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PROPOSAL:

Public Affairs Report

SYNOPSIS:

This report highlights the May 1998 activities of the Public Affairs Office which includes the following activities: Environmental JusticeUpdate, Community Events/Public Meetings, Business Assistance, Intergovernmental Affairs and Media Communications. 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 May. The report format includes five major areas: Environmental Justice Update, Community Events/Public Meetings (including Speakers Bureau/Visiting Dignitaries), Business Assistance (including Economic Development/Business Retention), Intergovernmental Affairs (including Public Records) and Media Communications (including the Public Information Center).

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE UPDATE

COMMUNITY EVENTS/PUBLIC MEETINGS

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

Date	Location	Description of Activity
5/6-8	Los Angeles	Co-sponsored and staffed an information table at the National Marketplace for the Environment, which replaced the annual Eco Expo and Green Business Conference. Focused on clean technology.
5/7	Los Angeles	Spoke with representative from Martin Luther King, Jr. Transit Center to make arrangements to have a site visit for planned June 30 Town Hall meeting in South Los Angeles (Compton).
5/13	Los Angeles	Presented Governing Board's Environmental Justice Initiatives to annual conference of Community Awareness & Emergency Response professionals.
5/13	Los Angeles	Staffed EV World Expo on May 16-17 at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles.
5/13	Orange	Judged Air Quality Poetry/Poster Contest at the American Lung Association of Orange County office in Santa Ana. Grade levels K-12.
5/13	Los Angeles	Developed AQMD co-sponsorship of the Clean Air Supplement that will be published on June 18 in La Opinion.
5/14	San Bernardino	Staffed an information table during an environmental fair at Curtis Middle School in San Bernardino. Distributed air quality materials and promotional items to 1,200 students.
5/16	Los Angeles & Orange	Conducted the inspections of old gas lawnmowers turned in by the public at the "Mow Down Pollution" events in Laguna Niguel and Los Angeles.
5/20	Los Angeles	Received a call from City of Walnut requesting information on acid rain to respond to a constituent letter. Also requested information on use of AB2766 funds to purchase bi-fuel vehicle. Forwarded request to Solis & Assoc.
5/21	Los Angeles	Attended meeting of Eastside Intercambios, a community networking group based in East Los Angeles. Provided information on AQMD’s programs, including the upcoming La Opinion supplement on Smog and Health.
5/27	Mojave Desert	Mojave Desert APCD requested 200 copies of Spanish-language outreach materials. They are working with the Air and Waste Management Association and will use its bilingual Environmental Resource Guide to train 100 teachers from Tijuana, Mexico on issues of environmental education.
5/28	Los Angeles	San Fernando Valley Town Hall meeting held in Pacoima; air monitoring station opening.
5/29	Los Angeles	Staffed Career Day at 93rd Street Elementary School in Los Angeles. Made two presentations to two fifth grade classes. Distributed Smogbusters and other promotional materials and items.
5/29	Riverside	Staffed display booth at the Women & Business Expo at the Riverside Convention Center.

Events/Conferences Sponsored/Hosted	Participated/Attended
2	1

Public Workshops/Notices	Fee Review Requests/Customer Surveys
17/6	4/20

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 during May.

Date	Location	Description of Activity
5/12	Headquarters	Provided a general overview of Southern California air quality and AQMD’s programs to a delegation from Vietnam’s Ministry of Environment, which is working on establishing an air monitoring program in the capital of Ho Chi Minh City.

