#contractors license school california

[contractorsischoolca]

How To Obtain Your C8 Concrete Contractors License In California

Are you ready to take the next step in your concrete construction career? Look no further! In this informative video, you'll learn how to obtain your C8 Concrete Contractors License in California. Our expert instructors will walk you through the information, procedures, and requirements needed to get your Concrete Contractors License C8 in California. With over 4 years of experience in the trade, you can fast-track your license in as little as two months through our Contractors Intelligence School.

At Contractors Intelligence School, we guide you through the entire process, from submitting your license application to preparing for and passing the Law & Business and license-specific trade exams. Our success rate speaks for itself, with thousands of students choosing us each year to obtain their California Contractors License.

To get started, choose from our complete comprehensive online courses, home-study, or in-class preparation, and take the first step towards securing your future in the construction industry.

A concrete contractor license allows a contractor to form, pour, place, finish, and install specified mass, pavement, flat, and other concrete work and place and set screeds for pavements or flatwork.

This class does not include contractors whose sole contracting business is the application of plaster coatings or placing and erecting steel or bars to reinforce mass, pavement, flat and other concrete work.

Before you can apply for your concrete contractors license, you must meet the following experience requirements:

4 years of experience performing/supervising concrete (C-8) work.

Social Security number or ITIN

Be at least 18 years old

[contractorslicenseschool]

How To Get a General Building Contractors License (Class-B)

Learn how to get your General Building Contractor License (Class-B) in California with Contractors Intelligence School! Our comprehensive contractor license course guides you through the entire process, from meeting requirements to passing the contractor licensing exams.

This video explains the contractor licensing steps, including submitting your application, completing Live Scan fingerprinting, and preparing for the Law & Business and General Building trade exams. With our proven methods, you can pass your exams on the first try!

Our course includes online and in-class options, 3D illustrations, audio materials, and a mobile app for flexible learning. Whether you’re a seasoned tradesperson or just starting, we’ll help you achieve your goal of earning a California Contractors License quickly and efficiently.

[sidewalkstamps]

Mogil-Kahn Construction Company 1957 (Photo taken by Tim Aarons in March 2023 on Collins St. between Lankersheim and Tujunga).

Kahn was Edwin “Ed” Walter Kahn, born on June 3, 1922 in Pittsburg to “Theodore and Helen H. (Meyers),” and a “construction company executive, engineer” (Who’s who in the West: A Biographical Dictionary of Noteworthy Men and Women of the Pacific Coast and the Western States, A.N. Marquis Company, 1989). In 1935, he lived with is family in Portland, Oregon. He was still with his family in Portland in 1940 (per the 1940 U.S. Federal Census). However, he attended Fairfax Senior High School in Los Angeles, CA. Before WWII, he also attended UCLA, where he played soccer and baseball. In WWII, he was a lieutenant pilot in the USA Air Force -  a B-24 bomber pilot in the 89th and as a flight instructor. He was later a civil engineer and, if I understand the abbreviations correctly, he had gotten a B.S. degree in civil engineering from the University of California in 1948 (assuming Berkeley).

According to his obituary, he was a “Registered Professional Engineer and a licensed General Contractor.”

He married Arleen Barbara Rudolph on December 23, 1951, and they had two children - Gregory Michael and Julia Fran. He was the chief structural designer for General Engineering Service Company in Los Angeles in 1948 and then a partner in Pollak-Kahn & Associates, engineers, also in Los Angeles in 1949. and Mogil-Kahn Construction Company (World Who’s who in Commerce and Industry, Volume 10, Marquis-Who’s Who., 1957). He died February 5, 2016 and is buried in the Hollywood Hills Forest Lawn Memorial Park.

Pollak-Kahn was located at 1106 S. La Cienega Boulevard, now LB4LB Boxing Gym (Glaziers Journal - Volume 35, pg. 60, 1956). One project they had was the design and engineering of “a fully integrated community for light industry” on a 100-acre “tract of industrial buildings and plant sites” (Industrial Development, Volumes 3-4, Conway Publications, 1956).

According to the realty company, Crisby Doe Associates, “it is clear that Pollack & Kahn fully mastered the now classic post & beam glass house style pioneered by the U.S.C. School of Architecture just after war. Their work seems most closely aligned with that of Richard Dorman’s designs of the period. The living spaces are lifted, and set above the carport to allow maximum light and views from the close-in hillside setting.”

Some more info from his obituary: “He retired after 40 years as a real estate developer and as President of Kahn Construction Co., Contractors and Engineers. He had a commercial pilot's license and served as a docent at the original Museum of Flying in Santa Monica. Ed was a member of the Masons, Scottish Rites, Shriners, Commemorative Air Force, Air Force Association, and the American Society of Civil Engineers. Ed is survived by his wife and best friend, Mariko, sons Greg and Winston, daughter Julie, stepdaughters Pam (Harry) Kraushaar and Andrea (Jeffrey) Lustgarten, stepson Mitchell Barnow (Dale Leininger) and step grandchildren, Shelby Powell (Brian), Kimberley Kraushaar, Brandon and Rachel Lustgarten.” (No mention of Arleen?) They also had two pets named Maya and Corey.  

I have no idea who Mogil is. Really strange how I could find out so easily who Kahn was but not Mogil. Mogil may be Norbert V Mogil, who was located at 6517 W Olympic Blvd according to the Los Angeles Street Address Directory, 1956, May (Los Angeles Public Library).

Additional source:

Who’s Who in Steel and Metals, pg. 209, Atlas Publishing Co, 1964

[georgesmith00x2]

Buena Park Realtor: A Comprehensive Overview

Buena Park, California, is a vibrant city nestled in Orange County, known for its rich history, family-friendly attractions, and its thriving community. Located near major metropolitan areas, Buena Park is a prime location for those seeking a suburban lifestyle with urban conveniences. For prospective homeowners or investors looking to buy in this area, the role of a Buena Park realtor becomes increasingly significant. This essay will explore the responsibilities of realtors in Buena Park, the local real estate market dynamics, the benefits of working with a professional realtor, and some tips for selecting the right real estate agent for your needs.

