The Davis Enterprise Friday, April 29, 2022

enterprise THE DAVIS

FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2022

Where’s the fire?

Best takes official new role as Davis superintendent By Aaron Geerts Enterprise staff writer

The Anderson Road house was donated to the city by the

On April 21, Matt Best officially became the Davis school district’s new superintendent. Although the designation came after an eight-month, nationwide search, becoming superintendent is someBEST thing Best earned Worked a long with more 20 years time to get of service to the dishere trict. Best first arrived in Davis in 1995 to play collegiate football at UC Davis. From there, the former Aggie pursued a career in education that began at Davis High School as a student-teacher. Since then, Best has been a teacher and principal at Da Vinci High, orchestrated the human resources department as the district assistant superintendent, served as associate superintendent of administrative services, deputy superintendent and interim superintendent. All of which have led him to the superintendent’s chair. “There’s lots of emotions, but the strongest one is gratitude,” Best told

See TRAINING, Page A5

See BEST, Page A5

Davis firefighters rush toward a “burning” house on Anderson Road as part of a training exercise Wednesday. Rachel Kreager/ Enterprise photo

Donated house offers new Davis firefighters ‘realistic’ training By Lauren Keene Enterprise staff writer Multiple Davis Fire Department units responded Wednesday to reports of a first-alarm structure fire in the 500 block of Anderson Road. They arrived to find smoke

pouring from the single-story residence and had to force their way inside, finding themselves blinded by smoke as they searched the premises for occupants as well as the source of the blaze. Fortunately, the incident was

not an actual fire, but rather a comprehensive training exercise for six new Fire Department recruits finishing up a six-week training program. They graduate Friday. Throughout the day Wednesday, the new hires practiced their skills in forcible entry, hose and ladder placement, roof ventilation and search and rescue efforts. A smoke generator placed inside the house added

to the lifelike experience. “It’s basically to get them up to speed, to go online as a firefighter,” Davis fire Capt. Mike Plescia said. “It’s probably the most realistic they’re getting the whole time, and it’s also good refresher training for the rest of us.”

City to open overpass connection Supreme Court declines to review Trackside decision

By Anne Ternus-Bellamy Enterprise staff writer The city will celebrate the grand opening of the Pole Line Road/Olive Drive bicycle and pedestrian overcrossing with a ribbon cutting on Monday, May 16, at 4:30 p.m. Attendees will gather at the end of Olive Drive. Parking may be difficult in this area and participants are encouraged to walk or bike to the event to help celebrate May is Bike Month. After the event, participants are welcome to walk or bike up the connection. Light refreshments will be served. The Pole Line/Olive Drive ramp connection will increase pedestrian and

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By Anne Ternus-Bellamy Enterprise staff writer

Courtesy photo

The city will mark the opening of the Pole Line Road/Olive Drive bicycle and pedestrian overcrossing on Monday, May 16. bicycle safety by providing access from South Davis to downtown and from Olive Drive to East or South Davis. The ramp connects the east end of Olive Drive and the

WEATHER Saturday: Sunny and warm. High 83. Low 49.

existing Class I Olive Drive bicycle path to the two-way, multi-use path on the Pole Line Road overcrossing.

See OVERPASS, Page A5

The state Supreme Court has denied review of an appellate court ruling upholding the city’s approval of the Trackside Center mixed-use housing development. Approved by the City Council in the fall of 2017, Trackside is located just east of the railroad tracks at 901-919 Third St., a location currently occupied by two single-story commercial buildings. The site will now become home to a building providing 27 apartment units on three floors above 8,950 square feet of

retail on the ground floor. Members of the Old East Davis Neighborhood Association had sued the city over its approval of the project, arguing Trackside violates the city’s zoning ordinances and is inconsistent with planning provisions governing transition between the core area of downtown and the Old East Davis neighborhood. The primary issue: the height of the building, which neighbors believe should be three floors rather than four. A Yolo Superior Court

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See TRACKSIDE, Page A5

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A2 THE DAVIS ENTERPRISE

Briefly Jazz musician visits radio show The distinctive character of jazz is rooted in the unique history and culture of New Orleans. When Preservation Hall in New Orleans was first established 60 years ago, it was one of the few spaces in the segregated South where racially integrated bands and audiences shared music together. On the latest episode of “Timeout Radio,” host Rohan Baxi talks to Grammy-nominated trumpet player Branden Lewis, who shares his journey from playing in his elementary school concert band to being a member of the Preservation Hall Jazz Band and his advice to aspiring musicians. Lewis tells listeners how he and his fellow musicians got through tough times during the COVID-19 pandemic and Hurricane Ida. In this episode’s travel segment, listeners will learn about New Orleans — the birthplace of jazz — and home to Creole and Cajun culture and cuisine, Mardi Gras, and second line parades. “Timeout Radio” is a radio show and podcast based in Davis for youths. It airs on KDRT 95.7 FM from 5:30 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays and 8 to 8:30 a.m. Saturdays. All episodes are archived at https:// kdrt.org/program/ timeout-radio. Follow “Timeout Radio” on Instagram at @timeout.radio and Facebook at @TimeoutRadio.

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FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2022

Speak its name and it’ll come for you ...

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’m telling you, mention Ranked Choice Voting once and you’re going to hear about it dozens and dozens of times from folks in this town who think it’s the best invention since sliced bread and color television. How do I know this to be true? Well, I’m the one who mentioned Ranked Choice Voting the other day and I haven’t had a moment’s rest since. And no, it’s not some Trumpian plan designed to overturn the will of the voters and return the Orange Phenom to the White House in the 2024 election. Ranked Choice Voting, or some variation thereof, has been around longer even than Donald Trump. Then again, I suppose it could be used in some way to return Trump to the White House without Mike Pence’s assistance if all the ranked choice votes fall a certain way. I’m one of those old-fashioned sorts who likes the idea that the person with the most votes wins. This method, of course, presumes that everyone has a reasonable chance to cast a ballot, that all votes have been tabulated accurately, and, importantly, the outcome is accepted as legitimate by

99.9 percent of the electorate. Those sorry folks who continue to peddle the lie that the last presidential election was stolen are playing with fire. The other day I watched a gubernatorial debate in Georgia where one prominent candidate insisted before God and creation that the election was indeed “rigged and stolen,” even though the state of Georgia’s election apparatus, top to bottom, was run by Republicans loyal to Donald Trump. Ranked Choice Voting advocates claim that when the votes are counted in a certain way, the winner will actually reflect who the voters wanted. I’m not convinced that’s the case, even if it has apparently caught on in the state of Maine. Writes Richard, who like a previous advocate of Ranked Choice

Voting, calls the Bird Streets home, “Suppose Joe Biden is the Democratic nominee for governor and Marjorie Taylor Greene is the Republican nominee.” I’m not sure which state you’re talking about, Richard, but if that’s the choice, I’m moving. “Bernie Sanders decides that Joe Biden is too moderate to win so he enters the race as an independent.” A likely scenario, I suppose. “Bernie splits the Democratic vote so that Biden gets 40 percent of the total vote, Green gets 45 percent and Bernie gets 15 percent.”

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ichard says that under traditional voting, Green would become governor even though the majority of voters chose a Democrat. However, under Ranked Choice Voting, where people vote for their second and third choices, it’s likely a Democrat would emerge victorious. Perhaps, but why not just have a runoff between the top two, in this case Biden and Greene, and let the voters decide once and for all who they want running the state,

without regard for party? In California, in fact, who now have a system where the top two vote-getters in the primary will face each other in the general election, even if both are from the same party. The problem with listing which candidate you like first, then second, then third and so on is that frequently there’s a big difference between how much you like your first choice and how much you like your second choice. Just as there’s a big, big difference between Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders, even if they both call themselves Democrats. The gap grows even larger when you rank candidates down to third or fourth favorite, yet even those votes can figure in who ultimately becomes governor. Notes Richard, “We here in California don’t have a long history of third party candidates disrupting the outcome of elections, but in places that do have such a history, the people who instituted Ranked Choice Voting are very happy with it.” I’ll keep that in mind if I ever decide to move to Maine. — Reach Bob Dunning at bdunning@davisenterprise.net.

Citrus Circuits concludes another successful year By Anne Ternus-Bellamy Enterprise staff writer Citrus Circuits had yet another banner showing at the annual FIRST Robotics world championships. The team, made up of students from Davis high schools and junior highs, finished in fifth place overall and became the first team ever to win their division for eight consecutive years. This was the tenth trip to the world championships for Citrus Circuits, which qualified for the competition by winning regional events earlier this year. A total of 44 Davis students, along with parents and mentors, made the trip to Houston last week along with their robot, Margie. And in addition to winning their division, the team received the Autonomous Award for Margie’s successful and reliable function during the autonomous period at the beginning of

each match and automated climb at the end of the match. This year teams were playing Rapid React, where each match began with a 15-second autonomous period during which teams cannot manually control their robot and must instead run an autonomous program to score oversized tennis balls in an upper and lower goal located in the center of the field. After the first 15 seconds, teams gain control of their robots to continue scoring and climb a series of four bars of increasing heights for additional points in the last 30 seconds. Held at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, the world championships — back after two consecutive years canceled because of the pandemic — brought together more than 30,000 participants from 43 countries. Citrus Circuits and their alliance members

Courtesy photo

Citrus Circuits team members compete at FIRST Robotics World Championships in the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston. placed fifth out of 453 teams from around the world. Citrus Circuits, founded in 2004 and located at Davis High School, consists of almost 100 students

from high schools and junior high schools within the Davis Joint Unified School District. Major sponsors include UC Davis, DJUSD, Innovation First International, Hill Engi-

neering, TechnipFMC, Lockheed Martin, Bayer and Intuitive. Learn more about the team at www.citruscircuits. org.

