The Davis Enterprise Friday, March 3, 2023

Mayor weighs in on state of the city

By Anne Ternus-Bellamy

Enterprise staff writer

Davis Mayor Will Arnold offered his take on the state of the city this week when he and City Manager Mike Webb participated in the annual State of the City address hosted by the Davis Chamber of Commerce. Key topics covered by Arnold and Webb during the Zoom forum included the city’s financial outlook; infrastructure investments; development projects; and social services and housing.

And while those are the issues generally addressed by the city’s mayor in the State of the City, Wednesday’s event also allowed city officials to highlight some of the accomplishments of the last year as well as address some of the challenges facing the city.

On the topic of the city’s financial condition and the local economy, Arnold expressed “cautious optimism,” saying, “our indicators point to an overall very good direction, but as I think everyone here on this call recognizes, there are challenges

See CITY, Page A3

Penalty kick sends DHS boys to NorCal title game

— Page B6

Pets

erprise

Behind the numbers

Roughly 6,500 new and returning students moved into dorms at UC Davis in September 2022. How many will do so this fall?

Caleb Hampton/ enterprise file pHoto

UCD applications surge again

By Monica Stark Enterprise staff writer

Students are encouraged to file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid or the California Dream Act Application. The priority deadline for state and university grant consideration is March 2 for the 2023-24 academic year.

According to UCD, the university nearly reached the 2022-23 record number of undergraduate applications with 94,609 applying for

Prism Pool Pros marks 20 years of serving community

By Aaron Geerts Enterprise staff writer

Backyard swimming pools are synonymous with summertime fun and unforgettable memories.

That’s why Prism Pool Pros has serviced and maintained these domestic oases for the last 20 years and looks forward to 2o more years of service and dedication to Yolo County’s families and their pools.

Before reaching this double-decade accolade, Prism Pool Pros was just a small business in Davis with one man working for himself — Bob Neundorfer. He started out with a Ford F-150, 53 pools on his

route to service, and enough elbow grease to fill them all. Through hard work and following through with his promises to customers, Neundorfer’s business thrived. In 2017, he was looking to relinquish the reins of the business and brought in his son-in-law, Eric Larum. They put their heads together, expanded the business and Larum and his wife officially took over Prism Pool Pros in 2020.

“What Bob’s done and what we’ve done up until this year is service. The side of our truck reads ‘residential and commercial

See PRISM, Page A5

first-year admission, and 14,741 applying for transfer admission for the 2023-24 academic year, according to the UC Office of the President’s statistics that were released last week.

UC has a goal of enrolling one new transfer student for every two new freshmen.

UCD’s 2018 Long Range Development Plan calls for a 39,000 capacity; 37,000 students are projected for

admission for the 2022-23 year. Because the LRDP uses a threequarter average, UC has to wait for data to add data from the spring quarter to add it to the fall and winter quarter data to calculate it for the current academic year, so it is still an early estimate, Easley explained. Roughly 5% of the 40,772 enrolled this year were enrolled

See SURGE, Page A3

Six years for West Sac manslaughter

By Lauren Keene Enterprise staff writer

Monica Elise

Turknett

loved animals, oftentimes caring for neighborhood strays and helping others do the same.

That’s how she met Robert Spurlin Jr., whose pet dog was sick and dying. She befriended him and guided him through his grief.

Suffering from depression, Turknett invited Spurlin to live with her to fend off her pain and loneliness. Turknett’s friends say he repaid the favor by keeping her plied with alcohol that triggered wild mood swings and arguments.

“She felt sorry for him and thought he just needed a little help getting on his feet,” said Turknett’s longtime friend Diane Self. “Instead of getting a job, he plotted to get her dependent on him so he could party and never have to work.”

Turknett wanted to end the volatile relationship but never got the chance, according to her friends. The 44-year-old

TURKNETT Homicide unsolved for 13 years

died on June 13, 2009, from an ax blow to her head.

Spurlin, whose arrest last summer ended the stalled 13-year investigation, received a six-year state prison sentence Feb. 24, the result of a plea agreement in which he admitted guilt to voluntary manslaughter.

Several of Turknett’s friends submitted written statements read during Spurlin’s sentencing hearing in Yolo Superior Court.

They all recalled Turknett’s caring nature, despite a childhood marred by emotional abuse. But she wasn’t perfect, and once verbally disparaged Spurlin when she caught him trying on her clothing.

“I have absolutely no doubt that she

See YEARS, Page A5

ARNOLD Davis mayor

Class of ’03 plans reunion

The Davis High School Class of 2003 will celebrate its 20-year reunion on the weekend of Sept. 23.

Organizers are still working out the details, but for now, ask interested classmates to RSVP online at www. dhs03.com. So if you know someone from this class, (born in 1985) let them know to RSVP soon.

Solo crash ends in DUI arrest

A Woodland man faces DUI charges following an East Davis crash Tuesday night, police said.

Richard Larry Boyd, 42, was at the wheel of a Kia that collided with a tree while traveling eastbound on East Covell Boulevard near Wright Boulevard, according to Lt. Dan Beckwith.

“After their investigation the officers believed that the driver, and sole occupant of the Kia, was under the influence,” Beckwith said. Officers arrested Boyd and booked him into the Yolo County Jail.

Gunning for the Big Chair in D.C.

After many discussions with family, friends and potential supporters, I have finally decided to announce my candidacy for President of the United States in the 2024 election.

I have yet to decide which party primaries to run in, but rest assured, I'll be there.

I'd throw my hat in the ring, but I haven't owned a hat since I played third base for legendary coach Milt Silva of the Medlock Dusters in the Davis Babe Ruth League.

As I get this ball rolling, one of the first things I'll have to deal with is fellow candidate Nikki Haley’s call for a mental competency test for politicians of a certain age.

Because I don't wish to lie like George Santos, I won't tell you my age, but I am younger than Donald Trump and Joe Biden, who both presumably will be running as well.

I know Nikki is being accused of blatant ageism, but if she’s willing to lower the bar a bit and take the competency test herself, I’m all in.

We can take the test together and then compare scores.

After all, competency is competency. You either have it or you don’t. Age has nothing to do with it.

So I found a sample competency test online from the good folks at the National Institutes of Health, who probably don't like that I'm eating a hot dog while taking the test at the kitchen table.

"The provider will ask questions related to recent people, places, and events in your life or in the world."

If you notice the unnecessary Oxford comma in that sentence you get an extra point on the competency scale.

As far as people, places and

things in the world, if I tell them it snowed in Berkeley, the Kings are going to the playoffs and the Davis City Council voted 2-2 to ban fireworks on the Fourth of July, will they think I'm off my rocker?

"The provider will ask about your childhood, school, or events that occurred earlier in life," long before the Oxford comma was fashionable.

Let's see. The first three schools of lower education I attended — Central Davis School, West Davis Elementary and Davis Jfunior High School — no longer exist, so they've been wiped from my memory, though I do remember the cafeterias at those schools with great fondness.

"You may be asked to say as many words as possible in one minute that are in a certain category."

Like name all the cities in Vermont in alphabetical order.

You may be asked questions such as 'If you found a driver's license on the ground, what would you do?' "

Is it a Vermont driver's license?

If it were my driver's license I'd put it in my wallet. Except I don't have a wallet.

"If a police car with lights flashing came up behind you, what would you do?"

Ask for directions to In-N-Out.

"You may be asked to start at a certain number and then begin to subtract backward by 7."

That's easy. 7, 0.

"Spell a word forward and then backward."

B-O-B.

Nikki, are you still with me?

If you did as well as I did on this test, can we please move on to discussing the issues of the day, like your not-so-long-ago defense of the Confederacy that's been making the rounds?

And no, I don't want to be your vice president if you get more votes than I do in the presidential primaries.

Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines. And may the best man or woman win. Reach Bob Dunning at bdunning@davisenterprise.net.

We can help deal with the invasive bullfrog blight

By Callum Wyeth Special to The Enterprise

Did you know that one of California’s top 10 invasive species lives right outside your door? In fact, you can hear its distinctive call in the early evenings. It sounds a bit like a humming cow which is maybe why it has “bull” in its name. It is the American bullfrog or Lithobates catesbeianus

The native habitat of the American bullfrog is eastern North America. However, the American bullfrog is invasive in the West. Here in California, it was introduced by the gold miners in the late 1800s and early 1900s as a food source, but it quickly spread to aquatic and semi-aquatic biomes throughout California.

The bullfrog is a carnivore, or a secondary consumer. It eats mainly primary consumers like small fish, baby birds, small mammals, other amphibians, tadpoles and

tuleyome tales

lots of insects; basically, whatever it can fit in its very large mouth. It can grow up to 8 inches long and can weigh up to one pound. It has large and powerful legs and in the winter months can travel up to a mile per day looking for food.

This massive frog is a dangerous predator here in California and has been decimating our native amphibian populations since it arrived, most specifically the vulnerable red-legged frog (Rana draytonii) and the endangered foothill yellowlegged frog (Rana boylii), which lives here in our local watershed. In fact, red-legged frogs were the basis for Mark Twain’s famed short story “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County,” but they are now so scarce that bullfrogs are used for the competition instead. There are three main

reasons why the bullfrog is threatening our native ecosystems. First, at several stages in its life cycle the American bullfrog preys upon our native frogs. Although the bullfrog tadpoles are mostly herbivorous, they will occasionally eat smaller, native frog tadpoles and insect larvae. Further, as adults the American bullfrog competes with and eats native amphibians in such high

Would-be robber comes up short

By Lauren Keene Enterprise staff writer

Davis police are seeking a would-be bank robber who left his target emptyhanded Monday afternoon.

According to Lt. Dan Beckwith, the unidentified suspect entered the Travis Credit Union Davis branch, 1380 E. Covell Blvd., at about 12:30 p.m. and handed a teller a note demanding money and indicating he was armed with a gun.

The teller replied they had no cash in their drawer, Beckwith said. The suspect tried his luck with a second

teller, only to receive the same answer, and he left the branch on foot. No weapon was seen during the incident.

Davis police released a security photo of the suspect, who was described as a Black male in his 20s, wearing a face mask and light gray hoodie bearing a San Francisco 49ers logo.

Travis Credit Union officials issued a statement Thursday saying they are cooperating with the police investigation.

"Our members remain safe because our team is well-trained to stay calm

and follow safety protocols,” said Sergio Gutierrez, security and safety manager for TCU.

Added TCU's President and CEO Kevin Miller: “I am proud of the response of our team and on behalf of Travis Credit Union’s staff I want to thank the Davis Police Department for their efforts to keep the community safe.”

Anyone with information about this incident or who recognizes the suspect in the photo is asked to contact the Davis Police Department at 530-7475400.

amounts that one study done by a UC Davis ecologist in San Joaquin County showed a survival rate of just 5% of native redlegged frogs in areas with bullfrogs compared to areas without.