#### The Role of a Realtor in Buena Park

Realtors are licensed professionals who assist clients in buying, selling, or renting properties. In Buena Park, the role of a realtor extends beyond merely listing properties; they serve as guides through the complexities of real estate transactions. Their responsibilities may include:

1. Market Analysis: Realtors conduct extensive research on local market trends to provide accurate pricing strategies for buyers and sellers. Understanding factors such as property values, neighbourhood trends, and economic indicators is crucial for making informed decisions.

2. Property Listings: A significant part of a realtor’s job is to create and manage listings that capture the interest of potential buyers. This involves taking high-quality photographs, writing compelling descriptions, and utilizing various marketing platforms, including MLS (Multiple Listing Service), social media, and real estate websites.

3. Negotiation: Realtors act as intermediaries during negotiations, advocating for their clients’ best interests while maintaining professionalism and fostering positive rapport with all parties involved. Their expertise in negotiation can significantly impact the final sale price.

4. Legal and Regulatory Guidance: The real estate industry is governed by a myriad of laws and regulations. Realtors help navigate the legal complexities associated with buying or selling property, ensuring that all contracts comply with state laws and providing valuable insight into local zoning and land use regulations.

5. Networking: Successful realtors build extensive networks that include other real estate professionals, lenders, inspectors, and local contractors. This network can expedite the buying or selling process and enhance the overall experience for their clients.

#### The Buena Park Real Estate Market

The Buena Park real estate market presents a diverse range of opportunities, catering to various demographics and lifestyles. Influenced by its proximity to major Southern California attractions, such as Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm, Buena Park has continued to attract homebuyers who appreciate both residential tranquillity and recreational access.

1. Housing Options: The city offers a variety of housing types, from single-family homes to townhouses and condominiums. This diversity allows buyers to select properties that fit their budget and lifestyle preferences. Furthermore, the availability of older homes provides renovation opportunities for those interested in investing in fixer-uppers.

2. Market Trends: As of recent reports, the Buena Park housing market has displayed resilience, experiencing fluctuations in home prices due to factors such as interest rates, economic shifts, and inventory levels. Understanding these trends is essential for buyers and sellers, making the guidance of a local realtor invaluable in arriving at competitive sale prices or purchase offers.

3. Community Features: Buena Park is well-regarded for its excellent schools, well-maintained parks, and strong community spirit. Additionally, the city hosts numerous cultural events and activities, fostering a sense of belonging among its residents. When marketing properties, realtors often emphasize these community features to attract potential buyers.

#### Advantages of Working with a Buena Park Realtor

Choosing to work with a professional realtor offers numerous advantages:

1. Local Expertise: Realtors who specialize in Buena Park possess in-depth knowledge of the neighbourhoods, property values, school districts, and local amenities. This expertise enables them to provide valuable insights that can influence buying or selling decisions.

2. Time Savings: The search for a property or the process of selling one can be time-consuming. Realtors streamline these tasks, managing showings, open houses, and paperwork, thus allowing clients to focus on other priorities.

3. Peace of Mind: Real estate transactions are often associated with legal and financial risks. A competent realtor helps mitigate these risks by ensuring that contracts are thoroughly vetted and that clients understand their obligations throughout the transaction process.

4. Tailored Support: Each client has unique needs and preferences. Realtors take the time to understand individual goals, providing personalized support and advice throughout the buying or selling journey.

#### How to Choose the Right Buena Park Realtor

Selecting the right realtor is a crucial step in ensuring a successful real estate transaction. Here are some tips to consider when searching for a Buena Park realtor:

1. Experience and Credentials: Look for a realtor with a proven track record in the Buena Park market. Credentials such as designation by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) or membership in local real estate associations can be indicators of professionalism.

2. Client Reviews and Testimonials: Research client feedback to gauge a realtor’s reputation and reliability. Online reviews, personal testimonials, and references can provide insights into the experiences of past clients.

3. Local Market Knowledge: An ideal realtor should demonstrate a strong understanding of the Buena Park market, including recent sales, pricing strategies, and neighbourhood dynamics. Ask potential realtors about their approach to market analysis.

4. Communication Style: It’s vital to choose a realtor with whom you feel comfortable communicating. Ensure that the realtor’s communication style aligns with your preferences and that they are responsive to your questions and concerns.

5. Marketing Strategy: For sellers, understanding a realtor’s marketing plan is essential. Inquire about the methods they use to attract buyers and how they plan to showcase your property effectively.

#### Conclusion

The role of a Buena Park realtor extends far beyond just facilitating property transactions; they are integral to navigating the complexities of the real estate market. With their expertise, community knowledge, and commitment to client satisfaction, realtors significantly enhance the experience of buying or selling a home in Buena Park. For those looking to make a move in this vibrant city, collaborating with a qualified realtor can make all the difference in achieving one’s real estate goals. Understanding the dynamics of the local market and utilizing the guidance of a seasoned professional are key to enjoying a successful and fulfilling real estate journey in Buena Park, California.

[zephfrenchblog]

