Happy New Year everyone! I hope 2018 brings you and UC ANR great opportunity for success!
I had a chance to visit s few new places over the break though it was a bit cooler and overcast than ideal for some of them. But no complaining here, not when it was record low temps on New Year's Eve at several of my former zip codes yet we were able to spend some time outdoors in light sweaters that afternoon. The tradeoff is pending fear of a poor snow report. I spent some creative time trying to create my own version of the glass art at the UCCE San Joaquin demonstration garden. A few more visits to thrift shops are in order – not my favorite thing to do so this could take a while.
While things were quieter, much was happening across the state, not the least of which was the Thomas Fire that left many in UC ANR and UC on edge throughout a 3-week+ period. 10 News brought attention to one of the events that hosted in response to the fire damage from the Lilac Fire - an Emergency Avocado Citrus Post-Wildfire informational meeting that was held December 19 in Fallbrook. Sonia Rios and Gary Bender were two of the presenters at the meeting hosted by UC ANR in partnership with CAL FIRE, USDA FSA, San Diego County and Crop Production Services.
We were busy interviewing and talking with Strategic Initiative Leader candidates as well. There was much interest in the leadership appointments, likely a reflection of solid path set forth by those who have served in the roles previously. As David Doll, John Harper and Cheryl Wilen look forward to new adventures, please welcome Jim Farrar, David Lile, Neil McRoberts and Deanne Meyer as the new additions to the Strategic Initiative Leaders group, joined by Keith Nathaniel and Doug Parker who will continue in their SI Leader roles. No doubt David, John and Cheryl will be sought out for their wisdom and expertise – including attendance at the Program Council and SI Leaders meetings next week.
I suspect Chris Greer could have warned David, John and Cheryl that it's virtually impossible to leave a role behind! He continues to handle the HR function of the Vice Provost role while we search to fill Vice Provost positions. Two committees are working hard to identify candidates. David Lewis and his committee have identified 4 candidates to bring in on January 16-17 to interview for the position of Vice Provost – Research and Extension. Seminars will be available for remote participation as well as recorded.
There are some new faces and some faces in new places as well. Laurent Ahiablame started Dec 18 as the County Director and Water Quality and Management Advisor in San Diego County. Lorna Krkich started on Monday as the Executive Director for Fund Development, based out of Oakland. And Karl Lund started as a Viticulture Advisor in based in Madera, CA, with programmatic responsibilities in Madera, Merced, and Mariposa Counties. Ali Pourreza has transitioned from an Advisor based at the Kearney REC to a UC Davis-based Specialist. Congratulations and welcome to everyone!
Out like a lion, in like a honey badger, maybe?