EPA Grant Number: R831861
Center: USC Center for Children’s Environmental Health
Center Director: Gilliland, Frank
Title: Children’s Environmental Health Center
Investigators: Gilliland, Frank, Kiros Berhane, http://cfpub.epa.gov/ncer_abstracts/index.cfm/fuseaction/display.investigatorInfo/investigator/8325, Diaz-Sanchez, David , Dubeau, Louis , Froines, John R. , Gauderman, William , Gong, Henry , Hricko, Andrea , Kuenzli, Nino , Linn, William S. , Lurmann, Fred , McConnell, Rob , Peters, John M.
Current Investigators: Gilliland, Frank , Diaz-Sanchez, David , Froines, John R. , Gong, Henry , McConnell, Rob
Institution : University of Southern California , University of California - Los Angeles Current Institution : University of Southern California
EPA Project Officer : Fields, Nigel
Project Period: April 1, 2004 through March 31, 2009
Project Amount: $7,181,692
RFA: Centers for Children's Environmental Health and Disease Prevention Research (2003) Research Category: Health Effects , Children's Health
EPA Grant Number: R831861C001
Subproject: this is subproject number 001 , established and managed by the Center Director under grant R831861
(EPA does not fund or establish subprojects; EPA awards and manages the overall grant for this center).
Center: USC Center for Children’s Environmental Health
Center Director:
Title: Urban Air Pollution and Persistent Early Life Asthma
Investigators: Gilliland, Frank
Institution : University of Southern California
EPA Project Officer : Fields, Nigel
Project Period: November 1, 2003 through October 31, 2008
RFA: Centers for Children's Environmental Health and Disease Prevention Research (2003)
Research Category: Children's Health , Health Effects
Sunday, August 26, 2007
the Lancet Study - U of S. CA - Current Projects: 2003-2008 -
Project 1: Urban Air Pollution and Persistent Early Life Asthma
Principal Investigator: Rob McConnell, PhD
Community-Based Participatory Research Project
The goal of this project is to evaluate the relationship between early life asthma and traffic-related air pollution. The research questions have been developed from Children's Environmental Health Center research in cooperation with the Long Beach Alliance for Children with Asthma, a coalition of organizations representing children with asthma in Long Beach, and the Center for Community Action and Environmental Justice, a community-based organization in Riverside County, CA. These communities have some of the heaviest traffic in southern California. Preliminary results suggest that exposure to oxidant pollutants near homes may be associated with asthma with onset early in life, but there is considerable uncertainty as to these relationships. Center researchers are examining this question in a case-control study of asthma present in kindergarten and first grade, but with onset earlier in life. Children in the study were lifetime residents in the same home so that estimates of exposure at home will reflect lifetime exposure. The investigators have also hypothesized that susceptibility to ambient air pollution will vary based on genotype for GSTM1, GSTP1, NQO1, HO-1, and TNF-alpha, genes involved in the biologic response to oxidant air pollutants.
The research approach is to assess lifetime exposure by calibrating home measurements to the extensive historical exposure assessment from a monitor in each community operating continuously during the lifetime of participants. Traffic density in close proximity to homes is estimated from traffic counts made by the California Department of Transportation. Community participation in study promotion to participants and in data collection and interpretation will enhance both the quality of Center research and the environmental action plans for families of children with asthma in ongoing projects of the community partners.
The presentation of results in terms of the burden of disease in two areas encompassing almost 1 million people represented by community research partners promises to increase the level of local awareness of the health impact of air pollution. A steering committee representing university and community research partners, and policy makers, is working closely with the Community Outreach and Translation Core to provide the scientific basis necessary for developing policy for the more widespread protection of children from the effects of air pollution..
Read more
Principal Investigator: Rob McConnell, PhD
Community-Based Participatory Research Project
The goal of this project is to evaluate the relationship between early life asthma and traffic-related air pollution. The research questions have been developed from Children's Environmental Health Center research in cooperation with the Long Beach Alliance for Children with Asthma, a coalition of organizations representing children with asthma in Long Beach, and the Center for Community Action and Environmental Justice, a community-based organization in Riverside County, CA. These communities have some of the heaviest traffic in southern California. Preliminary results suggest that exposure to oxidant pollutants near homes may be associated with asthma with onset early in life, but there is considerable uncertainty as to these relationships. Center researchers are examining this question in a case-control study of asthma present in kindergarten and first grade, but with onset earlier in life. Children in the study were lifetime residents in the same home so that estimates of exposure at home will reflect lifetime exposure. The investigators have also hypothesized that susceptibility to ambient air pollution will vary based on genotype for GSTM1, GSTP1, NQO1, HO-1, and TNF-alpha, genes involved in the biologic response to oxidant air pollutants.
