Oct

28

The Notion of Region

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For some time now, since June 24, 2005 (my 20th birthday and also the day the Partnership was created), I have contemplated the notion of region: what is a region; why has the notion of region emerged; what does it mean to region; how does the notion of region affect our cultural, economic, political, and social thinking.

I begin with my conclusion: regions will become the dominant mechanism for economic and political action in California, the United States and the entire world within the next generation (20 years or so).The basic reason of a region’s existence: geography and humans. Landmasses and water bodies largely demarcate regions. Following natural demarcation is the artificial demarcation that is done by humans. We do this by looking at a map of a particular area, drawing some lines, coloring in the shapes created by those lines and saying something to the effect “you control this, we control this, and I control that.”Regions exist within a global, inter-state and intra-state contexts. At a global level, prime examples of regional organizations are NATO or Warsaw Pact. To use examples less dated: NAFTA and ASEAN. Each of these four examples is the sum of nation-states with common cultural, linguistic, political, economic and social systems based on geography. The former two are largely politically based; the latter two are largely economic-based. In an inter-state context, consider the Western Association of Schools and Colleges or the Western Governors’ Association. The first is socially based; the second is politically based. Lastly, on a intra-state level, consider the Speaker’s Commission on Regionalism and the California Regional Economies Project. The first focuses on the notion of region and the second seeks to highlight 9-regions’ economic status, strengths and futures.

In California, the basic political power structure is state-county-city, with special districts lying somewhere in between. This, increasingly defunct, structure has led to the birth of regions because the existing structure has been ineffective in solving problems, such as increased traffic, poor air quality, or inadequate access to health care.

Therefore, I am of the opinion that we must begin to strongly reconsider the current systems of government, especially in California, which were crafted in a time when transportation was by wagon and horseback and communication by post officer and Western Union telegrams.

Dec

21

Letter to the Editor: UC, city are one

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http://www.mercedsunstar.com/opinion/story/13133053p-13779716c.html

Editor: At UC Merced, Fall 2006 has been both a challenging and rewarding semester.

It has been challenging because students are experiencing what it means to be a UC Merced student: more reading, more researching and more responsibility. One vital responsibility that students have is to serve the public.

Much has been said about the relationship between students and the community this semester.

People who continue to erect boundaries between students and the community further propagate an “us versus them” mentality; however, I write to say that we are truly one and the same.

Students eat, shop, and live in the same restaurants, stores and neighborhoods as members of the community. Community members work, pay taxes and enjoy their weekends just as students do.

We drive on the same roads, we breathe the same air, we love this Valley, we read the Merced Sun-Star, and we each desire to make a difference in this world in the short time we have in it.

We each contribute to the vitality of this planet, whether it’s planting crops, mowing lawns, cleaning toilets, serving food, trading stocks, attending city council meetings, writing our representatives, e-mailing our professors, researching alternative energies, discovering cures for aliments or contemplating the future.

And while some semblance of division will always exist because few people will always feel unappreciated or unwelcome, such should not deter us from making our community what it must be: an inspiring beacon of perpetual hope.

Students value Merced, and this region, for the opportunities it offers and responsibility of serving the public it bestows upon us and we share this responsibility with the community.

Therefore, I conclude with a heartfelt “Thank you” to the people of the city of Merced for giving students the opportunity to learn about, live in and love the Valley!

JOSH FRANCO
UC Merced Student Body President

Dec

17

TIME’s 2006 Person of the Year: “You.” (and Me), But…

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time-2006-person-of-the-year-you.jpg

I appreciate TIME Magazine naming me Person of the Year. The Information Age is under my control, your control, and anyone who has a computer’s control.

However, this issue of TIME highlights a simple fact: that not everyone has control because not everyone has access to a computer.

The advent of the computer has transformed our society, but there are still segments of the society where the technology is beyond their finger tips.

Last year, I unsuccessfully applied for the Harry S. Truman Scholarship. In my application, I addressed the issue above:

Describe the problem or needs of society you want to address when you enter public service. (If possible, use statistical data to define the magnitude of the problem.) 1500 character limit.

In a world of rapid globalization, it is essential for people to have their voices heard. I want to address the lack of opportunity provided to people in the Central Valley and throughout the world to be active and effective political participants in the local and global political system.

The Great Valley Center reports in 2001 that Internet usage in the Central Valley was 60%. Moreover, the Central Intelligence Agency reports in 2005 that throughout the world, there are about 6,446 million people and 843 million telephone main lines in use. A telephone line is the principal form of access to the Internet. Therefore, access to the Internet is limited to 13% of the world’s population.

The other 87% of the world must have access to the Internet to better articulate their needs to both the local and global political community of decision makers. Without access to the Internet, information cannot be shared between people of diverse cultures and political viewpoints. In turn, this produces an information deficiency which perpetuates the socioeconomic inequality that exists in the Central Valley and throughout our world.

