UC Blog
ANR News Blog launches a new format
The ANR News Blog today launches a new streamlined format. You'll find headlines and links to current news media reports about UC Agriculture and Natural Resources activities and articles that use ANR expertise. For the rest of the story, just click through to the source article.
UC publication helps city folks living with oaks
The oak is a common symbol of strength and endurance, but some of the majestic trees in California are buckling under the pressure of urbanization, reported the Sacramento Bee this week.
In most cases where urban environments are shaded by oaks, the trees towered over the landscape long before humans moved in. Costello said witnessing the heartbreaking decline of urban oak trees was a catalyst for writing the book.
"It's just a shame; they're such a beautiful tree and the symbol species of California," Costello was quoted in the story.
Costello provided reporter Debbie Arrington with basic tips for protecting oaks in urban environments:
- Know what kind of species you have. "Is it a California native or imported? It makes a huge difference."
- Don't surround a valley oak with lawn; irrigation three times a week can cause fungus problems in the root and crown.
- Know where the oak roots are before installing a swimming pool or an irrigation line. Oak roots are very sensitive.
- Use a layer of mulch – preferably bark – to keep oak roots comfortable.
- Fertilizer is usually unnecessary and pruning can weaken trees.
Oak trees may seem needy, but Costello says they are worth the extra effort. California's oaks are difficult to regenerate and it can take centuries for trees to develop the massive canopies and enormous trucks found on the most highly valued oaks.
Although shade-tolerant turf can be used under oaks, it is best to replace the turf with mulch.
Merit-based salary increases for faculty and non-represented staff
Dear Colleagues:
As you may know, the UC Board of Regents last November approved funds in UC’s 2011-12 budget to provide a pool for merit-based salary increases for faculty and staff.
I am writing to share with you the letter from President Yudof to chancellors that outlines the general terms of the merit program and explains his decision to exclude senior-level managers from participation. Yudof's letter can be read at http://atyourservice.ucop.edu/news/general/
chancellors_faculty_staff_merit_increase.081711.pdf.
As President Yudof states, the merit program is aimed at helping recruit and retain academic staff, who are the source of UC’s academic and research quality, and also to acknowledge non-represented staff for their ongoing dedication and service despite not having received general pay increases for the past several years.
The merit pool will be calculated at 3 percent of the overall pay in the eligible personnel categories, and individual increases will be based on performance and determined locally. In the coming days, UCOP will be sending specific guidelines to the ANR academic and staff personnel offices for how the merits will be implemented. We will share those additional details with you soon.
In the meantime, the Executive Working Group joins President Yudof in expressing appreciation for the contributions you and your colleagues make to the University, the people of California, and the countless others we touch every day in our service to the public.
Sincerely,
Kay Harrison Taber
Associate Vice President for Business Operations
View or leave comments for the Executive Working Group
This announcement is also posted and archived on the ANR Update pages.
California fruit harvest on track
Capital Press reporter Tim Hearden provided an overview of California's 2011 fruit and nut season in an article published in yesterday's edition. Table grapes, nectarines, plums, Valencia oranges, lemons and blueberries were being picked and shipped as of Aug. 8, according to a USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service.
Many crops are holding their own despite getting a late start in development, as rain and cool temperatures in the spring gave way to a mild summer, Hearden reported.
For perspective on the NASS report, Hearden spoke to Carolyn O'Donnell of the California Strawberry Commission, a California Farm Bureau Federation spokesperson and UC Cooperative Extension farm advisor Rick Buchner. Buchner said plums grown for drying are approaching the sugar content needed for harvest
Harvests should begin in a couple of weeks, which would make the crop about seven to 10 days late, Buchner said. The crop is heavy, so growers "will have to hang on long enough to get the sugar up."
The table grape harvest is under way in the San Joaquin Valley. (Photo by Edwin Remsberg, USDA)
El Dorado County 4-H'ers and their Japanese exchange students meet with their Board of Supervisors
Japanese Visitors, along with their hosts, met with the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors Tuesday. The group will be visiting local points of interest as part of the 4-H International Exchange Program.
The Mountain Democrat -
http://www.mtdemocrat.com/media_gallery/photos-of-the-week-28/attachment/japanese-exchange-at-bos-b-2/