Shooting suspect arrested following foot, drone search By Lauren Keene Enterprise staff writer An Esparto man faces weapon charges after allegedly firing a handgun following a hit-and-run crash, according to the Yolo County Sheriff ’s Office. Officials said the investigation began with reports of an 11:20 a.m. collision at Highway 16 and County Road 85B near Esparto, where the suspect driver fired shots before fleeing

the scene in his car. Deputies searched the area and ultimately spotted the suspect’s vehicle near a house in the 24000 block of Main Street in Capay. “While on scene, it was discovered the driver of the vehicle had gone to the residence and fired additional rounds and fled on foot,” sheriff ’s officials said in a Facebook post. Deputies established a perimeter around the area and conducted a further search,

assisted by the California Highway Patrol and West Sacramento Police Department drone team. The suspect, identified as 43-year-old Lynn Hayes, was taken into custody in a nearby field, where deputies reported recovering a .25-caliber handgun as well as another firearm at Hayes’ home. No injuries were reported from either shooting incident. Hayes was booked into

Cops seek driver in hit-and-run injury crash By Lauren Keene Enterprise staff writer Davis police are on the hunt for a hit-and-run driver who left another motorist with head injuries Wednesday afternoon. Lt. Ilya Bezuglov said the driver of a white pickup rear-ended the 65-year-old female victim’s black sedan, which was stopped at the intersection of northbound Mace Boulevard at El Macero Drive, at about 4 p.m. The impact “intermingled” the two vehicles, and the pickup driver moved back and forth, ramming the victim’s vehicle four

more times, before releasing the truck and fleeing north toward Interstate 80, Bezuglov said. Police were able to take a statement from the woman before her transport to an area hospital with what Bezuglov described as “head trauma.” She

described the other driver as a Hispanic male adult, who appeared to “yell something angrily at her” as he drove away. Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact the Davis Police Department at 530747-5400.

the Yolo County Jail on suspicion of negligent discharge of a firearm and brandishing a firearm, and

faces additional hit-and-run charges from the California Highway Patrol, officials said.

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THE DAVIS ENTERPRISE

FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2022 A3

Consider Explorit for Big DOG By Sara Thompson Special to the Enterprise

B Ziggy

Pets of the week Special to The Enterprise Lots of animals are waiting for “forever homes” at the Yolo County Animal Shelter, 2640 E. Gibson Road in Woodland. Among them is Puddy (A141062); this gorgeous gray-and-white male tabby is 8 years old and full of life and love. Puddy's favorite activity is being groomed. Puddy cat lost his family to illness and waiting for a new one to adopt him.

Puddy Also hoping for a good home is Ziggy (A195098), a charming 3-year-old tricolor Chihuahua. Ziggy is sweet, playful and a friend to everyone he meets. For information on adopting, contact adoptycas@gmail.com. All shelter animals are up-to-date on vaccinations, microchipped, and spayed or neutered. Staff is available to assist via phone during business hours at 530668-5287. Shelter hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. To meet any adoptable YCAS animals, visit friendsofycas.org. To volunteer, sign up at tinyurl. com/yolovolunteerapp. Follow on at @ycas.shelter and Instagram at @ yoloanimalshelter. At Rotts of Friends Animal Rescue, you’ll find Gemma, an adorable young smaller-sized

Vinny

Gemma spayed female Rottweiler. She just completed her six-week obedience training classes so she knows her commands and is leash trained. Gemma is a really sweet girl who loves to play and have fun. She would be great in an active family. She loves long walks but also likes to snuggle with her humans. Vinny is a young neutered male blue Queensland heeler. This boy is super friendly; he loves everyone and can’t wait to play. Vinny is eager to please and would do well in an active family. The next Rotts of Friends' adoption event is from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday, April 30, at 34505 County Road 29 in Woodland. Come by 10 a.m., as it takes at least an hour to meet and adopt a dog; everyone who will be living with the dog should come out to meet it. Bring proof of homeownership, such as a mortgage statement or property tax bill. If you rent, please bring proof that you are allowed to have a dog in your home, such as a pet clause in your lease or a note from your landlord. All dogs adopted from Rotts of Friends are healthy, microchipped, up-to-date on their vaccines and come with free lifetime obedience-training classes. For more information, visit facebook.com/rottsoffriends.

ig Day of Giving is on Thursday, May 5, and Explorit needs your help. Every year, nonprofits rely on generous donations to help them make ends meet, and Explorit is no exception. Our mission is to ignite and foster curiosity about science and nature through inquiry and discovery. We provide informal, hands-on science education to elementary schools, as well as camps, public exhibits, and more! To keep up with science standards, our school programs must continually be updated, and some items need to be replaced due to use. To help keep costs affordable for our schools we rely on donations for these upgrades and replacements. Explorit has four outreach programs that travel out to area schools, as well as six school programs at our site. Each of these programs requires nearly $500 each for upkeep each year. This cost includes replacement materials, safe cleaning and sanitizing solutions, and making signs and instructions for students to follow. Maintenance for our vehicles is also needed for providing travel programs to our students. Explorit changes its main exhibit each year for schools and the public to enjoy. Most of the costs for building a new exhibit is covered by grants and admissions, but donations can help make ends meet. Explorit also provides rotating crafts and activities each weekend. Supply costs as well as staff time for planning may be less than $50 per week, but annually is over $2000 in just weekend activities for our public visitors! Explorit has a variety of live invertebrates, fish, and reptiles we use if our education programs and public

viewing. Our staff and public love our animals and want the best for them, however animal care costs can add up quickly. To provide food for all our animals, vet appointments for our reptiles, and other care costs such as heat lamps and appropriate bedding can cost over $1000 a year. Founded in 1982, Explorit has provided science education to our community for 40 years! Explorit is very fortunate to have been able to stay afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic due to our hard-working staff and generous donations from our community. As we continue to do more educational programming and strive to stay affordable for our schools and public visitors we continue to rely on donations from our community, with Big Day of Giving being one of our most important giving days. Explorit hopes to raise $5,000 or more during Big Day of Giving, with an annual goal of raising $40,000 to celebrate 40 years of providing science education to our community! ———— Exploit's coming events: n Due to overwhelming demand, Explorit has opened two new Summer

Science Camp sessions for K-2 grades from 1 to 4 p.m. July 11-15 and July 18-22. All camps run Monday-Friday and will have indoor and outdoor components. Price is $175 Members/$200 Non-Members. Register for summer camp at https://www.explorit.org/camps. n Explorit is open to the public on Fridays from 1 to 4 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is $5 per person. Explorit Members, ASTC, and those age 2 and under free. Explorit strongly encourages all guests to wear a mask while indoors. n A Membership to Explorit grants the recipient free visits to Explorit’s regular public hours, discounts on events, summer camps and workshops, and gives you ASTC benefits to visit other museums throughout the world. To purchase or for more information visit https:// www.explorit.org/membership or call Explorit at 530-756-0191. — Explorit Science Center is at 3141 Fifth St. For information, call 530-756-0191 or visit http://www. explorit.org, or "like" the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/explorit. fb.

Yolo Audubon offers May field trips Special to The Enterprise Yolo Audubon Society will offer two field trips in May. The events are free and open to the public, and no experience is necessary. The first trip, (Late) Spring Migration at Willowbank Ditch, will be led by Rob Furrow on Saturday, May 7, from 7 to 9:30 a.m. The walking trip is open to all, and will focus on migrating songbirds passing through Davis. Willowbank Ditch in South Davis has a fantastic mix of mature trees, dense understory, and diverse fruiting and flowering plants. Early May is at the tail end of sparrow migration, but at the peak of warbler and flycatcher migration through the area. Some targets birds will include Wilson's, yellow and MacGillivray's warblers; western woodpewee; western tanager; and lazuli bunting. The group will leave from the junction of Almond Lane and Rosario

Street in Davis. There is street parking at this junction, and a walking path that leads to the footbridge over Willowbank Ditch. Participants should expect about1 mile of easy walking and bring binoculars. See yoloaudubon.org or yoloaudubon.facebook.com for more information. Stan Hunter will lead a morning of hiking at Audubon California’s Bobcat Ranch on Sunday, May 8, from 8 a.m. until around 1 p.m.. The ranch is in the foothills of the Coast Range just west of Winters. The moderately easy hike will be roughly 2 miles round-trip, following ranch roads through the Blue Oak grasslands. The final route for the hike has not been selected, but no matter where it leads, it will be a treat to wander around this working ranch that is not normally open to the public. Space will be limited to 12 people for this very popular trip. Wee the websites to sign up and for

JoAnne Fillatti/Courtesy photo

See western tanagers on upcoming Yolo Audubon field trips. more information. Yolo Audubon, a chapter of the National Audubon Society, is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to foster an appreciation of birds and conservation in Yolo County. The group is

offering live and virtual events in an effort to educate and inform the public about birds and birdwatching. More information on birding in Yolo County is available at the websites and YouTube channel.

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A4 THE DAVIS ENTERPRISE

Commentary To reduce gun violence, start with local level

FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2022

By Judy Belk and Brian Malte Special to CalMatters

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he tragic Sacramento shooting on April 3 that claimed six lives joins a long list of shootings in California that occurred that same weekend: A 9-year-old girl was shot and hospitalized in Stockton, two people were shot to death in Fresno, there were gun deaths in Long Beach and San Jose and a teenager was shot and killed in East Bakersfield. Last week, for the first time, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that gun deaths are now the leading cause of death for all children and teens in the U.S. — surpassing car accidents and drowning incidents. In both our state and our country, we have a problem — a violence problem. We tend to pay attention to violence when there is a mass shooting, but we need to pay the same level of attention to the violence that disrupts everyday life. All too often that violence is ignored if it takes place in a “tough” neighborhood or is concentrated in black and brown neighborhoods. We need to address violence regardless of when and where it occurs, and focus on root causes, as well as the lethal role firearms play. After every mass shooting, we hear calls for more gun legislation, even though the Golden State has the nation’s strongest gun laws. While it’s important to address remaining gaps in our gun laws, we should be turning our efforts to lifting up and expanding what is working in communities across the state. Many Californians look to the Legislature to solve the gun violence problem, when in fact the answers are right in our own communities. We implore residents across the state to work with their local elected officials to fund this critical work and address any gaps in their own efforts to address violence. No one is more sick and tired of gun violence than those who live in neighborhoods where it’s a daily occurrence. Residents across the state already are working on solutions, and they hold the key to stopping the bloodshed. Gun and gang violence are chronic problems, not episodic ones. To address it, we must stop using a crisis situation to develop long-term strategies for gun violence prevention and treat each and every incident of gun violence like the tragedy that it is, with an equitable emergency response. The way the Sacramento mass-casualty shooting unfolded showcases four critical issues that must be addressed. We need a framework of that incorporates: Prevention: We must work harder to prevent at-risk individuals from getting involved in gangs in the first place. California-based organizations such as RYSE Center and Youth Alive! provide life-transforming leadership opportunities to young people while providing safe spaces for them to thrive. Intervention: More communities must invest in strategies such as Advance Peace in Sacramento, where resources are focused on the small percentage of individuals who are most likely to be violent or become victims of gun violence. It provides job training, mentorship and life-mapping (exercises that help identify values) for these individuals. Healing and aftercare: Hurt people hurt people. We must treat generational and systemic oppression as the mental health crisis it is. Healing and trauma aftercare services must be made available after a shooting and must be culturally appropriate. Many California communities provide such services. Look to the work of organizations such as the Brotherhood of Elders Network and the National Compadres Network. Ending easy gun access: Guns are far too easy to obtain, especially in black and brown communities. Guns are systematically trafficked, typically from outside urban communities by people looking to make a profit. And most crime guns are first purchased legally and ultimately find their way into the hands of gang members and young people. The proliferation of homemade “ghost guns” must be dealt with from a policy perspective. The Sacramento mass shooting and all the others that plague our communities will happen again unless we have a solid framework to address violence and create a longterm vision that starts locally. Everyone deserves to be safe in their own community. — Judy Belk is president and CEO of The California Wellness Foundation. Brian Malte is executive director of the Hope and Heal Fund.

