About Us
Our History
Local San Diegans Denis Trafecanty and Michael Pinto founded The Protect Our Communities Foundation (PCF) in 2005 to fight SDG&E’s proposed Sunrise Powerlink transmission line project. Despite those efforts, the Public Utilities Commission approved the project, but PCF’s work in coalition with other environmental and local advocates led to an improved route that decreased the impact on wildlife and the environment.
For nearly two decades, PCF has fought to protect fellow Southern Californians and the environment. In fulfillment of its mission, PFC advocates for clean energy locally and intervenes before the California Public Utilities Commission on statewide energy issues. PCF supports clean, local, equitable energy solutions and while fighting polluting power sources and infrastructure.
PCF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. All contributions are tax-deductible. EIN: 26-4311106
Mission
To advocate for affordable, reliable, equitable, local and pollution-free energy
Board of Directors
-
![]()
Michael Pinto, PhD
Michael Pinto, PhD is a co-founder of The Protect Our Communities Foundation and serves as its board chair.
-
![]()
Lori Saldaña
Lori Saldaña, has served San Diegans as a mayoral appointee, presidential appointee, and state assemblymember. She continues to serve San Diego by advocating for environmental protection and sustainability throughout the community.
-
![]()
Dianne Jacob
Dianne Jacob represented San Diegans for 28 years as the San Diego County District 2 Supervisor, making her the longest serving San Diego County Supervisor. She continues to advocate for San Diegans through the foundation’s work.
-
![]()
Bill Powers, P.E.
Bill Powers, P.E., long-time board member, provides the foundation technical expertise gained through his 40 years of work in the energy field.
-
![]()
Denis Trafecanty
Denis Trafecanty is a co-founder of The Protect Our Communities Foundation and previously served as board chair.
