CAP Luncheon: Our Air, Our Health – January 30, 2026
At Cleaner Air Partnership’s quarterly luncheon on Friday, January 30th, 2026 at the Jose P. Rizal Community Center in South Sacramento, attendees heard from Sac Metro Air District about the Community Air Protection Program’s South Sacramento-Florin Community and ongoing work to address local and regional air pollution concerns and protect public health through a community-led process. Additionally, attendees learned about a new Community Emissions Reduction Plan (CERP), strategies in the plan, and how the community including businesses and local government can partner on future projects.
Draft CERP Strategies are available for public comment through Sunday February 15th, 2026! You can review Draft CERP Strategies here, and submit comments via email to AB617clerk@airquality.org. *CERP strategies are also available in Spanish, Vietnamese, Hmong and Farsi and can be found here.
Huge thank you to our partners at Sac Metro Air District for your dedication and commitment to cleaning the air for healthier communities in the greater Sacramento region! Included below is the presentation from the CAP luncheon:
Special thanks to the South Sacramento-Florin Community Steering Committee Co-Leads for sharing your perspectives and insights throughout the AB 617 Community Air Protection process! Also, thank you to Community Steering Committee members for joining us. Your work and commitment to South Sacramento will go far in advancing environmental justice in our most vulnerable communities!
CAP events are opportunities to learn about important air quality topics affecting the 6-county Sacramento region. Thank you to the generous contributors to the Cleaner Air Partnership: Sac Metro Air District, Teichert, SMUD, CEMEX, Sutter Health, Sacramento Association of REALTORS®, Placer County Air Pollution Control District, Yolo-Solano Air Quality Management District, PG&E, and the El Dorado County Air Quality Management District.
Cleaner Air Partnership Luncheon – Our Air, Our Health (Jan. 30, 2026)
Join the Cleaner Air Partnership (CAP) in-person on Friday, January 30th, 2026 at the Jose P. Rizal Community Center from 12:00 – 1:30 PM to learn from the Sac Metro Air District about the Community Air Protection Program’s South Sacramento-Florin Community and work to improve air quality and protect public health through a community-led process. Attendees will learn about a new Community Emissions Reduction Plan (CERP), strategies in the plan, and how businesses and stakeholders can partner on future projects.
Register today for a spot at the event! All CAP events are free to attend. *Registration is required for food and event planning purposes.
Background and Why It is Important:
In 2017, Governor Brown signed Assembly Bill 617 to develop a community-centered program to more effectively reduce exposure to air pollution and protect public health. The law directs the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and local air districts to work with residents, community-based organizations, businesses and local agencies to take measures to protect communities disproportionately impacted by air pollution. South Sacramento-Florin was selected by the state in 2018 as an AB 617 community with a high air pollution burden. There are five central components to the AB 617 mandate:
- Community-level air quality monitoring
- A state strategy and community-specific emission reduction plans
- Accelerated review of retrofit pollution control technologies on industrial facilities subject to Cap & Invest (formerly known as Cap-and-Trade)
- Enhanced emission reporting requirements
- Increased penalty provisions for polluters
Sac Metro Air District staff are working closely with the South Sacramento-Florin Community Steering Committee, residents, CARB, local community organizations, stakeholders, and regional legislators to discuss strategies and implementation of a Community Emissions Reduction Program under the Community Air Protection Program in Sacramento. Learn more about the Community Air Protection Program here.
Cleaner Air Partnership events are opportunities to learn about important air quality topics affecting the 6-county Sacramento region. Thank you to the generous contributors to the Cleaner Air Partnership: Sac Metro Air District, Teichert, SMUD, CEMEX, Sutter Health, Sacramento Association of REALTORS®, Placer County Air Pollution Control District, Yolo-Solano Air Quality Management District, PG&E, and the El Dorado County Air Quality Management District.
For inquiries and requests for special accommodations, please email Kathy Saechou at kathy.saechou@valleyvision.org.
Broadband and Digital Equity Webinar: Year-End Review and Strategies for Closing the Gaps in 2026
Exploring partnerships and strategies to bridge the digital divide in the Capital Region.
Valley Vision, as manager of the Connected Capital Area Broadband Consortium (CCABC) and the Capital Region Coalition for Digital Inclusion (CRCDI), invites you to attend our upcoming webinar!
Join us for the opportunity to learn about broadband deployment and digital equity progress in the Capital Region, updates from State Leaders on broadband priorities and initiatives, and collaborative discussion with local Internet Service Providers (ISPs) on closing the gaps.
