --

"That's the main thing that people probably don't believe. It did not cost me anything," said Cordero.

Because California is in the midst of a water crisis, local water agencies are offering homeowners rebates up to $3 a square foot for removing water guzzling turf and replacing it with plants and mulch that use much less of our precious resource.

A new company called Turf Terminators will take those rebates in exchange for a new drought-tolerant yard.

"We've done a lot of planning. We've streamlined our operations, and we've actually come to a point where we can offer these services for a cost that is lower than the value of the rebates that we get. Therefore, we don't have to charge the end user and the customer any money," said Andrew Farrell with Turf Terminators.

After an initial consultation with the homeowner to choose plants and a variety of mulch, Turf Terminators will file for the rebate and handle the rest of the labor.

Another great feature of this type of landscaping is all of the irrigation is underground. With traditional sprinklers, there's a lot of evaporation in hot and windy conditions, which costs you money.

"A study of the city of Santa Monica and Santa Monica colleges says that for a 2,000-square-foot yard that's green and lush and has proper upkeep, switching that with drought-tolerant landscape...can save up to $2,200 in a given year," said Farrell.

However, if your yard is just dirt and weeds and not green-growing grass, you're probably not eligible for the rebate.

For now, Turf Terminators is only working with Los Angeles Department of Water and Power customers. But it plans to expand all over Southern California.

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Drought-tolerant yards can be free with rebate

Like dandelion sprouts carried by the twisting, battling winds to every corner of the yard, many of last Mays high school graduates are beginning to scatter throughout the college landscape, to military service or other opportunities.

There is a new horizon in each of their lives lives which never again will be able to return to carefree childhood years.

Among this group are many athletes who I got to know either personally or through article coverage during the past many years.

For these departing seniors, this is a time of great excitement and great sadness the latter being felt especially by the parents or guardians. There are pills for headaches, diarrhea, toenail fungus and many other ailments but theyve never discovered a quick cure for separation heartbreak or homesickness.

Time and gratitude for all those past years and memories are the best remedies.

As Ive reflected on the departure of so many of yesterdays high school athletes and hard-working students and overall good kids, Ive thought back to some of the lessons Ive observed during the years.

First, when someone nears the end of life, I doubt theyre going to regret not having gone to more meetings or having missed a Saturday round of golf, or be thinking of the game-winning shot they hit during a pick-up basketball or the perfect grade they received in calculus.

Not that those things arent important in their own sphere.

But, history tells us many people who are on their death bed have their last thoughts on their families, the way they treated other people and their faith.

With that in mind, I think its a good idea to:

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New horizon for each departing senior

Landscape and signage plans for the revitalized Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital campus were accepted by the Plan Commission and forwarded to the Lake Forest City Council for its consideration, possibly as early as Sept. 2.

Landscape berms buffering residential areas surrounded the campus will be one of the first initiatives we advance, Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital President Thomas McAfee said at the commission meeting on July 31. We want to get vegetative growth over the next three years.

Mass excavation on campus for the new hospital is expected to begin in October, McAfee said, noting that the project is on track for the first patients arrival in the fall of 2017.

There was a lot of focus on the perimeter areas to look at ways to increase the heights of the berms, to fill in gaps of plantings that currently exist and replace some vegetation that, perhaps, did not thrive, Director of Community Development Cathy Czerniak said.

Landscaping on the campus will be split into different zones with an open prairie on the west bordering Waukegan Road, which landscape architect Tom Oslund described as a more native or savanna-like landscape, gradually changing to more formal design near the new hospital building.

The parking lot will include planted bioswales and alternating pervious pavers to pick up water and feed those bioswales and a wet meadow that will serve as a stormwater channel, according to Oslund.

Other landscaping highlights include an open lawn lined by trees at the entrance, to be called The Common, which will lead to the new hospitals main entrance. The Common will be about one and a half times the size of Market Square, Oslund said.

The promenade on the south side of a reflecting pool with a waterfall feature will be lined by a tree alley and shrubs. The reflecting pool itself will be rimmed by a very intensive edge planted with sedges and other aquatic plants, Oslund said.

Overall, plant material will be native-heavy, with such native species as black-eyed Susan, prairie blazing star, riverbank wild rye, purple coneflower, Indian grass, marsh phlox and sweet flag.

Tree species will include maple, hawthorn, oak, redbud, birch, serviceberry, hackberry, hickory and Eastern red cedar.

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Lake Forest Hospital landscape, signage plans forwarded to City Council

Atlanta, GA (PRWEB) August 05, 2014

Convenient. Chic. Comfortable. Cool. From apps and lights to sun shelves and umbrella sleeves, this summers swimming pool trends run the gamut. Whether youre looking to spruce up your existing pool or contemplating installing a brand new one to enhance your outdoor space, here are five tips from pool designer Aaron Blubaugh to consider while you plan.

