KB Homes Announces Fire Sale

Work has resumed on the problem plagued Ascent at Warner Center project at 21301 West Erwin Street. This is the location of a construction fire that caused major damage to two floors. Representatives from White Residential and KB Homes refused comment on Friday when asked if corners were cut in an effort to speed up construction. Industry experts have speculated that the structure might be condemned due to shoddy workmanship. When asked about the status of the project, management referred all comments to their legal staff. A sign remains on the gate that reads “Limited Entry; Off limits to unauthorized personnel by order of the Dept of Building and Safety, City of Los Angeles. Warning: this structure or site has been damaged and may be dangerous to occupy. Further damage may occur at any time. Enter at your own risk. This facility was inspected under emergency conditions on 03-24-08, 10:30am”. No Helix Electric employees were seen on Friday. Two men believed to be from Withee Malcolm Architects were on site briefly. A banner on the building directs the public to the KB Homes/Ascent Sales Gallery at 21101 Oxnard Street just far enough away to mask the smell of burnt lumber.

Black Thursday at Kmart

Thanksgiving Day; While most workers in America prepared for a traditional feast with family, Kmart employees braced for record amounts of shoppers. The chain decided to break with tradition this year and stay open on Thanksgiving in order to lure shoppers and increase profits. Employees were offered overtime pay (Time and one half) to work the Holiday according to one manager. A line formed in front of the Northridge, CA store as early as 4am. Shoppers who braved the early hours at another location in Simi Valley reported being informed that store would be open but would not honor the advertised sale prices because the store is scheduled to be closed down soon. Many of those customers raced to the Northridge location only to find themselves at the end of a line that had grown to over a hundred people.

The big attraction at today’s sale was the Nintendo Wii video game console, the 32 inch LCD TV and the GPS Navigation system. There were a total of 7 Wii’s available which were snatched up by the first 10 or so shoppers. Employee’s distributed tickets to those in the front of the line insuring they would have first opportunity at the sale items. Cookies were given out to all the shoppers. A few people cut in line, but for the most part the crowd was orderly.

Once inside the store, most shoppers headed to the electronics department where they stood in another line to pick up and purchase their items. One employee said he had never seen so many shoppers at one time. Friday’s sale (aka: Black Friday) will no doubt be another door buster but don’t expect to find a Nintendo Wii, the same employee informed the crowd he doesn't expect another shipment until after Christmas.

Judging by today’s results it’s not hard to imagine that Thanksgiving Day Sales may one day replace Black Friday.