Claremont reports lowest crime rate, noted "green" community

Newsbite from yesterday's State of the City luncheon:

According to crime data analysis for the city of Claremont, 2011 reported the lowest level of part one crimes in the last 25 years, announced Mayor Sam Pedroza at Tuesday afternoon’s State of the City address.

Part one crimes involve homicide, rape, robbery, assault, burglary, theft, grand theft auto, and arson, according to police.

In addition to the council's report on last year's happenings and 2012's focus, Claremont was honored as the first city to receive the California Green Communities’ “Silver” status for outstanding sustainability efforts.

Claremont is one of 4 cities honored with the award for exemplary environmental practices. Monrovia, Riverside, and Santa Clarita have followed Claremont’s lead in achieving the silver ranking.

“Claremont has been a role model for other cities,” said Hal Conklin of Southern California Edison and president of USA Green Communities. “Nobody has done it quicker or better than Claremont."

California Green Communities was founded in November 2009 with the goal of challenging the state’s cities to reduce carbon emissions and build creative programming geared at living a more sustainable lifestyle by 2012. Among notable city achievements is the Claremont Home Energy Retrofit Program (CHERP), helping Claremont homeowners acquire upgraded, energy-efficient homes, installing solar voltaic panels at city facilities, and the creation of the Claremont Bicycle Priority Zone.

“The city takes its commitment to sustainability seriously. It is a priority for the city council and is a consideration in every project and program we provide. Achieving the Silver level status validates the tremendous work this community has done,” said Mayor Sam Pedroza, later adding, “We can be proud of our accomplishments in these areas.”

Claremont will continue to hold sustainability as a top city priority, according to Mr. Pedroza. Staff is currently working on updating its sustainability plan, which will include the council’s goal of retrofitting up to 100 homes throughout the city with energy-efficient features.

“We will continue to identify ways our organization can assist our residents to conserve valuable resources,” Mr. Pedroza said. “We have a lot to get done this year, but with the help of staff and our community partners we can do it. I look forward to next year’s State of the Citysharing the many accomplishments of 2012.”

For more on the city’s sustainable action plans and programming visit www.CaGreenCom.org.