Bettiga honored with ASEV Merit Award
Larry Bettiga, UC Cooperative Extension viticulture farm advisor for Monterey County, will deliver the prestigious American Society for Enology and Viticulture Merit Award presentation at the 2025 ASEV National Conference, taking place June 16-19 in Monterey.
The ASEV Merit Award honors individuals who have significantly advanced the science and practice of enology and viticulture. A pillar of California viticulture, Bettiga will be recognized with ASEV’s highest honor for his exceptional career advancing wine grape production through science-based research, grower education and industry leadership.
Bettiga’s presentation will offer a unique perspective shaped by four decades of dedicated service to California’s wine grape industry and his enduring commitment to grower education and sustainable farming. The presentation, “In the Question of Vine Development – Does Size Matter?,” is scheduled for June 19, and will highlight the evolution of viticultural practices in coastal California and the pivotal role that applied research and Cooperative Extension have played in improving vineyard productivity and sustainability.
Bettiga has served with UCCE for over 41 years, primarily based in Monterey County.
As a viticulture advisor, Bettiga has conducted applied research and extension education programs that have benefited grape growers across Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz counties. His work has focused on cultural practices, rootstock and clonal selection, canopy management and integrated pest management – all aimed at enhancing vine health and fruit quality.
Before his appointment in Monterey, Bettiga spent six years conducting viticulture and pest management research in California’s southern San Joaquin Valley, working with grapes, tree nuts and vineyards at the UC Kearney Research and Extension Center and UC Cooperative Extension in Tulare County.
Over the course of his distinguished career, Bettiga has authored and co-authored more than 450 technical articles, newsletters, research reports and abstracts. He served as technical editor during the third revision of the influential book “Grape Pest Management” and is widely recognized for his leadership in translating research findings into practical solutions for vineyard managers.
A member of ASEV since 1984, Bettiga has served on the Society’s Board of Directors – including as president from 1999 to 2000 – and has presented numerous research and symposium sessions at ASEV National Conferences. He previously received the ASEV Extension Distinction Award in 2017, among many other honors including the University of California’s Distinguished Service Award for Outstanding Teamwork (2006, 2016), the Western Extension Directors’ Association Award of Excellence (2008) and the International IPM Award of Recognition for his work on the European grapevine moth team (2018).
The ASEV Merit Award recognizes individuals who have significantly advanced the science and practice of enology and viticulture. Bettiga’s presentation will offer a unique perspective shaped by four decades of dedicated service to California’s wine grape industry and his enduring commitment to grower education and sustainable farming.
Chu praises Brauch for service at Altadena event
On May 10, UC Master Gardener volunteer Kristy Brauch; Natalie Levy, UCCE soil and organic materials advisor for Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties; and UC Master Gardener volunteers in Los Angeles County provided Altadena residents with support for postfire soil recovery efforts.
Brauch organized a post-Eaton Fire soil-testing event for the community with UCLA Associate Professor of Environmental Health Sciences Kristen Schwarz and TreePeople's Igor Bronz and Dustin Herrmann. About 120 residents affected by the Eaton Fire were offered free soil testing – for lead and other contaminants – and additional resources.
Congresswoman Judy Chu, who attended the event held at the Altadena Grocery Outlet, praised Brauch’s outstanding contributions and presented her with a Certificate of Congressional Recognition.
“Well-deserved recognition for all of Kristy’s work on this community event that provided free soil testing and soil remediation resources to Altadena residents impacted by the Eaton Fire,” said Levy.
Partners recognized at CalFresh Healthy Living Tribal Expansion Project Partnership Symposium
PHI Center for Wellness and Nutrition and the CalFresh Healthy Living Tribal Ambassador Committee hosted an in-person meeting on April 10 to convene agencies facilitating nutrition, education or policy, systems and environmental change initiatives with American Indian and Alaska Native populations across California.
At the CalFresh Healthy Living Tribal Expansion Project Partnership Symposium, the Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indian Community Wellness Committee; CalFresh Healthy Living, UC and CFHL, UCCE Riverside County, received the Trailblazer in Wellness Award.
Alex Lozinto of Dry Creek Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians; Vianca Nunez, CFHL, UCCE Riverside community nutrition educator; Andra Nicoli, CFHL, UC program and policy analyst for strategic initiatives; and Claudia Carlos, CFHL, UCCE Riverside program supervisor, accepted the award.
This award recognizes a CalFresh Healthy Living-funded project as leaders in California who facilitate and advance innovative health initiatives with their communities. Awards were determined by the Tribal Ambassadors Committee.
Peña-Lévano case study to be featured at IFAMA conference
A case study created by Luis Peña-Lévano, assistant professor of Cooperative Extension in dairy cattle production, health and management economics in the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, and his team has been selected as one of the three global finalists for the 2025 International Food and Agribusiness Management Association Best Case Award.
Peña-Lévano collaborated on the case study “Automated milking systems: A challenge and opportunity for U.S. Midwest dairy farmers” with Shaheer Burney of University of Wisconsin-River Falls, James Salfer of University of Minnesota, UC Davis postdoctoral researcher Luis Garcia-Covarrubias, Jennifer Clark of University of Florida, and Cesar Escalante of University of Georgia.
They will present the case at the IFAMA conference, which will be held in Brazil on June 23-26.