October 19 issue

Page 1

THE CALIFORNIA AGGIE IS ON SOCIAL MEDIA

the California Aggie

SERVING THE UC DAVIS CAMPUS AND COMMUNITY SINCE 1915

THEAGGIE.ORG

VOLUME 136, ISSUE 4 | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2017

Hillary Clinton Speaks at uC Davis

JEREMY DANG / AGGIE

Wildfire smoke blankets Davis Effect of Northern California wildfires on Davis

UC DAVIS PHOTO / COURTESY

Clinton spoke about women in politics, Russian involvement, gun reform BY H A N N A H HOL Z E R campus@theaggie.org

On Oct. 9, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton addressed a packed crowd in the Mondavi Center, who greeted her with screams of “I love you.” In Clinton’s first speech at UC Davis, she talked about her recently-published memoir, “What Happened,” which addresses her becoming the first-ever female Democratic Party presidential nominee, the unprecedented 2016 presidential election and its aftermath. UC Davis Chancellor Gary May introduced Clinton, whom he said needed “absolutely no introduction.” The night’s event comprised two parts: Clinton gave a speech focused mainly on the issues she touches on in “What Happened” and then sat down with moderator Scott Syphax, the CEO of a Sacramento nonprofit, to answer questions mainly about the election. Both at the beginning of her speech and toward the end of the Q&A portion, Clinton addressed the need for an increase in gun restrictions in the wake of the mass shooting in Las Vegas. “One of the fatalities [was] a UC Davis graduate by the name of Michelle Vo,” Clinton said. “I read about how last week Michelle’s friends and family as well as members of the UC Davis community have remembered her as a joyful, kind person who made friends eve-

rywhere she went. She was just 32 years old. Every time there’s a mass shooting, people claim, ‘Well, it’s somehow impolite or too soon to address the need for common sense gun safety reform.’ I disagree. It’s always time and what better time than now?” Clinton, who spoke in front of a wall stocked with copies of “What Happened,” said that the book is her “most candid” and “most personal effort” yet to write about personal experiences. Fourth-year African American and African studies major Denisha Bland was chosen to address house rules before the event started; backstage, she shook Clinton’s hand and took a photo. Bland said she was “so excited” when Clinton thanked her by name in her speech. “To hear her say my name, [...] it felt like she really cared,” Bland said. “I also liked her spirit and I wish she would have had that spirit through the election and showed her truth.” Speaking openly about her reaction to the election, Clinton said she spent a significant amount of time with her family before deciding to get back to work. “I [...] started a new organization called Onward Together,” Clinton said. “It is designed to [...] encourage the outpouring of activism and engagement that we’re seeing across America now. I still yell at my TV, [but] it helps a lot to be able to channel the worry and the CLINTON on 9

CHRISTIE NEO / AGGIE

uC Davis FAculty raise money for Hurricane Maria relief Davis rallies behind Puerto Rico BY AL LY RUSSE L L campus@theaggie.org

A group of Puerto Rican faculty and staff members at UC Davis have rallied together to fundraise for those impacted by Hurricane Maria. Since its creation just two weeks ago, their GoFundMe page has raised over $6,000. Students are encouraged to join in the efforts to aid those in Puerto Rico. The fundraising effort was spearheaded by Alexandra Colón-Rodriguez, a postdoctoral researcher at the Genome Center. Hurricane Maria has left the island of Puerto Rico devastated and in dire need of aid. Puerto Rico was hit directly by a Category 5 hurricane on Sept. 20 when winds up to 155 miles per hour ravaged the island. Two weeks after the storm, many residents still lack power and clean drinking water. Much of the island’s infrastructure was destroyed and the destruction made it difficult for relief efforts to access the island and those in need — with intervention efforts from the federal government lacking, many celebrities, politicians and individual activists have stepped up to support those in Puerto Rico. “For me it is personal,” Colón-Rodriguez said in an email inter-

view. “We are from Puerto Rico, and all of us have family and friends there. Thus, imagine the feeling of seeing your ‘home’ destroyed by a hurricane and being away with limited ways to help. That is what I feel.” UC Davis’ team of activists is working with Casa Pueblo and the Hispanic Federation’s Unidos Initiative. Funds will be directly donated to ensure that 100 percent of the proceeds raised will go toward relief efforts in Puerto Rico. While Casa Pueblo works to provide solar light to Puerto Rican residents, the Hispanic Federation’s Unido Initiative is focusing on collecting and distributing goods like food, water, diapers and other necessary items. “It’s nice to know that we have faculty that continually go out of their way to ensure the betterment of not only our community, but of anyone in need,” said Karina Kays, a fourth-year environmental toxicology major. Samuel Díaz-Muñoz, an assistant professor in the College of Biological Sciences at UC Davis, has been working closely on the project with colleagues as well. PUERTO RICO on 9

620 G Street • Open 7am—10pm Everyone can shop. Owners save!

et

G Stre

6th Street

620 G ST

5th Street (Russell Blvd.)

BY AHASH FR ANCI S city@theaggie.org

Since Monday, Oct. 2, smoke has been floating in and out of Davis, blanketing the city. The smoke was largely due to a fire at Northern Recycling, a compost facility in Zamora, Calif. The Yolo-Solano Air Quality Management District sent out a mass alert the day the foul-smelling fog appeared. Jenny Tan, the public information officer from YSAQMD, commented on the Zamora fire situation via email. “The fire started Sunday night on 10/1 around 10:30 pm and on Monday 10/2 we immediately sent staff to investigate the issue,” Tan said. “Also on Monday, the District sent out our first smoke alert to notify residents that smoke was impacting Woodland, Davis, Zamora and some of the surrounding communities. We sent another alert Monday night and the third Tuesday morning, 10/3. There were still parts in the recycling plant that were smoldering on Wednesday, but it was much better than what was seen on Monday. The cooler weather over the past weekend helped with the smoldering.” The Zamora fire burned out in the days following the smog’s appearance. Now, wildfires are sprouting up all over Northern California, affecting Napa, Sonoma, Yuba, Butte, Nevada, Calaveras and Mendocino counties. Unpredictable winds have blown smoke from these fires over to Yolo County, often putting Davis under a cover of uncomfortable smoke. Though only the smoke touched Davis, UC Davis’ own firefighters were among thousands of California firefighters who were dispatched to contain the actual fires. “Battalion Chief Nate Hartinger is assigned to the LaPorte Fire in Butte County. The fire has merged with another nearby fire, the Cascade Fire,” said UC Davis fire chief Nathan Trauernicht. “Our type III Engine (Wildland Fire Truck) was initially assigned to the point fire near the Stanislaus National Forest. They have been reassigned to head toward the Napa Fairgrounds this morning in preparation for today’s north wind. On the engine is captain Dave Stiles, engineer Kyle Dubs, firefighter Jon Poganski and firefighter Gerrit Dykzeul.” Trauernicht emphasized that, although the fires are a serious natural disaster, they don’t currently pose an imminent threat to the city of Davis. His main concern was the smoke that plagues the city’s skies. “The source of the [current] smoke is about 17 major wildfires that are burning in Northern California right now,” Trauernicht said. “Closest to us are the fires in Napa, Lake and Sonoma County. Butte County is to the east of us. We’re surrounded [... but] there’s at least one county between us and all of the active fires right now, so there’s no threat to Davis or the campus.” Trauernicht elaborated on the potential duration of the smoke in Davis. “At this point, we really don’t know,” Trauernicht said. “It all depends on which way the wind blows. People should anticipate periods of smoke off and on, at least for the next several days.” While the smoke may be a mild irritant to Davis residents, its sources are a much more dangerous issue for other Californians and for the firefighters working to contain the blazes. Inconsistent and strong winds have pushed the fire into neighboring counties, and, as of Oct. 11, the fire has spread into neighboring Solano County, which is located near Fairfield. At the time of publication, 33 Californians have lost their lives, thousands of California residents have lost their homes, and thousands more have been left without electricity. Students have already started volunteering and sending aid to those affected, creating Facebook donation pools and crowdfunding pages. Though the fires haven’t touched Davis, many local students and residents have been personally affected by the blazes. Some air quality alerts and evacuations are being announced to ensure the public’s safety while the situation is handled. To stay updated on the fire’s placements and smoke alerts, follow the UC Davis Fire Department’s Twitter or sign up for YSAQMD’s air quality alerts.


2 | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2017

THE CALIFORNIA AGGIE

2017-18 CAMPUS COMMUNITY BOOK PROJECT CHOSEN: JANET MOCK’S “REDEFINING REALNESS” Several events planned around book, including Oct. 4 transgender rights talk

JORDAN KNOWLES / AGGIE

BY AA R O N L I SS campus@theaggie.org

Janet Mock’s New York Times bestseller “Redefining Realness: My Path to Womanhood, Identity, Love and So Much More” has been chosen for UC Davis’ 15th Campus Community Book Project. Campus workshops, conferences, film screenings, lectures and Q&As

DAVIS HISTORIC CITY HALL STILL UP FOR SALE

have been curated around Mock’s book, which addresses the intersection of LGBTQIA and racial identities. Mock is a well-known transgender activist, writer and reporter. On Feb. 5, 2018, Mock will come to the Mondavi Center for a panel discussion and book signing. Mikael Villalobos, the associate chief diversity officer in the Office of Campus

Community Relations, provided insight into how he and other committee members chose Mock’s book. Villalobos, who chaired the book project and directed the program, said the committee, which is “made of faculty, students and staff,” selects the book based on a chosen topic. “More than 40 books were looked at,” Villalobos said. “The committee was focused on ensuring that the book

[...] chosen really addressed the intersection of race [and] gender identity. Janet Mock’s book [is an] intersection between racial [identity], ethnic identity and LGBTQIA identity.” When asked about his thoughts on the coordinated events accompanying “Redefining Realness,” Villalobos explained how impactful the events are in promoting the book. “We do our best to make sure the events that support the featured book will be diverse,” Villalobos said. “We wanted the events to explore the themes from the book, like gender identity. It’ll include how laws and policies impact members of a particular group and [...] explore [opportunities] to bring awareness in terms of how folks may experience the society by virtue of their identities. We made sure the program would include research, services and programs that very much deal with the topic that was the impetus for Janet Mock’s book.” Villalobos said UC Davis plays a role in developing LGBTQIA rights and advocacy as well as in ensuring the safety of individuals within the community. “As an administrator, I think the book project serves as a jumping-off point to build awareness of knowledge for folks who may not be familiar with what it means to identify with [the] LGBTQIA community,” Villalobos said. One event that covered court proceedings for transgender discrimination was given by Brian Soucek, a King Hall

acting professor and a Martin Luther King Jr. Hall Research Scholar. On Oct. 4, he delivered an hourlong lecture entitled “Trans Rights and Fights in the Time of Trump“ to kick off the lecture series. Soucek’s lecture covered individual cases and gave a history of gender anti-discrimination laws in the United States, focusing on laws like Title IX. Soucek pointed out how most UC Davis students are of an age where they “haven’t navigated race-segregated bathrooms or locker rooms” yet have become inundated with sex-segregated ones. “When you have a transgender woman, should she be allowed to use the women’s restroom?” Soucek said. “School districts, government [and] private organizations have said ‘no’ — that gender is determined by biology. Especially if they have anatomical features associated with a man. Sometimes, a special occupancy bathroom will be offered.” Soucek talked about a specific case where Gavin Grimm, a 15-year-old transgender boy, was offered the option of using his nurse’s bathroom at his public high school. “Grimm rejected the accommodation to go to the nurse’s bathroom,” Soucek said. “His case said that he should be able to use male locker rooms and bathrooms in his school. The process has been long and arduous.” REDEFINING REALNESS on 11

Police Logs:

NICHOLAS CHAN / AGGIE

Building now contracted with Turton Commercial Real Estate BY STEL L A TR A N city@theaggie.org

While City Hall will remain a historic artifact of the City of Davis, the building is currently in the process of being sold to a private entity. The city will strive to maintain the hall’s image as a downtown Davis landmark as part of the state regulation for selling city buildings. “The most important thing to keep in mind is that it is not a city building for a while now,” said Davis Mayor Robb Davis. “It has been a restaurant for some number of years. It was sold to the redevelopment agency, which the state later cancelled. If you’re not using it for city purposes, therefore you have to sell it at market price.” The hall now houses a restaurant and bar, so the state required Davis to put the property on the open market. Since then, the city has contracted with Turton Commercial Real Estate. Ken Turton, the founder of Turton Commercial Real Estate, noted how intertwined City Hall is with the Davis community. “This used to be the city hall for the City of Davis,” Turton said. “They loved

this building, [and] they never wanted to sell this building, but they had to sell this building. There was a law change, and they put a private tenant to the building for profit. That is no longer permissible for subsidized renovation projects like this.” However, the building no longer serves its original purpose. Davis explained that the city hall is now just an attraction and restaurant. Even so, the building holds the past memories and history of Davis. The city does not have to worry about any significant changes, however, as the property will retain its archival image since it was historically registered. “It was built in 1938, and it’s a piece of Spanish Colonial architecture,” Turton said. “You can’t change the facade of the building and there’s some internal characteristics of the building that is also reserved. [Changes] never happen; in my 20 years, I’ve never seen anybody change the facade of a historically registered building.” Stacey Winton, the media and communications officer for the City of Davis, explained her involvement with City Hall’s sales and how the process worked.

