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PROPOSAL:

Public Affairs Report

SYNOPSIS:

This report highlights the January 1998 activities of the Public Affairs Office which includes the following: Environmental Justice Update, 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 January. 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

INITIATIVE	ACTIVITY
1. Town Hall Meetings	• Huntington Park Town Hall Meeting (Mtg. #2) held Jan. 27. • Scheduled Riverside County (Jurupa/Mira Loma) Town Hall Meeting March 3. • Scheduled San Bernardino Area Town Hall Meeting March 26. • Scheduled Santa Ana Town Hall Mtg (Orange County) Apr. 30
2. Ambient Monitoring of Air Toxics	• Technical Review Group met Feb. 4. • Three sub-groups: - Microscale - Rudy Eden. Next mtg to be scheduled early March. - Excluded Compounds - Chris Marlia. Next mtg on 2/17. - Limited Sample Compounds - Steve Barbosa. Mtg scheduled for 2/13.
3. Community Response Teams (CRTs)	• Community Response Teams established. • Policies and procedures drafted. • First CRT case to be determined late Feb.
4. CEQA Commenting	• Review of documents began Jan 6. • Between 1/5/98 and 2/6/98, staff received 47 documents for review. Of those, 29 required comments; ten letters have been sent; the remainder are under review.
5. Environmental Justice Task Force	• First meeting held January 30. • Follow-up activities in progress.
6. City of Los Angeles Environmental Justice Forum	• Completed participation in Oct. 97 Forum. • Maintaining contact with L.A. Env Affairs - Second "follow-up" forum planned for late March 1998.
7. Diesel Fuel Clean-Up Incentives	• Clean Air Solutions Center to host display themed "Cleanup Incentives for Diesel" starting in April.
8. Field Inspection Technology	• Workplan to Improve In-Field Enforcement Capabilities adopted at Dec. 12 Board Meeting.
9. Portable Equipment Permitting	• Senior staff met with CARB relative to implementation of EJ Init. #9 on 2/06/98. Summary of that meeting being prepared. • Tentative assessment is that the most appropriate manner to implement this initiative is through additional permit conditions that can be developed and implemented by the State.
10. Public Comment, Rules 1401 and 1402	• 1401/1402 Internal Policy Working Group met February 5. • External Working Group meeting scheduled for March 4. • Status Report to be presented at Feb. Technology Committee meeting.

COMMUNITY EVENTS/PUBLIC MEETINGS

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

Date	Location	Description of Activity
1/5	Orange	Kaynar Corporation, Fullerton: Public meeting on Toxic Risk: Staff participated in planning and conducting this public meeting as required under the AB 2588 Toxic Hot Spot law. Approximately 20 persons from the neighboring community attended the meeting.
1/6	Districtwide	Electric Lawnmower Exchange Outreach Program: Public Advisor and Planning staff participated in the Grasscycling Task Force meeting to coordinate a $500,000 outreach program encouraging people to exchange their gas mowers for electric mulching mowers. Other members of the consortium include electric utility companies, state, county and several municipal solid waste management agencies, the Air Resources Board, and two electric utility companies.
1/6	Los Angeles	Staff provided 500 flyers for distribution by CBE at various community meetings.
1/6	Los Angeles	American Lung Assn., Los Angeles, re: public education campaign during Clean Air Month (May): Staff spoke with representative and learned that ALA LA is interested in developing a newspaper supplement that will highlight air quality issues.
1/8	Los Angeles	Bassett School District: Staff talked with school representative re: air quality issues affecting one of their middle schools.
1/13	Los Angeles	Staff spoke to representative from a utility company re: Huntington Park Town Hall meeting. A list of Mid-Cities Chamber Alliance was forwarded through contact person at Cudahy Chamber of Commerce.
1/13	San Bernardino	Presentation to San Bernardino Farm Bureau: Staff made a presentation to the Board of the San Bernardino Farm Bureau regarding new requirements of Rule 403, which requires control of dust from farming operations.
1/14	Los Angeles	California Science Center Recognition Dinner: The new Center opens to the public on 2/7/98. AQMD’s computerized exhibit will be co-located with other environmental topics in a kid-friendly area on the second floor.
1/14	Districtwide	Rule 1106.1-Pleasure Craft Coating: Staff spoke to a representative of a recreational boaters association re: compliance date extension. He was interested in a product variance hearing that was held 1/13 with AQMD’s Hearing Board and coating manufacturers. Staff researched the issue and forwarded the requested information to him.
1/14	Riverside / Casa Blanca	Public Meeting: Staff attended a public meeting of the Casa Blanca Concerned Citizens Committee at which the AQMD Toxics Team and Health Effects Officer provided information on the toxic risk from the E.R. Carpenter Co.
1/15	Los Angeles	Walnut schools: School seeking partnership opportunities with AQMD for area youth.
1/15	Orange	California Environmental Business Resource Assistance Center: Staff met with representative to discuss request for AQMD sponsorship of a business conference to discuss deregulation. Requested information be forwarded for review.
1/16	Los Angeles	Lawnmower Exchange Program: Staff working with City of Los Angeles and other funding partners on public/private partnership.
1/16	San Bernardino	Earth Day: Staff spoke with representative from Chino Schools re: annual Earth Day event for area schools, co-sponsored with Chino Water District. AQMD will participate in this event, which last year drew 1,200 students and over 50 teachers and parents.
1/17	Los Angeles	Basset Unified School District: Staff attended a community meeting to discuss Torch school site expansion. Some of the discussion focused on air quality issues related to a school near an industrial area.
1/21	Los Angeles	ALA, Los Angeles: Staff spoke to representative re: newspaper supplement to promote Clean Air Month (May).
1/27	Districtwide	School Outreach: Staff participated in the quarterly meeting of the "Think Earth" consortium to discuss development of a curriculum for junior high school students and an "on-line" program.
1/27	Districtwide	Public Workshop on SCAG Regional Transportation Plan: Staff wrote and distributed the public notice announcing this workshop, which drew over 100 participants including elected officials.
1/28	Los Angeles	Staff provided outreach materials and gave presentation on AQMD’s services at Train ‘n Wheels outreach event in Huntington Park, which was attended by area merchants.

