Eligible Old Town Goleta Residents Who Missed Event Can Now Sign Up Online
More than 400 residents in Old Town now have a way to keep indoor air clean in the event of a wildfire. On Saturday, March 14th the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) distributed 400 air purifiers at the Goleta Community Center as part of its 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 create a “clean air room” — keeping indoor air clean when wildfire smoke is affecting air quality.
For a limited time and only while supplies last, Old Town Goleta residents — as defined by this State of California map — can 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 March 14 event. The air purifiers available via the online application process will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, and quantities are very limited. That online application is available here.
At the event, more than 50 community members also test-drove electric cars from local dealerships. 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, it was also a great opportunity to 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.
Thanks to everyone who turned out to the APCD event including City of Goleta Mayor Paula Perotte and 3rd District Santa Barbara County Supervisor Joan Hartmann.
Resources & Information about Air Purifiers & “Clean Air Rooms”
Air purifiers can be purchased at local stores or online retailers, and come in various makes and models, suitable for different room sizes. An air purifier for a small bedroom typically costs approximately $100.
If you are considering purchasing an air purifier, here are some features to look for:
- Certified by California Air Resources Board for sale in the State of California: https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/list-carb-certified-air-cleaning-devices
- HEPA-rated
- Energy-Star-rated
- A light indicator for filter replacement
- Effective for the size of the room where you intend to use the device
- Quiet operation—approximately 45 decibels or less
APCD has a webpage dedicated to information about setting up your own “clean air room,” with bilingual infographics and videos that focus on 1) how to choose and use an air purifier; 2) how to create a do-it-yourself (DIY) air filtration device that works similarly at a lesser cost; and 3) how to minimize common sources of indoor air pollution during wildfires.
APCD provides many resources on its website for checking and understanding Santa Barbara County air quality conditions. APCD also provides a rolling 24 hours’ worth of air quality readings for every monitoring station in the county, as well as daily forecasts: www.OurAir.org/todays-air-quality.
APCD Executive Director Aeron Arlin Genet, City of Goleta Mayor Paula Perotte, Third District Supervisor Joan Hartmann, and APCD staff with a community member at the GCC air purifier distribution event.
Additional photos from the event below:
