DCAP Impact Stories

“The EV has significantly improved my life, saving me money, boosting my confidence, and making me want to get out and adventure more.” -Erika C.
For Erika, her EV is more than transportation. It is a confidence booster and a statement about her values. “It shows I care about the environment and think about the community. In Santa Cruz, people appreciate that.”

“It really helped, especially as someone just starting my career.” – Kombi’s S.
When Kombi S. graduated high school in 2019, she didn’t expect her first car to give out so soon. “It just was done,” she says. “But I was about to go to college, and then COVID hit, so I figured, who needs a car? I was at home, working remotely.” For a few years, not owning a car wasn’t a problem. But then, the mandate to return to the office was in effect.

“They depend on me, and now I have a car I can count on.” – Carol B.
Carol B., is a 62-year-old living on a fixed income in rural Closser County. Life was becoming increasingly difficult without reliable transportation. Her old truck was constantly breaking down, and eventually, it failed its smog test. “I spent thousands of dollars trying to fix it,” she says. “When it finally gave out, I didn’t know what I was going to do.”
Community Partner Spotlight

Placer County Air Pollution Control District (PCAPCD) and Health Education Council (HEC) DCAP Newsletter Interview Questions
Placer County Air Pollution Control District and the Health Education Council share how DCAP and Clean Cars 4 All are helping Placer County residents access cleaner, more reliable transportation while improving health and everyday mobility.

MAAC’s Drive Electric Week 2025: Empowering Communities Toward a Greener Future
Metropolitan Area Advisory Committee on Anti-Poverty of San Diego County, Inc. (MAAC) hosted its Annual Drive Electric Week in Chula Vista from October 14–18, 2025, featuring a blend of virtual and in-person events designed to educate, connect, and inspire the community toward clean transportation.

National Drive Electric Month Spotlight: Neighborhood Housing Services of the Inland Empire (NHSIE)
For National Drive Electric Month, we are proud to highlight Neighborhood Housing Services of the Inland Empire (NHSIE). They have been a critical community partner, helping residents navigate resources for clean transportation and financial empowerment.
Ride and Drive Partners

Comite Civico Del Valle Ride & Drive Partner Reflections
To better understand the impact of Ride & Drive events, we asked Comite Civico Del Valle (CCV) partners to reflect on their experiences:

DCAP Ride and Drive 2025 Wrap-Up for the Year!
In 2025, DCAP continued expanding hands-on EV education across the state through Ride & Drive (R&D) events. From San Bernardino to Bishop to Eureka , residents received real opportunities to explore EVs, ask questions, and experience clean-air vehicles in person.

2025 Halloween Clean Air Vehicle Ride & Drive Trunk-or-Treat and Resource Fair
In the spirit of Halloween the Driving Clean Assistance Program (DCAP) co-hosted a Ride & Drive event in partnership with Finesse-A-Car.
Monthly Newsletters

2025 July Newsletter
We’re celebrating a significant milestone: DCAP has helped 100 Californians access clean-air vehicles and reclaim control of their transportation needs, unlocking new opportunities. The impact has been real, and it’s deeply personal. From saving money to helping the environment, the outcomes have been overwhelmingly positive. In this issue, we’re dedicating our focus to the people who power our mission. Meet some participants whose journeys remind us why this program is so important.

2025 June Newsletter
In 2021, Juneteenth became a federal holiday, recognizing not just the end of slavery but also the enduring resilience of Black Americans. This holiday holds deep meaning at the Community Housing Development Corporation (CHDC), a Black-led and community-rooted organization founded in 1990. It is a time to honor the progress we’ve made and recommit to the work still ahead.

2025 May Newsletter
This month, we’re hitting the streets of California! From Bishop to San Bernardino, our Ride & Drive events are helping communities explore clean vehicles and learn how DCAP grants make it easier to drive clean.

2025 April Newsletter
This April, we’re celebrating both Drive Electric Month and Earth Day (April 22) with a major milestone—DCAP is now available statewide!

2025 March Newsletter
Throughout history, women have been pioneers in the automotive industry, driving innovation in clean transportation and sustainability.

2025 February Newsletter
This February, we reflect on Black innovators, leaders, and visionaries’ incredible contributions to our society and the automotive industry.