Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Hansen Trust?
Prior to her passing, Thelma Hansen established a trust that bequeathed a large portion of her estate to the University of California. Following Thelma Hansen’s death in 1992 and the distribution of her estate, the University established an endowment known as the Thelma Hansen Fund. 

What is an endowment?
An endowment is a type of gift that is invested to provide ongoing support, generally in perpetuity. A portion of the earned income is used each year to support the purpose specified by the donor. The remainder of the earned income is returned to fund principal to promote fund growth and protect against inflation. 

What is the purpose of Thelma Hansen’s gift?
As stated in her trust, Thelma Hansen’s expressed wish was that her gift be “for the support and maintenance of University research and Extension activities and related facilities for the sustainability and benefit of agriculture in Ventura County and matters related to agriculture and natural resource issues.” As a public trust, the University is committed to carrying out the terms of her bequest and honoring her wishes.   

How does the Thelma Hansen Fund benefit Ventura County?
Since 1993, the annual payout from the endowment has funded agricultural research and extension projects and activities that have contributed significantly to the viability of Ventura County agriculture. Research projects on pest management, new crop trials, and water issues are just a few examples of research supported by the Thelma Hansen Fund. Click here to view a full list of research projects funded by the endowment. Education and outreach programs have included youth and adult programs focused on garden-based learning, agricultural literacy, food systems education, and gardening. Click here to learn more about our most current educational programs. Event Calendar

The endowment has also funded efforts such as the Ventura County Ag Futures Alliance, which brings together environmental, labor, civic, and agricultural advocates working toward maintaining and enhancing Ventura County agriculture by addressing the agricultural-urban interface.

The Thelma Hansen Fund has  provided more than $2.3 million to support research and agricultural literacy and issues projects. 

What is the UC Hansen Agricultural Center (UCHAC)?
In 1997, five years after Thelma Hansen’s death, her bequest enabled the University to purchase a 27-acre parcel known as the Faulkner Farm in Santa Paula, California, and thus establish the UC Hansen Agricultural Center (UCHAC).  The Center provides a facility for agricultural research and education programs.  More than 13 acres are dedicated for agricultural research and crop and tree demonstration areas. Additionally, crops are grown for the farm field trips through which students learn about where their food comes from, and there are demonstration gardens for students and visitors to the farm.  

The Faulkner Farm is listed on the National Registry of Historical Places and includes the original Queen Anne style Victorian house built in 1894 and the Old Barn built in 1886.  The house is used as offices for the UCHAC staff.

What is the role of the Hansen Advisory Board?
Thelma Hansen’s bequest called for the appointment of an Advisory Board with representatives from Ventura County Cooperative Extension, Ventura County Farm Bureau, the local commercial farming industry, the community, and the University.   The Advisory Board is responsible for providing the University with county-based advice and knowledge on the needs of Ventura County agriculture and for helping to carry out the objectives of the endowment.  The Advisory Board provides the Vice President-Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) with advice, consultation, information, and recommendations on the use of the funds available annually to fulfill the purpose of the Thelma Hansen Fund.

Is the University selling the UC Hansen Agricultural Center?
No decision to sell the UC Hansen Agricultural Center has been made.

In July, 2010, the Hansen Advisory Board recommended to the University that it sell the UC Hansen Agricultural Center property because the property and facilities are becoming extremely expensive to maintain.  Consequently, resources available to support the research, Extension, and educational purposes of Thelma Hansen’s bequest have been reduced.

The University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural resources (ANR) has initiated a Hansen Program Review which will examine all aspects of the Hansen Agricultural Center programs.  The review will examine the effectiveness and impact of the Hansen research, extension, and education projects and the efficiency of the use of financial resources, to ensure that the Hansen programs and resources are providing the greatest benefit to the Ventura County community consistent with Thelma Hansen’s bequest.  The University will not consider the Hansen Advisory Board’s recommendation until the Program Review has been completed.

Who is participating in the Hansen Program Review?
The Hansen Program Review team includes:

Darren Haver, Director UCANR’s South Coast Research and Extension Center

Oleg Daugovish, Advisor, Strawberry and Vegetable Crops, UC Cooperative Extension—Ventura County

Carol Hillhouse, Director, Children’s Garden Program, UC Davis Student Farm

Dennis Pittenger, Advisor, Environmental Horticulture, UC Cooperative Extension—Los Angeles

Dorcas Thille, Owner/Operator, J.K. Thille Ranches

When will UC decide whether to sell UCHAC?
No decision regarding the future of UCHAC property will be made until the Hansen Program Review has been completed. The team’s report is due in mid-May 2011 and their recommendations regarding the mission, goals, and management of the Hansen program will provide guidance in the University’s overall management of and planning for the Thelma Hansen Fund and the UCHAC. 

Why is the University charging the Rotary for use of the property for the Faulkner Farm Pumpkin Patch?
The Faulkner Farm Pumpkin Patch is a Rotary of Santa Paula fundraiser and public event. It is not a UC program. Therefore, UC Policy requires that operators be charged a Property Use Fees  for utilizing the land and facilities. 

Why is the University requiring a Conditional Use permit (CUP) for the Pumpkin Patch?
The County of Ventura requires conditional use permits when land is used for events that are not part of the normal operations of the landowner. The Faulkner Farm Pumpkin Patch is a fun-filled community event with food, music, farm animals, hayrides, and of course, pumpkins. This event does not fall into the mission of the Hansen Agricultural Center which is under the Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources a network of UC researchers and educators dedicated to creating, developing and extending knowledge in agriculture, natural and human resources.

Why is the University selling the Thelma Hansen Saticoy property?
In 1997, the Hansen Advisory Board recommended that the 36 acre porperty be sold. A lease-option to buy was attempted  in 1999 but unsuccessful. In late 2003, the University contracted with Dyer Sheehan Group to provide project management and entitlement services and prepare the the parcel for sale. Specific plans with entitlements were approved in 2009. Due to market decline at that time, the Regents of the University decided to hold off on marketing the property. In May 2011, the Regents approved active marketing of the property.