Speaking Requests Received	Presentations (by Public Advisor staff)
7	4

Delegations Hosted	Tours of AQMD Headquarters
1	0

BUSINESS ASSISTANCE

AQMD assists its regulated customers by notifying them of proposed regulations so they can participate in their 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
5/1-29	Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, and Riverside	Provided air quality clearance letters for companies in the cities/areas of Los Angeles, Commerce, Fountain Valley, Huntington Beach, La Palma, Pico Rivera, Rialto, and Van Nuys, Santa Fe Springs, Temecula, Torrance, Beaumont, Hemet, Santa Ana, Laguna Niguel, Coachella Valley, Industry, Glendale, Norwalk, Northridge, and Laguna Hills.
5/5	San Bernardino	Provided permit assistance to large flour mill wanting to expand.
5/6 & 24	Los Angeles	Participated in California Venture Forum and Valley Business Expo.
5/6	Los Angeles	Permit assistance for Red Team with company wanting to expand or relocate to Utah. Paint spray booth issues.
5/7	Los Angeles	Conducted a workshop on "New Technologies and Business Opportunities in Air Pollution" at the National Marketplace for the Environment.
5/7	Riverside	Assisted major paint retail store. New environmental coordinator at corporate office was unaware that permit application expired two years ago for non-payment of fees.
5/8	Orange	Provided permit assistance to start-up company for lamination process.
5/8	Orange	Provided on-site assistance to circuit board manufacturer with application for wave soldering machine.
5/12	Los Angeles	Assisted contractor applicant with Rule 1107 and permit application forms.
5/13	Los Angeles	Assisted restaurant with requirements for expansion.
5/13	Orange	Assisted auto repair and maintenance facility with permit requirements.
5/13	Los Angeles	Staff helped coordinate and conduct the AB 2588 meeting.
5/13	Riverside	Primary metal industry: Company relocating from San Diego to Riverside county. Provided Rule 1107-Coating of Metal Parts, Rule 1171-Solvent Cleaning and Rule 219-Exemptions Information.
5/14 & 22	Districtwide	Distributed public notices for proposed revisions to Rule 1610-Old Vehicle Scrapping and Rule 2202-On-Road Motor Vehicle Mitigation Options.
5/14	Los Angeles	Assisted non-retail underground storage tank facility with Rule 461 and permit requirements.
5/15	Los Angeles	Auto dealership: Assisted company with Rule 461 application package for fuel dispensing equipment.
5/19	Statewide	Large statewide employer may use AQMD’s notification procedures to area businesses when air quality is unhealthful, including automated zip code modules and Internet site.
5/19	Los Angeles	Attended Red Team meeting for Alameda Corridor. Provided assistance to demolition/construction company.
5/19	Los Angeles	Provided permit assistance to large furniture manufacturer relocating within the Basin.
5/20	San Bernardino	Furniture manufacturer: Provided information regarding financing of pollution control equipment.
5/20	Los Angeles	Assisted company with converting their solvent cleaning system to a water-based cleaning system. Information about water-based products and Rule 1171 requirements was provided to the company. Company refurbishes carburetors and water-based products have not been successful to date. Alternate low-solvent based products are being researched.
5/20	Orange	Lithographic printer: Received on-site consultation for recordkeeping.
5/20	Los Angeles	Rubber and plastic products: Company received a Notice of Violation for operating an extruder without a permit. Assisted with permit application preparation to bring company into compliance.
5/22	Orange	Helped company file their Annual Emission Report.
5/22	Los Angeles	Furniture manufacturer: Company had received a Notice of Violation for operating a paint booth without a permit and requested assistance with the permit application. Application was completed and submitted with the required fee.
5/22	Districtwide	Distributed public notices announcing two public consultation meeting for proposed revisions to Rule 1401and notices for proposed revisions to BACT/LAER spray booths.
5/22	Los Angeles	Staff hosted a meeting of the Southern California Environmental Alliance, which is a coalition of corporations, environmental groups, universities, and environmental groups.
5/26	San Bernardino	Steel manufacturer: Provided permit assistance for Red Team resulting in permitting of new galvanizing mill.
5/26	Orange	Meeting with Small Business Coalition and associates to discuss impacts of LAER/BACT.
5/26	Los Angeles	Co-sponsored the United Eco Clubs of the San Gabriel Valley annual meeting for this coalition of 17 high schools.
5/27	Orange	Provided permit assistance for company expansion involving new chip manufacturing line.
5/27	Los Angeles	Rubber and plastic products: Follow-up visit to company to assure duct was installed per Notice of Violation settlement.
5/27	Orange	Metal forming company is interested in converting their cleaning operations to water-based solvents.
5/27	Districtwide	Distributed public notices announcing a joint ARB/AQMD public forum on airborne particle pollution to be held in Palm Desert on June 5, 1998.
5/27	Orange	Spoke at a meeting of the Fullerton Chamber of Commerce Industrial Committee. The main topic was permit streamlining.
5/28	Los Angeles	Metal finishing: Start-up facility is installing an abrasive blasting cabinet. Assisted applicant with permit requirements and submittal.
5/28	Orange	Provided input to Cal EPA on new Cal GOLD web-based permitting assistance program.

