Jodi Summers = Santa Monica Real Estate

PLEASE STAY SAFE WHEN YOU’RE BICYCLING AROUND TOWN

edited by Jodi Summers

Santa Monica is very pro bicycle, but bicycle safety hasn’t caught up with the popularity of bicycles. Between 2002 and 2009, according to the City of Santa Monica, the number of vehicle pedestrian accidents dropped 21%, while vehicle bike accidents rose 51%. The increase in bicycle accidents from 2007 to 2009 alone was 78%.

Now that summer is here, let us share with you bicycle safety tips from the Santa Monica Police…

Bicycle Safety On the Road

· Stay on the right side of the road, ride with traffic and use the bike lane where available. (Bicycles are not permitted on sidewalks as they can endanger pedestrians.)

• · Obey all traffic laws and signals
• · Use hand signals for turning and for all stops
• · Watch for road hazards and cars in driveways
• · Use extra caution in poor or wet weather
• · Wear safe, comfortable clothes
• · Do not allow children to ride a bicycle at night
• · Always lock your bicycle using a U-lock, securing both wheels and the frame to a stationary object.

Bicycle Safety Before Your Ride

• · To identify your bicycle, engrave your driver’s license number on the frame
• · Register your bicycle with the City and keep the serial/model number on file
• · Check your handlebars, bicycle seats and brakes
• · Check your tire pressure
• · Check your first aid pouch for fresh supplies
• · Check your reflectors and light.
• · Inspect your helmet and be sure to wear it. If you are under 18, a helmet is required by law. Be sure it meets the guidelines of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) or the Snell Memorial Foundation. Labels with this information will be inside helmets that have passed their testing standards.
• · Maintain the safety of your bicycle by giving it regular tune-ups

In 2009, Santa Monica reported 128 accidents involving vehicles and bicycles. Hit & run vehicle vs. bicycle accidents occur 19% of the time, more than double the average for the prior two years. Rates of injury also rose from 75% to 83%. Fatalities associated with bike hover between 0 and 1% between 2002 and 2009.

Please stay safe as you bicycle around town.

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http://santamonicapd.org/Content.aspx?id=2545

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/.a/6a00d8341c630a53ef015437058def970c-640wi

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http://travel.nytimes.com/2008/02/22/travel/escapes/22american.html

http://santamonicapd.org/Content.aspx?id=2547

http://www.smgov.net/Departments/OSE/Categories/Sustainability/Sustainable_City_Progress_Report/Transportation/Pedestrian_-_Bike_Safety.aspx

http://streetsblog.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/26/Santa_Monica_Event_Parking.jpg

HOW TO STAY SAFE WHEN YOU’RE WALKING AROUND TOWN

edited by Jodi Summers

You’re lucky to live in Santa Monica. We all are. 2011 estimates show that Santa Monica has 90,377 fortunate residents. Tourists, workers, and beachgoers can increase the city’s daytime population to between 250,000 and 450,000 people. That’s a lot of humanity in 8.3 square miles, which is why, in 2009, Santa Monica reported 106 accidents involving vehicles and pedestrians.

The Santa Monica Police Department would like to share these pedestrian safety tips with you.

* Stop, look and listen before crossing. Just like when you were a kid, look right and left over your shoulder before crossing, look for cars and bicycles, bicycles are required to obey the rules just like the cars.

* Allow vehicles enough time to stop. Don’t assert the right of way with a fast moving vehicle, you could lose.

*  Make eye contact with drivers. But don’t assume they will yield.

*Cross at intersections. Crossing mid-block is unsafe; never cross from between two parked cars…drivers can’t see you and aren’t expecting you. When crossing at a signal controlled intersection, cross only on a green light OR when the “walk” sign is activated; the walk sign may change but the light is timed to give you enough time to continue on safely before opposing traffic approaches.

* Always cross in a straight line… the shortest distance between two points. Use extra care when crossing with children. Remember drivers may not see a little one… hold their hand while crossing.

* Unplug from your IPod and listen to what’s going on.
* Use the same rules of caution in a parking lot. Parking lots can be just as dangerous as the street.