Events/Conferences Sponsored/Hosted	Participated/Attended
1/1	1/8

Public Workshops/Notices	Fee Review Requests/Customer Surveys
0/0	0/28

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 January.

Date	Location	Description of Activity
1/13	Headquarters	A four-member delegation from the National Commission on Environment, Santiago, Chile, met with a wide range of District managers and technical staff to gather data on AQMD’s pollution reduction strategies. This was a follow-up to a series of dialogue between the two agencies that are dealing with similar geographical and climatological factors. The Chilean delegation’s interests centered mainly on particulate matter.
1/13	Headquarters	Mr. Moman Yeung, Air Pollution Control Officer for the Hong Kong Environmental Protection Bureau, met with Planning and Applied Science and Technology staff members on modeling, forecasting and ambient air monitoring issues.
1/23	Headquarters	Thailand Delegation--Staff organized and participated in a meeting with four officials from environmental agencies in Thailand. They were given information about AQMD’s emission trading program.
1/30	Districtwide	Staff attended and participated in a meeting with Frank Candel, President of the Dutch "Foundation for Independent and Practical Environmental Information" at the invitation of Steve PonTell of the La Jolla Institute in Claremont.

Speaking Requests Received	Presentations (by Public Advisor staff)
0	3

Delegations Hosted	Tours of AQMD Headquarters
3	2

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
1/6	Los Angeles	Staff issued clearance letters to cities of Glendale and South Gate allowing issuance of occupancy permits by those cities.
1/6	Riverside	Earthworm farm: Staff is working with the facility and the City of Coachella to meet guidelines of Rule 403 - Fugitive Dust, PM10 and CEQA requirements for road paving.
1/6	Orange	Autobody shop: Staff assisted new start-up business by explaining certified spray booth options and assisting with permit application.
1/6	Districtwide	Rule 1171-Solvent Cleanup: Outreach Meeting-- Staff met with officials of sanitary districts and water pollution control agencies to coordinate efforts to publicize the District’s water-based solvent rule. This coordination was required by the Governing Board upon rule adoption to ensure that compliance does not adversely affect water quality.
1/7	Los Angeles	Signal Hill firing range: Staff will conduct a technical audit to determine what AQMD permits are required.
1/8	Los Angeles	Regent Square Neighborhood Association meeting: Staff attended meeting to address complaints of odors coming from a commercial area surrounding private residences. Staff explained procedures for public nuisances and offered air monitoring where odors are concentrated.
1/8	Districtwide	SCAG Regional Transportation Plan Public Hearing: Staff prepared the public notification of this upcoming meeting and distributed it to 19,000 people. Meeting held Jan. 27 at AQMD auditorium.
1/13	Los Angeles	Loan Guaranty: Staff met with bank to determine cost that would be incurred to purchase control equipment. Timeframes for responding to a company’s need for financing were identified.
1/13	Los Angeles	Plastics extruding facility: Staff provided a technical consultation service and determined plastic extruding and curing equipment was exempt from permitting requirements.
1/13-16	Los Angeles & Orange	Staff issued clearance letters to businesses in cities of Carson, Compton, Duarte, Inglewood, Lake Forest, and South El Monte. The clearances are required for the city/county building departments to issue final certificates of occupancy.
1/14	Riverside	Public Notification of Toxic Risk: Staff worked with Toxics Team staff to write the Public Notice that will be distributed to neighbors of the E. R. Carpenter Company notifying them of the health risks and announcing a public meeting scheduled for February 3, 1998.
1/14	San Bernardino	Auto body shop: Staff member visited company and assisted with preparing recordkeeping forms.
