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San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo is concerned about a projected $3 billion cost overrun for the BART extension to downtown San Jose, attributed to designs that use a controversial single-bore, 85-foot-deep subway concept pushed by VTA.

Nevertheless, VTA is moving forward. From a San Jose Mercury News story about the VTA Board’s decision Thursday to award contracts for the project. “VTA approves $235 million San Jose BART extension contract — so why is it also reviewing its controversial design?”:

The unanimous vote from the board puts the VTA in the unusual position of awarding a $235 million contract that moves forward with the extension’s “single-bore” tunnel plan, while simultaneously launching a new analysis of the contentious design.

A map of the extension. Image: VTA

As reported previously, in an attempt to eliminate disruption to merchants, VTA had decided on a $9 billion deep, single-bore subway plan–which analysis shows could cost some $3 billion more than conventional tunneling–to construct the six-mile BART extension under downtown San Jose. VTA’s preferred design would place the two tracks stacked one above the other inside a super-large, single tunnel (see comparative diagrams below). This single-bore construction technique can make sense in cities that need to avoid underground obstacles such as legacy subway tunnels (think London, Tokyo, etc). But, of course, there aren’t any subways, crooked streets, or other such obstacles in San Jose.

VTA’s design for a single, very deep bore through downtown San Jose. This concept is supported by merchants because it minimizes temporary surface disruptions. Image: BEARD
The traditional, twin-bore configuration would have a max depth of 55 feet for riders, versus 85 feet for single-bore. Image: BEARD

But merchants always want transit in a subway, the deeper the better, with the belief that if it’s deep underground construction will have no impact on their businesses. It also, however, means when the subway is finished riders will have longer trips to and from the platforms. It also complicates construction, fire safety, and operations, since trains can’t switch from track to track without building complicated ramps between the two levels.

Nevertheless, it seemed San Jose politics had all but locked in the controversial, single-bore design, despite pushback from transit advocates. But at Thursday evening’s VTA board meeting, as reported in advocate Adina Levin’s Green Caltrain blog, Mayor Liccardo submitted his memo calling for reviews of the project to explore:

• Better connections at Diridon Station
• Entrances on both sides of Santa Clara Street at the downtown station
• Support for very high density transit oriented development

…and, most notably, an independent analysis comparing single-bore and dual-bore options, building on an earlier analysis done in 2017. Also from Green Caltrain:

“…the tradeoffs of the single and dual-bore options with regard to “passenger safety, rider access and experience, cost, and construction delay.” The previous analysis in 2017 had focused on constructability and operability, but did not compare the construction techniques for the ability to support better rider access and dense transit oriented development.

The memo from the Mayor is co-signed by San Jose Council Member and VTA board chair Chappie Jones, and Council Member Raul Peralez. Earlier this year, San Jose City Council had approved a resolution calling for improvements to the project relating to transit connections, multiple entrances, TOD, and alleviating construction impacts on businesses.

Since VTA originally made the decision in favor of the single bore option in 2018, concerns have grown regarding limitations in the project design and increasing cost estimates. SPUR and grassroots advocacy organizations such as the Transbay Coalition and Friends of Caltrain have called for passenger-focused improvements to the project, including adding entrances on both sides of the street, better passenger flow, better transit connections, and better support for transit-oriented development. A conventional subway design, with the train tunnels built side-by-side and far closer to the surface, makes it easier to accommodate such improvements.

Read more on the Green Caltrain blog and check out the coverage in the SJ Merc News.

The post Memo Requires Reconsideration of BART Extension Design – Streetsblog San Francisco appeared first on Los Gatos News And Events.

Derive Systems continues its rapid growth with the expansion of key customer relationships

Broomfield, Colo., Aug. 17, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) – Derive Systems today announced the expansion of its relationship with ARS Rescue Rooter, a leading American Residential Services LLC brand with more than 69 locations in 24 states nationwide. ARS has trusted Derive since 2013 to support 3,500 fleet vehicles to positively reduce CO2 emissions and fuel consumption by optimizing engine calibration.

A single deployment of Derive VQ Efficiency on a single ARS vehicle removes approximately 1,990 lbs. (0.9 tons) CO2 emissions annually. Applied to their entire fleet of 3,500 vans, the resulting impact will eliminate approximately £ 6.9 million. CO2 emissions per year (3,166 metric tons). This is equivalent to removing the emissions from 210 vans from the road. In the past eight years, the Safelite and Derive Systems partnership has decreased approximately £ 55 million. the C02 emissions from the environment.