In other words, without information, individuals, societies, and governments can make ill-advised decisions and risk taking ill-fated courses of action.

Seeing the cover of TIME has reminded me of how far society has gone, but also how far it still has to go in providing everyone access to a computer and thus the world.

Oct

7

Letter to the editor: Take part in valley effort

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I wrote a Letter to the Editor of the Merced Sun-Star about the California Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley and it was published today!

Editor:

I write to the people of the San Joaquin Valley about the future of the region.

Over the past year, I have closely observed the progress of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s California Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley.

The partnership was established to engage the public, formulate recommendations and spark action to further improve the economic, social and environmental well being of the Valley.

From Bakersfield to Stockton, the 26-member partnership has engaged the public about the future of the San Joaquin Valley. Agricultural, business, community, educational, environmental, government, and student leaders from across the San Joaquin Valley have participated in the public forums and shared their vision for the future of the region.

Now, the partnership has published the draft Strategic Action Proposal and it is available online at http://www.great valley.org/sjpartnership/index.aspx.

I write to energetically encourage the public to download the proposal and share their thoughts about the proposal and the future of the San Joaquin Valley.

Young or old, native or transplant, rich or poor, the future of the San Joaquin Valley belongs to everyone for the Valley is California’s 21st Century Opportunity!

JOSH FRANCO

President, UC Merced student government

URL: http://www.mercedsunstar.com/opinion/story/12849523p-13532814c.html

Sep

1

The Tradition of Greatness

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“The Tradition of Greatness”
Friday, September 1, 2006

UC Merced New Student Convocation

My fellow Bobcats…

I am humbled to address you, at this time and from this place, about the most important of matters and that matter is our future and the future of our university.

As I look throughout this auditorium, I see the face of California; I see the face of the world. You cannot find a more stunning mosaic of people anywhere in the world for it is only at our university where all the people and cultures of the world are represented in some way, shape or form.

I believe the diversity of our university is the foundation of our tradition of greatness.

Consider how in the long history of the world, issues of economics, race, politics, religion and the like have divided civilization, fragmented societies and segmented communities that are incredibly diverse.

Such division, fragmentation and segmentation occurred because the means of communication were inadequate to exchange the amount of information necessary to generate a mutual understanding between seemingly disparate factions.

It would take an immense amount of effort to communicate, so much so, that some were unwilling to exert such effort.

The unwillingness of some to cross vast oceans, climb prodigious mountains, navigate winding rivers, trek unending plains may have resulted in the demise of their beliefs, their way of life and even they themselves.

However, it was the willingness of others that would prevent the collapse of civilization, the degradation of societies and the destruction of communities.

Those others were the pioneers.

When people said to them it was impossible, they believed it was possible. When people said to them that it would never happen, they resolve that it would happen. When people asked them why, they replied why not?

It was the pioneers who were willing to confront both internal and external obstacles with a new tenacity. This new tenacity only arises in certain places and at certain times.

With the past behind us and the future ahead of us, the University of California, Merced is that certain place and this is that certain time were a new tenacity has been born.

To paraphrase the great pioneer of new John F Kennedy: “Ask not what the future can do for you; ask what you can do for the future.”

We, the students of the University of California, Merced, represent a generation unlike any other. Our generation grew up in a world of relative calm, general prosperity, the coming of age of the Internet and the proliferation of a new global understanding. No other generation grew up in similar circumstances and therefore no other generation has the same responsibility to the future that we do.

We are the new generation of the willing; we are the new generation of pioneers.

Nearly four decades have gone by since the last University of California campus was built. For four decades, the opportunity for students to till the soil, sow the seeds and reap the bounty of a new university did not exist until now and now the University of California shall exist here in California’s San Joaquin Valley for all time.

Some people said it would be impossible to build another public research university in California; some people said that the San Joaquin Valley would never be home to a University of California campus, and some people even asked why does the Valley need a public research university?

The need for a university within this Valley was overwhelming for this bucolic region is plagued by some of the highest unemployment rates, lowest political participation rates, lowest college going rates, poorest air quality and worst access to healthcare in the state. The preceding issues are just some of the issues that this university and we, the students of the University of California, Merced, will confront.

We confront such issues because we understand that we live in a different world than those of our forebears. We live in a world where with greater communication comes greater miscommunication; where with more educated people comes more people to be educated; where with more economic growth comes more economic disparity; where with more social understanding comes more social conflict; where with more political participation comes more political cynicism; and ultimately where with ever more knowledge comes ever more uncertainty.

To some, this is not the world we live in. For some are unwilling to see the positive and the negative, the good and the bad, the rich and the poor, the happy and the sad, and the right and the wrong.

Like you, I am not unwilling for I am a pioneer.

