COVID-19 Update
The University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE), the home organization for 4-H, maintains its directive to cancel, postpone or conduct online all meetings, events, and gatherings statewide; the date extended to May 31, 2020 (and may be extended again).

Our offices are closed to the public and staff are working remotely. During this time, staff, 4-H volunteers, and youth members also may not represent U.C. or 4-H at in-person meetings, events, or gatherings.

4-H meetings either cancelled or held virtually
Please connect with your 4-H club leader, project leader, and/or camp directors to see what they are doing with April meetings: cancelling or holding virtually. UCCE staff have access to paid zoom.us account and can set up meeting rooms for 4-H volunteer leaders to use. But in some cases, holding a virtual meeting is not practical or realistic, so some meetings will be canceled. We also recognize people have other serious priorities; 4-H participation may not be a priority at this time. We also understand not everyone has a home Internet connection and may not be able to participate virtually. Our goal is to do the best we can in maintaining some normalcy and continuing the learning experiences for as many of our youth as possible, honoring the work they have put in over this program year and be able to bring projects to completion. To explore virtual meeting options, please contact us to discuss. You might consider Skype, Google Hangouts, or ZOOM. UCCE has a zoom.us account and we can setup individual meeting rooms. Contact Diego Mariscal at damariscal@ucanr.edu; or Michelle Nozzari at mnozzari@ucanr.edu.
Calendar
May 19 Project Learning Tree Tuesdays at 3pm
June 2, 16, 30 Project Learning Tree Tuesdays at 3pm
From the 4-H Office & 4-H Council
Hello 4-H,

Hoping this letter finds you safe and well. I know our new normal is different, but it can still be good. Please know that the CCC Council is here to support you during this time.

You have once again gone above and beyond with your support through our Virtual ChickenQue & Radiothon!!! Your love and commitment continue to be the backbone of the program. We will continue to build the leaders of tomorrow, today!

Fashion Revue is still happening virtually. State Field day is still happening online. We will be welcoming Tiffany Kelly as VP of programs and Angie Sandoval as Reporter/Historian in July of 2020 for the 2020/21 4-H year. Thank you for volunteering!!!

Plan on Zoom meetings for almost everything. Stay sheltered and be amazing, just as you are. -Naomi
4-H Office
Michelle Nozzari
4-H Administrative Aide
Michelle.Nozzari@sonoma-county.org
(707) 565-2050
Diego Mariscal
4-H Program Coordinator
diego.mariscal@sonoma-county.org
(707) 565-3027
Steven Worker, PhD
4-H Youth Development Advisor
smworker@ucanr.edu 
4-H All Star Ambassadors
Staying Connected During COVID-19
By Megan Donaldson
As school semesters, county fairs, graduations and social gatherings are
canceled, it is hard to stay positive and keep busy at home. Though everyone is
handling the shelter in place order differently, Sonoma County 4-H continues to keep up
with this year’s events virtually. As an All Star Ambassador team, we have been
meeting on zoom regularly to organize ways to keep the community involved and
excited about large events like Chicken Que. On May 1st, 4-H community members and
the All star team went on the air to interview as part of the virtual Chicken Que for 2020,
in collaboration with 93.7, The Bull. In addition to our virtual meetings, the All Stars have
started an Instagram page in an attempt to promote our program to eligible and
interested members to apply to become an Ambassador for the upcoming year. We are
excited to meet the new applicants and learn about their enthusiasm and the new ideas
they will bring to the team! With so many amazing leaders in our 4-H community, we are
extremely hopeful that the new team will continue with the same level of excitement in
support of Sonoma county 4-H. Clubs all over Sonoma County continue to stay positive
and hold virtual club meetings to keep members informed and in the loop. Personally, I
have been finding new ways to occupy my free time during quarantine, my favorite
activities being, painting, taking my dogs for walks, and even growing sunflowers!
Though seems as life has come to a halt for this moment in time, it is important to
remember that we will all get through this together!
For updates and information about Sonoma County 4-H events, follow the All Star
Ambassador team’s Instagram page! @soco4hallstars
Stay safe, Stay healthy! See you soon!
Sonoma County 4-H Community Spotlight
Thank you to all the  🍀 4-H 🍀  members who demonstrate their commitment to their communities during the  COVID-19  pandemic by sewing face masks. Sonoma  County  4-H  members are featured in this video produced and shared by UC ANR.
Sonoma County 4-H Events
4-H Fashion Revue Update
There are 41 participants signed up for this year's Sonoma County Fashion Revue. These members will have the opportunity to participate in Sonoma County Fashion Revue, but it will definitely be different from past years! Unfortunately, many of their entries are unable to be completed until the members can safely shop for their supplies and meet with their leaders for help. Meanwhile, the participants are busy finishing the entries that they can complete. At this point, there are no deadlines for when the entries need to be completed. Hopefully members will be able to complete their entries within about a month of when the shelter-in-place is lifted, but we will be as flexible as possible. The participants should be updating their entry status survey with their current entry status. This is the best way to communicate to the committee about how you are progressing with your entries and how much more time you require. The committee is creating an online method of evaluating the entries and will be contacting potential evaluators when this is completed.

