Finally, I can share some exciting news that I've been having to keep to myself. Cheryl Wilen was recently awarded the 2020 Outstanding Contribution to Agriculture award by the California Association of Pest Control Advisers (CAPCA). The Outstanding Contribution to Agriculture award recognizes individuals or organizations that have made a significant contribution to California agriculture. We concur with the selection committee! Congratulations, Cheryl! I still have one more congratulations to send out, once the award is made.
Another rough week for many across the state who are without power or worse, evacuated. So far, I haven't heard of any major losses. Darren reported some small fires onsite at the South Coast REC, but they were controlled quickly. Let's hope the same holds between now and when the rain finally begins. Let's also hope that evacuations and power losses don't deter voters from getting out to exercise the super power we all have.
Because so many across UC ANR are touched when disaster happens, either in response to or planning for, you might find this recent article by Vikram, Susie, and Faith of interest. The tables identifying needs are of particular interest to me and perhaps something the Learning and Development team might think about for future trainings. Thanks to all of the 100+ people who assisted by providing survey responses.
Strategic planning winds down this week with meetings to finalize both the ANR plan and the REC framework. While I look forward to the end of the planning phase, the reality is that the work of the plan itself then begins. Time to direct towards those efforts need to be squeezed into the calendar amongst other, unplanned events. More meetings take place this week that would normally take place the week of November 9. That was the scheduled annual APLU meeting. However, because the meeting is taking place virtually, events have been scattered across what seems to be a 3-week window. I am hoping that means no meetings on Veteran's Day. I won't hold my breath, but I won't give up hope either. I have some projects to complete at home that would benefit from a free day that weekend yard work doesn't seem to permit.