BOARD MEETING DATE: January 4, 2008
AGENDA NO. 8

PROPOSAL:

Public Affairs Report

SYNOPSIS:

This report highlights the November 2007 outreach activities of Public Affairs, which include: Environmental Justice Update, Community Events/Public Meetings, Business Assistance, and Outreach to Business and Federal, State, and Local Government.

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 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 November.

On November 3, AQMD provided information on the health effects of air pollution at the City of Commerce’s Health & Wellness Fair. Over 300 people attended the event which provided free health screening and information to area residents.

The AQMD participated as an event exhibitor at the Asthma & Allergy Foundation’s annual Air Power games, held at Cal State University, Long Beach on November 3. The event drew asthmatic children from throughout the region to participate in track and field activities. Close to 100 children attended the event which provided participants with an opportunity to compete while learning about the health benefits of exercise. In addition to providing air quality information, AQMD also produced a two-minute video on the Air Power games which is highlighted on AQMD’s website.

On November 30, AQMD participated as a Community Sponsor of the Moving Forward Conference, which focused on identifying solutions for communities impacted by trade, ports and goods movement. Over 500 people attended the two-day conference held in Carson which drew attendees from throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. Conference themes included the latest research findings on the health impacts of air pollution, as well as successes and challenges experienced by organizations that have worked to address localized impacts from goods movement. AQMD staff hosted an information table and also attended many of the conference sessions.

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

• Concerned Citizens of Compton
• Physician for Social Responsibility
• San Pedro Bay Ports Community Group
• St. Francis Medical Center Foundation Board

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 November 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 November:

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 November.

	Main Line Calls	4,307
	1-800-CUT-SMOG® Line	2,755
	After Hours Calls*	1,806
	Spanish Line Calls	37
	Total Phone Calls	8,905

*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 November:

Requests for Information

Visitor Transactions	283
Information Packages Mailed	11

Calls

Calls Received by PIC Staff	83
Calls to Automated System	3,199
Total Phone Calls	3,282

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 25 free on-site consultations
• Provided permit application assistance to 103 companies
• Issued 25 clearance letters

Types of business assisted:

Drycleaning	Food products manufacturing
Metal Foundry	Construction
Auto body shops	Churches
Building management	Metal parts coating
Restaurants	Jewelry manufacturing

Events:

• Southern California Edison Customer Technology Application Center Professional Wet Cleaning Demonstration Seminar

OUTREACH TO BUSINESS AND FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

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

Alhambra, Aliso Viejo, Anaheim, Arcadia, Azusa, Bell, Bell Gardens, Beverly Hills, Carson, Cerritos, Coachella, Colton, Commerce, Compton, Corona, Cudahy, Downey, Duarte, El Monte, Fontana, Fountain Valley, Fullerton, Hawaiian Gardens, Hemet, Hermosa Beach, Huntington Park, Irvine, Irwindale, La Habra Heights, La Mirada, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Lynwood, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, Mission Viejo, Moreno Valley, Murrieta, Norco, Norwalk, Orange, Palm Desert, Palm Springs, Palos Verdes, Paramount, Redondo Beach, Riverside, Rolling Hills Estates, Rosemead, San Bernardino, San Gabriel, San Marino, Santa Ana, Santa Clarita, Santa Monica, South El Monte, South Gate, South Pasadena, Temple City, Torrance, West Covina, and Whittier.

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

• Congress Member Jane Harman
• Congress Member Laura Richardson
• Congress Member Adam Schiff
• Senator Lou Correa
• Senator Gil Cedillo
• Senator Nell Soto
• Assembly Member Betty Karnette
• Assembly Member Lloyd Levine
• Assembly Member Ted Lieu
• Assembly Member Cameron Smyth

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

Cerritos Chamber of Commerce Governmental Affairs Committee

Commerce Chamber Governmental Affairs

Commerce Industrial Council

El Monte/South El Monte Chamber Legislative Committee

Hermosa Beach Chamber City Council

Irwindale Chamber Legislative Committee

Orange County Business Council Advocacy Committee

Orange County Chambers of Commerce

Orange County Council of Governments

Orange County League Legislative Network

Orange County Public Affairs Association

Rosemead Chamber Legislative Committee

San Gabriel Valley Chamber Coalition

San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments

San Pedro Bay Ports Committee Group

Santa Clarita Chamber Environmental Committee

South Bay COG Legislative Committee

South Pasadena Chamber Legislative Committee

West Covina Chamber Legislative Committee

Wilmington Chamber of Commerce