photo illustration from Golden Gate Bridge Highway and Transportation District

The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco shown in a rendering with rigging that will act as a safety net. Construction of the netting was approved last month and will take three years.

Of the dead, we know so little.

Their names, usually. The clothes they wore. That they lost hope, and where.

Richard Elliot Stone was one of the latest; he jumped off the George Washington Bridge on July 20, just before sunset. We know he wore jeans and a black T-shirt. He was 30 years old.

The police refuse to give any more information, preferring not to encourage more jumpers. Already, the number of people leaping to their deaths from the George Washington Bridge is increasing, owing, perhaps, in part to a number of high-profile suicides from the span in recent years.

The death toll by the third week of July had reached 13, on pace to set a new annual record.

Now, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which has taken steps over the years to identify and stop potential jumpers, is taking its most aggressive step yet: construction of a 9-foot fence that officials believe will make jumping from the bridge exceedingly difficult. The move parallels other steps taken by managers of spans across the nation, including the Golden Gate Bridge, where a giant net will be put up to catch those who jump.

At the GWB, the death toll has risen so quickly that even local advocates for suicide prevention have been caught by surprise.

For years, the average was about six people per year who jump from the bridge, said Dale Carnhi, director of the American Foundation for Suicide Preventions metro New York region. But 13 this year? Wow. I didnt know that.

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As GWB suicides approach record, an effort to stop jumpers

Florida.Orange County Public Schools are busy readying their facilities in preparation of receiving students for the 2014-2015 school year. OCPS utilizes over 2000 portable classrooms affording them the ability to provide facilities within the county's fluctuating demographics.

The school district chose Leesburg Concrete Company, Incorporated's ramp, step and deck systems for their portable buildings which allows them to reuse the access systems year after year dramatically reducing the cost associated with classroom relocation while providing students safe, quiet and attractive access. LCCI moved an excess of 400 systems off and on classrooms already this summer. The precast concrete system is not only safe and attractive but is also low maintenance and code compliant meeting all state and federal requirements including wind load. Leesburg Concrete manufactures, installs and relocates the modular precast concrete ramps, steps and decks and accompanying code compliant rails.

Leesburg Concrete Company, Incorporated

Family owned and operated since 1983, Leesburg Concrete Company, Incorporated was first a leading manufacturer of precast concrete steps decks, walkways, landings, and ADA compliant modular precast concrete wheelchair ramps, with steel guard rails, and handrails. They also manufacture Easi-Set Buildings, Easi-Span field assembled large and ultra-large buildings and Easi-Set restrooms which feature a patented post-tensioning system in the roof and floor, architectural precast cladding panels and precast concrete stairs. LCCI also offers a wide array of custom precast product options. "We've never had a job that we couldn't handle," stated Kirk Rouse, Vice President of LCCI. This family-owned, American company demonstrates a philosophy of quality and innovation.

Leesburg Concrete Company, Incorporated is a NPCA Certified Plant, focused on meeting the needs of commercial building construction and renovation projects. Their experienced staff provides turnkey service, and it only takes one call to find the solution to your building needs. For more information visit their website at http://www.leesburgconcrete.com, (800) 882-4177, or KRouse@leesburgconcrete.com.

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Florida School District Saves Money

VIDEO By ERIN HOLL Monday July 28, 2014 12:31 PM

Pilot Dogs, a central Ohio nonprofit, has been serving the blind community for more than 60 years by providing guide dogs.

Pilot Dogs, whose headquarters is at 625 W. Town St., Columbus, has about 35 staff members who work at the main building and at kennels where the dogs are kept.

Toni Gray, puppy director for Pilot Dogs, is in charge of the training program. Pilot Dogs gets puppies for training from area breeders and has its own in-house breeding program, as well.

According to Gray, the dogs used for training are one of seven breeds: golden retriever, Doberman pinscher, Labrador retriever, Vizsla, poodle, German shepherd or boxer.

The group always is looking for puppy raisers, Gray said.

Puppies raisers have the job or preparing the dog for its life as a guide dog. The puppies, usually placed with raisers when they are 7 to 10 weeks old, are expected to be treated and taken care of as if they were a family pet.

Some exceptions apply, though. Gray said she wants raisers to have a crate for the pet and not allow the animals on furniture or beds. Raisers also attend obedience programs.

Pilot Dogs pays for all of the veterinary bills for the dogs and reimburses for approved obedience-training classes. Raisers are aksed to supply food for the dog.

Gray said Pilot Dogs also uses prisons to raise the dogs for the program.

