AAA's Great Battery Roundup Kick off Press Conference 10 a.m. April 14; Donate Used Batteries April 16-27 to Benefit International Bird Rescue Research Center.

What:      AAA's Great Battery Roundup(R) is a recycling campaign to
           collect "stray" vehicle, motorcycle, boat and small plane
           batteries for recycling and supporting a local
           environmental group. Batteries will be accepted April 16-23
           at 96 collection locations throughout the Southland. For
           every battery collected, the AAA Battery Service will
           donate $1.50 to the International Bird Rescue Research
           Center for bird rescue and environmental education.

Who:       The Auto Club and motorists working together to remove an
           environmental and safety hazard from our communities. The
           Auto Club's goal is to collect 1,200 batteries from
           garages, carports, yards, tool sheds, storage units and
           other places.

When:      10 a.m., Thursday, April 14, at the International Bird
           Rescue Research Center, 3601 S. Gaffey St., San Pedro.
           Telephone: [phone].

Photo Opp: Currently 40 birds are being treated at the IBRRC's San
           Pedro center. Visuals include birds in care and interviews
           with Auto Club and IBRRC representatives.

Why:       To kick off recycling campaign and encourage motorists to
           participate and turn in used batteries. More than 95
           percent of a vehicle battery lead is recycled. But five
           million stray batteries weren't returned to industry
           recycling plants last year. Dead batteries can discharge
           lead and sulfuric acid contaminating soil and water.
           Contamination creates a health hazard for humans, animals
           and birds.

Where:     Front steps of the IBRRC's San Pedro center. Take the 405
           Fwy. to the 110 south to San Pedro. At end of freeway, turn
           left onto Gaffey. Just past 36th Street is Angel's Gate
           Park. Turn right on Leavenworth and go into park. About a
           half mile up the road is the Marine Mammal Center. IBRRC is
           located in the Los Angeles Oiled Bird Care & Education
           Center next to MMC. Ph: 310-514-2573.

Other:     A list of drop-off sites can be found at www.aaa-calif.com.
           Click on Automotive.