Kathleen Anne Hughes Anderson. Photo courtesy of Diantha Stensrud.

BY EMILY MIBACH
Editor of the Daily Post

Atherton's former arborist has been identified as the woman found stabbed to death in her Menlo Park home.

Kathleen Anne Hughes Anderson, 62, was the arborist for the City of Atherton for 22 years, from November 1989 until her retirement in November 2011. She was the widow of Billy “Andy” Anderson, who owned Dahl Plumbing on Alma Street in Palo Alto. Andy Anderson died in 2007.

Before his death, the two were married for about 30 years and had no children.

Anderson was from Decatur, Illinois, and came to California to attend school in the 1980s, said her brother-in-law, Barry Anderson, who also works for the post office. The couple were regulars at the Alpine Beer Garden in Portola Valley.

Anderson was known for her green thumb at work and at home. Barry Anderson said her garden at her home at 925 Valparaiso Ave. was “amazing.”

Atherton Town Clerk Theresa DellaSanta said Anderson “was very passionate about her work as an arborist.”

Franz Wolke

“She had a deep passion for landscaping and trees, and she shared that love with many of our town residents by spending time with them in their gardens and giving them insight into tree pruning and planting,” DellaSanta wrote. “It was the little things Kathy did around town that residents remember and came to love about her. Kathy was a beacon of positivity to all who came into contact with her, and her impact on the trees in Atherton will last for many generations to come.”

Police found Anderson stabbed to death in her home on Wednesday (Dec. 12) after receiving a 911 call from Daniel Baggett, a former tenant of Anderson's. Baggett told police to The Post he stopped by at 5 p.m. on Wednesday after driving by and noticing her garbage cans were still on the side of the road a day after garbage collection. He also saw that her bedroom window, which was normally open, was closed, he said.

Baggett said he saw the back door was open and went into the house. He spotted Francis Wolke, 36, of Cincinnati, Ohio, at the top of the stairs. Baggett called 911. Police arrested Wolke on suspicion of first-degree murder.

Was there a connection between the three people?

District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe said Friday that his office and Menlo Park police are still investigating the connection between Wolke, Baggett and Anderson, if there is one. Wagstaffe said the relationship between Anderson and Baggett was not rosy and that investigators are “digging” into the pasts of the three people to find a connection.

Wolke had an arrest warrant issued by the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office for prowling and drug possession from a 2014 case.

While police believe Wolke's current address is in Cincinnati, records indicate he was living in San Francisco in 2014. Wagstaffe said Wolke has not made any statement about why he allegedly murdered Anderson.

Wagstaffe said Anderson died as a result of being stabbed in the head with a “sharp object,” but because the investigation is ongoing, he could not yet identify the object.

Wolke is in prison without bail.

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SAN FRANCISCO (KPIX) – Across the Bay Area, people and businesses were ready to help each other during the lockdown, but a plumbing company that delivered pharmacy medications was likely a first.

Discount Plumbers has been in business for more than 30 years and has a fleet of nearly 50 trucks.

“This is a crazy time for all of us!” says CEO Kevin Griffin.

Even though business is down 40 percent, Griffin says he is still grateful and giving back.

“If you don't want to go out, go to the pharmacy, which not many people are doing right now. We pick up your prescriptions and leave them at your door,” he says.

Griffin first made the unusual announcement to his customer list and then expanded it to everyone.

You get a call or email, and if a truck is available, it goes to the right pharmacy.

Inside, the medication is handed over to the customer after an exchange of signatures and identification.

Alyssa Broduer stayed safe at home. She asked the sanitation service to pick up and deliver her medication.

“I have that. I have that,” says Broduer. “It will be a service that will actually be used. It’s aimed at people who could really use the help.”

“If we have a unit in your area, we just assign it at the end of the day or in the middle of the day, depending on how busy we are,” Griffin explains.

The idea that despite the downturn in business, Griffin is helping those in need.

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The artificial intelligence company unveiled its new voice engine technology on Friday, just over a week after filing a trademark application for the name.

The company claims that it can recreate a person's voice with just 15 seconds of recording that person speaking.

OpenAI says it plans to test it with early testers, but “will not generally release this technology at this time” due to the risk of misuse.

“We recognize that producing speech that resembles people’s voices poses serious risks, which are particularly great in an election year,” the San Francisco company said in a statement.

In New Hampshire, authorities are investigating robocalls sent to thousands of voters just before the presidential primary that featured an AI-generated voice imitating President Joe Biden.

A number of start-up companies are already selling voice cloning technology, some of which are available to the public or to select business customers such as entertainment studios.

