News - Driving Clean Assistance Program

DCAP Impact Stories

Couple smiling while getting into an electric car

“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.

Woman and dog posing next to an electric car

“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.”

Couple and dog talking to a representative next to an electric car

Clean Air Vehicle Ride & Drive Partner Reflections Community Environmental Council

As we prepare for our upcoming Clean Air Vehicle Ride & Drive on Saturday, March 14th, we asked our local co-hosts to share what excites them most and why these events matter for clean air in Santa Barbara County.

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.

Air Pollution Control District Santa Barbara County

Santa Barbara County APCD Ride & Drive Partner Reflections

To better understand the impact of Ride & Drive events, we asked Santa Barbara County APCD partners to reflect on their experiences.

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.