California Ag Network

Tag: Humanitarian

  • Behind The Scenes

    Santa Rosa, Calif., (February 28, 2018) – Everyone remembers those dreaded days of the firestorm of October, 2017. All of the brave, determined firefighters from so many places, Law Enforcement that came to help keep things safe, Army National Guard, Santa Rosa Police Department and last but not least, the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office.

    The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office, SCSO, played a huge part in saving residents, searching for missing persons, keeping areas secured and putting out updates on a regular basis and as they occurred. The SCSO was out and about 24/7 running 12 hour shifts with 2 Deputies per Patrol Car. Even though a few of these fine men and women had lost their homes to the dreaded firestorm, they were out and about doing their jobs in helping the citizens of Sonoma County.

    What you didn’t hear about was the support group behind the scenes of the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office. When you have a great team out taking care of Sonoma County, then it just stands to reason you would have a great team supporting them. All non-sworn personnel such as, the Community Services Officers (CSO), office workers, Secretaries, Department Analysts, Accountants, Storekeepers, Legal Processors and the Volunteer Force, Volunteers In Policing (VIP). All of these folks came together and also worked 24/7 running 12 hour shifts.

    The dedication, hard work and “let’s take care of these folks” attitude was second to none. These fine men and women worked tirelessly in support of the deputies, outside Law Enforcement agencies and the Army National Guard. Not only did the support group furnish food, water, facemasks and other items of health aids to the SCSO staff, they also furnished the same items to the Command Center; staging area for outside Law Enforcement agencies, Army National Guard, Search and Rescue team and the Main Adult Detention Facility Jail.

    The Support Group took care of all supplies that were delivered such as pallets of Gatorade, water and sodas, paper plates, plasticware, snacks of all sorts and countless other items. The supplies that couldn’t be delivered were picked up by the Support Group. The task was like supplying a small army.

    The Support Group made sure there was plenty of hot, fresh food available for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day for everyone. The Support Group also made deliveries to outlying areas to make sure the patrol personnel that were watching the evacuated neighborhoods had plenty of drinks and food.

    The support group made countless runs to the MADF for ice to keep the 40 something coolers well chilled. The harder these folks worked, the happier they became. What a pleasant place for the tired Law Enforcement people when they returned for the shift change. Together it made it easier for everyone to return to a tough job at hand day in and day out.

    Every day the support staff would check all of the patrol vehicles to ensure they had the emergency equipment that was needed such as, fully charged fire extinguishers, plenty of facemasks and first aid boxes.

    Several of the team members of the Support Group were evacuated from their homes and had been relocated. The old saying says, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going”. OMG how true is that saying? We have all had tough situations at some point in our lives where we have had to cope and we all manage to make it through in one piece. “What doesn’t kill us, just makes us stronger”.

    Last, but not least is the Sonoma County Fleet Operations. Fleet Operations consists of a small group of mechanics and office personnel, a total of about 10 people. Fleet operation was in a 24/7 12 hour shift doing safety inspections on all of the patrol cars, making sure all filters were changed or checked, the tires were in good shape and making sure the vehicles were safe to drive. Because of the harsh conditions the deputies were driving in, the safety checks helped keep our deputies safe. Fleet Operations was changing tire after tire, all with screws, nails, or some other object stuck in the tire. One of the tires even had a screwdriver stuck in it. Unbelievable the areas our Deputies were driving in.

    The support system that was put together was so important for the safety and wellbeing of all people that were involved.

    What helped make the task such a success were the generous venders and suppliers. The businesses of Sonoma County with their support made the task of taking care of everyone that much easier. The around-the-clock support and the “We can do this” attitude helped keep Sonoma County alive.

     

     

  • Helping Hams Provides 250 Hams To Local Charities

    Fresno, Calif., (December 19, 2017) – Ten local organizations will receive 250 hams to share with families in need this holiday season as part of Fresno State’s fifth annual Helping Hams campaign.