Santa Monica leads the state in pedestrian accidents, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS). In 2009, Santa Monica ranked first for pedestrian accidents out of 104 California cities of similar size. The top 10 most dangerous Santa Monica intersections for pedestrians, according to the Santa Monica Police Department, based on collision statistics from February 2006 to February 2011 are:

1. 1. Main St and Ocean Park Blvd
2. 2. 4th St and Santa Monica Blvd
3. 3. Lincoln Blvd and Pico Blvd
4. 4. 28th St and Pico Blvd
5. 5. 17th St and Pico Blvd
6. 6. 4th St and Wilshire Blvd
7. 7. 2nd St and Colorado Ave
8. 8. 4th St and Broadway
9. 9. 11th St and Pearl St
10. 10. Main St and Pier Ave

The proportion of vehicle vs. pedestrian accidents resulting in injuries is 94%.  The vehicle pedestrian accidents resulting in death has hovered between 2-4% between 2002 and 2009.

Stay safe. Be a defensive walker. Watch where you are going. Expect the unexpected. Don’t let cars surprise you… even if the motorist is wrong. Better to be safe than dead right.

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http://santamonicapd.org/Pedestrian_Safety_-_Tips_for_Pedestrians.aspx

http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/06/0670000.html

http://www.santamonicapropertyblog.com/?p=4739

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http://www.santamonica.com/includes/docs/Santa-Monica-Fact-Sheet.pdf

http://www.smgov.net/Departments/OSE/Categories/Sustainability/Sustainable_City_Progress_Report/Transportation/Pedestrian_-_Bike_Safety.aspx

HOMES SO GREEN THEY GROW MONEY

by Jodi Summers

To our health. You gotta love that California has been pushing policies for green development all millennium. Now that we’re climbing out of the recession, expect new homes to be those space-age models of energy efficiency that we have previously only imagined. As the economy gains momentum, so is the green building revolution.

New green homes by major developers are light years ahead of where they were before the recession. Motivated by government initiatives like New Solar Homes Partnership.

KB Home has made solar systems standard on new houses in Southern California. Lennar, Pardee Homes and Pulte Homes offer solar home projects. ABC Green Home of Newport Beach is will be building a net-zero home to showcase green technology for consumers. Clarum Homes in Palo Alto is a custom builder that has gained praise for incorporating energy efficiency and passive solar features into homes with modernist flourishes.

The New Solar Homes Partnership adopts a long-term plan that called for having all new residential buildings achieve zero net energy use by 2020 and having all commercial buildings achieve zero net energy use by 2030.

Beyond solar, green new home efficiency benefits include tankless hot water heaters, adjustable thermostats, LED lighting and Energy Star appliances, as well as other economical perks. Live efficiently and your electricity bill from Southern California Edison Co. can be close to zero.

Designs like the ZeroHouse model by Los Angeles builder KB Home exemplify the housing industry’s attempt to move beyond the one-off LEED vanity project and make subdivision building a green practice. New net-zero homes are so green they produce at least as much juice as they consume.

Environmentalists began pushing for California to mandate that new homes come with renewable energy systems in the early 2000s, as the technology became more scalable and available. Our CalGreen construction codes have influenced the world…now perhaps our homes will as well.

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http://articles.latimes.com/2012/sep/22/business/la-fi-energy-homes-20120923

http://philosophistry.com/scans/2010/green-home.jpg

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http://www.dallasarchitectureblog.com/2011/03/green-architect-designed-home-assembled-on-site/

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THE BASICS OF REHABBING

Edited by Jodi Summers

The National Trust for Historic Preservation defines rehabilitate as: “To repair a structure and make it usable again while preserving those portions or features of the property that are historically and culturally significant.”

To successfully rehabilitate a historic building, they are offering us 10 basic principles to keep in mind when undertaking a rehabilitation project.

Of course, every project is different and will have different needs and solutions. But this handy reference guide is a great way to get you started.

