National Drive Electric Week is also a great opportunity to see what financial incentives are available, including for low-to-moderate income households. Here is a current list of incentives, many of which can be combined, if eligible, to maximize savings:

• Electrify your Ride with Central Coast Community Energy– up to $4,000
• Southern California Edison Pre-Owned EV Rebate program – up to $4,000
• Clean Vehicle Rebate Project – up to $7,000
• Federal EV Tax Credit – up to $7,500
• Access Clean California — a one-stop shop to find the programs that California offers to help drivers switch to electric cars and clean energy. Use this link for a personalized EV purchase guidance assistance

Learn more by registering for CEC’s Get Charged: Everything You Need to Drive Electric Webinar

As extremely high gas prices make electric vehicles (EVs) even more appealing, California is once again accelerating the green energy transition. Last month, the California Air Resources Board issued a historic rule that bans the sale of new gas-powered cars starting in 2035. This bold action by the largest auto market in the United States will drive innovation that ripples out to other states and beyond.

The Community Environmental Council has spent the last ten years working with partners to advocate for electric vehicles. The result? Our counties have three times the national average of per capita EV drivers. We have a robust and growing infrastructure for electric vehicle charging—2,017 chargers are already in place and 1,424 more are being built over the next two years at workplaces, multi-family properties, and public destinations across San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura Counties.

But a broad and equitable transition to zero emissions transportation is only possible if all drivers have access to EVs and support to make the switch from gas-powered cars.

Join the Community Environmental Council and regional experts for a primer on making the switch to driving electric. You’ll hear from current electric vehicle (EV) drivers and walk away knowing everything from the basics of charging to what’s available on the used and new market. We’ll also cover how to access and make the best use of local, state, and federal incentives on the horizon—and how to get support in your EV journey.

I encourage individuals to match the hundreds of organizational partners, including me, who have taken a clean air pledge to do at least one thing in their community for clean air. The clean air pledge encourages taking public transit, biking, planting trees, cleaning air filters, and carpooling.

We may have lost our friend Carmen Ramirez, but we can continue her fight to ensure our community is safe to breathe in. Let’s learn more about taking our local bus system or purchasing a new or used electric car.

Click here to take make the pledge

Be sure to check out Clean Air Day Events Around the County

SANTA MARIA EV SHOWCASE

September 30 | 05:30 pm – 08:30 pm | Santa Maria, CA

In addition to the regular events including the farmers market, live music, local foods, produce, and craft vendors, you will also have the opportunity to experience the National Drive Electric Week EV Showcase. Partners for the EV showcase include APCD, C5, EV Advocates of Santa Barbara County, the Santa Barbara-Ventura Chapter of the Sierra Club, and the Community Environmental Council.

ISLA VISTA CLEAN AIR DAY CONCERT AND RAFFLE

October 1 | 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm | Isla Vista, CA

On Saturday, October 1, 2022, Isla Vista Recreation and Park District will host a free community event in celebration of California Clean Air Day. The event will take place during IVRPD’s Summer Concert Series grand finale in Anisq’Oyo’ Park in downtown Isla Vista (950 Embarcadero Del Mar) and feature a bike valet with complimentary bike services, souvenirs, and a raffle giveaway grand prize of an electric scooter valued at $200.

Suicide is one of the major public health concerns that our county and our youth face. Suicide was the 12th leading cause of death overall in the U.S. in 2020. Being able to identify the warning signs for suicide could be life-saving. Here are a few ways you can help identify someone in emotional pain:

1. ASK: “Are you thinking about killing yourself?” It’s not an easy question, but studies show that asking at-risk individuals if they are suicidal does not increase suicides or suicidal thoughts.
2. KEEP THEM SAFE: Reducing a suicidal person’s access to highly lethal items or places is an important part of suicide prevention. While this is not always easy, asking if the at-risk person has a plan and removing or disabling the lethal means can make a difference.
3. BE THERE: Listen carefully and learn what the individual is thinking and feeling. Research suggests acknowledging and talking about suicide may reduce rather than increase suicidal thoughts.
4. HELP THEM CONNECT: Save the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number (call or text 988) and the Crisis Text Line number (741741) in your phone so they’re there if you need them. You can also help make a connection with a trusted individual like a family member, friend, spiritual advisor, or mental health professional.
5. STAY CONNECTED: Staying in touch after a crisis or after being discharged from care can make a difference. Studies have shown the number of suicide deaths goes down when someone follows up with the at-risk person.

For more information visit the National Institute of Mental Health and the County of Santa Barbara Behavioral Wellness Suicide Awareness site.

If you or someone you care about is experiencing an emergency, call 911. The 24/7 Behavioral Wellness Access Line can be reached by calling 888-868-1649 to access a counselor or mobile crisis resources. Calling the Access Line is free and available 24/7.

Montecito Neighborhood Trail

Beautification Day

Khaya and I got some mulching and planting in for a Bucket Brigade work day to maintain the pedestrian path on North Jameson.