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PROPOSAL:

Public Affairs Report

SYNOPSIS:

This report highlights the November 1997 activities of the Public Affairs Office which includes the following activities: Environmental Justice Initiatives, Community and Business Outreach, Small Business Assistance, Government Affairs, Public Records and Media. The latest edition of the AQMD Advisor is included with this report.

COMMITTEE:

Not Applicable.

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Receive and file this report.

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Acting Executive Officer

The following report reflects the activities of the Public Affairs Office for the month of November. The report format includes five major areas: Environmental Justice Initiatives, Community Events/Public Meetings, Business Assistance (including Economic Development/Business Retention), Intergovernmental Affairs Activity and Communications.

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE INITIATIVES STATUS REPORT

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 5, 1997

INITIATIVE	STATUS
1. Town Hall Meetings	• First meeting completed December 4 at Boyle Heights Senior Center. • Meeting was successful with a number of useful comments from the public. • Attended by Governing Board Member Wayne Nastri, Barry Wallerstein, and other executive staff. • Next meeting: January 27 in Huntington Park.
2. Ambient Monitoring of Air Toxics	• Air Toxics Study Technical Review Group has met five times, most recently December 9, 1997. • Purpose is to determine methodology, sites, toxics list for MATES II study. • Microscale monitoring to be included in the project to attempt to identify hot spots. • Workplan and RFP for emissions inventory work to be presented to Board at December 12, 1997 Board meeting.
3. Community Response Teams	• Policy and Procedures guideline has been drafted. • Currently under review by staff, including District Counsel.
4. CEQA Commenting	• Staff restructuring has been completed. • CEQA Handbook update process to be completed by June 1998.
5. Environmental Justice Task Force	• Format and initial membership has been established. • Approved by Board November 14, 1997. • First meeting to take place in January 1998.
6. City of Los Angeles Environmental Justice Forum	• Forum took place October 25. Report from L. A. Environmental Affairs Department pending. • Attended by Chairman Burke, Board Members Alarcón and Nastri, Barry Wallerstein, Lupe Valdez, La Ronda Bowen. • This conference focused on establishing common ground among conferees. • Follow-up conference scheduled for February 1998. Will focus on potential action the City of Los Angeles can take to resolve Environmental Justice concerns.

7. Diesel Fuel Clean-Up Incentives	• Funding incentives: District supporting AB 1368 and other diesel alternative bills. • TAO Reauthorization: Maintenance of this office will help promote diesel alternatives. • MSRC: Will coordinate heavy-duty vehicle incentives program in 1998.
8. Field Inspection Technology	• Applied Science and Technology Office is formulating a plan to utilize modern advances in technology for enhanced field inspections to better detect pollution problems. • SSC staff is formulating a workplan to improve in-field enforcement capabilities by using hand-held detectors for routine inspections. • AST/SSC to present an RFP for advanced inspecting, testing and analysis equipment at February 1998 Board meeting.
9. Portable Equipment Permitting	• Working Group established in November to determine how portable engine programs can be modified to prevent localized impacts. • Rules 1110.2 and 2100 proposed to be amended to provide safeguards against localized impacts (April 1998). • Formal request will be made to CARB to adopt similar safeguards statewide.
10. Public Comment, Rules 1401 and 1402	• Board Air Toxics Workshop scheduled for December 18, 1997. • Rule development staff participating in Air Toxics Technical Review Group to coordinate MATES II with 1401/1402 workplan. • Working Group on 1401/1402 will be established in January/February.

COMMUNITY EVENTS/PUBLIC MEETINGS

The following describes community events and public meetings that provided AQMD customers with air quality information during November.

