BOARD MEETING DATE: November 13, 1998 AGENDA NO. 12

BOARD MEETING DATE: November 13, 1998 AGENDA NO. 12

PROPOSAL:

Public Affairs Report

SYNOPSIS:

This report highlights the September 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 September. 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 and Communication Centers).

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE UPDATE

Initiative Activity

1. Town Hall Meetings

Western Riverside County (Corona) Town Hall Meeting September 23, 1998

Upcoming Meetings:

November - South Bay (El Segundo)

December - East Los Angeles (City Terrace)

January - Harbor City (Harbor City College) Community Meeting

2. Ambient Monitoring of Air Toxics 1. MATES-II - Schedule Update:

Ten sites now operational

(Burbank, Los Angeles, Long Beach, Fontana, Pico Rivera, Anaheim, Rubidoux, Huntington Park, Compton and Wilmington).

2. Microscale Study:

Hawthorne spring seasonal sampling completed.

Pacomia spring and summer sampling completed.

Sampling at Montclair, Torrance, and Costa Mesa completed.

Sampling at Boyle Heights and Corona in process.

Process for next set of Microscale deployments in progress.

Microscale inventory process expanded.

3. Air Toxics Study Technical Review Group (ATSTRG):

Meets on a monthly basis.

Reviews technical elements of program.

Next meeting: October 16, 1998

4. Other Accomplishments:

Received $110,000 grant from EPA to conduct a particulate diesel study, and to support Microscale study

Modeling and toxic emissions inventory contract executed and work initiated.

ARB agreed to jointly participate in the laboratory analysis effort.

Draft Outreach Plan developed.

1. Community Response Teams (CRTs)

First team authorized in April to investigate livestock carcass disposal.

District staff continued to meet with stakeholders in August to assess potential solutions.

1. CEQA Commenting Commenting

Reporting Period: August 2 - September 1, 1998

- Total number of documents received for review: 38
- Total number of documents requesting AQMD comments: 70
- Total number of docs for which a review is being conducted: 65
- Total number of documents to receive AQMD comments: 48

Reporting Period: September 2 – October 1, 1998

- Total number of documents received for review: 45
- Total number of documents requesting AQMD comments: 98
- Total number of docs for which a review is being conducted: 67
- Total number of documents to receive AQMD comments: 56
1998 Cum. total of documents commented on (Jan-Sept): 205

Handbook Revision

Draft Handbook Revisions to Working Group for review in November.

Release draft handbook to public for review in December.

Next meeting of Working Group is November 19, 1998.

2. Environmental Justice Task Force

Task Force met September 23, 1998 in Corona, CA and October 14, 1998 in Diamond Bar.

3. City of Los Angeles Environmental Justice Forum

Second Forum date to be determined.

4. Diesel Fuel Clean-Up Incentives
Promoted statewide legislative initiatives.

Mobile Source Reduction Review Committee implemented a $17 million diesel pollution reduction program.

5. Field Inspection Technology September Progress:

Continue implementation of workplans to refine testing and analysis technologies and improve in-field enforcement capability.

Staff to meet with the Peer Review Group in October 1998 to discuss consultant’s recommendations.

1. Portable Equipment Permitting

Formal request made to CARB in February to adopt safeguards statewide.

AQMD staff has developed implementation recommendations for Initiative #9:

- Amend current permitting practices;
- Ensure that movement and operation do not adversely impact sensitive receptors;
- 30-day or less duration of operation;
- Allow location permits only if emissions can be restricted by enforceable permit conditions;
- Develop a simplified permitting procedure;
- Require notification to District within 72 hours at one site;
- Allow up to 30-day extension if all criteria are met;
- Require fixed site permit after 60 days at location;
- Cease operation at end of shift or within 4 hours of public nuisance verification;
- Amend Rules 209, 301 and Reg. XIII to incorporate these recommendations;
- Maintain request to CARB to amend statewide program to be consistent with these recommendations;
Public consultation on August 5^th; numerous comments received; staff evaluating comments.

1. Public Comment, Rules 1401 and 1402 Rule 1401 Amendments:

The Governing Board at its July 10 meeting amended Rule 1401 to significantly expand the number of toxic chemicals regulated.

Rule 1402 Proposed Amendments:

- First Working Group Meeting held September 24, 1998. br
- Meeting to outline scope of work.

- Staff is in process of expanding Rule 1402 Working Group membership.

Key Issues:

Relative contribution of sources

Address cumulative impacts

Projected for Board review March '99.

Regular updates to Board Committees.

COMMUNITY EVENTS/PUBLIC MEETINGS

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

Date Location Description of Activity

9/2 Los Angeles Curator at L.A. Municipal Art Gallery at Barnsdall Park invited AQMD to participate in a three-month exhibit focusing on the elements. Exhibit will draw over 200 school children daily.

9/2 Los Angeles Resident concerned about health effects from nearby autobody shop. SSC inspector/engineer are following up as part of the permit application process.

9/2 Los Angeles Outreach to child-care providers: Eastside Intercambios provided a contact with the Dept. of Social Services Community Care Licensing unit for organizations who provide licensing training courses in Los Angeles County.

9/8 Los Angeles Centro de Ninos in Los Angeles is coordinating a Community Keepers environmental health education project and invited AQMD to participate as a member of the Planning Committee to oversee a year-long training program for community members on environmental health issues.

9/11 Ventura Chaired the quarterly meeting of the CAPCOA Public Outreach Committee at which public information officers from around the state exchange ideas and information.

9/11 Districtwide Met with Edison representatives re: Mow Down Pollution 99.

