On the Air: Learn How to Fight Air Pollution In Your Neighborhood

To celebrate California Clean Air Day on October 1, learn how to affordably transition to cleaner energy — and cleaner air — in your home and neighborhood.

Many people think of cars and factories as the main sources of air pollution. But in the Bay Area, gas-powered appliances actually produce more nitrogen oxides (NOx) — smog-forming and climate-warming gases — than vehicles do. Replacing them with electric alternatives could save hundreds of lives each year in California.

But replacing home appliances can be expensive. And the Trump administration is cutting clean energy funding. So, whether you own or rent your home, what can you do?

This event will feature:

• A panel of experts, residents, and government leaders who will share steps you can take to transition your home off polluting appliances — whether you’re a renter or homeowner.
  
• Information and advice from service providers and community leaders

Therese Peffer, PhD, is a project manager and researcher at the California Institute for Energy and Environment (CIEE) within the Center for Information Technology Research in the Interest of Society (CITRIS) at the University of California, Berkeley. Therese manages and conducts research in smart building technologies, building-to-grid, demand response, demand flexibility, and smart grid research projects with the objective of creating comfortable and energy efficient livable spaces. She serves as an Associate Director for CIEE and for the CITRIS Climate initiative and is the co-Chair of the annual Behavior Energy and Climate Change conference. She is currently managing the Energy Commission funded EcoBlock and large commercial decarbonization projects and the Dept. of Energy-funded Brick project. Previous research includes energy consumption displays, thermostats, consumer behavior, and user interface usability research.

Nik Kaestner is the Senior Building Decarbonization Coordinator at the SF Environment Department, where he oversees the development of policies, support programs, and public engagement needed to decarbonize the City’s buildings as called for in the Climate Action Plan. His team is working with local stakeholders to draft a Building Performance Standard for large existing buildings, running a heat pump water heater direct install program for income-qualified residents, conducting quarterly electrification trainings for contractors, and educating residents about the benefits of electrification.Before joining the City, Nik spent over a decade leading sustainability efforts at the SF Unified School District.

Zachary Frial is the Social Development and Policy Coordinator at the South of Market Community Action Network (SOMCAN). Their advocacy has focused on environmental justice, community development and planning, language access, tenant and worker rights, and the local, state, and federal budgets. Zachary serves on the advisory committee of SF Environment Department's Climate Equity Hub, educating and outreaching to residents on building decarbonization. Zachary is also a PhD student at the University of California, Los Angeles, studying urban and cultural geography.

Moderated by

Mary Catherine O’Connor is a radio and print reporter whose beats include climate change, energy, material circularity, waste, technology, and recreation. She was a 2022-23 Audio Academy Fellow at KALW . She has reported for leading publications including Outside, The Guardian, NPR, The Wall Street Journal, Al Jazeera America, and many trade magazines. In 2014 she co-founded a reader-supported experiment in journalism, called Climate Confidential.

Your RSVP includes admission to Open Decks: Community Art in Motion, a collaborative art exhibition and cultural program featuring original art by 100 Bay Area artists on skateboard decks. Open Decks is on view from July 24 - October 31, 2025.

There is a $10 - $20 sliding scale suggested donation for this event. Nobody will be turned away for lack of funds.

Please become a KALW member today and receive your first drink on us at all 220 Montgomery events.

📍 220 Montgomery St., San Francisco, 2 blocks from BART/MUNI

🚪 Reception doors open at 6:00

🗣️ Program begins at 7:00

🆓 The event is free with an RSVP — and you are welcome to donate what you want

Please note:

• The event space is just to the left of the main entrance to the Mills Building at 220 Montgomery Street
• We recommend taking BART/MUNI, exiting at Montgomery, and walking two blocks north
• Ride-shares can drop off and pick up directly in front of the venue
• If you drive, there are several garages within two blocks of the event location; free street parking is available across from the venue at 7:00 pm

Also check out other Arts events in San Francisco, Nonprofit events in San Francisco, Craft events in San Francisco.