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PROPOSAL:

Public Affairs Report

SYNOPSIS:

This report highlights the March 1998 activities of the Public Affairs Office which includes the following activities: Environ-mental 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 March. 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	• San Bernardino Area Town Hall Meeting held March 26. • Scheduled Santa Ana Town Hall Meeting (Orange County) April 30. • Scheduled San Fernando Valley Meeting May 28, 1998.
2. Ambient Monitoring of Air Toxics	• Technical Review Group met March 18; next meeting scheduled for April 15. Microscale site selection process supported. Emission inventory to begin soon. • Arrangements for 3 additional, one-year fixed sites near completion. • Equipment (gaseous and particulate monitors, mobile platforms) to be arriving soon. • Initial monitoring to begin in April.
3. Community Response Teams (CRTs)	• Community Response Teams established. • Policies and procedures finalized/approved.
4. CEQA Commenting	• As of March 13, staff has received 64 documents for review. Of those, 48 required comments; 18 letters have been sent. • CEQA Handbook Revision Working Group met March 26. Discussed significance thresholds, mitigation measures, air quality monitoring. • Next meeting scheduled for April 30.
5. Environmental Justice Task Force	• Met March 26 in conjunction with San Bernardino Town Hall Meeting. Discussed MATES II and microscale studies, air toxics rule revisions, coordination with other working groups, EPA Title VI Interim Guidance document comments. • Next Meeting scheduled for April 30 in conjunction with Santa Ana Area Town Hall Meeting. • Advance calendar for 1998 drafted.
6. City of Los Angeles Environmental Justice Forum	• Completed participation in Oct. 97 Forum. • Second follow-up forum planned for Summer, 1998.

7. Diesel Fuel Clean-Up Incentives	• Clean Air Solutions Center to host display themed "Cleanup Incentives for Diesel." • Participated in drafting amendments to former AB1368 and language for a new Brulte bill. March 20 Leg. Committee recommended co-sponsorship of both bills. • Technology Advancement Office provided status report to Technology Committee March 27. • MSRC: 8 applications received March 24 - total of 491 buses - CNG, LNG -- Heavy duty solicitation remains open until June 30. -- AB2766 MSRC/Match solicitations are closed. Most applications were for light duty AFVs. Santa Monica submitted application for 22 CNG trucks.
8. Field Inspection Technology	• RFP for contract study to bring forward "state-of-the-science" knowledge. Submittal period closed March 20. Only one responsive proposal received. Staff is reviewing options. • Refinement and improvement of testing, analysis, and enforcement technologies and capabilities continued to be implemented per the workplan. • Updates presented at March 20 Stationary Source and March 27 Technology Committee Meetings.
9. Portable Equipment Permitting	• Senior staff met with CARB relative to implementation of EJ Init. #9 in mid March. Formal request has been made to address this issue at the state level through modified permit conditions. • CARB Task Force established.
10. Public Comment, Rules 1401 and 1402	• 1401 Working Group met March 4 and 27. Discussion includes concerns regarding list of included compounds, exemptions, relationship to Title III, compressed rulemaking timeline. • Rule development staff participating in Air Toxics Technical Review Group to coordinate MATES II with 1401/1402 workplan. • Status report presented at March 20 Stationary Source and March 27 Technology Committee Meetings.

