Posts Tagged: community

UC ANR Climate Notification

Dear UC ANR Community,

As we begin the 2024-2025 year, I want to reaffirm our UC ANR Principles of Community and ensure that all members of our community understand both the rights and the responsibilities of free expression in the UC ANR context.

This year we expect the continuation of active discourse on various issues impacting our communities, nation and world. There are many avenues for academics and staff to advocate for their personal views within their communities. We actively encourage members of our UC ANR community to make your voices heard on issues that matter to you.

To ensure that everyone within the UC ANR community can express their perspectives while engaging fully in their learning, teaching, work, and research, UC ANR must also take action to protect our community from harassment or threats, impediments to access to buildings, and from violence of any kind. UC ANR complies with UC, state and federal policies that provide safeguards for state and federally protected identities and ensure safe and timely and full access to our facilities for all.

The California Legislature requests the University of California system to maintain consistency of implementation and enforcement of these policies. We are supportive of this request as it undergirds our principles of community and values and will help support a healthy, thriving climate for all members of our UC ANR community.

It is important to understand the rules, regulations, and resources that exist to achieve these goals. Please review the UC ANR Climate website for detailed information on policies, procedures, and resources related to freedom of expression and supporting a safe and inclusive environment for all members of the UC ANR community. A pdf of this letter on letterhead is attached.

We look forward to a productive, vibrant and welcoming year in our UC ANR communities.

Glenda Humiston, Vice President

Elizabeth Moon, Director of Workplace & Inclusion

 

Guidance on political activities from UC's Office of General Counsel

UC's Office of General Counsel has issued an advisory on political activities. Below is an excerpt.

The University strongly supports public and civic engagement by members of the University community, in both their professional and personal capacities. At the same time, as both a Section[1] 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization and a state entity, the University is prohibited from directly or indirectly participating in political campaign activities: 1) supporting or opposing candidates for elective public office (“electioneering”); and 2) supporting or opposing measures that have qualified for the ballot. These restrictions apply to the activities of the University overall, as well as to activities of individual University faculty and staff acting in their capacity as representatives of the University and/or using University resources. 

This advisory, previously issued in 2019, is being re-issued now in light of the upcoming election cycle to remind the University community of the applicable rules and about the importance of complying with them.

… It is important for all University employees to comply with these rules. There are potential criminal and civil penalties for misuse of public resources, and, in the case of the federal rules that govern tax-exempt charitable organizations, the University's tax-exempt status could be revoked (and/or substantial tax penalties imposed) by an activity that constitutes electioneering.

Please visit https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/news/2024/02/ogc-guidance-on-political-activities.html for details.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at ammegaro@ucanr.edu or (530) 750-1218.

Anne Megaro
Government and Community Relations Director

Soule named acting Statewide Community Nutrition and Health Director

Katherine Soule has agreed to serve as acting Statewide Director of Community Nutrition and Health while Amira Resnick is on leave until July 1. If you need support for work related to community nutrition and health, please contact Katherine at (805) 781-5940 or kesoule@ucanr.edu.

Katherine, who is the UC Cooperative Extension health equity advisor for San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties, remains based in San Luis Obispo. Many thanks to her for filling this essential role during Amira's absence. 

Brent Hales 
Associate Vice President for Research and Cooperative Extension

 

Amira Resnick named new Director for Community Nutrition and Health

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Amira Resnick as our new Director for Community Nutrition and Health. 

Amira brings a rich history of experience to strengthen the nutrition and health work of UC ANR. Amira joins UC ANR from her current position as Senior Manager with Alliance for a Healthier Generation based in Los Angeles. In that position, she has spearheaded new, innovative multi-sectoral partnership development, secured funding opportunities, and implemented projects to advance environmental and systemic change toward whole child health. Previously, as Statewide Family Services Coordinator with Telamon Corporation, Amira led program implementation across 17 Migrant Head Start sites with 500 employees, serving over 1,000 families. 

"We look forward to Amira bringing her enthusiasm and experience to help continue the growth of our nutrition and health work across the state," said Associate Vice President Wendy Powers. "Our historical impact in these areas – and more recently the growing concerns around COVID-19 and food security – highlight the importance of and need for this work.”

Amira holds a master's degree in Public Administration from the University of Southern California and a bachelor's degree in Cultural Anthropology with a minor in Spanish from the University of Michigan.

The position will further refine our vision for growth in the areas of nutrition and health and will oversee the network of nutrition and health work implemented across the state through the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program; CalFresh Healthy Living, UC program; and UC Master Food Preserver program.

Amira will begin work with UC ANR on February 15, 2022. Please join me in welcoming her in this new role.

Sincerely,

Mark Bell
Vice Provost of Strategic Initiatives and Statewide Programs

This Summer Brings the Return of Open Farm Days & Fairs

As summer weather approaches and schools across California end their spring sessions, farms will finally have the opportunity to begin returning their operations back to normal. On June 15th, “All counties in California, regardless of how high or low coronavirus transmission is, will be allowed to all reopen at the same time”. The state is planning on releasing updated mask-wearing policies and emergency closure plans in the case of a resurgence in Covid-19 transmission after June 15th, but in the meantime all businesses and events below the “Mega Event” description will be allowed to operate under “business as normal” procedures. Outdoor events, like the fair, that estimate over 10,000 people to attend will recommend individuals to be tested and/or vaccinated.

The cancellation of summertime staples in 2020 such as open farm days and fairs last year, took an emotional toll as traditions were disrupted and opportunities to connect were missed, as well as a financial tool as these events often serve as a fundraiser for non-profits and a sales outlet for farmers and ranchers. Happily, this summer will see the return of many beloved community events - with some new modifications to ensure safety and comfortability.

One area taking advantage of the new COVID-19 protocols is Suisun Valley, a unique and diverse farming community in Solano County, northern California. Suisun Valley is bringing back their annual staple event, Passport Sunday on August 8th, featuring 12 different vineyards, food trucks, and more. This event is limited to 600 people, a decrease from their usual 1,000 person occupancy to ensure the safety of all people in attendance.

In San Luis Obispo, the SLO County Farm Trail will be showing off all that their region has to offer during their Open Farm Day on July 17th, including cider tasting, sachet making, and plenty of demos.  Similarly, the Pleasant Valley Agriculture Association, an association of farmers in Vacaville, who have a collective interest in agriculture tourism and land preservation recently announced that 12 farms in the area will be participating in Open Farm Days on June 26th and 27th. These farms will be in compliance with the updated covid-19 standards and will be featuring products ranging from fresh honey, produce, and jams, and facilitating activities like farm tours and Alpaca feeding. 

As agritourism operations and organizations navigate how to reopen safely and within their capacity, this summer will bring back a sense of normalcy with the return of many cherished agritourism events. 

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