Latest news with #Cabana
Global News
6 days ago
- Business
- Global News
Club owners want compensation for repeated damage from Vancouver social housing
Two Vancouver nightclub owners struggling to survive amid a 'flood' of problems are seeking compensation in the form of rent relief from the provincial government, claiming their extensive, ongoing losses and damages have been caused by policies that moved people from encampments into the Granville Entertainment District during the COVID-19 pandemic. Within a 36-hour period between Friday, April 18 and Saturday, April 19, Alan Goodall said his bar was subject to four separate floods from the former Howard Johnson hotel at 1176 Granville Street. The final deluge occurred at 11:30 p.m. on the club's busiest night of the week, forcing Goodall to mop the floor of his VIP section during operating hours. 2:18 Former hotel on Granville Street now permanent supportive housing in Downtown Vancouver 'Those two tables, they're our best tables on a Saturday night, prime time, and they were unusable,' said Goodall, adding that most people don't understand nightclubs have a very small window to make all the money for the month. Story continues below advertisement 'If you take away two of those hours, or three of those hours because of flooding, it affects you.' Goodall's nightclub, Aura, is the ground-level tenant in the building purchased by BC Housing for $55 million in June 2020 to house residents who'd previously lived in encampments at Strathcona and Oppenheimer Parks. 'I've been dealing with the residents flooding my business for five years now,' said Goodall, who estimates he's dealt with more than 200 floods since the Howard Johnson became supportive housing. The most recent flood occurred Friday afternoon around the back bar area, hours before Aura was set to open its doors for the night. 'We've both suffered multi-six-figure damages,' Cabana nightclub owner Dave Kershaw told Global News. Across the street from Aura, Kershaw said his bar is also getting inundated by the B.C.-government-owned St. Helen's Hotel at 1161 Granville Street. 2:39 B.C. government responds to claims Granville strip is in crisis Kershaw said his club has been hit with approximately one dozen water incidents since March, one of which was a fire which set off sprinklers and flooded his VIP room and back stairwell. Story continues below advertisement Some of the damage is latent, he said, as water seeps through the flooring and is only discovered when the floor starts to lift weeks later. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Kershaw said he's had to close his VIP section for six weeks to repair soaked flooring. In another chaotic incident, a bucket of human feces came out of a window of the St. Helen's and landed on Cabana's AC unit, he said, forcing more repairs. 'The constant leaking, the open drug use, things being flung from windows to the street onto customers — that never happened up (until) 2020,' said Kershaw. Statistics provided by Vancouver Fire Rescue Services (VFRS) show calls to the former Howard Johnson hotel jumped 157 per cent, from 91 in 2020, to 234 in 2024. While calls to the St. Helen's Hotel went down slightly in 2022 and 2024, they still increased from 40 in 2020 to 329 last year, a 722.5 per cent spike. VFRS said it does not track flooding, however, if sprinklers are activated, they would be called for an alarm-activated call or fire. 3:04 Non-profit group defends operation of controversial Vancouver SRO It added that it has been working with BC Housing to reduce the number of fires and alarms in these two buildings. Story continues below advertisement Citing ongoing challenges, the bar owners are seeking immediate rent relief from BC Housing for the remainder of 2025. 'We think it would be fair and then moving forward, some sort of reduction in our rent rates to reflect the environment that has been created by moving people from encampments up to Granville Street,' said Kershaw. 'We're asking them to do the right thing, what we're asking for is not unreasonable, it's not crazy.' 'In terms of compensation, I'm not even really sure what it is, but it's a lot,' added Goodall. 'I've dealt with a lot.' When asked if he agreed these businesses should be compensated for losses and damages caused by provincial government policies, B.C.'s housing minister did not directly answer. 'I know it's a challenge for those businesses, but we also ensure that dollars are spent to fix them up when there's a flood,' Ravi Kahlon told Global News in an interview. 'BC Housing works with our partners to go in and fix that flood. I know that these businesses also have their own insurance to ensure that if they're impacted by fire and flood, that they're covered.' That answer got a cool reception from the club operators. 'With 200 floods, I can't make 200 claims,' Goodall responded. 'There's no way that anybody would insure me.' Story continues below advertisement When pressed on whether there's a realization this situation is different than just a normal flood and is caused by policy decisions rather than a faulty water pump, Kahlon said he disagreed. 'Well, not necessarily, you can have floods in any building, in fact, we see floods and fires in buildings unfortunately across the province, and it's not linked to a specific population,' the housing minister said. 'This is a specific challenge, we acknowledge there was a flood and BC Housing's taking steps to fix that flood with partnership of the business owner.' 2:33 SRO resident rescued from Vancouver nightclub air duct Goodall acknowledged BC Housing has stepped up to fix some of the issues, including repairing his dance floor ceiling, which he said restoration crews had previously warned could collapse at any point. The entire ceiling had to be ripped out and fully replaced, he said, leaving 50 employees out of work without any advance notice, as the club was closed and under heavy construction for 16 days last month. Story continues below advertisement 'It was probably a $200,000 job, and that was the result of one resident setting off their sprinkler heads twice within a three-week period,' said Goodall. Since June 2020, BC Housing has spent a total of $2.59 million on building repairs and remediation. $1.87 million at the Luugat or former Howard Johnson and about $729,000 at the St. Helen's Hotel. The work, said BC Housing, includes water damage and flooding repairs, fire restoration, elevator repairs, and securing life safety features such as alarms, security cameras or sprinklers. 