Considering No-Fuss Methods For Contractor Licensing Exam

Though many 'contractors' try to skirt the system, running as a contractor in The golden state without a permit has never been a great idea; and with the state's renewed dedication to protecting homeowners via rigorous enforcement of state laws, ( particularly in the fire harmed areas of Southern The golden state) the importance of obtaining a The golden state permit is growing all the time. Why Is A California Professional's Permit Important? The intent of the regulations of the Contractors State Certificate Board (CSLB) is to shield the customer by making certain that all contractors in the state meet a minimum collection of criteria, therefore ensuring the quality as well as degree of service of job executed by those specialists. For both governing reasons as well as for personal/professional reasons, getting a The golden state license is essential for people in business. Odds are increasing those contractor licensing exam unlicensed operators will be captured! The CSLB's Statewide Investigative Scams Group (SWIFT) performs covert stings to capture violators in the act; 43 stings were carried out in 2006 (most current CSLB reporting), during which a overall of 311 individuals were cited for running as professionals without the appropriate permit. The golden state enforces stringent fines for unlicensed professionals; fines can range from a $500 approximately $15,000. Furthermore, fines can bring a six-month prison sentence. The penalties for repeat offenders are a lot more significant ($ 4500 or 20% of agreement rate, obligatory 90 days prison time). Felony charges might use if it is shown that the unlicensed professional tried to devote scams. Legalities apart, though, there are a multitude of advantages to finishing service provider education and learning and also getting the best California permit; education with a great college can substantially raise the earnings of a business. Holding a California license offers the licensee the capability to bid on larger and much better work, consisting of state work as well as tasks backed by emergency monitoring agencies (state and government). A contractor's certificate grants lawful protection; customers do not need to pay unlicensed individuals, and without a certificate a contractor can not file a claim against clients for non-payment. A license gives the person the capability to function independently and enhance prices as she or he sees fit. A licensee get to organization financings, tax write-offs, as well as company calls. It is extra specialist to hold a certificate ( and also a lot more reliable!) A The golden state license offers a degree of prestige, which converts right into greater profits. Just how Do I Get My Professionals Certificate? Many thanks to the Internet, unlicensed service providers in The golden state no longer have to ask yourself "... just how do I obtain my specialist's license?" Schools, like Professionals Permit Guru, provide highly academic programs that not just help drivers obtain their certificate, but gain valuable understanding and skills in the meantime. The education programs offered online prepare people for exam, as well as some likewise use complete licensing plans. (the License Expert, provides a full-service program that helps possible licensees via every action of the process, including exam study materials, application declaring; bonds and also service providers basic liability insurance policy). Professional Education, Professional Protection. In The golden state, operating as a specialist without a permit, whether expressed or implied, is no more an option.

[teamyeagerrealestate8544]

Realtor Huntington Beach: Navigating the California Dream

Huntington Beach, with its stunning coastline, vibrant community, and beach-town charm, is a coveted destination for both residents and visitors in Southern California. Whether you're seeking to buy or sell property in this beautiful coastal city, partnering with a knowledgeable and experienced Realtor in Huntington Beach is your key to unlocking the California dream. In this article, we'll explore the significance of working with a Huntington Beach Realtor and how they can help you achieve your real estate goals in this idyllic location.

The Role of a Realtor in Huntington Beach

A realtor huntington beach , a licensed real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR), brings valuable expertise and resources to the real estate transaction process. Here's why partnering with a Realtor in Huntington Beach is essential:

Local Expertise: Huntington Beach Realtors possess an in-depth understanding of the local real estate market, including neighborhood trends, property values, and future developments. Their insights help you make informed decisions.

Property Search: Realtors have access to comprehensive listing databases, allowing them to identify properties that match your criteria. They can save you time by presenting options that align with your preferences.

Negotiation Skills: Realtors are skilled negotiators who advocate for your best interests. They can help secure the best possible deal, whether you're buying or selling a property.

Legal Expertise: Navigating real estate transactions involves complex legalities and paperwork. Realtors ensure that all contracts and documentation are accurate and compliant with local regulations.

Marketing and Exposure: If you're selling a property, a Realtor will market your listing effectively, leveraging their network and marketing tools to attract potential buyers.

Connections: Realtors have connections with other professionals in the industry, such as mortgage brokers, home inspectors, and contractors, making the entire process more seamless.

Why Huntington Beach?

Huntington Beach, often referred to as "Surf City, USA," offers an exceptional quality of life with its picturesque beaches, outdoor recreational activities, and a thriving community. Here are some reasons why people are drawn to Huntington Beach:

Beach Lifestyle: The city's seven miles of sandy coastline provide ample opportunities for surfing, sunbathing, and enjoying beachfront dining.

Cultural Vibrancy: Huntington Beach hosts numerous cultural events, festivals, and a lively arts scene, making it a hub for entertainment and cultural enrichment.

Education: The city is served by excellent schools, both public and private, making it an attractive choice for families.

Economic Opportunities: Huntington Beach offers a diverse economy, with a strong presence in industries like technology, aerospace, and tourism.

Community Spirit: The tight-knit community and friendly atmosphere create a welcoming environment for residents and newcomers alike.

Partnering with a Huntington Beach Realtor

When choosing a Realtor in Huntington Beach, consider the following:

Reputation: Research the Realtor's reputation, reviews, and track record to ensure they have a history of satisfied clients.

Communication: Effective communication is key. Select a Realtor who listens to your needs and responds promptly.

Local Knowledge: Choose a Realtor with a deep understanding of the Huntington Beach area and its neighborhoods.

Credentials: Ensure that the Realtor is licensed and a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR).

[thaonailart]

LICENSE SPOTLIGHT: MAKEUP ARTIST FOR COSMETOLOGY

The majority of people enroll in cosmetology school to become hair stylists, nail technicians, or cosmetologists. You might not be aware of it, but you have a wide range of employment options available to you. Makeup artist is a lucrative professional path in the cosmetology sector. Your ability to enter this profession using your cosmetology license will depend on your state and career objectives.

1. A makeup artist is what?

A makeup artist utilizes cosmetics to improve other people's appearances. Applying nail technician supplies wholesale makeup for special occasions like a job interview, wedding, prom, first date, picture session, or other events is something you can do as a makeup artist. You can even work in fashion, cinema, television, or theater if you like something more imaginative and dramatic. You can pick up some makeup artistry techniques in cosmetology school, but if it's really your thing, you might want to enroll in a makeup artistry-specific school.

Despite the possibility of employment at salons, spas, or specialized shops, makeup artists frequently work as independent contractors. It might be among the most imaginative branches in cosmetology. Although most work with wholesale nail supply store cosmetics, some makeup artists also style hair. You will want a cosmetology license if you decide to combine hair styling and makeup.

You can discover some incredible videos on YouTube if you want to watch some makeup artists in action. A list of some of the most prominent painters working today has been created by Beauty Schools Directory.