“I am the city staff to the Redevelopment Successor Agency. Regarding future changes, it will depend on who purchases the building,” Winton said. “The current tenant has a lease, which will remain in place until it expires, renews or is bought out.” Winton went on to express how the city reacted because the building has been such a crucial part of the downtown atmosphere. “It is a devastating loss to the city’s history,” Winton said. “It was the City of Davis’ first city hall and was then used as a fire and police station.” While the city could not really gain ownership of the city hall, the building will still retain its architecture and historical value. “We didn’t have a choice; the city was compelled by the state of California to sell that building,” Davis said. “It had to be sold; it had to be sold to a private entity. [However,] you can’t just demolish it or change its appearance. There is not much risk in changing the character of that building.” The property was equally marketed to CITY HALL on 11

What the egg? Oct. 5 “Two subjects seen with flashlights looking inside a parked vehicle.” “Vehicle versus skateboarder.” Oct. 6 “Open line, possible phone in pocket.” Oct. 7 “Loud chanting.” Oct. 8 “Police department unit was in front of residence shining light on the roof, reporting party believes he heard someone on the roof.” Oct. 9 “Enterprise moving truck struck reporting party’s vehicle and tore off the front bumper.” “Loose dog without leash roaming the street, black/white, medium/ large, similar to herding dog, appears friendly.” Oct. 10 “Requested night extra patrol after resident was toilet papered and egged.” “Suspicious suitcase outside business.” “Several vehicles on street egged overnight.”

SACRAMENTO INTRODUCES PARKING-PROTECTED BIKE LANES

Parked cars to be used as buffer between moving vehicles, bike lanes to increase safety, encourage more cycling BY H ADYA AMIN city@theaggie.org

CTS / AGGIE

The City of Sacramento will soon be implementing its first permanent parking-protected bike lanes on various streets throughout downtown. This decision is the result of a three-day trial that city planners organized last week, introducing the idea to the public on P Street. Positive feedback from the community encouraged the planners to take action in establishing such lanes permanently. These parking-protected bike lanes aim to protect cyclists as well as pedestrians by providing a buffer between the road and the bike lane. The intention is that placing the parked

vehicles between the moving vehicles and the bikers will create a safer experience for everyone involved, as well as promote other forms of transportation besides just cars in Sacramento. Ryan Moore, an interim city traffic engineer, explained that many big cities — including Oakland — are piloting this idea. Moore, along with other city planners, visited Oakland recently to see the idea in action. “It’s an experiment that a lot of cities are increasingly trying to provide in especially urban areas,” Moore said. “The idea is to really get away from the notion that bicycle facilities are only for recreational things but try to make bike facilities more comfortable and more ac-

cessible and easier so people can use them for a more regular mode of transportation.” Moore noted that the feedback was generally positive after the three-day pilot project on P Street, which was intended to test the effectiveness of the idea. Therefore, the decision was made to implement a few of them permanently in the downtown quarter of Sacramento. The mayor of Sacramento, Darrell Steinberg, was one of the first individuals to try the bike lane during the three-day pilot project. He voiced his approval of and excitement about the idea. LANES on 11


THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2017 | 3

Sudoku Enter digits from 1 to 9 into the blank spaces. Every row, column and 3x3 square must contain one of each digit. Each Sudoku has a unique solution that can be reached logically without guessing.

UC DAVIS FINDS NEW WAY TO MAKE GUNROCK RELEVANT TO STUDENTS BY ELLIOT WHITE

LAST WEEK’S ANSWERS

THE CALIFORNIA AGGIE

BY E LLIOT WH ITE

Chess White to move, mate in two moves. This is not an obvious one, but if the set up is there, be sure, greedy isn’t always what it seems...

T:11.625”

Behind life’s best moments is a primary care doctor.

Clinic locations in Woodland and Davis.

17-DHR-0832_10_DHMF_11.625x10.5_Babykiss_N_WD_m1

T:10.5”

Life is full of simple pleasures, aha moments, and joyful experiences that can happen anywhere, at any time. A primary care doctor you trust can help you fully experience it all. The doctors of Dignity Health Medical Foundation, with professional services provided by Woodland Clinic Medical Group, will help you stay healthy—and stay in the moment. Find your doctor during Open Enrollment by visiting dhmf.org/sacenrollment or calling 877-771-5864.


4 | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2017

THE CALIFORNIA AGGIE

FARM-TO-FORK IN THE CAPAY VALLEY Farmers, chefs form symbiotic relationship, increasing impact of Northern California farms, cuisine BY R OWA N O’CO NNE L L GAT E S arts@theaggie.org

JER EMY DA N G / AGGIE

46 years ago, a young woman with a passion for food opened a small establishment in Berkeley, Calif. Today we know her as Alice Waters, a world-renowned chef. Waters’s flagship eatery, Chez Panisse, is synonymous with the farmto-fork movement she helped create. While much of the credit for the start of this movement goes to Waters, little could have been accomplished without the produce provided by local farms. Today, Yolo County and its Capay Valley are home to some of the most prominent players in the farm-to-table business. Riverdog Farm, located in nearby Guinda, has been supplying produce to numerous farm-to-fork establishments, including Bay Area restaurants Nopa, Penrose, Pizzaiolo, Zuni Cafe and Chez Panisse, since it was founded in 1990 by Trini Campbell and Tim Mueller. Their produce also finds its way to the prominent Sacramento restaurants Waterboy and The Kitchen. When it comes to the Capay Valley, Campbell can’t help but gush about its environment. “Our climate, where we are in Yolo County, it’s really hot in the summer, and it infuses things with sweetness,” Campbell said. “Then in the winter we have a lot of frost, so the broccoli and carrots and kale and chard, all that winter hearty stuff, actually tastes better once it has frost on it.” Laurence Jossel, the head chef and founder of the San Francisco restaurants Nopa and Nopalito, shares Campbell’s sentiments. “I’ve cooked in many other places, many other countries, many other states,” Jossel said. “In my opinion — and I’ve stated it many times — we are cooking in the best place to cook in the world.” With the mutual respect that both these chefs and farmers have for the environment, the only thing left to do is streamline restaurant and consumer access to the fresh produce. While the majority of the public might assume that farms deliver directly to neighboring food and drink establishments, in reality, the process is much different. Although farms and restaurants have close, long-standing relationships, the majority of produce deliveries are achieved via the less intimate yet more communal vessel of farmers markets. Full Belly Farm, an even older Capay Valley establishment founded in 1985, is based in Guinda, just down the road from Riverdog Farm. Judith Redmond, a UC Davis alumna and one of the farm’s owners, knows the farmers market process very well. “Many chefs come to the markets to pick up from multiple farms,” Redmond said. “They’re at the market. They’re seeing the produce. They’re thinking about how they’re going to cook it and what they’re going to do with it.” For Jossel, a chef at Nopa for over 12 years, the farmers markets are key to his creative process.

“It’s a great place to talk to another chef about a recipe,” Jossel said. “We’re all shopping for the same stuff, but then we get to go back and [prepare] it in different ways.” In addition to drawing inspiration from their fellow chefs, many cooks also look to farmers for well-received advice about their products. “Just by making suggestions,” Campbell said. “‘Oh these Tokyo turnips! It’s the first week of the harvest. You got to try one of these: they’re so good raw, and you can grate it on a salad or you can just barely sauté it, and it’s just delicious — it tastes like a scallop.’” At Nopa, Jossel has the luxury of a menu that changes daily based on what’s the best produce at the farmers markets that day. Jossel personally picks up all of the produce for him and his employees, allowing him to taste and touch the products prior to writing the menu. “Today I picked up really good green beans from a farm called Tomatero,” Jossel said. “That influenced tonight’s menu; they will be on that menu, as are their tomatoes and some beautiful peppers that I found. Our style is ‘If it’s not in the market, we’re not cooking it.’”

L AU R A LO N G / AG G I E

KEN N EJIMA [CC BY 2.0 ] / F L ICKR

STUDY ABROAD AND INTERNSHIP FAIR HELD ON OCT. 5 Fair informed students of study, internship opportunities across the globe BY CLA RA Z HAO campus@theaggie.org

On Oct. 5, the annual Study Abroad and Internship Fair was held on the West Quad. Hosted by UC Davis Study Abroad and the Internship and Career Center, the purpose of the fair was to “inform students about opportunities to study, work and intern in areas all over the world,” according to the UC Davis Study Abroad website. At the fair, students had the chance to “talk with study and intern abroad alumni about their experiences” as well as meet advisors and explore opportunities for scholarships and financial aid. The fair featured information stands from various organizations dedicated to promoting study and internship opportunities abroad. UC Davis Study Abroad offers the Summer Abroad program, an intensive eight-week program that provides students the opportunity to enroll in classes while participating in internships as well as cultural trips in places such as Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand and Spain. The instruction and internships offered are in a diverse range of disciplines including business, communication, engineering and agricultural science. This year, Spring and Fall Quarter programs are also available, with sites in Japan, Taipei, Australia

This loyalty from big-time restaurants has cultivated a caring culture among farmers and chefs. Jossel is the first to admit that he feels a loyal obligation to the farmers he interacts with. “When I started Nopa 12 years ago, there weren’t a ton of chefs at the market, and now there are so many. We are a big group of buyers at these markets,” Jossel said. “According to the market managers, we need to show up; we need to help these farmers out.” Campbell feels similarly about the communal caring: she considers the farmers markets to be the highlight of her work. “I like going to the farmers markets the most, every Saturday,” Campbell said. “The customers — I’ve come to know them — I’ve basically seen their children grow up on our food. I see them every week. I develop friendships, and it’s a way to take a break from the farm.” This strengthened relationship between farmer and chef demonstrates the impact of the farm-to-fork movement. By creating a joint community, both sides have grown exponentially. While this is a business, it’s clear that farmer and chef alike both rely upon and care about one another.

and Italy. “Studying abroad, you get a different viewpoint of the world and yourself and you figure out who you are as a person,” said Benjamin Ferguson, the enrollment coordinator and an advisor at UC Davis Study Abroad. “[It’s] getting to know people and making connections that could be lifelong.” In addition to UC Davis Study Abroad, other organizations present at the fair included Accent, Camp Adventure and Kei. Accent offers students academic and internship opportunities in the humanities, with sites in Paris, Florence, London and Madrid. Camp Adventure partners with the Department of Defense to give students an opportunity to work with the children of military officials abroad. Additionally, Kei offers major-specific internships with international companies such as BMW and Air France. “You stand out more and you develop global competence,” said Elizabeth Imasa, a graduate assistant with Kei. “[You’re] more able to deal with different people from different cultures. You also get a lot of soft skills like being more creative and proactive.” In addition to the fair, various workshops were held throughout the day, including “Why You Should Study Abroad,” “Financial Aid For Studying Abroad” and “International Scholarships for Studying Abroad.”

