Santa Monica Property Blog

TWO SOCAL BUILDINGS ARE EPA EFFICIENCY CONTEST FINALISTS

By Jodi Summers

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has picked 14 commercial buildings for their first national energy efficiency contest – and two of the finalists are in Southern California. Kudos to the Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown - San Diego, CA and JCPenney Store # 1778 - Orange, CA will be competing with 12 other commercial structures around the country to best streamline their energy usage and be heralded the winner.

Two hundred buildings entered the competition, which will run through October 26, 2010. Fourteen finalists were chosen for undisclosed reasons. (Meet the contenders @ http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=buildingcontest..contestants)

Each entrant was tagged with an energy use intensity (EUI) number portraying the building’s energy use. A building’s EUI is calculated by taking the total energy consumed in one year (measured in kBtu) and dividing it by the total floorspace of the building. The winner is the one who lowers their EUI by the greatest percentage. Obviously a candidate such as the Van Holten Primary School - Bridgewater, NJ (EUI 150) will use relatively little energy (particularly when school’s out) compared to the Solon Family Health Center in Cleveland, OH (EUI 318) or an office building 522 5th Avenue - New York, NY (EUI 242) . Each building will be judged on the percentage of reduction they achieve in their EUI.

The nominees will measure and track their building’s monthly energy consumption using Portfolio Manager, the EPA’s online energy tracking tool. The building that demonstrates the greatest percentage-based reduction through October 26^th will be recognized as the winner.

Now, a little about our local contestants -

The team name for the Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown is “Money in the Bank” – appropriately named because the hotel is located in the historic San Diego Trust & Savings Bank building in the city’s Gaslamp district. Ten years ago, the building went through a spectacular adaptive reuse, transitioning from a bank and office building to the Courtyard by Marriott Downtown San Diego hotel with 245 guest rooms. The 1920s bank building has guest rooms and common areas retrofitted with efficient sensors and technology. The hotel lists four reasons why it is important for it to save energy, money, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions: 1) Its guests expect it, 2) Its owners require it, 3) Its employees know it is the right thing to do, and 4) It owes it to their community. MSD’s starting EUI is 162.

JCPenney Store # 1778 - Orange, CA is calling their crew the Orange Power Rangers. That JCPenney Store opened in 1977. The store covers 100,853 gross square feet with a net sales floor space of 69,723 square feet. The Orange store is part of a group of 63 JCPenney stores that participate in the company’s Advanced Energy Management (AEM) Program, which focuses on energy awareness on both the facility maintenance and store associate level. With the help of an Interval Data Recorder (IDR) meter, the energy usage of this store is monitored on a next-day basis, and daily store energy use reports for all associates to see. JC Penny Orange is already using 35% less energy than it was last year. 1778. Their starting EUI: 165

Good luck to all of the finalists, may you make the world a better place. Btw, does anyone else know what the winner gets, other than a trophy and/or plaque to proudly display?

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http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=buildingcontest.contestants

http://www.bustler.net/index.php/article/14_finalists_picked_in_epas_national_building_competition/

http://www.energyboom.com/emerging/epa-and-energy-stars-new-national-building-competition?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A%20energyboom%20%28EnergyBoom%20Daily%20Briefing%29

http://blog.syracuse.com/storefront/2009/09/large_penney.JPG

http://brandmediaweek.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834519bc269e20120a694b62a970b-580wi

http://oldstockshop.com/willstock/eBay/jcpennyru11705.jpg

http://images.hotelplanner.com/hotelimages/s/047000/047845A.jpg

RE: FAA CHANGE OF FLIGHT PATH AT SANTA MONICA AIRPORT

From: Zina Josephs - Friends of Sunset Park

Subject: WRITING CONGRESS RE THE FAA “TEST”

Those affected by the FAA “test” flight path may wish to use the sample letter below to write to Congressional representatives. You can edit, cut and paste, etc., to include pollution, quality of life, or the concern of your choice.

Please forward to as many people as possible, and remember to advise that the letters be sent by regular mail or by FAX for maximum impact.

