LA TIMES ARTICLE-FBI seeks wider probe of Los Angeles building department, confidential memo says

By David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times

May 31, 2011

The FBI probe into corruption at the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety has expanded beyond rank-and-file inspectors to include the supervisors who policed their work, according to the agency's top executive.

In a confidential May 10 memo to Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, General Manager Robert "Bud" Ovrom said FBI agents want to take their bribery investigation "as wide and as high as they can." Because supervisors are included in the probe, city officials expect to determine if "illegal collaboration or poor supervisory skills" contributed to the misconduct, he wrote.

READ THE REST AT THE LA TIMES BY CLICKING HERE

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Bill Leys
The Deck Expert
www.centralcoastwaterproofing.com Lic 890269

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From NJ.com-Customers complain waterproofer won't return deposits

Consumers who sign a home improvement contract in New Jersey have a three-day right of rescission. If they change their mind and notify the contractor in writing by midnight of the third business day, the contractor must honor the cancellation and give a refund within 30 days.

Aqua-Dri, a basement waterproofing company featured in this column twice before, doesn't seem to be honoring that regulation — even when it's explicitly stated in its own contract.

Dennis Sullivan of Midland Park gave Aqua-Dri a $5,000 deposit on a $15,000 waterproofing job on July 15. READ THE REST BY CLICKING HERE

Never give more than 10% down payment...check the BBB, the state licensing authority, insist on references. 
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Bill Leys
The Deck Expert
www.centralcoastwaterproofing.com Lic 890269

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APRA Advisor - Homeowner Association Information

From APRA...

-Association of Professional Reserve Analysts (APRA) is the national trade association for those that hold the Professional Reserve Analyst (PRA) credential.   APRA provides a common base of knowledge, standards of care and professionalism.  Membership is open to reserve study providers and those that provide related services.  

For membership information and the latest APRA Advisor, go to www.apra-usa.com

IN THIS EDITION
Refined Like Fine Wine.  Keep your Reserve Study fine tuned.
Ask the Professional Reserve Analyst (PRA).  An insider's insights.
The Importance of Preventive Maintenance.  Your asset lives depend on it.
Paint Preparedness.  Use your paint supplier's expertise.
Green Bananas.  Avoid short term thinking.
Construction Terminology.  Contractor: A gambler who never gets to shuffle, cut or deal.

2011 APRA SYMPOSIUM will be held in Chicago IL on June 10-11. 
See www.apra-usa.com for a Registration Form.

ADVERTISERS 
APRA Advisor is distributed to over 10,000 HOA board members and managers throughout the country. 
For advertiser information, email APRA@teamwi.com

Richard Thompson  PRA™
President
Association of Professional Reserve Analysts

To unsubscribe, email rich@regenesis.net with UNSUBSCRIBE

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Bill Leys
The Deck Expert
www.centralcoastwaterproofing.com Lic 890269

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Leaky Decks, EIFS, Windows and Roofs Cited in CD Suit, $1 Million + Recovery For Repairs

SAN FRANCISCO, May 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- A 20-unit live-work loft and condominium building, located at 655 5th Street at Townsend, recovered $1,410,000 today for claims related to shoddy workmanship and construction defects within 18 months from the filing of their claim. The settlement was funded by the insurance companies for the builder, general contractor and subcontractors.

Saddled with excessive stucco EIFS cracks and water penetration, roof and window leaks, deck failures, and plumbing issues, the board at this association was able to recover for damages that amounted to over $70,000per unit.  These units were marketed as part of a development that was sold in 2000 by a single asset LLC, the asset being this condo project.

Read the Rest of this story-Click Here

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Bill Leys
The Deck Expert
www.centralcoastwaterproofing.com Lic 890269

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Reason # whatever to check the license first and only hire licensed contractors

"Granite counter tops would have been here. Our back splash would have been here and all over the wall."

Denette Shaw describes her dream kitchen, the one she's already spent $9,000 on. But,  two years after hiring a contractor, this is what she's left with.

"Obviously I can't install the stove, there's no granite." 

Shaw says she hired a man named Antonio Mendez, who was recommended to her by a family friend. SOME FRIEND!

"He had given me a business card and that business card didn't have a license or a bond number," said Shaw.  OH OH BIG PROBLEM RIGHT FROM THE START!

Shaw says he started the job then started asking for money up-front before he stopped showing up all together. OOPS, NEVER PAY MORE THAN 10% UPFRONT.

Read the rest of this sad tale and learn from their bad experience...CLICK HERE

READ ABOUT PROTECTING YOURSELF AT CSLB's WEBSITE CLICK HERE

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Bill Leys
The Deck Expert
www.centralcoastwaterproofing.com Lic 890269

Learn more about deck waterproofing at  www.deckexpert.com

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From 2 Killed in NM Sewer Trench Collapse

Shoring a trench is REQUIRED! Or else you risk death....as shown in this very sad case.

Frank Romero, 49, and Gene Hern, 32 perished Wednesday morning when the walls of the trench they were working in collapsed as they were installing water and sewer lines. Rescue personnel worked more than six hours to recover the men's bodies from under the rubble.

READ MORE BY CLICKING HERE -- 

Bill Leys
The Deck Expert
www.centralcoastwaterproofing.com Lic 890269

Learn more about deck waterproofing at  www.deckexpert.com

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