Black History Month:
Driving Innovation & Clean Air Forward
| | | This Black History Month, we honor Black innovators whose ideas laid important groundwork for cleaner, safer transportation and healthier air. Garrett Morgan, best known for inventing the modern traffic signal, helped improve roadway efficiency and safety—reducing congestion and emissions long before clean transportation became a national priority. His earlier work on air filtration devices also contributed to lifesaving advancements in breathable air and pollution protection.
We also recognize Lonnie Johnson, an engineer whose work spans energy systems, battery technology, and efficiency innovations that continue to influence modern clean-energy and electric vehicle advancements. His career reflects the critical role Black engineers play in shaping sustainable transportation solutions.
Alongside these innovators, we’re proud to highlight the work of Community Housing Development Corporation (CHDC), a Black-founded and Black-led organization advancing equity, economic opportunity, and access to clean transportation. Through trusted community outreach and leadership, CHDC helps ensure that the benefits of clean air vehicles reach communities most impacted by pollution.
At DCAP, we’re committed to building on this legacy, supporting partnerships and programs that expand access to clean transportation and move us toward a healthier, more equitable future.
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Clean Air Vehicle
Ride & Drive
Season Is Back!
Mark your calendar for our first Clean Air Vehicle Ride & Drive event of the year on Saturday, March 14th.
Learn More
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CHDC Recognized Holidays
Our offices will be closed:
Monday, February 16th, President’s Day.
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Behind the Wheel: DCAP Stories
Go deeper with this month’s DCAP feature interview participant stories.
Read the full articles on our website
| | DCAP Impact Stories from Across California | |
“I Don’t Have to Take the Bus Anymore.” – Michael P.
For Michael, getting a new car meant more than an upgrade—it meant independence.
“I don’t have to take the bus anymore,” he says. “It’s a lot more convenient, and I save so much time.”
Four months ago, Michael purchased his Tesla Model 3 through the Driving Clean Assistance Program (DCAP). “A friend told me about it,” he recalls. “He had gone through the process and said it was a great program, so I decided to apply too.”
What drew him in was affordability and support. “The grant made a big difference,” he says. “It just took a while, so patience is key, but it all worked out.”
For Michael, the experience of owning an EV has been positive all around. “I love the technology and features,” he says. “It’s smooth, quiet, and really high-tech. I’ve already taken road trips, and charging is easy because there are Tesla superchargers everywhere.”
He also appreciated the extra resources that came with the program. “I used some of the educational tools through the credit union and got a charge card,” he says. “That helped a lot while waiting for the card to arrive.”
Michael encourages others to apply, even if the process takes time. “Just be patient—it’s worth it,” he says. “Everyone I worked with, from DCAP to the dealership, was helpful and made it easy to get my car. It’s been a really good experience.”
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Community Partner Spotlight:
Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District
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What are you most excited about for the community to experience at this upcoming
Clean Air Vehicle Ride & Drive event on Saturday, March 14th?
We’re excited for the community to check out a wide variety of zero-emission cars that reduce air pollution and protect our health. We’re also looking forward to sharing information about financial incentives available to reduce barriers to switching to a plug-in hybrid or all-electric car.
Why is it important for your organization to co-host this Clean Air Vehicle Ride & Drive event?
Santa Barbara County APCD’s mission is to protect the people and the environment of Santa Barbara County from the effects of air pollution. Transportation is one of the largest sources of emissions in our region, so partnering on this event allows us to connect directly with community members and provide practical solutions that reduce pollution and support cleaner air for everyone.
What do you think will surprise people most when they attend?
People may be surprised by how far electric vehicles have come—not just in range and performance, but in affordability and variety. They’ll also learn about local and state incentives that make clean transportation more accessible.
Who should attend this event, and what would you tell someone who’s on the
fence?
This event is for anyone who wants to learn more about cleaner transportation options, financial incentives, and available resources. You’ll get to test drive electric cars, talk with staff from local government agencies and non-profits, receive a free meal (while supplies last), and be entered in a raffle for a chance to win a $200 Visa gift card!
Why are events like this important for expanding access to clean transportation?
Community events like this Clean Air Ride & Drive help remove barriers to clean transportation
by providing residents with hands-on experience and accessible information on
available resources and incentives.
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Save the Date: DCAP’s First Clean Air Vehicle
Ride & Drive Event of the Year!
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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.
What are you most excited about the community to experience at this upcoming Clean Air Vehicle Ride & Drive event?
We’re most excited for people to get real, hands-on experience with electric vehicles and real incentive support at the same time. Test driving an EV is powerful on its own but pairing that with free Driving Clean Assistance Program application help, incentive guidance, and one-on-one conversations removes a lot of the guesswork. People leave not just excited, but informed and empowered to take the next step.
What do you think will surprise people most when they attend?
Many people are surprised by how affordable EVs can actually be once incentives are applied, and how simple they are to drive and maintain. Between the incentives, free application assistance, and the driving experience itself, people often walk away realizing an EV is much more within reach than they thought.
Why are events like this important for expanding access to clean transportation?
Because access isn’t just about technology, it’s about information, trust, and 1:1 support. Ride & Drives break down barriers by offering real-world experience, clear guidance on incentives, and human connection. For many people, this is the first time clean transportation feels approachable, affordable, and designed with them in mind.
| | Eligibility and Requirements | | |
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants for DCAP must be California residents, and income qualified, which means having an income at, or below, 300% Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
Check Eligibility
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Transportation Resources
Did you know? The DCAP Dealership List is updated regularly.
Check it out here for the most up-to-date partner dealership locations across California.
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Dealerships
You Can Use
Know a dealership that should join our program? Refer to them today!
Visit our DCAP Dealerships or email dealership@drivingcleanca.org.
Dealerships must be approved before completing participants' purchase or lease.
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Due to an extraordinary response and high demand, DCAP’s Financing Assistance pathway is now closed to applicants that fall under tiers 2 and 3. DCAP’s scrap and replace option, Clean Cars 4 All, is still open and accepting applications.
Learn More
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Have questions about eligibility or applying?
Click below to find answers to common questions about the Driving Clean Assistance Program. From eligibility requirements to clean vehicle options and financing details, our FAQs provide all the essential information to help you navigate the program with ease.
| | | Follow us on social media to stay updated! | | |
The Community Housing Development Corporation's (CHDC) Driving Clean Assistance Program (DCAP) is a California Air Resources Board-funded clean-air vehicle incentive program to help low-income Californians, especially those in underserved, Tribal and disadvantaged communities, access clean-air vehicles.
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