Category Archives: National Trip

As our national trip has come to a close we reflect on the immense opportunity we have as members of CALP. The program’s legacy led us to meetings, tours, exposure to social issues and access to our state and federal governments that reached far beyond our expectations. There is so much on our minds asContinue reading “Day 12- Coming Home”

This morning our group boarded the charter bus to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. CALF board of directors chairman Jeff Elder shared his leadership journey on the bus and we learned some facts about Gettysburg while en route. We were also joined by Jeff’s brother John and CALF alumni coordinator Deanna VanKlaveren. After a quick stop in Thurmont,Continue reading “Day 11- Gettysburg”

Today was a whirlwind of meetings on Capitol Hill that put our logistical skills to the test. The class started in the Cannon House Office Building where we met with Dennis Nuxoll of Western Growers, Congressman Devin Nunes, Congressman Doug LaMalfa, and Congressman Jim Costa. We then quickly transitioned to a meeting in the HartContinue reading “Day 10 – Congressional Meetings and Supreme Court”

Class 50 started our day bright and early. There were two good meetings that were too good to miss, so our class split up to get the most out of our experience. Half of our class meet with USTR Assistant Trade Representative – Agriculture Affairs and Commodity Policy – Sharon Bomer Lauritsen. Sharon shared herContinue reading “Day 9 – Trade, Ag & Relationships”

Forming relationships within the industry is a key component to success both in Sacramento and Washington D. C.  Our first business in Washington D.C. began with an overview on agricultural advocacy at the United Fresh Produce Association.  Tom Stenzel, President and C.E.O., John Hollay, Gov’t Relations, Mollie Van Lieu, Nutrition Policy and Mirian Wolk, MemberContinue reading “Day 8 Advocacy and an Evening Capitol Stroll”

A vital component of the Diamond Leadership Model of the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation is spirituality. As a class, we attended the Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church in Downtown, Washington, DC. We experienced a worship service that was filled with song and grounded in culture, a sermon expressed through passion and love, and a communityContinue reading “Day 7-Metropolitan AME and DC Adventures”

Plans change and with the coronavirus outbreak CNN canceled all public tours for the time being. In turn we were able to experience more of Atlanta’s rich history and culture. The opportunity to visit the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park was powerful. This park encompasses The King Center, Ebenezer Baptist Church, Freedom Hall,Continue reading “Atlanta – Day 5”

We started the day off making sure we packed our patience when the bus didn’t arrive to take us to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  Ride share to the rescue, and after only a slight delay, we made it!  Although Coronavirus is obviously an important topic at the CDC, we focused onContinue reading “Day 4- Atlanta, GA”

Today the class traveled to Atlanta, Georgia. Everyone is in good spirits and had the chance to sample some of Atlanta upon arrival, including riding Sky Atlanta.

Class 50 hit the ground running on day two, meeting with the Director of the Department of Pesticide Regulations, Val Dolcini. We candidly discussed the issues his office hears and handles, and he left us with a foreshadowing and load handle of the day, GET INVOLVED. We had the opportunity to remain in the committeeContinue reading “Sacramento Day 2”

Class 50 began their national adventure this morning in the state capitol. Our first stop was the California Agricultural Council where we were greeted by Emily Rooney and Tricia Geringer who shared their strategies on working collaboratively on issues facing agriculture. From there, we visited the California Department of Food and Agriculture where Secretary KarenContinue reading “Day 1-Sacramento”