Applications are now being accepted for Class 44 of the California Agricultural Leadership Program (CALP). Growers, farmers, ranchers and individuals working in allied businesses and organizations are encouraged to apply.

The Ag Leadership Program, operated by the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF), is considered to be one of the premier leadership development experiences in the United States. Nearly 1,200 men and women have participated in the program and are influential leaders and active volunteers in the agriculture industry, communities and other areas.

The 16-month program, from October 2013 to January 2015, is composed of monthly seminars delivered by Cal Poly, Pomona; Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo; California State University, Fresno; University of California, Davis; and other academic institutions. Fellows also participate in a 10-day national travel seminar and a 15-day international travel seminar.

If you need a cell phone-- but can't afford one-- you could be in luck!

A new federal program is helping some of those who can’t afford a cell phone, to obtain one for free.

Caltrans, which manages two of the nation’s busiest passenger rail lines, is asking its rapidly growing passenger base what they think about rail systems in the Golden State.

The department will host five public open houses and a statewide webinar this month to solicit input on the draft California State Rail Plan (CSRP), which will lay out a vision for freight, passenger and high-speed rail in the state. The draft plan is available here and comments can be submitted through March 11.  

“Each year, nearly six million passengers ride the trains in California,” said Caltrans Director Malcolm Dougherty.