Client News

Home Foundation Contractor Gives No-Cost Foundation Inspections

Julian Construction Does Home Foundations Inspections at No Charge to Check for Damage Due to Fires, Heavy Rains, & Earthquakes

LOS ANGELES – Julian Construction, a Los Angeles based construction company that specializes in foundation repair and construction, is helping homeowners take preparedness measures for potential landslides and earthquakes by giving free home foundation inspections.

“The harsh temperature changes, heavy rainfall, and fires this past year have potentially affected foundation integrity in regions all over Southern California,” says Julian De La Torre, founder of Julian Construction, foundation contractors. “We want to ensure home properties are safe after environmental situations like this.”

A lot of people had to evacuate their homes because of the fires and subsequent rains. These people may have experienced relief when their tribulation was over, however Julian said, “Now they face a new danger, which is the potential instability of a home foundation which often arises from those circumstances.”

According to Julian, changes in hydrology and temperature can soften the soil and liquefy it, potentially causing problems with the integrity of the foundation. Even when it was deemed safe to return or remain home, the stability of a property’s foundation is unknown and should be tested.

Julian De La Torre and his partner Shawn Kyles have been retrofitting homes in Southern California since the early 1990s, and they work with both engineering firms and local departments of building and safety. As experts in foundation repair, Julian Construction is giving home foundation inspections at no charge. For those who need repair or retrofit, the company offers 0% financing.

Julian De La Torre has been doing earthquake retrofitting since the early 1990s and has personally worked on over 6,600 homes in Southern California. With this unmatched experience in the substructure areas of a home, Mr. De La Torre formed Julian Construction in 2001 with the goal of making safer homes, apartments and commercial properties throughout Southern California. His partner Shawn Kyles has inspected over 15,000 structures, working with both engineering firms and local departments of building and safety, and is an expert in foundation repair and house bolting. Julian Construction owns its own company and is built on a “no middlemen” model - no salesmen, no subcontractors. When you work with Julian Construction you get the principals of the company and workers of Julian Construction under your home. The result is the highest quality work at affordable prices. They can be contacted by phone at 323 733-3377, by fax at 323 733-4477 or via their website, www.julianconstruction.com.

Avoid Landslides: Get a Home Foundation Inspection

Foundation Contractor Julian Construction Advises Homeowners in Potential Landslide Areas to Get Foundation Inspected

LOS ANGELES – The recent killer landslide in Quebec brings concern to other corners of the world with homes in high-risk areas, prompting homeowners in various regions to get their home foundations inspected to avoid a similar tragedy.

“Foundations of a home can get damaged by water, especially after a heavy rain fall, and exposure to water accumulation can weaken not only hillsides, but foundations of a home as well,” says Julian De La Torre of Julian Construction, which specializes in foundation repair and construction.

Julian De La Torre has been retrofitting homes in Southern California since the early 1990s and urges homeowners to get their home foundations inspected. Julian reported, “Certain types of soil may be more stable than others, changes in hydrology and temperature can soften the soil and turn it to liquid, which can cause serious erosion to any kind of soil. This in turn can weaken the home foundation.”

Even when people return to their evacuated homes after it is deemed safe, the stability of their property and its foundation is still unknown. In an appeal to homeowners to get their home foundations checked, Julian Construction is giving home foundation inspections at no charge. For those who need foundation repair or retrofit, the company offers 0% financing.

“You shouldn’t wait until you have trouble opening doors and windows,” says Julian. “Damage to home foundations isn’t always so obvious and needs to be checked by experts.”

With soil stability having changed conditions due to the fires and heavy rains in Southern California, the integrity of home foundations might be at risk and should be tested. Because of its potential threat to homes, this extra precaution could save huge property loss, as well as save lives.

Julian De La Torre has been doing earthquake retrofitting and repairing foundations since the early 1990s and has personally worked on over 6,600 homes in Southern California. With this unmatched experience in the substructure areas of a home, Julian formed Julian Construction, foundation contractors, in 2001 with the goal of making safer homes, apartments and commercial properties throughout Southern California. His partner Shawn Kyles has inspected over 15,000 structures, working with both engineering firms and local departments of building and safety, and is an expert in foundation repair and house bolting. Julian Construction owns its own company and is built on a “no middlemen” model - no salesmen, no subcontractors. When you work with Julian Construction you get the principals of the company and workers of Julian Construction under your home. The result is the highest quality work at affordable prices. They can be contacted by phone at 323 733-3377, by fax at 323 733-4477 or via their website, www.julianconstruction.com.

