Ashraf El-kereamy, Lindcove REC director, (center) hosted a fantastic citrus tasting at Lindcove Research and Extension Center for growers and the public on Dec. 13 and 14. Daniel Obrist, on right, and I joined growers and community members to taste dozens of fruit varieties.

This has been an amazing year for UCANR.

We have seen two new AES campuses come online. We have hired some amazing people who have already been contributing to the work of building California's communities. We have engaged stakeholders and partners from across the state and developed new programs, projects, and priorities. We finished the 2040 Vision and have embarked on the development of our strategic plan to operationalize the Vision. We have built new partnerships with government, business, and nonprofit organizations across California. Most importantly, we have served a wide variety of people, places, and organizations. We are realizing our mission and in so doing, building the capacity of Californians to meet their own needs. 

As we look back, we can also look forward to a bright year, filled with new and exciting adventures. We stand ready at the starting line of our next race. As such, it is important to remember that we should be taking the necessary time to take care of ourselves and those that we love. That is how we can fill our cups and be ready for the next year. 

I truly wish you all a wonderful holiday season. I am also filled with gratitude for all that you do for each other and for the people of California. You make this job satisfyingly and fulfilling. Thank you for being part of the ANR family. You have my deep appreciation and my greatest respect. I wish you only the very best.

Sincerely,
Brent

The Lindcove REC staff did an amazing job of decorating for the citrus tasting event.

Last year my wife got to join me for the event.