Second, the bullfrog reproduces at a rate 10 times higher than the native frog population; it can lay 20,000 eggs per clutch and two clutches per year compared to the native frogs, which average 2,000 to 3,000 eggs per year. This high reproduction rate combined with its ability to travel and quickly invade new water systems makes the bullfrog hard to eradicate completely and a dangerous competitor.

Finally, the bullfrog carries the chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrim dendrobatidis) but is not affected by it. The chytrid fungus is a severe skin disease that causes death in susceptible native species. It disrupts the function of the skin in both the tadpole and adult frogs and specifically

affects the native Californian mountain yellow legged frog. This fungus has caused the extinction of 100 amphibian species worldwide since 1970.

So, what can we do about this voracious, opportunistic predator?

California allows the importation of bullfrog tadpoles as pets and adults for food. Approximately 2 million are brought here annually and many of them are released or escaped to wreak havoc on native ecosystems. Banning importation or increasing permit fees can help limit the negative impacts. Also, we as residents can help! We can report bullfrogs when we see them and not keep them as pets.

If you are on a hike or see a bullfrog in your neighborhood you can report it to the CDFW Invasive Species Program or email to Invasives@ wildlife.ca.gov, or by calling 866-440-9530.

Courtesy photo

Davis police say this man tried robbing the Travis Credit Union on East Covell Boulevard on Monday afternoon.

Courtesy photo

Callum Wyeth is a 13-year-old student in Davis.

Saturday

n Christine Cohen will give a virtual presentation, “Immigration: Ports of Entry,” at the next meeting of the Solano County Genealogical Society. This presentation begins at 11 a.m. Guests are welcome to attend this free event. If interested, email the society at scgs@scgsca.org no later than 4 p.m. March 3 and request an invitation. More information on events can be be found on the society’s website at www.scgsca. org .

Sunday

n The Davis Odd Fellows’ Classic Film Festival continues with the the quintessential wartime comedy:

"M.A.S.H." The films are presented on the big screen in the spacious Upper Hall of the Lodge, 415 Second St. in downtown Davis. The general public is invited, and there is no admission charge (although donations in support of classic films are accepted at the door). Doors open at 6:29 p.m. and the program begins at 7:01 p.m. Before the film, audience members enjoy the live music of According to Bazooka (featuring Rene Martucci and Richard Urbino).

Wednesday

n Davis Science Café presents “Disrupting Amphibians, Bats and Fire Ants: the Hidden Costs of Ecological Shocks” by Prof. Michael Springborn of the UC Davis department of environmental science and policy from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at G Street WunderBar, 228 G St. in Davis. The event is free, with complimentary soft drinks courtesy of the UCD College of Letters and Science Each month, Professor Jared Shaw with the UC Davis Department of Chemistry hosts the Davis Science Café, featuring scientists who are studying some of today’s cutting edge topics. Contact Shaw for information at jtshaw@ucdavis. edu or https://twitter. com/DavisSciCafe1.

Saturday, March 11

n Marc Hoshovsky, a local volunteer naturalist, will lead a Yolo Audubon field trip to the city of Davis’ South Fork Preserve. The preserve is along the South Fork of Putah Creek, a few miles southeast of Davis. The walk will be a relatively slow paced 1-mile loop walk (all flat). For information, go to yoloaudubon. org or facebook.com/ yoloaudubonsociety.

Wednesday, March 15

n This month’s Yolo Audubon meeting features Levi Souza, who will be presenting an overview of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s efforts to create “sentinel sites” on select properties throughout the state where biological and climate sensors will track climate change, ecosystem health and wildlife diversity over long time frames. The meeting will be at 7 p.m. via Zoom. For details on how to join, go to yoloaudubon. org or facebook.com/ yoloaudubonsociety.

CITY: School district influences property values

ahead. Our economy has been unpredictable and trying right now to read the tea leaves and seeing where it’s going in the near- or long-term is difficult.”

Thankfully, he said, “recent City Councils have made really significant efforts to plan for this uncertain future, particularly by identifying our infrastructure needs…”

He noted, in particular, the previous work of a subcommittee comprised of Councilwoman Gloria Partida and former Councilman Dan Carson to address the city’s road and bike path conditions “and to chart a path, no pun intended, where we can make the investments needed.”

“Nothing is more interacted with on a daily basis and recognized as a state of the city’s infrastructure condition ... than the transportation infrastructure,” said Arnold.

However, he noted, “we’re in an unprecedented period of cost increase for our construction materials as well as labor costs and we’re in a place where we’re going to have to make some very serious considerations about how we gain ground on our conditions for our roads and pathways so they’re not just adequate but something we can be proud of …”

The city learned earlier this year that not only are the funds committed in 2020 to rehabilitate the city’s roads and bike paths insufficient to bring the city’s pavement condition index up to the target set for 2029, but the PCI for the city’s streets has remained unchanged since 2019 (57 on a scale of 100) and the condition of the city’s bike baths has declined from 52 to 50.

Turning that around “may include finding additional revenue and that’s going to be a conversation that we’re going to be having in the near future,” Arnold said. “How do we ensure that we’re

Holmes Orchestra hosts free workshop

By Aaron Geerts Enterprise staff writer

The renowned DJUSD music program is looking to influence the next generation of musicians this upcoming Saturday, March 4, with the Holmes Junior High Orchestra Program Elementary School Strings workshop.

Geared toward returning elementary strings students, this free workshop is an introduction to the excitement that is the junior-high level of orchestras. Attendees will be working handin-hand with Holmes’ eighth and ninth-grade students as well as director, Angelo Moreno.

The workshop will run from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Holmes Junior High School Multipurpose Room, 1220 Drexel Drive. The crescendo of the workshop will be a concert, and at the concert’s conclusion, director Moreno will be available for questions.

Sign up at https:// dhs-holmes-orchestras. org/holmes/about/ annual-elementaryschool-stringsworkshop.

adequately maintaining and improving the condition of these core municipal assets?”

As has been the case in previous State of the City addresses, the importance of economic development to help the city pay its bills was highlighted again.

Arnold noted the widespread understanding that there is a need for some businesses to expand in Davis, and that over the years, “many businesses have made the tough choice to have to leave Davis because we didn’t have the space for them to expand.

“And we want to find ways to accommodate business expansion needs …” he said.

The city, Arnold added, is working to hire a director of economic development “as we speak” to spearhead that effort.

On the topic of housing, “which is always a core need in our community,” Arnold noted actions by previous councils during his own tenure to approve housing developments, including “thousands of housing units with a focus on workforce as well as student-oriented needs, as those are two of the needs that are routinely identified as major needs in the community.”

They include everything from Davis Live and Lincoln40 to the Sterling development and 3820 Chiles which is under construction right now.

“We also, at the city, recently completed our Housing Element, basically our general plan for housing,” said Arnold. “We’ve submitted it the state for certification. It’s a bold Housing Element that calls for us to really step up to face the housing crisis that we’re in right now.

“Certainly there’s more to be

done,” Arnold said. “We need to redouble our efforts on seeking supportable and sustainable housing, particularly for folks who are part of our workforce, folks who qualify for low-income housing, and for young families.

“As I think folks here are probably aware, the school district… is facing a long, steady decline of enrollment and that could lead to some tough choices that the school district may have to make about keeping schools open and other programs that the district is able to fund.”

Arnold added that “as goes our school district, so goes our property values.”

“There’s one reason and one reason only why homes in Davis sell for darn near twice per square foot as they do in neighboring communities,” he said. “Not because we have ocean-front property here in Davis. It’s the schools.”

That means there is a nexus between the decisions made by the city and those by the school district, Arnold said, “a real symbiotic relationship here between the quality of community assets that we’re able to provide and the quality of the schools that we have, so that’s something that we really need to take seriously as a city, as we move forward trying to address our housing needs, is how do we ensure we can have folks with school-age children welcomed back into town.”

As for those most in need of a roof over their heads — the city’s unhoused population — Arnold highlighted the recent opening of Paul’s Place, a vertical tiny-home village on H Street that will provide emergency, transitional and permanent supportive housing.

“The city really is looking at the full spectrum of housing needs in our city, whether its student housing, housing for folks who work in town, housing for folks who are coming off of the street and

housing for folks who may have families that are in our school system.

“These are all critical needs,” said Arnold, who added that the entire City Council, “to a person, recognizes the importance of that need and is continuing to do the work even in the face of community opposition, when it happens, to adding new housing.”

Along those same lines, Arnold noted the recent approval of the city’s downtown plan, which paves the way for up to 1,000 new housing units and upzoning parts of downtown to allow for buildings up to seven stories “with an eye on reinvigorating our downtown as a mixed-use hub of economic activity and human activity.”

Alongside the plan came approval of a form-based code, which provides for a streamlined review process “and sets a clear path for potential development proposals in our downtown to move forward and be successful,” Arnold said.

“We hear all the time that no matter what kinds of parameters the city is setting to potential developments, that one thing that investors need more than anything else is certainty and we’re hoping with the downtown plan, with the formbased codes, that we will provide a much greater measure of certainty so that we can make some significant investments.”

City Manager Mike Webb added that “there are a number of property owners in the downtown that are preparing to come in with project proposals and they’re very exciting projects. They were basically waiting for the downtown plan to be approved … and we’ll see those projects start to come to fruition, I think, very shortly.”

— Reach Anne Ternus-Bellamy at aternus@davisenterprise. net. Follow her on Twitter at @ATernusBellamy.

SURGE: Underrepresented students increase

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in programs at locations outside of Davis, such as the Sacramento campus.

UC-wide, applications from underrepresented groups increased as a proportion of the applicant pool to 46.3% this year compared with 45.5% last year, according to UCOP.

At UC Davis, 36% of the applicants come from historically underrepresented groups (African American, American Indian, Chicano/ Latino and Pacific Islander). UCD says that “among California residents who applied for firstyear status at UCD, they represent 36%; among U.S. domestic applicants from California Community Colleges, they account for 33%. In these specific categories of applicants, the number of American Indians increased from 448 to 512.

UC-wide, applications from American Indian students rose 9.1% from last year, Chicano/Latino applications rose by 2.2%, and Pacific Islander applications rose by 3.3%.

Applications from African American students decreased by 1.4%.Robert Penman, UCD executive director of Undergraduate Admissions, said the pandemic gave the university an opportunity to rethink priorities and student recruitment. Penman outlined the following:

n UCD has been investing in relationships with schools, community-based organizations, and faithbased organizations that serve traditionally underrepresented student populations to broaden their reach in the community, especially in our own backyard.

“We’ve especially focused on the relationships with counselors and advisors, as they are often the first person a student talks to about college,” Penman said. “The greater Sacramento region is one of the most diverse regions of the state, so we’ve resumed hosting programs and workshops for local educators and advocates as well so that they are not only familiar with the offerings at UC Davis, but they also understand

the admissions process, financial aid process, and how to best assist their students who are considering applying to the campus.”

n UCD also wants to ensure that students are having culturally relevant experiences when interacting with the UC Davis campus in any capacity, according to Penman.

