BOARD MEETING DATE: February 6, 2004
AGENDA NO. 9

Public Affairs Report

SYNOPSIS:

This report highlights the December 2003 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 December 2003. 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.

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE UPDATE

Below is a summary of the Environmental Justice related activities which occurred in December:

CEQA Commenting

	Documents received during December 2003:	56
	Requests to AQMD for document review:	1
	Documents to receive AQMD comments:	26
	Comment letters sent out this reporting period:	15

COMMUNITY EVENTS/PUBLIC MEETINGS

Each year, thousands of residents of the South Coast District engage in valuable information exchange through events and meetings which AQMD sponsors, alone and in partnership with others. Information reviewed by attendees include 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 December include:

The AQMD distributed preliminary information on an upcoming Interfaith Summit on Air Quality being held on February 19, 2004 at the Davidson Conference Center at USC. Various interfaith organizations will serve as event partners.

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. 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 that were coordinated by this office in December:

The AQMD provided an overview on air quality regulations as they pertain to the hotel industry at a conference for Hilton Hotel property managers.

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 December:

	Main Line Calls	4,902
	1-800-CUT-SMOG® Line	3,664
	After Hours Calls*	2,250
	Spanish Line Calls	24
	Total Phone Calls	10,840

*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 December:

Requests for Information
	Visitor Transactions	296
	Information Packages Mailed	40

Calls
	Calls Received by PIC Staff	156
	Calls to Automated System	3,179
	Total Phone Calls	3,335

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 December include:

	Conducted 65 free on-site consultations
	Provided assistance in filing 4 requests for variance
	Provided permit application assistance to 214 companies
	Issued 46 clearance letters

Types of business assisted:

	Drycleaners		Construction management companies
	Furniture refinishers		Building management companies
	Auto body repair shops		Screen printers
	Cabinet makers		Water treatment plants
	Restaurants

LOCAL GOVERNMENTAL ACTIVITY (Four-County Area)

AQMD 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. The following is a sample of the activity conducted during the month of December:

Field Contacts:

	Staff to City of Alhambra
	Staff to City of Beaumont
	Staff to City of Compton
	Staff to City of Corona
	Staff to City of Hawaiian Gardens
	Staff to City of Hemet
	Staff to City of Lake Elsinore
	Staff to City of Long Beach
	Staff to City of Hemet
	Staff to City of Whittier
	Staff to City of South Pasadena

Staff provided presentations at the following meetings:

	City of Commerce City Council
	South Bay Council of Governments, Board of Directors
	South Bay Council of Governments, Legislative Committee
	City of Arcadia City Council
	City of South Pasadena

Chamber of Commerce contacts:

	Alhambra
	Arcadia
	Compton
	Hemet/San Jacinto Valley
	Moreno Valley
	South Pasadena
	Upland Chamber's Governmental Relations Committee
	West Hollywood

School contacts:

	Alhambra
	Palm Desert Middle School
	Arcadia Unified
	Walnut Valley Unified

Staff represented AQMD at the following meetings:

	Burbank City Council
	California Contract Cities Association's Board of Directors
	Economic Council of Pass Area Communities (ECOPAC) monthly meeting
	Moreno Valley Legislative Affairs Committee
	Pasadena City Council

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