To paraphrase the great pioneer of old Abraham Lincoln: “Let us have faith that light makes might, and in that faith, let us, to the end, dare to do our duty as we understand it.” We dare to do our duty for the opportunity to dare has been given to us.

In this auditorium and throughout this university, I see a collection of catalysts that understand their duty.

Our duty is to learn, research and serve the public; to let their be light in every crevasse and every corner; to, with unrelenting energy and unwavering commitment, make a difference at the university, in this valley, and throughout the world.

Our duty is to learn all there is to learn; to know all there is to know with the hope that we will have a better picture and understanding of the world.

Our duty is to research all there is to research; to discover things that have never been discovered. To discover the cures for cancers and diseases that will save countless of lives and hours of heartache, to design the technology that will allow us to maximize our world’s finite resources, and to delineate new norms and new laws to make our society more equal and fair.

Our duty is to serve the public, day in and day out. For while each of us may select a particular major or career, the one striking similarity is that each of us select it for the same reason: to make a positive impact on our local to global community.

Our final duty is to dissolve the walls that exist between two opposed, yet conjoined, ends. For while the ends may appear different, the means are the same and from this it follows that multiple ends are actually one end and that end is to ensure a better, brighter future.

It was people’s belief in our future and the future of the university that permits us to gather here today.

It was people’s belief in the future in affording the future an opportunity for obtaining a UC education in the San Joaquin Valley.

And though we come different parts of the state, from places all over the globe, and now we have the opportunity to afford the next generation the same opportunity.

I ask for you to look into your hand; what do you see? I see that we each have the key to unlock the vault of opportunity.

In your hands, more than mine, shall the tradition of greatness be ingrained into the culture of this university within a valley; it shall be you who unlock the vault of opportunity.

But to achieve greatness we must ask ourselves the three following questions: First, what can I do for the university? Second, what can and will this university be? And finally, how will I make this university what it can be so that it will be? It is these three basic questions that require us to think critically, to consider the future and to take action.

As you exit this auditorium and return to your work or dwelling, remember that you have something that no other person has.

You have the opportunity to serve as role models, to be the change agents in the community, and, ultimately, to become the so-called philosopher kings and queens who, enlightened by the light of knowledge, guided by the logic of reason and driven by the passion of life, will lead organizations, businesses, governments and societies into a new era of our civilization with a new global understanding.

And it is here and now, from this time and place that we recommit to our pioneer roots, draw the energy and life from the earth, and embark on our journey to ascend to great heights and fundamentally change the world.

By drawing from our well of diversity, we shall strengthen our resolve to continue our tradition of greatness.

And realize that you are not alone in this endeavor; you are in the company of your fellow man and woman who desire, at the most basic level, to make a difference.

For, in the final analysis, it is this university within a valley that will truly light this region; it is this university, as a symbol of a community from generation old to generation new, that will forever shine its light on the world and we, all of us, are the light and now we must shine upon this valley like the light has never done before.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to address you, at this time and from this place.

May

18

The Campus is Quiet

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Just a moment ago, I was standing outside.

I was admiring the cool-warm spring night, the slight breeze from Lake Yosemite, the orange moon rising from the south, the sprinklers spraying around Merced Hall, the bugs flying around the lights, the trees illuminated by the lights, the dorms empty and quiet, the campus is quiet.

I find it absolute remarkable that I have just completed my third year in college. If you asked me years ago if I could describe the scene I just described, I would not be able to.

My experience at UC Merced is much more than I expected. A lot has happened over the course of the academic year and I stood outside just moments ago, I realized the enormous task I have at hand. The task of representing the students of UC Merced is a task that I embraced wholeheartedly, without reservation and without doubt.

I dream. I dream of a world that is forever changing and its inhabitants are forever evolving. I have established a connection with UC Merced. What was once an inanimate object now teems with life; it is amazing.

Astonished by the how UC Merced and the Central Valley has become by home, my roots are expanding and spreading at an incredible rate. This, I will work to ensure continues for myself and others as well.

The Central Valley is a rich place. Rich in natural resources, rich in people, rich in diversity, rich in integrity and rich in the most absolute of senses. Tonight, as I looked up to the stars, I remembered that one star is not enough; you have to fill the sky. Reminded of such richness, go out and experience the Central Valley in your own way.

Whether it’s attending a public forum on land use and urban development, picking fruit from trees under the dry, hot sun, gazing across this vast valley with an obscured view because of the air’s denseness, and a host of other unique, incredibly defining moments, these experiences shape our sense of place: we are a region and we are beginning to think regionally more and more each day.

Tonight is the first night of a new chapter in my life.

May

10

“At The Tipping Point” - Day 1

Filed Under Central Valley, IDEAL 2006, Personal | Leave a Comment

Today was the 1st day of the Great Valley Center’s Conference “At the Tipping Point” in Sacramento.