2. What Does a Makeup Artistry Career Look Like?

There are two primary paths you might take if you decide to pursue a profession in makeup artistry. Applying makeup, giving advice, and giving makeovers to the general public is possible, especially for special occasions. You can work at a makeup counter in a department store or specialized cosmetic retailer in addition to a salon or spa. You might also work with photo shoots, particularly for commercials and fashion shows.

The alternative route is the one that emphasizes output more. You often do more than just apply makeup when working as a theatrical and performance makeup artist. You can give the actors significantly diverse faces with makeup, nail salon supply store near me such as making them look younger or older. In a similar way to the SyFy program Face Off, you may also use makeup to create sci-fi characters. Although it can be quite challenging to break into, it is a far more creative field to work in, especially if you want to work on stage in Broadway or Hollywood plays.

3. What Does a Makeup Artist Get Paid?

Your level of experience and competence, as well as the kind of work you do, have a significant impact on how much money you make. The annual salary of a makeup artist can range from $18,780 to $115,030, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics. With an average yearly salary of approximately $80,000, the motion picture industry employs the majority of the highly paid makeup artists. With an annual mean income of $26,110, those who work in personal care services—which would include positions at makeup counters, salons, and spas—are the lowest paid.

You might want to move to one of these five states: California, New York, Texas, Florida, or Georgia if you want to be sure you are paid well and obtain a good job. They have the most jobs and the greatest median earnings compared to other states. California follows in second with almost $71,000, while New York has the highest median wage at little over $85,000.

4. Are Cosmetology Licenses Required?

The majority of the time, a cosmetology license is required to perform makeup artistry in your state. While some states require a separate makeup artist license, others allow this position under the general cosmetology license. To find out what kind of license your state has, you must contact its regulating body.

[contractorsschool]

This video walks you through how to get a General Building Contractors License in California. The following topics are covered in this video:

00:00 Overview of the B General Building Contractors License

00:36 Requirements for the B General Building Contractors License

01:50 Contractors License Guide by Contractors Intelligence School

02:15 General Building Contractors License Application

02:35 General Building Contractors License Exam

03:09 Exam Preparation for General Building Contractors License

03:58 Final Steps to Obtain General Building Contractors License

[contractorsischoolca]

How To Get Your Roofing Contractors License C39 In California

Are you interested in becoming a licensed roofing contractor in California? Then you're in the right place! Here's how you can get your C39 roofing contractors license in California. In this video, we'll guide you through the process of obtaining your roofing contractor's license C39 in California with the help of Contractors Intelligence School.

First, we'll cover the basic requirements for obtaining a C15 license, including education and work experience. Then, we'll discuss the benefits of choosing Contractors Intelligence School for your licensing needs, including their comprehensive study materials and expert guidance.

You'll also learn about the different steps involved in the licensing process, from submitting your application to passing the state exam. We'll provide helpful tips for studying and preparing for the exam, as well as guidance on how to navigate the licensing process efficiently.

Whether you're just starting out in the roofing industry or are looking to advance your career, this video will provide you with all the information you need to obtain your roofing contractor's license in California.

This license allows you to install, repair, and waterproof various types of roofs. This type of work is not limited to residential or commercial-type roof projects.

Requirements:

You must have 4 years of journeyman-level experience in roofing.

You must be at least 18 years old.

You must have a Social Security Number (SSN) or ITIN

[contractorslicenseschool]

Complete Guide to the Contractor Licensing Process

Welcome to the complete guide to the contractor licensing process! This video covers each step you need to follow to become a licensed contractor, especially in California. You’ll learn how to submit your application, prepare for and pass the Law & Business exam and the trade-specific test, and understand the requirements for bonding, workers' compensation, and fingerprinting. We also discuss some common myths—like needing a completion certificate before applying—and give insider tips on avoiding delays.

Our school, Contractors Intelligence School, has helped thousands of applicants achieve their California contractor licenses with the highest pass rate among license prep schools. We provide various flexible study options: online, home-study, or in-person classes, all designed to get you licensed in as little as two months if you have four years of experience.

For more details, please visit - https://www.contractorsischool.com/

[sidewalkstamps]

C. J. Paradis 1939 (Photo taken by Tim Aarons on January 23, 2025 at Ventura & Coldwater Canyon in Studio City, CA)

Paradis worked on pipe line installation, repairs, and miscellaneous construction in Inyo County, CA (Builders' Weekly Guide, Volume 74, Builders' Guide Publishing Company, 1942).

Paradis worked on "landing fields, targets and appurtenant work at bombing and gunnery range" in Nevada. They also worked on a bomb trainer building in Southern California. In both cases they were hired by the U.S. Engineer Office in Los Angeles but the listings are under "Unannounced Co" so I'm not totally clear what that means (Western Construction News, Volume 17, King Publications, 1942).

Paradis was located at 2320 Idell St. (Cypress Park) in Los Angeles and had a class b-1 license from the state of California (#8919) (Official Directory, Licensed Contractors of California, California Contractors' State License Board, California State Print. Office, 1949).

I believe that C.J. is the Clifford Joseph Paradis (July 11, 1902 - December 25, 1999) who is buried at Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier, CA (Find a Grave.com). He was 37 in the 1940 United States Federal Census, who is listed as being a white male born in California. At the time of the census, he was married and lived in Glendale, CA at 2980 Edmonton Road. He was a "contractor proprietor" who worked 60-hour weeks and owned his house. He had only completed one year of high school.

[enviro-built1]

Belmont’s Leading Kitchen Remodeling Contractor

Belmont’s Envirobuilt Construction has more than 25 years of experience remodeling entire kitchens.

Highest rated community is Belmont, California. It is among the safest cities in the country and offers some of the best schools. Your house should be a testament to these high standards, offering you and your family exceptional design and effective utility.

The kitchen is the room where you'll get the most return on your investment if you're looking to update your house, so start there. Remodeling Magazine states that when you sell your house, you can recover more than 60% of the cost of big improvements and more than 78% of the cost of a small kitchen makeover.

