Sally’s Fund receives a new hybrid Toyota Camry, thanks to AQMD funds

Last week, the nonprofit Sally's Fund picked up a brand-new 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid from Toyota of Orange to add to its fleet of vehicles supporting its mission of senior mobility. The car comes with the added benefit of helping to reduce air pollution.

Funding for the low-emissions vehicle came from a grant from the South Coast Air Quality Management District grant of $30,000 awarded to the City of Laguna Beach, according to Sally's Fund executive director Rachael Berger.

"A hybrid car that runs on both gasoline and a rechargeable electric motor emits substantially lower emissions," Berger noted. "It also reduces fuel costs for Sally's Fund and helps us continue to provide hundreds of rides to older adults each month. Sally's Fund is excited to be part of the solution to climate change."

Adam Gufarotti, Senior Public Works Analyst for the City of Laguna Beach, noted that the funds for the new Camry came from state money the city receives annually that had augmented free summer trolley transportation. Previous funding was for mainline buses, which were phased out. The city council approved the Sally's Fund funding proposal in June 2020. This car is the second hybrid vehicle Sally's Fund has received through this grant.

"You can use the money under that grant for a variety of things that improve air quality. One is to purchase an energy-efficient vehicle," Gufarotti said.

In 1990, Assembly Bill 2766 was adopted to provide revenue to reduce air pollution from motor vehicles. The Department of Motor Vehicles was authorized to collect a registration surcharge of $6 per vehicle to fund the AB2766 Subvention Fund Program. The fund returns 40 percent of the money collected to fund transportation-related projects that reduce air pollution. Approximately $20 million is distributed annually to 162 cities and counties in the South Coast Air Basin.

Sally's Fund is a nonprofit that offers transportation, food delivery, and more for Laguna Beach's frail seniors. It operates through donations and grants with a lean staff and a team of volunteers. www.sallysfund.org