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Puppy raisers fundamental to Pilot Dogs training program

July 29, 2014 - Intended for installations in industrial, marine, transportation, and off-shore industries, Grit-Coated Fiber Glass Step Covers and Walkway Panels exceed OSHA and ADA slip resistance recommendations. Construction consists of 0.125 in. thick fire retardant fiberglass (FRP) coated with blend of mineral abrasive epoxy grit. Step covers come in 3, 9, and 11.75 in. depths. While 3 and 9 in. covers have 1 in. nose, 11.75 in. version has 2 in. nose. Several grit-coating options are available. Sure-Foot Industries Corp. 20260 First Ave. Cleveland, OH, 44130 USA Press release date: July 1, 2014

Sure-Foot Industries Corporation adds Anti-slip Fiberglass Step Covers & Walkway Panels

CLEVELAND, OHIO Sure-Foot Industries Corporation adds Grit-Coated Fiber Glass Step Covers and Walkway Panels to their line of anti-slip flooring solutions. Durable and resilient, these fiber glass (FRP) offerings are ideal for installations in the industrial, marine, transportation and off-shore industries. Sure-Foots fiber glass products exceed slip resistance recommendations published by the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

These Sure-Foot anti-slip items are constructed of 0.125 thick fire retardant fiberglass (FRP), coated with a proprietary blend of mineral abrasive epoxy grit. This exclusive grit coating provides anti-slip coverage across the entire walking surface. Sure-Foot Step Covers are available in 3, 9 and 11.75 depths. The 3 & 9 covers are manufactured with a 1 nose while the 11.75 step cover comes with a 2 nose. All FRP products are available in three (3) distinct grit-coating options: Heavy Duty, Medium, and Fine. All grit options exceed slip resistance recommendations as published by OSHA and ADA. Standard color options are safety yellow and black.

The two-color option of safety yellow (nose) with black (surface) color combination meets recommendations from ADA for the visually impaired for contrasting colors, as well as California State Code Title 24 for clearly contrasting color combinations.

Due to their slim and lightweight construction, Sure-Foot Step Covers are ideal for use on structurally sound steps including concrete, grated staircases and steel diamond plate stair treads frequently found in the industrial, transportation and off-shore industries. Sure-Foot Step Covers are designed to remain strong and uphold their anti-slip qualities throughout the life of the product. This durable design allows the product to withstand the heavy foot traffic and harsh conditions often present in todays demanding environments. Cleaning the step covers is simple: the epoxy surface tolerates industrial floor cleaners, stiff bristled brushing, and pressure washing up to 1,500 PSI. When installed and cared for properly, Sure-Foot Grit-Coated Fiber glass Step Covers & Walkways will help prevent slips, trips and falls in areas where safety is necessary.

About Sure-Foot Industries Corporation Sure-Foot Industries Corporation is a family owned organization dedicated to insuring safe footing. Since 1979 Sure-Foot has been manufacturing high quality, American Made products in their Cleveland, Ohio facilities. Their anti-slip product line includes tapes, aluminum and rubber stair treads, modular tiles, fiberglass grit-coated step covers and walkways, as well as a variety of custom made items to meet each customers unique and specific needs.

Call Sure-Foot Industries Corp. at 1-800-522-6566 to discuss your anti-slip requirements or visit http://www.surefootcorp.com to request a sample.

PROUDLY MADE IN THE USA!!

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Anti-Slip Flooring Solutions withstand traffic, harsh conditions.

Summer travel means you can glean gardening tips from all over the world. This summer, we organized a tour that included a river cruise on the Danube.

Our first adjustment was that the Danube was not really blue, but we think of it that way because of the still-famous melody named The Blue Danube waltz. The green riverwater flows past some beautiful countryside and the climate in Germany, Austria and Bulgaria along the Danube River is similar to our own, so these take-home ideas are practical as well as pretty:

1. Ivy geraniums are practical flowers to use in a window box.

There is a reason that ivy geraniums spill from the window boxes of Bavaria. First, they repel flies so you can leave your windows open without inviting flying insects inside. Second, ivy geraniums bloom better when their roots are crowded into a shallow container such as a window box. Just remember to fertilize, water and deadhead all summer for months of bright Bavarian style blooms.

2. Tilia-trees will perfume your garden.

We may call this a linden tree in America, but all over Europe the little-leaf linden or Tilia cordata is successfully used as a fragrant street tree blooming in late spring and early summer. Very tolerant of city pollution with well-behaved roots, the Tilia tree would be a good choice as a patio tree and can even be sheared into a hedge.

Different varieties of Tilia are available in dwarf or columnar forms, but all have a silver color on the undersides of the leaves, butter yellow fall foliage color and a symmetrical branching pattern. There is even a Tilia tree that is native to North America. This tree deserves more use in American gardens.