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http://www.slideshare.net/PreservationNation/10-on-tuesday-10-basic-principles-for-rehabbing-the-right-way

http://www.santamonicapropertyblog.com/?p=4614

NO NEW SMOKING IN SANTA MONICA APARTMENTS AND CONDOS

by Jodi Summers

Santa Monica has often been nicknamed the “Republic of Santa Monica” for the City’s rather unique stance on various social positions. Santa Monica’s latest set of rules may or may not be unconstitutional, but it will no doubt impact multiunit properties throughout Los Angeles. The City of Santa Monica has declared that all new occupancies after Nov. 22, 2012 are non-smoking. No ands, ifs, and certainly no butts.

Will this affect the desirability of one of the world’s best beach cities? We will need to watch. In September and October 2012 in Santa Monica, according to the MLS, 98 properties were leased in Santa Monica. The median lease rate was $4,000 or $3.31 per sq ft per month. The lowest lease rates were $1,500 for several studios and one bedrooms east of Lincoln Blvd., and the high being $14,100 for an Ocean Ave. penthouse. Properties averaged 38 days on the market.

Existing Santa Monica law already bans smoking in residential outdoor and indoor common areas, including balconies and patios and any area within 25 feet of any door, window or vent. The new smoking rules that affect all multi-unit housing in the City

include the following:

• All new occupancies after Nov. 22, 2012 are non-smoking: Anyone moving into an apartment or condo in Santa Monica after November 22 can’t smoke in the unit.

• Owners and condo associations are expected to conduct smoking surveys by January 21, 2013. Prior to this date, all landlords and condo homeowners’ associations must conduct a survey of current occupants, who must then designate their units either “smoking” or “non-smoking.” Current occupants are grandfathered in. Existing occupants can continue to smoke inside their units if they designate the units as “smoking.”

• Results must be distributed. Once the survey is done, landlords and HOAs are expected to give out the updated list of all units’ smoking status to all occupants. In the future it must be kept updated, and given to all prospective renters and buyers along with a copy of the attached information sheet, from www.smconsumer.org.

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NEW SMOKING LAW AFFECTS ALL SANTA MONICA APARTMENTS AND CONDOS

Important Info For Landlords, Tenants, And Condominium Owners

Santa Monica has passed a law with new smoking rules that affect all multi-unit housing:

- All new occupancies after 11/22/12 are non-smoking: Starting November 22, 2012, all newly occupied units in multi-unit residential properties in Santa Monica are declared non-smoking. This includes all apartments and condos. So, anyone moving into an apartment or condo after November 22 can’t smoke in the unit.

- Owners must start smoking survey by 1/21/13: Before January 21, 2013, all landlords and condo homeowners’ associations are required to begin a survey of current occupants, who must then designate their units either “smoking” or “non-smoking.” For details about this process, go to smconsumer.org.

- Current occupants grandfathered: Existing occupants can continue to smoke inside their units if they designate the units as “smoking.”

- Results distributed: Once the survey is done, landlords and HOAs must give out the updated list of all units’ smoking status to all occupants. In the future it must be kept updated, and given to all prospective renters and buyers along with a copy of this information sheet. (Also available at smconsumer.org)

- Common areas too: Existing Santa Monica law already bans smoking in residential outdoor and indoor common areas, including balconies and patios and any area within 25 feet of any door, window or vent.

Q: Are there exceptions to the law? If a property is already 100% smoke-free, the designation process is not required. The law also does not apply to temporary special needs housing for people with disabling conditions.

Q: How is the law enforced? Most compliance is achieved through communication. If that fails, and a person persists in smoking inside a non-smoking unit after getting a written notice, the person may be taken to small claims court and is liable to pay damages starting at $100. Any person can enforce the law by giving notice and eventually going to court.

Q: Are property owners required to enforce the law? No. They are only required to conduct the survey and keep updated lists available. They are not required to enforce violations of the no-smoking rules.

Q: What happens if a property owner refuses to conduct the initial survey and give out the required information? The owner can be prosecuted for violating the Municipal Code.

Q: Can a tenant be evicted for violating this law? No. But a tenant can still be evicted if the lease prohibits smoking.