OpenAI says its initial voice engine testers agreed not to impersonate a person without their consent and to disclose that the voices are AI-generated.

The company, best known for its chatbot and image generator DALL-E, took a similar approach when it announced but did not widely release its video generator Sora.

However, a trademark application filed on March 19 shows that OpenAI is likely aiming to get into the speech recognition and digital voice assistant business.

Ultimately, improving this technology could help OpenAI compete with other voice products like Amazon's Alexa.

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PipeDreams, a technology-enabled home services provider, announced $25.5 million in Series A funding led by Canvas Ventures and Plural. Angel investors include Tony Xu (the founder of DoorDash), Thomas Layton (the founder of CitySearch, former CEO of OpenTable and chairman of UpWork), and Allison Pickens (former COO at Gainsight). With this round of financing, the company has raised a total of $39 million.

PipeDreams is committed to becoming the most respected home service provider in every market nationwide. It is a vertically integrated home services provider whose technology layer improves the experience for technicians and customers, delivering five stars in approximately 91% of customer reviews.

And it acquires leading companies in local markets, employs all of its artisans and integrates a unique technology stack to improve their revenue, productivity and quality of life while providing excellent customer service.

PipeDreams' AI platform connects employee skills to projects, optimizes job routes and schedules, and automates inventory management. With PipeDreams, technicians earn an average of 30% more. PipeDreams' technology layer leverages automation, digitalization and improved customer/technician experience to achieve 100% growth of an existing business in two years.

As technology has transformed countless industries, home services still rely on the hands-on performance of qualified on-site technicians and coordination of schedules. And over the past two decades, intermediaries have emerged to make it easier for consumers to find and schedule appointments. However, these aggregated solutions are a patchwork of providers and promises, resulting in inconsistent and frustrating consumer experiences that prevent companies from building deeper loyalty.

PipeDreams companies operate in the San Francisco Bay Area, California Central Coast, Southern California, Tucson, Arizona, Denver, Colorado and McAllen, Texas. And they will be expanding to additional locations in the coming year.

MOST IMPORTANT QUOTES:

“The rise of vertical SaaS has been a boon for many service industries, but in conversations with owners and consumers, we found that a software layer alone doesn't go deep enough to streamline operations or provide reliable service to customers. I have seen firsthand the power of technology to connect local communities. We built PipeDreams to meet and elevate expectations with an end-to-end approach that puts the right person in the right job, secures advancement opportunities for that person, and provides business owners with opportunities to scale their visions and brands.”

• Dan Laufer, CEO and founder of PipeDreams, who previously led growth and product marketing at Nextdoor

“PipeDreams’ use of technology – bringing it into every aspect of the business rather than on the surface – is proving transformative not only for their teams, but also for their customers. They provide liquidity to a generation of owners while expanding their legacy and teams, doubling organic growth in just a few years, and creating loyal, satisfied customers. We are proud to support them on this journey.”

• Mike Ghaffary, general partner at Canvas Ventures

“I have spent much of my career supporting small business owners and tradespeople, and while digitalization has brought many benefits, I have long been convinced that verticalized solutions that integrate software and service are the way of the future. “I am very excited to be turning this vision into reality at PipeDreams.”

• CPO Darren Merritt (former VP of Engineering at ServiceTitan)

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BERKELEY — Blame it on the pandemic or rising inflation costs, but whatever the cause, Bay Area animal shelters are in crisis.

And all across the region, people like the workers at LJ Kruse Plumbing in Berkeley are helping.

Every Thursday morning, Marie McLean, who works at the century-old plumbing company, walks a few blocks to the Berkeley Humane Society animal shelter.

“It’s a joy for everyone in the office,” said McLean, who has worked at the plumbing company for 15 years. “We love the dogs. You feed a dog, you take him for a walk, you play with him for a bit and then you take a break and he is standing at the gate crying for you. That is amazing.”

Berkeley Humane has been working with Kruse for some time. That day, McLean picked up a year-old terroir mix named Hugo who was found abandoned in Oakland.

The good-natured puppy spends a few hours in the plumbing company's offices and wins the hearts of everyone who works there.

“The hope is that this dog finds a loving home,” McLean told KPIX.

Will Kruse is vice president and service manager. He loves having dogs like Hugo in the office.

“We care about animals and animal reuse here,” Kruse said. “Berkeley Humane is just a few blocks away, so it’s a natural partnership.”

In the last decade. Kruse says some of his employees and even customers have adopted dogs that they brought into the office.

