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Stories of Resiliency
C2 THE DAVIS ENTERPRISE
SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2020
Yolo Food Bank volunteers pack food boxes at the warehouse. COURTESY PHOTO
Davis demonstrates resilience BY LAUREN KEENE Enterprise staff writer Resilience is defined as toughness, the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties. As the coronavirus pandemic slogs through its fifth month — with no clear end in sight — the Davis community has demonstrated its resilience time and again, from local businesses fighting to stay alive to service organizations finding creative ways to fundraise and assist citizens in need.
Here are some examples of how Davis rose to the occasion in recent months:
Davis Downtown Business Association With the pandemic hurting small businesses the most — including those that make up the heart and soul of downtown Davis — the DDBA created several programs that brought some relief, including the Gifting Stimulus Program and Open
Air Davis. Launched in late April with a second round in May, the Gifting Stimulus Program initially infused $100,000 into downtown Davis businesses through gift-certificate and gift-card purchases that were matched dollarfor-dollar thanks to $50,000 in contributions from both the DDBA and the city of Davis. The second phase provided an additional $50,000 boost with donations from local businesses and citizens.
OWEN YANCHER/ENTERPRISE FILE PHOTO
In late June the DDBA launched Open Air Davis, an outdoor dining and shopping experience in which G Street, between Second and Third Streets, was shut down to vehicle and bike traffic to allow for expanded outdoor restaurant seating.
WE’RE OPEN!
In late June came Open Air Davis, an outdoor dining and shopping experience in which G Street, between Second and Third Streets, was shut down to vehicle and bike traffic to allow for expanded outdoor restaurant seating. The program recently expanded to Second Street between E and F streets, bringing additional retail participants. DDBA Executive Director Brett Maresca noted that Open Air Davis extends beyond the street-closure areas, operating seven days a week and including all downtown businesses that are providing special accommodations and interactions with customers in outdoor/open spaces. A new website, www.openair davis.com, provides an overview of the program, highlights participating businesses and includes a FAQs section to answer some common questions. Also in the works is a Gifting Partnership Program, connecting member businesses to local organizations such as school districts, PTAs, county libraries, sports leagues, as well as other non-profits and entities with the goal of spurring “shopping local through innovative and synergistic gifting solutions,” Maresca said. Stay tuned. “We also are utilizing our social media platforms to promote our member businesses in
other ways (special promotions, hours of operation),” Maresca said. A forthcoming social media campaign, called Every Business Has a Story, “will dig deeper into what makes our local small businesses tick.” “The goal is to show the human side of our businesses – the people and families behind them, their passions, how they started, hardships and perseverance,” Maresca added. Look for these stories on the DDBA’s Facebook page as well as through local volunteers conducting video interviews and marketing assistance, Heidy Kellison (@downtownnorcal) and Vanessa Errecarte (@marketingsimplified). With the pandemic derailing school graduations nationwide, local high-school and adultschool grads still had their day in the spotlight with the “Davis Class of 2020 Celebration PickUp Event,” a partnership between the DDBA and a “very dedicated” parent group, Maresca said. “Every block of downtown had something going on,” with dozens of businesses decorating for the occasion and even featuring live music, Maresca added “Our social media was buzzing and we were directing grads and families to businesses that were offering specials/promotions.”
SEE RESILIENCE, PAGE C4
Welcome to
Located in The Heart of Davis Award-Winning Service Voted #1 Bike Shop 14 Years in a Row Shop Online & By Appointment Contactless Curbside Pickup or Local Home Delivery
Thousands of styles to choose from: Diamond Rings Pendants Earrings
A Little About Us
Diego Rodriguez & Jose Lopez
Services
Jewelry Repair Restorations Watch Batteries Engraving • Appraisals Consignments
Our almost-complete showroom is now open to a limited numbers of mask-wearing shoppers; we allow just 1-2 members per household into the store, for short visits. After you sanitize your hands, a member of our sales team will help you find exactly what you need quickly and efficiently (then we can let someone else in). We do not yet have the capacity to allow unguided browsing. We highly recommend booking an appointment before coming to the store. Without one, you may have to wait outside until the previous shopper is finished (& it's hot out there). We're also a few less hours than 'usual': 10am-6pm Monday thru Saturday. Thank you for your patience, and thanks for shopping at Ken's!
Ken, Co-Owner
Sheldon, Co-Owner
As new young business owners and jewelers, we at Lu’Ro Jewelers will strive to meet the pinnacle of success that was enjoyed by so many wonderful people at de Luna jewelers. As your local jewelers we will focus on bringing you the quality repairs and restorations to your jewelry and watches, and provide you with other services such as custom designs, engraving, appraisals, and consignment opportunities.
• Thoroughly cleaned, serviced and improved our HVAC system, both upstairs and downstairs. Our indoor air is cleaner than it was … and critical work areas should be cooler & more comfortable all summer.
Our goal will be to grow and create for you a friendly family like environment that we can all enjoy.
