Eastern Sierra Community and Economy

Charcoal kilns lit up at night.

Welcome to the Eastern Sierra Community and Economy Blog!

This blog explores the ideas, people, and strategies shaping community and economic development across California’s Eastern Sierra. Here, you’ll find reflections on local challenges and opportunities, along with insights drawn from research, fieldwork, and conversations with community leaders, practitioners, and residents.

Topics span workforce and business development, Main Street revitalization, outdoor recreation economies, leadership and civic capacity, and the evolving dynamics of rural communities. Posts highlight both local initiatives and broader trends, offering practical perspectives and resources for those working to strengthen the region.

Whether you are a community partner, local official, business owner, or engaged resident, this space is intended to support informed decision-making, foster collaboration, and contribute to resilient, thriving communities in the Eastern Sierra.

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A woman standing in a commercial kitchen in front of an audience teaching.

Volunteering Commitment Changes

March 13, 2026
By Dustin W Blakey
Volunteers are essential to Cooperative Extension programs. Over the past few years I have been reflecting on some challenges facing our office’s programs such as 4-H and Master Gardeners that have emerged since the Covid-19 Pandemic. It feels more difficult to rely on volunteers, and certainly our…
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Observations from Rural California on the State’s Economic Blueprint

July 1, 2025
By Aaron Wilcher, Alec D Dompka
A BlueprintCommentary on the California Economic Blueprint from University of California Cooperative Extension Advisors in two rural regionsI recently had the opportunity to co-present with my colleague Alec Dompka, UC Cooperative Extension Community Economic Development Advisor for the North Coast, to share…
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Sam Walker

Interview Summary: Legendary Eastern Sierra Businessman Sam Walker

April 18, 2025
By Aaron Wilcher
Interview with Sam Walker – Summary QuotesBishop, California March 27, 2025By Aaron Wilcher, UCCE, Inyo-Mono office The full interview transcript is here.   🏢 On the Business Resource Center & Local Infrastructure“Too many businesses here don’t have the tools to succeed. It doesn…
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Sam Walker

Interview: Legendary Eastern Sierra Businessman Sam Walker

April 18, 2025
By Aaron Wilcher
 Sam Walker has helped shape the Eastern Sierra’s business landscape for decades. Sam owned and operated the Whiskey Creek restaurants in Mammoth and Bishop and founded Mammoth Brewing. He sold the businesses in the 2010s. He spends his time mentoring emerging leaders at Blue Heron Farm and supporting…
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