****************************************************************************************************

Senator Barbara Boxer

312 N. Spring St. #1748

Los Angeles, CA 90012

FAX: 202-224-0357

Email: http://boxer.senate.gov/en/contact/policycomments.cfm

***************************

Senator Dianne Feinstein

1111 Santa Monica Blvd. #915

Los Angeles, CA 90025

FAX: 310-914-7318

Email: http://feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=ContactUs.Emailme

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Rep. Henry Waxman

8436 W. 3rd St. #600

Los Angeles, CA 90048

FAX: 323-655-0502

Email: http://waxman.house.gov/Contact/

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(Write a separate letter to each Congressional representative.)

June 16, 2010

RE: FAA change of flight path at Santa Monica Airport

Dear (Insert name here: Senator Boxer, Senator Feinstein, or Congressman Waxman),

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has chosen to test a new flight path for certain aircraft leaving Santa Monica Airport (SMO).

The previous flight path took aircraft over a sea level golf course and a primarily commercial street leading to the ocean before allowing pilots to turn north/right.

The “new” departure flight path, the 250 vector, takes aircraft directly over two densely populated residential neighborhoods (the Sunset Park mesa and the hilly section of Ocean Park), a busy amusement park (Santa Monica Pier), places of worship, and schools.

As a resident of the impacted neighborhood, I am very concerned about the effect on my quality of life and my peaceful enjoyment of my home, if this tested flight path were to become permanent. The change in the tested flight path has introduced as many as 20 planes overhead per hour, in addition to the already large numbers of planes criss-crossing Santa Monica due to its proximity to LAX. These frequent

low-flying flights are incredibly noisy and arguably a violation of the 1984 agreement between the FAA and the City of Santa Monica.

In addition, I have significant concerns about the safety of our community. The frequency of planes crashing just after takeoff from General Aviation airports like SMO is well documented. The danger level is far greater at SMO because homes are within less than 300 feet of either end of the runway.

The new “test” departure route raises the danger level still higher, as it takes planes over John Adams Middle School, Will Rogers Elementary School, Olympic High School, John Muir Elementary School, Santa Monica Alternative School House, and Santa Monica High School.

We need your help in this fight with the FAA. Please contact the FAA Administrator J. Randolph Babbitt and request that he respect your desire to protect the quality of life and safety of residents in the affected areas by continuing to use the flight path mutually agreed to in the 1984 Agreement with the City of Santa Monica.

Sincerely,

(Insert your name here)

(Insert your address here)

Santa Monica, CA (zip code)

**

http://www.NYTimes.com/2007/11/24/us/24airport.html?ex=1

http://www.santamonicapropertyblog.com/?p=188

http://www.friendsofsunsetpark.org/

SEE…DOE…HUD…DOT…EPA…NGA… IS BIG BROTHER WATCHING? SOCIALIZING URBAN DEVELOPMENT IN THE UNITED STATES

By Jodi Summers

Loyal readers of this blog are well aware that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) are working together in hopes of helping American families gain better access to affordable housing, more transportation options, and lower transportation costs by creating affordable, sustainable communities.

Taking further steps in that direction, more government agencies are getting involved to attempt to make our new millennium existence easier all around. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) have formed the State Energy Efficiency (SEE) Action Network to help states achieve the maximum cost-effective energy efficiency improvements possible in offices, buildings, industries and homes by 2020.

SEE…DOE…HUD…DOT…EPA…that’s a lot of government agencies making sure cities develop in the “proper” manner…socialized urban growth.

But, oops we wander, back to SEE…under the oversight of the EPA and the DOE, SEE will work with representatives from state and municipal governments, business leaders, public utility commissioners and others to make life in this country of energy efficiency for all.

The group plans to work from the framework set by the National Action Plan for Energy

Efficiency Vision for 2025, which was laid out in 2006…only the new goal is to make it a 2020 initiative…following the model set forth by California. You know AB 32 - California’s landmark 2006 global warming initiative.

(Not only has AB 32 been adopted by the Obama Administration, the International Code Council announced the state’s newly adopted Green Building Standards Code will serve as a foundation for commercial buildings worldwide AND California participated in the launch of China’s first GHG emissions registry. When his term comes to an end in November, Arnold Schwarzenegger should follow in the steps of former Vice President Al Gore in becoming a champion for energy programs that influence national and international policies…perhaps even work warmly with Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa on Los Angeles’ 30/10 initiative…ah but we dream….)