COMMUNITY EVENTS/PUBLIC MEETINGS

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

Date	Location	Description of Activity
3/3	Orange	Participated in a meeting of the Clean Air Planning Committee of American Lung Association of Orange County. Reviewed program objectives and outreach plan to schools and local businesses.
3/3	Riverside	Jurupa Area Town Hall meeting. Approximately 130 community representatives and elected officials participated with AQMD Board members and staff.
3/4	Statewide	California Air Pollution Control Officer’s Association (CAPCOA) Business Assistance Committee (San Francisco): Participated with business assistance providers statewide to discuss legislation, enforcement, and training.
3/4	Los Angeles	Spoke with representative from Bassett School District who wanted information on AQMD outreach to schools. Invited staff to participate in "Principal for A Day" industry/school partnership program. District will participate on March 18.
3/5	Orange	Received a call from Amusement Park Environmental Compliance Division, requesting information on ways in which to present air quality data in lay terms to company VPs and management staff. Faxed information on emissions equivalency and air quality terminology.
3/5	Los Angeles	Forwarded information on AQMD’s educational outreach program to organizers of regional EarthFest ‘98 to be held at the Santa Monica Pier on April 25. AQMD will participate in this event, which hopes to draw 10,000 people.
3/6	Los Angeles	Spoke to American Lung Association (ALA), Los Angeles re: Clean Air Month newspaper supplement on air quality issues. ALA is forwarding a proposal to AQMD.
3/9	Districtwide	Environmental Education Consortium: Decided to form a sub-committee to seek SIP credit for emissions reduced as a result of education and outreach. Received presentation from the American Lung Association, Think Earth, and California Regional Environmental Education Coordinator Network (CREEC Network) on available environmental education measurement.
3/10	Los Angeles	Representative from San Gabriel Valley Community Awareness Emergency Response (CAER) is interested in receiving air quality outreach materials for distribution to area elementary schools. Invited AQMD to make a presentation to group’s Board of Directors re: environmental education and community outreach programs.
3/10	Los Angeles	Forwarded information to Assemblywoman Sally Havice’s office in response to constituent request for information on AQMD’s car scrap programs.
3/11	Los Angeles	City of Los Angeles Toxics hotline called re: notification requirements for business owner who is relocating a permitted piece of equipment from one city to another. Forwarded information and also requested additional assistance from Small Business staff.
3/12	Los Angeles	Attended Student Science Symposium hosted by Project Earth at Monterey Highlands School. Provided AQMD materials to middle-school students and teachers.
3/16	Los Angeles	Presentation to Maywood business owners re: AQMD services to business community.
3/16	Ventura	Spoke to representative from Ventura County APCD re: our Clean Air Awards program. Forwarded information on program’s development and 1998 nomination form.
3/18	Los Angeles	UCLA Urban Public Policy Workshop: Presentation on balancing environment and business to multi-national group.
3/18	Los Angeles	Participated in "Principal-for-A-Day" program sponsored by the California Educational Partnership Consortium with the Puente Hills Area Chamber of Commerce. As "Principal" at Sunkist School in La Puente (Bassett Unified), provided information on AQMD’s environmental education program to school staff and other guest principals.
3/19	Los Angeles	Followed up with City of La Verne on implementing a lawnmower grasscycling project for city staff.
3/19	Los Angeles	City of Azusa requested information on quantifying emission reductions from passenger cars. Forwarded information from 1997 AQMP.
3/26	Orange	Spoke with representative from UC Irvine who requested internship opportunity at AQMD for students enrolled in Applied Ecology coursework.
3/26	Districtwide	Environmental Justice Task Force: Met and conducted its business in advance of Colton Town Hall Meeting.
3/26	San Bernardino	Town Hall Meeting held in Colton (San Bernardino County).

Events/Conferences Sponsored/Hosted	Participated/Attended
2/2	4/4

Public Workshops/Notices	Fee Review Requests/Customer Surveys
5/11	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 handled during March.

Date	Location	Description of Activity
3/6	International	Hosted a delegation of transport authorities from the University of Goteborg, the Swedish Transport and Communications Research Board and NUTEK, an environmental technology firm.
3/10	International	Hosted a delegation of air quality planners from the Sao Paulo State Environmental Protection Authority in Brazil, who met with staff on ambient air monitoring, modeling, and forecasting.
3/17	International	Hosted a Deputy Director of the Department of Nature Conservation at the National EPA in Beijing, China, who met with staff on general air quality issues.
3/18	International	Hosted a multinational delegation from African, Middle-Eastern, and European nations as part of a study tour of Humphrey Fellowship recipients provided by UCLA Extension. The delegates met with staff on congestion management and business and community interests.
3/19	International	Hosted the National Commission on the Environment (CONAMA), Santiago, Chile, who met with staff on ambient air monitoring, forecasting, and modeling. The Santiago region is working closely with the AQMD in developing a comprehensive air pollution reduction strategy.
3/21	Districtwide	Hosted the Southern California Chapter of EV Club, an organization of electric vehicle owners and enthusiasts: who met with staff on general air quality issues and provided outreach materials and publications.
3/24	San Bernardino	Staffed an information table at the annual Chino Basin Water Conservation District Teacher’s Workshop.

