Update on DEI Advisory Council
This month I appointed 11 UC ANR employees to an initial two-year term as founding members of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Advisory Council for UC Agriculture and Natural Resources. The group began meeting to consider the Council's role and structure in November; this appointment is effective retroactively from November 1, 2020, through October 31, 2022.
I am convening this advisory council to support DEI efforts that UC ANR staff and academics have undertaken to improve working environments within UC ANR, as well as to improve quality of life for marginalized populations living in the state of California. Diversity is one of our core values and...
COVID-19 vaccination information
As we begin 2021, I hope that you all had a safe and restful break over the holidays. With the new year, and increasing distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, we wanted to share some information with you and let you know how we are working on this issue. This message is based on current information, but the guidance and actual distribution of the vaccine is changing rapidly and can vary by county or community.
First, it is important to understand that while the vaccine is a significant development to ending the pandemic, we still have a long road ahead and need to stay the course to maintain our current safety protocols for the next several months. For example, if you get a...
Dear colleagues,
I hope you are doing well and are safe and healthy. Please continue to prioritize your health and well-being and that of your family and friends, and let those of us in the Emergency Response Team know if there is...
Because of your due diligence in maintaining safe practices, UC ANR COVID-19 infection rates remain below community rates. Many are weary from the additional effort required to keep loved ones and colleagues safe, and our work is not done. By working together, we can continue to protect those around us, and ourselves. Let's focus on getting through this last push before everyone has had the opportunity for vaccination.
Last week, the Governor and State Public Health Director issued a new Regional Stay At Home Order, requiring additional restrictions and limitations on public activity for...
Earlier this week, the Governor and Secretary of Public Health announced urgent changes to the state's county risk tiers. This was in response to a surge in the number of COVID-19 cases - doubling in the past 10 days to more than 10,000 per day - and 60% increase in hospitalizations across the state. In all, 40 counties have been moved to more restrictive tiers, with 30 counties moving back one tier and 10 counties moving back two tiers. These risk tier assignments affect what businesses may remain open or what activities can occur in the county, which can also affect UC ANR operations and programming.
The current tier ratings include 41 counties in the most restrictive Widespread (purple) tier, 11 counties in the Substantial...
