The Davis Enterprise Sunday, April 9, 2023

Fashion forward

‘Intertwined’: Picnic Day to put a spotlight on design

By Monica Stark Enterprise staff writer

Putting the spotlight on style, The UC Davis Fashion and Design Society presents “Intertwined” at this year’s Picnic Day on Saturday, April 15, at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. The undergraduate students in the Signature Collections course will present their pieces live and outdoors at the Cruess Hall Maker Space Courtyard.

According to a press release, this year’s event features 12 student-created collections which display a wide range of concepts from sustainability, minimalism, and craftsmanship to cultural diversity merged into the aesthetic qualities of each outfit.

“Our designs this year are truly unique. We have a lot of fun surprises from our students this year. Audiences can expect a lot of colors this year,” said FADS executive director and President Julia Dang.

“We are once again very excited to host the department of design’s long-lasting tradition, the Picnic Day Fashion Show, at our Maker Space

Courtyard,” said Gozde Goncu Berk, associate professor and instructor of the Signature Collections course. “Along with an exhibition that displays this year’s designers’ processes and other works from textiles to wearable technologies. This year’s fashion show ‘Intertwined’ will showcase highly creative collections with very playful pieces to outfits with a strong focus on sustainability and cultural diversity.”

Three of the show’s designers wrote to The Enterprise to describe the uniqueness of their pieces.

Ahtziry Vazquez, a design major and Chicano studies minor, wants to represent her cultural background at the show. “I hope to give a sense of accomplishment and gratitude to the Mexican culture.”

Inspired by Hispanic heritage murals, Vazquez used her artistic and textile print skills to create her own unique fabrics and visuals. She has also played with fabric manipulations that present distinct elements of each garment.

Heather Lee, a graduating senior majoring in design with a focus on textiles and a minor in museum studies, will have a collection of four pieces and single garments in the show and exhibition. Between these different pieces, you can see

See FASHION, Back page

Clash on trans rights at school board meeting

By Aaron Geerts Enterprise staff writer

DJUSD school board meetings have had turbulent public comment sections recently, and Thursday’s was no different. While the board had its agenda to adhere to, it came after an explosion of emotions in the public comment section regarding transgender ideologies.

One DJUSD parent urged the district to sever ties with the Davis Phoenix Coalition. Holding up a flyer, she claimed that on March 12, the group held a secret drag workshop and that kids could RSVP for it without parental consent through a secret chat on Discord. The community member went on to state how the DPC is preying on vulnerable children and the harm of transitioning children who may

Council prioritizes tax measure for 2024 ballot

By Anne Ternus-Bellamy Enterprise staff writer

Davis voters will likely see a revenue-generating measure on the November 2024 ballot, but not any of the four peripheral development proposals currently in the works.

The City Council on Tuesday expressed their preference for dedicating staff time, limited as it is, toward community engagement on a tax measure that would go before voters during the presidential election, while community engagement continues on what residents want as far as peripheral development.

There are now four projects proposing some 2,500 housing units in total along East Covell Boulevard and south on Mace Boulevard. All would require a vote of the public under Measure J/R/D.

The newest proposal comes from John Whitcombe for the 400-acre property north of Covell and west of Pole Line Road. Davis voters perviously voted down a housing development — Covell Village — at that site in 2005.

Whitcombe and his partners have not yet submitted a proposal but plan to do so on or around April 10, the city was told.

A

DJUsD/cOUrtesy

otherwise be gay or lesbian.

Another district parent took to the podium and claimed she was publicly denounced prior to the meeting for being hateful, ignorant and for harming people. She claimed to be coming from a place of compassion and urged

the district to heed the warnings of de-transitioners and the daily mental/physical suffering they endure because of their transition.

Then came opposing points of view from other district parents. One claimed there was a growing trend in districts throughout the country of denying inclusivity and trans and LGBTQ rights at schools. She went on to warn about the detriment of removing information from the curriculum regarding gender identity.

Another community member claimed anti-trans activists were outside the high school (she did not specify which) holding up signs comparing being trans or non-binary to getting a lobotomy. She also addressed the perceived narrative that parents like her

See RIGHTS, Back page

Further east on Covell are the Palomino Place proposal from David Taormino, which would develop the 25-acre Horse Ranch property in Wildhorse with up to 184 housing units (including up to 55 accessory dwelling units); the 234-acre Shriner’s property proposal for just east of Palomino Place that would include about 1,100 housing units; and the “On the Curve” proposal on 85 acres east of Mace Boulevard that would include up to 788 housing units.

“We’re in uncharted territory where we have several that have come in front of us simultaneously and they’re all jockeying to be the first one and all are targeting November 2024 as the election date, because we know it’s going to be a huge presidential election,” said Mayor Will Arnold.

But given the staff time required to get such projects through review and onto the ballot — and a city planning department that remains understaffed — a subcommittee comprising Arnold and Councilman Bapu Vaitla had recommended that the full council consider picking one of the four projects to undertake review for possible inclusion on the November

See COUNCIL, Page A5

Maria Galvan-OrOzcO/Uc Davis phOtO

The Picnic Day Fashion Show will feature designs like this one from Ahtziry Vazquez’s “Orgullo” collection. The model is Marron Capistrano (a fourth-year design major).

Davis parent addresses the School Board on Thursday in front of a gallery loaded with signs supporting trans rights.

That’s really going to mess up the song

If you live in Davis City Council District 3, as approximately 20 percent of the folks in town do, the following pertains to you.

The other 80 percent of Davis residents can go back to whatever right and relevant activities they were enjoying before I so rudely interrupted you.

District 3, you see, will be holding a special election in early May to fill a vacant council seat while the rest of town will be on the outside looking in.

Then again, presumably some concerned citizens in Districts 1, 2, 4 and 5 may have a passing interest in who will ultimately represent District 3 given that she — it will be a she — will be voting on issues that affect us all.

There are two candidates for the District 3 seat, Donna Neville and Mary F. "Francesca" Wright.

But before they can do battle, the California secretary of state had an important question to decide. And that is, which candidate will be listed first on the ballot.

Believe it or not, there's a procedure for this.

"Randomized Alphabet Drawing Results and Rotation — City of Davis May 2, 2023

All-Mail Ballot Special Municipal Election" said the headline from the Yolo County Elections Office,

using more capital letters than allowed by law.

"Randomized Alphabet Drawing to determine order of candidates' names on the ballot. The results of the state randomized alphabet drawing is listed here."

Since "results" is plural, it should be "are," not "is" listed here, but the county apparently decided not to hire a proofreader.

"In accordance with Elections Code section 13112, the Secretary of State conducted a random drawing on February 6, 2023, of the letters of the alphabet."

Sounds like something the California Lottery might do.

"This randomized alphabet determines the order of appearance of candidates' names on the ballot for the upcoming City of Davis May 2, 2023, All-Mail Ballot Special Municipal Election to fill a vacancy in City Council District 3 (2019 boundaries)."

Toddler unhurt in parking-lot collision

By Lauren Keene Enterprise staff writer

Emergency personnel responded to a South Davis parking lot Thursday in response to a carversus-pedestrian collision.

Lt. John Evans said the pedestrian, a 2-year-old child, ran into the bum-

per of a slow-moving vehicle in the parking lot of the McDonald’s restaurant in the 4400 block of Chiles Road.

“The child did not sustain any injuries but was taken to the hospital as a precaution,” Evans said. Officers responded to the scene and took a report to document the incident.

The secretary of state held this drawing just for us? I'm touched.

"Using a random alphabet and rotating the order of candidate names by supervisorial district, together ensure fairness and impartiality in determining how candidates are placed on the ballot."

Imagine that. They're going to place entire candidates on the ballot, not just their names.

Now this is where we all need to pay close attention, because if you don't know your ABCs, you could be left out in the cold.

"The randomized alphabet applies THROUGHOUT the candidate's entire last name first, followed, if necessary, by first name, then middle name."

So the last shall be first. I think that's in the Good Book somewhere.

"If more than one candidate's last name begins with the same letter, proceed to the second letter and, if needed, the third, etc. We follow this process until a different letter appears allowing us to determine who appears first on the ballot."

There will be a quiz at the end of this tutorial.

"For example, if two candidates with the last names Campbell and

Carlson are running for the same office, their order on the ballot will depend on the order in which the letters 'M' and 'R' were drawn in the randomized alphabet drawing."

All those who jumped to the conclusion that Campbell will be listed first because "M" comes before "R" in the alphabet please go back to square one and repeat the lesson.

According to the randomized drawing, the first letter of the alphabet is now "L" and the second letter is "F."

The letter "R" is 14 and the letter "M" is 20, which means Carlson, not Campbell, will be listed first.

While most candidates, seemingly, would prefer to be listed first, it's unclear if Carlson is the winner here and can pick where to be on the ballot or if Carlson will automatically be listed first even if Carlson would prefer to be somewhere else. I suspect the latter, but I may have to call the Secretary of State to be sure.

Given that our very own District 3 race has just two candidates, they could have just flipped a coin, but that would be against the law.

Reach Bob Dunning at bdunning@davisenterprise.net.

Cops seek elusive serial trespasser

By Lauren

Keene Enterprise staff writer Davis police are seeking the public’s help to identify a serial trespasser.

The unidentified man has repeatedly peered into windows of houses in the 700 block of Sycamore Lane during the nighttime hours, according to a Davis Police Department social media post that included the man’s photo.

“Once residents become aware of his presence, he flees on foot,” the post said.

“Although officers have quickly responded to the calls, we have not yet been able to stop him.” Police describe the suspect as a light-skinned male between 35 and 45 years old with a medium to large build, mustache/goatee and receding hairline. He often wears a lightcolored track or sweat suit. Anyone with information or who can identify the suspect is urged to contact Davis police detectives at 530-747-5400.

Plant-based eatery options start to wither

Vegans and vegetarians got a double dose of bad news recently, as two Davis restaurants, Musette and Burger Patch, announced their closures.

Burger Patch, at 500 First St. in Davis Commons, closed on March 31. Musette, inside University Mall, is looking to close on or before Friday, April 21, depending on stock.

Many smaller, local businesses that survived the pandemic are feeling especially squeezed these days. COVID relief funding and sometimes the generosity of landlords helped many stay open. But we are seeing the effects as leases come up for renewal – often at significant increases. Our local favorites have a hard time competing with national chains for valuable space.

It’s a theme throughout today’s column and will be in the immediate future.

