BOARD MEETING DATE: February 1, 2008
AGENDA NO. 15

RECOMMENDED ACTIONS:

          Receive and file.
 

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer

Background

This report summarizes the activities of Public Affairs for December 2007. 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 Outreach to Business and Federal, State, and Local Government.

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE UPDATE

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

On December 17, AQMD hosted a Town Hall meeting in the city of El Monte. The meeting was attended by AQMD Board Members Joe Lyou and Dennis Yates, and over 80 community members, including the mayor of El Monte and other local leaders. The attendees received an air quality overview, and AQMD staff and Board Members present discussed many issues related to local air quality compliance, air monitoring and public participation.

On December 19, AQMD attended a community meeting in Ladera Ranch hosted by Orange County Supervisor Pamela Bates. The meeting was held to receive input from the community on a proposed electric generating facility (peaker plant) near Ladera Ranch. Over 500 people attended the meeting which served to provide background on the permitting process, including air quality permitting requirements. Based on the comments received at the meeting, AQMD agreed to hold a follow-up meeting where additional information could be provided to the community related to AQMD’s permitting and compliance programs.

During the month of December, Public Affairs staff also addressed the following community organizations:

• Los Angeles Urban League Community Action Committee
• Long Beach Interfaith Council

COMMUNITY EVENTS/PUBLIC MEETINGS

Each year, thousands of residents engage in valuable information exchanges through events and meetings that AQMD sponsors, alone, and in partnership with others. Attendees typically receive the following information: 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 following:

Speakers Bureau/Visitor Services

AQMD receives requests for staff to speak on a variety of air quality-related issues. The requests come from 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 December:

Communication Center Statistics

The Communication Center handles the AQMD main line, 1-800-CUT-SMOG^® line and Spanish line calls. Below is a summary of calls received in December.

*Saturday, Sunday, holidays and after 9:00 p.m., Monday 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
 

Calls
 

BUSINESS ASSISTANCE

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

• Conducted 37 free on-site consultations
• Provided permit application assistance to 119 companies
• Issued 27 clearance letters

Types of business assisted:

OUTREACH TO BUSINESS AND FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Field visits and communications were conducted with staff from the following cities:

Alhambra, Anaheim, Calimesa, Canyon Lake, Carson, Claremont, Coachella, Colton, Compton, Corona, Costa Mesa, Duarte, El Monte, Fontana, Inglewood, Irwindale, La Canada-Flintridge, Lake Elsinore, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Lynwood, Monterey Park, Moreno Valley, Murrieta, Norwalk, Palm Desert, Paramount, Pasadena, Redlands, Redondo Beach, Rialto, Riverside, Rosemead, San Bernardino, San Gabriel, Santa Fe Springs, South Gate, Temecula, Torrance, Upland, Walnut, Westminster, and Whittier.

Visits and/or communications were conducted with elected officials or staff from the following offices:

• Congress Member Hilda Solis
• Senator Bob Margett
• Senator Gloria Romero
• Assembly Member Anthony Adams
• Assembly Member Paul Cook
• Assembly Member Hector De La Torre
• Assembly Member Mike Eng
• Assembly Member Ed Hernandez
• Assembly Member Bob Huff
• Assembly Member Ted Lieu
• Assembly Member Fiona Ma
• Assembly Member Tony Mendoza
• Assembly Member Anthony Portantino
• Assembly Member Nell Soto
• Assembly Member Van Tran

Staff represented AQMD and/or provided a presentation to the following groups:

• Anaheim Chamber of Commerce Legislative Committee
• Corona Chamber Legislative Committee
• Inland Empire Resource Conservation District
• Long Beach Chamber of Commerce
• Orange County League of Cities
• Regional Chamber Alliance Governmental Affairs Committee
• Rialto Chamber of Commerce
• San Bernardino Chamber of Commerce
• San Gabriel Valley Legislative Caucus
• Upland Chamber of Commerce
• Westminster Chamber of Commerce