TAMC adopts regional transportation plan
MONTEREY COUNTY — Transportation Agency for Monterey County announced June 24 that its Board of Directors adopted the 2026 Regional Transportation Plan, a long-range guide for transportation investments throughout the county.
The plan, updated every four years, provides a framework for allocating state and federal transportation funding. It reflects updated revenue forecasts and project lists from local jurisdictions and was developed in coordination with the Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments.
The Regional Transportation Plan includes policy goals and measurable objectives, a financial forecast of available funding, and a list of projects that align with those goals and funding projections.
The plan does not approve specific projects but evaluates the potential environmental impacts of proposed projects at a program level.
TAMC said the plan will help local agencies compete for transportation funding while supporting a safer, more efficient and sustainable transportation system throughout Monterey County.
Hartnell names Torrico human resources VP
SALINAS — Hartnell Community College District has appointed Cesar Torrico as vice president of human resources, effective July 1.
Torrico brings nearly 30 years of experience in human resources leadership and educational administration. He most recently served as assistant superintendent of human resources for the Alum Rock Union Elementary School District, where he oversaw labor relations, recruitment and retention, employee relations and organizational development.
He began his career as a middle school history teacher in the Alum Rock School District before serving for more than 15 years as an elementary and K-8 principal. He later held senior human resources leadership positions, including director of human resources for the Santa Rita Union Elementary School District in Salinas.
Torrico holds a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in Chicano studies from San José State University.
EV incentive program opens with rebates
CENTRAL COAST — Monterey Bay Air Resources District launched its 2026-27 Electric Vehicle Incentive Program on July 1, offering monetary incentives to residents, public agencies and nonprofit organizations in Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz counties that purchase eligible new or used electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
The program includes incentives for residents who lease electric vehicles and, by adding used electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, aims to provide a lower-cost option for buyers.
According to Richard Stedman, Air Pollution Control Officer for the Monterey Bay Air Resources District, “Oxides of nitrogen (NOx) are primary chemical compounds combined with other pollutants that produce ozone (smog). Over 60% of the total emission of NOx in the Monterey Bay Area comes from motor vehicles. Fully electric vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions, including carbon dioxide, a climate change pollutant. By encouraging and incentivizing their use, significant long-term air quality benefits can be achieved.”
The program provides incentives of up to $5,000 for public agencies and nonprofits purchasing new eligible vehicles, $2,500 for new hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, $2,000 for new battery electric vehicles, $1,000 for used battery electric vehicles, $1,000 for new plug-in hybrid vehicles, $500 for used plug-in hybrid vehicles, $750 for new electric motorcycles and $500 for used electric motorcycles. Qualified low-income applicants are eligible for an additional $500 incentive.
Eligible vehicles must be purchased or leased on or after July 1. Applications are available online at mbard.org/electric-vehicle-incentive-program.