    The organizations will pick up hams at 10:15 a.m. Friday, Dec. 15, at the Rue and Gwen Gibson Farm Market (5368 N. Chestnut Ave.) with assistance from Associated Students, Inc., the Fresno State Meats Lab and farm market student workers.

    The campaign ran Nov. 13 through Dec. 4 and raised $7,795, surpassing its goal of $7,500 to purchase 250 hams. The additional $295 raised will be allocated to the Fresno State Student Cupboard.

    The largest contribution was a $3,500 donation from RCO Ag Credit, Inc., an agriculture finance company based in Fresno. The organization contributed the same amount in both 2016 and 2015 and was also a primary supporter the previous two years.

    “Supporting the Helping Hams campaign is a meaningful way to help feed hungry families during the holiday season,” said Mitchell Metzler, president and CEO of RCO Ag Credit, Inc. “We are proud to see the growing momentum of this campaign and are especially encouraged with the increased support of Fresno State students and others in the community.”

    Campus-related organizations receiving hams include the Bulldog Pantry, College Assistance Migrant Program, Student Cupboard and the TRiO Student Support Services and Student Support Services Veterans Program.

    Other local agencies included in Friday’s pick up include the El Dorado Park Community Development Corporation, Fresno County Perinatal Wellness Center, Stone Soup Fresno, Tarpey Elementary School Parent Teacher Club, The Way Ministries and Wesley United Methodist Church Food Pantry.

    The organizations were selected by an Associated Students, Inc. ad hoc committee based on their connections to Fresno State, client population served and overall need expressed in their applications.

    Each distributing organization has already identified families and projects to receive hams.

    The Gibson Farm Market has sold out of holiday hams, but customers can still purchase Fresno State holiday baskets and winter-themed products such as peppermint and mint almonds and bark, pretzels and ice cream.

    The Gibson Farm Market will maintain its normal hours through Saturday, Dec. 23 (9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday). The market will be closed for the holidays from Dec. 24 to Jan. 1 and will resume normal hours on Tuesday, Jan. 2.

    For more information about the campaign, contact Ashleigh Rocker Green, Associated Students, Inc. program and volunteer coordinator, at 559.278.7703 or arocker@csufresno.edu. For more information on the Gibson Farm Market, contact 559.278.4511.

  • Ag Workers Impacted By Fire Receive Housing Support

    Santa Rosa, Calif., (December 6, 2017) – More than 150 agricultural workers and their families from Sonoma County who were displaced by the fires in October will begin receiving a much needed helping hand today from a housing recovery fund recently established by the Sonoma County Grape Growers Foundation and the Sonoma County Farm Bureau.

    Beginning today, more than $430,000 will be distributed to individuals and families who were totally displaced by the fire, incurred damage to their homes or lost wages during the historic disaster. The funds are being distributed in the form of Visa gift cards to purchase new household items, food and supplies and to help pay utilities. To support the need for temporary or new housing, funds will be paid by the Foundation directly to landlords for rent. The “Sonoma County Grape Growers Foundation Wildfire Housing Support Fund” was announced on October 18 to support ag workers and their families and has raised more than $550,000 since it was established. Once the immediate needs are met, any remaining funds will be used by the Foundation to address the long-term need for affordable housing for ag workers in Sonoma County.

    “Our ag workers are the heart and soul of Sonoma County agriculture and wine community so we want to do all we can to lessen the impact the fires has caused them,” said Karissa Kruse, president of Sonoma County Winegrowers and the executive director of the Sonoma County Grape Growers Foundation. She added, “This fund was specifically established to help any ag worker in Sonoma County and it is very gratifying to know that our neighbors who work in the dairy, fruit, vegetable and grape industries are benefitting from the generosity and compassion of people from throughout the country and around the world.”

    Donations to the Foundation’s housing recovery fund include contributions from charitable foundations, businesses including wineries in San Diego County that were ravaged by wildfires a few years ago; restaurants, wine bars and wine clubs; the local community and the general public. Contributions have ranged from $50,000 to numerous individual donations of $100, $50 and $25. One hundred percent of every donation made to the Fund goes directly to support ag workers and their families in Sonoma County.

