Our local community college, Sierra College, is apparently going to shut down its agriculture department (along with its automotive and construction programs) due to budget constraints. This decision comes in the midst of a revival of small farming in Placer and Nevada Counties, as well as in the midst of a generational crisis in farming that pervades the entire country. There are more small farms in these two counties than there were just 10 years ago. At the same time, the average age of a farmer in our community is approaching 60, and more than 2/3 of the farmers here are 65 years of age or older, while fewer than 5 percent are 35 or younger.
If you're concerned about this, I encourage you to write to the Sierra College president and board of trustees. Here are their addresses:
Dr. Leo E. Chavez, President
Sierra College
5000 Rocklin Road
Rocklin, CA 95677
Contact the Sierra College Board of Trustees at the same address or:
Barbara Vineyard
Dave Ferrari
Scott Leslie
Elaine Rowen Reynoso
Bill Martin
Nancy B. Palmer
Aaron Klein
Chris Randleman - Student Trustee 2009-10
It's true that the college governance groups recommended the closure of Agriculture, Construction and Automotive Tech. The Board of Trustees really doesn't want those programs to close and last night ordered a review of options to find other cuts and save these programs. One way you can follow the latest news on this issue is at my blog: www.AaronKlein.com.
ReplyDeleteThanks for blogging on this issue!
Trustee Aaron Klein
530-830-2040
ak@aaronklein.com