Remote Control Automation is a huge trend in swimming pools. Nearly all new pools use some kind of electronic component and apps have been created to control almost every aspect of the pool: lights, lap currents, water features, even water temperature. With automation, youre in charge and in a way that is unimaginably convenient. Turn on the waterfall without leaving the comfort of your chair around the fire pit. Had a long day? Start your spa heater as you leave work so its the perfect temperature when you get home.

Pools arent just for parties and the weekend; theyre for Monday through Friday as well, said Blubaugh, owner of Lifescape Designs in southern California. The best way I wind down after work is relaxing in my spa. Having the ability to watch our favorite TV show from the pool and spa is something that our whole family enjoys. Creating a gorgeous backyard escape makes the outdoors part of the quality time I get to spend with them.

Its easier than ever to care for pools, too, he said. Whether youre at the office or out of town on vacation, you can manage your pool, features and energy usage from wherever you are.

Save Energy and Look Good Doing It Variable speed pumps help conserve energy in the pool area; the pump runs at a low RPM during the filter cycle throughout the day, and it revs up to the desired RPM while youre using the pool features. Blubaugh, who has been in the outdoor living and pool design industries for 20 years in Florida and California, says the timers that were new technology just a few years ago are now antiquated by comparison.

Pool lighting is changing, too, in options and efficiencies. While most new pools have a color wheel, energy-saving LED lights have started to become more prevalent. With 14 color modes, these lights offer more color variety. Additionally, nicheless LEDs are low voltage, add lighting to shallow water in past years, only deep water received lighting accents and are suited to feature areas in new and remodeled pools. Offering lighting accents to water features, bench areas, and sun shelves that were not available before.

Diving Boards Go Off the Deep End With an overall decline in diving boards, swimming pools have become more aesthetically pleasing. In place of the diving board, oversized natural boulders and faux rocks serve as a jumping platform for kids, yet assure the pool still melts into the landscape, which is a wish list item for people installing new pools today.

Length and Landscape Blubaugh says some of his customers want to convert their outdated rectangular pools to freeform or lagoon shape, and still others seek new, rustic rectangular pools that work with the ebb and flow of the backyard. Its all a personal preference, he said.

One commonality in pool landscape design is making sure the pool deck choice marries style with performance.

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Soak Up the Summer Sun with These Hot Pool Trends

WATERLOO | The massive Cedar Valley SportsPlex transformed Waterloo's downtown skyline and enhance economic development options when it opened in January this year.

The $27.5 million, 140,000-square-foot facility covering nearly two city blocks next to U.S. Highway 218 was developed through a partnership of private business leaders and the city who were challenged by major employers to invigorate the downtown and create a quality of life to attract skilled workers.

The building includes basketball courts, fitness and weight equipment, a field house with artificial turf for soccer, football and baseball, a jogging track, swimming pool, golf simulator, children's play area, child care center, multipurpose rooms and offices.

The nonprofit Waterloo Development Corp. spearheaded private fundraising efforts for the project after voters in 2002 rejected a sales tax referendum to build the facility.

Major donations included $8 million in funds from the Black Hawk County Gaming Association, $4 million from the McElroy Trust, $3 million from the John Deere Foundation and $2 million each from the Young Family Foundation and the estate of Carlton and Thelma Winter.

City leaders cleared the way for the development by spending about $3 million to buy and demolish buildings along the Jefferson Street construction site.

Waterloo Leisure Services is operating the SportsPlex, which boasted 1,150 members within six months of opening for business.

Designed by InVison Architecture and built by Cardinal Construction, the SportsPlex has blended with the RiverLoop Expo Plaza and Public Market, Phelps Youth Pavilion and RiverLoop Amphitheatre in an ever-changing downtown landscape.

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Cedar Valley 50: Cedar Valley SportsPlex alters downtown, economic landscape

The YMCA of the Rockies at Snow Mountain Ranch launches (literally!) an impressive new outside feature, and its already drawing the generations.

On Monday, July 27, 2014, The YMCA of the Rockies at Snow Mountain Ranch, in Granby, was host to quite a new celebrity in the outdoor family mecca of the United StatesColorados first summer tubing hill. Its almost alarming that we didnt have one of these before, as we are toted as the extreme, family fun headquarters in America. This has to be one of the most accessible, non-queasy, pure 20-second joys for children ages 2 100. Thats what makes this summer tubing hill so brilliantnot only is it bright white against the lush green backdropits the most fun risk I know moms, little children and even my own mother would take, I assume. My mother will be testing this out this fall! This was one of best adventures my children and I have had in some time. And, you know we are a well-traveled crew.