Musette owners Cynthia and Mic Raub of Davis opened Pannier at the start of the pandemic, with weekly menus – cooked in the Davis Odd Fellows kitchen – for pickup or delivery. They soon outgrew the cloud kitchen, and reimagined the concept into a grain- bowl menu that featured local, flavorful and nutrient-rich items. It’s not all vegetarian; chicken and pork are available.

Musette opened in September 2021 at 825 Russell Blvd., Suite 27, in University Mall. It filled the space last occupied by Ramen Hook. Its interior location didn’t bring a lot of foot traffic, but word traveled fast, and it quickly developed a following. It is my favorite place for a to-go meal in Davis. It meets all the cravings for healthy, chewy, crunchy, sweet, briny, savory – you get the picture. I am bummed.

The couple released the following statement: “More than disappointment or sadness, we feel relief and

peace. Throughout the pandemic, we were able to pivot and reconceptualize to meet each moment. We were led by our values each step of the way, operating on a desire to serve and support our community. We are proud of our work and our impact.”

They continued, “Progress is moving forward on the University Mall redevelopment project and we can no longer hold our breath in anticipation of when the developer will issue a 30-day notice to vacate. The waiting has been agonizing and it has been long overdue that we take control of our situation. We have always done things our way, and this situation is no different.”

The Davis Planning Commission on March 8 approved plans for the redo of University Mall, which will be called The Davis Collection. It will be singlestory, with only retail and restaurant spaces. Earlier proposals included housing. An attempt by City Councilman Bapu Vaitla to appeal the Planning Commission’s decision was denied at Tuesday’s City Council meeting.

Brixmor has not released names of prospective tenants, but said at that meeting, “We probably have three of the anchors that are fairly well-committed and four of the 15 shop spaces that are fairly wellcommitted,” leaving room for some local businesses.

But the owners of Musette said they will not return. “We cannot viably compete with the capital of national chains at an

increase of 400% our current rent.” The Raubs said they do not have another site in mind that makes sense for their family.

They plan to sell food at the Davis Farmers Market’s Picnic in the Park (May 17 through Sept. 13) and Davisphere (five Thursdays between Aug. 31 and Oct. 26) this year. Hopefully, they find an affordable permanent spot, too.

With the announcement, Musette said it’s shifting to online-only orders at https://www.toasttab.com/ musette. They expect above-average business straining their even smaller team, so opted not to take in-person orders.

After three years, Burger Patch, the vegan/vegetarian restaurant in Davis Commons, has closed. It made the announcement in an email to customers on March 31.

“The last few years have led to dramatic changes in the dining industry in both customer habits and costs,” it said. “These have forced us to adapt our business model into the future, which has led us to close this location, as well as our East Sacramento store. We will be consolidating our resources to launch several new exciting programs at our flagship Midtown, Sacramento location.” That eatery is at 2301 K St., Suite 101, in Sacramento.

A fictitious business name has been filed in Yolo County for the new burger restaurant coming to 330 G St. in Davis. Phil Perry, managing member of Stack’d & Brew’d LLC filed the paperwork in early March for Outpost Burger at 330 G St.

Perry is CEO of Eats Partners, which owns The Burger Saloon in Woodland. Stack’d & Brew’d was the name of a sandwich

Credit union seeks creative input

Enterprise staff

FOLSOM — SAFE

Credit Union is celebrating Financial Literacy Month by tapping into the talents of area high school students to help create the credit union’s three sticker designs for 2023.

The popular decals — often used for water bottles or on laptop covers — show off SAFE’s YOU logo and incorporate images from the Greater Sacramento region and communities. The contest runs through Sunday, April 30.

In recognition of April’s Financial Literacy Month, this year’s design theme is,

“What Motivates You?”

“We want our young applicants to use their creative talents to show us and their communities what

motivates them in making financial decisions with their families,” said SAFE Credit Union vice president of marketing Amber DiBernardo.

“We are asking students, ‘What excites and inspires you about today, tomorrow, and the future,’” DiBernardo said. “For example, do their family and friends motivate their choices and experiences? Are they driven by getting good grades? Creating fine art? Playing sports? Or participating in band or drama? Or maybe by traveling and exploring new places on the weekend?”

First-place, second-place and third-place winners will be awarded $500, $300, and $100 SAFE Visa Gift Cards, respectively.

Each design will be incorporated into one of this year’s SAFE sticker designs. Winners will be contacted by May 15.

To be eligible, contest applicants must attend a high school in Alameda, Amador, Butte, Contra Costa, El Dorado, Nevada, Placer, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Solano, Sutter, Yolo or Yuba counties.

shop and beer bar it owned across the street from Burger Saloon, open from 2015 to 2018. The owners replaced it with the boba tea shop Capper’s Refresher in 2018, which closed the following year.

Eats Partners and Parkside Bar & Lounge in Davis have joint plans for the burger restaurant that will replace Hometown Taiwanese Kitchen when its owners retire later this year. I sent an email to Perry on Wednesday but did not hear back.

Aggie Ace Hardware is closing at the end of May. It’s at 606 W. Covell Blvd. in Anderson Plaza.

The store was opened in 2012 by Jennifer Anderson, who owned both Davis Ace Hardware and the shopping center anchored by Save Mart. The two Davis Ace stores were purchased in March 2019 by Crown Ace Hardware, a Southern California company that owns 16 other Ace stores, including the one in Dixon.

Sources say the lease was up for renewal, which triggered the decision. An employee said all the Aggie Ace employees were offered positions at the Davis or Dixon stores. Management is deciding whether to stay open through the first weekend in June but at this point, May 31 is its last day.

Black Frog Coffee, 431 G St., is abandoning its fictitious business name, according to a Yolo County notice filed on March 29. The registrant was listed as Cozens’ Holdings LLC out of Vacaville.

The property manager said the coffee shop isn’t closing, and would tell me more when he could. I left multiple messages at the cafe but didn’t hear back. It appears that it is changing ownership and names. It

took over the Barista Brew cafe in 2020.

The indoor rowing fitness studio Power10 will close on April 15. Billed as the area’s “first dedicated rowing studio that mixes rowing and strength training for the ultimate fullbody workout,” it’s at 2860 W. Covell Blvd., Suite 10. The fitness center made the announcement in a March 31 email to clients: “We want to express our sincere gratitude to each and every one of you for your loyalty, support and dedication to our studio over the past 3 ½ years. … However, as you all know, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on small businesses, including ours. Despite our best efforts to adapt and innovate, we have reached a point where we can no longer sustain the financial strain.”

It will offer all its regular classes through April 14.

The hair salon Style Lounge is in the process of moving. Owner Jerry Paiz said he lost his lease at 305 D St. His new location is 229 C St.

He’s happy that he found a new spot. “I love this city,” he said. “I love Davis and I have a great following.”

The Chevron gas station at 1935 Anderson Road recently changed brands. Signs went up Wednesday for Valero

Congratulations to Sudwerk Brewing Co., which opened its new restaurant on Thursday at 2001 Second St. I went to a preview event on April 2, and my table recommends the Chicken Schnitzel and Pesto Bucatini. Different seatings received different menus, so there is still much to try.

Hours are 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays. (Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.)

The food offerings are abbreviated between 2 and 5 p.m. each day.

Customers may make seating reservations at https://www.exploretock. com/sudwerkbrewing.

A Mexican restaurant is filling the former Elephant Shack space at 39492 Kentucky Ave. in Woodland.

The eatery, Casa Jalisco, has a restaurant at 4055 Lake Road in West Sacramento. Its menu features burritos, huevos rancheros, empanadas, tortas, tacos and heart-shaped taco trays, tostadas, fajitas, flautas, enchiladas, chiles rellenos, quesadillas and more, including vegetarian options.

And Another Mexican restaurant is filling the former Vince’s Mexican space at 240 W. Main St. in Woodland. There’s a banner that says “taqueria coming soon.” I’ll let you know when I learn more.

Before messaging me about the status of an ongoing project, please review my paywall-free Google spreadsheet, which includes more than 325 Davis businesses, at bit.ly/ DavisBusinesses. The most active tabs are Restaurants Open, Restaurants Closed and Coming Soon.

— Wendy Weitzel is a Davis writer and editor. Her column runs on Sundays. Check for frequent updates on her Comings & Goings Facebook and Instagram accounts. If you know of a business coming or going in the area, email news tips to wendyedit@ gmail.com

UCD: Early high blood pressure means brain trouble later on

Special to The Enterprise

SACRAMENTO — Having high blood pressure in your 30s is associated with worse brain health around age 75, especially for men, according to a new UC Davis study.

The research, published this week in JAMA Network Open, compared magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain scans of older adults who had high blood pressure between the ages of 30 to 40 with older adults who had normal blood pressure.

The researchers found that the high blood pressure group had

Obituaries

significantly lower regional brain volumes and worse white matter integrity. Both factors are associated with dementia.

The research also showed that the negative brain changes in some regions — such as decreased grey matter volume and frontal cortex volume — were stronger in men. They note the differences may be related to the protective benefits of estrogen before menopause.

“Treatment for dementia is extremely limited, so identifying modifiable risk and protective factors over the life course is key to reducing disease burden,” said

Arlene Learn

Arlene Learn, 90, passed away peacefully at her Davis home on Feb. 12, 2023.

Arlene was born in State College, Pa., on Feb. 22, 1932, to Joseph T. and Hannah (Sprankle) Green.

Feb. 22, 1932 — Feb. 12, 2023 LEARN

While working as a secretary in the music department at Penn State, her future sister-in-law introduced her to a young Ph.D student, Elmer Learn, whom she would later marry. Elmer and Arlene celebrated 59 wedding anniversaries together before he passed away in 2015.

After starting their family together in Minnesota, the Learns moved to Davis in 1969. As Elmer grew in his role as executive vice chancellor at UC Davis, Arlene ran the household, supporting the day-to-day needs of their two children and the social responsibilities around her husband's job. She also found time to volunteer at local school libraries and participate in activities with the University Farm Circle.

As the young family hit the road together on vacation car trips, Arlene discovered a love of travel.

Throughout their lives, Arlene and Elmer explored the world together, visiting six of seven continents. Arlene loved exotic locales like Peru and Bali, as well as regular trips to her favorite sandy beach at Kona Village Resort in Hawaii.

When at home, she and Elmer were avid Aggie

James Patrick Higgins

d. March 11, 2023

On Saturday, March 11, 2023, James Patrick Higgins passed away in Davis. He was 80 years old. James was born to Thomas Francis Higgins and Gladys Elizabeth Bey Higgins in Batavia, N.Y. He had 2 brothers, Douglas and John Higgins.

