Deconstruction Begins

On the five year memorial of the Iraq invasion, I started the deconstruction of the patio. Ruth was supposed to come over to help, but she does not answer her phone. I’ve been calling her every hour since 9 AM. Using a heavy duty pavement breakers, the raised concrete platform of the former patio shower is gone, and for the first time since 1985, access to the crawlspace is visible and accessible. Mom is too frail to help me out as a construction partner, but she stands at a distance to make sure i don’t put a hole in my foot. She help me pick up the small rubble too.

Patio Removal Begins Soon

The remodeling project begins with the removal of the patio. I’ve ordered the hard hats, ear protection, respiratory protection, and tools to remove the patio walls and surrounding concrete. I don’t know when I will order the inert materials recycling bin, but it may be that I first break up the concrete, and then load the bin over two days.

Mom would like your participation, if you are willing to get into the dirty and somewhat hard labor of demo. I expect to reduce all parts to no more than 25 lbs for my own health. I’ve order a high powered and low vibration pavement breaker. You can rent a similar tool, but the one you can buy has more vibration protection (more comfortable to use), so it was $600 more, but I think a good investment in health. The last vibration tool I used, my hands hurt for four days.

I was going to order the tool on Monday, but there was a freight discrepancy, so last night the price dropped by $70, so I decided to order. It’s coming from a company in Las Vegas, so it should be here soon.

Demolition should begin either late this week or early next week. Please send your schedule so I can prepare for your arrival.

Construction and Demolition (C & D) debris Credit

To: councilman.cardenas@lacity.org

COUNCILMEMBER TONY CARDENAS
200 N SPRING ST STE 455
LOS ANGELES CA 90012-2597

Dear Councilmember Cardenas,

The City always needs more revenue sources. Construction and demolition (C & D) debris account for a large bulk of landfill use, but proven landfill diversion technologies can prevent 75% or more of the C & D debris from entering the waste stream.

Please start a city program that encourages C & D debris diversion and recycling in the residential areas. Currently only private haulers participate in such activities, but I feel it is in Los Angeles City’s best interest to guarantee compliance with AB 939 (California Solid Waste Management Act of 1989) and offer this removal service to its citizens. Too often private companies and haulers drop off C & D debris at the landfill, without going to the recycling centers.

Presently, neighboring cities require proof of C & D diversion compliance with cash deposits collected in advance, and only through written documentation from a certified hauler after a project concludes can the fee be refunded, proving that at least 50% to 60% of C & D debris has not entered the waste stream, but gets diverted to other uses.

I would prefer to pay the hundreds of dollars to the City, instead of a private company that has no accountability.