1/15	Los Angeles	Paint stripping company: Staff assisted with preparation of a permit application for control equipment. Discussed process for required public notice due to proximity of a school.
1/15	Orange	Metal coating company: Company received NOV associated with spray booth record keeping. Staff, at the request of our legal department, is working with company to assist with technical problems and bring them into compliance.
1/16	Los Angeles	Refinery: Staff assisting to resolve long-standing fee issue.
1/16	Los Angeles	Pharmaceutical company: Staff performed technical consultation and advised company of procedure necessary for change of ownership.
1/16	Los Angeles	Leafblower Exchange Program: Staff provided information to L.A. Deputy Mayor regarding possible participation by the AQMD in a program to encourage commercial gardeners to exchange their old leaf blowers for newer, lower-polluting and quieter models. This concept was being explored to help resolve the protest over the city’s leaf blower ban.
1/17	Los Angeles	"Access to Capital" Banking and Finance Conference: Staff attended conference that provided latest information on alternative financing strategies which are available to assist minority-owned businesses.
1/17	Los Angeles	Staff conducted outreach on Rule 1130 - Graphic Arts and 1130.1 - Screen Printing, to 19 distributors and manufacturers at the Imprinted Sportswear Show at the Long Beach Convention Center.
1/20	Orange	Printer: Staff provided information on Rule 1130.1 - Screen Printing, and provided recordkeeping assistance.
1/20	Los Angeles	Chrome Plater: Company was under wrong fee schedule. Staff assisted with obtaining revised fee schedule which lowered payment plan, obtained through Fee Review Committee.
1/21	Los Angeles	Service Station: Staff instructed dealer how to inspect underground tanks, nozzles, and hoses, and provided a copy of Rule 461 - Gasoline Transfer/Dispensing, and registration information for Rule 461 training class.
1/21	Riverside	Tractor trailer repair: Staff provided information on coating regulations (Rule 1107) and permit exemptions.
1/21	Los Angeles	Chrome Plater: Staff helped company delay Order for Abatement hearing by assisting with permit applications and working with engineer to find a workable solution to their compliance issues.

1/21	Orange	Agricultural Dust Control Outreach: Staff met with officials of the Orange County Farm Bureau to explain dust control requirements of Rule 403 that affect agricultural operations. The goal was to enlist their help in developing a dust control plan for farmers to complete.
1/21	Districtwide	Staff was interviewed in PBS video: Education for dry cleaning industry.
1/22	Los Angeles	Plating Company: Staff assisted company with plating line and spray booth applications and provided information on rule requirements.
1/22	Los Angeles	Metal Coater: Company wants to relocate and increase production. Interested in converting to water-based or powder coating.
1/23	Orange	Entrepreneur: Made inquiry regarding emissions testing for home-based business. Staff provided information on laboratories in the area that do "custom" analytical work.
1/23	North Carolina	Chemical Manufacturer: Staff provided information on Rule 1136 - Wood Products Coating, and new technology research conducted in the Basin.
1/22-23	Los Angeles	Staff provided two suppliers with water-based solvent manufacturers information.
1/20-23	Los Angeles, Orange	Staff provided air quality clearances for companies in the cities of Brea, Garden Grove, Irvine, Newport Beach, Santa Fe Springs, and South El Monte.
1/23	San Bernardino	Cement company: Public Advisor staff responded to citizen’s complaint regarding permit issued to burn tires as part of company’s emission reduction requirements under Rule 2506-Area Source Credits. Information was provided explaining how AQMD determined that using tires as fuel in cement kilns actually reduces pollution.
1/27	Los Angeles	Staff responded to call from assemblymember’s office re: constituent whose permits had expired. Facility is a metal finisher; staff has been working with facility owner to resolve issue. Will keep assemblymember’s office informed.

