BOARD MEETING DATE: March 3, 2006
AGENDA NO.12

Public Affairs Report

SYNPOSIS:

This report highlights the January 2006 outreach activities of Public Affairs, which include: Environmental Justice Update, Community Events/Public Meetings, Business Assistance, and Local Governmental Activity.

COMMITTEE:

Not Applicable

RECOMMENDED ACTIONS:

Receive and file.

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer

Background

This report summarizes the activities of Public Affairs for January 2006. 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 Local Governmental Activity.

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE UPDATE

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

On January 24, 2006, AQMD Board Member Bea LaPisto-Kirtley and staff provided an overview on particulate matter (PM) sampling before a meeting of the Duarte City Council.  A PM₁₀ sampler was installed in June 2005 at a local school site to monitor air samples in regards to the surrounding mining activities.  The presentation was a follow-up to a Town Hall meeting which was co-hosted by the AQMD and the City of Duarte in September 2005.  Staff released the findings of the first 20 samples collected which were within the limits of the federal PM₁₀ standards.  AQMD will continue to provide quarterly sampling updates to the City Council. 

COMMUNITY EVENTS/PUBLIC MEETINGS

Each year, thousands of AQMD 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 January: 

 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 January:

• January 20 – Tour of Alternative Energy Center to winners of AQMD’s calendar contest and their parents
• January 25 – Air quality overview to members of the Pomona Kiwanis Club
• January 25 – Hosted a delegation from South Africa who received a presentation on the AQMD’s Engineering and Compliance program
• January 25 – Hosted students from Azusa Pacific University and provided a general air quality overview and tour of the Alternative Energy Center
• January 27 – Attended a Career Fair at South El Monte High School and provided a presentation on environmental careers
• January 31 – Presentation on Hybrid Technology to Society of Women Engineers and the Women’s Environmental Council

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 January: 

*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 January:

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 10 free on-site consultations

·               Provided assistance in filing 2 requests for variance

·               Provided permit application assistance to 123 companies

·               Issued 13 clearance letters

Types of business assisted:

 LOCAL GOVERNMENTAL ACTIVITY (Four-County Area)

Staff provides outreach at 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.   

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

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

Azusa, Baldwin Park, Burbank, Buena Park, Carson, Colton, Commerce, Corona, Covina, Cudahy, Culver City, Cypress, Diamond Bar, Duarte, El Monte, El Segundo, Fullerton, Gardena, Garden Grove, Hawthorne, Highland, Irvine, La Habra Heights, La Palma, La Puente, Long Beach, Moreno Valley, Montebello, Monterey Park, Norco, Norwalk, Palm Desert, Pasadena, Rancho Santa Margarita, Riverside, Rosemead, San Bernardino, San Clemente, San Dimas, San Fernando, San Gabriel, Santa Ana, Santa Clarita, Santa Monica, South El Monte, South Gate, South Pasadena, Temecula, Temple City, Torrance, Tustin, Upland, West Hollywood, and Whittier.

Chamber of Commerce and Council of Government contacts:

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

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