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Public Affairs Report

SYNOPSIS: 

This report highlights the March 2000 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.

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
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 the Speakers Bureau, Visiting Dignitaries and Public Information Center), Business Assistance, Intergovernmental Affairs and Media Communications (including the Communication Center).

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
3/1	Headquarters	Hosted and facilitated Educators Conference on Air Pollution and Children's Health. About 160 people attended and heard from two three-member panels addressing such issues as air quality monitoring and forecasting, research on the impact of air pollution on children and incentives to purchase low-emission buses.
3/2	Orange	Spoke to the Breathers Group at Glendale Adventist Hospital. Showed slide presentation and answered questions to approximately 30 people.
3/8	Orange	Attended American Lung Association of Orange County Committee meeting for Clean Air Awards. Participated as a committee member.
3/14	Los Angeles	Spoke with El Rancho Unified School District in Pico Rivera regarding an asthma awareness program that they would like AQMD to participate in. Contacted the Asthma & Allergy Foundation and they are also interested in participating. Will begin planning for a Saturday program in May/June for parents of asthmatic children.
3/16	Los Angeles	Met with a group from UCLA conducting an asthma research project in Lennox. Provided update on Environmental Justice program and monitoring conducted in and around Lennox.
3/21	Los Angeles	Conference call with staff from Vernon and Huntington Park Chambers to discuss planning and sponsorship for upcoming Regional Clean Air Fair. City of Vernon will commit $1,000 to program.
3/23	Los Angeles	Attended a community meeting held by Concerned Citizens of Carson on environmental hazards occurring in the area.
3/24	Los Angeles	Distributed 6,000 fliers to schools and public facilities in the Compton area, announcing the March Town Hall Meeting.
3/24	Los Angeles	Made presentation on Breathmobile Program to members of Montebello Unified School District Community Health Collaborative.
3/30	Out of basin	Attended CAPCOA Public Outreach Committee Meeting. Updated attendees on AQMD’s public education programs and special events.
3/31	Los Angeles	Attended meeting with staff from Kaiser Permanente (KP), Asthma & Allergy Foundation, and Assemblyman Firebaugh’s staff to see how Kaiser may be able to collaborate on Mobile Asthma Van project.

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 March.

Date	Location	Description of Activity
3/1	Headquarters	A delegation of environmental officials from Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Syria West Bank and Yemen met with Public Affairs and Planning staff for a general overview of the District and its programs.
3/2	Los Angeles	Attended Valley Industry & Commerce Assocation meeting in Los Angeles to address questions regarding the AQMD’s proposed fleet rules.
3/7	Headquarters	Two representatives from the Jilin Provincial Environmental Protection Bureau in China met with Public Affairs staff for a general air quality overview.
3/9	Headquarters	A 15-member group of environmental and policy educators from Moldova, hosted by UC Riverside, met with Public Affairs staff for a general air quality overview and a tour of AQMD headquarters.
3/14	Headquarters	Mr. Steven Shi, director of long-term planning for China's Zhe Jiang province, met with Public Affairs, Planning and Technology Advancement staffs for overviews of their programs.
3/28-31	Headquarters	A six-member delegation from Fu-Jen Catholic University (Taiwan) and Taipei County Environmental Protection Bureau held extensive meetings with staff on a variety of air quality issues.

Public Information Center Statistics

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

Visitor Transactions	Info Packages Mailed	Calls Received by PIC Staff	Calls to Automated System	Total Phone Calls Received
692	2,380	472	4,920	5,392