1/27	Los Angeles	Furniture and fixture manufacturing: Staff assisted a company to operate spray booths more efficiently in order to increase production yet stay within permitted level of VOCs.
1/27	Los Angeles	Aircraft paint facility: $8 million investment allowed installation of T-BACT for paint stripping, priming and detailing. Expansion resulted in 80 new jobs.
1/27	Los Angeles	Staff discussed Rule 441-Research Operations, permit for tire recycler to be located at Sun Valley generating station and impacts the operation would have on the station’s permits.
1/27	Orange	Flour mill: Start-up company wants to permit flour mill. Staff assisted consultant with additional required applications for control equipment, modeling and ERC acquisition.
1/27	Riverside	Guitar manufacturer: Staff assisted company with relocating spray booth to another location.
1/27	Riverside	Autobody shop: Staff discussed CEQA and mitigation activities as requested by attorney. Public wanted to appeal permit application and bring before Hearing Board.
1/27-29	Los Angeles, Orange, and Riverside	Staff provided air quality clearances for companies in the cities of San Clemente, Santa Ana, Torrance, Santa Fe Springs, Arcadia, Compton, Fountain Valley, Palm Desert, Mission Viejo, Yorba Linda, and South El Monte.
1/28	Los Angeles	Staff assisted two separate major motion picture processing facilities in converting their film cleaning operations from 1,1,1 trichloroethylene to perchloroethylene.
1/28	Los Angeles	Metal finishing company: Facility had been operating without permits. Staff is assisting company in obtaining permits for their existing equipment along with new equipment required for expansion. Assistance will also be provided for a required public notice.

1/28	Los Angeles	Semiconductor manufacturer: Staff previously assisted subject company in resolving nuisance complaints from local residents and currently is advising them on permitting requirements for a planned expansion.
1/28	Districtwide	Notification was distributed announcing a Public Workshop for Rule 112 which will include specific guidelines for whether a violation results in a Notice of Violation (with fines) or a Notice to Comply (no fines).
1/28	Districtwide	Notification was distributed announcing a Public Hearing for the adoption of Rule 1168, which pertains to requirements for use of adhesives.
1/28	Districtwide	Notification was distributed announcing a Public Workshop for Regulation II and Rule 210 including the requirements for permit applications. These rules are being revised to be consistent with the Permit Streamlining Act.
1/28	Los Angeles	Pottery manufacturer: Staff performed technical consultation and determined operation did not require permits.
1/28	San Bernardino	Vitamin/mineral supplement manufacturer: Staff reviewed proposed operation and provided permit assistance and referrals for dust collection systems.
1/28	Riverside	Service station: Owner applied for permit with low throughput to avoid public notice. After permit was issued, owner determined amount was not enough to conduct a profitable business. Staff assisted with preparation of new permit, considering that they are now using reformulated gasoline, and the company is meeting its sales expectations.
1/28	Los Angeles	Aerospace manufacturer: Staff discussed low-VOC technology for cleaning machined parts and sent list of certified cleaners (clean air solvents).
1/28	Los Angeles	Electronic cabinet manufacturer: Discussed low-VOC paint technology and possible conversion to powder coating.
1/28	Los Angeles	School Outreach: Staff participated in the meeting of the United Eco Clubs, a group of high school students from the East San Gabriel Valley. They are planning an environmental conference for high school students in May 1998.
1/29	Los Angeles	Juice producer: Discussed emission reporting and control equipment requirements for boilers.
1/29	Los Angeles	Outreach: Staff spoke with consultant authoring a proposal for funding to teach bodyshop owners about pollution prevention. Staff providing letter of support from AQMD.
1/29	Los Angeles	Staff providing City of Vernon with an article on EDBR to appear in their monthly publication.
1/29	Los Angeles	Consultant: Staff discussed water wall technology for capture of particulates from spray booths and modification to HF alkylation process.
1/30	Los Angeles	Tire recycler: Staff discussed Rule 441-Research Operations, permit to be located at generating station and impacts the operation would have on the station’s permits.