9/26-28 National Conference Participated in the STAPPA / ALAPCO Public Education Committee’s "Communicating Air Quality Conference."

9/30 Los Angeles American Lung Association of Los Angeles requested the use of AQMD’s "50 years" exhibit as part of a "Museum Open House" along Wilshire Boulevard. ALALA will provide historical air quality information, including AQMD outreach materials, to the public.

Events/Conferences Sponsored/Hosted Participated/Attended

2/1 3/5

Public Workshops/Notices Fee Review Requests/Customer Surveys

5/12 4/16

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 September.

Date Location Description of Activity

9/16 & 18 Headquarters An air quality official with the Torres Martinez Tribe of Desert Cahuilla Indians met with various staff about setting up a comprehensive monitoring and enforcement program on the reservation; a 10-member delegation from the Chinese EPA met with staff on a variety of air quality issues.

Speaking Requests Received Presentations (by Public Advisor staff)

1 8

Delegations Hosted Tours of AQMD Headquarters

2 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

9/1 Los Angeles Cabinet manufacturer: Company wanted a compliance check. Staff visited the facility, assisted in applying for a spray booth permit, and explained applicable rules.

9/1 Los Angeles Dry cleaning shop: Owner received a Notice of Violation for an expired permit and was referred by AQMD legal department for assistance. Staff visited the shop and assisted in filling out a permit application.

9/1-30 Districtwide

9/1-9/30 Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside & San Bernardino Provided air quality clearance letters for companies in the cities of: Arcadia, Carson, Cathedral City, Cerritos, Culver City, Cypress, El Segundo, Encino, Fountain Valley, Gardena, Hawthorne, Huntington Beach, Industry, Irvine, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, La Quinta, Los Angeles, Malibu, Mission Viejo, Montclair, Moreno Valley, Northridge, Ontario, Pasadena, Santa Monica, Stanton, Torrance, Valencia, Walnut, West Hollywood, and Yorba Linda.

9/2 Orange Restaurant: Met with the owner, discussed permit requirements for their charbroiler, and assisted with an application.

9/4 Los Angeles Film production facility: Company wanted help with permitting of film cleaning machines and emissions control equipment. Staff visited the facility and assisted with applications.

9/8 Los Angeles Auto Repair: Company purchased facility and requested information on required permits. Assisted company with application forms and discussed applicable rules and regulations.

9/10 Los Angeles Real Estate: Staff assisted client with a large-scale development project that consisted of the excavation and treatment of contaminated soil. Staff attended on-site roundtable meeting to discuss air quality requirements.

9/10 Los Angeles Autobody shop: Facility was experiencing complaints due to the spraying operations, and they requested assistance. Staff provided guidance with operational practices that will reduce future nuisance potential.

9/16 Los Angeles Distributor of dry cleaning equipment: Requested training on filling out AQMD permit application forms. This informal training will be used in the future by the company to assist their clients when new equipment is purchased.

9/16 Los Angeles Coffee manufacturer: Provided permitting and rule interpretation assistance to a company purchasing and installing coffee-roasting equipment at a new facility.

9/16 Districtwide Attended a meeting of Team California, which is a private-public partnership of major utilities, corporations and government agencies whose mission is to facilitate economic development throughout the state. Staff assisted in determining the annual plan for the partnership to be presented to the new Governor's transition team.

9/17 Orange Tank degassing operation: Staff assisted with variance petition.

9/17 Districtwide Met with officials from seven building and safety departments in a continuing effort to implement the new four-county outreach strategy to inform them of Government Code 65850.2. This code prohibits the cities from issuing a Certificate of Occupancy without ensuring the applicant has contacted AQMD and met permitting requirements.

9/17 Districtwide Distributed a public notice for an October workshop on Variances and Orders for Abatement. The workshop will help customers understand how to apply for variances and how to prepare to testify before the Hearing Board.

9/23 Districtwide Hosted the first meeting of the Air Quality Assistance Fund Focus Group. With membership from the banking industry, SBA, and local utility companies, this group will prepare recommendations to the AQMD regarding pollution control equipment financing.

9/23 Los Angeles Electronics manufacturer: Provided information on permits and Rule 1145 to small electronics company moving from Finland to the South Coast Air Basin.

9/23 Orange Architectural coating manufacturer. Assisted company with variance petition.

9/24 Los Angeles Autobody shop: Provided on-site assistance with application forms and information on Rule 1151 class, as part of NOV settlement.

9/24 Orange Dry cleaner: Investigated and informed dry cleaner that the machine he planned to install was not CARB certified.

9/29 Los Angeles, Orange Industrial manufacturer: Several facilities requested assistance in converting their solvent cleaning operations to water-based cleaning solvents. Staff discussed rule requirements and provided a list of water-based cleaner suppliers.

9/29-30 Districtwide Worked with Hearing Board members to develop the upcoming Variance and Orders for Abatement Workshop. Staff helped create program, the agenda, and various other items of information for the workshop.

9/30 Orange Auto prototype manufacturer: Assisted facility in submitting their permit application for dust control system.

9/30 Los Angeles Hospital: Architectural firm needed assistance in identifying hospital equipment that will require an AQMD permit.

9/30 Los Angeles Service station: Applicant needed to replace underground storage tanks and vapor return system and requested financial assistance. Staff discussed and provided AQAF loan guaranty package.

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

9/2 Los Angeles Spoke with Councilmember from City of Lynwood about ART Facility.

9/2 Los Angeles Attended Montebello City Council Meeting. Discussed AB 2766 Subvention Fund Program.

9/2 Los Angeles Met with Councilmember from City of Monrovia to discuss constituent’s concerns.