    “It is our hope that these funds will eliminate a lot of anxiety and help re-establish households so the workers and their families can enjoy the Holidays and quickly get their lives back to the new normal we are all now facing,” said Steve Dutton, president of the Sonoma County Farm Bureau and a fifth-generation Sonoma County farmer. He added, “The generosity and compassion of all who have contributed has been simply amazing and has exceeded all expectations.”

    For anyone interested in contributing to the housing fund, visit: www.scggf.org to make a contribution. SCGGF is a 501(c)(3) organization.

  • Sonoma County Grape Growers Foundation Establishes Housing Support for Ag Workers Displaced by Fires

    Santa Rosa, Calif., (October 23, 2017) – With firefighters gaining control of fires throughout Sonoma County, the Grape Growers Foundation (SCGGF) announced today it is partnering with the Sonoma County Farm Bureau to establish a housing recovery fund for ag workers and their families who were displaced from their homes by last week’s devastating fires.

    The fund will serve to assist ag workers who lost their homes in the fires by helping to fund the re-establishment of new households.

    “Obviously, the fires have impacted everyone who lives in Sonoma County in a variety of ways and for our ag workers, the impact was particularly severe. Knowing that a home provides a family with stability and comfort, we are committed to getting all of our displaced ag employees into temporary housing as quickly as possible,” said Karissa Kruse, president of Sonoma County Winegrowers, who is also serving as the executive director of the Sonoma County Grape Growers Foundation.

    The fund has benefited from initial investments from local grape growers and supporters including $25,000 from the John Jordan Foundation and Jordan Vineyard & Winery and $25,000 from American Ag Credit.

    “Fortunately, the Grape Growers Foundation was established years ago to improve the lives of Sonoma County’s agricultural employees and their families while ensuring Sonoma County remains a place where agricultural workers will continue to live and work,” said Kruse. She added, “While the Foundation is taking a long-term focus on ag employee housing, we need a short term solution now due to the extent of this calamity.”

    For anyone interested in contributing to the housing fund, visit: www.scggf.org to make a contribution. SCGGF is a 501(c)(3) organization.

  • Number of California fairs serving as emergency shelters and fire camps grows to 17

    Sacramento, Calif., (October 18, 2017) – As wildfires continue to spread in California, a number of the state’s local fairs as well as the State Fair have come forward to provide emergency shelter for evacuees and their animals, and to offer space for fire camps. This is one of many ways fairs serve their communities in times of need.

    As of yesterday, 17 fairgrounds, from Costa Mesa to Boonville, were hosting approximately 2,000 evacuees; nearly 1,700 animals, including horses, pets, llamas and a tortoise; and 7,261 emergency response personnel and their equipment.

    The fairs serving during this time are as follows:

    1. Napa Valley Fairgrounds and Exposition, 575 Third St., Napa, 94559
    2. Napa County Fairgrounds, 1435 North Oak St., Calistoga, 94515
    3. Sonoma County Fairgrounds, 1350 Bennett Valley Rd., Santa Rosa, 95404
    4. Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds, 175 Fairgrounds Dr., Petaluma, 94952
    5. Redwood Empire Fairgrounds, 1005 N. State St., Ukiah, 95482
    6. Yuba-Sutter Fairgrounds, 442 Franklin Ave., Yuba City, 95991
    7. Nevada County Fairgrounds, 11228 McCourtney Rd., Grass Valley, 95945
    8. Marin County Fairgrounds, 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael, 94903
    9. Cloverdale Citrus Fairgrounds, 1 Citrus Fair Dr., Cloverdale, 95425
    10. Solano County Fairgrounds, 900 Fairgrounds Dr., Vallejo, 94589
    11. Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 S. P St., Bakersfield, 93307
    12. Mendocino County Fairgrounds, 14400 Highway 128, Boonville, 95415
    13. Orange County Fairgrounds, 88 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa, 92626
    14. Los Angeles County Fairgrounds, 1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona, 91769
    15. Dixon May Fairgrounds, 655 S. First St., Dixon, 95620
    16. Lake County Fairgrounds, 401 Martin St., Lakeport, 95453
    17. Cal Expo State Fair, 1600 Exposition Blvd., Sacramento, 95815