Speaking Requests Received	Presentations (by Public Advisor staff)
6	13

Delegations Hosted	Tours of AQMD Headquarters
6	3

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. This is only a representative sample of the type of assistance provided to businesses.

Date	Location	Description of Activity
3/3	Los Angeles	Pollution Prevention Center: Provided letter of support for proposal "Water Based Cleaning Alternatives: Small Business Technical Assistance."

3/3	Los Angeles	Valley Industry and Commerce Association: Provided input on boiler Rule 1146.1 relevant to apartment owners.
3/3	Orange	Printed circuit board manufacturers exhibit at the Anaheim Convention Center: Attended exhibit and handed out literature on Rules 1122 and 1171, solvent degreasers and clean-up.
3/4	Los Angeles	Anvil case manufacturer: Provided permitting and technical help, including recordkeeping for VOCs used.
3/4	Los Angeles	Shoe manufacturer in South El Monte needs a variance to continue in business. In lieu of a variance, this company will need a rule change in order to stay in compliance.
3/4	Los Angeles	Construction company: Wants to include a concrete batch plant with their operation and wanted information on permitting costs and requirements.
3/4	Los Angeles	Art gallery in Central Los Angeles wants to expand the operation to manufacture lithographs and wanted information on possible expansion costs with respect to regulations.
3/4	Orange	Spoke to the monthly meeting of a citizens’ organization called the "Committees of Correspondence."
3/4	Los Angeles	Assisted City of Los Angeles officials seeking information on whether a proposed school site in City Council District 11 meets air quality requirements.
3/5	Districtwide	Arranged for distribution of a public notice announcing an April 3, 1998 Public Consultation Meeting and Implementation Forum regarding the Three Year Audit, Progress Report, and Reassessment of the RECLAIM Program.
3/5	Districtwide	Arranged for direct mail distribution of a public notice announcing the April 10, 1998 public hearing for amendments to Rule 210 and Regulation II, regarding permit application requirements.
3/5-	Los Angeles	Provided workshop overview and handout materials for upcoming Small Business Seminar.
3/5	Riverside	Guitar manufacturer: Discussed permit application for relocation of spray booth from one facility to another.
3/5	Riverside	Aluminum cylinder manufacturer: Provided permit assistance including annealing and proper baking temperature for powder coating line.
3/5	Orange	Aftermarket emission controls manufacturer: Provided financial assistance information to company with diesel engines.
3/5	Los Angeles	A Cerritos metal bed frame manufacturer went to a powder coating system and wanted District staff to review application before submittal.
3/5	Los Angeles	A Norwalk company wanted to know the regulations on auto electronic cleaning and where to get compliant equipment. Explained the rules and gave information on where to obtain aqueous cleaning equipment.
3/5	Santa Barbara	Santa Barbara County APCD wanted information on how we permit sand, rock and gravel equipment. Assisted with rule information and permitting applications and conferenced the engineering group at the AQMD that processes these applications.
3/5	Orange	Small screenprinter wanted information on permitting requirements. Determined the company does not need permits pursuant to Rule 219.
3/5	Los Angeles, Orange & Riverside	Clearance letters were issued to the following cities: Westlake Village, San Fernando, Pico Rivera, Hawthorne, Cerritos, La Mirada, South El Monte, Costa Mesa, Brea, Riverside and Temecula.
3/6	Los Angeles	Air Quality Management Plan update presentation at the Energy Resource Center.
3/10	Orange	Orange County Health is organizing a conference on Rule 1171 - Solvent Clean-up. AQMD will provide a speaker.
3/10	Orange	Printer: Responded to question re: VOC permit limits.
3/10 - 3/13	Los Angeles, Orange & San Bernardino	Clearance letters were issued to the following cities: Aliso Viejo, Baldwin Park, Costa Mesa, Gardena, Hacienda Heights, Los Angeles, Ontario, Panorama City and Pico Rivera.
3/11	Orange	Clean Air Solvent: Provided facility with necessary forms and protocol for certifying their product in AQMD’s Clean Air Solvent program.
3/11	Los Angeles	Portable equipment contractor: Company is in the process of updating their permit records. Assisted in providing copies of their records from AQMD’s data base.