PHILZ LOVERS REJOICE Philz Coffee to arrive in Davis in January BY E LIANA SI SNER OS city@theaggie.org

For those who have heard only whispers of the big news, let it be known that the rumor is true: Philz Coffee will officially arrive in Davis this coming January at the corner of 2nd and E streets. Any coffee lovers who have yet to experience a Philz Coffee blend may be perplexed by the hype around this Bay Area-based company. To elucidate the reasoning behind this coffee frenzy, it should be noted that this once small San Francisco coffee shop is now a rapidly expanding company with 41 locations across California and in Washington, D.C. Over the past 25 years, Philz Coffee has become known for its highly customizable orders and superior coffee blends. Phil Jaber, the original owner of the San Francisco coffee shop, designed a coffee station that would allow his coffee to be made one cup at a time. This means that each “cup of love” is individualized for the customer and is made without pre-brew. Additionally, Philz offers over 20 blends sourced from international coffee growers. Some of the fan-favorite orders include the Philtered Soul, a hot medium blend; and the Mint Mojito, the Instagram-fave iced coffee. Philz fans often testify that this coffee company is one of the best. Karen Chang, a fourth-year cell biology major and frequenter of the Philz Bay Area locations, is looking forward to enjoying a

cup of Philz at the new Davis shop. “The quality of the coffee is so much better than other chain coffee stores,” Chang said. “And the Philz vibe is really chill. I feel like it’s geared towards young adults and people my age. I love going there.” Chang’s sentiment toward the Philz Coffee ambience echoes the intentions of the Philz Coffee team. Jaber hopes to make the Davis location a “perfect, central place for Davis students to study.” The large shop will house comfy seating, large tables, outlets and wifi, allowing for a simultaneously studious and social environment. Recognizing the ubiquitous bike culture in Davis, the company also plans to make the new shop as bike-friendly as possible. Jolie Meschi, the store marketing director at Philz Coffee, expressed in a statement that, despite recent delays in construction, the company is “still really excited about the new location.” According to Meschi, “Phil Jaber picked out the location himself, seriously.” Although the mention of a Philz opening in Davis may provoke raised eyebrows and wide eyes from many conditioned Philz lovers, the company’s success in Davis may depend upon the coffee fanatics who are already loyal to other local coffee shops. Philz Coffee will soon join the ranks of nearby Mishka’s, Peet’s, Starbucks, Temple Coffee Roasters and Cloud Forest Cafe, among many others.


THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2017 | 5

THE CALIFORNIA AGGIE

Las vegas tragedy hits home 2007 UC Davis alumna Michelle Vo killed in shooting BY SAH IT I VE MU LA features@theaggie.org

The Aggie family lost one of its own, alumna Michelle Vo from the class of 2007, in the deadliest mass shooting in United States history. She was 32 years old. Vo earned a bachelor’s degree in communication from UC Davis and worked as a financial services employee for New York Life Insurance Co. She was “recognized for her ambition and work ethic,” as noted by Chancellor Gary May in his letter in University News.

SAN J OSE M E R C U RY NE WS / CO URTESY

uC Davis welcomes study abroad students from around world Students from other countries share cowtown experiences JA MIE C H E N / AG G I E

BY MA RLYS JE A N E features@theaggie.org

About an hour after she started the dishwasher, Dayoung Ryu wandered back into the kitchen to the shocking scene of foamy bubbles covering the ground, the soapy mound growing and growing with every passing minute. “There [were] bubbles everywhere!” Ryu said. “It was like a pool of bubbles, and it wouldn’t stop!” Ryu is not used to dishwashers, she says they aren’t used in her home country. She had never operated one before coming to Davis but quickly learned from the disastrous experience. Ryu is an international student from Seoul, South Korea studying political science and international relations. As UC Davis students we often hear about our fellow classmates jetting across the world on awesome study abroad adventures, but UC Davis is a popular study abroad location, too. There are more international students among the campus population than one might think, and they all have unique stories and experiences to share. “There were some [representatives] who came from

UC Davis to advertise [about] the school, and they talked about how student-friendly, peaceful and quiet the environment was, so I got really interested in that,” Ryu said. “I really like the safety and quietness of this town, [and] how people are super friendly.” Ryu has noticed a few differences between her home university and UC Davis, one being the variety of food options such as those for vegans and vegetarians, something that’s nearly impossible to do in Korea. The other is the competitiveness of club sports. “I did cross country and basketball back in my country but it wasn’t like anything like this,” Ryu said. “I didn’t know that students considered athletics really important. They take it really seriously and I think students here in general work out more.” Despite these differences, Ryu mentions that she feels satisfied with her experience so far at Davis. “I’m really happy that I chose UC Davis,” Ryu said. “Some people might say it’s a boring town, but for me I’m in a new environment and here I feel like I’m discovering myself more.” The small-town college vibe is appealing to many students who come here to study abroad, often from big cities themselves, like Shannon Smyth, a study abroad student from Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland. “Although Edinburgh is a lot more busy, I came to Davis to have a different experience,” Smyth said. “I kind of liked the idea of a small college town but with a very big university community because I thought that would be the best combination, but there’s going to be lots of people for me to meet, and it’s going to be a community that’s quite diverse.” Smyth, a third-year English and history double major, is staying in Davis for a full year and has already

noticed the little differences in her new life. “It’s the little things that make a big difference,” Smyth said. “Like I can’t do mental math, so figuring out prices, the exchange rate, something as simple as that takes me much longer now. I don’t really call where I’d go to the toilet a ‘bathroom’ I’d just call it the toilet, or I’m going to the loo.” However minor these semantics, Smyth embraces what these differences give her — the chance to meet new people. Another study abroad student who can attest to this observation is Angela Yu, a third-year journalism student from Beijing Foreign Studies University. Yu said that she has bonded with her roommates in her apartment off campus, who she gets to speak her native language with and who also transport her around Davis and the local area. Living in a spacious apartment, especially one with a kitchen, is something starkly different than her experience in Beijing, where students live in cramped living quarters. “I finally get to cook, and it’s really exciting,” Yu said. “Most of us get a certain degree of freedom when we go to a university, but here [at Davis] it’s really like ‘oh my god I’m building a life out here’ and you get to arrange everything however you like.” The people and living situations aren’t the only obvious differences between UC Davis and other universities around the world. Romy Chaib, a third-year international agriculture and development major at UC Davis, has noticed that the academic system here offers more freedom to students, giving them the chance to explore and challenge themselves. PROFILES on 11

Lead Business Transformation Earn your MBA or management degree with Azusa Pacific and advance your career. Businesses today must be agile to adapt to the world’s changing needs. Become a leader who can transform the way business happens with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or Master of Business Management (MBM) from Azusa Pacific.

4 Southern California Locations and Online Mix and match when and where you complete your degree. MBA 42 units 1-2½ years $26,880

Concentrations: Accounting, Entrepreneurship, Finance, International Business, Marketing, Organizational Science, Sport Management

MBM 39 units 1-2½ years $24,960

Concentrations: Entrepreneurship, Human Resource Management, International Business, Marketing, Organizational Development and Change, Organizational

Prices effective fall 2017.

Get started today! Contact us at (626) 815-4570 or gpadmissions@apu.edu, or visit apu.edu/cp/business/graduate/. 21651


6 | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2017

THE CALIFORNIA AGGIE

Opinion editorial board

the California Aggie EDITORIAL BOARD BRYAN SYKES Editor-in-Chief EMILY STACK Managing Editor HANNAH HOLZER Campus News Editor

Know your LGBTQIA resources LGBTQIA Resource Center establishes inclusive environment

KAELYN TUERMER-LEE City News Editor TARYN DEOILERS Opinion Editor GILLIAN ALLEN Features Editor ALLY OVERBAY Arts & Culture Editor VERONICA VARGO Sports Editor HARNOOR GILL Science & Tech Editor

CHIARA ALVES New Media Manager BRIAN LANDRY Photo Director CHRISTIE NEO Design Director AMY YE Layout Director MAXINE MULVEY Copy Chief OLIVIA ROCKEMAN Copy Chief JAYASHRI PADMANABHAN Website Manager ALEX GUZMÁN Social Media Mangager CARAJOY KLEINROCK Newsletter Manager LAURIE PEDERSON Business Development Manager

National LGBT Center Awareness Day, held every year on Oct. 19, serves to commemorate the tireless work put in by community centers across the globe to secure a safer, more inclusive environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual (LGBTQIA) individuals. On this day, the Editorial Board would like to recognize UC Davis’ LGBTQIA Resource Center for challenging widespread, systemic discrimination and bridging a diversity of identities and backgrounds to create unity and acceptance within the Davis community. Our Resource Center actively strives to educate others about LGBTQIA identities by offering training on how to be an effective ally and championing an expansive, educational library with over 1,000 books. The staff is also dedicated to reaching out to high schools in Davis to broaden understanding, as well as creating visibility for lesser-known identities through programs like Intersex Awareness Week and Asexual Awareness Week. Progress is contingent on education and awareness, and we applaud the Center for taking these extra steps to establish a more equal environment for all people, regardless of their sexual or gender identities. The LGBTQIA Resource Center is also committed to strengthening the mental, emotional and physical well-being of the community. A few of the resources offered include access to crisis hotlines and a community counselor, a wide range of support groups and free, anonymous HIV testing. These resources help people not only receive guidance from professionals, but also foster strong friendships and support systems within the community. By simply providing a physical space

for LGBTQIA individuals to assemble and discuss their struggles, accomplishments and interests, the Center encourages and fortifies self-exploration in a place where students can feel safe, welcome and celebrated. But the Resource Center does work beyond fostering selfacceptance and love. Most important to enacting true, lasting change, it’s also willing to engage in difficult conversations around how LGBTQIA identities intersect with other factors, such as race, socioeconomic status and religious or spiritual beliefs. This mission yields rich discussion and collaboration with other community centers at UC Davis, such as the AB540 and Undocumented Student Center, the Women’s Resources and Research Center and the Cross Cultural Center. As many of these identities are increasingly targeted by the current presidential administration, these partnerships ensure that each oppressed group stands strong in unity and solidarity with one another. The Editorial Board is proud to have such an active resource on campus that tackles multiple forms of oppression. These three areas of concentration — education, communal support and intersectional discussion — come together to establish a foundation for LGBTQIA issues, both within the community and beyond. The Editorial Board encourages students and other community members to get involved and utilize the vital resources available at the Center. Located on the first floor of the Student Community Center, the LGBTQIA Resource Center is open on Mondays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The anthem is not reserved exclusively for flaunting the military WHAT BEGAN AS A RIGHTFUL PROTEST HAS BEEN OBSCURED BY SLANDER IN THE NAME OF PATRIOTISM BY NICK IRVIN ntirvin@ucdavis.edu Flags and the people waving them tend to make the news at some point. The American one bleeds red, white and blue on the surface, but underneath it lies a wasteland of controversies that never quite seem to dissipate. Of course, this is nothing new. Amidst all the normal flag-waving and chauvinism of the patriotic masses is a pin-prick of an issue, a proverbial non-starter that has riled up the nation’s militarism like nothing before it. I am — of course — talking about the NFL national anthem protests. Never has the ostensibly apolitical platform of sports been such a mecca for politically-charged dissent, unless we invoke the image of Tommie Smith and John Carlos performing a black power salute at the 1968 Olympics. Still, the ubiquity of the NFL players’ actions move this particular episode of anthem protests into a new realm, separated from Smith and Carlos’ gloved fists by the nature of its backlash. Browsing social media comment threads and news interviews with angry NFL fans, it becomes quite clear why so many people take offense to what Kaepernick started last year — to them, kneeling during the national anthem is supremely disrespectful to the military. But why does the American flag only represent the military in

this context? Why does kneeling warrant such a strong reaction in defense of the military’s preservation of “freedom”? Why does the typical objector of Kaepernick & Co.’s protesting feel offended on behalf of the military, and not for themselves? The American flag does not solely represent the military. The national anthem is not reserved exclusively for military grandstanding. What world do we live in — or even want to live in — when American soldiers are fetishized for the purpose of deciding who’s a proper patriot and who isn’t? Our soldiers did not die on the battlefield so that those offended by a legitimate and (what should be) uncontroversial protest could cry “foul” and label people of good faith and true patriotism “unpatriotic.” Besides, the act of kneeling itself seems a surprising locus for targeted animosity. Little Leaguers often kneel when a fellow player is hurt, as do their counterparts in collegiate and professional leagues. Ever knelt in prayer? It’s usually a sign of respect toward whatever entity is being prayed to. Tim Tebow famously knelt in prayer during his limited NFL career — the once-marginally-popular term “tebowing” was derived from these acts of Christian deference. Even Colin Kaepernick genuinely thought kneeling was the proper way to honor the flag while bringing attention to salient issues. His conversations with Nate Boyer, a retired NFL player and former Green Beret, led him to adopt kneeling as a gesture of respect, not scorn.

