BOARD MEETING DATE: April 2, 2004
AGENDA NO. 17
Public Affairs Report
SYNOPSIS:
This report highlights the February 2004 outreach activities of Public Affairs which include: 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
Background
This report summarizes the activities of Public Affairs for February 2004. The report includes four major areas: Environmental Justice Update; Community Events/Public Meetings (including the Speakers Bureau; Visitor Services; Communications Center; and Public Information Center); Business Assistance; and Local Governmental Activity.
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE UPDATE
Below is a summary of the Environmental Justice related activities which occurred in February:
Community Meeting
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On February 24, AQMD hosted a Town Hall Meeting in the City of Pomona. More than 35 people attended the meeting which addressed local air quality issues and what is being done to improve the air quality and protect the public's health. The meeting was attended by Board Member Dennis Yates and AQMD executive staff. |
COMMUNITY EVENTS/PUBLIC MEETINGS
Each year, thousands of AQMD residents engage in valuable information exchanges through events and meetings that AQMD sponsors, alone and in partnership with others. Information attendees receive includes: tips on reducing their exposure to smog and its health effects, ways to participate in AQMD rule and policy development and assistance in resolving air quality-related problems. Highlights of events/activities undertaken during the month of February include:
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On February 19, AQMD hosted an Interfaith Summit on Air Quality at University of Southern California's Davidson Conference Center, which drew over 130 attendees representing various faith communities throughout our region. Attendees heard from featured speakers who addressed topics such as "Spirituality & Interfaith Perspective on Environmental Stewardship" and "Greening Our Institutions" and also learned about opportunities for future collaboration on clean air efforts. |
Speakers Bureau/Visitor Services
AQMD receives requests for staff to speak on a variety of air quality-related issues. The requests come from a variety of organizations such as trade associations, chambers of commerce, community-based groups, schools, hospitals, and health-based organizations. 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 that were coordinated by this office in February:
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Students from UCLA's School of Public Policy received a briefing from AQMD staff on the Clean Air Choice Vehicle Program. |
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AQMD Staff hosted a delegation from the Egyptian Ministry of the Environment and Agriculture who received an overview on the AQMD's Open Burn program and related policy development. |
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Students enrolled in UC Irvine's Environmental Studies Program received an overview of the AQMD's Hazardous Materials Sampling and a laboratory tour. |
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AQMD staff made a presentation on air quality to students at Palm Desert Middle School. |
Communication Center Statistics
The Communication Center handles all AQMD main line, 1-800-CUT-SMOG® line and Spanish line calls. Below is a summary of calls received in February:
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Main Line Calls |
4,696 |
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1-800-CUT-SMOG® Line |
3,432 |
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After Hours Calls* |
2,346 |
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Spanish Line Calls |
40 |
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Total Phone Calls |
10,514 |
*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. Below is a summary for February:
Requests for Information
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Visitor Transactions |
648 |
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Information Packages Mailed |
41 |
Calls
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Calls Received by PIC Staff |
137 |
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Calls to Automated System |
3,696 |
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Total Phone Calls |
3,833 |
BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
AQMD provides assistance to businesses to achieve and maintain compliance with applicable air pollution rules and regulations. Key components of this program include providing notification of upcoming rule development, allowing businesses the opportunity to participate in the process; conducting "no-fault" inspections; determining potential permitting requirements; assisting with the completion of permit applications and variance request forms; explaining rule and recordkeeping requirements; offering financial assistance through the California Capital Access Program and the Non-Perc Dry Cleaner Grant Program; and working with other agencies to identify efficient, cost-effective methods for reducing air pollution. Business assistance activities for the month of February included:
Conducted 760 free on-site consultations
Types of businesses assisted:
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LOCAL GOVERNMENTAL ACTIVITY (Four-County Area)
Staff provides outreach at monthly Board of Supervisors and City Council meetings. Staff also works with local government, state and federal officials to respond to their air quality concerns and issues. Specific presentations were provided to some of the identified groups on the staff proposals during the month of February; field visits were conducted with staff from the following offices:
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Field visits were also conducted with staff from the following cities:
Huntington Beach, Lynwood, Norwalk, San Fernando, Santa Monica
Staff provided presentations at meetings with the following:
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Chamber of Commerce contacts:
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School contacts:
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Staff represented AQMD at the following meetings:
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/ / /