- Author: Susana C. Bruzzone-Miller
Dr. Surls collaborates with Mr. Allen on a multi-city study of urban farms. Allen is Co-Principal Investigator for the Community and Regional Food System (CRFS) Project, a 5-year nationwide study funded by the USDA Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (www.community-food.org). He is founder and Chief Executive Officer of Growing Power, Inc., a 20-year-old sustainable agriculture organization based in Milwaukee, with project offices in Chicago and Madison, Wisconsin (www.growingpower.org). A farmer of more than 30 years, teacher, and community activist, his work is highly regarded and widely emulated and the Growing Power training sessions are nationally recognized. Allen has been the recipient of numerous local, state, and national awards and recognitions, including a 2008 MacArthur Foundation Genius Award. In 2012, he was invited to the White House to join First Lady Michelle Obama in launching “Let’s Move!” her signature leadership program to reverse the epidemic of childhood obesity in America. His autobiography, The Good Food Revolution, was published by Gotham Books in 2012.
Mr. Allen and guests also toured the HAREC facility with Director, Jose De Soto, and learned about other agriculture related research and education activities available at the Center.
- Author: Susana C. Bruzzone-Miller
More pictures of work in progress
- Author: Susana C. Bruzzone-Miller
Last spring, Research and Extension Centers (RECs) were encouraged to submit proposals for the statewide Growing Tomorrows Professionals with Today’s Experiences Intern Program. The purpose is threefold: give students real life experience working in a REC facility; engage in hands-on research or outreach projects; ignite a spark leading to future studies or careers in agriculture and/or natural resources.
We are pleased to announce that UC HAREC was selected to participate and proud to introduce Lauren Martinez, one of two summer 2013 statewide interns. Lauren graduated from Pepperdine University with a degree in International Studies and a minor in Spanish. She completed her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and is currently working towards a Masters in Education at California Lutheran University. Lauren is passionate about education and working with youth. She works as a swim instructor and coach at the Family YMCA in Ventura and Santa Paula and was the assistant coach for Ventura High School Girls Cross Country. Her education experiences include substitute teaching for Moorpark Unified and a position as a physical education specialist at Ventura Charter School. She believes strongly in an active healthy lifestyle and individual, hands-on education for all youth.
We are thrilled to have Lauren on board this summer. She will work closely with Center Director, Jose De Soto and Education Outreach Coordinator, Susana Bruzzone-Miller developing a, water themed, youth field trip program targeting 4-6th graders. The project will take about 8 weeks to complete and slated to be implemented spring 2014 as part of the 4-H Field Trip Program on the farm. Interns will deliver virtual presentations of their projects to other RECs at the end of summer. We are confident Lauren will develop lessons and activities that make science and agriculture exciting for Ventura County youth.
- Author: Susana C. Bruzzone-Miller
Second floor painting preparations now complete. Painters begin applying finish coat. Faulkner House will receive four different paint colors matched to original color scheme.