“That means hiring staff with specific expertise in working with Black and Latino students to develop programs that meet students where they are geographically and on their college-going journeys; ensuring information about the university and financial aid are also available for parents in their native language when possible; and highlighting the experiences of current UC Davis students during campus visit programs and events.”

n Campus visit programs have recently resumed and expanded much of UCD’s on-campus programming that was halted during the pandemic, Penman explained. He said one such program,

Discover UC Davis, welcomed more than 900 prospective transfer students, all from firstgeneration college-going, low-income or underrepresented backgrounds to campus for a day of fun and informative transfer admission workshops and campus tours in early February. This coming May, the campus will host the 21st annual César Chávez Youth Leadership Conference to motivate middle school, high school, and community college students to pursue higher education.

n Because UCD recognizes that access to higher education starts well before high school, the university has expanded access to academic preparation programs, such as the Early Academic Outreach Program, Sacramento Area Youth Speaks, and Transfer Opportunity. Students can participate in these programs can receive regular advice on the freshman or transfer admission process as early as sixth grade.

— Contact Monica Stark at monica@ davisenterprise.net.

WEBB City manager

Fifty artists receive $1,000 grants from city

By Anne Ternus-Bellamy

Enterprise staff writer

Davis has awarded $1,000 grants to 50 artists in an effort to support the local arts sector and retain “creative members of the Davis community,” the city announced Monday.

The $50,000 worth of individual artist grants was previously allocated by the City Council from the city’s American Rescue Plan funds.

The 50 Davis-based arts and culture applicants were selected by a committee to receive funds to support their day-to-day

professional and personal costs that were impacted by event closures and cancellations, inability to work due to loss of space, family circumstances or other reasons that impaired their ability to work or earn a living in the arts during the pandemic.

“From community wellness to mental health, local artists play a critical role in enhancing quality of life and economic vitality,” said Davis Mayor Will Arnold. “We appreciate and recognize the value of retaining artists who call Davis home.”

Awardees came from a

Matthew P. Blake

d. Feb. 20, 2023 BLAKE

Davis resident and passionate community contributor Matthew (Matt) Blake died Feb. 20, 2023, blindsided by a brief fight with a rare and aggressive cancer. He lived a bold, joyful 48 years with family who adored him, and among friends, colleagues, and neighbors who loved his thoughtful, creative approach. They’re all devastated at having lost him. Matt charted a course throughout his life toward a variety of experience and discovery, which included an unconventional series of experiments, wins, fails, highs, lows. His boldness was tempered with kindness, and his brilliance glowed with humor.

Because he engaged in all his chosen activities with intensity and dedication, those of us left behind will notice pronounced gaps across the Davis school communities, One Health Institute, Davis Live Music Collective, Davis Music Festival, Davis Media Access (particularly KDRT), Odd Fellows and the many other groups who loved Matt.

Across every endeavor, though, this fourthgeneration Bay Area native poured himself into making sure that his wonderful wife and twin daughters knew how deeply they were loved.

Matt is desperately missed by his wife Sarah; daughters Delilah (13) and Charlotte (13); parents Anne Horgan of San Mateo, and Patrick and Mickey Blake of Aguilar, Colo.; sister Christine Harkin and nephews Huck and Beckett Harkin of Berkeley; brother-in-law Joe Harkin; Sarah’s parents, Carol and Paul Altuna of Pennsylvania, and Michael Brown and Phyllis Clark of New York; sister-in-law Jenny Brown Knoche; brother-in-law Christof Knoche; and nieces Aya and Isa, both of New York; and the friends, colleagues, neighbors and family who adored him.

The Enterprise publishes brief death notices free of charge. These include name, age, city of residence, occupation, date of death and funeral/memorial information. Paid-for obituaries allow for controlled content with the option for photos. Obituaries will be edited for style and grammar.

FOR

LEASE Central Davis location on Kennedy Place, at J Street near Covell Great parking Beautiful wood built ins 600 square feet Call (530) 759-0200 or email rent1105kennedy@gmail com

variety of fields, including visual artists, musicians, actors, dancers, culture bearers, writers, poets, theatre professionals, teachers, photographers, gallerists and many other members of the local arts and culture sector.

The 50 grant awardees are: David Abramson, Diana Almendariz, Jamie Angello, Kenneth Arnold, Julia Aue, Linda Bair Falk, Heidi Bekebrede, Roshelle Carlson, Nick Carvajal, Judy Catambay, Yi-Chuan Chen, Michael Clements, Dee Conway, Dianna Craig, Michaela Daystar, Katie DelaVaughn, James Drips,

Acme Theatre Company offers summer camp

Will Durkee, Nizhoni Ellenwood, Jim Frink, Mara Gervais, Rae Gouirand, Jennifer Grace, Harry Greer, Wes Horn, Hadas Kol, Nat Lefkoff, Gretchen LeMaistre, Donna Lemongello, Karolina Letunova, Sarah Marie, Carlos Mendoza, Dzokerayi Minya, Sam Misner, NJ Mvondo, Diego Panasiti, Stephanie Peel, Elodie Perroud, Eric Rios, Antonia Rizzo, Rodrigo Romero, Kris Rosa, Marguerite Schaffron, Adele Shaw, Mamadou Traore, Ritwik Varma, Jennifer Wendt, Leaf Wild, J.R. Yancher and Seogmin Yoo.

Daniel J. Dykstra Jr.

Oct.

Daniel J. Dykstra Jr. was born in Madison, Wis., on Oct. 13, 1947. He died Jan. 4 in Davis. Dan’s many accomplishments, include an immensely distinguished career as the deputy district counsel for the San Francisco District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (“the Corps”). Dan often expressed a desire to make a difference, and without reservation, that is precisely what he did in both his personal and professional life.

Dan had an incredible thirst for knowledge, as evidenced by his lifelong love of learning and academic achievements. He began his academic career by earning a bachelor’s degree in history at Ripon College while serving in ROTC, where he was commissioned to the rank of second lieutenant. He earned his law degree from the University of Arizona College of Law. Hungry for more academic enrichment, Dan earned a master’s degree in labor law from George Washington University Law School.

Upon graduation, he served as an Army judge advocate general (“JAG”) captain, where he worked as a claims JAG for the U.S. Army Claims Service, Fort Meade, Md., and then for the Claims and Medical Care Recovery Judge Advo-

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cate, 9th Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.

He began his distinguished career with the Corps in the Norfolk District in 1978, transferring to the South Pacific Division in 1987. In 2004, he began his career in the San Francisco District where he served as deputy district counsel and served in Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom in 2010, 2011 and 2012. Dan’s eloquently written legal opinions fill the San Francisco District’s digital library, so very emblematic of his legal scholarship and his noteworthy contributions to the Corps.

His awards include the De Fleury Medal and Commanders Award for Civilian Service, three times. Of his numerous accolades and awards, his most coveted was the San Francisco District’s “Gallery of Distinguished Civilians,” that Dan received in 2017. In that citation, he was described as “a learned scholar, a deep-thinker, and a great mentor who inspired his colleagues and peers to improve the quality of their legal work. He exhibited uncommon courage and competence during three tours of duty to Afghanistan where he was bestowed the (Chief Counsel’s) Bert P. Pettinato (Pride in Public Service)

Special to The Enterprise

Acme Theatre Company’s Summer Camp is back, and better than ever. Camp is available for all 8- to 13-year-olds and registration is open now.

Camp Dates are June 19 to 30, Monday to Friday, 1:30-3:30 p.m. Make friends, build confidence, and put on a show. In this two-week camp, each student will receive a speaking role in a short play and be guided through the entire theatrical process starting from auditioning, all the way to performance.

Award for his characteristically selfless devotion to public service. He was widely recognized as humble and gentle in success, and as having the open mind of true wisdom.”

Beyond his love of the law and public service, Dan deeply loved his wife, Moira (Mitty) Whelan. Dan’s father, Daniel J. Dykstra and Mitty’s father were both professors at UC Davis Law School in the early years of the school’s formation. Dan and Mitty got to know each other poll-walking for Robert Kennedy.

After several years of courtship, he proposed in his favorite place, McCall, Idaho. They married in 1972. Dan and Mitty raised

Participants will work together on voice projection, line memorization, character-building and physical acting skills, and also explore basic costuming and set construction. After the two weeks, these skills will all be compiled into a final performance (available to all friends and family) at 7 p.m. Friday, June 30. Current Acme Theatre Company members help direct and lead the program. All levels of theater experience are welcome. To register, visit acmetheatre.net/education.

two sons, Jack and Sam, in Rohnert Park. Dan was much beloved in the community where he served as a volunteer soccer coach for years, traveling with his team throughout Northern California.

After Dan retired, he and Mitty moved to the community of El Macero. Always having a heart to serve, he joined the HOA board, eventually serving as president. He made the most of his retirement years by traveling the world with Mitty, playing golf at the local country club, summering in McCall, and relishing quality time with his wife, his children and his grandchildren. He will be sorely missed by his family; Mitty, Jack (Teresa), Sam (Julia), and grandchildren Mira and Liam.

A celebration of life will be from 11 to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 11, at the El Macero Country Club.

i c e s D e p a r t m e n t w i l l r e c e i v e s e a l e d b i d s f o r t h e H e a l t h & H u m a n S e r v i c e A g e n c y G o n z a l e s B u i l d i n g

Project Refresh ” before 2:00 p m on Thursday March 30, 2 0 2 3 a t t h e Y o l o C o u n t y G e n e r a l S e r v i c e s D e p a r t m e n t 120 West Main Street Suite G Woodland CA 95695 and promptly thereafter the bid opening will follow at 2:15 p m in the conference room at 120 West Main Street Suite G Woodland CA 95695 Bidders must attend the mandatory pre-bid conferences to be held at the project site 137 North Cottonwood Street Woodland CA 95695 at 2:00 p m on March 8 2023 in order to submit bids for this project

Each bid must conform to the requirements of the Contract Documents which can be downloaded along with all bid documents at www bidsync com It is the bidder s responsibility to register at www bidsync com to ensure notification of all add e n d a a n d i s s u e d p r o j e c t i n f o r m a t i o n I t i s t h e b i d d e r s r esponsibility to arrange for printing services For more information send questions through www bidsy nc com

Note to General Contractors; Joint Apprenticeship Committee Participation Requirement: The County adopted a policy that one of requirements to be deemed a responsive bidder is that when submitting a bid at or in excess of one million dollars ($1,000,000) the bidder must then be participating

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: STEPHEN COLE CASE NO PR2023-0037

To all heirs beneficiaries creditors contingent creditors and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate or both of STEPHEN COLE

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by EVAN COLE in the Superior Court of California, County of YOLO

THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that EVAN COLE be appointed as person al representative to administer the estate of the decedent

THE PETITION requests the decedent's WILL and codicils if any be admitted to probate The WILL and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court

THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act (This authority will allow the personal representative t o take many actions without obtaining court approval Before taking certain very important actions however the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action )

The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause wh y the court should not grant the authority

A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows:

03/21/23 at 9:00AM located at 1000 MAIN STREET WOODLAND, CA 95695

IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing

Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney

IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issua n c e o f l e t t e r s t o

13, 1947 — Jan. 4, 2023

DYKSTRA

her body, Conto said. “I told him, you don’t want to do that, you’ll get in trouble.”

said some very mean things to Robert, but most people would leave the situation and not put an ax blade through someone’s face,” friend Linda Hundley wrote in her statement.

