May 20, 2021

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VOLUME 139, ISSUE 27 | THURSDAY, MAY 20, 2021

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BEST ITEM GIVEN OUT BY AGGIE PUBLIC HEALTH AMBASSADORS: FACE MASKS Two Aggie Public Health Ambassadors share their experiences giving out masks to the public

Person wearing mask. (Quinn Spooner / Aggie)

BY LYRA FARRELL features@theaggie.org It may not come as a huge surprise to those who have accepted free items from Aggie Public Health Ambassadors—40.8% of students who participated in Best of Davis this year voted face masks as the best item to be given out, among other free items such as hand sanitizer, sanitizing wipes and a contactless door-opening tool. Since September 2020, Aggie Public Health Ambassadors have been encouraging safety protocols in the Davis community both on campus and downtown as a part of the Healthy Davis Together initiative. One of the roles of health ambassadors involves handing out free reusable face masks to those who do not have their face covered.

Naomi Maruoka, a second-year international relations major, shared that face masks are the most popular item she gives out as a health ambassador.

“Everyone loves them; they’re super comfortable and they’re a great way to show support for UC Davis,” Maruoka said. “They really put UC Davis out there in a good light.”

In order to encourage mask-wearing, Maruoka says that she and her coworkers do their best to convince members of the public of the quality of the reusable masks, which feature prints that read either “UC Davis” or “Aggies.”

KIYOMI WATSON / AGGIE “We’ll say, ‘Hey, we noticed that you’re not wearing a mask, can we offer you a free one?’” Maruoka said. “‘It’s reusable, and it has really comfortable adjustable straps.’”

While serving the community, in addition to encouraging mask-wearing, she also informs the public of health resources, and she said she’s experienced few instances of people who outright refuse to comply with health orders.

“I think the majority of our interactions with the public are super positive, and we’re really just there to provide information about the resources Davis has, like testing on campus and in the city for free,” Maruoka said. “The vaccinations have been a new part too, we’ve been really helping [direct] people toward where they can get vaccinated.”

When offering a mask to a member of the public who isn’t wearing one, Maruoka said she takes a gentle and encouraging approach rather than ordering their compliance.

“Our main way of asking people to wear face coverings is by giving them a free mask—I mean, who can resist a free gift?”

Maruoka said. “So those interactions are always pretty positive.”

Elliott Napier, a fourth-year electrical engineering major, works many of his health ambassador shifts stationed at the doors of the Memorial Union or at the School of Veterinary Medicine. Napier said he spends the majority of the time at his shifts checking daily symptom surveys, advocating mask-wearing and educating those

who have questions. In his experience, few are reluctant to respond to his requests to wear a mask correctly.

“Most of the time, people are really good about it, and if anyone’s not, it’s usually just because they forgot,” Napier said. “I don’t think I’ve dealt with anyone who’s refused to wear a mask.

Some people do the thing where they wear it around their chin and then you ask them to wear it properly and they kind of get a little huffy, but they always do it.”

When Maruoka does come across someone who refuses to wear a mask, she will often give them a free one anyway.

“In those situations, those ones are always a little trickier to deal with, but we do realize that at some point, there’s only so much we can ask, so we really do just encourage them to take it,” Maruoka said. “Even if they don’t think they’re going to wear it then, we do still try and give them the material that they need to help keep the community safe.”

During her time as a health ambassador, Maruoka has found that she sees herself as less of an authority figure and more of a service provider for the community.

“It’s not as much about enforcing masks as it is encouraging a sense of community and encouraging everyone to do their part and rewarding people who are doing their part,” Maruoka said.

BEST PLACE TO BIKE IN DAVIS: ARBORETUM BIKE PATH Students find the path to be scenic and relaxing, specifically noting the shade and wildlife

A row of trees along a path on the western section of the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden during Fall Quarter 2020. (Justin Han / Aggie)

BY RACHEL SHEY features@theaggie.org Davis is a great city to bike in, and this year, students voted that the best place to go for a tranquil bike ride is the Arboretum bike path, a 3.6 mile loop that takes 10-20 minutes to bike. This year, 60% of Best of Davis participants voted the Arboretum bike path the best place to bike in Davis.

Ella Rosenthal, an avid bicyclist and UC Davis first-year student majoring in neurobiology, physiology and behavior, explained that a large part of the bike path’s appeal is the Arboretum itself. “[The Arboretum bike path is] close to the Arboretum, which makes it nice because the Arboretum is beautiful and nice to be around, but it’s also kind of removed,” Rosenthal said. “Down in

the middle of the Arboretum, there’s always a lot of people and animals, so biking along the bike path on the side is something I enjoy quite a bit.”

The path is too short to make for much of a workout, but there can often be interesting animals roaming about, according to Rosenthal.

“For me it’s more scenic,” Rosenthal said. “I think it’s nice to pass by all the trees; it’s not the best area for a workout—it’s shorter so it’s just nice to pass through and see everything that’s going on.

I’ve seen a bunch of ducks and all the other big birds and stuff that are all around the Arboretum on the bike path.”

Annika Peterson, also an avid bicyclist and UC Davis fourthyear student double majoring in sustainable environmental design and Spanish, added that the Arboretum Bike Path is also shaded,

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which is a plus.

“It’s nice because it’s shaded, and especially the south side is a very smooth path and you have two way traffic,” Peterson said. “It’s really nice and peaceful to ride your bike there. Sometimes after work, I’ll just go ahead and do the whole loop.”

Rosenthal considers the many bike paths to be one of the biggest attractions in Davis, especially since she finds biking to be an excellent way to familiarize herself with the town.

“It’s really fun to do, especially when you first move here, because you can get to know everything that’s on your bike path,” Rosenthal said. “I really like that Davis is a bike town, it’s one of the main reasons I decided to come here.”

BEST GARY MAY EMAIL SUBJECT LINE: CAUTIOUSLY OPTIMISTIC ‘Cautiously Optimistic’ claims the title of best Gary May email subject line—beating ‘Thriving,’ ‘It’s Working’ and ‘Weathering the Storms’

An email from Chancellor May providing updates to the UC Davis community. (Justin Han / Aggie)

BY REBECCA GARDNER features@theaggie.org The subject line ‘Cautiously Optimistic’ won best Gary May email subject line in this year’s Best of Davis competition by 35.4% of the vote. Students are thrilled to open their inboxes every Friday afternoon to Chancellor Gary May’s Friday update containing all of the essential information regarding campus affairs. The sharp and sometimes ominous subject lines of May’s emails are a smash hit among students.

May began sending out the weekly updates, called ‘Checking in With Chancellor May,’ to keep students, faculty, staff and parents informed and connected during the pandemic.

Alvina Roshets, a fifth-year pharmaceutical chemistry major, reads May’s Friday updates religiously, checking for information about commencement.

Roshets said that while she hopes that May writes the subject lines by himself, she suspects the chancellor is receiving a little help from his team.

“I want to say that he does, but at the same time it is possible for someone to write them for him,” Roshets said. “I feel like he assists with them, but I don’t think he writes them fully himself.”

May confirmed these suspicions.

“Subject lines are usually suggested to me by staff, and I either accept them or modify them,” May said via email.

The subject can rope readers in when there is an element of mystery, such as ‘Cautiously Optimistic.’ Roshets said that she appreciates how the subject lines align with the content of the Friday update, which always piques her interest.

“They correlate with what he talks about, so I do find them interesting,” Roshets said. “I had a conversation with someone that said, ‘Chancellor May’s email this week is “Cautiously Optimistic,”

KATHERINE FRANKS / AGGIE what is he going to talk about?’”

May’s weekly updates aren’t universally treasured. Roshets said that when she ran into a friend who also attends UC Davis in her hometown, they condemned May’s emails. The friend called the Friday update an opportunity for the chancellor to boast about successful endeavors like Aggie Square and Healthy Davis Together.

