BOARD MEETING DATE: January 9, 2004
AGENDA NO. 5

PROPOSAL:

Public Affairs Report

SYNOPSIS:

This report highlights the November 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 November 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 November:

Town Hall Meeting

The District participated in an Environmental Justice Community Forum held at Jefferson High School in Los Angeles. The meeting provided the community with information on a variety of environmental issues, including air quality compliance, health effects of air pollution and environmental justice.

Special Projects/Meetings

In response to the wildfires that severely impacted the region (October 24 - 31), District staff created "Safety Tips" handouts in English and Spanish to inform schools, seniors and the general public on actions to take to minimize their exposure to unhealthful levels of particulates. Staff continued to provide detailed responses and guidance to thousands of callers who requested information during and after the wildfires.

CEQA Commenting

	Documents received during November 2003:	49
	Requests to AQMD for document review:	0
	Documents to receive AQMD comments:	32
	Comment letters sent out this reporting period:	16

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 attendees receive 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 November include:

The District staffed an information display at the 20th International Electric Vehicle Symposium held at the Long Beach Convention Center. The event drew thousands of visitors to the display area. Attendees were given the opportunity to test drive over 60 battery, hybrid and fuel cell cars, trucks, bikes and scooters.

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 November:

	The AQMD hosted a delegation from China, as part of the Cal State Fullerton’s International Exchange Program, who received an overview on air quality.
	The AQMD hosted graduate students from Cal Poly Pomona’s Urban & Regional Planning Division who received an overview of the AQMP and developing a regional strategy to address air quality.
	AQMD compliance staff provided the City of Stanton code enforcement personnel with an overview of permitting and compliance issues.
	A presentation on air quality in Coachella Valley was given 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 November:

	Main Line Calls	4,003
	1-800-CUT-SMOG® Line	3,577
	After Hours Calls*	3,005
	Spanish Line Calls	38
	Total Phone Calls	10,623

*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 November:

Requests for Information
	Visitor Transactions	302
	Information Packages Mailed	25

Calls
	Calls Received by PIC Staff	126
	Calls to Automated System	3,943
	Total Phone Calls	4,069

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 November include:

	Conducted 51 free on-site consultations
	Provided assistance in filing 7 requests for variance
	Provided permit application assistance to 217 companies
	Issued 28 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 November:

Field Contacts:

	Staff to City of Beaumont
	Staff to City of Corona
	Staff to City of La Habra
	Staff to City of La Habra Heights
	Staff to City of Lakewood
	Staff to City of Temecula

Staff provided presentations at the following meetings:
 

	League of Women Voters - Southwest Riverside County Chapter
	Hemet/San Jacinto Chamber of Commerce
	South Bay Council of Governments

Chamber of Commerce contacts:
 

	Hemet/San Jacinto Chamber of Commerce
	Indio Chamber
	Lake Elsinore Valley
	Los Alamitos/La Palma/Cypress
	Riverside

School contacts:
 

Corona-Norco Unified School District

Staff represented AQMD at the following meetings:
 

	Indio Chamber - Governmental Affairs & Public Policy Committee
	Lake Elsinore Valley Chamber of Commerce
	League of California Cities - Riverside County Division
	Los Alamitos/La Palma/Cypress Chambers Government Affairs
	Riverside Chamber - Legislative Summit
	Riverside County Transportation Commission

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