     

     

     

  • Fire Victim Relief: Help Raise Funds for FFA Jackets

    Tulare, Calif., (October 19, 2017) – Tulare County Farm Bureau is spearheading a campaign to replace FFA jackets for students impacted by Northern California fires. Our Blue Jacket Bonanza program this year will include a special fundraising effort to buy jackets for youth who lost theirs to these devastating fires. Please consider donating to this special relief effort. Donations can be sent to Tulare County Farm Bureau Education and Scholarship Fund at PO Box 748, Visalia, CA 93279. Cash or check. Or call us at 559-732-8301 to pay with credit card. Donations are tax deductible to the TCFB Education and Scholarship fund, a 501c3c charity. If you need an invoice just call us!

    #BlueJacketBonanza #SupportFFA #Farm Bureau

     

  • WUD Sends Help to Those Impacted by Sonoma County

    Modesto, Calif., (October 17, 2017) – As you have no doubt heard, our neighbors in Sonoma County have been devastated by several fires that ignited in the wee hours of Monday. Yesterday was spent evacuating, praying and ensuring safety.

    Today, as we assess the damage I am relieved to report that our members are all safe. Some have sustained losses, many are tired and brow-beaten, but so far, safe and ok.

    I’m sure many of you, like myself, have felt helpless; In an effort to do something to help we’d like to organize a supply drive. Next Friday, October 20th we will have trucks available to haul donations back to Sonoma County (I’ve been in touch with a board member from the area, and he’ll tentatively be at the meeting, in addition to myself and fellow WUD staffers) I’ll be in contact with several shelters, but below is a preliminary list of needed items:

    • Bottled water
    • Bottled sports drinks
    • Non-perishable food, especially items that are snackable/don’t need to be cooked (granola bars, nuts, dried fruit, cereal, etc)
    • Toiletries (toothpaste, shampoo, body wash, feminine hygiene products, lotions, wet wipes)
    • Toothbrushes
    • Towels
    • Blankets
    • Aspirin/Tylenol, bandaids, Hand sanitizer, OTC cold medication,
    • Laundry soap
    • Diapers of all sizes
    • Baby supplies (pack n’ play, collapsible strollers, etc)
    • Baby food, formula
    • Children’s books, coloring books, supplies
    • New socks and underwear of all sizes
    • Pet food (canned and dry) + other pet supplies: bedding, leashes, crates, etc
    • Gift cards (target, Walmart, etc)

    A few things:
    Please drop off donations at the following locations:

    Tulare, Dirt Lot next to Heritage Complex –    Wednesday October 18th – 10am -11am

    Modesto, WUD OFFICE 1315 K St –            Friday October 20th – 9am-3pm

    • We would appreciate you restricting your drop-off to Friday only between 10am-2pm. If this does not work please send us a message and we’ll work on other arrangements.

    *Please, at this time, limit gently used clothing donations. We will be notifying you when those are helpful, but currently they can overwhelm shelters. At a point in the near future we will share ways you can get clothing to the shelters.

    Thank you for your generosity. Please continue to keep these folks in your thoughts and prayers.

  • California Dairy Community Sends 70,000 Pounds of Food Aid to Areas Affected by Harvey and Irma

    Tracy, Calif., (October 16, 2017) – While one truck arrived at the Treasure Coast Food Bank in Fort Pierce, Florida, the second of two food relief trucks departed from Irwindale, California Tuesday headed for Houston, completing a commitment from the California dairy community to support families in need who were affected by recent hurricanes in Texas and Florida.

    The donation of 42,000 pounds of cheese delivered today to the Houston Food Bank is part of a commitment of more than 70,000 pounds of protein-rich dairy foods like cheese, yogurt, crema and protein drinks coordinated by the state’s dairy farm families through the California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) in cooperation with dairy processors.

