Comment Log Display

Please accept my comments on behalf of the San Joaquin Valley
Regional Broadband Consortia administered by the Office of
Community and Economic Development at California State University,
Fresno (Fresno State)
-   In 2018 I provided input to the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund
(GGRF) 3rd Investment Plan underscoring the need to incorporate
Digital Inclusion into all strategies to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions (GHG) and fight climate change.
-  In collaboration with the California Emerging Technology Fund
(CETF) we submitted Comments for the 4th Investment Plan.
-  All Disadvantaged Communities referenced in the Investment Plans
also are among the most digitally-disadvantaged.  These residents
do not have access to affordable Internet in times of emergencies
or to reduce vehicle trips during their daily lives.  Over the
years we had several meetings with CARB staff, but there is still
no commitment to incorporate Digital Equity into the CARB
priorities of Environmental Justice and Equity.
-  This year we joined forces with CETF to apply for a Community
Air Grant so that we could work with AB617 Communities to
incorporate Digital Equity into their Plans and to assist the
community in securing funding for high-speed Internet
infrastructure and to get all residents online.  Our application
was supported by the several CBOs and stakeholders, including the
San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District.
- While the application was prepared and submitted by CETF, CETF
would not have received any funding.  In fact, CETF pledged
considerable in-kind support and has moved forward to beginning
outreach into AB617 Communities. 
-  But, the Regional Broadband Consortia, Digital Equity CBOs, and
the AB617 Communities need funding to work together and to empower
AB617 Community residents with digital technology--both to support
citizen science and to improve their lives.
- Thus, we are coming to the CARB Board to respectfully request
that you dedicate staff and resources to assist AB617 Communities
incorporate Digital Equity into their Plans as AB617 author
Assemblymember Cristina Garcia has urged you to do.
-  We stand ready to help.  Respectfully, Eduardo Gonzalez