STANDISH Usually, the members of Richville Chapel in Standish are the ones responding when community members need help. But, after last weeks arson that burned the small chapel to the ground, the extended community is coming to the aid of the church.

After hearing about the June 14 fire, which eyewitnesses told police was committed by two teenage boys, people from nearby and far off have offered the non-denominational church built in 1892 organs, pianos, new Bibles and songbooks, as well as monetary donations, said Greg Martin, the pastor.

One of the most beneficial donations came from nearby Richville Library. Within hours of the fire, library director Karen McNutt called Martin to offer the librarys community room as a temporary sanctuary.

My husband, David McNutt, who went to the church as a child, got the idea Thursday real quick and said they needed a place to meet. So I had a customer in the library at the time that knew the minister of the church. She gave me the number of the church and I left a message Thursday and they called me back before we closed on Thursday and said, yes, wed like to meet at the library, said Karen McNutt.

Ironically, McNutt said, the library burned in 1970 and directors at the time, seeing a need for community space in the rural section of Standish, redesigned its layout to incorporate a large gathering room to be used by community organizations.

The community helped us in our time of need and now we can help the church, she said. And we have the community room, which we wouldnt have had if we didnt have the fire. We thought the community room was a thing of the future that wed need, and it is. So I guess good comes out of bad.

According to Joe Thomas, acting state fire marshal, few details of how the fire started or how the teenagers were identified as suspects are being released due to an ongoing investigation. He did confirm that eyewitnesses saw the two teens at the church just before the fire. The teens, when investigators are not naming due to their age, are being charged with burglary and arson.

Firefighters from six area towns fought the blaze, which billowed dense smoke and spit fire into treetops, responding at about 1:20 p.m. They were able to bring the fire under control by 2:30 p.m. and left the scene at 5 p.m. Lack of manpower hampered their efforts since the fire took place on a weekday afternoon, Chief Brent Libby said. Standish responded with six people initially who first had to remove a downed power line and address two burning trees in addition to the burning church.

New space

On Sunday, 18 congregants of the Richville Chapel met at the library, and according to Martin, the service went well, despite the odd feeling of meeting in a new place after so many years meeting in the small church tucked among large pines.

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'Good can come from bad' - Community pitches in after church fire

RIVERBANK -- The standoff over potted plants at a Central Valley apartment complex is branching out.

The controversy cropped up this week when residents in the Willow Pointe Apartments in Riverbank, about 5 miles northeast of Modesto, complained about rules limiting them to no more than three plants on their patios. The property manager says the rule ensures patios are clutter-free and provides first responders with quick access to apartments.

Residents have dug in and say they keep their patios tidy no matter how many geranium, hibiscus and other plants they have.

Julie Nylen,of the complex's management company sent residents a letter dated May 31 saying they could have their leases canceled or not renewed if they did not abide by the rules. But she said Wednesday that she "doesn't have any plans to, currently" evict those who have more than three potted plants.

Nylen is president of Arizona-based Landmark Management Group, which manages the 24-unit complex for low-income seniors and the disabled.

The fire chief also weighed in when asked by The Bee.

Stanislaus Consolidated Fire Protection District Chief Steve Mayotte said he understands the property manager's concerns but said limiting residents to three potted plants "might be a little strict."

David Cordes, the president of the Colorado company that built and owns Willow Pointe, has said he's required to keep the complex safe as a condition of his loan

That includes, he said, limiting the number of patio plants.

Willow Pointe resident Clarita Neal, 68, is not convinced. She said other apartment complexes for low-income seniors and the disabled have lush lawns and landscaping and lots of potted plants.

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Apartments' limit of 3 potted plants 'might be a little strict'

ALISTAIR Campbell has been working the media to flog his latest book, The Burden of Power: Countdown to Iraq The Alastair Campbell Diaries. He did not download it off the internet in 45 minutes. But on the web (here) can read thethe full transcript from last nights book launch at Queen Mary, University of London, where Campbell was interviewed by John Rentoul Independent on Sunday columist and Queen Mary History Fellow, and introduced by Alun Evans of the Cabinet Office.The event was hosted by the Mile End Group.

Campbell talks about:

- The Vanity Fair journalist who said, can I ask you about your faith. Campbell stepped in and said David, we dont do God. That is how it started. He put I, in his piece, on like page 25. The Daily Telegraph picked it up and ran it on like page seven. And it then just sort of went whoosh. And now I get asked about it all the time.

