I have long believed in the cliché that April showers bring May flowers, but with this being my first Spring in the state of California, I am wondering if there is an equivalent quote or expression of what a LOT of showers in March bring. Snow in the far north might be the most accurate response but maybe quite a bit of pollen as well? (Followed up by a sneeze as I type this! Smiles!) 

In the meantime, the gears of 4-H are moving forward and increasing in velocity! For months now, I have had the honor of serving on the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) Vice President’s Council led by our dynamic 4-H alumna and visionary leader of our division, Dr. Glenda Humiston. Her leadership is a driving force in the success the division has achieved over the years. In the VP Council’s March meeting, we continued a deep dive into the new UC ANR Strategic Vision 2040 document, and potential updates to UC ANR Condition Changes and Public Values documents based on the new Visioning document that will shape our organizational priorities through 2040. Our discussions were centered on how pursuit of these priorities will positively serve, impact and improve quality of life for individuals and communities across the state of California for years to come. UC ANR personnel and other stakeholders will have an additional opportunity soon to share input and feedback to be considered as we complete this round of updates to the Condition Changes and Public Values documents.  

Using its full and formal title, the University of California 4-H Youth Development Program (also known as UC 4-H or California 4-H) is a thriving unit in UC ANR. The work of 4-H personnel, volunteers and 4-H families is intertwined into the fabric of the division as we contribute to achievement of the UC ANR mission. Delivery of university research-based curricula and programming have yielded significant impacts on youth and families statewide and beyond over the years as 4-H members have grown to become phenomenal leaders, change agents and innovators in the public and private sectors. As we approach the launch of a new Fifth “H” Project in alignment with the national 4-H Beyond Ready initiative, we continue to strategize regarding delivery of programming to more youth statewide who need the guidance, support, nurturing and encouragement necessary to both embrace all opportunities and push through whatever challenges may lie ahead to reach their full potential.

Speaking of reaching full potential, we are also committed to investing in our 4-H program personnel so they may perform optimally in their roles in service to youth and communities but also to reach their full potential as leaders today and in the future. With this in mind, we supported the participation of 9 early career 4-H colleagues in the 2025 Western Region 4-H Institute collaboratively hosted by 13 state 4-H Programs in the western part of the United States. In this unique and immersive 5-day institute, 4-H Extension professionals “acquire and improve program management skills and knowledge based on the 4-H Professional Research Knowledge Competencies”. Our own 4-H Assistant Director and Volunteer Engagement Academic Coordinator, Ms. Gemma Miner, served in a leadership role on the planning committee for the conference. Feedback from the participants indicated that the sessions were high-quality and impactful; the results of which will be greater quality of programs delivered to youth in respective states. Our 4-H professionals in attendance are recognized below.

1. Michelle Ross, Community Education Specialist, Sacramento County
2. Mary Zoller, Regional Program Coordinator, Region 3
3. Jonathan Stefani, Community Education Specialist, Placer County
4. Dr. Kaitlyn Murray, Academic Coordinator, State Office/Davis
5. Alexandra “Ally” Lemmer, Academic Coordinator, State Office/Davis
6. Rebeca Manzo, Community Education Specialist, San Diego County
7. Emily Watson, Community Education Specialist, San Bernardino County
8. Crystal Cortez, Community Education Specialist, Merced County
9. Kaylin Nylander, Community Education Specialist, Humboldt County

4-H Shout Outs!!

I firmly and enthusiastically believe in recognizing people for setting positive goals and doing the work to achieve those goals to the best of their abilities. With this in mind, the 4-H Shout Outs below are issued to highlight people and groups in our 4-H statewide community who took an exciting step forward recently to lead a program, demonstrate a skill and/or impact a community. We celebrate each of you!!

• CES's and volunteers who have coordinated and youth who participated in 4-H Presentation Days and other local, regional and statewide competitions so far this year.
• 4-H primary youth who participated in showcase events at local fairs so far this year.
• 4-H Alumni who have become active volunteers and/or applied for positions with the 4-H program! How exciting!

This isn’t a complete list of every person or group who deserves a 4-H Shout Out by any means, so stay tuned for more 4-H Shout Outs in the coming weeks and months. A Shout Out to you is coming soon!

In Community and with Steadfast, Unmovable Hope…

Volunteer Cafe:

Fun with the "M" in STEM

Thursday, April 17, 2025

7pm – 8pm

Via Zoom: Register to receive login information

Explore math activities in a hands-on way that can make them fun and exciting. Dive into shapes, Mobius strips, stitching curves, Sierpinski triangles, and the Koch snowflake. You'll get to try out these activities yourself and see how math can be incorporated into your STEM projects in a fun way.

Our Presenter

Stephanie Barrett is the 4-H Regional Program Coordinator for Imperial, Riverside, San Diego, and San Bernardino Counties. She strives to support staff, volunteers, and youth to learn, grow, and work together to bring positive change. She is excited to offer Fun with the M in STEM so that volunteers can offer math as a fun project.

4-H Enrollment System Rollover

In order to prepare for the new 4-H year, please note the following dates that will affect access to ZSuite, the online enrollment system.

• June 23 at 12pm - Families and volunteers will not be able to self-enroll in ZSuite.
• July 14 - Estimated date when ZSuite re-opens for self-enrollment. Families are encouraged to delay re-enrollment for the 2025-26 program year until the system is open for self-enrollment after July 14, 2025.