SEE will offer technical assistance, and help with specific policy and program issues to advance energy efficiency efforts. Efforts may include financing solutions, residential efficiency programs and improving availability of energy usage information, etc…

Already the DOE and EPA have a request list that includes 32 state public utility commissions wanting assistance with energy efficiency programs.

SEE…DOE…HUD…DOT…EPA…and don’t forget the NGA…the National Governors Association is another national agency championing states with energy efficiency efforts.

Earlier this year, the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices selected six states - Colorado, Hawaii, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Utah and Wisconsin - to participate in the organization’s Policy Academy on State Building Efficiency Retrofit Programs.

The academy, funded by the DOE (you remember them, working with DOT among other liaisons…), is designed to help states develop strategies and action plans to improve the energy efficiency of existing building and reduce costs and emissions.

SEE…DOE…HUD…DOT…EPA…NGA… is Big Brother is watching?

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http://www.businessgreen.com/business-green/news/2257243/agencies-action-buildings

http://www.socalgreenrealestateblog.com/?p=691

http://www.socalindustrialrealestateblog.com/?p=434

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http://management.energy.gov/images/New_DOE_Seal_Color_042808.png

THREE SANTA MONICA + MALIBU ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS RECEIVE ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

By Jodi Summers

Three Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District elementary schools have received 2010 California Distinguished School awards. McKinley Elementary School, Webster Elementary School, and Point Dume Marine Science School are the honorees.

“It is an honor to recognize the schools, and the students, parents, teachers, and administrators who helped earn this most prestigious distinction,” observed State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell. “The 2010 California Distinguished Schools have been selected because of their academic excellence and for narrowing achievement gaps. These schools have persevered despite state budget cutbacks that have cut deeply into the budgets of local school districts. I encourage educators throughout our state to review the signature practices that Distinguished Schools are using to improve student achievement.”

The Distinguished Awards rotate reviewing elementary schools one year and then secondary schools the following, with four schools honored in total within the SMMUSD district.

McKinley Principal, Irene Gonzalez, said in a press release, “McKinley students bring so much enthusiasm and love for learning. Teachers and staff are innovative and passionate about their profession and know that great teaching leads to successful students. This recognition is due to the collaboration of students, staff, and families.”

To receive the honor, each school must be able to describe two signature practices that increase student performance and narrow the achievement gap. As part of the honor, schools that earn the award mentor other educators and share signature practices for use in other districts. An updated searchable database of these signature practices will be available later this spring by the California Department of Education.

A school’s eligibility is based on two yearly assessment results: Academic Performance Index (API), which is calculated by the state on the basis of a Standardized Testing and Reporting program and the California High School Exit Examination, and Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP), a series of federal academic performance goals set by No Child Left Behind.

“These schools have persevered despite state budget cutbacks that have cut deeply into the budgets of local school districts,” O’Connell concluded. “I encourage educators throughout our state to review the signature practices that Distinguished Schools are using to improve student achievement.”

A total 484 exemplary California public elementary schools were selected as 2010 California Distinguished Schools – 110 schools are in Los Angeles County. The California School Recognition Program is now in its 24th year honoring exemplary schools. The list of schools may be viewed online at http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/sr/cs/disting2010.asp.

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http://yubanet.com/california/State-Schools-Chief-Jack-O-Connell-Announces-2010-California-Distinguished-Schools.php

http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/sr/cs/disting2010.asp

http://smmirror.com/MainPages/DisplayArticleDetails.asp?eid=12397 http://www.designsciencehighschool.com/images/distingbanner2.gif

http://www.lausd.net/Harvard_EL/title1aaalogo2.gif

http://www.glendalenewspress.com/articles/2010/04/20/education/gnp-honor042010.txt

http://mariposa.redlandsusd.net/modules/groups/homepagefiles/cms/514258/Image/mariposa-patriotic-image%281%29.jpg

http://www.resmithconst.com/public/education/6.jpg

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GLOBAL EDGE TOP 10 BUSINESS DESTINATIONS

GLOBAL EDGE TOP 10 BUSINESS DESTINATIONS

edited by Jodi Summers

Global Property Guide has put together a list of the most attractive

property investment destinations across the world. Their research team

has ranked 77 of the world’s largest cities according to the average

gross rental yields.