Date	Location	Description of Activity
11/1	Los Angeles	Provided outreach materials at Childcare Providers Conference at Convention Center.
11/2	Los Angeles	Provided outreach materials at Environmental Media Awards held by Coalition for Clean Air at Will Rogers State Park.
11/4	Los Angeles	Staffed information table and provided outreach materials during an environmental fair for employees at Disney’s Burbank studios.
11/4	Los Angeles	Staffed an information table and provided outreach materials at the Valley Industrial Council Association’s ninth annual Business Forecast Conference in Woodland Hills.
11/4&7	Los Angeles	Clean Air Ambassador outreach staff met with businesses in the following Assembly Districts: 39-Cardenas; 43-Wildman; 48-Wright; 52-Washington; 57-Gallegos. 70 businesses participated in program. A final report is being compiled and will be included in the next Public Affairs Report.
11/5	Los Angeles	Staff is working with the American Lung Association to draft a list of key objectives, target audiences and possible partners re: Clean Air Month newspaper insert. ALA is seeking a media partner.
11/6	Orange	Staffed an information table and provided outreach materials during an environmental fair for employees at Disney’s corporate offices in Anaheim.
11/7	Los Angeles	Legal staff met with Eastman Elementary School Parents Advisory Council to discuss AQMD response to complaints and ways parents can access the District. 75 parents attended.
11/12	Orange	Provided outreach materials for a class demonstration on air quality by AQMD staff at Fairmont Junior High School in Anaheim.
11/14	L.A., Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino	Provided outreach materials for health fairs sponsored by the Southeast Asian Health Project.
11/14	Los Angeles	Provided outreach materials for a conference held by the Local Government Commission in Los Angeles.
11/14	Los Angeles	Staff attended Cudahy Chamber meeting and discussed outreach program with Train ‘n Wheels.
11/14	Statewide	Staff prepared the agenda and conducted the December meeting of the CAPCOA Public Outreach Committee at the District.
11/15	Los Angeles	Staff assisted with preparations for an informational meeting on the Los Angeles Export Terminal.
11/18	Los Angeles	Staff was contacted by Suva Elementary school re: concerns about toxic emissions in the Bell Gardens area. Provided information on current health studies related to toxic air contaminants. Extended invitation to Town Hall meeting to be held in Huntington Park area in January.
11/19	Los Angeles	Provided outreach materials and staffed a volunteer fair for students and faculty at Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut.
11/24	Orange	Staff spoke at Bilingual Education Advisory Committee meeting of Santa Ana Unified School District re: Town Hall meeting scheduled for April 1998.
11/24	Orange	Staff met with Santa Ana Unified School District re: distributing air quality and health information at annual parent conference.

Events/Conferences Sponsored/Hosted	Participated/Attended
2/1	10/11

Public Workshops/Notices	Fee Review Requests/Customer Surveys
1/1	0/42

SPEAKERS BUREAU / VISITING DIGNITARIES / INFORMATION REQUESTS

The District hosts distinguished visitors from around the world, as well as members of the general public, who visit our headquarters to tour the facility and meet with staff on a wide range of air quality issues. The following describes the major activities handled during November.

Date	Location	Description of Activity
11/4	Los Angeles	Made presentation to City of Industry Lions Club on Environmental Justice initiatives.

Speaking Requests Received	Presentations (by Public Advisor staff)
6	6

Delegations Hosted	Tours of AQMD Headquarters
4	2

BUSINESS ASSISTANCE

AQMD assists its regulated customers by notifying them of proposed regulations so they can participate in rule development by providing one-to-one assistance, and by actively participating in efforts to attract and retain employers in the basin. Staff also works with other agencies and states to identify efficient, cost-effective ways to reduce air pollution and shares that information broadly.

Date	Location	Description of Activity
11/4	Los Angeles	Staff provided owner of newly acquired auto repair shop with information regarding the equipment registration/certification program and the Certified Permitting Professionals training.
11/4	Los Angeles	Metal fabricator - Staff arranged for a follow-up site inspection and will discuss financial assistance for a control device (HEPA filter) as the result of a Notice of Violation.
11/5	Los Angeles	Sausage smokehouse - Staff issued owner a clearance letter requested by the city and advised of opacity limits and potential nuisance situations.
11/5	Los Angeles	Machinery engineering firm - Scheduled on-site visit to conduct compliance inspection.
11/7	Riverside	PM10 Control Outreach - Public Advisor’s staff participated in a meeting with officials from the California Farm Bureau and Federal Soil Conservation agencies to discuss an outreach program to help agricultural operations comply with PM10 control requirements.
11/7	Los Angeles	Equipment financing information provided to dry cleaner.
11/7	Los Angeles	Metal fabricator - Staff provided information on Rules 1107-Metal Coating and 1171-Solvent Cleaning and explained recordkeeping requirements. Assisted with permit application preparation.
11/12	Los Angeles	Provided certified list of spray booths to auto repair facility. Assisted in permit application preparation and provided city-required clearance letter.
11/12	Los Angeles	Compliance information provided to dry cleaner.
11/14	Los Angeles	Title V Public Notices - Public Advisor revised language of public notices that will be published announcing proposed Title V permits for electric generating stations.
11/14	Los Angeles	Northwest-Shoals Community College (Center for Advanced Woodworking Technology) - Staff provided this new center with rule development staff reports and other general information on reducing VOC emissions from the woodworking industry.
11/18	Riverside	Auto body and painting operation - Owner purchased an existing business with a paint booth oven combination already on the premises. Staff performed a site visit and assisted with application information, diagrams, and rule requirements.
11/19	Los Angeles	Peanut roasting company - Staff visited location to assess permit requirements and assist with permit application. Client has requested financial assistance with permit fees through the Fee Review Committee.
11/19	Los Angeles	Textile mill products - Company received a Notice of Violation and is operating under a variance that will expire in 1998 for opacity problems. Staff is providing permit assistance and financial information to facilitate purchase of control equipment.
11/19	Los Angeles	Chemical products - Staff is assisting company in obtaining Clean Air Solvents certification for some of their products.
11/20	Districtwide	Waterbased Cleaning Outreach - Staff met with officials from sanitation districts and DTSC to discuss outreach to businesses affected by solvent cleaning rules. This is part of an ongoing effort to cooperate with water pollution control agencies to ensure that AQMD rules do not have an adverse impact on sanitation districts.
11/21	Orange	Parking systems manufacturer - Settlement for Notice of Violation requires installation of abrasive blasting dust collection system and a spray booth. Staff is assisting with the application process.
11/21	Los Angeles	Industrial machinery and equipment company is relocating to Glendale and expanding their operation. Staff is evaluating their designs for blasting rooms and control equipment to ensure they are the most efficient and within permitting requirements.
11/21	Los Angeles	Metal plating operation - Company operating spray booth without permit. Staff visited the site and are assisting in the permit application process.
11/25	Los Angeles	Tire recycler and power generation facility - Company requested information on ERC’s and Title V.

INTERGOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS ACTIVITY

Intergovernmental Affairs works interactively with local government, state and federal officials in response to their air quality concerns and local issues. Major activities include informing, educating and helping cities and counties address various air quality issues that are encountered in their communities. Additionally, staff administers the AB 2766 Subvention and MSRC Discretionary Fund Programs.

Date	Location	Description of Activity
11/3	Riverside	Staff attended the Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG) Executive Committee Meeting. Staff responded to questions from WRCOG staff and Executive Committee members regarding the AQMD Governing Board’s adopted "Environmental Justice Initiatives."
11/4	Orange	Staff attended the Orange County Council of Governments Technical Advisory Committee (OCCOG-TAC) Transportation and Air Quality Funding Subcommittee Meeting. Staff responded to questions from the committee members during their discussion of a proposed "Alternative Fuels Project."
11/4	Orange	Staff attended the Orange County Council of Governments Technical Advisory Committee (OCCOG-TAC) Meeting. Staff informed the members present that the MSRC’s "Local Subvention Fund Match Program" has been extended to March 3, 1998.
11/4	Orange	Staff attended the Brea City Council’s pre-council meeting Study Session and the City Council Meeting. Staff discussed the proposed purchase of an electric S-10 pick-up truck as part of the MSRC’s "Local Subvention Fund Match Program" with Mayor Glen Parker and Council Member Burnie Dunlap.
11/4	Los Angeles	Met with business owners in Assembly District 39 as part of the Clean Air Ambassador Program.
11/5	San Bernardino	Staff attended the San Bernardino Associated Governments (SANBAG) Board of Directors Meeting. Staff discussed the extension of MSRC’s "Local Subvention Fund Match Program" with SANBAG Board Members.
11/5	Los Angeles	Met with District’s Technical Advisor on AB 2766 Subvention Fund Program to discuss issues relating to Sierra Madre and the upcoming workshop in Riverside County.
11/5	Riverside	Staff attended Leadership Cities Roundtable and provided update on extension of MSRC 25% match program.
11/6	Districtwide	Staff attended SCAG’s policy, standing, and Regional Council Meetings and conducted a presentation of the AQMD Governing Board’s adopted "Environmental Justice Initiatives." SCAG released their "Draft" Regional Transportation Plan for public review and comment.
11/6	Los Angeles	Met with the Director of Los Angeles County Division of League of Cities to discuss proposed Air Quality Task Force.
11/7	Los Angeles	Met with business owners in Assembly District 48 as part of the Clean Air Ambassador Program.
11/7	Riverside	Met with City Manager for City of Riverside to discuss AB 2766 Subvention Fund issues.
11/12	Orange	Staff attended the Orange County Council of Governments Executive Management (OCCOG-EMC) Meeting. Staff informed the committee members that the MSRC’s "Local Subvention Fund Match Program" has been extended to March 3, 1998, and briefly discussed the AQMD Governing Board’s adopted "Environmental Justice Initiatives."
11/12	Riverside	Staff attended the Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) Board Meeting. The RCTC Board was provided information regarding the MSRC-awarded Student Education Project which was on the commission agenda.
11/12	Districtwide	Met with ARB staff to discuss proposed candidates for CAPCOA DMV Surcharge Committee.
11/13	Riverside	Staff made a presentation regarding the MSRC’s "Local Subvention Fund Match Program" at the AB 2766 Workshop for city and county Planning Directors which was held at Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG) offices.

