MODESTO - Kaiser Permanente's new Modesto Medical Center has earned national recognition as one of the "greenest" health-care facilities in North America.

It is being hailed by environmental advocates as a national model for future hospital construction even before it is fully operational.

Stories have appeared on National Public Radio, in several construction magazines and The Wall Street Journal - owned by Dow Jones & Co., The Record's parent company.

The Discovery Channel recently filmed at the site for its "Get Fresh" program scheduled for broadcast in January. And John Fowler, health and science editor for the Bay Area's Fox affiliate, KTVU Channel 2, will air a story at 5 p.m. Tuesday on the "green" aspects of the medical center.

What they focused on was Kaiser's decision to build its first medical facility registered under the Green Guide for Health Care.

City loan plugs gap in housing complex

The Eugene City Council on Monday approved a $450,000 loan to give a key boost to a downtown apartment project.

The city loan will help plug a financing gap that has led to a delay in the start of the proposed WestTown on Eighth apartment complex, next to the WOW Hall.

"I look forward to getting this project moving so we can have more people living downtown," said Councilor Andrea Ortiz.

WestTown's developer, Eugene-based Metropolitan Affordable Housing Corp., plans to build 102 apartments for low- to moderate-income residents. Rents would range from $478 a month for a studio apartment to $738 for a two-bedroom apartment. .

Secret joint venture plan for Wembley

THE English Football Association is in secret talks that could result in the ownership of Wembley stadium being transferred into a joint venture with a British property company.

The radical proposal is one of a series of options being discussed between Brian Barwick, the FAÂ's chief executive, and Quintain Estates, a quoted property company that already controls a 66-acre development site around the stadium in northwest London.

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Very low unemployment in construction

The unemployment i week 35, the first week of September, fell to 2.2 per cent in the building trades, corresponding to only 2826 persons out of work, close to the lowest figure ever. But the record is just round the corner. In week 29 the percentage was also 2.2, but then only 2813 persons were unemployed. The figures were presented by the construction sectors umbrella body BAT, which is pleased with the figures. Both because this means that many who would otherwise find it difficult to get a foothold in the labour market now get a chance. But also because the low unemployment contributes to put brakes on moonlighting. The unemployment in the building sector is very dependant on the weather. But with fine weather in the autumn the unemployment could get under 2 per cent in the weeks 37-41, economist Bo Sandberg, BAT, estimated.