May and his staff’s creative process begins once the update has been compiled and usually the perfect phrase for the subject line comes to them quickly. “[Subject lines] are written after the update is drafted,” May said. “It doesn’t take very long—maybe a few minutes.”

May wholeheartedly agrees with the vote, explaining that the phrase “cautiously optimistic” encapsulates his spirit entirely.

“I love the people’s choice; it captures my entire mood as we’ve navigated the pandemic at UCD,” May said.

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Best Campus Animal and Davis Quirk: tercero cows UC Davis cows moo-ve the hearts of students and researchers alike

BY LIANA MAE ATIZADO features@theaggie.org

Cows munching on hay at the UC Davis Dairy Farm. (Anna Hjartoy / Aggie) The campus cows are udderly unbeatable, taking home two BeThe campus cows are udderly unbeatable, taking home two Best of Davis titles this year: best campus animal and best Davis quirk with 42.4% and 43.2% of students who participated in the Best of Davis survey, respectively, selecting the cows as the best in these two categories. The hundreds of cows on campus are not only a mustsee for students but are also significant contributors to research conducted by the university.

According to James Murray, a professor and the chair of the Department of Animal Science, there are about 500 head of cattle

that come through the Feedlot, located by the UC Davis Airport, each year. There are about 75 head of cows that come through the Beef Barn each year, located east of the Sheep Barn near the Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital.

The Dairy Cattle Facility, located near Tercero, milks around 115 cows every day. UC Davis has an additional facility, the Sierra Foothills Research and Extension Center, which maintains a cowcalf herd of about 160 animals.

James Oltjen, the animal management systems specialist and a lecturer in the Department of Animal Science, stated that the cows have contributed to the university’s research in a number of different fields of study, including nutrition, behavior research, gene editing and veterinary medicine.

“Our animal science researchers are very well-known both nationally and internationally,” Oltjen said. “And all the research we’re doing are ways to make the cows feel better or do better. We don’t do research where we’re trying to figure out if something’s going to hurt them.”

According to Oltjen, the cows are very tame and comfortable around people. He shared that he once had a student who was conducting an experiment on the Feedlot, where she would take temperatures of the animals at different times throughout the day.

“After she’d been doing it for about a month, she had to have another student go with her to keep the other cattle away because they’d come up and try to play with her,” Oltjen said. “That’s the thing about cattle: once they get really tame, they want to play.”

Anita Oberbauer, an animal science professor and the Associate Dean for the College of Environmental and Agricultural Sciences, stated that the campus cows are tame because they are handled by students and faculty from the time they are born.

“Being housed on the campus, they have seen it all,” Oberbauer said. “When someone watches them in a pasture, the cows are often keen to visit.”

Students can participate in hands-on learning experiences with the cows under the supervision of faculty members, such as the Beef Operations Manager Marissa Fisher. Fisher oversees all cattle under the Department of Animal Science. She not only takes care

MARIO RODRIGUEZ / AGGIE of the health and well-being of the cattle but also helps instruct research labs and oversees students as they directly care for the cattle, including feeding, cleaning, pasture movements and health checks.

“I really love watching the students grow in their knowledge and skill set directly pertaining to cattle and just in life in general,” Fisher said. “The responsibility of taking care of livestock is a large one but I am often so impressed by the students’ dedication and passion for these animals.”

According to Alison Van Eenennaam, who runs the Animal Genomics and Biotechnology Laboratory, there are multiple courses that students can take to learn more about the cows. The two introductory courses (ANS 001 and ANS 002) help students become acquainted with cows and their ability to convert indigestible cellulose, or grass, into milk and beef. The upper-division dairy and beef courses explore how cows consume agricultural byproducts to upcycle what would otherwise be waste in the landfill into nutritious dairy and beef products.

“Sometimes I feel cows get a bad rap, but I think they are amazing, self-propelling, self-cleaning, solar-powered, cellulose-driven bioreactors that convert otherwise inedible food and waste products into nutrient-dense and delicious milk and beef for consumers in California and throughout the world,” Van Eenennaam said.

Best outdoor dining: Burgers and Brew Burgers and Brew named in “Best of Davis” once again

BY KATIE DEBENEDETTI features@theaggie.org

Burgers and Brew is a local favorite and serves burgers of all varieties. (Markus Kaeppeli / Aggie) Burgers and Brew is no stranger to Best of Davis wins—the locally loved burger restaurant has won categories in the past from “Best burger” to “Best place to take your parents.” Regardless of the occasion, though, the consensus is: Burgers and Brew is a Davis staple. The restaurant won “Best outdoor dining” this year, with 42% of students who participated in the Best of Davis survey voting it the best.

“Burgers and Brew is a classic restaurant in Davis,” said Emma McNeilly, a second-year global disease biology major. “Everyone knows about it. Everyone should definitely try the turkey avocado melt, I love it.”

Whether students are looking for a burger, a beer or just some

late night fries, Burgers and Brew has tasty food and a great outdoor location, McNeilly said.

“I like going to Burgers and Brew because the line usually goes pretty fast, and they have really nice outdoor seating,” McNeilly said.

“Yesterday, when a friend and I were looking for somewhere to eat, all of the other restaurants had hour wait times, but we were able to sit down within 30 minutes.”

Throughout the pandemic, Burgers and Brew has continued to offer COVID-19-safe dining with food served in single use containers on their patio outdoors in addition to takeout options. Though their operations have changed slightly since the start of the pandemic, the restaurant’s owner, Derar Zawaydeh, said that he and the staff at

CHRISTINA LIU / AGGIE Burgers and Brew have been greatly appreciative of the continued business during this time.

“The support from the community that we get here has just really been wonderful,” Zawaydeh said. “The school is, of course, a major, major player in our business structure here.”

Zawaydeh also emphasized that Burgers and Brew has been strictly adhering to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, offering only single-use boxes and silverware to serve people dining outdoors and maintaining social distancing and mask mandates.

Currently, Burgers and Brew is open for takeout and outdoor dining every day from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Best Egghead: Bookhead UC Davis students often rub Bookhead to give them good luck on their exams

BY CHRISTINE LEE features@theaggie.org

“Bookhead” in front of Peter J. Shields Library at UC Davis. (Lucy Knowles / Aggie) The collection of Egghead sculptures are artistic icons marking important spots on UC Davis’ campus. Out of the seven sculptures, Bookhead, in front of Peter J. Shields Library, won the popular vote with 42.2% of students naming it the best.

The Eggheads started to pop up in 1991 and have brought joy to visitors and students alike. About to enter Shields Library, Daniel Ivashin, a third-year microbiology and global disease biology double major commented on the sculptures.

“I enjoy the shared common motifs that unites the campus,” Ivashin said.

The Eggheads can be a symbol of inspiration beyond just being unique landmarks.

“I think the Eggheads are an interesting reminder that students

can have their work influence the environment around them,” said Ren Allathkani, a fourth-year transfer art studio major via Discord Direct Message. “Despite how bizarre they were at first, knowing that the artist was able to get their work permanently into this space is a strong reminder to current art students that we can do the same.”

Each sculpture has features relating to its significant surroundings. Bookhead is said to give good luck when a student rubs its head before an exam.

“I haven’t participated in the ritual before, I haven’t even heard of it until now!” Allathkani said via Discord Direct Message. “It’s very precious and endearing that people do those sort of small things! I’m sure the artist would appreciate how people make use of his work, and it’s interesting how people tend to make things up. How wishful

MARIO RODRIGUEZ / AGGIE students are, that despite working so hard, they still need a little bit of magic or unseen force to grant them wishful guidance.”

The Egghead sculptures are an iconic hallmark of UC Davis.

Sumit Basra, a fifth-year electrical engineering and computer engineering double major recently 3-D printed an Egghead sculpture as a graduation present for his friend. His post on Reddit gained praise and interest from fellow peers.