11/13	San Bernardino	Staff attended the San Bernardino County "Cities/County Conference." Major discussion focused on San Bernardino County transportation issues related to SCAG’s recently released draft "Regional Transportation Plan." Emphasis was placed on the viability of the plan and its ability to make air quality conformity findings. There was also a discussion on issues involved in the state and federal legislative sessions.
11/14	Los Angeles	Discussed joint AB 2766/local government outreach effort with staff from California rideshare
11/14	Los Angeles	Provided staff support at "Putting Our Communities Back on Their Feet" Conference organized by the Local Government Commission.
11/17	Orange	Staff attended the Grand Opening of the IMPCO Technologies Inc. "Advanced Technology Center" in Irvine. This new facility is touted as the world’s largest advanced technology center dedicated to gaseous alternative fuels. Governing Board Member Wayne Nastri joined State Senator Ross Johnson and City of Irvine Mayor Christina Shea as featured speakers.
11/18	Los Angeles	Spoke to City of Lakewood staff interested in purchasing EV for their fleet. Provided information on financing available and MSRC 25% match program.
11/19	Districtwide	Staff attended a meeting with MSRC-TAC Chair to discuss issues related to current MSRC activities, to begin planning for future work programs, and to initiate efforts to conduct a joint, MSRC and MSRC-TAC strategic planning workshop.
11/19	Riverside	Staff participated in the Leadership Southern California’s "Metropolitan Forum Project - Local Government Initiative" meeting. The project team includes local government and business leaders in the Inland Empire.
11/19	Sacramento	Participated in CAPCOA DMV Surcharge Fee Committee Meeting.

11/19	Los Angeles	City of West Hollywood contacted staff to update their Air Quality Assistance Fund outreach activities. Staff provided city with new materials.
11/20	San Bernardino	Staff attended the Inland Empire Legislative Breakfast jointly sponsored by the Inland Empire Economic Partnership, CLOUT, Monday Morning Group, The Valley Group, and Inland Action. The program featured State Senator Quentin Kopp speaking on SB 45, followed by a panel discussion of the ramifications and impacts of SB 45, featuring comments by Commissioner Bob Wolf of the California Transportation Commission, John Barna Deputy Secretary - Business Transportation & Housing Authority, Norm King Executive Director - SANBAG, and Jack Reagan Executive Director - RCTC.
11/20	San Bernardino	Staff discussed the AQMD Governing Board’s recently adopted "Environmental Justice Initiatives" and potential TAO Funding reauthorization legislation with Ken Steele, Nancy Cisneros, and Carolyn Preschern of Assembly Minority Leader Bill Leonard’s staff.
11/20	Orange	Staff discussed the MSRC’s proposed "Hot Lanes" RFP and how it may mesh with Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Hot Lanes plans with Bill Hodge, Director of Government Relations, OCTA.
11/20	San Bernardino	Staff attended Inland Empire Division, League of California Cities General Membership Meeting. The program featured Rancho Cucamonga City Attorney Jim Markman (Richards, Watson & Gershon) discussing Proposition 218 & Post-Proposition 218 legislation. Staff discussed the AQMD Governing Board’s recently adopted "Environmental Justice Initiatives" and potential TAO funding reauthorization legislation with mayors and city council members in attendance.

MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

The Communications Unit is responsible for informing and educate the public through the media and through the District’s Public Information Center

Date	Media	Description of Activity
11/04/97	Japanese Media	Interview with Japanese Journalist re: RECLAIM.
11/05/97	Conference Program	Completed Ad for SCAG Economic Forecasting Conference Program.
11/07/97	Internet	Web Story on 50 Years of Clean Air Progress Completed.
11/12/97	Publications	Procurement Ad Completed.
11/13/97	All Media	Media Advisory: Restaurant Rule Hearing.
11/14/97	All Media	Press Release: Adoption of Restaurant Rule.
11/14/97	All Media	Press Release: Re-election of Board Chair, Vice Chair.
11/19/97	Cable TV	Meeting with Media One Regarding Development of AQMD Public Affairs Program.
11/19/97	All Media	Press Release: Kaiser Health Study/TAO Health Conference.
11/19/97	Newspapers	Press Release: Town Hall Meeting.
11/19/97	Newspapers	Ad for Town Hall Meeting Placed.
11/20/97	All Media	Press Briefing: Studies Presented at TAO Health Conference.
11/20/97	All Media	Press Advisory: Diesel Emissions Discussion at TAO Health Conference.

PUBLIC INFORMATION CENTER STATISTICS

The Public Information Center handles the District’s daily visitors and handles general information phone calls. This monthly report will provide a total tally of visitor transactions and phone calls.

Visitor Transactions	Total Phone Calls
855	11,156

Information Packages Mailed	Live Calls by PIC Staff
240	626

PUBLIC RECORDS

The Public Records Unit is responsible for reporting on requests that are received and those which are completed. There are also requests that are carried over from month to month.

Requests Carried Over	No. of Requests Received	No. of Requests Closed
338	279	312

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