Sewing leaders : please contact your members who entered to see if they need help and ask them to update their entry status survey. We need to know how many members require shopping and/or help before they can complete their entries.

See the State Fashion Revue website for information about a  state level mask making community service :
Any 4-H member  can participate in this service activity and receive state community service credit for their record book!
Sonoma County Fair Market Livestock Exhibitor Update
Dear Sonoma County Fair Market Livestock Exhibitors, 4-H Leaders and FFA Advisors:
  
Thank you for your patience as we work to finalize details of the Junior Market Livestock Plan.
 
Please note the following:
  • An auction will be held for market lambs, goats, swine and beef.
  • Youth may choose to opt out of this program and instead privately sell their animals.
  • Please continue to care for your animals as if they were coming to the fair. You are producing a quality product that will enter the food chain.
  • When received at the fairgrounds, animals will need to meet veterinarian, weight and market readiness standards. (Weight standards are set by our packers, not by the fair.)
  • Market Beef: 1,000 lbs. minimum weight; steers weighing over 1,350 lbs. will not be sifted, but will not be paid for over 1,350 lbs.
  • Market Goats 60 lbs. minimum weight; goats weighing over 105 lbs. will not be sifted, but will not be paid for over 105 lbs.
  • Market Hogs: 220 lbs. minimum weight; 270 lbs. maximum weight; animals weighing over 255 lbs. (but under 270 lbs.) will not be sifted for weight, but will not be paid for over 255 lbs.
  • Market Lambs: 100 lbs. minimum weight; lambs weighing over 150 lbs. will not be sifted, but will not be paid for over 150 lbs.
  • Animals that do not pass vet, weight and market readiness standards will be sent home.
  • The auction and collection of animals will occur in late July/early August. (Dates will be announced soon.)
  • Both custom and resale options will be available.
  • A message has been sent to 4-H leaders and FFA advisors requesting information regarding the number of project animals.
  • Individuals who would like information regarding becoming a new buyer or how to support the auction, can be directed to this form https://forms.gle/s4azAeaYuqQVUFjY7.

As more information becomes available, it will be shared. Please stay safe and healthy.

Sincerely,
Heather Borck & Paulette Swallow
Exhibits Office
4-H ChickenQue Update
For 59 years, Sonoma County 4-H has hosted the ChickenQue.  The ChickenQue committee, 700 volunteers, and partners throughout the community are committed to this county and to over 800 kids in rural and urban areas who are part of this program. We weren’t about to let the pandemic stop us from raising funds for 4-H educational programs, projects, events and scholarships! 
 
On May 1 st , the 59 th  annual 4-H ChickenQue went virtual and partnered with 93.7 The Bull to hold a radiothon that included interviews and highlights of the 4-H program.  The event exceeded our expectations and raised over $28,000 to support 4-H youth, programs and projects in 2020-2021.  We would like to recognize our event sponsors that helped make the radiothon a success:   The Bull 93.7, Community First Credit Union, Lunardi Electric, National Electrical Contractors Association, IBEW Local 551 Electrical Workers, Mikki Moves - Karen Colabianchi, Johnston and Thomas Law, Western Farm Center, Hogan Land Service, Willowside Meats, KW Electric and Organic Valley.
 