The main purpose of the VQ platform is to provide advanced mobility solutions to reduce CO2 emissions from fleet vehicles. The combination of vehicle fleet know-how and state-of-the-art software technology from Derive helps customers achieve sustainable sustainability results. On average, the Derive VQ Efficiency solution generates between 6% and 10% immediate fuel savings per vehicle while implementing speed thresholds on the engine itself.

“ARS focuses on our people and the environment. We chose Derive technology to improve vehicle safety while reducing our environmental footprint, ”said Kevin O’Donnell, ARS Director of Purchasing and Fleet.

Since 2010, Derive Systems has dedicated itself to revolutionizing the sustainability and security of fleet management with more than two million software installations. Derive Systems offers a scalable fleet management software platform that enables fleet managers to tailor their vehicles for the best performance. Derive’s VQ platform calibrates engines for better fuel efficiency, provides improved telematics for greater savings, and moves safety compliance from the driver to the vehicle.

The story goes on

“We are excited to continue our partnership with ARS to support their safety and fuel efficiency goals,” said John Oechsle, Chief Executive Officer of Derive Systems Fuel Consumption, which has a major impact on our environment. “

Via derivation systems

As a leading automotive technology company, Derive Systems enables its customers to take control of their vehicles. Derive safely and reliably optimizes vehicle performance, fuel efficiency, safety and more through over two million software installations. More information about Derive Systems or its products can be found at derivesystems.com.

About ARS Rescue Rooter

American Residential Services (ARS® / Rescue Rooter®) is a privately held Memphis-based company and one of the nation’s largest providers of air conditioning, heating and plumbing services. ARS / Rescue Rooter was founded in 1975 and has built a prestigious national portfolio of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), plumbing, electrical and energy efficient services. ARS / Rescue Rooter is proud to partner with and acquire some of the best home service providers in the country. The ARS® network offers exceptional service and serves both private and small business customers by providing heating, cooling, indoor air quality, plumbing, drain cleaning, sewerage, radiation protection, insulation and ventilation services. Each location has a knowledgeable team of trained specialists who undergo rigorous training and background checks. Additionally, ARS / Rescue Rooter has long-term strategic partnerships with industry-leading suppliers and retailers to efficiently serve consumers. ARS / Rescue Rooter offers exceptional service and guarantees the highest quality standards and has the experience to do every job right – the first time with guaranteed work. To make it work. Get it right®. In 2020, GI Partners, a leading private investment firm, took a majority stake in the company. The GI Partners team brings extensive industry investment experience as well as operational and technological know-how, providing ARS employees significant opportunities and enhancing the ARS customer experience. Founded in 2001, GI Partners is a private investment company based in San Francisco, California. The company has raised over $ 23 billion in capital from leading institutional investors around the world to invest in private equity, real estate and data infrastructure strategies. Existing investors, Charlesbank Capital Partners (Charlesbank) and ARS management continue to make significant new investments in the business.

CONTACT: Mike Smith Derive Systems, Inc. msmith@yesandagency.com

The post Derive Methods Publicizes Extension of Shopper Relationship with Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Big ARS Rescue Rooter appeared first on Los Gatos News And Events.

Derive Systems continues its rapid growth with the expansion of key customer relationships

Broomfield, Colo., Aug. 17, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) – Derive Systems today announced the expansion of its relationship with ARS Rescue Rooter, a leading American Residential Services LLC brand with more than 69 locations in 24 states nationwide. ARS has trusted Derive since 2013 to support 3,500 fleet vehicles to positively reduce CO2 emissions and fuel consumption by optimizing engine calibration.

A single deployment of Derive VQ Efficiency on a single ARS vehicle removes approximately 1,990 lbs. (0.9 tons) CO2 emissions annually. Applied to their entire fleet of 3,500 vans, the resulting impact will eliminate approximately £ 6.9 million. CO2 emissions per year (3,166 metric tons). This is equivalent to removing the emissions from 210 vans from the road. In the past eight years, ARS and Derive Systems’ partnership has decreased approximately £ 55 million. the C02 emissions from the environment.