'We have been working closely with Atira, Community Impact Real Estate Society (CIRES) and the owners of Aura nightclub to address any damage related to building operations at Luugat,' said BC Housing in an emailed statement. 'To keep spending a ton of money on restoration, to put a Band-Aid on it doesn't make any sense,' said Kershaw. 'They need to address the root of the problem, which is the people in these units now need a higher level of care than what they're getting, which is they're not getting any care, they've been put into a room.' 'These floods aren't stopping,' said Goodall. 'I've had three of my ceilings cave in. When's the next ceiling going to cave in?' Contractors are currently tearing out the ceiling above Aura's VIP bar, after Goodall said the area sustained heavy flooding on May 27 as a result of sprinkler heads being set off in the room above. Story continues below advertisement Extensive mould was discovered once the damaged ceiling was opened up, he said. Despite the ongoing setbacks, Goodall and Kershaw said relocation is not an option because moving a nightclub and primary liquor licence is a multi-seven-figure undertaking, with no revenue during the construction to approval process, if you get approved. Kershaw has owned Cabana since 2010, while Goodall has been in his space for 16 years. Both have battled adversity – including surviving the COVID-19 pandemic – and are committed to seeing Granville Street revived as an entertainment destination. 'It's in my blood to do whatever I can to fight for my business,' said Goodall. 'It's my bab,y and I've been here a long time.'
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Cabana Accelerates National Expansion with Acquisitions of PoolLogic, Rancho Pool Service, and Adolfo & Manny's Service Division
SAN DIEGO, June 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cabana, the fast-growing, tech-enabled pool service company, has expanded its footprint with the acquisition of three respected operators: PoolLogic (San Diego), Rancho Pool Service (Los Angeles), and the service division of Adolfo & Manny's Pool Supply (Fallbrook). Together, these acquisitions bring over 75 years of trusted service to Cabana and underscore Cabana's unique approach: honoring local operators who built great businesses while equipping teams with the tools, training, and technology to go further. PoolLogic: Raising the Bar in San DiegoKnown for its commitment to training, operational rigor, and customer care, PoolLogic built a strong reputation across San Diego. "They really know their craft and made the process of selling smooth." said Kyle Bowman, founder of PoolLogic. "I've had offers from buyers, but Cabana was the only team who actually understood what it takes to run a pool business right. They should be every owner's first call." Rancho Pool Service: LA Legacy Since 1985For nearly four decades, Rancho Pools has delivered dependable service to Los Angeles-area homeowners with consistency and care. "Rancho has been doing this the right way for 40 years," said Jeremy Yamaguchi, founder of Cabana. "Their commitment to service, their love for the craft, and their loyal customer base make them an ideal partner for us." Jeff Berson, longtime owner of Rancho, added: "My experience with Cabana Pools before, during and after the sale of Rancho Pool Service was very positive. I believe Cabana is the right company to take Rancho Pool Service to the next level" Adolfo & Manny's: Fallbrook's Trusted ServiceThe service arm of Adolfo & Manny's has long been a fixture in North San Diego County. Their hands-on approach and community trust made them a natural addition to Cabana's growing network. With these additions, Cabana now services over 1,500 pools weekly. The acquisitions reflect Cabana's broader vision: modernize pool care by elevating technicians, investing in operations, and improving the experience for customers and employees alike. About CabanaCabana is a leading tech-enabled pool service company on a mission to modernize the industry. With 1,500+ pools under management and a team of 45 professionals, Cabana is redefining pool care—elevating the customer experience and empowering the craftspeople behind every perfect pool by equipping them with advanced tools, first-class training, and real career growth. View original content: SOURCE Cabana Pools Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Cabana Partners with VA in Pilot to Expand Anonymous, Drop-In Support for Veterans Through Local Community Partners
Pilot unites VA's Mission Daybreak and SSG Fox Grant programs to deliver private, flexible support outside traditional healthcare settings. ANNAPOLIS, Md., May 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has awarded Cabana an initial one-year pilot contract—with the opportunity for a second year—to lead a community-based suicide prevention initiative in partnership with Upstate Warrior Solution and Veterans Bridge Home in North and South Carolina. The pilot brings together two major VA investments—Cabana's selection as a Mission Daybreak awardee and UWS/VBH's roles as inaugural SSG Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program grantees—to connect technology-enabled peer support with trusted community-based outreach. "This is a first-of-its-kind effort to bridge VA's innovation and community-based suicide prevention priorities," said Dr. Nick Armstrong, Cabana's Head of Public Sector. "We're testing how to reach Veterans earlier, through trusted local partners and supportive peer connection." Referred Veterans will access Cabana's anonymous, moderated support groups designed to reduce barriers and preserve privacy. All participants are cameras off, use aliases, and may enable voice masking features. The pilot's day-to-day implementation is managed by Chris Morris, a retired U.S. Army Green Beret Lieutenant Colonel and Cabana's Program Manager. "You don't always know who's struggling—and sometimes, it's the smallest conversations that open the door to bigger steps. I'm honored to continue to serve fellow Veterans, especially those who may not even know what kind of help they're ready for. Cabana can be that first step." The initiative launches this month in Upstate South Carolina and Greater Charlotte, NC. Pending progress, it will expand in year-two to three (3) additional SSG Fox grantee communities. Learn more and access the full announcement: About Cabana™Cabana is a leading, modern mental health provider offering confidential, tech-enabled support solutions tailored to the needs of diverse communities. Through live, professionally moderated group sessions, evidence-based content, and adaptable wellness tools, Cabana helps individuals proactively manage their mental health. Our mission is clear: to make mental health care more accessible through technology and human connection. Media ContactNick Armstrong, of Public Sector, Cabananick@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Cabana Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