This is special because Will grew up on the streets and actually volunteered at Berkeley Humane as a child.

“It means a lot to me as an adult and business owner to give back to the community I grew up in,” Kruse said.

Kruse Plumbing is currently running a donation program. Every $3 of every service call is donated to Berkeley Humane.

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Justin Andrews

Justin Andrews joined the KPIX 5 news team in May 2021. You can follow his reports on the morning and midday newscasts.

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Based in Ohio Leaf house has found a workplace for its marketing team on the 15th floor Marx Realty'S 10 Grand Central.

The home improvement manufacturer, which has developed a form of gutter protection technology, signed a five-and-a-half-year lease for 10,000 square feet in what the Post described as the office tower 155 East 44th Streetsaid the landlord. The asking rent was $92 per square foot.

SEE ALSO: NWF renovates space in DC's Metro Center

The space, which is Leaf Home's first office in New York City, is a prefabricated office suite and features additional tenant services such as the building's in-house car, an electric Porsche Taycan known as Marx Mobile.

“The leasing pace around 10 Grand Central has remained stable throughout the current office cycle due to the highly differentiated product offering here and across our portfolio.” Craig Deitelzweig, CEO of Marx Realty, said in a statement. “Now more than ever, it is critically important to provide tenants with an inspiring workplace experience, and the outstanding top-to-bottom sensory journey at 10 Grand Central is unrivaled in today’s market.”

Maxwell Tarter from CBRE (CBRE) represented Leaf Home in the transaction Mitchell Konsker, Kyle Young, Carlee Palmer, Simon Landman And Thomas Swartz from JLL (JLL) negotiated on behalf of Marx Realty.

CBRE did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

“10 Grand Central continues to be one of the most active and sought-after buildings on the market,” Konsker said in a statement. “Tenants are really attracted to the spaces with lots of hospitality and unique service elements that the Marx team has created. The Marx Mobile is particularly attractive as a real differentiator in today’s market.”

The 35-story building's other tenants include a telemedicine company Teladoc Health (which signed a contract for 7,000 square meters in April), Law firm Lewis Bach Merchant Middlemiss and manufacturer of glass partitions MetroWall, Both signed leases in March.

Mark Hallum can be reached at mhallum@commercialobserver.com.

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With the closure of Universal Studios’ Classic Monsters Café in Universal Studios Florida, dining options decreased. With pavement work going on all over the park, other food, and beverage locations temporarily close periodically. Yet, the often-overlooked San Francisco Pastry Company continues to serve above-average theme park food. More importantly, this place serves something besides pizza and burgers. In fact, the bakery here offers exclusive treats for the Universal Orlando holiday festivities. During my most recent trip to Orlando, I selected the “Gingerbread Whoopie Pie” here for an afternoon snack.

In addition to this gingerbread treat, the San Francisco Pastry Company offers three other holiday-specific treats in addition to this gingerbread treat. Coconut lovers will find a “Coconut Matcha Tree” for $6.99. Universal Orlando continues to create a variety of holiday cookies with a “Mitten Sugar Cookie” here for $3.79. Also, a “Chocolate Cherry Yule Log” calls to people who walk near the bakery case for $5.99.

The Gingerbread Whoopie pie costs $5.49 before applicable discounts. This holiday design comes with an adorable gingerbread man chocolate piece on top. I felt bad having to eat the little guy. Yet, decisions were made. Still, the chocolate piece tasted okay. The quality rates as slightly better than most chocolate pieces served at Orlando area theme park resorts. This gingerbread whoopie pie looks great so the presentation earns high marks.

My only legitimate criticism of this gingerbread bread treat involves powdered sugar. I respect that the powdered sugar adds to the holiday imagery, but it adds to the unneeded mess factor.

All the flavors you would expect from this type of holiday treat exist on the plate. Overall, this makes a solid holiday option for a sweet snack. This location, which I continue to refer to as often overlooked, provides a “safe” option for bakery case items. Nothing here will dazzle you, but rarely will it disappoint you (except maybe breakfast).

As always, eat like you mean it!

Pirates & Princesses (PNP) is an independent, opinionated, fan-powered news blog that covers Disney and Universal Theme Parks, Themed Entertainment and related Pop Culture from a consumer’s point of view. Opinions expressed by our contributors do not necessarily reflect the views of PNP, its editors, affiliates, sponsors or advertisers. PNP is an unofficial news source and has no connection to The Walt Disney Company, NBCUniversal or any other company that we may cover.