For the past 25+ years, Envirobuilt Construction has been ranked among the best kitchen remodel contractors in Belmont. They can help you with your kitchen remodeling project. We are a top-tier remodeling contractor with a 5-star Yelp, Facebook, and Google rating, as well as a license, bond, and insurance.

Why Should You Remodel Your Kitchen in Belmont with Envirobuilt Construction?

One of the top general contractors in the Belmont area with a focus on kitchen renovations is Envirobuilt Construction. The following are only a handful of the numerous reasons our clients pick us to work with:

1. Environmentally Built Construction has been in business for almost 25 years.

2. We have received six consecutive Houzz awards and have received 5-Star reviews on all review platforms.

3. Our organization is run by a family that has extensive experience in project management.

4. The Valley and Los Angeles are service areas for our contracting business.

5. A full-service provider that provides a wide range of remodeling services is Envirobuilt Construction.

6. We adhere to a set of basic principles and hold a license.

7. Notable newspapers have promoted our initiatives significantly.

Our Methodology for Remodeling Kitchens

Our aim at Envirobuilt Construction is to realize your vision for your remodeling. We collaborate with our Belmont clients at every stage of the renovation process because of this.

Every kitchen renovation begins with an in-home consultation during which we evaluate your existing kitchen and talk about your objectives and financial constraints. We'll talk about a variety of subjects, such as who uses the kitchen, whether the current layout has enough space, additional layout options, design elements, and much more.

Our highly recommended team will then present a remodel proposal that includes the price and schedule of the project. The contract will then be prepared, including information on the project, industry and safety regulations, start date, and more.

Among the preparations are obtaining building licenses from the city, supervising the delivery of supplies and finishes, and preparing architectural, engineering, and design plans as necessary. We then get to work on your remodel!

Services for Kitchen Renovation

Envirobuilt Construction takes care of everything, from obtaining permits to installing materials. For our Belmont clients, we provide a full range of kitchen remodeling services, such as:

Demolition

Obtaining a city permit

Engineering

Interior design

Architectural planning

Electrical and lighting,

Kitchen cabinets, countertops, and backsplashes

Appliances

Plumbing

Flooring

Painting,

Windows  and doors.

Kitchens and Bathrooms Making Over for Belmont

Remodeling a kitchen and bathroom together is common. According to Remodeling Magazine, both offer substantial returns on investment—a bathroom remodel can yield a return of up to 68%.

We offer comprehensive kitchen renovations as well as full-service home and bathroom remodeling. Like kitchen remodels, our staff oversees every step of the bathroom remodel process, which includes plumbing, custom vanities, design and planning, demolition, and much more. Are you prepared to work with the best general contractor in Belmont to remodel your home, garage, kitchen, bathroom, etc.? Get in touch with Envirobuilt Construction right now to arrange a consultation or for a free estimate!

[mostlysignssomeportents]

Qualia

My latest Locus Magazine column is "Qualia," and it argues that every attempt to make an empirical, quantitative cost-benefit analysis involves making subjective qualitative judgments about what to do with all the nonquantifiable elements of the problem.

https://locusmag.com/2021/05/cory-doctorow-qualia/

Think of contact tracing. When an epidemiologist does contact tracing, they establish personal trust with infected people and use that relationship to unpick the web of social and microbial ties that bind them to their community.

But we don't know how to automate that person-to-person process, so we do what quants have done since time immemorial: we decide that the qualitative elements of the exercise can be safely incinerated, so we can do math on the quantitative residue that's left behind.

We can automate measurements of signal strength and contact duration. We can do math on those measurements.

What we *can't* do is tell whether you had "contact" with someone in the next sealed automobile in slow traffic - or whether you were breathing into each others' faces.

The decision to discard the subjective *is* subjective.

When the University of Illinois hired physicists to design its re-opening model, they promised no more than 100 cases in the semester and made unkind remarks about how easy epidemiology was compared to physics.

Within weeks, the campus shut down amid a 780-person outbreak. The physicists' subjective judgment that their model didn't need to factor in student eyeball-licking parties meant that the model could not predict the reality.

The problems in quants' claims of empiricism aren't just that they get it wrong - it's that they get it wrong, and then claim that it's impossible for anyone to do better.

This is - in Patrick Ball's term - "empirical facewash." Predictive policing apps don't predict where crime will be, but they DO predict where police will look for criminals.

Subjectively discarding the distinction between "arrests" and "crime" makes bias seem objective.

40 years ago, the University of Chicago's Economics Department incubated a radical experiment in false empiricism: the "Law and Economics" movement, which has ruled out legal and political sphere since Reagan.

Law and Econ's premise was that "equality before the law" required that the law be purged of subjective assessments. For example, DoJ review of two similar mergers should result in two similar outcomes - not approval for one and denial for the other.

To this end, they set out to transform the standards for anti-monopoly enforcement from a political judgment ("Will this merger make a company too powerful?") to an economic one ("Will this merger make prices go up?").

It's true that "Is this company too powerful?" is a subjective question - but so is "Will this merger result in higher prices?"

After all, every company that ever raised prices after a merger blamed something else: higher wage- or material-costs, energy prices, etc.

So whenever two companies merge and promise not to raise prices, we have to make a subjective judgment as to whether to trust them. And if they do merge and raise prices, we have to subjectively decide whether they're telling the truth about why the prices went up.

Law and Econ's answer to this lay in its use of incredibly complex mathematical models. Chicago economists were the world's leading experts in these models, the only people who claimed to know how to make and interpret them.

It's quite a coincidence how every time a company hired a Chicago Boy to build a model to predict how a merger would affect consumers, the model predicted it would be great.

A maxim of neoliberal economics is "incentives matter" - and economists have experience to prove it.

The Chicago School became a sorcerous priesthood, its models the sacrificial ox that could be ritually slaughtered so the future could be read in its guts. Their primacy in models meant that they could dismiss anyone who objected as an unqualified dilettante.

And if you had the audacity to insist that the law shouldn't limit itself to these "empirical" questions, they'd say you were "politicizing" the law, demolishing "equality before the law" by making its judgements dependent on subjective evaluations rather than math.