    “We’re farmers. Nourishing people is what we do. We couldn’t stand by when so many people are in need,” said dairy farmer Dante Migliazzo, Chairman of the CMAB. “Wanting to join in the relief effort, we reached out to the dairy processor community, the folks who turn our milk into nutritious dairy foods, in the hopes of doing something. The response was tremendous, and within days two trucks filled with over 70,000 pounds of product were ready to go.”

    The Treasure Coast Food Bank in Fort Pierce, Florida received 861 cases (18,532 packages) of cheese, 590 cases (7,080 packages) of crema, 2,736 bottles of protein drink, 5,040 servings of cup yogurt and 1,440 servings of drinkable yogurt from Cacique, FitPro, Pacific Cheese Company, Rizo Lopez and Super Store Industries. Today, the Houston Food Bank received 37,884 packages of Cacique cheese for distribution to its network of more than 600 hunger relief charities.

    Shipping and logistical support was provided by CMAB partner HarbyrCo Global Products Solution.

    “We’re so grateful to our processor partners for their support of the people and communities affected by Harvey and Irma and for the assistance of Feeding America and HarbyrCo in getting these products into the hands of the people who need them most,” said Migliazzo.

  • Wine Community Rallies to Provide Aid and Resources to Fire Victims

    Santa Rosa, Calif. (October 16, 2017)—Wine industry leaders have formed a support network to provide immediate assistance and long-term aid to victims of the fires ravaging Northern California and are calling on the national wine community for additional help.  Organized by a group of association leaders representing the Golden State’s major winegrowing regions, support efforts include fundraising and creation of an online resource where vintners can find and offer resources, such as generators, trailers, lodging and manpower.

    “Our focus right now is on getting on-the-ground support to impacted growers and vintners to help stave off further damage,” says Ann Petersen, Executive Director of Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley.  “We need the entire wine community to support this region with immediate and strategic action.”

    Petersen is working with other local industry leaders to organize resources and direct them to those in need.

    Short-Term Help
    Vintners in the affected areas have immediate on-the-ground needs, ranging from equipment to experienced manpower.  Priorities include:

    • Water Tanks,as local water resources are scarce and needed by firefighters; those who can provide should immediately email maureen@sonomavalleyvintners.com
    • Generatorsto power cooling tanks and other urgently-need equipment
    • Tractors and trailers to assist with moving grapes, equipment and debris
    • Lodgingto house workers, including tents, mobile unites or locals willing to open their homes
    • Volunteer Labor. Experienced vineyard and cellar workers are needed; unskilled manpower is also welcome

    The group has created an online form where supporters can list available resources and provide contact information.  Resource and contact information will be shared only with members of Sonoma, Napa and Mendocino winegrowing and vintner associations. Click http://bit.ly/2wNVda0 to offer resources.

    Long-Term Help
    Established community foundations in each of the counties impacted by the Northern California wildfires have created relief funds to provide aid to local fire victims. The group of regional leaders organizing the wine industry support effort encourages those who cannot provide ground support to make a donation in any amount to the following funds:

    “The Santa Cruz Mountains AVA wine community is heavyhearted today as we watch the continued impact of the wildfires on so many of our wine country brethren,” says Megan Metz, Executive Director of the Santa Cruz Mountains Winegrowers Association.  “It’s times like these that remind us how important the company of family and friends can be. We have banded together to help our friends as best we can to protect their businesses and livelihoods and will continue partnering on recovery efforts in the weeks and months ahead.”

    Community-wide fundraising efforts are underway and messaging is being organized around the hashtag #CAWineStrong. More information will be made available in the coming hours and days.