9/2 Orange Spoke with staffs from Cities of Irvine, Santa Ana, Orange, and Tustin regarding Subvention Fund Annual Reports.

9/3 Los Angeles Met with Mayor from City of Santa Monica to discuss purchase of clean fuel vehicles.

9/3 Los Angeles Attended L.A. County Division League of Cities Installation Dinner @ Portofino Hotel in Redondo Beach.

9/8 Riverside Attended the Riverside County Board of Supervisors Meeting. Discussed the MSRC "Work Program Development process and alternative fuels programs with the Assistant County Administrative Officer.

9/8 Los Angeles Met with representative from the City of Pico Rivera to discuss AB 2766 Subvention Fund Program and alternatives.

9/8 Los Angeles Attended the Claremont City Council meeting to discuss AB 2766 Subvention Fund Program.

9/8 Riverside Spoke with staff from the City of Hemet about eligibility of CNG fueling facility to be funded with Subvention Funds and private funding.

9/9 San Bernardino Attended the San Bernardino Associated Governments (SANBAG) Administrative Committee Meeting. Discussed the MSRC "Work Program Development" process and alternative fuels programs with the MSRC-TAC Chair.

9/9 Riverside Attended the Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) Executive Committee Meeting. Discussed the MSRC "Work Program Development" process and AQMD legislative programs with the Executive Director and the Executive Committee Members who sit on the MSRC.

9/9 Los Angeles Spoke with staff from Los Angeles County and City of Santa Clarita regarding their support for placing an air monitoring station on city property in the City of Santa Clarita.

9/9 Los Angeles Spoke with staff from the City of Huntington Park to discuss a recent court order and removal plan for crushed concrete at ARS facility.

9/9 Los Angeles Met with representative from City of Gardena to discuss AB 2766 Subvention Fund Program and different funding options for air quality projects.

9/9 Los Angeles Attended Agoura Hills City Council meeting to discuss different funding options for air quality projects.

9/10 Orange Attended the Orange County Public Affair Association (OCPAA). Discussed air quality related legislation with California Transportation Commission Member Dana Reed and Julie Puentes of the Orange County Business Council.

9/14 Riverside Attended the Riverside County Division, League of California Cities General Membership Meeting. Discussed the MSRC Work Program Development process and alternative fuels programs with the mayors of Palm Springs, Hemet, Lake Elsinore, and Banning and council members of Hemet, Perris, Palm Desert, and La Quinta.

9/16 San Bernardino Attended the San Bernardino Associated Governments (SANBAG) Plans & Programs Committee Meeting. Discussed the MSRC "Work Program Development" process with MSRC-TAC Member representative for the cities of San Bernardino County and with SANBAG staff.

9/17 Riverside/San Bernardino Attended the Inland Empire City Managers’ Association Meeting. Discussed the MSRC "Work Program Development" process and AQMD legislative programs with city managers of Riverside, Upland, Big Bear Lake, Lake Elsinore, Moreno Valley, San Bernardino, and Highland, and the Executive Directors of SANBAG and RCTC.

9/17 Orange Attended the Orange County Council of Governments (OCCOG) meeting. Discussed the AQMD legislative programs with the mayors of Huntington Beach and Los Alamitos and council members of Buena Park, Brea, and Santa Ana.

9/17 San Bernardino Attended the Inland Empire Division, League of California Cities General Membership Meeting. Discussed the MSRC Work Program Development process and alternative fuels programs with the mayors of Fontana, Montclair, Yucaipa, and Grand Terrace and council members of Rialto, Grand Terrace, Highland, Yucaipa, Colton, and Chino Hills.

9/17 Los Angeles Attended meeting at Montebello Board of Education to discuss Suva School issue.

9/17 Los Angeles Spoke with staff from Councilmember Richard Alatorre’s office about the Boyle Heights air monitoring station.

9/17 Los Angeles Met with staff from the City of Commerce regarding a city redevelopment issue and an AB 2588 asbestos issue.

9/18 Los Angeles Spoke with staff from Senator Feinstein’s office about VOC/spray booth meeting.

9/18-9/20 Districtwide Participated in California Contract Cities Fall Seminar in San Diego.

9/21 Riverside Attended the reception hosted by the Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) in honor of the California Transportation Commissioners (CTC). Discussed diesel legislation and alternative fuels programs with CTC Chairman Bob Wolfe and Commissioner Dana Reed, as well as with Congressman George Brown and State Assembly Minority Leader Bill Leonard.

9/22 Riverside Attended the California Transportation Commissioner (CTC) Meeting held at Riverside City Hall. Discussed diesel legislation and alternative fuels programs with staff from the CTC, RCTC, San Bernardino Associated Governments (SANBAG), and Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG).

9/23 Riverside Attended the Northwest Riverside County Clean Cities Coalition Steering Committee Meeting. Discussed the MSRC’s Work Program Development process and schedule. Answered questions regarding funding available for alternatively fueled vehicle projects.

9/23 San Bernardino Attended an Ontario Airport Terminal Expansion Grand Opening event. Discussed "Clean Fuels" and diesel legislation with State Senator Jim Brulte and Assembly Members Fred Aguiar and Joe Baca. Discussed alternative fuels vehicle programs with mayors and council members from Rancho Cucamonga, Hesperia, Claremont, Chino, Montclair, Rialto, and Chino Hills.

9/23 Los Angeles Met with representatives from MTA to discuss proposed change of MTA’s alternative fuel bus purchase policy.

9/24 San Bernardino Attended the Baldy View Public Private Coalition (CLOUT) Meeting. Discussed AQMD activities with Dr. Jerry Young, President of Chaffey College (new Chairman of CLOUT), staff members representing Congressman Jay Kim, State Senator Ruben Ayala, and Assemblyman Fred Aguiar.