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
1/5	Orange	Staff attended the Kaynar Corporation AB 2588 Public Notification Meeting. Members of the public were given information with respect to the recently completed Health Risk Assessment (HRA) regarding toxic emissions produced by the company.
1/6	Orange	Staff attended the Orange County Council of Governments Technical Advisory Committee (OCCOG-TAC) Meeting. Staff gave a report of the recently approved MSRC Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and the opportunities they offer for Orange County cities to participate, particularly in the "Land Use" area.
1/7	San Bernardino	Staff attended the San Bernardino Associated Governments (SANBAG) Board of Directors Meeting. Staff discussed "Clean Fuels" Funding Program concept with several of the SANBAG Board Members.
1/8	Districtwide	Staff attended SCAG’s policy, standing, and Regional Council meetings, where the draft Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) continued to be the main focus of attention. A new area of interest involves the intent by some of the transportation commissions to "formalize" the Regional Transportation Agencies Coalition (RTAC) by adoption of by-laws. There is considerable resistance by SCAG to the RTAC becoming a "potentially" competing Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO).
1/8	Orange	Staff attended the Orange County Division, League of California Cities General Membership Meeting. Staff discussed "Clean Fuels" Funding Program concept with several of the local officials in attendance.
1/8	Los Angeles, Orange	Staff met with representatives from County of Orange, City of Malibu, City of La Canada Flintridge, and the City of Compton to discuss AB 2766 Subvention Fund reporting requirements.
1/8	Los Angeles	Staff met with representative from Automobile Club of Southern California to discuss "Clean Fuels" reauthorization.
1/12	Riverside	Staff attended the Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG) Executive Committee Meeting. Staff discussed "Clean Fuels" Funding Program concept with the Interim Executive Director and several of the WRCOG Board Members.

