Speakers

Josh Becker, California State Senator

Senator Josh Becker is a public policy innovator working at the nexus of community activism, technology and social justice. Elected to the State Senate in November 2020, Senator Becker represents the residents of California’s 13th Senate District, which comprises most of San Mateo County and the northern part of Santa Clara County. He is the author of several bills focused on accelerating California’s transition to 100% clean energy and net zero emissions, voter access and justice reforms, and leveraging technology to provide greater economic mobility for all Californians.

Helen Wolter, Josh Becker's Office

Helen Wolter has deep experience in community relations, policy analysis, and program management throughout the Bay Area. Helen graduated from Scripps College, where she majored in Government through Pomona College. She received her Master of Public Administration with honors from the University of Colorado; her Master of Urban Planning is from the University of Southern California. She is an elected member of the San Mateo County Democratic Central Committee

Allison Chan, Save the Bay

Allison Chan is the Political Director at Save The Bay, where she works to advance equitable climate adaptation, sustainable development, and Bay health through policy and advocacy. Prior to Save The Bay, Allison worked for the Ocean Foundation’s Coastal Ocean Values Center, developing economic indicators of ecosystem health in Santa Monica Bay, Morro Bay, and Elkhorn Slough. Allison has a Master’s degree in Environmental Science and Management from the Bren School at UC Santa Barbara.

Linda Hutchins-Knowles, Acterra

Linda Hutchins-Knowles has been a “climate actionist” since 2013, organizing and training volunteers to advocate effectively for bold and equitable climate policies. Prior to joining Acterra, she co-founded Mothers Out Front Silicon Valley and served as California Senior Organizer for Mothers Out Front. Since June of 2021, Linda has managed Acterra’s clean transportation pillar, working to accelerate an equitable transition to clean mobility through both educational outreach and policy advocacy. She is one of the lead organizers of the EV Charging for All coalition, championing affordable access to EV charging for residents of apartments and condos. Linda lives with her family in San José.

Joshua Hugg, Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District

Joshua Hugg serves at the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (aka Midpen) as their Governmental Affairs Specialist.  He focuses on understanding and furthering District policy interests and fostering partnerships to help Midpen achieve its mission. Josh has had a very diverse career since he arrived in the Bay Area 20 years ago.  This includes process engineering at Intel R&D and Program Manager at Housing Leadership Council of San Mateo County. He holds a B.S. in Materials Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and an M.P.A. from San Jose State University.