‘It was so freeing': How a cellphone ban is changing life at a Virginia high school
Greg Cabana, a veteran government teacher, remembers a time where his job as an educator felt secondary to being the phone police. 'It was absolutely every class period,' Cabana told CNN. 'It wasn't the question of if students would have their cell phones out, it was just a question of how much would they?' This year, however, he's no longer fighting that battle. Wakefield High School in Arlington, Virginia is part of a pilot program for the district that launched in September 2024, requiring students to put their phones inside magnetic locking pouches every morning. At the end of the day, they use a specialized box to unlock them. It comes after the state's Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin issued an executive order last July requiring districts to move towards 'phone-free education' in 2025. In that order, Youngkin wrote the move was meant to 'promote a healthier and more focused educational environment.' On the first days under the new policy, students were hesitant to part with their devices. 'When I walked into the cafeteria right after we got them, all you could hear is the banging. Everyone was banging their pouch,' Lucas Lopez, a junior at Wakefield, said. Cabana, for his part, said the initial resistance justified the need for a drastic policy change. 'They're going through this kind of trouble to this extreme. This shows how this dependency has really turned into an addiction, not dissimilar from a drug,' Cabana said. Between July 2021 and December 2023, one-half of teenagers ages 12–17 reported four hours or more of daily screen time, according to US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data. Wakefield students admit their screen time before the ban was oftentimes much higher. Proponents for phone restrictions or bans point to fewer distractions in the classroom. After an adjustment period, students at Wakefield attest they've felt more present and focused on the instruction. 'I remember the first day I was sitting in physics, my phone was locked up in my bag and I kept reaching for it, but I couldn't, and the only thing I could do was sit on my computer and listen,' junior Alex Heaton said. 'It was so freeing,' he added. Though it's too soon to figure out if the bans have corresponded to better academic performance, Cabana says he believes it's 'undeniable that the achievement will be there.' It's already clear that students are socializing with their peers in a renewed way. Senior Gabrielle Harber said the ban led to a realization that phones were giving people 'an excuse to be isolated.' 'People actually talk to each other at lunch now,' she said. 'It's very adorable. They're hanging out, like something out of a movie.' Interpersonal violence has been at a record low, too, with one student saying she hadn't seen a single fight this school year. While Wakefield is a guinea pig for its district by implementing the pouches, phone-free schools are becoming more common across the country. Besides Virginia, eight other states have introduced state-wide policies that ban or restrict cell phone use in schools. And 15 other states plus the District of Columbia have introduced state-wide legislation to do the same. The policies vary from state to state: Some keep phones away from 'bell to bell,' while others provide exceptions for teacher-approved activities and special education purposes. The issue is a rare instance of bipartisanship – with state leaders on both sides of the aisle using mental health to justify the orders. 'We know that excessive smartphone use increases anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues – but we have the power to intervene,' California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, said in an executive order. 'We have seen a staggering rise in mental illness among young people over the past decade. The culprit is clear: unrestricted access to smartphones and social media,' Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, a Republican, echoed. Not every educator is on board with the trend. Brandon Cardet-Hernandez, a former public-school principal and senior education adviser to New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, believes banning phones is ignoring how integrated they are in younger generations' lives. 'We have to teach digital literacy skills,' he said. 'Kids need to know how to use social media and by an outright ban of smartphones in schools, we are not getting any closer to teaching those skills.' Cardet-Hernandez also says the 'most vulnerable and the most under-resourced schools,' where low-income students rely on school buildings for reliable Wi-Fi, are being forgotten in the discussion. Others have pointed out that the policy does not address what happens in case of an emergency if phones are locked away. 'All the parents would be going crazy because they can't text their kids,' Heaton said. Cabana, the teacher, said he understands that concern but believes that the possibility of misinformation running rampant is a 'hindrance to keeping students safe.' Though the kinks are getting figured out at Wakefield, Cabana says he's mostly grateful for returning to his true passion: teaching. 'I love my job,' he said. 'We're not constantly monitoring and reprimanding students for phones. We're back to engaging.'
