Climate Ready Fremont Newsletter - May 2025


Newsletter:
May 2025
A Successful Fremont Earth Day Fair!

Fremont's 2025 Earth Day Fair on April 19 was another successful event!

Mayor Raj Salwan kicked off the celebration at the Downtown Event Center, inviting hundreds of attendees to enjoy the festivities in honor of Earth Day, a tradition that began in the U.S. on April 22, 1970. Exhibits and booths covered a wide range of environmental topics. Attendees learned about local environmental programs and initiatives; explored sustainable gardening techniques; received a free bike tune-up; and discovered practical tips for sustainable living. Attendees engaged in interactive activities, while a juggler, live music, readings, and demonstrations provided some lively entertainment.

The City would like to thank all of the attendees, exhibitors, performers, volunteers, and staff who helped make this event possible! We would also like to acknowledge the Tri-City Ecology Center, which has been around almost as long as Earth Day, forming in 1971! Additionally, we extend our sincere gratitude to our major partners: Washington Health and LEAF. Everyone's participation in the event demonstrates the strong commitment within our community to create a healthy, resilient, and climate ready Fremont.

What did you think of the Earth Day Fair? We're always looking for ways to improve. If you attended the fair, please share your feedback with us through this short survey.

Take Survey
Fremont's Active Transportation Plan

On May 6, 2025, the Fremont City Council approved Fremont's Active Transportation Plan (ATP). The ATP consolidates the previous Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plans and provides a framework where people of all ages and abilities are inspired each day to walk, bike, and roll comfortably without barriers. The ATP provides a 5-year work plan centered around three primary recommendations:

  • Implement major roadway corridor projects that form the backbone of the citywide active transportation network.
  • Continue or expand priority education, outreach, maintenance, and other supporting programs to promote and encourage walking and biking.
  • Implement pedestrian and bicycle improvements serving Fremont's designated low-income and disadvantaged communities.

The City encourages residents to walk, bike, and roll. It's a fun way to exercise and get to school, work, and other local destinations.

Learn More
Fremont's Fleet of Electric Vehicles

The City is growing our fleet of electric vehicles (EVs) to reduce emissions and reach our climate action goals. We're installing new charging infrastructure and receiving funding that's driving our progress!

New Charging Station for City Vehicles
The City recently installed an EV ARC™ (Electric Vehicle Autonomous Renewable Charger) at the Development Services Center, located at 39550 Liberty St. This innovative charging station will exclusively power the City's growing fleet of EVs with clean, renewable solar energy. This installation highlights the City's commitment to electrifying our fleet, investing in the necessary infrastructure to support these cleaner vehicles, and leading by example in sustainability efforts.

Inflation Reduction Act Funding
The City is utilizing funding authorized by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), signed into law in August 2022. Under the IRA, the IRS administers a set of clean vehicle tax credits for the purchase of qualified EVs, formally known as the Clean Vehicle Credit. In our case, the City utilized the Commercial Clean Vehicle Credit. By leveraging this and other funding opportunities, the City is able to recover costs associated with recent EV purchases, contributing to our broader goal of fleet electrification.

Electric Vehicle Charging Program
Calling all EV owners! Ava Community Energy (Ava), Fremont's not-for-profit electricity provider, just launched Ava SmartHome Charging, a new electric vehicle (EV) managed charging program. The program is designed to help EV owners maximize energy bill savings and increase their use of renewable energy by shifting their charging to off-peak hours. The program is offered in partnership with Optiwatt, a trusted leader in managed charging technology.

Ava customers who charge their EVs at home can enroll and earn up to $75 per vehicle in one-time rewards and $25 annually, in addition to electricity bill savings. Optiwatt's intelligent charging algorithm automatically optimizes the vehicle's charging schedule to ensure it is ready for driving, while taking advantage of low-cost, clean energy times.

Learn More & Enroll
Bike Safety Month
We all know that biking benefits our health and environment. In honor of National Bike Safety Month, our Fremont Police Department is sharing the following safety tips for drivers and bicyclists.

Drivers

  • Slow down and follow the speed limit. Be careful traveling through intersections.
  • Look carefully for bicyclists and pedestrians before making a turn or opening a car door near streets or bike paths.
  • Be patient when traveling behind a bicyclist, and give them space when passing. California law requires drivers to change a lane, when possible, to pass bicyclists and always pass with at least 3 feet of space.
  • Never drive distracted or impaired.
Bicyclists
  • Use lights at night.
  • Although not required for riders 18 and older, always wear a properly secured helmet. Helmets significantly reduce the chance of a head injury in the event of a crash.
  • Bicyclists must travel in the same direction of traffic and have the same requirements as any slow-moving vehicle.
  • Yield to pedestrians, just as a driver would. Pedestrians have the right-of-way within marked or unmarked crosswalks at intersections.

Remember that biking lowers your carbon footprint and improves our local air quality, leading to a cleaner and healthier environment for everyone. Thanks for doing your part to make it safer!

Watch Bike Safety Video
Showcase Your Native Plant Garden
Are at least 70% of your garden plants California natives? If so, consider applying to showcase your garden on next year's Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour. Alameda County Water District helps sponsor this tour, which highlights the beauty of native gardens, their adaptability to any budget, and their crucial role in supporting biodiversity. By participating and showcasing your garden, you can motivate others to do the same, making a difference in your community. Applications are due no later than July 15, 2025.
Learn More & Apply
East Bay Regional Park District Plan
The East Bay Regional Park District is developing a District Plan for the future of the parks and people they serve. The plan will set priorities and guide how the Park District manages and protects parks, open space, and community resources across the East Bay.
Learn More
Community Classes & Events

Summer Watering Strategies
Date: Wednesday, June 4
Time: 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Location: Online

Learn More & Register

Learn how key timing, mulching, fertilization, and water application methods maximize water efficiency to develop strong plants and promote soil moisture retention. Sponsored by Bay Area Water Supply and Conservation Agency.

4-H Flower Power Pollinators
Date: Wednesday, June 4
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Location: Fremont Main Library, 2400 Stevenson Blvd.

Learn More

Learn all about pollinators that help plants grow. Then participate in a fun activity and craft. Space and supplies are limited. Free tickets will be handed out 15 minutes before the event at the Children's Information Desk. All children must be present to receive a ticket. Hosted by Fremont Main Library.

Talkin' Dirt! How to Control Gophers
Date: Saturday, June 7
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Location: Fremont Main Library, 2400 Stevenson Blvd.

Learn More

Learn how to keep gophers and other pesky rodents from eating your garden before you can! Hosted by Local Ecology and Agriculture Fremont (LEAF).

Moon Gardening
Date: Wednesday, June 11
Time: 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Location: Centerville Library, 3801 Nicolet Ave.

Learn More

Garden by the light of the moon! Gloves, tools, and good vibes provided for this garden work party. All ages and experience levels welcome. Hosted by Centerville Library.


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