South Coast Air Quality Management District

Public Affairs Report

SYNOPSIS: 

This report highlights the June 2001 activities of the Public Affairs Office which includes the following activities: Environ-mental Justice Update, Community Events/Public Meetings, Business Assistance, Intergovernmental Affairs, Media Communications, and Transportation Programs.

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 June. The report format includes six major areas: Environmental Justice Update, Community Events/Public Meetings (including the Speakers Bureau, Visiting Dignitaries and Public Information Center), Business Assistance, Intergovernmental Affairs, Media Communications (including the Communication Center), and Transportation Programs.

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE UPDATE

As of March 2000, the AQMD has met the objectives of the Environmental Justice Initiatives. Policies and Procedures are in place to address the Environmental Justice concerns of communities and individuals.
 

INITIATIVE	ACTIVITY
Town Hall Meetings	A Town Hall Meeting was held on Wednesday, July 11, 2001 at El Rincon School in Culver City. AQMD met with community members in San Bernardino to discuss continued concerns relative to a neighboring facility. The August Town Hall meeting will be held in Long Beach on August 22 at Veterans Park Community Center.
Ambient Monitoring of Air Toxics	MATES-II and Microscale Study: Completed. Governing Board approved MATES II Study at March 2000 meeting.
Community Response Teams	No activity reported for this period.
CEQA Commenting	Commenting Reporting Period: June 2001 Requests to AQMD for document review             0 Documents received this reporting period            61 Documents to receive AQMD comments:           29 Comment letters sent out this reporting period:    12
Environmental Justice Task Force	Completed. The final report was received at the August 1999 Governing Board meeting.
City of Los Angeles Environmental Justice Forum	Completed. AQMD participated in the October 25, 1997 forum.
Diesel Fuel Clean-Up Incentives	Rule 1195 – Clean On-Road School Buses was adopted at the April Governing Board meeting.
Field Inspection Technology	Completed. The Governing Board approved a plan at the December 1998 meeting.
Portable Equipment Permitting	Completed. The Governing Board approved a Compliance Policy for Portable Equipment on March 12, 1999.
Public Comment, Rules 1401 and 1402	Completed. The Governing Board approved the Toxics Reduction Plan at the March 2000 meeting.

COMMUNITY EVENTS/PUBLIC MEETINGS

Each year, thousands of AQMD customers receive tips on reducing their exposure to smog and its health effects; information on ways to participate in AQMD rule and policy development; and assistance in resolving air quality-related problems through events and meetings which AQMD sponsors alone or with others. The following describes the activities undertaken during June.
 

Date	Location	Description of Activity
6/1-7	Headquarters	Coordinated efforts between Edison and Montclair Plaza for a June presentation on energy-efficient consumer products for the Montclair Walkers.
6/1	Riverside	Participated in UC Riverside Environmental Fair on campus. Distributed materials and answered general air quality questions from an information booth.
6/5	Los Angeles	Staffed a booth at a career day at Gladstone High School in Covina. Some 1,400 students participated. Distributed AQMD outreach and promotional items.
6/5	Headquarters	Spoke with staff at Infinity Promotions Group to confirm AQMD’s participation in community fair at Venice Beach on June 30.
6/5	Los Angeles	Staffed a career day at Gladstone High School in West Covina. Distributed AQMD outreach publications and materials. Over 1,400 students participated.
6/5	Headquarters	Contacted various community and civic organizations to invite them to attend the Huntington Beach Town Hall meeting on June 27. Received database of 75 Orange County-based environmental and health organizations from American Lung Association of Orange County for mailing.
6/5	Headquarters	Met with community member from Huntington Beach who was concerned about a construction project in his neighborhood. He and his neighbors have called in various dust complaints over the months and he asked if any Notices of Violation have ever been issued. Forwarded an e-mail to the lead inspector requesting that he contact the resident and provide him with a status on this facility (if appropriate to provide comments at this time). Also invited residents to attend June 27 Town Hall Meeting in Huntington Beach.

6/25	San Bernardino	Attended Senior’s Outreach program at Montclair Mall. Introduced presenter from Energy Star Program who spoke about energy conservation. Distributed air quality information and informed the attendees about the Vehicle Display we plan to have at their 15th Anniversary Luncheon on July 25.
6/27	Headquarters	Coordinated final event set-up and contract approval for Bay Days event at Venice Beach on June 30. Spoke with PR director to confirm kite flying demonstration and AQMD’s listing at event.
6/27	Headquarters	Spoke with a representative from Atmospheric & Environmental Research Inc. who was interested in coordinating a visit from Paris air quality officials in Sept/Oct. timeframe. Told him about the International Conference and he was interested in receiving more information. Will forward his name and address to include in a database.
6/27	Orange	Coordinated and staffed Huntington Beach Town Hall Meeting. About 30 people attended.
6/30	Los Angeles	Staffed information table at Bay Days environmental fair put on by Heal the Bay at Venice Beach.