3. Cleome is the hottest new plant for beds and planters.

This annual flower is also called the spider flower because the fluffy pink, purple or white blooms explode with spider-like petals. The new more compact cleome varieties make this summer bloomer a low-maintenance thriller plant that does not need staking yet blooms taller than your more traditional geraniums and petunias.

We saw cleome grouped in the center of island beds, used as focal point flowers in container gardens and even as tall edging flowers to create a hedge along walkways and sidewalks. In dry soil and warm areas, this annual can reseed to a fault, but the newest varieties are hybrids from Proven Winners and are not only more compact but also better-behaved. Look for cleome Senorita Rosalita and the Spirit Series of cleome at local nurseries that sell the Proven Winners brand of annual plants.

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Gardening lessons from the Danube

Question: We have a townhouse that is part of a homeowner association. We're on a very limited fixed income and can barely afford paying our monthly dues. We've just heard that the law is changing to make owners pay for their own maintenance for exclusive use areas. What is that legislation and how will it affect us? Is there something homeowners can do?

Answer: Town home, condominium, detached or attached homes it matters not. Making its way through California's Legislature is Assembly Bill 968, which could open the flood gates for expanding the responsibilities and monetary obligations of owners for their own units as well as any "exclusive use common area."

The bill seeks to rewrite Civil Code section 4775, which directs who pays to maintain, repair and replace in various areas at residential developments governed by homeowner associations.

First, some definitions. Under the current law, unless a development's governing documents specify otherwise:

"Common area" is the part of the property that the homeowner association administers a roof, pool or other area that serves the entire development. The association maintains, repairs and replaces in the common area.

"Separate interest" is the area, such as the inside of an individual town home or condo, that the owner is responsible for maintaining.

"Exclusive use common area" is something that goes with or is attached to a unit the law uses the term "appurtenant" such as a patio, which serves one or more owners but fewer than all the owners. The owner is responsible for maintaining that area.

Backers of AB 968, which include a group that represents homeowner associations, contend that the existing law is poorly worded when spelling out who should pay for repairs and replacements in exclusive use common areas. This could lead to safety problems or lawsuits, the supporters say.

In its current form, AB 968 spells out that an individual owner must maintain his or her unit (the "separate interest") and adds responsibility for repairing and replacing in the unit.

AB 968 goes on to say that each individual owner is responsible for maintaining the exclusive use common area, as before, and that the association is responsible for repairing and replacing in the exclusive use common area.

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AB 968 would shift costs to individuals in homeowner associations

Construction continues at UTEP for the new Centennial Plaza. (VICTOR CALZADA - EL PASO TIMES )

Photos: UTEP Centennial Plaza construction Posted Jul 26, 2014

University of Texas at El Paso students continue to face construction projects, especially at Centennial Plaza, which has shut down most of the center of the campus.

"It has been a pain," said Jocelyn Navarro Veleta, a freshman nursing major. "I had to move my schedule around and make sure I show up half an hour or so earlier than I used to to make sure I get to class on time because of all the fencing you have to go around."

The Centennial Plaza construction is part of the UTEP Campus Transformation project. The goal of the project is to create a pedestrian-friendly public space that students and the El Paso community can use, said Greg McNicol, associate vice president for Business Affairs-Facilities Management. The new plaza will close off a portion of the campus to vehicles.

The expected completion date for Centennial Plaza is October, McNicol said. So far, the work construction crews have been doing includes removing old plumbing pipes from the area and installing new utility systems.

"The majority of the work done so far has been in the ground," McNicol said. "Mostly utilities. All the major utilities that were under the ground, the youngest, if you will, had been in the ground for about 48 to 50 years, and some even older than that. This includes sewer, water line and things like that. So we have been removing them and rebuilding the infrastructure there."

Work still remains to remove the pipes and putting in new piping systems, McNicol said.

"We still have a few more things to do before we start spending money above the ground," McNicol said. "There still remains some minor connections we need to make in the underground utilities, but for the most part that is behind us now."

The next steps will include placing the walkways, trees, grass and installing a new water management system, McNicol said.

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UTEP: Centennial Plaza construction on schedule as students struggle with the inconvenience

Bookshelves are not just for books. Try incorporating interesting accessories, such as picture frames or small collectibles, to break up the groupings. CARLKERRIDGECourtesyphotobyKnottingHillInteriors

While full renovations allow for good measures of imagination and creativity, sometimes seemingly small changes or additions to a space can make a room feel brand new again. This months reader questions and my answers will show you a few inspired ways you can refresh your home.

Question | I own many pieces of art in various sizes. How can I display these pieces in a way that complements the art and the space?

