In the spotlight: Denise Cunningham
Denise Cunningham manages the Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) at the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR). Her love of cars, inspired by her father’s work in the automotive repair business, led her to start her automotive career as a repair technician. During her time as a Smog Check technician and referee manager, Denise saw many Californians struggling to maintain older, polluting vehicles they couldn’t afford to repair. Her strong commitment to consumer protection and support led her to her current position. We recently sat down with Denise to learn more about her work and her goals for CAP.
What work did you do prior to joining BAR?
Before I joined BAR, I worked as an automotive technician, service manager, and fleet maintenance manager. I spent many years working for one of BAR’s Smog Check quality assurance and referee contractors, Parsons Engineering-Science Inc., as a quality assurance representative, referee technician, referee station manager, and referee regional manager. In the 1990s, while working as a referee regional manager, I was part of a team that implemented a repair assistance and vehicle buy-back program for the Santa Barbara Air Pollution Control District, an early model of the various repair and retirement programs now available in California.
What inspired you to work for BAR?
I was inspired to work for BAR because it provided a chance to help consumers, industry professionals, and business owners. Additionally, BAR’s mission to reduce vehicle emissions and promote vehicle safety resonated with me.
BAR also seemed like an ideal fit for my background and experience. I’ve always enjoyed using both my technical skills and people skills, whether it is resolving disputes between consumers and automotive repair dealers, investigating fraud and unfair business practices, or contributing to a consumer service program like CAP, which has many technical aspects. The work is meaningful and rewarding, and I feel like I found my niche at BAR.
How long have you worked at BAR and in what roles?
I started with BAR in 2000 as a Program Representative I at the former Canoga Park Field Office working on inspections, complaints, and investigations. In 2005, I was promoted to a Program Representative II (lead) at the Valencia Field Office. By late 2007, I took on the role of field office supervisor, first at the Richmond Field Office and then at several other field offices. This led me to my role as CAP Program Manager I in 2015, overseeing day-to-day operations. In early 2019, I became the Program Manager II where I now oversee the entire program.
How did CAP begin and how does it contribute to advancing BAR’s mission?
As emissions standards tightened in the 1990s, it became clear that many low-income Californians, who owned older, high-polluting vehicles needed financial help to repair their vehicles to meet the new Smog Check requirements.
Recognizing this need, the first legislation to create a statewide repair assistance program through BAR was passed in 1994. Other legislation to create a vehicle retirement program for high polluting vehicles was passed in following years. By 1999, BAR launched its first low-income repair assistance program (LIRAP) and a vehicle retirement program.
Around 2000, the repair and retirement programs were combined to become the Consumer Assistance Program. CAP provided up to $500 in financial support for emissions repairs or $1,000 to retire vehicles that failed Smog Check. In 2010, in collaboration with the Air Resources Board, BAR expanded the program to include an additional vehicle retirement option, allowing consumers to retire older vehicles even if they had passed Smog Check. This helped to further advance the mission of supporting consumers and reducing emissions.
Has there been positive impacts with the recent CAP incentive increases?
Yes. Applications for both repair assistance and vehicle retirement have increased, and participants are receiving higher benefits. Participation is increasing because the new vehicle retirement incentive of up to $2,000 is closer to the market sales rate for an older vehicle. The increased repair assistance contributions of up to $1,450 makes it easier for consumers to complete some of the more expensive repairs needed to keep their vehicle emissions compliant. And the new regulations allow eligible consumers to apply for repair assistance more than once for the same vehicle, which is more affordable than purchasing a new vehicle.
What role do STAR stations play in CAP?
STAR stations are a vital part of the program. They serve as a direct point of contact for program participants, answering inquiries and providing program information. They have the technical expertise to diagnose and repair vehicles in a cost-effective manner.
You also administer the Car for Schools program. Can you tell us about that program?
The Cars for Schools program was created in 2019 after it was suggested at a BAR Advisory Group meeting. The program provides vehicles retired through CAP to public high schools, community colleges, and regional occupational centers throughout the state. The vehicles are used for hands-on training for students preparing for careers in the automotive repair industry. We fulfill requests for specific makes and models of vehicles or provide similar alternatives.
The program was slow to launch in 2020 due to the pandemic and cancellation of in-person classes. Now I am happy to report that over 120 vehicles have been provided to schools and there is an uptick in the number of applications we are receiving.
What do you see as upcoming challenges and/or opportunities for CAP?
Looking ahead, CAP faces both challenges and opportunities in expanding its impact. One challenge is ensuring that information about CAP reaches all consumers who could benefit from the program. To address this, there’s opportunity for CAP to collaborate with community-based organizations, leveraging their local connections to improve outreach in underserved populations. Additionally, CAP can boost participation by further modernizing business processes and recruiting more STAR stations, which would enhance service efficiency and quality, and overall program success.
Do you have a favorite car that you have owned?
I owned a 1964 ½ Ford Mustang. It had the classic 200 straight-6 engine which wasn’t the most powerful option, but it still had a lot of character. I loved the fact that it had a manual transmission, which made driving it a real experience.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
I would like to thank the dedicated CAP team who work every day to support consumers. Their commitment to helping consumers navigate the complexities of the program is truly invaluable. Whether their jobs involve technical review, providing information to stakeholders, or guiding consumers through the application process, the team’s expertise and consideration make a significant difference. I’m proud of the work they do and the positive impact they have on the individuals and communities that need our services. Their ongoing efforts make an important contribution to supporting Californians and improving air quality.