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

Public Workshops/Notices	Fee Review Requests
2 / 5	6

Speakers Bureau / Visiting Dignitaries / Information Requests

AQMD receives dozens of requests each month from trade associations, chambers of commerce and community-based groups, as well as schools, hospitals and health-based organizations for District staff members to speak on a variety of air quality-related issues. The District also 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 June.
 

Date	Location	Description of Activity
6/5	Headquarters	Hosted a delegation from China referred by the Air Resources Board.
6/8	Headquarters	Hosted a delegation from Guangxi Province, China. Gave an air quality overview to Astrid Peterson of South Africa, a Hubert H. Humphrey fellow studying ecology in the United States.
6/14	Headquarters	Provided an air quality overview and tour to a delegation from Gansu Province, China, referred to us by the Southern California Chinese Association of Commerce.
6/28	Headquarters
6/29	Headquarters	Hosted a visitor from the National Institute of Environmental Research in Korea.

Speaking Requests Received	Presentations (by Public Advisor staff)
1	4
Delegations Hosted	Tours of AQMD Headquarters
4	3

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
364	487	321	6,979	7,300

BUSINESS ASSISTANCE

AQMD assists businesses by notifying them of proposed regulations so they can participate in their development. Staff provides personalized assistance and 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
6/1-30	Headquarters	Expired Permit Courtesy Calls: Contacted 12 companies and retained 25 permits for a total revenue retention of $8,528.78.
6/1	Los Angeles	Food manufacturing company: Operates three boilers in violation of Rule 1146.1. As requested by District Prosecutor, reviewed draft abatement order and made necessary corrections.
6/1	Sacramento	Foreign Investment Office: As requested by California Office of Foreign Investment, staff explained permitting and compliance requirements for a ceramic floor tile manufacturing facility proposing to locate in Riverside County. Explained that the permitting requirements for this type of facility are achievable under District rules and regulations.
6/1	San Bernardino	Wood products manufacturer: Applied for permit to operate a spray booth and AQMD engineer requested a check of the distance to nearby school. Using Ground Positioning System, found distance to be greater than 1,000 feet. Informed manager that public notification would not be required.
6/1	Los Angeles	Printer and box manufacturer: Recently relocated. Purchased several printing presses and needed to apply for permits. Went to facility and showed them how to set up record keeping for their presses to determine if permits are required.
6/5	Los Angeles	Soil remediation project: Existing facility is subject to give a public notice pursuant to District Rule 212 regarding the installation and operation of one underground soil vapor extraction and treatment system and one aboveground waste gasoline storage tank. Translated the required public notice to Spanish.
6/5	Orange	Paint manufacturer: Consultant requested assistance with permitting requirements for a proposed new facility. Provided assistance and consultation in permitting and compliance requirements for either purchasing an existing plant or building a new facility.
6/5	Los Angeles	Proposed new power plant located in west L.A. County: Provided assistance/consultation and explained permitting and compliance requirements.
6/5	Los Angeles	Chrome plating shop: Operating plating line without a permit. Visited shop and helped the owner fill out a permit application form and a fee review request.

6/5	Los Angeles	Dry cleaner: Assisted resolving a Notice of Violation, which was rescinded when the dry cleaner provided records verifying that a significant portion of his perc usage was recycled with his hazardous waste rather than lost to the atmosphere.
6/5-6	Los Angeles	Motion picture film cleaning industry consultant: Requested assistance with compliance requirements for film cleaning machines using VOC solvents. Conducted an investigation on the case, and provided assistance with permitting and compliance requirements. Also advised the consultant that the proposed amendment of Rule 1122 would exempt the film cleaning machines.
6/6	San Bernardino	Aircraft service company: Plans to acquire a hangar-size spray booth for painting airplanes. Provided assistance and consultation in explaining permitting and compliance requirements.
6/6	Los Angeles	Plastic product manufacturer: Existing business recently cited by AQMD compliance staff. District Prosecutor requested assistance be given. Provided applicable rules and permit requirements.
6/6	Los Angeles	City public works facility: Safety department asked for assistance with record keeping related to paint spraying. Went to facility and staff could not locate permits. Obtained from AQMD records and gave them copies. Advised them they could cancel their old permits on street striping machines because they are now exempt. Will return to show staff how to keep records on their spray booth.
6/6	Los Angeles	Manufacturer of equipment for disabled: Applied for spray booth permit and AQMD engineer asked for check of distance to nearby school. With Ground Positioning System, found that one corner of their site was greater than 1,000 feet from the school. They changed intended location of booth to that corner so that public notification was not required.
6/6	Orange	Request came through the Orange County Permit Assistance Center to update the status of AQMD air permit applications for various power plant projects within the Orange County Permit Assistance Center’s area.