Earthquakes in the News – Has Earth Become More Unstable in 2010?

Julian Construction Checks the Records to See Whether Earthquake Frequency and Magnitude Are on the Rise

Founder of Julian Construction (www.julianconstruction.com), Julian De La Torre, could not help but notice that major earthquakes seemed to be in the news almost weekly. “Haiti, Chile, Baja California, China – all 7.0 or greater and all within the first 3 months of 2010.” Julian said. “Given the nature of our business, I wanted to know what this might be telling us and whether the planet was experiencing an unusually high number of earthquakes.” So he looked it up.

The U.S. Geological Survey tracks earthquake activity around the world. It turns out there is a great deal more activity than generally thought - about 50 earthquakes are recorded every day. The yearly average is 17 major earthquakes (7.0 to 7.9) and one that will be measured at 8.0 or higher. So, at least so far, this year’s activity is not out of line with the past and the data is not showing any increase in seismic events. This year’s earthquakes are striking populated areas, causing tremendous damage and generating headlines, but neither the frequency nor the magnitude are unusual.

“What this year’s earthquake news is telling us is not that the world is ending, but simply ‘Be prepared’.” Julian continued. “The location and timing of earthquakes is not subject to prediction with current technology, so good preparation is the best defense.”

Julian Construction is offering an inspection of your home’s foundation at no charge. For those who need to finance any needed repair or retrofit, Julian Construction offers 0% financing.

Julian De La Torre has been retrofitting since the early 1990s and has personally worked on over 6,600 homes in Southern California. With this unmatched experience in the substructure areas of a home, Mr. De La Torre formed Julian Construction in 2001 with the goal of making safer homes, apartments and commercial properties throughout Southern California. His partner Shawn Kyles has inspected over 15,000 structures, working with both engineering firms and local departments of building and safety, and is an expert in foundation repair and house bolting. Julian Construction owns its own company and is built on a “no middlemen” model - no salesmen, no subcontractors. When you work with Julian Construction you get the principals of the company and workers of Julian Construction under your home. The result is the highest quality work at affordable prices. They can be contacted by phone at 323 733-3377, by fax at 323 733-4477 or via their website, www.julianconstruction.com.

Tax Consultant Warns of New Plan by State of CA to Collect New Use Taxes

Consultant Says New Aggressive Tax Strategy Will Bankrupt Many CA Businesses Unless They Prepare 

SACRAMENTO: A tax consultant warns that the California Board of Equalization (BOE) has enacted a new tax reporting system, which is going to effect all California businesses. The new plan involves forcing businesses to set up Use Tax Accounts and pay use taxes on any tangible personal property that has been purchased and brought into the state of California.

Thomas Alston, President of Aero & Marine Tax Professionals (http://www.aeromarinetaxpros.com), the pre-eminent experts in helping purchasers of aircraft and vessels to avoid paying sales and use tax in California, warns that this new strategy of the BOE could bankrupt businesses.

“I want to let business owners know the dangers involved in this new strategy by the state,” stated Alston. “My guess is that many California business owners have received a letter from the Board of Equalization (BOE) over the past few months notifying them that the BOE has arbitrarily assigned them a Use Tax permit number and has set up an electronic account for them to file their returns. I received such a letter recently. I was very angry and called a person at the BOE. He explained that letters have been going out for several months and the BOE is concerned that people don’t totally understand what is happening. He said he has been doing nothing but answering the phone about these use tax accounts. If anyone gets a letter from the BOE about setting up Use Tax account, you should call me. The wrong thing to do is ignore the letter,” concluded Alston.

Aero & Marine Tax Professionals shows purchasers how to avoid California aircraft tax and to make certain the full value of their next aircraft, vehicle or vessel goes into their pocket--not the Government's. They have successfully filed hundreds of tax returns with the California State Board of Equalization. Mr. Alston has also published many articles on strategies for saving on sales and use tax. You can see his blog at http://aeromarinetaxpros.typepad.com. Mr. Alston can be reached at 916-691-9192, extension 108.