The research approach is to assess lifetime exposure by calibrating home measurements to the extensive historical exposure assessment from a monitor in each community operating continuously during the lifetime of participants. Traffic density in close proximity to homes is estimated from traffic counts made by the California Department of Transportation. Community participation in study promotion to participants and in data collection and interpretation will enhance both the quality of Center research and the environmental action plans for families of children with asthma in ongoing projects of the community partners.
The presentation of results in terms of the burden of disease in two areas encompassing almost 1 million people represented by community research partners promises to increase the level of local awareness of the health impact of air pollution. A steering committee representing university and community research partners, and policy makers, is working closely with the Community Outreach and Translation Core to provide the scientific basis necessary for developing policy for the more widespread protection of children from the effects of air pollution..
Read more
Highland Village Parents retains Environmental Attorney James Blackburn
By Faith Chatham - Aug. 26, 2007
Highland Village Parents have retained environmental attorney James Blackburn of Houston as counsel in the dispute over the route for Section 4 of FM 2499. Mr. Blackburn, a noted environmental attorney, is also representing the City of Frisco in the dispute over toll rates on SH 121. Blackburn, a partner in the Blackburn & Carter, specializes in urban quality of life, toxic torts litigation and community group representation. He has practiced environmental law in Houston for more than 30 years. His work with grassroots organizations has included a variety of cases, ranging from wetland, flooding, dam, hazardous waste, landfill, wastewater and air emission controversies. An environmental activist, he has participated in land use planning and design studies, taught environmental law and planning courses at Rice University and the University of Houston, and helped establish several conservation groups, including the Galveston Bay Foundation and the Matagorda Bay Foundation. Recently, he has written a book about the wonders and protection of the Texas coast, The Book of Texas Bays .
In 2003, for his work on urban quality of life he was granted honorary membership in the American Institute of Architects. Among his honors, he received the Robert C. Eckhardt Lifetime Achievement Award, for coastal preservation efforts, from the General Land Office of the State of Texas in 1998, the Jesse L. Walls award for work in preserving waterways and the Herman Rudenberg Coastal Protection Award by the Sierra Club in 1999. In 2001 he was awarded the Conservation Achievement Award in the Legislative/Legal category for extraordinary contributions to the conservation of wildlife and natural resources by the National Wildlife Federation.
The Book of Texas Bays, which focuses upon the current environmental health of bays in Texas and the efforts undertaken to protect them, has been published by Texas A&M press and is now in bookstores. Blackburn received both a B.A. in History and a J.D. from the University of Texas at Austin and an M.S. in Environmental Science at Rice University
Judgements Blackburn won in his clients' favor include an August 2000 $17 million dollar judgement on asbestos in James Blackburn, Et Al. V. Swan Transportation Company - Dallas County, Texas.
Click on Real Media icon at left to watch video.
Highland Village Parents have retained environmental attorney James Blackburn of Houston as counsel in the dispute over the route for Section 4 of FM 2499. Mr. Blackburn, a noted environmental attorney, is also representing the City of Frisco in the dispute over toll rates on SH 121. Blackburn, a partner in the Blackburn & Carter, specializes in urban quality of life, toxic torts litigation and community group representation. He has practiced environmental law in Houston for more than 30 years. His work with grassroots organizations has included a variety of cases, ranging from wetland, flooding, dam, hazardous waste, landfill, wastewater and air emission controversies. An environmental activist, he has participated in land use planning and design studies, taught environmental law and planning courses at Rice University and the University of Houston, and helped establish several conservation groups, including the Galveston Bay Foundation and the Matagorda Bay Foundation. Recently, he has written a book about the wonders and protection of the Texas coast, The Book of Texas Bays .
In 2003, for his work on urban quality of life he was granted honorary membership in the American Institute of Architects. Among his honors, he received the Robert C. Eckhardt Lifetime Achievement Award, for coastal preservation efforts, from the General Land Office of the State of Texas in 1998, the Jesse L. Walls award for work in preserving waterways and the Herman Rudenberg Coastal Protection Award by the Sierra Club in 1999. In 2001 he was awarded the Conservation Achievement Award in the Legislative/Legal category for extraordinary contributions to the conservation of wildlife and natural resources by the National Wildlife Federation.