1/12	Riverside	Staff attended the Special Coachella Council of Governments (CVAG) Executive Committee Meeting. Staff discussed "Clean Fuels" Funding Program concept with the Executive Director, Director of Transportation Programs and several of the CVAG Board Members.
1/14	Riverside	Staff attended the Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) Board Meeting. Staff discussed "Clean Fuels" Funding Program concept with several of the RCTC Board Members and other Riverside County Mayors and Council Members who were in attendance.
1/14	Riverside	Staff attended and made introductory remarks at the Casa Blanca Community Group meeting. AQMD’s Air Toxics staff gave a presentation on the recently completed Health Risk Assessment which was prepared for the E.R. Carpenter Company.
1/14	Los Angeles	Staff contacted AB 2766 coordinator from the City of Torrance.
1/14	Los Angeles	Staff contacted Planner from the City of Santa Clarita to discuss historical data documenting air quality improvements in Santa Clarita.
1/14	Los Angeles	Staff contacted AB 2766 coordinator from the City of Malibu.
1/14	Los Angeles	Staff spoke with representative from the Bike Station in Long Beach about AB 2766 Subvention Fund issues.
1/14	Los Angeles	Staff spoke with AB 2766 coordinator from the City of Compton to discuss AB 2766 Subvention Fund issues and the financial reporting form.
1/14	Los Angeles	Staff contacted consultant representing the South Bay Cities COG who requested AQMD presentation on RTP at COG-sponsored meeting.
1/14	Los Angeles	Staff contacted AB 2766 coordinator for the City of Los Angeles to discuss AB 2766 Subvention Fund reporting issues.
1/14	Orange	Staff contacted staff from the City of Brea to discuss financial report and diskettes for AB 2766 Subvention Fund reporting requirements.
1/14	Los Angeles	Staff contacted AB 2766 Coordinator from the City of Glendora to confirm eligible use of AB 2766 Subvention Funds for Livable Communities Project.
1/14	Los Angeles	Staff sent Rule 1146.2 to Council Members of the Cities of Rancho Palos Verdes and Cudahy.
1/14	Orange	Staff contacted AB 2766 Coordinator from the City of Costa Mesa to discuss AB 2766 Subvention Fund reporting requirements.
1/14	Los Angeles	Staff provided Director of the Southern California Office of the League of Cities with legislation on AB 1348.
1/14	Los Angeles	Staff contacted City Administrator for the City of San Gabriel to resolve problem concerning odors from coffee plant.
1/15	San Bernardino	Staff attended the San Bernardino County City Managers Meeting. Staff discussed "Clean Fuels" Funding Program concept with the City Managers in attendance.
1/15	San Bernardino	Staff attended the Inland Empire Division, League of California Cities General Membership Meeting. Staff discussed "Clean Fuels" Funding Program concept with the local elected officials and staff members in attendance.
1/16	Orange County	Staff attended the Orange County Business Council’s (OCBC) Legislative Workshop. Staff discussed "Clean Fuels" Funding Program concept with OCBC staff, who expressed willingness to meet to discuss the program, and to place it on the OCBC Board’s agenda.
1/16	San Bernardino	Staff attended the Southern California Transportation Commission - Legislative Staff Meeting hosted by the San Bernardino Associated Governments (SANBAG). Staff discussed "Clean Fuels" Funding Program concept with the commission staff in attendance.
1/21	San Bernardino	Staff attended the special SANBAG Administrative Committee Meeting. Staff discussed "Clean Fuels" Funding Program concept with several of the SANBAG Board Members.
1/21	San Bernardino	Staff attended the SANBAG Plans & Programs Committee Meeting. Staff discussed "Clean Fuels" Funding Program concept with SANBAG’s Director of Planning Programs and several of the SANBAG Board Members.
1/21	Districtwide	Staff participated, via teleconference, in the SCAG Regional Clean Cities Advisory Council Meeting. Staff discussed "Clean Fuels" Funding Program concept with members of the Advisory Council.
1/21	Districtwide	Staff participated in DMV Surcharge Fee Committee Task Force meeting in Sacramento. Staff discussed ARB’s proposed draft guidelines and the reporting procedures.
1/22	San Bernardino	Staff attended the Baldy View Public Private Coalition (CLOUT) Meeting. Staff discussed "Clean Fuels" concept with representative from State Senator Jim Brulte’s office.
1/22	San Bernardino	Staff participated in Leadership Southern California’s Inland Empire Region "Metropolitan Forum Project," hosted by Chino Hills Mayor.
1/22	Riverside	Staff attended the Riverside County City Selection Committee Meeting. Staff discussed "Clean Fuels" Funding Program concept with several local elected officials who were present.
1/22	Districtwide	Staff individually spoke with representatives from DMV Surcharge Fee Committee Task Force about the meeting in Sacramento. Representatives are from the Cities of Rialto, Alhambra, Los Angeles, Torrance, Brea, Riverside, and the Counties of Los Angeles and San Bernardino.
1/22-23	Districtwide	Staff attended the League of California Cities Policy Committee Meetings held in Ontario. Staff discussed "Clean Fuels" Funding Program concept with several local elected officials and League staff members who were present.
1/23	San Bernardino	Staff participated in League of California Cities Committee on Environmental Quality at the Marriott Hotel/Ontario Airport.

1/28	Riverside	Staff attended the Riverside Clean Cities Steering Committee Meeting. Staff discussed the funds which may be available to the group for alternative fuel vehicles and infrastructure, including those from the MSRC.
1/28	Riverside	Staff attended the Riverside County Division, League of California Cities General Membership Meeting. Staff discussed the Governing Board’s recently adopted "Environmental Justice Initiatives" and the "Clean Fuels" legislation with several of the elected officials who were present.
1/29	Orange	Staff attended and made presentations at the Leadership Cities EV Roundtable - City of Anaheim. Staff discussed the MSRC’s "Subvention Fund Match Program" and the new "Work Program" RFPs for transit buses and school buses, as well as on-road and off-road heavy-duty diesel trucks. Staff also gave an update on the status of previous Work Programs.
1/29	San Bernardino	Staff attended reception for Assembly Member Fred Aguiar. Staff discussed the Governing Board’s recently adopted "Environmental Justice Initiatives" and the "Clean Fuels" legislation with several of the individuals who were present. Staff also discussed AB 1368 and SB 1096 with Senator Jim Brulte.
1/31	Los Angeles	Staff attended SGVCOG Workshop in Arcadia on "Building the Vision."