Boyer cited how American soldiers will take a knee to honor a fallen comrade and suggested that Kaepernick do the same to demonstrate at least some measure of reverence toward the anthem to avoid offense. Their dialogue — a rare case of ideologically differing adults reaching some form of consensus — was supposed to bridge the gap between the military world and the world Kaepernick was trying to bring to the forefront of conversation. Instead, self-described patriots lost their marbles, and the issue of racial injustice has been bypassed all together. What began as a simple protest that had no intention of disrespecting anything or anybody (indeed, steps were taken to defend against this very accusation) has since mushroomed into heated political trench warfare. President Trump’s epithet targeting Kaepernick and other players who have protested, per usual, only made the ideological chasm wider. It’s disappointing. Kaepernick’s original intention has been obscured by a dubious narrative sourcing the military as the ultimate victim of simple acts of kneeling. The news has been infested by calls for boycotting games and NFL fans throwing adult temper-tantrums — perhaps copying our president and vice president. But hey, don’t forget that football season has arrived. Time to toss the pigskin and start tailgating. Bring out the tattered jersey and munch on chicken wings, the whole nine yards. Just remember that winter is coming. And the snowflakes are all too real.

A personal dilemma with hate speech MY EXPERIENCES AND CORE BELIEFS AFFECT MY VIEWS ON HATE SPEECH BY JUSTIN CHAU jtchau@ucdavis.edu Hate speech is a term that’s used often on this campus and at universities across the country. Before coming to UC Davis, I had never heard of the term “hate speech.” It’s not like I hadn’t witnessed or faced racial abuse before; I just didn’t expect universities to have expansive speech codes that included racist language as part of the definition of hate speech. My past experiences with racial abuse had contributed to my initial understanding of hateful incidents. I’m thankful to have not faced many of these incidents, but I have witnessed many friends and strangers in such unfortunate situations. A classmate of mine was called “Ling Ling” by those who didn’t care to learn her name and wanted to make fun of her for being a recent immigrant who spoke little English. Classmates have also asked me on several occasions to say something in Chinese with the intention of repeating it mockingly. These anecdotes heightened my hatred of racism, but at the

time, I didn’t see how there could be much done to stop my peers from spouting abuse. My opinion on hate speech and its restrictions have largely been influenced by what has happened in the last few years. Ever since I learned about the First Amendment and the Supreme Court’s considerably wide range of allowable speech, I’ve been rather open to almost all forms of speech. My perspective has been reinforced by events that have unfolded on many campuses — not just ours — where many forms of speech are viewed in violation of campus policies and either forbidden or highly impeded by protesters. Upon reading our university’s policies, you’ll find that the school offers a basic commitment to the merits of free speech. But university policy also recommends reporting hateful or biased speech that may violate the university’s speech codes. I feel that the weight of my school experiences has made it harder for me to be critical of hate speech restrictions. These codes play a crucial role in attempting to prevent the incidents I’ve experienced from happening to other people. The issue is with the subjective nature of these rules, which depends on perspective. These speech

codes can attain more legitimacy if universities set out their definitions properly for what hate speech actually is rather than giving vague examples. This will set a standard for each case to prove beyond a doubt that there’s hate involved in a given incident. UC Davis has tried to find a compromise on this subject. The school has affirmed its commitment to free expression while reserving the right to review hate speech cases for bias. This may lead to a confrontation in the future: the guarantee of free expression may end up lacking dedication, or the restrictions on hate speech may not be as broad as proponents want them to be. It could really go either way. Our perspectives on this issue may change as we talk to people of different backgrounds, especially since this is an ongoing issue that never seems to go away. Personal experiences have a strong impact on how we feel about political topics. If I had had different experiences, then the arguments presented here would likely be different. Hopefully there’s some form of compromise between the many different perspectives that will balance the good that would come from setting a limit on hate speech restrictions and define plainly and definitively the steps necessary to prove bigotry in hate speech cases.

D ISC L A I M ER: Th e vi ews a n d o p i ni o ns ex p re ss e d by i nd i vidu al colu mn ists be lon g to th e colu mn ists alon e and do no t necessari l y i ndi cate the vi ews and o pi ni o ns hel d by Th e Califor n ia Ag gi e. Le t te rs to t he e d i to r can be addre sse d to opin ion @ th e aggie.org. ISS U E DESIGN ED BY A M Y YE | C HR IST IE N EO | C I N DY C H E U N G | J O N ATH A N C H E N | PATTI E C H E N | SHEREEN NI K Z AD | LI LY LEAVESSEUR | GENESI A T I NG | NI CK I PADAR


THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2017 | 7

THE CALIFORNIA AGGIE

HUMOR

Awkward: CoHo to replace all coffee with La Croix GREAT CONTENT FOR YOUR INSTA FEED BY L ARA LOPTMAN lrloptman@ucdavis.edu With each passing Fall Quarter, the CoHo seems to get more and more innovative. From taking mobile orders to offering açai bowls all day, this place practically had everything students could ever want. That is, until the CoHo remembered that what students really want is copious amounts of La Croix. That’s right, you guessed it. The CoHo will be kicking off the

school year by replacing all of its coffee with La Croix — and a lot of it. You might have a few questions. That’s natural. You might be thinking, “Isn’t coffee, like, the CoHo’s thing? Isn’t it named the Coffee House?” The answer is, we’re not really sure. Sources can neither confirm nor deny these allegations, and with so much fake news out on the ‘net, there’s really no way to be certain. Another great thought you might have: “Isn’t coffee a fall staple? Will my Instagram suffer?”

The answer to both questions is “probably,” but trends change, and there’s no reason that La Croix can’t be the centerpiece of your fall Insta feed. As always, we anticipate the inevitable “Why is the CoHo replacing all of its coffee with La Croix?” question. Look, we’re just a newspaper, and we don’t have all the answers. If you wanted to hear a story from a valid news source, you could always listen to Fox. But if you want to open a can of La Croix with The Aggie this fall, you can come to the CoHo.

Taco Bell and UC Davis block each other on Instagram amid messy breakup EVER SINCE UC DAVIS KICKED TACO BELL OFF CAMPUS, TENSIONS HAVE BEEN HIGH BY OLIVIA LUCHINI ocluchini@ucdavis.edu All great love stories come to an end, as we have learned through several Lifetime movies. It’s just the same for the fiery passions between UC Davis and Taco Bell. UC Davis let Taco Bell into its home, gave it its own special corner and then kicked it to the curb. “I know we had our problems,” Taco Bell said. “Me and my ‘real’ ground beef and Davis with their pepper spray. Yet, I never saw this coming. Davis kicked me out like we never had anything special. Like I never comforted its depressed students with my Quesoritos? Get real. Like I never aided in the freshman 15, giving the students a genuine college experience? Yeah, right. I did it all.” UC Davis, ever the master of pettiness, took to the social medias to cut Taco Bell off. Posting on Sept. 27, the school went gaga over its “newly renovated Silo.” Taco Bell took action.

“You’re going to ‘new phone, who dis?’ me?! Are you kidding me?” Taco Bell wailed. “You’re really going to post that pic of your new boo and think I’m not going to do anything? I blocked Davis’ Instagram and then released a new Doritos Locos Taco flavor, ‘Rage.’ It’s bright red and tastes like my fist.” UC Davis did this a week before National Taco Day, forever ruining Taco Bell’s holiday season. Taco Bell will now be scarred for life, just like every child on that first Christmas when Santa is revealed to be your stepdad Gary in a stained robe. UC Davis doesn’t feel much remorse on the matter. “I had to cleanse my life, man,” UC Davis said to this lady reporter. “T-Bell was just too toxic. Honestly, I had diarrhea like every day. Thankfully, the cow smell masked it. Blame it on the cows, bro. Always blame it on the cows. I hit up Peet’s about a week after the breakup. It’s just more wholesome and mature.” After the maturity card was pulled, Taco Bell was boiling with anger.

THE FUTURE OF UC DAVIS FOOD TRUCKS BY JULIE TORRES

“MATURE?” Taco Bell screamed. “I’m not mature?! Really? You’re telling me a Starburst-flavored slushy isn’t mature? As if!” UC Davis didn’t notice that Taco Bell had blocked its Instagram until this month: it wanted to take a screenshot of one of the new menu items to send to its buddy, UC Irvine, so that the two could gossip, but it couldn’t find the account. “I really didn’t think that it would stoop to that level,” UC Davis said. “I blocked ‘em back and hit up Peet’s.” Sometimes, UC Davis sees the billboards for Taco Bell or a student carrying a taco around campus and nostalgia hits it like a truck. “There are some days when I slide into T-Bell’s DMs on Twitter,” UC Davis said. “I usually just say, ‘heyyy,’ but it only responds with gifs of someone rolling their eyes. Bell moved on. I get it. Yet, I always wonder…” Taco Bell’s skin has never been clearer, and it’s more relaxed than ever, or so it says on Snapchat every day.


THE CALIFORNIA AGGIE

8 | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2017

SCIENCE+TECH UC DAVIS BIG BANG! BUSINESS COMPETITION / COURTESY

CAITLYN SAMPLEY / AGGIE

Biomakers lab provides creative STEM space

Pesticides, fire suppression chemicals in California wildfires

Hands-on experience like no other for students, faculty

More toxicological, epidemiological studies needed to understand human health risks BY G EORG E UG A RT E ME N DI A science@theaggie.org

A review crafted by UC Davis graduate students reveals that research gaps remain in the science of human health toxicity of California wildfire smoke mixed with pesticides and fire suppression chemicals. Millions of pounds of pesticides are applied to agricultural regions, especially in the Central Valley, to foster plant growth and combat pests. Firefighters use millions of gallons of fire suppression chemicals, such as gels and foams, to snuff out fires which threaten residential structures. Such chemicals can be broken down by the heat of wildfires and inhaled by humans living near urban interfaces, places where wilderness and urban areas meet. “The literature out there on what these chemicals can do is very limited, especially these unique exposure situations,” said Michelle Kossack, a Ph.D. candidate in pharmacology and toxicology at UC Davis and one of the first authors of the paper. “You might be studying the effects of this chemical through direct exposure, but what happens when that chemical is transformed through heat of a wildfire?” Wildfire smoke is known to cause health problems in eyes and airways exposed to the acrid air. Less is known about how burned pesticides and fire suppression chemicals can affect humans, animals, and the environment. When fires burn through agricultural areas, such as during the Napa, Sonoma and Solano County fires of October 2017, pesticides and fungicides can be involved in combustion. “We wanted to learn more about wildfires and wildfire smoke because it’s a big problem in California,” said Cameron Flayer, a Ph.D. candidate in pharmacology and toxicology at UC Davis and another of the paper’s authors. “We have mega wildfires now, where a ton of smoke is polluting the atmosphere, and then we’re breathing it in. We were curious about the constituents of the smoke.” The major components of wildfire smoke are particulate matter, which are the charred remains of trees and brush, and chemicals such as ozone and carbon dioxide. Although burned pesticides and fire suppression chemicals serve as minor components, they could pose serious health effects of their own to humans and animals. “The particulate matter does cause a threat, but how is that compounded by other chemicals in the

mixture?” Kossack said. “It’s no longer a virgin forest burning. Many of these forests have pesticides applied to them. Even national forests do it to control invasive populations of species.” Toxicological and epidemiological studies often compare how individual substances can be harmful when exposed to animal models, often mice and rats. One of the research gaps identified in the review is the abundance of new chemicals created in the heat of a blaze, often structurally different from the parent compound they are derived from, which have not been extensively studied. “It’s important to start looking at larger trends and patterns — classes of chemicals and groups of chemicals that can interact with each other,” said Sarah Carratt, a postdoctoral scholar at Oregon Health and Science University and one of the authors of the paper. Carratt previously worked as a Ph.D. candidate in pharmacology and toxicology at UC Davis before graduating in September 2017. “Even a few pilot studies to get a good idea of what we’re looking at in specific regions. If somebody were to look at emissions from the Napa Valley fires that are ongoing right now, they’d be able to figure out what’s in the air when these regions where they are growing agricultural crops burn.” When researchers study smoke exposure and its health impacts, the tendency is to lump distinct types of wildfires together for simplicity and control, but forests burning in Yosemite National Park may have different chemical smoke mixtures than fires burning in the Central Valley or near Los Angeles. “We were just trying to bring to light the fact that, when wildfires burn pesticide-treated land, or when we use these suppression chemicals to fight back against wildfires, there may be consequences for human health,” Flayer said. One of the research gaps present is a lack of smoke mixtures to compare against one another. Collecting smoke from different sites can be a challenge to scientists in the field. “We need a state agency or academic researchers who can respond to situations like the current wildfires here in Napa, Sonoma, and Mendocino Counties by setting up sampling equipment during the fire episodes with this specific goal in mind,” said Jerold Last, a distinguished professor in pulmonary, critical care and sleep medicine at UC Davis and the SMOKE on 12