That's how we got into this mess, with two beer companies, two spirits companies, three record companies, five tech companies, one eyeglasses company, one wrestling league, four big accounting firms - they merged and merged, and the models said it would be fine, just fine.

These companies are too powerful. Boeing used its power to eliminate independent oversight of its 737 Max and made flying death-traps, and then got tens of billions in bailouts to keep them flying.

What's more, these companies are raising prices, no matter what the model says. The FTC knows how to clobber two companies that get together to make prices higher, but if those companies merge and the two resulting *divisions* do the same thing, they get away with it.

The only "price-fixing" the FTC and DoJ know how to detect and stop is the action of misclassified gig-economy workers (who are allegedly each an independent business) who get together to demand a living wage. In Law-and-Econ terms, that's a cartel engaged in price-fixing.

That means Lyft and Uber can collude to spend $200m to pass California's Prop 22, so they can pretend their employees are contractors and steal their wages and deny them workplace protection - but if the workers go on strike, *they're* the monopolists.

In Law-and-Econ land, the way those thousands of precarious, overstretched workers should resist their well-capitalised bosses at Uber and Lyft is to form a trade association, raise $200m of their own, and pass their own ballot initiative.

As I wrote in the column: "Discarding the qualitative is a qualitative act. Not all incinerators are created equal: the way you produce your dubious quantitative residue is a choice, a decision, not an equation."

There is room for empiricism in policy-making, of course. When David Nutt was UK Drugs Czar, he had a panel of experts create empirical rankings for how dangerous different drugs were to their users, their families and wider society.

From this, he was able to group drugs into "drugs whose regulation would change a lot based on how you prioritized these harms" and "drugs whose ranking remains stable, no matter what your priorities."

Nutt was then able to go to Parliament and say, "OK, the choice about who we protect is a political, subjective one, not an empirical one. But once you tell me what your subjective choice is, I can empirically tell you how to regulate different drugs."

Nutt isn't UK Drugs Czar anymore. He was fired after he refused to recant remarks that alcohol and tobacco were more dangerous than many banned substances. He was fired by a government that sat back and watched as the booze industry concentrated into four companies.

These companies' profits are wholly dependent on dangerous binge drinking; they admit that if Britons were to stop binge drinking, they'd face steep declines in profitability.

These companies insist they can prevent binge drinking, through "enjoy responsibly" programs.

These programs are empirical failures. The companies insist that this is because it's impossible to prevent binge drinking.

So Nutt made his own program, and performed randomized trials to see how it stacked up against the booze pushers' version.

Nutt's program worked.

It was never implemented.

Instead, he got fired, for saying - truthfully - that alcohol is an incredibly dangerous drug.

The four companies that control the world's booze industry have enormous political power.

So here we have the failure of Law-and-Econ, even on its own terms. Instead of creating an empirical basis for policy, the Law-and-Econ framework has created global monopolies that capture their regulators and kill with impunity.

That's why it's so significant that Amy Klobuchar's antitrust proposals start by getting rid of the "consumer welfare" standard and replacing it with a broader standard: "Is this company too powerful?"

https://pluralistic.net/2021/02/06/calera/#fuck-bork

Image: OpenStax Chemistry https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Figure_24_01_03.jpg

CC BY https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/deed.en

[transparenttriumphzombie]

Christine Jorgensen (May 30, 1926 – May 3, 1989) was an American transgender woman who was the first person to become widely known in the United States for having sex reassignment surgery. Jorgensen grew up in the Bronx, New York City. Shortly after graduating from high school in 1945, she was drafted into the U.S. Army during World War II. After her military service, she attended several schools and worked; it is during this time she learned about sex reassignment surgery. Jorgensen traveled to Europe, and in Copenhagen, Denmark, obtained special permission to undergo a series of operations beginning in 1952.

She returned to the United States in the early 1950s and her transition was the subject of a New York Daily News front-page story. She became an instant celebrity, known for her directness and polished wit, and used the platform to advocate for transgender people. She also worked as an actress and nightclub entertainer and recorded several songs. Jorgensen often lectured on the experience of being transgender and published an autobiography in 1967.

Jorgensen was the second child of carpenter and contractor George William Jorgensen, Sr., and his wife Florence Davis Hansen, and given a male name at birth. She was raised in the Belmont neighborhood of the Bronx, New York City. She later described herself as having been a "frail, blond, introverted little boy who ran from fistfights and rough-and-tumble games".

Jorgensen graduated from Christopher Columbus High School in 1945 and was soon drafted into the U.S. Army at the age of 19. After being discharged from the Army, she attended Mohawk Valley Community College in Utica, New York,[5] the Progressive School of Photography in New Haven, Connecticut, and the Manhattan Medical and Dental Assistant School in New York City. She also worked briefly for Pathé News.

Returning to New York after military service, and increasingly concerned over, as one obituary later called it, a "lack of male physical development", Christine Jorgensen heard about sex reassignment surgery. She began taking estrogen in the form of ethinylestradiol and started researching the surgery with the help of Joseph Angelo, the husband of a classmate at the Manhattan Medical and Dental Assistant School. Jorgensen intended to go to Sweden, where the only doctors in the world who then performed the surgery were located. During a stopover in Copenhagen to visit relatives, she met Christian Hamburger, a Danish endocrinologist and specialist in rehabilitative hormonal therapy. Jorgensen stayed in Denmark and underwent hormone replacement therapy under Hamburger's direction. She chose the name Christine in honor of Hamburger.

She obtained special permission from the Danish Minister of Justice to undergo a series of operations in that country. On September 24, 1951, surgeons at Gentofte Hospital in Copenhagen performed an orchiectomy on Jorgensen. In a letter to friends on October 8, 1951, she referred to how the surgery affected her:

As you can see by the enclosed photos, taken just before the operation, I have changed a great deal. But it is the other changes that are so much more important. Remember the shy, miserable person who left America? Well, that person is no more and, as you can see, I'm in marvelous spirits.

In November 1952, doctors at Copenhagen University Hospital performed a penectomy. In Jorgensen's words, "My second operation, as the previous one, was not such a major work of surgery as it may imply."