• Installed current Yolo County safety signage throughout the store.
All repairs are done in house to avoid any exposure.
724 5th Street, Davis • 530.231.5443 www.lurojewelers.com • lurojewelers@gmail.com MONDAY-SATURDAY 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Other Things We’ve Done • Spread out workers as much as possible we expanded the service department and redesigned the sales floor.
• Replaced all the flooring in the showroom. This gave us a fresh, clean start (and look) – plus the overall renovation was done with increasing the ability to physically distance in mind. • Installed stanchions, ropes, signage & stickers to guide customers – mostly outdoors, but also floor stickers indoors.
• Instituted more safety protocols [including] a daily Master Checklist … it’s not an exhaustive description of steps we take to stay safe, it’s a summary record.
We’re Serious About Your Fun! 650 G Street, Davis 530-758-3223 kensbikeski.com Open Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm
Stories of Resiliency
THE DAVIS ENTERPRISE
OWEN YANCHER/ ENTERPRISE PHOTO
Frank Acosta, owner 3rd Street Jeweler, is grateful he has “loyal customers who really appreciate what I do.”
SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2020 C3
Health clubs adapt, meet clients’ needs BY OWEN YANCHER
their facilities. “We thought it would just be a couple weeks or maybe a month at that point,” says Allison Fall, owner of Studio 355 — a popular spot for pilates, yoga and MELTmethod chronic pain treatment in downtown Davis. “When your business is based on taking care of people, physically, and improving their health so they can feel better and empowered in their own bodies, it was a huge challenge early on.” Fast forward four months …
Enterprise staff writer
Small businesses survive in pandemic BY JARROD BANIQUED Special to The Enterprise For The Enterprise’s Secret’s of Success, we decided to look at how local businesses are surviving the pandemic. Out of several options, three small business owners answered — Heather Caswell, proprietor of The Wardrobe boutique;Erin Arnold, proprietor of The Avid Reader bookstore
COURTESY PHOTO
Heather Caswell, owner of The Wardrobe, wears a sample of the fashionable items available at her boutique, including a magenta cotton mask made in Davis by Robina.
and Avid and Co.; and Frank Acosta, proprietor of 3rd Street Jeweler Excerpts from phone calls with them have reprinted here, edited for clarity. Our five questions were: How would you concretely define success for your business, particularly given the pandemic? Q Heather Caswell, proprietor of The Wardrobe boutique on 117 D St.: “I don’t know if you can define success during the pandemic except that you essentially stay in business and manage to make your business too small to fail,” Caswell said. Q Erin Arnold, proprietor of The Avid Reader bookstore and Avid and Co. on 617 and 605 Second St., respectively: “Success … is being able to pay our employees and continue to provide books and toys for the community in safe ways,” she said. Arnold went on to say profitability is a measure of success — although it is not as significant, in pandemic times, as conducting business “that we’ve enjoyed in Davis for over 30 years.” Q Frank Acosta, proprietor of 3rd Street Jeweler at 130 G St., Ste. C: “I’m very grateful that I have a lot of loyal customers who really appreciate what I do. I’m very, very grateful for that,” Acosta said. “(Having) customers who
SEE BUSINESS, PAGE C4
As the pandemic reared its ugly head locally back in early March, some of the businesses hit hardest in Davis by shelter-in-place orders were fitness centers and health clubs. Like so many, forced to shutter their doors in compliance with state and county health edicts, gym owners were left in limbo — wondering how long it would be before they’d get the green light to reopen
Allison Fall, owner of Studio 355, works from home. OWEN YANCHER/ ENTERPRISE PHOTO
SEE HEALTH, PAGE C7
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Stories of Resiliency
C4 THE DAVIS ENTERPRISE
BUSINESS: ‘We had to do other pivoting .... That’s a massive word for businesses this year.’
Davis Sunrise Rotary Club members Meaghan Likes, left, Rose Cholewinski and Lucas Frerichs promote the Rotary Picnic TO GO in May. Below, Tommy J’s Grill & Catering owners Adam Andrews and Tom Jobst prepare meals for the event.
From Page C3 believe in you and support you — that is a great part of my success.” Acosta went on to say that he’s learned to be patient, stay in focus and believe in positivity. “I do my daily routine by just staying focused,” Acosta said. “It’s just two, sometimes three of us. There’s always something to do — paperwork, special ordering parts and other materials.” Acosta added that his 20-year presence as a jeweler in the community has helped.
COURTESY PHOTOS
RESILIENCE: Davis Rotary Clubs receiving service project requests From Page C2
Rotary clubs
Have you seen increased demand and revenues in the past six months compared to the same time last year? Increased supply?
Heather Caswell: “No,” Caswell said. “Revenues and demand are down 50 percent. Several designers and companies weren’t able to produce their collections.”