Answer | My first piece of advice is not to stress over art. It is a movable piece of dcor that can be figured out through trial and error. Hanging art at eye-level is a custom taken from art galleries that allows viewers to observe the full piece at once. If a rooms primary purpose will be for sitting, hang select art somewhat lower at a seated eye-level for the same purpose. As a general rule, art should be centered with furniture or architectural elements of the home.

If you do not have large pieces of artwork, try creating a gallery wall of smaller framed artwork. A gallery features identical or similar frames in a grid and works best with art that repeats a theme, such as color-blocking or pictured subjects. A gallery can be a group of fine art, famed photographs, antique art, and objects used together to create an eclectic and eye-catching wall.

Q. | My husband and I want to change our living room by rearranging the furniture. Do you have any space-planning tips?

A. | Proper planning is extremely important in order to ensure overall cohesion of the space. Two critical components of polished interiors are the floor plan and a rooms focal point. The best arrangements provide the right kind of seating where needed, placement that allows you and your guests to easily converse, a table within arms reach of most seats, and a clear sight line to the rooms focal point whether it is a beautiful view, fireplace or the television.

Take proper measurements of the room and furniture. You will want to consider the location of immovable structures of the space such as doors, stairs and electrical sockets, as these will determine where certain pieces can be placed. Walkways need to remain unobstructed to ease traffic flow. With these steps prepped and executed, you can arrange pieces to focus attention toward your desired focal point.

A natural-looking arrangement that equates to comfort and flow is key. My designers and I often try various sketches or other visuals to explore all of the options upfront.

Q. | My family is full of avid readers and we have a lot of books. How can we display our books so they will not be cluttered on a bookshelf?

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On Design | Small renovations can make a big difference

Graffiti, litter, and insufficient lighting and signage on Wellingtons street-connecting walkways are likely to be discouraging their use, researchers say.

A University of Otago, Wellington study of 118 of the Capitals street-connecting walkways found graffiti was commonly visible (51% of walkways), as was litter (58%). Litter involving glass was present on 17% of walkways. On walkways with guttering, most (89%) were overflowing in at least one place with plant debris or living plants.

Lighting was often "insufficient" at walkway entrances, with only 20% having lighting at both entrances. In addition, only 3% of walkways with steps had step edges painted to assist with visibility at night.

Lead author of the study, Associate Professor Nick Wilson, says good urban design, including street connectivity, is important to encourage walking, which in turn helps prevent chronic illness such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes.

"These conditions account for a large share of health loss for New Zealand, and are major costs for the tax-payer funded health system," Wilson says.

Wellington City Council "could do better" with walkway maintenance and monitoring of the state of walkways, including engaging the public to help identify improvements needed, he says.

"A public monitoring system that enables people to report issues using, for example, free mobile apps, a text or picture message, or a website to report problems, would help Councils manage and respond to issues efficiently. But even the form used in this study could be used by the public."

Some potential improvements to walkways would be fairly low cost, Wilson says.

"Improved signage would be inexpensive, and greater use of motion-sensitive and highly-directional LED lighting would both improve lighting and reduce electricity and maintenance costs."

He suggests central government could play a greater role in funding research on the most cost-effective approaches to walkway improvements throughout New Zealand, and could also work with councils on establishing monitoring systems that the public can easily participate in.

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Wellington's street-connecting walkways could be better - study

23 July 2014

Wellingtons street-connecting walkways could be better - study

Graffiti, litter, and insufficient lighting and signage on Wellingtons street-connecting walkways are likely to be discouraging their use, researchers say.

A University of Otago, Wellington study of 118 of the Capitals street-connecting walkways found graffiti was commonly visible (51% of walkways), as was litter (58%). Litter involving glass was present on 17% of walkways. On walkways with guttering, most (89%) were overflowing in at least one place with plant debris or living plants.

Lighting was often insufficient at walkway entrances, with only 20% having lighting at both entrances. In addition, only 3% of walkways with steps had step edges painted to assist with visibility at night.

Lead author of the study, Associate Professor Nick Wilson, says good urban design, including street connectivity, is important to encourage walking, which in turn helps prevent chronic illness such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes.

These conditions account for a large share of health loss for New Zealand, and are major costs for the tax-payer funded health system, Wilson says.

Wellington City Council could do better with walkway maintenance and monitoring of the state of walkways, including engaging the public to help identify improvements needed, he says.

A public monitoring system that enables people to report issues using, for example, free mobile apps, a text or picture message, or a website to report problems, would help Councils manage and respond to issues efficiently. But even the form used in this study could be used by the public.

Some potential improvements to walkways would be fairly low cost, Wilson says.

Excerpt from:
Wellingtons street-connecting walkways could be better