We appreciate businesses and individuals that are interested in fostering the strong sense of community involvement and community spirit that is unique to Sonoma County and look forward to welcoming the community to our traditional Open House and Chicken BBQ next spring.  
Animal Science Curricula
Visit the webpage to see links to recently published and coming soon peer-reviewed animal science curricula!

Topics include veterinary science, bio-security, animal welfare, swine, sheep, rabbits, beef, and goat.
CANCELED: 2020 Large Animal Livestock Show Clinics

Dear Sonoma County Fair Market Livestock Exhibitors, 4-H Leaders and FFA Advisors:
  
Thank you for your patience as we work to finalize details of the Junior Market Livestock Plan.
 
Please note the following:
  • An auction will be held for market lambs, goats, swine and beef.
  • Youth may choose to opt out of this program and instead privately sell their animals.
  • Please continue to care for your animals as if they were coming to the fair. You are producing a quality product that will enter the food chain.
  • When received at the fairgrounds, animals will need to meet veterinarian, weight and market readiness standards. (Weight standards are set by our packers, not by the fair.)
  • Market Beef: 1,000 lbs. minimum weight; steers weighing over 1,350 lbs. will not be sifted, but will not be paid for over 1,350 lbs.
  • Market Goats 60 lbs. minimum weight; goats weighing over 105 lbs. will not be sifted, but will not be paid for over 105 lbs.
  • Market Hogs: 220 lbs. minimum weight; 270 lbs. maximum weight; animals weighing over 255 lbs. (but under 270 lbs.) will not be sifted for weight, but will not be paid for over 255 lbs.
  • Market Lambs: 100 lbs. minimum weight; lambs weighing over 150 lbs. will not be sifted, but will not be paid for over 150 lbs.
  • Animals that do not pass vet, weight and market readiness standards will be sent home.
  • The auction and collection of animals will occur in late July/early August. (Dates will be announced soon.)
  • Both custom and resale options will be available.
  • A message has been sent to 4-H leaders and FFA advisors requesting information regarding the number of project animals.
  • Individuals who would like information regarding becoming a new buyer or how to support the auction, can be directed to this form https://forms.gle/s4azAeaYuqQVUFjY7.

As more information becomes available, it will be shared.
Please stay safe and healthy.
Sincerely, Heather Borck & Paulette Swallow | Exhibits Office
State & National 4-H Updates
Update From State 4-H Office

 During this difficult time, 4-H staff and volunteers across the state have been meeting regularly to address questions and concerns about the many events and activities that are coming up in the spring and summer. Because of guidance from the Governor and the CDC, please note the following changes to 4-H events:
  • All summer overnight camps are canceled through July 4th. Please see our FAQs about camps scheduled past July 4th. Updates will be posted regularly on our Camp page. Thank you to our Camping Advisory Committee for their diligent work to address health safety concerns.
  • The State Fair and many county fairs have been canceled. Please see our documents on Market Animal Sale Options & Regulations and Junior Livestock Auction Guidelines to answer questions you may have about 4-H livestock projects.
  • The Horse Classic and Horse Education Contests are postponed until further notice.

State 4-H Advisory Committees Make a Difference in 4-H!

In this changing environment, the Advisory Committees have been instrumental in giving guidance in a variety of areas:
  • 4-H camps
  • Adapting Animal Science projects to accommodate social distancing
  • Healthy Living resources, ideas and tips
  • Civic Engagement events and activities (such as Cal Focus, Census 2020 and voting)
  • Record Book changes (e.g., ORB sunset)
  • Adapting policies to accommodate virtual learning
  • and so much more...

THANK YOU to the staff, youth and adult volunteers on our Advisory Committees who have spent their time in many Zoom meetings and discussions to develop updates and adapt activities to share with everyone.

Your work is helping 4-H continue to give youth life skills.

Applications open until May 31
The State 4-H Advisory Committees provide leadership and offer insight, review, and input to the Statewide 4-H Director for the operation and management of the 4-H Youth Development Program.