Erin Arnold: “We were working four times as hard for a quarter of the revenue,” Arnold said. The stores had to close from early March through the end of May. Most of the staff were able to stay on, although revenue dropped. “We had to do other pivoting. That’s like a massive word for businesses this year,” Arnold said. “We had seven different pivots in terms of shipping, creating a web store and creating online bundles for families and children.” “Pretty much one staff person did all of them. And she created … beautiful gifts for children based on bits of their interests,” Arnold said. (Even with all of that, Arnold went on to say, the business was still under its normal revenue though it was able to survive without having to default.) “We did see an increase of support in terms of people just being really generous and kind, going out of their way to support us in what was a really hard time for everybody, including our customers,” Arnold said. “We rely heavily on our book distributors to get us books. At the beginning of this pandemic the mail was just gummed up,” Arnold said. “Most of our deliveries are back up to their normal speed at this point.”
Frank Acosta: “Customers are still buying the necessities, whether it be for weddings or anniversaries,” Acosta said. “The only thing that I see differently this year is, because more wedding venues have not been available, … a lot of people are pushing things further down one year.” Would you say your business has any secrets to success that distinguish it from others?
Heather Caswell: “Investing in your community is the key, right?” Caswell posed. “Besides running a small business, I’m a catalyst for change in my community by serving on committees and being active in community building with community leaders.” “I’m more than a clothing store. I’m a community builder and contributor to the vibrancy of Davis for 30 years” Caswell said.
SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2020
COURTESY PHOTO
The Avid & Co. Learn From Home Bundle is available on their website, www.avidreaderbooks.com. “How? By being on the arts commission and the visioning commission, and knowing that I can organize community members over important issues. When I need to, I can organize community in relationship to issues that can make a difference,” she added.
Erin Arnold: “The people of Davis love having a bookstore here and are willing to vote with their support and their money to keep us here because they really value having us around,” Arnold said. “We are true to our identity as a store that is kind, supports justice, loves books and encourages all readers.” “Independent bookstores around the whole country were being supported super well in this pandemic,” she added. “With the libraries closed, there was an increased appreciation for having access to books.” (Arnold went on to praise her staff who has been encouraged to be innovative. One of the clerks came up with the idea to put on a free reading-based virtual summer camp for kids.)
Frank Acosta: “To succeed, I don’t think there’s any secrets, it’s just common sense,” Acosta said. “I give great customer service, always do my best and always keep a positive attitude with any customer that comes in.” Acosta posited that anybody can easily fall into a depressed mode where you might not be able to give it your best. “Something I practice on a daily basis, is always trying to stay focused and positive,” Acosta said. “The other thing is my spiritual beliefs. I don’t know if it’s a secret, but I really give thanks to God for making all this available.” Has it been hard to maintain payroll, inventory, rent and utilities, and marketing campaigns during the past six months?
Heather Caswell: “My business numbers are the most challenged in 32 years of doing business,” Caswell said. “Even though I’ve received a grant or a loan — when sales are down 50 percent — it’s very challenging.”
Erin Arnold:
“We’ve been working with our landlord to create a fair way to deal with a
massive loss in revenue and access, Arnold said. “We’re confident that everything is being done super fairly, and we’re going to be all right.” (Arnold said they were able to work with the government to get some payroll relief, which was massively helpful.) “I think the answer is no. We’re doing okay,” Arnold said. “Will we survive? Yes. I’m confident that we will survive this pandemic because we have wonderful and generous customers and a really talented staff.”
Frank Acosta: No, not at all,” Acosta said. “I do most of my advertising through The Enterprise, so they’ve been very helpful. But payroll, I only have one or two employees, so we’ve been fine with it. They know that times are tough, but they’re working out.
For more than four decades, the Sunrise Rotary Club and Rotary Club of Davis brought the community together with its annual Rotary BBQ in the Park, an opportunity for families, friends and neighbors to share a meal for a good cause in Central Park. Rather than cancel the popular May event due to COVID-19’s restriction on large gatherings, the Rotary clubs got creative with 2020 Rotary Picnic TO GO, featuring takeout options from Tommy J’s at Second and G streets. Delivery service also was offered. “Community members purchased 628 meals to support the event,” local Rotarians said in a public thank-you letter following the event. “Due to the virus, Rotary Clubs in Davis are receiving increasing numbers of requests for local and international service projects, plus many local businesses are in serious trouble. The net proceeds from the BBQ will support some of those needs.” Proceeds from the
annual barbecue, typically around $25,000, are invested in the Davis community and international projects. “We raised a lot of money for Rotary and also helped out a local restaurant, so it was a win-win,” said Dave Scheiber, president of Rotary Club of Davis. Meanwhile, forced cancellations of in-person meetings have given way to Zoom Rotary meetings, which Scheiber said “have worked out fine.” “Nothing is a substitute
however for in person meetings and hopefully sometime soon we will be able to get back to that,” he added.
Soroptimist International of Davis SI of Davis shifted gears when the pandemic eliminated its primary income source. For 25 years, the service club’s largest fundraiser has
SEE RESILIENCE, PAGE C8
Studio 355 wishes everyone to stay safe and be healthy!!!