CNN
02-04-2025
- Politics
- CNN
‘It was so freeing': How a cellphone ban is changing life at a Virginia high school
Greg Cabana, a veteran government teacher, remembers a time where his job as an educator felt secondary to being the phone police. 'It was absolutely every class period,' Cabana told CNN. 'It wasn't the question of if students would have their cell phones out, it was just a question of how much would they?' This year, however, he's no longer fighting that battle. Wakefield High School in Arlington, Virginia is part of a pilot program for the district that launched in September 2024, requiring students to put their phones inside magnetic locking pouches every morning. At the end of the day, they use a specialized box to unlock them. It comes after the state's Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin issued an executive order last July requiring districts to move towards 'phone-free education' in 2025. In that order, Youngkin wrote the move was meant to 'promote a healthier and more focused educational environment.' On the first days under the new policy, students were hesitant to part with their devices. 'When I walked into the cafeteria right after we got them, all you could hear is the banging. Everyone was banging their pouch,' Lucas Lopez, a junior at Wakefield, said. Cabana, for his part, said the initial resistance justified the need for a drastic policy change. 'They're going through this kind of trouble to this extreme. This shows how this dependency has really turned into an addiction, not dissimilar from a drug,' Cabana said. Between July 2021 and December 2023, one-half of teenagers ages 12–17 reported four hours or more of daily screen time, according to US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data. Wakefield students admit their screen time before the ban was oftentimes much higher. Proponents for phone restrictions or bans point to fewer distractions in the classroom. After an adjustment period, students at Wakefield attest they've felt more present and focused on the instruction. 'I remember the first day I was sitting in physics, my phone was locked up in my bag and I kept reaching for it, but I couldn't, and the only thing I could do was sit on my computer and listen,' junior Alex Heaton said. 'It was so freeing,' he added. Though it's too soon to figure out if the bans have corresponded to better academic performance, Cabana says he believes it's 'undeniable that the achievement will be there.' It's already clear that students are socializing with their peers in a renewed way. Senior Gabrielle Harber said the ban led to a realization that phones were giving people 'an excuse to be isolated.' 'People actually talk to each other at lunch now,' she said. 'It's very adorable. They're hanging out, like something out of a movie.' Interpersonal violence has been at a record low, too, with one student saying she hadn't seen a single fight this school year. While Wakefield is a guinea pig for its district by implementing the pouches, phone-free schools are becoming more common across the country. Besides Virginia, eight other states have introduced state-wide policies that ban or restrict cell phone use in schools. And 15 other states plus the District of Columbia have introduced state-wide legislation to do the same. The policies vary from state to state: Some keep phones away from 'bell to bell,' while others provide exceptions for teacher-approved activities and special education purposes. The issue is a rare instance of bipartisanship – with state leaders on both sides of the aisle using mental health to justify the orders. 'We know that excessive smartphone use increases anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues – but we have the power to intervene,' California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, said in an executive order. 'We have seen a staggering rise in mental illness among young people over the past decade. The culprit is clear: unrestricted access to smartphones and social media,' Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, a Republican, echoed. Not every educator is on board with the trend. Brandon Cardet-Hernandez, a former public-school principal and senior education adviser to New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, believes banning phones is ignoring how integrated they are in younger generations' lives. 'We have to teach digital literacy skills,' he said. 'Kids need to know how to use social media and by an outright ban of smartphones in schools, we are not getting any closer to teaching those skills.' Cardet-Hernandez also says the 'most vulnerable and the most under-resourced schools,' where low-income students rely on school buildings for reliable Wi-Fi, are being forgotten in the discussion. Others have pointed out that the policy does not address what happens in case of an emergency if phones are locked away. 'All the parents would be going crazy because they can't text their kids,' Heaton said. Cabana, the teacher, said he understands that concern but believes that the possibility of misinformation running rampant is a 'hindrance to keeping students safe.' Though the kinks are getting figured out at Wakefield, Cabana says he's mostly grateful for returning to his true passion: teaching. 'I love my job,' he said. 'We're not constantly monitoring and reprimanding students for phones. We're back to engaging.'