JAMIE CHEN / AGGIE

Does oxytocin amplify your experience? UC Davis researchers explore effects of hormone oxytocin on social interaction BY DAV I D SO LT E R O science@theaggie.org

Upon extensive research, UC Davis professor Brian Trainor and his team have concluded

that, when blocking oxytocin receptors in female California mice that have had a negative social experience such as bullying, their social behavior remained normal. In female mice that did not have their oxytocin receptors blocked, they be-

BY JACK CAR R I LLO CONCOR DI A science@theaggie.org

Maker spaces exist across the country, providing a place and resources for students and teachers of all ages to participate in creating something with a perceived goal in mind. Since 2014, the Translating Engineering Advances to Medicine’s Molecular Prototyping and BioInnovation Laboratory (MPBIL) has been a maker space geared toward people interested in biology, engineering, and biotechnology. UC Davis is currently the only school in the UC system to have such a space and has inspired other schools to start their own biomaker labs. Marc Facciotti, an associate professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering and the UC Davis Genome Center, has seen many students and projects come through this space. “[A maker space] is place that has low barriers to entry for a lot of people, like technical cost barriers, to come and be creative and make stuff,” Facciotti said. “The idea [behind the biomaker lab] is that we want to provide a place for people to come and make things in biology — engineering biology itself or engineering things for biology.” The process begins with a specific problem or end goal that the student wants to achieve, but, aside from knowing that detail from the start, the possibilities are endless. “Basically, what we do is we have genes that we’re interested in into e. coli, and e. coli can make proteins using that genetic information,” said Lisa Illés, a third-year biological systems engineering major. “Those proteins can be super useful. We could make vegan cheese, for example, by putting cow’s proteins into some e. coli.” Though the biomaker lab has yet to see a large number of students, Facciotti states that the interest is growing and that they’re hoping to have more success cases to show that undergraduates can excel with independent projects, when given the time, space and resources. Of the most recent of three projects to come out of the lab — Chromatiscope, founded by Nicholas Dao and Alexander Godbout — became its own company. Illés and others have pitched in throughout the past two years. The Chromatiscope is a simple device for high school labs that combines four common pieces of laboratory equipment: a microscope, spectrophotometer, colorimeter and fluorimeter. It is is a cost-efficient tool, due to the use of computer code and the fact that most, if not all, came anti-social. In other words, oxytocin amplified social experiences that were both positive and negative in female California mice. “For this paper, we asked what happens if we block oxytocin receptors if we know that oxytocin cells are more active after bullying experiences,” Trainor said. This research has been in the making for some time. Trainor and his team had another study published in the journal Biological Psychiatry which concluded that the oxytocin in female mice became more active after a negative experience like bullying. This finding was vital to the second paper, also published in Biological Psychiatry, because it is a continuation of their findings in the first paper. “I feel like our results are exciting because they suggest that this extended amygdala might be an important circuit in mediating anxiety-inducing or anti-social effects of oxytocin,” Trainor said. “It is possible that oxytocin could be working in different parts of the brain to either increase or decrease anxiety.” Along with these exciting results, Trainor also mentioned that people are starting to move away from using terminology like the “love hormone” and are now looking into “social salience,” which describes oxytocin as more of an amplifier of social experiences. “We use social defeat stress in order to study the effects of social stress in males and females,” said Natalia Duque-Wilckens, a postdoctoral researcher on Trainor’s team and one of the authors of the

students have smartphones, meaning that there’s no need to add machinery for computing power. After acquiring information through labs, students can check their results from the Chromatiscope on the accompanying website. Some of Chromatiscope’s prototypes were funded by VentureWell, which has backed other projects from the MPBIL, such as Ravata Solutions and Ambercycle. Chromatiscope also won second place in the Big Bang Business Competition earlier this year. “It came out of a course that we offered in that facility,” Facciotti said. “We were doing a training exercise, and it involved making new pieces of DNA that would make e. coli light up different colors. It was a relatively simple thing, and it wasn’t the main point of the quarter, but it was linked with trying to build a kit for a high school teacher.” Due to new California education standards, local schools including Davis High School have been changing their curriculum to meet the hands-on portion of science classes. However, the outdated equipment and lack of funds causes problems, because replacements would cost thousands of dollars. “[Ann Moriarty] told the class, ‘Could you build us this new device [the Chromatiscope] to replace our existing device which doesn’t work very well anymore?’” said Nicholas Dao, one of the founders of Chromatiscope, who received a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering. “Me and my cofounder, Alexander Godbout, decided to take it on, and we started using the lab space simply because it was available to begin development. That’s largely where we founded our company out of.” Davis High School is slated to receive the Chromatiscopes within the next few weeks. Dao stated that, if the Davis High School version goes smoothly, he and Godbout will pitch the idea to more California high schools. “You go out into the world, identify a problem and build your solution to that problem around the people who need that solution and the problem itself,” Illés said. “I think that the fact that Chromatiscope did that made it a super valuable product. Even if it’s not going to be mass-produced, it still has value to the people who have used it because it solves an urgent need for them.” That problem-solving aspect is an important aspect of the MPBIL, and Facciotti hopes that the biomaker lab can provide students an opportunity to try something new without the fear of failure. BIOMAKER on 9

first paper. “This is based on a naturally occurring behavior: defense of territories. Remarkably, even though there is no physical aggression, the animal who gets kicked out of the territory develops symptoms comparable to depression in humans. One of the projects I’m working on is trying to suppress the expression of oxytocin in certain parts of the brain to assess how that affects social anxiety behavior. Looking forward, both Duque and Trainor are thrilled because this research has opened up new doors into the sex-specific effects of stress. Trainor and his team’s research created opportunities for various people. It’s clear that the innovative research that Trainor and his team are conducting is inspiring to professors to undergraduate students. One of the people who have benefitted is Sae Yokoyama, a fourth-year biological science majors with a minor in Japanese who has been doing research since her first year. “Early on, I helped with stereotactic surgeries with the mice, behavior testing, and taking pictures that were later used to collect quantitative data” Sae said. Sae plans to continue to assist Duque in her future studies. One thing is for certain: these findings on oxytocin are only the beginning for Trainor and his team. “I don’t think I’m done asking these questions” Sae said.


THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2017 | 9

THE CALIFORNIA AGGIE

CLINTON

BIOMAKER

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

pent-up emotion into something constructive. I hope that many of you here tonight will come to that same conclusion about how important it is to stay engaged, stay active [and] fight for causes and candidates you believe will make a difference. There is too much at stake not to speak up about the things that matter most.” At several points throughout the night, Clinton addressed Russian involvement in the presidential election. When asked by Syphax whether she thought the scandal could be “larger than Watergate,” she said yes. “Everyone, regardless of political party, should be disturbed by the fact that Russian agents used Facebook and Twitter [...] to place targeted attack ads and negative stories intended not only to hurt my chances but to fan the flame of division within our society,” Clinton said. “New research [...] found that content posted by Russian trolls and bots had been shared upwards of 340 million times. We’ve never seen it on a scale like this. When it comes to the threat we face from Russia, we need to get serious about cybersecurity and closing loopholes in our election process, get tough with Putin [and] get to the bottom of what really happened in 2016.” One continuing theme throughout the event was the topic of women in politics. Syphax inquired as to the advice Clinton might give to senators such as Kamala Harris or Elizabeth Warren or other women who might run for president in the future. “You have to have a high pain threshold, because the double standard is alive and well,” Clinton said. “Kamala was questioning Jeff Sessions, who [...] deserves to be questioned, and [...the] chairman tells her, ‘Enough.’ One commentator said she’d been ‘Hillary’d.’ For any woman in politics — [or] in the public eye — you have to call it out, but you have to

do it in a way that doesn’t create a backlash against you for calling it out. It’s a constant balancing act. The final thing I would say to them is [...] just be prepared if we have another reality TV campaign to have the most horrible lies said about you.” The final question Syphax asked was whether Clinton would “indulge” the audience and read a part of her prepared victory speech to the audience; the request was met with a roar of applause. “This summer, a writer asked me if I could go back in time and tell anyone in history about this milestone, who would it be?” Clinton said. “And the answer was easy — my mother, Dorothy. You may have heard me talk about her difficult childhood, she was abandoned by her parents when she was just eight years old. I think about my mother every day. I dream of going up to her [at eight] and sitting down next to her, taking her in my arms and saying, [...] ‘As hard as it might be to imagine, your daughter will grow up and become the president of the United States. America is the greatest country in the world, and from tonight going forward, together we will make America even greater than it has ever been for each and every one of us.’” When speaking about her future, Clinton said she is “not going anywhere.” “If you take nothing else away tonight, please understand I am here to tell you we cannot just move on,” Clinton said. “The lessons we draw, or fail to draw, from 2016 will help determine whether we can heal our democracy and protect it in the future [and] whether we can begin to bridge the divide that is tearing up so much of America. I’m going to do everything I can going forward as an active citizen to speak [up] and I hope you will do exactly the same. I’m confident and optimistic that we’ll win together.”

“The experiment ‘worked’ or this thing ‘worked’ or ‘didn’t work’,” Facciotti said. “ ‘The experiment yielded something that was unexpected. So it didn’t work.’ That’s the wrong attitude, so you have to fight this. No, it gave you some information that you now have to interpret and you do it again, or you revise what your hypothesis was. This idea that everything has to ‘have a definite outcome’ or ‘have a predetermined outcome’ is something I find that I have to fight against. Science is not measured that way. Neither is engineering.” Facciotti hopes that UC Davis will work harder in creating and promoting opportunities for undergraduates to get involved in MPBIL and other maker spaces early in their college careers. “We’ve got 30,000 students, who, in many cases, come with the mindset that their job is to consume something and then wait four years to get their piece of paper at the end,” Facciotti said. “I would like the mindset and the structure to be something where we are encouraging more creative activities.”

Both Illés and Dao have experienced these difficulties as undergraduates and hope that UC Davis will continue to support these types of extracurricular activities. “I really do think that a lot of people have good ideas, but the problem is that you don’t know the resources that are available,” Dao said. “You can have a good idea that really could be marketable, if you had the right resources to guide and direct you, but the unfortunate reality of UC Davis is, and they’re aware of it too, [that the resources are] still not very well publicized.” However, Illés also thinks that the expectation of college lasting only four years and the stigma around students taking “extra” years are key parts of the problem. “More people should show up to these spaces,” Illés said. “If that means making time in your schedule by taking a fifth year, I think more people should do that. Especially engineers. The best thing you can do during your time here is make something.”

PUERTO RICO CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

“Given the scale of the disaster, we knew from the start that everyone was going to have to be involved,” Díaz-Muñoz said in an email interview. “The GoFundMe is just the start. We have started matching students and faculty members in Puerto Rico with faculty that can host them here at UC Davis so that they can continue their work and not have their entire careers be derailed by this disaster. If they continue their work, the university community can recover, which will be critical in rebuilding and reinventing Puerto Rico.” Currently, 175 UC Davis faculty and others have reached out to offer their homes to displaced

graduate students and faculty from the University of Puerto Rico, where they can stay and continue their research here in Davis. In light of the worst hurricane to hit Puerto Rico since 1928, students are encouraged to join in efforts to aid those impacted by Hurricane Maria by donating or lending their time and skills to the cause. “Are you in an agriculture club? We have a colleague who is collecting seeds to rebuild agriculture in Puerto Rico,” said Díaz-Muñoz. “Do you have a capstone project for an engineering class? Maybe your project could be designing a plan for a school to be more sustainable and self sufficient.”