9/24 Districtwide Attended and participated in the Subregional Coordinators Group Meeting. Gave an Air Quality Activities Update presentation. Discussed the Y2000 AQMP and 1999 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) update process.

9/24 & 29 San Bernardino Attended and participated in the Inland Empire Division, League of California Cities Restructuring Task Force Meeting – Rancho Cucamonga.

9/25 Sacramento

9/28 San Bernardino Made a presentation to City of Big Bear Lake City Council regarding AQMD’s temporary ozone monitoring program being conducted in the city.

9/29 Riverside Attended the Riverside County Board of Supervisors Meeting. Discussed direction of Supervisor Mullen’s Western Riverside County "Community and Environmental Transportation Acceptability Process" (CETAP) with county administrative staff.

9/30 AB 2766 Discretionary Fund (MSRC) Attended a meeting with Mayor John Longville (City of Rialto) and Mayor Bob Bartlett (City of Monrovia) regarding transition of SCAG representation on MSRC.

9/30 AB 2766 Discretionary Fund (MSRC) Provided briefing on MSRC’s history and process for Mayor Will Kleindeinst (City of Palm Springs).

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

530 365 457

MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

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

Press Relations Highlights

Date
Media Description of Activity

9/1 Newspaper Provided information on Parkside Estates farm to Huntington Beach Independent reporter.

9/1 Newspaper Provided information to San Bernardino Sun and arranged interview with Riverside Press-Enterprise on Union Pacific case.

9/2 Radio Arranged interview with District meteorology staff regarding heat wave & air quality.

9/2 Newspaper Provided information on air quality in Chino to Daily Bulletin.

9/2 Newspaper Provided information and arranged interview with Los Angeles Business Journal on smog season.

9/2 Newspaper Provided information to Random Lengths on LAXT.

9/2 Newspaper Provided information to Log Newspapers on Rule 1158.

9/2 Newsletter Provided information to Inside Cal/EPA on Rule 2202.

9/2-3 Newspaper Provided information to Costa Mesa Daily Pilot on toxic hot spot monitoring.

9/2-3 Newspaper Provided information to Whittier Daily News on CENCO.

9/3 Newspaper Provided information to Inland Valley Daily Bulletin on smog season.

9/3 Newspaper Provided information on study of ship emissions to the Marine Digest.

9/3 & 11 Television Assisted City of Moreno Valley Community Access Channel in setting up a panel discussion on pollution prevention.

9/3 Newspaper Provided emissions data to the Pasadena Star-News.

9/4 Newspaper Provided information on AQMD’s regulatory authority to New Times.

9/4 Newspaper Provided update on Rule 1610 to Random Lengths.

9/4 Newspaper Provided information to freelancer on number of days this summer above eight-hour standard.

9/4 Newspaper Provided status report on reactivation of Powerine permits to Los Angeles Times, Whittier Daily News.

9/8 Television Provided information to KNBC-TV Channel 4 on automotive emissions.

9/8 & 10 Newspapers Provided information to Riverside Press-Enterprise following up on Inland Empire Air Quality Summit.

9/10 Newsletter/
Radio/

Newsletter
Provided information on the GM Fast Charger to Torrance Daily Breeze, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, San Gabriel Valley Tribune, Orange County Register and Air Daily Reporter. Arranged interviews with acting EO and Los Angeles Times, KNX-AM.

9/10 Newspaper/
Radio/

Newsletter
Provided information on September Board meeting to Los Angeles Times, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, Orange County Register, Riverside Press-Enterprise, BNA Publications and Inland Empire Radio News.

9/10 Newspaper Provided information on Suva Elementary School issue to Our Times Montebello, an LA Times Supplement.

9/10 Newsletter Provided information to Inside Cal-EPA with regard to new Governor’s appointee to Governing Board.

9/11 Newspaper Provided information to Orange County Register on Board meeting.

9/11 Newspaper Provided information to the Riverside Press-Enterprise regarding the Inland Empire work plan, the Board meeting, and AQMD’s notice of intent to sue EPA.

9/11 Newspaper Provided information to the Los Angeles Times on LAXT.

9/11 Newspaper Provided information to Los Angeles Times on Powerine permits.

9/14 Newspapers Provided information on Inland empire work plan, and its proposal to offer paging service on smog levels, to San Bernardino Sun and Desert Sun.

9/15 Newspaper Provided information on AQMD’s Vehicle Scrapping in relation to Ford Motor Company’s planned scrapping program rule to USA Today, Orange County Register and Los Angeles Times reporters.

9/15 Radio Provided interview to Radio Bilingua regarding AQMD programs to control toxic pollution.

9/15 Newsletter Provided information to BNA Publications on AQMD’s notice of intent to sue EPA.

9/15–16 Newspaper Provided information to Riverside Press-Enterprise on pager system.

9/16 Newspaper Provided information to LA Daily Journal on toxic hot spot study.

9/16 Newspaper Provided information to the Los Angeles Times on AQMD monitoring stations.

9/17 Newspaper Provided information to Los Angeles Business Journal on Executive Officer recruitment & new Board Member.

9/17 Newspaper Arranged interview with AQMD refinery staff and Whittier Daily News re: CENCO.

9/17 Magazines Reviewed article on District solvent rules for Parts Cleaning and Precision Cleaning Magazines.

9/17 Cable TV Participated in a city panel on pollution prevention taped by Moreno Valley Cable TV for broadcast throughout October.

9/18 Newspaper Provided information on health study to the Los Angeles Daily News.