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
364	381	340

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
1/6	Newspaper	Provided background on ER Carpenter to Press-Enterprise (Riverside).
1/6	Newsletter	Provided interview with California Report on CARB Conditional Approval of 1997 AQMP.
1/6	Newspaper	Provided background on January Board Meeting Agenda to L.A. Times.
1/6	Newspaper	Provided interview with University Access regarding wet washing technology.
1/6	Newspaper	Provided background to L.A. Times on hydrogen fluoride usage by refineries.
1/6	Newspaper	Provided background on compressed work week schedules (Rule 2202) to Pasadena Star-News.
1/6	Newspaper	Provided information on refinery flare rule to Daily Breeze (Torrance) and set up interview with District staff.
1/6	Newspaper	Set up interview with L.A. Daily News and District staff regarding Stanford study on how ground-level ozone reduces UV radiation.
1/6	Newsletter	Fielded inquiry from Clean Air Report regarding CBE Environmental Justice Complaint.
1/7	TV	Provided stock video footage to E! Entertainment TV.
1/7	Newspaper	Provided background to Daily News on leaf blowers.
1/7	Newsletter	Fielded inquiry to Clean Air Compliance Review regarding CBE Environmental Justice Complaint.
1/7	Newspaper	Handled request from Press-Enterprise (Riverside) on proposed resolution on EPA Grants.
1/7	Newspaper	Provided background to OC Register on January Board Meeting Agenda.
1/7	Newspaper	Provided background to San Gabriel Valley Tribune on January Board Meeting Agenda.
1/7	Newspaper	Provided background on January Board Meeting Agenda to Inland Valley Daily Bulletin.
1/7	Newspaper	Provided further background to L.A. Times regarding use of hydrogen fluoride.
1/8	Magazine	Provided background to Nation’s Restaurant News on restaurant rule.
1/8	Newspaper	Arranged interview with Press-Enterprise (Riverside) on ER Carpenter’s health risk assessment.
1/8	Newsletter	Provided background to Inside Washington Publishers on Environmental Justice Workplan and MATES II Study.
1/8	Newsletter	Provided background to Rideshare Newsletter on ridesharing.
1/9	Newspaper	Arranged interview with District staff and Press-Enterprise (Riverside) on ER Carpenter health risk assessment.
1/9	Newspaper	Provided background to Daily Breeze (Torrance) on refinery flare rule.
1/9	TV	Provided background to Tokyo Broadcasting Network on region’s air quality.
1/9	Newspaper & Newsletter	Provided information on Governing Board Meeting to Press-Enterprise (Riverside) and BNA Publications.
1/9	Newsletter	Provided background to Clean Air Report on emission credit programs.
1/9	Newspaper	Discussed District’s advertising program with L.A. Sentinel.
1/13	Newsletter	Provided information on clean solvents to Strategy Group newsletter.
1/13	Conf. Program	Produced ad for OC Business Council Conference Program.
1/13	Newsletter	Provided background on MATES II Study to Inside Washington Publishing.
1/13	Magazine	Provided background to Engineering News Record on District's use of information systems.
1/13	Newspaper	Discussed ad/story in Earth Day supplement with San Gabriel Tribune.
1/13	Univ. TV	Set up interviews on regulation of dry cleaners for university-televised course on Microeconomics.
1/13	Newspaper	Provided information to McGraw Hill Publications on advanced lead acid batteries and fast charging systems for electric vehicles.