According to witness testimony delivered at Spurlin’s preliminary hearing, Spurlin arrived at a friend’s house on the morning of Turknett’s death and acted unusually quiet, prompting the friend to ask if something was wrong.

“That’s when he said he thought Monica was dead,” John Conto recalled. “He said she had a bottle of booze or some pills or something.”

The trio then walked back to Spurlin’s house and entered Turknett’s bedroom. Spurlin pulled down a blanket that had been covering the woman’s face.

“She looked like she was calmly sleeping, but she had a big gash in her forehead,” Conto said.

Another several hours passed before anyone called the police. That afternoon, police searched the Maple Street house for a possible murder weapon, Spurlin told Conto during a phone call.

“He said, ‘Oh, they’ll never find that,’ ” Conto said.

A week or two before Turknett’s death, Spurlin “told me that Monica gave him permission to chop her head off” and showed him an ax on the day they found

PRISM: Jumping into deep end

From Page A1

Spurlin previously denied responsibility for Turknett’s killing, but his comments at the Yolo County Jail following his July 26, 2022, arrest told a different story.

Correctional Officer Nathan Dahl testified that he asked Spurlin during the booking process whether he had any security concerns, and Spurlin said he did.

“My old girlfriend that I murdered had friends that are bikers, like white pride,”

Dahl said.

Spurlin’s arrest marked the West Sacramento Police Department’s first coldcase homicide conviction, the result of a lengthy investigation involving multiple law-enforcement agencies in California, Washington and Louisiana.

“This case showcases the commitment the West Sacramento Police Department has to pursuing justice for all who are victimized,” Police Chief Rob Strange said. “We must always tirelessly pursue those who victimize the vulnerable in our community. I am proud of our team and grateful that we were able to provide some type of comfort to the Turknett family in this case.”

— Reach Lauren Keene at lkeene@ davisenterprise.net. Follow her on Twitter at @laurenkeene.

Local group joins global climate strike

Special to The Enterprise

Fridays For Future will stage its next Global Climate Strike today. The organization will strike to send a message to world leaders telling them to end fossil finance.

Fridays For Future Davis members have been striking for the climate

every Friday for almost three years, pressuring leaders in Davis as well as world leaders to start taking big enough steps to stop the Earth’s plummet into climate chaos. This Global Climate Strike is a time for the Davis community to join us and Fridays For Future groups around the world.

The group will gather at noon at East 14th and B streets in Davis for a march to Central Park with guest speakers and a strike demonstration.

For information, reach out to coordinators on Instagram at @fridaysforfuture_davis or through email at davis@fridays forfutureusa.org.

swimfming pool equipment service and repair.’ So, that’s what we’ve done and now we’re expanding out and doing more,” said Larum. “We’re not going to be building pools or digging in your backyard, but if you have a pool needing to be remodeled or replastered we’ll do all that sort of stuff. Solar too, so we expanded into all of that. Basically, if someone else came in and built your pool, we can do everything else.”

Even though the business is venturing out into offering new services, it’s still operating with the same, tried and true customer service that’s fueled its success for the last 20 years. For Larum, the key to the Prism Pool Pros’ success is a simple recipe of doing what he says he’s going to do, answering the phone and surrounding himself with a staff that’s as skilled as it is knowledgeable.

“The guys I bring on, man, we’re water chemists, we’re plumbers, we’re electricians, carpenters and concrete guys. We wear a lot of hats and there’s a lot more that goes into pool care than flip flops, a pole

and pouring a gallon of chlorine into the pool,” Larum said. “What it really boils down to is we’re here to help our neighbors enjoy their pools. To do that, all I really have to do is be upfront with what I’m going to charge you, what you can expect from me and answering the phone when you call.

“When it comes down to it, my key to success has been really doing that to develop trust. My guys that come on board — my teammates — trust me to give them what they need to do their job and to pay them so they can make a living. The neighbors we serve also trust us to come into their backyard every week, service their pool and not overcharge them and do what they want us to do to meet their expectations.”

While watching his team come together and thrive is something Lorem relishes as part of this job, he also loves running a business in the town he grew up in. If one was curious, he is — of course — a DHS Blue Devil.

“There’s a family we service in the Wildhorse area and they have four kids. If that pool has an issue and their kids aren’t able to go

into that pool in the summer, it’s a big deal,” Larum talked about the Prism Pool Pros’ relationship with their customers. “There are a handful of clients who Bob originally got back in 2003, and we’ve been going into their backyard once a week for 20 years!

“Bob saw a lot more of this than me, but even in my time in the company, I’ve seen some of these kids go from diapers to second grade. Or we see some customers pass away, unfortunately. But just being able to help out our customers and get to know them and their families is just a great part of being a small business in a town like Davis and Woodland.”

To celebrate their 20-year anniversary, Prism Pool Pros is giving 20% off anything for all service clientele. For everybody else, it’s $20 off anything. To find out more about Prism Pool Pros offerings — like their new hardscaping services or maintenance membership — visit them at prismpoolpros.com, call them at 530-902-6713 or visit their office at 1120 E Gum Ave. in Woodland.

— Reach Aaron Geerts at aaron.geerts@ mcnaughton.media.

What certain noises may indicate about your car

Metro

Special to The Enterprise

Automobiles have come a long way since their introduction more than 100 years ago. Though modern cars and trucks still employ some of the same principles as their forebears, the vehicles people drive today bear little resemblance to those that made waves in the early part of the twentieth century.

Modern automobiles are technological marvels, which has made both driving and maintaining a vehicle much simpler. In regard to maintenance, built-in diagnostic systems can now alert drivers when something is wrong with their vehicles. Though that feature is undeniably useful, drivers can still benefit from learning to recognize issues by ear. Many issues that can affect a car or truck produce unusual sounds, and learning what certain noises may indicate can help drivers detect problems as soon as possible.

■ Rattling sound in a wheel well: Most people have mistakenly placed clothing in a dryer without realizing they had spare change in their pockets. That mistake is immediately apparent once the dryer starts thanks to the unpleasant noise of coins bouncing off the interior of the machine. Drivers may hear a similar sound when behind the wheel and wonder what’s behind it. Such a sound is often indicative that there’s a loose lug nut inside the hubcap. This issue can arise when drivers don’t tighten the wheel properly after changing their own tire, or if mechanics make the same mistake when rotating or replacing tires during a routine maintenance session.

■ Squeaking sound: The auto insurance experts at Geico® note that rear-wheel or four-wheel drive vehicles may produce a rhythmic squeaking sound when an issue arises with the universal joint. JD Power notes that the universal joint, often referred to as

a U-joint, is part of the system that enables the rotating crankshaft in the engine of a vehicle to transfer that rotating motion to the rear wheels. U-joints get a workout whenever vehicles are driven, so they require maintenance, and a squeaking sound is one indicator that the U-joint needs to be addressed immediately.

■ Squealing sound: A highpitched squealing sound is typically indicative of worn out brake pads. However, Cars.com notes that if such a sound is only present when a car is first driven in the morning, it could just be surface rust being scraped off the rotors. After a few initial applications of the brakes, that sound might disappear. If it doesn’t, the vehicle will likely need new brake pads.

■ Scraping on the windshield during rain: The scraping sound on a windshield when the wipers are in use should not be taken lightly or be interpreted as a sign that the rain is only falling

slightly. In fact, that sound indicates the wipers are worn out, which means they’re not effectively clearing the windshield. In addition, the wipers could be scratching the windshield each

Many issues that can affect a car or truck produce unusual sounds, and learning what certain noises may indicate can help drivers detect problems as soon as possible.

Adobe/Stock photo

time they produce this sound, ultimately necessitating a costly windshield replacement. Wiper blades can be replaced in a matter of minutes, so address this issue promptly.

Nanotechnology the tiny key to the future

By Sara Thompson

Special to the Enterprise

Nanotechnology was first suggested in 1959 by Richard Feynman at a meeting of the American Physical Society. He described the utility of being able to manipulate and move individual atoms, but to do so was beyond the technology of the time. It wasn’t until better microscopy was developed in the mid1980s that nanotechnology really began to take off.

A nanometer is one-billionth of a meter. For comparison, if a nanometer was a golf ball, the Earth would be a meter. Because we are manipulating materials at almost the atomic scale, scientists can create materials with very specific properties. Scientists can use nanotechnology to make materials stronger, lighter, more or less reactive, or more conductive to electricity.

Nanotechnology is being researched in different

sCienCe Center

fields of science. Some are looking at using nanotechnology to create lightweight, bullet-proof vests for military. Others are looking at making nanotechnology “smart” fabrics, that could alert a person to any medical or health risks. Engineers are finding ways to use nanotechnology to make vehicles lighter weight and creating fuel savings or creating a coating for machinery to make it waterproof and decrease wear.

Also, vehicle related, nanotechnology could help reduce pollutants produced by cars. Some scientists are looking at using nanotechnology to detect and identify micro cracks in oil piping for repair before they begin to leak.

Nanotechnology in use now in some applications. At home nanotechnology is being used to create high-definition displays in

Pets of the week

Special to The Enterprise

Lots of animals are waiting for “forever homes” at the Yolo County Animal Shelter, 2640 E. Gibson Road in Woodland.

Among them is Baghera (A158123), a 5-year-old pit bull who is a loving, gentle giant waiting to see the world with his forever family. Baghera was a sad, neglected stray with scabbed skin but is recovering with medical treatment. “Baghera has had a difficult life and deserves a new life in a loving home,” a shelter volunteer says.

Also hoping for a good home is Mister (A200047), a handsome 2-year-old German

shepherd who was found injured, but recovered and is ready for his new home. Mister enjoys going on day trips, long walks, cuddling and adventures. Mister is a lanky boy and would be a great exercise companion. He is very gentle and kind.

For information on adopting, contact adoptycas@gmail.com. All shelter animals are up-to-date on vaccinations, microchipped, and spayed or neutered.

Staff is available to assist via phone during business hours at 530-6685287. Shelter hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. To

computers and televisions. Nanotechnology is already being used in creating smaller computer chips, but with bigger computing capabilities. Environmental scientists are looking at making degreasers and cleaning solutions for pollutants. Energy scientists are making small solar panels, that are flexible, but strong for improved solar use.

Nanotechnology is still in its infancy, but there is almost no limit to what we can achieve with it.