DiSC: We can make right decision

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suppose my model for a development project is a brewery. After all I have worked with many more breweries than commercial real estate developments. I use that experience when looking at the DiSC project that is now up for voter approval as Measure H. I voted against the DiSC project when it first came on the ballot and got called a NIMBY for that opinion. Since then the Sierra Club (a national organization) has declared against DiSC, so I may now be a NIAMBY — not in anyone’s back yard. So, it’s worth a rethink. Breweries can be great big, rather ugly and busy places; that’s sort of a given. To make millions of hectoliters of beer a year takes a lot of space. We have all seen the Budweiser brewery on I-80 at Fairfield, for example, although that is just a midsized operation. The very existence of that installation puts a certain burden on the community; of course, it also brings certain benefits of employment and tax revenue, for example. The brewery also puts a massive burden on available resources of water and power and waste, among other things. Thus, a key modern metric of breweries focuses on management of resources to mitigate negative effects of brewing and, incidentally, to save money. The brewery at

Letters DISC’s environmental standards As the “Davis Lorax,” I follow tree policy closely. So of course I applaud the project’s promise to plant 1,500 trees to fully shade 1.5 miles of new bike paths and walkways. But I’m a skeptic: planting a tree is not same as growing a tree to maturity. And based on the neglect we see in parking lots, it’s clear that commercial landlords would just as soon ignore the cost of tree care. City staff and the Tree Commission have struggled to develop any legal mechanisms to enforce tree care at commercial properties. But the DISC project shows a way forward by agreeing to legally enforceable tree protections as a “condition of approval” for building the project. They promise to hire an independent licensed arborist each year for first five years, then at three-year then five-year intervals —

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Fairfield has made a huge and successful commitment to minimizing water use by conservation and to generating its own power from renewable resources (wind and solar); bioreactors digest other waste to make usable methane and spent grains can feed animals. I admire those efforts and would hope any modern project would build such mitigation of environmental concerns into the design from the get-go. There are therefore, Burdens and Benefits of any project, whether it’s a brewery or a real estate development, and it can be judged by how those elements are balanced. The voters of Davis must make that judgement about DiSC in June. Judging by the number of “Yes” and “No” signs around town those discussions have already started. The focus of my own concern is on matters of environmental impact. I see in the press and politics all kinds of references to carbon neutral and net zero emissions and the future of climate change. There are lots

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of concerns and promises, but I see no concerted action with enforceable provisions anywhere on the horizon that moves in that direction. It seems that any concrete action that engages our whole country in moves to control carbon release and ultimately global warming is an impossibly uphill battle. That battle will be worth fighting, I suppose, but if we expect the citizens of West Texas or West Virginia to be enthusiastic supporters of a carbon-free future, we need to think again. f we cannot engage our whole country in such a necessary endeavor, imagine how difficult it will be to get all the countries of the world to buy into a world-wide plan to save the planet. Control of carbon release is a wicked problem. At least we are able to identify the problem and in an ideal world we can come up with workable solutions — well, workable as long as any downside is ignored. My concern is not so much for myself as I have no expectation of being on this side of the veil in 2050, the magical and mythical target date for net zero carbon emissions. But I have seven grandchildren all of whom, if they live as long as I have already lived, stand a good chance of greeting the 22nd century on

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into perpetuity. This is not just to supervise care, but to provide regular reports that the city can use for enforcement. This will assure these 1,500 trees will thrive. But it’s not just the trees: I have read all 87 pages of conditions attached to the project, and I believe many of the other components and guarantees are breakthroughs, including the first-of-its-kind transit-oriented development bus plaza that will reduce traffic on Mace. The developer also promises to donate land for two extra lanes on Mace and space for an off-road bike-path. In fact, DISC could have the same broad impact on Davis as the Nishi vote did. The Nishi developer agreed to the high LEED Gold building standard, which is now the standard for all Davis projects. City staff has been skeptical of the upgraded LEED standard ask for by environmentalists — until Nishi developer showed it could be done. I find it telling that the utopians who say DISC is not good enough environmentally are the same people who campaigned against Nishi. The Lorax urges people who care

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

U.S. Senate Sen. Dianne Feinstein, 331 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C., 20510; 202-224-3841; email: http://feinstein. senate.gov/public/index.cfm/e-mail-me Sen. Alex Padilla, B03 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C., 20510;

Jan. 1, 2100. I want to do my best to leave them a peaceful and livable and beautiful world. I want that to be my legacy and the legacy of my generation (born in the 1930s) who must be among those most responsible for climate change. However, I think everything is heading sideways, off the rails. And so I come back to DiSC.I would expect that a project with “innovative” and “sustainability” in its title would be innovative and sustainable, so I’m looking for a guaranteed focus on that. DiSC is a major real estate development for our town and brings Burdens and Benefits. I’m struggling to understand the arguments on both sides and whether the Benefits outweigh the Burdens. I do think that control of carbon emissions in the future will be at a local level; that is, it will be the responsibility of each community. Each community must make its own commitment to its own future in terms of its infrastructure and carbon status and the relationship between the two and, in the absence of a better plan, let the rest of the world take care of itself. I think we have the intellect to make the right decision for ourselves here in Davis. — Reach Michael Lewis at waleslewis792@gmail.com.

about the environment, even the skeptics, to vote yes on “H,” and send a signal to our city council that the DISC commitments for trees, transit, and environmental sustainability are a model for all projects going forward. Alan “Lorax” Hirsch Davis

Council goals It was interesting to note that during the April 19 City Council meeting, ‘Climate Goals’ and the city’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint, was mentioned (and celebrated?) several times, though all — all — council members support the DiSC project. According to its own EIR report, the DiSC project would increase the carbon footprint of the city of Davis, make our carbon Neutrality goal unachievable, and increase our negative climate impact. Is this completely contradictory, or am I missing something? It would be benevolent if anyone could clarify my view of this. Thanks! Larry D. Guenther Davis

202-224-3553; email: padilla.senate. gov/public/index.cfm/e-mail-me

We welcome your letters

House of Representatives

Addresses and phone numbers should be included for verification purposes; they will not be published. Limit letters to 350 words. Anonymous letters will not be accepted. We reserve the right to edit all letters for brevity or clarity. Mail letters to The Davis Enterprise, P.O. Box 1470, Davis, CA 95617; bring them to 315 G St.; fax them to 530-756-1668; or email them to newsroom@davis enterprise.net.

Rep. John Garamendi (3rd District), 2368 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, D.C., 20515; 202-225-1880. District office: 412 G St., Davis, CA 95616; 530-753-5301; email: visit https://garamendi.house.gov/contact/ email

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

From Page One

THE DAVIS ENTERPRISE

FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2022 A5

BEST: New boss ready to get to work TRACKSIDE: ‘A fight From Page A1 The Enterprise. “Gratitude for the board, the community and all the folks along the way who supported me and mentored me and helped me get to where I am. There’s also a sense of relief. An eight-month interview is something I wouldn’t wish on anyone. There’s also just excitement for the work ahead. It's been a really hard couple of years, and I’m looking forward to leading us out of this pandemic life we’ve been in.” Superintendent, however, was never the end goal when Best entered the educational field 22 years ago. He found contentment in teaching and coaching until others prodded him toward his potential. “When I started, I was teaching and coaching and thought I would do that forever,” he said. “I loved teaching and coaching, and I think other people saw things in me that I didn’t see in myself at the time. I think starting at Da Vinci High School, my mind was open to a new way of education and a different kind of leadership.

And that really set a course for me that was different from what I saw for myself when I first started and have loved every minute of it.” Acquiring the title of superintendent is monumental accomplishment to be sure, but the hard work is only just beginning. Challenges old and new await, but true to his football nature, Best is looking forward to tackling each and every one of them — even though he was an offensive lineman. “Special education continues to be a really important and challenging area in education,” Best said in regards to the challenges he’s looking forward to addressing. “We believe in inclusion of all students here in Davis, and because of the increasing number of students and the nature of their needs changing during the pandemic, it’s really put a strain on our model and system as a whole. So, I want to think strategically about what we want for our students with disabilities in the future and what’s the model that’s best going to support them. “Throughout the pandemic we

continued to see mental-health challenges for students, staff and parents. I think that’s another big area of focus for us in the coming years.” Best also zeroed in on increasing employee attraction and retention with improved compensation. Another challenge Best wants to address is decreasing enrollment — particularly in resident students — while also placing focus on early-childhood education. Accolades and titles aside, Best is foremost a husband and a parent of kids currently in the DJUSD. They remain simultaneously a pillar of support for him and a source of empathy for what other parents experience with kids attending school in Davis. At the end of the day, education is a human business, and humans are fallible. With this in mind, along with the reciprocation of compassion and understanding from all ends of the educational spectrum, the district will move into the future with its Best foot forward. — Reach Aaron Geerts at aaron. geerts@mcnaughton.media.