How do you think institutions such as government, education, and media can further help your business?
Heather Caswell: “Business associations are important in helping small businesses survive,” said Caswell who is involved with the Davis Downtown Business Association. “We’re very active with solutions. I’m interested in the DDBA’s marketing program being done pro bono by Vanessa Eckhart as a test to see how valuable something like this could be.” “I do feel that what builds success is how we market our small businesses, our city of Davis, as well as our DDBA,” she said. “We’re essentially with this program raising the civic IQ. That’s what is going to be needed for small businesses to continue to thrive.”
Erin Arnold: The BINC Foundation, short for the Book Industry Charitable Foundation, gives grants to independent bookstores, “That was really helpful,” Arnold said. “Organizations that give grants to businesses are sometimes are massively helpful, but I think we would eventually be OK.” “Some people are feeling like, ‘Oh, you’re doing it. You’re surviving,’ and I’m like, ‘Yeah, we’re in the midst of surviving,’” Arnold said. “It’s like you’re on a boat where
SEE BUSINESS, PAGE C8
Offering virtual pilates mat classes and virtual private and small groups. ALLISON FALL 355 2nd Street, Davis, CA Find us online at thestudio355.com
THE DAVIS ENTERPRISE
Stories of Resiliency
SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2020 C5
OWEN YANCHER/ENTERPRISE FILE PHOTO
Occasional long queues outside F Street Dispensary reflect having to socially distance in line and that only a few customers at time are allowed inside.
Sense of community exists for cannabis colony BY BRUCE GALLAUDET Enterprise staff writer Way back in March, Gov. Gavin Newsom saw the benefit of licensed marijuana businesses in California. In his first round COVID-19 edicts, Newsom called the lawful supply shops “essential.” There are a handful of such storefront and online marijuana operations in Davis — and judging from the response of several store owners interviewed by The Enterprise — business has been better. Nonetheless, each subscribes to being good neighbors and hopes that Davis, as community, will weather the storm in a spirit of cooperation. “In March we had a significant round of layoffs … some refused to work due to health concerns of COVID-19,” Rob Read, who owns the F Street Dispensary with his brother Mike, reported. “We went from being open 12 hours a day, seven days a week to be open five days a week, seven hours a day. “We’re seeing the average customer count going down, month after month; the average transaction going down, month after month. People seem to think we’re doing amazingly. I would beg to differ.” Occasional long queues outside F Street Dispensary reflect having to socially distance in line and that only a few customers at time are allowed inside. “But hey, we’re keeping the lights on, so the mere fact that we’re open — and have been deemed an essential business — is why we’re keeping the lights on,” Rob Read added. In the spirit of community,
COURTESY PHOTO
The Good People Farms delivery driver Jack Hoal wears his mask and gloves, and sanitizes between every touchless delivery. the Reads offered a 30-percent product discount in May and June if people brought in a recent Davis restaurant receipt.
While the promotion cost the dispensary money, Rob Read said, it showed his store’s “sense of community.”
Mary Kay Hoal, who owns Good People Farms with her family, echoes Read’s commitment to a healthy Davis: “As 26-year residents of the city, my family and I remain steadfast in our commitment to all that we can financially to the city and our community. This year, and for years to follow, we will do that through cannabis.” Good People Farms, currently doing business online, is expected to start construction on a storefront at 526 Third Street in downtown Davis. The Reads have broken ground on a second facility, off Interstate 80 next to Cattlemens Restaurant in Dixon. To be called Highway 80 Dispensary, the store should debut this fall. While a majority of the UC Davis students have vacated town, Hoal and Rob Reed say that while their absence has had an impact on their businesses’ bottom lines, both have managed to persevere. But just how important will it be when the students return? “My knee-jerk response is it’s critical, but maybe that’s exaggerating in that we’re able still survive, under a totally different model, without them,” Rob Read offered. “We can’t flourish without the students, but hopefully we can stay in business.” Hoal said: “We appreciate all UCD students ... (but) they were less than 10 percent of our business.” The Good People Farms, pointed out Hoal, “is unique in that we provide free delivery” and that “many, many more Davis residents” have learned about her business since the start of the pandemic shutdown. The Kana Company, in Davis
Mask-wearing employees and customers at F Street Dispensary spread out at the Davis location. The Reads have broken ground on a second facility, off Interstate 80 next to Cattlemens Restaurant in Dixon. To be called Highway 80 Dispensary, the store should debut this fall. COURTESY PHOTO