I arrived at the hotel around 9:15am; I was originally supposed to be at the hotel at 8:00am.

Staying awake until 4:00am in the morning to complete the CORE 100 final report, I didn’t get more than 1 hour of sleep. I left Merced at 5:30am.

On my drive up, I got sleepy and pulled over in a Denny’s parking lot in Stockton and rested for an hour.

Volunteering for the Conference, I served as the host for the following 3 breakout sessions:

Parks and open space in the Central Valley

Policy makers have a strategy for preserving and planning recreation and park land as the Valley population grows.

  • Robert K. Foster, Department of Parks & Recreation
  • Nina Gordon, Department of Parks & Recreation
  • Larry Orman, GreenInfo Network

What every planner should know about air quality

Air Quality remains a top Valley issue. Planners can provide guidance.

  • Norman Allinder, RRM Design Group
  • Mike Hendrix, Michael Brandman Associates
  • Tom Jordan, San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District

Strategies for engaging rural community leaders

Unincorporated and rural areas without structured leadership must create other systems to foster community well-being.

  • Sergio Cuellar, Youth in Focus
  • Dejeune Shelton
  • Jennifer Wood, South Valley Neighborhood Partnership

Also, I heard Tim Quinn, Vice President of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, speak about water economics.

After his speech I spoke with him and he recommended that I visit the Water Resources Center Archives’ website (http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/WRCA/) for more information about water.

Overall, it was an amazing day. I mentally noted early in the day and someone reinforced this point later in the day by mentioning it: more students should attend the conference.

I will work to ensure that more students attend next year’s conference.

Mar

17

Gustine, Cow Bank

Filed Under Central Valley, Personal | 1 Comment

Yesterday, I drove to Gustine on the 140 Freeway. Gustine is a small town on the west side of Merced County, a bit past the Great Valley Grassland State Park and near the 5 Freeway.

Driving to Gustine, I passed a fruit stand and remarked to myself that I would check it out after the Merced County Association of Governments Governing Board meeting.

Upon arriving to Gustine, I got lost. The city, even though it is small, is somewhat confusing because of the streets. I decided to go to the Post Office after I found myself at the corner of 3rd and 3rd. After visiting the US Post Office and asking for directions, I discovered the City/County Building was just two blocks away. :-P

After the meeting, I visited the fruit stand. I parked and approached the building and was greeted by an older lady. “Hi” I said and she replied in Spanish.

I began to speak with her in Spanish. My Spanish is not the best, but I am constantly practicing and improving. I am glad I had the opportunity to practice my Spanish in a more “real world” setting that just conversing with people I am familiar with.

Entering the store, there was an array of fruits and vegetables. I immediately saw jicama and asked how much: $1 dollar per pound. I love jicama! It is especially good with salt, chili powder and lemon juice and when accompanied by mango, cucumber, orange, pineapple and just about any other fruit available.

After filling the bag with two good sized jicamas, we went to weigh it and that is when I saw a cow bank. “Una vaca!” I exclaimed.

cowbank.jpg

I had a similar cow bank when I was younger. My parents purchased it for me as we returned from Mexico to the United States through Tijuana. It broke and I glued it back together. However, it has been lost for at least 6 years.

Seeing the cow bank reminded me of times past and I purchased it. I had to sacrifice one of the two jicamas for it because the cow bank cost a pretty penny ($15 dollars to be exact, I know, expensive) but it was worth it. :-D

Mar

12

The Future of the Central Valley

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Tonight I post a basic question to provoke thought.

What is the future of the Central Valley and what are we going to do about it?

Mar

9

“Big State, Big Valley”

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Today Marissa and I attended the California Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley Board Meeting in Bakersfield. We departed from Merced at 6:00am and arrived at 8:30am.

I have roughly 17 pages of hand-written notes. Still digesting the notes, I have two thoughts I would like to share.

First, I am inspired. In fact, I am more than inspired. I don’t know a word yet to describe how I feel. It is great to know that so many people are committed to the future of the San Joaquin Valley.

And it is more than just commitment. Actual work is being done and that is the most amazing part. The CPSJV isn’t just some blue-ribbon commission, it is a commission committed to achieving results because results matter.

Second, it is important to “stay united.” The San Joaquin Valley is a diverse region. Each county is similar in many respects, but each county is also different in just as many respects. However, at the end of the day, to achieve results, then a balance must be achieved.

During Public Forum, I commented on the continued need for greater student involvement in the Partnership’s work. I spoke with Mark Keppler of The Maddy Institute and I am now the “point” person for ensuring that more students get involved and especially attend the next meeting in Fresno. With a plan and hard work, you can rest assured that more students will get involved. ;-)

This is an exciting time to be a resident of the San Joaquin Valley! If you are a resident, then I encourage you to learn more about the Partnership! The future of the region is at stake.

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