3/11	Orange	Dry cleaning facility: Company intends to open a dry cleaning shop. Assisted facility with applicable rules and provided application package.
3/12	Los Angeles	Housing development: Assisted company with asbestos notification requirement and applicable rules for remediation and demolition of old properties.
3/12	Los Angeles	General coatings: Assisted company with the submittal of a permit application for a spray booth.
3/13	Los Angeles	Metal finishing: Responded to questions regarding permit and process changes.
3/13	Los Angeles	Restaurant: Applicant is opening a new restaurant that will operate a charbroiler. Assisted facility with applicable rules and provided application package.
3/17	Los Angeles	Attended Pollution Prevention Center semi-annual review of all work in progress.
3/18	Los Angeles	Circuit board recycling company: Provided information on acquiring pre-certified equipment for expansion.
3/18	Los Angeles	Los Angeles City Hall: Provided information and guidance on permit requirements and asbestos notification requirements re: earthquake retrofitting.
3/18	Los Angeles	Printing company: Provided permitting assistance for expansion of label printing operation.
3/18	Los Angeles	Electronic equipment manufacturer: Provided permitting requirements for a new product line.
3/18	Los Angeles	Motion picture film cleaning company: Assisted two companies. The first is expanding their operation and required expedited permitting and the second required information on upgrading their pollution control systems.
3/18	Districtwide	Met with officials of the DTSC and all the county sanitation districts to discuss the progress of outreach efforts to promote the use and proper disposal of water-based cleaners.
3/18	Riverside	RV manufacturer: Provided permit information for a spray booth for fiberglass molding.
3/19	Los Angeles	Furniture manufacturer: Company is relocating and requested information on New Source Review and Title V.

3/19	Orange	Industrial Environmental Coalition of Orange County: Presentation regarding the proper removal of underground storage tanks.
3/20	Districtwide	Arranged for direct mail distribution of a public notice announcing five workshops scheduled for proposed Rule 1401 (Toxics) amendments.
3/20	Orange	Wood shutter manufacturer: Assisted company with alternative methods to increase production while maintaining monthly VOC limits.
3/20	San Bernardino	Decorative brick manufacturer: Assisted company relocating from out of state with permitting requirements and references to other resources that may be needed.
3/20	Districtwide	Arranged for direct mail distribution of a public notice announcing a workshop scheduled for proposed amendments to Rule 102 (definitions).
3/17-20	Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, and Orange	Clearance letters were issued to the following cities: Los Angeles, Beaumont, Irwindale, Rialto and Huntington Beach.
3/24	Los Angeles	Office building: Assisted company in applying for change of ownership for permits on emergency generators and fire water pump engines.
3/24	San Bernardino	Furniture manufacturer: Assisting company with a facility relocation which represents a $4.5 million investment in a state-of-the-art production facility.
3/24	San Bernardino	California Manufacturing Technology Center: Provided information on AQMD applications and rules.
3/25	Los Angeles	Plastic products manufacturer: Company received Notice of Violation (NOV) for operating without permits. Assisted company in coming into compliance and reaching a settlement on the NOV.
3/25	Los Angeles	Metal finishing company: Assisted new start-up company by explaining applicable metal coating rule (R1107) and exemptions and emission facility limits.
3/25	Los Angeles	Met with the executive committee of the "Mow Down Pollution Partnership" to coordinate nine events at which gas lawnmowers can be traded in for electric mowers. The goal is to sell 8,000 discounted electric mowers.