“I really like the eggheads,” Basra said via Reddit Direct Message, “I think they’re a really cool installation around campus.

I just always found them to make walking around campus to be so much more interesting.”

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Best Tacos in Davis: Taqueria Guadalajara

Taqueria Guadalajara manager explains that students love the fresh, authentic food and homey atmosphere

BY YAN YAN HUSTIS HAYES features@theaggie.org

Taqueria Guadalajara in North Davis during a Tuesday night. (Justin Han / Aggie) Taqueria Guadalajara has won the title for Best Tacos in Davis for the second year in a row, receiving 65.4% of the vote this year. Nicknamed Guad’s, the restaurant has a wide variety of fresh and authentic eats and is a favorite of students and locals alike with a total of three locations in Davis and Woodland.

Alyssya Vargas, a third-year psychology

major, first heard about Taqueria Guadalajara during her second year, and said she became a fan after her first visit.

“My housemates would hype it up, and I had to try it,” Vargas said. “After I first tried it, I fully rejected any other taco place. My favorite order is an asada burrito or asada tacos.”

Taqueria Guadalajara Manager Rigo

Hernandez said that the reason for its popularity is its tireless commitment to freshness and quality.

“We strive to bring a good product and just fresh, good, quality food,” Hernandez said. “We might take a bit longer, but that is because each order that comes in we make fresh. None of our sauces are canned.”

However, it’s not just the good food and fresh ingredients that keep customers coming back. Its homey atmosphere and welcoming environment also give Taqueria Guadalajara a distinct charm, according to Hernandez.

“We’re a family-owned business, so coming here gives [our customers] the feeling of home,” Hernandez said. “We greet them as if they were a friend, cousin or uncle. The food we make here is the way mom made it.”

In addition to being a go-to location for quality Mexican cuisine, Hernandez explained that Guad’s has been a fixture in the community as well.

“We’ve been here since 1999, and we try our best to help out in the community,” Hernendez said. “We support the college students, and we’re always open to fundraisers.”

Hernandez thanked students and community members for their support and said that the Taqueria plans to open a fourth location aimed at students on the go.

CHRISTINA LIU / AGGIE

“Thank you very much for showing us the support; we plan on being here for as long as we can for students and the community,” Hernandez said. “We’re opening up another location on 3rd and U—it’s only a block from campus, and we plan to have online ordering for busy students.”

A copy of the full menu and more information about locations can be found on their website.

Hernandez recommends the burritos.

Best Coffee/Matcha: Mishka’s Café About 20 married couples have met at Mishka’s, according to the café’s owner

BY REBECCA BIHN-WALLACE features@theaggie.org Mishka’s Café, a popular coffee shop in Davis offering a wide range of drinks, pastries and snacks, won both best coffee with 40.7% of the vote and best matcha with 64.6% of the vote in The California Aggie’s annual Best of Davis competition.

“As of next month, we’ve been around for 26 years,” said Alison Biggs, a manager at Mishka’s who graduated from UC Davis in 2005. “It’s nice to be a part of the Davis community. I think [the award] is a reflection of the great customer base that we have.”

Sinisa Novakovic, the owner of Mishka’s and a UC Davis undergraduate and graduate school alumnus, spoke about the impetus behind founding the café during the 1990s.

Novakovic immigrated from the former Yugoslavia during the 1980s. He majored in genetics and minored in Russian as an undergraduate, and later studied the microbiology of retroviruses in graduate school. While attending school in Davis, he found himself missing the café culture that he enjoyed as a teenager in Europe.

“Having spent my high school years in Europe inside coffee shops, I thought it would be nice if the city of Davis had a nice traditional coffee shop where people could sit down and hang out and study—a café in the Old World tradition, where people try to be together,” Novakovic said.

Novakovic highlighted Mishka’s attributes, including Venetian plaster in the interior of the

KIYOMI WATSON / AGGIE Mishkas’ Cafe in Downtown Davis. (Justin Han / Aggie) café, good lighting, comfortable chairs to sit on rather than benches and organic fair trade coffee.

It’s this atmosphere, he explained, that makes Mishka’s unique and the site of many meet-cutes over the years.

“We have close to 20 couples that have come to me and said that they met at Mishka’s and are now married and have kids,” Novakovic said.

Bri Yount, another manager at Mishka’s as well as a local of Davis, also talked about what

the Best of Davis award means to the café.

“We were all super stoked because we worked super hard this past year, and we were pretty much one of the only coffee shops open in Davis during COVID-19, and it feels like we were honored for that,” Yount said. “We’ve always been a runner-up and never a winner.”

Novakovic also talked about the sense of community that Mishka’s employees build with one another, a process enhanced by his focus on

hiring people who can connect with customers and with one another.

“We interview mostly undergraduates [for positions here],” Novakovic said. “I like to run the place as a warm, friendly place rather than a corporation, so it’s important to have people who are nice and collaborative. Generally when we hire someone, they work here all the way until they graduate, and they end up being closer with their colleagues than they are with the people in their classes.”

Best non-alcoholic drink in Davis: Milk tea from The Old Teahouse The Old Teahouse offers a hangout spot, drinks and food, with the Thai Green Milk Tea as popular favorite

BY JELENA LAPUZ features@theaggie.org

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The Old Teahouse carries a variety of milk tea beverages. (Justin Han / Aggie) The Old Teahouse has been a Davis staple for years due to its boba teas, laid-back atmosphere and convenient location near campus. This year, 31.3% of participants voted milk tea from The Old Teahouse as the best non-alcoholic drink in Davis.

Maggie Ho, an employee at The Old Teahouse and UC Davis fifth-year managerial economics major, explained that The Old Teahouse is known

for its teas, each of which is freshly brewed and made directly for customers to enjoy.

“The flavor comes from tea leaves,” Ho said.

Rachel Kaneshiro, a regular at The Old Teahouse and UC Davis third-year design major, shared why she likes to frequent The Old Teahouse.

“I think it’s a good place to hang out and get good food,” Kaneshiro said. “Plus, it’s been

around for a while and it’s a Davis-specific small business.”

Ho noted that students visit The Old Teahouse often due to its proximity to the UC Davis campus.

“For freshmen, they usually go here first because it’s within walking distance from campus,” Ho said. “It’s where students hang out with their friends.”

Kaneshiro further emphasized the appeal of The Old Teahouse as a hangout spot, adding that she would spend time with friends there prior to the pandemic.

“I like how there’s both boba and food,” Kaneshiro said. “It’s pretty inexpensive for the quality that you’re getting too.”

Kaneshiro recommended the Thai Green Milk Tea, Watermelon Slush, Jasmine Milk Tea and Regular Thai Milk Tea, while Ho recommended the Thai Green Milk Tea, Peach Oolong Milk Tea and House Boba Milk Tea. Ho noted that The Old Teahouse has been in Davis since 2013. Although it has changed management a few times, the restaurant’s quality of drinks and food has remained consistent.

“If you like boba, this is the place to try,” Ho said.

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Best Brewery in Davis: Sudwerks Brewing Co The funky beers and seltzers take the win

BY ITZELTH GAMBOA features@theaggie.org

KAITLYN PANG / AGGIE

Sudwerk Brewing Company in Davis, CA. (Alexa Fontanilla / Aggie) With 30 years of creating craft beer with funky names and a taste that Davis students keep going back for, this year’s Best of Davis Brewery goes to Sudwerk Brewery Co., beating out its competitors by 63.2%. Sudwerk Brewing Co. is located at 2001 Second Street in Davis, giving customers their favorite beers and pretzels. According to their website, the brewing company was founded in 1989 by two German descendants.

The brewery is open for outdoor dining Thursday through Sunday. While COVID-19 took a toll on many of Davis’ small businesses, the brewery made the most out of the situation by giving customers a way to order to-go beer and food, providing service for those who miss the business. By placing an online order, customers can get food, beer, merch and kegs delivered to their car.