The official ribbon cutting was a one-two punch. We got Colorados newest thrill ride AND snapshots of the extraordinarily large scissors that were originally designed for the other side of Rocky Mountain National Park. These were the very same scissors that reopened Highway 36 after the historical floods in fall of 2013. This was heartwarming; the scissors might be a good luck charm with ushering in healthy, happy and safe Colorado journeys. I had to have a cut myself. After presentations from Kent Meyer, President/CEO of YMCA of the Rockies, Robyn Bartling, Landscape Architect with Design Concepts; Duane Sanderson, President, TDS Construction and Steve Goldmann, Chairman of the Board of Directors, YMCA of the Rockies.

It was time for the media and children to hit the slope. Never fearful was my 3-year-old, the youngest tuber of the day. I only wish I was as talented as the other mothers to capture her faces on video and instantaneously post. From sheer horror to overwhelming exuberance, we were up and down that tube hill 10 times in less than an hour! Hank the Tank, the more reserved of my children, was even more impressive. He had two YMCA staff members to accompany him and race down the hill over 15 times. He was the last one on the hill, Hank the Tank nearly missed lunch! But, not before we had some real tank women and men join us for the best surprise of the day. The Navy Seabees, as theyre called because of their initials CB for Construction Battalion, were working with the Department of Defenses Innovative Readiness Training on several projects at Snow Mountain Ranch and took a break as dirt devils swirled in their construction site a few hundreds yards away and hit the slope. Geared up, this was certainly a memorable moment not only for the core, but everyone present. Gosh, the YMCA really does make that magic of outdoor fun and multi-generational adventure affordable, accessible and most importantly, non-threatening. Whether you want to try it for the afternoon or book a longer stay at the YMCA of the Rockies, Snow Mountain Ranch in Granby, this is to-do for every family. And, stay tuned, as this is only the first phase of the 22-acre site of the Family Adventure Park at the resort. There is drive-up access to the tubing hill with a new 13,000-square-foot plaza housing a concession and equipment stand, restrooms, look out points and lots of picnic seating. Capital improvements funds paid for the tubing hill and the remainder of the project will be dependent upon donations and operational funds. For schedules, prices and more visit, http://snowmountainranch.org/activities/summer-tubing-hill/. A special thanks to them for hosting!

Snow Mountain Ranch Summer Tubing Hill from YMCA Rockies on Vimeo.

Summer Tubing Hill: The Stats

Snow Mountain Ranch guests can use this tubing hill free of charge! Members of YMCA of the Rockies or another YMCA (with proof of membership) can use the tubing hill for $15 per person and receive a complimentary day pass.

The prices for day visitors are as follows: 13 and older: $35 per person; 6-12 years old: $25 per person; 3-5 years old: $15 per person. A full-day activity pass is included in this price, and gives access to our mini golf course, tennis courts, indoor pool and sauna, hiking and biking trails, free family programs and much more.

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Comment on Colorados First Summer Tubing Hill Opens at Snow Mountain Ranch by Gretchen Yoder

GUA MUSANG, Aug 5 (Bernama) -- A mini command centre will be created early next month to combat increasingly rampant illegal opening of land in Cameron Highlands and its surrounding areas, said Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri G. Palanivel.

He said the aim of the centre was to map out strategies and gather information on illegal encroachment on land in the area.

He said the centre would involve representatives from numerous agencies such as the Department of Environment, Drainage and Irrigation Department, Forestry Department and the Cameron Highlands District and Land Office.

"Whatever information from the command centre would be reported to the ministry weekly after the post-Cabinet meeting," he told reporters after checking on an illegal land clearing site at Gunung Yong Belar, Lojing near here Tuesday.

Gunung Yong Belar, which is located eight kilometres from Kampung Raja, Cameron Highlands, can only be reached using four-wheel drive vehicles.

"Illegal opening of land is becoming a very serious issue here, it must be stopped immediately but action must be taken with care.

"We cannot arrest people indiscriminately as we have to conform to the provisions of the law. We must have firm proof before taking any action," he said.

He said illegal land encroachment must be tackled in a determined manner to protect highland areas which would otherwise impact negatively on the environment.

Palanivel said Temporary Occupation Licences (TOL) would be given out to those who opened farms illegally to check the activity (from spreading).

"We cannot chase them (the culprits) out, we must maintain the area which have been encroached and turned into agriculture farms by giving them TOL," he said.

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Mini Command Centre To Tackle Illegal Land Clearing In Cameron Highlands

Interior Designer Julie Richard Talks OPI and Bedroom Decor
Interior designer Julie Richard (firm is called Shelter), decorated the model bedroom for the OPI and Clark +Kensington model showcase The first time a nail ...

By: PJ Gach

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Interior Designer Julie Richard Talks OPI and Bedroom Decor - Video

Interior Designer Chicago IL | CVW Interiors Review | 312-623-1881
http://www.cvwinteriors.com/ Interior designer Chicago IL CVW Interiors Chicago reviews We just received a 5 Star Rating! "CVW Interiors did a terrific job helping us with colors choices,...

By: The B24 Group

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Interior Designer Chicago IL | CVW Interiors Review | 312-623-1881 - Video