Explorit's coming events:

n Our exhibit “Explorit Rocks!” is open to the public on Fridays from 1 to 4 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is $5 per person. Explorit Members, ASTC and those age 2 and under free.

Wikimedia Commons explorit

n “Spring into Science” camp is full, please call 530-756-0191 for waitlist placement.

n Registration for Summer Science Camp opens

on March 9. Camps for those entering K-2 and 3-5 available. Find out more at https://www.explorit.org/

Mister

meet any adoptable YCAS animals, visit friendsofycas.org. To volunteer, sign up at tinyurl.com/yolovolunteerapp. Follow on at @ ycas.shelter and Instagram at @yoloanimalshelter.

At Rotts of Friends Animal Rescue, you’ll find Stormy, a super-sweet 1-year-old spayed female Rottie/Lab/Dobie mix. Stormy is the mother to eight chubby, happy 10 week-old-puppies; two girls and six boys. Now that the puppies are old

enough to find their own homes, Stormy is ready for hers. She’s a lovely gentle natured dog that loves kids and other dogs. She is crate-trained, walks well on leash and knows her commands.

Kobe is a young, neutered male Jack Russell mix. This fun-loving ball of energy knows how to pull a person on a skateboard, play frisbee and is up for any strenuous exercise. Like hiking? Bike riding? Running? This boy is

for you. Kobe also walks well on leash, is cratetrained and loves his people. No small kids please; too energetic.

The next Rotts of Friends adoption event is from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday, March 4, at 34505 County Road 29 in Woodland. Come by 10 a.m., as it takes at least an hour to meet and adopt a dog; everyone who will be living with the dog should come out to meet it.

Bring proof of

0191 or visit http://www. explorit.org, or “like” the Facebook page at www. facebook.com/explorit.fb. image

homeownership, such as a mortgage statement or property tax bill. If you rent, bring proof that you are allowed to have a dog in your home, such as a pet clause in your lease or a note from your landlord.

All dogs adopted from Rotts of Friends are healthy, microchipped, upto-date on their vaccines and come with free lifetime obedience-training classes. For information, visit facebook.com/rottsoffriends.

Stormy

Kobe

From ballet to baroque and beyond

By Jeff Hudson Enterprise correspondent

There’s an abundance of musical and dance performances during the coming week, ranging from big events that will draw large crowds in the Mondavi Center’s Jackson Hall, to more intimate events featuring smaller ensembles in other local venues. Here’s a rundown

Sinfonia Spirituosa

Sinfonia Spirituosa is a Baroque-focused period instrument group, formed in Sacramento shortly before the pandemic began, under harpsichordist Lorna Peters. They’ve performed in Davis three times in the past (in 2019, 2020 and 2022), and gave lively performances.

They’re coming back to town on Sunday, March 5, at 4 p.m., this time performing at the Episcopal Church of St. Martin, 640 Hawthorn Lane in Davis.

The title of the concert is “An Afternoon in Italy,” and it will feature music by Italian Baroque composers including Francesco Geminiani, Arcangelo Corelli, Antonio Vivali, Antonio Caldera, and Guiseppe Antonio Brescianello. Joining Sinfonia Spirituosa will be the Davis High School Baroque Ensemble, led by Angelo Moreno.

Tickets purchased online in advance are $25 general, $10 students. Tickets at the door will be $30 general, $10 students. Information online at SinfoniaSpirituosa.org.

(There is also a performance on Saturday, March 4, at 4 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 2620 Capitol Ave. in Sacramento.)

Ballet Preljocaj

This French professional ballet company, which has attracted large audiences for previous performances at Mondavi, will be giving two performances at the Mondavi Center featuring their most recent production, “Swan Lake” (in a new adaptation by company artistic director and choreographer Angelin Preljocaj):

■ Saturday, March 4, 5 p.m. This performance — which also includes a cocktail reception, a full dinner, and a post-performance champagne toast — is part of the Mondavi Center’s 20th Anniversary Gala. Attendees should wear cocktail attire. Proceeds for the gala will suport the Mondavi Center’s Artistic Ventures Fund, which focuses on bringing new artistic works to Davis. The ticket prices are too complex to briefly summarize, call (530) 752-7354 to see if last-minute tickets are available.

■ Sunday, March 5, 2 p.m.

This stand-alone performance of “Swan Lake” by Ballet Preljocaj has been “at capacity” (virtually sold out) for some time. There are usually a few tickets returned on the day of the performance, arrive early and check at the box office.

Upcoming

■ The UCD Concert Bands, directed by Pete Nowlen, Wed. March 8, 7:30 p.m., Mondavi Center’s Jackson Hall. $24 general, tickets online at MondaviArts.org and at the door.

■ Touring mandolin player Mike Marshall and his group Choro Famoso (clarinet/sax, guitar, pandeiro) will perform Choro music from Brazil (with European-style dance melodies set to Afro-Brazilian rhyuthms). Friday March 10, 7 p.m. Pitzer Center,

$24 general, MondaviArts. org and at the door. See Page B3 for more.

■ Michael Barenboim and West Eastern Divan Ensemble, featuring Arab and Israeli musicians, on Fri. March 10, 7:30 p.m. Music by Ravel, Dvorak, Hindemith, Enescu. $95$50 general, MondaviArts. org.

■ UC Davis Symphony Orchestra with University Chorus and Alumni Chorus, Sat. March 12, 7 p.m., Mondavi Center’s Jackson Hall. Mahler, Symphony No. 2 (“Resurrection”), plus “Our Phoenix” by contemporary composer Mari Esabel Valverde. $24 general. MondaviArts.org. See Page B3 for more.

■ American Bach Soloists, Monday March 13, 7 p.m., Davis Community Church, 412 C St., Davis. Chamber music by G. Muffat, G.P. Telemann, A. Vivaldi, J.S. Bach, Maurice Greene. $101-$39 general, AmericanBach.org.

Vallejo Opera’s ‘Faust’ is a hell of a deal

By Jennifer Goldman Enterprise theatre critic

It was a treat to see the Verismo

Opera perform the opera “Faust” by Charles Gounod at the historic Bay Terrace Theatre in Vallejo.

“Faust” (Michael Belle) is about an old scholar who hasn’t achieved much in a life spent studying science and keeping his faith. Faust now longs for love and decides to commit suicide.

However, as the poison touches his lips he summons the devil to make a deal. Sensing an opportunity, Méphisrophélès (Rachel Warner) appears to find out what she can trade for his soul.

Instead of asking for the typical riches or power, he desires youth and love. He is transformed into a virile man who accompanies the

jovial Satan to woo the beautiful Marguerite (Courtney Daniels). Meanwhile, Valentin (Jonathan Saatman), a soldier going off to battle asks his friend Siébel (Jessica Winn) to watch over Marguerite until he returns from war. Faust does find love but corrupts his young lover and she is ostracized by her village and the church.

I found myself rooting for Faust and the devil during this show and against propriety and the church. This was written in 1808 and it is striking how much our contemporary morals have changed over the years. I loved the singing and execution of this opera, but I found the message chilling. Watching this opera certainly made me glad to live in California in this century.

Director Eliza O’Malley and conductors Michael Moran and Jonathan Khuner did a fantastic job with this show. They have chosen three different sets of principles to play the leads on different dates of the performance. I was lucky to go to opening night and was thrilled with the quality of the actors. Michael Belle’s character was a bit timid which seemed appropriate as this was his first experience trying to find love, but his voice was strong and clear. Rachel Warner has a lot of charisma and a seasoned operatic voice. Her expressions were so fun to watch!

You will surely enjoy Jonathan Saatman singing all about that bass, hitting those jaw dropping rich low notes that reverberated throughout the space. Soprano

Courtney Daniels mastered her arias and astounded the audience when she figuratively and literally hit the floor. Jessica Winn played the pants role and had a youthful tone in her singing. The chorus was very well blended and sounded angelic at times. It was so nice to watch the fun they were having, especially during the partner dancing.

The orchestra was excellent and even the conductor played organ music at one point. Gerardo Moreno at First Violin was exceptional. It is so wonderful to hear live music again! I was very pleased with costumes and improved sets from last year’s production. Subtitles have been restored and a new heater has been installed. However, I still needed to use a jacket and hand

warmers so I don’t think the heater is working perfectly yet. Hopefully, they can also get their men’s room operating soon instead of having to share the ladies restroom or using the porta-potty outside. The food at intermission was a cut above anything I’ve had lately, with heavenly chocolate and caramel cheesecake served on beautiful china, fresh cookies and a variety of good wines, coffee and tea.

If you are new to opera, Verismo is an affordable way to see some very talented performers at a fraction of the price you would normally pay at other venues. Tickets are only $20 and are available at verismoopera.org. “Faust” plays now through March 12.

Ballet Preljocaj will perform “Swan Lake” twice at the Mondavi Center.

Courtesy photo

Courtesy photo

Sinfonia Spirituosa, a Baroque-focused period instrument group, will play in Davis on Sunday.

‘Creed III’: Punches at its weight

Rousing sports saga makes all the right moves

Derrick Bang

Enterprise film critic

This spin-off boxing series finally dances on its own two feet, having outgrown its Rocky Balboa roots.

Nice to see.

The script — from Ryan Coogler, Keegan Coogler and Zach Baylin — delivers a satisfying blend of intimate family drama and riveting pugilistic action, along with a mystery that keeps folks guessing for awhile.

Star Michael B. Jordan also makes his directorial debut here. While he deserves credit for mounting a satisfying sports drama, he also has himself frequently framed in tight close-up by cinematographer Kramer Morgenthau (a frequent vanity misstep by actorsturned-first-time-directors).

And although this series always has threatened to drown in soggy melodrama, this newest entry again skates close to the edge, but (happily) doesn’t descend into slushy sentimentality.

The core plot stands on its own, but viewers unfamiliar with the two earlier films may be puzzled by some of the family dynamics, notably the (apparently) strained relationship between Adonis Creed (Jordan) and his beloved mother, Mary-Anne (Phylicia Rashad).

The film opens on a flashback that expands on our hero’s origin. It’s 2002, and

laced song lyrics

Starring: Michael B. Jordan, Tessa Thompson, Jonathan Majors, Phylicia Rashad, Mila Davis-Kent, Wood Harris, Jose Benavidez, Selenis Leyva

Available via: Movie theaters

15-year-old Adonis (Thaddeus J. Mixson) sneaks out of his house late on evening, in order to watch his slightly older best friend, Damian Anderson (Spence Moore II), win a key boxing match. The two bonded during the two years they lived in a juvenile center, when Damian schooled Adonis in the “sweet science.”

Following Damian’s victory, while stopping for snacks at a convenience store — a suddenly enraged Adonis starts beating on an older guy who exits the place. (And we think, what the heck?)