9/18 Newspaper Provided information on air quality monitoring network to the Los Angeles Times.

9/18 Newspaper Provided information on Board committee meeting agendas to the Riverside Press-Enterprise.

9/22 Newspaper Provided information on auto scrapping to Random Lengths.

9/22 Newspaper Provided information to USA Today on Smog.

9/23 Newspaper Researched and provided information to Los Angeles Times on 1998 smog season.

9/23 Newspaper Provided information to Inland Empire Business Press on Inland Empire Initiatives.

9/23 Newspaper Provided information on diesel vehicles and clean air plan to the Los Angeles Daily News for story on MTA bus procurement plan.

9/24 Newspaper Provided information on MTA proposal to buy diesel buses to the Long Beach Press Telegram.

9/24 Newsletter Provided information on auto scrapping to Inside Washington Publishers.

9/24 Newsletter Provided information on the clean fuels program to NGV News.

9/24 Video Helped research and provide photos to Holden White Communications for educational video.

9/24 Newspaper Provided information to Riverside Press-Enterprise on MWD penalty settlement.

9/24 Newspaper Provided information to Los Angeles Business Journal on Executive Officer selection.

Public Information Center Statistics

The Public Information Center serves the District’s visitors and handles general information phone calls.

Visitor Trans-actions Calls Responded to by PIC Staff
Automated Call Responses
Info Packages Mailed Total Phone Calls

821 828 10,740 534 11,568

Communication Center Statistics

The Communication Center handles all District main line, CUT-SMOG line and Spanish line calls.

Main Line Calls CUT-SMOG Line After Hours Spanish Line Calls Total Phone Calls

7,336 5,684 2,104 68 15,192

Press Relations Statistics

The Press Relations staff handles media calls to the District and media monitoring.

Press Interviews/Assistance Total Clippings/Transcripts Mailings by News Bureau

74 182 546

/ / /

This page updated: July 09, 2015
URL: ftp://lb1/hb/1998/November/981112a.html

Initiative	Activity
1. Town Hall Meetings	Western Riverside County (Corona) Town Hall Meeting September 23, 1998 Upcoming Meetings: November - South Bay (El Segundo) December - East Los Angeles (City Terrace) January - Harbor City (Harbor City College) Community Meeting
2. Ambient Monitoring of Air Toxics	1. MATES-II - Schedule Update: Ten sites now operational (Burbank, Los Angeles, Long Beach, Fontana, Pico Rivera, Anaheim, Rubidoux, Huntington Park, Compton and Wilmington). 2. Microscale Study: Hawthorne spring seasonal sampling completed. Pacomia spring and summer sampling completed. Sampling at Montclair, Torrance, and Costa Mesa completed. Sampling at Boyle Heights and Corona in process. Process for next set of Microscale deployments in progress. Microscale inventory process expanded. 3. Air Toxics Study Technical Review Group (ATSTRG): Meets on a monthly basis. Reviews technical elements of program. Next meeting: October 16, 1998 4. Other Accomplishments: Received $110,000 grant from EPA to conduct a particulate diesel study, and to support Microscale study Modeling and toxic emissions inventory contract executed and work initiated. ARB agreed to jointly participate in the laboratory analysis effort. Draft Outreach Plan developed.
1. Community Response Teams (CRTs)	First team authorized in April to investigate livestock carcass disposal. District staff continued to meet with stakeholders in August to assess potential solutions.
1. CEQA Commenting	Commenting Reporting Period: August 2 - September 1, 1998 - Total number of documents received for review: 38 - Total number of documents requesting AQMD comments: 70 - Total number of docs for which a review is being conducted: 65 - Total number of documents to receive AQMD comments: 48 Reporting Period: September 2 – October 1, 1998 - Total number of documents received for review: 45 - Total number of documents requesting AQMD comments: 98 - Total number of docs for which a review is being conducted: 67 - Total number of documents to receive AQMD comments: 56 1998 Cum. total of documents commented on (Jan-Sept): 205 Handbook Revision Draft Handbook Revisions to Working Group for review in November. Release draft handbook to public for review in December. Next meeting of Working Group is November 19, 1998.
2. Environmental Justice Task Force	Task Force met September 23, 1998 in Corona, CA and October 14, 1998 in Diamond Bar.
3. City of Los Angeles Environmental Justice Forum	Second Forum date to be determined.
4. Diesel Fuel Clean-Up Incentives	Promoted statewide legislative initiatives. Mobile Source Reduction Review Committee implemented a $17 million diesel pollution reduction program.
5. Field Inspection Technology	September Progress: Continue implementation of workplans to refine testing and analysis technologies and improve in-field enforcement capability. Staff to meet with the Peer Review Group in October 1998 to discuss consultant’s recommendations.

Date	Location	Description of Activity
9/2	Los Angeles	Curator at L.A. Municipal Art Gallery at Barnsdall Park invited AQMD to participate in a three-month exhibit focusing on the elements. Exhibit will draw over 200 school children daily.
9/2	Los Angeles	Resident concerned about health effects from nearby autobody shop. SSC inspector/engineer are following up as part of the permit application process.
9/2	Los Angeles	Outreach to child-care providers: Eastside Intercambios provided a contact with the Dept. of Social Services Community Care Licensing unit for organizations who provide licensing training courses in Los Angeles County.
9/8	Los Angeles	Centro de Ninos in Los Angeles is coordinating a Community Keepers environmental health education project and invited AQMD to participate as a member of the Planning Committee to oversee a year-long training program for community members on environmental health issues.
9/11	Ventura	Chaired the quarterly meeting of the CAPCOA Public Outreach Committee at which public information officers from around the state exchange ideas and information.
9/11	Districtwide	Met with Edison representatives re: Mow Down Pollution 99.
9/26-28	National Conference	Participated in the STAPPA / ALAPCO Public Education Committee’s "Communicating Air Quality Conference."
9/30	Los Angeles	American Lung Association of Los Angeles requested the use of AQMD’s "50 years" exhibit as part of a "Museum Open House" along Wilshire Boulevard. ALALA will provide historical air quality information, including AQMD outreach materials, to the public.