BUSINESS ASSISTANCE

AQMD assists businesses by notifying them of proposed regulations so they can participate in their development by providing one-to-one assistance. 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
3/7	Los Angeles	Water-based, low-VOC cleaning solution manufacturer: Provided assistance explaining the requirements of Rules 1122 and 1171.
3/7	Los Angeles	Restaurant: New facility will operate a charbroiler. Assisted company with applicable rules and provided application package for registration.
3/7–31	Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino	Provided air quality clearance letters for companies in the cities and areas of: Brea, Cerritos, Costa Mesa, Cypress, Dominguez Hills, Fountain Valley, Gardena, Huntington Beach, Huntington Park, Laguna Niguel, Lomita, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Newport Beach, North Hills, Northridge, Paramount, Redondo Beach, Reseda, Riverside, San Bernardino, Santa Ana, Santa Fe Springs, South El Monte, Sun Valley, Temecula, Torrance, Universal City, Upland, Valencia, and Westminster.
3/8	Los Angeles	Dry cleaner: Applying for a permit for an existing dry cleaning machine without a valid permit. Explained District's rule requirements for dry cleaners and assisted with permit application.
3/8	Orange	Property management: Company has a building that has asbestos. Explained and provided rules, application forms and fees.
3/8	Orange	California Dry Cleaners Association: Staff met with officials to discuss the upcoming Rule 1402 issues impacting the dry cleaning industry.
3/8	Orange	Small dry cleaning facility: Staff conducted an on-site consultation and explained District's rules and permitting requirements.
3/9	Los Angeles	Fire department: Inquired about Rule 1171 water-based solvent cleaning requirements and requested brochures. Discussed rule and outreach activities which fire department is currently planning for community.
3/9	Los Angeles	Local government: Staff was requested to attend a roundtable meeting with a local city councilman regarding a project in his District. Provided assistance addressing air quality permit and rule requirements. Will also be conducting an on-site consultation.
3/9	Riverside	Fire fighting equipment supplier: Provided assistance in completing a variance petition for allowing the company to film an open fire for product promotion.
3/10	Los Angeles	Precious metals recovery: New business start-up that will include various lines and control equipment. Provided and explained applicable District rules and application forms. Assistance was given in Spanish.
3/14	Riverside	Motorcycle paint shop: Plans to purchase spray booths and oven. Wanted information on regulations and permitting. Staff discussed rules and explained how to apply for permits.
3/14	Riverside	Trailer manufacturer: Plans to relocate and is concerned about how move will affect their facility VOC emissions limit. Met with owner and paint manufacturer to discuss current policies.
3/14	Los Angeles	General contractor: Engineer came in to submit applications for two emergency generators, but equipment model was not on certified internal combustion engine list. Staff contacted distributor, who chose a different model. Staff assisted engineer in filling out applications.
3/14	Los Angeles	Marine coatings: Facility is opening a boat yard that will be roller coating boat hulls with an antifoulant coating. Staff conducted an on site technical consultation to discuss Rule 1106.1 and recordkeeping requirements.
3/15	San Bernardino	Beverage manufacturer: Company called to find out if there were any regulations that would affect operation of their hot water heaters. Representative provided information on heater energy input and dates of installation. Staff advised heaters must meet new emissions limits within five years.
3/15	Riverside	Graphic art printing facility: Staff explained the requirements of Rule 1130 and assisted/educated the applicant in calculating the VOC content of printing materials.
3/16	Los Angeles	School: City college requested on-site technical consultation to assist with permit requirements. Staff reviewed air quality records and equipment. Provided list of action items to maintain compliance.
3/20-21	Los Angeles	Business outreach: Staff manned a booth at the Westec 2000 Expo. Provided outreach materials, rules and technical assistance.
3/21	Riverside	Auto body shop: Installing new spray booth equipment. Staff provided assistance explaining the rules and permitting requirements for spray booth equipment.
3/21	Los Angeles	Small dry cleaner: Referred by District inspector. Requested assistance determining if an existing but non-operational dry cleaning machine complies with current requirements. Staff provided assistance in the compliance determination.
3/22	Orange	Small dry cleaning facility: Operating a non-compliant dry cleaning machine without a valid permit. Staff arranged a meeting with District Prosecutor staff and helped them obtain an order for abatement to allow the dry cleaners to continue to operate the existing equipment while purchasing a new machine under a stipulated progress schedule.
3/22	Los Angeles	Medical device manufacturer: Requested on-site consultation to discuss how to apply for change of ownership permits, existing equipment operating w/out permit, and future expansion. Staff visited the facility and discussed the District rules and provided application forms to apply for permits.
3/23	Houston, Texas	Power plant consulting engineers: Requested assistance explaining AQMD's emission offset requirements for new power generating equipment permits. Staff provided explanations, in general terms, for the emission offsetting requirements for new combustion type equipment permit application.
3/24	Orange	Metal products manufacturer: Existing facility will be adding a paint spray booth. Staff provided and explained applicable District rules and application package.
3/24	Los Angeles	Facility/building management consultants: Staff provided assistance explaining the rules and permitting requirements for emergency internal combustion engines.
3/28	Los Angeles	Furniture manufacturer: Existing business was referred by Engineering & Compliance staff. SBAO staff assisted by providing and explaining applicable District rules and application forms. Assistance was given in Spanish.
3/28	Los Angeles	Auto body shop: Applicant purchased facility and requested information on required permits. Assisted facility with application forms and discussed applicable rules and regulations. Assistance was given in Spanish.
3/28	Los Angeles	Cabinet & furniture finishing shop: Company forced to relocate. Staff visited facility and assisted in applying for two spray booth permits and explained applicable rules.
3/28	Orange	Dry cleaning facility: New owner of an existing small dry cleaning facility was cited for operating a non-compliant dry cleaning machine. With SBAO staff's help, Hearing Board granted a variance allowing the owner six months to purchase a new machine with all Hearing Board fees waived. Facilitated communication between the District Prosecutor and Engineering & Compliance to settle outstanding NOV.
3/29	Los Angeles	Motorcycle manufacturer: Needed assistance changing from solvent-based parts cleaner to water-based parts cleaner for their high performance operations. Staff provided Rule 1171 informational pamphlets and a list of suppliers of equipment and products.
3/29	Los Angeles	Fabricated metal products: New business will include a paint spray booth. Explained and provided rules, application forms and fees. Assistance was given in Spanish.
3/29	Los Angeles	Hospital: Called to inquire about BACT requirements for boilers and emergency engines. The company was operating this equipment without permits and was cited by District engineer. Staff discussed latest BACT requirements and asked the applicant to modify the boiler to comply with BACT requirements. Provided list of burner manufacturers that comply with District guidelines.
3/29	Los Angeles	Textile manufacturing & dyeing factory: Company installed boiler without permit and received an NOV. Staff went to facility and assisted manager in filling out application for permit.
3/30	Seattle, WA/ Los Angeles	Seattle-based packaging service provider: Building a new corrugated packaging material manufacturing facility in Los Angeles County. The company is expected to install a large boiler and the associated emission control system in the fall of this year. Staff provided assistance in explaining the equipment/engineering specifications and permitting requirements for boiler equipment, and completing the applications.
3/30	Orange	Electrolytic stripping: Existing company is expanding to include a stripping line. Staff conducted an on-site consultation visit, and explained and provided rules, application forms and fees.
3/31	San Bernardino	Wood finishing shop: Owner is selling business and requested help for new owner in applying for new spray booth permit. Staff provided forms and guidance on completing application.
3/31	Los Angeles	Electronic equipment: New business will include equipment that is subject to Rule 212, Public Notice. Staff translated the public notice in Spanish for distribution.

INTERGOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS ACTIVITY

Intergovernmental Affairs works with local government, state and federal officials in response to their air quality concerns and local issues. Additionally, staff administers the AB 2766 Subvention Fund Program.

Date	Location	Description of Activity
3/1	San Bernardino	Attended SANBAG Board Meeting. Assisted DEO – Planning, Rule Development and Area Sources in a presentation and discussion of the proposed fleet rules with the SANBAG Board Members.
3/1	San Bernardino	Met with Colton City Manager. Discussed the recent settlement between the AQMD and Union Pacific Railroad. Also discussed the proposed fleet rules and the possibility of the city council adopting a resolution in support of the proposed rule.
3/1	Los Angeles	Attended Los Virgenes/Malibu Council of Governments Technical Advisory Committee meeting at Calabasas City Hall to address questions regarding the AQMD’s proposed fleet rules.
3/1	Los Angeles	Attended California Contract Cities Association Executive Board meeting in Commerce to address questions regarding the AQMD’s proposed fleet rules.
3/2	Districtwide	Attended SCAG Implementation and Policy Committees and Regional Council Meeting. Assisted DEO – Planning, Rule Development and Area Sources in a presentation and discussion of the proposed fleet rules with the SCAG Regional Council Members.
3/2	Los Angeles	Attended San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments Transportation Committee meeting to address questions regarding the AQMD’s proposed fleet rules.
3/2	Los Angeles	Attended Huntington Park City Council Town Hall Meeting and dinner to discuss MATES II findings.
3/6	Riverside	Attended Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG) Executive Committee Meeting in Moreno Valley. Discussed proposed fleet rules with mayors and council members.
3/7	Orange	Attended Orange County Council of Governments (OCCOG) Technical Advisory Committee Meeting. Discussed proposed fleet rules and answered committee questions. Also discussed the COG’s AB 2766 Outreach Program with committee members and COG staff.
3/7	Los Angeles	Attended South Bay Cities COG Steering Committee meeting to address questions related to AQMD’s proposed fleet rules.
3/8	Riverside	Attended Riverside County Transportation Commission Meeting. Discussed proposed fleet rules with board members and staff. Agreed to facilitate an AQMD staff presentation on the proposed rules to a newly formed "Alternate Fuels" sub-committee.
3/8	San Bernardino	Attended San Bernardino County Workshop in Rancho Cucamonga on AQMD’s proposed fleet rules. Assisted the Manager of Rule Development in a presentation and discussion of the proposed fleet rules with attendees from local governments in San Bernardino County.
3/8	Los Angeles	Received request from field staff for City of Los Angeles Mayor Riordan regarding constituent’s business which is a shutter company in Pacoima. Constituent wants to move to new location about three blocks away from current location. Wants to transfer spray lacquer permit to new location, if allowed. Forwarded this request for assistance to AQMD’s Small Business Assistance staff.
3/9	San Bernardino	Met with Upland City Manager. Provided a briefing on proposed Rule 1191.
3/9	Orange	Attended Orange County Division, League of California Cities General Membership Meeting.
3/9	Los Angeles	Attended Pacific Southwest Chapter of NAFA at the Cerritos Sheraton to address concerns regarding AQMD’s proposed fleet rules.
3/9	Los Angeles	Attended Independent Cities Association Board of Directors Meeting to provide update on changes to AQMD’s proposed fleet rules.
3/13	Riverside	Met with mayor and council member of the City of Hemet. Provided a briefing on proposed fleet rules and discussed their interest in acquiring alternate fuel vehicles and fueling infrastructure.
3/13	Riverside	Attended Riverside County Division, League of California Cities General Membership Meeting. Made a presentation on the proposed fleet rules.
3/14	Riverside	Attended Riverside County Board of Supervisors Meeting. Monitored their agenda item to set discussion at a future meeting regarding conversion of county fleet to alternative fuels.
3/14	Los Angeles	Provided technical update on AQMD’s proposed fleet rules to the South Bay Council of Governments Transportation Oversight Committee.