    Media Contacts:

    Ann Petersen, Executive Director
    Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley
    annp@wdcv.com
    (917) 558-3860

    Michelle McCue, President
    McCue Marketing Communications
    michelle@mccuemc.com
    (213) 204-4136

    Megan Metz, Executive Director
    Santa Cruz Mountains Winegrowers Association
    megan@scmwa.com
    (415) 728-8647

  • Wildfires in Wine Country

    CAWGThe California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) is saddened by the loss of lives, structures and property due to wildfires in Napa, Sonoma and Mendocino counties.

    We share our deepest sympathies with the thousands of people who have been and will be affected by this tragedy. We are grateful to the firefighters, first responders and community members who are helping to protect lives and property.

    “In the coming days, we will have a clearer picture of the extent of damage that has occurred to vineyards and wineries and the response needed to aid recovery,” CAWG President John Aguirre said. “Until then, our thoughts and prayers go to all of those impacted by this unfolding disaster and to the men and women who are bravely battling these fires.”

    CAWG will work with members of the California congressional delegation, key federal officials and other wine industry organizations to ensure adequate resources are provided for disaster response and recovery efforts.

    Below you will find resources for crop and property insurance claims, as well as simple ways you can lend a helping hand to those affected by the fires.

    Crop Insurance Claims

    If you have a Federal Crop Insurance Policy in place, there may be multiple reasons for calling in a notice of potential loss to your agent:

    • Direct Damage: If you have encountered direct damage to your vineyard, resulting in lost crop due to fire, you should immediately contact your crop insurance agent to report the loss. Direct damage, such as fire, to a crop is a covered cause of loss.
    • Smoke Taint: The smoke in the air can cause smoke taint rendering the affected crop a total loss, partial loss or possible quality loss. If you suspect that smoke taint may become a reality in your vineyard, again, you should notify your crop insurance agent immediately to report the potential damage. Smoke taint can be a covered cause of loss, however there are certain conditions that must be met in order for a claim to be viable. Click here to learn more about what to do in the case of potential damage from smoke taint.
    • Inability to Harvest: If you are precluded from being able to harvest your crop, due to wildfire inhibiting your access to your vineyard; you could have a potential cause of loss. While rare, this could very well be the case for some who may not be able to reach their vineyard for some period of time. If you are unable to access your vineyard, it is best that you reach out to your crop insurance agent to notify them of the situation.

    Keep in mind, crop insurance only covers the crop, not the vines. Even if you have the slightest possibility of damage, you should contact your agent immediately. Also, remember that a payable claim is ultimately dependent on your insurable acreage, average yields, coverage levels, prices per ton and guarantees of the policy.

    > How to file a Federal Crop Insurance Claim – Do’s and Don’ts

    To find out more, or if we can help direct you to a preferred insurance provider,

    please contact the CAWG office at 916.379.8995.

    Property Loss Claims

    After a loss has occurred, you will be facing many problems you probably have not confronted before. It may be helpful to keep the following in mind:

    • Contact Your Insurance Agent Or Insurance Company As Soon As Possible- Your insurance agent will gather the information necessary to file a claim with your insurance company on your behalf. If you do not have an insurance agent, contact your insurance company.
    • Protect Property From Further Damage: When it is possible and safe to do so- prevent further damage to your property by covering broken windows, damaged roofs and walls. Save receipts for supplies and materials you purchase. Your insurance company will reimburse you for reasonable expenses in making temporary repairs. If your business or home has sustained extensive damage, please do not go back inside until cleared to do so by emergency personnel.
    • Take Photos of the Damaged Property and Prepare an Inventory of Property Damaged
    • Business Income Coverage- If you have Business Income coverage, it may provide protection against certain financial losses that are sustained if your business is unable to operate due to a covered loss.
    • Loss of Use Coverage: Your Farm or Homeowner’s policy includes a limit for Loss of Use. This coverage is intended to assist with temporary housing and additional living expenses if you are unable to occupy your home after a covered loss. Make certain to retain all receipts for these expenses for remittance to your claims adjuster.

    How to help evacuees of fires…

    If you are searching for ways to assist those affected by the fires, here are some options to lend a helping hand:

    As always, please contact the CAWG office if there is any way we can be of assistance.