UCCE North Bay

09/04/2026

Just a few tickets left: Join us on September 18th at the UC Davis Bodega Marine Laboratory for a talk with Dr. Alyssa Griffin exploring research on how the California coast and the world's oceans can contribute to climate solutions, strengthen community resilience, and support a more just and sustainable future.

🗓️ When: Friday, September 18 at 5:00 PM
📍 Where: Bodega Marine Laboratory
🎟️ Tickets and Info: https://buff.ly/JuPitUX

08/29/2026

Christopher Chen, a viticulture advisor for Mendocino, Sonoma and Lake counties, estimates mothballing can now be seen in roughly one in 20 vineyards in his region, up from virtually none three years ago. Chen is studying the practice to fill a major information gap.

Read more in Ag Alert: bit.ly/4wLDBch

Oversupply of grapes, declining consumer demand and rising production costs are forcing California winegrape growers to make choices about whether to keep farming or tear out their vines.

Some are trying a third option: “mothballing,” a term borrowed from storing equipment or other assets out of service while preserving them for future use. In vineyards, it means temporarily halting production while maintaining vines with minimal labor and inputs so they can be returned to full production when market conditions improve. The practice remains relatively rare, but interest is growing.

Christopher Chen, a University of California Cooperative Extension viticulture adviser for Mendocino, Sonoma and Lake counties, estimates mothballing can now be seen in roughly one in 20 vineyards in his region, up from virtually none three years ago. Chen is studying the practice to fill a major information gap. “I don’t know that there’s any information in the viticulture books on what to do if you’re tight on cash and the industry has collapsed,” said Chase Thornhill, owner and general manager of Mendocino Wine Company in Ukiah.

Read more in Ag Alert: bit.ly/4wLDBch

08/27/2026

A few summer updates from our team 🌻

We’re sharing recent events, research, and community outreach happening across the North Bay.

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Email from UCCE Sonoma County Explore the latest research, field insights, and events in Marin, Napa, and Sonoma counties.   UC Cooperative Extension of the North Bay serving Marin, Napa, & Sonoma Cou

07/31/2026

PROTECT YOUR HEALTH DURING WILDFIRE SMOKE - Wildfire smoke can affect communities many miles from an active fire. In this reel, you'll learn simple, evidence-informed ways to protect yourself and your family, understand the Air Quality Index (AQI), recognize smoke-related health symptoms, and find trusted public health resources.
https://ucanr.edu/county/ucce-sonoma-county/community-nutrition-and-health

07/31/2026

WILDFIRE SMOKE AND YOUR HEALTH: COMMUNITY HEALTH INFORMATION AND EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES

Posted by: July 30, 2026

Wildfire smoke can affect communities many miles from an active fire. Even if you are not near the fire itself, smoke can travel long distances and reduce air quality, potentially affecting your health.

We are sharing this educational resource during the Woodside Fire in Sonoma County because smoke associated with the fire may affect air quality across parts of Sonoma County and neighboring communities, depending on weather conditions and wind patterns. While the current fire provides the immediate context, the practical health information, recommendations, and resources presented here are broadly applicable to wildfire smoke events and can help individuals, families, and communities prepare for future smoke episodes.

Wildfire smoke contains fine particles (PM₂.₅) that can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, worsen asthma and other lung diseases, and increase the risk of heart and respiratory problems. Older adults, children, pregnant people, outdoor workers, and individuals with heart or lung conditions may be especially vulnerable.

Here are a few ways to protect yourself:
(1) Check the Air Quality Index (AQI) before spending extended time outdoors.
(2) Reduce outdoor activities when air quality reaches unhealthy levels.
(3) Keep indoor air as clean as possible by closing windows and doors when appropriate and using a HEPA air cleaner or your home's air filtration system, if available.
(4) If you must be outdoors in heavy smoke, wear a properly fitted NIOSH-approved N95 or P100 respirator.
(5) Monitor your health and seek medical care if you experience worsening breathing problems, chest pain, or other concerning symptoms.
(6) If you live in an evacuation area, follow instructions issued by local emergency officials.