She returned to the United States and eventually obtained a vaginoplasty when the procedure became available there. The vaginoplasty was performed under the direction of Angelo, with Harry Benjamin as a medical adviser. Later, in the preface of Jorgensen's autobiography, Harry Benjamin gave her credit for the advancement of his studies. He wrote, "Indeed Christine, without you, probably none of this would have happened; the grant, my publications, lectures, etc."

The New York Daily News ran a front-page story on December 1, 1952, under the headline "Ex-GI Becomes Blonde Beauty", announcing (incorrectly) that Jorgensen had become the recipient of the first "sex change". This type of surgery had previously been performed by German doctors in the late 1920s and early 1930s. Dorchen Richter and Danish artist Lili Elbe, both patients of Magnus Hirschfeld at the Institut für Sexualwissenschaft in Berlin, were known recipients of such operations in 1930–31.

After her surgeries, Jorgensen originally stated that she wanted a quiet life of her own design, but once returning to the United States, the only way she could manage to earn a living was by making public appearances. Jorgensen was an instant celebrity when she returned to New York in February 1953. A large crowd of journalists met her as she came off her flight, and despite the Danish royal family being on the same flight, they were largely ignored in favor of her. Soon after her arrival, she launched a successful nightclub act and appeared on TV, radio, and theatrical productions. The first of a five-part authorized account of her story was written by Jorgensen herself in a February 1953 issue of The American Weekly, titled "The Story of My Life" and in 1967, she published her autobiography, Christine Jorgensen: A Personal Autobiography, which sold almost 450 thousand copies.

The publicity following her transition and gender reassignment surgery became "a model for other transsexuals for decades. She was a tireless lecturer on the subject of transsexuality, pleading for understanding from a public that all too often wanted to see transsexuals as freaks or perverts ... Ms Jorgensen's poise, charm, and wit won the hearts of millions." However, over time the press was much less fascinated by her and started to scrutinize her much more harshly. She was often asked by print medias if she would pose nude in their publications.

Knox and Jorgensen after being denied a marriage license, April 1959. After her vaginoplasty, Jorgensen planned to marry labor union statistician John Traub, but the engagement was called off. In 1959 she announced her engagement to typist Howard J. Knox in Massapequa Park, New York, where her father had built her a house after her reassignment surgery. However, the couple was unable to obtain a marriage license because Jorgensen's birth certificate listed her as male. In a report about the broken engagement, The New York Times reported that Knox had lost his job in Washington, D.C., when his engagement to Jorgensen became known.

After her parents died, Jorgensen moved to California in 1967. She left behind the ranch home built by her father in Massapequa and settled at the Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles, California, for a period of time. It was also during this same year that Jorgensen published her autobiography, Christine Jorgensen: A Personal Autobiography, which chronicled her life experiences as a transsexual and included her own personal perspectives on major events in her life.

During the 1970s and 1980s, Jorgensen toured university campuses and other venues to speak about her experiences. She was known for her directness and polished wit. She once demanded an apology from Vice President Spiro T. Agnew when he called Charles Goodell "the Christine Jorgensen of the Republican Party". (Agnew refused her request.)

Jorgensen also worked as an actress and nightclub entertainer and recorded several songs. In summer stock, she played Madame Rosepettle in the play Oh Dad, Poor Dad, Mamma's Hung You in the Closet and I'm Feelin' So Sad. In her nightclub act, she sang several songs, including "I Enjoy Being a Girl", in which, at the end, she made a quick change into a Wonder Woman costume. She later recalled that Warner Communications, owners of the Wonder Woman character's copyright, demanded that she stop using the character; she did so, and instead used a new character of her own invention, Superwoman, who was marked by the inclusion of a large letter S on her cape. Jorgensen continued her act, performing at Freddy's Supper Club on the Upper East Side of Manhattan until at least 1982, when she performed twice in the Hollywood area: once at the Backlot Theatre, adjacent to the discothèque Studio One, and later at The Frog Pond restaurant. This performance was recorded and has been made available as an album on iTunes. In 1984, Jorgensen returned to Copenhagen to perform her show and was featured in Teit Ritzau's Danish transsexual documentary film Paradiset er ikke til salg (Paradise Is Not for Sale). Jorgensen was the first and only known trans woman to perform at Oscar's Delmonico Restaurant in downtown New York, for which owners Oscar and Mario Tucci received criticism.

She died of bladder and lung cancer in 1989, four weeks short of her 63rd birthday. Her ashes were scattered off Dana Point, California.

Jorgensen's highly publicized transition helped bring to light gender identity and shaped a new culture of more inclusive ideas about the subject. As a transgender spokesperson and public figure, Jorgensen influenced other transgender people to change their sex on birth certificates and to change their names. Jorgensen saw herself as a founding member in what became known as the "sexual revolution". Jorgensen stated in a Los Angeles Times interview, "I am very proud now, looking back, that I was on that street corner 36 years ago when a movement started. It was the sexual revolution that was going to start with or without me. We may not have started it, but we gave it a good swift kick in the pants."

In 2012 Jorgensen was inducted into the Legacy Walk, an outdoor public display which celebrates LGBT history and people.

In 2014, Jorgensen was one of the inaugural honorees in the Rainbow Honor Walk, a walk of fame in San Francisco's Castro neighborhood noting LGBTQ people who have "made significant contributions in their fields".

In June 2019, Jorgensen was one of the inaugural 50 American "pioneers, trailblazers, and heroes" included on the National LGBTQ Wall of Honor within the Stonewall National Monument (SNM) in New York City's Stonewall Inn. The SNM is the first U.S. national monument dedicated to LGBTQ rights and history, and the wall's unveiling was timed to take place during the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots.

Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan, during his earlier career as a calypso singer under the name The Charmer, recorded a song about Jorgensen, "Is She Is or Is She Ain't" (The title is a play on the 1940s Louis Jordan song, "Is You Is or Is You Ain't My Baby".)

Chuck Renslow and Dom Orejudos founded Kris Studios, a male physique photography studio that took photos for gay magazines they published, which was named in part to honor Jorgensen.