The Book of Texas Bays, which focuses upon the current environmental health of bays in Texas and the efforts undertaken to protect them, has been published by Texas A&M press and is now in bookstores. Blackburn received both a B.A. in History and a J.D. from the University of Texas at Austin and an M.S. in Environmental Science at Rice University
Judgements Blackburn won in his clients' favor include an August 2000 $17 million dollar judgement on asbestos in James Blackburn, Et Al. V. Swan Transportation Company - Dallas County, Texas.
Click on Real Media icon at left to watch video.
TxDOT reverses position on releasing records
By Faith Chatham - Aug. 26, 2007
Susie Venable received a letter Aug. 25th from the Dallas District TxDOT attorney, Sue Reid offering to send her the "unobtainable" transcripts of the 2003 public hearing on FM 2499. The fee will be apx. $70.00 for photocopying.
Earlier this week in a telephone call, I advised Ms. Reid to confer with the Texas Attorney General's office regarding the legality of refusing to release materials based on copyright under Freedom of Information. I also mentioned that the Attorney General's office told me that they had not received a request from TxDOT for a waiver. Under Texas Law unless a request for waiver is received by the Open Records Division of the Texas Attorney General office within 10 working days of the receipt of the request for records under the Freedom of Information Act, the agancy must release the requested records.
Read more on OPEN GOVERNMENT.
The Open Records Division also provides an Open Government Hotline,
staffed by investigators who specialize in both the Public Information Act and the Open Meetings Act. These investigators can answer questions regarding these laws and can help resolve disputes involving the open government laws. However, the Hotline cannot provide legal advice to private citizens or governmental entities. The Hotline can be reached at (512) 478-OPEN (6736) or toll-free at (877) OPEN TEX (673-6839).
Public Information Handbook 2006 Texas Attorney General
2006 Administrative Law Handbook - Texas Attorney General
2006 Open Meetings Law Made Easy - Texas Attorney General
2006 Open Meetings Act Handbook - Texas Attorney General
2006 Public Information Act Made Easy - Texas Attorney General
2006 Eminent Domain Made Easy - Texas Attorney General
Other helpful publications:
2006 Public Officers: Traps for the Unwary - Texas Attorney General
2006 Conflict of Interest Laws Made Easy - Texas Attorney General
2006 Nepotism Laws Made Easy - Texas Attorney General
2006 Ethics, Gifts and Honorarium Laws Made Easy - Texas Attorney General
2006 Dual Office Holding Laws Made Easy - Texas Attorney General
Charges for Public Information
The Open Records Section of the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) discharges the mandates set out in Government Code, Chapter 552, Subchapter A, Section 552.009; Subchapter D, Section 552.205; and Subchapter F, Sections 552.261 through 552.274.
The OAG Cost Rules Administration administers the rules promulgated by the Attorney General to determine charges and methods for charging for copies of public information, complaints from requestors regarding overcharges for copies of public information, and requests from governmental bodies for exemption from the rules or part of the rules.
Additionally, the section provides advice to governmental bodies and requestors regarding the charges and their applicability.
OAG Rules for charges
Report on Charges for Public Information
Contact the Open Records Administrator:
Postal Mail:
Hadassah Schloss
Open Records Division
Office of the Attorney General
P.O. Box 12548
Austin, Texas 78711-2548
E-mail: hadassah.schloss@oag.state.tx.us
Telephone: 512/475-2497
Fax: 512/481-1992
Need More Information?
Charges for Public Information
Open Records in Texas
Open Records Rules (Secretary of State's website)
Agency Open Records Reports Login page
Instructions for Completing the Open Records Questionnaire
Open Records Questionnaire (Word97 format)
Report on Charges for Public Information: [2000 | 2002 | 2004]
Report Regarding the Posting Information on State Agencies' Web Sites (Word97 | PDF formats)
Susie Venable received a letter Aug. 25th from the Dallas District TxDOT attorney, Sue Reid offering to send her the "unobtainable" transcripts of the 2003 public hearing on FM 2499. The fee will be apx. $70.00 for photocopying.
Earlier this week in a telephone call, I advised Ms. Reid to confer with the Texas Attorney General's office regarding the legality of refusing to release materials based on copyright under Freedom of Information. I also mentioned that the Attorney General's office told me that they had not received a request from TxDOT for a waiver. Under Texas Law unless a request for waiver is received by the Open Records Division of the Texas Attorney General office within 10 working days of the receipt of the request for records under the Freedom of Information Act, the agancy must release the requested records.
Read more on OPEN GOVERNMENT.
The Open Records Division also provides an Open Government Hotline,
staffed by investigators who specialize in both the Public Information Act and the Open Meetings Act. These investigators can answer questions regarding these laws and can help resolve disputes involving the open government laws. However, the Hotline cannot provide legal advice to private citizens or governmental entities. The Hotline can be reached at (512) 478-OPEN (6736) or toll-free at (877) OPEN TEX (673-6839).