County Staff, youth and adult volunteers are encouraged to apply for the following advisory committees:
  • Animal Science
  • Camping
  • Civic Engagement
  • Incentives and Recognition
  • Policy
  • STEM Education
  • Shooting Sports
  • Volunteer Development

*Please note that the Healthy Living is not accepting applications at this time.

Learn more on the  State Advisory Committee Page   

California 4-H at Home
We plan to continue to build this new site to give you ideas and support to participate and lead 4-H events from home.
We now have a new site to share information and resources to participate in 4-H activities from home:  California 4-H at Home . This site will be changing often as more resources and information are available, so please bookmark this site to check in.

Featuring:
  1. Calendar of live virtual events
  2. Links to resources you can download and do from home
  3. Guidance and resources to lead virtual 4-H Meetings
  4. Updates on 2020 4-H state and national events
Now on California 4-H at Home
How to Lead a Virtual 4-H Meeting
The State Ambassadors led a popular Zoom webinar on How to Lead a Virtual 4-H Meeting. If you missed it - or want to watch again - there is now a  recording  available on the California 4-H At Home site.

Please note - this is not a recording of the live webinar. It is just a recording of their presentation.
Topics covered:
  • How to set up ZOOM and create a secure meeting
  • University of California 4-H guidance for safe ZOOM meetings
  • Tips on creating a fun and welcoming meeting, while still getting the business of the club done.


Virtual State 4-H Field Day
Participate from home in this first-ever virtual State Field Day.

Registration is open until May 13, 2020 at 5pm for all virtual State Field Day contests!

Save the Date for the Virtual Awards Ceremony on May 31 at 6pm . More details to be announced soon via social media.
Virtual Interview Contest
More companies are doing virtual interviews now, even before shelter-in-place went into effect. This year the Interview Contest will also be virtual, via Zoom. Go to the Interview Contest event page to register and check out the  job descriptions  for Junior, Intermediate and Senior level 4-H'ers.

Evaluators will also be needed for this contest, so please go to the event page to learn more about the contest and sign up to be an Evaluator.
Sign up to be a Virtual Evaluator for the Virtual Presentation Day & Interview Contest!
Adults and youth ages 16 and older can now sign up to be Evaluators for the Virtual State Presentation Day.

Sign up for a 2 hour time block between May 18-31. You will be reviewing presentations via Zoom and submitting an online evaluation form. This form was developed and tested with our Area Presentation Days.

State 4-H Fashion Show
Fashion Revue County Winners are invited to enter the virtual California State 4-H Fashion Show. It is an opportunity to show off outstanding outfits, without evaluation or awards. Still photographs with a commentary will be incorporated into a video with a link sent to all participants. For this special fashion show, Junior, intermediate, and Senior County Winners in state and local categories may participate, as long as you entered a complete outfit for evaluation (excluding quilts, modeling, accessories, etc.). If you are the County Winner in 2 categories, you can submit 2 separate entries. All outfit items in the two categories must be different.

Only a few county fashion revues were held in February and March. We hope those planned for April and May are rescheduled. The timing for the video release depends on the new county dates. We would very much like to include county winners from all counties! 

Counties – please let us know when your fashion revue will take place. County winner members enter the State 4-H Fashion Show at  http://ucanr.edu/surey/survey.cfm?surveynumber=30045 .

If you have questions, contact Sue Moore, State Fashion Revue committee,  2moores.sue@gmail.com   or 209-743-2020.

2021 State Fashion Revue
2021 SFR will have a new theme, but keep the same categories as 2020 since this year’s event was canceled. This means you have another year to create your Cosplay Challenge, Vintage Challenge, or Box Challenge outfit. Traditional and Consumer Science Purchased $40 limit are back too. Eligible outfits will be those evaluated at 2021 County Fashion Revues. Go to  https://ucanr.edu/sites/sfd/Competitions/State_Fashion_Revue/  for information.

Washington Focus 2020 Registrations are now open!
Registrations for the 2020 Washington Focus trips are now open. Dates, costs, and links to more information and registration can be found online by clicking the image of each trip.
Taking applications for Washington Focus Chaperones
Want to make a difference in the life of a CA 4-H'er? Apply to be a chaperone for either the Citizenship or Leadership Washington Focus Trip. For more information on the requirements and how to apply please see the Chaperone Information page under Events
California Focus is CANCELED for 2020

While we had remained hopeful that California Focus would be able to be held this summer to continue the tradition of teaching Civic Engagement with a hands-on experience. It’s clear the impact of COVID-19 will continue to be felt for the foreseeable future and that large gatherings should be postponed at this time.