6/6	Los Angeles	Request came through the CalEPA Los Angeles Business Revitalization Center to update the status of AQMD air permit applications for various power plant projects within Los Angeles Permit Assistance Center’s area.
6/6	Riverside	Cooling/heat exchange equipment manufacturer: Request from the Inland Empire Permit Assistance Center to provide consultation and explain permitting and compliance requirements for installation and operating multiple units of 30KW microturbines for emergency power generation.
6/7	Orange	New auto body facility: Plans to purchase and install spray booth equipment. Provided assistance and explained permitting and compliance requirements for coating equipment and operations.
6/7	San Bernardino	Aluminum baseball bat manufacturer: Operates a screen printing operation. Provided assistance and consultation in conducting VOC content calculations for a new cleaning solvent.
6/7	Orange	Office building: Operates a 3 mm Btu/hr boiler without a valid permit. Provided assistance and consultation in explaining the permitting and compliance requirements.
6/7	Los Angeles	Metal plating job shop: Existing company recently cited by AQMD compliance staff. Conducted an on-site consultation that involved providing and explaining applicable rules, permit requirements including BACT for several plating lines and control equipment, and a Variance/Hearing Board Package.
6/7	Los Angeles	Metal plating job shop: Existing company requested assistance with possible expansion of operation. Conducted an on-site consultation that involved providing and explaining applicable rules, permit requirements including BACT for several plating lines and control equipment. The assistance was given in Spanish.
6/7	Los Angeles	Shutter finishing shop: Owner applied for permit for spray booth and AQMD engineer requested a check of distances to two schools in vicinity. Using Ground Positioning System, found neither school is within 1,000 feet.

6/7	Riverside	Ceramic product manufacturer: New business start-up that will include a coating operation and an oven for curing. Provided and explained applicable rules and permit requirements including BACT, and furnished a clearance letter.
6/7	Los Angeles	Radio broadcasting company: Inquired about the feasibility and possible funding assistance for installing microturbines for emergency power generation. Provided assistance and explained permitting and compliance requirements.
6/7	Los Angeles	Counter top manufacturer: Manufactures Formica and Corian counter tops and produces a lot of dust from hand tools used in polishing. They had some complaints about the dust from a neighbor and they would like some help in solving the problem. Additionally, they would like to be sure they are in compliance with all of our rules. Went to the facility and discussed the ideas they had on cutting down on the dust and made some suggestions. Also talked about compliance with solvent cleaning rules.
6/8	Orange	Dry cleaner: Changed its address but has not physically relocated the dry cleaning equipment. Working with Compliance staff, provided assistance and coordination efforts in clarifying complex permit issues.
6/8	Los Angeles	Dry cleaner: Sited for violation of operating dry cleaning equipment with perc loss in excess of amount allowed in the permit. Owner argued that the perc credit from recycled waste disposed has not been accounted for in the perc loss calculations. Provided assistance and conducted an investigation on how the perc loss was determined.
6/12	Los Angeles	Soil remediation: Existing business that will include the use of vapor extraction and soil treatment equipment. Provided and explained applicable District rules, permit requirements and issued a clearance letter.

6/12	Los Angeles	Footwear manufacturer: Existing business that has a coating operation using non-compliant coatings/adhesives. The company has been under a variance for those products for several years and has requested assistance in applying for a continuance of the variance. Conducted an on-site consultation that involved providing and explaining applicable District rules, and the variance application.
6/13	Los Angeles	Wood furniture manufacturer: Existing facility that is subject to give public notice pursuant to District Rule 212 regarding the installation and operation of two paint spray booths. Translated the required public notice to Spanish.
6/13	Los Angeles	Auto body facility: Manufactures its own specially designed polyester resin auto body parts. Provided assistance and consultation explaining permitting and compliance requirements for polyester resin operations.
6/13	Los Angeles	New restaurant: Plans to install charbroiler. Provided assistance and explained permitting and compliance requirements for charbroilers.
6/13	Los Angeles	Service station: Owner wanted to make sure he was in compliance. Visited station and checked equipment, showing him several deficiencies on his nozzles and tanks. Suggested he take the AQMD’s Rule 461 training class and gave him information on how to sign up.
6/13 & 20	Los Angeles	Lithographic printer: Recently purchased a new press and wanted a permit to operate. Went to facility and went through ink and solvent usage records for two existing presses, one of which was permitted. Found the conditions on the permit had a very low VOC emissions limit, and suggested they apply for a change of conditions to a monthly facility limit. Also, after discussing the usage limits imposed on the other existing press, to maintain an exempt status, they decided to apply for a permit. Assisted in filling out applications for the three presses.
6/14	Los Angeles	Provided general assistance and information outreach at the Air Quality Environmental Trade Conference at the Long Beach Hilton sponsored by Penn Air Group in conjunction with the Southern California Chinese Association of Commerce.