The top 10 destinations are dominated by Asian cities, with Jakarta,

Kuala Lumpur and Manila all making the list.

http://www.globaledge.co.uk/news/top-10-best-investment-destinations-35909

Energy to Sell - States with Renewable Portfolio Standards

States with Renewable Portfolio Standards

Edited by Jodi Summers

Scroll down for a nifty map and chart from the U.S. Department of Energy showing states with renewable portfolio standards - a state policy that requires electricity providers to obtain a minimum percentage of their power from renewable energy resources by a certain date.

California is stellar with the objective of 33% renewable energy by 2030, but not nearly as aggressive as Maine, which is shooting for 40% renewable by 2017.

Currently there are 24 states plus the District of Columbia that have RPS policies in place. Together these states account for more than half of the electricity sales in the United States. Five other states, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Virginia, and Vermont, have nonbinding goals for adoption of renewable energy instead of an RPS.

The chart below gives a rough summary of state renewable portfolio standards and links to organizations that are administering these standards or explain the details involved. Percentages refer to a portion of electricity sales and megawatts (MW) to absolute capacity requirements. Most of these standards phase in over years, and the date refers to when the full requirement takes effect.

http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/states/maps/renewable_portfolio_states.cfm?prin

Santa Monica Pier Twilight Dance Series Needs Your Help

Edited by Jodi Summers

Budgets are being cut everywhere…and a number of the concerts may be cut from the Santa Monica Pier Twilight Dance Series, unless you help.

The board of directors of the Santa Monica Pier Restoration Corporation has given a deadline of March 24, two weeks from now, by which to raise $93,000 to complete the budget of the ten concert series.

Donations are needed. The Santa Monica City Council has lead the fund raising challenge with a grant of $35,000 to the series. Currently, it’s believed that the City has funding for seven concerts – looking to reach funding for a full 10 performances.

$57,000 more to be raised. Respond to the city’s challenge by donating today! – Click here to make a difference. https://www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_flow&SESSION=fPWWbmwof1OyikLcka41ycsxvNWgd6K_ogtXeQWUtBCxRXjplLwAdnmtNhC&dispatch=5885d80a13c0db1f059ee17e99acf195b5f3a4b6a78dddb43ff8dd61b662c86b

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http://campaign.constantcontact.com/render?v=001u8SjZbUCyfNOSBaTTmRh9wNV84TISY85hcdwXG6k5HMs0IyBaXJC9QAFI5eesjrPf52nM0KKxJpSZH6z97VtH8OA-LpdNIzqlbvN0EDvhqywu4b0rWVdbWaCWmHMDZgPSHW-m8kAEaoNhiHQWXtJmuRL9c06ZEiu4Oy44OiGx7kPKvA6LTuhmJL2jnS2db1T-laZgYz9Pxk%3D

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HELP SANTA MONICA GET A GRANT FOR GLOW 2010

JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE’S GOLF COURSE GETS AUDUBON CERTIFICATION

THE GREENEST GOLF COURSE GETS AUDUBON CERTIFICATION

By Jodi Summers

Who has a great voice, umpteen million dollars, their own golf course and is socially conscious? Justin Timberlake, mega successful solo artist and all around good guy has opened up the nation’s first eco-friendly golf course in Memphis, Tennessee.

Originally called Woodstock Hills, the golf course is said to be the first place golf-enthusiast and former member of ‘NSYNC learned to hit a golf ball.

“…Last year we found out they were going to auction it off and turn it into a development,” Justin revealed. “So we thought it was such a landmark for the community, we’d scoop it and save it. And we did. We were able to before it was auctioned off.”

A couple of decades and $16 million later, the newly renamed Mirimichi Golf Course is the “greenest” golfing destination in the U.S….