Rachel Kreager/Enterprise photos

The new Davis firefighters have to learn to handle all sorts of equipment, including ladders, at maximum efficiency. Below, the new hires break down the roof of the donated house to “go online” as firefighters.

TRAINING: Church donated building

for public awareness’ From Page A1 judge agreed with those neighbors in 2019, saying the mass and size of the project was not reasonable. But the city appealed and the Third District Court of Appeal in December overturned Judge Samuel McAdam’s ruling, allowing the project to proceed. Opponents sought California Supreme Court review of the appellate court’s decision but learned this week review had been denied. In a statement, the city said, “we are pleased to hear that the litigation is now concluded and implementation can proceed. “The city of Davis supports the construction of a variety of housing types, including infill near transit, to support a diverse and growing economy and community,” according to the city’s statement. OEDNA’s board acknowledged that the Supreme Court taking the case was a long shot, but said in a statement Wednesday they believed it worth trying. “Some were critical of our decision due to the long odds. We were quite aware of the odds, and thus the decision not to hear our request comes as no surprise,” the board’s statement said. “We believed, however, that enforceability of city planning documents was a

battle worth fighting. “This was a fight for public awareness and enforceability of city planning documents — statewide. For people to believe in the law, it must be enforceable. With the publication of the Trackside decision, the current City Council can interpret planning documents, approved by previous City Councils, to mean whatever they want them to mean — with no repercussions. “We make plans to create certainty. OEDNA participated robustly in creating the Davis Downtown and Traditional Neighborhood Guidelines to gain certainty for developers and for residents. This decision negates that certainty. So what, then, is the purpose of moving forward with any city planning documents? The Downtown Plan, the General Plan, the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, or any other plan? The details of those plans – those things we fight for and that we believe have teeth — have no teeth. “Who loses out? The residents of our city, and of every city in California. Because with this decision, all California city planning documents have become uncertain,” the OEDNA board said. — Reach Anne TernusBellamy at aternus@ davisenterprise.net. Follow her on Twitter at @ATernusBellamy.

OVERPASS: Improves safety for bikes and pedestrians From Page A1 “This connection significantly strengthens our city’s path network, reducing the distance to community destinations and improving safety for bicyclists and pedestrians traveling to and from South Davis,” said Mayor Gloria Partida. The project had a total cost of $6.9 million and was funded by a $3.5 million federal grant, the city’s general fund and road development impact fees.

From Page A1 next-door Davis Chinese Christian Church, which plans an expansion onto the lot next door. Josh Reese, a Davis native and one of the six recent hires, said the training offered valuable knowledge in teamwork and problem-solving, in addition to the hands-on work. “We really got to put together a whole scene today,” Reese said. “I’m just really excited to be here, and being from Davis it means a whole lot more.” Plescia said the fire department plans to conduct additional training at the 1,215-square-foot house before it’s demolished to make way for the church expansion.

— Reach Anne Ternus-Bellamy at aternus @davisenterprise.net.

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The new ramp connects the existing overpass From Fifth Street to Cowell Boulevard with bike and pedestrian traffic from Olive Drive.

The new hires work on hose placement during Wednesday’s training exercise.

Obituary Todd L. Erickson

Sept. 15, 1974—April 21, 2022 Todd Lindsay Erickson passed away suddenly on April 21, 2022, at the age of 47. Todd was born in Dayton, Ohio, moving to California when he was 5 going to school in Sacramento, receiving his undergraduate education at UC San Diego then graduate school at the UC Berkeley School of Optometry, where he received his Doctor of Optometry degree, and met his wife, Melissa Barnett Erickson. Todd practiced optometry for almost 21 years and was married for 19½ years. He lived in Sacramento for

10 years, and then in Davis for 10 years. Besides his professional accomplishments, Todd was known for his loving and kind personality. He was always gracious and went above and beyond when helping others. On a practical level, he could fix anything. As husband, he and Melissa enjoyed raising their family together and sharing their professional knowledge. As father, he loved being part of his sons’ sports endeavors so that when Alex and Drew engaged in sports, he became a swim official and water polo

coordinator. As a person, Todd loved his Challenger car, sushi, ice cream, ERICKSON root beer floats, and traveling the world, especially going to Lake Tahoe with his family. He prepared waffles from scratch every Wednesday night for Thursdaymorning breakfast. Todd was extremely organized, loved looking forward to the next new adventure, and was respected and loved by everyone who knew and met him. He had the kind of personality that would bring a smile to a

person’s face when hearing his name. Todd is survived by his wife, Melissa Barnett Erickson; sons Alex and Drew; mother Carolyn Tillman; father Dennis Erickson; and sister Monica McCoy. A funeral service was on Tuesday, April 26, at Congregation Bet Haverim, 1715 Anderson Road in Davis. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Todd’s memory to: Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity VOSH.org or YOLO food bank at www.bigdayofgiving.org/ organizaion/yolofoodbank in honor of Todd L. Erickson.

Obituary policy The Enterprise publishes brief death notices free of charge. These include name, age, city of residence, occupation, date of death and funeral/memorial information. Paid-for obituaries allow for controlled content with the option for photos. Obituaries will be edited for style and grammar. Submissions may be made via www.davisenterprise.com/obit-form/. For further information about paid obituaries or free death notices, call 530-756-0800.

A6 THE DAVIS ENTERPRISE

FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2022

Local

THE DAVIS ENTERPRISE

Briefly Odd Fellows host holiday bingo Running out of fun ideas of what to do for mom on Mother’s Day? Come on down to the Davis Odd Fellows Hall, 415 Second St. in Davis, to play bingo this Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 8. Doors open at noon and games begin at 1 p.m. Bingo packets are $20 for a double and $12 for a single. Fifteen games are on the schedule, all awarding cash prizes, with the final game awarding $250. All proceeds from bingo this month go to Team Davis, a nonprofit that helps enrich the lives of children and adults with developmental, intellectual or physical disabilities. Team Davis is almost entirely run by volunteers.

Travelaires offer new outings The Travelaires, a local nonprofit that offers outings in Northern California and beyond, is pleased to announce that registration is available for several new trips. The group has added Great Bear Vineyards, China Camp State Park & Sausalito, “Follow the Seagull” San Francisco 49-Mile Scenic Drive and UC Berkeley Botanical Garden For information, visit https://davistravelaires. org or email DavisTrav elaires@gmail.com or call 530-753-4159.

South Davis library resumes services By Anne Ternus-Bellamy Enterprise staff writer The Yolo County Library will resume inperson service at the South Davis Montgomery Branch Library at Marguerite Montgomery Elementary School, 1441 Danbury St., on May 3. Community members are invited for a Reopening and Día de los Niños/ Día de los Libros Celebration with family-friendly festivities on Saturday, May 7, at 11 a.m. Festivities include a bilingual story time in English and Spanish, fun

and educational activities like Lotería (Mexican Bingo) with prizes and all children who attend will receive a free book to help build their home libraries. The South Davis library location is available to residents for pick up holds, returns and for browsing a curated collection of popular books and DVDs in English and Spanish. The library staff is fluent in English and Spanish and library hours are Tuesdays from 4 to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For information, contact 530-666-8005.

FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2022 A7

City sponsors ‘May is Bike Month’ events for children By Anne Ternus-Bellamy Enterprise staff writer To celebrate May is Bike Month, students in Davis are encouraged to participate in Walk and Bike to School Day on May 4 and Orange You Glad You Biked Today on May 11. Thousands of students across the nation will ride or walk to school to celebrate this healthy and environmentally friendly form of transportation. Walk and Bike to School Day encourages students to bike, walk or scooter to school on May 4 while raising awareness on creating

safer routes for bicyclists and pedestrians and emphasizing the importance of increasing physical activity among children. In addition, the school with the most bike trips registered this day through the Active4.me app will win a Fat Face Popsicle Party on May 13. Orange You Glad You Biked Today is a partnership with the Davis Joint Unified School District, Yolo Food Bank and the city’s Safe Routes to School program to promote healthier habits by handing out free oranges to students who walk or bike to school

the morning of May 11 at all of DJUSD’s elementary schools. “These events help build connections between families, schools and the broader community and encourage the many benefits of bicycling,” the city said in a statement. The city is also hosting a contest on May 12 to see which school has the most bike trips by counting the percentage of bicycles on racks. For more information about the Safe Routes to School Program visit: www. cityofdavis.org/saferoutes.

Donations sought for Get tickets for WSF’s Summer Feast graduating foster youths Special to The Enterprise

By Anne Ternus-Bellamy Enterprise staff writer Thirteen Yolo County foster youths will be graduating from high school in June thanks in part to the Independent Living Program at Woodland Community College. And while graduation is an enormous achievement for these young people as it is, community support will make it even more special. Donations of cash gifts or gift cards, as well as graduation cards with personal motivational sentiments, are being sought for the 13 graduates. To participate, give or if you have other ideas,

contact Cherie Schroeder at cherie@yolofostercare. com or 530-574-1964. A virtual commencement celebration will be held on June 17 from 5 to 7 p.m. The Independent Living Program, which Schroeder oversees, aims to open doors for foster youth ages 14 to 21 through classes, mentorship, positive adult and peer relationships, life skills and more. Community donations throughout the year help provide laptops, transportation, groceries and more. Donate at https:// interland3.donorperfect. net/weblink/weblink. aspx?name= E78505&id=33.

Celebrating Yolo County’s rich agricultural heritage, tickets are now on sale for the Winters Farm to School’s 11th Summer Feast from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 25. Catered by the Buckhorn Steak and Roadhouse, the feast will return to the historic Wolfskill Ranch in Winters. “We are excited to be hosting the feast again after two years of having the event cancelled because of COVID-19,” said Emarie VanGalio, a Winters Farm to School Board Member and Manager of Buckhorn Steak and Roadhouse. “Unfortunately, we have had to increase the price of tickets due to higher costs, but hopefully guests will understand this and join us

again. We are so appreciative of our supporters who kept us going over the past two years. We couldn’t have done it without the financial help of families and businesses in our area.” Winters Farm to School uses the funds raised at their feast to purchase fresh, local fruits, nuts and produce for our children’s school meal programs. Monies raised at the feast also keep the student garden at Waggoner Elementary School green and growing.