6/15	Los Angeles	New restaurant: Installing a Chinese-style BBQ charbroiler. Provided assistance and consultation in filing for an AQMD permit for the charbroiler and issued a clearance letter.
6/15	Orange	Sportswear screen printer: Recently purchased new presses and ovens and wanted to apply for permits. Visited plant and checked their usage of inks and cleanup solvent and asked for records on solvent replacement by their tank cleaning service company. Told him that when we review all their ink and solvent usage, the presses and ovens could be exempt from permits. Will return when he obtains records.
6/19	San Bernardino	Electronic product manufacturer: Existing business that will be expanding. Provided and explained applicable rules and permit requirements, including BACT. Issued a clearance letter.
6/19	Orange	Industrial equipment manufacturer: Requested assistance in applying for clean air solvent certification. Referred the customer to the appropriate District staff and provided and explained applicable rules.
6/19	Orange	Environmental engineering consulting firm: Conducting a soil/ground water remediation project for a service station site. A new process will be used to clean up MTBE extracted from the ground water. Provided assistance and consultation and explained permitting and compliance requirements.
6/19	Los Angeles	Pasta manufacturer: Provided assistance and consultation explaining permitting and compliance requirements for boiler modification.
6/20	Los Angeles	Dry cleaner: Recently inspected and cited by AQMD compliance staff. Provided and explained applicable rules, the reasons for the violation, and assisted with their recordkeeping requirements. The assistance was given in Spanish.

6/20	Los Angeles	Dry cleaner: Operating with an expired permit. Relocated to the current location due to the Northridge earthquake damages at the previous location. A new relocation permit was issued in 1994. AQMD inactivated the permit in 1995 erroneously because of misunderstanding in annual fee billing. Conducted an on-site consultation and investigated the case. Also provided assistance to the applicant in filing a Fee Review Committee request to re-instate the permit.
6/21	Los Angeles	Auto repair & body shop: New business that will include a coating and solvent cleaning operation. Provided and explained applicable rules and permit requirements. Also issued a clearance letter.
6/21	Los Angeles	Paint spray booth manufacturer: Requested clarification on coating rules that they address with their customers. Provided and explained applicable rules and permit requirements.
6/21	Los Angeles	Hydro-seeding contractor: Operates portable engines without valid AQMD permits or the Statewide portable equipment registration. Provided assistance and consultation and explained both the District’s and the statewide registration’s permitting and compliance requirements for portable engines.
6/21	Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino	This request came through CalEPA, Sacramento. Attended a meeting involving a conference call with all of the CalEPA Directors and Sacramento staff regarding updates on energy-related issues as part of the "Governor’s Clean Energy Green Team." Gave update regarding AQMD’s upcoming energy conference.
6/21	Los Angeles	Air tool sales/rental/service company: Received Notice to Comply for operating a spray booth without a permit and wanted assistance with application. Went to facility and assisted owner in filling out application forms. Additionally, measured distances with Ground Positioning System to three nearby schools, determining they were greater than 1,000’ from spray booth and public notification is not required.

6/21	Los Angeles	Trailer manufacturer: Given Notice to Comply to apply for change of ownership on open spray equipment. Went to the business and advised that since they are not using the spray equipment that was permitted, they should apply for a new permit on their current equipment, or maintain usage levels of their water-based coatings below exemption limits. Will return to facility to assist them in determining which choice to make.
6/22	Los Angeles	Printing and publishing: Existing small business that wanted to ensure that they were in compliance with AQMD rules and permitting issues. Provided and explained applicable rules and permit requirements including BACT.
6/22	Orange	Wholesale commercial nursery: Verified that our District Counsel has agreed that their operation qualifies for the permitting exemption allowed by state law for agricultural facilities.
6/22	Los Angeles	Aluminum parts heat-treating facility: Operates a heat-treating furnace without a valid permit. The company mistakenly filed a Rule 222-B Boiler filing for the furnace. Provided assistance and advised the applicant to submit a regular AQMD permit.
6/22	Orange	Lithographic printer: Moving to new facility and needs help applying for permit on new press. Advised what supplemental information is needed to obtain an application. Went to the new site and with Ground Positioning System measured distance to nearby school. Found that the new press would be greater than 1,000’ from the school. Will return to assist with application.
6/26	Los Angeles	Flour milling company: Submitted many applications for modifications to grain and flour processing and handling equipment. Permit processing engineer asked for additional information, but plant staff did not understand what was being requested. Went to plant and met with staff. Gave them suggestions on information they should compile on equipment and its operation.