The brewing company offers a wide variety of beers that Davis

students have loved over the years. The business takes brewing to another level with their beers, giving them unique names and flavors such as Sherbie Raspberry Vanilla, Apple Cinnamon Pastry and Rising Together. The company also offers hard seltzers such as their Life is Hard collection with flavors ranging from watermelon to mango.

Marissa Montano, a fourth-year environmental science and management major, appreciates the originality of the brewery.

“Sudwerks is a great place to go when you want something different,” Montano said. “I love sitting on the patio and having one of their drinks while catching up with friends. Their pulled pork sliders are my favorite.”

The brewery once held the beloved Astronomy on Tap event where people could enjoy a beer and learn about astronomy from

experts while winning prizes. Sudwerk shut down the event due to COVID-19; however, there are still exciting events to come from Davis’ best brewery. The company announced on their Instagram that customers can expect a collaboration soon with Anderson Valley Brewing.

“I was never able to experience their Astronomy on Tap, but that’s something I’m looking forward to going to in the future,” Montano said.

For many students, turning 21 means having the ability to bar hop with friends on a Friday night, forgetting about the papers due Sunday night. While the potential for this activity faded away recently, students were still happy to declare Sudwerk Brewing Co. as their favorite brewery in town.

Best Dessert Shop: Davis Creamery Davis Creamery entices Davis students with homemade ice cream and ever-changing diverse flavors

BY MADDIE DULEY features@theaggie.org

KIYOMI WATSON / AGGIE

Various dessert items from the Davis Creamery. (Timothy Li / Aggie) Nighttime in downtown Davis is known for large crowds gathering around the shop that wafts spun sugar and sweet confectionery throughout the fairy light-decorated streets. With ever-changing creative homemade ice cream flavors and local honey, macaroons and chocolate bars, it is no surprise that Davis Creamery is frequented by UC Davis students. The family-owned ice cream shop won best dessert shop in Davis by 53.3% of the vote.

The location has been in Davis since 2005 and has been owned

by Jennifer Schmidt and her husband Joe for the last five years.

“We make our own ice cream right in the store, in small 2.5 gallon batches,” Schmidt said. “We’re the only place in Davis that makes their own ice cream.”

Schmidt shared that she does all of the shopping for store ingredients and it is a family affair, run like a small business.

“We have a really friendly staff and a warm environment,” Schmidt said. “We make so many different types of ice creams that I think people enjoy the variety that we have. Every time you come in you have the opportunity to try something different.”

The Creamery is known for diverse flavor options and a range of local treats.

“I think [the Creamery is] very inclusive, because they try to offer a lot of variety in their flavors and accommodate different diets by offering dairy-free flavors,” said Helene Boggs, a first-year psychology major.

The store employs college students and works with the university to promote student organizations.

“We donate to different organizations at the university and support [students] as much as we can,” Schmidt said. “We also do a bi-annual fundraising competition with whatever organization wants to join from UC Davis.”

In the fundraising competition, the organizations compete against each other and the top three win money, with 80% of the earnings going to the first-place winner. In this way, the Creamery can make a bigger impact and give more generous donations, according to Schmidt. Although the competition did not happen this year due to COVID-19 restrictions, Schmidt is hopeful the fundraising competition will occur again this fall.

“Without the students, we wouldn’t be able to be as successful as we are,” Schmidt said. “We love having UC Davis students in our shop. They bring a great atmosphere and livelihood and happiness to our store.”

Schmidt shares that the Creamery has made such an impact on Davis students that they have catered several weddings for Davis alumni.

“We want [going to the creamery] to be a memory that kids remember and look back on when they leave Davis,” Schmidt said.

Best Late-Night Snack: In-N-Out Burger Across from the 24-hour Dutch Bros, In-N-Out Burger is also open late on weekdays and weekends

BY NICHOLAS MURPHY features@theaggie.org

Various items from In-N-Out’s secret menu. (Justin Han / Aggie)

This year, In-N-Out Burger reigns superior as the best late-night snack, with a leading 43.2% of the vote. It’s no wonder UC Davis students remain loyal to In-N-Out Burger, which stays open until 1 a.m. on weekdays and 1:30 a.m. on the weekends.

Calla Langford, a third-year human development major, can attest that In-N-Out Burger is a staple of the West Coast diet.

“In-N-Out tastes best when preparing to pull an all-nighter or treating yourself after a long week of exams,” Langford said.

Looking for your fully-vaccinated true love? Langford also said that In-N-Out Burger is “a good spot for a relaxed and affordable first date.”

Whether you choose to travel there by bike, car or bus, In-N-Out Burger is conveniently located on Olive Drive, right across the street from the 24-hour Dutch Bros, a perfect combo for the nocturnal type.

For many students, In-N-Out Burger conjures up memories of going out to eat with friends when the Dining Commons food gets old.

Thao Cao, a fourth-year neurobiology, physiology and behavior major, shared her go-to order.

“Usually, I just get a double-single animal style with chopped chilies, grilled onions and a side of fries,” Cao said.

Cao mentioned the importance of affordability as a reason to choose In-N-Out Burger over other alternatives.

Cao said she frequents In-N-Out Burger around midnight and is not one to be caught dipping fries in her shake.

KATHERINE FRANKS / AGGIE

Speaking of shakes, customers can ask for the infamous neapolitan milkshake, which is a combination of chocolate, strawberry and vanilla, fit for those who are indecisive. This is just one of the many items on In-N-Out Burger’s not-so-secret menu.

In-N-Out Burger employees can also cut your burger in half— that is, if you feel like sharing.

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Best COVID-19 Testing Site: The ARC Students express appreciation for efficiency of UC Davis’ COVID-19 testing program

BY MICHELLE WONG features@theaggie.org

KATHERINE HUNG / AGGIE

COVID-19 testing site at the ARC on the UC Davis campus. (Justin Han / Aggie) The ARC Testing Kiosk was voted by 87.2% of students as the best COVID-19 testing site in Davis. UC Davis’ effort to keep students and the larger community safe from COVID-19 has been recognized nationally. One large contributor to this effort has been the fast and efficient COVID-19 testing sites that the university has implemented—especially the ARC Testing Kiosk.

David Coil, a project scientist at the Genome Center at UC Davis and the project director of environmental monitoring for Healthy Davis Together, explained that throughout the design phase of the testing program, his team strove to come up with a system that was quick and easy. This is why UC Davis uses saliva testing instead of nasal swabs, as the latter takes longer, is more uncomfortable and costs more. “[The testing program] had to be fast, cheap and easy,” Coil said.

“We’ve seen other universities who have testing programs that have failed for [not being] all of those things, so I think it’s been really

successful because we thought about that from the beginning.”

Though the layout of the ARC Testing Kiosk has shifted slightly throughout the year due to weather conditions and the reopening of the ARC for recreational use, the program remains efficient and easily accessible to students. Landry Swenson, a third-year biological sciences major and student COVID-19 testing kiosk worker, expressed that after joining the program, she was able to see the professionalism and speed of the entire testing process.

“Going into it, I already had high hopes because [UC Davis has] already been recognized by the whole country for how efficient they are and how timely they are, but seeing it in action and who’s doing it, how they’re doing it, was really awesome,” Swenson said.

Swenson became a part of the program by enrolling in the COVID-19 testing course EVE 198, part of which includes taking on shifts at the ARC Testing Kiosk. She said that the course taught her a lot about how the virus is transmitted and how the vaccines

work.

Jacob Perez, a third-year American studies major, similarly became an active participant in helping the campus conduct COVID-19 testing through this course. “[The course has] been impacting me in a very positive way because I’ve also been able to leave with a better understanding of what [impact] viruses have on our society as well as ways to prevent it and how I can be an active participant in preventing a disease actually being spread out and why I need to be an active participant in the community,” Perez said.

