UCCE Contra Costa
Welcome!
The University of California Cooperative Extension Contra Costa County delivers high quality education and research programs that contribute to:
• Safe, healthy and accessible food
• Clean water and a healthy environment
• Improved nutrition habits and well-nourished residents
• Healthy youth who contribute to healthy communities
• An improved local economy
Letter From Our Bay Area County Director
Coronavirus Update
On March 17, 2020, a “Shelter-In-Place of Residence” order was issued for all Bay Area counties. To protect you and your families, our staff, our partners, our volunteers, and the communities we live and work in from the risks associated with COVID-19, UC ANR Cooperative Extension has implemented a work from home policy for our staff. This policy will remain in effect from March 17, 2020 through June 30, 2020.
We are committed to serving our community, we are OPEN VIRTUALLY with a special UC ANR COVID-19 resources site.
Finally, we want to encourage you to follow the guidance(s) associated with the “Shelter-In-Place of Residence” order, as well as information posted on the various county and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) websites. Thank you for your continued and ongoing support.
Our programs benefit ALL cities and ALL citizens throughout the County. We pride ourselves on delivering the most cost-effective programs in the most efficient manner by drawing upon experts from throughout the UC system, utilizing over 600 trained volunteers, and working cooperatively with over 150 diverse public and private agencies/organizations. And we do this at a minimal cost to the public.
BLOG
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Protecting kids from red imported fire ant stings in Southern California
The Issue Red imported fire ant (RIFA, Solenopsis invicta, Fig. 1) is a venomous ant that was accidentally brought into California in 1989. Since its introduction, it has spread to many new territories in Southern California and Central...
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Southeast Asian farmers devastated by cononavirus closures
With sales down dramatically at Asian markets and restaurants, crops on Southeast Asian farms have been left to wither away in the fields, reported Donald Promnitz in The Business Journal. “I would say it's a 100% loss. I can't sell...
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UCCE helps farmers protect rice crops from armyworm
Rice farmers are encouraged to monitor vigilantly for a rise in yield-reducing armyworms, reported Jake Abbott in the Appeal-Democrat. UC Cooperative Extension rice advisor Luis Espino said the most recent numbers were low but are...
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UC ANR's new organic institute is swinging into action
The newly appointed Presidential Director for the Clif Bar Endowed Organic Agriculture Institute, Houston Wilson, has already initiated a needs assessment of organic agriculture in California, reported Lee Allen in Western Farm Press. Wilson is...
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ANR in the news May 16-31, 2020
ASEV's Invasive Pest Webinar Series Starts June 3 (Wine Business) May 30 … The invasive pest webinar series will include: June 3: Impact of the New Invasive Pest, Spotted Lanternfly, in the Northeastern Vineyards by Heather Leach (The...
Food Assistance during "Shelter-In-Place"
Need food? Here is a list of places to turn to...
Contact Information
Cooperative Extension
Contra Costa County
2380 Bisso Lane, Ste. B
Concord, CA 94520-4829
Main Office: 925-608-6670
Master Gardeners: 925-608-6683
Fax: 925-608-6697
Email: cecontracosta@ucdavis.edu
Director: Frank McPherson
Nutrition Program
Contra Costa Stories
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Project 4-H2O Provides Free Zero Calorie Education and Option at Sugartown Festival
In Contra Costa County, the 2016 California Healthy Kids Survey found that only one out of four teens, ages 12-17, drank eight or more glasses of water the previous day. The same survey found that two out of three (62%) of teens drank two or more sodas the previous day - two times more teens than the national rate of 30%. Studies have found that Sugar Sweetened Beverages (SSBs) consumption is linked to weight gain, metabolic syndrome, tooth decay, and type 2 diabetes. Each 12 ounce soda contains the equivalent of eight teaspoons of added sugar, 130 calories, and zero nutrients. The American Heart Association recommends that children and teens limit added sugars to less than six teaspoons a day. Substituting zero calorie water for SSBs can help reduce added sugars, calories, and weight gain, ultimately reducing the risk of developing chronic diseases. Education and awareness are keys to helping individuals make informed choices. The annual Sugartown Festival in Crockett, CA is the largest community festival in the city drawing about 7,500 participants and provides an excellent opportunity to increase awareness.
Spotlight Stories
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A ton of vegetables!
A TON OF VEGETABLES!
The Master Gardeners donated 2,000 pounds of fresh vegetables to the Monument Crisis Center for distribution to families.
Contra Costa Master Gardener Events
Calendar and Events
| Event Name | Date |
|---|---|
| Forest Stewardship workshop - Blodgett | 6/27/2020 |
| Open Garden Day - Check for Cancellation | 7/11/2020 |
All About Tomatoes