6/26	Los Angeles	Coating, powder coating, and screen printing company: Received a Notice of Violation for installing an oven without a permit and operating a degreaser with the wrong solvent. Visited facility and advised that he first needs to repair the oven in order to determine the natural gas consumption, information necessary to apply for a permit. Suggested that he replace the degreaser with water-based cleaner.
6/27	Orange	Kitchen cabinet manufacturer: Moving to new facility. Wants to relocate an existing spray booth and install a new one. Also wanted to move current emissions limit to new location. Went to new site and checked distances to two nearby schools, finding they were more than 1,000’. Met with owner and discussed how permit applications would have to be submitted.
6/28	Los Angeles	Fabric dye and washing company: Purchased an existing facility. Provided assistance and consultation and explained the permitting and compliance requirements for equipment change of ownership permits.
6/28	Los Angeles	Casino: Plans to install emergency power generator. Provided assistance and consultation explaining permitting and compliance requirements for emergency engines.
6/28	Los Angeles	Lithographic printer and box manufacturer: Moved into new building, purchased two used printing presses, and wanted to apply for permits. Went to facility and measured distance with Ground Positioning System to nearby school, determining public notification not required. Helped owner fill out application forms and assemble supplemental information. Also discussed rule compliance issues and record keeping.
6/28	Riverside	Working with the Permit Assistance Center staff, provided assistance and consultation in explaining the District’s permitting and compliance requirements for printing equipment waste solvent recycling plant.
6/29	Los Angeles	Senior assisted living home project: Plans to install two emergency engines/generators. The project architect had already submitted air permit application. The project management wants the permitting processes expedited. Provided assistance and made necessary arrangement with the permitting engineer for Rule 301(Y) expressed permit processing.

INTERGOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS ACTIVITY

Intergovernmental Affairs works with local government, state and federal officials in response to their air quality concerns and local issues.
 

Date	Location	Description of Activity
6/1	Los Angeles	Conferred with Eastern San Gabriel Valley sub-region city staff regarding power generation permitting and operational requirements.
6/1	Orange	Met with Buena Park Mayor. Discussed possible partnership between City of Buena Park and the local school district to build alternative fuel infrastructure for joint use.
6/4	Los Angeles	Conferred with Eastern San Gabriel Valley sub-region city staff regarding constituent issue with manufacturing facility.
6/4	Riverside	Attended Western Riverside Council of Governments Executive Committee Meeting. Discussed Diesel Fleet Rule Implementation and AQMP update timing, and the possibility of "backstop" measures being included in the AQMP with Executive Committee members and staff.
6/5	Los Angeles	Conferred with San Fernando Valley sub-region city staff regarding power generation permitting requirements.
6/5	Orange	Attended Orange County Council of Governments Technical Advisory Committee (OCCOG-TAC). Discussed and answered questions regarding AQMP update timing and the possibility of "backstop" measures being included in the next revision of the AQMP.
6/5	San Bernardino	Attended Reception for the new Rialto City Manager.
6/5	Riverside	Attended Hemet Unified School District Board Meeting. Made presentation and answered Board and staff questions regarding the implementation of Rule 1195 – Clean On-Road School Buses.
6/6	Los Angeles	Conferred with Los Angeles city staff regarding upcoming personnel shifts.
6/6	San Bernardino	Attended San Bernardino Associated Governments (SANBAG) Board Meeting. Discussed Diesel Fleet Rule Implementation and AQMP update timing, and the possibility of "backstop" measures being included in the AQMP with mayors and council members from the cities of Chino, Fontana, Colton, Grand Terrace, and San Bernardino.
6/7	Districtwide	Attended SCAG Implementation and Policy Committees and Regional Council. Discussed Diesel Fleet Rule Implementation and AQMP update timing, and the possibility of "backstop" measures being included in the AQMP with local elected officials and staff from cities, county, and regional agencies in attendance.
6/8	Los Angeles	Conferred with Los Angeles city staff regarding power generation facility permitting requirements.
6/12	Orange	Attended Orange County Council of Governments Executive Management Committee (OCCOG-EMC). Discussed Diesel Fleet Rule Implementation and AQMP update timing and the possibility of "backstop" measures being included in the AQMP with city managers from the cities of Santa Ana, Los Alamitos, Orange, San Clemente, and Lake Forest, and with OCCOG staff.
6/12	San Bernardino	Attended Loma Linda City Council Meeting. Discussed Diesel Fleet Rule Implementation and the possibility of "backstop" measures being included in the next AQMP update with the mayor and a council member.
6/13	Riverside	Attended Riverside County Transportation Commission Meeting. Discussed the possibility of "backstop" measures being included in the next AQMP update with mayors and council members from the cities of Palm Desert, La Quinta, Palm Springs, Banning, CVAG Executive Director, and RCTC Executive Director.
6/13	Riverside	Discussed the County of Riverside’s interest in an Ultra-low Sulfur Diesel program with the Assistant to the County Administrator.