In addition to the multiple stations within the kiosk and the online scheduling system, Perez believes that teamwork and great communication between the campus and the community have allowed for this level of efficiency. Swenson also said that everyone at the kiosk is welcoming and supportive.

“I think a lot of it has to do with the staff, the dedication that they put into it, meaning that they’re willing to be focused and attentive, as well as the students themselves being patient with the system,” Perez said. “It’s very cooperative and very in sync with everything.”

Perez believes that through volunteering at the kiosk, he better understood the intersectionalities needed within the program between different fields in addition to the pressures in the real world.

“I would recommend all students even if you’re not interested in the pre-health department to actually take your time and volunteer because it helps you bring a new perspective of how society interacts as well as [the] importance of communication,” Perez said.

Best Day Trip: San Francisco Spend a day in the bay!

BY JACOB ANDERSON features@theaggie.org

People waiting to board a streetcar in San Francisco pre-COVID-19.

(Justin Han / Aggie)

The people have spoken, and with 49.4% of the vote, the best day trip location is San Francisco. It costs just $27 to take an Amtrak down to the Bay, and with a rich tapestry of art, restaurants and local culture, it’s hard to go wrong doing so. The rolling hills and yearround temperate climate make it a fascinating and pleasant—if a bit vertiginous—experience.

UC Davis alumnus Tomas Hoffman described his day trip to San Francisco over text as “Fantastic. It has amazing views of the ocean, the bay has an amazing marine feel and the climate is a great respite from the dry heat of the central valley. The range of food available is amazing as well, from fresh salmon near the piers to amazing donuts sold 24/7 in the city proper.”

Hoffman isn’t alone in his love for San Francisco’s donuts either.

Another UC Davis alumnus, Ishan Merkel, said over text that “the donuts were amazing. We made the most of our day trip to San Francisco by taking the pressure off and simply exploring whatever caught our eye. From the cathedral down to the docks, it really felt like an adventure!”

San Francisco offers memorable experiences at all hours of the day. Shopping districts sell just about anything you could want, from clothes to records to coffee and fresh pastries, and the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system makes getting from one end of the city to another without a car not just easy but kind of fun. San Francisco is also a standard touring stop for bands large and small,

KATHERINE FRANKS / AGGIE so once COVID-19 restrictions ease up, the city will return to being one of the best spots in northern California to catch live music as well.

If you have a day to kill and a few friends to bring along, a trip to San Francisco is guaranteed to be a fantastic time.

Best grocery store: Trader Joe's A student and a Trader Joe’s employee share why they enjoy the selection and ambience at the beloved grocery store

BY FARRAH BALLOU features@theaggie.org

KAITLYN PANG / AGGIE The interior of a Trader Joe’s location in Davis, CA. (Justin Han / Aggie) Known for their unique snacks and ambience, 65.2% of students who participated in Best of Davis this year voted Trader Joe’s the best Davis grocery store.

Callie Shiang, a second-year wildlife, fish and conservation biology major, said that she appreciates the variety of unique foods that are exclusive to the store.

“I think Trader Joe’s has a really unique selection of products that you cannot get anywhere else,” Shiang said. “They are pretty creative with what they decide to release, too. You always feel like you’re seeing something [...] you have never heard of before.”

Some of her favorite items to purchase are the “To the Power of 7 Purple” juice, the ghost pepper salsa and the bruschetta sauce. If she could only have one item, however, she would buy the habanero hot sauce, which she stated is unlike any other sauce and can be paired perfectly with avocado toast.

Anna Coleman, a Trader Joe’s crew member and a secondyear psychology major, discussed some special items that she hopes

customers will sample the next time they come to Trader Joe’s.

“Some really good items that I feel are underrated are the new frozen carne asada burrito, the garlic dip, the jalapeño sauce and the fresh bruschetta sauce,” Coleman said.

One of her go-to meals is the Trader Joe’s Asian vegetable stir fry kit cooked with additions of tofu and rice.

Shiang mentioned that her favorite meal from Trader Joe’s is a recipe she found on TikTok that combines their “Gnocchi of Gorgonzola” with mushrooms, onions and chili sauce.

Beyond the selection of food, both students noted that Trader Joe’s provides a welcoming and fun atmosphere. Coleman said that working at Trader Joe’s is a lot of fun and that her coworkers are always there to support her.

“I have great coworkers, and every time I go into work, I know that even if I am having a bad day, my coworkers will be there to lift my spirits,” Coleman said.

Shiang also enjoys the store’s ambience since its warm

environment is reminiscent of her childhood shopping days at the Trader Joe’s in her hometown. She recalled happily racing with her younger brother to find the hidden stuffed animal that is placed within Trader Joe’s and has fond memories of being able to enjoy grocery shopping, even at a young age. She mentioned that their customer service and curated store enables shopping to be casual and exciting.

“I definitely think that they go out of their way to have good customer service, and I feel like [...] something that Trader Joe’s values is having their employees really give the customers a reason to feel like they should be shopping there,” Shiang said.

Ultimately, Trader Joe’s combines a unique selection of goods, a comfortable environment and relatable customer service to provide an elevated experience, according to Shiang. She also noted that their well-curated store and rotating selection constantly inspires and influences her to try new items.

“I really love Trader Joe’s,” Shiang said. “I wish I could try every single thing that they sell because it all looks so good.”

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THURSDAY, MAY 20, 2021 | 7

Best GE class: Design of Coffee Students reflect on taking Design of Coffee

BY NORA FARAHDEL features@theaggie.org

A pour over coffee brewing setup. (Justin Han / Aggie) Regardless of major, every student at UC Davis must complete general education (GE) requirements. With categories ranging from “Domestic Diversity” to “Scientific Literacy,” students take courses to fulfill unit requirements in topical breadth and core literacy by the time they

graduate. While there are a myriad of courses that students can take to complete these requirements, 36.2% of students who voted in Best of Davis this year selected Design of Coffee (ECH 01) as the best GE at Davis.

Tonya Kuhl, a professor and the chair of

the Department of Chemical Engineering at UC Davis, reflected on her favorite parts about teaching the class.

“I love that aspect of trying different things with coffee and trying to make it as good as I can,” Kuhl said.

Kuhl described the unique environment the class provides for students.

“You just get to meet people in a really fun way that’s different than most classes,” Kuhl said. “You go into our labs, and people are smiling, they’re joking and they’re talking.”

Diana Cardenas, a second-year neurobiology, physiology and behavior major, took Design of Coffee last year and greatly enjoyed it. Cardenas explained the concepts she learned about in the course.

“We got taught a lot about how different types of coffee machines can produce different types of textures, colors, consistencies and concentrations in coffee,” Cardenas said.

Additionally, she found a new appreciation for coffee while taking the course.

“I never thought there was so much to [making coffee],” Cardenas said. “I always thought it was just something easy, like plugging in the light, but it’s not, it’s something so complicated.”

Genelie Baltazar, a second-year psychology major, also took Design of Coffee. Baltazar found the class to be very interesting and enjoyed working with her lab partners.

“It was just fun knowing that I can experiment and just do my own thing and not be too stressed

KAITLYN PANG / AGGIE with my other classes,” Baltazar said. “I just thought that this class was a good way for me to start my freshman year.”

Baltazar’s favorite part of the class was making the coffee and exploring different methods while feeling comfortable to look to her fellow classmates and the administrators for help. Overall, she stated that this class was one of the most enjoyable courses she has taken at UC Davis.

“In my opinion, it has been honestly one of the best ones, just because [of] the people that I worked with, the experiences,” Baltazar said. “I do honestly consider it one of my most favorite classes that I’ve taken.”