Cue two sudden cuts: the first showcasing the adult Adonis winning the bout that makes him World Heavyweight Champion, and then — just as quickly — several years later, to the present day. Adonis has retired and now runs the Delphi Boxing Academy with his former cornerman, Tony “Little Duke” Burton (Wood Harris). Current champ Felix Chavez (Jose

Benavidez) is in residence, as Delphi’s star boxer. Adonis shares his lavish Bel Air home with loving wife Bianca (Tessa Thompson), whose previous life as a pop performer has blossomed into an equally successful career as a music producer. They dote on young daughter Amara (Mila Davis-Kent, absolutely adorable), whose deafness hasn’t harmed her spirit.

Jordan and Davis-Kent share marvelous chemistry, and this story’s father/ daughter sequences are totally charming. Amara worships her father, and wants to learn more about boxing … to Bianca’s dismay. Particularly since the little girl tends to settle school disagreements with a punch. (Davis-Kent actually is deaf, which adds a solid touch of authenticity to her performance.)

The carefully cultivated serenity of Adonis’ life goes

Familiar, lovable teddy bear comes to life at Woodland Opera House

Special to The Enterprise

Jennifer Goldman, D.D.S. and Amy Thu Tran, D.D.S. present “Corduroy” at the Woodland Opera House, 340 Second St. in Woodland. Performances run March 17 to 26, Fridays at 7:30 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m.

Based on the books by Don Freeman, “Corduroy” and “A Pocket for Corduroy,” and adapted for the stage by Barry Kornhauser, the show is produced by special arrangement with Plays for New Audiences.

“Corduroy” is an expansion of the beloved children’s picture book that follows the little teddy bear, Corduroy, as he wanders through a department store in search of his missing button. In pursuit is an increasingly exasperated Night Watchman. And in the meantime, little Lisa searches for a way to win over Mom so she can give the bear a loving home.

This tender and enduring story is about longing, determination and true friendship. It stirs up the stage with a rumpus of action, joy and pathos. Presented as part of the Opera House’s Theatre for Families series, the production is recommended for all ages. Adults who are familiar

with the story from their own childhood will enjoy seeing the heartwarming tale of “Corduroy” live on the Opera House’s historic stage.

All seating is reserved, ticket prices are $20 for adults, $18 seniors (62plus), and $10 for children

under 17. Balcony pricing is adults at $12 and children at $7.

Purchase tickets online at www.WoodlandOperaHouse.Org and at the box office 530-666-9617. Hours are Tuesday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 5

awry with the unexpected return of Damian (now Jonathan Majors), fresh from an 18-year prison stretch. The reunion is awkward, the relationship clearly strained. Damian confesses a desire to make up for lost time, and resume his potential championship track. Adonis — although believing his long-ago friend is chasing an impossible dream — nonetheless encourages Damian to train at Delphi.

And we wonder: What’s actually going down?

This second mystery is enhanced by Majors’ quietly brooding performance. On the surface, Damian seems amiable, chastened, repentant. But his congenial smile feels superficial, his gradual insinuation into Adonis and Bianca’s life somehow calculated. Majors makes the man subtly shrewd, perhaps even manipulative.

As this dynamic plays out

during the first two acts, we can be sure it’ll lead to the anticipated climax (hardly a spoiler, since it’s telegraphed by this film’s poster and complementary publicity). Adonis will be dragged out of retirement in order to face his much larger, stronger former friend in the ring.

To everybody’s credit — writers and actors — this makes perfect sense. (That said, Bianca’s calm acceptance is ludicrous.)

Adonis endures several emotional upheavals, each of which Jordan handles persuasively. It soon becomes clear that Adonis’ comfortable life is something of a façade, since it masks a childhood trauma that he has tried to ignore.

Jordan is deftly nuanced, as this realization hits: sliding through anger, avoidance, realization and — ultimately — calm acceptance.

Bianca is too perfect, patient and understanding,

but — to Thompson’s credit — she puts genuine heart and soul into her confrontational exchanges with Jordan.

Harris is rock-solid as Burton, better able to coldly access the situation without being blinded by Adonis’ guilt-ridden view of things. Rashad gets some longawaited quality time, as Mary-Anne finally helps her son confront his past.

Morgenthau and stunt coordinator Clayton Barber cleverly depict the split-second observational “science” of boxing during the film’s two key bouts, as the fighters detect and act upon each other’s weaknesses.

But the slide into a “twilight zone” of suspended time, during the climactic match, doesn’t work as well as Jordan intended. It’s simply odd.

That’s small stuff, and doesn’t detract from this film’s crowd-pleasing ingredients. The formula may be predictable — a mood enhanced by composer Joseph Shirley’s orchestral underscore, which occasionally evokes memories of Bill Conti’s inspirational music for 1976’s “Rocky” — but that didn’t stop Tuesday evening’s full-house Sacramento preview audience from erupting in cheers, as the end credits rolled.

— Be sure to join Derrick when he hosts 1970’s “M*A*S*H” at 7:01 Sunday, as the last in a series of classic military comedies, presented at the Davis Odd Fellows Hall, 415 Second St. Read more of his film criticism at http://derrickbang. blogspot.com. Comment on this review at www.davisenterprise.com.

Odd Fellows host war comedy

Special to The Enterprise

The theme is “military comedies” and the final film in the “Classic Film Festival” will show at the Davis Odd Fellows Hall on Sunday, March 5 — the quintessential wartime comedy, “M.A.S.H.”

The movies in the classic film series presented on the big screen in the spacious Upper Hall, 415 Second St. in downtown Davis. The general public is cordially invited, and there is no admission charge (although donations in support of classic films are accepted at the door). Doors open at 6:29 p.m. and the program begins at 7:01 p.m.

“Our honored guest, Derrick Bang, the talented and respected film reviewer for the Davis Enterprise, will give a short talk about this film” the Classic Film Committee announced. “No one in Northern California knows more about classic cinema, and Derrick will be at each showing giving the backstory of the film, the actors, and the director. These are details

about the film and the actors that are generally unknown to the public. It’s entertaining and fascinating stuff from the Golden Age of Hollywood.”

Here is Bang’s intro to this classic:

“Still the best anti-war comedy ever made, and just as relevant today (and also better than most people remember, who think only of the later TV series). A killer cast headed by Donald Sutherland, Elliott Gould, Tom Skerrit, Sally Kellerman and Robert Duvall, a terrific Oscarwinning script, and additional Oscar nods for Best Picture, Director (Robert Altman), Actress (Kellerman) and Editing. Timeless.”

The Odd Fellows Bar, with wine, beer, mixed drinks and soft drinks is always open before and during the film — with reasonable prices. Popcorn is always free. And before the film, audience members enjoy the live music of According to Bazooka (Rene Martucci and Richard Urbino).

UCD music department presents diverse concerts

Special to The Enterprise

From a Mahler masterwork to the sounds of AfroBrazilian rhythms, the UC Davis Department of Music will present a variety of diverse programs in March.

The UC Davis Concert Band and the Campus Band will perform a dozen works by composers including Leonard Bernstein and Samuel Barber, and a new work, “Noctilucence,” by UCD physics student Jason Chen. John Mackey’s “Sheltering Sky,” presented with an animated film by Marc Russo, and music by Satoschi Yagisawa and Ralph Vaughan Williams will also be performed. The concert will take place March 8 at the Robert and Margrit Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts.

The Concert Band is directed by Pete Nowlen and the Campus Band by alumnus Garrett Rigsby.

Mike Marshall, mandolin, and Choro Famoso, which includes UC Davis music lecturer Brian Rice,

pandeiro, ignite the vibrant sounds of Afro-Cuban rhythms, a trademark of Choro, when they perform at the Ann E. Pitzer Center on March 10. A three-time Grammy Award nominee, Marshall is an acclaimed jazz improviser and a master on mandolin, guitar, mandocello and violin who, at age 20, made his Carnegie Hall debut with jazz violinist Stéphane Grappelli as a member of the David Grisman Quintet.

Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 (“Resurrection”) brings together the UC Davis Symphony Orchestra with the University Chorus and Alumni Chorus for the first time in five years and will feature guest artists Carrie Hennessey, soprano, and Julie Miller, mezzo-soprano.

First performed in 1895, Mahler further developed the creativity of “sound of the distance” and creating a “world of its own,” aspects already heard in his First Symphony and reflected his lifelong view of the beauty of the afterlife.

The March 12 concert at the Mondavi Center will include Mari Esabel Valverde’s “Our Phoenix” with text by Amir Rabiyah. The orchestra is directed and conducted by Christian Baldini and the choruses are directed and conducted by Erik Peregrine.

The Jazz Big Bands of UC Davis take the stage of the Pitzer Center on March 14. Under the direction of Otto Lee, the bands will play the music of Duke Ellington, Sammy Nestico, Radiohead, Cole Porter and Gordon Goodwin.

The concerts begin at 7 p.m. Tickets are $24 for adults and $12 for students and youth, and are available at the Mondavi Center Ticket Office in person or by calling 530-754-2787, Tuesday-Friday, 12-5 p.m. Tickets are also available online at mondaviarts.org. For information about additional concerts and performances by the College of Letters and Science’s department of music, visit arts.ucdavis. edu/music.

Courtesy photo

The calm before an impending storm: Adonis (Michael B. Jordan) enjoys some quality family time with his wife Bianca (Tessa Thompson) and their daughter Amara (Mila Davis-Kent) in “Creed III.”

Joshua Wheeler/Courtesy photo

Eddie Voyce stars as Corduroy in the Woodland Opera House production of “Corduroy.”

Joshua Wheeler/Courtesy photo

Eddie Voyce is Corduroy, right, and Zariah Williamson is Lisa in the Woodland Opera House production of “Corduroy.”

Public health on the chopping block

Kim Saruwatari and Nancy Williams

Special to CalMatters

The state’s public health emergency, in place for nearly three years, expired Tuesday. Californians know from experience that it won’t be time to let down our guard.

We know better. Experience taught us that threats rarely subside permanently. For instance, after a wildfire is contained, there remain a threat it can flare up again — all it could take is another spark. We also know that while heavy rains and snow can ease a drought, dry years typically come again.

California learned these lessons from experience. The COVID-19 public health emergency caught the state off guard and taught us many lessons that we can use to prevent being caught off guard again.

In California and elsewhere, public health defenses had been weakened by decades of disinvestment, which made responding to the pandemic difficult while longstanding barriers to health exacted an inequitable toll in the most vulnerable communities. Yet on the eve of the scheduled end to the state of emergency, Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed cutting $49.8 million dedicated to rebuilding California’s local public health workforce.

To cut public health funding is a shortsighted proposal that the Legislature should reject and the governor should reconsider.

While the state wisely decided last year to provide annual, ongoing funding to rebuild California’s weakened public health infrastructure, achieving that goal won’t be possible without providing the planned boost of one-time workforce development funds to bolster a pipeline of laboratory directors, epidemiologists, microbiologists and other skilled professionals.

Local public health departments are the frontline of defense against all public health threats. Even as the pandemic raged, and despite the fact that many were already understaffed, they carried on as best they could to protect Californians from an outbreak of Mpox, rising rates of sexually transmitted diseases, tuberculosis and other infectious diseases that will continue to devastate our communities long after this declared emergency has ended.