“Because we are an allvolunteer Board, all of the monies raised go toward boosting the health and well-being of kids in our community,” says Cathy Olsen, Winters Farm to School Board Member and

Director of Food Services for the Winters Joint Unified School District. “And it’s great for our farmers because our school district buys a lot of the food they produce. You can’t get much fresher or more local than serving food grown by farmers right here in Winters.”

Attendance will be kept to 200 guests. Tickets have sold out each year, so buy tickets early. Tickets can be purchased at www.wintersfarmtoschool.com or ACE Hardware on Main Street in Winters; they are $150 per person and must be purchased in advance of the event. For information about Winters Farm to School or the June 25 Summer Feast, call 530-795-6109.

A8 THE DAVIS ENTERPRISE

FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2022

arts

B Section

THE DAVIS ENTERPRISE FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2022

Dear Annie B4 Comics B7 Sports B8

American Bach Soloists wrap up series By Jeff Hudson Enterprise staff writer The coming week includes a concert of early Baroque music from Italy by the American Bach Soloists, a concert by popular pianist Lara Downs, and an evening with humorist/storyteller David Sedaris (who typically sells out the house when he visits the Mondavi Center, and appears likely to do it again this weekend).

American Bach Soloists The American Bach Soloists will close out their season in Davis with a concert titled “Pious and Profane,” featuring instrumental and choral works by Italian composers from the early Baroque era, on Monday, May 2, at 7 p.m. in Davis Community Church, 412 C St. in Davis Included will be a sonata for three violins by Giovanni Gabrieli (1554?1612), a six-voice arrangement of the Magnificat

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Soprano Hélène Brunet, left, and tenor Steven Brennfleck, center, will sing in the May 2 concert. from the “Vespers of 1610” collection by Claudio Monteverdi (1567-1643), a sonata for three violins by Biagio Marini (1594-1663), two contrasting madrigals by Monteverdi (one from the collection “Madrigals of Love,” the other from the collection “Madrigals of War”), a sonata from Giovani Legrenzi (16261690), a sonata by Isabella Leonarda (1620-1704, one of the few female composers during the Baroque era), and Monteverdi’s setting of poet Torquato Tasso’s “Combattimento di

Vets hosts ‘Unicorn’ ballet

Tancredi e Clorinda.” The vocal soloists, many of whom are based on the East Coast, are sopranos Hélène Brunet and Julie Bosworth, countertenor Nicholas Burns, tenor Steven Brennfleck, baritone David McFerrin, and bass William Meinert. The instrumentalists will be playing period instruments (with gut strings, etc.) Artistic director Jeffrey Thomas will conduct. Ticket prices range from $101-$39, available online at AmericanBach.org.

Events at UC Davis ■ The Empyrean Ensemble, the professional contemporary music group at UC Davis (led by faculty member Sam Nichols), will perform in the Pitzer Center on Friday, April 29, at 7 p.m. The guest artist will be Hidejiro Honjoh, who plays the shamisen (sometimes romanized as samisen), which is a traditional Japanese threestringed lute with a square body, played with a large plectrum. ■ Conductor Matilda

Jiyang Chen/Courtesy photo

Pianist Lara Downs returns to the Mondavi Center on May 6. Hofman will lead performances of new works by grad student composers Bryndan Moondy, Hiroya Miura, Colin Minigan and Dean Kervin Boursiquot. Honjoh will also perform several traditional selections for solo shamisen. Tickets are $24 general, $12 students, at the door or online at MondviArts.org. ■ The annual Danzantes del Alma dance showcase returns to the Mondavi Center’s Jackson Hall on Saturday, April 30, at 6 p.m. Founded in 1977, Danzantes del Alma

features student ensembles that perform traditional dances from various parts of Mexico. Tickets are $20$15, online at MondaviArts.org and at the door. ■ The very popular writer, humorist and storyteller David Sedaris — a longtime favorite of Mondavi Center audiences — will return to the Mondavi’s Jackson Hall stage on Sunday, May 1, at 7:30 p.m. Sedaris always draws crowd, and this concert was virtually sold out as of last Tuesday, with only

See SERIES, Page B2

Gallery 1855 features Spreadbrorough

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The Sac Civic Ballet Company and the Deane Dance Center will be perform the “Unicorn Fountain,” a ballet choreographed by Don Schwennesen, formerly a dancer with the San Francisco Ballet Company, at the Veterans Memorial Theater, 203 E. 14th St. in Davis. Showtimes will be 7 p.m. Saturday, May 7, and 2 p.m. Sunday, May 8. The large cast of Davis and Sacramento dancers includes Davis High School junior Nora Draper. “Unicorn Fountain” is the story of a harvest festival, a competition, a prince, a magician and drama along the way. It is suitable for all ages. “The sets and costumes are beautiful and colorful,” a news release said. The music is set to music by composer Alexander Glazunov. Tickets at the door or at deanedancecenter.com are $15-$20. Call 916-453-0226.

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Galley 1855 presents the artwork of Allison Spreadborough, through the month of May. The galley, on the grounds of The Davis Cemetery at 820 Pole Line Road, is open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. For information, call 530-756-7807, email judy@daviscemetery.org or visit www.daviscemetery.org.

Local

B2 THE DAVIS ENTERPRISE

FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2022

The Duke’: Larceny with a twist By Derrick Bang Enterprise film critic This is another great one for the Truth Is Stranger Than Fiction file. On the very early morning of August 21, 1961, somebody broke into London’s National Gallery and stole Francisco Goya’s painting, “Portrait of the Duke of Wellington.” The carefully calculated crime baffled police, who assumed that the caper must have been masterminded by a professional gang of experienced Italian art thieves. Four years later, the painting was returned by 61-year-old Kempton Bunton, a disabled pensioner who subsequently confessed to the crime. That was wild enough … but what happened at Bunton’s subsequent trial was so audacious, that it prompted an amendment of British law. Director Roger Michell’s delightful depiction of these astonishing events, a cheeky slice of gentle British whimsy, is fueled by endearing performances from Jim Broadbent and Helen Mirren, as Kempton and his wife, Dorothy. Michell, cinematographer Mike Eley and editor Kristina Hetherington deliberately emphasize a retro look, atmosphere and pacing, strongly evoking a sense that their film could have been made during the 1960s. Screenwriters Richard Bean and Clive Coleman compress the time frame, but otherwise present the saga pretty much as it actually went down; they

‘The Duke’ Starring: Jim Broadbent, Helen Mirren, Matthew Goode, Fionn Whitehead, Jack Bandeira, Charlotte Spencer, Aimee Kelly Rating: R, for profanity and brief sexuality Available via: Movie theaters

Kempton (Jim Broadbent) promises, after once final attempt, that he’ll stop fighting the BBC over its television license fees. Alas, his wife Dorothy (Helen Mirren) isn’t sure that she believes him …

were blessed, during production, with hitherto unrevealed details supplied by Bunton’s grandson. Kempton is introduced as a taxi driver and frustrated playwright — his latest opus is a reimagining of the scriptures with Jesus as a woman (!) — who has long been annoyed by the BBC’s television license fee. His sad efforts to stoke public awareness with a homegrown campaign — “Free TV for the OAP (Old Age Pensioners)” — has gone nowhere; he also has been imprisoned several times, for non-payment of the license fee. Not much later, a wealthy American art collector purchases Goya’s painting for £140,000, with the intention of taking it to the United States. Scandalized by the thought of losing this precious artwork, the British government buys it back for the same sum. Kempton becomes outraged, while watching the resulting press conference on (his

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illegal) TV, grousing the such a sum could have provided free television to thousands of OAPs. Kempton obsesses over the painting — much to Dorothy’s long-suffering dismay — visits it often, and views it as a tangible example of everything wrong with government spending. He learns that the gallery’s sophisticated alarm system is deactivated during early mornings, so the cleaning crew can work; access can be made via a window in an upstairs bathroom. And — hey, presto! — the painting winds up in the Bunton’s Newcastle flat. He and younger son Jackie (Fionn Whitehead) cleverly conceal it by constructing a false back to a bedroom wardrobe. But now what?

Rest assured, things only get crazier. As introduced, Mirren and Broadbent play Dorothy and Kempton as a couple just going through the motions. Their mutual fondness — although visible — is mostly buried beneath frustration and anguish: the latter prompted by the untimely death, a few years earlier, of their 18-year-old daughter Marian. Dorothy still can’t face this loss; Kempton assuages his pain by trying to write a play about Marian. Broadbent and Mirren bicker, fuss and snipe — Dorothy worn out by her husband’s stubborn TV license campaign — but their performances are so delicately nuanced, that we never doubt that these two love each other.

Set course for exotic ‘Madagascar’ By Jennifer Goldman Enterprise theater critic It’s time to move it on over to the Woodland Opera House! Based on the animated movie, “Madagascar: A Musical Adventure” follows a gang of four animals from the New York Zoo on a wild adventure though the subway system, across the ocean and eventually to the exotic island of Madagascar. Director Steve Mackey packs in plenty of energetic singing and dancing in this fast paced kid friendly show. Alex the Lion (Shane Burrows) is always trying to keep up his big star reputation as the King of New York. His best friend Marty the Zebra (Erik Catalan) had funky fresh dance moves that had the audience eating out of his hand! Gloria the Hippo (Marie Campbell) grabbed the audience’s attention with her super high energy and 60’s “Hairspray” style. Rounding out the gang was neurotic hypochondriac Melman the Giraffe (Collin Robinson-Burmeister), who reluctantly went along with his friends as he learned to face his fears.

Alongside the main cast, there is a trio of hilarious penguins who harmonize as they plan their escape to the Antarctica. Once the characters arrive in Madagascar, they meet the incredible lemur King Julien (Rico Bradley), who nailed the accent and character from the movie in the most enjoyable and hilarious way! The rest of the cast does an excellent job in various roles as bystanders, lemurs, fossas, and more. Denise Miles outdid herself again with outstanding costumes to go along with stellar makeup design by Miles Meckling. I especially liked how they chose clothing that captured the animals essence while still allowed the performers to move and dance without being weighed down with clunky fur costumes. The penguins were represented by adorable puppets that popped up when you’d least expect it, including from the trap doors in the stage! My favorite special effect was watching the crates on the ship move back and forth across the stage. Brilliant! Overall, the show is very well written and performed.