James graduated from Attica Central School and earned a bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University. From 1966 to 1967, he served with the 25th Infantry Division in Vietnam. He had a career in public service and retired from McClellan Air Force Base.

James was an avid reader and quite knowledgeable.

In addition to English, he spoke Spanish and Esperanto. He was passionate about environmental issues and the common good. He considered himself to be a very lucky person born in a loving family and always surrounded with plenty of love from those close to him.

In order to honor his memory, those who are able may make a donation to the environmental group Cool Davis or the ALS Association. He is greatly missed.

supporters and were regularly seen cheering at baseball, softball, basketball and football games. Arlene also loved to cook and experiment with recipes from around the world. She relished family holiday gatherings. In fact, many of the family traditions she started and dishes she made are still integral parts of family celebrations. She was talented at needlework, and lovingly made Hawaiian quilted pillows and hand-knit stockings for every family member.

Arlene was a kind and loving grandmother and later great-grandmother. She attended countless school performances and hosted summer swim days in the backyard pool. Her smile, laughter, storytelling, and grace are greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

She is survived by daughters Diane Crossman (Darrel) and Linda Learn; grandchildren Matthew Crossman (Lisa) and Janelle Bloom (Ethan); and great-grandchildren Alison and Emily Crossman and Micah and Kaleigha Bloom. At her request no public service or memorial will be held. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made to Sutter Care at Home and Sutter Hospice.

first author Kristen M. George, an assistant professor in the Department of Public Health Sciences.

“High blood pressure is an incredibly common and treatable risk factor associated with dementia. This study indicates hypertension status in early adulthood is important for brain health decades later,” George said. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is blood pressure that is higher than normal. A normal blood pressure level is less than 130/80 mmHg.

The Centers for Disease Control

Devon Zagory

Aug. 3, 1948 — Nov. 29, 2023

Devon Zagory of Davis died peacefully at his home on Nov. 29, 2023, after a short bout with melanoma. He was 74 years old.

Devon was born in Philadelphia, Pa., on Aug. 3, 1948. His father, a Navy commissioned physician, moved the family to San Diego, Hawaii, then San Francisco. Devon graduated from Burlingame High School in 1966 after setting California state records in swimming. He eventually enrolled at UC Berkeley, but dropped out to travel and work on a farm in southern France. It was there that he discovered his passion: plant health and food production.

He discovered that mildew was slowly destroying the vineyards (according to UC Berkeley alumni magazine Breakthroughs 2006) and returning to UC Berkeley he earned his bachelor’s degree in agricultural sciences (1974) and a master’s degree (1974) and Ph.D. (1981) in plant pathology. While living in Berkeley, he met Ellen McEnroe, and they married, subsequently moving to Corrientes, Argentina, for a postdoc

and Prevention estimates that 47% of adults in the United States have hypertension.

The rate of high blood pressure varies by sex and race. About 50% of men have high blood pressure compared to 44% of women. The rate of hypertension is about 56% in Black adults, 48% in white adults, 46% in Asian adults and 39% in Hispanic adults. African Americans ages 35-64 years are 50% more likely to have high blood pressure than whites.

The researchers looked at data from 427 participants from the Kaiser Healthy Aging and

studying citrus canker.

Eventually he established Davis Fresh Technologies, focusing on best agricultural practices and safe post-harvest handling, increasing people’s access to fresh produce. As senior vice president, Devon grew a global consulting agency with offices in six countries and projects all over the world that provided guidance and food safety audits to fresh produce companies. Although he joked that he may have sold out the ideals of his youth, there is no question his work played a role in bringing safe, healthy food to many around the world, improving health and quality of human life.

His close friends and family were treated to many stories of his travels and adventures that were navigated by his quick wit and ability to charm anyone and everyone. His great joys included his daughter Jenny, playing the guitar, traveling the world with the love of his life Ellen, sitting out in their garden sanctuary, the friends he met through swimming, walking, and writing, playing with his grandchildren, and

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On November 22, 2022, Chad Rinde, County Treasurer-Tax Collector, was directed by the Board of Supervisors of Yolo County, California to conduct a public auction sale. The tax-defaulted properties listed below are subject to the Tax Collector's power of sale.

The sale will be conducted on the Internet at www. bid4assets.com, beginning on Friday, May 12, 2023, at 8:00 a.m. (PDT) and ending on Monday, May 15, 2023, at 12:00PM (PDT). During this public auction, property will be sold to the highest bidder for not less than the minimum bid as shown on this notice. Due diligence research is incumbent upon the bidder. The winning bidder is legally obligated to purchase the property. Any parcel remaining may be reoffered on the Internet at www.bid4assets. com, beginning on Friday, June 9, 2023, at 8:00 a.m. (PDT) and ending on Monday, June 12, 2023, at close times TBD. Any new parties of interest shall be notified in accordance with Revenue and Taxation Code section 3701.

Interested bidders must register online at www. bid4assets.com. A single deposit of $5,000, plus a $35.00 processing fee, is required to bid on auction properties. The deadline to register and submit the deposit is Monday, May 8, 2023. This is an online auction, and the bidding will take place via the internet. If you do not have internet access, computer workstations are available at most public libraries. At the conclusion of the auction, unsuccessful bidders’ deposits and processing fees will be returned to them by Bid4Assets.

Full payment of all purchases is required within 3 business days of the auction (by May 18, 2023, 1:00 p.m. PDT/4:00 p.m. EDT). A payment processing fee of $35.00 will be added to the final price of every parcel successfully purchased by a winning bidder and will be collected by the internet vendor by the settlement deadline. A California property transfer tax, calculated at $1.10 per $1,000, or fraction thereof, will be added to the purchase price. If a winning bidder's payment is not received by the internet vendor by the settlement deadline, the winning bidder's deposit will be forfeited to the County. Please refer to the conditions of sale posted at www.bid4assets.com for more information. All property is sold as is. The County and its employees are not liable for the failure of any

electronic equipment that may prevent a person from participating in the sale. All sales are final, with the exception that the Tax Collector reserves the right to rescind the sale in the event that an error is discovered that may have affected the due process rights of the former owner. By participation in the Internet Auction, the bidder agrees to cooperate in the rescission of the sale if such an event occurs within one year of the sale of the property.

The right of tax redemption will cease on Thursday, May 11, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. and properties not redeemed will be offered for sale. If the parcel is not sold, the right of redemption will revive and continue up to the close of business on the last business day prior to the next scheduled auction.

If the properties are sold, parties of interest, as defined in California Revenue and Taxation Code Section 4675, have a right to file a claim with the County for any excess proceeds from the sale. Excess proceeds are the amount of the highest bid in excess of the liens and costs of the sale that are paid from the sale proceeds.

More information may be obtained by calling (530) 666-8190 or online at www.yolocounty.org

PARCEL NUMBERING SYSTEM EXPLANATION

The Assessor's Parcel Number (APN), when used to describe property in this list, refers to the assessor's map book, the map page, the block on the map (if applicable), and the individual parcel on the map page or in the block. The assessor's maps and further explanation of the parcel numbering system are available in the Assessor's Office.

The properties that are the subject of this notice are situated in Yolo County, California and are described as follows:

Diverse Life Experiences (KHANDLE) study and the Study of Healthy Aging in African Americans (STAR). This provided them with health data from 1964 to 1985 for a diverse cohort of older Asian, Black, Latino and white adults.

They obtained two blood pressure readings from when the participants were between the ages of 30 to 40. This allowed them to determine if they had been hypertensive, transitioning to hypertensive or had normal blood pressure in young adulthood.

— UC Davis Health News

beating his college athlete nephew and niece in racquetball.

Devon is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Ellen McEnroe Zagory of Davis; his daughter Jennifer (Cody Fibrow) and grandchildren Brett Zagory and Layla Zagory-Fibrow of Woodland; brother Conrad (Amy) Zagory Jr.; sister Kimberly Zagory; niece Dr. Jessica (David) Zagory; and nephew Aaron Zagory. He is preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Conrad

ZAGORY

Zagory Sr. and Violet Post Zagory, as well as his sister Lark Zagory. On the McEnroe side he is survived by Ellen’s family John B. McEnroe, Mary Spielvogel, Meg Stone, Clare Lindquist (Jerry), Elizabeth Feick (Jay) and Nancy McEnroe (Bob).

Interment is planned for Spring 2023. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to The Nature Conservancy, and that people remember organic produce is not inherently safer; safety comes from safe cultivation and handling. According to Devon “It doesn’t get inherently more natural and organic than Salmonella.”

HIGGINS

COUNCIL: Funding needed to deal with crumbling roads

2024 ballot.

Even then, however, any project would be on very tight timeline, given the required environmental review, commission analysis and public hearings, and the need for the City Council to place the project on the ballot by June 2024.

In fact, George Phillips, representing the Shriners proposal, told the council Tuesday that “none of these projects will make a November 2024 ballot. None of them will be done by June unless shortcuts are taken.

“That was our goal,” he said, “but sitting here today … that’s simply not going to happen.”

Meanwhile, the subcommittee of Arnold and Vaitla is still in the early stages of laying out criteria for evaluating peripheral developments and they provided preliminary guiding principles on Tuesday that focus on availability of lowincome housing, traffic impacts, open space and agricultural mitigation and climate considerations.

Vaitla said Tuesday that he is open to all four of the peripheral proposals, but said, “I do not think November 2024 is right for any of them.”

Rather, he said, he would propose having a subcommittee focus first on examining what options there are for optimizing infill and engaging the community on peripheral planning after that.

Doing so, noted Arnold, also gives the community a break from another divisive Measure J/R/D vote.

“One piece of this that hasn’t been brought up is what these … elections do to our community,” Arnold said. “They are flashpoints. They are causes of schisms.

“And there is something to be said for the community having at least one election cycle off from these fights.”

The mayor added that

the worst outcome would be trying to fast track one of the proposals for November 2024 “and in part because we fast tracked it, it fails after a long fight …

“That is an unacceptable outcome as far as I’m concerned,” Arnold said.

Like Vaitla, as well as Vice Mayor Josh Chapman and Councilwoman Gloria Partida, the mayor said there are things to like about each of the proposals.

“And I think eventually these are the most logical places in our community for added development outside of our current city limits,” he said. “So this is a longterm process that we will be participating in that will hopefully culminate in at least one of these passing and being built and then another one and another one.”

But for now, the council agreed, that won’t be happening in November 2024.

Meanwhile, a separate subcommittee of Vaitla and Partida, along with city staff, presented options for a possible revenue measure for the November 2024 ballot.

Along with road and path maintenance, funding levels are falling short in other areas, according to city staff, including for city facilities, support for affordable housing and services to low-income households, urban forestry and more.