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
5/4	Riverside	Attended the Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG) Executive Committee Meeting and assisted WRCOG staff with their presentation requesting official support for AB 2194. The WRCOG Executive Committee unanimously approved supporting the bill and authorized the Chair to send a letter to the legislature.
5/5	Orange	Attended the Orange County Council of Governments Technical Advisory Committee (OCCOG-TAC) Meeting and made a presentation requesting OCCOG support for AB 2194. The OCCOG-TAC unanimously approved forwarding consideration of support to the OCCOG Board at their next meeting scheduled for May 21, 1998.
5/5	San Bernardino	Attended the Redlands City Council Meeting requesting the city’s support for AB 2194. The city council unanimously approved a resolution supporting AB 2194.
5/5	Los Angeles	Spoke with staff from City of Cerritos regarding use of AB 2766 Subvention Funds to purchase bi-fueled light duty trucks.
5/5	Los Angeles	Spoke with staff of City of La Cañada Flintridge regarding pending legislation that would impact ULEV and LEV production requirements
5/5	Los Angeles	Attended Montebello City Council Meeting. City adopted resolution in support of AB 2194.
5/6	San Bernardino	Attended the San Bernardino Associated Governments (SANBAG) Board Meeting. Staff distributed AB 2194 Information Packets to the mayors of Ontario, Chino, Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, and Big Bear Lake, requesting letters of support and for them to place a resolution on their city council agenda for consideration.
5/6	San Bernardino	Made a presentation to students at North Valley School in San Bernardino regarding the AQMD’s legislative advocacy program and the State of California’s legislative process.
5/6	San Bernardino	Met with Council Member, City of Colton, who took the lead in obtaining approval of a city council resolution in support of AB 2194.
5/6	Los Angeles	Spoke with staff from City of Anaheim. Discussed status of requirements for cities to submit annual reports on their AB 2766 Subvention Fund expenditures.
5/6	Los Angeles	Attended South Pasadena City Council Meeting. Discussed support letter for AB 2194 and adoption of resolution.
5/7	Riverside	Attended the San Jacinto City Council Meeting; and made a presentation requesting the city council support for AB 2194. The city council unanimously approved a resolution supporting AB 2194.
5/7	Los Angeles	Spoke with staff from City of Lakewood regarding possible use of AB 2766 Subvention Fund expenditures for Internet Program.
5/7	Los Angeles	Attended League of California Cities – L.A. Division meetings. Distributed information on AB 2194 and asked for cities to inform the Assembly Appropriations Committee of their support for the bill.
5/8	Los Angeles	Assisted CARB and Congressman Berman’s office with data request on low-emission electric utility vehicles.
5/12	Orange	Attended the Orange County Council of Governments Executive Management Committee (OCCOG-EMC) Meeting and made a presentation requesting OCCOG support for AB 2194. The OCCOG-EMC unanimously approved forwarding consideration of support to the OCCOG Board at their next meeting scheduled for May 21, 1998.
