Santa Barbara County Provides Free Air Purifiers to Old Town Goleta Residents Amid Air Quality Concerns
Old Town Goleta residents are breathing a little easier thanks to a recent initiative by the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (APCD). On Saturday, March 14, 2026, the APCD distributed 400 air purifiers to residents as part of its Clean Air Rooms Program, aimed at mitigating the health effects of wildfire smoke and other air pollutants. The distribution event, held at the Goleta Community Center, prioritized residents facing the greatest risk from poor air quality. The program underscores the growing concern over air quality in California, particularly during wildfire season and the proactive steps being taken to protect vulnerable communities.
The air purifiers were provided on a first-come, first-served basis, with a limit of one per household, and proof of address was required for participation. For those unable to attend the Saturday event, the APCD is offering an online application process to receive a free air purifier shipped directly to their homes. This ensures broader access to the program for eligible residents within Old Town Goleta, as defined by a map available on the State of California’s website. The continued availability of air purifiers through the online application demonstrates the APCD’s commitment to ensuring residents have access to resources for cleaner indoor air.
Addressing Air Quality Challenges in Santa Barbara County
Wildfire smoke poses a significant threat to public health, particularly for individuals with respiratory conditions, children, and the elderly. Air purifiers with HEPA filters can effectively remove particulate matter from indoor air, creating a “clean air room” and reducing exposure to harmful pollutants. The APCD’s Clean Air Rooms Program is a direct response to the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires in California, and the associated health risks. According to the California Air Resources Board, wildfire smoke contains fine particulate matter (PM2.5) that can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, leading to a range of health problems. The California Air Resources Board maintains a list of certified air cleaning devices for consumers seeking to purchase air purifiers.
Beyond the air purifier distribution, Saturday’s event also featured a community electric vehicle (EV) test drive event. Organized by the Driving Clean Assistance Program (DCAP) and co-sponsored by the Central Coast Clean Cities Coalition and the Community Environmental Council, the event allowed 52 community members to experience driving a variety of electric cars from local dealerships. The DCAP provides financial incentives – up to $12,000 – for the purchase or lease of recent or used electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles, prioritizing residents of low-income or disadvantaged communities. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to reduce vehicle emissions and improve air quality throughout Santa Barbara County.
Collaboration and Community Involvement
The success of the air purifier distribution event was a collaborative effort between the APCD and the City of Goleta. APCD Board Members Paula Perotte, the Mayor of Goleta, and Joan Hartmann, Santa Barbara County Supervisor for the 3rd District, were both in attendance, engaging with residents and demonstrating their support for the program. Aeron Arlin Genet, Executive Director of the APCD, emphasized the positive community spirit and enthusiasm for both clean air solutions and electric vehicles. “The Saturday event was a great day for enjoying clean air and a great sense of community,” Genet stated. “Like all of the APCD staff who helped with the event, I enjoyed seeing the enthusiasm for electric cars, and it was great to see so many Old Town families pick up an air purifier.”
The APCD’s commitment extends beyond providing air purifiers. The agency offers a wealth of resources on its website, www.ourair.org, dedicated to helping residents create their own “clean air rooms.” These resources include bilingual infographics and videos covering topics such as choosing and using an air purifier, building a DIY air filtration device, and minimizing indoor air pollution sources during wildfires. The agency also provides real-time air quality data from monitoring stations throughout the county, as well as daily forecasts, allowing residents to stay informed and take appropriate precautions.
Choosing the Right Air Purifier
For those considering purchasing an air purifier, the APCD recommends looking for specific features to ensure effectiveness. These include certification by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) for sale in California, a HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter rating, Energy Star certification for energy efficiency, a filter change indicator light, and a unit sized appropriately for the room it will be used in. A quiet operation – around 45 decibels or less – is desirable. A small room air purifier can typically be purchased for around $100, making them a relatively affordable investment in indoor air quality.
Selecting an air purifier with a HEPA filter is crucial, as these filters are designed to capture 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns in diameter, including dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and some viruses. Energy Star certification ensures the device meets certain energy efficiency standards, reducing electricity consumption and lowering operating costs. The CARB certification guarantees that the air purifier has been tested and meets California’s strict air quality standards.
Resources and Further Information
The APCD provides comprehensive information on air quality monitoring and protection measures on its website. Residents can access current air quality data, forecasts, and educational materials related to wildfire smoke and other air pollutants. The agency also offers resources on reducing emissions from various sources, including vehicles, agricultural equipment, and industrial facilities. The APCD’s ongoing efforts are vital to protecting the health and well-being of Santa Barbara County residents.
The DCAP program, which facilitated the EV test drive event, is a key component of the county’s strategy to transition to a cleaner transportation system. By providing financial incentives for electric vehicle purchases, the program aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality. The Central Coast Clean Cities Coalition, which co-sponsored the event, plays a crucial role in promoting the adoption of alternative fuels and advanced vehicle technologies throughout the region.
Key Takeaways:
- The Santa Barbara County APCD distributed 400 free air purifiers to Old Town Goleta residents to combat air pollution, particularly from wildfire smoke.
- Residents unable to attend the initial distribution event can apply online for a free air purifier.
- The event also featured an electric vehicle test drive, highlighting the county’s commitment to clean transportation.
- The APCD offers extensive resources on its website for creating “clean air rooms” and monitoring air quality.
The APCD will continue to monitor air quality conditions throughout Santa Barbara County and provide updates to the public as needed. Residents are encouraged to visit www.ourair.org for the latest information and resources. The agency is committed to working with the community to protect public health and ensure a cleaner, healthier environment for all.
Please share your thoughts and experiences with air quality in your community in the comments below. Your feedback is valuable as we continue to address this important issue.
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