“Everybody remaining calm and doing the best they can is extremely important for the health and wellbeing of our community. Be patient and understanding and … be kind and supportive of each other during these challenging times.” Stefanie Vasquez The Kana Company since 2016, began exclusively supplying medical marijuana and has now ventured into all areas of public cannabis consumption. Located at 1605 Second St. in Davis, Kana Company is one of three locations (Rocklin and Shingle Springs) owned by Stefanie and Anthony Vasquez. The Vasquezes said their intent is to be available to provide “comfort and care” for their clients. With Anthony Vasquez’s experience working with the Sutter Cancer Center and Sacramento Aids Foundation, the couple has a unique perspective on running a cannabis business. “We started with medical and worked directly with patients who were terminally ill,” Stefanie explained. “We remind our staff to be a place of comfort. “Davis is full of college students and retirees and a beautiful community we love to serve. Everybody has been doing their part trying to stay safe and reduce the (virus) spread.” Stefanie Vasquez continued; “I’d like to see the community pull together. People really want to help … people are really scared and frustrated and being tired of being told what to do. “Everybody remaining calm and doing the best they can is extremely important for the health and well-being of our community. Be patient and understanding and … be kind and supportive of each other during these challenging times. “That’s the essential work.” — Reach Bruce Gallaudet at bgallaudet41@gmail.com or call 530-320-4456
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C6 THE DAVIS ENTERPRISE
Stories of Resiliency
SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2020
Realtors make changes, take COVID concerns in stride BY JEFF HUDSON Enterprise staff writer Like people in just about every field of endeavor, real estate professionals are adopting a few new procedures as they work with buyers and sellers due to the coronavirus situation. “Everybody’s adjusting,” said Kim Eichorn, who has been with Lyon Real Estate in Davis for many years. This includes posting more photos and videos online, since holding an open house — one of the traditional ways to draw attention to property for sale — is not generally possible at the present time. In some ways, the lack of open houses presents a challenge. “A lot of buyers rely on open houses to experiment (in terms of figuring out what they want),” Eichorn said. “An open house can be how they learn about homes and explore, and meet a real estate agent.” “But there are still many people buying and selling and homes are generally selling at higher prices this year ... the
“A lot of buyers rely on open houses to experiment” in terms of figuring out what they want. Kim Eichorn Realtor with Lyon Real Estate price per square foot is up,” Eichorn added. And there’s a bit more paperwork when Eichorn takes a prospective buyer to see a property. “We have them sign a form, reminding them that COVID is going on. And when we see the house, we have them wear a mask, and ask them not to touch things.” Melrina Maggiora of ReMax Gold said she routinely carries “latex gloves, booties, hydrogen peroxide” and other supplies in her car, and she likes to arrive early and have things prepared when she’s showing a property to a prospective buyer. Maggiora also likes to post lots
FRED GLADDIS/ENTERPRISE FILE PHOTO
Kim Eichorn of Lyon Real Estate in Davis says there are still many people buying and selling homes, though she has been making adjustments in the process of showing them, such as posting more photos and videos online. of pictures or videos of the property for sale. She said she is working with a growing number
“A growing number of people want two home offices, not one... I’m seeing more buyers who work from home and telecommute,” and they use their home offices a lot. Lori Prizmich Realtor with ReMax Gold
OWEN YANCHER/ENTERPRISE PHOTO
Lori Prizmich said that she thinks concerns about the coronavirus is spurring some prospective buyers to look at bigger houses and are interested in a pool of their own. Her ReMax Gold team includes (from left) Prizmich, Melanie Loscher, Jamie Testa, Maria West and Olivia Steidler.
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of prospective buyers who are moving here from out of state, and want to do some online home shopping before they move to town. Malek Baroody of Coldwell Banker Select mentioned that during the spring, when coronavirus concerns first became evident, things were kind of slow for Realtors. “But in June we started to notice a huge influx of
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interest, as many companies changed policies and had more employees working from home. People are becoming more accustomed to the idea.” Lori Prizmich, with ReMax Gold, said that she thinks concerns about the coronavirus is spurring some prospective buyers to look at bigger houses. “A growing number of people want two home offices, not one ... I’m seeing more buyers who work from home and telecommute,” and they use their home offices a lot. Also, more people are interested in having a swimming pool of their own, rather than using a pool at a health club or a city park. “The other trend I’m seeing is people who want their (extended) family closer to them. This has always been the case (with some people), but it’s more common now. When the virus started becoming a concern, more people started expressing concern about being far away from loved ones.” Many real estate professionals would also like to have a few more properties on the market to show to prospective buyers.
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Stories of Resiliency
THE DAVIS ENTERPRISE
SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2020 C7
Bicycling thrives in COVID times BY EVAN REAM
serving this community long after I ride into the sunset.”