Best student resource center: LGBTQIA Resource Center LGBTQIA Resource Center community coordinator highlights some of the center’s important resources and upcoming events

BY JAZMIN SEGURA features@theaggie.org

The LGBTQIA Resource Center is located at the Student Community Center at UC Davis. (Venoos Moshayedi / Aggie) The UC Davis Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual Resource Center (LGBTQIA RC) won best student resource center this year with 32.5% of the student vote. It has continuously provided the UC Davis community with an open, safe and inclusive space since its opening in 1994. It is committed to using dynamic, collaborative programming to fight various forms of oppression and advocate for its mission and values.

Along with the rest of UC Davis during this past year, the LGBTQIA RC has transitioned from its physical location on the first floor of the Student Community Center to a virtual setting.

Echo Rodriguez, a community coordinator for the LGBTQIA

RC and a second-year political science major, expressed that they feel pride and excitement in knowing that their work at the LGBTQIA RC, such as organizing events and doing public outreach, impacts their community.

“Working at these student centers is to ultimately serve the students,” Rodriguez said. “That’s the end goal of doing this work.”

One of the virtual services that the LGBTQIA RC offers is its Community Discord server. Boasting well over 200 current members, the Community Discord is a free virtual space members can use to build community, meet and talk with one another while having fun. The Community Discord is one of the LGBTQIA RC’s biggest successes since transitioning to a virtual setting and was made by one co-worker’s labor, according to Rodriguez.

“There’s always something going on with the [Community Discord],” Rodriguez said. “I am part of [the Community Discord] myself, so I will always get notifications of people interacting with each other. It’s been really nice to see how people are still finding ways to come together and find that sense of community in the virtual world we live in now.”

The LGBTQIA RC will celebrate Pride Month 2021 throughout the month of May by holding programs every week. Rodriguez is most excited for the Grad/Prof Student Trivia Night held on May 18 due to the need for events specifically catered to graduate students.

They also recommended the Pride Crochet Plushies event and highlighted the importance of resources like the Gender Affirmation Closet, which provides free clothing to transgender and gender nonconforming students.

Rodriguez said that with “Critical Love” named and described in its list of values, the LGBTQIA RC works with love at its core in order to welcome and celebrate individuals and have them be their

MARIO RODRIGUEZ / AGGIE complete, complex selves.

“Any work that we do, we always put our love into, and we always want to serve and meet the needs of our community,” Rodriguez said. “The center is still providing those feelings of community, togetherness and everything else which made the center great before.

It’s still great now.”

Anyone interested in receiving updates from the LGBTQIA RC can sign up for its listserv (weekly newsletter) on its website. The LGBTQIA RC also posts updates on its Instagram (@ucdlgbtqia) and Facebook pages.

Best Farmers Market treat: Apple-a-Day apple juice The apple juice is a popular item among both returning and new customers

BY SHRADDHA JHINGAN features@theaggie.org

Apple-A-Day apple cider from the Davis Farmer’s Market. (Josh Moy / Aggie) Whether you’re looking for a refreshing drink on a hot day or something new to try, the Apple-aDay apple juice is a must-try at the Davis Farmers Market. Students have voted the Davis staple the Best Farmers Market treat twice, even with its only

ingredient being apples. This year, the Apple-aDay juice won 45.9% of the student vote.

Carlene Upton, who manages the Farmers Market Apple-a-Day stand, has been with Applea-Day for almost 30 years.

“We’ve been here—I want to say—about 30 years, and it has been popular with the students and the residents of Davis all along,” Upton said.

“Even today, a young person came back and said they had it as a kid. They bring their children back.

Every time that people have had Apple-a-Day apple juice, they come back.”

Upton said that the juice is made by the Applea-Day Ratzlaff Ranch, “a local family-run business in Sebastopol, California.” Apple-a-Day not only makes the juice, but it also grows its own pears and apples.

Even people who have moved out of Davis return to try the high-quality apple juice when they’re in town, according to Upton.

“Whenever they’re in town, they have to come and get an apple juice,” Upton said. “It’s almost like a requirement. I feel like it’s sort of a cult— it’s an apple juice cult. Everybody loves it and recommends it.”

Upton explained that those who have tried the Apple-a-Day apple juice recommend it to others, encouraging them to also come and try it.

“Every year, people come and say, ‘Well, we were told we had to come to the Farmers Market and get apple juice,’” Upton said. “It’s just a great product.”

Not only do returning customers love the product, but so do people who have recently moved to Davis.

“There’s new customers with students moving

CHRISTINA LIU / AGGIE in every year. There’s always an influx of new students that have been told they have to come to the Farmers Market and get apple juice,” Upton said. “It seems to be an ongoing thing, and then we have regular customers who are people who live here and have lived here, and they keep coming back.”

Ultimately, the Apple-a-Day juice is a must-try item for anyone, whether they’re living in Davis or visiting.

8 | THURSDAY, MAY 20, 2021

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Best hike around Davis: Putah Creek Putah Creek offers miles of hiking, swimming and relaxing, all without leaving Davis

BY JUSTIN WEINER features@theaggie.org

People playing on a makeshift swing by the waters of the Putah Creek Riparian Reserve in Davis, CA. (Justin Han / Aggie)

Looking for a quick escape into nature for a hike? Look no further than Putah Creek, right here in Davis! Accessible from trailheads behind the campus airport, the 640-acre natural riparian and grassland ecosystem runs along the southern edge of the UC Davis campus.

Putah Creek was awarded best place to go on a hike with 46.5% of the vote. It offers miles of hiking trails along a scenic waterfront filled with grasslands and oak trees. Unlike the UC Davis Arboretum, all of the plants along Putah Creek are native to the region, giving visitors a taste of what the natural California environment would look like if UC Davis was never established.

“It’s just a nice place to go on a hike, swim and vibe with friends,” said Noah Stern, a fourth-year computer science major. “When you are really stressed or something, it is just a great place to go, get away from everything and clear your head.”

The miles of hiking trails are relatively flat and well-traveled; it’s suitable for nearly all ages and levels of activity. Whether you’re an experienced granola hiker with your dog (on a leash, of course) or a frat boy trying to impress your significant other with your brand new birks, Putah Creek is for you.

And if hiking alone isn’t enough to draw you in, during the summer the water is warm enough to go for a swim. If you go on a hot summer day, you will probably see kids jumping off the rope swings and if you’re lucky enough, one of them might even teach you how to do a backflip.

If swimming isn’t your thing, you could bring a paddle board, raft down to the water and float or get a workout in. And if you don’t feel like being active at all, perhaps the picnic tables and fire pits are more your speed. Better yet, bring your hammock down and enjoy the sights and sounds of the water as you take a siesta and forget about your problems.

CATHY TANG / AGGIE “The park benches are my favorite part!” said fourth-year history major Marisa Cardoza. “They are really great to watch the view and put your feet up. Especially late at night when nobody is around.”

According to Adam Weiner, a Ph.D. student from Weill Cornell who visited Putah Creek while in Davis, “The creek was definitely nicer than I was expecting. The water was clean enough to take several jumps on the rope swing. There’s plenty of shade along the riverbank so this place seems like it would be a great place to hike and swim on hot summer days.”

Overall, whether you are looking for a hike or just to relax and get away from the world, Putah Creek is the best place in Davis to do it.

Best place to buy plants: UC Davis Arboretum Nursery Arboretum Nursery offers trendy California native plants to UC Davis students looking to continue their quarantine houseplant hobby

BY SONORA SLATER features@theaggie.org

Plant sales area at the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden in Davis, CA. (Justin Han / Aggie) Sometimes described as “the Hufflepuff of the UCs,” it’s only fitting that UC Davis students love their plants. Particularly beloved is the UC Davis Arboretum Nursery, winning Best of Davis this year in the category: “Best place to buy plants” with 33.7% of the vote.

Taylor Lewis, the nursery manager of the UC Davis Arboretum Nursery, attributed the win in part to a wide variety of succulent inventory, which he described as “all the rage.”

