Local papers paint a colorful portrait of UCCE

Three local newspapers in the state today added a few pieces to the mosaic that portrays the depth and breadth of the UC Cooperative Extension program in the media over time.

Ethnic newspaper reports on new Master Gardener
A community newspaper that serves a mainly African-American audience, the Los Angeles Wave ran a story about a new Master Gardener in South Los Angeles, Beverly Newton. A life-long gardener, Newton was a member of Los Angeles County's 2007 class of Master Gardeners.

“I knew two other people who had gone through the program and I went on their Web site to research the course,” Newton was quoted in the article. “The program taught us how to resource information in order to help other people garden, especially, in the area of growing food. They teach us about pest control, fertilizers, seeds, plants, every aspect of gardening.”

Chinese teens get a taste of America
The Solano Times-Herald made a nice feature story out of a 4-H international exchange program that brought a group of Chinese teenagers to Vallejo.

The Chinese visitors are trying some new foods, including hot dogs and pancakes, in their 4-H host families' homes.

"We don't know what's in it ... but it tastes good," Zhon Ying said.

Chino paper takes on statewide problem
The Chino News and Review ran a story about dairy farmers' efforts to protect water quality. "In a disturbing trend across the Central Valley," wrote reporter Katie Booth, "dairies have come under scrutiny for their wastewater runoff and effects on water quality."

The reporter spoke to UC Cooperative Extension dairy program representative Betsy Karle. Karle said the problem is being addressed across the state, according to the story.

The article said Karle grew up on a dairy farm, received her master’s degree from UC Davis in 2003 and has worked for the cooperative extension for 10 months. Regarding the three Orland dairies recently cited for wastewater runoff, she said they are "doing their best."

According to the story, Karle explained that infrastructure required of dairies is very expensive and profit margins are at a record low. “[Right now, we are] making sure dairy farms can operate in balance.”

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