Enterprise staff writer Since 1988, one of the go-to places for outdoor recreation equipment in Davis has been Ken’s Bike-Ski-Board. However, due to the COVID19 pandemic, questions were raised around town about which of Davis’ beloved local business would survive the potential loss of business caused by a downturn in the economy and social distancing measures. Not only is Ken’s surviving, though, it’s thriving and has taken this time to add on to the amenities that has made it a favorite for locals since its opening. Part of it has to do with circumstance — with most gyms and recreational sports shutting down, active individuals still needed their demands meant. And for a town like Davis, that meant more bikes. “The demand for bikes has gone through the roof,” said owner Ken Bradford, citing a New York Times article that reported that bicycle sales nearly doubled this March. But for years, Ken’s has been successful on so much more than just circumstance. “We take care of people and have their interests in mind more than our own,” Bradford said. “We’re genuinely trying to serve our community and be in it for the long run, not just the short run.” For Bradford, this philosophy has boiled over into his hiring practices, where he looks for employees that not only love to bike, ski or snowboard, but have
Bike Campaign continues along the trail
COURTESY PHOTO
Ken Bradford and Sheldon Blissett recently partnered their businesses Ken’s Bike-Ski-Board and Blisworks. excellent people skills as well. “We hire people who like to help people even more than they like to ride bikes or snowboard,” he said. Still, keeping a dedicated staff during the pandemic has been a challenge for Bradford, who said that he lost some staff members because of the disruption the disease caused. While no one at the shop contracted the virus, some employees were students who went home or employees who either had a partner lose a job or lived at a home with high-risk parents. As they have for over 32 years, though, Bradford and Co. managed to navigate the latest tough issue in a safe manner, while improving the business as well. In addition to putting safety first when dealing with customers and following all the state
and county protocols, Bradford oversaw both a remodeling of the store during the pandemic and a merger with another bike shop. As of earlier this year, Ken’s Bike-Ski-Board has partnered with Blisworks, a smaller bike shop that operated in the Oak Tree Plaza near Nugget on Covell for most of the past decade. Blisworks owner Sheldon Blissett comes into the business after having worked at Ken’s in the early 2000s. “We have remained friends so we know we can work together to take this combined business to the next level,” Bradford said. “I have high hopes of retiring some day, but honestly we each don’t know how we would have survived the current crisis without working together to meet the challenge. “The future is bright and Ken’s is poised to continue
With the aforementioned increase in demand for bicycles has come additional need for a variety of bicycle-related items and issues. Enter The Bike Campaign, the local non-profit that advocates for bicycle use along with offering bike trainings, repairs and events. Seeing the increase in ridership caused Campaign founder Maria Contreras Tebbutt to step into action quickly. Within 10 days of the shelter in place order, Tebbutt opened up a second bike garage in Davis, in addition to the original in Woodland, to offer free repairs
on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon. “People needing bike repair or support and encouragement make appointments to have one of our five mechanics get them rolling again, “Tebbutt said. “While waiting, riders are given information bout helmets, rules of the road, basic bike maintenance and how to prevent getting hit by a car and bike theft. “COVID has been responsible for the biggest positive movement in bike riding that the nation has seen in decades,” Tebbutt said. “Yesterday people on bikes were considered nerds, now they’re the rockstars. It is amazing to see the priorities change when it comes to urban land use and design to making our surroundings more walkable, rideable and livable.” For more information on The Bike Campaign, visit www. thebikecampaign.com.
COURTESY PHOTO
Maria Contreras Tebbutt, center, and The Bike Campaign team stand outside the Bike Garage in Woodland, pre-COVID era. Tebbutt opened a second Bike Garage to offer free repairs on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon.
HEALTH: Classes are streaming online for those not yet comfortable From Page C3 As work from home has become the new norm, Fall (who now teaches classes online) says she’s observed a somewhat predictable uptick in both neck and lower back injuries. “People’s bodies have been hurting in these new, crazy ways because of how we’re handling stress right now and where we’re spending our time” — often in front of a computer screen. In that vein, Fall says “fitness has been a great way for the community to come together and support each other while everything else has
remained so unknown.” She’s seen her virtual workout groups become a haven of sorts for clients that now find themselves homeschooling their children. Josh Reese, the owner of another downtown fitness staple, Performance 22, turned to the social media platform Instagram at the outset of gym closures. And while he’s now opened his doors for limited in-person workouts (following new, strict social distancing and disinfection procedures), P22 is still streaming classes online for those not yet comfortable or able to attend. They’re also utilizing the parking spaces outside the gym at 912 Fifth
COURTESY PHOTO
Brenda Seiple works out online with Allison Fall, owner of Studio 355, a popular spot for pilates, yoga and MELTmethod chronic pain treatment in downtown Davis.
MARIO ESCO/COURTESY PHOTO
Josh Reese works out in his fitness studio Performance 22. St. to allow for open-air activities and better physical spacing. “We’ve had to think a little more business-minded as to how we can keep people engaged,” Reese told Enterprise columnist and small-business advocate Heidi Kellison of Downtown NorCal. “The pandemic has definitely made us shift, financially speaking, and is making us more conservative right now. “But we (don’t) want to sit around and wait,” added the Davis High and UCD alum, whose emphasis since opening P22 back in 2013 has been “catering to the community.” Besides loaning out equipment for fitness use at home, P22 has also
introduced a meal-prep service called P22Eats. The program offers everything from breakfast to salad and dinner options broken down in terms of carbohydrates, protein and fats. “It’s great for people in a rush who are busier than ever these days,” Reese said. And for those sick of cooking at home, he points out that it also means no more washing dishes. Another local gym, FIT House, has been taking
advantage of the outdoors, holding physically distanced yoga, bootcamp, cycling and other fitness classes al fresco, throughout town. Their free “Yoga on the Green” session was a hit last weekend as people spread mats out across the grass at the Davis Commons. In partnership with Fulcrum Properties, they plan to continue those 10:15-11:15 a.m. yoga offerings on Sundays through August 23.