It takes a highly skilled and specialized workforce to carry out the task of protecting the public’s health. However, statewide, there is a severe shortage of public health laboratory directors who can carry out the testing necessary to identify and respond to contagious diseases.

The overwhelming stress of responding to COVID-19, often with harassment and threats fueled by misinformation, has worn down public health professionals, many of whom are being heavily recruited by employers in other sectors or choosing to take extended breaks or retire. We must try to keep as many public health workers as possible. The promised funds were designed to create educational opportunities that would enable existing employees to advance their careers while staying on the job. Now these funds are at risk of being lost forever.

When it was announced last fall that California’s COVID-19 emergency would end on Feb. 28, Health and Human Services Agency Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly observed that responding to the pandemic “has prepared us for whatever comes next.”

It’s true that many lessons have been learned. We know what we would need to address what comes next, but we will not be truly prepared unless we have fully trained and staffed local public health departments ready to provide a vigorous response to all existing and emerging public health threats.

We must never be caught off guard again. In California, we should know better.

— Kim Saruwatari is the president of the County Health Executives Association of California and public health director for Riverside County. Dr. Nancy Williams is the president of the Health Officers Association of California and public health officer for El Dorado County. They wrote this for CalMatters, a public interest journalism venture committed to explaining how California's Capitol works and why it matters.

Education, innovation key to growth

One aspect of my role leading a world-class university is paying attention to the tangible contributions UC Davis provides to our local and state economies and to the livelihoods of so many. I’m pleased to say that together with our campus community and partners, UCD is having a measurable, positive impact on our state and regional economy, as pointed out in a UC Davis report that was released in November.

The findings, which cover the year 2019, were shared in an annual meeting between UC Davis, the city of Davis and Yolo County. Those findings showed clearly how UC Davis is a major economic driver for California and especially our region. While this may not be a surprise to many of us, the data that confirms our strength and impact is worth sharing as much as we can.

For the region immediately in and around Davis, the university’s spending of $3.3 billion and 25,100 employees generated $6.8 billion in economic activity and 46,300 jobs. For the city of Davis, direct expenditures of $889 million generated total eco-

nomic impact of $988 mil-

lion. It found that more than half of the economic activity attributable to the university benefited our local sevencounty region.

Our statewide economic impact is just as impressive. UC Davis generated $12.56 billion in statewide economic activity and supported 68,900 jobs in 2019. This was an increase of $4 billion in economic impact from our last report, which was conducted from 2013 to 2014. The analysis also found that every dollar UCD spent in California generated an additional $1.10 of economic activity in the state. For every UC Davis job, the university’s economic activity led to the creation of another job in California. But this about much more than numbers. We’re showing how education and innovation are key to our economic growth, both in the city and beyond.

As we look ahead, we will

Montgomery PTA auction

The Montgomery Elementary PTA is so excited to remind you that our 20th annual PTA auction is rapidly approaching. We would love to see many members of our wider community there to celebrate this milestone year with us.

Our theme this year is “Enchanted Evening.” Please join us March 11 from 5:30 to 10 p.m. as we eat, drink and while away the hours in an enchanted forest setting at the Davis Veterans Memorial Center. Tickets for this event and a preview of our auction catalog are available at https://mmepta.schoolauction.net/ enchanted2023/homepages/show. Our online auction will also be open for bidding until March 4.

If you have questions reach out to me at slinkard.anne@gmail.com. We hope to see you there!

Anne Slinkard MME PTA Auction Co-coordinator/

President

2022-2023 PTA

On growing up

In reference to the Feb. 25 column “Davis must grow up, not out,” appearing in the Davis Enterprise, I wish to note a

Speak

President

keep moving forward in translating our research into commercial goods and services. Our entrepreneurial culture at UC Davis includes more than 1,500 active patents. Last year alone, UCD helped launch 13 startups, made 132 invention disclosures, and completed 50 licensing agreements. Overall, these startups focus on critical technologies related to Alzheimer’s Disease treatments, cancer drugs and a host of innovations related health, food and agriculture. And these innovations have the power to change the way we live and for generations to come.

The report concludes that the key to local competitiveness is to foster the success of smaller startup companies. That success would be a beacon to attract other startups and lead toward a large and sustainable number of biotech and life sciences firms.

UC Davis is following this path now, by preparing a skilled workforce and providing facilities to support our startup culture. We are advancing entrepreneurship through our Venture Catalyst

few home truths. There are many people in Davis who are absolutely opposed to infill. Look at the fight over Trackside in the downtown area as just one example. The new University Mall mixed-use project was criticized as being too tall, and now is downsizing to a strictly one-story commercial venture as it has always been. Every time a developer proposes a tall building, critics come out of the woodwork to advocate lowering the height.

Secondly, not everyone wants to live in a dense, compact and crowded area. It is called tenement living. I am a transplant from Washington, DC. I used to have a two-story colonial on a half-acre lot. I truly miss having a large wooded property with a degree of privacy, and land that I can enjoy. Now I live in a house in Davis where I can literally reach out and touch my next door neighbor, because the yards are so small. I have had some bad neighbors at times (fortunately not now), that have made me wish I were back in my former house in Washington.

Third, building a strong downtown is not necessitated by building up instead of out. The important lesson to strengthen the downtown is to be careful how the city grows, keeping in mind existing businesses. Woodland is a perfect example of how not to do it. They built the Woodland Shopping Mall on the periphery, which damaged its downtown. Later, they

Building, Washington, D.C., 20510; 202224-3553; email: https://www.padilla. senate.gov/contact/contact-form/

House of Representatives

program, which helps enable the success of startups based on UCD technologies through a variety of programs. For instance, The Mike and Renee Child Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, which is housed in our Graduate School of Management, is a hub for researchers who are seeking viable pathways to commercializing their ideas. Aggie Square, the innovation hub we’re developing on the Sacramento campus, is another example of how we’re partnering for innovation and growth.

These findings are at the heart of what it means to live in “California’s College Town.” We’re home to one of the nation’s top universities for the social mobility we provide for students. We live in a city that thrives on intellect and ingenuity. And the innovations being developed right here are helping us build a brighter tomorrow, all with job opportunities and substantial benefits to our economy.

As these reports make clear, an affiliation with UC Davis is priceless. Gary May is the chancellor of UC Davis; his column is published monthly.

proceeded to build the huge Costco Shopping Complex out beyond the other end of town, which destroyed business at the Woodland Shopping Mall, and damaged the downtown area yet again. They are now trying to revitalize their downtown, but it’s a slow slog.

Fourth, PG&E has continually expressed no interest in selling its property in the downtown area. They have made that very clear over the years. So tell me again what is so smart about building up and not out?

Elaine Roberts Musser Davis

Please drop ‘Dilbert’

It’s past time to drop “Dilbert,” the cartoon from Scott Adams. His once-humorous take on office culture in the tech world has degenerated into rants against diversity, women, and more. But his recent public statement that “the best advice I would give to white people is to get the hell away from Black people” marks him as not just unfunny, but totally unfit to appear in The Enterprise.

Our Davis community includes Black people, many of whom no doubt subscribe to this paper. Let’s help him take his own advice, and get him out of our paper and out of our community.

Laurel Beckett Davis

Foy S. McNaughton President and CEO R. Burt McNaughton Publisher

The Hon. Joe Biden, The White House, Washington, D.C., 20500; 202-456-1111 (comments), 202-456-1414 (switchboard); email: http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact

U.S. Senate

Sen. Dianne Feinstein, 331 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C., 20510; 202-224-3841; email: https://www. feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/ e-mail-me

Sen. Alex Padilla, 112 Hart Senate Office

Rep. Mike Thompson, 268 Cannon Office Building, Washington, D.C., 20515; 202225-3311. District office: 622 Main Street, Suite 106, Woodland, CA 95695; 530-753-5301; email: https:// https:// mikethompsonforms.house.gov/contact/

Governor Gov. Gavin Newsom, State Capitol, Suite 1173, Sacramento, CA 95814; 916-4452841; email: https://govapps.gov.ca.gov/ gov40mail/

YOLOlaughs

UC Davis women’s hoops wins on the road

Emterprise staff

ISLA VISTA — The UC Davis women’s basketball team posted an 80-59 win over UC Santa Barbara in a Big West Conference game on Thursday.

UCD (11-7 in the Big West, 15-13) shot nearly 60% as a team and 50% (9-for-18) from 3-point range in an incredible offensive showing.

Three Aggie players scored in double figures.

Campbell Gray had a career-high 13 points and a perfect 6-for-6 from the field.

Tova Sabel followed with 12 points.

Victoria Baker had 11 points coming off the bench and Tess Sussman had a gamehigh 10 rebounds.

The Aggies’ defense held UCSB shooters to only 29.4 percent from the field, including 18.8 percent from 3-point range.

UCD beach volleyball

The UC Davis beach volleyball team swept its home matches against the University of the Pacific and Causeway rival Sacramento State on Wednesday.

UCD (4-0) knocked off Pacific 5-0 and Sacramento State 3-2, all at the Aggies’ beach volleyball courts.

The Aggies have beaten the University of the Pacific in all three meetings since 2019. This sweep marked three in a row for the Aggies.

Then UCD claimed three straight flights to beat the Hornets. Sacramento captured the first, in a competitive three sets and fifth flights.

Now the Aggies take their talents to Santa Cruz Beach for the Santa Clara Tournament on Saturday. The first match is against the University of San Francisco at 11 a.m., followed by another meeting against Sacramento State at 2:30 p.m. and ending with Saint Mary’s College at 4:30 p.m.

Aggie women’s water polo

IRVINE — After leading the UC Davis women’s water polo to three impressive wins over the weekend, center defender Ally Clague has been named Big West Player of the Week, announced Wednesday afternoon by league officials.

Clague enjoyed a fantastic weekend in Irvine, scoring a team-high eight goals. She was also extremely effective on the defensive end, racking up seven steals and one field block.

The Fresno native was instrumental in the Aggies’ win over No. 9 Michigan, netting four goals, snatching three steals, drawing two exclusions, and dishing out one assist.

Clague receives the weekly honor for the first time in her career following her excellent display. She has scored 16 goals and handed out seven assists this season, while picking up 17 steals.

UCD returns to action on March when

DHS: Title game Saturday 3

From Page B6

the ball into the corner of the net for a 1-0 score.

Now the battle of the undefeated teams in Davis and Clovis North will meet Saturday at Ron and Mary Brown Stadium for Northern California bragging rights.

“It feels awesome,”

Vaca-Lorenzi said. “We’re

going to go in and play like we have been all season.”

The title game also be the last game of the season for both teams.

The champions from northern and southern California in Divisions I through V do not play each other after teams in their respective divisions win their regional title.

For more information about other high school soccer teams playing in regional title games on Saturday, both boys and girls, visit www.cifstate. org, click on the Sports tab, then soccer and 2023 NorCal brackets.