- Tony Blairs time in office: Tony had only a small group around him who he could completely trust. Trust in the obvious sense but also trust to say what we think. I thought one of his huge strengths as a leader was that he was surrounded by people who werent at all deferential, we would always say what we thought and he would then kind of weigh that up.

- Blairs decision to sack Gordon Brown in 2003. He obviously thought that was the right thing then but very quickly he got in to the mindset of thinking actually its not black and white and you cant quite predict what will happen if I do, and so he didnt.

- Having to read his diary, in full, to a complete stranger for the Hutton Inquiry: I did read the really personal bits in there and I did at one point break down in tears saying I just cant do this, I dont see why and I having to do this?. And he said: look I know this is really, really hard but the Prime Minister has set up an inquiry, you are a key advisor to the Prime Minister, youve got to cooperate in every which way. Now, Im glad I took the advice. Because with Lord Hutton I think my diaries actually helped rather than hindered.

First-year Queen Mary geography student, Temitayo Akindeinde caused much hilarity from the rest of the audience when she asked Campbell which of his legs was longer than the other? He took off his shoes to pull out his orthotics, revealing that the right leg was shorter. Campell told Temitayo that her question was something no one had ever asked him, and he bought her a copy of his diaries at the book-signing afterwards.

The full transcript:

John Rentoul:

I have read all of the fourth volume, I am pleased to say I have defaced and damaged the book, turned down most of the corners and scrawled in the margins. Im not really middle class as you can tell; youre not supposed to do that to books.But its fascinating stuff, as you would expect because this was really the turmoil years of the Blair Government, 2001 to 2003. Youve got everything from 9/11 to the Iraq War, which, of course, was the sort of turning point for Blair Government.What is absolutely amazing reading this is that Tony Blair carried on being Prime Minister for four years after all this happened, and after he lost Alastair Campbell, who was such a huge supporter.And there are all sorts of very important things in this, such as one of Alastair Campbells legs is longer than the other. I dont know what that signifies but it makes running marathons pretty difficult.But let me start by asking Alastair, if you could just tell us how you wrote this? How often did you write this? How long did you spend writing it? Was it done on the computer or was it hand written?

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The Alistair Campbell Interview and highlights from ‘The Burden of Power: Countdown to Iraq – The Alastair Campbell ...

The Irish Times - Friday, June 22, 2012

EMMA CULLINAN

TWO IRISH public buildings have won architectural awards from the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland, and have been included on its British equivalents 50 best new buildings list for 2012.

The Lyric Theatre in Belfast, designed by ODonnell and Tuomey Architects, won the Best Culture Project award from the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI), it was announced last night.

The Wexford County Council headquarters, by Robin Lee Architecture, with Arthur Gibney and Partners, won the RIAIs Best Public Building award.

Both are also on the Royal Institute of British Architects (Riba) 50 best new buildings of 2012 list. This puts them in the running for the Stirling Prize shortlist later this year.

The RIAI judges, headed by Eddie Conroy, county architect of South Dublin County Council, praised the Wexford County Council HQs rhythmic balance of solid and void and the power of the materials, while the Lyric was admired for its robust and expressive forms, in particular the interlocking relationship of volume and movement of its public spaces.

Also on the international scene Heneghan Peng architects working out of Dublin on projects in Egypt, Riyadh, Germany and London took the International RIAI award for its Olympics bridge in London. Henchion Reuter based in Ireland and Germany was awarded Best Leisure Project for a Tropical Biome in Leipzig, Germany, that recalls the glass globes at the Eden Project in Cornwall by Nicholas Grimshaw Architects and the British Museum Great Court cover by Foster and Partners.

The awards recognised established practices: McCullough Mulvin won RIAI Best Health Project for its Dublin Dental Hospital; and Paul Keogh Architects won Best Housing Project for the Sen Treacy House scheme in Dublin.

There was also recognition for relative newcomers, including Steve Larkin, who took the Emerging Practice Award, but also the prize for Best House, for Bog west, Co Wexford.

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Award-winning Irish public buildings shortlisted for top British prize

Planning Commission considers conversion of retail space to apartments

By Peggy Kelly Santa Paula News Published:May 30, 2012

Its back to the drawing board, but still closer to approval for 10 long-vacant commercial/retail storefronts on East Harvard Boulevard whose owner wants to convert to six live/work apartments.

At the May 22 meeting the Planning Commission asked that the plan - which includes the construction of a six-unit apartment complex on adjacent land - be fine tuned.

