City Features Little House in the Lobby

One of the most colorful houses in Simi Valley these days is inside the lobby of City Hall.

The dwelling--made of recycled doors and environment-friendly paints--is meant to draw attention to National Pollution Awareness Week, said Paul Tantet, who works for the city. It will remain on display through week’s end.

The 8-by-10-foot house is almost 7 feet high and features interactive panels, doors and windows that ask questions and provide answers to water-quality issues.

One point that is stressed is that the water that flows into gutters and street sewers goes to the ocean without being treated, Tantet said.

Inside the house, visitors can learn something new in each room.

For example, the kitchen has panels explaining how best to clean the oven and a look at some of the common household detergents stored under the sink. Other areas have true-or-false questions that are answered when people slide away a panel or open a paint can.

Visitors can stop by the display’s garage, swimming pool, bathroom and lawn to learn how their activities and products can affect storm water.

“Everything here is kind of directed at the homeowner,” Tantet said.

A Berkeley artist designed the house last year for Ventura County’s Stormwater Quality Management Program. Throughout the year, different cities in the county get a chance to display the house at schools, fairs or libraries, Tantet said.

“We try to keep it up all year round,” he said.

City Hall is at 2929 Tapo Canyon Road, next to the library.