Despite a new COVID variant and the health system on the verge of being overwhelmed in many areas across the U.S., we have many things to celebrate this year, not the least of which are vaccines, home COVID test kits, and perhaps an at-home treatment in the near future. Within UC ANR, there's much to celebrate as well.

The Strategic Communications team completed a UC ANR 2021 highlight video. The video may seem a bit long. On the other hand, there's so much more to talk about that it was a challenge to keep it at the current length. Kudos to Linda and the team for their effort to capture some key aspects of our 2021 accomplishments!

As mentioned in the video, new milestones were achieved related to funding development. In early 2022, we will launch a new program that offers support for teams or individuals working in agriculture and natural ecosystems. These funds are thanks to the generous support from the Hrdy family.

While you have some downtime over the break, take some time to look at the Landscapes of Change series that Karrie Reid shared with me. Pacific Horticulture, who produces the series, features the NIFA/CDFA-funded work that Karrie, Loren, Darren, and others have undertaken. Congratulations to the team for this recognition and the success of the work!

Katherine Soule shared a brief video from her team that I can't wait for all to see! I will hold off sharing as I believe it will become part of an upcoming Town Hall program spotlight. Let's just say it would inspire anyone to eat more vegetables! Be on the lookout for that in January or perhaps February.

Davis was pretty quiet this week. I suspect many have already started their travel and plans for the break. I have one more day to go, including a 4-hr Zoom meeting on Wednesday. That one may be a bit rough, especially if I decide to take it from the cold garage. Traffic is light this week so a trip to Davis may be in order. A week plus seems a bit long for a winter break but, I suspect I can stay busy throughout. For me, this will be another quiet holiday, staying safe and a bit sequestered. I came across this story by Elizabeth Gilbert that has me thinking I may investigate her and her stories a bit more.  I hope everyone enjoys the break as they would like and finds their own source of light. Stay safe and see you in 2022!