BOARD MEETING DATE: January 9, 2009
AGENDA NO. 7

PROPOSAL:

Public Affairs Report

SYNOPSIS:

This report highlights November 2008 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 ACTIONS:

Receive and file.
 

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer

Background

This report summarizes the outreach activities of Public Affairs for November 2008. 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 2008.

On Saturday, November 1, 2008, the AQMD held an Open House for the public. Over 165 people attended the morning program which included discussion groups on air quality topics such as climate change, clean air technologies, and air quality and health effects. Attendees were also invited to participate in a Ride and Drive of clean fueled vehicles and a tour of AQMD’s Clean Air laboratory. Many of the attendees also solidified their commitment to clean air by becoming active members of AQMD’s Clean Air Congress and also agreeing to become “green consumers”, purchasing and using products that generate no emissions or low emissions.

During the month of November, AQMD staff met with members of the Valley Inter-Faith Council’s (VIC) Social Concerns Committee regarding their request for an educational briefing on air quality issues in the future. The briefing will include faith-based and environmental leaders from the San Fernando Valley and has been scheduled for January 28, 2009 at the Northridge Methodist Church. The briefing will include presentations on air pollution in the region and how it affects the environment.  Attendees will also be able to participate in a demonstration of alternative fuel vehicles.

During the month of November 2008, Public Affairs staff also addressed the following organizations:

• Healthy Redlands
• Rowland Heights Community Coordinating Council
• San Bernardino Pediatric Asthma Coalition

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 2008 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 2008:

November 5 Hosted visitors from Chile Department of Motor Vehicle Enforcement who received an air quality overview and presentations on off-road and on-road Mobile Sources, Technology Demonstration Program and Best Available Control Technologies.

November 18  Hosted a 6-member delegation from the Shanghai Municipal Audit Bureau who received a general overview and tour of a local refinery to view operations.

Communication Center Statistics

The Communication Center handles the AQMD main line, 1-800-CUT-SMOG^® line and Spanish line calls. Calls received in the month of November 2008 are summarized below:

*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. Information for the month of November 2008 is summarized below:

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 6 free on-site consultations
• Provided permit application assistance to 122 companies
• Issued 25 clearance letters
   

Types of business assisted:

Events:

• CTAC Professional Wet Cleaning Demonstration Program – Irwindale
   

OUTREACH TO BUSINESS AND FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

An Air Quality Institute briefing was held on November 20, 2008 for members of the Gateway Cities Council of Governments. The 28 attendees were welcomed by AQMD Governing Board Members Tonia Reyes Uranga and Dr. Joseph Lyou. The topics of discussion included an overview of air quality and SB 375, which focuses on housing and transportation planning decisions to reduce fossil fuel consumption and conserve natural habitats. Dr. Ed Avol, with USC Keck School of Medicine presented information on traffic congestion and health effects. The program concluded with presentations on the I-710 EIR/EIS Study and the I-710 Corridor Air Quality Action Plan.

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

Alhambra, Azusa, Baldwin Park, Burbank, Colton, Compton, Diamond Bar, Duarte, El Monte, Fontana, Gardena, Grand Terrace, Hemet, Industry, Irvine, Irwindale, La Canada Flintridge, La Verne, Lake Arrowhead, Loma Linda, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Monrovia, Ontario, Paramount, Pasadena, Rancho Cucamonga, Redlands, Rialto, Riverside, Rosemead, San Bernardino, San Gabriel, Upland, and West Covina.

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

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

• Archdiocese of Los Angeles
• Compton Chamber of Commerce
• Gateway Cities Council of Governments
• Inland Empire Resource Conservation District Meeting
• Los Angeles Metro Churches Council
• League of California Cities
• Loma Linda Chamber of Commerce
• Mexican American Legal Defense & Education Fund
• Ontario Chamber of Commerce Legislative Committee
• Rancho Cucamonga Chamber of Commerce
• Redlands Chamber of Commerce
• Rosemead Chamber Legislative Committee
• Rowland Heights Community Coordinating Council (RHCCC)
• San Bernardino Associated Governments Administrative Committee
• San Bernardino Chamber of Commerce
• San Bernardino Pediatric Asthma Coalition
• San Gabriel Valley Chamber Legislative Coalition
• San Gabriel Valley City Managers Association
• San Gabriel Valley Energy, Environment & Natural Resource Committee
• San Gabriel Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce
• Southwest Council of Churches
• Upland Chamber of Commerce Legislative Committee
• Valley Interfaith Council
• West Covina Chamber Legislative Committee
• Women’s Environmental Council