Deputy Planning Director Stratis Perros told commissioners that the owner of the property - located southeast of Isbell Middle School - wants to convert the retail/commercial spaces to live/work units. This is a somewhat complicated project that Perros said has been in the works for more than a decade since the complex, which includes 28 apartments as well as business storefronts, was completed about 14 years ago.

The conversion would create one- and two-bedroom apartments and the new apartment complex would be two and a half stories tall with 5,555 square feet. Perros said the retail/commercial units have been largely vacant, although rents were below market average.

New and converted apartments would have to meet the Inclusionary Housing Ordinance and offer some units for lower-income households. The plan ultimately would be decided by the City Council, which must approve the proposed zone change.

Commissioner John Wisda asked if the converted units could be solely residential, and Perros noted that people are already allowed to run certain businesses from their home.

Architect Mark Pettit of Lauterbach & Associates of Oxnard said the project underwent a commission concept review last year that included much input. We tried to be everything to everyone, he said, and although we have absolutely no problem if the wish is all residential, there has been interest from potential tenants who would prefer the live/work space.

Commissioners had several comments, ranging from window upgrades and coverings to offering a consistent view from the street to landscape improvements.

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Planning Commission considers conversion of retail space to apartments

On Garfield Street in Parkland, a row of aging business buildings stands across the street from a modern college bookstore and commons signs of a neighborhood in transition.

The eclectic, two-block stretch wedged between Pacific Lutheran University and Pacific Avenue South soon could see its biggest change yet, with the help of a state-approved tax break.

Construction on a $20 million project to build 104 apartments, plus office and retail space, a block away from PLU is expected to start late this year. The apartments would contrast sharply with the lower-end rental units along the Pacific Avenue strip.

The project aims to attract PLU professors, staff members and other professionals to live near campus instead of in downtown Tacoma or Seattle, said developer John Korsmo Jr.

It will be a great housing opportunity to keep the people that are working in the community living in the community, Korsmo told the Pierce County Council last month.

PLU officials are excited, too.

I just think its going to change the whole vibe on Garfield Street, the entrance to campus, and be a wonderful place to live and work, said Sheri Tonn, the universitys vice president of finance and operations. But the four-story project, called Garfield North, has drawn some criticism because of the tax break that will help drive it.

State lawmakers this year approved a 12-year property tax exemption on the value of new residential housing on Garfield. The legislation was designed specifically for this project.

Roxy Giddings, who lives nearby, told the County Council the exemption is a big fat tax loophole. She said she fears shell have to pay extra taxes because of it.

Graham resident Matt Hamilton also objected. When you lower somebodys tax, you have to raise somebody elses tax, he said.

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Changes coming to Parkland's Garfield Street

WASHINGTON With John Bryson's resignation as Commerce secretary, President Obama lost the member of his Cabinet with the most extensive business background, and it's doubtful a replacement could be confirmed until after the fall election.

Bryson, 68, stepped down after eight months on the job, citing a recent seizure that led to two San Gabriel Valley, Calif., hit-and-run accidents.

"I have concluded that the seizure I suffered on June 9 could be a distraction from my performance as secretary and that our country would be better served by a change in leadership of the department," Bryson wrote to Obama in a letter dated Wednesday.

Obama accepted the resignation, which was announced Thursday.

"As secretary, John fought tirelessly for our nation's businesses and workers, helping to bolster our exports and promote American manufacturing and products at home and abroad," Obama said a few hours before meeting Bryson in the Oval Office to thank him for his service.

Bryson, a former chief executive at Edison International parent company of Southern California Edison was found unconscious June 9 behind the wheel of his Lexus. He had struck two cars, one of them twice, authorities said. He was hospitalized overnight, and tests showed no alcohol or drugs were involved.

Two days later, the Commerce Department said he had suffered a seizure and he was taking a medical leave. A department official said Thursday that initial tests by a neurologist show Bryson suffered a complex partial seizure. During such a seizure, a person has no control over movements, speech or actions and cannot remember them later, according to the Epilepsy Foundation.

Blood-test results are pending and the accidents remain under investigation, authorities said.

Bryson was not available for an interview, a Commerce Department spokeswoman said. In an email to department employees, Bryson thanked them for "many thoughtful and kind notes" since the seizure and promised to "continue to do everything I can to support the president and America's businesses."

Obama nominated Bryson a year ago to replace former Washington Gov. Gary Locke, who became ambassador to China.

