Chicago Makes First Major Update to City's Building Code in 70 Years
August 06, 2019 —
Engineering News-RecordThe City Council recently voted to adopt a major update to the Chicago Building Code, its first in 70 years, that will better align it with the International Code Council’s International Building Code. Mayor Rahm Emanuel (D) said the new code will spur and enhance building projects by adding more flexibility and options for construction materials.
Engineering News-Record
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Montana Theater Threatened by Closure due to Building Safety
January 14, 2015 —
Beverley BevenFlorez-CDJ STAFFPhil Henderson, owner of Stevensville Hardware which is adjacent to the theater, has sued the Stevensville Playhouse, alleging that one of the theater building’s walls leans over into his property, according to the Bitterroot Star. Henderson stated that the leaning wall is interfering with construction plan, and he also alleges that the building is not safe and should be condemned.
A building inspector hired by Henderson declared that “…it seems necessary to notify the Stevensville Playhouse that their structure is to be immediately considered unsafe for entry, occupancy, etc.” However, another engineering firm presented a different view on the situation: “The playhouse has withstood many snow storms and earthquakes during its life and will likely continue to function well into the future. We do not mean to downplay the need to perform the recommended repairs, but we do not feel that the building needs to be condemned at this point.”
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Sewage Flowing in London’s River Thames Draws Green Bond Demand
April 04, 2022 —
Ronan Martin - BloombergThe green bond market just got one of its biggest challenges yet -- cleaning up London’s River Thames.
A sale of the notes aims to help to fund upgrades to the city’s Victorian-era sewers, as population growth in London heaps increasing pressure on them. Designed to serve about 4 million people, the sewers instead handle waste from more than double that number, leading to multiple sewage overflows every year.
Bazalgette Finance Plc sold 300 million pounds ($400 million) of green bonds Thursday to fund construction of a 25-kilometer tunnel to prevent millions of tonnes of sewage overflowing into the river. The 12-year notes were priced at 130 basis points above U.K. gilts, drawing investor orders of more than four times the amount on offer, according to a person with knowledge of the sale, who asked not to be named.
The bond proceeds will be given to Bazalgette Tunnel Ltd for the ongoing construction of the Thames Tideway Tunnel, which is expected to be completed in 2023, according to the Tideway website. The 66 meter-deep tunnel is more than seven meters wide and will cost an estimated 4.2 billion pounds ($5.6 billion) at completion, according to an investor presentation seen by Bloomberg News.
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Ronan Martin, Bloomberg
Updated: Happenings in and around the West Coast Casualty Seminar
May 13, 2014 —
Beverley BevenFlorez-CDJ STAFFFor those who are attending the West Coast Casualty Construction Defect Seminar this week, the Construction Defect Journal has updated its list of concerts, sporting events, and museum exhibitions taking place in and around Anaheim. Whether you like to spend your personal time checking out a new band, or watching your favorite Angel slide into home, or perusing the local art museum, there is something to spark your interest.
***CONCERT VENUES***
THE HOUSE OF BLUES IN ANAHEIM
Live Band Karaoke
Wednesday, May 14th, 2014 Doors Open at 10pm / Show Begins at 11pm
Every Wednesday experience the excitement of singing your favorite song with a live band. Over 200 songs to choose from our massive collection of classics and current hits. Get down here and let your vocals roar. No Cover!
Rockin’ The Blues
Thursday, May 15th, 2014 Doors Open at 10pm / Show Begins at 11pm
Every Thursday night head down to The Voodoo Lounge and listen to the best local live blues band. This is the music that shaped American music and influences every genre we listen to today. No cover!
Alice in Cooperland with Sons of Cream and Iron Plaid
Friday, May 16th, 2014 Doors Open at 7pm / Show Begins at 8pm
Friday Night Live
Friday, May 16th, 2014 Doors Open at 10pm / Show Begins at 11pm
Every Friday night features live music in The Voodoo Lounge. One stage, weekly mind blowing performances. No cover!
Stephen "Ragga" Marley
Saturday, May 17th, 2014 Doors Open at 8pm / Show Begins at 9pm
Dance, Pop and Hip-Hop
Saturday, May 17th, 2014 Doors Open at 10pm / Show Begins at 11pm
Every Saturday night The Voodoo Lounge heats up with the sounds of DJ Matt Hill spinning across genres and getting the party started. No Cover!
For More Information on Events at THE HOUSE OF BLUES OF ANAHEIM...