Lead Positive Workplace Change

The world needs effective leaders capable of providing vision and adapting to change in the workplace. Prepare to help organizations and individuals flourish with a master’s degree from Azusa Pacific.

M.A. in Leadership

M.S. in Organizational Psychology

Whether you’re an emerging leader or seasoned professional, hone your leadership skills and focus on one of the following areas of study: Executive Leadership, Leadership Development, Leadership Studies, and Sport Management.

Learn to diagnose and improve organizational health and develop successful teams in this program focused on preparing leaders who champion people, care, and wellness within organizations.

Programs available on campus and online.

Get Started Today

apu.edu/cp/leadershippsych


THE CALIFORNIA AGGIE

10 | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2017

ARTS & Culture ZOË R EIN HA R DT / AGGIE

UC Davis Humanities Institute to host Human Rights Film Festival Festival brings four different films to area, illustrates human rights issues BY CA RO L I N E RUT T E N arts@theaggie.org

The UC Davis Humanities Institute (DHI) will be hosting its inaugural Human Rights Film Festival from Oct. 19 to 20 in partnership with Human Rights Watch, screening a different documentary each day to present on a different human rights issue. “I was returning after being on leave in Central Europe during the refugee crisis in Central Europe, Germany and Austria,” said Jaimey Fisher, the director of the DHI. “I was able to experience firsthand the wave of refugees in Germany, which was around a million people entering Germany in 2015 and 2016. These types of issues have all been on my mind.” The UC Davis Humanities Institute “supports research and teaching of humanities and art at the university,” including human rights studies, according to Fisher. With an event like this, the DHI is able to expand its reach across campus and further impact the

Local Music Venues in Davis A look into your go-to music events BY BE C KY L EE arts@theaggie.org

A common misconception is that Davis lacks excitement. Students run out of things to do, and the town becomes too familiar. On the contrary, Davis is actually full of fun activities, which are particularly lively during the weekends. There’s never a boring moment if you dig deep. Armadillo Music The local record store provides live music across various genres and locations. Local bands and even bands from the Bay Area come to play at the store. Manager Paul Wilbur announces the events as they come, but it’s always a surprise. “The events are usually on Thursday, Friday or Sat-

community. “DHI is looking to do more public events rather than events just focused for students and faculty, so this is our first attempt in that endeavor,” said Becky Wilson, the event coordinator for the DHI. “I think the human rights topic is something that many humanities people are passionate about, so it seems to fit.” The films chosen — “500 Years,” “Nowhere to Hide,” “Black Code” and “They Call Us Monsters” — which have been vetted for quality and factual accuracy by the Human Rights Watch, will each introduce viewers to a different contemporary social problem of cultural and geographic interest. For many of these films, this festival is an opportunity to showcase otherwise unseen content. In fact, this festival is one of the first public showings for the film “Black Codes.” “We tried to tailor it to the geography and political issues of California and the demo-

urday nights, but they’re random. We don’t have regular, set events,” Wilbur said. “Being [...] a music store in Davis, it’s super important to us that we have a music community — and a vibrant one. We had the Summer Cannibals play here, and they’re a band that got a lot of attention nationally. The bass player for that band is actually from Davis, and I think it would be cool to have her come back to play.”

graphic of the university,” Fisher said. “There is one about Latin America, which is important to Davis constituency and Latin American immigrants in California. The one about the Middle East was chosen because [...] it has been a huge issue in politics. ‘Black Code’ had the tie in because many of the people in the film are young people, many of them still students who are activists online, and that seemed relevant to student audiences. The last film is about California prisons, which made sense to bring it since it is California-relevant.” For Danish Zuraidi, a fourth-year international agriculture development major, the diversity of the films’ subject matter has been a key factor in planning to attend the event. “A lot of the films are really interesting from different parts of the world,” Zuraidi said. “They touch on so many different and interesting events and things that are going on that I would like to know more about.” Since the festival is in partnership with the university’s Human Rights program, many of the films correlate with currently-offered classes in order to add an instructional aspect to the event. But this educational value is not exclusive to enrolled students; there will also be a discussion led by faculty at the end of each film. “I think it is important to also experience something like this with an audience,” Fisher said. “In this way, you can engage in an audience and dialogue with the film and whoever is there for the event afterwards. The faculty can help unpack the film and make it a meaningful experience.” “They Call Us Monsters,” the festival’s closing film, will be shown at the Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento. The film’s director, Ben Lear, will participate in a short panel about his work in an attempt to stimulate an in-depth discussion with the audience. “We were interested in having as many filmmakers as possible come, but, with the nature of these films, they come from many different places in the world,” Wilson said. “Ben Lear is based in Los Angeles, so it made it logistically possible for him to come. We reached out to the others, and either they were not available or they were in different

parts of the world.” Since this is the festival’s inaugural year, DHI hopes to bring more filmmakers to future installments. Fisher believes that documentaries can serve a purpose that other forms of media cannot. “A documentary has the ability to show you people, images and political actors from across the world,” Fisher said. “Through the moving image and the audiovisual, cinema has brought faraway places back to the people since the beginning. And to also show places that are not that far away from Davis, like the California prisons, and to re-narrate those for us. The university as a whole is a place that can raise consciousness about the entire world. This can be empathizing with those who are far away or with those that we may not think about everyday. It is a core part of the university and a core part of humanities and arts.” Likewise, a festival can help organize the complex ideas that are associated with human rights issues. “It is worthwhile to be reminded of the rights and protections that were put in place after World War II to help navigate the world politically,” Fisher said. “We know that, with modern media, there are all these demands on our attention, and an event like this helps us focus our attention on a variety of issues.” The festival is more than just an educational experience; it can have meaningful impacts on its viewers — students and other community members alike. “Events like this are able to keep us informed,” Zuraidi said. “I think that people tend to be in their own bubbles when it comes to what they know about going on in the world, and this can even happen in pretty liberal places like Davis and California. The media can do a good job about covering events up or not reporting on them. Films and festivals like this can shine a light on a lot of issues.” The event is free and open to the public. For a full summary of the films as well as locations and times, visit the UC Davis Humanities Institute’s wesbite.

JER EMY DA N G / AGG IE

Sudwerk Brewery The brewery is well known for its Dock, where it hosts fundraisers, comedy shows, live music and anything that can support its community and interests. Sudwerk provides beer brewed right here in California and a welcoming, cozy space for people to enjoy each other’s company. John Natsoulas Gallery The John Natsoulas Gallery in Davis is more than just an art gallery: it strives to explore art across different spectrums, whether it’s through poetry, painting or even music. The gallery hosts events that are collaborative with some great poets and jazz musicians, including artists in the community.

N ICOLE WASH I N GTO N / AGGI E

BY CARAJOY KLEI NR OCK arts@theaggie.org

If you just turned 21 or have no idea what’s going on in the Davis bar scene, fret no more. Here’s a guide for exactly what’s going on each night of the week, so that there’s no more wandering around town completely clueless. Monday nights: De Vere’s Irish Pub has trivia night every Monday from 7 to 9 p.m. Since it is also a restaurant, all ages are allowed. There are 30 questions on a variety of topics, so it’s recommended to come with friends who have a well-rounded knowledge of pop culture, science, history, current events and more. Happy hour goes until 7 p.m. on trivia nights. De Vere’s is located at 217 E St. G Street Wunderbar also has a trivia night on Mondays from 9 to 11 p.m. However, it is 21+ and has a one-drink minimum. The Wunderbar is located at 228 G St.

Go-to guide for navigating Davis bar scene

Davis Bars offer special events, deals

Davis Bars offer special events, deals

Tuesday nights: Sophia’s Thai Kitchen has one of the hardest trivia nights in Davis. This weekly 21+ event is from 9:30 to 11:30 p.m. and also has a one-drink minimum. However, most people say this is the best trivia night out of all of them and highly suggest going. Sophia’s is located at 129 E St., Suite E. At G Street Wunderbar, there is open mic night on Tuesday nights from 9:30 p.m. to closing, according to its website. There is no charge for entry. Tuesday, as of now, is better known as “Taco Tuesday.” In Davis, El Toro Bravo has one of the best deals. You can find most college students there enjoying the

$1.50 tacos and pitchers of margaritas and beer. Wednesday nights: Red 88, located across the street from G Street Wunderbar, offers its drink special, the FML, for only $6. This combination is a great pregame to Funk Night. Funk Night at G Street Wunderbar is the place to be on Wednesdays. At 11 p.m., you’re bound to run into some familiar faces. If you are looking for a low-key night, there is open mic night at Sophia’s Thai Kitchen on Wednesdays from 8 to 11:30 p.m. De Vere’s also hosts Whiskey Wednesdays, when all whiskeys are half-price from 7 p.m. until closing. At the University of Beer, there is trivia night on Wednesdays starting at 8 p.m. with a two-drink minimum. Each week there is a different theme that the bar announces on their Facebook page before the event. Thursday nights: Despite Thursdays being a popular night among UC Davis students for going out, there are not many deals or special events. However, there is Mojito Night at Bistro 33, which offers pitchers for $12. If you’re dying for another trivia night, Woodstock’s offers yet again another opportunity. The all-ages event is held from 9 to 11 p.m. and conveniently located downtown. Friday nights: Froggy’s also hosts a karaoke night. Make sure to get there early, because it gets packed fast! Froggy’s is located at 726 2nd St. G Street is typically busy on Fridays, so it makes for a fun night of dancing and drinking.


THURSDAY, OCTEOBER 19, 2017 | 11

THE CALIFORNIA AGGIE

REDIFINING REALNESS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

Soucek explained how the Obama administration sent out a letter to U.S. courts and public schools explicitly allowing transgender students to use facilities consistent with their identities. However, the Trump administration withdrew this position and left nothing as a replacement, providing reason for the Supreme Court to send the case back to trial courts. With student cases centered around using public restrooms, Soucek contested that “it’s never just bathrooms” but also about “navigating public spaces.” Soucek provided examples of defenses that U.S. judicial courts will historically accept which legitimize gender discrimination. Soucek said that while processes dealing with gender discrimination cases are a legal quagmire, the Supreme Court has tried to tackle its understanding of gender identity. “To the courts, things must first be compared to race and, second, compared to religion to make them understand identity,” Soucek said. ”What the trans plaintiffs have asked, under the constitution,

[is] that gender identity get at least intermediate scrutiny in court.” The sliding, non-binary scale of gender identity is still not recognized by courts and judges; Soucek said that this leads to a concern that courts will apply an understanding of gender as a spectrum for some but not all trans people. Soucek talked about how he has learned that students in 2017 want to see the legal system fully legitimize gender fluidity. Currently, Soucek said the “law sides with the Janet Mocks rather than the genderfluid.” Upcoming events structured around the Campus Community Book Project include “Trans Students Speak” on Oct. 19, a film screening of “Major!” — a documentary about a transgender activist — on Oct. 27 and a Nov. 8 discussion of “Redefining Realness.” More information about scheduled upcoming events can be found on the Campus Community Book Project website.

CITY HALL CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

people who were looking to purchase the building. Turton Commercial Real Estate has been sending out emails and letting the public know about City Hall’s sale. “The property is well marketed, so everyone has a fair chance to buy it. They have until Oct. 27,” Turton said. “We put a suggested minimum price, and that’s the term that the City of Davis is working for, and [people] can accept the offer early. There are three components: price, terms — review period, escrow — and the third variable is stewardship of the property. You will have to include a resume or history that demonstrates that you are going to be not [just] a good owner, but a great owner — that you will be able to maintain it.” Not only will the buyer have to show that they

are capable of purchasing the building — they must also do justice to its historical significance. “Our goal is to find a buyer that will respect and preserve the historical nature and integrity of the building as well as invest in the property to ensure it continues to add to a vibrant downtown atmosphere,” Winton said. Mayor Davis affirmed that the property will still be a part of the downtown Davis atmosphere, even with new ownership. “This will not change anything in terms of the atmosphere,” Davis said. “I think it will continue to be a commercial space, and I have no reason to believe at this point that this will change the character of downtown Davis because it has been a restaurant and a commercial facility for more than a decade.”