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HVAC Companies Milton At Free Air Heating & Air Conditioning Ltd., we understand that air conditioning is an essential part of your home’s comfort and efficiency. That’s why our team of professionals are dedicated to providing you with the highest quality services and solutions. With over a decade in business, Free Air has established itself as a leader in the industry, offering honest and reliable services that exceed expectations.

HVAC systems are a significant investment for your home, and choosing the right company to install them is essential. By understanding the different types of systems and getting quotes from multiple companies, you can make an informed decision about who to hire. Ask questions during the installation process to ensure you’re happy with the end result.

HVAC is one of those essential services that everyone needs, but only some know how to pick the right company to work with. This article will outline the steps you need to take to identify the right HVAC company for your needs. From checking out their customer ratings to learning more about their services and pricing, you’ll be able to make an informed decision about who to work with.

Choosing the right HVAC company for your needs

Choosing the right HVAC company for your needs can be a daunting task. That’s why it’s essential to take some time to consider all the factors involved. Consider experience, qualifications, and pricing. Additionally, ask the company questions about their services and how they would approach achieving your goals. Finally, review ratings and reviews of HVAC companies to find the best one for you! There are a number of factors to consider when picking an HVAC company, including ratings, certifications, and customer reviews.

In addition, it’s essential to consider the services offered by the company. Ensure you understand the service required for your specific home or business and ask about possible discounts or specials. Additionally, it’s helpful to know if the services offer any warranties or guarantees.

Choosing an HVAC company can be daunting, but following these tips will help make the process easier.

Understanding the different types of HVAC systems

When selecting the right HVAC company for your home, it’s essential to understand the different types of HVAC systems. These systems include forced air, gas furnaces, and electronic climate control systems. Each method has pros and cons, so it’s important to know what you’re looking for before making a decision. Forced air HVAC systems use a motor to move the heat or cold around the room. They’re great for large rooms or spaces with a lot of square footage, as they’re efficient and can heat up or cool down the entire space quickly. Gas furnaces use natural gas to generate heat or AC units. They’re great for smaller rooms or areas that don’t need a lot of cooling or heating, as they’re cheaper and more environmentally friendly. Electronic climate control systems use sensors and controllers to regulate temperatures in the room. They’re great for people who are sensitive to air conditioning and want to control the room’s temperatures.

Determining the size and type of system you need

It can be daunting to figure out what type of system you need for your home. That’s why starting by determining the size and type of system you need is essential. Size can depend on a number of factors, including the number of people in your home, the size of your room, and the amount of heat or air conditioning you want. The type also depends on whether you have a single-person home or a multi-family unit, for example. Once you have a good idea of ​​the size and type of system you need, it’s time to start your search for an HVAC company. Make sure to consider the company’s reputation, warranties, and other services they offer. Remember to ask about their pricing, as finding an affordable company without sacrificing quality or service can be essential.

Getting a quote from the company and comparing it to other providers

When choosing the proper heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) company, it’s essential to take the time to get a quote. This will help you compare prices, services, warranties, and turnaround time for repairs or replacements. It’s also a good idea to ask questions about the company’s services and warranties. This way, you can be sure you’re getting the best deal possible. Remember, quality heating, ventilation, and air conditioning are only sometimes expensive – so don’t be afraid to compare companies and find the best HVAC provider for your needs.

Deciding who to hire and why

Hiring the right HVAC company can be a daunting task. There are a lot of factors to consider, and it can take time to know where to start. Here are five essential things to keep in mind when choosing an HVAC company:

1. Look for someone you trust and have a good reputation in the community.
2. Be sure to find an affordable HVAC company that offers competitive rates.
3. Ask questions during the interview so you understand precisely what they do and how they will help your home or business operate efficiently.
4. Finally, get a written estimate and sign the contract before starting work. This will help to avoid any unpleasant surprises down the road.

The installation process

Choosing the right HVAC contractor can be a daunting task. You should keep a few things in mind when making your decision, like checking their experience with air conditioning and heating systems, licensing and certification, and customer reviews. Additionally, be sure to ask around before making an appointment – ​​you never know who you might find helpful. When choosing an HVAC contractor, go with your gut instinct and trust your gut feeling!

In addition, be sure to read these helpful installation tips:

1. Clear your work area before the contractor arrives. This will help them get started more quickly and avoid any potential accidents.
2. Arrange for a backup system in case of equipment malfunctions or unexpected problems during the installation process.
3. Make sure all air ducts and vents are clear before they start working, as even a small obstruction can cause significant headaches later on down the road – don’t risk it!
4. Have fresh water and cleaning supplies available at all times during the installation process so that everything goes smoothly

Conclusion

HVAC systems are a significant investment for your home, and choosing the right company to install them is essential. By understanding the different types of systems and getting quotes from multiple companies, you can make an informed decision about who to hire. Ask questions during the installation process to ensure you’re happy with the end result.