The main purpose of the VQ platform is to provide advanced mobility solutions to reduce CO2 emissions from fleet vehicles. The combination of vehicle fleet know-how and state-of-the-art software technology from Derive helps customers achieve sustainable sustainability results. On average, the Derive VQ Efficiency solution generates between 6% and 10% immediate fuel savings per vehicle while implementing speed thresholds on the engine itself.

“ARS focuses on our people and the environment. We chose Derive technology to improve vehicle safety while reducing our environmental footprint, ”said Kevin O’Donnell, Director of Purchasing and Fleet at ARS.

Since 2010, Derive Systems has dedicated itself to revolutionizing the sustainability and security of fleet management with more than two million software installations. Derive Systems offers a scalable fleet management software platform that enables fleet managers to tailor their vehicles for the best performance. Derive’s VQ platform calibrates engines for better fuel efficiency, provides improved telematics for greater savings, and moves safety compliance from the driver to the vehicle.

The story goes on

“We are excited to continue our partnership with ARS to support their safety and fuel efficiency goals,” said John Oechsle, Chief Executive Officer of Derive Systems Fuel Consumption, which has a major impact on our environment. “

Via derivation systems

As a leading automotive technology company, Derive Systems enables its customers to take control of their vehicles. Derive safely and reliably optimizes vehicle performance, fuel efficiency, safety and more through over two million software installations. More information about Derive Systems or its products can be found at derivesystems.com.

About ARS Rescue Rooter

American Residential Services (ARS® / Rescue Rooter®) is a privately held Memphis-based company and one of the nation’s largest providers of air conditioning, heating and plumbing services. Founded in 1975, ARS / Rescue Rooter has built a prestigious national portfolio of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), plumbing, electrical and energy efficient services. ARS / Rescue Rooter is proud to partner with and acquire some of the best home service providers in the country. The ARS® network offers exceptional service and serves both private and small business customers by providing heating, cooling, indoor air quality, plumbing, drain cleaning, sewerage, radiation protection, insulation and ventilation services. Each location has a knowledgeable team of trained specialists who undergo rigorous training and background checks. Additionally, ARS / Rescue Rooter has long-term strategic partnerships with industry-leading suppliers and retailers to efficiently serve consumers. ARS / Rescue Rooter offers exceptional service and guarantees the highest quality standards and has the experience to do every job right – the first time with guaranteed work. To make it work. Get it right®. In 2020, GI Partners, a leading private investment firm, took a majority stake in the company. The GI Partners team brings extensive industry investment experience as well as operational and technological know-how, providing ARS employees significant opportunities and enhancing the ARS customer experience. Founded in 2001, GI Partners is a private investment company based in San Francisco, California. The company has raised over $ 23 billion in capital from leading institutional investors around the world to invest in private equity, real estate and data infrastructure strategies. Existing investors, Charlesbank Capital Partners (Charlesbank) and ARS management continue to make significant new investments in the business.

CONTACT: Mike Smith Derive Systems, Inc. msmith@yesandagency.com

The post Derive Methods Declares Extension of Shopper Relationship with Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Big ARS Rescue Rooter appeared first on Los Gatos News And Events.

Hertfordshire-based Michael Collins Architects have added a box-shaped, two-story addition made of copper and charred larch to a row house next to a train station in south London.

The extension and renovation was called the Jewelery Box, a nod to the way the Victorian terrace and subtle extension hide the more lively interior of the house.

Michael Collins Architects added a box-shaped extension to a Victorian terrace

“Our customers talked about the house’s jewel box quality, where a simple shape is pulled apart to reveal a more complex, lighter and more textured interior,” said Michael Collins, founder of Michael Collins Architects.

“The extension to the rear is designed as two cubic volumes that slide over a base with glass surfaces in between,” he told Dezeen.

The extension on the ground floor contains a kitchen

The studio extended the house to the rear with two blocky annexes influenced by the various ad hoc extensions to row houses in London that can often be seen on train journeys around town

On the ground floor, an annex made of oxidized copper contains a kitchen and dining area, while a smaller annex with charred larch wood above houses a bathroom on the first floor. This is crowned by a roof terrace, which is accessible from the second floor.

The annex opens to a small garden

“The blocky exterior was inspired by the simple poetry of the stacked, box-shaped, self-made ‘add-ons’ and ‘closet recirculations’ that can be seen along the back of railroad decks, reflecting the diverse lives of their residents attempting to create a highly ordered composition create, “said Collins.