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Commerce secretary resigns, cites seizure

By Associated Press

PARIS (AP) - For the first time in modern-day France, the country now has a Cabinet where women hold half the posts.

Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault named two new female ministers on Thursday in a minor government adjustment, bringing the total number of women in the 38-member Cabinet to 19.

Newly elected Socialist President Francois Hollande approved the lineup in keeping with long-standing custom.

The Cabinet now honors a campaign pledge by Hollande for parity among men and women in the government.

Besides Ayrault, the other key ministries, including finance, foreign affairs and defense, remained unchanged from the interim government that was named between the presidential election in May and last week's legislative election, which Holland's party swept.

Christine Taubira, the justice minister, is the top ranking woman in the Cabinet.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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Women play big role in France's new Cabinet

WASHINGTON With John Bryson's resignation as Commerce secretary, President Obama lost the member of his Cabinet with the most extensive business background, and it's doubtful that a replacement could be confirmed until after this fall's election.

Bryson, 68, stepped down after eight months on the job, citing a recent seizure that led to two San Gabriel Valley hit-and-run accidents.

"I have concluded that the seizure I suffered on June 9 could be a distraction from my performance as secretary and that our country would be better served by a change in leadership of the department," Bryson wrote to Obama in a short letter dated Wednesday.

Obama accepted the resignation, which was announced Thursday.

"As secretary, John fought tirelessly for our nation's businesses and workers, helping to bolster our exports and promote American manufacturing and products at home and abroad," Obama said a few hours before meeting Bryson in the Oval Office to thank him for his service.

Bryson, a former chief executive at Edison International the parent company of Southern California Edison was found unconscious June 9 behind the wheel of his Lexus. He had struck two cars, one of them twice, authorities said. Bryson was hospitalized overnight, and tests showed no alcohol or drugs were involved.

Two days later, the Commerce Department said that Bryson had suffered a seizure and that he was taking a medical leave. A department official said Thursday that initial tests by a neurologist show Bryson suffered a complex partial seizure. During such a seizure, a person has no control over movements, speech or actions and cannot remember them later, according to the Epilepsy Foundation.

Blood test results are still pending and the accidents remain under investigation, authorities said.

The White House released several photographs of Thursday's Oval Office meeting in which Bryson appeared to be healthy, smiling and gesturing as he talked with Obama. Reporters were not allowed to attend the meeting.

Bryson was not available for an interview, a Commerce Department spokeswoman said. In an email to department employees, Bryson thanked them for "many thoughtful and kind notes" since the seizure and promised to "continue to do everything I can to support the president and America's businesses."

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Commerce Secretary John Bryson's exit leaves gap in Obama's Cabinet

ROCKPORT Pigeon Cove Ledges, a Rockport affordable housing community, is being targeted by its nonprofit owner for an estimated $500,000 to $600,000 renovation project aimed at helping the complex's elderly residents.

The renovations, to be celebrated by Congressman John Tierney and other officials at Pigeon Cove in ceremonies today from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., will include an elevator installation for the two-floor, 30-unit complex as well as projects that improve safety and access for older residents, such as a wheelchair-accessible rear patio door and a new sprinkler system.

There will also be more cosmetic changes, such as repairs to the siding and trim and new paint on the exterior of the building, according to Andrew DeFranza, executive director of Harborlight Community Partners, the Beverly-based nonprofit that has managed the complex since last winter.

"We wanted to make the building as current and safe as possible, which is always important, but especially important when you have an elderly population in the building," DeFranza said.

Renovation plans hatched shortly after Harborlight took ownership of the property in December, preventing what had been affordable housing for 30 years from reverting back to market-rate housing as the terms of the buildings' 1980s lease had permitted.

"We told the residents that we were working on this transaction and were hoping to be putting in an elevator, and they broke into applause," DeFranza said.

Residents will be able to continue living in their apartments throughout the construction, which is set to finish in September, DeFranza said. He said the elevator will be built on the outside of the building, then workers will shape the building around it; sprinkler systems will be piped into the units one by -one.

Funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Department of Rural Development, the town of Rockport's Community Preservation Fund, Rockport Housing Partnership, Amelia Peabody Charitable Fund, and North Shore United Way have all come together to make the project possible, DeFranza said.

Harborlight also applied for and received about $225,000 of additional funding from North Shore HOME Consortium, according to its director, Kevin Hurley.

"Harborlight has a good reputation. They're doing a variety of things large and small, and they've demonstrated their devotion to the community around them," Hurley said.

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Rockport housing complex getting $600k lift