LANES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

“Some of the best ideas are the simplest ideas,” Steinberg said. “It doesn’t take tens of millions of dollars always to improve public safety and to make our city friendlier toward those who bike and those who walk. This is first and foremost a safety issue, in fact, creating a little bit more of a barrier between moving cars and bicyclists and pedestrians.” The newly implemented parking-protected bike lanes will also certainly affect the many UC Davis students who commute to Sacramento for jobs and internships. One of these students, Lexie Barrow, a fourth-year English and communication double ma-

jor, expressed her enthusiasm about the new idea. “I drive to Sacramento three days of the week for my internship and always feel like I have to be much more cautious about bikers there because it is a much larger and more crowded city than Davis,” Barrow said. “So I think this is a really great idea that would help me as a driver in Sacramento and help the bikers too.” Cycling in an urban setting is certainly a hazardous feat for anyone, which is something the City of Sacramento understands and hopes to ease through the new parking-protected bike lanes.

PROFILES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

Chaib is from Lebanon, but moved to France for university when she was 18. She chose her university with very specific criteria in mind: that it had an exchange program with the universities in California. “UC Davis [is] probably the best school for agriculture in the states, so that’s why I was like ‘ok this is going to be the one,’” Chaib said. “[I chose] international agriculture and development because I’m really interested in combining agriculture, traveling, and helping people, so it’s the perfect major.” Although Chaib is only supposed to be here for one quarter, she wants to try to extend her study abroad experience. She has had many positive experiences that have made her feel at home. “People are so nice here,” Chaib said. “I’ve only been here for three weeks, and I feel like I’ve lived here my whole life.” One study abroad student who feels acclimated to the American university culture is Per Quast, a political and media sciences and sociology triple major, who comes from Dusseldorf, Germany. “[I] only [live with] Americans,” Quast said. “I

always wanted to do that, because if you live with people from your native country, at some point you just start talking in your native language. German people tell me I’ve picked up an accent, but I don’t think so.” California was a top priority on Quasts’ list. When he had the choice between American National University in Washington, D.C. and UC Davis, both of which were in a partnership with his university, the choice was simple. Quast noticed right away how embedded UC Davis is within the community, mentioning that he even had the option to get a debit card with the UC Davis logo on it when he first opened a bank account here. The small town feeling, the Saturday night football games and everything else that accompanies being an Aggie are why he already enjoys it here. “Yeah [I’ve] definitely [found a community here],” Quast said. “I would come back every year and maybe even live here. It will be a place I’ll always remember.”


12 | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2017

THE CALIFORNIA AGGIE

SMOKE

PROTEST

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

senior author of the paper. As pesticides and fire suppression chemicals burn, the chemicals can break down into different compounds and structures, which may not be properly regulated by state and federal agencies. “We really need to understand what the derivatives are of the parent compound and if they are found in the smoke, because all the regulations are just for the parent compound and not for any of the derivatives,” Flayer said. The heat from wildfires can warp parent compounds of pesticides and fire suppression chemicals into new forms. While some remain close to the ground or soil, others can volatilize into the air and travel far from the flames. “Once you have a very basic structure, and you expose it to heat, lots of things can adapt on to it,” Kossack said. “It can change very minorly, but that can have a huge effect on toxicity. One chemical can become hundreds. It is almost impossible to do all of these studies on each individual compound.” Pesticides and fire suppression chemicals are not the only mixture public health officials need to be concerned about. Hundreds of structures have been incinerated by the North Bay fires in October 2017, creating smoke from construction materials which can be inhaled by fleeing residents, rescue workers and firefighters. “It’s all the buildings that are burning, too,” Carratt said. “Think about all the chemicals that are added into the buildings. It’s not just fire suppression chemicals in terms of what they’re using to put out the fires. But most furniture and buildings have some kind of built-in fire retardant. Those burn as well, and those are other chemicals that you don’t think of being released into the atmosphere. But those things have the potential to transform when they are burned, as well.” Studies considering not only multiple types of chemical mixtures but different routes of exposures can be challenging and expensive for researchers, but that could be one of the next steps to better understand more of the possible health effects of wildfire smoke.

“We would love to see other studies do more complex, more real-life relevant exposures, including what happens when pesticides burn or other chemicals,” Carratt said. Firefighters battling the flames are the most vulnerable to harmful fumes. Migrant farmers who gather crops and tend to the land may also be vulnerable if they remain outside during smoky days. Children, the elderly, the immunocompromised, and those with existing respiratory challenges may also suffer disproportionately from effects of wildfire smoke. “During wildfires, when the fire is burning, and it’s a high smoke day, where there’s a lot of particulate matter or ozone, EPA already recommends that you don’t go outside and participate in physical activity,” Flayer said. While fires can occur in many places around the U.S., California faces unique challenges in managing the flames. “Most of the western states have wildfires and relatively large usage of pesticides and fire suppression chemicals in agriculture and forest maintenance,” Last said. “What makes California unique is the size and scale of California agriculture and the proximity of wildfires in rural areas to large population centers — what we call the urban-rural interface. Think about the impact of fires in rural forests and brushy areas in Napa and Sonoma where large numbers of people live and farm grapes and other crops nearby.” Wildfire smoke causes known health effects in humans, animals and the environment, but the flames can also introduce pesticide and fire suppression chemicals into the air far from their sources. More data is being collected to better understand the health impacts of these smoke constituents, since current evidence is lacking. Better study designs, improved collection techniques, and renewed funding streams can help protect some of the vulnerable populations in California. “I think people are really interested in public health, especially in California, where everyone is very aware of how much smoke is in the air,” Kossack said.

“continue to stand” for the anthem. In the MLB, catcher Bruce Maxwell of the Oakland Athletics became the league’s first player to kneel for the anthem when he did so before a game in September. The divisive politics surrounding the protest have cast an undeniably uncomfortable shadow over the NFL and American sports in general. Players, coaches, managers, commissioners and fans at all levels of competition have been presented with a question: what are your opinions on this protest? But no matter where any individual or organization stands regarding this highly nuanced question, what is important is that this question is being asked in the first place. In recent history, American sports have been used as a facilitator of unity, where fans, players and executives alike could show togetherness on certain issues or recover from tragic events. In one of the most emotional displays, President George W. Bush threw out the ceremonial first pitch before game three of the World Series in New York City, just weeks after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. While this is an extreme example, the notion that sports build unity within our country is a common and attractive theme. In both Goodell’s and Silver’s statements, the commissioners touched on the “unifying” power of sports to help justify their stances. Now, this tradition is being flipped on its head, as Kaepernick’s protest, intentionally or unintentionally, has forced everyone involved in the realm of sports to take sides in this severely polarized debate. Whether this political intrusion is beneficial or detrimental to the games that so many of us hold dear is up to interpretation, but one cannot deny the influence that sports has had on American politics in recent history. American sport is constantly at the forefront of

political change and has, in many instances, outpaced the progress of all other institutions. Athletics has been the laboratory for social change –– from Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier in professional sports to Billie Jean King and her trailblazing leadership in the women’s sports movement to Muhammad Ali’s outspoken stance against the war in Vietnam and in support of African-American civil rights. History even shows that Kaepernick is not the first athlete to stage a protest during the playing of the Star Spangled Banner. During the 1968 Olympic games in Mexico City, American athletes John Carlos and Tommie Smith held their fists high in a Black Power salute, showing solidarity for fellow African Americans struggling to find equality in the United States. Politics and political protests –– athletes expressing their views as individuals and imposing their will upon social issues –– is certainly not unprecedented. Indeed, politics is thoroughly intertwined within the fabric of American sports. The freedom that athletes have to express their opinions is paramount when it comes to effecting societal change, especially if these opinions or protests at the time seem incredibly controversial. This freedom of expression works both ways; at times that expression will bind people closer and in other instances it will cause people to divide. The issue of whether or not players should be allowed to stage silent demonstrations that oppose the beliefs held by the entities that employ them is an evolving and ongoing issue that is still in the process of being resolved. But in the process of doing so, the precedent for political involvement, as well as the views that these athletes hold, should be considered and not simply stifled because they are controversial.

POSTERS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

and partnerships like this are so important to the team. “We are proud to have a strong relationship with the Athletics Department,” Regulska said. “Our mission in Global Affairs is to inspire global curiosity, understanding, and engagement, which could take place across the world, but the football team’s visit is one example of these valuable intercultural experiences happening right here at UC Davis.” Although every hometown listed on the players’ roster is located in the United States, and more specifically on the West Coast, the UC Davis football program is a melting pot of different cultures. Hawkins has coached football in 13 countries, Assistant coach and defensive coordinator Robert Tucker has both played and coached in the French Federation of American Football, and many of the

players’ parents are from foreign countries. Since coming to UC Davis last year, Hawkins has been committed to engaging with both the international community at Davis, but also making sure that the student-athletes have the opportunity to have international experiences through programs like Study Abroad. Hawkins rearranged spring ball to take place earlier in the year, so that players can participate in the spring program. “To me, it’s that whole global aspect that’s very cool,” Hawkins said. “It’s what UC Davis is. Football really is such a bigger thing than most people think. It’s marketing, it’s promotion, it’s branding, it’s advertisement, it’s spirit, it’s education. It’s all that. So to me, to be able to use this platform while also shining a light on what UC Davis really is [...], to me that’s all very cool.”

DOG CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

what do you think Pint’s favorite part is? I think that my favorite part is that it really makes me feel part of the community of UC Davis. I hadn’t actually gone to any football games before we started this, and I was an undergrad here and now it is really exciting. Watching the team grow and develop is also very exciting, thinking about and watching them growing up and doing other things as they are playing college football. So for me, it has given me more Aggie pride. As far as Pint is concerned, I think that it is a tossup, because there is two things he absolutely loves. One is belly rubs from little kids and the other is cleaning up the food in the stands.

Any additional comments? I just wanted to say that Pint’s grandmother was saved at our vet school hospital, and she used to do some work promoting the vet school. Pint wouldn’t be here if our hospital wouldn’t have saved his grandmother so I just wanted to promote awareness of how great our vet school is with the campus community. Also, I want to say the football team are great guys and great students and they do well in school while playing football and I really want to give support to them. It is never too late to see Pint grab that tee at a football game, so if you are interested in watching a cute and cuddly dog run onto the field during the game, then make your way out to a game to see Pint do his thing.


Our customers say it best...

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2017 | 13

THE CALIFORNIA AGGIE

This company provide awesome promotions, customer service and quality medications. ...nothing compares to the quality, customer service, and delivery time... Friendly, fast, funny.

CANNABIS DELIVERY IN DAVIS

I had a really great experience… Great selection, great quality, great price. Excellent service! Best in town.

CANNABIS DELIVERY IN DAVIS maryjanefinder.com CANNABIS DELIVERY IN DAVIS

Read more great reviews on our Weedmaps page

FOR FIRST TIME PATIENTS

$10

1/8TH

Our customers say it for best...

This company provide awesome promotions, and quality medications. Receivecustomer an 1/8thservice at the discounted price of

$10 on

...nothingcustomers compares to the quality, customer service, and delivery time...on your first order. Our say it$35best... any of our 1/8s of flower Friendly, fast, funny. This company provide awesome promotions, customer and quality medications. • Minimum donationservice required. I had a really great experience… Great selection, great quality, great price. • Cannotservice, be combined with othertime... offers. ...nothing compares to the quality, customer and delivery Excellent service! This company provide awesome promotions, customer service and quality medications. Friendly, fast, funny. Best in town. ...nothing to the quality, customer service, and delivery I had a reallycompares great experience… Great selection, great quality, greattime... price.

Our customers say it best...

Friendly, fast, funny. Excellent Readservice! more great

reviews on our Weedmaps page

I had a really great experience… Great selection, great quality, great price. Best in town. Excellent service!

Read Best inmore town. great reviews on our Weedmaps page Read more great reviewsFOR on our Weedmaps page FIRST TIME PATIENTS

$10 for 1/8TH FOR FIRST PATIENTS $10 forTIME 1/8TH $10 for 1/8TH FOR FIRST TIME PATIENTS

Receive an 1/8th at the discounted price of $10 on any of our $35 1/8s of flower on your first order.