“The council has discussed priorities in roads/ bike paths and urban forestry that alone would require an additional $10 (million) to $15 million per year,” the staff report prepared for Tuesday’s meeting noted.

Partida said Tuesday that, “as we have had many discussions about roads and staffing and other issues that we need revenue for, and we’ve gone through a very difficult period with COVID… I think it’s brought us to this place

where we’re having to make this decision about how we’re going to continue to fund things … that keep our quality of life here. So that our housing values are maintained and we have the services that we require for all of our citizens.”

The key, though, Partida said, is public engagement — reaching out to residents to get their thoughts on not only how to raise revenue, but where that revenue should be spent.

Vaitla added that “the fiscal needs are large and they’re also fundamental.”

“When we look at bike paths and roads, the cost of deferring maintenance on infrastructure balloons very quickly. So these feel like very pressing shortterm needs. I think a lot of the things that all of us care about, around affordable housing for the workforce, the missing middle, that’s also going to require… a consistent stream that is sizable going into the Housing Trust Fund every year, especially as development proposals reach our doorstep.”

Additionally, he noted, there are a lot of ambitious ideas in the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, “a powerful response to a global emergency,” but that “also will require investment.”

“I, as a new council member, was quite

surprised to see how much fat we’ve cut out of the budget. And it’s a credit to previous councils and this council, too, about going line-by-line and making sure we’re not wasting money, and really, we’re not. And yet we have these needs that remain unmet.”

Arnold noted that years ago the city focused on ways to diversify the city’s revenue portfolio and came up with options for economic development, particularly through innovation centers.

“And one by one those projects came off the table and now our opportunities to diversify our revenue portfolio have been limited. And that’s been by action of the voters of Davis,” he said. “So this is a logical next step, in my opinion… continuing that conversation on the need to diversify our revenue portfolio in the community.”

Among the options staff and the subcommittee laid out for raising more revenue:

n Parcel tax. The city currently has two parcel taxes, one for open space and one for parks maintenance. The open space tax is $24 per parcel and generates $675,000 annually, while the parks maintenance tax is currently $53, with an annual inflator, and generates $1.5 million

annually. A parcel tax requires a two-thirds vote to pass.

n Utility User Tax. A utility user tax charges a certain amount or percentage on select utilities used by residents and businesses, including electricity, gas, cable, phone, water, sewer and solid waste. A utility user tax requires a majority vote for passage.

The most common utilities taxed are gas, electric and telephones. Regionally, Sacramento, Winters, Rancho Cordova and Citrus Heights all have utility user taxes ranging from 2.5 percent to 9.5 percent. The amount of revenue that could be generated from a utility user tax varies greatly depending on which utilities are taxed and at what rate “and more analysis would need to occur to fine tune any estimates,” staff reported.

A lower rate of 2.5 percent across all utilities is likely to generate approximately $2 million, while a higher rate of 11 percent may generate over $12 million.

n Sales Tax. The base sales tax amount statewide is 7.25 percent, which applies to purchases made in Davis. Most of the tax goes to the state and other jurisdictions, but 1 percent of the purchase price is

automatically allocated to the city of Davis. Additionally, Davis has a separate local sales tax measure, renewed in 2020, that adds another 1 percent to the tax, for a total of 8.25 percent tax in most cases.

“The entirety of this 1 percent stays in Davis and supports the general fund,” the staff report noted.

Although the amount of these taxes fluctuates each year, the annual amount of sales and use tax generated is approximately $17.5 million.

The city can increase its local tax a maximum of an additional 1 percent, for a total rate of 9.25 percent and an estimated $10 million in additional revenue. A sales tax increase would require a majority vote for passage.

n Transient Occupancy Tax. The TOT, as it’s known, is a charge on the price of a hotel or motel room per night. The city’s TOT is currently 12 percent of the cost of a room night and collected by the hotel at the time of the stay. It generates approximately $2.75 million per year for the city’s general fund.

An additional 1 percent increase in the TOT is roughly equivalent to $230,000.

n Other options including raising the cannabis and business licenses taxes.

According to Assistant City Manager Kelly Stachowicz, a general tax, such as a sale tax increase, would have to go on a municipal ballot, the next one being the November 2024 election.

Should the council favor a parcel tax, there could be a special election before then.

The council on Tuesday directed staff to return with additional information in advance of a possible November 2024 ballot measure, including more details on unmet fiscal needs, revenue options and a timeline for community engagement.

FASHION: Design students ready to make their mark

From Page A1

quilt piecing, sewing with many fabrics, hand dyeing, embroidery, beading, creating new fabrics with stitching and layering scraps, applique, and crochet.

“My use of different techniques to create a variety in my work is something that many people do not tackle, and I believe that is something that is unique about my pieces. I also find sustainability a very important aspect of my creations, and I was able to create my collection only by purchasing one piece of new fabric,” Lee said.

Lee has been creating in textiles for many years, and so she says she brings a unique perspective that many of the younger students do not have, as well as a breadth of textile creation. “My passion for textiles incorporates all types of fibers and creation, and I like to use many techniques to create my pieces.

I also like to create in a variety of themes, many of which are not mainstream styles.”

Design major Deirdre Spillane-Jimenez wants to bring rich colors and hand-dyed textiles to this show and show how they can be “fully brought to life when in motion on the runway.” Based on the rich coral reefs of Natewa Bay, on the Eastern Peninsula of the Fijian Island of Vanua Levu, several garments have long trailing ribbons that imitate the movement of a Fijian bluespotted stingray, showing how one feels when float-

ing over a coral reef.

Triangular forms throughout the collection reference the black-tipped reef shark, further highlighting the underrated beauty of several reef creatures. “This collection is unique because it combines an affection for the natural world with thoughtful design. I aim to always make clothing that is comfortable while not compromising on said aesthetics,” Spillane-Jimenez said.

Dang said that in 2022 the show moved outdoors to showcase the Department of Design spaces and “to truly become part of Picnic Day.”

“Hosting the show outdoors enables us to have more audience members and to allow some attendees to stand through the show for no fee,” she said.

Organizers are “proud to present an exhibition space where students can showcase their work that isn’t on the runway,” Dang said. Dang said people are welcome to come to visit to take a look at the behind the scenes of the designs.

The 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. shows are identical and last 1 hour and 45 minutes.

A part of this organization since 2020, Dang has worked behind the scenes for the show every year. She has cast models from various majors and years, helped pick and approve details such as decor, and hosted weekly meetings. This year, she mainly oversaw all the designers, models, and board members to ensure the show will run smoothly.

Each year the tickets to the show sell out, Dang said. The $10 tickets may be purchased in advance at the UC Davis Ticket Office, located on the north side of Aggie Stadium, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, by phone at 530752-2471 during the same hours, or online at design. ucdavis.edu.

In addition to the fashion show, the UC Davis Design Museum in Cruess Hall will be open from noon to 4 p.m. on Picnic Day for “From Concept to Creation: Inspired Shoe

RIGHTS: Board gets to business after comments

From Page A1

and teachers are convincing children to be trans and that it stems from disinformation and propaganda.

“There’s a narrative out there that adults like me,” she said, “and our teachers are somehow convincing kids to be trans. The funny thing is that we do a lot less talking to kids than we do listening.”

After more advocacy for inclusivity and to keep the district a safe place for all, the meeting took a brief recess.

room, DJUSD will need to add an additional 18 classrooms to accommodate the TK/Kinder expansion within our district. The location, size, design and proximity are also critical.”

The board voted unanimously to approve the plan.

Following suit was the facilities master plan addendum presentation.

Design by Chris Francis.”

The department of design is part of the UC Davis College of Letters and Science. The 109th Picnic Day will be on Saturday, April 15. Picnic Day is one of UC Davis’ most revered traditions and serves as the university’s annual Open House for prospective and current students, families, alumni, staff, faculty, and the greater Davis and regional communities. Picnic Day 109 will be the first in-person Picnic Day in two years.

Once back in session, the meeting dove into the approval of the Universal Transitional Kindergarten (TK)/Extended Day Kindergarten plan. First came a presentation breaking down the plan by the Director of Elementary Education and Leadership, Matt Duffy. He talked about how TK enrollment has grown with changes in eligibility, how there’s a growing demand within the district for expanded Kindergarten days and the various benefits that come with it. Duffy also talked about gathering feedback from teachers and families to determine the start and end times that will best serve all prior to implementation.

“The most significant component of this program design is where the additional early childhood education classrooms will land. The DJUSD currently hosts 30 TK and Kindergarten classes in 18 rooms,” said Duffy. “With the addition of six more TK classes by 2025, and the shift to an extended day eliminating the possibility of a.m. and p.m. classes to share a

The original facilities master plan was adopted in 2018, but with the expansion of the TK and Kindergarten program, the plan is being adjusted to accommodate. The presentation itself was given by Executive Director of Capital Operations, David Burke. Burke touched on the additional facilities needed in the aforementioned presentation, classroom guidelines, placement considerations of the facilities and how the district is still in the design development phase. Buildings are proposed to be placed at César Chávez, Korematsu, Montgomery, North Davis, Patwin, Pioneer, Willet and Birch Lane Elementary Schools.

The facilities master plan addendum was unanimously approved by the board.

Alongside that came an update on the district’s special education program presented by Associate Superintendent of Administrative Services, Julie Corona. She gave an overview of the activities the district has completed to improve the special education program such as consistent communication district-wide, the development of focus groups while also promoting inclusive services.

UC Davis photo

The Picnic Day Fashion Show will include designs like Deirdre Spillane-Jimenez’s Natewa outfit.

“My passion for textiles incorporates all types of fibers and creation, and I like to use many techniques to create my pieces.”

Heather Lee UC Davis design major

LocaL roundup Pepper throwing name into NBA Draft

Enterprise staff

Elijah Pepper is going to test the waters.

Grand slam weekend for Aggie duo

My random thoughts as we are halfway through the Easter weekend.

n Two grand slams in less than 24 hours.

The UC Davis baseball and softball teams had two players club that big hit anyone who plays on the diamond in Big West Conference games in Kern County last weekend.

Jack Gallagher had the first one for the Aggie baseball squad against the CSU Bakersfield squad at Hardt Field on Saturday night.

Gallagher now has seven home runs this season.

Then Libbie McMahan clubbed for the UCD softball team against Bakersfield at the Roadrunner Softball Complex on Sunday afternoon. McMahan noted that was her second grand slam as an Aggie, as she had one in the 2022 season.

Anytime a UCD baseball or softball player hits a grand slam during this season, he/she should be treated to a free dinner at a Davis restaurant of their choice.