Join the Elmwood Drive neighborhood to paint a colorful street mural that unites the community and celebrates nature. This mural is led by local artist Judy Catambay, Elmwood neighbor-

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From left, Collin Robinson-Burmester (Melman the Giraffe), Erik Catlan (Marty the Zebra), Shane Burrows (Alex the Lion), and Marie Campbell (Gloria the Hippo) star in the Woodland Opera House’s production of “Madagascar: A Musical Adventure.” Not only that, it is entertaining and short enough for kids to sit through easily, with about an hour of stage time and a 15 minute intermission. “Madagascar” runs Fridays at 7:30pm and Sat-

urdays at 2:00pm now through May 8, 2022. Ticket prices range from $5 to $16 and can be purchased at BoxOffice@ WoodlandOperaHouse.org or by calling 530-666-9617.

hood lead Joy Klineberg, and the many neighbors who helped with the design and all of the logistics to make it happen. This art project is supported, in part, by the city of Davis Arts and Cultural Affairs Fund. Meet at Elmwood Dive in Central

Davis on Friday, April 29, to chalk the design; on Saturday, April 30, to paint the street (anyone can do this); and Sunday, May 1, for paint touchup Register at Sign Up Genius at https://bit.ly/EWStreetArt.

SERIES: Pianist Lara Downes plays May 6 From Page B1 three or four widely scattered single seats still available. But typically a few turned-back tickets become available at the box office during the days leading up to a performance. Tickets are $79-$29 general, online at MondaviArts.org.

■ Pianist Lara Downes, another longtime Mondavi favorite, will perform at the Mondavi Center on Friday, May 6, at 7:30 p.m. in Jackson Hall. Downes will be joined by composer and vocalist Clarice Assad and percussionist BrittonRené Collins in a performance of Assad’s suite

Additional color — and complications — are provided by their two grown sons. Whitehead’s Jackie is a simple, uncomplicated lad totally devoted to his father, in part because his tougher older brother Kenny (Jack Bandeira) is a petty criminal whose antics have added to the family’s misery. Matthew Goode has a choice role as Kempton’s barrister, Jeremy Hutchinson QC. At trial, both his junior, Eric Crowther (Joshua McGuire), and the judge (James Wilby) are

“World of Change.” In addition, Downes will perform “Promises to Keep,” a suite of new solo piano miniatures written by a variety of composers for Lara Downes, whose career has been in high gear these last few years. Downes’ most recent album is “Reflections: Scott

Joplin Reconsidered,” which has been widely praised, including a glowing review in the New York Times. Downes has performed at the Mondavi Center regularly over the years. Tickets are $65-$25 general, online at MondaviArts.org and at the door.

baffled by Hutchinson’s refusal to cross-examine any of the witnesses. Ah, but Goode’s bent head and knowing half-smile suggest that he, too, is up to something. Kristian Milsted’s production design is spot-on, having re-created the era by cleverly dressing portions of Leeds and Bradford. (Newcastle, alas, has become too modern to suggest the appropriate period.) George Fenton’s score is a vibrant blend of swinging jazz — the title theme and a few heist cues — and more serious orchestral shading, the latter carefully enhancing the gradual resuscitation of Kempton and Dorothy’s relationship. Everything is just right in this thoroughly charming cinematic confection.

ACME presents free show in the park on Memorial Day Special to The Enterprise

Neighbors out to paint Elmwood Drive Special to The Enterprise

Although ostensibly concerned with the stolen painting, Bean and Coleman’s script focuses equally on this broken relationship, and the gradual, tentative steps taken by Kempton and Dorothy to repair it.

On Memorial Day weekend, Acme Theatre Company presents a free, boisterous adaptation “Pride and Prejudice” by Kate Hamill, based on the novel by Jane Austen with two casts performing on alternating evenings. The comedy launches in Regency England, at the country home of the Bennet family, where Mrs. Bennet (Wren Arellano Calderon and Morgan Hendrix-Chupa) has dragged her husband Mr. Bennet (Ian Bourne and Amanda Archer) into her battle to find husbands for her four daughters — outspoken Lizzy (Paige Jenness and Arianna Ramirez), kind Jane (Alisa Clayton and Greta Farnum), gothic Mary (Kylie Nelson and Zellie Durand) and flighty Lydia (Ma’ayan Tal and Nousha Nusbaum). Any man with a pulse (and a large pocketbook) is a potential prize and skirmishes commence with the aggravating Mr. Darcy (Ash Millar and Sawyer S.), the suave Mr. Wickham (Lexicon Hedrick and Ella Del Favero), the friendly Mr. Bingley (Django Nachmanoff & Eliot Larson), and the mansplaining Mr. Collins (Django Nachmanoff & Eliot Larson). On the battle-field of love, the Bennet girls must contend with the snobby Miss. Bingley (Lexi Hedrick & Ella Del Favero), the well-meaning best friend Charlotte Lucas (Ma’ayan Tal and Nousha Nusbaum) the quirky Miss De Bourgh (Alisa Clayton and Greta Farnumn), and the highhanded antics of brigadier general, Lady Catherine De Bourgh (Desmond Beach & Marion Delarue).

Fortunately, our heroine Lizzy is determined to never marry. But as her war of wit with Mr. Darcy escalates, and her family drama spins out of control, who knows where her merry dance may lead ... Austen’s perennially popular and caustically funny novel “Pride and Prejudice” was published in 1813. Hamill’s sparkling 2018 adaptation retells the much-beloved story with screwball speed and amps up the humor with ingenious, anachronistic twists. “This adaptation distills what we love about Austen,” says director Emily Henderson, “and brings a fun, new rhythm to the story.” The design team for Pride and Prejudice includes Jackie Wallis & Kylie Nelson (Scenic), Zoe Kaplan (Costumes), Tesla Boire (Lighting), Jamie Aldas (Sound), Wren Arellano Calderon & Joe Mellema (Properties), Arianna Ramirez (Choreographer), Mattias RowenBale (Stage Manager), Morgan Hendrix Chupa and Juna Brothers (Publicity), Jane “JJ” Williamson (Web & Social Media), and Sawyer S., Mara Nittner, Max Diel (Front of House). Performances will take be at 7 p.m. Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, May 27-30, at the Davis Arts Center Outdoor Stage, 1919 F St. in Davis. Audience members are invited to bring their blanket or lawn chair, and warm layers. For the safety of our community, all audience members are required wear masks (when not eating or drinking) and show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test within the last 72 hours.

THE DAVIS ENTERPRISE

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Petty uncle won’t return our stuff Dear Annie: My uncle has a reputation for being extremely cheap, but he did something recently that has left me fuming. He called my husband and asked to borrow a pair of acetylene tanks, which are used for welding projects, after he found out we had them in our garage. These tanks belong to my dad, but they have been stored at our house while not in use for a few years. The tanks include a torch, gauges, hoses and other accessories. When my uncle asked to borrow the tanks, he was very cordial and polite. My husband graciously agreed to let him borrow them and told him to return them when he is finished with his project. About six weeks after he loaned them, my husband reached out to ask that they be returned for a project we would be working on. My uncle responded: “If you want to pick them up, you need to pay me $179 for the gas I needed to fill them up with in order to use them. I have an invoice for you.” This is infuriating. First of all, he came to our house to borrow them; he needs to return them to us. We shouldn’t have to come to him to get them back. Secondly, and more importantly, we should not have to pay him money to get our belongings back — belongings that he borrowed for free! After some back and forth texting, my uncle said that he needed to exchange the tanks before filling them, which also cost him more money. My husband made it clear that we had no intention of reimbursing him for the gas he refilled; he can return them empty to us. My husband also told him that he did not have our permission to exchange our tanks anyway. Then, my husband asked when he can expect to have the tanks returned, and my uncle said it could take up to a year for him to use up the gas. My husband reminded him that we let him borrow the tanks for a short-term project he needed. “I’m not going to wait a year to get my belongings back, and I’m also not going to pay you to get them back.” My uncle hasn’t told us when he plans on returning them, and we now need them. This uncle is the pettiest person we’ve ever met, and we don’t care about maintaining any relationship with him. He is a careless, selfish human being. We just want our tanks back! Please suggest how to go about this. — Dealing with a Petty Uncle Dear Dealing: You could take him to small claims court, and you’d have a good chance of winning. I would consider that option seriously. At the same time, don’t let his pettiness and cruelty drag you down. Without question, you are right, and he is wrong. You should not have to drive to get them back and pay him money, but if you really want the tanks back, that might be the fastest way to retrieve them. He sounds like a very unhappy person, and when dealing with that type of person, the best way forward is to have compassion for them and focus on your own happiness. But never lend him anything again. Period.

Mother is playing favorites Dear Annie: I am 73 years old. Many years ago, I was the victim of physical and emotional abuse from two former husbands. Yes, they perpetrated

Legals@DavisEnterprise.net that abuse on me. But I was the one who “took it” because I did not love or respect myself enough to not allow their abuse. There was abuse from other “significant” men in my life as well. I love myself more now and would not tolerate those behaviors. As we make choices to create our lives, we must remember to love ourselves first. That is not selfish. It is the foundation on which healthy choices will be made. And I LOVE the advice you offered in a recent column: When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time. Keep up the great work! — Love Yourself First Dear Love Yourself First: Thank you for sharing your insights after surviving so much abuse. We attract what we expect, and it is good that you have altered your vision of yourself and your expectations from your spouse. ——— Dear Annie: I am a 47-year-old woman and have been happily married for 24 years. I have a great relationship with our only daughter, who is 24 years old and thriving. My problem is with my mom. We live in separate states, and she lives close to my two sisters. They are both divorced, with seven kids between the two of them. My mom has stepped in to help financially and with child care. My problem

isn’t with that, though. My mom has never come to visit me and uses my sisters’ kids (ages 13 to 30) as an excuse. When I’ve gone to visit her, she still revolves all activities around my sisters and their kids. I would love to have some alone time with my mom and have expressed this several times. She dismisses my feelings as “middle child syndrome.” Since my dad passed away eight years ago, she has taken several vacations with my sisters and other family members, but she still hasn’t pursued any time with me. Before his passing, he was her excuse as to why she couldn’t visit. Our relationship has dwindled down to a phone call every few weeks, where she complains the whole time. She doesn’t even ask about me or my family anymore. I’m starting to wonder why I keep trying or hoping for some memories before it’s

too late. Recently, she took my sister to California for her birthday. My daughter lives there, and they didn’t reach out to her. When my mom called afterward, she never even mentioned going to California. Since then, I have been feeling vulnerable and left out, but I am tired of asking her to be involved. Should I keep trying or just accept that I am only worth a phone call every few weeks? — I Won’t Beg Her Dear I Won’t Beg Her: You don’t have to beg her; you just have to call her and tell her how you feel. It is difficult living far away from your mother and sisters, and you feel hurt and left out. Sometimes, it’s not intentional; it is more likely a case of “out of sight, out of mind.” The important thing is to reach out to your mom as much as you can. Next time they go on a vacation, ask if

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you can join them, or plan one yourself and invite them. Don’t give up on your mother. I am sure she loves you and your daughter very much and would want to know that you are feeling left out.

