Dear Colleagues,
Protecting California's natural resources and building climate-resilient communities and ecosystems are two of UC ANR's core public values so naturally we are proud to join our colleagues throughout the UC system to promote climate-smart strategies and engage in the UC's Cool Campus Challenge!
Many of the Challenge's actions such as turning off lights or taking public transit are proven through research to reduce carbon emissions from burning fossil fuels. However, as scientists within the University of California, we are deeply concerned with the use of inaccurate data in a recent headline from the Challenge: “Globally, meat is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions.” I have...
Dear Colleagues:
As you know, attracting and retaining highly qualified employees is a top priority for UC ANR. One of the key goals of the 2016-2020 Strategic Plan is to address the competitiveness of the compensation for our staff and academics.
In February 2017, I approved a four-year Market-based Adjustment Plan for non-represented staff to ensure salaries of existing staff are better aligned with the labor market. Using UC Career Tracks, each year UC ANR Human Resources identifies, reviews and addresses the salaries of non-represented staff members whose pay is not in the targeted competitive zone.
All non-represented staff are eligible to participate in this plan, regardless of their position's funding...
The UC California Naturalist program successfully completed its first UC ANR five-year statewide program review. Associate Vice President Powers and I extend a thank you to the ad-hoc committee for their time commitment and thoroughness in examining the program and providing recommendations to UC ANR's Program Council. The time Adina Merenlender, California Naturalist director, and Greg Ira, program coordinator, spent providing detailed information on all aspects of the program is also greatly appreciated. Last, but not least, a big thank you to all the UC California Naturalists, instructors and partners who submitted feedback during the review.
We recognize the program's accomplishments in their first five years –...
- Author: Pamela Kan-Rice
Dear Colleagues,
Over the course of the past 11 months, UC ANR has undertaken a position call process to identify the priority UCCE Advisor and UCCE Specialist position needs to support the work of the division. After a great deal of work, 46 positions were identified by the UC ANR Program Council and divided into three categories (highest, high, and can wait). Although we will utilize this categorization to the degree possible, the reality is that we need each and every one of those positions to serve our mission – all 46 positions are high priority to me. Furthermore, there are additional positions needed that were not on...
Dear Colleagues,
There are several large fires threatening communities all over the state and causing concern. I want you to know we've been in touch with our colleagues in the fire zones and everyone is safe. Here's an update from the affected areas.
In Lake County, the UCCE office is closed and most of the staff evacuated from their homes due to the River and Ranch fires. Nearby highway entrances are closed: Hwy 175 from Hopland and Hwy 20 from Ukiah and Hwy 29 from south of Lakeport to Hwy 20 to the north.
Hopland REC was hit hard by the River Fire. The good news is the evacuation order was lifted at noon today and all Hopland Research and Extension Center...