“A central topic was how to create a feeling of spatial generosity in this cramped area and how to approach the steep natural embankment in the rear area.”

Gold and Inchyra Blue are combined in the kitchen

The studio clad the outside of the house in dark industrial materials to hint at the nature of the site next to the train tracks and the former owner of the house, a chimney sweep.

Satish Jassal Architects is adding an oak-framed conservatory to a renovated London townhouse

“The uses of oxidized copper and charred larch were determined by context,” said Collins. “Especially the urban memory of a famous chimney sweep from south London who lived and ran his business on the property, but also the sooty quality of the masonry along the embankment and the oxidized metal infrastructure along the way.”

The interiors contrast the dark exterior

In contrast to the restrained exterior, the interiors were designed in light colors, with inchyra blue cabinets and surfaces combined with golden back walls in the kitchen.

“A flush panel water element hides utility space, pantries and a toilet wrapped around the interior walls of the kitchen to create a sense of immersion and continuity with the trained plants lining the garden walls,” added Collins.

The studio has also renovated the main house

Overall, the architect is of the opinion that the house suits its location and wouldn’t make sense anywhere else.

“We hoped the project would be as idiosyncratic as its surroundings,” he said.

“The project grew out of the location and two very unique customers. These factors have shaped its orientation, size and materiality, and we think that it would not make sense at any other location.”

Jewelery Box was placed on the longlist in the Small Interior category of the Dezeen Awards 2020. This category was won by the Sim-Plex Design Studio Four Bedroom Smart Home in Hong Kong.

Photography is by Jacob Milligan.

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The 2020 NFL season was unforgettable for the San Francisco 49ers. Injuries dashed the team’s hopes for the Super Bowl when the Niners failed to make the playoffs after winning the NFC in 2019.

It wasn’t all downfall for the franchise, however. One player who has made great strides and caught the attention of the NFL is middle linebacker Fred Warner. The 24-year-old was named the AP first-team all-pro for his efforts.

The Niners took Warner with them in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft. From 4-12 in his rookie season to the Super Bowl in 2019, he has seen ups and downs in his short time with last year’s injury-riddled season in the league.

It was a breakout season for Warner. He finished with 125 tackles (five for one loss), seven QB hits, two interceptions, and one sack. Warner’s cover skills are on another level. Pro Football Focus gave him a coverage rating of 91.1, which is the top of all linebackers in the league.

He only gave up 4.4 yards per target and opposing QBs had a rating of 69.7 when they threw in Warner’s direction. That’s a huge improvement over the 91.8 QBs QBs had when they chased Warner in the passing game during his rookie year.

Warner’s position manager last season, Dameco Ryans, will be San Francisco’s defensive coordinator for the next season after Robert Saleh took over as head coach for the New York Jets. The 49ers defense will have a ton of returning players. General Manager John Lynch and Head Coach Kyle Shanahan have signed freelance agents Jaquiski Tartt and Jason Verrett to one-year contracts and will deploy most of the defense that dominated 2019.

Due to its standout play, Warner’s cap hit will rise from $ 844,000 to just over $ 3.3 million due to the league’s proven performance escalator program. The NFL rewards players selected in the third round or later if their performance exceeds their draft positioning.

Warner has spent three years in the league and is now qualified for a lucrative extension.

The five highest paid inside linebackers in the NFL are;

Bobby Wagner ($ 18 million AAV)
CJ Mosley ($ 17 million AAV)
Zach Cunningham ($ 14.5 million AAV)
Myles Jack ($ 14.25 million AAV)
Deion Jones ($ 14.25 million AAV)

Given his game, Warner should stand in line to be in the top three. The Niners have done a great job this off-season in increasing the flexibility of the canopy in the future. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said he hopes the stadiums will be at full capacity next season, which will improve the league’s bottom line and, in turn, give teams more money to work.

When the stadiums are full, the 2022 campaign wage cap should rise again, which will give Lynch more headroom for Warner’s extension. The NFL’s new TV deals begin with the 2023 campaign, which will also help. The 49ers will have tight end George Kittle’s massive extension that takes up a little more space. Kittle’s cap hit is set to surge from just over $ 5.4 million in 2021 to $ 16.1 million in 2022.