Comparison of Earthquakes in Chile and Haiti Shows Value of Preparation

Julian Construction Points to Building Codes as a Key Factor that Minimized Tragedy in Chile and Devastated Haiti.

Founder of Julian Construction (www.julianconstruction.com), Julian De La Torre, was stunned by the vastly different outcomes of the two natural disasters. “Chile’s earthquake was 500 times more powerful than Haiti’s, yet less than 1000 people died compared to more than 220,000 in Haiti.” De La Torre said. “Chile is used to earthquakes and has experienced huge events within the last 50 years, resulting in rigorous building codes that kept most buildings from collapse. Haiti’s last big earthquake was 250 years ago and it is reported there are no building codes there at all. Experience and preparation made an enormous difference.”

Chile’s quake was also centered deeper and further away from population areas, both favorable factors for survival of both people and architecture. Chile’s emergency services have been in place and were in evidence at once – this kind of natural disaster was not new to them. Haiti, the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, had no planning in place.

“California also has good building codes designed to prevent building collapse and minimize damage from earthquakes.” Julian continued. “But much of our housing stock and a considerable number of commercial buildings predate these codes and so are at risk. The anchoring of the structure to the foundations of the building is a common area of vulnerability. It is also our area of expertise.”

Julian Construction is offering an inspection of your home’s foundation at no charge. For those who need to finance any needed repair or retrofit, Julian Construction offers 0% financing.

Julian De La Torre has been retrofitting since the early 1990s and has personally worked on over 6,600 homes in Southern California. With this unmatched experience in the substructure areas of a home, Mr. De La Torre formed Julian Construction in 2001 with the goal of making safer homes, apartments and commercial properties throughout Southern California. His partner Shawn Kyles has inspected over 15,000 structures, working with both engineering firms and local departments of building and safety, and is an expert in foundation repair and house bolting. Julian Construction owns its own company and is built on a “no middlemen” model - no salesmen, no subcontractors. When you work with Julian Construction you get the principals of the company and workers of Julian Construction under your home. The result is the highest quality work at affordable prices. They can be contacted by phone at 323 733-3377, by fax at 323 733-4477 or via their website, www.julianconstruction.com.

Ballet Studio Urges Students to Learn Proper Dance Terminology

California DanceArts Finds New iPhone Application An Important Tool for Student

La Canada, CA: California DanceArts (http://www.caldancearts.com) is urging dance students to understand the French terms, translations and definitions of each ballet exercise as a top priority. The ballet studio has found that grasping the meaning behind each term assists the student dancer in properly executing the steps which ultimately will be used in the variety of movements comprising the choreography of classical technique.

Now Carol Richmond, a Carmel, CA dance instructor, together with a software engineer, have developed an iPhone application for teaching more than 140 ballet terms. The application, called SayBallet, is a way "to get to the students on their own (tech-savvy) level," said Richmond, who has seen even the youngest of her students using iPhones. Using this iPhone app will allow students to learn terms in a fun way.

 

Half of the ballet terms are accompanied by videos, activated by voice. Say "plie” (pronounced “plee-ay”) and the iPhone will tell a translation of the word as “Bend”, followed by a short video display of a girl performing the deep bend. Each term can be selected in French, the way ballet is generally taught. The app is also great for hearing the proper pronunciation of these French terms. Fun quizzes are included for students to test their knowledge which then allows them to achieve higher and higher scores.
 
A worthwhile investment for under $10, this iPhone application allows young dancers to study their ballet terms during a car ride to the studio or waiting for class to begin. California DanceArts Director, Erin Holt, says “This application is a great supplement to any dance education curriculum where students are expected to understand ballet terminology. We hope that students use the app to increase and improve upon the skills taught in their classes and to improve their scores for upcoming ballet examinations.” California DanceArts will be holding their ballet level examinations in May.

Since 1987, California DanceArts has been dedicated to the purpose of grooming and nurturing the talents of beginning to serious career dance students. The school has established a reputation as a career preparatory studio for dancers transitioning to the professional level. Its current location in beautiful La Canada is nestled among several schools and recreational facilities. The school provides three large studio spaces featuring sprung floors designed to prevent injury, 20-foot high ceilings geared for unobstructed jumping, wall mirrors and air conditioning. Director Erin Holt also runs California Contemporary Ballet, a dance troupe that puts on several original ballet productions per year, including the Snow Queen (www.snowqueenballet.com), an original ballet with an original music score. This show is put on every December and recently completed its 12^th season. California DanceArts is also offering several dance intensive workshops for various levels in summer 2010, and more on these can be seen at www.danceallsummerworkshops.com. The school’s blog can be seen at http://caldancearts.typepad.com. For more information about California DanceArts and the programs offered by the school, call 818-790-7924, or visit the school online at www.caldancearts.com.