Register Here.
Webinar Speakers
California Public Utilities Commission
Commissioner Darcie Houck
California Department of Technology
Scott Adams, Deputy Director of Broadband and Digital Literacy
Internet Service Provider (ISP) Panel
Collaborating to Close the Gaps: A Discussion with Service Providers
Register Here.
2025 Biomass & Beyond: Growing a Resilient Regional Bioeconomy
On November 5th, Valley Vision hosted a Biomass Symposium to help create a resilient regional bioeconomy. At this second interactive workshop, attendees learned about biomass utilization in the region, challenges with upscaling biomass solutions, and opportunities for local and regional collaboration. Additionally, attendees heard from state and local experts, learned about regional projects, and were informed about policies and programs that can advance biomass solutions for our forests and agricultural lands.
Thank you to all contributors who helped make this event a success!
This event is in partnership with Placer County Water Agency, Placer County Air Pollution Control District, the Cleaner Air Partnership, the Capital Region Climate Readiness Collaborative, and We Prosper Together.
Huge thank you to our guest speakers and subject-matter experts who joined us at the event, shared valuable insights, and helped moved the needle on biomass solutions for our forests, agricultural lands and communities:
- Kate Gordon – Chief Executive Officer, California Forward
- Eric Guerra – Board of Director for Sacramento Region Air Districts, California Air Resources Board
- Dr. Cindy Chen – Woody Biomass & Forest Products Advisor, UC Ag & Natural Resources
- Eric Martin – Director of Public Works, NorthStar Community Services District
- João Mario Soares – Chief Executive Officer, Engeman Energy
- Matt Summers – Chief Operating Officer, West Biofuels
- Elizabeth Betancourt – Natural and Working Lands Policy Advisor, California Department of Conservation
- Julia Levin – Executive Director, Bioenergy Association of California
- Lisa Lien-Mager – Deputy Secretary for Forest and Wildfire Resilience: Wildfire Task Force, California Natural Resources Agency
Included is the full presentation from the symposium:
Why should California and the Capital Region invest in Biomass Utilization?
In 2023, biomass diverted over 7 million tons of waste from landfills, and provided approximately 5% of California’s in-state energy supply. With an estimated 47 million bone- dry tons of biomass resource potential statewide, California is poised to lead in bio-based innovation through forest restoration, waste diversion, and bioindustrial development.
Biomass utilization has untapped potential to help reduce catastrophic wildfire risk, manage agricultural and forest waste for rural and urban economic growth, and protect and improve public health and natural resources in all of our communities.
Keeping Up the Momentum and Ways To Stay Involved!
Our region is positioned to be a leader in the bioeconomy. We saw it clearly at the Biomass Symposium. Projects are coming online, local municipalities are prioritizing and investing, and there is growing interest and engagement from communities. We also heard that investors are pulling together billion dollar funds and ready to build up business. Valley Vision is excited to support the movement by putting in time, resources, and collaborative energy into building an ecosystem that works for everyone.
We’re thrilled to announce our first set of resources to keep this momentum going:
- Technical assistance for those ready to start a project including personalized one-on-one support.
- A webinar series designed to turn great ideas into financeable, actionable projects.
- And a new advisory committee to help guide policy recommendations, build the ecosystem, and identify emerging opportunities for collaboration and investment.
If you signed up for the biomass symposium, you will receive updates and information on upcoming webinars, events, and resources. Feel free to reach out to Lindsey Nitta, Working Lands Sector Investment Coordinator, at lindsey.nitta@valleyvision.org to receive technical assistance, share ideas, needs, and opportunities.
To recap last year’s Biomass Symposium, access event materials and resources here and watch the recording below :
For inquiries about the Biomass Symposium and Valley Vision, please contact Kathy Saechou, Project Manager, at kathy.saechou@valleyvision.org.
Watershed Network Nimbus Basin Tour & Lunch (November 14th, 2025)
Join us for the Watershed Network Nimbus Basin Habitat Project Tour & Lunch!
Experience the salmon run at Nimbus Basin, learn about the Regional Water Authority’s (RWA) Watershed Resilience Pilot Project, and enjoy a hosted lunch and discussion with fellow community members who care about the future of our region’s rivers. Lunch will be provided.