• Minimum donation Receive an 1/8threquired. at the discounted price of $10 on • Cannot be combined with other offers. any of our $35 1/8s of flower on your first order.

Receive an 1/8th at the discounted price of $10 on

• Minimum donation required.

any of our $35 1/8s of flower on your first order.

• Cannot be combined with other offers. • Minimum donation required.

• Cannot be combined with other offers.

CALL OR TEXT

MENU

FIVE STAR SERVICE

530-206-3988

https://maryjanefinder.com/menu

PATIENT SIGN UP

https://maryjanefinder.com/signup Our customers say it best... This company provides awesome promotions, customer service and quality medications.

quality, Please note that this product...nothing cannot becompares delivered to onthe campus customer service, and delivery time... as UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free environment. Friendly, fast, funny.

EMAIL

I had a really great experience... maryjaneverify@gmail.com Great selection, great quality, great price.

INSTAGRAM

Excellent service! @maryjanefinder Best in town.

Read more great reviews on our Weedmaps page

MENTION THE AGGIE AND GET MENU

CALL OR TEXT 15%

OFF YOUR ORDER!

530-206-3988 530-206-3988 916-693-9782 530-206-3988 CALL OR TEXT CALL OR TEXT

Please note that this product cannot be delivered on campus as UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free environment.

Please note that this product cannot be delivered on campus Please note that this product cannot be delivered on campus as and tobacco-free environment. asUC UCDavis Davisisisaasmokesmoke and tobacco free environment.

Please note that this product cannot be delivered on campus as UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free environment.

https://maryjanefinder.com/menu

PATIENT SIGN UP MENU https://maryjanefinder.com/signup https://maryjanefinder.com/menu

MENU EMAIL SIGN UP PATIENT

www.maryjanefinder.com//menu https://maryjanefinder.com/menu maryjaneverify@gmail.com https://maryjanefinder.com/signup

PATIENT SIGN UP INSTAGRAM EMAIL

https://maryjanefinder.com/signup @maryjanefinder maryjaneverify@gmail.com

EMAIL INSTAGRAM

maryjaneverify@gmail.com @maryjanefinder

INSTAGRAM @maryjanefinder


14 | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2017

THE CALIFORNIA AGGIE

BACKSTOP CA ITLYN SA MPLEY / AGGIE

THE POLITICAL SPORT

Recent anthem protests the link between sports, politics BY D O M I N I C FA RI A sports@theaggie.org

Over a year has passed since Colin Kaepernick — a former quarterback of the San Francisco 49ers —

made the decision to sit for the playing of the national anthem. His silent protest, at first, went unnoticed. Kaepernick sat for the anthem during his team’s first two preseason games, but it was not until the third that his actions garnered national attention. His decision

ignited a litany of both criticism and support, along with a frenzy of media coverage. Kaepernick’s protest, especially in light of recent events, highlights the profound power that sports have on a political climate. The controversy begs fans, coaches, league executives and political pundits to examine just how much freedom players have to speak their mind. Kaepernick made the reasons for his protest clear: he wanted to draw attention to the ongoing issue of racial injustice that he felt was going largely unnoticed within the United States. Many found Kaepernick’s decision to utilize his platform for the promotion of social justice to be brave and admirable, while others –– for several different reasons –– took issue with his protest. Even some 14 months later, the debate over the protest remains relevant, especially now that President Donald Trump has aligned himself against such displays. Trump claims that the protests are “disrespecting our country,” and referred to players who chose to kneel as “sons-of-bitches.” Before these recent statements by the President, the protests had gone on mostly uninterrupted by coaches and team executives. Comments were made and thoughts were shared, but there was never any tangible movement to counteract such displays. Since Trump’s comments, however, the anthem protests have received much more oversight and discretion. Rather than allow players to decide for themselves how to respond to Trump’s rhetoric, the National Football League has interjected with a stance that seeks to disrupt the protests. Just weeks after linking arms with his players during

MEET PINT, THE TEE RETRIEVAL DOG FOR THE UC DAVIS FOOTBALL TEAM Pint makes history, inspires Aggie pride

If you’ve gone to a UC Davis home football game over the past five years, it is no doubt that you have seen Pint, the Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever who collects the tee after kickoffs. Pint is a favorite with the crowd, and hearing the gasps and shrieks of cuteness from the fans whenever they see him run onto the field has almost become a UC Davis tradition in itself. While many come to Aggie football games and see Pint collect the tees, some may wonder what his story is, and how he got the job. Was it a rigorous interview process? Did he have to take any stressful exams? The California Aggie had the chance to speak with Danika Bannasch, Pint’s owner and a professor here at UC Davis, to find out how Pint got to where he is today. Bannasch works in the Population Health and Reproduction Department at the School of Veterinary Medicine, specializing in animal genomics. How long have you owned Pint and how long has he been doing this job at UC Davis? He will be seven years old in December [2017] and I have

Was Pint trained before doing this job, and if not, what goes into the training process to teach Pint how to do this [tee retrieval], so he doesn’t get distracted? I just want to say that Pint is a really remarkable dog. I remember when my husband and I walked into the stadium for the very first game where he was going to retrieve and there was so much going on and I looked down at him and he was cool as a cucumber. I had been training him to compete in hunt tests and agility trials since he was a puppy, so he had lots of training in the sense that he knew how to pick up something and bring it back if I

During Welcome Week, UC Davis football visited the International Center and took part in the orientation for UC Davis’ incoming international students and scholars. As part of the new partnership between the football program and the UC Davis Global Affairs and Services for International Students and Scholars, the players distributed schedule posters, which had been translated to Arabic, German, Indonesian, Mandarin, Portuguese and Spanish. The student-athletes didn’t stop there. They explained the sport of football to the students and scholars through drills and activities, fostering new relationships with the international community. The players, students and scholars also shared one-on-one conversations. Senior defensive back Keleen Culberson was one of the student-athletes that participated in the event. “It was definitely a unique experience,” Culberson said. “[It was] one of the first times that the football team has collaborated with the International Center. It was a little eye-opening. I’ve been going [to UC Davis] for six years and it’s pretty evident that we do have a lot of international students, but rarely do we really interact with them. I felt that it was really important and really cool that we used the resource of building that relationship between the football team and the in-

told him to. It was really pretty easy to teach him to pick up the tee compared to what he has to do in his real job [hunt tests]. The only hard part is that it [the tee] is a little hard to pick up because it is meant to stay on the ground. We are actually leaving for Texas soon for the Master National Hunt Test Competition. What is your reaction to Pint being fea-

MEN’S SOCCER PUTS UC SANTA BARBARA AWAY

UC DAVIS FOOTBALL VISITS INTERNATIONAL CAFE BY LIZ JACOBSO N sports@theaggie.org

A L EXA FON TA N IL L A / AG GIE

How did Pint get into retrieving tees for the football games? Scott Brayton, who was the assistant athletics director with Business Partnerships, lived next door to our veterinary medical teaching hospital director and they started talking about what could be done between the Vet School and athletics and they came up with the idea to have a dog retrieve the tee. The hospital director contacted me and asked if I could do it, so that is where it started.

U C DAV I S AT H L E T I C S / CO URTESY

international community, athletics

PROTEST on 12

owned him his whole life. He was born at my house and his mother was born at my house so I am also his breeder. This [football] season is his fifth season.

BY RYA N BUG SC H sports@theaggie.org

New partnership grows relationship between

the playing of the anthem prior to a nationally televised game, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones revealed to the media that he will not condone the protests, saying that his team “will not disrespect the flag.” The same afternoon that Jones made these remarks, Miami Dolphins head coach Adam Gase told players that they would either stand for the national anthem or go “back in the locker room.” Most recently, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell sent a letter to each of the 32 NFL team owners, outlining his belief “that everyone should stand for the National Anthem.” DeMaurice Smith, the executive director of the NFL Players Association –– a nonprofit collective bargaining organization designed to protect the rights of players –– has taken an effectively opposite stance. On Oct. 9, Smith tweeted a statement supporting players’ right to protest, saying that “no player is disrespecting our Country or our Flag.” The debate has even leaked over into other professional leagues, including the National Basketball Association and Major League Baseball. During a prolonged media discussion in which he shared opinions on Trump and the anthem protests, San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich said that if any of his players decided to stage protests of their own, they would have his “full support.” On the other hand, NBA commissioner Adam Silver explained that the NBA has “a rule that requires players to stand for the anthem.” Silver continued on to say that he expects players to

ternational community. It was interesting to see their interest in our sports. I was surprised to see how much they were interested in learning about football.” Head coach Dan Hawkins enthusiastically echoed Culberson about the event, the partnership and the impact that they’ve already seen. “It was great It was great to see them looking at the posters in their own native language,” Hawkins said. “It was very cool. We had some Japanese students come out to practice one day and so many international students are kind of interested in it because it is such an Americanized game [...] It was great to go over there and we can hope to continue to grow the program.” Joanna Regulska, Vice Provost and Associate Chancellor of Global Affairs and professor of gender, sexuality and women’s studies, worked with athletics to organize the event and is excited about future opportunities. “Just as some student-athletes had yet to visit the International Center, some international students had the opportunity to throw a football for the first time,” Regulska said. “Everyone enjoyed learning from one another about different interests, home countries and other campus activities. Engagement like this is more important than ever.” The UC Davis football program itself has a lot of international ties, which is why programs POSTERS on 12

Late game flurry secures hard-fought victory over conference rivals BY B RADLEY GEI SER sports@theaggie.org

Coming off its recent loss at UC Riverside, the UC Davis men’s soccer team found its home field to be a welcomed site when it faced off against UCSB on Oct. 11. The Aggies stood at 4-1-2 on Aggie Soccer Field, as opposed to 1-5-0 away from it. With Big West rival UCSB coming in having won six of its last seven games, the Aggies knew they would need to come in prepared. To head coach Dwayne Shaffer, the home field is important for a variety of different reasons. “I think being acclimated to the home home field is really what makes it different,” Shaffer said. “It’s kind of tough, too. Santa Barbara has to get on a bus and drive up here.” Once the game started, it proved to be a hardfought match on both ends of the field, with neither side giving each other much room for error. Shaffer credited his defense with setting the tone for the game, pointing out the 11-5 shot advantage his team held over Santa Barbara, applauding his defenders, junior Roy Boateng and senior Chase Rhode, as well as the work of sophomore goalkeeper Wallis Lapsley for their work all year. “I felt like our defense played outstanding,” Shaffer said. “I’m just excited for the group.” On the other side of the field, senior midfielder Lizandro Torres scored his third goal of the season off of a well-placed assist by fellow senior midfielder Miguel Acevedo, a goal which the Gauchos were unable to recover from, going scoreless for the game. Senior defender Greg Salazar credited the goal as the key to the way the rest of the game went. “It takes a lot of pressure off the defense,” Salazar

tured on ESPN and getting recognition for what he does for the team? It is really exciting. I know a lot of the fans love having Pint there and they think he is an exciting part of the game so it was neat to have him acknowledged. What is your favorite part about going to the games watching Pint do this, and DOG on 12

said. “It makes everything a lot easier. In a way, everyone gets more confident. Everyone defends better, and we start attacking better.” The Gauchos were never able to escape from the hole that the first goal dug. After nearly 60 minutes of game time without a goal, the Aggies put the game away, thanks to a pair of goals by senior forward Noah Miller (assisted by junior midfielder Brian Quintero), and Salazar, his first goal of the season. Salazar beamed as he thought about the goal. “It was great,” Salazar said. “It took a while, I would say, but it was definitely a good feeling to get my first goal here at home, and then against Santa Barbara — it’s even better against the competition.” With conference standings growing increasingly important, Shaffer knows that wins like this one are not something to take for granted. “There’s not much difference between the top team and possibly the bottom team,” Shaffer said. “But with that win right there, we’re on top now.” The 3-1-1 conference record leaves the Aggies tied with Santa Barbara, but they hold that top spot thanks to the head-to-head advantage showcased in Wednesday’s game. It is up to the Aggies to continue their solid start to conference play and take some of the positivity from their home games to the road. After a short trip across the causeway on Oct. 14, where the Aggies defeated Sacramento State 2-0, the team went on to play Cal Poly on Wednesday, Oct. 18. A game recap can be found at the theaggie.org. DIA N A L I / AG GIE


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.