Notes: Fall describes Studio355’s MELTmethod as a “hands-on body work — basically massage you do to your own body. It rehydrates your connective tissue to support and protect your joints, muscles and tendons and helps eliminate chronic pain.” She can be reached at thestudio355@gmail.com or by visiting thestudio 355.com. ...For more information on P22, follow the gym on Instagram at @ perform22 or head to performance22.com…. FIT House classes can be registered for in advance at fithousedavis. com.
Josh Reese, owner of Performance 22 opened his doors for limited in-person workouts (following new, strict social distancing and disinfection procedures). COURTESY PHOTO
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C8 THE DAVIS ENTERPRISE
SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2020
RESILIENCE: ‘Demand for food assistance has risen more than 60%’ From Page C4 been selling beer and wine at the Wednesday evening Davis Farmers Market — that is, until health concerns over public gatherings forced the market to cancel the 2020 Picnic in the Park, which runs April through October. News about the event’s cancellation came shortly before the May 7 Big Day of Giving. To sustain its charity work, club members rallied for online donations, asking friends to buy “virtual beers” to help women and girls who need it most. Soroptimist is a global volunteer organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment. All of the service club’s profits go back into the community. Its signature programs are Live Your Dream: Education and Training Awards for Women, and Dream It, Be It: Career Support for Girls at King High School. The club also funds highschool scholarships, grants to other nonprofits that align with the Soroptimist mission, and anti-trafficking efforts. Compared to its fundraising for the 2019 Big Day of Giving, SI Davis tripled its income this year, bringing in more than $18,000, according to former president Wendy Weitzel. “That didn’t make up for the whole loss, but it sure helps,” Weitzel said. As it begins its next fiscal year, the club may reduce how much it gives back, and dip into its cash reserves. “But aid like this is more important than ever,” Weitzel said. “This is a stressful time, and domestic violence is on the rise.” Meanwhile, single moms’ struggles are heightened as schools and child-care centers remain closed. SI Davis works with local hospitals, law enforcement and a women’s shelter to provide toiletries, masks and other items vulnerable women need for their health and safety. SI Davis’ more than 50 members also continue to meet virtually, for club and committee meetings as well as happy hours. It is looking to turn its November soup dinner into an online auction, where anyone can bid on gift baskets and other holiday gift items, but its annual Pumpkin Patch at the Davis Farmers Market has also been canceled. To learn more about the club, or make a donation, visit https://sidavis.org.
Another bright spot amid the pandemic has been STEAC’s Food Packs for Kids program, a collaboration with the Davis Joint Unified School District’s Nutrition Services to provide 100 packs of food every week to families supported by the school district’s free lunch program — up from 60 food packs when the pandemic began.
Meals on Wheels volunteers (from left) Peggy DeUlloa, Erin Perry, Laura Berry and Mary Bodendorfer load packages at the Davis Senior Center. Below, Meals on Wheels volunteer Dave Brent loads his pickup. OWEN YANCHER/ ENTERPRISE FILE PHOTO
Short Term Emergency Aid Committee As some government-funded support services that have helped families get by come to an end — increased unemployment benefits, stimulus payments and county emergency services funds — STEAC is gearing up to meet the community’s growing needs, Executive Director Liane Moody said. This month, STEAC is relaunching and expanding its Senior Delivery Program to support low-income seniors in Davis housing complexes with monthly deliveries of food, collaborating with the Yolo Food Bank in this project to meet the needs of lowincome seniors as the pandemic continues. “This program previously served only one site prior to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Moody said. “After relaunch, the program will triple in size, serving 75 families of seniors living in eight different housing complexes in Davis.” Another bright spot amid the pandemic has been STEAC’s Food Packs for Kids program, a collaboration with the Davis Joint Unified School District’s Nutrition Services to provide 100 packs of food every week to families supported by the school district’s free lunch program — up from 60 food packs when the pandemic began. Starting in June, half of the
weekend food packs have been delivered to the local migrant camp for families in need, while the other half are distributed at Marguerite Montgomery Elementary School to families who pick up food for their children, Moody said. This program will continue throughout the summer to fight food insecurity among children in the community. STEAC also is gearing up for an anticipated wave of evictions once the current moratoriums in Davis and Yolo County come to an end. STEAC typically pays rent for 150 families a year to keep them from being evicted, and Moody said the organization has allocated additional funds to meet the expected increase in need. “This work is made possible by volunteers and staff who working from home or under strict social distancing protocols have operated throughout the shelter in place restrictions to continue
Community Harvest of Davis volunteers Spencer Salk and Kaelyn Savidge prepares home deliveries at the DHS hub. COURTESY PHOTO
BUSINESS: ‘Still a ways to go in terms of assisting small businesses’ From Page C4 there’s a leak and you’re bailing water pretty well. Everyone’s still alive and we foresee that this is going to go well. But if there’s another massive storm, who’s to say what will happen? We’re still in a pretty leaky boat,” Arnold added. Arnold goes on to say that she has had to cut back on their advertising budget. “We can’t afford to do that right now because I need to pay my people and I need to keep my lights on,” Arnold said. “I know our whole system is based on businesses doing well enough to be able to pay for advertising. When we don’t do that, that’s problematic for everybody.” Another problem due to COVID is that the bookstore isn’t hosting their usual events such as author readings and book signings, which were often advertised. “I think it would be helpful to have better policies protecting tenants in businesses,” Arnold said. “I’ve had friends
describe it as the Wild West of law, that tenants don’t have a ton of protections. I know from other stories of other owners that it has been really challenging for them — dealing with their landlord has been really, really challenging,” she added. “We have a good relationship with our landlord and they’re working with us, but I think it could be better. I think they could have more protection so we could have more protections, and the government would be a great place to help do that,” she added.