Public Information Handbook 2006 Texas Attorney General
2006 Administrative Law Handbook - Texas Attorney General
2006 Open Meetings Law Made Easy - Texas Attorney General
2006 Open Meetings Act Handbook - Texas Attorney General
2006 Public Information Act Made Easy - Texas Attorney General
2006 Eminent Domain Made Easy - Texas Attorney General
Other helpful publications:
2006 Public Officers: Traps for the Unwary - Texas Attorney General
2006 Conflict of Interest Laws Made Easy - Texas Attorney General
2006 Nepotism Laws Made Easy - Texas Attorney General
2006 Ethics, Gifts and Honorarium Laws Made Easy - Texas Attorney General
2006 Dual Office Holding Laws Made Easy - Texas Attorney General
Charges for Public Information
The Open Records Section of the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) discharges the mandates set out in Government Code, Chapter 552, Subchapter A, Section 552.009; Subchapter D, Section 552.205; and Subchapter F, Sections 552.261 through 552.274.
The OAG Cost Rules Administration administers the rules promulgated by the Attorney General to determine charges and methods for charging for copies of public information, complaints from requestors regarding overcharges for copies of public information, and requests from governmental bodies for exemption from the rules or part of the rules.
Additionally, the section provides advice to governmental bodies and requestors regarding the charges and their applicability.
OAG Rules for charges
Report on Charges for Public Information
Contact the Open Records Administrator:
Postal Mail:
Hadassah Schloss
Open Records Division
Office of the Attorney General
P.O. Box 12548
Austin, Texas 78711-2548
E-mail: hadassah.schloss@oag.state.tx.us
Telephone: 512/475-2497
Fax: 512/481-1992
Need More Information?
Charges for Public Information
Open Records in Texas
Open Records Rules (Secretary of State's website)
Agency Open Records Reports Login page
Instructions for Completing the Open Records Questionnaire
Open Records Questionnaire (Word97 format)
Report on Charges for Public Information: [2000 | 2002 | 2004]
Report Regarding the Posting Information on State Agencies' Web Sites (Word97 | PDF formats)
Refusal of release of records based on copyright is not valid under Texas Public Information Law
By Faith Chatham - August 23, 2007
Under the Texas Open Records law, if release of requested records are refused, those refusing to release the records must file for a waiver from the Attorney General's office within 10 working days. If they do not apply for a waiver and are not granted a waiver, they must release the records.
In a phone conversation with the Texas Attorney General's Open Record's Division on Thursday, August 23rd, I was told that TxDOT had not filed for a waiver on the request of Susie Venable for records from TxDOT on the public hearings on SH 2499 in 2003. The representative at the Attorney General's office told me that materials being under copyright is not a valid reason for not releasing the records. Those receiving the records must adhere to the copyright laws.
There are "fair use" rules for copyrighted material. The Attorney General's office advised me that the Highland Village parents group (Susie Venable) should file a complaint with their (Attorney General's office) against TxDOT. It is a simple process and does not require a lawyer. All that is necessary to file a complaint with the Attorney General's office is to write a letter explaining that you requested materials from x agency and they have refused to release it to you. Attach your letter to the agency and the letter from the agency refusing to release the materials. If it has been over 10 working days, mention that it has been more than ten days and to your knowledge, the agency has not requested a waiver.
Under the Texas Open Records law, if release of requested records are refused, those refusing to release the records must file for a waiver from the Attorney General's office within 10 working days. If they do not apply for a waiver and are not granted a waiver, they must release the records.
In a phone conversation with the Texas Attorney General's Open Record's Division on Thursday, August 23rd, I was told that TxDOT had not filed for a waiver on the request of Susie Venable for records from TxDOT on the public hearings on SH 2499 in 2003. The representative at the Attorney General's office told me that materials being under copyright is not a valid reason for not releasing the records. Those receiving the records must adhere to the copyright laws.
There are "fair use" rules for copyrighted material. The Attorney General's office advised me that the Highland Village parents group (Susie Venable) should file a complaint with their (Attorney General's office) against TxDOT. It is a simple process and does not require a lawyer. All that is necessary to file a complaint with the Attorney General's office is to write a letter explaining that you requested materials from x agency and they have refused to release it to you. Attach your letter to the agency and the letter from the agency refusing to release the materials. If it has been over 10 working days, mention that it has been more than ten days and to your knowledge, the agency has not requested a waiver.