Events/Conferences Sponsored/Hosted	Participated/Attended
2/1	3/5

Public Workshops/Notices	Fee Review Requests/Customer Surveys
5/12	4/16

Speaking Requests Received	Presentations (by Public Advisor staff)
1	8

9/1-30	Districtwide
9/1-9/30	Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside & San Bernardino	Provided air quality clearance letters for companies in the cities of: Arcadia, Carson, Cathedral City, Cerritos, Culver City, Cypress, El Segundo, Encino, Fountain Valley, Gardena, Hawthorne, Huntington Beach, Industry, Irvine, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, La Quinta, Los Angeles, Malibu, Mission Viejo, Montclair, Moreno Valley, Northridge, Ontario, Pasadena, Santa Monica, Stanton, Torrance, Valencia, Walnut, West Hollywood, and Yorba Linda.
9/2	Orange	Restaurant: Met with the owner, discussed permit requirements for their charbroiler, and assisted with an application.
9/4	Los Angeles	Film production facility: Company wanted help with permitting of film cleaning machines and emissions control equipment. Staff visited the facility and assisted with applications.
9/8	Los Angeles	Auto Repair: Company purchased facility and requested information on required permits. Assisted company with application forms and discussed applicable rules and regulations.
9/10	Los Angeles	Real Estate: Staff assisted client with a large-scale development project that consisted of the excavation and treatment of contaminated soil. Staff attended on-site roundtable meeting to discuss air quality requirements.
9/10	Los Angeles	Autobody shop: Facility was experiencing complaints due to the spraying operations, and they requested assistance. Staff provided guidance with operational practices that will reduce future nuisance potential.
9/16	Los Angeles	Distributor of dry cleaning equipment: Requested training on filling out AQMD permit application forms. This informal training will be used in the future by the company to assist their clients when new equipment is purchased.
9/16	Los Angeles	Coffee manufacturer: Provided permitting and rule interpretation assistance to a company purchasing and installing coffee-roasting equipment at a new facility.
9/16	Districtwide	Attended a meeting of Team California, which is a private-public partnership of major utilities, corporations and government agencies whose mission is to facilitate economic development throughout the state. Staff assisted in determining the annual plan for the partnership to be presented to the new Governor's transition team.
9/17	Orange	Tank degassing operation: Staff assisted with variance petition.
9/17	Districtwide	Met with officials from seven building and safety departments in a continuing effort to implement the new four-county outreach strategy to inform them of Government Code 65850.2. This code prohibits the cities from issuing a Certificate of Occupancy without ensuring the applicant has contacted AQMD and met permitting requirements.
9/17	Districtwide	Distributed a public notice for an October workshop on Variances and Orders for Abatement. The workshop will help customers understand how to apply for variances and how to prepare to testify before the Hearing Board.
9/23	Districtwide	Hosted the first meeting of the Air Quality Assistance Fund Focus Group. With membership from the banking industry, SBA, and local utility companies, this group will prepare recommendations to the AQMD regarding pollution control equipment financing.
9/23	Los Angeles	Electronics manufacturer: Provided information on permits and Rule 1145 to small electronics company moving from Finland to the South Coast Air Basin.
9/23	Orange	Architectural coating manufacturer. Assisted company with variance petition.
9/24	Los Angeles	Autobody shop: Provided on-site assistance with application forms and information on Rule 1151 class, as part of NOV settlement.
9/24	Orange	Dry cleaner: Investigated and informed dry cleaner that the machine he planned to install was not CARB certified.
9/29	Los Angeles, Orange	Industrial manufacturer: Several facilities requested assistance in converting their solvent cleaning operations to water-based cleaning solvents. Staff discussed rule requirements and provided a list of water-based cleaner suppliers.
9/29-30	Districtwide	Worked with Hearing Board members to develop the upcoming Variance and Orders for Abatement Workshop. Staff helped create program, the agenda, and various other items of information for the workshop.
9/30	Orange	Auto prototype manufacturer: Assisted facility in submitting their permit application for dust control system.
9/30	Los Angeles	Hospital: Architectural firm needed assistance in identifying hospital equipment that will require an AQMD permit.
9/30	Los Angeles	Service station: Applicant needed to replace underground storage tanks and vapor return system and requested financial assistance. Staff discussed and provided AQAF loan guaranty package.

