Thinking Globally, Acting Locally

ecognizing the importance of a worldwide team to protect the regional, national and global environment - and to make sure our community's voice is heard in related federal and state legislation - the Pasadena City Council recently pledged support for two far-reaching agreements.

The United Nations Green Cities Declaration and Urban Environmental Accords include 21 recommended actions for cities to take by 2012 to contribute to global efforts, including reducing fossil fuel emissions, increasing our tree canopy, reducing waste and more. In response, the council approved a comprehensive environmental action plan for Pasadena that lays out hundreds of ideas for improving urban design, water and air quality, traffic congestion, waste reduction, parks and open space, energy conservation and environmental health.

The United States Mayors Climate Protection Agreement calls on America's cities to help reduce global warming. By mid-October, the pact had been signed by about 300 mayors representing more than 49.2 million Americans, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas and Pasadena. The agreement recommends creating pedestrian and bicycle-friendly amenities, increasing the use of green power and Energy Star appliances, promoting sustainable building practices, adopting alternative-fuel vehicles and more.

By supporting these agreements, Pasadena continues a proud tradition of environmental stewardship. The city council recently created the Environmental Advisory Commission, made plans for a low-emission and no-emission green auto fleet, and developed a comprehensive "green building" program. Pasadena has been recognized for smart growth planning that focuses new development near transportation and city services, and for protecting our community's urban forest that includes thousands of trees on public property.

For more information on Pasadena's environmental programs and how you can take part, call 744-4000 or visit www.cityofpasadena.net (click on The Green Report).

The Bus of the Future

The Pasadena ARTS buses along Route 10 downtown have a new look! The city's Department of Transportation recently teamed up with Pasadena Water & Power for a "Go Green" project, bringing us the Ebus.

A technological marvel, the 22-foot, 22-passenger hybrid-electric Ebus runs on an electric motor that relies on a battery pack. The packs are charged periodically with an external electrical charger, but they can also be juiced up as needed by an "on-board" Capstone MicroTurbine. This combined use of electric batteries and a turbine results in ultra-low emissions, bringing bluer skies and a greener Pasadena!

Not only have the buses changed, Route 10 itself has changed from the early years when it was known as the "Downtown" route. For just 50 cents a ride (and 25 cents for youths, seniors and riders with disabilities), Route 10 buses transport more than 124,000 passengers each year to destinations such as Old Pasadena, the Civic Center, the Playhouse District, Pasadena City College, Caltech and the Gold Line Allen Station.

Complete ARTS maps and schedules are available on the buses and at all libraries, most city offices, institutions and employment centers citywide. You can also call
744-4055 or visit www.cityofpasadena.net.

TOPEK Dispenses Temporary Overnight Exemptions

Beginning Monday Oct. 23, phone requests for temporary overnight parking exemptions will no longer be accepted.

Instead, go to a Temporary Overnight Parking Exemption Kiosk (TOPEK) available at five outdoor locations: Pasadena Police Department, 207 N. Garfield Ave.; Fire Station #32, 2424 E. Villa St.; Fire Station #33, 515 N. Lake Ave.; Fire Station #34, 1360 E. Del Mar Blvd.; and Fire Station #36, 1140 N. Fair Oaks Ave.

Each TOPEK dispenses temporary exemptions for $3 per night per vehicle, for up to 10 consecutive nights. Receipts must be displayed clearly inside vehicles. Exemptions are valid from 2 to 6 a.m. on residential streets. Complete instructions are listed on the kiosks. TOPEK accepts coins, $1, $5 and $10 bills, most major credits cards, and debit cards that display Visa or MasterCard logos.

For more information visit www.cityofpasadena.net (click on Parking Permits) or
(800) 317-7177.

Residents who need long-term parking permits should visit the city’s Business Services Section at 280 Ramona St. or call (626) 744-4166.

The seismic retrofit and restoration of Pasadena City Hall is nearly complete and the building will reopen in mid-2007! Most recently, the finial on the northeast stair tower was replaced, restoration of cast stone elements (lion, fruit garlands, castles, crowns, keys, etc.) was completed, the main tower was painted and all of the base isolators were installed. Currently, additional structural elements are nearing completion, reconstruction of the east arcade (also known as the bridge) is underway, painting of
the rest of the building is taking place and implementation measures are in progress to ensure that “green building” certification is on schedule. For more information visit
www.cityofpasadena.net/cityhall or call 744-7073.

Picture Yourself as a Homeowner

Through a range of affordable housing and homebuyer assistance programs, the Office of the City Manager / Housing and Community Development wants to make sure the keys to your new home are within reach.

One of the most exciting developments is Fair Oaks Court, a collection of 40 new townhomes—including 34 affordable units—at Fair Oaks Avenue and Peoria Street with landscaped courtyards, underground parking and a small commercial/office complex, plus nine spruced-up, single-family homes; and four single-family homes at Carlton Street and Cypress Avenue.

The Craftsman-style homes will end blight and overcrowding that once existed there, create a beautiful addition to the neighborhood, increase Pasadena's growing number of affordable and workforce housing units and meet requirements of the Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan.

Construction began in August and is scheduled to be completed in late 2007. The homes are priced from $85,000 to $490,000 and will be sold to buyers who earn from 80 percent (low income) to 180 percent (workforce income) of Los Angeles County's median income limits. Financing is also provided by Pasadena Community Development Commission.

Fair Oaks Court is the first in the nation to qualify for federal New Market Tax Credits (NMTC), an important community and economic development tool administered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and created to encourage business investment and jobs in low-income areas.

The developer is Heritage Housing Partners, which promotes historic preservation and neighborhood revitalization by creating affordable homeownership opportunities.
If you think you or someone you know may qualify for homeownership at Fair Oaks Court, call 403-4663.

For more information about city of Pasadena affordable housing programs, call 744-8300 or visit www.cityofpasadena.net/housing.

Buying or Selling a Home? Get an Inspection!

Whether you're buying or selling a home, make sure it receives a check-up through the city's Occupancy Inspection Program (OIP) before any money changes hands.
To set up an inspection, visit Window #1 at the Pasadena Permit Center, 175 N. Garfield Ave., where you'll fill out an application, pay the fee and make an appointment. On the day of the inspection, a code compliance officer will check the home inside and out, including roofs, chimneys, windows, door frames, electrical, plumbing, heating and ventilation systems, floors and walls. The inspector will point out any potential hazards or health and safety issues, such as rodent infestations.

If a violation is found, the seller is given a reasonable time to make repairs. Common problems include lack of smoke detectors, major work done without permits, water heaters without seismic bracing, leaky plumbing, inadequate parking, and illegal garage conversions.

If you are the buyer, you are not responsible for any repairs unless you have made an agreement with the seller and have signed a waiver promising to make repairs within 30 days of the inspection.

Once repairs are made, the buyer receives a Certificate of Occupancy that is valid until the next time the property is sold. (Apartment complexes with three or more units aren't included in OIP because they're inspected every four years by the city.)

For more information, visit www.cityofpasadena.net/planninganddevelopment (click on Building and Neighborhood Services and look under Code Compliance for Occupancy Inspection Program) or call 744-4633.

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