TxDOT denies open records request for Public Meeting Transcripts
Susie Venable requested a copy of the transcripts of the FM2499 public hearings held in July and October, 2003 from TXDot. In return, she received a letter this week stating that TXDot could not release the transcripts because of copyright laws. Instead they sent a copy of the cover page from the transcript (see attached files.)
Susie inquired further, wanting to understand how copyright laws applied to her request. Yesterday she received a call from the TXDot Dallas Dist. Staff attorney Sue Reid.
Ms. Reid informed Susie that under Common Law Copyright restrictions, the court reporter owns the transcripts. It is a work product. Ms. Reid explained that she attempted to reach the reporter and is unable to track her down.
Ms. Reid also called John Polster (Denton County’s transportation consultant), who is on vacation this week, because he should have a copy. She also said that Denton County paid for the transcript and they are the best place to contact. She also suggested we contact the Attorney General.
However, she prefaced all this by saying that even if they could get past the copyright laws, they are not sure they would release it!!!!
Susie is calling John Polster to make a request to him. Since he is on vacation, I am not sure how long this will be.
Susie inquired further, wanting to understand how copyright laws applied to her request. Yesterday she received a call from the TXDot Dallas Dist. Staff attorney Sue Reid.
Ms. Reid informed Susie that under Common Law Copyright restrictions, the court reporter owns the transcripts. It is a work product. Ms. Reid explained that she attempted to reach the reporter and is unable to track her down.
Ms. Reid also called John Polster (Denton County’s transportation consultant), who is on vacation this week, because he should have a copy. She also said that Denton County paid for the transcript and they are the best place to contact. She also suggested we contact the Attorney General.
However, she prefaced all this by saying that even if they could get past the copyright laws, they are not sure they would release it!!!!
Susie is calling John Polster to make a request to him. Since he is on vacation, I am not sure how long this will be.
Expansion of FM 2499 listed on blogs as warning against investing in home in Highland Village.
By Faith Chatham - Aug. 25, 2007
Value is based partially on perception. I found this post on a blog,. The question asked was:
Highland Village Texas?
How do you feel about the city, I have read that it is a very desireable suburb of Dallas.
Best Answer - Chosen By Voters:
By Sweet Baby Leroy
I live in Corinth, which is just a few miles north of Highland Village across Lewisville Lake, so, while I can't speak directly to the city of Highland Village, perhaps I can offer opinions on the area.
The area must be pretty desirable since it has grown by leaps and bounds in the last 10 years with new subdivisions springing up as far a the eye can see. However, the infrastructure has had a hard time keeping up with the growth. There just aren't enough roads to handle all of the people. If you are planning to commute to downtown Dallas, you are looking at a 1-1.5 hour drive in the morning and evening.
The crime rate is low in the area and there are plenty of things to do. You'll be close to the lake and several parks and the city hosts a couple events (festivals, carnivals, etc.) annually. I believe that Highland Village is in the Lewisville school district, but I haven't really heard anything about the quality of education. The University of North Texas (3rd largest university in the state) is about 15 miles north, as is NCTC, a junior college.
If you plan on buying real estate in Highland Village do some research on the FM 2499 Road Project. My understanding is that the road is going to be expanded from Flower Mound to the north and cut directly through the west side of Highland Village. This may have an effect on property taxes/values.Overall, I’d give the area a thumbs up.
Value is based partially on perception. I found this post on a blog,. The question asked was:
Highland Village Texas?
How do you feel about the city, I have read that it is a very desireable suburb of Dallas.
Best Answer - Chosen By Voters:
By Sweet Baby Leroy
I live in Corinth, which is just a few miles north of Highland Village across Lewisville Lake, so, while I can't speak directly to the city of Highland Village, perhaps I can offer opinions on the area.
The area must be pretty desirable since it has grown by leaps and bounds in the last 10 years with new subdivisions springing up as far a the eye can see. However, the infrastructure has had a hard time keeping up with the growth. There just aren't enough roads to handle all of the people. If you are planning to commute to downtown Dallas, you are looking at a 1-1.5 hour drive in the morning and evening.
The crime rate is low in the area and there are plenty of things to do. You'll be close to the lake and several parks and the city hosts a couple events (festivals, carnivals, etc.) annually. I believe that Highland Village is in the Lewisville school district, but I haven't really heard anything about the quality of education. The University of North Texas (3rd largest university in the state) is about 15 miles north, as is NCTC, a junior college.
If you plan on buying real estate in Highland Village do some research on the FM 2499 Road Project. My understanding is that the road is going to be expanded from Flower Mound to the north and cut directly through the west side of Highland Village. This may have an effect on property taxes/values.Overall, I’d give the area a thumbs up.
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