6/14	Los Angeles	Conferred with Santa Clarita city staff regarding air quality mitigation programs.
6/14	Orange	Attended Orange County Division, League of California Cities General Membership Meeting. Discussed the possibility of "backstop" measures being included in the next AQMP update with mayors and council members from the cities of Huntington Beach, Brea, Buena Park, Lake Forest, Placentia, Mission Viejo, Laguna Hills, and Aliso Viejo.
6/15	Los Angeles	Conferred with community group regarding constituent issue with CNG refueling facility.
6/19	Los Angeles	Conferred with South Bay Cities sub-region city staff regarding fleet rule implementation funding.
6/19	Los Angeles	Conferred with San Gabriel Valley sub-region city Councilmember regarding emergency power generation issues.
6/19	Los Angeles	Conferred with San Gabriel Valley sub-region city Councilmember regarding AQMD planning and policy development process.
6/19	Riverside	Attended Murrieta City Council Meeting. Discussed Diesel Fleet Rule Implementation and the possibility of "backstop" measures being included in the next AQMP update with the mayor and a council member.
6/20	San Bernardino	Attended Alameda Corridor East Ad Hoc Committee Meeting. Discussed SCAG’s Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) issues with SANBAG staff.
6/20	San Bernardino	Attended San Bernardino Associated Governments (SANBAG) Plans & Programs Committee Meeting. Discussed Diesel Fleet Rule Implementation and the possibility of "backstop" measures being included in the next AQMP update with mayors and council members from the cities of Fontana, Chino, Yucaipa, and Montclair.
6/20	Riverside	Attended Northwest Riverside Clean Cities Coalition Meeting. Discussed the Clean Air Choice Car Labeling Program with the Coalition Members.
6/20	San Bernardino	Attend Upland Chamber of Commerce Mixer. Discussed Diesel Fleet Rules, SCAG’s Regional Transportation Plan (RTP), and Regional Airport issues with city officials and members of the Upland business community in attendance.
6/21	Los Angeles	Conferred with staff to Gateway Cities sub-region city regarding 710 freeway renovation.
6/22	Los Angeles	Conferred with Los Angeles city staff regarding air quality mitigation program.
6/22	Los Angeles	Coordinated with San Gabriel Valley sub-region city Councilmember regarding delegation tour of AQMD Headquarters.
6/26	Los Angeles	Conferred with San Gabriel Valley sub-region city staff regarding Sister City organization and upcoming international conference.
6/26	Los Angeles	Conferred with San Gabriel Valley sub-region legislator regarding compliance audit on local auto body repair shop.
6/27	Los Angeles	Conferred with County staff regarding international contacts for upcoming conference.
6/28	Los Angeles	Conferred with San Gabriel Valley sub-region city staff regarding compliance audit on local auto body repair shop.

