LAS POSITAS COLLEGE HORTICULTURE ADVISORY BOARD ...

Horticulture Advisory Board Meeting Minutes
October 28, 2004
Ron Liljedahl noted that it would be difficult to hire someone with experience in
landscape and plant science as well as viticulture and winery technology. It was
clarified that the VWT instructor will be a full-time position and the balance of
the horticulture classes will be taught by part-time faculty. John Silva will contact
Dr. Ely with names of people who might be able to teach a class. It was also
suggested that Jacquie Courtright-Williams might be interested in teaching a
class. Dr. Ely clarified that the Education Master Plan calls for a full-time faculty
member in Horticulture and a full-time faculty member in VWT and there is no
intent not to have the horticulture program here.
Dr. Ely explained that the VWT program was designed without prerequisites.
Linda Ault talked about the Education Committee of the Wine Growers
Association and the possibility of using it as a resource.
Dr. Ely reported that the program approval package for the VWT program was
recently sent to the State Chancellor’s Office and included a letter of support from
the LWGA and past minutes from the Horticulture Advisory Board. He expects a
determination of approval for the program before the end of the current academic
year.
Dr. Ely explained that the VWT brochures are being displayed in local wineries as
well as the wine shop in Brentwood. Mr. Silva asked about similar programs at
other colleges and whether students would come from out of the area. Dr. Ely
told him that the most well-known VWT program was at Napa Valley College. In
addition to local students, Dr. Ely expects students from Tracy and Brentwood
and has had calls from prospective students in San Francisco. Dr. Ely noted that
Fresno State has a VWT program.
Dr. Ely announced that personally, and on behalf of the College, he appreciates
the support of the Advisory Board for the VWT program and appreciates Ron
taking on the VWT classes and teaching them.
IV.
Recommendations by the Advisory Board
1. The Board recommends that the College dedicate land for a vineyard and that 2
rows of vines be planted every year and left permanently for use in teaching the
program. They recommend that any unplanned space be considered for the VWT
program.
2. The Board recommends that the College reserve 5-7 acres for the future
development of a “Horticulture/Viticulture/Enology” Center on campus. The
Center would include classrooms, smart classrooms with AV capabilities, a
drafting room, a minimum of three greenhouses, vineyard area, orchard area,
vegetable and flower garden areas, a shade house, out-buildings, and hospitality
facilities with a kitchen. The kitchen would include a cooler, specific classroom
with glass storage, a cold box for flowers, and dishwasher. The Center should be
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