BOARD MEETING DATE: May 4, 2007
AGENDA NO. 12

PROPOSAL:

Special Meeting of the Brain & Lung Tumor and Air Pollution Foundation

SYNOPSIS:

This item is to replace three members of the Brain & Lung Tumor and Air Pollution Foundation, all who are former AQMD Governing Board Members. The following AQMD Board Members have indicated a willingness to replace the former Governing Board Members as directors: Supervisor Campbell, Supervisor Ovitt and Mayor Yates. In addition, Supervisor Antonovich has indicated his willingness to continue to serve as the Foundation's Chairman.

COMMITTEE:

Not Applicable

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

1. Approve the replacement of the following directors of the Brain & Lung Tumor and Air Pollution Foundation: Assemblyman Jim Silva, Bea LaPisto-Kirtley, and Hal Bernson.
2. Approve the following appointments to the Foundation’s Board of Directors: Supervisor Bill Campbell, Supervisor Gary Ovitt, and Mayor Dennis Yates.

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer

Background

The AQMD Board established the Lung & Brain Tumor and Air Pollution Foundation in February 2003 to support research examining the link between air pollution and brain and lung cancer. Since then, the Foundation has sponsored over $2 million in studies with leading medical researchers in Southern California. As a result of these studies, it has been learned that exposure of laboratory animals to particulate pollutants is associated with biochemical changes in the brain tissue that may be linked to tumor development. Additionally, preliminary findings of a second study indicate that levels of fine particulates may increase the risk of brain tumors in children.

The Directors of the Foundation serve at the pleasure of the AQMD Board. Three of the directors, Hal Bernson, Bea LaPisto-Kirtley, and Assemblyman Jim Silva are former AQMD Board Members.

This action would replace the former Governing Board Members with the following current members of the Board: Supervisor Bill Campbell, Supervisor Gary Ovitt, and Mayor Dennis Yates.

Proposal

Approve the replacement of former AQMD Board Members Hal Bernson, Bea LaPisto-Kirtley, and Assemblyman Jim Silva with current AQMD Board Members Supervisor Bill Campbell, Supervisor Gary Ovitt, and Mayor Dennis Yates as directors of the Brain & Lung Tumor and Air Pollution Foundation.

Resource Impacts

None.