Yolo-Solano Air Quality Management District

WE'RE HIRING: Are you an engineering supervisor with a knack for solving complex problems? Join our team as ENGINEERING MANAGER. To see the many benefits of being a Yolo-Solano Air Quality Management District team member visit https://lnkd.in/g_KYFZSV Apply at www.ysaqmd.org/careers

We are thrilled to feature Denise Almaguer, our Administrative Operations Coordinator & Board Clerk, for Women's History month. She has been with the Yolo-Solano Air Quality Management District for 11 years! Denise is truly the glue that holds us all together here at the Air District. She graces us regularly with her delicious baked goods, helps organize our staff parties and events, and has an amazing institutional knowledge of all things in the office. Denise was inspired to join the District after seeking a change and was drawn in by the smaller size of the team and the great benefits. “I hadn’t even heard of the Air District before that,” she shares, but now she’s made an incredible impact on the organization. What she loves most about working here is the variety of duties her position offers. “I’m fortunate to hold a position within the District that allows me to impact so many different areas, which is rewarding,” she says. Her best piece of career advice? “Distinguish yourself by your strong work ethic.” That dedication is reflected in everything she does. We’re so grateful to have Denise as part of the team!

This Women’s History Month, we are excited to celebrate Teresa Godoy, Associate Air Quality Engineer, who has been with the Yolo-Solano Air Quality Management District for nearly two years! Teresa studied environmental engineering so she could pursue a career in preserving the environment and public health. "I’m happy to work for an agency that aligns with those goals,” she says. Teresa is a consummate professional, and always ready to help with a friendly smile. Thank you, Teresa, for your contributions to the Air District!

For Women’s History Month, we’re proud to shine a spotlight on Erin Johnson, Yolo-Solano Air Quality Management District Air Quality Technician and a meteorologist who has been with the Air District for 2.5 years. Erin is a weather whiz and will explain any and all conditions, usually with a coffee in her hand. With a degree in Atmospheric Science from UC Davis, Erin was inspired to pursue a career at the Air District because the work is so impactful. “Clean air is an important issue that affects us all, and getting to work together with the residential, industrial, and agricultural communities to minimize pollution and its harmful effects is highly rewarding,” she says. Thanks for all you do, Erin!

Today, for Women's History Month, we are highlighting Tarlan Zolnoun, who has been with the Yolo-Solano Air Quality Management District as an Air Quality Engineer for nearly three years. Her passion for improving air quality and protecting public health drove her to pursue a career in the field. "The opportunity to work on projects that directly impact communities and the environment motivated me to join an organization that plays a crucial role in creating cleaner air and a healthier future,” she says. "Furthermore, the chance to work on a variety of challenging projects and find creative solutions to problems is something that continues to inspire me." Thank you, Tarlan. We appreciate your helpfulness and good nature in the office. Your hard work and commitment are an inspiration to us all!

In celebration of Women’s History Month, we’re spotlighting some of the amazing women behind our mission to protect human health and property from the harmful effects of air pollution. We're kicking off with Gretchen Bennitt, Executive Director and Air Pollution Control Officer at Yolo-Solano Air Quality Management District. With more than 30 years experience in air quality, her career includes working for the California Air Resources Board, the Montana Air Quality Bureau, and the Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District. She moved to Davis and the Yolo-Solano Air Quality Management District nearly two years ago. “I wanted to challenge myself and make a greater impact on improving air quality and public health," she says. "It’s a job I feel good about, and I know my friends and family are proud of the work we do at the Air District." Over the course of her career Gretchen has learned some great career advice that she still lives by: “1. Do the right thing. 2. Instead of asking how to solve a problem or complaining about it, propose a solution and work with others to have it become a reality. 3. Be flexible and open to input." Gretchen is wise and down-to-Earth; she offers her own great advice and is always there with an open ear to field any questions or concerns from her staff. We're so glad she's running our ship. Thank you, Gretchen, for your dedication and for inspiring future generations of women in air quality!

We are hosting an informational webinar on our Grant Program at 10 a.m. NEXT WEDNESDAY, March 26, where you can learn how to apply to receive funding for local projects! The session will offer a comprehensive overview of the available grants through our 2025 Solicitation and Clean Air Funds program, their application processes, and will answer any questions you may have! https://lnkd.in/gx6f_Mn7

Did you know that our Compliance Division conducts an average of five inspections every day? We’re proud of our dedicated Compliance team, who work tirelessly to ensure air quality standards are met. They conduct regular and surveillance inspections to ensure that sources comply with permit conditions and air quality standards, require asbestos surveys for certain projects, and investigate each and every complaint to help keep our communities breathing easy. Recently, Senior Air Quality Specialist KennyDoss inspected a gas station at the Vacaville Fire Dept and an emergency generator at Winters Healthcare, providing valuable education on proper monitoring to reduce emissions. For more information on Air District compliance, visit: https://lnkd.in/gtAswyWf

We're excited to participate in this year’s “Cap-to-Cap” delegation, organized by the Sacramento Metro Chamber. In May, leaders from the Sacramento Capital Region will head to Washington, D.C. to advocate for key issues such as economic development, transportation, education, and, of course, air quality. Just last week, we had our first Air Quality Team meeting with Valley Vision and other local organizations to discuss how we can champion cleaner air to improve public health and foster economic growth. Learn more about air quality and health here: https://lnkd.in/d6hFBgtu

The Yolo-Solano Air Quality Management District is now accepting applications for nearly $3 million in funding to reduce emissions across the region. Through the District’s Clean Air Funds program and its 2025 Solicitation for grant funding, financial support is available for projects focused on clean vehicle upgrades, alternative transportation, and public education. Private companies, government agencies, and community organizations are encouraged to apply. For more information, and applications, visit: https://lnkd.in/gqdiCMcg