— Contact Mike Bush at mike@davisenterprise. net. Follow on Twitter: @ MBDavisSports.

it begins Big West Conference play at CSU Northridge.

Sacramento Kings

SACRAMENTO The NBA announced Thursday that Sacramento Kings Head Coach Mike Brown has been named the Western Conference Coach of the Month for February.

Brown is the third head coach in franchise history to win the monthly award, joining Rick Adelman (January 2004 and January 2002) and Garry St. Jean (November 1995).

Brown led the Kings to an 8-4 record (.667) in February, the second-most wins in the Western Conference during the month, as Sacramento is currently on a four-game winstreak out of the All-Star break.

In February, the Kings led the NBA with seven games where they scored 120+ points, which included a 176-175 win in double overtime against the Los Angeles Clippers on Feb. 24, marking the second-highest scoring game in NBA history.

The Kings ranked first in the NBA in points per game (125.8) and offensive rating (121.2) and went a perfect 7-0 in February in games where they scored 120 points or more.

Sacramento sits at third in the Western Conference with a 36-25 record (.590) and are 11 games over .500 for the first

time since the 2004-05 season. The Kings lead the NBA in scoring (120.7) and offensive efficiency (118.0) while ranking third in assists per game (27.1), third in field goal percentage (49.8%), ninth in 3-point percentage (36.8%) and tied for seventh in total 3-pointers made (820).

The honor marks the sixth time Brown has been named Coach of the Month during his coach career, including his first since December. 2009.

Since the award’s inception in the 1982-83 season, Brown is the 20th coach in the NBA to earn Coach of the Month at least six times in their career.

San Francisco 49ers

SANTA CLARA — The San Francisco 49ers announced a new multi-year broadcast partnership with Sactown Sports 1140 AM, the local sports leader for the Sacramento metropolitan area. Starting with the 2023-24 NFL season, all preseason and regular season 49ers games will be radio broadcast by Sactown Sports for the Sacramento Faithful.

“We are always happy to welcome Sacramento-based fans who travel to Levi’s Stadium for home games, but for those who can’t normally make the trip, we are excited to bring gamedays to them with new radio broadcasts on Sactown Sports,” said Al Guido, 49ers president.

Chilly workouts equal free pizza

Nobody had said anything, but I felt that my distinction as the world’s oldest water polo player was in jeopardy.

It had been so long since I played on one of those chilly Wednesdays — 8 to 9:30 pm at Schaal Aquatics Center — that my crown seemed to be slipping, like a poorly caught pass.

But when our coach Kandace Waldthaler mentioned free pizza after a game, that brought me out. During my absence, attendance had not changed much, three teams and subs.

There was a new goalie, a recent arrival from MIT, who kept swatting away my goal shots. He did not realize whom he

was dealing with. I let him know that at 87, I am the world’s oldest player of the game. He said he hoped he would still be playing that age and continued to knock down my shots. When he did, he was booed by everyone. He did not realize he was supposed to give me one.

Big West ConferenCe

Aggie men lose close contest

By Bob Dunning Enterprise staff writer

The sixth and final first-round bye to the Big West Conference men’s basketball tournament will be decided Saturday afternoon when UC Davis hosts Long Beach State in a 1 p.m. game at the University Credit Union Center.

That scenario came into clear focus Thursday night when the Aggies dropped an 89-86 decision to leagueleading UC Santa Barbara before a crowd of 2,113 at the UCUC, while Long Beach State stayed home to rout Cal State Bakersfield, 77-61.

That result leaves Long Beach in sixth place with an 11-8 league mark, while the Aggies are in seventh at 10-8.

Saturday’s game is the final of the regular season for both schools. The Aggies will have played one game less than Long Beach after having to cancel a game against Cal State Fullerton last week due to injuries.

Saturday’s winner gains one of the six first-round byes to the conference tournament that begins next week at the Dollar Loan Center in Henderson, Nev.

Teams that finish seventh through 10th will square off in the first round Tuesday, with the two winners joining the six who earned first-round byes in Thursday’s second round.

The tournament champion will represent the Big West in the NCAA tournament.

Thursday night before the largest home crowd of the year, UCD bolted to a 16-6 lead and appeared ready to blow the Gauchos out of the arena. But UCSB struck back and trailed just 37-36 at half.

After the Aggies put together a 15-point run to take a 52-40 lead early in the second half, the relentless Gauchos responded quickly to take a 64-61 advantage.

“When we got up by 12 that’s when you need to step on the throat and pull away, but we got rushed and we let them back in it,” said Aggie coach Jim Les.

“You can’t do that with a good team. It puts a lot of stress on your offense when you give up 89 points on your home floor.”

Eli Pepper, who led all scorers with 30 points, kept the Aggies in it down the stretch, giving UCD an 80-79 lead with a pair of free throws with 1:45 left. After the Gauchos responded, Ade Adebayo’s basket gave the lead back to UCD at 82-81 at 1:12.

But UCSB hit two free throws and a basket off an inbounds pass with just two seconds on the shot clock to take the lead for good.

The Aggies trailed 89-85 when Pepper went to the line for two shots with 4.1 seconds remaining. Pepper made the first, then intentionally missed the second, but in a mad scramble for the rebound, Santa Barbara’s Josh Pierre-Louis came up with the loose ball as time ran out.

“We have to clean some things up,” said Les about Saturday’s game with Long Beach.

— Contact Bob Dunning at bdunning@davisenter prise.net.

Masters water polo will add Mondays to its Wednesday nights beginning March 27.

At the Vacaville Swim Club’s swim meet on Feb. 11, I knew I should have been disqualified after swimming the 50-yard butterfly. I knew because my teammate, Andy McPherson, had told me exactly what I did wrong. Yet, when I climbed out of the pool, the referee gave me a blank stare. She knew and I knew, but nothing was said. Sometimes it pays to be 87.

DAM’s standout swimmers at the meet were Helene Nehrebecki, Melanie Belluomini, Linda M. Casillas, Amy Rieger, Kathy Gill, Sally Guthrie, Michelle Gold-

berg, Jennifer Phalen, Peggy Reedy, Leslie Westergaard, Alexander Rossbach, Coach Matt Zachan, Matt Roper, Kevin Waterson, David Starkovich, Daniel Sperka, Chris Rock, Andrew McPherson and your reporter.

DAM head coach Matt Zachan reports that the civic pool heater is working and warming. The schedule has returned to normal.

— Mark Braly’s Masters Swimming column is published the first Wednesday of each month. It is appearing in today’s edition because of space in Wednesday’s edition. Contact him at markbraly@sbcglobal.net.

Cif norCal soCCer Championships

Christoph lossin/enterprise photo

Davis High forward Simon Vaca-Lorenzi (17) celebrates after scoring on a penalty-kick rebound in the second half of Thursday’s semifinal playoff game against Monte Vista. Vaca-Lorenzi had to take the kick twice, and saw the second attempt saved, but still got it in the net to give the Blue Devils a 3-2 victory over the Mustangs.

Penalty drama puts DHS in title game

By Mike Bush Enterprise sports editor

Simon Vaca-Lorenzi spread out his arms as his Davis High boys soccer teammates surrounded him in celebration after scoring what appeared to be the winning penalty shot.

But one of the three game officials ruled that a DHS player stepped into the box at the time of Vaca-Lorenzi took his penalty kick. That led to another opportunity at the goal.

The second shot was clearly different from the first one. VacaLorenzi booted the soccer ball into the hands of the Mustang goalie, who watched it bounce off his gloves. Vaca-Lorenzi reacted quickly, booting the ball while the Monte Vista goalie was still on the ground, sending it into the twine for the game-winning goal.

Blue Devils’ Rigo Guerra also had a big play in Thursday’s California Interscholastic Federation NorCal Boys Soccer Championships Division I game against Monte Vista at Ron and Mary Brown Stadium.

So did DHS goalie Declan Fee, who came up with saves at the right time.

The last four minutes were exciting for the Blue Devil and Mustang teams. But top-seed Davis (21-0-2), which trailed at one point, pulled through with a 3-2 win over No. 4 Monte Vista (21-2-5).

“The boys came out the last four

minutes with a lot of heart,” said Davis head coach Alex Park. Now the stage is set for Davis, which is ranked No. 2 in California and No. 3 in the nation according to MaxPreps. The Blue Devils will host No. 2 Clovis North (26-0-1) for the regional championship. Clovis North is ranked No. 3 in California and No. 4 in the nation. Clovis North advanced to the title game when it beat No. 3 Mountain View by the same score of 3-2, also on Thursday.

According to DHS Athletic Director Jeff Lorenson, the Blue Devils and Broncos have agreed to play the title game Saturday at 3 p.m.

This is the second time this season that a DHS boys athletic team is playing for a NorCal championship. The Blue Devils boys water polo team beat San Ramon Valley by an 11-10 score in the CIF NorCal Boys Championships D-II game at American River College in Sacramento on Nov. 19.

Vaca-Loreniz, a senior forward, earned a penalty kick in the 78th minute with the game knotted at 2-2, after a holding call. He lined the initial kick against the Mustangs goalie and sent the low linedrive into the corner of the net for the go-ahead score.

That led to the Blue Devil spreading his arms in celebration at the north end of the field, looking at the DHS fans while his teammates surrounded and congratulated him, before the

referees made him do it again.

“I went up the same way twice,” Vaca-Lorenzi said. “I realized he missed it, but I kept going. I just remained calm and I just slide it in.”

Vaca-Lorenzi felt that goal was probably the biggest he’s taken this season.

“The most pressure, definitely,” he said.

Guerra recorded the game-tying goal a minute earlier. This one on a loose ball inside the box.

A minute before the goal, Fee stretched out his lengthy arms, deflecting a shot on goal off his finger tips. “I could tell that it wasn’t going to go into the goal,” said Fee of the save.

Vaca-Lorenzi added, “He has some amazing saves. He’s been playing awesome this whole season.”

Monte Vista broke a 1-1 tie in the 76th minute when forward Stefan Zanatti sent the ball into the back of the net. That gave the Mustangs a short-lived 2-1 advantage.

The Mustangs tied the game at 1-1 in the 62nd minute. A group of Monte Vista and DHS players scrambled for the loose soccer ball in front of the Blue Devils’ goal. But a Mustang player was able to control the ball and sent it into the corner of the net for the tie.

Davis scored its first goal at the 33rd minute — on another VacaLorenzi penalty kick. He pushed See DHS, Page B5

Blue Devil forward Rigo Guerra (11) slips past two Monte Vista players in Thursday’s regional playoff game. Guerra scored the game-tying goal toward the end of the second half. Now Guerra and DHS will play Clovis North for the regional D-I title at Ron

and Mary Brown Stadium on Saturday. Game time is 3 p.m.

photo

arya

lalvani/enterprise photo

UC Davis guard TY Johnson (2) flies into the air for a basket in Thursday’s game at the University Credit Union Center.