Lewis elaborated on what he believes makes the Arboretum Nursery stand out among the many other places in Davis to buy plants.

“We focus on California natives, that’s really our passion,” Lewis said. “I have a lot of stuff other nurseries won’t grow, because I’m not in the money-making venture, so I can experiment a bit more.”

Michelle Huang, a second-year design and

cognitive science double major, hasn’t yet gotten the chance to shop at the Arboretum nursery but loves to buy her plants locally in Davis.

“I love shopping for plants locally because it supports local businesses and the overall economy of the area I live in,” Huang said via Discord. “You will also be more likely to be offered a selection of plants that are more suited to the conditions of your area. Staff are also really knowledgeable and eager to help.”

Julie Daseking, a fourth-year human development and design double major and avid plant-lover, talked about why she thinks it’s become so popular for college students to own plants.

“I think it’s just nice to get to care for something,” Daseking said. “Especially if you’re stressed and studying, it’s nice to be able to have something that you can stop work and go and water your plant, get to see how it’s growing, and it’s just kind of encouraging to be able to nurture something. It’s also just really neat to see what they do, especially when they get a flower or a new leaf it’s like, ‘Oh my gosh, I made that happen, I took good care of it, and it’s happy!’”

In case reading about plants has overcome you with the sudden urge to become a plant-parent yourself, but you simultaneously know that you’ve killed every succulent you’ve ever had, Daseking offered some easy-to-grow suggestions for firsttime plant owners.

“Pothos are the vining plants with the kind of heart-shaped leaves, and they’re great just because they’re easy to grow,” Daseking said. “The rule of thumb with those guys is give it some light, don’t stick it in the bright sunlight, and if it droops, give

MARIO RODRIGUEZ / AGGIE it some water. And that’s basically all it takes.”

And for the practical people who want their plants to serve multiple functions, she recommended growing herbs.

“Those guys do take a little bit more water, but like, they will tell you when they need their water,” Daseking said. “Things like herbs are drama queens, if you don’t water them they’ll completely flop over, and then you give them water, and twenty minutes later they’re back up and normal again.”

The Arboretum Nursery’s online plant store next reopens from May 20-24, with a special 20% off sale on the entire inventory to celebrate the last shop opening of the season. You can find out more information at https://arboretum.ucdavis.edu/ online-plant-sales.

Best masked/socially distanced activity: Picnic in the Arboretum Picnicking in the Arboretum is a great way to safely maintain some semblance of a normal college life during a pandemic

BY EMILY REDMAN features@theaggie.org

The greenspace by Lake Spafford near Mrak Hall are a favorite place to picnic at in Davis, CA. (Justin Han / Aggie)

The pandemic has led people to get creative with social gatherings while following social distancing guidelines. Here in Davis, nature and gorgeous scenery are a favorite way to safely gather, as picnicking at the Arboretum won best masked/ socially distanced activity with 62.5% of the vote.

The extensive views of towering redwoods, glistening water and various wildlife make the Arboretum a perfect spot to relax after class and catch up with friends. Grab some food, friends, paint and musical instruments and take some time to unwind.

“The Arboretum was definitely one of the best places to still enjoy college life while being safe,” said Delaney Gash, a first-year genetics and genomics major.

This year has brought a lot of changes to the daily lives of UC Davis students but the Arboretum offered consistency by staying open through the pandemic while following social distancing protocols.

“Although it wasn’t entirely normal, it was amazing to see fellow Aggies enjoying nature,” Gash said.

A hundred acres of 22,000 species of trees and plants make up this perfect picnic spot. Along the way, you may also be visited by a family of ducks, squirrels or even turkeys.

“There’s a ton of animals you can see and lots of nature to enjoy,” said Conner Barton, a first-year genetics and genomics major. “There’s enough space to spread out with people and it’s also just really nice to go by yourself.”

The open spaces provide opportunities for a variety of activities.

“You can take a walk, picnic, bike ride or skate there too, so it’s just an all around good place to hang out,” Barton said.

With the warm weather approaching, consider a picnic at the Arboretum as your next socially distanced gathering.

CATHY TANG / AGGIE

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THURSDAY, MAY 20, 2021 | 9

Best ASUCD unit: The California Aggie The California Aggie provides news and opportunities for UC Davis students

CATHY TANG / AGGIE The offices of The California Aggie at its previous location at Lower Freeborn Hall at UC Davis. (Justin Han / Aggie)

BY ELLIE LEE features@theaggie.org The California Aggie won best ASUCD unit this year, capturing 34.7% of the student vote. It first launched as The Weekly Agricola in 1915 as a student-run newspaper serving the UC Davis community. The Weekly Agricola published weekly issues focusing on campus news as well as agricultural topics and was renamed to be The California Aggie in 1922. Now, The California Aggie provides many distinct opportunities to students, including reporting, photography, graphic design, editing and more. It is entirely student-run and a primary source of information for UC Davis students.

Anjini Venugopal, the editor-in-chief of The California Aggie and a third-year cognitive science and linguistics double major, said that working at The California Aggie is the best hands-on experience in journalism for UC Davis students.

She explained the role of journalism in improving communities through education.

“Having a good understanding of what’s going on around you is really the first step in making any educated decisions,“ Venugopal said.

Margo Rosenbaum, the managing editor of The California Aggie and a third-year communication and evolution, ecology and biodiversity double major, highlighted the importance of students learning about news from their peers rather than from UC Davis administrators. She noted that The California

Aggie holds the university accountable for its actions—both good and bad.

“A lot of times, news coming from the Chancellor’s Office is going to be good news,” Rosenbaum said. “It’s going to be what they want you to hear.”

Rosenbaum said that she originally joined The California Aggie during her first year to experience editing and learning from her like-minded peers.

She explained that The California Aggie is relevant not only to UC Davis students but also to the Davis community as a whole.

“The university is really at the heart of this town,” Rosenbaum said.

She encouraged students to apply to The California Aggie to gain skills such as interviewing and communicating, which can be applied to

many aspects of life.

Venugopal shared a similar sentiment, explaining that writers working for The California Aggie gain skills in speaking with strangers.

“One of the things I took away was: how do you interact with people who you’ve never met and prepare for an interview,” Venugopal said.

Venugopal further explained that she learned other valuable skills with her work as the editor-inchief including editing articles about controversial topics, putting together the annual budget, reviewing opinion pieces and meeting with The California Aggie’s Editorial Board. She encouraged people to work at The California Aggie to be involved in keeping the community informed.

“Being that source of news and allowing people to know things is really valuable,” Venugopal said.

Best Class to Take Online: NUT 10 This nutrition course takes the win for its relevance to our everyday lives

KATHERINE HUNG / AGGIE (Justin Han / Aggie)

BY MUHAMMAD TARIQ features@theaggie.org As the pandemic has raged on in the last 14 months, many UC Davis students have had to take their general education classes through an online format. Even when there’s not a pandemic, general education classes can be time-consuming and difficult to get through, often without real-world applications. So why not actually learn how to read the back of a food label and take the class voted best to take online in 2021 by 54.9%?

For the first time ever, Nutrition 10: Discoveries and Concepts in Nutrition (NUT 10) has taken home the prized title of best class to take online at UC Davis. It has previously been voted as the best general education class to take in 2017 and 2018.

Taught remotely by Dr. Liz Applegate and Professor Debbie Fetter, NUT 10 attempts to teach students about viewing nutrition as a science that can be easily taken from the classroom to their very own kitchens. It also tries to educate students on the basic principles and historical developments of nutrition and food as well as the science of what we put into our mouths. In essence, it’s a light, 3-unit course that you can use to better your everyday health and understanding of nutrition.

Janelle Ho, a fourth-year neurobiology, physiology and behavior major who is currently taking the class this Spring Quarter, said, “NUT 10 has taught me important nutritional facts that debunk various social media nutrition myths and advertisements.”