Posters for the Ed Wood film Glen or Glenda (1953), also known as I Changed My Sex and I Led Two Lives, publicize the movie as being based on Jorgensen's life. Originally producer George Weiss made her some offers to appear in the film, but these were turned down. Jorgenson is mentioned in connection with Glen in Tim Burton's biopic Ed Wood (1994), but Jorgenson is not depicted as a character.

The Christine Jorgensen Story, a fictionalized biopic based on Jorgensen's memoir, premiered in 1970. John Hansen played Jorgensen as an adult, while Trent Lehman played her at age seven.

In Christine Jorgensen Reveals, a stage performance at the 2005 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Jorgensen was portrayed by Bradford Louryk. To critical acclaim, Louryk dressed as Jorgensen and performed to a recorded interview with her during the 1950s while video of Rob Grace as comically inept interviewer Nipsey Russell played on a nearby black-and-white television set. The show went on to win Best Aspect of Production at the 2006 Dublin Gay Theatre Festival, and it ran Off-Broadway at New World Stages in January 2006. The LP was reissued on CD by Repeat The Beat Records in 2005.

Transgender historian and critical theorist Susan Stryker directed and produced an experimental documentary film about Jorgensen, titled Christine in the Cutting Room. In 2010 she also presented a lecture at Yale University titled "Christine in the Cutting Room: Christine Jorgensen's Transsexual Celebrity and Cinematic Embodiment". Both works examine embodiment vis-à-vis cinema.

The 2016 book Andy Warhol was a Hoarder: Inside the Minds of History's Great Personalities, by journalist Claudia Kalb, devotes a chapter to Jorgensen's story, using her as an example of gender dysphoria and the process of gender transition in its earliest days.

Jorgensen, Christine (1967). Christine Jorgensen: A Personal Autobiography. New York, New York: Bantam Books. ISBN 978-1-57344-100-1.

[steveslepcevic]

Master of Disasters

When Steve Slepcevic was 5 years old, his father asked him what he wanted to be when he grew up.

Young Slepcevic said he did not know. But his father did.

“He said, `You’re going to be a doctor. So tell people to call you Dr. Steve,”‘ Slepcevic, more than three decades later, recalled his father saying. “So people started calling me Dr. Steve.”

But Slepcevic eventually dropped the nickname. The son of strict Serbian immigrant parents never made it to medical school.

Instead, he dropped out of Hawthorne High School in the 11th grade to pursue a career in construction.

“I was probably 15 or 16 when I made my mind up that I loved framing and building and being in the outdoors,” Slepcevic said. “And I don’t think he was disappointed because he saw that I was good at it.”

Today, Slepcevic, 50, owns Paramount Disaster Recovery, a Rolling Hills Estates construction company that specializes in rebuilding businesses and homes hit by disaster.

He also organizes conferences to teach businesses and institutions how to deal with natural and man-made disasters.

Slepcevic organized conferences in 12 cities nationwide last year and expects another dozen this year. Attendance ranged from about 150 to 200 at each event, with representatives from businesses, government agencies, hospitals, universities and other institutions attending.

Speakers discuss such topics as data recovery, evacuation plans, stabilizing a building and dealing with insurance companies.

“I found that the businesses that had their plans in place, they had a better chance of recovering than those that didn’t,” he said. “So I set up a second company that has an educational conference called the Disaster Preparedness Summit. Those who respond quickly and effectively save a ton of money and reopen quicker.”

Slepcevic’s first experience with a hurricane came in 1992, when he went to Florida for a project after Hurricane Andrew. He rebuilt a retirement home owned by the parents of a friend.

“It was my first taste of wide-area disaster recovery,” Slepcevic said. “I had done fires and floods in California but on an individual basis. After Florida, I started to realize I wanted to do more wide-area disaster recovery.”

He went on to do work in the aftermath of other hurricanes and disasters, including the 1994 Northridge earthquake and Hurricane Katrina in 2005 on the Gulf Coast.

Slepcevic said he did about $18 million in renovation work from the Northridge quake and $8 million to $9 million from a massive 1995 Texas hail storm.

The Southern California wildfires have kept him “really busy,” he said.

But he has also lost money on some projects.

“I worked Katrina, and we had an office set up in Slidell, La. We made money, but we also lost money because we had some clients who didn’t pay,” he said. “I’m still collecting.”

Slepcevic was born in Akron, Ohio, the middle child between four sisters. The family moved to California a year later.

At 12 years old, he began to help out after school and on weekends with his uncles, who were general contractors.

“At 12 years old, digging ditches and pouring concrete was the norm,” he said.

By the time he was in high school, Slepcevic often worked until 9 or 10 at night.

“At that time, I recognized he had a gift for it,” said his uncle Batta Vujicic who now owns Prime Development in Westlake Village. “And he loved the field. He made a passionate jump into it. And I thought that was going to hold him on for years to come.”

Slepcevic took his first solo project at age 17. His friend’s parents in Hawaii wanted to build a two-car garage.

In about eight days, Slepcevic, with the help of his friend, built the garage.

“There was no money to be made. They gave me room and board and the flight (ticket),” Slepcevic said. “My whole thing is I wanted to get done and get out there and surf.”

Slepcevic then started his own business and bid on his uncles’ jobs while taking engineering and design classes at El Camino College.

“I was doing framing, windows, cabinets, doors,” he recalled.

By 1989, he had acquired his own business license and named his Hawthorne firm Paramount Construction.

He built homes and shopping centers. He eventually began to complete unfinished construction projects that were abandoned by the owner after a foreclosure.

He also started to work on homes that were damaged by fire or flood.

Slepcevic relocated his business to Rolling Hills Estates in 1999.

In 2002, as his disaster work grew, he began Paramount Disaster Recovery.

He says the disaster work is more satisfying.

“I realized, even going to Katrina and seeing people’s faces of confusion and not knowing what they were going to do, these people needed someone to lead them out of their situation,” Slepcevic said.

Name: Steve Slepcevic