5/13	Riverside	Attended the Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) Meeting. Discussed the status of AB 2194 with the mayors of Palm Desert, Hemet, and Murrietta and with RCTC’s Executive Director.
5/14-17	Los Angeles	Participated in Municipal Seminar (California Contract Cities).
5/15	Districtwide	Participated in Air Resources Board conference call to discuss the proposed addendum to the Air Resources Board’s 1995 Criteria and Guidelines for the Use of Motor Vehicle Registration Fees.
5/19	AB 2766 Discretionary Fund (MSRC)	Attended and provided support at the MSRC "Electric Charging Station Signage Program" Bidders Conference.
5/19	Orange	Attended the Brea City Council Study Session and Council Meeting. Provided information and support for the Orange County Electric Charging Station infrastructure project MOU that the city council had on their agenda for consideration.
5/20	San Bernardino	Attended the San Bernardino Associated Governments (SANBAG) Plans & Programs Committee Meeting. Discussed the status of AB 2194 with the committee and encouraged their continued support.
5/20	Los Angeles	Spoke with City Managers of Vernon & Huntington Park and provided status report on Darling International.
5/20	Los Angeles	Spoke with staff from City of Redondo Beach regarding city council adoption of a resolution in support of AB 2194.
5/20-5/21	Los Angeles	Contacted staff from 86 cities in Los Angeles County to update list of AB 2766 Subvention Fund Coordinators.
5/21	Orange	Attended and made a presentation regarding AB 2194 to the Orange County Council of Governments (OCCOG) Board of Directors Meeting. The Board Members unanimously approved support for AB 2194, AB 1367, and SB 1857.
5/21	San Bernardino	Attended the Inland Empire Division, League of California Cities General Membership Meeting. Discussed the status of AB 2194 with the Division’s Executive Committee and League of California Cities President. Staff has been asked to participate on a Task Force that is being formed to discuss a strategic plan and structural reorganization of the Inland Empire Division. The Task Force will develop a report for consideration to the Division Membership in the Fall.
5/21	Los Angeles	Met with City of Los Angeles Mayor’s staff regarding a support letter for AB 2194.
5/26	Los Angeles	Spoke with staff from the offices of Assemblymember Martha Escutia, Supervisor Gloria Molina, Council-member Richard Alatorre, Congresswoman Lucille Roybal Allard, and the City Manager for the City of Huntington Park regarding Darling International.
5/26	Los Angeles	Spoke with staff from the City of Lynwood regarding American Remedial Technologies.
5/26	Los Angeles	Spoke with staff from the cities of Redondo Beach, Torrance, and Walnut regarding AB 2194.
5/27	Districtwide	Attended the Metropolitan Forum Project Briefing regarding the state-local fiscal relationship proposals which nine Southern California sub-regions developed for consideration by the state legislature.
5/27	Riverside	Attended and participated in the Riverside Clean Cities Steering Committee Meeting.
5/28	Districtwide	Attended and participated in the COG Sub-Regional Coordinators Meeting. Responded to questions regarding the status of AB 2194.
5/28	Los Angeles	Provided staff support at the South Bay Cities Council of Governments monthly meeting.

