The public now can e-mail smoking vehicle complaints to AQMD. With the Internet’s increased popularity, the AQMD expanded access to its 11-year-old program by establishing a direct e-mail address: cut_smog@aqmd.gov. Through this voluntary program individuals can either call AQMD toll-free at 1-800-CUT-SMOG¨ or send an e-mail to report smoking vehicles. The callers’ identity remains anonymous. As with 1-800-CUT-SMOG®, complainants must provide the following information in the e-mail:
AQMD then identifies the vehicle’s registered owner, using the California Department of Motor Vehicle’s records, and sends a letter to the owner recommending vehicle maintenance or repair to help "cut smog." AQMD cannot impose fines on smoking vehicles; however, the California Highway Patrol can cite passenger vehicles, big rigs and buses for excessive smoke.
South El Monte High School’s boys team took first place in the annual Solar BikeRayce USA for the third consecutive year -- this time with a record-breaking speed of 41 miles per hour. Solar Bike Team Instructor Javier Solorzano escorted the boys, girls and adult teams to this year’s event, held in Topeka, Kan. AQMD, among others, sponsored the South El Monte High School teams. The girls team came in fourth place overall and first in their category. The adult team came in third overall and first in the adult class B category.
Students attending the Plan-It-Now Environmental Youth Summit, held at AQMD’s Diamond Bar headquarters in May ate ice cream made by the first hydrogen-powered ice cream maker. The ice cream maker was designed and built by Merit Academy of Santa Cruz. The three-day conference attracted 100 students and teachers who took part in student-conducted workshops and visited exhibits. AQMD, Southern California Edison, the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts, the Disney Company and Toyota Motors sponsored the event.
The panel that advises AQMD's Governing Board on how air quality issues impact the South Coast Air Basin's ethnic communities is seeking new members.
Three caucuses representing the Asian Pacific American, African American and Latino communities and three Native American positions make up the agency's Ethnic Community Advisory Group. Currently several seats are vacant within each caucus.
"We are looking for individuals who are actively involved in their communities and are dedicated in helping AQMD achieve healthful air quality throughout the basin," said Gelly Borromeo, one of the ECAG co-chairs.
Cynthia Verdugo-Peralta and Michael Robbins also co-chair the group. They represent ECAG's Latino and African American caucuses, respectively. Borromeo represents the Asian Pacific sector.
Prospective members should be recognized as leaders within an affiliated business or community organization. A balance of representatives from Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties is sought.
"We need members with strong technical backgrounds, in areas such as engineering and chemistry, as well as the health-related fields," said Borromeo. "The group's job is a challenging one, but this is a great opportunity to make a difference as a liaison between the agency and the communities in which we live."
Members serve four-year terms, and if approved by the Governing Board, up to eight years. Meetings are held at AQMD's Diamond Bar headquarters the second Wednesday of every month. The public is welcome to attend.
Anyone interested in joining the advisory group should submit a letter of interest and resume to ECAG. The current members will review the submissions and present their recommendations to the Board, which appoints the members.
Address letters of interest and resumes to the Ethnic Community Advisory Group, c/o AQMD's Public Advisor's Office, 21865 E. Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, CA 91765.
For more information e-mail Lourdes Cordova-Martinez or call her at (909) 396-3214.
Members of AQMD's Small Business Assistance and Outreach Program are available at seven business and permit assistance centers located throughout Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties. They can help business owners/operators:
Call us at 1-800-388-2121 to schedule an appointment at the location nearest you.
| Downey Energy Resource Center Los Angeles* Los Angeles City Hall Ontario* Inland Empire Permit Assistance Center Palm Desert Coachella Valley Permit Assistance Center |
Santa Ana* Orange County Permit Assistance Center Sherman Oaks* San Fernando Valley Permit Assistance Center Torrance Torrance City Hall-Permit Services * These field offices are located in the California State Environmental Protection Agency permit centers. Dial 1-800-GOV-1STOP to contact the state permitting center nearest you. |
AQMD also offers assistance with your business and permit needs at its Diamond Bar headquarters Tuesday through Friday (except holidays), from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Our offices are closed Monday.
The AQMD contact persons and our availability at the offices listed here are subject to change without notice.
Please call the Small Business Assistance and Outreach staff at 1-800-388-2121 in advance to arrange an appointment and, if necessary, get directions to any of the offices.
Buying a new car? Before you leave for the dealerships check out the Green Guide to Cars & Trucks: Model Year 1999. The 113-page guide ranks new cars, vans, trucks and sports utility vehicles according to environmental friendliness. It also includes:
The guide sells for $8.95, plus $5 shipping and handling. For a copy e-mail the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy or call them at (202) 429-0063.
Hilton Hotels Corp., through an agreement with Edison EV, is the first hotel chain to equip participating Southland Hilton Hotels and Hilton's corporate offices with electric vehicle recharging stations. Installation of inductive chargers is complete at the company's Beverly Hills corporate office and properties located in Anaheim, Beverly Hills, Huntington Beach, Los Angeles, Long Beach, Orange County, Ontario, Oxnard, Palm Springs, Pasadena and Valencia. Vehicle charging is a complimentary service to hotel guests and visitors.
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