3/25	Los Angeles	Hosted and served as the technical advisor to a meeting of the United Eco Clubs of the San Gabriel Valley, representing up to 17 high schools.
3/25	San Bernardino	Reviewed a project update from contractor re: architectural paint used on exterior surfaces at high altitude.
3/25 - 26	National	Teleconference re: Small business service provider workshop on new technical issues.
3/26	Los Angeles	City hall: Visited site and assisted contractor in identifying existing emergency generating equipment which needed permits.
3/26	Orange	Label printer: Assisted company in understanding how to maintain exemption from permit for new printing press by keeping usage records.
3/26	Los Angeles	Automobile manufacturer: Assisted consultant of a new car preparation facility that is relocating four spray booths and installing new gasoline storage and dispensing equipment.
3/26	San Bernardino	Spoke at an evening meeting of the Westside Republican Club of San Bernardino County.
3/27	Los Angeles	Chemical manufacturer: Visited site and discussed how to reapply for expired equipment permits.
3/27	Los Angeles	Paint manufacturer/painting equipment sales: Met with industrial spray booth sales representative and gave instruction on filling out and submitting spray booth applications for clients.
3/24-27	Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Orange & Riverside	Clearance letters were issued to the following cities: Anaheim, Beverly Hills, Cypress, Irvine, Lynwood, Mira Loma, Ontario, Pico Rivera, and Santa Ana.

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
3/2	Riverside	Attended the Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG) Executive Committee Meeting. Discussed Alternative Fuel vehicle possibilities and the MSRC’s "25% Local Subvention Match" Program with the mayors of Hemet, Temecula and San Jacinto and council members from Murrietta and Banning.
3/3	Orange	Attended the Orange County Council of Governments Technical Advisory Committee (OCCOG-TAC) Meeting. Discussed AB 2194 Clean Fuels Reauthorization (Washington) and MSRC’s "25% Local Subvention Match" Program and announced the date and location of the Environmental Justice Town Hall Meeting – Santa Ana.
3/3	San Bernardino	Attended and provided staff support at the Environmental Justice Town Hall Meeting - Jurupa.
3/3	Los Angeles	Contacted staff from City of Vernon to discuss AB 2766 Subvention Fund expenditures.
3/4	San Bernardino	Attended the San Bernardino Associated Governments (SANBAG) Board Meeting. Discussed AB 2194 Clean Fuels Reauthorization and Alternative Fuel vehicle funding options with mayors and council members from Rancho Cucamonga, Chino, Grand Terrace, Colton and with SANBAG’s Legislative Affairs Director. An item of interest from the SANBAG agenda was the "Inland Empire Annual Survey" which showed that smog is listed as the second most negative thing about the region (13.3%) behind crime (17.8%).
3/4	Los Angeles	Followed up on complaint made by constituent of L.A. County Supervisor Gloria Molina. Complaint was lodged against rendering plant in Vernon.
3/4	San Bernardino	Contacted staff from City of Rancho Cucamonga to discuss AB 2766 Subvention Fund expenditures.
3/5	Districtwide	Attended the SCAG Policy and Standing Committee, and Regional Council Meetings. Attended a meeting with the Mayor of Redlands to discuss air quality matters of interest to him. Also discussed MSRC’s "Livable Communities" projects with the executive director of the Building Industry Association (BIA) Southern California.
3/5	Riverside	Contacted staff member from Assemblymember Rod Pacheco’s field office to discuss Environmental Justice issues.
3/5	Los Angeles	Had introductory meeting with new Director for L.A. Division of League of California Cities.
3/5	Los Angeles	Met with Councilmember from the City of Torrance to discuss AB 2766 projects.
3/5	Los Angeles	Made presentation at League of California Cities meeting in Calabasas on Clean Fuels Reauthorization, AQMD Resolution to US EPA and AB 2766 Subvention Fund Program.
3/6	San Bernardino	Attended the Rialto Metrolink Station Grand Opening.
3/6	Los Angeles	Contacted current Director for L.A. Division of League of California Cities to discuss article for next edition of newsletter.
3/9	San Bernardino	Attended a meeting with Henry Garcia, City Manager of the City of Colton. Discussed Alternative Fuel vehicle possibilities, the Environmental Justice Town Hall Meeting - Colton/Rialto/San Bernardino scheduled for March 26, 1998, AB 2194 (Washington) Clean Fuels Reauthorization, as well as regional governance issues with Mr. Garcia.
3/10	Riverside	Attended the Riverside County Board of Supervisors meeting. The Board discussed the paint facility that was the topic at the Jurupa/Mira Loma Environmental Justice Town Hall meeting. At the request of Board Chairman John Tavaglione, the Board approved entering into a contract with CE-CERT to do an "independent study" to determine: 1) Whether or not there is technology currently available that could be used; and 2) Whether or not there is anything that could be done to cost effectively resolve the problem with the facility.
3/10	Orange	Attended the Orange County Council of Governments Executive Management Committee (OCCOG-EMC). Assisted Jack Broadbent with his presentation of a request for support from the OCCOG Board regarding expeditious EPA action on the 1997 Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP).
3/10	Los Angeles	Provided staff support at San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments Planning Directors meeting in Duarte.
3/11	Riverside	Attended the Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) Meeting. Supervisor Bob Buster, Chair of the RCTC Board announced the hiring of Eric Haley (formerly Government and Legislative Director for SANBAG) as RCTC’s new Executive Director. Discussed problems encountered with MSRC’s "25% Local Subvention Match" Program with RCTC’s representative on the MSRC-TAC, who chairs the Match Program Subcommittee of the TAC.
3/12	Los Angeles	Provided staff support at South Bay Cities Council of Governments Technical Advisory Committee in Lomita.
3/12	Los Angeles	Attended community meeting at City of Carson Community Center to learn more about complaints against pesticide company.
3/12	Los Angeles	Met with staff member from City of Redondo Beach to discuss AB 2766 Subvention Fund issues and to discuss South Bay Cities COG TAC.
3/12	Los Angeles	Met with staff member from City of Inglewood to discuss unallocated AB 2766 Subvention Fund balances.
3/12	Los Angeles	Met with staff member from City of Torrance to discuss recruitment and selection of Executive Director for the South Bay Cities COG.
3/12	Los Angeles	Met with staff member from City of Gardena to discuss city’s use of AB 2766 Subvention Funds.
3/12	Los Angeles	Met with staff member from the City of El Segundo to discuss city’s use of AB 2766 Subvention Funds.
3/12	Los Angeles	Met with staff member from Los Angeles County Department of Public Works to discuss subregional signal synchronization program for the South Bay.
3/12	Los Angeles	Met with staff member from the City of Lomita to discuss city’s use of AB 2766 Subvention Funds.
3/13	Los Angeles	Met with field staff at Senator Teresa Hughes’ office to discuss information requested on cities’ air quality profiles in 25th Senate District.

