UCCE funding

A rancher who argued UCCE multiplies county dollars like seed money — helping with range management, fire-break grazing, and tracker-cow experiments — and cutting it would hurt agriculture and the economy.

ATCAA substance-abuse coalition manager crediting UCCE partnerships with helping prevent youth alcohol and marijuana use and keeping federal grant funding secure.

Coalition project coordinator describing UCCE's help with youth surveys at the county's high schools and leadership training for youth advocates.

Former 4-H council president and Master Gardener leader whose children came back to serve the county — arguing 4-H and Master Gardener programs build future community leaders.

Master Gardener advisory board president listing free community services — help desk, school gardens, composting resources — and saying county funding is the foundation without which they can't continue.

Master Gardener who logged 650+ volunteer hours, highlighting the firewise demonstration landscaping project at the Pioneer Veterans Hall she says Supervisors Brown and Carnell helped make possible.

A young 4-H member from the Ione club who loves showing rabbits, goats, and chickens, thanking the Board for funding 4-H.

A five-year 4-H member describing Farm Day presentations to third graders and thanking the Board for the memories and opportunities.

A sixth-generation county rancher crediting UCCE with virtual fencing after the Caldera fire destroyed seven miles of fence, extension veterinarians for herd health, and help navigating USDA meat-processing rules.

Resource Conservation District executive director explaining how UCCE advisors make the county's grant applications more competitive and provide fire fuel-break research data.

Master Gardener since 2005 with 3,000+ volunteer hours, cataloging firewise education, drought and tree-mortality outreach, and invasive-species work benefiting county constituents.

School district nutrition services director crediting UCCE with the county's first school farm — nearly 30,800 pounds of produce feeding students — and urging full funding.

Retired hospital dietitian praising the Master Food Preservers program for teaching safe food preservation and helping low-income households save on food waste.

Retired UC engineering professor and rancher calling the county's UCCE contribution 'peanuts' compared to its benefits, and criticizing road spending — including the Carbondale Road bridge — while the program faces cuts.

Fire Safe Council board member supporting full UCCE funding but pressing the hard question: with a $3-4 million deficit, should money go to 4-H or 'shiny new stuff' for the sheriff?