From: Rachael Aptowitz
To: Clerk of Board
Subject: Comment on Item 16: San Diego Regional Energy Academy Update Date: Wednesday, October 22, 2025 11:48:08 AM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important To Whom It May Concern,
My name is Rachael Aptowitz, and I was a member of Cohort 2 of the San Diego Regional Energy Academy. Participating in this program allowed me to grow, learn, and connect with a network of fellow practitioners who share my mission to advance equitable transportation and energy solutions for underserved communities.
In my current role as a Senior Program Manager at GRID Alternatives, a San Diego-based nonprofit dedicated to building community-powered solutions that promote economic and environmental justice through renewable energy, I lead clean mobility programs focused on expanding access to electric vehicles and charging infrastructure.
As a member of Cohort 2, I deepened my understanding of the intersection between electric vehicles and the energy sector, while also building meaningful relationships with leaders in San Diego’s energy landscape. The opportunity to gain insight into our region’s unique energy challenges and to participate in hands-on, field-based learning has directly enhanced my ability to design and implement impactful programs that integrate transportation electrification, decarbonization, and equity.
Ultimately, the knowledge and experience I gained through the Energy Academy have empowered me to amplify the impact of my work at GRID Alternatives and to help ensure equitable access to clean energy solutions for all San Diegans.
I was thrilled to attend our first alumni event during the inaugural San Diego Climate Week last month, and I look forward to watching the Energy Academy’s network and impact continue to grow.
Sincerely,
Rachael Aptowitz
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Rachael Aptowitz | Senior Program Manager | Pronouns: she/they GRID Alternatives
o: 510-646-8215 | [email protected]
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From: Kelly Bray
To: Clerk of Board
Subject: Comment on Item 16: San Diego Regional Energy Academy Update Date: Wednesday, October 22, 2025 12:39:00 PM
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You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important To SDCP Board:
I feel strongly that SDCP should continue to support the SD Regional Energy Academy.
The Energy Academy brings together professionals from diverse backgrounds including local, regional, and state governments, special districts, universities, IOUs, CCAs, CBOs and related consulting firms to educate and develop leaders within the energy sector in San Diego. Topics include the production, procurement and distribution of electricity throughout the state, as it relates to key topics such as equity, decarbonization, and climate resilience. The format includes lectures provided by energy experts in various roles throughout the region, which are supplemented by field trips to key assets that are not typically offered to the public.
Due to the complexity and dynamic nature of energy and the regulatory environment in California, the Energy Academy provides a unique opportunity to gain a deep understanding of the topic and provides a multiplier effect due to the inclusion of participants that are currently working in organizations that can advance equity, decarbonization and climate resilience. More importantly, these professionals are those individuals that work closely with community members and community-based organizations on these topics. Each year that the Energy Academy succeeds in educating new members, the San Diego region benefits.
Respectfully,
Kelly Bray
Kelly Bray (She/Her) O: 619 812 3827 C: 619 743 9829
Principal Land Use and Climate Planner dudek.com
From: Anthony Dang
To: Clerk of Board
Subject: Comment on Item 16: San Diego Regional Energy Academy Update Date: Thursday, October 23, 2025 3:04:21 PM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important Dear SDCP Board Clerk,
My name is Anthony Dang, and I'm the Policy and Community Outreach Manager at Climate Action Campaign, as well as a San Diego Regional Energy Academy alum.
I wanted to express how helpful Energy Academy has been in closing my knowledge gaps in the energy space. As a team leader on working on clean energy and utility justice advocacy campaigns, the educational programming has already proven helpful for our advocacy efforts. Additionally, the networking with such a diverse cohort was invaluable.
Thank you to everyone who works on putting the Energy Academy together and I hope more cohorts continue to occur to help train local advocates and leaders to transition us to our clean energy future.
Best,
Anthony
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Anthony Dang (he/him)
Policy and Community Outreach Manager
Climate Action Campaign
(425) 577-9368
www.climateactioncampaign.org
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Facebook.com/ClimateActionCampaign
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