3/16	San Bernardino	Attended the CLOUT Legislative Committee Meeting. The committee was planning their advocacy program for their Sacramento trip in April. Discussed AB 2194 (Washington) Clean Fuels Reauthorization with the committee members.
3/18	Orange	Attended the Orange County Public Affairs Association Meeting. The program included a discussion about "Political Action - Support for Public Policy Initiatives" led by Rob Reiner and former Congressman Michael Huffington. Discussed the Environmental Justice Town Hall Meeting - Santa Ana scheduled for April 30, 1998 and AB 2194 (Washington) Clean Fuels Reauthorization with staff of State Senator Robb Hurtt.
3/18	District-wide	Participated in DMV Surcharge Technical Working Group meeting.
3/18	Los Angeles	Attended San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments Transportation Committee meeting.
3/19	Los Angeles	Made a presentation regarding "Incentives for Alternative Fuel Vehicles" at the Ford West Alternative Fuels Conference.
3/19	San Bernardino	Attended the San Bernardino County City Managers Meeting. Discussed the Environmental Justice Town Hall Meeting - Colton/Rialto/San Bernardino scheduled for March 26, 1998, with the city managers from the City of San Bernardino, the City of Rialto, and the City of Highland.
3/19	Orange	Attended the Orange County Council of Governments (OCCOG) Board Meeting. Assisted Jack Broadbent with his presentation of a request for support from the OCCOG Board regarding expeditious EPA action on the 1997 Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP).
3/19	Los Angeles	Met with staff member from the City of Redondo Beach to discuss AB 2766 Subvention Fund expenditures and South Bay Cities COG issues.
3/19	Los Angeles	Attended San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments Board Meeting and Consortium.