9/9	San Bernardino	Attended the San Bernardino Associated Governments (SANBAG) Administrative Committee Meeting. Discussed the MSRC "Work Program Development" process and alternative fuels programs with the MSRC-TAC Chair.
9/9	Riverside	Attended the Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) Executive Committee Meeting. Discussed the MSRC "Work Program Development" process and AQMD legislative programs with the Executive Director and the Executive Committee Members who sit on the MSRC.
9/9	Los Angeles	Spoke with staff from Los Angeles County and City of Santa Clarita regarding their support for placing an air monitoring station on city property in the City of Santa Clarita.
9/9	Los Angeles	Spoke with staff from the City of Huntington Park to discuss a recent court order and removal plan for crushed concrete at ARS facility.
9/9	Los Angeles	Met with representative from City of Gardena to discuss AB 2766 Subvention Fund Program and different funding options for air quality projects.
9/9	Los Angeles	Attended Agoura Hills City Council meeting to discuss different funding options for air quality projects.
9/10	Orange	Attended the Orange County Public Affair Association (OCPAA). Discussed air quality related legislation with California Transportation Commission Member Dana Reed and Julie Puentes of the Orange County Business Council.
9/14	Riverside	Attended the Riverside County Division, League of California Cities General Membership Meeting. Discussed the MSRC Work Program Development process and alternative fuels programs with the mayors of Palm Springs, Hemet, Lake Elsinore, and Banning and council members of Hemet, Perris, Palm Desert, and La Quinta.
9/16	San Bernardino	Attended the San Bernardino Associated Governments (SANBAG) Plans & Programs Committee Meeting. Discussed the MSRC "Work Program Development" process with MSRC-TAC Member representative for the cities of San Bernardino County and with SANBAG staff.
9/17	Riverside/San Bernardino	Attended the Inland Empire City Managers’ Association Meeting. Discussed the MSRC "Work Program Development" process and AQMD legislative programs with city managers of Riverside, Upland, Big Bear Lake, Lake Elsinore, Moreno Valley, San Bernardino, and Highland, and the Executive Directors of SANBAG and RCTC.

9/17	Orange	Attended the Orange County Council of Governments (OCCOG) meeting. Discussed the AQMD legislative programs with the mayors of Huntington Beach and Los Alamitos and council members of Buena Park, Brea, and Santa Ana.
9/17	San Bernardino	Attended the Inland Empire Division, League of California Cities General Membership Meeting. Discussed the MSRC Work Program Development process and alternative fuels programs with the mayors of Fontana, Montclair, Yucaipa, and Grand Terrace and council members of Rialto, Grand Terrace, Highland, Yucaipa, Colton, and Chino Hills.
9/17	Los Angeles	Attended meeting at Montebello Board of Education to discuss Suva School issue.
9/17	Los Angeles	Spoke with staff from Councilmember Richard Alatorre’s office about the Boyle Heights air monitoring station.
9/17	Los Angeles	Met with staff from the City of Commerce regarding a city redevelopment issue and an AB 2588 asbestos issue.
9/18	Los Angeles	Spoke with staff from Senator Feinstein’s office about VOC/spray booth meeting.
9/18-9/20	Districtwide	Participated in California Contract Cities Fall Seminar in San Diego.
9/21	Riverside	Attended the reception hosted by the Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) in honor of the California Transportation Commissioners (CTC). Discussed diesel legislation and alternative fuels programs with CTC Chairman Bob Wolfe and Commissioner Dana Reed, as well as with Congressman George Brown and State Assembly Minority Leader Bill Leonard.
9/22	Riverside	Attended the California Transportation Commissioner (CTC) Meeting held at Riverside City Hall. Discussed diesel legislation and alternative fuels programs with staff from the CTC, RCTC, San Bernardino Associated Governments (SANBAG), and Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG).
9/23	Riverside	Attended the Northwest Riverside County Clean Cities Coalition Steering Committee Meeting. Discussed the MSRC’s Work Program Development process and schedule. Answered questions regarding funding available for alternatively fueled vehicle projects.

9/23	San Bernardino	Attended an Ontario Airport Terminal Expansion Grand Opening event. Discussed "Clean Fuels" and diesel legislation with State Senator Jim Brulte and Assembly Members Fred Aguiar and Joe Baca. Discussed alternative fuels vehicle programs with mayors and council members from Rancho Cucamonga, Hesperia, Claremont, Chino, Montclair, Rialto, and Chino Hills.
9/23	Los Angeles	Met with representatives from MTA to discuss proposed change of MTA’s alternative fuel bus purchase policy.
9/24	San Bernardino	Attended the Baldy View Public Private Coalition (CLOUT) Meeting. Discussed AQMD activities with Dr. Jerry Young, President of Chaffey College (new Chairman of CLOUT), staff members representing Congressman Jay Kim, State Senator Ruben Ayala, and Assemblyman Fred Aguiar.
9/24	Districtwide	Attended and participated in the Subregional Coordinators Group Meeting. Gave an Air Quality Activities Update presentation. Discussed the Y2000 AQMP and 1999 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) update process.
9/24 & 29	San Bernardino	Attended and participated in the Inland Empire Division, League of California Cities Restructuring Task Force Meeting – Rancho Cucamonga.
9/25	Sacramento
9/28	San Bernardino	Made a presentation to City of Big Bear Lake City Council regarding AQMD’s temporary ozone monitoring program being conducted in the city.
9/29	Riverside	Attended the Riverside County Board of Supervisors Meeting. Discussed direction of Supervisor Mullen’s Western Riverside County "Community and Environmental Transportation Acceptability Process" (CETAP) with county administrative staff.
9/30	AB 2766 Discretionary Fund (MSRC)	Attended a meeting with Mayor John Longville (City of Rialto) and Mayor Bob Bartlett (City of Monrovia) regarding transition of SCAG representation on MSRC.
9/30	AB 2766 Discretionary Fund (MSRC)	Provided briefing on MSRC’s history and process for Mayor Will Kleindeinst (City of Palm Springs).