Based on the advice of health experts and the continued guidance issued by the governor and University of California leadership, we have decided to cancel California Focus scheduled for June 19-23, 2020. The health and safety of our 4-H members and volunteers are our number one priority.

The State Ambassadors and the members of the Civic Engagement Advisory committee are working on some online workshops and activities with Civic Engagement topics. Look for these in May and June on the California 4-H at Home website.
The 4-H ONLINE RECORD BOOK (ORB)
TO SUNSET
EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2020
 
Due to development challenges and a rapidly changing technological environment have led UC 4-H to difficult decision to sunset ORB on
July 1, 2020. 
 
Those who are currently using ORB for the 2019-20 program year will have access through December 31, 2020
to complete their record book.
 
Stakeholder Letter
For a comprehensive explanation, the timeline, and support help during the transition, please download the following  ORB Stakeholder Letter.     
 
Informational Webinars
The California State 4-H Office will be hosting two informational webinars to provide direct information concerning the closure of the 4-H Online Record Book (ORB) and answer any related questions. These webinars will be recorded for viewing at a later time if you are unable to make one of the dates and times listed below.
 
·     Webinar #1 -  April 25, 2020 9am - 9:30am
 
·     Webinar #2 -  May 25, 2020 7pm - 7:30pm
 
For updated information and ongoing support related to the sunsetting of ORB, visit
What's the dirt on Big Dig Day?

On June 5, UC ANR and California 4-H will launch our second annual independent statewide giving day! We call it Big Dig Day—a day to “dig deep to support the programs you care about!” It is being held on June 5 in conjunction with World Environment Day—which aims to deepen awareness of the need to preserve and enhance the environment. By donating to UC ANR California 4-H, you support programs for a healthier California.

Our goal is 100% participation from all counties and programs—and a toolkit of campaign resources is available on our website! UC ANR is offering cash prizes for greatest number of new donors and most funds raised! Participate by sharing your support on social media! #BigDigDay #DigDeep

Gifts of any size will have an immediate impact. Now more than ever we know the value of community, research, and science-based information. In times of crisis—and beyond, we are here.

Thank you for your generous support.
Online learning with 4-H
& Project Learning Tree
Are you in middle school or high school and looking for something new that can expand your world? Are you interested in the natural world? Do you like to explore new places and new things?

We have a new program that might be just what you are looking for!

Throughout May and June we are continuing our Treemendous Tuesdays! Join us at 3pm every Tuesday.

Topics
May 5: Invasive Species
May 19: Invasive Plants & trees
June 2: Benefits of Urban Trees
June 16: iTree
June 30: Living with Fire

CA 4-H, CA Project Learning Tree and the CA Urban Forestry Center are offering weekly 1 hour Zoom sessions that include independent explorations, Project Leaning Tree activities, and presentations by scientists and resource professionals.

Register for each session. The Zoom link will be sent to your email each Monday.

Register  and a  Zoom  invite will be sent to your email.
TUESDAYS in May & June
Community Connections
Hello, we have some lambs/sheep for sale. Varying ages and breeds. They make great home projects and personal "grass mowers". Raise your own food, if you like. Contact Betsy at (585) 813-6905. Price depends upon breed, age, and quantity.
Farm Camp at Plantation, out near Salt Point, is looking for:
1 Dorset ram. Approx 1-2 years old. 4-6 Suffolk ewes. Approx 1-2 years old nearing breeding age and size. I know this program very well and can answer any questions you have. FB Message Nell Killefer Western or phone 707-321-4688
Visit our website:  https://farmcampca.com/about/
Hello, my names is Leisa Demostene. My husband & I would like to purchase some rabbit meat from 4-H members.

If you are interested in selling to us, please contact me via email or text: leisademostene@gmail.com or 707-484-8387. Thank you!!
Sonoma County 4-H | 707-565-2681 | http://ucanr.edu/sonoma4h