Bay Area Changemakers Recognized for Outstanding Environmental Leadership

MCE honors Napa Green, Matt Belasco, and Sara Bellafronte

SAN RAFAEL and CONCORD, Calif. — MCE’s Board of Directors recognized three recipients of this year’s Charles F. McGlashan Advocacy Awards on February 16, 2023. The award was established in 2011 to recognize changemakers for their outstanding dedication to environmental leadership and commemorate the legacy of MCE’s founding Chairman, Charles F. McGlashan. This year’s honorees include Napa Green, Matthew Belasco of the Pittsburg Unified School District, and Sara Bellafronte of the City of Pittsburg.

“This is MCE’s twelfth year honoring individuals and organizations who share a commitment to creating a more sustainable future for our communities and the planet,” said Barbara Coler, MCE Board Director and Town of Fairfax Vice Mayor. “Community advocates are a part of MCE’s DNA and we’re proud to present the Charles F. McGlashan Advocacy Award to this year’s recipients as a way of honoring his work to launch MCE and empower Bay Area residents and businesses with an equitable clean energy economy.”

Napa Green
Napa Green encourages wineries and vineyards to commit to environmental stewardship and sustainable business practices, and actively connects these businesses to MCE’s Deep Green 100% renewable service and various program offerings.

“Napa Green has been partnering with MCE for years to deliver clean energy solutions to Napa growers and vintners,” said Anna Brittain, Napa Green’s Executive Director. “We are proud to be one of this year’s McGlashan Award recipients and are excited to partner with MCE on our upcoming RISE climate and wine symposium to accelerate climate action in our communities.”

Matthew Belasco, Pittsburg Unified School District
Matthew “Matt” Belasco, Pittsburg Unified School District’s (PUSD) Director of Maintenance, Operations, and Transportation has led the district’s efforts to purchase three electric school buses, install energy storage across ten campuses, and participate in MCE’s energy saving programs to lower costs and emissions across the district.

“MCE’s program offerings have helped us cut emissions and lower costs for our 10,500 students across the district,” said Matt Belasco, Maintenance, Operations, and Transportation Director with the Pittsburg Unified School District. “I see our students as change agents, looking to make a tangible impact on the future. It’s an honor to be recognized for our success supporting PUSD’s students.”

Sara Bellafronte, City of Pittsburg
Sara Bellafronte is the Assistant to the City Manager with the City of Pittsburg. Sara has worked closely with MCE staff to integrate MCE programs within the City’s capital improvement strategy. Her work has led the city to secure $95,000 in funding to install 18 new EV charging stations. In partnership with MCE staff, Sara organized Pittsburg’s annual Green Footprint Festival, a community event celebrating environmental awareness.

“It’s been my pleasure to work with MCE to support environmental stewardship in the City of Pittsburg,” said Sara Bellafronte, City of Pittsburg. “MCE’s partnership has been invaluable in this process.”

MCE’s work is made possible thanks to our partnership with outstanding environmental leaders across our communities. If you or your organization are interested in collaborating with MCE to advance our clean energy future, please contact us at engagement@mceCleanEnergy.org