SLO County Air Pollution Control District
E-Newsletter


In This Issue
Blues Baseball Game
Fire Season
Food Miles
Promoting Blue Skies
Bike Month 2014

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June 2014

Upcoming Events APCD is Participating In: 
  • June 18: APCD Board Meeting at the SLO County Government Center, 9:00 am 
    • Budget Approval 
    • Presentation on Governor's Inter-agency Refinery Safety
  • June 21: SLO Blues Baseball Game
Bike to the Blues Baseball Game & First 200 Get in FREE!

 

On Saturday, June 21, the San Luis Obispo (SLO) County Air Pollution Control District (APCD), SLO Regional Rideshare and the SLO County Bicycle Coalition are sponsoring a "Bike to the Blues Night" at the SLO Blues Baseball Game where they face off against the Menlo Park Legends. 

 

Kick off the first day of summer with some family fun in the sun and one of America's favorite past-times - a baseball game! Bicycle over to the ball field and park your bike in the Bike Valet - those that show their bike valet ticket will get free entry. Walking to the ball park? Show us your route & you will get free entry too. The first 200 that walk or roll will get in free!

 

The night will kick off with a Kidical Mass Family Bike Parade around the park area at 4:30pm. Bring your family and helmets and join a fun ride that will be led by APCD's mascot, Percy the Penguin and the Bicycle Coalition! 

 

 

Schedule of Events:

 

  • 4:00 pm: Arrive at the front entrance of Sinsheimer Park Baseball Stadium (900 Southwood Drive, San Luis Obispo) for Kidical Mass Family Bike Parade
  • 4:30 pm: Kidical Mass Ride Departs
  • 5:00 pm: Gates open at the baseball stadium and family events begin
  • 6:00 pm: Percy the Penguin throws out the opening pitch for the Blues Baseball Game

 

What is Kidical Mass? Often called family bike happening, Kidical Mass is a venue for parents to teach their kids how to ride safely. If you have ever wanted to ride your bike in a parade with kids of all ages, this is the perfect chance to make it happen. No matter what your age, the ride is a blast for everyone!

 

"Bike to the Blues" is a collaboration aimed at encouraging adults and youth alike to rethink how they get to and from their favorite activities! Mobile transportation accounts for over 50% of air pollution in SLO County, so every trip taken by alternative transportation counts. 

  

Tips for Protecting Yourself During Fire Season

With drought conditions and the warm weather upon us, the risk of wildfire increases significantly locally and across California. To help you protect you and your family's health from  smoke, ash and other particulate matter associated with wildfires or prescribed burns, the APCD has gathered a list of 5 helpful tips. 

  1. Pay close attention to your local air quality: The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a color-coded, user-friendly method for forecasting daily air quality in your area. It tells you how clean or polluted the air is, and alerts you to potential health effects of exposure. You can visit our website at SLOCleanAir.org and click "Today's Air Quality" or follow us on Twitter for daily alerts @SLOCleanAir
  2. Use common sense: If you can see or smell smoke or ash outside, it is a good time to stay inside and limit your time outdoors to avoid inhalation of smoke, ash, and particulate matter in the area. These precautions are especially important for children, the elderly, and people with respiratory and heart conditions. 
  3. Keep particle levels inside your home low: Keep your doors, windows and vents closed. The air conditioning should only be operated on the "recirculate" setting. Try to avoid using anything that burns, such as candles, cooking (e.g., frying, saut�ing, or broiling), fireplaces, etc.
  4. Be aware of your health and listen to its triggers: If you have asthma or lung disease, make sure to follow your doctor's orders about taking your medicine and follow your asthma management plan. If you develop a persistent cough or difficult or painful breathing, call your physician. The onset of symptoms can appear as late as 24 hours after exposure and smoke can remain in areas for many days after the fires have ended. 
  5. Take extra precaution for children: They are more susceptible to smoke because their respiratory systems are still developing. The average adult breathes 13,000 liters of air per day, and children breathe 50% more air per pound of body weight than adults. 


 


Food Miles_New

 
Out & About Promoting Blue Skies!

Throughout the spring, the APCD was out and about promoting clean air and blue skies by participating in many events across the county. Whether it was promoting the SLO Car Free Program, bike commuting or our Clean Air Ambassadors education program, we attended 10 events and reached over 14,000 people! Here is a picture that catches us in action!


Bike Month Success!

May concluded another very successful Bike Month in SLO County! On May 16, hundreds of children and adults stopped by one of 14 Energizer Stations across the county on their commute to school or work! For this inaugural event, APCD collaborated with local businesses, cities, chambers, schools and organizations to bring fun Energizer Stations from Paso Robles, all the way down to Oceano and Arroyo Grande and over to Morro Bay. Below are some fun pictures from the event. We can't wait for next year!
 

 

Thank you for taking the time to read our e-newsletter! If you have any questions regarding programs of the Air Pollution Control District, please give us a call at 805-781-5912. You can also email the APCD at [email protected]
 
SLO County Air Pollution Control District