Hosted by the Regional Water Authority as part of the Watershed Resilience Pilot Program–funded by the California Department of Water Resources–this event offers a first-hand look at local watershed resilience in action and an opportunity to share your perspectives on how our communities can adapt to a changing climate. The Watershed Resilience Pilot Project team includes: the Regional Water Authority, Jacobs, Khadam Consulting, and Valley Vision.
We’ll begin the morning at the Nimbus Basin, where we’ll learn about the Water Forum’s 2022 Habitat Project, which enhanced crucial habitat for native fall-run Chinook salmon and steelhead trout. Afterward, we’ll head to the Old Spaghetti Factory in Rancho Cordova for a hosted lunch and interactive discussion about climate resilience in the American, Bear, and Cosumnes River watersheds.
This workshop is free and open to the public.
We strongly encourage participation from public agency staff (cities, counties, regional agencies, special districts, state agencies, etc.), elected officials, non-profit and labor organizations, community-based organizations, private consulting firms, advocacy groups, students, and individuals interested in learning about climate change resilience in the American, Bear, and Cosumnes River watersheds to attend this free, engaging, and informative event.
Whether you represent a local organization, manage land, or simply care about the health of our rivers and communities, your participation can help ensure the Watershed Resilience Plan reflects the region’s needs and priorities.
Please RSVP by November 10th. Space is limited.
Agenda (subject to change)
Date: Friday, November 14
Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Meet at Nimbus Flat State Park Entrance | Lunch at Old Spaghetti Factory, Rancho Cordova
11:00 AM – Meet at the Nimbus Basin
- Learn about the Water Forum’s Habitat Project
11:55 – 12:00 drive to Old Spaghetti Factory (hosted)
- The OSF is about 5 min away
12:00-2:00 Lunch and Interactive Activity
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Helpful resources & more information about Nimbus Basin:
Project fact sheet: https://www.waterforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/WF_2022_Habitat_FactSheet_2022_-2-FINAL.pdf
Walk from OSF to Nimbus Basin: https://maps.app.goo.gl/vruqVJwYzdMLE9t58
Info about the Habitat Project at Sailor Bar/Nimbus Basin: https://waterforum.org/habitat2022/
The Air We Share: A Community Conversation – RSVP Today!
Join us to learn, share, and take action for cleaner air in South Sacramento/Florin!
The Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District, California Air Resources Board, Sac Clean Air (AB 617), and Valley Vision are hosting a FREE community workshop where you will:
- Learn about air pollution data and ways to improve air quality
- Provide feedback on and help prioritize emissions reduction strategies for the Community Emissions Reduction Plan (AB 617)
Additional Event Details:
- This is a FREE Event! Walk-ins are welcomed.
- FREE Food provided!
- Gift Cards provided for the first 30 people and opportunity to enter a Raffle to win a Prize! (Gift Cards and Prizes for 16 years old +)
Interpretation services will be made available upon request. Please email laurel.smith@valleyvision.org if you require interpretation or if you need additional accommodations.
Zero Emission Hydrogen Locomotive Community Impact Analysis (2025)
The purpose of this project is to convert an existing diesel locomotive into a zero-emission hydrogen-fueled locomotive. The project team will demonstrate and validate the hydrogen switcher technology which will establish a platform for widespread commercialization in the near future. The potential market for hydrogen locomotives in California includes more than 260 switcher locomotives.
As part of this project, Valley Vision conducted community outreach to determine how the new and cleaner locomotive will affect the surrounding area. The new zero-emission hydrogen switcher replacement paves the way to the elimination of 100% of the locomotive-generated emissions currently associated with Sierra Northern Railway switcher operations in the Port of West Sacramento.
Legal Notice
This document was prepared as a result of work sponsored by the California Energy Commission. It does not necessarily represent the views of the Energy Commission, its employees, or the State of California. Neither the Commission, the State of California, nor the Commission’s employees, contractors, or subcontractors makes any warranty, express or implied, or assumes any legal liability for the information in this document; nor does any party represent that the use of this information will not infringe upon privately owned rights. This document has not been approved or disapproved by the Commission, nor has the Commission passed upon the accuracy of the information in this document.
CAP Luncheon: Rethinking Mobility – July 24th, 2025
Cleaner Air Partnership’s quarterly luncheon, focused on SACOG’s Mobility Zones Program, took place on Thursday, July 24th at the Robertson Community Center, where attendees learned about how communities with high transportation and equity needs across the 6-county region helped to co-create a community-centered model for infrastructure project development, paving the way for how transportation projects are prioritized for state and federal investments.