3/14	Los Angeles	Met with Director of Public Works for the City of Sierra Madre to discuss city’s position on the AQMD’s proposed fleet rules.
3/15	San Bernardino	Attended San Bernardino Associated Governments (SANBAG) Plans & Programs Committee Meeting. Discussed proposed fleet rules and the COG’s AB 2766 Outreach Program.
3/15	Los Angeles	Participated in phone conference with staff to Senator Betty Karnette concerning proposed amendments to Rule 461.
3/16	San Bernardino, Riverside	Attended San Bernardino and Riverside County City Managers Meeting. Made a brief presentation on the proposed fleet rules.
3/16	San Bernardino	Attended Inland Empire Division, League of California Cities General Membership Meeting. Assisted the Manager of Rule Development in a presentation and discussion of the proposed fleet rules with mayors, council members and city managers from San Bernardino County cities.
3/21	San Bernardino	Joined DEO – Planning, Rule Development and Area Sources in a tour and discussion of proposed Rule 1192 with Durand Rall, General Manager Omnitrans.
3/21	Riverside	Attended Desert Hot Springs City Council Meeting. Made brief presentation on AQMD programs and on proposed fleet rules. Discussed the proposed rules with the mayor and city manager.
3/22	Los Angeles	Met with staff from Compton City Manager’s office to discuss upcoming town hall meeting.
3/23	Orange	Attended Orange County Council of Governments (OCCOG) Meeting. Discussed proposed fleet rules and the COG’s AB 2766 Outreach Program with committee members and OCCOG staff.
3/23	Riverside	Attended Riverside Transit Agency (RTA) Meeting. Discussed proposed fleet rules with committee members and RTA staff.
3/23	Orange	Met with council member from the City of Huntington Beach to discuss proposed fleet rules and his interest in encouraging alternative fuel vehicle programs in the city.
3/23	Los Angeles	Met with City Administrator for Montebello to discuss AQMD’s proposed fleet rules.
3/23	Los Angeles	Attended Irwindale City Council Meeting to be available to discuss the AQMD’s proposed fleet rules.
3/23	Los Angeles	Attended South Bay Cities COG Board of Directors Meeting to provide update on AQMD’s proposed fleet rules.
3/24	Los Angeles	Attended Foothill Transit Board Meeting in West Covina to provide testimony regarding proposed transit fleet rule.
3/27	Riverside	Attended Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) Alternative Fuels Ad Hoc Committee Meeting at RCTC Headquarters. Assisted the Manager of Rule Development in a presentation and discussion of the proposed fleet rules to committee members representing the County of Riverside.
3/27	Los Angeles	Attended the Bell Gardens City Council Meeting where the Council was considering adopting a resolution in support of the fleet rule for heavy duty vehicles.
3/28	Riverside	Attended Banning City Council Meeting. Discussed proposed fleet rules with the mayor and council members.
3/29	Riverside	Attended Northwest Riverside County Clean Cities Steering Committee Meeting. Discussed proposed fleet rules with coalition members and answered questions.
3/29	Los Angeles	Met with the Planning Manager and City Manager for the City of San Fernando to discuss the AQMD proposed fleet rules.
3/29	Los Angeles	Met with transportation staff to the City of Pasadena to discuss AQMD proposed fleet rules.
3/30	Riverside	Attended Coachella Valley Workshop on the proposed fleet rules hosted jointly by Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG), Sunline Transit Agency, and South Coast Air Quality Management District. Assisted the DEO – Planning, Rule Development and Area Sources in a presentation.
3/30	Los Angeles	Attended MTA Local Transit service Subcommittee meeting to address issues concerning AQMD’s proposed transit fleet rule.
3/30	Los Angeles	Attended the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments Transportation Committee meeting in San Gabriel to address issues concerning AQMD’s proposed fleet rules.
3/31	San Bernardino	Attended Inland Empire Division, League of California Cities Legislative Task Force Meeting at Rancho Cucamonga City Hall.
3/31	Los Angeles	Spoke with field representative to Assemblymember Gloria Romero regarding air quality meeting.

MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

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

Press Relations Highlights

Date	Media	Description of Activity
3/3	Internet	Updated News Web with fleet rule, CEQA items.
3/7	Newspaper	Provided background information on mobile source emissions to the Arizona Republic.
3/7	Newsletter	Provided information on proposed rule 1138.1 (restaurant charbroilers) to reporter for the Kiplinger Letter.
3/8	Newspaper	Provided information to Random Lengths News on coke dust studies.
3/9	Magazine	Provided information to US News and World Report on long-term smog trends, history.
3/9	Newspaper	Provided information to Riverside Press-Enterprise on fleet rules.
3/9	Newsletter	Provided information to School Transportation News on fleet rules.
3/9	Newspaper	Provided information to Atlanta reporter on 1999 smog season.
3/9	Newspaper	Provided information on Rule 1402 to KPFK Radio (FM 90.7).
3/10	Newspaper	Provided information to Long Beach Press-Telegram on Rule 1402.
3/10	Newspaper	Provided general information on air quality to the Long Beach Press-Telegram.
3/14	Newsletter	Provided information on MATES II to BNA Publications.
3/14	Newsletter	Provided information to Inside Cal/EPA on Rules 1302/3.
3/14	Newspaper	Provided information to Riverside Press-Enterprise, Orange County Register re: Rule 1402.
3/14	Newspaper	Provided information to the Long Beach State University Daily 49er on petroleum coke rule.
3/14	Newspaper	Provided information to the Los Angeles Times on Rule 1402.
3/14	Newspaper	Provided information on electric vehicles to the Chicago Tribune.
3/14	Television	Provided information to National Enquirer TV on dry cleaners.
3/17	Newspapers, Radio, Newsletter, TV	Provided information to KNX Radio (AM1070), Los Angeles Times, Inland Valley Our Times, KPFK Radio (FM 90.7) Whittier Daily News, KVEA TV (Ch. 52), BNA, Swedish Public Radio, LA Weekly, Inside Cal/EPA, Torrance Daily Breeze on Rule 1402.
3/17	All	Distributed March Board Meeting Summary to area media.
3/17	Newspaper	Provided information to Riverside Press-Enterprise on cancellation of Dysart Farms NOV.
3/19	Radio	Provided information to Swedish National Public Radio on Rule 1402.
3/21	Newspaper	Provided information to LA Weekly on Rule 1402.
3/21	Newspaper	Provided information to Riverside Press-Enterprise on fleet rules.
3/21	Newspapers	Provided information and interviews to Los Angeles Daily News, Los Angeles Times on AB2588 companies.
3/22	TV	Provided information and interview to KCBS channel 2 on Rule 1402.
3/23	Newspaper	Provided information to Newhall Signal on AB2588 companies.
3/29	Newspaper	Provided information to the Los Angeles Times regarding the new air quality index.
3/30	Newspaper	Provided information to the Riverside Press-Enterprise regarding California Biomass.
3/30	Newspaper	Provided update on AQMD activities to the Los Angeles Times.
3/30	Newsletter	Provided information on Regulation XIII to Inside Cal-EPA.

*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 Calls*	Spanish Line Calls	Total Phone Calls
4,967	4,614	1,977	48	11,606

*Saturday, Sunday and after 9:00 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.

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