I'm serious.

n The Davis High baseball team is certainly right in the middle of the Delta League race.

Entering this week, the Blue Devils are in third place in league at 7-2, and 11-5 overall.

Davis, along with Franklin (8-1 in the Delta, 14-4) and first place Elk Grove (9-0, 13-4) are the only teams in the league with winning records.

The Delta League is sending four teams into the Sac-Joaquin Section playoffs next month.

n If you're a baseball fan, plenty of baseball games in the Sacramento region and Northern California.

The Sacramento River Cats are hosting the El Paso Chihuahuas at Sutter Health Park Stadium today at 1:05 p.m.

The River Cats also have home games from April 18-23.

If you're a San Francisco Giants or Oakland A's fan, plenty of home games this month as well.

n On Saturday, the Davis High football team had its annual lift-a-thon inside the school's weight room. Photos of Blue Devils pumping iron and raising money for the program is scheduled to run in Friday's edition.

"We have raised just under $14,000, and our goal is to raise $20,000," said Davis head coach Nick Garratt.

Anyone who still wants to donate can visit the Blue Devils' website — www.davisbluedevilfootball.com/donate.

n If it's April, then it means that Blue Devils football, along with all high school football programs in the SacJoaquin Section, have been spending a lot of time in the weight room

See AGGIE, Page B6

The UC Davis men’s basketball player made an announcement on Wednesday that he is going to enter his name into the 2023 NBA Draft, per his Twitter account.

“I am now looking toward the future and the next step in my career,” Pepper posted. “After discussions with my family and staff at UC—Davis, I have made the decision to enter my name into the 2023 NBA draft, while retaining my eligibility.

“I look forward to obtaining valuable feedback that will assist me in my lifelong goal of playing in the NBA, and I appreciate all of your support along this journey.”

Pepper averaged 22.5 points per game this past season as an Aggie.

UC Davis softball

Kenedi Brown only allowed three runners all game long and faced just one

above the minimum, which helped the UC Davis softball team post a 2-0 win UC Riverside in a Big West Conference game at La Rue Field on Friday afternoon. Brown (11-5) went the distance for UC Davis (6-4 in the Big West, 20-12) struck out six and walked two.

She is now three strikeouts away from breaking the program’s Division I career strikeout record.

At the plate, the Aggies were paced by senior Sommer Kisling, who went 2-for-2 on the day. The Aggies had four hits in the game.

The two teams will close out the series Saturday with a doubleheader. The first game will begin at 11 a.m.

Aggie women’s water polo

The UC Davis women’s water polo team was unable to hold off No. 18 UC San Diego, which posted a 10-9 win on Friday afternoon at Schaal Aquatics

Pool.

Crow flies back to Blue Devil nest

By Bruce Gallaudet Enterprise correspondent

Don’t tell Vivian Crow she can never go home again.

After an accomplished collegiate career at the University of Idaho, the former Davis High swimmer found herself in Europe, where she spent a stint as an au pair in Switzerland while touring the continent.

Wondering what her next step would be, Crow got a head’s up from her old stomping grounds — the Blue Devils needed a girls swim head coach.

After a couple of phone calls and a Zoom interview from 6,000 miles away with DHS Athletic Director Jeff Lorenson, voila, Crow finds herself back in the familiar confines of her hometown.

Now 25

Crow, 25, a butterfly and backstroke specialist who often took a leg on Blue Devil relay teams, finds her coaching post “perfect … comfortable” and right in step with her new-found love of teaching.

While at Idaho, where her 100- and 200yard backstroke efforts put up key points for the Vandals, Crow majored in biological sciences.

But summer employment with the Davis Arden Racing Team and the Davis Aquatic Masters programs saw her shift her interest from a possible physical therapy career to, perhaps, a lifestyle of coaching. When she started substitute teaching in Davis schools, Crow’s direction was cemented.

“I love teaching,” the daughter of William and Joan Crow told The Enterprise. “I get to see a variety of kids. It’s a cool way of connecting with so many different people.

“Coming back to Davis was an easy decision. I missed my family too much.”

Crow comes by her athletic prowess honestly. Her dad, a retired data technology manager at Sacramento State University, is an avid cyclist. Mom handles horses at a nearby ranch and swims.

Her brother Ben ran track at Davis High and now is a customer service representative for Alaska Airlines in Seattle.

After four years in the Idaho panhandle where Crow earned All-Western Athletic Conference academic honors, she’s delighted to put all she’s learned to work on the Arroyo Pool deck and in local classrooms.

‘People-pleaser’

“These girls make it so easy to coach,” says Crow, a member of Davis High’s 2013 SacJoaquin Section championship team — a squad that featured All-American competitors like Emma Barksdale and Chenoa Devine. “I love (this Blue Devil team). I’m the biggest people-pleaser. I want to make all my girls happy, make the team happy … while (competing) to the fullest.”

Crow gets help from veteran assistant Holly Riggle and has the ear of DART director Billy Doughty.

“I’ve received so much help in planning things like (creating) relay teams, strategy for lineups,” Crow continues. “We hope to have it all clicking by the end of the season.”

Through four dual meets, DHS is 3-1 in the pool (although an ineligible swimmer cost it the win versus Elk Grove). Its only statistical loss was to powerhouse St. Francis.

Shoulder surgery

Crow had shoulder surgery during her senior year at Davis, but still was recruited by a handful of colleges. She made campus visits to Colorado State and Idaho but said that heading to Moscow was an easy decision.

“I really was looking more for schooling

than swimming,” she reports. “But the city was like a mini-Davis. The girls were great, and the people were really invested.”

The Blue Devils get a final Delta League tune-up this Wednesday when Pleasant Grove comes to Arroyo Pool. After that, it’s off to Roseville for the NorCal Swim Championships (April 14-15), following by Delta League trials and finals on April 20 and 21.

Feeling pressure?

So, does Crow feel any pressure?

After all, she is well aware that Davis High teams have won 22 section titles over the years, mostly under the watchful eye of her former mentor, Doug Wright.

But with John Varley in charge, Davis has an existing string of four straight Sac-Joaquin crowns.

“Of course there is,” she says. “But I’m determined to make the district proud that they hired me.”

Reflecting on Crow’s hiring last fall, Lorenson said he doesn’t think she has anything to worry about.

“She’s been great for the program, communicating, organizing, planning … all the things we really, really need for a sport that happens a couple of miles from school (Arroyo Pool in West Davis),” Lorenson said.

Notes: Speaking of pools, the new oncampus Aquatics Center (part of a capital projects school bond) is expected to be ready sometime in 2025, according to Lorenson. … A robotics building is almost finished and — thanks to recent rains — the STEM Building is a tad behind schedule. “It’s sure going to be exciting to have it all done,” adds the AD. … DHS beat Sheldon on Wednesday, 148-27.

— Bruce Gallaudet is the former Davis Enterprise editor and sports editor. He can be reached at bgallaudet41@gmail.com.

Mike Bush/enterprise fiLe photo

UC Davis guard Elijah Pepper (40) drives around a UC San Diego player in a Big West Conference game in February. See PEPPER, Page B6

arya LaLvani/enterprise photo

New DHS girls swimming head coach Vivian Crow times a swimmer during Wednesday’s Delta League meet at Arroyo

fred gL addis/enterprise fiLe photo

Then Blue Devil swimmer Vivian Crow is shown here competing in the 100-butterfly in a nonleague meet against Rio Americano in 2013.

Community solar could revolutionize clean energy

By Alexis Sutterman and Chris Ward Special to The Enterprise

Community solar is finally about to have its moment in the sun.

Signed into law last year, Assembly

Bill 2316 requires the California Public Utilities Commission to assess new community renewable energy program proposals with a focus on serving low-income customers. This will make solar power an option for all residents, not just wealthier homeowners.

Community solar allows families to subscribe to a project through a community solar provider. Customers will receive a community solar credit on their utility bill, saving them money on their energy bills.

The customer’s participation in the community solar program supports the development and operation of a community solar project that provides energy to the grid. Projects are generally connected to the distribution grid and are typically located on underutilized land.

While California has the most rooftop solar installations in the country, solar energy is still out of reach for many residents. This includes the 44% of Californians who rent their homes, homeowners whose roofs are unable to host solar panels, or those who don’t have the resources to finance a rooftop solar system.

For these families, community solar is an important path to reducing energy bills and participating in the clean energy economy.

Under the new law, the CPUC is responsible for designing new programs so that all Californians can access solar energy and the state can maximize the significant federal dollars becoming available.

Under the Inflation Reduction Act, California can take advantage of federal tax incentives to bolster the growth of community solar and provide every household with clean, low-cost energy. The federal funds became available in February, and since other states already have viable community solar programs, California regulators must prioritize creating a fair and workable community solar program and have it in place as early as possible to fully take advantage of the additional incentives.

While this must be done quickly, it cannot be done in haste. California must ensure the program is structured in a way that allows it to thrive and equitably serve residents.

As regulators at the CPUC begin crafting the rules governing the new programs, past mistakes that made previous attempts at community solar unaffordable and unattractive to most residents must not be repeated.

The California Energy Commission should also set aside a portion of the $1 billion designated for distributed energy resources to provide greater bill savings to low-income and disadvantaged communities. These funds could also provide incentives for projects that are owned and led by these communities.

Commentary Letters

If California wants to provide energy savings to households and receive its share of the federal tax credits that will be made available in 2023, it must act with urgency.

Under the Inflation Reduction Act, certain community solar projects that benefit low- and moderate-income communities can qualify for as much as a 40% or 50% tax credit. This is an unprecedented incentive to help enhance California’s solar footprint. This funding, paired with other federal and state dollars, will help California reach the goals laid out by AB 2316 – if regulators can create the framework for new state programs in 2023.

California has the potential to create one of the largest and most equitable community solar programs in the country. The CPUC needs to swiftly and effectively develop policies supporting the success of community solar. This is the only way to seize on the incredible opportunity to bring the benefits of clean energy to every Californian.

— Alexis Sutterman is the energy equity program manager at the California Environmental Justice Alliance. Assemblyman Chris Ward, D-San Diego, represents the 78th Assembly District. He is the assistant majority leader in the Assembly. They wrote this for CalMatters, a public interest journalism venture explaining how California’s Capitol works and why it matters.

Truancy has reached crisis levels

Gadflies — people obsessed with righting some perceived wrong and pester politicians and journalists to take up their causes — are a constant feature of politics.

One of the state’s more persistent gadflies these days is Thomas Carter, an accountant in Sherman Oaks who sends out almost daily barrages of emails about truancy in public schools, demanding that authorities recognize and address what he regards as a crisis.