At Free Air Heating & Air Conditioning Ltd., we’re here to help you choose the best HVAC company for your needs. We can provide you with various services in Milton, Ontario, including air conditioning installation and repair.

Media Contact
Company name: Free Air Heating & Air Conditioning Ltd
E-mail: send email
phone: (905) 783-3329
Address:529 Main Street East
State: ontario
Country: Canada
site: https://freeair.ca/

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Despite hundreds of calls and complaints — and millions of dollars in contracts disputed by homeowners — an Ontario heating and cooling equipment company continues to operate even with dozens of charges alleging violations of the province’s Consumer Protection Act, a CBC Marketplace investigation reveals.

The Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery is responsible for consumer protection, and states on its website that it handles complaints and enforces consumer protection laws.

Through a Freedom of Information request — a process that allows the public, including journalists, to access government records — Marketplace found that there have been more than 400 incidents, inquiries and complaints since January 2019 made to Consumer Protection Ontario, a program within the ministry , involving Ontario Green Savings.

• What do you think about this story? Do you have a question, experience or story tip to share? Send to email to ask@cbc.ca.

In those complaints, homeowners have described feeling “lied to,” “cheated” and “scammed.” And many shared detailed descriptions of how they were led to believe that Ontario Green Savings sales people were government employees offering savings and energy rebates that would show up on a utility bill.

But the Ontario government doesn’t offer such rebates through private HVAC companies.

Records obtained by Marketplace show that since 2019, homeowners have contacted the ministry to dispute more than $2.2 million in HVAC contracts with Ontario Green Savings.

Marketplace investigated this scam earlier this year, finding that instead of saving any money, residents say they find themselves trapped in contracts that can last ten years and cost thousands of dollars more than what the rental equipment is actually worth.

WATCH | Hidden cameras capture deceptive tactics used to sell overpriced HVAC contracts:

Hidden cameras catch HVAC scam in action

Exposing deceptive sales tactics used to suck people into unfair and overpriced HVAC contracts. And insiders reveal the new ways they get you to sign up for other home equipment too.

And it could get far worse for some.

When rental equipment is attached to a home, from a doorbell to a furnace, the associated company can place a lien against the title of that property as a form of security that the contract will be paid. And companies can place a lien on consumers’ homes immediately, even without a missed payment.

The team at Marketplace has heard from dozens of customers of Ontario Green Savings and its financial arm, many of whom say they were shocked to find a lien or Notice of Security Interest (NOSI) placed against the title of their homes without them knowing, which in Ontario is legal and can be done without a homeowner’s knowledge.

Ontario government wasn’t there to help, homeowners say

Abel Cheung from Orleans, Ont., is out more than $11,000 all because he signed up for a water filter that was supposed to save him money.

Cheung says he felt compelled to pay Ontario Green Savings more than $11,000 to have the lien placed on the title of his home removed. After installing a water filter in his basement the company placed a lien on his home the next day, which he only discovered when attempting to refinance his mortgage almost a year later.

“I thought, ‘Oh my goodness, how dare they put a lien against my home?'”

Keira Major from Hamilton, Ont., found herself in a similar situation. She paid the same HVAC company nearly $9,000 to buy out a HEPA filter and have her home’s lien removed. Major says she thought the company was associated with a government program.

Both turned to the ministry for help but say they got none.

Cheung filed his complaint in 2020, and major the following year. Cheung says the ministry did nothing, citing delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. And Major received a letter stating that her complaint wouldn’t be investigated and referred her to the non-profit Pro Bono Ontario for legal advice.

“The department is there to just make the government look good, that we’re protecting our consumers when they’re really not,” said Major.

Government lays charges, but that doesn’t stop company

In 2019, the ministry laid dozens of charges against Ontario Green Savings and its director for violations of the Consumer Protection Act, but customers say it continues with the same deceptive sales tactics.

In an email statement, a lawyer representing Ontario Green Savings said “the company is currently investigating the allegations against it and will defend itself, where necessary, in a court of law.”

He also said the company has already “taken positive reformative action” by updating its policies and practices.

And in an email statement, the Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery said that it “monitors complaints and takes appropriate enforcement action in accordance with the Consumer Protection Act.”

It also said that because the Ontario Green Savings case is before the courts, it would be inappropriate to comment further.

A possible fix