Erin Holt

California DanceArts

4490 Cornishon Ave

La Canada, CA 91011

818-790-7924

caldance@realwebmarketing.net

http://www.caldancearts.com

http://www.ctyballet.org

Pico Rivera 4.4. Magnitude Earthquake Prompts Offer of Free Foundation Inspection

Julian Construction Wants Southern California’s Homeowners to be Prepared for the Next One

LOS ANGELES: Founder of Julian Construction (www.julianconstruction.com), Julian De La Torre, breathed a sigh of relief when this week’s earthquake, centered near Pico Rivera eleven miles east of Los Angeles civic center, turned out to be minor, resulting in little damage. “It is a wake-up call for home owners and property managers who are not certain of the strength of their foundations.” Julian said. “We live on top of an active seismic area and the time to prepare is before the earth starts shaking the next time.”

Areas of concern include the security of the attachment of a building to its foundations and how well the floors are tied down. Julian Construction will inspect at no charge. “Chile was so much better prepared than Haiti for earthquakes, resulting in far less damage and loss of life. The next earthquake may not be only a 4.4 so I urge you to get an inspection so that you can be prepared,” Julian stated.

Julian Construction also offers 0% financing for those who need to finance their any needed repair or retrofit. 

Julian De La Torre has been doing earthquake retrofitting and foundation repair since the early 1990s and has personally worked on over 6,600 homes in Southern California. With this unmatched experience in the substructure areas of a home, Julian formed Julian Construction in 2001 with the goal of making safer homes, apartments and commercial properties throughout Southern California. His partner Shawn Kyles has inspected over 15,000 structures, working with both engineering firms and local departments of building and safety, and is an expert in foundation repair and house bolting. Julian Construction owns its own company and is built on a “no middlemen” model - no salesmen, no subcontractors. When you work with Julian Construction you get the principals of the company and workers of Julian Construction under your home. The result is the highest quality work at affordable prices. They can be contacted by phone at 323 733-3377, by fax at 323 733-4477 or via their website, www.julianconstruction.com.

James Taylor & Carole King: Troubadour Reunion Tour Will Be a Tough Ticket

King and Taylor Will Sell Out Hollywood Bowl May 13^th – 15^th but Al Brooks Tickets Will Get You the Seats You Want

Carole King and James Taylor’s Troubadour Reunion makes reference to the long history these two legends have at West Hollywood’s Troubadour venue. The tour kicks off in Australia for a run through the Far East before arriving at Hollywood Bowl in May, and includes the May 4^th release of a 2 disc CD/DVD of their 2007 live performance at the Troubadour.

“The Bowl is the perfect venue for Carole King and James Taylor.” said Jeff Brooks, president of Al Brooks Tickets, the Los Angeles based ticket broker that has been around since 1919 and is still family owned and operated. “But all of Southern California knows that and feels that, so this will be a tough ticket. These two made history here at the Troubadour and sent the music world of the 1970’s off into their universe of emotion, feeling and special brand of beauty.”

“Of course Al Brooks tickets will have James Taylor tickets for our clients and we will have a great selection throughout the run.” Jeff continued. “It all comes down to our sources – and they are the best in the business.”

Carole King was a famous songwriter but still struggling as a performer when she teamed up with James Taylor, who had just released his debut album, for the initial Troubadour appearance in November of 1970. When they returned for a two week run a year later, their careers had exploded – Taylor’s Fire and Rain was on the top of the charts and King’s Tapestry album was on its way. In 2007 they returned again, this time for the Troubadour’s 50^th anniversary.

Al Brooks Tickets is located in the Wilshire Grand Hotel at 900 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 104, Los Angeles, CA 90017 and provides tickets for venues throughout the US and internationally. They can be reached by phone at 800 341-2766 or 213 626-5863, by email at customer_service@albrooks.com or by fax at 213 626-4808. For more information on James Taylor and Carole King tickets, please access their website – www.albrooks.com.