3/24	Orange	Attended the Orange County Board of Supervisors Meeting. Staff spoke with the Chief of Staff to Supervisor Bill Steiner regarding the current local government outreach program.
3/24	Los Angeles	Contacted staff from the City of Lakewood to discuss eligible uses of AB 2766 Subvention Funds.
3/25	Riverside	Attended the Riverside County Division, League of California Cities General Membership Meeting in Rancho Mirage. Discussed AB 2194 (Washington) Clean Fuels Reauthorization and the Governing Board’s adopted Environmental Justice Initiatives with the mayors of Palm Desert and Coachella, a council member of Rancho Mirage, and the mayor and city manager of La Quinta.
3/25	Los Angeles	Contacted staff, County of Los Angeles Building and Safety, to coordinate inspection of demolition site in East Los Angeles with possible asbestos release.
3/25	Los Angeles	Contacted Long Beach City College District Police Department to discuss use of AB 2766 Subvention Funds to purchase CNG vehicles.
3/25	Los Angeles	Met with the Mayor, City Manager, and Interim Director of Finance for the City of South El Monte to discuss AB 2766 Subvention Funds and AB 2194.
3/26	San Bernardino	Attended the Baldy View Public Private Coalition (CLOUT) Meeting. Discussed AB 2194 (Washington) Clean Fuels Reauthorization and the Governing Board’s adopted Environmental Justice Initiatives with Dr. Jerry Young, President of Chaffey College.
3/26	San Bernardino	Attended and participated in the Inland Empire Division, League of California Cities Executive Committee. Provided assistance in defining their future organizational structure and program direction.
3/26	Los Angeles	Contacted Interim City Manager for the City of Carson to discuss issues surrounding Niklor Chemical.
3/27	Orange	Attended OCCOG/Newport Beach Electric Vehicle Charging Station Grand Opening at the Fashion Island Mall representing the MSRC.
3/27	Los Angeles	Met with representative from SGVCOG to discuss AB 2766 issues.
3/27	Districtwide	Mailed notification letter regarding 7% drop in AB 2766 fees collected by the Department of Motor Vehicles to all 156 local government AB 2766 Coordinators.
3/31	AB 2766 Discretionary Fund (MSRC)	Attended and moderated the MSRC Retreat, held at the Kellogg West Conference Center, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. The outcome was very constructive to effecting common understanding regarding MSRC’s history and future.