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
6/1	All Media	Distributed calendar notice on energy conference.
6/1	Newspaper	Provided information on upcoming board items to the Los Angeles Times.
6/1	Newspaper	Provided information on vehicle emissions to Los Angeles Times.
6/1	Radio	Provided information to Inland News Radio on smog season.
6/1	Newspaper	Provided information to Orange County Register on AES, school bus retrofit program.
6/5	Newsletter	Provided information to Environmental Health Perspectives on biodiesel.
6/5	News Service	Provided information to AP on biodiesel, RECLAIM, etc.
6/5	Newspaper	Provided information to Los Angeles Times on Recycled Wood Products.
6/5	Radio	Provided information to KPCC-FM on RECLAIM, energy crisis.
6/5-7	Newspaper	Provided information and documents to San Francisco Chronicle on FERC filing.
6/5 & 7	Magazine	Provided information and interview to Japanese environmental magazine on RECLAIM.
6/6	Newsletter	Provided information to Clean Air Compliance Review on biodiesel.
6/6	Radio	Provided information and interview to KPCC-FM.
6/7	Newspaper	Provided information to Riverside Press-Enterprise on AQMD soil decontamination rules.
6/7	Newspaper	Provided information to Los Angeles Times/Inland Valley on dairies and ammonia emissions.
6/11	Newspaper	Provided information to Los Angeles Times regarding RECLAIM, AQMD executive orders.
6/12	Newspaper	Provided information on the electricity crisis to the Christian Science Monitor.
6/12	Newspaper	Provided information and interview to Los Angeles Times on smog season.
6/12	Newsletter	Provided information to BNA regarding effect of Governor's executive order on RECLAIM.
6/12	Magazine	Provided information to Environmental Health Perspectives on RECLAIM.
6/12-13	Newspaper	Provided information to San Francisco Chronicle regarding RECLAIM, FERC testimony.
6/12-13	Newspaper	Provided information to Riverside Press-Enterprise on school bus grants.
6/12-14	Newspaper	Provided information to Riverside Press-Enterprise on CalNev soil vapor extraction permits.
6/13	Newspaper	Provided information to the Los Angeles Times concerning refinery incidents.
6/13	News Service	Provided information to AP on biodiesel.
6/13	Newsletter	Provided information to Inside CalEPA regarding effect of Governor's executive order on RECLAIM.
6/13-14	Newspaper	Provided information to Los Angeles Times on RECLAIM, AQMD testimony before state Senate.
6/14	Radio	Provided information and interview to Inland News Radio on school bus grants.
6/14	Magazine	Provided information to the Economist on AQMD policies.
6/14	Newspaper	Provided information to Los Angeles Times regarding biodiesel.
6/14	Newsletter	Provided information to BNA regarding Board meeting.
6/15	Newspaper	Provided information to Riverside Press-Enterprise on power plants.
6/15	Newspaper	Provided information to San Bernardino County Sun regarding school bus grants.
6/15	Newspaper	Provided information to Los Angeles Times regarding biodiesel.
6/15	Newspaper	Provided information to Riverside Press-Enterprise regarding school bus grants.
6/15-21	Newsletter	Provided information and interview to Inside CalEPA regarding Governor's executive order.
6/19	Newspaper	Provided update on refinery incidents to the Los Angeles Times.
6/19	All	Issued press release on school bus rule to all media.
6/19	Newsletter	Provided information to Air Daily on RECLAIM.
6/19	Newspaper	Provided information to Riverside Press-Enterprise on smog season.
6/19	Newspaper	Provided information to Desert Sun regarding proposed Belair power plant.
6/19	Newspaper	Provided information on Ontario Metal Recycling to the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin.
6/20	Newspaper	Prepared background information on the school bus rule for the Wall St. Journal.
6/20	Newspaper	Provided information to Long Beach Press-Telegram regarding Catalina incinerator.
6/20	Newspaper	Provided information to North County Times regarding diesel backup generators.
6/20-21	Newspaper	Provided information to Sacramento Bee regarding Baldwin Hills power plant.
6/21	All Media	Distributed media advisory on Clean Air Choice car labeling program to area media.
6/21	Newspaper	Provided information to Los Angeles Times regarding LADWP Valley station.
6/26-27	Newsletter	Provided information on the energy conference and the clean fleet vehicles lawsuit to Inside CalEPA.
6/27	Newsletter	Provided information on the rejection of the Baldwin Hills power plant project to McGraw Hill.
6/27	Newswire	Provided information on the Clean Air Choice car labeling program to Business Wire.
6/27-28	Satellite Newscast	Provided information on the Clean Air Choice car labeling program to Conus Communications/All News Channel.
6/28	Newspaper	Provided information on AES trading to Los Angeles Times.
6/28	Newspaper	Provided information on Kender Morgan Energy Partners to the Riverside Press-Enterprise.
6/28	Radio	Provided information on the Clean Air Choice car labeling program (via taped interview) to KCSN (Cal State Northridge).
6/28	Television	Provided information on the Clean Air Choice car labeling program to Channel 13.
6/28	Newspaper	Provided information on CENCO’s power plant application to the Whittier Daily News.
6/28	Television	Provided information on CO2 emissions to FOX Channel 11.
6/28	Magazine	Provided information on Rule 2202 to Westways.
6/29	Magazine	Provided information on microturbines to Energy Solutions (trade publication).
6/29	Newspaper	Provided information on biodiesel to the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin.

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
6,771	4,170	2,168	51	14,142

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

TRANSPORTATION PROGRAMS

Transportation Programs implements Rule 2202, provides AB 2766 outreach and technical assistance to local governments, coordinates with regional planning agencies relative to transportation and air quality issues, and administers additional mobile emission reduction programs and activities.
 