THE GROVE OF ANAHEIM
Lindsey Stirling plus special guest Dia Frampton
Wednesday, May 14, 2014 Doors Open at 7pm / Show Begins at 8pm
Primal Fear
Thursday, May 15, 2014 Doors Open at 6:30pm / Show Begins at 7pm
Jillian Michaels 'Maximize Your Life' Tour
Friday, May 16, 2014 Doors Open at 6pm / Show begins at 8pm
For More Information on Events at THE GROVE OF ANAHEIM...
THE HONDA CENTER
2014 Powerhouse
Saturday, May 17, 2014 – Parking lot Festival 3pm – Show Begins 7pm
Power 106 presents Powerhouse with Performances by Nicki Minaj, TDE’s Schoolboy Q, Wiz Khalifa, Trey Songz, YG, Jennifer Lopez, Childish Gambino, Juicy J, Sage The Gemini, Isaiah Rashad, plus Special Surprise Guests and More!
For More Information and to Purchase Tickets for THE HONDA CENTER...
***SPORTING EVENTS***
ANGEL’S STADIUM - BASEBALL
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim v. Tampa Bay Rays
Thursday, May 15th at 7:05pm
Friday, May 16th at 7:05pm
Saturday, May 17th at 6:05pm
Sunday, May 18th at 12:35pm
For More Information and to Purchase Tickets for ANGEL'S BASEBALL...
THE HONDA CENTER – HOCKEY
Ducks v. Kings – Game 7 (If Necessary)
Friday, May 16th at TBA
For More Information and to Purchase Tickets for DUCKS' HOCKEY...
***MUSEUM EXHIBITIONS***
MUZEO
Transcending Trash: The Art of Upcycling
Apr 26 –Aug 31, 2014
Transcending Trash: The Art of Upcycling celebrates the transformation of throwaway objects into complex and colorful works of art.
African Exhibit On The Move (free)
May 7 –May 1, 2014
Photographer Dawn Harman has captured the spirit and energy of Africa through a series of limited edition images- each and every photo tells an extraordinary story.
Museum Days/Hours: Tuesday – Sunday (Closed Mondays) / 10 am to 5 pm
For More Information on Events at MUZEO...
BOWERS MUSEUM (Santa Ana)
Beethoven: The Late Great
Feb 8 - May 18, 2014
In recognition of the 60th anniversary of the Philharmonic Society of Orange County and its 21st and final season of Dean Corey’s leadership, the Philharmonic Society will present a multi-season celebration of the major late works of Ludwig van Beethoven, including a celebratory exhibition at the Bowers Museum.
Soulful Creatures: Animal Mummies In Ancient Egypt
Mar 22 – June 15, 2014
Soulful Creatures: Animal Mummies in Ancient Egypt is the first major exhibition to focus on one of the most fascinating aspects of ancient Egyptian culture and religion—the mummification of animals.
Chuck Jones: Doodles of a Genius
Apr 26 - August 3, 2014
This exhibition contains original drawings, most never publicly displayed, including a section of 50 so‐called "Doodles," perhaps best described as coming from one artist's very far side.
The Lure Of Chinatown: Painting California's Chinese Communities
Apr 12 - August 31, 2014
The unique cultural customs, fascinating architecture, and rich aesthetic of the Chinese communities in San Francisco and Los Angeles inspired many 19th and 20th century artists.
Museum Days/Hours: Tuesday – Sunday (Closed Mondays) / 10 am to 4 pm
For More Information on Events at BOWERS MUSEUM...
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Don MacGregor To Speak at 2011 West Coast Casualty Construction Defect Seminar
January 01, 2011 —
CDJ STAFF“Challenges for Experts in Construction Defect Claims and Litigation” will be held Thursday May 13, 2011 between 1:30 and 3:00 PM at this year’s West Coast Casualty Construction Defect Seminar. Among the various topics covered will be of Right to Repair/Opportunity to Repair statutes, improper testing methodologies, new challenges where a case involves a Wrap Policy, OCIPS, CCIPS, and other owner controlled insurance programs, as well as the need for realistic testing protocols for the party the expert is retained to represent.
During the presentation Mr. MacGregor will be working in connection with a group of construction and design experts each of which have extensive experience with construction defect and claims related litigation. This particular session is expected to attract a standing-room only crowd, drawing in excess of 1700 attendees.
