On June 18, GRID Alternatives Greater Los Angeles (GRID GLA) joined policymakers, clean tech leaders, and community advocates at the Zero-Emissions Showcase + Ride & Drive in Anaheim, CA, hosted by CALSTART and the California Air Resources Board. This high-impact event united industry and grassroots leaders to spotlight the future of clean transportation and the essential role of community-centered climate solutions.
Speaking at the eTRUC Working Group Meeting
As part of the event, the eTRUC (Electric Truck Research & Utilization Center) team toured the Anaheim Transportation Network’s charging facility and convened two advisory committees for a Working Group Meeting. The eTRUC project is set to become California’s leading research hub for information sharing across the inclusive ecosystem of individuals, communities, and companies working to expand high-power public corridor charging. GRID GLA is a project collaborator, helping establish the Workforce Development Advisory Committee (WDAC) and the Community-First Technology Advisory Committee (CTAC).
During the eTRUC Working Group Meeting, GRID GLA had the opportunity to speak on the intersection of workforce development, transportation equity, and climate resilience.
Representing GRID GLA were:
- Stella Ursua, Director of Community Engagement & Partnerships
- Shameka Dixon, Director of Workforce Development
- Giovany Hernandez, Clean Mobility Program Manager
Both CALSTART and GRID presented on how they are preparing communities for the clean transportation shift through inclusive outreach, job training, and equitable infrastructure planning and workforce development.
“We’re not just preparing people for jobs, we’re preparing communities for long-term participation in the clean economy. That means building trust, investing in people, and making sure equity isn’t an afterthought. It’s the foundation.”
- Shameka Dixon, Director of Workforce Development, GRID GLA
From Solar to Charging Infrastructure: Bridging Energy and Transportation
The team emphasized that transportation decarbonization must go hand in hand with local clean energy solutions like rooftop solar and battery storage to ensure communities most impacted by pollution are also the first to benefit.
“Communities like in Southeast LA have borne the brunt of environmental harm for decades. We have a responsibility to ensure they’re also first in line for the benefits of zero-emissions infrastructure.”
Stella Ursua, Director of Community Engagement & Partnerships, GRID GLA
A People-First Perspective on Clean Tech
In their presentations, GRID GLA emphasized that true climate progress requires more than innovation, it requires intentional investment in local people and places. From solar-powered charging stations to job training programs tailored for the zero-emissions economy, the team highlighted the importance of integrated solutions that bridge environmental goals with economic opportunity.
“Clean transportation can’t just be about new vehicles. It has to be about access, education, and equity. Our goal is to make sure frontline communities are part of the planning, the infrastructure, and the opportunities that come with this transition.”
Giovany Hernandez, Clean Mobility Program Manager, GRID GLA
This includes:
- Preparing frontline communities for careers in clean energy and EV tech
- Ensuring that the positive impacts from zero-emissions infrastructure reaches those most impacted by pollution
- Embedding equity into every step of program design and policy development
Hands-On Exploration at the Ride & Drive
In addition to the working group presentations, the event featured a Ride & Drive showcase, allowing attendees to test electric trucks, buses, and advanced delivery vehicles from manufacturers leading the zero-emissions charge. GRID GLA’s presence helped connect the dots between clean tech and frontline communities, highlighting the people and programs needed to ensure access, not just innovation.
Why It Matters
GRID GLA’s involvement underscored a central theme of the event: climate solutions must be rooted in equity. From community outreach to workforce readiness, GRID GLA is helping shape a just transition that puts local people at the forefront of California’s clean energy and transportation future.
As the state accelerates toward zero-emission goals, GRID GLA will continue showing up. Bringing people, policy, and purpose together to ensure no community is left behind.
Want to learn more about the statewide collaboration behind this effort? Visit the eTRUC project webpage for additional info and resources.
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