“NUT 10 was the first class I took at Davis where I really felt like the material I was learning was useful,” said Malika Haji, a second-year

managerial economics major, who took the class in the spring of 2020. “I’m not a STEM person at all, but I thought learning the science behind diet and the foods we eat was actually really interesting,” The appeal to Haji is that “the class is also set up in a way where even if you’re not a STEM or nutrition major you can still easily grasp the concepts and understand the basics.”

For students, NUT 10 is an ideal class to take online because it had previously been offered in a virtual format in 2018 known as Nutrition 10V. In its online format, it had the same number of exams as its in-person counterpart and just as many extra credit opportunities. The difference was that students could learn at their own pace at their own time.

“NUT 10 has been taught online for quite some time now and so the course is extremely organized [because] assignments, quizzes and

other deadlines are outlined within the course modules,” Ho said.

Haji shares that sentiment. “[NUT 10] is great because [of] the way [that] Dr. Fetter has the class setup that makes it easy to follow along on your own time. There are no surprises with the course, you know exactly what to expect each week and what you need to get done, which I always appreciated.”

“I have always seen nutritional labels that outline DV percentages, but I have never understood how to interpret the numbers, but after learning about DV in NUT 10, I now share my new knowledge with my family and friends,” Ho said.

It’s clear that this course has real-world value, and whether you take it in-person or online, it’ll be worth your while.

Best study spot: Peter J. Shields Library Students, staff and community members find Shields Library to be a productive and peaceful environment for completing their work

KAITLYN PANG / AGGIE Peter J. Shields Library is a favorite study spot at UC Davis. (Amy Hoang / Aggie)

BY EMMANUEL FONSECA features@theaggie.org Peter J. Shields Library aims to provide students, faculty and community members with resources that help facilitate research and learning.

It is ranked one of the top academic research libraries in North America, located at UC Davis, one of the top 10 public universities in the nation.

This year, 33.7% of students who voted in Best of Davis this year selected Shields Library as the best study spot.

Shields offers a 350,000 square foot space, free for all to utilize as a learning environment and area of collaboration. In addition to being one of the most notable studying spaces on campus, Shields has more than 300 pieces of art on display for the public. It is also home to hundreds of historical

archives that are available to all community members and UC Davis students.

The library and the land it was built upon has a rich history. One of the most well-known events was the Army Signal Corps’ use of the library as a training facility during World War II. To this day, the library holds the admiration of Davis students as a study spot and has won in this category in previous years.

Many UC Davis students take advantage of this space and all of the resources it has to offer. Melia Miller, a fourth-year wildlife, fish and conservation biology major, provided her outlook on the variety of different ways Shields has contributed to her academic success.

“The place that provides the most convenience when studying is Shields Library,” Miller said.

“It’s open, there’s plenty of seating options with minimal distraction. The library has helped shape

my study habits when it comes to self-discipline.

Deciding to go out and designate time for studying has been really beneficial.”

In regards to the overall ambience of the library, many students share what they like most about studying in this prospective learning hub.

Rebekah Harness, a second-year neurobiology, physiology and behavior major, shared her beliefs on the qualities that make the library one of the best study spots on campus.

“The library is really nice because there are lots of different spots to go, whether you want to be by a window, in a quiet corner away from people or in a bigger room with other students,” Harness said.

“There are plenty of outlets and lots of bigger desk spaces in case you need room to spread out. It is always very cool and well air-conditioned which is nice in the summer, and students are respectful of the need to keep it a quiet space.”

Some floors and areas of the library are designated to be quieter than others and even have sections for collaboration as well as socializing.

According to Alexandra Schmidt, a second-year applied chemistry major, the learning hub is a productive place to study because it caters to individual needs.

“Shields is a great place to study because it provides a variety of spots to choose from,” Schmidt said via email. “Every floor and room has a different feel; for example, the main reading room is more open and social, while the upper floors are the most quiet (and in these times, nearly deserted). It’s easy to find an area that you didn’t know existed just by turning a corner, and there’s something for everyone.”

10 | THURSDAY, MAY 20, 2021

THE CALIFORNIA AGGIE

HOW AGGIES GOT THE BEST OF DAVIS What do you wish you could tell your first-year self?

“Try everything! Go to that club meeting, eat lunch with new people, show up at office hours, get involved!

Your first year is the time to try everything out and see what sticks.” - D.M.

If you had one day to show someone Davis, where would you take them and what would you do?

“I actually did this! My friend was visiting for the first time, and I made sure it was on a Saturday so I could show them the Farmers Market and downtown. First, we stopped at Ali Baba to get some breakfast burritos. Then, we got some fresh apple juice and fresh fruit and strolled through Central Park. After that, I showed them the Arboretum where we sat out on a picnic blanket and admired the ducks. We grabbed an early dinner at Burgers and Brew then visited my roommate who works at Yolo Berry. Then, we drove up to the top of Hutch to watch the sunset. They said their perception of Davis was changed (for the better) and it was a great day!” - F.C. “I would take them to the Farmers Market early in the morning before it gets too crowded, pick up some stuff for lunch, head to the Co-op for some more goodies, sit at Mishka’s for a dirty chai and walk over to the Arboretum for a picnic. I would stay there for a while until sunset, walk through downtown to Davis Creamery and get some quirky ice cream!” - K.B. “I would show them the Arboretum and make our way over to the horses and eventually the cows to show them what Davis has to offer in wildlife. Once it gets later in the day, sliding through downtown would be a good way to show them what Davis has to offer in terms of nightlife and college town vibes.” - H.T.

Share your best embarrassing freshman fail, if you have one.

“My first week of freshman year, I locked myself out of my dorm room when I was taking a shower and had to go to my RA’s room to have her let me in. When I got there about 10 kids from my floor were there playing board games, so they all saw me show up in my towel asking to be let back into my room—great first impression.” - W.T. “Waited for almost two hours in the SocSci building for my TA to show up to office hours that were being held next door in Young Hall.” - F.C. “I fell off of my bike right in front of a tour group—horrifying.” - R.W.

Why did you choose your major?

What do you love about it?

“I chose [...] nutritional sciences to tell people that I’m a ‘nut sci’ major. They always think I’m serious and believe that I’m spending 4 years studying almonds and cashews.” - J.W. “Animal Biology is, long story short, my calling. I’ve loved wildlife my entire life, and I can’t see myself majoring in anything else.” - R.S. “Aerospace engineering: it’s challenging, but it’s so amazing to learn how things work and fly.” - A.T.

Share your funniest story from attending online class.

“My first week of freshman year, I locked myself out of my dorm room when I was taking a shower and had to go to my RA’s room to have her let me in. When I got there about 10 kids from my floor were there playing board games, so they all saw me show up in my towel asking to be let back into my room—great first impression.” - W.T. “Taking a bathroom break, coming back, and realizing everyone left and I was in the room with only my professor.” - R.M. “Joking about the answer to a question, not realizing my microphone was on and confusing the heck out of my professor.” - R.S.

More than a year into the pandemic, how has online learning/this year in general been for you?

What are you most looking forward to when campus reopens?

“Good and bad. Classes are still interesting, but school is draining and has no borders (all time could be time spent doing work, and it’s really hard to find time to leave your bed or desk, let alone your house).” - A.M. “I think professors have adapted well to it! Everyone’s sort of gotten into a groove of how to do it, and it’s working out well! I do miss interacting with classmates though.” - R.W. “Kinda terrible, but at the same time when classes open up in person I’m worried I’ll have forgotten how to do in-person courses.” - R.S.

“Getting a vanilla iced latte from Peet’s at the Silo and walking to class sipping my latte and listening to some tunes.” - W.T. “Being around students again.” - A.T. “Literally everything, especially the people.” - R.S.