Pico Rivera

The Community Development Department is offering home-improvement services, loans and grats.

Exterior painting, stucco repair, window caulking and installation of dead-bolt locks and smoke alarms, for example, are free to low- or moderate-income homeowners.

Owners also may qualify for 30% or 50% reimbursement of funds they have spent improving their homes. A maximum of $2,500 can be reimbursed for improvements of up to $5,000.

Loans up to $15,000 at 5% interest for 15 years also are available in addition to $15,000 deferred loans for homeowners who cannot qualify for a low-interest loan. The deferred loans carry no interest and are due only when the property is transferred.

The rehabilitation program also offers $3,000 grants to correct building code violations.

All work must meet the city housing inspector’s approval and must be performed by a licensed contractor.

Information may be obtained by calling the Pico Rivera Service Center at 949-0591.

Free pickup service will be provided May 6 to 10 for residents wishing to dispose of large household items such as sofas, water heaters, washers, dryers, televisions, tires and lawn furniture.

The Pico Disposal and Rivera Rubbish companies will pick up the articles. No item should be more than four feet long nor too heavy for two men to lift.

Tree trimmings should be tied in bundles no more than four feet long.

Dirt and concrete will not be taken unless prior arrangements are made with the refuse companies to determine additional charges.

Chemicals and drain oil will not be picked up.