Amador County – Local University of California Extension offices in Amador, Calaveras, Tuolumne, and El Dorado counties may be closed and replaced with a single regional office to serve the area, if a new UC Extension proposal comes to pass in the Mother Lode. While the 4 counties have been invited to participate in the regional cluster, it is unclear what will comprise the regional center. Scott Oneto, Amador County director of the UC Extension program said that restructuring is an “exciting opportunity” that would allow for cost-saving measures in “eliminating redundancies and pooling resources.” Oneto said “the overall goal of restructuring is not to cut programs and services but instead to expand them.” The proposal to consolidate U.C. Extension offices in Amador, Calaveras, Tuolumne, and El Dorado counties has the goal of streamlining operations and continuing to provide services while simultaneously cutting mounting costs. One of the expected changes in the redesign is the potential closure of the 4 aforementioned existing county offices, with the intention to open a regional office covering the 4 counties. The proposed changes to the Mother Lode area are the first of their kind, but further changes to the UC Extension system are expected to follow throughout the state. The UC Extension Cooperative is a partnership among county, state, federal, and private resources. It operates roughly 50 Extension offices throughout the state. Each local Extension office works to tailor its programs and services to meet specific needs of a region. While the Extension offices provide much needed services to the community at large, the costs associated with running the program from both the UC and the county side is not minimal. County governments often contribute funds toward local services in providing office space and staff and other expenses. The University of California contributes its support as salaries for the researchers, advisers, and scientists assigned to work in county offices, as well as other researchers based on the participating UC campuses. In Amador County programs sponsored through the UC Extension include: Master Gardeners, 4-H, Farms of Amador, Viticulture, and Orchard Crops among others. Although cost cutting measures must be implemented, those services that some counties view as crucial must remain. The services include educational and outreach tools, working with families on issues such as nutrition and physical activity. Extension programs also aid farmers in marketing their produce and sponsor youth development programs. Extension programs also give opportunities for various demonstrations, meetings, conferences, and workshops in the local community. Story by Judee Schmidt This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Monday, 09 August 2010 06:06
UC California Extensions Expected to Close Local Offices
Written by Tom-
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Amador County – Local University of California Extension offices in Amador, Calaveras, Tuolumne, and El Dorado counties may be closed and replaced with a single regional office to serve the area, if a new UC Extension proposal comes to pass in the Mother Lode. While the 4 counties have been invited to participate in the regional cluster, it is unclear what will comprise the regional center. Scott Oneto, Amador County director of the UC Extension program said that restructuring is an “exciting opportunity” that would allow for cost-saving measures in “eliminating redundancies and pooling resources.” Oneto said “the overall goal of restructuring is not to cut programs and services but instead to expand them.” The proposal to consolidate U.C. Extension offices in Amador, Calaveras, Tuolumne, and El Dorado counties has the goal of streamlining operations and continuing to provide services while simultaneously cutting mounting costs. One of the expected changes in the redesign is the potential closure of the 4 aforementioned existing county offices, with the intention to open a regional office covering the 4 counties. The proposed changes to the Mother Lode area are the first of their kind, but further changes to the UC Extension system are expected to follow throughout the state. The UC Extension Cooperative is a partnership among county, state, federal, and private resources. It operates roughly 50 Extension offices throughout the state. Each local Extension office works to tailor its programs and services to meet specific needs of a region. While the Extension offices provide much needed services to the community at large, the costs associated with running the program from both the UC and the county side is not minimal. County governments often contribute funds toward local services in providing office space and staff and other expenses. The University of California contributes its support as salaries for the researchers, advisers, and scientists assigned to work in county offices, as well as other researchers based on the participating UC campuses. In Amador County programs sponsored through the UC Extension include: Master Gardeners, 4-H, Farms of Amador, Viticulture, and Orchard Crops among others. Although cost cutting measures must be implemented, those services that some counties view as crucial must remain. The services include educational and outreach tools, working with families on issues such as nutrition and physical activity. Extension programs also aid farmers in marketing their produce and sponsor youth development programs. Extension programs also give opportunities for various demonstrations, meetings, conferences, and workshops in the local community. Story by Judee Schmidt This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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