“From what school will come the next ignored student to commit crimes, including a mass gun shooting, or be an ignored child abused at a school or in a home, or to become homeless, if a dropout?” is a typical heading on one of Carter’s lengthy emails.

Carter, in an interview, said he became concerned about the issue more than 30 years ago when, as a single parent, he discovered that his son had been missing school and he was not informed of the absences.

“Since then, I’ve been asking the questions,” Carter said. His complaints include sections of the education code that permit, but do not require, chronic truancy to be reported to law enforce-

ment authorities, who could intervene but rarely do.

Carter may be a gadfly whose emails are automatically diverted into the junk file of many recipients, but he has a point about truancy. Surprisingly large numbers of the state’s almost 6 million public school students often don’t show up in class.

Two new reports from the Public Policy Institute of California frame the issue.

“Thirty percent of California public school students were chronically absent from school in 2021-22 — a near tripling of the percentage in 2018-19,” PPIC policy director Laura Hill and research associate Emmanuel Prunty wrote in the first report.

“Although we do not know if this stark increase in chronic absenteeism, defined as missing at least 10% of the school year or at least 18 days, will continue, the data from last year raises concerns about the pace of students’ learning

recovery after the educational setbacks of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The PPIC added that “this measure of chronic absenteeism — which includes both excused and unexcused absences — actually underestimates the true scope of missed school because it does not include students who missed fewer than 18 days and does not capture exactly how much instruction students missed (some students may have missed many more than 18 days).”

The second report, merging data about truancy with academic test results, declares, “We find that schools with greater increases in chronic absenteeism saw steeper drops in proficiency rates on the Smarter Balanced (SBAC) English and math tests, when comparing pre-pandemic levels (2018-19) to 2021-22.”

Some of the truancy surge can be attributed to the aftereffects of schools being shuttered during the pandemic — but not all, because the problem isn’t a new one. A 2013 report by the state Department of Justice tabbed chronic truancy at about 20% and declared, “California is facing an attendance

crisis, with dire consequences for our economy, our safety, and our children.”

So, one might wonder, why is this evident crisis not given as much attention as it warrants?

State school finance is based largely on attendance and when students are chronically absent, it should have negative financial consequences. However, during the pandemic, the state loosened up on the attendancebased formulas, including allowing reimbursable attendance to be calculated over several years rather than year-by-year, so the immediate financial impacts are muted.

Moreover, there’s been a push by school officials, particularly those with declining numbers of students, to change financial aid from using attendance to enrollment, which would allow them to get money even for enrolled students who are chronically absent. Such a change would indirectly encourage authorities to ignore chronic truancy.

CalMatters is a public interest journalism venture committed to explaining how California’s state Capitol works and why it matters. For more stories by Dan Walters, go to Commentary.

Readers’ Choice

Thank you for your Readers’ Choice 2023 results. I wish to make one amplification and add one missing Best award.

On almost the last page, La Creme de la Creme was listed under the Gift Shop category. This is hands-down the best retail store in Davis. The shop is so inviting and inside are delightful items for your home. And the owner is onsite to greet you by first name and artfully wrap your purchase. No other establishment comes close.

The missing Best award is PDQ downtown on F Street. They perform notary and fingerprinting services but their shipping services (USPS, UPS & FEDEX) are truly what makes them outstanding. PDQ is a family operated business and they care about you. They make sure you shipping cost is the lowest available, even cutting up your cardboard box to make it smaller and cheaper. We’re lucky to have these two businesses in Davis.

Pat Fitzsimmons Davis

Wright for Davis

I have known Francesca (Cesca)

Speak out

President

Wright for 16 years, having sung together in Davis Threshold Singers, as well as serving on the Board of Directors of Threshold Choir International.

I have been so inspired by the breadth of Wright’s involvement in the community, the county and with state organizations through her social justice and professional work.

Cesca has a unique style of engaging folks with whom she works and interacts. Her skills range from being a facilitator with the amazing ability to include everyone in the room with respect, to her gentle demeanor when dealing with a wide variety of viewpoints. Her desire to listen and learn from all our neighbors, to advocate for city infrastructure improvements, and to address climate change issues creatively will be an asset to all of us when she is on City Council.

Francesca Wright is a doer, an activist, an innovator, and a committed participant extraordinaire in our town. Our Davis City Council and our entire community would benefit greatly from having Francesca Wright on city council.

Karen Friis Davis

Neville for City Council

I got to know Donna Neville when we both served on the city of Davis Finance

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

and Budget Commission. I will never forget the day Donna was sworn in as her late father was there and he was beaming with pride for his daughter as he, too, has served on a city commission — The Senior Citizen Commission. Service is in her blood and indeed Donna spent her career as an attorney in public service for the State of California.

During our time together on FBC I became more and more impressed with Donna’s ability to synthesize data to get to the heart of an issue. We also became friends, and I enjoy our walks along with Ella, her blonde Golden Retriever, despite Ella’s need for lots of petting and shedding all over me.

To know Donna, as I do, is to recognize that she is someone that will always do her homework, that she is someone that listens extremely, that she is someone who has a vast well of experience in public policy to draw upon, and you also know that she is someone that will move decisively once she has the facts.

When I moved on from FBC to the Planning Commission, I was pleased to be able to turn the duties of chair over to Donna. She is a leader I trusted, and for the citizens of District she is a leader you will be honored to have represent you.

Michelle Weiss Davis

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

House of Representatives

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/

Anti-aging, peptides and health

Aging is an inevitable, natural biological process. We appreciate aging in art, food, wine and liquor, cars, buildings, and even nature, but few of us appreciate our own aging.

Everyone wants to look beautiful, “young and flawless,” that’s the corporate definition of beauty. There’s a billion-dollar anti-aging industry promoting this temporary glamour, achieved primarily with peptides, fragments of proteins that make structural and functional changes to your body, just like drugs. Peptide drugs are already used to treat and manage disease.

However, unlike peptide drugs, cosmetics containing peptides do not have to undergo any clinical trials or FDA approval before being sold to you, even though they perform similar functions in your body, such as modulating cell proliferation, cell migration, inflammation, angiogenesis, and protein synthesis and regulation.

A variety of cosmetic brands use peptides: Olay, Avon, Mary Kay, BeautyCounter, Crunchi, MadHippie, Osea, Tata Harper and Twenty/Twenty.

Though some use peptides as a selling point in their marketing and product descriptions, others are sneakier. They focus your attention on what’s not in their products: fragrance, phthlates, parabens. But what matters is what is in their products, verifiable (one hopes) by the ingredient list. It can be tricky to spot peptides on the ingredient list, as they are frequently hidden within trademarked ingredients, such as Matrixyl 3000.

Peptide-containing cosmetics are quick-acting, promise instantaneous, time-defying results, and frequently, artificially, transitorily, and unsustainably, deliver on that promise, but at what cost to your long-term health?

Whenever you buy a cosmetic, you are putting your faith, trust, health, and

safety in the hands of the cosmetics industry, an industry that rarely, if ever, addresses consumer safety in any way other than after the fact. Matrixyl 3000 is the trademarked name for a specific mixture of palmitoyl tetrapeptides used widely in cosmetics. Palmitoyl peptides are cell messengers that stimulate protein remodeling, cell proliferation, and migration, and regulate the sequence of events required for skin healing.

Skincare companies that use peptides, such as Matrixyl 3000, in their products almost invariably only conduct any testing, if any, to reassure that the short-term results seem fantastic, seemingly without any regard whatsoever for any long-term complications for the consumer/user/test subject/victim/plaintiff … you. But what happens when you fight the natural course of your biology by using anti-aging peptides on your skin for years, or even decades?

To skin cells, palmitoyl tetrapeptides resemble chewed up bits of collagen. When you apply products containing them to your skin, your skin cells panic at the seeming lack of intact cellular collagen, so they kick into overdrive, flooding your system with collagen, and your face plumps up and you lose your wrinkles … Presto! Magic! Except … the long-term effects of using anti-aging cosmetics are similar to those of opioid or other hard drug use, flooding your body with dopamine and endorphins.

With peptides, just like hard drugs, to attempt to maintain and achieve the same effect, you have to keep using, and increasing the amount you use. Then, to counteract the inevitable side-effects, you have to use more and more and different products, all in vain. Your vanity is crowding your vanity. Soon, your beauty regimen is expensive, time-consuming, and unsustainable. Your vanity has become cluttered in every way.

The real danger is that your body may then shut down collagen production (or some other metabolic processes), require more of the product to maintain some semblance of stasis, or worse, there may not be anything to hold the overreaction in check. What if your cells just keep making collagen and don’t stop? Your metabolic pathways are interconnected, so an increase in collagen has effects on other reactions in your body, and may stimulate a different pathway or pathways, that, with time and repeated use, lead to uncontrolled proliferation of your skin or other cells in your body … In a word, cancer.

(After more than a decade of fighting to prove causality, consumers of Johnson and Johnson talcum baby powder who ended up with cancer won their fight (https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/04/ business/media/johnson-johnson-talcsettlement.html) Despite all of Johnson and Johnson’s avoidance tactics — such as filing for bankruptcy — they agreed to pay $8.9 billion to the plaintiffs.)

Remember, anyone can put anything in a jar and legally sell it as a cosmetic, and they frequently do.

Unlike with drugs, the FDA isn’t legally responsible for making sure your cosmetics are safe. Instead, the FDA relies on consumers to report any adverse reactions to cosmetics. Corporations exploit this and other loopholes by mislabeling drugs

as cosmetics to avoid expensive and timeconsuming clinical trials, enabling them to create new fads and cash in, and you, the consumer/research subject pay them to do their beta-testing on you in the marketplace.

Much like Instagram filters, skincare that promises young and flawless-looking skin provides little more than an illusion of skin health. It’s unattainable, unsustainable, and does not address your skin as the dynamic organ it is. Aspiring to this illusion of skin health by using anti-aging skincare products pits you against your own inevitable biological processes; you’re fighting a losing battle, feeding your insecurities, creating addictions, and wasting money.

Instead, why not work with your biology and Mother Nature? True beauty encompasses and is characterized by any attribute that provides an experience of pleasure or satisfaction. To look in the mirror and feel dissatisfied, insecure, and anxious doesn’t provide a feeling of beauty to anyone. Beauty begins within, from a positive mindset, positive habits, discipline, regular exercise, and good nutrition promoting a healthy gut, restful sleep, and healthy, functional skin.