Q: What about medical marijuana? If a unit is non-smoking, then medical marijuana can’t be smoked inside. If a doctor specifically requests that a disabled occupant may smoke marijuana indoors, and the occupant can’t take marijuana in non-smoked form, then the smoking might be permissible under the “reasonable accommodation” standard for disabilities. For more information call the City Attorney’s Office, 310-458-8336.

Q: Where can I get help with quitting? Go to nobutts.org, or call 1-800-NO-BUTTS.

Q: Where can I get more information? Go to smconsumer.org, or call the City Attorney’s Office, 310-458-8336.

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We’re here to help you with your property needs. Please contact Jodi Summers and the SoCal Investment Real Estate Group @ Sotheby’s International Realty – jodi@jodisummers.com or 310.392.1211, and let us move forward together.

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http://www.smmirror.com/articles/News/Santa-Monica-Adopts-New-Smoking-Law-For-All-Multi-Unit-Housing-In-City/35858

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SANTA MONICA CITY HALL CONTROLS WATER CONTAMINATION FUNDS

By Jodi Summers

A toast to Santa Monica the City has won another lawsuit in the efforts to keep its water supply clean. Recently, City Hall took on the responsibility to treat the water it pumps from the Olympic Well Field, cleaning contaminants left behind by the former Douglas Aircraft Co. They will be  the beneficiaries of a $39.5 million settlement with the Boeing Corporation. The monies will be paid out over the next 10 years.

Locations included in the cleanup are 2902 Exposition Blvd., 1909 Centinela Ave. and 2341 to 2425 Michigan Ave. Additionally, Boeing will have to do any other clean up required by the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board at additional sites.

The City of Santa Monica is not unaccustomed to going to court to clean the water supply. The City-owned Charnock Well Field, has been used for drinking water production and treatment since 1924  In 1996, the Charnock Well was shut down due to the detection of gasoline compounds (specifically methyl tertiary-butyl ether {MTBE}), in the water supply from nearby gasoline stations.

Litigation followed. Santa Monica won. City Hall opened the state-of-the-art Arcadia water treatment facility in 2011. Once again, the spring for which Santa Monica is named, began pumping fresh water to Santa Monica for the first time in 15 years. Huge!

The chain of title for the Olympic Well Field contamination can be traced back to the

Douglas Aircraft Co., a major player in the aircraft industry during World War II. Local historians note that World War II affected Santa Monica more than most places, as the Federal Government (for national security reasons) leased the Airport from the City to provide protection for Douglas Aircraft – then a major defense contractor located in Sunset Park. The government also participated in the expansion of the facility to accommodate the ever-growing production of military aircraft by Douglas Aircraft. At its peak, Douglas Aircraft, and Santa Monica Airport grew in size to its present 227 acres, employing 40,000 individuals.

Douglas Aircraft Co., used industrial solvents called PCE and TCE for degreasing, chemicals which were later discovered in the Olympic basin, observes Gil Borboa, the water resources manager with City Hall.

“That was back in the time where chemical handling processes were not as careful as they are today,” Borboa notes.

Douglas Aircraft was eventually bought by a company that came to be known as McDonnell Douglas. That company was bought by Boeing in 1997.  The settlement notes that contamination Boeing will not admit liability or responsibility for any claims.

Santa Monicans are already using water out of the contaminated well, which is treated using an “old school” process where the water is aerated, similar to running it through sprinklers, which turns the chemicals into vapor. That air is then sent through carbon scrubbers which removes the contaminants.

City Hall’s aim is to construct a water treatment facility that would not only take the solvents out of the water, but contaminants that might cause problems in the future…such as identified another solvent called 1,4-dioxane that is currently within acceptable levels, but may not be in the future.

The settlement is closely modeled after a 2010 settlement with the Gillette Corporation, the company that paid out for contamination of the Olympic Well Field caused by industrial processes at the former Papermate site. That deal involved similar chemicals and helped create the framework for the Boeing deal.

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http://www.smdp.com/Articles-local-news-c-2012-05-09-73993.113116-City-Hall-gets-395M-from-Boeing.html?utm_source=Santa+Monica+Daily+Press+List&utm_campaign=94728cf944-SMDP_Daily_Template6_10_2010&utm_medium=email

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