Pass rusher Nick Bosa will also be eligible for overtime after next season and given how dominant he is, the Niners will have to break the bank to keep him.

The 49ers have Paraag Marathe as their salary cap guru and hope he can use his magic to keep Warner and Bosa on.

How much do you think Warner’s next contract will be worth? Will he be the highest-paid linebacker in the NFL?

The post San Francisco 49ers: How a lot will Fred Warner’s extension price? appeared first on Los Gatos News And Events.

Almost everything came together perfectly for the Buffalo Bills this off-season.

General Manager Brandon Beane made many contract adjustments, shoving money around, and persuading some players to cut salaries to get below the 2021 salary cap.

This allowed them to keep key players they thought would lose, improve their backup quarterback position, and replace outgoing wide receiver John Brown with Emmanuel Sanders.

Though the free agency isn’t over yet, the move that would complete the off-season would include franchise quarterback Josh Allen entering the fourth year of a five-year rookie deal he signed after serving in the 2018 NFL draft was selected as seventh overall.

With the help of newcomer Stefon Diggs, Allen exploded last season after taking small steps again as a rookie and in 2019.

He completed 69.2% of his passes while throwing 4,544 yards and 37 touchdowns en route to a passerby rating of 107.2. All of them were career highlights.

His 10 interceptions and 1.7% interception rate were career lows.

All of this helped the Bills win 13 regular season games and two more in the playoffs as Allen finished second in the MVP voting behind Green Bay counterpart Aaron Rodgers.

Beane spoke to Jim Trotter and Steve Wyche on the Huddle & Flow Podcast on Thursday and reiterated his wish to get on with the most important business soon.

“We’re really proud of Josh,” said Beane. “We’re going to work through the draft and probably sometime late spring to summer we’ll get these talks going. And who knows where they’re going. It has to be fair to them, fair to us.”

The need for speed is obvious. The sooner they can lock everyone up, the less it will cost them later, as the cost of franchise quarterbacks increases every year.

Even this year, when the salary cap was lowered to $ 182.5 million due to the coronavirus pandemic that disrupted the league’s cash flow, the Dallas Cowboys presented Dak Prescott with a four-year, $ 160 million ($ 126 million) deal Million US Dollars Guaranteed) is considered a smaller quarterback than Allen.

“It will help you with your planning the sooner you can get this deal,” said Beane. “Again, I hope we can do it, if not this year, next year. You don’t want to get into the franchise [tag] and all that stuff. It’s a tool to use when you need to keep a great player. But at the end of the day we want Josh here for the long term. We want him to be happy and of course we want it to be a deal where we can still have talented players around him because Josh is a competitor.

“He’s not wired to just pay him and then not be able to put things around him. So we’ll try to find the deal that works for him and for us.”

Though the bills have time because they can exercise the fifth year option for first round picks that would keep him in Buffalo for the next season at a relatively low cost, they’ll be aggressive knowing they are one good cause with so many players declining the chance to do more elsewhere.

Former NFL and college coach and current TV analyst Jim Mora Jr. sees only good things ahead for everyone. In an exclusive interview with Bills Central, Mora compared Allen to a Hall of Famer.

“I see a man we all know his arm talent is not in the charts,” said Mora, “but now he can throw with accuracy and he can come out of his pocket and he can throw. And I guess what really matters to him. ” His way of thinking is extremely special. He’s so competitive, he’s so damn tough, he’s got great leadership skills. You never have the feeling that you are not in the game, he makes amazing throws.

“When I look at the skills I see a John Elway, a tall, physical, tenacious and competitive player who can do all the throws.”

Mora was assistant coach to the San Diego Chargers, New Orleans Saints, and San Francisco 49ers during Elway’s tenure with the Denver Broncos.

“I remember going up against him and he threw the ball and I said, ‘How did he just do it? “I mean the ball bent,” said Mora. “You can’t make that throw. And you see Josh and you see the same thing. I don’t know if there is a quarterback in the league right now who can do all the throws he can do on a constant basis.

“So man, keep building around this guy and make sure you know he’s your next Jim Kelly, your bill for life.”

Nick Fierro is the editor of Bill’s Central. For the latest Bills news, visit www.si.com/nfl/bills and follow Fierro on Twitter @NickFierro.

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