1/13	TV	Arranged for Varied Directions video taping session for documentary on the Automobile and its future.
1/13	Government	Provided background information to Bay Area APCD on Smoking Vehicle Program.
1/14	Newspapers	Produced ad for Wave Newspapers on Huntington Park Town Hall Meeting.
1/14	Cable	Set up panel for Media One Cable TV on air quality for public affairs show.
1/14	Bus. Journal	Fielded inquiry from Orange County Business Journal on AQMD's permit processing backlog.
1/14	Magazine	Fielded inquiry from Forbes Magazine on car scrapping program.
1/14	Newsletter	Provided background to Inside Washington Publishing on Environmental Justice Program.
1/14	Newspaper	Provided background to Press-Enterprise (Riverside) and BNA Publications on ER Carpenter.
1/14	Newsletter	Provided background to L.A. Annual Report on AQMD Business Assistance programs.
1/14	Bus. Journal	Provided information to Orange County Business Journal on requirements for paint spray booths.
1/15	Magazine	Provided information to Buzz Magazine on smog levels in West L.A. area.
1/15	Radio	Provided background to KMPC Radio on restaurant rule and charbroiler emissions.
1/15	Bus. Journal	Arranged interview with Pat Leyden on permit backlog with O.C. Business Journal.
1/15	Newspaper	Provided background on leaf blowers to Whittier Daily News and La Opinion.
1/15	Newsletter	Provided background on air quality in Long Beach Area to City of LB newsletter.
1/15	Magazine	Provided background on recent developments at AQMD to Pollution Engineering Magazine.
1/16	Newspaper	Placed ad in Wave community newspaper on Huntington Park Town Hall Meeting.
1/16	Newspaper	Provided interview to Arizona Republic on pollution from airports.
1/16	Newspaper	Discussed air quality health study with Inland Valley Daily Bulletin.
1/20	Newspaper	Discussed with Press-Enterprise (Riverside) proposed resolution on AQMD issues with EPA.
1/20	Wire Service	Checked for Reuters on whether a breakdown was reported by Mobil Refinery.
1/21	Newspapers/TV	Press release issued on Huntington Park Town Hall Meeting.
1/21	TV	Hosted Varied Directions PBS documentary crew for videotaping session in AQMD's lab.
1/21	Newspaper	Provided interview to Press-Enterprise (Riverside) on NOV issued at MWD's Eastside Reservoir project.
1/21	Newspaper	Provided background material and interview to Orange County Business Journal on permit backlog issue.
1/21	TV	Provided background and interview to University Access on regulation of dry cleaners for TV course on microeconomics.
1/21	Newspaper	Provided background to L.A. Times on the effect of smog on athletes.
1/22	Newspaper	Provided interview on air quality to Press-Enterprise (Riverside).
1/22	Newspaper	Provided interview on air quality effects of leaf blowers to New Times.
1/22	Newspaper	Fielded inquiry from L.A. Weekly on complaints at Darling Intl.
1/22	Newspaper	Provided interview to Inland Valley Daily Bulletin on air quality in the area.
1/22	Newspaper	Provided background and interview to Press-Enterprise (Riverside) re: EPA’s plan to disapprove the 1997 Air Quality Management Plan.
1/22	Newspaper	Discussed AQMD Clean Fuels program with Inland Empire Business Journal.
1/22	Newspaper	Discussed with American Lung Association newspaper insert.
1/23	Newspaper	Provided interview to Press-Enterprise (Riverside) regarding MWD Notice of Violation.
1/23	Newspaper	Provided background to L.A. Weekly regarding Town Hall Meeting.
1/23	Newsletter	Provided background to BNA Publications regarding status of 1997 AQMP.

1/23	News Service	Provided background to Reuters regarding status of 1997 AQMP.
1/23	Bus. Journal	Provided follow-up interview to OC Business Journal regarding permit issues.
1/27	Radio	Set up interview on syndicated radio show "Environmental Directions."
1/27	Newsletter	Provided interview to Air Daily regarding RECLAIM.
1/27	Newsletter	Provided interview to American Enterprise Institute regarding RECLAIM.
1/27	Newspaper	Attended Town Hall Meeting and provided interview to La Opinion regarding notices of violation in Southeast Los Angeles.
1/28	Newsletter	Provided interview to BNA regarding Rule 1113 lawsuits.
1/28-29	Newsletter	Provided interview to California Energy Market regarding Quick Charge Program.
1/28-29	Newspaper	Provided interview to Press Enterprise (Riverside) regarding Autonation.
1/28	Magazine	Discussed photos with Calafia Magazine for article on traffic and pollution.
1/28	Newspaper	Provided background on odors in Burbank from unidentified source.
1/28	News Service	Provided background and interview to Copley News Service on 1997 AQMP.
1/28	Magazine	Provided information to Better Homes & Gardens regarding quote attributions for information in the Clean Air Lawn Care cover story.
1/28	Government	Provided information to Colorado APCD regarding restaurant rule.
1/28	Newspaper	Provided information to L.A. Times regarding air quality and real estate.
1/28-29	Newspaper	Provided interview to Press Enterprise (Riverside) regarding permits.
1/28	All Media	Faxed media advisory regarding TAO workshop.
1/28	Radio	Provided interview to KFWB regarding TAO EV conference.
1/29	News Service	Provided background on AQMD’s jurisdiction to Copley News Service.

1/29

Newspaper

Provided interview to Press Enterprise (Riverside) regarding California Clean Air Act.

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
804	6,285

Information Packages Mailed	Live Calls by PIC Staff
401	457

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