Fresno doctor on state air board
Cardiologist John Telles replaces Fresno County Supervisor Judy Case.
E.J. Schultz / Bee Capitol Bureau
04/16/08 23:15:14
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SACRAMENTO -- Gov. Schwarzenegger on Wednesday named Fresno cardiologist John Telles to represent the Valley on the California Air Resources Board, an influential agency that sets statewide pollution and greenhouse gas regulations.

Telles, a 59-year-old Democrat, replaces Fresno County Supervisor Judy Case. Case, a Republican, was ousted earlier this year by the Democratic-controlled state Senate over accusations by environmentalists that she catered to agriculture interests.

The governor also named Telles to serve in one of four newly created spots on the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control Board, which sets smog rules in the eight-county region.

Telles was not the candidate environmentalists endorsed, but they are giving him a chance.

"We hope Dr. Telles can be a champion for kids with asthma and for all people in the Valley who suffer because of air pollution," said Carolina Simunovic, an air-quality advocate with Fresno Metro Ministry.

Growers -- who are often the target of new air rules -- gave him a good review.

Telles has "excellent medical and scientific perspective" but is also well-versed on Valley agriculture and the economy, said California Grape and Tree Fruit League President Barry Bedwell.

Telles, a former president of the Fresno Madera Medical Society, is managing partner of Heart Group Cardiovascular Associates Inc., where he has worked since 1979. In an interview with The Bee last year, he said he got interested in air issues when coaching soccer and noticing that so many kids needed inhalers.

Case came under fire from Democrats for her vote to extend a Valley clean-air deadline to 2024, more than a decade beyond the initial deadline set by the federal government. Democrats also cited her opposition to legislation signed last year by the governor that adds four members to the Valley air board -- two city appointees and two health experts.

Telles, who fills one of the health slots, is the first of the new appointments. He will not draw a salary in the state or Valley post and still must be confirmed by the state Senate, which has a year to approve him.

State Sen. Dean Florez, D-Shafter, who led the charge against Case, said he would meet with Telles soon to "discuss our high expectations for him."

Fresno Bee reporter Barbara Anderson contributed to this report. The reporter can be reached at eschultz@fresnobee.com or (916) 326-5541.