Requests Carried Over	No. of Requests Received	No. of Requests Closed
530	365	457

Date	Media	Description of Activity
9/1	Newspaper	Provided information on Parkside Estates farm to Huntington Beach Independent reporter.
9/1	Newspaper	Provided information to San Bernardino Sun and arranged interview with Riverside Press-Enterprise on Union Pacific case.
9/2	Radio	Arranged interview with District meteorology staff regarding heat wave & air quality.
9/2	Newspaper	Provided information on air quality in Chino to Daily Bulletin.
9/2	Newspaper	Provided information and arranged interview with Los Angeles Business Journal on smog season.
9/2	Newspaper	Provided information to Random Lengths on LAXT.
9/2	Newspaper	Provided information to Log Newspapers on Rule 1158.
9/2	Newsletter	Provided information to Inside Cal/EPA on Rule 2202.
9/2-3	Newspaper	Provided information to Costa Mesa Daily Pilot on toxic hot spot monitoring.
9/2-3	Newspaper	Provided information to Whittier Daily News on CENCO.
9/3	Newspaper	Provided information to Inland Valley Daily Bulletin on smog season.
9/3	Newspaper	Provided information on study of ship emissions to the Marine Digest.

9/3 & 11	Television	Assisted City of Moreno Valley Community Access Channel in setting up a panel discussion on pollution prevention.
9/3	Newspaper	Provided emissions data to the Pasadena Star-News.
9/4	Newspaper	Provided information on AQMD’s regulatory authority to New Times.
9/4	Newspaper	Provided update on Rule 1610 to Random Lengths.
9/4	Newspaper	Provided information to freelancer on number of days this summer above eight-hour standard.
9/4	Newspaper	Provided status report on reactivation of Powerine permits to Los Angeles Times, Whittier Daily News.
9/8	Television	Provided information to KNBC-TV Channel 4 on automotive emissions.
9/8 & 10	Newspapers	Provided information to Riverside Press-Enterprise following up on Inland Empire Air Quality Summit.
9/10	Newsletter/ Radio/ Newsletter	Provided information on the GM Fast Charger to Torrance Daily Breeze, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, San Gabriel Valley Tribune, Orange County Register and Air Daily Reporter. Arranged interviews with acting EO and Los Angeles Times, KNX-AM.
9/10	Newspaper/ Radio/ Newsletter	Provided information on September Board meeting to Los Angeles Times, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, Orange County Register, Riverside Press-Enterprise, BNA Publications and Inland Empire Radio News.
9/10	Newspaper	Provided information on Suva Elementary School issue to Our Times Montebello, an LA Times Supplement.
9/10	Newsletter	Provided information to Inside Cal-EPA with regard to new Governor’s appointee to Governing Board.
9/11	Newspaper	Provided information to Orange County Register on Board meeting.
9/11	Newspaper	Provided information to the Riverside Press-Enterprise regarding the Inland Empire work plan, the Board meeting, and AQMD’s notice of intent to sue EPA.
9/11	Newspaper	Provided information to the Los Angeles Times on LAXT.
9/11	Newspaper	Provided information to Los Angeles Times on Powerine permits.
9/14	Newspapers	Provided information on Inland empire work plan, and its proposal to offer paging service on smog levels, to San Bernardino Sun and Desert Sun.
9/15	Newspaper	Provided information on AQMD’s Vehicle Scrapping in relation to Ford Motor Company’s planned scrapping program rule to USA Today, Orange County Register and Los Angeles Times reporters.
9/15	Radio	Provided interview to Radio Bilingua regarding AQMD programs to control toxic pollution.
9/15	Newsletter	Provided information to BNA Publications on AQMD’s notice of intent to sue EPA.
9/15–16	Newspaper	Provided information to Riverside Press-Enterprise on pager system.
9/16	Newspaper	Provided information to LA Daily Journal on toxic hot spot study.
9/16	Newspaper	Provided information to the Los Angeles Times on AQMD monitoring stations.
9/17	Newspaper	Provided information to Los Angeles Business Journal on Executive Officer recruitment & new Board Member.
9/17	Newspaper	Arranged interview with AQMD refinery staff and Whittier Daily News re: CENCO.
9/17	Magazines	Reviewed article on District solvent rules for Parts Cleaning and Precision Cleaning Magazines.
9/17	Cable TV	Participated in a city panel on pollution prevention taped by Moreno Valley Cable TV for broadcast throughout October.
9/18	Newspaper	Provided information on health study to the Los Angeles Daily News.
9/18	Newspaper	Provided information on air quality monitoring network to the Los Angeles Times.
9/18	Newspaper	Provided information on Board committee meeting agendas to the Riverside Press-Enterprise.
9/22	Newspaper	Provided information on auto scrapping to Random Lengths.
9/22	Newspaper	Provided information to USA Today on Smog.
9/23	Newspaper	Researched and provided information to Los Angeles Times on 1998 smog season.
9/23	Newspaper	Provided information to Inland Empire Business Press on Inland Empire Initiatives.
9/23	Newspaper	Provided information on diesel vehicles and clean air plan to the Los Angeles Daily News for story on MTA bus procurement plan.
9/24	Newspaper	Provided information on MTA proposal to buy diesel buses to the Long Beach Press Telegram.
9/24	Newsletter	Provided information on auto scrapping to Inside Washington Publishers.
9/24	Newsletter	Provided information on the clean fuels program to NGV News.
9/24	Video	Helped research and provide photos to Holden White Communications for educational video.
9/24	Newspaper	Provided information to Riverside Press-Enterprise on MWD penalty settlement.
9/24	Newspaper	Provided information to Los Angeles Business Journal on Executive Officer selection.

Visitor Trans-actions	Calls Responded to by PIC Staff	Automated Call Responses	Info Packages Mailed	Total Phone Calls
821	828	10,740	534	11,568

Main Line Calls	CUT-SMOG Line	After Hours	Spanish Line Calls	Total Phone Calls
7,336	5,684	2,104	68	15,192

Press Interviews/Assistance	Total Clippings/Transcripts	Mailings by News Bureau
74	182	546