In celebration of Earth Day 2025, Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson of the City of Riverside issued a formal proclamation reaffirming the city’s commitment to environmental sustainability and community resilience. In a ceremony held at City Hall, the mayor recognized a key partner helping advance Riverside’s clean energy and climate goals, GRID Alternatives Inland Empire (GRID IE).
As part of the ceremony, Fortino Morales III, the City’s Sustainability Manager, introduced GRID IE to the City Council, recognizing the organization’s long-standing partnership with the city and its far-reaching community impact.
For over a decade, GRID IE has empowered Inland communities through solar installations for income-qualified families and hands-on training programs that prepare individuals, especially those facing barriers to employment, for careers in the clean energy sector. The proclamation highlighted the importance of such programs in ensuring that the benefits of environmental progress are shared equitably.
The Mayor’s proclamation praised GRID IE’s contributions to environmental equity and workforce development:
“GRID Alternatives Inland Empire advanced its triple bottom line of People, Planet, and Employment—delivering no-cost solar to over four thousand households, offsetting emissions equivalent to over forty-four thousand cars, and providing hands-on training to more than three thousand individuals through partnerships with over forty workforce organizations.”
Click the image above to see the video of Mayor Dawsons Earth Day proclamation.
Yoselyn Eckert, GRID IE’s Outreach Manager, accepted the proclamation and addressed the Council with heartfelt remarks about the organization’s journey and vision.
“GRID Alternatives opened its doors here in Riverside in April of 2011. Our first office was a 200-square-foot garage,” she said. “Now, almost 15 years later, we’re in a 13,000 square foot facility that houses our Clean Tech Training Center and growing operations.”
Eckert emphasized GRID IE’s mission to ensure an equitable transition to renewable energy and the importance of collaboration in achieving that goal.
“The City of Riverside and GRID Alternatives have demonstrated the amazing transformation that can take place when communities, governments, and organizations come together with a common goal of making the earth we call home a better place to thrive.”
Yoselyn Eckert, GRID IE's Outreach Manager, addresses the City of Riverside Mayor and Council Members.
She also spotlighted local initiatives like the Eastside Climate Collaborative as proof that environmental justice and neighborhood investment go hand in hand.
“Caring for our neighborhoods and residents also means caring for our environment—things we can see, like trees, and things we cannot see, like clean air and resilience for future generations.”
GRID IE’s Executive Director, Jaime Alonso, called the recognition a meaningful milestone:
“Being recognized in the City’s Earth Day proclamation is both an honor and a reflection of what’s possible when equity and sustainability go hand in hand.”
The City of Riverside’s Earth Day Proclamation reflects a broader vision that aligns closely with GRID IE’s mission: to accelerate a just transition to clean energy by putting people first. Whether it’s rooftop solar in underserved neighborhoods or jobsite training for reentry and opportunity youth, GRID IE continues to be a force for environmental and economic justice.
Back row from left to right, Council Members: Philip Falcone, Clarissa Cervantes, Steven Robillard, Chuck Conder, Sean Mill, Jim Perry, and Steve Hemenway. Front row from left to right: GRID IE's Yoselyn Eckert, and Cindy Corrales, with Patricia Lock Dawson, Mayor of the City of Riverside.
As the Inland Empire faces the challenges of climate change, air quality, and energy affordability, GRID IE remains committed to community-powered solutions. The mayor’s proclamation stands as a powerful reminder that true sustainability includes everyone.
Proclamation
WHEREAS, Earth Day was first celebrated on April 22, 1970, with the goal of inspiring an appreciation of our nation's natural resources through conservation and protection; and
WHEREAS, Earth Day marks a renewed commitment to environmental stewardship, combating environmental degradation and a more sustainable and resilient Riverside; and
WHEREAS, in furtherance of this objective the City is planning a variety of activities in which residents and businesses will have an opportunity to participate in cleaning up City parks, greenways, creeks, and schools; picking up litter along streets and in commercial areas; taking steps to reduce water usage; attend the Insect Fair; partnering with others for greater impact (i.e. Keep Riverside Clean & Beautiful, GRID Alternatives, Love Riverside, etc.) and other hands on activities; and
WHEREAS, the City is preparing a Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, in concert with the General Plan 2050 Update, to address human-induced climate change, including frequent and intense events, hot and extreme temperatures, heavy precipitation events, drought, and fire weather; and
WHEREAS, "Our Power, Our Planet™" has been identified as the international theme for Earth Day 2025, and calls for governments, citizens, and businesses to do their part to accelerate sustainable solutions; and
WHEREAS, Riverside is committed to supporting and increasing renewable energy resources through a diverse power portfolio, including solar, wind and geothermal, which is forecasted to comprise 69% of the City's power portfolio by 2027; and
WHEREAS, Renewable energy offers numerous benefits, including tackling climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving public health by reducing air pollution and creating economic opportunities through job creation and energy dependence; and
WHEREAS, the City of Riverside residents and businesses are encouraged to implement innovative energy practices designed to preserve and protect our environment and shape the future of our community by exploring Riverside Public Utility rebates related to energy efficiency, heat pumps, water savings, electric vehicles, refrigeration and through other actions; and
WHEREAS, GRID Alternatives Inland Empire is an Earth Day exemplar by consistently demonstrating leadership in renewable energy deployment in the City of Riverside by delivering no-cost solar to over four thousand households, offsetting emissions equivalent to over forty-four thousand cars, and providing hands-on training to more than three thousand individuals through partnerships with over forty local workforce organizations-all in pursuit of an equitable transition to a renewable energy future that benefits everyone.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Patricia Lock Dawson, Mayor of the City of Riverside, California, do hereby proclaim the 22nd of April 2025, as Earth Day
Dated this 22nd day of April, 2025.