Cypress and Michael in the Newspapers

Local Businessman Funds Cultural Exchange Scholarship

By JENNA BROGAN
Posted: 08/16/2009 01:30:27 AM PDT SANTA CRUZ --

When local businessman-musician Michael Downey visited Asia for the first time, he was inspired to bridge the cultural gap that separates America from South Korea and Japan.Today, Downey hopes to accomplish that goal by funding travel opportunities to Asia for individuals like himself who want to learn first-hand from another culture.
Downey is CEO of Hashi.org, a nonprofit organization founded in 2006 and based in Santa Cruz that promotes cultural exchange opportunities between East Asia and America. He has been accepting scholarship applications for travel and study in either South Korea or Japan.On Sept. 1, the organization, will announce who gets $1,000 to participate in an overseas program like those offered on Hashi.org -- including, but not limited to, home-stay, work, travel, student exchange or volunteering.
"We are reaching out one person to another, one country to another," said Downey, who funds the program with the help of his local business, Cypress Construction Services Inc.
Since the organization was formed, Hashi.org has awarded 10 scholarships to Americans, Koreans and Japanese, for the purpose of creating a cultural "hashi" -- "bridge" in Japanese -- between the countries.Inspired to build that bridge in 2005 while touring in Korea and Japan with his band Michael J Downey and the World, Downey createdthe organization in the hope of breaking down cultural stigma." We hope that this small experience will plant a seed in each participant, so that he or she will be able to understand another culture better and strip through the negative images presented by the media," said Downey.
Previous scholarship recipients include a Japanese graduate student who wanted to study the similarities and differences between Japanese and South Korean architecture and culture, and an American anthropology graduate working on her Ph.D. dissertation in Korea.The scholarship will be awarded based on the applicant's need and on how well the intended use of the scholarship coincides with the mission of Hashi.org.And according to Downey, there is no better time than the present "to extend the hand of friendship out there in the world."
http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/localnews/ci_13133509

Michael Received Green Building Professional Certification

04/26/09 - This past week, I have been at Northstar, Lake Tahoe, participating in the Green Building Professional Certification training and testing, and I'm proud to now be a Certified Green Building Professional.

The coursework, presenters, and organization of the event were truly impressive.

Build It Green really is emerging as the ‘point man’ organization in this rapidly growing movement. And with so many laws and codes being changed later this year, what was once a feel-good option is rapidly becoming mandatory. So it’s good to have a bit of a leg-up on the process.

The coursework included historical, theoretical, and practical aspects of Green Building. For example, we learned about types of heat transfer (conductive, convective, and radiant), thermodynamic law, entropy, et al. And of course, much time was devoted to learning about green building techniques and materials in both new construction and remodel applications.

There were over 100 attendees - ranging from Building Contractors like myself, architects, landscape designers, developers, et al.

Some of the topics covered included:
Energy (conservation, efficiency, and renewable energy as it applies to framing, insulation, windows, water heating, appliances, heating/cooling and lighting)
Resource Conservation (jobsite waste/recycling, landscaping, water conservation, efficient framing, durability, and materials choices)
Indoor Air Quality (VOCs, finish materials, ventilation, filtration, mold, and IAQ construction practices)

I look forward to implimenting more of these kinds of practices in our work in addition to the 'Green' orientation we've had from the beginning, 15 years ago. My great thanks to the good folks at Build It Green for an outstanding training event. And although the test was tough, it was well written, and very fair. Having had the choice of taking the training in either Oakland or Tahoe, I think I made the right choice...

Cypress Crew Softball Team 2009!

04/09 - The Cypress Construction Softball team kicked off its season on Monday, 4/6/09 and played its second game last night. It was a balmy, Spring evening at Ramsay field in Watsonville, with the bright lights of the ballfield highlighting the excitement as the players took the field.
By the end of the 2nd inning, CCS was leading the game 6-4. Everyone was doing their best as the runs came in one after the other. Here, Levi hits a long fly ball to left field, just inches from being a home run, but the left fielder had other ideas...

Until the 3rd inning the CCS team held the other team in check. But in a sudden burst of energy, the other team scored 11 runs in a single inning.

Although the other team took the game, CCS continues to improve, and had great fun in spite of it all! Thanks for your good playing, guys!

Upcoming schedule is as follows:

Monday 4/27 - 6:30pm

Monday 5/4 - 9:00 pm

Monday 5/11 - 7:45pm

Monday 5/18 - 9:00pm

Monday 6/1 - 6:30pm

Monday 6/8 - 9:00pm

Monday 6/15 - 6:30pm

Monday 6/29 - 6:30pm

Cypress Remodelling 303 Water

In recent years, we've been doing more commercial remodels - both Tenant Improvements (TI's) and Interior/Exterior remodels for the building owner. Presently we have the pleasure of working on an extensive interior and exterior remodel at 303 Water St in Santa Cruz. This 2-story, circa 1960's office building was recently purchased by The Encina Group in Campbell. The principal, Lou Barbaccia, has been one of the most professional, ambitious, yet easygoing and friendly customers we've ever worked with. Our heartfelt thanks goes out to Fred Antaki and Elizabeth Hefner of Mainstreet Realtors in Soquel, for recommending us to this job, and for their steady support throughout the process.

The project started on the drawing board of the local architect, Bill Kempf. His creativity and exacting standards set the stage for the sweeping changes the new owners wanted to bring to this building.

Then, for the icing (and filling) on the cake, local designer Lorri Kershner was brought on board. Lorri's extensive experience, not only with commercial and residential design, her knowledge of available materials, fixtures, and building products, combines with her "sustainable/green" sensibilities, have made her the perfect partner in this project.

One of the first noticeable changes was the removal and replacement of the old "lipstick" window and door trim, and the installation of the beautiful Eldorado Stone - expertly installed by Gary Cloud and his crew at Alpha Landscape Construction.

Painting - inside and out - is being provided by the professionals at Walls Painting.

Inside, a complete bathroom replacement is underway. The new layouts will not only represent a substantial aesthetic upgrade, but bring the rooms into ADA compliance. Plumbing layout is being done by the competent crew of Santa Cruz Plumbing.

Cypress is doing the interior framing, sheetrock, acoustical ceiling, electrical, HVAC, bathroom fixtures, etc.

Tile is being installed by our long-term, "A-list" tile installation crew at Brian Schuller Tile. They've got a great website, and do great work.

Interior wall covering, wainscoting in a linen-like material is being installed by Randy Hond of Coast Installation, with countertops fabricated and installed by John Wallis Woodworks.
New carpet will be supplied and installed by another "A-list"-er, Lou Versman at Warehouse Direct here in Santa Cruz.

The finishing touches - a beautiful, wrought-iron railing is being fabricated especially for this project, and exquisite doors from Viking Door are soon to be delivered and installed.

Last, but not least, our heartfelt thanks goes out to the tenants of the building - the Probation Department, et al - who have been patiently putting up with our dust, noise, and everyone's favorite restroom trailer out back (a 20' walk in the rain lately...).

Looking forward to sharing the finished pictures of this one!