Readers’ thoughts on neglected spouses Dear Readers: Many of you wrote about why the husband of “Neglected Spouse” has not had sex with her in years. We received quite a variety of

FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2022 opinions and comments; here is a sampling: Dear Annie: “Neglected Spouse” wrote that her husband hasn’t shown interest in her sexually throughout their 30-year marriage. Your answer was thoughtful and encouraging. But I have experienced the same situation in my 37-year marriage because of something rarely discussed. People, especially men, who have autism spectrum disorders like Asperger’s syndrome sometimes act

THE DAVIS ENTERPRISE like the writer’s husband regarding sexuality. Asperger’s is a developmental disorder that can affect every part of life. I’ve found peace with my autistic husband, and I hope that others may find their own peace. — Been There Dear Annie: Reading the letter from “Neglected,” I was like, “I wrote it.” My husband and I had the same issues, only he showed signs of infidelity. We are now divorced. I am in counseling, and I am happy. I am no longer bitter, so I can be cordial with the guy, who is obviously not happy with his choices. — Beautiful, Inside and Out Dear Annie: Unfortunately, her husband ignores the therapist option. This could be a chemical/libido problem. I’d say a doctor’s visit is needed for him. A hormone checkup may help! — Reader in Italy Dear Annie: I empathize with the woman who is in a platonic relationship with her husband. I had a similar experience and relate to her need for closeness. I struggled for sevenplus years with a husband who refused to discuss what was wrong. He pretended to be impotent. I discovered him in the kitchen during the night watching porn and masturbating. Still, he refused to discuss what was wrong except that it was “me.” He refused counseling. We are divorced, and I am happier. My advice to “Neglected” is to let him go. — Speaking from Experience Dear Annie: “Neglected Spouse” should consider that her husband is probably gay. I was married for 20 years to a man who pretended at first. He was a great actor. But eventually, he became emotionally abusive, saying it was my fault that he didn’t want to

Legals@DavisEnterprise.net have sex with me. I lost my sense of myself as a woman. I couldn’t leave the children, and I didn’t believe I could support them myself. He developed alcoholism, and Al-Anon finally helped me get myself back. My kids were grown when I left, and it took 14 years of being alone before I could make another connection. I met a wonderful man and had 20 years with him, both of us older and wiser and much happier. I wish I had had the strength to get out of that first marriage sooner. Tell her she can find someone who will love her for herself. And he should admit he is gay and find a man who will love him for himself! — Married to a Gay Man Dear Annie: My spouse and I have both been married before. There was no wedding night; my husband had said he wanted to “wait till after marriage” but then said health issues made sex impossible. Coming home from work early, I found him in full performance, watching porn. He confessed to a porn addiction. I sought a marriage annulment, but the lawyer scoffed and said I’d waited too long and “there are many reasons to be married.” We went to counseling and agreed that he’d abstain when I was home, and I would schedule time away. Fast-forward 12 years; we’re both retired. I have hobbies, volunteer work and friends, and I know that my happiness is no one’s job but mine. — Not What I Expected, but OK in Nevada

Sad, stuck and not sure where to start Dear Annie: I have been technically single all my life. I did have a casual long-term relationship with a man that lasted for

12 years. We were never exclusive. We would have never worked exclusively, and we both knew that. That relationship ended badly. An unplanned pregnancy resulted in a painful miscarriage that required surgery. Not only was it physically painful but the emotional toll of losing my unborn baby was immeasurable. My “partner” completely abandoned me during that time and never acknowledged my pain or grief afterward. It took about three years for me to not walk around with a cloud of misery hanging over me constantly. I developed a fear of dating any man and giving him the potential to hurt me like this again. I decided I would throw myself into my career and work hard at rising through the ranks, becoming as successful as possible, and trying to achieve some self-esteem and happiness that way. Unfortunately, my plan has not played out. Although I do work hard and strive for perfection, this has rubbed some people within my company the wrong way. I’ve been held back from promotions many times, and after 20 years with the same employer, it seems I am doomed to stay where I am and never move forward. This has tapped into the feeling of low self-esteem that started after my miscarriage, and I feel like I am

forever in a dark place again. I recognize that I am angry all the time and feel an overwhelming amount of sadness. Even though I recognize this, I am having a hard time breaking free and exploring other career opportunities, and the thought of leaving my company literally breaks my heart. I don’t know how to get over my fear of leaving my comfort zone, even though I know deep down it is what would be best for me. I feel like I am self-sabotaging, and I’ve hit a wall that I don’t know how to break through. I also feel like I am unconsciously sending a message that it is OK to treat me badly. Any advice on how to build my confidence back and truly leap toward what I believe I deserve? — Self-Stuck Dear Self-Stuck: Instead of viewing your past as something that has beaten you down, look at it as proof of your strength. You were able to bounce back from a breakup, a miscarriage and a medical emergency all by yourself. Now that you’re back on your feet, you have some choices to make: Do you want the fear of loss to stop you from ever finding love? Do you want to stay trapped in a stagnant career where your hard work is not appreciated? Your letter alone tells me the answer is no. Change is scary, but if you are not

satisfied with the current state of your life, then it is absolutely necessary. You don’t have to go through it alone, nor should you. Reach out to friends and family mem-

FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2022 B5 bers; get involved in a local organization; and seek a good therapist to help you work through the past so you can build a brighter future.

Sports

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Lester building up leadership skills behind dish By Madilynn Sepp Enterprise correspondent The Davis High School softball team has been in a dogfight this season in the Delta League. But Isabella Lester has an arm that has been on fire and an unstoppable mindset to win. The Blue Devil senior, who is a catcher, has been leading the team this season. Lester has a batting average of .311 and 12 RBIs. During the shorten 2021 season, Davis teammates voted Lester as the team’s MVP. Lester has spent most of her career behind the dish or at third base, which is known in the softball circles as the hot corner. She finds her most confident self when she is demanding the field. She started playing the game at just 8 years old after having watched her sister and friends play. “After I heard my friend was playing, I decided I would try it out,” Lester explained. “I started off in 8U (Davis Youth Softball Association) rec ball in Davis and moved on from there to travel ball.” Spending games on end behind the plate means she can guide the team’s defense. That leads to her teammates trusting Lester in situations with runners on the bases and no or two outs. “She is a person of high character; she is a leader,” said Davis head coach Tyler Gibson. “She is always very encouraging with her teammates. She accepts instruction from coaches well and works hard to improve on her weaknesses.” Not only is Lester exceeding expectations in her leadership and mental game, but in her physical capabilities as well. “I feel my strong suit physically is my arm and blocking. I have pretty solid throws and they help a lot in games along with my blocking skills. Blocking helps both me and my pitcher out a lot,” explained Lester.

it would be because we were able to play our junior year and now.” The Blue Devils having the opportunity to compete both this season and last may play a crucial role in the team’s ability to prosper through the end of the season. Another big transition is the transition between high school and college athletics. When not balling out on the field, Lester is putting in the same hard work in the classroom. Lester maintains a 3.5 GPA while balancing difficult courses such as chemistry honors and precalculus. Lester does have hopes of competing at the next level. “I plan on trying to play in college,” Lester said. “As of right now, my plan is to go to San Jose State University and try to walk on but I still have the whole travel ball summer so who knows plans might change.” With an entire summer ball season yet to have been played, there’s no telling what bright future is ahead for this young athlete. Lester and the Blue Devils found themselves in quite the battle with rival school, St. Francis. “My favorite memory this season has been our game against St Francis,” Lester continued, “Even though we lost, we all came together and had amazing energy and everyone went all-out. It was a solid game together as a team and we were able to hold them at 0-3 score (on March 31). We have not had a game that close with St. Francis in a long time so it was nice to be able to get there and I can’t wait to play them again and see what happens,” — Madilynn Sepp is a senior at Menlo College in Atherton, majoring in marketing and minor is journalism. Follow on Twitter: @_madisepp_.

This demanding presence and physical ability has been crucial to the Blue Devils’ long-term success this season. Gibson touches on her impact, stating, “Our defense wouldn’t be the same without her. She keeps the team’s energy up on the field and in the dugout. “She plays the game with passion and sets an example for how to play the game the right way, for the rest of the team.” The Blue Devils have had a rocky start to their season; they are 0-8 in the DL and 4-19 overall. Davis has had some very close battles. “I won’t lie, it’s been a bit of a rough start but as a team I feel like we have started to work really well together and there is definite progress in our skills as a team,” Lester stated. Lester, along with the other seniors of the Blue Devils squad, feel the heightened emotions and sense of urgency a bit more this season. “Everything matters a little more, we don’t have another year,” Lester continues, “It’s very bittersweet.” There has been no harder transition than from the lockdown COVID, to finally being able to compete again. Thousands of athletes felt the setbacks that the lockdowns brought, along with having to transition back into the normal structure of practices and games. “I feel the biggest thing COVID has affected in softball was development and bonding,” Lester said. “There was not much we could do as a team because of covid and especially when COVID first began we missed out on a lot of field time. “I do feel like we all adjusted really well together though.” The team bonding aspect is always crucial to any high school team. Later on, Lester continues to explain, “(It had) an effect on team bonding, not as big as we thought

© 2016 by Vicki Whiting, Editor Jeff Schinkel, Graphics Vol. 32, No. 52

DANVILLE, Calif. – Have you ever wondered what happens to the crayons you get in restaurants to color while you are waiting for your food? One day when Bryan Ware was at a restaurant with his children, he picked up one of their crayons and asked, “I wonder what happens to these crayons after we leave, if we don’t take them home?” Bryan asked his server and was shocked and saddened to find out that the crayons were thrown away. He took the crayons home that night. He thought the life of a crayon should not end after just one meal. Bryan thought about the thousands of kids that would enjoy these barely used crayons. That’s when he came up with the idea of recycling unwanted crayons for children.