This educational resource includes-
• Current Air Quality Index (AQI) guidance
• Woodside Fire maps and current conditions
• Practical strategies to reduce wildfire smoke exposure
• Guidance on respirator use
• Tips for protecting children, older adults, and other higher-risk populations
• Symptoms to watch for and when to seek medical care

This educational resource was prepared by Dr. Zaw Wai Htoo, Advisor, Community Nutrition and Health Program, University of California Cooperative Extension, San Francisco North Bay to support community health, preparedness, and informed decision-making during wildfire smoke events.
Information is current at the time of publication. Wildfire conditions and air quality can change rapidly. Please refer to official agencies for the latest incident-specific updates.
https://ucanr.edu/county/marin-county/article/wildfire-smoke-and-your-health-health-and-safety-information-education

https://www.facebook.com/reel/27388041490891599

https://ucanr.edu/county/ucce-sonoma-county/community-nutrition-and-health (Tap the link and scroll to "Education, Trainings, and Events" to read the full article on UCCE Sonoma County Page.)

07/10/2026

We’re thrilled to be participating at the 53rd Anniversary Gravenstein Apple Fair, Saturday & Sunday, August 8 & 9, at Ragle Ranch Regional Park in Sebastopol! Voted Sonoma County’s Best Festival, Best Art Event & Best Charity Event, the Fair is where joy takes root! Join our Dairy Advisor, Randi Black, on August 9th at 1:30pm for the Women in Ag Panel. We’ll celebrate all things apple, the best local food and drink, top regional music, family and farm fun, arts & crafts, and more!

A two-time winner of the Sonoma County Tourism Stars of the Industry Award for its impressive Zero Waste program, the Fair is the annual fundraiser for the nonprofit Sonoma County Farm Trails. Find out more and buy tickets in advance at GravensteinAppleFair.com.

06/23/2026

Tinker Academy engaging 23 middle school 4-H members this week at the Santa Rosa Junior College Makerspace! You explore ideas, solve problems, work together, and gain confidence as makers, thinkers, and innovators.

Program co-sponsored by Sonoma County Office of Education, Santa Rosa Junior College, UCCE 4-H, and funded by Imagine Science.

06/22/2026

’s 5th Annual Grant Application is live, and $40,000 in grant funds are available! Applications are open to established small CA-based farms, ranches, fishing, and aquaculture operations looking to accomplish a specific project within one year. PCF is accepting applications from July 6 to 20, 2026. In 2026, they will distribute four $10,000 grants to eligible applicants: three to new operations and one to a PCF Grant Awardee alumnus. Please note that many aspects of their Grant Application have changed this year, including the time frames and process. We encourage you to carefully read their updated Eligibility and Participation Requirements to ensure you are up to speed with these 2026 modifications.

06/11/2026

When wildfire emergencies impact agricultural communities, farmers and ranchers often face difficult decisions. Livestock still need care. Irrigation systems need monitoring. Crops and equipment may be at risk.

To help agricultural operators prepare for these situations, UCCE Sonoma collaborated with local partners to develop an online Fire Safety Training course that supports California's Agricultural Access Verification Program (Ag Pass).

The self-paced course provides foundational fire safety knowledge and fulfills the training requirement for the Agricultural Access Verification Card, helping producers better understand emergency operations and wildfire safety protocols.

Now available online, the course can be completed on your schedule.

Registration is $25.

Learn more and register here ➡️ https://shorturl.at/FtprD

UC Cooperative Extension’s Northern Bay Area (Sonoma, Napa and Marin) Fire Science Program and the UC ANR Fire Network are pleased to announce an online Fire Safety Training course for the Ag Pass Program. This course was created to address a need expressed by agricultural stakeholders to support ...

06/11/2026

Calling all small egg producers and backyard flock owners! 🥚

Join CDFA’s Egg Safety and Quality Management Program for a free virtual workshop on August 13 from 12–1 p.m. Learn about California Egg Handler Registration, labeling requirements, regulations, and more.

Register today!
Questions? Email [email protected]