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SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. — Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) staff distributed 400 air purifiers to residents of Old Town Goleta on Saturday, as part of APCD’s Clean Air Rooms Program. The air purifiers were distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, limited to one per household, and proof of address was required to participate. Air purifiers help keep indoor air clean — creating a “clean air room” — when wildfire smoke is affecting air quality, Eligible residents of Old Town Goleta — as defined by this State of California map — who weren’t able to attend Saturday’s event can now fill out an online application to have a free air purifier shipped directly to their home. Those who submit an online application will also have to provide proof of address, and the devices remain limited to one per address, including addresses that participated in the Saturday event. The air purifiers available via the online application process will likewise be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last. That online application is available here.
Saturday’s event also saw community members participate in an impressive 52 free test drives of electric cars. Organized by the Driving Clean Assistance Program (DCAP) and co-sponsored by the Central Coast Clean Cities Coalition (a program administered by APCD) and the Community Environmental Council, the test-drive event allowed people to see and drive a variety of electric cars from local dealerships and learn about DCAP incentives. DCAP provides up to $12,000 toward the purchase or lease of a new or used electric- or plug-in hybrid vehicle for income-qualified participants, with priority given to residents of low-income or disadvantaged communities.
APCD was pleased to partner with the City of Goleta to plan for and host Saturday’s event at the Goleta Community Center in Old Town. APCD Board Members Paula Perotte (Mayor of the City of Goleta) and Joan Hartmann (County Supervisor, 3rd District) also attended Saturday’s event and chatted with participants…