Thank you to SACOG for your work on improving access to clean mobility options and quality of life for all in the region!
Special thanks to Kathleen Aziz, Principal Transportation Planner, for a stellar presentation and insightful discussion on the Mobility Zones Project and the community-centered effort to prioritize transportation investments in Yolo, Yuba, Sutter, El Dorado, Placer and Sacramento counties.
CAP events are opportunities to learn about important air quality topics affecting the 6-county Sacramento region. Thank you to the generous contributors to the Cleaner Air Partnership: Sac Metro Air District, Teichert, SMUD, CEMEX, Sutter Health, Sacramento Association of REALTORS®, Placer County Air Pollution Control District, Yolo-Solano Air Quality Management District, PG&E, and the El Dorado County Air Quality Management District.
Biomass & Beyond: Growing a Resilient Regional Bioeconomy (November 5th, 2025)
Join Valley Vision, Placer County Water Agency, and Placer County Air Pollution Control District on Wednesday November 5th, 2025 from 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM at the California Endowment for the second interactive workshop to help create a resilient bioeconomy. Attendees will hear from state and local experts, learn about regional projects, and become informed about policies and programs that can advance biomass solutions for our forests and agricultural lands.
Why should California and the Capital Region invest in Biomass Utilization?
In 2023, biomass diverted over 7 million tons of waste from landfills, and provided approximately 5% of California’s in-state energy supply. With an estimated 47 million bone- dry tons of biomass resource potential statewide, California is poised to lead in bio-based innovation through forest restoration, waste diversion, and bioindustrial development.
Biomass utilization has untapped potential to help reduce catastrophic wildfire risk, manage agricultural and forest waste for rural and urban economic growth, protect and improve public health and natural resources in all of our communities.
For event and planning purposes, please register through the Eventbrite link. For inquiries, please contact Kathy Saechou at kathy.saechou@valleyvision.org.
This event is in partnership with the Capital Region Climate Readiness Collaborative, We Prosper Together, Cleaner Air Partnership, Valley Vision, Placer County Water Agency and Placer County Air Pollution Control District.
Reconnecting NorCal Summit – June 27, 2025
On June 27th, Valley Vision and UC Davis co-hosted a Northern California convening of community advocates engaged in transportation and equity projects at the UC Davis Conference Center. At the Reconnecting NorCal Summit, participants addressed the past and recurring impacts of adverse and inequitable transportation and land use planning, and how those planning practices are continuing to impact disinvested communities and communities of color. At the convening, participants had the opportunity to assist UC Davis and their UC research partners in their work to evaluate specifically how projects and practices are addressing the harms caused by inequitable transportation and land use planning, and informed UC researchers of best practices and policy recommendations for redressing these harms with a restorative Justice lens.
The final presentation slide is included below:
Many thanks to the community advocates who joined us in these discussions! Additionally, thank you to Professor Jesus Barajas PhD of UC Davis for collaborating with us to ensure diverse communities and diverse voices were represented and elevated at the convening!
UC Project Purpose: The Restorative and Racial Justice in Reconnecting Communities project seeks to use a restorative justice lens to evaluate specifically how projects and practices are addressing the harms caused by inequitable land use and transportation planning. The Northern California convening is a part of this project, and brought together community advocates to help meet the project goal.
The UC project and research efforts will wrap-up at the end of this year in December 2025, and a report of research findings will be published and available for public access and review early next year in 2026. *Please check back early next year for a link to the report. Thank you!
Cleaner Air Partnership Luncheon – July 24th, 2025
Join Cleaner Air Partnership (CAP) and Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG) on Thursday, July 24th from 12:00 to 1:30 PM at Robertson Community Center to learn how we can shape regional transportation priorities through community-informed planning. Register today!
Attendees will learn from SACOG staff how communities with high transportation and equity needs across the 6-county region helped to co-create a community-centered model for infrastructure project development, paving the way for how transportation projects are prioritized for state and federal investments.
CAP events are opportunities to learn about important air quality topics affecting the 6-county Sacramento region. Thank you to the generous contributors to the Cleaner Air Partnership: Sac Metro Air District, Teichert, SMUD, Sutter Health, CEMEX, Sacramento Association of REALTORS®, Placer County Air Pollution Control District, Yolo-Solano Air Quality Management District, PG&E, and the El Dorado County Air Quality Management District.
All CAP events are free to attend; registration is required for food and space planning purposes. If you have any questions, please email Kathy Saechou at kathy.saechou@valleyvision.org.