The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) has announced the names of those who received the 2011 ANR Distinguished Service Awards. The awards are presented biennially to ANR staff members for their outstanding contributions to the teaching, research and public service mission of ANR.

UC Cooperative Extension in LA County is pleased to congratulate Keith Nathaniel (4-H Youth Development advisor) and Brenda Roche (Nutrition, Family and Consumer Science advisor), who are among the 12 who received this mark of distinction. They were part of a seven-member team that received the award in the category of Outstanding Team with the development of "Money Talks for Teens"--a unique resource of financial information for teens and young adults.

Based on a needs assessment study, the team created a hands-on, interactive online program to guide teens and young adults in making important financial decisions. Available in English and Spanish, "Money Talks" consists of four series of lessons that start with basic personal finance information, and it goes on to cover topics such as banking, credit and working.

Pre and post evaluations have documented the benefits to teens. More importantly, the series is highly regarded by educators in California and the U.S.

In a leadership role, Nathaniel guides and develops 4-H programs in LA County. The programs offer youth valuable learning experiences that help them grow into productive leaders and good citizens.

Like Nathaniel, Roche designs programs for residents of LA County. Paying specific attention to the areas of nutrition and consumer science, she evaluates trends and issues and maintains knowledge of current research information.

All team members will receive individual certificates and share $5,000.

For more information on "Money Talks for Teens," please visit www.moneytalks4teens.org.

As part of Cooperative Extension's East LA Initiative--a series of workshops designed to improve the health and quality of life for local residents--staff conducted a workshop on container gardening and led residents on a tree walk to explore and learn about the beautiful trees that line their community streets.

Everyone knows that food is expensive these days, not to mention the high price of fuel to get one to the grocery store. So, it is no wonder why many people are growing their own food at home.

In order to encourage this grow-your-own-food experience in East LA, where space is limited for many, staff held a hands-on workshop to teach residents the basics of container gardening. The focus was on how to start growing their own food and to demonstrate how gardening in a container is a good place to start. Participants got their hands in the dirt and took home starter plants they potted themselves.

Yvonne Savio, Common Ground Garden Program manager, discussed selection of pots and containers, soil quality, care and watering tips, and plant varieties. At the end of the workshop, many participants were inspired to go home and start a mini garden in their balconies or backyards.

Once the gardening activity was completed, the residents went on a tree walk with Don Hodel, Cooperative Extension's environmental horticulturist. The walk provided an opportunity for many to appreciate and learn about the trees in their community. Hodel offered information on the history, identification and care of the street trees. Hodel also shared some interesting facts about each tree and explained ways residents can contribute to the caring of their community trees.

For information about our gardening and horticulture programs, please visit Cooperative Extension's website.

The Network for a Healthy California program (formerly the 5 a Day program) in LA County is a movement to improve the health of low-income children and their families through increased fruit and vegetable consumption and daily physical activity. It is a collaborative initiative between the state of California and community-based organizations. Locally, the LA County Department of Public Health administers and manages the Network in LA County. UC Cooperative Extension carries out the goals of two Network components under a subcontract with the county: the Children's Power Play! Campaign and the Latino Campaign.

Starting in October 2011, Cooperative Extension will hand over the reins on the management of these two campaigns to the LA County Department of Public Health. Under the county leadership, the program will continue to work with local school districts and community organizations to make a real difference in reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

Since 1999, Cooperative Extension has a played a vital role in teaching children about nutrition and physical activity through its management of the Power Play! Campaign. Every year, through a network of school partners and community organizations, staff members have delivered the important campaign message of eating the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables and being physically active daily to tens of thousands of children.

In 2005, the county added the Latino Campaign with the purpose of empowering low-income adults and their families with the Network message. Cooperative Extension was awarded the role of managing this new component. In its first year, the Latino Campaign received a warm reception by residents and support from the media and many organizations. Every year since its inception, the Latino Campaign has reached more than 300,000 adults, working with local churches, community organizations, farmers markets, festivals, food banks, parks, retail stores and schools.

Cooperative Extension looks forward to continuing its work in community nutrition education through its ongoing programs, such as the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) and the Food Stamp Nutrition Education Program (FSNEP).

For information about the Network campaigns after October 1, please call (213) 351-7875, or click here.

UC Cooperative Extension in LA County is pleased to launch the fourth season of its "Grow LA Victory Garden Initiative" gardening classes this fall, starting in September and October.

The initiative helps new gardeners start their own gardens quickly and easily in a container, in the backyard or at a community garden, bringing together local families and neighbors to share their experiences, skills and produce. Participants will be able to turn their new gardening interest into successful, productive gardens that will generate positive changes in their homes by helping to lower grocery bills and enhance opportunities to eat healthy, nutritious foods.

Cooperative Extension's Master Gardener volunteers will organize and lead low-cost gardening classes. Twenty one classes are scheduled throughout LA County. Each class will meet three or four times, mainly on weekends, to discuss gardening techniques and engage in hands-on activities. Upon successful completion of series, participants will become UC-certified Victory Gardeners.

"Everyone who is interested in growing some of their own food can help their families eat better--and having fun doing it," said Yvonne Savio, Common Ground Garden Program manager. "Sharing your experiences and extra produce is a great way of connecting with your neighborhood," she added.

Partners in the initiative include schools, community gardens and organizations, such as the Altadena Community Garden and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.

The initiative is funded, in part, by the Metabolic Studio, a direct charitable activity of the Annenberg Foundation, and the University of California Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program.

For more information on the "Grow LA Victory Garden Initiative," please contact Yvonne Savio at (323) 260-3407, ydsavio@ucdavis.edu. The schedule and site locations can be found by clicking here.