Date	Location	Description of Activity
6/1	Districtwide	Attended the Transportation Conformity Working Group meeting.
6/1	Districtwide	Attended the MSRC-TAC Subcommittee meeting to discuss upcoming RFPs for 2000-01 work program.
6/1-29	Los Angeles	Met with, or had phone contact with representatives from Rule 2202 sites regarding Rule 2202 implementation and compliance, as follows: Burbank - Movie Supply Burbank - City of Burbank Carson - Petroleum El Segundo - Aerospace El Segundo - Electronics Glendora - Hospital Glendora - Petroleum Hollywood - Motion Picture Studio Industry - Food Manufacturer Long Beach - Aerospace Los Angeles - College Los Angeles - County of Los Angeles Los Angeles - Department of Airports Los Angeles - Medical Center Los Angeles - Sanitation Los Angeles - Water Utility Company Northridge - Hospital Pasadena - City of Pasadena Pasadena - Building Management Pomona - Spa Manufacturer Pomona - Aerospace Company Pomona - College Sherman Oaks - Retail Clothing Store West LA - Petroleum
6/1-29	Riverside	Met with, or had phone contact with representatives from Rule 2202 sites regarding Rule 2202 implementation and compliance, as follows: Norco - Community College Riverside - University La Quinta - Resort
6/1-29	San Bernardino	Met with, or had phone contact with representatives from Rule 2202 sites regarding Rule 2202 implementation and compliance, as follows Chino Spa Manufacturer Ontario City of Ontario Rialto Toy Manufacturer San Bernardino Transit San Bernardino City of San Bernardino
6/3-5	Districtwide	Attended the Transportation Research Board’s air quality modeling workshop for MOBILE 6 and EMFAC 2000.
6/5	Los Angeles	Provided assistance to Southern California Rideshare regarding Rule 2202.
6/5	San Bernardino	Provided assistance to the County of San Bernardino regarding their AQIP proposal.
6/5	Riverside	Assisted the City of Palm Desert with a future AQIP proposal.
6/6	Los Angeles	Participated in a rideshare fair hosted by the Woodland Hills Transportation Management Organization.
6/6	Riverside	Guest speaker at the Inland Empire Commuter Services ETC meeting.
6/6	Riverside	Assisted County of Riverside regarding AB 2766 funding.
6/6	Riverside, San Bernardino	Participated in a conference call regarding PM10 conformity with SCAG, ARB, EPA, FHWA, Caltrans.
6/6	Orange	Spoke with University of Irvine regarding a fuel cell tour for International Conference.
6/6	Orange	Toured Disneyland Hotel to evaluate logistics for International Conference.
6/7	Los Angeles	Attended MTA’s Technical Advisory Committee meeting.
6/7	Districtwide	Attended SCAG Management, Transportation Communications, Energy & Environment, and Regional Council meetings.
6/8	Orange	Attended a meeting with OCTA to discuss Rule 1612.
6/12	Districtwide	Attended a Regional Transportation Agencies Coalition (RTAC) TAC meeting.
6/12	Orange	Contacted Airport Bus company and Disneyland Hotel to secure information on airport transportation for the International Conference.
6/13	Orange	Contacted OCTA to discuss ground transportation for the UCI tour for the International Conference.
6/13	San Bernardino	Provided assistance to the City of Colton regarding funding opportunities for an electric vehicle charging station.
6/13	San Bernardino	Attended a kick-off planning meeting for an electric vehicle fair.
6/13	Los Angeles	Assisted the Woodland Hills Transportation Management Organization with various Rule 2202 issues.
6/14	Orange	Provided assistance to the Irvine Spectrum regarding Rule 2202 issues.
6/14	Los Angeles	Attended a Chinese International Conference.
6/14	Headquarters	Attended a Carl Moyer Fund External Advisory Group meeting.
6/15	Districtwide	Provided assistance to a national department store regarding Rule 2202 multi-site issues.
6/19	Los Angeles	Provided assistance to the City of Lakewood regarding AB 2766 fee disbursements.
6/19	Districtwide	Participated in a conference call with the California Department of Real Estate regarding Rule 2202 issues.
6/19	Los Angeles	Participated in a conference call with the Burbank Media District Transportation Management Organization to discuss various Rule 2202 issues.
6/19-22	Riverside	Contacted City of Indio regarding status of RTIP projects.
6/20	Headquarters	Attended an LAX CEQA and Conformity meeting.
6/21-22	Districtwide	Attended a UCLA-Transportation Planning Strategies workshop.
6/22	Riverside	Spoke with Coachella Valley Transportation Director regarding the 2000 RTIP project.
6/22	Districtwide	Attended an RTAC meeting at SCAG.
6/26-29	Los Angeles	Met with management from the following car dealerships regarding outreach for the Clean Air Choice program: Colley Auto Cars Downtown LA Audi Downtown LA Dodge Downtown Mercedes Benz Ed Butt’s Ford Ed’s Famous Hyundai Felix Cadillac, Chevrolet Gunderson Nissan Keystone Ford Leo Hoffman Chevrolet Lexus of Cerritos Moothart Chrysler Plymouth Nissan Downtown LA Norm Reeves Honda Super Store Person Ford Puente Hills Mazda/Volkswagen Puente Hills Toyota S&J Chevrolet Saturn of Cerritos Toyota Central Volkswagen Downtown LA
6/27-28	Orange	Conducted Rule 2202 Employee Transportation Coordinator training classes.
6/28	Headquarters	Attended a meeting to discuss EPA new Commuter Choice Program.
6/29	Orange	Attended a meeting at Disney to discuss their proposed website survey system.

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