4-H Staff in Southern California win Western Region award for excellence in teamwork
UC ANR 4-H staff in Southern California were recognized for their stellar teamwork in leading the SoCal Collaborative partnership, a grassroots effort to reinvigorate youth participation. The group was awarded the Western Regional Specialty Award for Excellence in Teamwork from the National Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals.
In response to declining enrollment and retention of senior youth in Southern California's 4-H program, the SoCal Collaborative was established in 2023. This initiative encompasses Ventura, Los Angeles, Orange, Imperial, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego counties, connecting 4-H staff, adult volunteers and youth leaders in collaborative planning and execution of activities that enhance local programming.
SoCal Collaborative participants engage in a diverse array of events, including family learning experiences and regional leadership trainings, fostering community and inclusive engagement. Key outcomes include increased event attendance, improved communication and a revitalized sense of connection among leaders, youth and families. By opening events to all, focusing on diverse activities and addressing the unique needs of various communities, this program exemplifies 4-H’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Included on the award for the SoCal Collaborative were San Diego 4-H advisor Liliana Vega, Orange County 4-H advisor Rita Jakel, 4-H regional program coordinator Stephanie Barrett, Los Angeles County director and 4-H advisor Keith Nathaniel, 4-H program representative Emily Watson, San Diego 4-H program manager Rebeca Manzo, as well as 4-H volunteers Mark Beckman, Susie Franklin, John Trammell. The award extended general recognition to SoCal 4-H professionals, volunteers and youth leaders. Stephanie Barrett also received the Distinguished Service Award. The team received these award at the Western Regional Brunch & Awards Ceremony at the National Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, on Oct 29.
Lile honored by Modoc County Farm Bureau
The Modoc County Farm Bureau honored David Lile, UCCE director and livestock and natural resources advisor for Lassen County, with its 2025 Distinguished Service Award.
In presenting Lile with the award, they said, “This year's honoree may have started his career in Modoc County and moved on, but his impact here has never stopped. David has spent decades championing agriculture, water and land stewardship across our region.
"From his early work on Goose Lake water monitoring to his leadership with the Region 5 Grazing Group and virtual fencing research, David's efforts have protected landowners, supported producers, and strengthened our local economy.
"Thank you, David, for your dedication, leadership and lifelong dedication to Modoc County Agriculture!”
Koundinya elected president of National Association of Extension Program and Staff Development Professionals
Vikram Koundinya, associate UC Cooperative Extension evaluation specialist and associate professor of Cooperative Extension in the Department of Human Ecology at UC Davis, will serve as the President of National Association of Extension Program and Staff Development Professionals (NAEPSDP) professional society for the term 2025-2026.
The mission of NAEPSDP is to provide an organized forum for advancing the continuous improvement of extension professionals working in the areas of program, staff and organizational development and the improvement of the extension system. NAEPSDP membership includes individuals with a range of responsibilities in support of extension educators and the overall mission of Cooperative Extension.
Pastrana honored as UC ANR Hispanic Person of the Year
For UC ANR Hispanic Heritage Month, Ana Pastrana, UCCE plant pathology advisor for Imperial, Riverside and San Diego counties, was featured as Hispanic Person of the Year.
Watch Ana Resendiz, Jairo Diaz, Jessica Delgado, Philip Waisen and Darlene Ruiz discuss how Pastrana has enhanced their projects at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJN8d4qlQHo.