“I’m excited about every aspect of the course,” Justin confessed. “We basically created a whole new course. It’s a completely different track and doesn’t look anything like what it did. It’s exciting. There’s literally a creek around the whole course. We’ve dug 7 new lakes—the construction we’ve done lengthened the course by almost 1000 yards. We’ll have a great first tee program for kids and families. We’ll have a 9-hole executive course, but it’s really to use for the first tee program out there. We’ll have junior tournaments to get more young people into the game. I like the values the game teaches like honesty, patience, focus, and tenacity. Also, it’s close to my house. And my parents had their wedding reception there.”

The Mirimichi Golf Course is the first project in the U.S. to receive the Audubon International’s Classic Sanctuary certification.The course features irrigation systems that maximize the use of rainwater, native landscaping and solar-powered electric golf carts.

“I love my new course Mirimichi,” Justin confessed. “I love it for so many reasons. I feel like we did something great for the community. And we ended up doing something great for the world—a lot of people will pay attention to how eco-friendly this establishment is and I hope it will make some waves.”

When asked about who his idea golf foursome would be, Justin confided,” Bobby Jones because he never took a dollar for the game and always loved the purity of the game. Tiger Woods because he’s without a doubt the best golfer of all time. And has taken every dollar for the game! And my dad because he taught me how to play. He’s my favorite person to play golf with.”

http://www.justintimberlake.com/news/a_quick_9_with_jt_a_golf_qa

http://earth911.com/blog/2009/07/23/justin-timberlake-opens-first-eco-friendly-golf-course/

http://allfunmusik.files.wordpress.com/2007/06/justin_timberlake_01.jpg

http://www.wreg.com/media/photo/2009-07/48038279.jpg

http://ontheredcarpet.typepad.com/.a/6a010536c12963970b0115723cb64c970b-pi

http://media.commercialappeal.com/mca/content/img/photos/2009/07/25/22mirimichi1.jpeg

MALIBU GOES GREEN UNDER PRESSURE

MALIBU GOES GREEN UNDER PRESSURE

By Jodi Summers

Malibu should be ashamed of itself, acting like conservation is not for the wealthy. Santa Monica has been heavily into the green movement for years – aiming to become a net zero city, Our mother city, Los Angeles, is very motivated to become one of the greenest cities. Meantime the gilded village of Malibu is only turning green because of upcoming deadlines for compliance with state-mandated sustainable development standards.

Under pressure by state mandates, Malibu is finally getting around to developing a sustainable development program. This comes more than a year after the City of L.A.’s green building ordinance to reduce the City’s carbon emissions by more than 80,000 tons by 2012. Motivated only by state regulation, Malibu is planning to require larger projects to be LEED certified. Money is green; Malibu will get the hang of it.

Grudgingly, in late summer, Malibu began to comply with mandated standards addressing water use for landscape irrigation. Additionally the fabled city on PCH will comply with other statewide requirements, such as weather-proofing, formaldehyde content in wood products, air conditioning refrigerants, and outside air ventilation, not to mention finally getting collection areas for recyclables. (Hello! If that’s an issue for you guys, just bring in some homeless, and they’ll recycle for you.)

As Malibu has been so late to get on board the green bandwagon, the city is panicking about meeting residential construction standards effective Jan. 1, 2011, benchmarks that are already in place in neighboring Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood and Los Angeles.

The January 2011 requirements call for sediment and runoff protection from construction sites; diversion of at least 50% of construction waste; low or no use of volatile organic compounds such as indoor adhesives, paints and coatings; low formaldehyde indoor finish materials.

Looking further forward, as of July 1, 2011, residential construction projects will be required to be more water efficient – insisting on a 20 percent reduction in indoor water use.

Not to be berated for being totally arrogant and antiquated, Malibu does already have mandates in place for water conservation landscaping – though some city residents are insisting that is not enforced.

“I think our biggest problem is water in Malibu,” planning Commissioner Regan Schaar noted, more than a year after Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a statewide drought. “The issue of people submitting plans [development applications] without any landscaping plans is a way for them to get around the issue. We need to put landscaping plans in place and make sure they’re low water usage.”

Malibu has been an ostrich, hiding its proverbial head in the sand while other local cities have been proactive on conservation measures. Lifestyles of the rich and infamous.

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http://www.malibutimes.com/articles/2009/06/10/news/news3.txt

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http://www.socalgreenrealestateblog.com/?p=75

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