Don’t try to cheat Father Time or fool Mother Nature. Make informed decisions about your skin care. (https://bexiphd. com/blogs/news/skin-care-is-healthcare) Look for products informed by time-tested lore and clinically-tested science. Read the ingredient list. Take the long view, build long-term interrelationships and mutually-enhancing symbioses sustained by providing healthy, holistic, scientific skin care to benefit you for your lifetime. (https://bexiphd.com/ blogs/news/choosing-skincare-for-health)

That’s beautiful.

— Rebecca “Bexi” Lobo, Ph.D. is a nutritional biologist and biochemist

Electrification element in climate plan dead on arrival

By Walter Sadler

Special to The Enterprise

Many residents of Davis support electrification of residential and commercial units as necessary to address climate change and achieve the city’s stated objective of being carbon neutral by 2040.

City staff and consultants have developed the “2020-2040 Climate Action & Adaptation Plan,” which identified residential and commercial electrification as an element to be accomplished by the property owner; however, the current approach proposed to achieve this objective, voluntary compliance, will not achieve a significant degree of compliance.

A recent commentary in the Davis Enterprise titled, “City’s climate plan puts cart before the horse,” by Nick Marin was right on target regarding the concept of mandatory requirement of electrification as the city’s implementation strategy, or lack thereof, and summed up a lot of the obvious issues, with emphasis on costs. However, it only touched on what is the largest hurdle to implementation: “upgrade your electrical panel to include one or more additional 240v circuits.” Upgrading an electrical panel will be an issue of significant cost and complexity throughout the city and in most cases involves upgrades to PG&Es system before the panel upgrade, thus the homeowner is not in control.

There is a significant difference between working with PG&E on the Solar Program and the proposed Electrification Program. For solar the costs, potential for rate relief and regulatory requirements (PUC and city of Davis) are easily identified up front and the owner gets a return on the investment.

Electrification of residential is more complex and there are a lot of unknowns and regulatory hurdles with no identifiable short-term return on investment other than the emotional satisfaction of participating in the city’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Electrification of residential and commercial units as identified in the Plan together with all the other elements are all missing one key component, an implemintation strategy and identification of realistic compliance goal.

Elements key to implementation of the electrification plan include: identification and coordination of regulatory requirements of the city (Building Codes), Public Utilities Commission (PUC), PG&E and the IRS; determination that PG&E can supply the power to the area in question with existing facilities; financing strategies that identify the least cost to the property owner and acceptable cost impacts to the utility; identification of realistic measurable goals; and property owner acceptance with the costs and benefits clarified and identified, future and present.

As proposed, voluntary compliance will get minimal engagement by the individual property owners due to uncertainties regarding the potential for high costs and the bureaucratic barriers that the individual homeowner or commercial property owner will face.

Key among those barriers is the PUC and PG&E, an investorowned utility that currently has higher priorities (PUC directed) than the application of a single residence or commercial property for a service upgrade.

I own a single-family home in Davis, in University Estates near the high school, that was developed in the 1970s and 1980s with underground services. It is typical that services installed during this time frame are 100 amps and fed by direct burial cables. Today, an all-electric house typically requires a 200amp service, which is the standard for new homes.

I have an all-electric kitchen with an induction range, 240v; AC, 240v; pool pump, 240v, gas clothes dryer, gas water heater, electric vehicle, etc. Updating my electric service to 200 amps would cost me approximately $35,000 to $40,000. For that reason, I charge my EV on a 110v circuit (4 miles per hour of charge). The reason for this high cost is that there are no existing conduits or pull boxes for PG&E to use to upgrade their power feed to my meter; therefore, I would have to pay for the installation of the conduits and pull boxes, together with the relocation of my electric meter or possible abandonment of my gas service due to current design requirements.

PG&E as an investor-owned utility has a variety of PUCapproved to define responsibilities for who pays for new or upgraded services, undergrounding, design standards (Green Book), etc. As with any business or municipality, nothing is free — either you pay an upfront cost or they recoup their costs in their rate schedule.

PG&E works with cities when an area is going to be undergrounded with the costs being borne by the applicant and upon completion the facilities are donated to PG&E together with the required state and federal taxes. So, the policies and procedures for upgrading services are not new to PG&E; however, a

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public agency must take the lead.

Upon reviewing the consultant’s scope of work for the CAAP, and the qualifications of the consulting team, it is obvious that implementation of electrification was never considered in any framework other than public outreach and mandatory compliance with no costs provided.This is verified by the language in the Implementation Roadmaps regarding next steps.

Consultants and staff, by their recommendations, seem to be hooked on the drug OPM, commonly known in the consulting community as other people’s money, i.e. grants. Somehow Davis has become an impoverished community and is going to get significant Grants? Without an idea of costs, how do you apply for anything other than a planning grant?

Here is a strategy. Using PG&E’s system maps and customer records, the consulting team could identify the number of services in the various service categories, underground, direct burial and overhead, that need to be upgraded. Using this data, they could select a service area for each type of service and develop a representative cost estimate for each house within the service area.

Using these costs, they could then develop some financing strategies, such as an improvement district funded by municipal bonds, etc. to develop an annual cost estimate for a service upgrade in each category.Then the City Council and voters (homeowners) would have something realistic to consider. This would also provide the opportunity for the consultant to consider other technological alternatives that might be more cost effective and acceptable to the homeowner, such as load

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shedding.

In other words, I don’t use my induction range at night. Could I use those amps for another use? Maybe I pay for carbon credits that the city uses to help address vehicle emissions. The city must take the lead, and everyone located in the designated PG&E service area must participate.

The CAAP as proposed is flexible according to staff. When faced with divisive policies or issues the mantra of staff and politicians is, typically, “Indecision is the key to flexibility.” Without an identified implementation strategy that will accomplish the objectives required, no one can be faulted for making a bad decision or a decision that needs to be corrected if no decision is made.

Putting the total burden of achieving the goal of residential electrification onto the individual property owner fits that criterion. Box checked, move on. Next item on the agenda, we will revisit this in the future. The original schedule for the CAAP called for completion in December 2021 with no clear implementable plan. We are now into 2023 and the city and state are trying to meet state- and citystated objectives approaching on an accelerated schedule.

The city still has the mandatory approach on the agenda for 2026 according to their Implementation Roadmap in Appendix A. Without a realistic implementation strategy that is cost effective and the city of Davis taking an aggressive lead, then the 2020-2040 CAAP becomes just another plan on the shelf.

— Walter Sadler is a retired civil engineer with experience working in utilities in the public and private (investor-owned) environment.

Editors’ choice for web comment of the week

“That’s really unfortunate. I think to have a mixed residential and commercial space would really being the University Mall area back ... that and the Grad.”

From Dana Marsh

In response to “Approval of ... University Mall redevelopment impacts Housing Element”

Wearing the same look daily: weird or great?

You know how some people in the public eye have turned to a "uniform" of clothing, never varying their outfits? Think of Steve Jobs and his black mock turtleneck, Levi’s and New Balance tennis shoes. Or there's Elizabeth Holmes, who in a nod to Jobs, wore all black, often a black turtleneck. There's also Dr. David Agus, who I see on CBS news spots all the time, wearing a black pullover sweater and a white button down shirt poking out. Turns out, he was Steve Jobs' doctor.

Supposedly this "hack" (I hate that term) helps people make fewer decisions in a day and frees one up to do better thinking about work, life, etc.

I'm not gonna lie ... I think this is odd behavior. But maybe it's actually jealousy I'm feeling, because you are doing what I wish I would do. In fact, I went to an all-girls Catholic school (I'm not even Catholic) for a stretch, in large part because I wanted to wear a uniform.

(Back-in-time harp strums

here) Growing up in Southern California, we lived in a new area

of Los Angeles County that didn't have a local high school.

My mom decided that the nearby Catholic school would be good for me — not because I was running wild, but because she knew this school had a good reputation for academics.

Horrifyingly to me, my stepdad got a new job in Northern California during my junior year of high school, and we moved to Cameron Park in March of that year. Somehow, 16-year-old me thought it would be a good idea to go to an all-girls Catholic school rather than the public school near our new house.

Spoiler alert: It was a bad idea to join an already-in-progress group of very clique-ish girls who'd been together in school

and church since prekindergarten. However, those three months of wearing a uniform to school were probably the greatest fashion days of my life. I loved putting on the skirt, sweater or blouse, knee socks, and Sperry Top-Siders every day with nary a thought about how I looked. But, I mean, with that description? You know I looked bitchin'.

The question now is, how would this translate to wearing the same outfit every day as an adult out in the world? I have this thought pretty regularly because so often when I'm getting dressed, I gravitate to my favorite pieces of clothing and think, "Did I just wear this the last time I saw this friend/went to that restaurant/met with that student?" Wouldn't wearing the same navy and white checkered blouse with the same gray jeans be noticeable, and possibly a sign that I'm oblivious?

Or does it say that I believe my brain is so amazing that I can't

be bothered with the tedium of deciding what to wear? Or does it say I gave up on being part of polite society?

One reason I can't make myself do this thing — wearing clothes that I enjoy wearing every day — is because I'd have this very loud urge to explain to people every person I saw that I know I'm wearing the same thing as the last time we were together, but it's a choice.

Also, I know I'd feel weird that in photos I'd always be wearing the same thing. "Oh look, it's Thanksgiving 2011! Or 2015? Or 2022?" In that same vein, I know of a few people who keep records of what they wear where, which seems practical if you go to a lot of public events with photographers.

I did a little searching around the internet to see what people had to say about the self-choosing uniform wearers among us. I liked this story from Vox (https://www.vox.com/thegoods/2019/2/26/18240110/ uniform-dressing-reddit-wear-

same-thing-every-day) that responds to some of the thoughts I have about embarking on this lifestyle.

The guy in this story, Justus Kersey from Eugene, Ore., is a bit of a minimalist, which is a different motivation than mine. But he did address my concern about having to explain to everyone about being a uniform-ist. When the story writer said, "You mentioned ... that most people don’t even notice that you’re wearing the same outfit, right?" Kersey responded that he regularly points it out to people. "I’d say, 'Hey, I wear the same outfit,' and people say, 'Oh I didn’t even notice.' I just don’t think that it’s something people pick up on super easily."

Hmm. Maybe now's the time for me to pull out my bitchin' school uniform and see how it goes.

— Tanya Perez lives in Davis with her family. Her column is published every other Sunday. Reach her at pereztanyah@ gmail.com. Follow her on Twitter at @californiatanya.

Transitions, Child Abuse Prevention Month, and Big Day of Giving

By Colleen Campbell

Special to The Enterprise

You may have noticed that this column’s

byline is different this month. My name is Colleen Campbell and I am the acting executive director of Yolo County CASA.