Frank Acosta: “Institutions such as the government have so far been good to small businesses,” Acosta said. “There’s still a bit of a ways to go in terms of assisting small businesses, but I have plenty of praise for them in terms of being good with money, and informing people about health, safety, and business programs.”
to make services available,” Moody said.
Yolo Food Bank “Robust” is how Joy Cohan, director of philanthropic engagement for the Yolo Food Bank, describes the organization’s continued response to COVID-19 as it meets food insecurity needs caused by the pandemic’s socioeconomic effects. “Demand for food assistance has risen in Yolo County by more than 60 percent since midMarch, with many seeking services from Yolo Food Bank for the very first time,” Cohan said. “Yolo Food Bank has continued to create and pursue opportunities to connect with food donations and food recovery opportunities.” More than 100 grocers and retailers, farmers, distributors and others have heeded the call so far, resulting in an unprecedented 3.1 million pounds of food collected, stored and distributed countywide over the past four months to those who are struggling. “This is more than 80 percent more food than in pre-pandemic February, and three times the amount of food distributed by Yolo Food Bank just a year ago,” Cohan said. Currently, this food is being accessed by 45,000 Yolo County residents each month through three primary COVID-19 response programs: Q Neighborhood Food Access: As FEMA funding opportunities closed for the weekly Emergency Food Home Delivery program for low-income seniors and health-compromised individuals in June, Yolo Food Bank
transitioned the program to Neighborhood Food Access. All 6,000 participants have been invited to a re-registration process to determine each household’s ability to connect with food safely via various existing Yolo Food Bank distribution programs. Those determined to have no other safe options remain on a home delivery schedule, propelled by a partnership with Farm Fresh To You. Q At-Risk Homeless Motel Deliveries: Although Yolo County in late June scaled back the program that once sheltered nearly 300 individuals from virus spread in motel rooms countywide, dozens remain sheltered by individual cities, including Davis and Woodland. Via contract directly with these cities, Yolo Food Bank continues to provide three ready-to-eat meals per day, delivered to motel room doors. Q Eat Well Yolo Walk-Up and Drive-Through Fresh Food Distributions: At the heart of Yolo Food Bank’s service, 130 distributions are taking place monthly throughout the county. All distributions require face coverings and have been adapted for social distancing protocols, including the transitioning of some distributions to contact-free drivethrough models. In Davis, drive-through food access now occurs every Thursday at 11 a.m. at Sacramento City College’s Davis Center, and a new walk-up location debuted early in the pandemic on Saturday afternoons at 2:30 p.m. at Davis Community Church, outdoors facing Central Park on C Street. A complete list of all food distributions is available at https://yolofoodbank.org/ get-help/. “The community has stepped up tremendously over the past four months to make Yolo Food Bank’s COVID-19 impact possible with incredibly impressive gifts of time and funds,” Cohan said. “Almost 1,000 new volunteers have participated in food packing, deliveries, distributions and other important roles.” In addition. more than 5,000 individuals and businesses have made financial donations to the Yolo Food Bank COVID-19 Relief Fund. “As the need is expected to continue to rise for months — if not years — to come as the public health threat rages on and the economy is battered, support for the Relief Fund still is vital,” Cohan said. To learn more about opportunities for volunteerism and financial contributions, visit www.yolofoodbank.org.
Interested in Community and International service? The Rotary Club of Davis has been living its motto, “Service Above Self” since 1926. We meet on Mondays from 12:15pm to 1:15pm. First few meetings are free for prospective members.
See www.rotaryclubofdavis.com for current meeting details.
THE DAVIS ENTERPRISE
Stories of Resiliency
SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2020 C9
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C10 THE DAVIS ENTERPRISE
Stories of Resiliency
SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2020