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
478	363	347

MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

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

Date	Media	Description of Activity
5/1	Newspaper	Provided background on smog season to San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
5/5	Newspaper	Provided background to Riverside Press-Enterprise on gas station fees.
5/5	Newspapers	Provided background on Board agenda to Riverside Press Enterprise and Los Angeles Times.
5/5	Newsletter	Provided background on auto scrapping to California Environmental Insider.
5/5	Newspaper	Provided background on AutoNation permits to Riverside Press-Enterprise.
5/5	Business Journal	Provided background to San Fernando Valley Business Journal on smog season.
5/5	Newspaper	Provided background on Rubidoux air monitoring station to Riverside Press-Enterprise.
5/6	Newspaper	Provided background on AutoNation BACT cost analysis to Riverside Press-Enterprise.
5/6	Newspaper	Provided background to Orange County Register and San Gabriel Valley Tribune on Board agenda.
5/6	Newspaper	Provided background to L.A. Watts Times on RECLAIM.
5/6	Business Journal	Provided background on RECLAIM to San Gabriel Valley Business Journal.
5/6	TV	Provided background on AQMD air monitoring to Varied Directions.
5/6	Newspaper	Provided background on RECLAIM to San Bernardino Sun.
5/7	Newspaper	Interview w/AQMD staff re: RECLAIM audit for San Bernardino Sun.
5/7	Newspaper	Interview w/AQMD staff re: gas station fees to Riverside Press-Enterprise.
5/7	Newsletter	Interview w/AQMD staff re: Title III to Clean Air Report.
5/7	Newsletter	Provided background on auto scrapping and EPA discussions to Inside Cal/EPA.
5/7	Newspaper	Provided background on fee rule to Riverside Press-Enterprise.
5/7	Radio	Provided interview on proposed budget to Inland Empire Radio news.
5/8	News Magazine	Provided background on AQMD’s Environmental Justice Initiatives to reporter of publication, The Big Issue.
5/8	News Service	Provided background to City News Service on Board meeting actions regarding the budget and ridesharing legislation.
5/8	Newspapers, Newsletters	Provided background on Board meeting to Riverside Press-Enterprise, San Gabriel Valley Tribune, San Bernardino Sun, Inside Cal/EPA.
5/8	Newspaper	Provided background to Houston Chronicle on smog season.
5/12	Magazine	Provided info on AQIP and Rule 2202 to Commuter Computer reporter.
5/12	Newspaper	Interview with SSC staff and Inland Valley Daily Bulletin regarding EPA/AQMD discussions on spray booth BACT.
5/12	Newsletter	Provided background to Crossroads newsletter on Board support of Lewis rideshare bill.
5/12	Internet e-mail	Responded to query regarding Clean Air Solvents.
5/14	Newsletter	Provided background to Mobile Source Report on status of ridesharing.
5/14	Newsletter	Provided background on new fee schedule and reconsideration of "small business" definition to Air Compliance Report.
5/14	Newspaper	Provided background on city rideshare plans to Los Angeles Times.
5/15	Newsletter	Provided background on RECLAIM audit.
5/15	Newspaper	Provided air quality data to Riverside Press-Enterprise.
5/15	Newsletter	Provided background on refinery sulfur emissions to Inside Washington.
5/19 & 5/21	Newspaper	Provided background information on ridesharing and Rule 2202 to Orange County Register.
5/19	Newspaper	Provided background on Darling Int’l. to Riverside Press-Enterprise and Inland Valley Daily Bulletin..
5/19	Television	Provided background and interview on carcass disposal problem to KCOP Channel 13.
5/19	Newspaper	Provided background to Riverside Press-Enterprise and Orange County Register on carcass disposal problem.
5/19	Magazine	Provided background on RECLAIM audit to Chemical & Engineering News.
5/20	Newspaper	Provided background and interview to the Los Angeles Times on the carcass disposal problem.
5/20	Newspaper	Provided background information on smog trends to Los Angeles Times.
5/21	Newspaper	Provided background on AutoNation to the Inland Empire Business Journal.
5/21	Newspaper	Provided background on tire recycling plant proposal to the Desert Sun.
5/21	Magazine	Provided general background on AQMD to Motorsports.
5/21	Newspaper	Provided background on emissions inventory to La Opinion.
5/21	Newspapers	Issued media alert and provided background to the Daily News on Pacoima town hall meeting.
5/22	Newspaper	Provided background to Inland Empire Business Journal on AutoNation permits.
5/22	Newspaper	Provided background and interview to the Riverside Press-Enterprise regarding El Sobrante Landfill expansion.
5/22	Newspaper	Provided background to the Los Angeles Times on Darling International.
5/26	Newspaper	Provided background to Torrance Daily Breeze on auto scrapping.
5/26	Newspaper	Provided background on air quality to Los Angeles Times for a real estate article.
5/26	Newsletter	Provided general background on AQMD to writer for Hollingsworth Communications newsletter.
5/27	Newspaper	Provided information on town hall meeting to Los Angeles Times/Valley edition.
5/27	Newspaper	Provided background to Inland Valley Daily Bulletin on Rule 1401.
5/27	Newspaper	Provided background on catalytic converters to the Riverside Press-Enterprise.
5/29	Newspaper	Provided background to L.A. Business Journal on RECLAIM audit.
5/29	Newsletters	Provided background on auto scrapping rule amendments to Inside Cal-EPA and Air Compliance Report.
5/29	Newspaper	Provided background on AQMD rules to the Los Angeles Times.

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
730	8,834

Information Packages Mailed	Live Calls by PIC Staff
499	860

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