Last week the strategic planning team for the communications units (Publications and Strategic Communications) met for the first time. As an ice-breaker, Nilofar asked each participant to share what they like most about autumn. Nothing too surprising emerged. The surprise for me was that its autumn and, 90° F today.

No surprise then that the Development Services team is gearing up for Giving Tuesday. Given the importance of the UC ANR work all across the state, I'm hopeful that many of our supporters will turn out. During Lorna's update to Program Council last week, we learned that giving to UC ANR was up 8% this past fiscal year compared to the previous year. Across the U.S., donations were up only 1.5%. Another 8% increase this year would be nice.

Since moving to California, fall equates to fire danger, and it seems that this will be a particularly windy week. Brian Oatman and his team have sent out PG&E power outage warnings, and there's a fire burning in Napa. Not the type of 'treat' anyone wants, especially the many still recovering from wildfires over the past couple of years.

I met with the UC Davis Specialists Advisory Committee today. The Dean's office has a door wrapped in brown paper with a question on it “What do you like most about fall?'. The responses written across the door were similar to those provided by the strategic planning team – intense colors, favorable temperatures, holidays, and food. While there were no surprises in the responses, it was a pleasant surprise to see Amanda Crump at the meeting. It sounds like her graduate class to teach students about Extension is going well. She mentioned that the students represent all program areas. I found it very encouraging that her enrollment has been strong. I attended the meeting to pitch an idea and gather feedback. It sounds like the idea won't work out as I had thought but a different approach may be feasible. I need to keep thinking (ideating) on it.

This week is light on meetings.   I should have time to review e-book changes, develop a presentation for next week, and review of a staffing plan proposal. My Program Council homework is complete. The way the days fly by, the next meeting will be here before I know it.