BOARD MEETING DATE: February 7, 2003
AGENDA NO. 10

Public Affairs Report

SYNOPSIS: 

This report highlights the December 2002 outreach activities of Public Affairs which includes: Environmental Justice Update, Community Events/Public Meetings, Business Assistance, and Local Governmental Activity.

COMMITTEE: 

Not Applicable

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Receive and file.

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer

The attached report reflects the activities of Public Affairs for December 2002. The report includes four major areas: Environmental Justice Update; Community Events/Public Meetings (including the Speaker's Bureau, Visitor Services, Communications Center, and Public Information Center); Business Assistance; and Local Governmental Activity.

December 2002

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE UPDATE:

Environmental Justice Activities for the month of December.

Town Hall Meeting	A meeting was held on December 11 in Lynwood (Los Angeles county). Approximately 30 people attended and received an update on air quality in their area. Executive staff attended to hear and address the public’s air quality concerns.
CEQA Commenting	Documents received during December 2002:     50 Requests to AQMD for document review:     0 Documents to receive AQMD comments:     45 Comment letters sent out this reporting       period:                                                 13

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, and in partnership with others. Following are highlights of events/activities that were undertaken during the month of December.
 

ACTIVITY

Preparation for 2003 community events including a review of District’s outreach materials.

SPEAKERS BUREAU/VISITOR SERVICES

AQMD receives requests from trade associations, chambers of commerce and community-based groups, as well as schools, hospitals, and health-based organizations for AQMD staff to speak on a variety of air quality-related issues. The AQMD also hosts visitors from around the world who meet with staff on a wide range of air quality issues. The following describes the types of activities coordinated by this office during December.
 

VISITORS

Hosted visiting dignitaries from the Chinese Environmental Protection Agency who were guests of the Rosemead Chamber of Commerce. The group was interested in air monitoring and the RECLAIM program.

COMMUNICATION CENTER STATISTICS

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

December 2002

Main Line Calls	Cut-Smog Line	After Hours Calls*	Spanish Line Calls	Total Phone Calls
5,498	3,203	2,621	38	11,360

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

PUBLIC INFORMATION CENTER STATISTICS

The Public Information Center handles phone calls and walk-in requests for general information.

December 2002

BUSINESS ASSISTANCE

AQMD assists businesses by notifying them of proposed regulations so they can participate in their development, and works with other agencies and states to identify efficient, cost-effective ways to reduce air pollution and shares that information broadly. Staff also provides personalized assistance to small businesses both over the phone and by on-site consultation.

The following are examples of the types of businesses we help, and the services provided.

EXAMPLES

Conducted 21 free on-site consultations.

Provided assistance filing 9 requests for variance.

Provided permit application assistance to 77 companies.

Issued 49 clearance letters.

Provided courtesy phone calls to expired permit holders and retained 81 permits.

Examples of businesses that were assisted include:

Several Drycleaners

Furniture Refinishers

Several Auto Body Repair Companies

Several Cabinet Makers

Several Building Management Companies

Several Construction Management Companies

Several Screen Printers

Water Treatment Plants

Restaurants

LOCAL GOVERNMENTAL ACTIVITY (Four-County Area)

Staff provides outreach at monthly Board of Supervisors and City Council meetings as well as working with local government, state and federal officials in response to their air quality concerns and local issues. The following is a sample of the type of issues dealt with during the month of December.
 

Attended the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisor’s meeting.

Represented AQMD at the SANBAG Board of Directors meeting.

Attended the San Bernardino Chamber of Commerce Government Relations meeting.

Represented AQMD at the League of California Cities reception for newly elected officials.

Attended the SCAG Regional meeting.

Attended the Banning City Council meeting; gave a presentation on AQMD programs.

Represented AQMD at the Riverside County Transportation Commission meeting.

Represented AQMD at the Upland Chamber of Commerce Government Relations meeting.

Represented AQMD at the Los Angeles City Council meeting.

Attended the La Quinta City Council meeting.

Attended the Desert Hot Springs City Council meeting.

Participated in Public Affairs’ City Executive Outreach program with the following cities: Big Bear Lake, Diamond Bar, and Walnut.

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