Two weeks ago, the Board of Directors announced bittersweet news as they bid a grateful farewell to our long-serving executive director, Tracy Fauver, as she moves on to new professional endeavors.

Tracy was dedicated to Yolo County CASA first as a CASA volunteer for several years and then as an executive director for 12 years, an unprecedented tenure. She leaves behind dedicated CASA volunteers, a strong staff, a strong financial status, and strong partner agency relationships. We are grateful for her many years of leadership and service to foster youth in our community. I am personally grateful to have gotten to work alongside Tracy and am honored to continue serving foster youths in our community without compromise as

your acting executive director.

When I joined Yolo County CASA a year ago as the program manager, I came to the position excited to serve. As a former school administrator in special education, I had the pleasure of meeting many incredible foster children. These resilient and hopeful students touched my heart in a very special way … I knew that serving foster children in a larger capacity was where I needed to go next.

April is child abuse prevention month, which makes the importance of Yolo County CASA even more apparent. CASA volunteers are often an extra set of eyes and ears for the children they serve. In addition to providing advocacy for their foster youth in court and life, they also empower youth to advocate for themselves.

In doing this, CASA volunteers play an integral role not only in stopping the cycle of abuse, but also in preventing it from hap-

pening again. As we recruit for our April training, I am

delighted to see seats filling with kind-hearted individuals who will make

High honor for UC Davis entomologist

Enterprise staff

UC Davis urban landscape entomologist Emily Meineke has been selected an Early Career Fellow of the Ecological Society of America (ESA).

Meineke, an assistant professor who joined the UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology faculty in 2020, is one of 10 faculty members to receive the honor from the ESA Governing Board. She will be recognized at ESA's Aug. 6-11 meeting in Portland, Ore.

"This is one of the most prestigious awards an ecologist can receive," said nominator Rachel Vannette, community ecologist and associate professor in the UC Davis department of entomology and nematology.

“Early Career Fellows are members within eight years of completing their doctoral training (or other terminal degree) who have advanced ecological knowledge and applications and show promise of continuing to make outstanding contributions to a wide range of fields served by ESA,” an ESA spokesperson announced. “They are elected for five years.”

Meineke received her bachelor’s degree in environmental science, with a minor in biology, in 2008 from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. She obtained her doctorate in entomology in 2016

from North Carolina State University, studying with major professors Steven Frank and Robert Dunn. She wrote her dissertation on "Understanding the Consequences of Urban Warming for Street Trees and Their Insect Pests."

At NCU, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded her with the Science to Achieve Results (STAR) fellowship. As an EPA STAR Fellow, Meineke pioneered research characterizing the effects of urban heat islands on insect herbivores. And, as a National Science Foundation Postdoctoral Fellow at the Harvard University Herbaria, Meineke studied how urbanization and climate change have affected global plant–insect relationships over the past 100-plus years.

At UC Davis, the Meineke laboratory "leverages natural history collections, citywide experiments, and observations to characterize effects of recent anthropogenic change on plant–insect herbivore interactions," said Vannette. Meineke has received funding from the National Science Foundation's Faculty Early Career Development Program; USDA's Agriculture and Food Research Initiative; and the UC Davis Hellman Fellows Program.

In 2022, Meineke was named one of 12 recipients of the UC Davis Hellman Fellows program. Her project, “Assessing Preservation of Chemical Compounds in Pressed Plants,” focuses on whether herbarium specimens collected over

hundreds of years harbor chemical compounds that reveal mechanisms responsible for changing insectplant interactions.

Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed Ellen E. Martin of Woodland director of homeownership at the California Housing Finance Agency. Martin has been director of business development and stakeholder relations at the agency since 2021.

Martin was a principal at Economic and Planning Systems Inc. from 2019 to 2021 and held various positions at EPS from 2005 to 2019, including executive vice president and vice president.

She was a policy analyst and legislative coordinator at United Domestic Workers of America from 2003 to 2005, and an administrative assistant in the California State Assembly Fellowship Program in 2003.

Martin is a member of the Urban Land Institute, where she serves on the Sacramento District Council's Executive Committee as well as the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. She earned a master’s degree in public policy and administration Sacramento State University and a bachelor’s degree in political science from UC Davis.

This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $175,188. Martin is a Democrat.

— Do you know of someone who has won an award or accomplished something noteworthy? Email it to newsroom@davisenterprise.net.

immeasurable impacts in a child’s life… not only now, but years down the line as they disrupt the cycle of abuse that we know is all too common. While the application period has closed for this recruitment, I always encourage anyone interested in volunteering as a CASA to learn more and apply at the volunteer section of our website. Our summer training will be here before we know it.

In addition to training new volunteers, we also look forward to the Big Day of Giving on May 4. This is one of our biggest annual fundraisers. This year, we will be launching a “15 Reasons to Give to Yolo County CASA” campaign toward the end of this month. Please keep an eye on our social media where we will be sharing inspiring stories about moments our CASA volunteers have had while forming relationships with and advocating for their foster youth.

As part of this campaign, we are also encouraging new donors to our organization to donate fifteen dollars in honor of the

fifteen reasons we share throughout the month on the Big Day of Giving. Will you help us spread the word?

Finally, Happy Easter to those celebrating. Each day that I come to work I look forward to hearing about the ways our CASA volunteers touch the lives of the foster children they serve. It makes me extremely happy to have heard that many of our volunteers have Easter activities planned for their foster youth. Since I started working at Yolo County CASA, the bittersweet emotions we feel for the foster children we serve is palpable … and so is the gratitude we have for our CASA volunteers who create smiles when their foster youth need them most.

I like forward to keeping you updated on our Spring Training, the Big Day of Giving, and more to come. As always, more information can be found on our website at yolocasa.org.

— Colleen Campbell is the Acting Executive Director for Yolo County CASA

Yolo CASA

Courte SY photo

Colleen Campbell, acting executive director of Yolo CASA.

YOLOlaughs

By Jerry Scott and Jim Borgman

Stephan Pastis

By Charles M. Schulz

Fans getting far less for entertainment dollar

For some strange reason the people in charge of the sports we watch are concerned that the games they are presenting to us are running too long.

The NCAA is instituting rule changes to speed up college football games next fall by giving us fewer plays. Yes, fewer plays.

It’s akin to your favorite pizza parlor giving you fewer slices of your favorite pie so you can get home more quickly.

I’m not aware of a single fan who’s complaining that games are too long, but maybe the folks selling hot dogs are wishing they could leave the stadium earlier.

Major League Baseball has now joined the shorter-is-better parade by forcing pitchers to take less time between pitches, while batters will have to pull up their socks and spit on their own time.

In addition, change-ups and knuckleballs are permanently banned because the ball takes too long to get to the plate. All pitches must now be at least 90 mph to speed the game up. Any pitch under

90 mph will automatically be called a “ball.”

Under the new “Three Balls and You’re Out” rule, a pitcher will be tossed from the game and serve a two-week suspension if he throws three consecutive pitches under 90 mph.

The only thing that matters anymore is how fast can we get this stupid game over with.

During spring training and the first week of the regular season, Major League Baseball brass claim that the new pitch rules have reduced the average game from three hours and one minute to two hours and thirty minutes, a saving

PEPPER: UCD baseball home Tuesday

From Page B1

Center.

UC Davis (2-2 in the Big West Conference, 14-11) held the lead until the halfway point in the third quarter, but UC San Diego would rally from behind to snatch the important conference victory.

Gianna Nocetti recorded her third hat trick on Friday. Kelly Hungerford enjoyed a multi-goal game while dishing out a pair of assists, good for a teamhigh four points.

Madison Sparre turned in a solid performance as well with two goals.

Grace Pelkey opened the scoring by converting on the Aggies’ first power-

play opportunity of the game.

Then UCD quickly doubled the lead when Noelle Wijnbelt found the back of the cage at the 6:33 mark in the first period. The Tritons got one back via the power play, but Nocetti’s delicate chip restored the two-goal lead after eight minutes played.

UCD baseball

LA JOLLA — Despite picking up 10 hits in the ballgame and outhitting its Big West Conference foe, the UC Davis baseball team was unable to come out on top, as host UC San Diego posted a 5-4 win on Thursday.

Bryan Green threw

seven innings, gave up four runs, seven hits, three walks and two strikeouts for UCD (3-7 in the Big West, 10-15).

Then Nate Freeman entered in relief and went a 1-2-3, eighth inning before coming back out for the ninth. Freeman only allowed one hit in his appearance.

Nick Iverson and Joey Wright led the Aggies, as each went 2-for-4. Damian Stone also contributed for UCD, putting together one hit in four trips to the plate while adding a walk and an RBI.

UCD will host Causeway rival Sacramento State in a non-conference game at Dobbins Stadium on Tuesday at 2:30 p.m.

of 31 minutes.

Fans are presumably ecstatic that they’re getting far less for their entertainment dollar.

Under the new rules, which are already being tweaked, a pitcher must deliver his pitch within 15 seconds of receiving the ball if there is no one on base and within 20 seconds if there is a runner on base.

The difference gives the pitcher an extra five seconds to stare down a baserunner and threaten him with harm and humiliation if he dares to even think about stealing a base.

The batter, meanwhile, must be “alert” in the batter’s box before the clock ticks under eight seconds. If the batter takes a called third strike, it is considered prima facie evidence that he was not alert and he will be removed from the game and reported to the Commissioner for further action.

All these changes will certainly help, but if Major League Baseball is truly serious about getting fans to bed on time, it should require relief pitchers to immediately begin play with no “warm-up”

pitches after coming in from the bullpen. After all, they’ve had all afternoon to practice their stuff and keep their arm loose. It just slows the game down to give them even more practice pitches in case they forgot the distance from the mound to home plate.

Last time I checked, when Steph Curry comes into a game off the bench, he doesn’t get to take eight or nine free throws before play begins. No, he has to be ready from the get-go. Should be the same for an MLB pitcher who is paid big money to be ready at a moment’s notice.

Of course, there is one more thing that will truly speed things along and should make everyone happy.

Cut games down to seven innings. If you haven’t figured out who has the better team by then, there’s no point in going on. I’m sending the Commissioner a bill for my time.

— Contact Bob Dunning at bdunning@davisenterprise.net.

AGGIE: Have a Happy Easter!

From Page A1

in preparation for the 2023 season.

n No matter what you do today, be it with your family, friends, significant other, co-workers and/or whomever is in

your circle, you make sure you have a Happy Easter.

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