The West Coast Casualty Construction Defect Seminar is the largest seminar of its type. This year’s event is scheduled for will take place on May 12 and 13, 2011, at The Disneyland Hotel and Resort. For more information regarding the years event please visit http://www.westcoastcasualty.com/dyncat.cfm?catid=3322
http://www.westcoastcasualty.com/dyncat.cfm?catid=3322
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Reinsurer Must Reimburse Health Care Organization for Settlement Costs
June 17, 2015 —
Tred R. Eyerly – Insurance Law HawaiiThe Indiana Supreme Court reversed summary judgment issued to reinsurer Continental Casualty Company (CNA) and determined it must reimburse the insured for settlement costs under the E & O policy. Wellpoint, Inc., et al. v. National Union Fire Ins. Co. of Pittsburgh, PA, et al., 2015 Ind. LEXIS 316 (Ind. April 22, 2015).
Anthem, Inc. was a large managed health care organization. Anthem was its own primary and excess insurer for E&O liability. It had numerous excess reinsurers. Beginning in 1998, anthem was confronted by various lawsuits alleging it and other managed care organizations failed to pay claims in a full and timely manner, thereby breaching state and federal statutes. The various lawsuits alleged substantially the same wrongful conduct, namely that after promising to pay doctors in a timely manner for their services, Anthem sought to improperly deny, delay and diminish payments due.
The cases were consolidated into a federal multi-district litigation proceeding in the Southern District of Florida. Claims for breach of contract, unjust enrichment, and violations of state prompt pay statutes were dismissed or dropped. Anthem then settled the underlying litigation in July 2005 without admitting and instead denying any wrongdoing or liability. The settlement called for both cash payments and implementation of specific business practices consistent with requested injunctive relief.
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Tred R. Eyerly, Insurance Law HawaiiMr. Eyerly may be contacted at
te@hawaiilawyer.com
Construction Defects through the Years
July 31, 2013 —
CDJ STAFFBuilder has an article on the some building changes over the years that have led to construction defect problems. Is insulation evil? Well, that what some thought in the 1930s. Early attempts at insulating walls trapped moisture causing paint to peel. Then in the 1960s, the rise of aluminum wire lead to an even more serious problem: house fires.
And it continues. The plastic piping that was though to last forever when it was installed in the late 70s turned out to have about a decade of life. It’s a short forever. Eventually, polybutylene plumbing was forbidden by building codes.
The article has a series of building innovations that seemed like great ideas at the time, but were later found to be problematic.
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Balestreri Potocki & Holmes Attorneys Named 2020 Super Lawyers and Rising Star
July 06, 2020 —
Balestreri Potocki & HolmesThe law firm of Balestreri Potocki & Holmes is pleased to announce that Shareholders
Thomas A. Balestreri, Jr. and
Joseph P. Potocki have been selected as 2020 Super Lawyers and Associate
Robin H. Smith has been named a 2020 Rising Star.
Each year no more than 5 percent of the lawyers in the state are selected to receive the honor of being included in the Super Lawyers list and no more than 2.5 percent of the lawyers are selected to the Rising Stars list.
Balestreri has been selected to the Super Lawyers list in the areas of Construction Litigation. Balestreri has dedicated most of his 30 plus years in practice to the representation of developers, property owners, and general contractors in litigation, negotiations, and risk management. A seasoned trial lawyer, he has tried a number of high exposure cases with great success.
Selected as a Super Lawyer in the area of Construction Litigation, Potocki’s practice concentrates on litigation, transactional matters and construction contract drafting and negotiation. His extensive litigation experience involves high-value disputes relating to a wide variety of issues in the real estate, business and construction arenas.
Smith has been named a Rising Star by Super Lawyers in the area of Civil Litigation. In her varied litigation practice, Smith represents individuals and business entities in complex catastrophic personal injury matters. She also represents employers in labor and employment matters and a variety of businesses, including automobile dealers, in breach of contract, unfair competition, unfair business practices, defamation, and consumer claims.
Super Lawyers, a Thompson Reuters business, is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The annual selections are made using a patented multiphase process that includes a statewide survey of lawyers, an independent research evaluation of candidates and peer reviews by practice area. The result is a credible, comprehensive and diverse listing of exceptional attorneys.
Balestreri Potocki & Holmes is headquartered in San Diego, California. The firm provides comprehensive counsel to large and small companies across a wide range of established and emerging industries. Balestreri Potocki & Holmes is located in downtown San Diego at 401 B Street, Suite 1470. More information about the firm can be found at: www.bph-law.com.
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Balestreri Potocki & Holmes