Lev Farris Goldenberg/Enterprise photo

Davis High catcher Isabella Lester talks with teammates during the Blue Devils’ home game against Sheldon on March 29. To view more photos, visit www.davisenterprise.com, click on the Sports tab and find the story.

How many crayons can you find below? Now have a friend try. Did you find the same amount?

Bryan started a non-profit called The Crayon Initiative. His organization collects unwanted or broken crayons and melts them down to make new crayons which are donated to children in hospitals. Standards Link: Reading Comprehension: Follow simple written directions.

More than 500,000 pounds of crayons end up in landfills every year. To date, The Crayon Initiative has donated over 15,000 packs of crayons to children’s hospitals.

COMMUNITY INITIATIVE HOSPITAL RECYCLE CRAYON BARELY BROKEN MELTS COLOR LIFE SORT IDEA HOME MEAL NEW

The crayons are made in Bryan’s kitchen. His wife, kids and a lot of friends help sort crayons into color groups in their backyard. And volunteers from around the community as well as big corporations help sort crayons, too!

T Y T I N U M M O C

W H E L S G I F S T E V I T A I T I N I

N F L O R F C D O B

E E R O L O C E Y A

M E A L O L S A A R O M E L C Y C E R E

H O S P I T A L C L

R H S N E K O R B Y

Sequencing the News

Caring Community

Whoops! Use your crayons to unscramble the words on each crayon label to figure out which color to make each crayon.

NERGE

UPRLEP

WEYLOL

RANGEO

RAGY

LIVERS

EBUL

WONRB

CAPHE

DRE

NKIP

KLABC

THEWI

DLOG

LEAT

Look through the newspaper for one or more examples of how people in your community care for others. Write a letter to the editor thanking these caring people. Standards Link: Research: Use the newspaper to locate information.

Select a newspaper article and cut it up into three to five sections. Mix up the sections and give them to a friend or family member to read and put back in the correct order. Standards Link: Research: Use the newspaper to locate information.

Resources That Help You Learn

What resources do you use to get your schoolwork done each day?

THE DAVIS ENTERPRISE

YOLOlaughs

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Arts Dear Annie Sports Comics

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Softball

Thorpe inching closer toward 400th victory By Mike Bush Enterprise sports editor Erin Thorpe has an opportunity to reach a milestone this weekend. The UC Davis softball head coach could reach her 400th career collegiate win, as her Aggies host Big West Conference foe UC Santa Barbara. Today, which is the first of a threegame series, the Aggies and Gauchos play at 1 p.m. On Saturday, UCD and UCSB play a doubleheader. The first game is at 1 p.m. and the nightcap is scheduled at 3 p.m. Thorpe is sitting at 398 career wins. If UCD wins today, Thorpe would notch her 399th victory. Then her and the Aggies would need to win the first or second game of Saturday’s doubleheader to grab the milestone win. “It is kind of cool to know,” said Thorpe of inching closer toward the 400th win. “I think it’s awesome. I think it’s really important for coaches to kind of celebrate those milestones. All that really tells me is

that I’m old.” Thorpe looks at the upcoming milestone in a different way “I kind of assets it in a little bit of a different way,” Thorpe said. “I’m kind of the coach that’s always gone into programs that were struggling. That’s kind of been my MO, or starting programs from scratch.” But Thorpe admitted that approaching the milestone win is nice. “I mean, that’s awesome and that’s great, and I think it should be celebrated,” Thorpe said. UC Davis enters this weekend’s series against the Gauchos at 6-9 in the BWC and 19-24. The Aggies have nine conference games remaining on their schedule, closing out the season against Hawai’i on Saturday, May 14. Thorpe took over the Aggies’ softball program in 2015. She is the program’s seventh head coach. Last season, the Aggies posted a 13-11 record in the BWC and 19-24 overall. UCD had a 16-12 record during the 2020 season, but no conference games as the season was

canceled due to the pandemic. Under Thorpe, the Aggies have had winning seasons in the conference. The 2019 season saw UCD post a 13-8 record in the BWC and 39-14 overall. In 2018, UCD went 27-24. The 2017 season saw the Aggies go 22-32, in 2016 went 15-35 and in Thorpe’s first season in 2015 at 18-31. Before coming to Davis, Thorpe had a successful run as the first-ever head coach at Boise State, from 2011-14. She led the Broncos to three 30-win seasons and compiled an overall record of 173-150-1 — including an impressive 53-15 mark at home. “That’s where I thrive is kind of going in,” Thorpe said. “I’m not chasing wins in the jobs I choose to take.” n To read the rest of the story, go to www.davisenterprise.com and click on the Sports tab. — Contact Mike Bush at mike@ davisenterprise.net. Follow on Twitter: @MBDavisSports.

UC Davis Athletics/Courtesy photo

UC Davis softball head coach Erin Thorpe, shown here coaching third base at Cal on April 19, could get her 400th career win this weekend.

Baseball

Boys volleyball

Rachel Kreager/Enterprise file photo

Davis High boys volleyball players Ethan Wells (13) and Anthony Edson (11) send the ball over the net in a Delta League home match against Franklin on April 20.

Blue Devils made progress in season finale By Mark DeVaughn Enterprise correspondent CARMICHAEL — In a sense, everything went according to plan Wednesday for Davis High boys volleyball team. Jesuit handed the Blue Devils a 25-10, 25-7, 25-9 loss the visitors expected. Davis treated its season finale as a meaningful exhibition. Seldom-used freshmen played meaningful stretches. Starters competed in different positions. Players laughed off mistakes during play, then spent the postgame bidding farewells and expressing hopes for the future. Just like their first-year head coach expected. Davis head coach Rachel Hinojosa — who also leads the Davis girls junior varsity squad — wants to establish a winning boys volleyball tradition. The Davis boys (4-8 in the Delta League, 8-13 overall) made progress in her first season. Jesuit (12-0 in the DL, 30-7) finished the Delta League season without losing a set. “By design, we did some things differently tonight,” Hinojosa explained. “It was the right time to try some new things. “On the topic of the season as a whole, I think we made some big strides. I asked more of the team as the season progressed, and in many ways they delivered. We set the expectation for next year and beyond.” Junior captain Owen Buzbee moved from setter to libero. Against a relentless Marauder offense, he led the undersized Blue Devils with three kills and three digs. “I’ll miss this group of guys,” Buzbee explained. “I enjoyed the season. There are no egos on the team. Everyone gets a long and plays together as a team. I feel like we came a long way together and accomplished a lot.” Marcus Blewett is a 6-foot-8 senior hitter who hopes to play junior college volleyball next fall in Southern California. Jesuit held him to a pair of kills, well below his average. Junior setter Mick Dunning led Davis with five assists. Senior Connor Beck had one assist. n To read the rest of the story, go to www.davisenterprise.com and click on the Sports tab.

Rachel Kreager/Enterprise photo

Davis High pitcher Keaton Carpenter throws a pitch in Thursday’s Delta League home game against Sheldon. To view more photos, visit www.davisenterprise.com and click on the Sports tab.

Davis tame Huskies’ bats By Rebecca Wasik Enterprise correspondent What began as a pitcher’s duel quickly turned into an impressive offensive showing for the Davis High baseball team on Thursday. After defeating Delta League opponent Sheldon in the first game of the series on Tuesday 11-0, Davis piled on more runs in Thursday’s 9-3 win at home. Davis starting pitcher Koen Carston and Sheldon High pitcher Brennan Santiago each pitched hitless first and second innings. From the third inning on, Blue Devil hitters made solid contact when it was needed most. This allowed them to take the game and the series over the Huskies. “I really liked the way we played,” said Davis High head coach Ethan Guevin, whose team is now 8-6 in the DL, 10-14 overall. “It was a fast-paced game to start, but when they scored runs, we answered right back. That is something we haven’t been able to do a lot this year. I think that’s indicative of us playing better baseball and having a bit more confidence in ourselves.” Sheldon (3-11 in the DL, 6-17) struck first offensively but scored all three of their runs in the third frame.

In the bottom of the third inning, the Blue Devils responded with four runs to take the lead back from Sheldon. DHS first baseman Gizaw Baker led off with a double, followed by Max Scheiber drawing a walk. Next, Blue Devils catcher Carter Stoltz hit a bunt single to move Baker to third and Scheiber to second. Centerfielder Brooks Ochoa then hit another single to score Baker, moved Scheiber to third and Stoltz to second. Shortstop Grafton Shorts continued the Blue Devils’ hitting display with a double, scoring Scheiber and Stoltz. Carston then smacked another single to bring home Ochoa. Every DHS batter came up to the plate in the half inning. Going into the fourth inning, Davis led 4-3. DHS offense continued being productive in the bottom of the fourth inning as well. After Scheiber drew his second walk in as many innings, Stoltz hit his second single in as many innings. Ochoa followed with a long hit to left field, scoring both Scheiber and Stoltz. Ochoa was thrown out at third base on the play.

Davis led 6-3 entering the fifth inning. In the sixth inning, the Blue Devils added three insurance runs to their tally. After Shorts drew a walk, Selassie Campo laid down a bunt single. With two on and one out, Carston hit a clutch double, allowing both Shorts and Campo to cross home. A single from Brian Chin scored Carston, the Blue Devils’ final run of the contest. Davis had 11 hits on the day. Ochoa, Carston, Chin and Stoltz each had two hits. Shorts, Campos and Baker each finished with one. Carston gave up three runs, four hits and struck out three in four innings. Keaton Carpenter gave up no runs, three hits and struck out three in three innings. “Koen did a good job throwing strikes,” said Guevin. “Then Keaton came in behind him and threw strikes. That kept our defense on their toes, and we made good defensive plays.” The final game of Davis’ series with Sheldon is on Saturday in Sacramento at 11 a.m. — Follow Rebecca Wasik on Twitter: @BeccaFromTheBay.