Pasadena is a suburb of Los Angeles which contains many fine old homes and a vibrant, eclectic downtown. Directly to the North and East are the San Gabriel Mountains, which provide a stunning backdrop but also trap the air pollution from the Los Angeles Basin. Above, the smog is so thick that the mountains, only a few miles away, are not visible. Below is the same scene on a clear day. Smog Check II will help ensure there are more days like the one below, and fewer like the one above.

Photos by John Moore