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
394	306	324

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
3/3	Newsletter	Provided background on Air Quality Management Plan to Inside EPA.
3/3	Newspaper	Provided background on status of NOVs at MWD construction site to Riverside Press Enterprise.
3/4	Newspaper	Provided background on AQMD to the Valley Business Journal.
3/4	Newspaper	Provided background and interview to Los Angeles Times on emissions from dairies.
3/4	Newsletter	Provided background on ridesharing survey to Mobile Source Report.
3/4	Newspaper	Provided background on emissions trading program to Chicago Tribune.
3/4	Newspaper	Provided interview to Riverside Press-Enterprise on AutoNation.
3/4	Newspaper	Provided interview to Santa Clarita Signal on the emission inventory.
3/4	Newsletter	Provided interview to Mobile Source Report on car scrapping.
3/5	Newspaper	Provided interview on air quality to the Riverside Press-Enterprise.
3/5	Newsletter	Provided background on Rules 1401 and 1402 to BNA Publications.
3/5	Video	Provided background to U.S. Postal Service for video on electric vehicles.
3/6	Magazine	Arranged interview on ridesharing to Health magazine.
3/6	Newspaper	Provided smog data to Riverside Press-Enterprise.
3/6	TV	Arranged interview on air pollution to Varied Directions.
3/10	TV	Provided background on auto scrapping to KCET.
3/10	Video	Provided background to US Postal Service on clean fuels for training video.
3/10	Radio	Arranged interview on KPFK regarding pollution from dairies.
3/10	Newspaper	Provided background on ridesharing to San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
3/10	Newspaper	Provided update on recent AQMD issues to the LA Times.
3/10	Newsletter	Provided information on proposed changes to Rules 1401 and 1402 to Clean Air Permit Report.
3/10	Newsletter	Provided background to BNA on Rule 1401.
3/10	Newspaper	Provided background information on the Cut-Smog program to the Los Angeles Times valley edition.
3/11	Radio	Provided background information on March 13 Board meeting to Inland Empire News Radio.
3/12	Newspaper	Provided background on car scrapping to Dallas-Fort Worth News.
3-12,13	Newspapers, TV	Provided background on ridesharing to the San Bernardino Sun, KCAL Ch. 9, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, San Gabriel Valley Tribune, LA Daily News, Los Angeles Times, Riverside Press-Enterprise, and KTLA Ch. 5.
3/17	TV	Provided background on Suva School, Chrome Crankshaft and J&S Plating to KCAL Ch. 9.
3/17	News Service	Provided background to Associated Press on recent air quality.
3/18	Radio	Provided interview to Inland Empire News Radio on status of monitoring station closure plan.
3/18	Newsletter	Provided background on ridesharing to Mobile Source Report.
3/18	Newsletter	Provided interview and background on use of continuous emissions monitors and electronic emissions reports and data management to EMUS-Tech.
3-18	Newspaper	Provided background on AB 2588 facilities to the San Bernardino Sun.
3/18,25	Video	Provided interviews and facility tour to US Postal Service videomaker for training video on use of electric vehicles by the Post Office.
3/19	Newspaper	Provided background on standards for paint spray booths to the Riverside Press-Enterprise.
3/19	Newsletter	Provided background on RECLAIM audit to McGraw-Hill.
3/19	Newsletter	Provided background on TAO project to New Fuels Report.
3/19	TV	Provided additional background to KCAL Ch. 9 on Suva School, Chrome Crankshaft and J&S Plating.
3/20	Newsletter	Assisted BNA Publications in setting up interviews.
3/20, 24, 25	Newspapers, Newsletters	Provided background on ridesharing to the Los Angeles Times, Mobile Source Report, and Los Angeles Business Journal.
3/20, 24, 25	Newspaper	Provided background data & interview on paint spray booths to the Riverside Press-Enterprise.
3/24	Newspaper	Provided interview on indirect source controls to the San Bernardino Sun.
3/25	Newspaper	Provided interview to the Riverside Press-Enterprise on AutoNation.
3/25	Newspaper	Provided background on LAXT to Random Lengths.
3/25	Newsletter	Provided smog trend data to BNA publications.
3/26	Newspaper	Provided background and interview on pending EPA action on the 1997 clean air plan to the Los Angeles Times.
3/26	Newspaper	Provided background on upcoming odor conference to the Daily Breeze.
3/26	Newsletter	Reviewed article on RECLAIM emissions reporting system in EMIS Tech newsletter.

3-26, 27	Newsletter	Provided background to Inside Cal-EPA on the RECLAIM audit, rideshare survey, SB 836 and toxic hot spot program fees.
3/27	Newspaper	Provided background on the odor conference to the Daily Breeze.
3/27	Newspaper	Provided background on ridesharing to the San Bernardino Sun.
3/27	Newspaper	Provided background on AQMD's architectural coatings rule to the Los Angeles Times.
3/27	Newspaper	Provided background on coal/coke shipping facility to the Daily Breeze.
3/31	Newspaper	Provided interview to the San Bernardino Sun on the odor conference.
3/31	Newspaper	Provided interview to the Los Angeles Times Magazine on the history of smog control.
3/31	Newspaper	Ads and press release placed for Santa Ana Town Hall meeting.

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
993	8,378

Information Packages Mailed	Live Calls by PIC Staff
407	900

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